Release Day Launch: The Hazards of Skinny Dipping by Alyssa Rose Ivy [Review]
InkSlinger and Me here in Reads and Thoughts brought you the Launch for Alyssa Rose Ivy’s new novel The Hazards of Skinny Dipping. Summer is almost done here in Manila but I know in US it’s just about to start but summery books are still much enjoyed by me.
So let’s kick this launch off and get a chance to win cool prizes. Links are located below. 
ABOUT THE BOOK
This isn’t a deep book about first loves or self-discovery. If you want a book like that, I’d be happy to recommend one, but I don’t have that kind of story to tell. Instead my story is about rash decisions and finding out that your dream guy is bad in bed. It’s the story of when I finally went skinny dipping, and how my life was never the same again. Oh, and it’s also the story of my freshman year of college and realizing Mr. Right might have been there all along.
*** MY REVIEW **
‘This story is about skinny dipping, remember?
One last piece of advice: if you decide to go skinny dipping, make sure your bring a towel.’
As the blurb of the story says: this is not a story about first loves or self discovery. It was about rash decisions, finally scoring with the guy you’ve been crushing on forever but finding out that despite the good looks he utterly sucked in bed add up to this equation is the presence of this baseball cap wearing hot guy who works on a pizza place.
I just got out of College (Yay! For me for finishing it) but tbh I never had that kind of experience/s that stories like this told. Yes, I did try some ridiculous stuff but nothing too extreme or stupid enough. And for once, I envy the courage that characters from fiction-world have for doing some sassy and ridiculous things.
The Hazards of Skinny Dipping is a creative and a pretty interesting story. Who wouldn’t be interested with skinny dipping? lol. Its captivating premise really lived up well to my expectations.
Juliet with her spunky attitude and being able to handle her self on her own makes me like her. Even though at times she makes rash decisions that makes me want to roundhouse kick her – I do understand where she’s really coming from another plus side is that I love her relationship with her cousin Amy.
Dylan – the disappointing man in bed. *evil grin* At first encounter, I know something was off with this guy and luckily I didn’t really root for him and though he seems to be a big deal on the story I know and I’m confident enough to know that he’ll never be a threat for anything that is coming.
Reed was what I would like to call the underdog character. He didn’t come up flaunty and he has his pa-mysterious effect on him but despite that he has a strong sense of character that makes him stand out among the guys.
The characters on this story seems to be the easiest set of characters that I’ve encountered – I know and loved who deserved to be really loved and loathed the people who should really be loathed. There is a great balance and dynamic between the characters on this book which makes the reading experience easy and much better.
I have a lot of ‘I thought..’ moments while reading this.
Like how I thought Kyle would be the one for Juliet but nope he acts out like his brother – like a douche.
I thought Reed would come off as the guy that I would hate but nope coz he’s a good guy through and through.
I thought Amy and Reed we’re secretly or have a romantic past but nope. This is a definite wrong assumption, but they do know each other.
And all of this ‘I thought.. moments ends up being on the wrong side of my thinking, I didn’t even get a thing right. Haha.
A little concern: does the cover really did look similar with A Summer To Remember? It looked eerily similar and I first read that book so now I don’t know who originally own that cover art but anyway it was used appropriately for the story so no big drama over there – just being my little curios self.
In everything that happened on this book, the funny and hilarious moments do stand out for me. This is what you should read if you want to just simply enjoy reading – no dramas and heavy stuffs. The story line is unique and The Hazards for Skinny Dipping belongs to its own category.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Alyssa Rose Ivy is a New Adult and Young Adult author who loves to weave stories with romance and a southern setting. Although raised in the New York area, she fell in love with the South after moving to New Orleans for college. After years as a perpetual student, she turned back to her creative side and decided to write. She lives in North Carolina with her husband and two young children, and she can usually be found with a cup of coffee in her hand.
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GIVEAWAY
The epic part of this post! You guys could get a chance to win the HAZARDS BEACH BAG which includes Hazards Tote Bag, a signed copy of The Hazards of Skinny Dipping, a hazards Shot glass, two Alyssa Rose Ivy drink koozies and other beach essential. Link below:
Review: Lost and Found
Lost and Found byNicole Williams
My rating:4 of 5 stars
“Every morning we get a chance to be different. A chance to change. A chance to be better. Your past is your past. Leave it there and get on with your future.”
Wow! As a first timer when it comes to Nicole Williams’ works I was fabulously surprised to enjoy every page and moment of Lost and Found. Well, I’m not really a big fan of cowboy stories or such but the blurb looks interesting with the description of cowboys, bullfighting, honky-tonks and country music (well, this I’m a fan of) and I can’t say no to story with those elements.
