Sunday, March 29, 2015

USA GIVEAWAY // INTERNATIONAL GIVEAWAY

Now, the entry post for the USA giveaway is live HERE! So if you'd like to join everything you'll need to know will be there!

And of course, the entry post for the INTERNATIONAL giveaway is also live HERE! If you'd like to join everything you'll need to know will be there!

Contact me:

Goodreads: @forbiddenbooks
Wattpad: @dustbricks

Thank you so much for reading, I'll talk to you next time. BYEEE
Love,
sofia

Review: Ready to Reach by Inglath Cooper

My rating: ★★★
Genre: NA, romance, music
Series: Nashville #1
Shelves on Goodreads: boyfriendsebooksfinished-in-one-daymale-protagonistnetgalley-titlesreadreviewed-on-blogstayed-up-all-night

Blurb from Goodreads:
Nineteen-year old CeCe Mackenzie leaves Virginia for Nashville with not much more to her name than a guitar, a Walker Hound named Hank Junior and an old car she'd inherited from her grandma called Gertrude. But Gertrude ends up on the side of I-40 in flames, and Nashville has never seemed farther away. Help arrives in the form of two Georgia football players headed for the Nashville dream as well. When Holden Ashford and Thomas Franklin stop to offer CeCe and Hank Junior a ride, fate may just give a nod to serendipity and meant to be.

My review:

"We take this life one moment, one day at a time."

This won't be the longest review since there wasn't much to reflect on. And this will be a pathetic review, I know. 

I really liked this. It is a four-part novella series which is exciting. In this book/novella, whatever you want to call it, we're introduced to the main characters - tree very likable characters. The whole thing about how they met was incredibly funny. It wasn't funny that her car exploded, okay, but the rest of it was hilarious. 

"My mama and I never had much, but if I said I wanted to fly to the moon, she'd start helping me make the wings."

The music element in this book/novella was fantastic. I love music. Like literally LOVE. L-O-V-E. I've always appreciated books about musicians and this was no different. I admire their want and their dreams. I admire how they know that the good always comes to the ones who wait. I felt so poetic during this I don't know. 

Oh my God, I want to write so much more but I don't know if I can. I'm gonna write about some other things happening around this instead. 

So, right now, Smith Publicity (the publishers) are hosting a blog tour. Exciting, exciting, I know. I got an email about this asking me if I wanted to take part in this. Yes, yes, yes I am way beyond excited. This now means that I am currently preparing for hosting a giveaway. I am planning to have the giveaway on my Instagram page (@forbidden.books). It's extremely simple, really. The end date will sometime after April 19th. More information about this will come later. 

I know this was more of an informational blogpost than an actual review. Sorry, about that. 

"Someone once said that every new beginning comes from some other beginning's end. The trick then has to be letting go of the safe, the known and reaching out for what we can't yet see."

Contact me:

Goodreads: @forbiddenbooks
Wattpad: @dustbricks

Thank you so much for reading, I'll talk to you next time. BYEEE

sofia

Thursday, March 26, 2015

Recent Release: The Walls Around Us by Nova Ren Suma

Most of the time when a new and exciting book has been released I share one - or a lot of - recent releases posts. Of course, this goes straight to my too large TBR-pile, but oh well. It's books - we need 'em.




Series: stand-alone
Genre: YA, paranormal
Publisher: Algonquin Young Readers
Publication Date: March 24th 2015
Length: 336 pages

Synopsis:

“Ori’s dead because of what happened out behind the theater, in the tunnel made out of trees. She’s dead because she got sent to that place upstate, locked up with those monsters. And she got sent there because of me.”

The Walls Around Us is a ghostly story of suspense told in two voices—one still living and one long dead. On the outside, there’s Violet, an eighteen-year-old dancer days away from the life of her dreams when something threatens to expose the shocking truth of her achievement. On the inside, within the walls of a girls’ juvenile detention center, there’s Amber, locked up for so long she can’t imagine freedom. Tying these two worlds together is Orianna, who holds the key to unlocking all the girls’ darkest mysteries.

We hear Amber’s story and Violet’s, and through them Orianna’s, first from one angle, then from another, until gradually we begin to get the whole picture—which is not necessarily the one that either Amber or Violet wants us to see.

