Firelight - Kristen Callihan

Title: Firelight
Author: Kristen Callihan
Pages: 372
Genre: Historical Fiction|Paranormal Romance
Publication Date: 1/31/2012 (eARC provided by NetGalley/Grand Central Publishing)
Rating: ****

London, 1881
Once the flames are ignited . . .
Miranda Ellis is a woman tormented. Plagued since birth by a strange and powerful gift, she has spent her entire life struggling to control her exceptional abilities. Yet one innocent but irreversible mistake has left her family's fortune decimated and forced her to wed London's most nefarious nobleman.

They will burn for eternity . . .
Lord Benjamin Archer is no ordinary man. Doomed to hide his disfigured face behind masks, Archer knows it's selfish to take Miranda as his bride. Yet he can't help being drawn to the flame-haired beauty whose touch sparks a passion he hasn't felt in a lifetime. When Archer is accused of a series of gruesome murders, he gives in to the beastly nature he has fought so hard to hide from the world. But the curse that haunts him cannot be denied. Now, to save his soul, Miranda will enter a world of dark magic and darker intrigue. For only she can see the man hiding behind the mask.

A masked man and a woman with a fiery secret equals mystery, lies, smoky-steamy tension, and an exciting romantic adventure in Firelight.

I must confess that I had a lot of trouble putting this one down. It pulled me in and kept me hooked until the last words. Miranda was a strong, snarky heroine who had no trouble defending herself. Meanwhile, Archer is a mysterious, brooding man behind a mask. Put these two together and it makes for one steamy romance!

There were a couple of predictable things, but I enjoyed this and was hooked nonetheless. I felt that these two had a great chemistry and I liked watching their relationship develop and grow into love. It was a thrilling adventure unlocking their secrets and finding out what Archer really hid behind his mask. The whole time I am wondering, what on earth is going on with this dude?! Tell me NOW! And did I mention, this character is definitely sexy! You can tell what he feels for Miranda is genuine and their relationship didn't feel forced.

One complaint is that I wish we could have seen more of Miranda's fire powers. I thought it was a great aspect and was only a bit disappointed in the lack of its use. Most of focus was found in their relationship (which I knew was coming since it is a romance) and revealing Archer's secret (which I also knew was to be expected). Still, I couldn't put it down except by force.

In the end, it was exciting, fun, gritty, and darkly sexy! I recommend this to anyone who enjoys a good, steamy paranormal romance.

Note: I would suggest this for those 18+ for the more steamy scenes

Born Wicked - Jessica Spotswood

Title: Born Wicked
Author: Jessica Spotswood
Pages: 326
Genre: Young Adult|Paranormal|Historical
Publication Date: 2/7/2012
Rating: *****

"Blessed with a gift..."cursed" with a secret."
Everybody knows Cate Cahill and her sisters are eccentric. Too pretty, too reclusive, and far too educated for their own good. But the truth is even worse: they're witches. And if their secret is discovered by the priests of the Brotherhood, it would mean an asylum, a prison ship - or an early grave. Before her mother died, Cate promised to protect her sisters. But with only six months left to choose between marriage and the Sisterhood, she might not be able to keep her word . . . especially after she finds her mother's diary, uncovering a secret that could spell her family's destruction. Desperate to find alternatives to their fate, Cate starts scouring banned books and questioning rebellious new friends, all while juggling tea parties, shocking marriage proposals, and a forbidden romance with the completely unsuitable Finn Belastra. If what her mother wrote is true, the Cahill girls aren't safe. Not from the Brotherhood, the Sisterhood - not even from each other.

I would like just a moment to totally gush over the cover of this book! It is so gorgeous!

Having just finished Born Wicked, I'm not sure how I will make it until I find out what happens in the next books! This was written wonderfully, being set in the late 20th century in an alternate New England. It has the historical aspect, witches, forbidden love, secrets, mystery, danger, excitement!

