Obsessed With Covers #8: Spirit, Let The Storms Break, Unhinged, Ruins

Y'all know how much I love a pretty cover. I think about...40% of the books that end up on my shelves (be they physical or digital) do so because of the covers. Call me shallow but you have to admit that a pretty, shiny cover will catch your eye faster than a dull, boring one. Two, simple rules that I'll follow:

• 1, 2 or 3 (no more than 3, though) covers per week;
• books should be new-ish; no more than 2 years old.

Oh, before I share the covers that made me drool or want to stare at them for hours and hours, I have to say something. This is a semi-original idea. Why semi? Because almost every book blogger has something similar. The only thing I came up with was the title. If by any chance there's another blogger with a similar feature with the same title, I assure you I'm not stealing your idea. I'm just THAT bad with titles. Believe me, I'd love to be smarter and have a witty name for this feature, but I don't. So, no copyright infringement/theft/steal or anything of the sort was desired. All I can say is sorry :P

So, here are the prettiest covers I've seen this week.

Wow I love the silhouettes of the trees behind the girl, I love the smoke wings, I love her almost smile, like she knows something no one does. Like she's daring everyone to get near her or to try and find out her secrets. Can I have some wings like that?











Spirit by Shauna Granger

 I loved the first cover of this series, I love this one as well. The cover artist did a great job! I love how there are white-blue clouds and how there's dust around the two characters.












Let The Storms Break by Shannon Messenger

I don't think this cover needs any reasons to be loved. Just look at those colors! And his tattoo is just fabulous! Yup, me likey!













Unhinged by A. G. Howard

This cover is quite creepy, if you ask me. I love the sea, but sea storms freak me out a little (unless it's a sunny day, I'm at the beach and I can swim under the waves...yes, I'm a tad deranged *grins*). I love the fact that, like with all other covers in this series, you can't see the model's face. And I love the sunset, giving that storm an even creepier look. Sort of like telling you it can always get much worse than you think.









Ruins by Dan Wells

These are just a few of the covers I saw and adored last week. Believe me when I tell you I had to restrain myself from adding more to today's post. There's always next week, right?

What are your favorite covers you saw lately?

Book Review: Skinny Bitch in Love by Kim Barnouin

Author: Kim Barnouin
Series: N/A
Publisher: Gallery Books
Release Date: June 4th 2013
My Rating: 4 cups
Source: NetGalley
Blurb (from Goodreads):

From the coauthor of the phenomenal #1 New York Times bestselling Skinny Bitch life­style series—a clever, kick-ass novel about friendship, romance, and making healthy choices both in and out of the kitchen.

Clementine Cooper is a born vegan, com­mitted in every way to the healthy lifestyle she was raised with on her father’s organic farm. But how bad could a little butter be? Bad enough to get the ambitious and talented sous chef fired when an influential food critic discovers dairy in Clem’s butternut squash ravioli with garlic sage sauce. Though she was sabotaged by a backstab­bing coworker, Clem finds herself unceremo­niously blackballed from every vegan kitchen in L.A.

Like any vegan chef worth her salt, however, Clem knows how to turn lemons into delicious, cruelty-free lemonade cupcakes. She launches the Skinny Bitch Cooking School in hopes of soon opening her own café in an empty space near her apartment. But on the first day of class, sexy millionaire restaurateur Zach Jeffries puts a fork in her idea with his own plans for the space—a steakhouse. Clem is livid. For a carnivore, Zach is more complicated than she anticipated. He’s also a very good kisser. But could dating one of the most eligible bachelors in the city—and a meat-eater—be as bad for Clem as high-fructose corn syrup? Shouldn’t she fall instead for a man who seems to be her perfect match in every way—like Alexander Orr, a very cute, very sweet vegan chef?

Clem thought she was open-minded, but as she confronts the challenges of budding entrepre­neurship, old rivals, ex-boyfriends, and tempting suitors, she begins to wonder if she can ever say “I love you” to a man who hates tofu.

Before I start my review, let me say that I am not a vegan/vegetarian. I don't judge those of you who are, but I am not a vegan. Just wanted to get that out of the way.