Lost and Found was told in such a flowery yet powerful way that makes readers like me thinks that there is really a deeper façade to the story. I love how it also captures the country experience.
Lost and Found offers to us a story that is somewhat different from the New Adult novels that surfaces these days, it involves for once a bad-girl and a good guy – they fall in love despite their extreme differences and circumstances.
Rowen Sterling is the kind of girl that is full of fear, doubt and most of all pain. She never had or experienced the kind of love that certain parents give to their child for she has a mother that only sees every bad thing. And the effect of those – she tend to push people away. Though she dressed differently, I honestly don’t see her as the freak that she called herself to be. Instead, I see a normal teenager undergoing a transition on her life due to problems and pains. Upon arriving on the countryside, she easily weave into their daily routine – she helped do chores, makes friends and goes to fun events and I do admire seeing her enjoy every side of living there. I was happy for her to see her find who she really is.
Jesse Walker – the first time he came out of the picture and don’t even get me started with his tight fitting jeans I’m definitely hooked!!! I’m not really a fan of cowboy guys but this one definitely kicked my heart out of my sleeves with his kind, accepting, gentle and understanding attitude add up to this is him being all positive and rosy about everything. Now some of you might think that those qualities are overly used to some other fictional characters out there, Yes Jesse is all that but his most redeeming quality is that he didn’t try to ’fix’ Rowen. Instead, he helped her see who she really is – the good and the bad. He helped her see and feel what love is and how to love. There is definitely no other cowboy like him.
Acceptance and letting go – Lost and Found capture these subjects greatly. A light contemporary read that would surely satisfy your sweet and needy little hearts.
Oh, before I end this review, I just have a little request: An Epilogue please?
Review: Pieces of Truth (Pieces of Lies, #2)
Pieces of Truth (Pieces of Lies, #2) byAngela Richardson
My rating:3 of 5 stars
Pieces of Lies left me off the hook so it’s just a definite need for me to read the next book and I was lucky enough to be given the chance to read and review this book early. Yay!
Pieces of Truth gives us the answers to the questions that are definitely left on the first book but Pieces of Truth still did open up a new can of worms for my own intriguing mind. I was set into thinking that this sequel would tie the lose ends that the first book left but surprise surprise because aside from the answers that I needed, new twists, events, and characters are added.
The characters are still as intriguing and as ‘messing up my mind’ kind of people. Gah! I’ll begin with Norah’s annoying, whiny and dramatic moments. She really did start to get in my bones with all her ‘I love him but I doubt him’ thoughts. Please girl, I know the situation is hard but it’s not right to hang bought guys by you. 
I’m half-hearted for Clint – he has his reason for doing things and I do feel sorry for him at the end but I do know that what he did was beyond bad. Another things is that I think his character was kind of left off the hook at the end for there is no definite needing for him well aside from him moving on.
Now, Josh is the surprise here.
This is the first set of characters that I do love to hate. I know it seems silly but this group of people would surely get to your bones and ruin your thinking and may annoy you from time to time but at the end they would all suck you easily in into this messy world that they all created – it’s like you can’t escape it.
Hesitations about the story though is the still lack of further information about the secret society Lapell – the story didn’t even focus on that little part of the story, it did seem little but I think the Lapell is one of the foundation of this story and it needed a much darker highlight into it. Another thing is the too forced look on the plot of the story – I don’t know but the twists and change of heart (though I know that would happen) feels so forced. The reason behind it was even more doubtful in my opinion.
Manipulation, lies and deceit – Pieces of Truth is like watching an investigative/drama program on TV – I never know what will happen or who to trust for it was written in a believable yet unbelievable kind of way. Things ended on a good note and I’m happy to end it like that.
Thanks to the author for providing an advance copy for review.
Blog Tour: The Summer I Became a Nerd by Leah Rae Miller [Review]
Hi guys! Another blog stop here on my page. Today, It’s for Leah Rae Miller’s The Summer I Became A Nerd. I know some of you may have this hidden dorky/nerdy personality – you shouldn’t be ashamed of it and this story would surely uplift you up and teach us that its totally cool to be who you really are. So let’s this blog stop day begin!!
ABOUT THE BOOK
On the outside, seventeen-year-old Madelyne Summers looks like your typical blond cheerleader—perky, popular, and dating the star quarterback. But inside, Maddie spends more time agonizing over what will happen in the next issue of her favorite comic book than planning pep rallies with her squad. That she’s a nerd hiding in a popular girl’s body isn’t just unknown, it’s anti-known. And she needs to keep it that way.
Summer is the only time Maddie lets her real self out to play, but when she slips up and the adorkable guy behind the local comic shop’s counter uncovers her secret, she’s busted. Before she can shake a pom-pom, Maddie’s whisked into Logan’s world of comic conventions, live-action role-playing, and first-person-shooter video games. And she loves it. But the more she denies who she really is, the deeper her lies become…and the more she risks losing Logan forever.
