The Conspiracy of Us by Maggie Hall

The Conspiracy of Us by Maggie Hall
Release Date: January 13, 2015
Publisher: Putnam Juvenile
Pages: 336
Series: Untitled Series #1
Review Source: ARC for review from Razorbill Canada

Synopsis: (from Goodreads)

A fast-paced international escapade, laced with adrenaline, glamour, and romance--perfect for fans of Ally Carter

Avery West's newfound family can shut down Prada when they want to shop in peace, and can just as easily order a bombing when they want to start a war. Part of a powerful and dangerous secret society called the Circle, they believe Avery is the key to an ancient prophecy. Some want to use her as a pawn. Some want her dead.

To unravel the mystery putting her life in danger, Avery must follow a trail of clues from the monuments of Paris to the back alleys of Istanbul with two boys who work for the Circle—beautiful, volatile Stellan and mysterious, magnetic Jack. But as the clues expose a stunning conspiracy that might plunge the world into World War 3, she discovers that both boys are hiding secrets of their own. Now she will have to choose not only between freedom and family--but between the boy who might help her save the world, and the one she's falling in love with.

My Thoughts:
I really liked this book for the most part, but I didn't truly love it. The plot was exciting, but the background to it was hard to believe in some instances. Saying that one family caused World War I and World War II? Saying that the problems in the Middle East are because of a family causing trouble that goes into larger society? These statements are highly simplistic, and a bit offensive.

There was a lot about The Conspiracy of Us that I did like, though. The running around Europe part was exciting and fun, even if I did wonder why a girl would run off to France with someone she doesn't know without calling her mom first. The action scenes were especially well done. I could picture those parts like a movie, which isn’t always the case, so I think the author deserves major props for how cinematic the writing was there. I also liked that despite what the book description says, there isn’t really what I would consider a love triangle. There are two guys vying for Avery’s attention in their own way, and it’s a complicated situation -- that is going to get even more complicated in the next book -- but it’s definitely not typical love triangle drama.

The Conspiracy of Us is a great Gallagher Girls read-alike, and I think it will appeal to a lot of people. It’s the first book in a new trilogy, which means there's not a whole lot of resolution. The end is a bit of a cliffhanger, and it opens up a lot of questions for the next volume. Overall I recommend this one.

The Cover:
I loveeeeee it!!

Rating:
[Strong 3/5]

Purchase Links:
Kobo | Amazon.ca | Amazon.com | Chapters-Indigo | Barnes & Noble | Book Depository

French Kissed by Chanel Cleeton + Giveaway

French Kissed by Chanel Cleeton
Release Date: December 1, 2014
Publisher: Self-Published
Pages: 256
Series: International School #3
Review Source: eARC from author for review

Synopsis: (from Goodreads)

On the surface, Fleur Marceaux has it all. If only the facade matched reality. With one year left at the International School in London, Fleur’s struggling to graduate, her love life is a mess, and she can’t stop thinking about Max, her ex-boyfriend’s best friend. But all that pales compared to the blackmailer determined to destroy her.

There’s a social hierarchy at the International School and Max Tucker is outside the velvet ropes. After watching Fleur break his friend’s heart, Max knows to stay away from trouble, despite the crush he’s had on her since freshman year. But when they’re partnered on a project, Max learns there’s more to Fleur than meets the eye, and she just might be worth the wild ride.

The more time they spend together, the further Max falls. And when a kiss awakens a passion Fleur never imagined, she’s unable to resist Max, who she had thought was all wrong for her but might be the only thing that’s right. But will he stand by her when her secrets are revealed?

Don’t miss the final book in the International School series. This New Adult romance is recommended for readers 17 and up.

My Thoughts:
French Kissed is such a fun and sweet book! If you’re looking for a read with little drama and sweet feels I definitely recommend this one. Our main character, Fleur, is going through some things, dealing with events from her past, but while all of this feels real and true, it’s not the type of book that’s going to drag you down.

Fleur was a secondary character in the first two books in the International School series, so I absolutely adored hearing from Fleur directly and getting to know her fully. She’s a character who has evolved SO MUCH from the start of the series. I really recommend you read Maggie/Samir’s books first, however you can definitely read this is a standalone as well. French Kissed is actually one of very few books I would say works quite well as a standalone. Chanel Cleeton has managed to give a lot of background in a very succinct way. You get a feel for the characters -- who they’ve been and what they’ve done -- without it being total overlap for those who have read the whole series.

