Until There Was You was my first Kristan Higgins book. What had I been waiting for?! I honestly don’t even know where to begin explaining just how much I enjoyed this book. I LOVED it!
Every single character in this book felt so real to me. Maybe it was that Posey and Liam’s story is told through several flashbacks to their high school years, therefore letting us into their past, allowing us to understand them better, but even the secondary characters had so much life. I wanted to know what happened to everyone in this book, every single person I met. After reading the last page, I felt I was leaving friends behind. I wanted to reread it just to see them again.
I loved Posey, but man I wanted her to put her foot down so many times! With her family, with Liam, she needed to set them straight several times during this book. She was by no means a pushover, she was just too easy going to confront people about things. I loved watching her grow more and more confident, seeing for herself just how special she was.
Liam’s character really surprised me. I figured he’d just be this sexy, bad guy from her past, whose defenses Posey would brake down. And he was, in a way. I did not expect him to have so much depth. We get to know him, especially his fears, and my heart broke for him several times throughout this book.
To all of my reluctant romance readers: you should read this book. It’s perfect for anyone wanting to get their feet wet in this genre. By that I mean that if the sexytimes is what makes you nervous about reading romance, this book will in no way scare you off. ;)
Until There Was You is a book with layers and layers of story and characters, which Kristan Higgins perfects in just 300 and some pages. I loved it so much that, when finished, I hugged it close to my heart and sighed with a huge smile on my face. If you want that feeling, read this book.(less)
Damn Maya Banks for making me cry once again! The Kelly brothers always make me feel all the feelings, y’all! So why I am surprised that Nathan would do that to me? I think maybe because the twins, Nathan and Joe, haven’t been around as much as the rest of the Kelly brothers. We’ve only seen them sporadically until now. Those two will definitely steal your heart. Bet on that.
This book had the usual suspense we come to expect from this series: kidnappings, guns, helicopters, if it’s actiony and military, this series has it. But this particular book had a touch of something…more. Something…out of the norm. It definitely made for an interesting twist. And another thing that was different – the ending, while it might bring some closure to Nathan and Shea’s story, it doesn’t completely end it. It is obvious this story is not completely wrapped up when you’ve turned the last page. I’m really looking forward to its continuation.
While I loved the story and the Kelly family, I can’t say that Shea is my favorite protagonist. I don’t know what it was, but I just did not find myself making any kind of connection with her. I certainly felt strong empathy for Nathan, but Shea? Nothing. I was just indifferent towards her. I didn’t take away from the story for me, but I would have loved to have loved her.
I am always excited when picking up the next book in this series, because I really love ALL of the characters already introduced. I look forward to reading each of their books in turn. Whispers in the Dark is not my favorite of the series so far, but I did love it all the same.(less)
TENSION!! Of the sexy kind. That’s what this book was. I love...moreRead this review and enter the GIVEAWAY on my blog! --> A Perfect Storm by Lori Foster
TENSION!! Of the sexy kind. That’s what this book was. I loved it.
I just couldn’t get enough of Spencer Lark. I thought Trace (from Trace of Fever) would forever be my favorite in this series, but Spencer kind of knocked him off the pedestal! Sorry, Trace! I still love you…second. Trace of Fever is still my favorite BOOK in the series though.
I loved Spencer’s compassion, his loyalty, his competence. I loved that he was an Alpha male without being stubborn or controlling. Yeah, he was a true hero. And he was exactly the perfect person for Arizona.
I liked Arizona…though sometimes I wanted her to talk differently. That’s really my only complaint. Other than that, I enjoyed her character a lot. She’s a true survivor and I was so glad that she was open to get over her weaknesses without changing who she was. I really admired that.
I loved that A Perfect Storm centered so much of its story on Spencer and Arizona themselves. Their chemistry was great and I just wanted them to GET TOGETHER ALREADY! But I tamped down my impatience and the pay-off of when they do is glorious! They were just great together.
We also get a good dose of Dare, Trace, and Jackson working together with Spencer and Arizona, which was AWESOME! Anytime they were all together on the page, made it impossible to put this book down.
While the enemy in this book was another human trafficker, they didn’t seem as threatening as others in this series. All the fight scenes were kick-ass though. And that bar scene! Omg…as the guys say, it was a true “cluster-f***” Haha. Some hilarious moments, along with some definite intense ones.
The story had a great pace to it, especially considering so much of it was just Spencer and Arizona together. Sometimes when that happens it can me the book drag but it never got to that point in A Perfect Storm. I’ve really enjoyed this series. It’s really fantastic. I really hope Lori Foster will have more books for us, but if not, I’ll be happy with these. :)(less)
*staring at the closed book in my hands* Oh my GAWDDDD!!!
*on the drive home from work, 10 minutes after finishing book* Oh man…oh my GRRRR!! *attempts to shake steering wheel*
*talking to myself in the car* “BUT I KNEW IT!! HOW CAN I BE SO IN SHOCK?!?!”
And so it goes on much in the same fashion throughout that night. I just couldn’t stop thinking about it. The craziest thing, really, considering I knew throughout the book that it would happen that way. I JUST KNEW IT!
I don’t think there’s another book that’s made me feel physically ill after finishing it, either. Pandemonium made me hurt! Physically! My stomach was in knots for hours after finishing it!
