Inked Armor (Clipped Wings #2)

*This ARC was sent to me by NetGalley, but the review is honest*

Goodreads Summary
In this follow-up to Clipped Wings, the emotional love story continues between Hayden and Tenley; two

young people who desperately want to love and be loved but are afraid to completely let go of their pasts.

In the wake of losing Tenley Page, tattooist Hayden Stryker's tumultuous past is haunting him. Plagued by nightmares about the murder of his parents, Hayden reaches out again to Tenley. Having run from the man she doesn't believe she deserves, Tenley finally lays her guilt to rest. Despite their intense physical attraction, Hayden and Tenley struggle to repair their fragile emotional connection. As Hayden gets closer to the truth, he must find a way to reconcile his guilt over his parents' death in order to keep the woman who finally cracked his armor, and found her way into his heart.

Here's What I Think
Inked Armor begins where Clipped Wings left off, but to be honest I think it could have been one book. I don't really understand the need for stories to be told in duologues and trilogies, but sometimes I just feel like the story would be just as strong (or stronger) as just one book. 

I loved this ARC! I don't want to say much because I don't want to give anything away, but the connection between Hayden and Tenley is tested in this book. They have to learn to trust each other again. Hayden also has to deal with the death of his parents again when he remember something about that night; this causes his O.C.D. becomes extreme. I found his struggle really believable.

I didn't love this book quite as much as Clipped Wings. I felt like the book just wrapped up too quickly. One minute they were dealing with the death of Hayden's parents and the next they were living happily ever after. I would have been interested to know if Lisa and Jamie got married. Did Tenley and Hayden go to the wedding? How did Cassie fair at the trial? Did Tenley ever bring Hayden home to help go through her parents' things? I don't really need these answers, but I would have loved to know what happened anyway. Basically I still loved this book, but I felt like some of my questions weren't answered and it ended too soon.

1/2

After you have read Cupcakes and Ink and Clipped Wings, go pick up Inked Armor on May 13th.

Clipped Wings (Clipped Wings #1)

*I was sent this ARC by NetGalley to read and review*

Goodreads Summary
An emotional love story that follows the touch-and-go relationship of Hayden and Tenley; two young people who desperately want to love and be loved but are afraid to completely let go of their pasts.

 As Hayden and Tenley navigate their newfound but slightly unstable relationship, they want to trust each other, but Hayden is hiding a dark and shameful past that he doesn't ever want Tenley to find out about. And Tenley has secrets of her own that could make Hayden run away forever. When Tenley asks Hayden to put a beautifully elaborate tattoo across her back, the two form what they thought was an unshakeable bond. But when Tenley's past shows up on her doorstep, will Hayden stand by her side...or run?

My Thoughts
As I said when I reviewed Cupcakes and Ink, I read this story years ago when it was a fan fiction. I loved it then and I am loving it now. Hayden and Tenley have a connection that they don't quite understand, but can't escape. It's beautiful.

Hayden has a rough exterior, but a good heart. Tenley is broken and blames herself for the pain. These two never would have gotten together if it hadn't been for the accident that destroyed Tenley and there is a kismet aspect to that that I can't help but love. 

I love the characters in this book and am glad that they haven't really changed (besides their names) from the original story. Hayden still has O.C.D. tendencies. Tenley still wears ridiculous underwear. Lisa is a little ball of fire. Chris has the best of intentions, but doesn't always go about things the right way. And Jamie is the level headed one that you could go to about anything.

I decided to read this on the train on my way to visit a friend and boy was that a bad idea. I was wiggling around in my seat trying to get comfortable throughout most of the book. Why you ask? While I wouldn't say that this book is strictly erotica, it does have it's sexy moments. Hayden definitely knows what he's doing. If you aren't into books with sex scenes than this isn't for you, but if you are than also don't expect that to be all this book is about. It's so much more.

