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Cold Kiss
by
Amy Garvey (Goodreads Author)
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http://www.fictionators.com/review/cold-...
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Who doesn’t remember the all-consuming feeling of first love? I know I do. And I also know that there was a time when I might have done anything to keep it – or more specifically, him.
If only...morehttp://www.fictionators.com/review/cold-...
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Who doesn’t remember the all-consuming feeling of first love? I know I do. And I also know that there was a time when I might have done anything to keep it – or more specifically, him.
If only I had that kind of power, right?
I didn’t, for which I’m glad…but Wren does.
Unfortunately, she learns (the hard way) that wanting something doesn’t always make it right. That even if you have the ability to make things happen, it doesn’t mean you should.
After the death of her boyfriend, Danny, Wren does something that shouldn’t be possible. She brings him back to life.
Danny's charm got under your skin the way a good song got stuck in your head, and after a while you couldn't help humming it.
His reanimated self isn’t the same, though…and as time passes, she begins to realize that she’s not the same person either.
In the midst of her mistake, a new boy comes in to town. Gabriel’s tall and blond, all grey eyed and intriguing. He sees her and helps her to finally see that as much as she’s tried so desperately to hold on to the boy she loved, letting him go is the only answer.
"I saw you, Wren," Gabriel says, and his voice is so soft, a feather drifting on the air, that I close my eyes to listen. "I saw this girl with these dark eyes and this crazy hair and this fuck you look on her face, and I wanted to talk to you."
Gabriel helps her see that she deserves to be happy…and that Danny deserves to be at peace.
I love that this was a standalone book; that it had a beginning, middle and end. But, I’m not even gonna lie, it depressed the hell out of me. It started off a bit confusing, but when I figured out what was going on, I blew through most of it in one night. I couldn’t put it down. It made my heart hurt and my eyes burn with tears, but it also made me smile to see Wren learn lessons that most of us have experienced.
Garvey has an amazing way with words and descriptions, and she’s definitely earned a loyal reader in me.
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[image]Cold Kiss is unlike any story I've ever read. The summary of it doesn't really do it justice--Wren is a witch (for lack of a better word) and when her boyfriend dies in a terrible accident, she does the unthinkable and brings him back. The consequences of that act aren't something that she considered, and now she has her boyfriend back, but he's just the shell of the boy she knew. And he's starting to ask questions.
I've never been into zombie stories, so I really have no frame of reference to go by. I liked this story. I thought it was well-written and the feelings that Wren had were authentic--all of them. There was a squick factor for me, but at the same time, it was sweet and I got it.
I tilt my head up, my mouth brushing his lightly, and he pulls me closer. "Missed you," he murmurs, lips against my cheek after a second. "Always miss you."
When he finally kisses me, really kisses me, his lips are cool and dry and his arms are tight around me, fingers of one hand tangled in my hair. He tastes like smoke and ashes, the bitter weithg of wet earth, but I kiss him back, my palm resting on his cheek.
"Always want you." The words are breathed against my mouth, and I relax into the circle of his arms as he pulls me closer. He'll stop when I tell him to--he'll do anything I tell him to now...
Even though he's undead, I love how affectionate he is with her. The memories that she shares with him are so sweet and give insight to both of their characters before the accident. I felt like I knew them, and that's one of my favorite aspects of this book.
Something else that I really enjoyed is the way the story is told. We don't have Wren sitting down in the first chapter and going over her entire history. I love the way that Amy Garvey weaves their back story and history into the current story. She's a great writer, the descriptions she uses are vivid and remind me of what it was like to be in love with a beautiful boy.
He's awake, but he's not, not really--the boy I loved is buried somewhere in a body that looks familiar, but isn't really the most important part of him.
That Danny, the one who used to chase me down the street, threatening to tickle me if I didn't kiss him again, who used to piggyback me up and down the science hall after school as we left the building, who used to sing snatches of songs to me on the phone when we were both home in bed at night, he's been gone for a long time. He's the one I'm never going to be okay with losing...
Wren's character is very likable. She is a good big sister, a good girlfriend, and she wants to take responsibility for her actions. She cares about her friends and about her grades, and about her parents. She's barely holding it together, and I love that about her.
What I didn't love about this story was Gabriel. I mean, I liked him as a character, but it didn't really make sense to me that he was there. Wren knew that she had to fix the situation with Danny--she didn't need Gabriel there to come to that realization. So for me, I don't get the purpose that he served, and it felt wrong to me that she was kissing him while Danny was still in the picture. I guess that's kind of the point though, and I appreciated the fact that Wren felt guilty about it, too.