The first thing that drew me to this book was, quite honestly, the cover. You know I like cartoonish covers, so it's not that surprising. I thought it was a fun cover and after reading the blurb I was convinced I had to read the book. Plus, you all know just how much I love chick lit.

I loved Clem. She was like a breath of fresh air. She's a very strong woman, she doesn't beat around the bush, you won't see her trying to sugarcoat things and she's one of those women that want to do things on their own, no matter how difficult the road to get there is. I also liked how ballsy she is. Yup, she's my kind of gal :-)

Zack is...well, he's hot. Infuriating sometimes, but hot. I think the reason he was attracted to Clem was because she was so different than what he was used to.  I could actually feel that at times he was frustrated by her unwillingness to accept help, but he eventually came to terms with it.

By the way, when you read this, make sure you have some tasty noms nearby. There were these scenes with cooking and...man, did they sound tasty! Besides the food and the romance, you get some funny scenes too.

I am wondering if this book will turn into a series. I would so read it if it did. So go ahead and read Skinny Bitch in Love if you're in the mood for some fun reading. You'll love it :)

Disclaimer: I received this galley in exchange for an honest review. I did not receive any financial compensation for my review.

Book Review: Shadows by Jennifer L. Armentrout

Author: Jennifer L. Armentrout
Series: Lux 0.5
Publisher: Entangled Publishing
Release Date: February 21st 2012
My Rating: 4 cups
Blurb (from Goodreads):

The last thing Dawson Black expected was Bethany Williams. As a Luxen, an alien life form on Earth, human girls are…well, fun. But since the Luxen have to keep their true identities a secret, falling for one would be insane.

Dangerous. Tempting. Undeniable.

Bethany can’t deny the immediate connection between her and Dawson. And even though boys aren’t a complication she wants, she can’t stay away from him. Still, whenever they lock eyes, she’s drawn in.

Captivated. Lured. Loved.

Dawson is keeping a secret that will change her existence...and put her life in jeopardy. But even he can’t stop risking everything for one human girl. Or from a fate that is as unavoidable as love itself.

Wow! I just read this book last night, so I'm still a bit shocked by it. I wasn't expecting that. I've had the Lux series on my TBR pile for a while now, but last night, after seeing the amazing cover for Origins I decided to start reading the series right away. It was also the first book I read by J.L. Armentrout and I can honestly say it was just as I expected it to be: amazing.

I have to say that I fell completely in love with Dawson. He was such an easy character to like. I was hoping he and Bethany would find their happy ever after and get a happy ending. Of course, those of you who've read the book, you know how the story ends. It was sad and tragic and heartbreaking. I had a moment of doubt right at the beginning, when I thought that maybe something bad would happen, but I decided to think happy thoughts and pink unicorns instead.

I'm not exactly sure it was a smart decision to read this novella first, though. I mean, I'm hoping Daemon, Dawson's brother, will be just as lovable. Dawson pretty much broke my heart at the end, but I loved him. I have very high expectations :D

There is a big reason why I can't give this book a full 5 cups review, even though that's what it should get. And that reason is called insta-love. Though it was done beautifully, I still can't say I'm a fan of this "boy meets girl, girl meets boy and BAM! pink hearts" theme.

Anyway, insta-love or not, I loved this novella and I will now start reading the rest of the novels.

Waiting on Wednesday #12

"Waiting On Wednesday" is a weekly meme hosted by Jill at Breaking The Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.


My pick this week:

Styxx by Sherrilyn Kenyon
Blurb (from Goodreads):

Just when you thought doomsday was over...
Centuries ago Acheron saved the human race by imprisoning an ancient evil bent on absolute destruction. Now that evil has been unleashed and it is out for revenge.

As the twin to Acheron, Styxx hasn’t always been on his brother’s side. They’ve spent more centuries going at each other’s throats than protecting their backs. Now Styxx has a chance to prove his loyalty to his brother, but only if he’s willing to trade his life and future for Acheron’s.