Nova Ren Suma tells a supernatural tale of guilt and innocence, and what happens when one is mistaken for the other.

Contact me:

Goodreads: @forbiddenbooks
Wattpad: @dustbricks

Thank you so much for reading, I'll talk to you next time. BYEEE

sofia

Recent Release #1: After Dark by M. Pierce

Every Thursday I share a recent release that I'm excited about. Of course, this goes straight 
to my too large TBR-pile, but oh well. It's books - we need 'em. 




Series: Night Owl #3
Genre: Adult, romance; erotica
Publisher: St. Martin's Griffin
Publication Date: March 24th 2015
Length: 272 pages

Synopsis:

At twenty-nine, Matt Sky is trying to return to normal, having faked his death and come back to life. He and Hannah move to a simple house in the suburbs, and strive to grow their relationship into something durable and honest. They become more and more entangled, in the best ways possible.

At twenty-eight, Hannah finally has the life she's always wanted: she's pursuing her career as a literary agent at Granite Wing Agency, she is writing her first solo novel, and she is living with her hot, passionate lover. For the first time, Matt and Hannah are able to explore intimacy without inhibitions—without lies, secrets, or jealousy—and the results are explosive.

Still life together is not as easy as it seems. Matt is estranged from his brothers in the wake of his cruel stunt; Seth Sky, embittered by his failed pursuit of Hannah, makes a play for Hannah's sister; and the topic of Hannah's novel—her relationship with Matt and the Sky family—is driving a wedge between her and Matt. The lovers are devoted to one another, having come through many ordeals, but is their bond strong enough to last a lifetime?

Contact me:

Goodreads: @forbiddenbooks
Wattpad: @dustbricks

Thank you so much for reading, I'll talk to you next time. BYEEE

sofia

Wednesday, March 25, 2015

Cover reveal: Absolute Lovers by S. J. Hooks

This Wednesday I have the pleasure to reveal the cover for the final installment of the Absolute Series by S. J. Hooks. The first book is called Absolute Beginners and you should check it out 'cause it is hot! And obviously it's extremely amazing but yeah. Read it. 

Oh God am I excited for this book. June, please come NOW!!



Absolute Lovers
Series: Absolute #2
Genre: Adult, romance; erotica
Publisher: Full Fathom Five Digital
Publication Date: June 25th 2015
Length: 286 pages

Synopsis:

Professor Stephen Worthington has been schooled in the bedroom by free-spirited student Julia Wilde. But what started as a casual arrangement has turned into so much more—at least for Stephen. Head over heels, Stephen is tired of being just “sex buddies.” Julia’s resisting, but her blithe attitude towards keeping it casual may just be a front. Can he prove to her that their amazing sexual chemistry can mix with romance and ultimately win her heart? 

In this eagerly awaited sequel to S.J. Hooks’ successful first novel, Absolute Beginners, readers will find themselves riding alongside Stephen and Julia’s highs and lows as their friends-with-benefits relationship reaches a crossroads. Absolute Lovers’ humor and romance will tease and delight both dedicated fans and new readers alike. Absolute Lovers is the final installment in the Absolute Novels series. 
 Connect with SJ on her Website, Facebook, and Twitter!

About the author:

Although she is a native of Denmark, SJ Hooks has always had a keen interest in the English language. She has a BA in English Literature and is close to finishing her MA in American Studies. As a student and a working mother of two special needs children, her days are busy. At night, when she isn’t passed out on the couch, she’s in front of her computer, writing stories of love, humor and passion—the best things in life. Her dream is to build a career as a full-time author and give her children the life they deserve.







Contact me:

Goodreads: @forbiddenbooks
Wattpad: @dustbricks

Thank you so much for reading, I'll talk to you next time. BYEEE

sofia

Unblocked - Episode One by Marni Mann

My rating: ★★★+0.5
Genre: Adult, romance; erotica
Series: Timber Towers #1
Shelves on Goodreads: boyfriends, ebooks, finished-in-one-day, hella-anticipated-2015, inteeeeense-erotica-novels, male-protagonist, netgalley-titles, read

Blurb from Goodreads:
Derek Block seeks revenge. Frankie Jordan seeks professional dominance. He wants her, she wants him. Lines that can't cross begin to blur. Things start heating up as real estate gets real…

My review:

I don't really have that much to say about this so excuse me if this review is too short. 