But enough about the ending…which we all agree was “OMG!!”
Lauren Oliver created a sequel in Pandemonium that was so different than Delirium. Different in a most amazing way. I loved Delirium. The writing was amazing. But Pandemonium kicks ass! Lena in Pandemonium kicks ass! She grows into this incredible heroine.
I must say it’s a testament to Lauren Oliver’s fabulous gift of story telling that she had me crying over Alex for a whole year after reading Delirium, and yet, like Lena, I kind of put him in the back of my mind throughout Pandemonium, and just tried to move on. I was so focused on Lena’s journey, that I didn’t really have time to dwell over Alex.
I was a little upset at how easily Lena accepted that Alex was gone. I really thought she would’ve tried to figure it out on her own instead of taking Raven’s word at face value. Raven….*sigh* My feelings toward her were always a toss up. Still not sure how I feel about her even now.
One thing I loved about this book was how it isn’t written in a linear format. The chapters alternate between “Now” and “Then”. “Now” being present day, and “Then” being when Lena first arrives in The Wilds. It built great tension for when the two finally intersect and become a linear story once again.
The final book is going to be heart-wrenching. There’s no possible way it won’t be. I look forward to the heartache and stomach knots, Ms. Oliver! Bring. It. On. :)(less)
The Edumacation of Jay Baker is a bittersweet book about Jay Baker’s once-perfect fami...moreRead this review on my blog! --> The Edumacation of Jay Baker
The Edumacation of Jay Baker is a bittersweet book about Jay Baker’s once-perfect family’s spiral into Divorceville.
And as if that wasn’t bad enough, Jay is also having girl troubles. AND there’s a dude at his school who won’t lay off the gay jokes. All this going on and you know what I did most while reading this book? Laugh. I laughed so. much. The best way I can describe Jay Baker is him being the boy version of the character Juno, of the movie by the same name (because you didn’t already know what Juno I was talking about). He is so smart, so damn witty and clever. I loved him (in a brotherly way, of course). I loved waiting to see what ridiculousness he would say or think next. This book wasn’t all fun and games though. There were moments where I really felt so badly for Jay and Abby, their mom and dad. Watching their family fall apart was not easy on any of them.
There are some characters in this book who makes some highly douchey moves. I started out really disliking them, but by the end of this book, Jay Clark has redeemed them somehow, thus causing me to not hate them anymore. I like redeemable characters. :) Except Keith. Still hate that dude.
I did, however, have SO much love for Ms. Lambert. Total girl crush! I wish all teachers were like her. She knew how to reach these kids, when to step in, and when to let go. I also have a crush on Jay Baker’s dad. Weirddddd....
I must also tell you about the awesomeness of the chapter titles, which are not called chapters but tracks...
“Don’t You Remember You Told Me You’d Feed Me Pizza?”
“You Ain’t Nothing but a Hoochie Mama, I Guess”
“I Kissed a Girl and She Wasn’t That Crazy About It”
“Every Melrose Place Has Its Thorn”
“I’m Like a Jaybird, I’ll Only Blog Away”
And if by any chance you’re confused as to which song Jay Clark is so cleverly referring to, he has an actual “Playah-list” that tells you what he’s talking about at the end of the book. :)
Actually, if I could, I’d pull all kinds of quotes from this book and show them to you. But really, opening it to any page will find you a passage that will make you smile, if not outright laugh.
I look forward to many more books from Jay Clark. Especially if they will be as enjoyable as this one.(less)
Any fan of the Guild Hunter series must get their hands on this book! These four won...moreRead this review on my blog! --> Angels' Flight by Nalini Singh
Any fan of the Guild Hunter series must get their hands on this book! These four wonderful novellas were impossible to put down. I wish more authors would put out books like these, with stories of secondary characters readers love. So let me break them down for you, then you can run to the nearest bookstore to get a copy. :)
Angels’ Pawn Ooook, utterly intrigued by both Ashwini and Janvier. I need more of these two!! While we’ve met and read a little about Ash in previous Guild Hunter books, Janvier was only mentioned in Archangel’s Blade. Now having been properly introduced to the Cajun vampire, I need to know more about him. This story is action packed and full of sexual tension. It certainly had me wishing it was longer.
Angels’ Judgment I was really excited when I started reading this one and realized it’s the story of how Sara, the Guild Director, met her husband Deacon. We all know Sara pretty well by now, and we’ve met Deacon. He sounds like a wonderful husband….but this story proves him to be one strong, sexy Guild Hunter! It was an instant attraction between Sara and Deacon, and they have some great chemistry in this story. I also enjoyed reading about how Sara came to decide to take on the role of Director for the Guild. This was one story you, as a Guild Hunter fan, do NOT want to pass up!
Angel’s Wolf In this story we meet Nimra, the angel in charge of Louisiana. She has a hardcore reputation but anyone in her court, or inner circle rather, knows different. Noel has been sent to her court by Raphael. He thinks it’s because he is not seen as the same man he was before he was brutally attacked, but the real reason actually proves this wrong. This was a good little whodunit mystery. I enjoyed seeing Noel play detective. *sigh* Noel….so rough on the outside and a total sweetheart on the inside, yet with total raw sensuality at the same time. Very nice combination. :) Can’t say I blame Nimra for falling for him.