The Atlantean goddess of Wrath and Misery, Bethany was born to right wrongs. But it was never a task she relished. Until now. She owes Acheron a debt that she vows to repay, no matter what it takes. He will join their fellow gods in hell and nothing is going to stop her.
But things are never what they seem, and Acheron is no longer the last of his line. Styxx and Acheron must put aside their past and learn to trust each other or more will suffer.
Yet it’s hard to risk your own life for someone who once tried to take yours, even when it's your own twin, and when loyalties are skewed and no one can be trusted, not even yourself, how do you find a way back from the darkness that wants to consume the entire world? One that wants to start by devouring your very soul?

I think I mentioned once or twice that I love am obsessed with Kenyon's Dark Hunter Series. I have to admit that, like most of the readers of this series, I didn't like Styxx in the beginning. At all. Somewhere along the way though, I started thinking that maybe he's not such a big bastard. So you can imagine how happy I was when I heard that there's going to be a book just for him. I already have enough supplies of tissue boxes and headache pills, because I expect to cry like a baby, just like I did with Acheron. I'm scared of this book, but I can't wait to hold it and read it.

So that's me. Now it's your turn. What book are you anxiously waiting for?

Top Ten Tuesday #3: Top Ten Most Intimidating Books

Top Ten Tuesday is weekly meme created at The Broke and the Bookish.
Each week, they will post a new Top Ten list that one of the bloggers at The Broke and the Bookish will answer. Everyone is welcome to join, just link back to The Broke and the Bookish on your own Top Ten Tuesday post AND add your name to the Linky widget so that everyone can check out other bloggers lists! If you don't have a blog, just post your answers as a comment. Have fun with it! It's a fun way to get to know your fellow bloggers.

Top Ten Most Intimidating Books
(might be intimated by size, content, that everyone else loves it but you are sure you won't etc)

1. Any book by Stephen King - I've tried reading his books, but they're painfully slooooooooow. 
2. Game of Thrones by George R.R. Martin - I'll be painfully honest and say that I watched only a few episodes of the show. I wasn't wowed - nothing against the show, but judging by the experience with True Blood, I'm not exactly fond of HBO's book adaptations. That's the first reason. The second reason is that loved characters seem to have a short life span in this series. I hate putting so much heart into a book/series/character just to have them die.
3. The Casual Vacancy by J.K. Rowling: I loved Harry Potter, as you all know. I'm not sure I am ready for Rowling's book without magic.
4. Any book by Alexandre Dumas: My parents love his books. All of them. And they've always given me glowing reviews of his books. And some of my friends love his books. I am afraid to be disappointed, but also, I'm intimidated by his language. Also, I can't say I'm a fan of the classics.
5. Jane Austen: Strange, since I've read Pride & Prejudice more times than I can count. The reason is the same as for #4
6. Anna Karenina by Leo Tolstoy: Usually I'm not terrified by huge books, but this one manages to scare me.

I don't have a top ten list, because not many books intimidate me. Or at least I can't think of any other books, besides the ones on this list. If I think of something else, I'll add it :D 

What about you? What are ten books that intimidate you?

Tv Madness: Scandal

I haven't been feeling so well the past few days, what with lack of sleep, stress and weird weather, so I decided to watch something new, something completely out of my comfort zone. I've watched detectives solving the most unusual crimes, I've seen people hunting mythical creatures, doctors racing to save lives, but I've never ever watched a show about politics and media. After a lot of thought and some great reviews from my friends, I decided to watch Scandal. Man! I never expected it to be so good!

I was ready to be wowed, at least in the beginning, but the feeling never went away. I have to admit that my initial... let's call them doubts, were due to the fact that both this show and Grey's Anatomy have the same producer. And let's face it, killing Lexie and McSteamy ruined that show for me *sobs*

But Scandal is a great show. What I like is the twists and turns each episode has. And I love the actors and how well they act. I remember an episode in season 1 where Cyrus is in Oval Office and he has an amazing monologue and he's ranting at Fitz for something the president did (don't want to give it away in case you didn't see that particular episode :-) ). That scene gave me goose bumps, it was so good. I think I watched it about five times. And all actors have these amazing scenes where each of them shine, in a way I've never seen other shows do. You usually have two, three, four main characters that have big scenes and the others have minor scenes or just regular screen time. In Scandal though I felt as if each character has a major role to play in the story.

