Beautiful Oblivion (The Maddox Brothers #1) by Jamie McGuire

Summary: Fiercely independent Camille "Cami" Camlin gladly moved on from her childhood before it was over. She has held down a job since before she could drive, and moved into her own apartment after her freshman year of college. Now tending bar at The Red Door, Cami doesn’t have time for much else besides work and classes, until a trip to see her boyfriend is cancelled, leaving her with a first weekend off in almost a year.

Trenton Maddox was the king of Eastern State University, dating co-eds before he even graduated high school. His friends wanted to be him, and women wanted to tame him, but after a tragic accident turned his world upside down, Trenton leaves campus to come to grips with the crushing guilt.

Eighteen months later, Trenton is living at home with his widower father, and works full-time at a local tattoo parlor to help with the bills. Just when he thinks his life is returning to normal, he notices Cami sitting alone at a table at The Red.

As the baby sister of four rowdy brothers, Cami believes she’ll have no problem keeping her new friendship with Trenton Maddox strictly platonic. But when a Maddox boy falls in love, he loves forever—even if she is the only reason their already broken family could fall apart. (Via Goodreads.com)

Pages: 320

Release Date: July 1st, 2014

Rating: 5/5 stars

Review:

     When I explain Jamie McGuire's books to people who have yet to read them, I feel as if I need a flow chart. Beautiful Oblivion is the first book in the Maddox Brothers'  series. In each book of the series, it follows one of Travis Maddox's brothers. I would highly recommend reading Travis and Abby's story, Beautiful Disaster and Walking Disaster, first because their story is spoiled throughout the Maddox Brothers series.
     Normally when I read a book, I take notes on it to help me later on in my review and for later reference. But, when it came to Beautiful Oblivion, I could barely tear myself away from the pages to write a simple sentence. I really enjoyed Beautiful Disaster and Walking Disaster, but Beautiful Oblivion blew me away. I loved Cami and Trent's story, it was full of humor, determination, and heartbreak. 
     I highly recommend reading Beautiful Oblivion. So far it is my favorite Jamie McGuire book, but Beautiful Redemption is going to be released in less than a week, and I have a really good feeling about it. But, always remember, once you fall for a Maddox brother, there is no coming back...
Related Reviews:
Beautiful Disaster (Beautiful #1) & Walking Disaster (Beautiful #2) by Jamie McGuire

     It was really interesting to see Travis and Abby's relationship through the eyes of someone else. It was no wonder that everyone and their mother said that their relationship was a disaster, because it is. 

     Even though I loved Beautiful Oblivion, a couple of the plot twists were extremely predictable. Since the beginning of the book, it was pretty obvious that T.J. was Thomas. Like Thomas, T.J. lived in California, worked in "advertising", and was extremely secretive. That aside, if I had not read Walking Disaster, then I would not have known any better because those things are only discovered in the epilogue of Walking Disaster. Also, the car accident Cami and Trent got into was foreshadowed way too much.

     I absolutely adore Olive. She is such a sweetheart and I thought it was hysterical how Trent always used her to get Cami to join him. It was tragic hearing that her big brother had been killed by a car but it made me love Trent even more because he is trying to fill some of the void her brother left. 

     As book lovers we never like to admit that we judge books by their covers, but we do. If 

Beautiful Oblivion did not have such a stunning cover, I never would have read any of Jamie McGuire's books. Around the release date of Beautiful Oblivion I was browsing the book section in Walmart and stumbled upon it. I looked it up on Jamie McGuire's website and discovered that she recommended reading  Beautiful Disaster and Walking Disaster first, so I began my quest to find them. It took a couple weeks but I eventually found them and I could not stop reading them. 

     Overall, I loved Beautiful Oblivion, it was addicting, fast-paced, and it made me fall in love with another Maddox Brother. I am highly anticipating the release of Beautiful Redemption, I can't wait to read Thomas' story. 

My True Love Gave to Me: Twelve Holiday Stories by Stephanie Perkins

Summary: If you love holiday stories, holiday movies, made-for-TV-holiday specials, holiday episodes of your favorite sitcoms and, especially, if you love holiday anthologies, you’re going to fall in love with MY TRUE LOVE GAVE TO ME: TWELVE HOLIDAY STORIES by twelve bestselling young adult writers, edited by international bestselling author Stephanie Perkins. (Via Goodreads.com)

Pages: 321

Release Date: October 14th, 2014


Rating: 5/5 Stars

Review:

     My True Love Gave To Me is a collection of twelve holiday themed stories by popular Young Adult authors such as Stephanie Perkins, Rainbow Rowell, Gayle Forman, Laini Taylor, and many others. I love reading anthologies and many of these authors are some of my favorite authors, which made me want the book even more. I also love anthologies because they introduce you to new authors that you have yet to read. After reading their short stories, I am really interested to read books by Matt de la Peña, Kiersten White, and Myra McEntire.