There were a few changes from the original and there were aspects of the original that I personally didn't like that were left in. Despite this, I still loved this book and am currently reading the next one.


 Go read Cupcakes and Ink from Amazon now and then go get your copy of Clipped Wings March 4th!

Cupcakes and Ink (Clipped Wings #0.5)

*I found out these book were on NetGalley and requested them immediately. I could not be happier to read them, so thank you NetGalley and Pocket Books. I will of course be giving an honest review.*
 
Goodreads Summary
Tenley Page is looking for a new start: a new city, a new apartment, a new life. Her plan is to keep toherself and stay focused. But leaving her past behind and starting over isn’t as easy as she thought. And neither is maintaining her solitude. As Tenley settles into her new surroundings, she finds herself drawn to Inked Armor, the tattoo studio across the street. But it’s the gorgeous, dark-haired tattoo artist who captures her interest. There’s something about his severe beauty that captivates her—and not just in her waking hours.

Covered in the ink he inscribes on other people’s skin, Hayden Stryker has made a career out of being a tattooist. He’s got his own business and a tight circle of friends. As far as he’s concerned, that’s all he needs. At least until his aunt, who owns the antiques and used book store across from his tattoo studio, hires a new employee. At first his intrigue is based on physical appeal; hot chick equals something nice to look at. But as he begins to catch glimpses of the fiery personality under the fragile, feminine exterior, his fascination with Tenley grows. Annoyed by his inability to control his fixation, Hayden decides the best way to cure him of the new obsession is to get to know the girl under her skittish façade.

But like the ink he wears as armor, Tenley has the ability to get under his skin and stay there.

My Thoughts
This cover is gorgeous! And if you know anything about the series than you will know that it is fitting.   

This was just a taste of Helena Hunting's brilliant work. I have not yet read Clipped Wings and Inked Armor officially (they are next on my TBR list), but I was a fan of the fan fiction.  I hope that wasn't a secret, Helena.  

Like I said, Cupcakes and Ink is just a taste of what's to come. It's only the first few chapters in Tenley and Hayden's journey together. This quick read introduces you to these two characters and leaves you wanting more. Thankfully you do not have to wait long for Clipped Wings to come out. In the meantime get yourself a copy of Cupcakes and Ink on Amazon (or your favourite e-reader store) today and enjoy!

Plain Jayne

*NetGalley and Loveswept allowed me to read this book a little early in exchange for an honest review*

Goodreads Summary

Worn out from the long drive back home, Jayne Morgan can only smirk at the irony: Of course the firstperson she sees from her old life is Nick Scott. Once best friends, they lost touch when Jayne left town at eighteen, but nothing could keep them apart forever. Jayne has returned to take over her grandmother’s bookstore, determined to put all her bittersweet memories and secret disappointments strictly in the past—until, that is, Nick insists she bunk at his place.

Nick never did care what people thought about having a girl for a best friend—or the “scandal” she caused by showing up to his wife’s funeral four years earlier—so he’s got no problem with the gossips now. Jayne was always the one person he could count on in his life. Now Nick is starting to realize that he never wants her to leave again . . . and that being “just friends” isn’t going to be enough anymore.


My Thoughts
 I want to start by talking about the cover because it is gorgeous. I'm not always a fan of people on book covers. Too often female writers are stuck with cheesy covers that don't do their books justice, but this one is beautiful and not just because of the people on the cover. It just seems magical in a way and I can't wait to pick up a physical copy. Luckily this book was as beautifully written as it's cover.

If you read the book's description than you know you're about to be in for an emotional rollercoaster and this book didn't disappoint. Jayne is anything but plain, but she is so broken that she doesn't realize it. Nick, poor Nick, is so wrapped up in his own head to realize what his heart is screaming at him. It was beautiful to see these two stumble through getting reacquainted.  Jayne didn't want to step on any toes and Nick didn't care about what anyone thought. 