Cate Cahill and her sisters, Maura and Tess, are witches -- a dangerous secret that must be kept, otherwise could result in being sent to a prison or asylum by the Brotherhood. After their mothers' death, Cate is left responsible for her younger sisters and it is up to her to care for them and to keep what they are a secret. Things really begin to unfold when Cate learns of a prophecy, one that will change their lives forever. With Cate's seventeenth birthday quickly approaching, meaning she will have to announce an engagement for marriage or an oath to the sisterhood, she is running out of time to put together the pieces of the puzzle.

Most of this one was exciting and I loved unlocking the secrets of the Cahill sisters and their little town. Some of it was a tad slow, but it didn't discourage me from reading on. The Brotherhood gave me the creeps a little, their rules and governing gave it almost a *slight* dystopian feel, though this is not a dystopian novel. While their is the wonderful forbidden love, it is not the center point of the story. I think it focused more on Cate and her sisters than it did with her relationships with Finn and her childhood friend, Paul (not that I would have minded a little more Finn!). I do, however, wish there was just a little more magic and witchery, though I can understand since the point was that it was supposed to a closely kept secret.

I feel that Cate was a great character. Some might view her as hard or harsh, but given the position she was put in to, I felt that she was strong and brave. In the end, no matter what her decisions were or what choices she was having to make, she did everything with her sisters in mind. Protecting them is what mattered the most to her and to me that makes her incredibly selfless. Whether she was dealing with the fiery Maura or sweet Tess, she did what she did to keep them safe.

Finn. Wow! I have been developing some major fictional crushes as of late! So let's go right on ahead and add Finn Belastra to that list.

And for your viewing pleasure, here is the book trailer:

Two Way Street - Lauren Barnholdt

Title: Two Way Street
Author: Lauren Barnholdt
Pages: 288
Genre: Young Adult|Contemporary
Publication Date: 6/26/2007
Rating: ****

There are two sides to every breakup.

This is Jordan and Courtney, totally in love. Sure, they were an unlikely high school couple. But they clicked; it worked. They're even going to the same college, and driving cross-country together for orientation.

Then Jordan dumps Courtney -- for a girl he met on the Internet.

It's too late to change plans, so the road trip is on. Courtney's heartbroken, but figures she can tough it out for a few days. La la la -- this is Courtney pretending not to care.

But in a strange twist, Jordan cares. A lot.

Turns out, he's got a secret or two that he's not telling Courtney. And it has everything to do with why they broke up, why they can't get back together, and how, in spite of it all, this couple is destined for each other.

Courtney and Jordan are on a road trip to Boston to go to college. You know this is going to a super-uncomfortable-awkward situation since they are broken up. They had a great relationship before, until Jordan dumps her for some internet bimbo, thus making things far more uncomfortable for them.

Except for one thing: Jordan has a huge secret behind the truth of why he really broke up with her.

I found it to be deeper than I expected. There were laugh-out-loud moments and such, but I felt like Courtney and Jordan were pretty realistic in their thinking and actions. I think it being told from both of their perspectives added to this. I really liked reading about how the other felt/thought and I must add that there were plenty of funny moments even through the more serious times. One of the better parts for me was how Courtney imagined his 'new internet girlfriend'. One negative was the amount of cursing. Some I really don't mind, most of the time it doesn't bother me, but I think there are times when it can be over used and this is one of those times.

I know that novels like this can be pretty predictable, but in this genre, you know what you're getting into most of the time, so in all honesty I can't complain about that too much. It didn't make it any less enjoyable and I still found myself wrapped up in their story.

I recommend this to anyone looking for a semi-light read (some of it is a good bit sad, or it was for me anyway) and a love story.

The Statistical Probability of Love at First Sight - Jennifer E. Smith

Title: The Statistical Probability of Love at First Sight
Author: Jennifer E. Smith
Pages: 236
Genre: Young Adult Comtemporary
Publication Date:
Rating: ****

Who would have guessed that four minutes could change everything?