     This book is full of light and fluffy reads that get you into the holiday spirit. I loved reading My True Love Gave to Me snuggled under a blanket as the snow covered the ground outside.

     I highly recommend reading My True Love Gave to Me if you are in the mood for quick, fluffy, and romantic short stories that get you ready for the holiday season. I know the holidays are currently over but you could still read them to prepare yourself for Valentine's day.

My 5 Most Anticipated Books of 2015

5. Beautiful Redemption (The Maddox Brothers #2) by Jamie McGuire
     It is impossible to get the Maddox brothers out of my mind and heart. I can't wait to officially meet Thomas and see what his family does not know about him.


4. Winter (Lunar Chronicles #4) by Marissa Meyer
     It is hard to believe that the fourth and final book in the Lunar Chronicles is going to be released this year. I have been with the series since the beginning and it is going to be hard to let it go (no pun intended). I have no I idea what to expect, but I hope all the characters get their happily ever after...


3. The Forgotten Crown (The Iron Fey: Call of the Forgotten #3) by Julie Kagawa
     It has been so hard to wait for the release date of The Forgotten Crown. I got an ARC of the second book, The Iron Traitor (my review of The Iron Traitor), in September of 2013 and the cliff hanger was horrible. I assumed the release of The Forgotten Crown was in 2014 but to my horror, it is actually being released this year.


2. Every Last Breath (The Dark Elements #3) by Jennifer L. Armentrout
     Speaking of cliff hangers, Every Last Breath is at the top of the list. After reading Jennifer's books for over two years, I always expect a cliff hanger but she catches me off guard every time. Fans of The Dark Elements were in for a sweet surprise after the release of the second book, Stone Cold Touch (my review of Stone Cold Touch). Jennifer was unable to decide who she preferred Layla to end up with in Every Last Breath. So, we got to vote for either Roth or Zayne . I am so excited to see if Roth won, even if he does not, he will always be the winner in my heart.
  

1. Dead of Winter (The Arcana Chronicles #3) by Kresley Cole
     Comparing the ending of the second book in the Arcana Chronicles, Endless Knight (my review of Endless Knight), to any of the other books on this list makes the "cliff hanger" seem nonexistent. But to me, the ending means everything. Surprisingly Dead of Winter is my most anticipated book of 2015 despite being released on the first week of January, my first new release of this year. 

 
     All the books listed above are ones that I would give an arm or leg to get early. What are your most anticipated books of 2015?

My Top 5 Books/Series of 2014

5. Since You've Been Gone by Morgan Matson

    
    It was the perfect contemporary novel for summer vacation. Morgan Matson's writing was fantastic and I flew through the book in one sitting. The plot was creative and full of adventure, friendship, and romance. I highly recommend reading it and you can click here to read my full review.





              4. The Arcana Chronicles by Kresley Cole

     I read both Poison Princess and Endless Knight this year and they were both fantastic. The plot of the series is extremely unique, it remind me of The Hunger Games crossover with tarot cards. The series is post-apocalyptic and contains a love triangle that I am still unsure what side I am on. The third book, Dead of Winter, is being released on January 6th and it is my most anticipated book of new year. Click here for my review of the second book, Endless Knight.

3. The Dark Elements by Jennifer L. Armentrout

     I love all of Jennifer L. Armentrout's books, but The Dark Elements has to be my favorite. The plot is so unique. I never thought of writing a book about gargoyles. Also, we got to decide who Layla should end up with, that is awesome. If she does not end up with Roth, then I call dibs. Anyway, I was lucky enough to receive an ARC of the second book, Stone Cold Touch (my review of Stone Cold touch) in June, but that also means I have to wait for the final book, Every Last Breath a few months longer than most, July can't come soon enough. 

2. Contours of the Heart by Tammara Webber

     The Contours of the Heart series is so hard to describe in words. Tammara Webber has such an amazing talent for writing. She instantly hooks you on the first sentence and makes you fall in love with both books and their characters. Easy is the first book in the series and Breakable (my review of Breakable) is a prequel and Lucas' perspective of Easy. I highly recommend this series, it is full of an adorable romance that sparked from an unlikely event. 

