Read this review on my blog! --> Shine by Jeri Smith-Ready

Jeri Smith-Ready completely surprised me with Shine. So much happened! And nothing was left hanging! I seriously was in awe of just how much story was told in this last book. All the twists and new developments...all the closure. Just...wow.

Lets talk a bit about the closure. And by closure, I mean Logan. I have seen some people worried that they won’t like this book because Logan is not in it, but he is, you guys! Maybe not the way you want him to be, but his presence is very much felt. He is remembered, thought about, talked about...he’s mourned. That’s what we get to do for the people we love after they die. He wasn’t going to end up with Aura...ever. He died! I hope I don’t come off as mean or insensitive by saying that, but it’s the truth. And trust me when I say that I, too, loved Logan. So! Love him and never forget him. I know I won’t.

Aura grows into such a strong heroine in this book. She takes the lead and takes charge of so many situations. I was so, so proud of her. She’s always been smart and brave, but she shines in this book.

This series overall has tons of truly touching moments, but Shine completely stole my heart. Especially the Zachary and Aura together moments. They made my heart smile. Or anytime that Logan was brought up. And, oh God, those Zach moments when he’s finally back home. In THOSE Zach moments, I wanted to reach into the book and hug him. Our poor Zachary! He truly goes through the ringer in this book. Could more things happen to one person in one book?! He very much deserve the smexy moments in this book after all he goes through. So did Aura.

So there’s smexy times in Shine. *grins* And it is honest and romantic and real. No fading to black and waking up with feathers all over the place. I was so happy with how it all happens.

I honestly didn’t expect to see much of the Keeleys in this book, but was very happy they were. Meghan, too.  I’ve come to love all of them just as much as our main characters. I have a very soft spot for Mickey. I want to hold him and make him happy!! I was happy with how everyone ended up. Surprised a little, but totally get it. I think. :)

Oh, and I guess I should talk about the actual point of the story, which is the whole ghosts issue, right? Ok, well, color me surprised! I thought it was going to go a completely different route! But the actual resolution makes much more realistic sense.

And, oh my Ireland and Scotland! Jeri takes us on a little tour of places I dream of visiting one day. I want to go to the church pub and have a proper Scottish breakfast!!

While I’m sad that there won’t be anymore books featuring Zach, Logan, or Aura, I’m happy to still be able to interact with them on twitter. If you didn’t know, they all have twitter accounts! You can follow them at: @Salvatore_Aura, @moore_zachary, @keeley_logan. It has been such a cool experience following them. It really brings the story to life on a whole new level.

There are some series that end and leave you wanting...Shine is NOT one of those. It has earned a permanent spot on my favorites shelf.