French Kissed is a book where not a ton happens, but I don’t mean that in a negative way. It’s a book about Fleur and Max and their romance, but there’s not a lot of drama in them getting together. It’s a gradual process between them and it’s a beautiful one to watch. French Kissed is also about the first semester of their senior year and about working toward the future, though I wouldn’t say this is a huge part of the book. The majority of the book does focus on the romance, about Fleur and Max growing together and becoming a strong team.

Sometimes you want a sweet, simple book and this one is BEAUTIFUL in that way. French Kissed is one of the best “taking it slow” romances I’ve read in a long time. Granted, Fleur and Max’s version of slow would be fast for some people, but the way they gradually and yet suddenly fell for each other really works. Basically? If you want a sweet, fun, and lovely book -- a break from all the completely painful, gut wrenching NA out there -- check this one out!

The Cover:
Super cute!

Rating:
[4/5]

Purchase Links:
Kobo | Amazon.ca | Amazon.com | Barnes & Noble

About Chanel:
Originally a Florida girl, CHANEL CLEETON moved to London where she received a bachelor’s degree from Richmond, The American International University in London and a master’s degree from the London School of Economics and Political Science. Chanel fell in love with London and planned to stay there forever, until fate intervened on a Caribbean cruise and a fighter pilot with smooth dance moves swept her off her feet. Now, a happily ever after later, Chanel is living her next adventure in Asia.

Law school made Chanel realize she’d rather spend her days writing sexy stories than in a courtroom, and she hasn’t looked back since. An avid reader and hopeless romantic, she’s happiest curled up with a book. She has a weakness for handbags, her three pups, and her fighter pilot husband.

She is the author of I SEE LONDON and LONDON FALLING, published by Harlequin HQN, FRENCH KISSED, and FLIRTING WITH SCANDAL, the first book in a new three-book series to be released by Penguin/Berkley in 2015.

Where to find Chanel:
Website | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads | Newsletter

GIVEAWAY:

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Foreign Exchange by Denise Jaden

Foreign Exchange by Denise Jaden
Release Date: October 10, 2014
Publisher: Evernight Teen
Pages: 326
Series: n/a
Review Source: eBook from author for review

Synopsis: (from Goodreads)

Jamie Monroe has always played it safe. That is, until her live-for-the-moment best friend, Tristan, jets off to Italy on a student exchange program. Left alone with her part-time mother and her disabled brother, Jamie discovers that she is quite capable of taking her own risks, starting with her best friend’s hotter-than-hot older brother, Sawyer. Sawyer and Tristan have been neighbors for years, but as Jamie grows closer to the family she thought she knew, she discovers some pretty big secrets.

As she sinks deeper into their web of pretense, she suspects that her best friend may not be on a safe exchange program at all. Jamie sets off to Europe on a class trip with plans to meet up with Tristan, but when Tristan stops all communication, suddenly no one seems trustworthy, least of all the one person she was starting to trust—Sawyer.

My Thoughts:
Probably my favourite thing about this book is the characters and how they interacted. I thought Denise Jaden did a good job of creating layered characters who had shades of grey to them, just like real people. Our main character is Jamie, an all around girl next door type. However Jamie has had a pretty tough life, having to look after her little brother constantly and having a mom who doesn’t make it easy on her.

The secondary characters in Foreign Exchange were also very interesting. I liked that Sawyer had hidden depths and he wasn't what people thought he was. There’s this idea we have, both in fiction and real life, that if you're a Popular Beautiful Person then you must automatically be a completely horrible person too. Of course this isn’t true, and this stereotype is completely proven false by his character. Tristan, Jamie’s best friend and Sawyer’s sister, is definitely capital-T Trouble. She’s a total control freak and is seemingly a compulsive liar, something which Jamie is just figuring out. Things are never what you think they are with Tristan, and it makes for an interesting mystery to unravel.