1. Ignite Me (Shatter Me #3) by Tahereh Mafi

     Ignite Me is the third and final book in the Shatter Me trilogy and without a doubt, Ignite Me was the best book I read in 2014. It was the perfect blend of romance, action, and Warner. I fell in love with Warner in Unravel Me (my review of Unravel Me) and Ignite Me put me over the edge. Warner has officially beaten out William Herondale as my favorite fictional character. Not only did I fall head over heels in love with Warner, but I also did with Ignite Me.  There are not enough adjectives to describe how much I loved it. I HIGHLY recommend reading this trilogy, but remember, Warner is mine. 

     There were so many fantastic books of 2014, I can't wait to see what 2015 books bring!
Please comment below your favorite book(s) of 2014.

Movie Review: Mockingjay Part 1

Summary: 

When Katniss destroys the games, she goes to District 13 after District 12 is destroyed. She meets President Coin who convinces her to be the symbol of rebellion, while trying to save Peeta from the Capitol. (Via. www.imdb.com)

Release Date: November 21st, 2014 

Running Time: 123 minutes

Rating: 5/5 stars

Review:

    Normally, I go to a local movie theater and watch a book-to-movie adaptation the day it is released. But, when it came to Mockingjay Part 1, I tried to push it off as long as I could. It was not that I was dreading a new Hunger Games' movie because all the movies have a fantastic cast, filming location, and scripts. But, I was dreading what the movie would bring. This is the non-spoiler section so I can't exactly say what I was dreading, but if you have seen the movie you should know what I am talking about.

   All that aside, the movie was fantastic, it blew away all my expectations. Although, I wish I would have re-read the book before watching the movie. Several times I had drawn a blank as to what was going to happen, I only remember key scenes. I am definitely going to re-read Mockingjay before the second part is released, to prevent that from occurring again.  

   Overall, Mockingjay Part 1 was filled to the brim with action, on-the-edge of your seat suspense, and extraordinary locations. I am so excited to see Mockingjay Part 2 this year, but I am sad that the trilogy is nearing its end. 

     Current Reviews of the Series:

Movie Review: Catching Fire

     I don't even know where to start when it comes to Mockingjay Part 1. I loved how the movie contained some overlooked details that you would have only caught if you had read the book or were paying close attention. It took me until after the movie to realize that the small ball Katniss carried around and played with between her fingers was not a marble like I originally thought. It was actually the pearl Peeta gave to her in Catching Fire. I also liked that when Katniss entered the hospital in District 8, someone asked her where her baby was. I had mentioned in my Catching Fire review, I disliked how after Katniss and Peeta announced her "pregnancy" to try to stop the games, we never heard fake talk of the baby. It was one loose end that could have been easily sealed and I am glad it was. Another small detail was Finnick and his fishing knots. I really appreciated how all these details were wound into the story without taking away from the film. 

   I can't get enough of The Hanging Tree. When The Hunger Games was originally released I was bummed that it had not made it into the movie. So, I was shocked when I heard it in Mockingjay Part 1. As the song played, I was ecstatic, a feeling not often attached to a dark song like The Hanging Tree. Jennifer Lawrence did such a phenomenal job, the song is amazing and one of my favorites.

    The main reason I pushed off watching Mockingjay Part 1 was Peeta. I knew how horrible he was going to look and how that affected Katniss. It is hard for me to watch other people suffer, even if it is fictional. I want to give the make up artists and all the others involved in his transformation a round of applause, they did an extraordinary job making him look so horrible, it was so realistic.

    The only complaint I had about the movie were the angles, a couple times the camera kept spinning around and I felt really dizzy. Did anyone else feel dizzy?

When they originally announced that Mockingjay was going to be split into two parts, I was not on board with the idea. But, seeing the first part on the big screen really opened my eyes to what a wonderful idea it was. The cast and crew did a phenomenal job on the movie and I can't wait to see how well they adapt Mockingjay Part 2 this November.

Black Ice by Becca Fitzpatrick

Summary:

Danger is hard to resist in this sexy thriller from Becca Fitzpatrick, the New York Times bestselling author of the Hush, Hush saga.

Brit Pheiffer has trained to backpack the Teton Range, but she isn't prepared when her ex-boyfriend, who still haunts her every thought, wants to join her. Before Britt can explore her feelings for Calvin, an unexpected blizzard forces her to seek shelter in a remote cabin, accepting the hospitality of its two very handsome occupants;but these men are fugitives, and they take her hostage.

Britt is forced to guide the men off the mountain, and knows she must stay alive long enough for Calvin to find her. The task is made even more complicated when Britt finds chilling evidence of a series of murders that have taken place there and in uncovering this, she may become the killer's next target.