Angels’ Dance This story is integral for all fans of this series. Mainly because so much is happening in the backdrop of Jessamy and Galen’s story. Their story completely stole my heart. Galen really surprised me. He is this rough, blunt warrior with an unimaginable gentleness when it comes to Jessamy. I was completely fascinated. We get to see Raphael as a fairly new archangel. Illium also played a big role in this book, since we get to see the time when everyone is becoming worried about his relationship with the mortal he loves. I think reading that story would brake my heart. I could not bear to see my Bluebell hurt!(less)
The angel mythology in Forbidden is not groundbreaking, but I thought it had a cool twist to it. I definitely look forward to reading more about it in future books of this series. I also enjoyed the setting. It was still sunny California, but more urban than beachy, and Emerson Academy was to die for! I wish I could’ve gone to school there.
Claire, our protagonist, is smart and sensible when it comes to her newly found gifts and her attraction to Alec. I liked that she wasn’t the outsider, but also not the popular girl. Her friends were just fantastic, fun characters. I loved how they could make me laugh anytime they were on the page. She trusts them with her secrets, and together they try to find reasonable explanations for everything, including Alec.
Oh, Alec. I totally fell in love with him. While his true identity isn’t officially revealed at the beginning, we do see things from her perspective every other chapter, so we know how he’s really feeling. And oh, was it fun being in his head. Though he is a confident warrior, he is a little insecure as a “normal” teenage boy. He is through with his old gig and though he has to live the rest of his life in hiding, he wants it to just be as normal as possible. Of course, falling for Claire kind of screws up that plan, especially considering what she truly is. He is terribly cute when he gets so flustered around her. I just wanted to hug him! And did I mention he is Scottish?? Yup...couldn’t help but love him.
This book was an easy, fun, paranormal book that I devoured in a couple of days. I hadn’t heard much about Forbidden yet and didn’t know what to expect when I started reading it, but I ended up really enjoying it! I would recommend this to fans of Lauren Kate’s Fallen series, as well as Becca Fitzpatrick’s Hush, Hush series.(less)
If you’ve not read this series, there will be spoilers for you in this review...you’ve...moreRead this review on my blog! --> Black Dawn by Rachel Caine
If you’ve not read this series, there will be spoilers for you in this review...you’ve been warned.
Black Dawn was for sure one of the more intense installments in this series. I mean, they’re all intense, and their lives are always hanging in the balance, but in Black Dawn you start to feel the beginning of the end. This time is not so much the humans in danger as the vampires. The vampires actually need the humans’ help this go ‘round. Still...hands down my favorite part of this series is the relationships...
Michael and Eve have such a delicate thread they’re hanging on by in this book. They’re trying to get over the fact that Michael completely lost it in the last book and attacked Eve. It wasn’t really his fault, but Eve can’t help how she reacts to him now. All I wanted was for them to work it out. They have such a difficult relationship as it is already, with him being a vampire and her being human, but they love each other with SO MUCH. With everything, really.
Then there’s Shane and Claire, who can’t catch a break. Will they ever be happy together?! One or the other is always in danger and having to save the other. But they have such a pure love, that I believe they will survive through anything. Though once again, Shane is put through another ringer. But while in it, we discover his most deepest dreams...and it breaks my heart!! I want all that for him too!! For them! SIGH!!
Myrnin is my second favorite thing in this series, and he kind of pissed me off in this book. I understood his reasoning, I guess, but I didn’t love it. You learn early on in this series that some of the characters you love will not live through each book. Someone dies in this book and it made me really sad. But I think the most shocking moment was the ending. I was NOT expecting that scenario, and I am SO scared of what’s to come. Especially with the two most powerful vampires in Morganville on your bad side. Bitter Blood, bring it! I have faith in my favorite fab four. :)(less)
Where I Belong is chock-full of genuine characters and blossoming relationships. Corrinne starts off as a very bratty character, and had it not been for the “Dear Readers” prologue telling us to hang in there, I probably would’ve given up on her. I loved seeing her grow into a caring person who no longer held material possessions over family and friends. Seeing her open up and embrace her family was very touching.
Another thing I really enjoyed was the cool friendship-to-romance build up between Corrinne and Bubby. Though I must say that is a terrible name for a boy, lol, but I guess it’s very Texas. Their little back and forths were very entertaining and it built great tension.
Corrinne did make an insta-friend in Kitsy, the cute, bubbly cheerleading captain. I loved that she was genuinely nice. I had expected her to pretend to be nice and then do mean things to Corrinne, but no. She just wanted to be friends with her. And when she invited her places, it wasn’t with any hidden agendas. Total Texas sweetheart. I also adored Corrinne’s family. All of them for different reasons. And it was nice to read a book about them connecting to one another.
Though I live in Texas, Houston is so different from the small towns like the one Corrinne moves to, so in a way it was just as new to me. If you’re a fan of the tv show Friday Night Lights, that town has the same kind of feel as this one. They live for those Friday night high school football games and parties in open fields with beer kegs ready.