Today should be one of the worst days of seventeen-year-old Hadley Sullivan's life. She's stuck at JFK, late to her father's second wedding, which is taking place in London and involves a soon to be step-mother that Hadley's never even met. Then she meets the perfect boy in the airport's cramped waiting area. His name is Oliver, he's British, and he's in seat 18C. Hadley's in 18A.

Twists of fate and quirks of timing play out in this thoughtful novel about family connections, second chances and first loves. Set over a 24-hour-period, Hadley and Oliver's story will make you believe that true love finds you when you're least expecting it.

The Statistical Probability of Love at First Sight is one of the cutest books I have ever read, yet surprisingly emotional.

I went into this one expecting it to be some cutesy-mushy, unrealistic but fun, love story. This was about way more than just some cute guy Hadley meets at the airport. Hadley Sullivan is getting ready to go to her father's wedding and meet his soon-to-be bride for the first time. However, due to a string of events, she ends up missing her flight by a mere four minutes. Due to this delay, she meets Oliver -- a super cute British boy who happens to be on the same flight as her.

I really liked Hadley and her quirks - like her hatred/fear of mayo and small spaces. Hadley still hasn't gotten over her dad leaving the family and to make things worse, he is remarrying. I thought Hadley's feelings about her father were very realistic. She struggled with wanting to be permanently angry with him, yet remembering how close they had been before. I was really sucked in to the emotion here and at times had me in near tears. I felt like the relationship between them was very real - it was that of not just a father and daughter but of friends as well.

Now we have Oliver. He is so quirky and cute (how could I ever choose between him and Etienne St. Clair?!). He and Hadley are different but in such a way that it works. However, it is clear that Oliver has issues of his own to face and overcome but he doesn't let that stop him from shining.

I would really recommend this to anyone who is looking for a truly adorable love story but also one that proves you can overcome problems and defy the rules of love.

Anna and the French Kiss - Stephanie Perkins

Title: Anna and the French Kiss
Author: Stephanie Perkins
Pages: 372
Genre: Young Adult/Contemporary
Publication Date: 12/2/2010
Rating: *****

Anna is looking forward to her senior year in Atlanta, where she has a great job, a loyal best friend, and a crush on the verge of becoming more. Which is why she is less than thrilled about being shipped off to boarding school in Paris - until she meets Etienne St. Clair: perfect, Parisian (and English and American, which makes for a swoon-worthy accent), and utterly irresistible. The only problem is that he's taken, and Anna might be, too, if anything comes of her almost-relationship back home.

As winter melts into spring, will a year of romantic near - misses end with the French kiss Anna - and readers - have long awaited?

How have I not read this already?!

I have read so many spectacular reviews for Anna and the French Kiss and yet for some reason kept putting it off. All I can say is I only wish I had picked it up sooner!

Anna Oliphant is a senior who is being shipped off to boarding school in Paris by her father - and she hates it. She only wants to be in Atlanta with her friends, her brother, and her crush (who she had a one time kiss with), Toph. Fortunately, while there she manages to make some pretty great friends - one of which is Etienne St. Clair.

Etienne was great. He was perfect, yet flawed and it worked so well. Don't be surprised if you end up developing a fictional crush on Etienne St. Clair! It was wonderful how their friendship developed at a slow pace and their conversations seemed realistic. It wasn't all gushing over one another, rather they had real conversations about their life, great moments of joking around, and just simply enjoying being in the company of one another.

It was great to see how Anna's friends were able to help bring her out of her fearful, shy-girl shell and into a girl who was more confident and outgoing. Everything about the relationships she had with her friends seemed natural and real, from their fun times to their conflicts.

Oh and I totally want to go to Paris now, by the way. As if the scenery described isn't enough - the food! I swear while reading the bits about the food, my stomach grumbled a little. I loved the descriptions of Paris, the area, the landmarks, did I mention the delicious sounding food?