This book has a lot of good elements, but I think what I enjoyed most was seeing Jamie coming into her own and out of Tristan's shadow, making her own decisions and getting away from that toxic friendship. Jamie does make some pretty sketchy decisions, but I didn’t find them entirely unbelievable. I could see someone who's a little desperate and naive going along that same path. On the romance side of things, I definitely dug Jamie/Sawyer. Romance isn’t the primary focus of the story, but it does make up a nice part of it. I liked seeing these two truly get to know one another.

Overall I definitely liked this book. I didn’t completely fall into the story, but it did provide an enjoyable reading experience, and I’d recommend it.

The Cover:
Not my favourite.

Rating:
[Strong 3/5]

Purchase Links:
Kobo | Amazon.ca | Amazon.com | Barnes & Noble

I See London by Chanel Cleeton

I See London by Chanel Cleeton
Release Date: February 3, 2014
Publisher: Harlequin HQN
Pages: 319
Series: I See London #1
Review Source: eARC from InkSlinger PR

Synopsis: (from Goodreads)

Maggie Carpenter is ready for a change— and to leave her ordinary life in South Carolina behind. But when she accepts a scholarship to the International School in London, a university attended by the privileged offspring of diplomats and world leaders, Maggie might get more than she bargained for.

When Maggie meets Hugh, a twentysomething British guy, she finds herself living the life she always wanted. Suddenly she’s riding around the city in a Ferrari, wearing borrowed designer clothes and going to the hottest clubs. The only problem? Another guy, the one she can’t seem to keep her hands off of.

Half French, half Lebanese, and ridiculously wealthy, Samir Khouri has made it clear he doesn’t do relationships. He’s the opposite of everything Maggie thought she wanted…and he’s everything she can’t resist. Torn between her dream guy and the boy haunting her dreams, Maggie has to fight for her own happy ending. In a city like London, you never know where you stand, and everything can change in the blink of an eye.

My Thoughts:
I fell for this book very quickly. I loved the characters, the voice, and the setting. I always enjoy books set in London, and I See London gives readers a great feel for the city, while also showing us little bits of France and Italy.

I found Maggie to be a relatable character. She’s studious, and throughout high school she put academics ahead of other things. This means she doesn’t have a ton of experience with guys, but with starting college in a new country, she finds herself wanting to make friends and go out. I loved seeing Maggie’s eyes opening as she explored London and made friends from all over the world. She really grew as a person as she met all these people who came from such different circumstances than what she’s used to.

Maggie’s romantic entanglements are a large part of the plot of I See London I definitely preferred one guy over the other, and I’m sure most people would agree with me, but I’ll let you guess which guy that is. The chemistry between these two is just completely off the charts. I kept internally screaming at them to get their shit together, because they make such a lovely pair. There’s flirting and romantic tension, but also a completely sweet friendship that you can see should clearly become more.

The book ends not necessarily on a cliffhanger, but it does leave readers up in the air as to how Maggie’s love life will end up. The book shows us a great first year of university for Maggie, with her exploring her boundaries in a new place and exploring who she wants to be. We get closure on what (or who) Maggie wants, but it’s unclear how it will all work out. Needless to say, I’m incredibly excited for the sequel, London Falling, to release this July.

I read a lot of books, and I’ve read a lot of New Adult books that blend together, but weeks after reading it, I can still remember I See London vividly. I can still recollect the emotions it created in me. This, to me, is what makes a strong book: being able to hang on to the feelings it gave you, making you excited about the book when you remember the reading experience. I See London is a great addition to the New Adult category.

The Cover:
Not bad.

Rating:
[Strong 4/5]

Purchase Links:
Kobo | Amazon.ca | Amazon.com | Barnes & Noble

A Little Too Far by Lisa Desrochers (Tour Review + Giveaway)

A Little Too Far by Lisa Desrochers
Release Date: September 17, 2013
Publisher: William Morrow (HarperCollins)
Pages: 371
Series: A Little Too Far #1
Review Source: Edelweiss

Synopsis: (from Goodreads)
Have you ever gone just a little too far?

Lexie Banks has.

Yep. She just had mind-blowing sex with her stepbrother. In her defense, she was on the rebound, and it’s more of a my-dad-happened-to-marry-a-woman-with-a-super-hot-son situation. But still, he’s been her best friend and confidant for the better part of the last few years … and is so off limits. It’s a good thing she’s leaving in two days for a year abroad in Rome.