There were some loose ends that weren't tied up, like the deal with her dad and exactly where Gabriel came from or if he had any kind of special "powers". That's not even mentioning the fact that she's this--witch with virtually no idea how to focus and control her power. idk--I'm picky.
Overall, I really liked this story. Even if you aren't a zombie fan, Amy Garvey is a great writer and paints an amazing picture, and this is worth reading.(less)
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Possess
by
Gretchen McNeil (Goodreads Author)
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http://www.fictionators.com/review/posse...
How much did I love this book? Let me count the ways… Okay, I know, cheesy. But seriously… I’ve been in such a rut the past few weeks that I was discouraged. I didn’t want to start anything because I was af...morehttp://www.fictionators.com/review/posse...
How much did I love this book? Let me count the ways… Okay, I know, cheesy. But seriously… I’ve been in such a rut the past few weeks that I was discouraged. I didn’t want to start anything because I was afraid I’d be disappointed with how it turned out.
And after a string of meh-so-so books, this was a complete turn-around. It had everything I like in a book: a main character that didn’t annoy me, humor, cute boys, romance and a kickass story. Which I wasn’t sure about at first… Though I’ve always been a huge fan of supernatural paranormally type stuff, especially when it comes to Angels and Demons and possession, I had yet to find one that actually interested or intrigued me. When I was a kid, my brother and I had a huge love for horror films and even though most times they scared the crap out of me, I still wanted more. That’s what this book was for me. It wasn’t particularly frightening, but there were some seriously creepy moments that definitely had me looking into dark corners looking for shadows. Or talking dolls…
Let me tell you a little about what happens. Our MC, Bridget, is still reeling from the death of her father when she discovers she has the ability to communicate with ghosts. Specifically: demons. After learning about her ‘ability,’ she sets off on a journey of discovery: about her power, about herself, about love… and about what really happened the night her father died.
There are a few moments that are a bit predictable. There are a few points where Bridget’s immaturity shines through (but come on, she’s fifteen for goodness sake), but there were so many other highlights for me that it didn’t even matter. I enjoyed the ride and I didn’t want it to end. Sadly… it did, but it ended well. No cliffhangers! No questions! A real life beginning, middle and end! I’ve started to think authors don’t know what those are anymore… Of course, the possibility for a second novel was left open (which makes me happyhappyhappy), but I’d be fine if there wasn’t one. (Even though I would love to see more demon buttkicking and of Bridget and Matt together)
Bridget was a little badass with a sharp tongue and great wit, she had me laughing and crying and cheering her on. There’s one line in the status updates I posted that still owns me right now. It was seriously perfect.
And the boy… Matt Quinn. God, he was sweet. And I still can’t get the picture of him in the fedora out of my head. What is it about a damn fedora that’s so appealing? His feelings felt genuine and real, and I may have swooned more than once at his persistence for Bridget’s attention (definitely need more closet time in book 2, just throwing that out there).
It wasn’t just them, though. There were so many great characters in this book. Sammy, Bridget’s little brother. Hector, her gay best friend. Sergeant Quinn, Matt’s father. Fumbly little Father Santos. Poor, poor Peter Kim with the crush. Loved them all.
It’s been a while since I’ve thrown out the five-star rating, and in this case, I feel the book deserved it. If for nothing else than it really renewed my love for young-adult fiction at a time when I didn’t think there was a book left out there that would have everything I wanted in it. I hope you decide to give it a chance and read, and even if you disagree with how much I loved it, I’ll be happy if you take the chance.(less)
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http://www.fictionators.com/review/unear...
Why did I love this book?
Tucker. Avery.
I really shouldn’t have to say much more than that, but I will. Because it wasn’t just him I loved. I’ve read a lot of paranormal stuff recently, and they’ve all fallen...morehttp://www.fictionators.com/review/unear...
Why did I love this book?
Tucker. Avery.
I really shouldn’t have to say much more than that, but I will. Because it wasn’t just him I loved. I’ve read a lot of paranormal stuff recently, and they’ve all fallen short in one area or another. Some have a great story and no depth; some have great characters and a snore-worthy plot.
For months and months I pushed this one back on my TBR list. I have no idea why. It wasn’t until Tonya and Anna encouraged me that I finally dove into it. I’m kicking myself now.
