Asa (Marked Men #6) by Jay Crownover

Starting over in Denver with a whole new circle of friends and family, Asa Cross struggles with being the man he knows everyone wants him to be and the man he knows he really is. A leopard doesn’t it change its spots and Asa has always been a predator. He doesn’t want to hurt those who love and rely on him, especially one luscious arresting cop who suddenly seems to be interested in him for far more than his penchant for breaking the law. But letting go of old habits is hard, and it’s easy to hit bottom when it’s the place you know best.

Royal Hastings is quickly learning what the bottom looks like after a tragic situation at work threatens not only her career but her partner’s life. As a woman who has only ever had a few real friends she’s trying to muddle through her confusion and devastation all alone. Except she can’t stop thinking about the sexy southern bartender she locked up. Crushing on Asa is the last thing she needs but his allure is too strong to resist. His long criminal record can only hurt her already shaky career and chasing after a guy who has no respect for the law or himself can only end in heartbreak.

A longtime criminal and a cop together just seems so wrong . . . but for Asa and Royal, being wrong together is the only right choice to make.

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This was a very bittersweet read for me. I love the Marked Men series, and I am sad to see it come to an end. It's hard to chose a favorite, but I think Asa is definitely at the top of my list. I love the cover of this book, too (Rome's is still my absolute favorite, though). He is exactly how I pictured our little southern charmer to look like. 

What I love about this series is it's heart. At first glance, these are not the type of characters that you would necessary root for. They're tough and a little rough around the edges. However, if you look beyond the colorful exteriors, they are everything you could want in a friend or lover. They are loyal, caring, self-sacrificing, protective, and sexy as hell. All of the characters in this series are so well developed and complex, that you can't help but fall head over heals for them. 

Asa and Royal's story is no different. Their story is as much about self-love and forgiveness, as it is about two people finding their way to their own happy ending. Watching Asa and Royal learn to forgive and love themselves was so touching, and such an important message. People can change. They can make better choices and learn to do and be better. We don't have to be defined by our appearance or what others perceive us to be. This is what I learned from reading Asa and Royal's story.

Don't worry, there is still plenty of sexy time in the book, but for me, this book was so much more than just another NA novel. It's hard to put it into words, but it just felt like more. Maybe because it was the last, I don't know, but this story felt important to me. It wasn't just a book to be read and enjoyed, it was a book who's story was meant to crawl into your heart and take up residence, and it certainly did for me. I thought it was perfect. Asa and Royal are perfect. How this series ended was perfect. Book hugs all around!

I'm excited to get to know the new characters that Jay introduced that will be apart of the spin-off series, The Saints of Denver. It looks like the first book, Built, featuring Zeb and Sayer, will hit the shelves in January, 2016. I can't wait!

Surviving Antarctica: Reality TV 2083 by Andrea White

The wind and snow blow so hard, you can't see your hand in front of your face. Your heating fuel is nearly gone, and so is your food. How do you survive?

Five fourteen–year–olds face this desperate situation on a deadly journey in Antarctica. It is 2083. They are contestants on a reality TV show, Antarctic Survivor, which is set up to re–create Robert F. Scott's 1912 doomed attempt to be the first to reach the South Pole.

But in 2083 reality TV is not just an act. Contestants literally relive – or die during – the simulations of events. Robert Scott and his team were experienced explorers and scientists, but their attempt to reach the Pole proved fatal. What chance does the Antarctic Survivor team have?

This action–packed, riveting adventure – full of fascinating direct quotes from Scott's journals and other accounts of the expedition – is both a heart–wrenching drama from the past and a disquieting glimpse into the future.