This is the first part of a five-parts book so this was mainly introduction to the characters and story etc etc. But it was a good beginning. Meaning that had this been a the beginning of a full book I would've been eager to continue. Of course I am eager to continue, but I'm a tad annoyed about it being split up. 

When we first were introduced to Frankie Jordan I was impressed. She's a really awesome character; she's independent and trusts that what she does is good which screams self-confidence (this is a good thing). 

Although this is a small part of the full book it was incredibly well written. The writing was incredibly descriptive and "painting". We got a good look at how the characters are and what they look like - we all have different prospects of this but you know what I mean. 

Negative thing, Frankie's ex was an asshole. I got a bit of an abuser feeling from him so he's not on my thumbs-up list right now. 

Another negative thing. The cover. I don't know how many times I've complained about the incredibly ridiculous erotica cover. But oh well, I like the books and that's what matters. 

The reason I'm only giving three and a half stars to this is because it was just the beginning. If Marni Mann continues like this I'll probably give the second part four stars. And then when all the parts are written and published she book will hopefully be around 500 pages and will probably be butterflying fantabulous (that is a real word, yes).

Contact me:

Goodreads: @forbiddenbooks
NetGalley: Sofia Rytters (reviewer) 
Wattpad: @dustbricks

Thank you so much for reading, I'll talk to you next time. BYEEE

sofia

Tuesday, March 24, 2015

PAPER TOWNS TRAILER!!!

Okay, so I realize this is a bit late but c'mon, there needs to be more hype about this. Paper towns is my favorite John Green book and I just can't wait for the movie. So prepare for me fangirling when I've finally seen the movie. 

Just in case you haven't seen it, you can watch it here: 


How can somebody not be excited for this? I mean, gaahhh. 

Everybody knows Nat Wolff from tfios and Behaving Badly but in this role he seems like a more grown-up character which is awesome and then we have Cara Delevingne. Oh, that woman. Oh my God. She's perfection in an human form, that's just the way it is. 

What are your thoughts about it? Have you read the book? Are you gonna go see the movie? 

Contact me:

Goodreads: @forbiddenbooks
Wattpad: @dustbricks

Thank you so much for reading, I'll talk to you next time. BYEEE

sofia

Review: Since Drew by J. Nathan

My rating:  ★★★
Genre: NA, romance
Series: Stand-alone

Blurb from Goodreads: 
All Andi Parker has ever wanted, all she’s ever dreamed of, is a spot on the Olympic track team. But when an accident leaves her hospitalized with serious injuries and shattered dreams, she’s not only uncertain what her future holds but also completely alone.

Drew Slater is a wanted man. Professional football teams want him for his arm. Women want him for his good looks and magnetic personality. But the well-crafted disguise he wears, the one that helps him score on and off the field, hides secrets. Conceals lies. Threatens the happiness of everyone around him.

One chance encounter brings Andi and Drew together, changing their worlds in ways they never thought possible. Unfortunately, what they thought they knew about themselves—and about each other—might just be the biggest lie of all.

My review:

I want to deserve you. I want to be everything you need and everything you don't have... I want to be someone you want to love for the rest of your life. 

*ARC received via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review*

Sorry for a non committed review but I really don't remember my thoughts about this. 

This wasn't exactly what I'd imagined. Especially not Drew. 

So let's just rave about this 'cause frankly, it was a really good book. I'm not planning some smooth review here 'cause I really have no idea how to. 
I wasn't a bit frustrated when Andi realized she'd imagined the whole first enocounter with Drew - I was a lot more than just frustrated. It was exactly like that movie ehum ehum, oh God what's it called - it's with Reese Witherspoon and the Hulk-guy. Gaaaaah, it was exactly like that movie. But I can't remember what it's called. Frustration on point. 

I was surprised Drew changed so quickly. I mean, from being all around asshole who got whatever he wanted he changed pretty quickly into the perfect boyfriend. It usually takes a lot more than that but still, I was happy when it happened so I can't really complain. 

The character's weren't that developed but fortunately, I could deal with it. I had some kinda big problems with Drew in the beginning and in the end with the accident etc etc but I just no. I don't know what I wanted to say with that so bye. 