*** MY REVIEW ***
The Summer I Became a Nerd was just adorable! I’m not really the literal nerdy type of girl – yes I do love and prefer to spend time reading or studying but on the other hand I’m also really into going out. I guess I’m just a different kind of nerd – totally not the comic book fan one but I’m still a nerd and that thing itself what appeals into me as to joining the tour for this book.
I think Madelyn is not the only who’s living a secret life. I know that each one of us has the secret identity – right-oh?
Madelyn makes a great protagonist to this story; I admit she’s not easy to like at first but seeing her as she developed, learn her lessons and be the better girl that she is at the end makes me feel proud of her. Though I get the feeling that she exaggerate things at times I know that the way that she acts makes the whole story believable and realistic.
Logan is the nerd guy I never even anticipate to like! He is such an adorable piece of thing. He’s thoughful, sweet and plainly adorable! He’s the type of geek that greatly complements Madelyn. I know that his passion for comic and LARP runs deep into his heart.
The romance on the story was like another breathes of fresh air. I find myself thinking that I would never ever get tired of YA romance – from the cute, awkward and sweet moments to the petty fights. The imperfection of starting the relationship was just so cute.
The story is not all about the cutesy and dorky notes; the issue of friendship, popularity and relationship are all well-discussed and mixed into the story.
The book ended in a really good note. The characters have shown great development plus the lesson behind it was well done! I do admit that a lot of comic references and LARP thing don’t even make sense to me but the way that the story was conveyed and seeing Logan and Maddie getting giddy over those stuffs is enough for me to be engrossed to it.
It was fun, easy, enjoying and such an adorable read! If you’re also an undercover nerd – now is the time to come out of your shells and join this amazing story of two nerds showing us that being yourself is totally totally cool!
*** AUTHOR GUEST POST ***
THE SUMMER I BECAME A NERD PLAYLIST
Ah, music… Music is essential for me when writing. I find it helps me nail the vibe of a book. And sometimes it can inspire a whole scene. If you’d rather just listen to the songs instead of watching the videos, I’ve made a playlist here: http://www.playlist.com/playlist/22986605323
This song set the whole vibe for TSIBAN. I wanted the book to be fun, rocking in some places, and sweet in others. It’s a great song for any fun, summery read, imo.
I felt this song kind of explained a lot feelings between Logan and Maddie. In fact, this is Maddie’s ringtone which is mentioned a couple of times in the book. There’s even a cute guy with glasses in the video.
This has to be my favorite song on the playlist. It’s totally nerdy, fun, and will get stuck in your head super fast. I listened to it over and over while writing. It also inspired a specific fun scene. I don’t want to give anything away so I’ll just say “the aquarium”.
This was a song I thought expressed some of Maddie’s feelings. I pictured her listening to it over and over during some of her dark moments.
This was just a fun song to put on when I wanted some sweet moments between Logan and Maddie. It’s the perfect kind of summery love song.
This song just plain rocks. I listened to it over and over while writing the final LARP scene. It’s just a raw expression of how awesome a girl can be.
The finale song. A sweet, lovely song that I believe fits the book perfectly. It has to do with being yourself and finding that person to be yourself with.
** A huge amount of Thank You to the author for providing this playlist to us readers.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Release Day: UNTOUCHED by Melody Grace
Emerson Ray is trouble. Juliet knows it the minute she lays eyes on Cedar Cove’s resident bad boy. Forced to spend her summer before college in the sleepy beach town, she never expected to crash into the most devastating guy she’s ever met—or for Emerson’s blue eyes to strip through her dark secrets, and make her feel a desire she’s never known. Their connection is undeniable, but Juliet is torn. She knows, once she gives him everything, there’ll be no turning back.
Juliet McKenzie is dangerous. Emerson can tell from the way she blows through all his defences, laying bare the demons he’s carried alone all his life. He’s left a trail of broken hearts and empty beds in his wake, but Juliet is different. Her innocence is intoxicating—and the passion she keeps hidden, just below the surface. He wants to be the only one to set it free, but with every kiss, he’s closer to losing control and doing the one thing he swore he never would: fall in love.
One summer. Two damaged hearts. Their story is only just beginning…UNTOUCHED is a prequel novella to the USA Today Bestselling UNBROKEN. It also can be read as a stand-alone story.
“Ready for what?” I ask, as he turns out of town.
“This is our first date.” Emerson announces.
“Really?” I laugh. “I thought we were a long way past that.”
Like, three bases past.
I blush at the reminder, and I can tell from his wolfish grin that Emerson’s thinking the same thing.
“A girl like you deserves a real date,” Emerson declares. “Not just groping in the dark somewhere.”