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This was another Battle of Books read, and overall, I thought it was a good little adventure story. I thought the idea behind the story - five teenagers chosen to try and survive in Antarctica while the nation watches at home - was an interesting idea, almost reminiscent of a Hunger Games. I think the execution of the story fell a little short. The characters, while diverse, were somewhat flat. The plot, while full of potential, was flat and underdeveloped, giving a very shallow feel to the book. The writing was simple and lackluster, almost too elementary, and certainly not what I would expect for a book targeting 12 years and up. This is certainly no Hunger Games, and if you are expecting something along those lines, you will be disappointed. I think the story is missing an element of drama, complexity, and emotional depth. I didn't hate it, but I wasn't impressed by it either.

The Boy Who Sneaks in My Bedroom Window by Kirsty Moseley

Amber Walker and her older brother, Jake, have an abusive father. One night her brother's best friend, Liam, sees her crying and climbs through her bedroom window to comfort her. That one action sparks a love/hate relationship that spans over the next eight years.

Liam is now a confident, flirty player who has never had a girlfriend before. Amber is still emotionally scarred from the abuse she suffered at the hands of her father. Together they make an unlikely pair. Their relationship has always been a rocky one, but what happens when Amber starts to view her brother's best friend a little differently? And how will her brother, who has always been a little overprotective, react when he finds out that the pair are growing closer?

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Overall, I really enjoyed this story. I did have some issues with the plot, however. Amber is the classic damaged girl, and Liam has loved her since they were kids. In an attempt to get over her, Liam develops the reputation as a player, until Amber begins to see him in a new light. The story does deal with some heavy issues and my main issues with the plot stem from plot's timing and inconsistencies with characters. Amber and Liam's love story was sickly sweet at time, and this is definitely more YA than New Adult. 

Stop reading now if you don't want plot spoilers....

All of It by Kim Holden

Seventeen-year-old VERONICA SMITH has it all: a loving family, a funky car named Jezebel, and a plan to go to college after graduation. On the first day of senior year, she meets DIMITRI GLENN--a mysterious transfer student with gray eyes and a mischievous smile who seems determined to win her heart.

But there's something odd about Dimitri, leading Veronica to wonder if there's more to him than meets the eye. Before long she finds herself in a whirlwind romance that seems to good to be true--until a series of devastating events leaves her questioning everything. It's not until she chooses to think with her heart instead of her mind that she can rise from the ashes to learn the truth of their connection.

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A book is sometimes...just a book. A simple collection of words inked on pages in straight lines, separated by spaces and punctuation, enclosed between two covers. 

A book is sometimes...more than just a book. Sometimes it is a story that entrances the mind and nestles into your heart. All of It is more than just a book.

I was so wrapped up in this story from the very first page, that I actually had to forcefully make myself stop reading one night. I was seriously tempted to say to hell with sleep and ignore that fact that I had to get up early the next morning to go to work. My fellow book nerds will understand this dilemma well.

I don't want to give two much away, because I don't want to spoil the twist in this sigh worthy love story. While reading, I had two working theories, one of which turned out to be true. I got slightly annoyed with Veronica when she broke up with Dimitri because her life got too overwhelming, and had to remind myself that they were high schoolers, but in the end, she redeemed herself and I forgave her for her serious lack of judgement. 

This book has everything you would want in an epic romance - humor, drama, tragedy, hope, and a happy ending. This is the second book by Kim Holden that I have read, and she has become my new favorite author. This one is definitely worth your time.

Catch-22 by Joseph Heller

At the heart of Catch-22 resides the incomparable, malingering bombardier, Yossarian, a hero endlessly inventive in his schemes to save his skin from the horrible chances of war.

His problem is Colonel Cathcart, who keeps raising the number of missions the men must fly to complete their service. Yet if Yossarian makes any attempts to excuse himself from the perilous missions that he's committed to flying, he's trapped by the Great Loyalty Oath Crusade, the bureaucratic rule from which the book takes its title: a man is considered insane if he willingly continues to fly dangerous combat missions, but if he makes the necessary formal request to be relieved of such missions, the very act of making the request proves that he's sane and therefore ineligible to be relieved.

