The Strange and Beautiful Sorrows of Ava Lavender by Leslye Walton

Title: The Strange and Beautiful Sorrows of Ava Lavender

Author: Leslye Walton

Publisher: Candlewick Press

Release Date: March 25, 2014

Source: ARC from Publisher

Buy the Book: Amazon / Book Depository / Indigo

Magical realism, lyrical prose, and the pain and passion of human love haunt this hypnotic generational saga.

Foolish love appears to be the Roux family birthright, an ominous forecast for its most recent progeny, Ava Lavender. Ava--in all other ways a normal girl--is born with the wings of a bird. In a quest to understand her peculiar disposition and a growing desire to fit in with her peers, sixteen-year old Ava ventures into the wider world, ill-prepared for what she might discover and naïve to the twisted motives of others. Others like the pious Nathaniel Sorrows, who mistakes Ava for an angel and whose obsession with her grows until the night of the Summer Solstice celebration. That night, the skies open up, rain and feathers fill the air, and Ava's quest and her family's saga build to a devastating crescendo. First-time author Leslye Walton has constructed a layered and unforgettable mythology of what it means to be born with hearts that are tragically, exquisitely human.

I really knew nothing about Leslye Walton's debut, The Strange and Beautiful Sorrows of Ava Lavender, when I started reading it. I mean, I had read the synopsis and I expected it to be different but I honestly didn't know what I should have been expecting. This book was different from anything else I've ever read in YA, but it was a beautiful story all the same. 

If you're familiar at all with my reviews, you'll know that I usually try to summarize the story in my own words before getting to talking about the story and characters. But I just don't know how to even begin doing that with The Strange and Beautiful Sorrows of Ava Lavender. This book was just so different from everything I've read in recent years, especially as far as YA fiction goes. I'll be the first to admit that this book confused me a little at first. I mean, I started reading and for the first 100 or so pages the main character isn't even born, yet she's the one narrating this story. So I was scratching my head a little, but Leslye Walton's writing was just beautiful so I didn't want to stop reading. And the more I read, the more I got drawn into this story. It was so interesting to get to read not just the main protagonist's story, but to also get to read her family's story and see how it was all connected and something that started so long ago impacted Ava's present. Because this was basically a generational story. It started with Ava's grandmother, Emilienne, and moved on to her mother, Viviane, until the story was about Ava. And even at that point the story wasn't all about Ava. It was just all weaved together perfectly.

This might be stating the obvious, but the plot is very much intricately linked to the character's lives. This is the kind of story that's all about the characters, there lives make up the plot in a way that's different than what I've read before. This is especially true when I think back on the story. As I was reading, it was pretty clear that this story was about the Roux/Lavender family and all their quirks and oddities. But looking back on it, this story couldn't really have been told any other way or it wouldn't have had the same impact. The way Leslye Walton chose to tell this story makes it so you're told everything you need to know in order to figure out what's going to happen, but at the same time you won't necessarily piece it all together until it's all laid out for you to see. At least, that's how it was for me. And that's, in my opinion, what made this story so powerful. All those little details that were spread out through the story came together in a way that brought on all these emotions, until the climax of the story where I was just reading with this feeling of dread I couldn't get rid of. It was just all weaved together perfectly. 

I'm hoping this (hopefully) somewhat coherent rambling will have made you want to pick up Leslye Walton's The Strange and Beautiful Sorrows of Ava Lavender. This is a story that's so different (apparently that's the only way I can think of to describe this story) from what's currently available in the world of YA fiction and it will make you wish for more like it. If for nothing else, at least read it for Leslye Walton's beautiful prose, you won't regret it. 

Four Seconds to Lose by K.A. Tucker

Title: Four Seconds To Lose (Ten Tiny Breaths #3)

Author: K.A. Tucker

Publisher: Atria Books

Release Date: April 1, 2014

Source: Borrowed from fellow blogger

Buy the Book: Amazon / Book Depository / Indigo

When a gorgeous young dancer walks through his door, a strip club owner must decide whether to follow his rules or his heart in the third novel by the author of One Tiny Lie and Ten Tiny Breaths.

Owning a strip club isn't the fantasy most guys expect it to be. With long hours, a staff with enough issues to keep a psych ward in business, and the police regularly on his case, twenty-nine-year-old Cain is starting to second guess his unspoken mission to save the women he employs. And then blond, brown-eyed Charlie Rourke walks through his door, and things get really complicated. Cain abides by a strict "no sleeping with the staff" rule. But being around Charlie challenges Cain's self-control…and it's been a long time since any woman has done that.

Twenty-two-year-old Charlie Rourke needs a lot of money, really fast, in order to vanish before it's too late. Taking her clothes off for men makes her stomach curl but Charlie tells herself that at least she's putting her acting and dancing skills to good use. And though her fellow dancers seem eager to nab their sexy, sophisticated, and genuinely caring boss, she's not interested. After all, Charlie Rourke doesn't really exist--and the girl pretending to be her can't get distracted by romance.

