Better Late Than Never ARC Challenge November Check-In + Giveaway

Hi guys! Just a quick check in for the Better Late Than Never ARC Challenge. I did pretty bad last month. I hardly read anything in November for the challenge. Even though I was on vacation for two weeks, I was having a hard time focusing.  I am really hoping to do better in December.

November

Under The Never Sky by Veronica Rossi (physical ARC, Jan 2012)

Previously read, now reviewed

Dead Man Walking by Jocelynn Drake (Edelweiss, May 2013)

October
Telegraph Avenue by Michael Chabon (physical ARC, Sept 2012)
The Bro Magnet by Lauren Baratz-Logstead (NetGalley, started by not finished)

I'd love to hear how everyone else is doing. Are you kicking but or are you going to have to try and catch up next month like me? Leave a comment telling me about your progress or leave a link if you do a wrap up post. Thanks and keep going - we have one more month left! For added incentive, Kimberly at The Windy Pages is hosting a giveaway for all Better Late Than Never participants. So join up and fill out the Rafflecopter form below. :)


a Rafflecopter giveaway

---

Review: Under The Never Sky by Veronica Rossi

Title: Under The Never Sky (Under The Never Sky #1)

Author: Veronica Rossi
Publication Date: January 3, 2012
Publisher: Harper Collins
Genre: Young Adult Fiction
Find It: Goodreads, Amazon, B&N, Book Depository
Source: ARC

Since she'd been on the outside, she'd survived an Aether storm, she'd had a knife held to her throat, and she'd seen men murdered.

This was worse.

Exiled from her home, the enclosed city of Reverie, Aria knows her chances of surviving in the outer wasteland--known as The Death Shop--are slim. If the cannibals don't get her, the violent, electrified energy storms will. She's been taught that the very air she breathes can kill her. Then Aria meets an Outsider named Perry. He's wild--a savage--and her only hope of staying alive.

A hunter for his tribe in a merciless landscape, Perry views Aria as sheltered and fragile--everything he would expect from a Dweller. But he needs Aria's help too; she alone holds the key to his redemption. Opposites in nearly every way, Aria and Perry must accept each other to survive. Their unlikely alliance forges a bond that will determine the fate of all who live under the never sky.

Aria lives in Reverie, a world that is protected and sheltered from the outside world. Those who live inside are safe from the Aether, powerful electrical storms that leave destruction in their wake. But their bodies and lives are regulated to the extreme and most of their life is experienced through virtual reality. The conditions outside of the pods are extremely harsh and people live in nomadic tribes to survive. They are considered savages by those who live inside the pods.  These two worlds could not be more different and they clash when Aria is exiled and encounters Perry, who is searching for his little brother.

Though I have had my copy of Under The Never Sky for quite a while, I held off on reading it until recently. I had read a slew of dystopian/post-apocalyptic YA novels and found myself burnt out on them. After a lengthy break though I finally felt it was time to dive into this world. And wow, what a world! I found the story and characters to be original and inventive. The fast paced storyline kept me on the edge of my seat and the romance was refreshingly believable.

Under The Never Sky is told from the alternating POV of Aria and Perry. I don’t usually like multiple points of view but it really gives the reader a lot of insight into Aria and Perry. They each approach life so differently and seeing through their eyes helped me understand them better.  Both have prejudices against the other and I liked seeing how their feelings developed as they got to know each other.

I wasn't sure I was going to like Aria at first but I came to really admire her. She’s very strong-willed and stubborn and is willing to risk her life for what she believes in. Though generally reserved, Perry has a deep capacity to love and the relationship he has with his nephew Talon is really sweet. He is also very loyal and will put the needs of others often before his own.  I liked that both of these characters evolved and grew over the course of the story, each coming into their own. I also liked that their relationship started off as adversarial but developed into deeper feelings once they got to know each other. No insta-love here.

I was a little surprised by how much I liked this book. I was afraid that it would not live up to my expectations. However, Under the Never Sky lived up to the hype and reignited my excitement for the genre.  The solid world building and well developed, nuanced characters make Under the Never Sky stand out in the YA landscape and I can’t wait to read more.

*I received this book free of charge from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This, in no way, affected my opinion or review of this book.