I loved the characters in this book. Jayne and Nick were great, but the minor characters were important too. Carter, Nick's cousin, was probably my favourite character in the book. There were times when I wished that Ms. Drewry had followed him home because I was just so curious what he was up to. He didn't pull the reader's attention from Nick and Jayne, but he added to their world. He was just so smart and witty. I could read an entire book based solely on Carter.  

Maya, Ellie, and Regan were an interesting bunch of women Jayne befriended, but it was nice to see Jayne with a group of girls that she could talk her issues out with.  Dr. Scott, Nick's dad, was a nice touch to the novel too. With Jayne's history it would make sense if she didn't trust adults, but she knew she could count on him...even if his wife was horrible to her. I would have liked to know more about Nick's mother and why she could be so horrible at times. Maybe Ms. Drewry can bring that up when she writes about Carter. ;)


Oh and the John Hughes movie quotes at the start of each chapter was a nice touch too. Pick up your copy of Plain Jayne April 8th.

The Boy in the Striped Pajamas

Goodreads Summary
Berlin 1942

When Bruno returns home from school one day, he discovers that his belongings are being packed in crates. His father has received a promotion and the family must move from their home to a new house far far away, where there is no one to play with and nothing to do. A tall fence running alongside stretches as far as the eye can see and cuts him off from the strange people he can see in the distance.

But Bruno longs to be an explorer and decides that there must be more to this desolate new place than meets the eye. While exploring his new environment, he meets another boy whose life and circumstances are very different to his own, and their meeting results in a friendship that has devastating consequences.

My Thoughts
I have been meaning to read this book for so long and I am so glad that I finally did.

Bruno comes off as being selfish, self-centered and arrogant, but he is a child who was used to getting what he wants. I loved that he was unafraid to tell those around him what he thought.  I loved his innocence and curiosity.  He didn't realize what was going on (thankfully), but he set out to get used to his new home anyway. 

My favourite character in the book was Shmuel. This little boy has been through more than anyone could imagine and yet he still friendly toward Bruno. Their friendship was complex, but real. 

I hope to see the film soon.  I've heard that it is heavier than the book and has less of the book's innocence. 

1/2

Bloodmark (Bloodmark #1)

*This book was sent to me by the author*

Goodreads Summary

Sixteen-year-old werewolf princess Ashling Boru is different from other wolves—she was able to shift to wolf form at birth. Rather than bringing pride to her family, it brings fear, and as a result, she is forced to live in seclusion in Ireland’s countryside. Ashling’s reputation is further blackened when she refuses her betrothed and defies the ancient laws. When her pack’s oldest rivals begin hunting her, she finds herself in the small town of York Harbor, Maine—far from everything she’s ever known.

In Maine, she crosses paths with the dark and rebellious Grey Donavan, and something ignites within her soul. There’s just one problem: Grey is human. Their instant connection turns into a passionate romance, and Ashling begins to believe she can create her own life outside of wolf laws. When she begins to uncover long-buried pack secrets—secrets that threaten to destroy all she holds dear—Ashling’s courage and tenacity are tested. Will she choose her deep and enduring love for Grey, or will she follow Old Mother’s path to her destiny?


What Did I Think?
 I thoroughly enjoyed this book!  I have been hesitant to read any werewolf books since Jacob Black. I also tried reading the Shiver series, but couldn't connect with the characters. Finally Bloodmark was capable of changing my mind about the species. 

We meet Ashling in Ireland and she is wild and sheltered.  I loved her character. She is ripped away from her home and from her mother to live with a stranger in a new place.  Despite the upheaval I thought she was bold and remarkable, but still naive due to her upbringing. When she meets Grey (I love that name) they are instantly connected. I wasn't too keen on the instant love that happened between these two, but it makes sense considering wolves mate for life.  Sometimes they were too sweet and almost cheesy (remember I am a bitter, single girl).

I loved the family aspect of this book. It didn't matter if they were blood related or family through circumstances, they came to love each other. They were fierce in their love for Ashling and would do anything for her and sometimes this meant pain for poor Grey.