I'm halfway through season 2 (I'm not rushing to finish it yet... long summer *pouts*) And I can't get enough of it.

Have you watched this show? If yes, what do you think of it?

Book Blast: Never Too Far by Thomas Christopher & Giveaway

Never Too Far
by Thomas Christopher
Kindle Edition, 272 pages
Published May 10th 2012 by Kalmaha Press

A harrowing story of love and survival.

In a future of scarce resources, where the possession of gas and diesel is punishable by death, a teenage boy and a pregnant girl must save their impoverished family. They risk their lives on a terrifying journey to sell stolen fuel on the black market.

Mary surprised Joe by knocking his arms away. She was stronger than she looked. Then she swept her legs off the bed and sprang to her feet. She took two steps and turned to face him as if to prove there was nothing wrong with her. But there was definitely something wrong. She wavered a moment. Her already white face turned ghostly. Her eyelids trembled. She seemed to realize she was becoming faint, and what that meant.

“I’m fine,” she said. “You don’t have to go.”

Joe got ready to catch her in case she fell, but somehow she held herself steady.

“It’s okay,” Joe said. “Just sit down. I will go find some food.”

Joe inched toward her. He was afraid to grab her again because she might try to wrench free once more and really fall. When she coughed, her little shoulders jerked and her round stomach jumped. Her head was drooped low and her hair hung down so he couldn’t see her face at all.

“Come on, lay down,” Joe said.

She didn’t move. Joe stepped toward her, but before he could put his arms around her, she tilted forward and rested the crown of her head against his chest. He slid his arms along the sides of her hard belly and around her waist. Then he shifted her toward the bed again. She moved like a bundle of empty sacks in his arms. He set her gently on the bed before he bent down to lift her feet onto the sheets.

After he sat in the chair, Mary asked him, “What if you don’t come back?”

“That’s not going to happen,” Joe said.

“How do you know?”

“I just know. You have to trust me.”

Purchase your copy today!

__________________________________________________________________

Thomas Christopher grew up in Iowa, where he graduated from the University of Northern Iowa. After living in Seattle and Montana, he received his MFA at Western Michigan University. He has published short stories in The Louisville Review, The MacGuffin, Redivider, Small Spiral Notebook, Cooweescoowee, and other places. He was also awarded an Irving S. Gilmore Emerging Artist Grant and was a finalist for the Matthew Clark Prize in Fiction. Currently, he lives in Wisconsin with his wife Jessica and their son Holton.

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Book Review: Unbeautifully Loved by Emma Grayson (+18)

Author: Emma Grayson
Series:  Breathe Again #1
Publisher:Emma Grayson
Release Date:April 25th 2013
My Rating: 5 Cups
Source:Review copy provided in exchange for an honest review
Blurb (from Goodreads):

In three words I can sum up everything I learned about life. Regardless of the shit going on in your life, this fact still remains.

It. Goes. On

Lexie Todd knew these 3 simple words. They were her mantra. So, after dealing with years of abuse at the hands of her boyfriend and the father of her son, she knows what needs to be done. With help from her best friend Mollie, they go on the run.

After months of being on the run they finally find the perfect town to settle in. Unable to trust and always having her guard up, the last thing Lexie wants is to get involved with Lukas Gunn.

Persistent, annoying, bossy, over protective and extremely hot, Detective Lukas Gunn.

After an incident leaves her vulnerable, Lukas knows there’s something haunting her. He’s determined to find out, wanting to protect her and make her his. But Lexie is determined also. Not wanting to give up her past, she pushes him away. Repeatedly.

But when history repeats itself, will Lexie finally be able to trust those around her to keep her safe? Will Lukas be able to save her? Or will Lexie succumb to only knowing what it’s like to be Unbeautifully Loved?