---

Visit the author online at www.veronicarossi.com, Facebook and follow her on Twitter @rossibooks

Please note that this post may contain affiliate links. For more details, please see our full disclosure policy here. 

Review: Dead Man's Deal by Jocelynn Drake

Title: Dead Man's Dead (The Asylum Tales #2)

Author: Jocelynn Drake
Publication Date: May 7, 2013
Publisher: Harper Voyager
Genre: Adult Urban Fantasy
Find It: Goodreads, Amazon, B&N, Book Depository
Source: Publisher via Edelweiss

In a world where elves, faeries, trolls, werewolves, and vampires swim free in a sea of humanity, sometimes you need an edge. Looking for a little love? Need some luck? Desperate for revenge? Gage can give you what you need. The most talented tattoo artist in town, he knows the right symbol and the right mix of ingredients and ink to achieve your heart's desire. One tattoo is all it takes. But remember, everything has its price...

Gage learned that lesson long ago, in ways he'd rather not remember. But the cruel and powerful wizards in the dreaded Ivory Towers he escaped aren't about to let him forget. Though Gage has managed to stay out of sight, he can't outrun the past forever.

The wizards know Gage is using forbidden magic, and they intend to punish him for his transgressions. Too bad if innocent humans and monsters-entire cities-get in the way. They will quell a nascent magical uprising and Gage will be the sacrifice they need. First, though, they have to find him .

The supernatural fun continues in Dead Man's Deal, the second book in Jocelynn Drake's exciting urban fantasy series. Gage is being forced to work for the Mafia-like dark elves after the events of the last book and The Council is still looking for a reason to get rid of him. The brother he hasn't seen since he left for the Ivory Towers also shows up, throwing Gage into the middle of an impending war between The Ivory Towers and the rest of the world.

Man, Gage just can't catch a break, can he? After narrowly surviving the last book you think he'd have a little rest before finding himself in mortal danger again. Instead he finds himself smack in the middle of a war that threatens to destroy humanity. Most guys would just throw in the towel at this point but Gage does all that he can to stop the impending war.

This world continues to draw me in as I learn more about it. In this book we learn a lot more about Gage's past and his time in the Ivory Towers. We see what his burgeoning powers did to his family and his guilt over it. There is something about Gage that is inherently likable to me. He isn't looking to be a hero but he has a deep seated integrity that pulls him into doing the right thing, even if it's not the smart thing. This series also has some great secondary characters and I enjoyed seeing Bronx and Trixie again.

There is a lot going on in this book and, at times, it's a little hard to keep track of everything. Overall though, I enjoyed the quick pace and action. Drake definitely is not an author to draw things out unnecessarily. The events in this book will have big repercussions for Gage and the future of this world.

While I love the world of The Asylum Tales - it's dangerous, dark and full of surprises - it's the characters that keep me coming back. I can't help but root for Gage and his friends to get a little bit of peace and quiet. Somehow I doubt that Drake is going to give Gage and easy time of it but I am excited to see where she takes them next.

*I received this book free of charge from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This, in no way, affected my opinion or review of this book.

---

Visit the author online atwww.jocelynndrake.com and follow her on Twitter @JocelynnDrake

Please note that this post may contain affiliate links. For more details, please see our full disclosure policy here. 

Short Story Review: His For Christmas by Jennifer Haymore

Title: His For Christmas (House of Trent #1.5)

Author: Jennifer Haymore
Publication Date: October 1, 2013
Publisher: Forever Yours
Genre: Adult Historical Romance
Find It: Goodreads, Amazon, B&N
Source: Publisher via NetGalley

Jennifer Haymore introduced sweet, but shy Lady Esme in The Duchess Hunt, the first novel in her House of Trent Series. But what readers may not know is that proper young Lady Esme has a secret: the youngest sister of the Duke of Trent privately pens erotic stories!

Society would never allow Lady Esme to share her own work, so her friend Jennifer Haymore is here to help—and just in time for Christmas!

His for Christmas is the steamy story of two travelers who find themselves stranded in an inn when an unexpected snowstorm blankets the English countryside. As the temperature drops, desire rises and the two strangers share a night of passion unlike anything either has ever experienced. When dawn breaks and the storm clears, will they continue on their separate journeys, or will they begin a new path together?