“In case you’ve forgotten, I kind of liked the whole groping in the dark thing,” I say, amazed at my boldness.
Emerson laughs. “Only kind of? Sweetheart, if that was you kind of liking something, I can’t wait to see what happens when you love it.”
“You’ll just have to find out then, won’t you?” I tease.
“Oh, I will. Believe me, baby. I’ve got plans for the two of us.” Emerson gives me that look again, dark and wild. He curves his lips into a teasing grin.
Melody Grace is a small-town girl turned SoCal beach lover. After spending her life with her nose in a book, she decided it was time she wrote one herself. She loves steamy romance novels, happily-ever-afters, and lusting after fictional menfolk.
Review: Hale Maree
Hale Maree byMisty Provencher
My rating:4 of 5 stars
Who still does arrange marriages?
It’s not usual, but I know there are still people, families or even tribes who do arranged marriages. It’s really not often that I get the chance to read stories scoping this subject so there is this sense of interest and intrigue in me as to how the author would convey a story with the said subject added to that is another mysterious and suspenseful event.
Since I’m already there on the story itself, I’m going to tell you guys that the story line of Halle Marre is a definite KICK-ASS!! The whole arranged marriage idea was too unused so as I’ve said I was intrigued and interested as to how the author would convey this into the story but I’m definitely glad that the author did well with it! The concept was really not believable but the author seems to have a magical storytelling skill that makes that concept believable and complete sensed. Everything from the romance to the action, to the mystery is well mixed – making the plot not forced for the readers.
The arranged marriage is not what the whole story is about, the side plot – caused by certain circumstances that leads to the arranged marriage – adds up a great mystery and hype to the story.
Oscar Marre – easy and graceful like a smoke. I was surprised to see that a character like him would have this genuine feeling of protection over his father. I know guy characters don’t usually go stumbling and succumb to their father’s wishes without any protests but though Oscar didn’t jump to the situation happily he did his best to be optimistic about it – for the sake of his father and Hale’s. He’s kind and thoughtful and patient with Hale for he didn’t force her to do anything aside from letting him earn her trust which I thought was really nice.
Hale is scared of the unknown and is confused and angry and upset not only to her father but to everything that happened. She feels that her father sold her out for money. Though she’s skittish and a bit hard to get along with – I see the true her whenever she talks with her best friend Sher.
The romance started as and easy and fun one but ended in a very romantic, deep and emotional one. Neither of the characters is jumping up and down excitedly about the situation they’re in BUT the very very good thing about it is that both parties seems met at the middle – they’re not pretty much happy about it but totally no hateful to each other. I think that kind of attitude makes it more believable. The relationship build up was so convincing and greatly done.
Hale Marre is a very unexpected but a very good contemporary read to me. It was fun and mysterious and gripping. This is my first novel written by the author and would surely not be the last.
Review: A Summer to Remember
A Summer to Remember byJessica Gunhammer
My rating:3 of 5 stars
Since this book is about summer, reading this can be compared to a time when you first set your feet on a beach you’ve never been before. You don’t know the people, the twists and turn of the place and how the waves on that part of the ocean would come to you.
Whenever I embark on a new reading that is always the exact feeling that I get but each experience is greatly different from the other. A Summer To Remember is a read that is filled with never ending unexpected turn of events. I know, I already used that very same line to my other reviews and like those reads stating that line has its pros and cons and since I’m really in the mood to write a review, I’ll start with the story’s pros:
Predictability may come handy at times when you’re reading but unpredictability is a thing that is greatly appreciated by me. This story is filled with those out-of-this-world unexpected turn of events – it may come as a positive or a negative thing but looking on the physicality of it, I do like the romantic summer love at first sight thing that happened (brings out the hopeful romantic in me – I clearly know) . Another thing is that, I like the character‘s straightforwardness to each other, other people and to the situations that lies ahead of them.
As for the cons of the story, I honestly didn’t connect with any of the characters; I think Ava and Adrian lacks a bit of ’charisma’ and passion so I really didn’t get a chance to really connect with them. BUT I think the greatest thing that bugs my mind is the ridiculous and impulsive plan that Ava did here – Why God would she move in with a man whom she just met for two weeks? And her parents, her parents agreed to this without any qualms just because she’s already 18? NO. I think that situation is a definite no no. 
Now, after reading and analyzing stuffs about Summer To Remember – I find myself thinking – What really did happen here? Stripping all the lovey-dovey stuffs and romantic scenes. It feels empty. Sigh
I know my cons seems to weigh much more than my pros and the story is far from perfect, things might get so cliché and there are things that totally bugs my mind but still the story’s fast pacing and unexpected plot carries it all. I’ll sure be waiting for the next book to arrive. 