Overall what stuck with me most about this book was how good it made me feel. It’s one of those books you read when you need some happiness. So if you’re in the market for a “happy book,” this one is definitely one I’d recommend.(less)
It would seem the right words to tell you how much I loved On the Island will not come to me. I just keep replaying scene after scene from this book in my head because I’m not ready to let it go just yet. I lay down to read it Saturday night and finished it at three in the morning. I couldn’t go to sleep and lay awake wondering what would happen next to Anna and T.J. It was a journey I’d gladly read through again in one sitting.
I guess my biggest worry, and what might make others apprehensive, is that when you read the first paragraph we learn Anna is 30 and T.J. 16. I automatically thought, “How is this going to work?? Especially if she’s his teacher.”
After a few chapters I realized my worries about that didn’t need to be there. On the Island is a romance, but not one about a teacher and her underage student. It’s one about a couple of people, stuck on an island, that form an unbreakable bond and help each other heal and survive. There were times where I was on the edge of my seat, thinking that one or the other character wouldn’t make it another day. There were times where my heart soared for them and times when it broke for them too.
It’s difficult to say too much about this story without spoiling it. Just know that it has heart and hope and love pouring out of it in waves. Thank you, Tracey Garvis Graves, for giving me one of my favorite reads this year and I urge all of you to read it. It will most certainly steal your heart.(less)
I don’t think there’s another story that’s ever made me felt this way. My stomach was in knots the whole. time. I finished this book and felt no closure. Even though it was given, I could not ingest it.
By the middle of this book, I had a bad feeling about everyone except Evie. Well actually, I was kind of frustrated with Evie because she was so blind. All of the secondary characters are up to no good in this book. Not one. I was left in a rage when the lies and the suspicions started unraveling.
Then there’s Evie, who is left in an impossible position. I felt rage for her as well. Also rage for the person who would never find justice because we’d never really know the truth of what happened to him.
In the end, no one would live happily ever after, but Evie would learn from it and try to make sure that her life would never be that twisted again.
Now I’ll tell you what I really loved. What really saved this book for me was that it was the audiobook. The narrator, Caitlin Greer, is just phenomenal. (Sidenote: She also narrates Becca Fitzpatrick’s Hush, Hush series and does an incredible job.) I loved her narration for that 1940s, post-WWII era. It was just perfect! And it made me feel like I was in that time period. Also, the imagery was really to die for if you’re a fan of this time period. All I could picture was 1950s Miami, and Havana nights, even though this story takes place in 1940s Palm Beach. It just had that feel. It was really engrossing.
I say approach this book with caution. It does not have a happy ending, because really, who could be happy in this situation, but it will inspire strong emotions from you. Trust me.(less)
So I may have fawned a little over Kitsy in my review of Where I Belong. She is just such a genuine, likeable character. She’s sweet and kind and embracing. I just adore her. And for those reasons and the promise of this mysterious “Art Boy,” I was completely excited to have her as the main character in A Long Way from You. We needed to get her out of The Spoke!
Kitsy meets a few people during her time in New York that really made this book pop. From Art Boy, to her new art school friends, all of their personalities were unique and interesting and what I would image true New Yorkers are like. Of course, I was completely smitten with Art Boy. He takes Kitsy on a whirlwind of New York staples and helps her experience New York Moments. Gwendolyn Heasley does a fabulous job describing it all so richly. I felt like I was the one walking around New York!
We get to see Corrinne and her family, which was really fun. Though, I was sad to discover a certain couple was a couple no longer. But I get why it didn’t work.
The “love” story in this book was really interesting. And complicated. I hate when a love interest disappoints me in a book. Especially when I was totally into him, as was our Kitsy. But then I get mad at myself for wanting our leading lady to develop something with said love interest when she has a boyfriend at home. It’s a double-edged sword and Gwendolyn Heasley has handled it expertly in A Long Way from You.
You see, this book isn’t really about a love triangle. I mean, yes, Kitsy may get a little confused there for a little while, but it’s mostly because of the overwhelming new experiences she’s going through in New York. A Long Way from You is really about a girl who’s never been able to put herself first or dream big. Someone who’s had to take on a lot more responsibility at her young age than is fair, and has done it with a smile. While in New York, she’s now able to glimpse at a life where her passion comes first.
So if you need a book that will certainly make you smile, full of art, friends, and New York, this is the perfect choice.(less)
The Angel Experiment, also known as Maximum Ride, was a total page turner. I’m so glad I finally got to read it, especially since the last book in the series, Nevermore, will be out August 6th.
The coolest part for me was getting to discover everyone’s individual abilities. Sure, they can all fly, but they also each have something unique. I think Angel definitely proved to be the most special, and I can’t wait to read more about her. I was really touched by how they really stuck together. They truly are a family, these six kids. But I guess they’ve had to be, considering they only have each other.
Of course, being a fan of romance in my books, I was really invested in Max and Fang’s interactions. I really want them to get together and become a couple! They obviously really care about each other, and I appreciate the fact that Fang, being a boy, doesn’t try to run the show. Max is a great leader, and I think he knows this too. I look forward to seeing what will blossom for those two.
Being chased all over the place by scary wolf-mutant creatures called Erasers really made this book a page-turner. Every time it seemed it was safe, they would pop out. Definitely made me wonder how they were able to track the flock down so fast, but I think this was answered towards the end of the book. I am also really curious about this mysterious voice in Max’s head. It’s helped them so far, but is it also hurting them at the same time? Playing the “game”?