I really and truly enjoyed reading this novel. I would catch myself laughing out loud at times and then holding my breath during other moments. If you are looking for a feel good book, this is it. This is my first novel by Stephanie Perkins, and it won't be the last. I'm definitely looking forward to reading Lola and the Boy Next Door.

Songs for a Teenage Nomad - Kim Culbertson

Title: Songs for a Teenage Nomad
Author: Kim Culbertson
Pages: 204
Genre: Young Adult/Contemporary
Publication Date: 6/1/2007

After living in twelve places in eight years with her drifting mother, fourteen-year-old Calle Smith finds herself in Andreas Bay, California, at the start of ninth grade. Fearful of putting down roots anywhere, but armed with her song journal, she moves to her own sound track through a world that bounces her between the school drama crowd, a mysterious loner, and an unlikely boy who will become her first love. But it's the troubling truth she uncovers about her father that forces Calle to face the toughest choice of her young life. (Goodreads)

Calle (Call-ee) has spent most of her life bouncing around from town to town, watching her mother's many relationships fail. the only thing stable she has is her love of music, which she keeps in a song journal. Each time she moves, it is always the same -- no friends, no one to depend on, and no stability. However, things are seemingly changing for her when she moves to Andreas Bay.

This book drew me in originally because of the music aspect, I have an intense, lifelong love of music of all kinds. This ended up being a wonderful story about a girl coming into her own.

I can say that a lot of the time I had to stop and say, wait, she is only fourteen? Perhaps her character seemed a little older due to her life experiences, but most of the time I kept thinking she was around sixteen or seventeen. I think Calle handled things exceptionally well given her age and all the things she had been through, not to mention the things she would end up facing.

In Andreas Bay, Calle finds some things that she thought she wouldn't. Here, she makes some true friends and discovers that maybe she isn't completely alone in dealing with the pains of the world.

Although it was kind of short, it was paced well and there was plenty of emotion in it. Calle had to deal with some issues typical for a girl her age, the whole high school scene with friends and love, etc. but she also had to deal with things that she really shouldn't have with watching her mother go through so many relationships and then having to swallow not knowing her father or anything about him.

In Songs for a Teenage Nomad we get to see Calle grow and unravel some of the mysteries of her life and grow in the process. There were times I smiled, times I worried, and even times I teared up. It will pull at your heart for sure. It was a great read and I think others will enjoy it as well.

On another note, I would like to say I found this little treasure at Amazon for $0.99 for my Kindle. This is the link to it.


What I give this book:

Bad Taste in Boys - Carrie Harris

Title: Bad Taste in Boys
Author: Carrie Harris
Pages: 201
Genre: Young Adult/Urban Fantasy
Publication Date: 7/12/2011

Someone's been a very bad zombie.

Kate Grable is horrified to find out that the football coach has given the team steroids. Worse yet, the steroids are having an unexpected effect, turning hot gridiron hunks into mindless flesh-eating zombies. No one is safe--not her cute crush Aaron, not her dorky brother, Jonah . . . not even Kate!

She's got to find an antidote--before her entire high school ends up eating each other. So Kate, her best girlfriend, Rocky, and Aaron stage a frantic battle to save their town. . . and stay hormonally human

Geeky girl. Crush-able guy. High school.

and... Zombies.

This was a fun, light read. At 201 pages, I finished it in one sitting. With all the dystopians with more serious tones (which I love) this was a nice change of pace for me. Kate is our main character in Bad Taste in Boys. She is an intelligent, quirky girl just trying to make through high school when something goes horribly wrong with the high school football team. The football players have managed to turn into zombies and now Kate has to figure out how to stop them.

There were quite a few moments when I laughed out loud. Even some of the more "gross" parts were funny. The good news is there isn't really a cliffhanger ending, which with all the series/trilogies I have started lately, is a pretty nice change.