But nothing is as it seems, and everyone is keeping secrets, including Mason, one of her kidnappers. His kindness is confusing Britt. Is he an enemy? Or an ally?

Black Ice is New York Times bestselling author Becca Fitzpatrick's riveting romantic thriller set against the treacherous backdrop of the mountains of Wyoming. Falling in love should never be this dangerous. (Via Goodreads.com)

Pages: 392

Release Date: October 7th, 2014

Rating: 4.5/5 stars

Review:

     Black Ice was one of my most highly anticipated books of this year. I loved the Hush, Hush saga, which was also written by Becca Fitzpatrick and I was so excited when it was announced she had an upcoming release. 

     I loved Black Ice! It was thrilling, suspenseful and hard to put down. Once I started it, I was addicted. That surprised me because I am not one for the thriller and suspense genre. But, I will read anything by Becca Fitzpatrick. Her writing style is phenomenal and even though I had to wait two years for Black Ice, it was worth the wait. The only thing I have to say negative about the book was that I saw one of the plot twists coming, that is why I rated Black Ice a 4.5/5 stars rather than 5/5 stars.

    Black Ice is also one of the most beautiful books published this year, the cover is absolutely stunning and it is the perfect winter decoration. I also love that within the blank gaps of the scene change, there is a small snowflake. That little detail was a cute touch.

     I highly recommend reading Black Ice. It is full of suspense, mystery and heart racing thrills.

   

     I hated Calvin with a burning passion throughout the entire book because he was such a snobby jerk. Usually when when the main character wants to get back together with their ex-boyfriend, I get so annoyed at them. But, that was not the case in Black Ice. I think it had to do with the fact that Britt carried herself so well and she was determined to prove herself to Calvin by being able to hike the trails. She really impressed me because she trained so hard and faced with the tough situation she was in, she used her resources to her advantage and was smart about her decisions. If I was in her situation I would have freaked out and been so worried that Shaun was going to kill me. I would never have made the risks she did. But, those risks really paid off in the end. 

     Getting back to what I was saying about Calvin, even though I hated him, I never thought he was capable of murder. A couple times I wondered if he was the murderer, but I always thought I was being silly. I really underestimated him. Even though Calvin had problems because his father was so hard on him, it does not justify what he did to those girls. It is so sick and inconsiderate that he only killed those girls out of jealousy. I hated Calvin for being snobby because he only killed those girls for the simple fact that he thought that if he could not get into a good college like Stanford, than no one should. I can't believe how much he looked down on those girls, he just sickens me. I don't think I have ever been so repulsed by any other character.

     I also did not like Calvin's sister, Korbie. I did not hate Korbie like her brother, but I thought she was a horrible friend to Britt. If I was Britt, I would have stopped being friends with Korbie when she found Korbie's diary entry that compiled a list of things and compared herself to Britt. There is something really off with that family... 

     Since we first saw Jude working with Shaun, I knew that he was Lauren's brother. It was obvious to me because I knew Lauren's brother had to have some role in Black Ice. When Lauren was thinking about him after Shaun had drugged her and brought her back to the cabin, she talked about how she wished he would have answered her call earlier because he always came to her rescue when she was in trouble. From how she described him, I knew he would never give up on finding out what really happened to her. The moment Britt and Korbie found Jude and Shaun at the cabin, I knew there was something off about Jude. He was trying to get the girls to leave because he knew that Shaun wanted to hold them hostage so he and Jude could escape the mountains. A real criminal, like Shaun, would have welcomed them with open arms but Jude didn't. Also, as the story progressed, I became more positive of my theory when Jude mentioned that he had dropped out of college because he had to take care of something. With that evidence and the fact that Jude said he loved his sister more than anything, I knew he was her brother. The evidence kept adding up when Britt saw some of Lauren's things in his backpack.

     I loved Jude and Britt's romance. They both had great chemistry with one another and they made a great team. I am so glad that they got to be together after all the chaos and danger they had to endure.

     One question I still have about the book is, what happened to Bear? He is only mentioned throughout the book and he was supposed to meet Britt, Korbie, and Calvin at the cabin but he never made it there. I am curious if he got stuck in the weather or if he bailed on trip. It would make sense that he would get stuck in the weather but I felt as if Becca Fitzpatrick forgot about him. What do you think happened to him?

     I flew through Black Ice, it was a suspenseful thriller that had me sitting on the edge of my seat until the very end. I am happy where we left all the characters and I am so excited to see what Becca Fitzpatrick writes next.