As you can probably tell, I really enjoyed this book. And I am certainly planning to continue reading the rest of the series and get some answers. If you’re looking for a fast, adventurous page-turner, Maximum Ride is it!(less)
Jennifer Echols has a way of creating this incredible tension between characters tha...moreRead this review on my blog! --> Such a Rush by Jennifer Echols
Jennifer Echols has a way of creating this incredible tension between characters that always leaves me grinning like a fool. I enjoy it, oh, so much, and Such a Rush delivers plenty delectable tension.
Probably in the most entertaining, unconventional love triangle ever, Leah, Grayson, and Alec take us on a path full of yearning, excitement, laughs, frustration, and, oh yeah, sexytimes. Leah is unlike any female character I’ve yet to read. She’s gutsy, yet vulnerable. She’s aware of how people perceive her and plays into that part, which made me want to reach into the book and hug her. I love how she can be tough and a tomboy, yet also play the sexy vixen.
Leah had a relationship with her best friend that I found to have a great core, though at times their motives for certain situations were questionable. I never doubted that they cared for one another, even when they were throwing insults back and forth.
The Hall boys. Oh, man, did they make this book interesting. Alec was such a nice guy. And a model gorgeous one, at that. He was easy-going, and always ready with a smile for you. It’s impossible not to love him. The thing is, his twin brother, Grayson, had that edge that makes guys irresistible. He’s one of those boys that will say something to you so mean in the heat of the moment it will make you want to cry, then make it all better with one burning look or a passionate kiss. And you can’t help yourself! Even though he’s mean one second, and thoughtful the next, you fall hard for him anyway. That’s Grayson…and I wanted him all for myself. :) Now, go forth and fall for the Hall boys.
I was extremely surprised by how much I enjoyed learning about airplanes. Jennifer Echols wrote it into the book so seamlessly and expertly that by the end, I felt I could fly plane myself! It really should come with a “Do Not Attempt This At Home” warning, haha. There were a couple of scenes of them in the air that had me on the edge of my seat and others where I felt so serene. I just felt like I was in the plane with them.
In so many respects, never have I read a book whose book title delivered in spades. Such a Rush: you betcha!(less)
Lisa M. Stasse has delivered a fresh and exciting dystopian with The Forsaken. I got...moreRead this review on my blog! --> The Forsaken by Lisa M. Stasse
Lisa M. Stasse has delivered a fresh and exciting dystopian with The Forsaken. I got savor this one slowly, over the course of a week, and each time I had to force myself to put it down.
The world in this novel is so very unique and intricate. It’s a cross between Lost and Lord of the Flies. This island of supposed criminals and outcasts wasn’t filled with outrageous, government created species, but it had many threats, and it was divided among its inhabitants.
Alenna is a main character who wasn’t the strongest, or smartest, or the bravest of the pack, but she definitely was the most considerate and loyal. She had great character, which made her someone to look up to. I’d for sure want her in my corner any day. I really enjoyed her ever blossoming and inevitable romance with Liam. He was kind and caring, strong and brave, and also off limits to her. Alenna’s fellow villagers were very well fleshed out secondary characters. I felt like I’d gotten to know them fairly well by the end of this book and even mourned for some of them.
There were some twists toward the end that I didn’t see coming, that’s for sure. Once you get to about halfway through this book, it becomes a real page-turner! I really didn’t know what to expect next each time I turned the page, and that felt incredible. When was the last time a book did that for me?! It was a completely unexpected, satisfying read. I am very much looking forward to the rest of this series, and will most certainly be shelving it among my favorite dystopians.(less)
I’m always up for a good contemporary romance novel that features a sexy law enforceme...moreRead this review on my blog! --> Sweet Talk by Julie Garwood
I’m always up for a good contemporary romance novel that features a sexy law enforcement guy, so of course I’d be all over Sweet Talk. Plus, that cover is sexy to me. FBI Agent Grayson Kincaid did not let me down. Intelligent and fierce, with a gold, tender heart. Yup, dream guy. I was really surprised that Olivia hadn’t been in many relationships, considering she was pretty much drop dead gorgeous with a kind, generous heart, and a fun sense of humor. She did have a couple of hang ups which I guess did lend a hand to her single status. I loved how Olivia and Grayson couldn’t keep their hands of each other though! It certainly made for sexy and steamy scenes.
Sweet Talk did have a lot of story to tell, that’s for sure. It was like one thing lead to another, then led to another, giving us a whole lot of bad guys, all connected to one another somehow. It definitely made for an interesting plot, but there was a few chapters at about the halfway point where I kind of lost interest for a while. I think it was because the story kind of stalled and was at a point where they were playing a sort of waiting game. Soon things did pick up again, once the unravelings began, and I was back in it for good. So that small lull is the reason why this book, while steamy and with really great characters, is a three star book instead of four for me.