There was a bit of a pacing issue for me. Some aspects of the story were dragged out a little more than I would have liked and other aspects were only touched upon. Hopefully the parts I am curious about will be considered for the sequels (this is a Saga, so there should be sequels).

Oh and remember that danger that ripped her from her home? Well it crosses the ocean in order to attack her and her family in Maine!

I can't wait for this book to be read by teenage girls...and full grown women everywhere!

Ultimate Book Tag

I came across this book tag on Youtube and thought I'd give it a go. Enjoy!

Questions:
1. Do you get sick while reading in the car?
Nope, but I don't usually read while in the car because I can't always concentrate with the radio on. 
2. Which author's writing style is completely unique to you and why?
Ellen Hopkins without question! I've never read anything else like her work. Check her out if you haven't already!
3. Harry Potter Series or the Twilight Saga? Give 3 points to defend your answer.
Oh shit. You're making me choose? Ahh....ummm....Fine I pick Twilight. 1. love 2. Robert Pattinson doesn't die 3. I made so many friends because of Twilight.
4. Do you carry a book bag? If so, what is it in (besides books...)?
No. I usually have a book in my purse though.
5. Do you smell your books?
I smell new books. Old books tend to smell like puke to me.
6. Books with or without little illustrations?
Both. Illustrations are great, but not all books need them.
7. What book did you love while reading but discovered later it wasn't quality writing? (Ex. I read Twilight before I read HP and thought the writing was amazing but read HP and now think Twilight is a little bit of a joke.)
Twilight probably. Everyone hates on MS's writing style.
8. Do you have any funny stories involving books from your childhood? Please share!
Not that I can think of.
9. What is the thinnest book on your shelf?
Maus I and Maus II by Art Spiegelman are about the same size and definitely the thinnest.
10. What is the thickest book on your shelf?
I'm moving in 2 weeks and I wish I hadn't packed up my books already. Outlander by Diana Gabaldon is probably the thickest book on my shelf...I think.
11. Do you write as well as read? Do you see yourself in the future as being an author?
No.
12. When did you get into reading?
I didn't read as a kid. I wasn't good at it. I picked up the Twilight books in 2009 and from there it grew to fics and then in 2011 I became a reading nerd.
13. What is your favorite classic book?
I haven't really read any classics. I should, I know.
14. In school was your best subject Language Arts/English?
Absolutely not. I didn't finish quite a few of the books I was supposed to read for English.
15. If you were given a book as a present that you had read before and hated...what would you do?
This has happened and I just kept it.
16. What is a lesser known series that you know of that is similar to Harry Potter or the Hunger Games?
The Heist Society books by Ally Carter were great and should have as much press as HP and HG. I wish these were made into movies instead of the HG series.
17. What is a bad habit you always do (besides rambling) while filming?
I don't film, but I guess my bad habit is not promoting myself enough.
18. What is your favorite word?
Supercalafragilisticxpaladocious.
19. Are you a nerd, dork, or dweeb? Or all of the above?
I'm definitely a nerd.
20. Vampires or Fairies? Why?
Neither? Twilight is the only vampire series that I liked and they weren't great vampires. Fairies are just dull.
21. Shapeshifters or Angels? Why?
Angels I guess. I have read a couple angel series and they were pretty good.
22. Spirits or Werewolves? Why?
Werewolves! If you know my feelings about Twilight you will know that I am anything but Team Jacob, BUT I am reading a new series that has put them in a new light. Review to come.
23. Zombies or Vampires?
Nick Hoult vs Rob Pattinson. Don't make me choose!
24. Love Triangle or Forbidden Love?
Forbidden love. I'm kinda over the love triangle.
25. AND FINALLY: Full on romance books or action-packed with a few love scenes mixed in?
I'm not really a fan of insta-love, so I'll go with action-packed book.