******************************
**Warning**
This book contains the following and is recommended for ages 18 and up.


-Sexual content.
-Abusive subject matter
-Attempted rape
-Language

Have you ever read a book that took you so much by surprise it left you a little breathless? That’s how I felt right after finishing Unbeautifully Loved. Lexie and Lukas’s story was so beautiful, it made me not want to leave it’s pages for a long, long time.

Lexie has had a rough life. At only 26 she went through some pretty horrible things, so horrible I have no idea how she managed to escape them. I liked that even though she is tired and scarred by her past, she has enough strength in her to not let them rule her entire life.

Lukas was an amazing hero. Sexy and funny, he’s also very perceptive and very honest. He saw through all of Lexie’s walls, defenses and fears and managed to get to see the real woman that she should’ve been all along. He protected her when she needed it, even though at times he might have come across as way too stubborn for his own good.

I loved this book. Some parts where a little predictable, but they didn’t pull me away from the story. I would love to see a HEA story for Mollie. I loved her and she deserves it after everything she did for Lexie.

Now I’m waiting for the next book in this series, Unbearable Guilt. *sighs* I have to wait until October *pout*

Happy Reading!!

Reading Blogs & Eating Popcorn #3

Reading Blogs & Eating Popcorn is a weekly feature here at Ruby's Books, in which I share some of the posts written by other fellow book bloggers over the last week, posts that I loved so much I have to share. 

The first post comes from Kimba @ Kimba the Caffeinated Book Reviewer. She gives some tips on writing negative reviews. Since I started book blogging I've only written one negative review. I'm a bit... uncomfortable with the idea of writing more negative reviews. This is mostly due to the fact that, like I said many times in the past, I just tend to stop reading books I don't like even a little bit. But these tips are great, and some of them apply even to positive reviews.

The second post is from Ashley @ Nosegraze and it's about MyFreeCopyright and if it's useful or not. I think that even though it's a free service and it's not tied to any government, it can't hurt. But I do think, like Ashley says, that it doesn't do a lot to actually protect your work. But it's not nothing.

The third and last post is from Nancy @ Tumbling Books. She wrote a very cut and funny post on what happens when book bloggers get lazy. This totally sounds like me. *blushes* On a serious note though, college is why some mental health problems develop *sigh*

That's all for now! Do you have some great blog posts that you read this week that you loved and think everyone should read them? Share them in the comments below :)

Ch-ch-ch-changeees!

Hello everyone! Oh, how I've missed blogging! I know, bad blogger *blush* I won't go into details, but let's just say my life's so hectic, I don't even have time to sleep like a normal person. Which is why I'm going to make a few changes around here.

One of the most important change is that I am no longer accepting review requests. From anyone. I thought about it long and hard and I realized a few things.

• One, I don't have time. I hate writing a post or a review just for the sake of getting it up here. I want to give you the best post I can write and with the time limitations that I have now, I can't. And I'd hate to accept a review request and make a bad job at reviewing it. :-(
• Two, because I don't have enough time on my hands, I don't have time to read as much as I did. In June last year I was at my 60 books mark, this year I barely reach 30. I miss reading for days and not care about the "wasted" time, but for now it's not possible. 
• Three, I want to stop experimenting with the genres I read for a little while. I am not complaining, don't get me wrong, but I want to read in my favorite genres for now. I will go back to experimenting, because I love finding new books and reading about things I've never read before, but not for now.

This doesn't mean I'll stop blogging, it doesn't mean I won't be requesting books for review from the authors I love and stalk a little too often, it just means I don't accept review requests. 

Other changes aren't as important as this one. There might be a short period of time in which my posts will be fewer, because I don't want to do memes every day and write 1 review a week, I feel that's not me being a book blogger. I will schedule reviews and posts ahead of time (not like I did the last time I said that, I swear. You'll see!), it's just that for at least a month I won't have posts every single day of the week.

I hope you had an amazing summer so far. Mine has been mostly cold, rainy and stressful. I'm waiting for hot summer days when I can do nothing but sit in a comfy chair and read *fingers crossed*