Some parts were predictable and some parts caught me by surprise, but it was enjoyable. I look forward to the next book in the Kate Grable series.

What I give this book:

Matched - Ally Condie

Title: Matched
Author: Ally Condie
Pages: 384
Genre: Young Adult/Dystopian
Publication Date: 11/30/2010

Cassia has always trusted the Society to make the right choices for her: what to read, what to watch, what to believe. So when Xander's face appears on-screen at her Matching ceremony, Cassia knows with complete certainty that he is her ideal mate . . . until she sees Ky Markham's face flash for an instant before the screen fades to black.

The Society tells her it's a glitch, a rare malfunction, and that she should focus on the happy life she's destined to lead with Xander. But Cassia can't stop thinking about Ky, and as they slowly fall in love, Cassia begins to doubt the Society's infallibility and is faced with an impossible choice: between Xander and Ky, between the only life she's known and a path that no one else has dared to follow.

Look for CROSSED, the sequel to MATCHED, in Fall 2011! (Goodreads)

Cassia lives in a world where everything is controlled: the food you eat, the clothes you were, what you read, what you watch, what you listen to, who you love, when you die. Cassia accepts this and trusts the Society to make the right decisions to keep them safe, alive, and healthy. I could not imagine living in this type of world. You have no choices in what to make of your life and I could never give up such a freedom. When Cassia sees Ky flash for a second after seeing Xander, her match, she begins wondering if maybe the Society is as perfect as they have believed. What if she is really is meant to be with Ky instead of Xander? If she was meant to be with Xander, why did Ky's face flash across the screen?

One 'glitch' to the story is that it started out slow at first. It wasn't uninteresting, but the farther along it got, the better. In the beginning Cassia is so sheltered in the world, too trusting, maybe even going as far as naive. That first time she sees Ky, she knows it was a mistake and that is she supposed to be with Xander. Then, she really starts questioning things and discovers that maybe their infallible Society is more flawed than it seems. I think Cassia was a great character. Throughout the story, she really grows and develops in a strong young woman.

All in all, I thought this was a great read. I loved reading about Cassia slowly falling for Ky. Ky was so mysterious and broken, but unique in their world. I was rooting for them 100% of the way. I wanted to see her overcome her fears and doubts and show the Society a thing or two! I can't wait for Crossed, which comes out this November, to see if she does and what happens. Matched was left dangling, so I'm anxious for the next installment!

Also, the rights to the movie have been bought! Here is the link to read more about it:

http://www.thematcheddepartment.com/the-movie/


What I give this book:

Jessica's Guide to Dating on the Dark Side - Beth Fantaskey

Jessica's Guide to Dating on the Dark Side
Beth Fantaskey
351 pages

The undead can really screw up your senior year ...

Marrying a vampire definitely doesn’t fit into Jessica Packwood’s senior year “get-a-life” plan. But then a bizarre (and incredibly hot) new exchange student named Lucius Vladescu shows up, claiming that Jessica is a Romanian vampire princess by birth—and he’s her long-lost fiancé. Armed with newfound confidence and a copy of Growing Up Undead: A Teen Vampire’s Guide to Dating, Health, and Emotions, Jessica makes a dramatic transition from average American teenager to glam European vampire princess. But when a devious cheerleader sets her sights on Lucius, Jess finds herself fighting to win back her wayward prince, stop a global vampire war—and save Lucius’s soul from eternal destruction.

Jessica Packwood is starting her senior year when she meets Lucius Vladescu, the Romanian vampire prince - and lo and behold, she is the long lost Romanian vampire princess, his fiancee. What a way to start off senior year!

I seriously loved reading this! You have Jessica, math whiz, believer in anything that can be considered rational, solved, and logical. It took A LOT of convincing her to even believe that vampires existed, so there was struggle #1. She was a quirky, quick-witted girl. You can imagine how she would react to learning she is supposed to be a vampire princess.