Unfortunately, Charlie soon discovers that developing feelings for Cain is inevitable, and that those feelings may not be unrequited--but losing him when he finds out what she's involved with will be more painful than any other sentence awaiting her.

If you've been following my reviews for a while, you'll know that I have been absolutely LOVING K.A. Tucker's New Adult novels. I devoured Ten Tiny Breaths and One Tiny Lie, and when I picked up Four Seconds to Lose, the same thing happened. The story completely sucked me in, and once again, I just fell in love with the characters. To say I wasn't disappointed is a major understatement.

Everyone always makes assumptions about the type of person Cain Ford is. Owning a strip club will do that. But Cain refuses to be like all the other strip clubs out there. At Penny's women are safe and Cain will do whatever he can to help them get their life on track. And the one thing he will absolutely not do is sleep with any of his employees. And so far, Cain has been able to stick to that rule. But everything changes when Charlie walks into his club looking for work. Charlie is looking to escape from her past, not get involved with her new boss. But the more they try to deny their attraction to each other, the more Cain and Charlie find themselves being drawn to one another. But Charlie knows that getting involved with Cain could be the one thing to end her. Because if Cain finds out about her past, she could lose the one person she truly cares for.

If nothing else, K.A. Tucker's books always seem to give me ALL THE FEELS. I just can't seem to get through any of her stories without my heart being put through the wringer and me lying on my bed hugging the book. This happened with Ten Tiny Breaths and One Tiny Lie, and it happened once again with Four Seconds to Lose. The story this time around was different and darker than the previous two. But this darkness and intensity is what kept me on the edge of my seat and kept me turning the pages. There were so many unknowns in this story and I wanted to know them all, being the curious person that I am. Due to the subject matter, though, I can't really say that I connected as much with this story than I did with the other two, but that didn't stop me from loving it. And the characters, more than anything are what drew me in. Unlike in the two previous books, Four Seconds to Lose is told from alternating points of view and I loved what this brought to the story. It allowed me to get to know both Cain and Charlie that much better and made me realize just how intertwined their stories were, whether they knew it or not. 

I don't think I can even begin to explain how much I loved Charlie and Cain. They were both so broken but tried so hard to put themselves back together. As you may know by now, I love it when characters are broken because they just feel that much more real. That's exactly what I got with Cain and Charlie, and I loved them for it. Though she never wanted for anything, Charlie's life was pretty horrible all things considered. The more I found out about her stepfather and his "business," the more I wanted her to find a way out and to be able to do so without having to sacrifice everything and everyone, especially Cain. And I don't really think I can put Cain into words. Whatever image you have of a strip club owner in your mind, think the complete opposite end of the spectrum and you might be getting close to Cain. He's had a rough past, that's for sure, but he's trying his best to atone for it in any way that he can and sees fit. Sure, sometimes I questioned whether the decisions he made were the best ones, but there was never any doubt in my mind that he was a good guy. And at the end of the day, Cain and Charlie were just perfect for each other, even if they weren't always willing to admit it themselves.

I absolutely LOVED K.A. Tucker's Four Seconds to Lose. This is the kind of story that reminds me why I love broken characters so much and why they often make for the best stories. If you haven't picked up any of K.A. Tucker's New Adult titles, believe me when I say that you are seriously missing out.

Waiting on Wednesday (84)

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly meme hosted by Jill of Breaking the Spine where book bloggers devote a post to an upcoming book release they are particularly looking forward to reading.

THIS WEEK'S PICK:
KISS KILL VANISH BY JESSICA MARTINEZ

Valentina Cruz no longer exists.

One moment, she was wrapped in Emilio's arms, melting into his kiss. The next, she was witnessing the unthinkable: a murder in cold blood, ordered by her father and carried out by her boyfriend. When Emilio pulled the trigger, Valentina disappeared. She made a split second decision to shed her identity and flee her life of privilege, leaving the glittering parties and sultry nightlife of Miami far behind. 

She doesn't know how to explain to herself what she saw. All she knows now is that nothing she believed about her family, her heart, or Emilio's love was real.

She can change her name and deny her past, but Valentina can't run from the truth. The lines between right and wrong, and trust and betrayal, will be blurred beyond recognition as she untangles the deceptions of the two men she once loved and races to find her own truth.

I've read some of Jessica Martinez's other books and really enjoyed them, so I was really excited when I first heard about Kiss Kill Vanish. It's definitely different from her other books, but it sounds really awesome all the same. I can't wait to see how this will all play out and it definitely sounds like a story that will be filled with action and mystery. I can't wait!

Kiss Kill Vanish by Jessica Martinez will be published October 7, 2014 by Katherine Tegen Books.