There were other characters, friends of Olivia and Grayson, who I can see getting their own stories, and I hope I get to read about them soon. I also plan to add a few more Julie Garwood titles to my library since I did really enjoy Sweet Talk for the most part.(less)
Though the cover of Dark Star is very eye-catching, it does lead people to believe th...moreRead this review on my blog! --> Dark Star by Bethany Frenette
Though the cover of Dark Star is very eye-catching, it does lead people to believe this story may be more superhero-ish than urban-fantasy, which I feel fits it better. True, the city of Minneapolis does have a vigilante that goes by Morning Star. They’ve caught glimpses of her on rooftops, wearing her iconic hoodie, but she’s not out there fighting crime, she fights demons, and she doesn’t do it alone. There’s a whole group of them called Guardians. Audrey is the daughter of the infamous Morning Star and she is completely in the dark as to what her mother really is out there fighting. But not for much longer.
I loved Audrey. She has the smart-ass qualities I love in people, that I love in myself. She has wisecracks and she knows how to use them. I especially love when she uses them on Leon --pristine, cookie-baking hottie, mother’s sidekick Leon. Though there’s not really much romance in this book, they have a very entertaining relationship with LOTS of romance potential. I want to see MORE clumsy kissing scenes in the next book, please, Ms. Frenette! :)
Audrey’s character does a lot of growing in this book. Before she is made aware of what her world is really like, she most definitely acts like a typical teenager, nothing is ever serious. She does make impulsive decisions that put her in danger, but I feel that’s all part of the learning and growing process. Until you see how your actions affect others, you can’t really grow into your potential.
There are also a whole cast of secondary characters who add so much to this story. From the human best friend, to the family with supernatural powers she never knew about it. Even her math teacher is not at all what he appears. Oh, and one of my personal favorites: Detective Wyle. There’s just something about him and his personality that I just loved. But let’s be clear...my favorite was Leon. And I want to see A LOT more of him in the next book, Ms. Frenette!!
I thought the concept and world-building in Dark Star was totally original. I really appreciated that. I hope we get to see more of the Beneath in the next book. The tone of the book is fun and light-hearted, even in its emotional and serious moments, which made it a breeze to get through.
I really want more people to take a chance on this book and read it, especially if they’re looking for something different. I think you guys will really enjoy it. And now that I’ve talked your ear off about Dark Star, I’m just going to sit here and wait for the next book to be released.(less)
Carnival of Souls is one of the most unique stories I’ve read this year so far. Melissa Marr has created this imaginative realm of daimons and witches, fights to the death, and so many secrets. It was amazinnnnnnnng!!
One of the things I loved about Melissa Marr’s Wicked Lovely series was how many characters and love stories were in those books. In Carnival of Souls, we get the same thing. There isn’t just one boy and one girl, there’s two!! And their relationships are far beyond the normal romances in YA. There’s love, but there’s secrets too. So many that I know I’ll be in heart-wrenching pain when the truth comes out, because it cannot end well for any of them.
Out of our two heroines, Mallory and Aya, I liked Aya most. Nothing against Mallory, but the problem with her character is that she’s pretty much in the dark about who she is throughout most of the book. She’s always being watched out for, and even though she’s more than capable of kicking someone’s ass, she’s almost babied the whole time. I actually fist-pumped at the end when she finally took control and started acting fierce.
Now Aya, started out fierce. The lengths she goes to to win a spot as a ruler of The City so that she doesn’t have to become just a wife and a mother with the daimon she loves are beyond most anyone’s capabilities, physically and emotionally. Aya is probably the one hiding the biggest secret of all, but you don’t have to wait long to learn what it is. I have my theories about her...parentage wise. But that’s all I’ll say about that because I don’t want to spoil anything.
Melissa Marr has a gift for creating male characters I instantly fall for, inspite of their flaws. Take Seth, Niall, Irial, and Keenan from Wicked Lovely for example. I LOVE ALL OF THEM! Ok, maybe not Keenan so much, lol, though I did feel for him. Here we have two new characters that had me swooning, Kaleb and Belias. I can’t help it..I love them already. And they couldn’t be more different from each other! Kaleb comes from the slums of The City. He’s a strong fighter and will do anything to protect and take care of his family. His heart is what really drew me to him. In turn, Belias is just a strong a fighter, but he is also high caste, meaning he’s practically royalty. What I found irresistible in him was his passion and devotion.
I loved the way they all had a voice in this book. I always want to hear what all the characters are going through and thinking. It makes the story so much more engrossing. Especially in one with so much depth. This book was also really bloody. It’s graphic, but not gross, which I really appreciated. I really loved the masks concept, that each color represented a service. That was really interesting and I hope we see more of it in future books.
Carnival of Souls swept me away, into a realm that was terrifying and beautiful at the same time. Its intricacies left me in awe and in wanting for it to continue beyond the last page.(less)
This is a great continuation of what happened after the end of Wolfsbane. Ansel AND Ren...my heart breaks for them. :( This novella is worth every pen...moreThis is a great continuation of what happened after the end of Wolfsbane. Ansel AND Ren...my heart breaks for them. :( This novella is worth every penny.(less)
From the moment I received Justice at Cardwell Ranch, I was totally intrigued. I mean, look at that cover! Hot cowboy? Sign me up!
The story is a murder mystery at its core, but it’s also about family and realizing where home really is. This is actually a sequel of sorts to Crime Scene At Cardwell Ranch. It involves the same family and some of the same characters, but even though I hadn’t read the first one, it did not take away from Justice. It definitely stands very well on its own.