You shouldn’t be surprised that to learn that I’m a total hoor for stories with awesome characters and a romance that makes my heart all clenchy. That’s exactly what Unearthly is.
TALK ABOUT MY KINDA BOOK.
Kickass girl – check. Cute boys – check. Original story – check.
And my favorite? Swoons. They are a plenty. Example?
“You should have told me it was your birthday,” I say.
“I was going to. But then we were almost eaten by a grizzly.”
“Oh, right. What about Wendy?” I ask.
“What about her?”
“It’s her birthday, too. I’m the worst friend ever. I should have sent her something. Did you exchange gifts?”
“Not yet.” He turns toward me. “But she gave me the perfect gift.”
The way he’s looking at me sends butterflies into my stomach. “What?”
“You.”
Do I have your attention yet? If not, go read that passage again because you clearly missed something. Trust me when I say this: if you’re looking for a great young adult romance, you should look no further than Unearthly.(less)
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Dark Parties
by
Sara Grant (Goodreads Author)
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Dark Parties follows the life of Neva Adams. Newly graduated and now sixteen years old, she’s considered an adult in the eyes of the government. They want her to procreate – generate more life for the good of the Protectosphere.
That's right -- they...moreDark Parties follows the life of Neva Adams. Newly graduated and now sixteen years old, she’s considered an adult in the eyes of the government. They want her to procreate – generate more life for the good of the Protectosphere.
That's right -- they essentially live in a bubble, and according to the government, there's nothing beyond the walls they see each day.
But Neva and her friends are wholly against their plans, and don't believe the lies they're being told. They've decided it's time to rebel against everything and find out the truth! Their decision sets off a series of events that brings Neva to work with her father: George Adams, the Minister of Ancient History.
Neva sees this as an opportunity to gain more information for her and her rebellious friends, but it doesn’t exactly go as she hopes. And suddenly, she’s on the run… from everyone. The Government, her father, her best friend, her clingy boyfriend who wants to get married and have babies, and biggest of all: her best friend’s boyfriend who she shares a strong and undeniable connection with.
Written entirely in first person, present, some parts of the book were a bit stiff. The sentences seemed short and stacked and very robotic in a way. It takes a great writer to pull off present tense and make it flow. Too much I am and We are instead of I’m and We’re can irk some people. Or maybe I'm just too picky, who knows.
Though I found it hard to connect with Neva until the very end, overall, I really did enjoy the story. It kept me guessing and trying to figure everything out up until the very end. Which lately has been where books completely lose me because of cliffhangers, I'm glad to say that Grant didn't choose that route like some other novelists have. I think fans of Lauren Oliver's Delirium (who weren't big fans of all the lovey-dovey, and who hated the end) will definitely be fans of Sara Grant's debut Dark Parties!(less)
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Bri
is finished with Anna and the French Kiss: "His tongue slips inside my mouth, gentle but demanding, and it's nothing like I've ever experienced, and I suddenly understand why people describe kissing as melting because every square inch of my body dissolves into his."
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Do you work as a librarian for a living?
she
voted for
No
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http://www.fictionators.com/ficbreak/spe...
I’ve come to the realization that I read a lot of heavy stuff. Too much really. Sometimes you just want something fun and easy to read. That’s exactly what Spellbound was to me.
After losing her family, Em...morehttp://www.fictionators.com/ficbreak/spe...
I’ve come to the realization that I read a lot of heavy stuff. Too much really. Sometimes you just want something fun and easy to read. That’s exactly what Spellbound was to me.
After losing her family, Emma moves to New York City to live with her Aunt Christine, not expecting that her enrollment at one of the Upper East Side’s most prestigious boarding schools is going to bring her face-to-face with her destiny.
On her first day, she’s surprised when the most attractive boy in school covers for her in a lie. What follows that is a great story of love, loss and overcoming the odds.
In a world where I often get annoyed with characters, I have to say that that didn’t happen here. I loved them, and their story (which I’m afraid I’ll spoil if I reveal too much of). I can say this though: Emma was smart, funny and witty as hell. While Brendon… *swoon* Wait, where was I? Oh yeah, I liked him. A lot. He’s no St. Clair, but they can’t all be the king, right? But they sure can try, and he makes a great showing, js.
So, if you’re looking for a light paranormal romance with a little mystery and an engaging protagonist, I hope you’ll give Spellbound a chance!
Check out the Spellbound playlist!(less)
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