Blog Tour - Starling by Fiona Paul & Giveaway

Today I have the pleasure of being part of the blog post for Fiona Paul's Starling, hosted by Book Nerd Tours. This is the third and final book in her Venom series, and if you haven't already checked it out, you really should. And as part of today's blog tour, I have the pleasure of having Luca, one of the lovely boys from the story, here to answer a few questions. So without further ado, here is was Luca had to say.

What has it been like being away in France for your studies?

France! That seems so long ago when I think of everything that's happened in the past few weeks. It was…placid, you might say. I went to the university and quietly listened while lecturers and learned men spoke of courts and legalities. I spent most nights studying or writing letters to Cassandra. Returning to Venice, saving her from that wretched madman, it's helped me realize what's truly important. I don't crave excitement quite like Cassandra does, but I feel more alive, more passionate about everything, in her presence.

Did you come back to Venice only to protect Cassandra or were there other forces drawing you back to the city?

I was planning to return to Venice with the opes of setting a date for our wedding, but when I learned of my half-brother's depraved activities, I knew Cassandra might be in danger.

What has it been like reconnecting with Cassandra now that you are both older? Is she still the same Cass you knew before you went to France?

I have enjoyed reconnecting with Cassandra. I only wish it were under better circumstances. She is and she isn't the same girl, if that makes sense. The Cassandra I remember was this impulsive colt-like child. She was all arms and legs and thick wavy hair. Her handmaid was forever shrieking about her mussing her braids or getting her dresses dirty. Now Cassandra is more refined and elegant, but she still has that wild, impetuous streak in her where I never know exactly what she's going to do next.

Why do you think people are trying to hurt you and Cass? Does it have anything to do with the Order of the Eternal Rose and with why you were imprisoned?

It has everything to do with the Order of the Eternal Rose. I will not rest until I see the Order destroyed and its members punished. In the meantime, I will do whatever I must to keep Cassandra safe.

What do you think is going to happen now that you and Cass can't return to Venice? 

Cassandra and I must go in search of the Book of the Eternal Rose. Within its pages lies the evidence we need to destroy the Order. The books was in Florence at one time. Now we are unsure of its location, but we will find it if it is the last thing we do. 

Giveaway!

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About the Book:

The dark, seductive conclusion to the thrilling Secrets of the Eternal Rose trilogy!

In the final book in the trilogy, Cass and Luca are back in Venice trying to find the Book of the Eternal Rose to clear Luca's name and keep them both out of prison. But the hunters become the hunted when the Order of the Eternal Rose figures out their plan. Filled with twists and turns, danger and torrid romances, this novel brings the Secrets of the Eternal Rose novels to a thrilling, heart-pounding, sexy conclusion. 

Buy the Book:

    

About the Author:

Fiona Paul lives in the midwest but travels a lot since she can't breathe if she spends too much time away from the ocean. She graduated from Washington University in St. Louis with a major in psychology and spent a year teaching English in Seoul, Korea while she was deciding what she wanted to be when she grew up. Answer: everything. In addition to being a teacher and writer, she's also worked as a sauté cook, sporting goods manager, veterinary assistant, and registered nurse. When she's not working, you can usually find her kayaking, reading, or helping turtles cross the road. Her future goals include diving with great white sharks and writing more books, not necessarily in that order. Venom is her first novel.

Connect with Fiona Paul:

Website / Facebook / Twitter / Goodreads

Waiting on Wednesday (83)

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly meme hosted by Jill of Breaking the Spine where book bloggers devote a post to an upcoming book release they are particularly looking forward to reading.

THIS WEEK'S PICK:
TAKE ME ON BY KATIE MCGARRY

Acclaimed author Katie McGarry returns with the knockout new story of two high school seniors who are about to learn what winning really means.

Champion kick boxer Haley swore she'd never set foot in the ring again after one tragic night. But then the guy she can't stop thinking about accepts a mixed martial arts fight in her honor. Suddenly, Haley has to train West Young. All attitude, West is everything Haley promised herself she'd stay away from. Yet he won't last five seconds in the ring without her help.

West is keeping a big secret from Haley. About who he really is. But helping her--fighting for her--is a shot at redemption. Especially since it's his fault his family is falling apart. He can't change the past, but maybe he can change Haley's future.

Hayley and West have agreed to keep their relationship strictly in the ring. But as an unexpected bond forms between them and attraction mocks their best intentions, they'll face their darkest fears and discover love is worth fighting for.

At some point in the last two years, you've probably seen me fangirling over Katie McGarry and her books at some point or another. So really it shouldn't be that much of a surprise that I am BEYOND excited at the prospect of being able to read her next book, Take Me On. I've loved everything I've read of her's so far, and I can't wait for me. Katie McGarry also has this ability to write characters that feel like real people and every time, without fail, I fall completely in love with them (don't even get me started on Isaiah). I can't wait to have that feeling again.


Take Me On by Katie McGarry will be published May 27, 2014 by HarlequinTEEN.