Lucius was way awesome too! He had the whole dark, dangerous, brooding thing down, but he had such a great sense of humor! I loved when he would write letters to his uncle describing his stay at the Packwoods'. He has an interesting take on Americans and their way of living. Even though he is a vampire teenager too, being brought up in a royal (and vampiric) setting, he has developed different mannerisms and etiquette, so when he was being snarky, it was quite entertaining.

The second Jessica book, Jessica Rule the Dark Side is expected some time early next year!

I recommend this most definitely! It is filled with great humor, a roller-coaster romance, and of course, VAMPIRES! This is not your typical Twilight book. For those wanting a good non-sparkly vampire novel, Jessica's Guide to Dating on the Dark Side is for you...


What I give this book:

The Secret Year - Jennifer R. Hubbard

The Secret Year
Jennifer R. Hubbard
192 pages

Take Romeo and Juliet. Add The Outsiders. Mix thoroughly.

Colt and Julia were secretly together for an entire year, and no one - not even Julia's boyfriend - knew. They had nothing in common, with Julia in her country club world on Black Mountain and Colt from down on the flats, but it never mattered. Until Julia dies in a car accident, and Colt learns the price of secrecy. He can't mourn Julia openly, and he's tormented that he might have played a part in her death. When Julia's journal ends up in his hands, Colt relives their year together at the same time that he's desperately trying to forget her. But how do you get over someone who was never yours in the first place? (Goodreads)

The bit about being like Romeo and Juliet meets The Outsiders is a perfect description of this novel. The Outsiders has been one of my favorite books ever since I read it several years ago.

Colt lives in the flats and Julia on Black Mountain. They are from two different worlds, him from a home where money is hard to come by and her from one where it is abundant - shiny cars, big houses, country clubs, and parties. One night they meet and things take off, leading them to spending a secret year together - until Julia dies tragically one night.

Colt is trying to learn how to deal with the death of Julia. I could not imagine being in his situation. He couldn't very well talk to anyone about it or grieve publicly since the relationship he had with Julia was a secret. This was a very pain-filled read and most certainly not a light one emotionally. Some parts were hard reading - like the ones that described how he felt about Julia or about how he felt like he was less than her.

All in all, I enjoyed this very much even though it was hard to read. I highly recommend this and I don't think you will be disappointed.

What I give this book:

Passion - Lauren Kate

Passion
Lauren Kate
420 p.

"Every single lifetime, I'll choose you. Just as you have chosen me. Forever."

Luce would die for Daniel. And she has. Over and over again. Throughout time, Luce and Daniel have found each other, only to be painfully torn apart: Luce dead, Daniel left broken and alone. But perhaps it doesn’t need to be that way. . . .

Luce is certain that something—or someone—in a past life can help her in her present one. So she begins the most important journey of this lifetime . . . going back eternities to witness firsthand her romances with Daniel . . . and finally unlock the key to making their love last.

Cam and the legions of angels and Outcasts are desperate to catch Luce, but none are as frantic as Daniel. He chases Luce through their shared pasts, terrified of what might happen if she rewrites history.

Because their romance for the ages could go up in flames . . . forever. (Goodreads)

This one was a bit of a whirlwind. You go through so many places, times and emotions. I definitely enjoyed this one better than Fallen and Torment.

Passion picks up where Torment left off, with Luce traveling through the Announcer into hers and Daniel's past. She is seeking answers as to why their love is cursed and what she can do to change it. Each trip back through seems to get us closer to an answer without it being completely unraveled.

There were bits that were funny, love that moved you and moments that made you feel hopeless for them, but all in all it was a good read. I think others may enjoy this third installment better than the first two if you can keep patient through all the whos, whats, whens, wheres and whys.

I feel as though I am closer to learning the truth except I still don't quite understand everything. I still finished this one feeling more satisfied than I did with Fallen and Torment. I am disappointed though that I will have to wait almost a year before reading Rapture, which is scheduled for Spring 2012.