One thing. That cover? Really?

Contact me:

Goodreads: @forbiddenbooks
Wattpad: @dustbricks

Thank you so much for reading, I'll talk to you next time. BYEEE

sofia

The Days Between by Tori V. Lync

My rating: 
Genre: Adult, romance
Series: Stand-alone

Blurb from Goodreads:
What if the one who got away, didn’t?

Star-crossed love happened to other people or in the movies. At least that's what I thought.
Until he walked back into my life.
He'd come back at all the wrong times, each one making me wonder about my decisions. Then--like always--our lives spiraled apart until we crashed back together at another intersection years later.
Bad timing.
Again and again. Neither of us free to explore the passion that simmered between us.
Until this time. This time, I wasn't letting him go, consequences be damned.
My review:

It wasn't perfect, but love never was.

First let me say that everybody is entitled to their own opinion. This is mine. 
Let me be completely frank here. This sucked. I just gaaaaah. It's 80 pages of bullcrap. This is not gonna be the longest review 'cause I don't want to talk about it. I don't want to stir in the feelings this brought up-again.

While I was reading this I didn't give a shit about true loves etc etc etc etc. Scream all you want at me but it was cheating. I read that chapter saying: "A year later" and the first sentence said something about leaning against her husband and watching her girls out of the field. I thought, oh well so he dumped his girlfriend, they got married and had children who are old enough to walk. But the chapter said "A year later". How in the butterflying hell did she manage to have three or two, I don't remember, children who are old enough to walk around in a year?! That was when I realized, oh well they're having an affair. And don't go throw that "it was true love" bullshit in my face 'cause quite frankly I don't care. They were cheating on their partners and there's not one butterflying explanation you can try and give me because I'm not changing my mind. I think the whole book was wrong I would've gladly put it down, but I didn't because I thought that maybe, maybe one of them still had a bit of sanity left. 

And let's not forget my absolute hatred toward underdeveloped characters. None of these characters had a butterflying background story except for maybe "he was my true love blah blah blah blah blah". So no, I did not like this book. At all. I can usually tolerate a kiss or one night together but an affair that's stretched over several years? No. I'm not tolerating it. So one star. If I could give a negtive number I would, but I gave that one star to his wife. His wife who did nothing wrong and who was a victim to their butterflying affair. End of story. 

Life isn't about finding happily ever after. 

Contact me:

Goodreads: @forbiddenbooks
Wattpad: @dustbricks

Thank you so much for reading, I'll talk to you next time. BYEEE

sofia

Thursday, March 19, 2015

Insatiable by Cari Quinn

My rating: ★★★
Genre: Adult, romance; erotica
Series: Stand-alone

Blurb from Goodreads:
Having all of her is the only thing that will satisfy him...
Shawn Griffin and Rachel Cooper have been best friends practically since birth, thanks to their families' close relationship. But for the past few years, Shawn has been fantasizing about getting his best pal in his bed. When she announces she's taking a trip to reconnect with an old lover, Shawn knows the time has come to put up or shut up. If she wants to go to New York City, fine. But he's coming with her.
Rachel doesn't know what to think of Shawn's sudden interest. Determined to live life on her own terms, she refuses to fall right in line with her wealthy family's wish that they get married and have perfect little babies. She just didn't count on how determined her seemingly laid back - and extremely sexy - best friend would become after setting his sights on what he wants. Her, over and over again.
But when tragedy strikes, Rachel begins to wonder if she'll lose not only her lover but her best friend too.
My review:

I feel very negative writing this even though I liked it - I'm blaming my current headache which apparently has decided to kill me.

I liked this. All the character were sweet and easy to love and never annoyed me. Well at sometimes, yes, but not so often. 

I feel like it's easier so talk about the negative things about something instead of the positive so without knowing where this review is headed let me just state my thoughts.

I loved the whole thing. Shawn was incredibly cute and it was clear how much he actually loved and adored her. But, I couldn't help but feel a bit of - I don't know how to describe it really. I feel like Shawn waited to start showing his true feelings to Rachel until this novel started. If I get the whole picture correctly, Shawn has loved Rachel as more than a friend for an impeccably long time but why does he wait this long until acting? I couldn't help but feel a tad of unrealistic feelings getting in the way. Sorry. 