Jordan Cardwell tried very hard to leave his Montana roots behind, and for a while he succeeded, but he’s now a different man than he’d been the last time he was home and things are feeling more right than ever. Especially with Liza Turner around.
Jordan’s childhood best friend committed suicide their senior year, and it has always seemed like such an unbelievable act to Jordan. Considering his best friend was independent, hard working, and very much looking forward to seeing the world after graduation. So when he gets a phone call dredging it all up, he is determined to find out what really happened to him. Except then someone killed his source. So Liza decides to help Jordan while at the same time solving the murder of the source. Right off the bat, Jordan and Liza have great chemistry together. They worked well together too.
As the mystery unravels piece by piece, we get to meet all kinds of interesting characters. We also get to see a lot of Jordan’s family.
I really enjoyed this book, and as hard as I tried to guess who the guilty party was, I never did get it quite right. I’m also going to look up the first book in this duology and learn more about the Cardwell family. :)(less)
Rachel and Ethan...I'm glad we get to see them come to a good place finally. This novella is a great addition to the series, especially if you've been...moreRachel and Ethan...I'm glad we get to see them come to a good place finally. This novella is a great addition to the series, especially if you've been curious about these two.(less)
I don’t think I’ve ever read a series that started out lukewarm for me then have me c...moreRead this review on my blog! --> Entice by Jessica Shirvington
I don’t think I’ve ever read a series that started out lukewarm for me then have me completely freaking out about it’s amazing sequel. Nope, I’m sure there hasn’t been.
Entice took the story to a whole new level. Now that Violet is settling into her powers and no longer under the influence of Phoenix, she has become a truly admirable heroine. Sure, she still feels unsure about a lot of things, but when she knows she’s right on about something, her confidence shines. I really loved her growth in this book. Another added element to Entice was the addition of more characters closer to Violet’s age in the Grigori world. I cannot express to you how much I loved Spence in particular. He was truly endearing, even in his crazier moments.
I was really happy to see Violet and Lincoln explore their feelings for one another. Oh, boy, did they explore!! And even though Phoenix is still in the picture, it didn’t feel like much of a love triangle in this book, which I enjoyed. I will never complain about more Lincoln and less Phoenix, so please, Ms. Shirvington…more Lincoln, please! :D
Entice did feel like a whirlwind of a mission for this characters. There was a lot going on, and a lot to keep in mind for the rest of the books to come in this series. Never once did I find myself lost though. The pacing was perfect and definitely made for an unputdownable book!
While Entice might not end on the happiest of notes, I still found myself hopeful for these characters. I see a lot more crazyness to come in the next installment, but hopefully also a lot more of the steaminess I thoroughly enjoyed this time around. Fantastic sequel! I can now confidently say that I’m a fan of this series.(less)
WOW! Stealing Parker was really, really great! I don’t even know where to begin.
I guess lets start with Parker. Parker is a girl whose world was completely turned upside down when her mother decided to reveal that she’s gay. Parker is so lost that I just wanted to jump into the pages, take her hand, sit her down and tell her all the things she’s learned by the end of this book. It really broke my heart to see how lost she was, guys. I FELT for her, I really did. And all those bad decisions! It was like watching a train wreck about to happen. What also really got to me was all the people in her life that turned on her after her mom came out...especially her church. It’s one of my biggest problems with some churches and with people who claim to be Christian, how utterly ugly they are to other human beings. It gets my blood boiling, so lets move on before I start throwing f-bombs on this review. I was also really disappointed with the adults in Parker’s life. Way to be there, guys! I can’t believe nobody thought it strange or thought to talk with Parker about what she’s been going through, or why she quit playing softball so suddenly. Her feelings of abandonment came through so clearly and loudly. I had a lot of feelings with this book, ok! SO MANY FEELINGS!
So I had to be realistic going into this book and knowing that OBVIOUSLY the coach thing was not going to work out. Because while all those fun, flirty moments that developed into forbidden, steamy make-out sessions left me ALL KINDS of hot and bothered, I knew they were wrong. And like Parker questions, why do all those wrong things feel so good?! GAH! All I could do was wait for sh*t to hit the fan. And it was awful ya’ll and I felt so awful for her. Not him. He should’ve known better.
Who Parker does actually end up with is actually a little bit harder to pinpoint at the very beginning. You meet the boys in the book, and while you think it might be the best friend, if you’ve read Catching Jordan you know it won’t be him, so it leaves us wondering if the coach thing is really what we’re going with. I liked the slow development of this aspect of the story a lot because, for me, it gave some unpredictability, which is always nice.
Overall I completely loved this story because of how real it felt. I really love the authenticity and the honesty in Miranda’s writing. I seriously cannot wait to read more from her.(less)
It was very exciting for me to find out that Julie Kagawa would be continuing to wr...moreRead this review on my blog! --> The Lost Prince by Julie Kagawa
It was very exciting for me to find out that Julie Kagawa would be continuing to write the world of the Iron Fey in The Lost Prince, this time with Ethan, Meghan’s little brother, as the main character. Ethan stole our hearts as the sweet little boy with the brown, curly hair and blue eyes. It broke our hearts every time he would be left behind. Well, Ethan Chase is a baby no more...and his heartache over Meghan has turned into anger.