But even thousands of miles away, Lexie can’t seem to escape trouble. Raised Catholic, she goes to confession in hopes of alleviating some of her guilt … and maybe not burning in hell. Instead, she stumbles out of the confessional and right into Alessandro Moretti, a young and very easy-on-the-eyes deacon … only eight months away from becoming a priest. Lexie and Alessandro grow closer, and when Alessandro’s signals start changing despite his vow of celibacy, she doesn’t know what to think. She’s torn between falling in love with the man she shouldn’t want and the man she can’t have. And she isn’t sure how she can live with herself either way.

My Thoughts:
I loved the sound of this book from the first time I read the synopsis. It sounded different and interesting, and I had heard great things about Lisa’s writing. Despite my high expectations, this book did not disappoint. I honestly haven’t fell this much in love with a romance in forever! This book is seriously epic for the amount of feels it gave me. I started the book at night, planning to read a few chapters, and I ended up staying up into the wee hours of the morning because I had to know how things would turn out.

What I love about this book is that there’s a love triangle of sorts, but it is done amazingly well. Even though I was rooting for one couple I couldn't help but think at a few points that I didn't know which guy Lexie should end up with. I think love triangles, or at least the choice between two partners for the main character, are prevalent in literature for a reason. They tell us about the main character and what kinds of choices (s)he wants to make. The characters in this book are so vivid, and the choices they have to make are so emotionally present on the page.

First off we have the relationship between Lexie and Trent. Their connection is so epic! They've been each other's confidante and BFF for years, and have probably been in love for a lot of that time, if they would let themselves acknowledge that. They know each other on a soulmate level, but the fact that they are step-siblings and are on different continents for a lot of the book kind of puts a damper on things. Their relationship is full of longing, but also so much guilt. On the other hand there’s Alessandro. He’s training to be a priest, and is months away from his vows. He's sweet, kind, intelligent, and also super gorgeous. Basically, he’s a perfect distraction for Lexie. But Alessandro needs to figure out his own true path, especially once he figures out that the chemistry between he and Lexie is just begging to explode. Both these relationships are full of such high stakes, that it was intense but amazing to read about.

You can probably tell by the book's description, and from my thoughts so far, that romance is a big part of this novel, and it definitely is. But what I found so perfect and refreshing about ‘A Little Too Far’ is that there was also something more. Yes, there were a couple of adult romance novel level sex scenes (the kind that most people are associating with NA), but the book wasn’t all about that. There were so many great parts in the book about Lexie exploring Rome and about her passion for art history. Lexie herself is such an engaging main character. I fell in love with her voice, and I could connect so much with her emotions. I swear I was tense throughout the whole book because it made me feel so much. I had a stomachache at the heartbreaking parts, and butterflies at the romantic. I could feel what Lexie was feeling, and I think it takes a lot of talent for an author to do that.

‘A Little Too Far’ is an incredible New Adult novel that gave me what I've been missing from other books. It focused on something outside of physical attraction with both of the men, and it presented a romance based on something far more than lust. This book was such a treat to read, and I highly recommend it to romance fans. It’s part of a series (with the next book coming in November!), but it tells a full romantic arc, so you’ll know who Lexie ends up with by the end of the book.

The Cover:
Probably the only thing about this book that I don't like.

Rating:
[5/5]

Find A Little Too Far by Lisa Desrochers on Goodreads, B&N, & Amazon.

About Lisa:
Lisa Desrochers lives in northern California with her husband, two very busy daughters, and Shini the tarantula. If you'd told her five years ago she'd write a book, she'd have laughed in your face. As it turns out, she'd owe you an apology. Writing has become an addiction for Lisa and A Little Too Far, courtesy of HarperCollins, is her first novel for adults. She is also the author of the young adult Personal Demons trilogy from Macmillan.

When she's not writing, she's reading, and she adores stories that take her to new places, and then take her by surprise. Connect with her online at www.lisadwrites.com, on her blog at lisadesrochers.blogspot.com, on Twitter at @LisaDez, and on Facebook at www.facebook.com/LisaDesrochersAuthor.