The year is quickly coming to a close which means it's time to break out the holiday reading. I don't usually go for themed books but there is something really appealing about holiday romances. I always end up reading a few during the holiday season. Though part of the House of Trent series, this novella can stand alone and you do not need to read the previous book in the series for enjoy this one.

His for Christmas is the story of Evan and Amelia, childhood friends who were once in love but have now grown apart. An unfortunate misunderstanding has Amelia believing the worst of Evan. Evan has never though himself good enough for Amelia and have given up hope of ever being with her. But when the two meet again one snowy Christmas, their old feelings resurface.

This is a short, sweet romance that isn't very deep but is still enjoyable. I really like stories about reunited lovers, especially when one is still mad at the other. Evan and Amelia are both very likable characters and I was rooting for them to find their HEA.

Because of the short format, there isn't much time for a lot of character or story development. It is a bit predictable and I had a hard time recalling much of the story only a few days after I read it. However, I still enjoyed it and would recommend it for historical romance fans looking for a light read.

*I received this book free of charge from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This, in no way, affected my opinion or review of this book.

---

Visit the author online atwww.jenniferhaymore.com and follow her on Twitter @jenniferhaymore and Facebook.

Please note that this post may contain affiliate links. For more details, please see our full disclosure policy here. 

Short Story Review: Entwined by Kristen Callihan

Title: Entwined (Darkest London #3.5)

Author: Kristen Callihan
Publication Date: November 5, 2013
Publisher: Forever
Genre: Adult Paranormal Historical Romance
Find It: Goodreads, Amazon, B&N
Source: Publisher via NetGalley

Eamon Evernight has always lived in his older brother's shadow. While his brother is fair of hair and lithe in body, Eamon sparks fear with his fiery locks and massive frame-and rumors of a mysterious power. But when his brother has the good fortune to be betrothed to a beautiful stranger, it's Eamon's help-and quick wit and romantic heart--that he needs. Eamon agrees to write the noble lady...a generous offer that will forever leave him a changed man.

Lady Luella Jane Moran has no interest in an arranged marriage and tries valiantly to dissuade her betrothed from afar. Though her own letters plainly state her case, the words her husband-to-be writes her leave her aching for his touch. Will Lu give in to the desire the missives have kindled within her? Or will desire turn cold when she discovers their true author?

It’s no secret that I am a huge fan of Kristen Callihan’s Darkest London series. Though I am normally a bit wary of novellas, I jumped at the chance to read something new set in this dark and magical world. Entwined in an engaging and unexpected story of two people falling in love through words. As a person who still writes letters and loves getting mail, the idea of two falling in love through words before ever having met was one that really appealed to me.

When Eamon’s much favored older brother Aiden becomes betrothed, he urges Eamon to write to his bride-to-be in his stead. Eamon’s goal was to make Lu believe that marriage to his brother would not be so terrible and he does well - too well. Luella and Eamon fall in love over the course of four years and countless letters. Things get a little crazy when Lu shows up on their doorstep and believes she is in love with Aiden. But the man she meets is nothing like the man in her letters and she finds herself drawn to his secretive younger brother.

I had a lot of fun reading this story. Lu and Eamon are well developed characters and the storyline is full of unexpected twists. I loved reading the letters between Lu and Eamon. They are funny and playful and really help us get to know these characters. The idea falling in love through letters is a really romantic one, especially in an age where men and women often knew nothing about each other before marriage. It’s also refreshing to read a story where both characters are virgins. Their first sexual encounter is understandably awkward but also sweet.

Lu is a really strong heroine and I admired her. She loses everything but manages to survive with her spirit intact. I totally fell in love with Eamon. He is a little rough around the edges but has a big heart and is extremely sexy.. He is also a redhead, which is awesome. There should be more red headed men in literature.

Callihan manages to pack a surprising amount of emotional depth into this short story. Fans of the series will undoubtedly enjoy this brief sojourn into Darkest London. You don’t have to read the other books in the series to enjoy this one. It’s pretty far removed from the main storyline and I would have liked to have learned more about the connection between Eamon and Lu and the rest of the Darkest London world. Overall, I really enjoyed Entwined and think it’s a great addition to the Darkest London lineup. I cannot wait for Shadowdance coming out in December!