Right now I'm too tired and my head hurts too much so I won't be able to form coherent sentences - bye. 

Contact me:

Goodreads: @forbiddenbooks
Wattpad: @dustbricks

Thank you so much for reading, I'll talk to you next time. BYEEE

sofia

Guarded Passion by Bonnie Dee

My rating: ★★
Genre: NA, romance
Series: Wyatt Brothers #3

Blurb from Goodreads:
A struggling single mother.
Rianna Cutter strips to survive. It’s the best paying gig for a young woman with little education and puts a roof over her child’s head and food on the table. Working toward a better life for her son, she has no time or energy for love.

A tough criminal businessman.
Jonah Wyatt is ready to make a big change, moving away from his successful pot growing business into a legitimate enterprise. He’s all business all the time and has no interest in finding love he doubts even exists.

Could love be more unexpected?
Their first interaction has all the romance of a business transaction, but from that rough beginning, Rianna and Jonah tentatively reach out to one another. As their barriers dissolve, the awakening of new love is threatened by family drama.

This is book three in a series but may easily be read as a stand alone.
 

My review:

Okay then.

This wasn't good. By the reading the synopsis I really thought it was gonna be an amazing book, but unfortunately, it wasn't. The whole prospect of watching a woman stripping to survive and a drug-lord falling in love had me on edge - a good edge. Then, when I finished the book I was so disappointed. It wasn't at all entertaining and it didn't impact on me in any specific way. 

The whole book was incredibly slow-paced and at times I saw myself putting it down - and I wouldn't have picked it up again. I didn't feel a pull to any of the characters and were mostly annoyed with them. 

I really don't wanna dig up any more negative feelings so I'm ending this review right here.

One comical thing though - even if it isn't about the actual book - I read this and then realized that is the third installment in a series hahah

Contact me:

Goodreads: @forbiddenbooks
Wattpad: @dustbricks

Thank you so much for reading, I'll talk to you next time. BYEEE

sofia

Beneath the Surface by M. A. Stacie

My rating: ★★★+0.5
Genre: Adult, romance; erotica
Series: Reluctance #1

Blurb from Goodreads: 
Kyran Reese is a man in control. Driven when it comes to work, focused when it comes to play. From his office to the chalk circle of the bare-knuckle boxing ring, his only thought is to win. That thirst heightens when Dale Porter enters his life. His brother’s assistant should be off limits, but her witty comments and sarcastic comebacks have him desperate to get her between the sheets.

When Dale agrees to Kyran’s relationship stipulation of no labels she’s sucked into a whirlwind of lust, money, and underground boxing. Dale fights her growing affection, trying to hide it when the world around them spirals out of control. All too soon she realizes she can’t hide her true feelings any longer.

Has Kyran finally met his match? Could playing to win mean playing for keeps?

My review:

I liked this. It was easy to read and none of the main characters annoyed me. But as always I'm gonna complain about a few things. 

Where are the developed characters? I couldn't find any of those - doesn't matter how hard I tried - I couldn't find a single one. If you've read my earlier reviews you know exactly how far my resentment for underdeveloped characters goes. It's not a pretty path, I can assure you. And I found mostly all of these characters extremely underdeveloped. Which was a disappointment, of course. 

While reading this book all I could feel was


It didn't have an impact on me and it didn't leave me with any second thoughts whatsoever. To be honest, I am struggling so much right now to remember my thoughts and believe me when I say that it's not easy. I couldn't relate to any of the character which really is a big "turn on" for me while reading a book. If I can relate to the characters the book more likely to end up with a good rate and review. 

I don't know how to describe in words what I want to say right now but I'll try my best and I apologize in advance if I lose you along the way. 
Does it sound rude if I said that I don't need this book in my life? Not that I didn't enjoy it, because really, I did! But I feel like I wouldn't have been miserable without it in my life. It didn't impact me and I could've lived without it. 

And just No to that cover. No. 

So three and a half stars it is. 

Contact me:

Goodreads: @forbiddenbooks
Wattpad: @dustbricks

Thank you so much for reading, I'll talk to you next time. BYEEE

sofia