GIVEAWAY

Prizes:
- An iPad Mini (one winner)
- A knowledge pendant, tote bag, and tattoos (Trent’s tattoo!) (one winner)
- A signed copy of HarperCollins’ BETWEEN THE COVERS sampler with the 1st two chapters of A LITTLE TOO FAR annotated, knowledge tote, and tattoos (one winner)
- A signed copy of BETWEEN THE COVERS with the 1st two chapters of A LITTLE TOO FAR annotated, and tattoos (two winners)

The Details:
- Giveaway is US/Canada ONLY.
- There will be FIVE winners total.
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This Week's Tour Stops:

Sept. 9th - Books Complete Me - Review

Sept. 9th - Always YA at Heart - Review

Sept. 10th - A Glass of Wine - Interview

Sept. 10th - In the Best Worlds - Review

Sept. 11th - Once Upon a Twilight - Review

Sept. 11th - Readers Live A Thousand Lives - Interview

Sept. 12th - The Book Cellar - Review

Sept. 12th - Book Labyrinth - Review *you're here!*

Sept. 13th - Lili's Reflections - Review

Sept. 13th - Stuck in YA Books - Review

Sept. 14th - A Bookish Escape - Review & Guest Post

Sept. 14th - Ramblings From This Chick - Guest Post

Sept. 15th - In Bed With Books - Review

Sept. 15th - Coffee and Characters - Guest Post

Click here for the full tour schedule

(running September 3 - 17)

Wedding Night by Sophie Kinsella

Wedding Night by Sophie Kinsella
Release Date: April 23, 2013
Publisher: The Dial Press
Pages: 446
Series: n/a
Review Source: Finished copy for review from EMG Promotions

Synopsis: (from Goodreads)
Lottie just knows that her boyfriend is going to propose during lunch at one of London’s fanciest restaurants. But when his big question involves a trip abroad, not a trip down the aisle, she’s completely crushed. So when Ben, an old flame, calls her out of the blue and reminds Lottie of their pact to get married if they were both still single at thirty, she jumps at the chance. No formal dates—just a quick march to the altar and a honeymoon on Ikonos, the sun-drenched Greek island where they first met years ago.

Their family and friends are horrified. Fliss, Lottie’s older sister, knows that Lottie can be impulsive—but surely this is her worst decision yet. And Ben’s colleague Lorcan fears that this hasty marriage will ruin his friend’s career. To keep Lottie and Ben from making a terrible mistake, Fliss concocts an elaborate scheme to sabotage their wedding night. As she and Lorcan jet off to Ikonos in pursuit, Lottie and Ben are in for a honeymoon to remember, for better...or worse.

My Thoughts:
If you've read any books by Sophie Kinsella (such as her Shopaholic series), then you know that her works always include zany hi-jinks and over the top characters. That was definitely the case here, but I mean that in the best way possible. The crazy was delivered in a really fun way. It was exactly what I would expect from a Sophie Kinsella book, and yet the characters were interesting and different enough to stand out.

The book goes back and forth in POV from two sisters, Lottie and Fliss. Reading from these two perspectives gives you a really wide view of the whole story, seeing things not only from two different people, but also featuring different casts of characters and different locations. I was surprised by how much of the book was from Fliss’ perspective, considering the title and concept of the book revolves around Lottie. I ended up being glad for this, though, because I really loved Fliss, especially when she was bantering with Lorcan.

You can see where the book is heading from the beginning (helped along by a prologue from a third character), and yet the story wasn't so obvious that it took the fun out of things. There were times when a Happily Ever After seemed out of reach for both ladies, and even though you knew everything would work out, you wondered how exactly it would all happen.

If you’ve read and enjoyed Sophie Kinsella’s books in the past, then I’m sure you’ll love 'Wedding Night'. If you haven’t read anything by her before, then I definitely recommend you check out 'Wedding Night' and her other novels. ‘Wedding Night’ was just the right book for me at the right time. I definitely enjoyed it, and I think you will too if you're looking for something with humour, heart, romantic sparks, and a family element to it.

The Cover:
I like it!

Rating:
[4/5]

Find Wedding Night by Sophie Kinsella on Goodreads, Book Depository, & Amazon.