*I received this book free of charge from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This, in no way, affected my opinion or review of this book.

---

Visit the author online at www.kristencallihan.com, Facebook and follow her on Twitter @Kris10Callihan

Please note that this post may contain affiliate links. For more details, please see our full disclosure policy here. 

Better Late Than Never ARC Challenge Oct Check-In

Hi guys! Just a quick check in for the Better Late Than Never ARC Challenge. I haven't been doing too well on this challenge so far, but I still have a couple of months left. I just get distracted by all the new, shiny things but promise I'll try to be better this month. 

Head Over Heels by Jill Shalvis
The Bro Magnet by Lauren - STARTED
The Demon Lover by Juliet Dark
Touch of Power by Maria V Snyder
Touch Me by Callie Croix
The Way We Fall by Megan Crewe
Scarlet by AC Gaughen
The Agency: Traitor in the Tunnel by A.S. Lee
Code Name Verity by Elzabeth Wein

Newly added
Telegraph Avenue by Michael Chabon - READ and REVIEWED
Arcadia by Lauren Groff - READ

Read but need to review:

Grave Mercy by Robin LaFevers
Thief of Shadows by Elizabeth Hoyt
The Marquess Who Loved Me
Bound by Night by Larissa Ione
Dead Man Walking by Jocelynn Drake
How To Dance with a Duke by Manda Collins


At least I read a couple of things, right? I really need to review some of the books I've actually already read. That's my progress so far. For all the other participants, let me know how you're doing in the comments below or make your own check in post. I'll check in again at the end of the month. Happy reading!

---

Better Late Than Never ARC Challenge Kick Off!

Hello! Today is the official kick-off day of the Better Late Than Never Challenge. I am challenging myself to read ARCs that are older than 6 months old. Sadly I have a large list of titles that qualify. I went through my list of e-ARCs and picked the ones that I am most interested in reading. I also have a list of ARCs that I have already read but haven't had a chance to review yet. I am making my own challenge within a challenge to get myself to write those reviews and get those off my plate. I usually suck at challenges but I am hoping that this will motivate me. If you are interested in joining the challenge, you can get more info and sign up at this post.

Books I am hoping to read before Dec 31, 2013:

Head Over Heels by Jill Shalvis
The Bro Magnet by Lauren
The Demon Lover
Touch of Power by Maria V Snyder
Touch Me by Callie Croix
The Way We Fall by Megan Crewe
Scarlet by AC Gaughen
The Agency: Traitor in the Tunnel
Code Name Verity by Elzabeth Wein

Read but need to review:

Grave Mercy by Robin LaFevers
Thief of Shadows by Elizabeth Hoyt
The Marquess Who Loved Me
Bound by Night by Larissa Ione
Dead Man Walking by Jocelynn Drake
Jennifer Haymore short story
How To Dance with a Duke by Manda Collins

---

Better Late Than Never ARC Challenge Sign Ups

Hello again! I am super excited to announce a little challenge that a few of my friends and I have been cooking up. As book bloggers we are often very lucky in the fact that we are able to get ARCs of great new books. However, I have found recently that I am really behind in my ARC reading and have a whole stack (and e-reader) full of ARCs I haven't had time to get to. This challenge is a way for us to get some of those books off our plate. This challenge is specifically for ARCs whose book release date was at least 6 months ago. We want to get some of those older books read and reviewed. If you're interested in joining up, all the details are below. I am will post on the start day with my list of books I am planning to read for the challenge. Happy reading!

It's the Better Late Than Never ARC Challenge! Does looking at your ARC pile stress you out? Do you suffer from NetGalley Guilt? Have you gotten so behind in your ARC reading that older ARCs have gotten pushed aside? Well then this challenge is for you. The Windy Pages, Nite Lite Book Reviews and The Reader's Antidote have all teamed up and are challenging ourselves to whittle down that ARC pile. This challenge will run from Oct 1 - December 31, 2013. The rules are simple.

Read as many older review books as you can, making way for the new year and new books!

Books may be physical ARCs or digital ARCs.

For book to qualify, release date must be at older than 6 months (release date earlier than May 1, 2013)

Please do a wrap up post at the end of each month so we can check your progress.

And if you are participating, there will most likely be a chance at a prize at the end so keep a look out!