Having to reconcile little Ethan with the brooding, good-looking guy he turned into was only difficult for merely a moment. And even though he outwardly displays this persona, one of a tough, brooding loner, I could immediately tell that his heart was still the same: big and golden. It gets really difficult for him to keep up that disinterested façade when Mackenzie, or Kenzie for short, strolls into his life. Kenzie has got to be one of the easiest characters to like. Her personality is easy and friendly, and she is quick-witted, which is an attribute I love in my heroines.
The quest that Ethan is thrust into is not something he ever wanted to deal with. Having to rescue a friend from the Fey he hates, and having to accept their help in the process, was the last thing he ever imagined doing. But our Ethan has a heart of gold and would not let this go without a fight. And here is where things start to get really adventurous...in the Nevernever.
I was most excited to see how the Nevernever had changed since we last saw it in The Iron Knight. Julie Kagawa paints such a pretty picture of the progressive Iron Kingdom! The rest of the Nevernever is as it always was. And if we see the Iron Kingdom it means we see the Iron Court, right? YES! We pretty much see all our favorite and some not-so-favorite characters in this book. But the best surprise is the inclusion of a new character, one with silver hair that appears in The Iron Knight not as a real character...yet. I was not expecting this character to be in this series..had not even considered it! I think I was more excited to have him in this series than I am of Ethan! I won’t say the name, but if you know who I mean just vaguely tell me in the comments so we don’t ruin the surprise for others. :)
Overall, The Lost Prince has all the elements of adventure that I loved from the Iron Fey series. The only thing I felt was missing was that epic love story element...at least from Ethan, because we kind of do get it from our new character. It kind of made me hope that we maybe get a book from his point-of- view. Maybe? Hopefully? Pretty please, Julie!! :D In any case, Iron Fey fans will not be disappointed with this new spin-off.(less)
In Before and Ever Since, Sharla Lovelace gives us such a compelling story. Not only was this a story about love—found, lost, and found again—but also about what makes a family a family. It’s also about secrets, the good and bad they can bring.
I completely loved this story. Aside from being compelling, it was also magical. I don’t think I’ve ever been so wrapped up in the lives of characters so quickly as I was with these, but that’s probably because Ms. Lovelace throws us for a whirlwind right from the start. I loved that! No build up, just...”get ready, folks! Shtuff’s about to hit the fan!” I didn’t expect to have such depth to the love story between Emily and Ben. I mean, they had a thing when they were teens, I didn’t realize how much bigger than a “thing” it actually was. It was one of those epic friendships from childhood that turns into love, only to have it break your heart in the end. But who did the breaking, reeeeally? I thought I knew...
But now Emily and Ben have gotten a second chance at...something, and no matter how hard they try to fight it, their sparks are undeniable and, oh, so obvious to everyone. I loved their chemistry. And I loved how it was all laced with this tension that was so very palpable. I also really enjoyed the complicated family dynamics. I loved Emily’s mom for wanting to go out and have an adventure. I really enjoyed Emily’s relationship with her daughter, and even the relationship with her sister.
I think the biggest surprise was finding out just how real and emotional this story turned out to be. Even with its fantasy/supernatural elements, where Emily somehow was seeing the past, even then it felt so real. The emotions from these characters were so vivid for me, I cried a few times toward the end. What can I say? When characters and their stories are written this well, I can’t help but feel so invested. And so for all these reasons, I’m really looking forward to reading more from this Texas author.(less)
I was both nervous and really interested to read Who I Kissed just after reading what...moreRead this review on my blog! --> Who I Kissed by Janet Gurtler
I was both nervous and really interested to read Who I Kissed just after reading what this book was about. A girl kisses a boy to make the one she likes jealous and he dies because of what you had as a snack? I wasn’t sure if I wanted to jump into what appeared to be an emotional book. I’m glad I decided to just go with it.
While Who I Kissed is an emotional book, I never felt like it was dragging me down into some dark hole. It deals a lot with grieving and guilt, and with making not so right decisions, but it gives a sense that things will look up soon. That this is just a rough patch.
I liked the story very much. It opened my world up to how serious a food allergy can be. Not that I didn’t think it wasn’t serious before I read this, but not having anyone in my life having to deal with such issues didn’t really put it in perspective for me. I now feel a little more educated. Thank you, Janet Gurtler. I was so glad that this book didn’t turn into a witch hunt story though, where Sam is ostracized for what happened with Alex. I don’t think I could’ve handled people not seeing this for what it was, an horrible accident.
I enjoyed the characters as well. I wasn’t a fan of Sam’s decisions most of the time, but I can understand why they happened. I was just glad she came around in the end. I enjoyed Sam’s dad and aunt a lot, and it was nice seeing family so involved in the main character's life. The romance was a little rocky in this one, but it was to be expected due to the circumstances.
All in all, I really liked this book. It reminded me of Sarah Dessen’s books a little bit, which is always a very good thing, as I love Sarah Dessen. This won’t be the last I read of Janet Gurtler either. I plan to pick up her other books soon.(less)
Jess (Gone with the Words)
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