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So, this is one of those novels that I feel like everyone read in high school, but I somehow managed to avoid. Not for any particular reason, it just never ended up on any of my reading lists. As an endearing example of the American novel (and parent to the phrase "catch-22"), it always seems to show up on those "must read" book lists. So, when I needed a book with a number in the title for my 2015 reading challenge, I decided to take the opportunity to finally read it.

This was an interesting read for me. From all the reviews that I have read, it seems like a book that people either love, or hate. I'm in between. I didn't love this book, but I didn't hate it either. I simply appreciate it for what it is. I appreciate it's ironic and often disturbing sense of humor. I appreciate it's disjointed plot line and how it reflects the chaos of war. I appreciate Yossarian's desire to live and the lengths he took to avoid the war going on around him. I can understand why this book makes those "must read" book lists.

I am glad that I read it, but it is not a book that I will re-read and recommend to others (although I wouldn't not recommend it either). For me, it will simply live on as one more book that I can cross off on those "must read"  lists.

2015 Reading Challenge: A book with a number in the title

When I'm Gone (Rosemary Beach #11) by Abbi Glines

Mase Colt-Manning has always preferred his humble life as a Texas rancher to his birthright as the son of a legendary rock star. In fact, he rarely visits his father’s rarefied world in Rosemary Beach, especially if it means bunking at his vile half-sister Nan’s house—until one visit leads to a chance encounter with a young, gorgeous house maid who awakens him with her off-key but spirited imitation of a country music star…

Reese Ellis finally has her freedom. After escaping a lifetime of abuse from her parents and classmates for an undiagnosed learning disorder, she seizes the opportunity to be a house maid to some of the richest families in Rosemary Beach. But her job is in jeopardy when she causes an accident at the home of her most important client, Nan Dillon. When a hot, half-naked stranger with a cowboy’s swagger comes to her rescue, she’s intrigued—then afraid once he shows his own interest. Reese has never met a trustworthy man in her life. Will Mase be any different?

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There is not much to say about this book, except that it is yet another amazing read from the amazing Abbi Glines. Mase is the perfect cowboy/white knight and Reese is the underdog that you can't help but root for. Together they make an adorable couple. Although there is some mention of characters from previous novels, this book can be read as a stand alone (although I would highly recommend reading the entire series...it's amazing...you won't be disappointed...you're welcome in advance). Just be prepared for the cliffhanger, as the sequel is due out in June. This one got a big book hug when I finished it.

Seth & Greyson (The Coincidence #7) by Jessica Sorensen

After being betrayed by someone he thought he loved, Seth leaves for college hoping to get a new start. But leaving his past behind is more complicated than he expected, and underneath his upbeat attitude, Seth struggles with opening up to people.

Then he meets Greyson.

Seth is instantly drawn to Greyson and his sweet and charming personality. But even though he feels a strong connection with Greyson, Seth’s still hesitant to open his heart to love.

With the help of his best friend Callie, Seth realizes he needs to overcome his fear of commitment. But will he be able to finally admit how he truly feels about Greyson?

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Seth & Greyson is the last book in the Coincidence series, and I have to admit that I am sad to see this one come to an end. I was a little worried that I wouldn't be able to get into this one, not because I have anything against same sex couples, but because I didn't know what to expect. This didn't happen at all. Once again, Jessica crafts her characters in such a way that wraps you entirely in their world. Not once while reading, even the more steamy scenes, did it occur to me that I was reading about a same sex couple. Instead, they were simply Seth and Greyson, two wonderful characters falling in love.

You should definitely read the other books in the series before reading this one, as there are glimpses of other characters that would spoil the plot of early books. It was so fun to relive those peeks through Seth's eyes. After I finished it, I had the urge to re-read the whole series from the beginning again. Unfortunately, I have too many books demanding my attention right now, but I definitely see myself doing just that in the near future.

This book was a perfect ending to this series and I am quite pleased with how each couple's happy endings played out.