What I give this book:

A Certain Slant of Light - Laura Whitcomb

A Certain Slant of Light
Laura Whitcomb
288 p.

In the class of the high school English teacher she has been haunting, Helen feels them: for the first time in 130 years, human eyes are looking at her. They belong to a boy, a boy who has not seemed remarkable until now. And Helen—terrified, but intrigued—is drawn to him. The fact that he is in a body and she is not presents this unlikely couple with their first challenge. But as the lovers struggle to find a way to be together, they begin to discover the secrets of their former lives and of the young people they come to possess.

First, I would like to take the opportunity to thank Jenny at Alternate Readality for this book, which I received through her giveaway.

This book was one of the best that I have read in awhile. Helen has been haunting people for around 130 years, never being seen or heard until one day she is seen by a boy in the class of the teacher she is currently haunting. She soon discovers he is like her and has found a way to take over a body.

Their relationship is challenged completely. First, there is him being in a human body, then her only being a ghost. Once they find a way to be together, it becomes even more complicated due to the families of those they possess being vastly different. It almost has a Romeo and Juliet ghost-style feel to it (which I loved, being a Romeo and Juliet fan). It is romantic, chilling and quite beautiful. I loved everything about this great novel.

On another note, I would not recommend this for young teens/tweens even though it is classified as young adult. These two are actually in their late twenties even though they have the bodies of high schoolers. While there is nothing raunchy, it is very clear what is going on between the two in more of the intimate scenes of this book. I think it would be better suited for those in their late teens and adults.

I feel this is a novel that will linger in your mind for quite some time. It left me breathless and speechless at the end. It was also quite emotional. There were moments I was smiling and others I felt tearful. This will stick with you for awhile and I do hope you will pick this one up when you get a chance!



What I give this book:

Shiver - Maggie Stiefvater

the cold.
Grace has spent years watching the wolves in the woods behind her house. One yellow-eyed wolf—her wolf—watches back. He feels deeply familiar to her, but she doesn't know why.

the heat.
Sam has lived two lives. As a wolf, he keeps the silent company of the girl he loves. And then, for a short time each year, he is human, never daring to talk to Grace...until now.

the shiver.
For Grace and Sam, love has always been kept at a distance. But once it's spoken, it cannot be denied. Sam must fight to stay human—and Grace must fight to keep him—even if it means taking on the scars of the past, the fragility of the present, and the impossibility of the future. (Goodreads)

I loved this book! Me, being hopelessly romantic, fell in love with it instantly.

First, I fell in love with the cover. It is simple, but to me, beautiful. I love the simplicity of it.

Grace is a seventeen year old who is pretty much independent. Her parents seem to be consistently and completely wrapped up in themselves and their own whims. When Grace was young, she was bitten by a wolf and then saved by one of them... Sam. Since then, she has been obsessed with the wolves, and more so, with one wold in particular with his yellow eyes. I really liked her character. She seemed to pretty much always have a good head on her shoulders and was loyal and determined to do whatever it took to help Sam.

Sam has been a wold for most of his life. Always human in the spring and summer and always a wolf during the cold months. He too has had an obsession with Grace since she was attacked. He is dark, smart, has unyielding love for Grace, a past, and wants nothing more than a future with Grace, free from his wolf-ness.

The book is told from both the perspective of Grace & Sam. It also tells you the temperature, which is great, the colder it is, the closer to wolf Sam becomes. No matter how cold it gets, he is always struggling to stay human for Grace, to be with her and near her. This is such a wonderful love story and I can't wait to read the next in the series. I also liked how you knew from the beginning what Sam was and that you didn't have to guess. It was different but nonetheless entertaining and gripping. I had trouble putting this one down, simply put.

I highly recommend this and suggest you buy a copy ASAP. I don't think you will be disappointed.

What I give this book:

Torment - Lauren Kate

Hell on earth. That's what it's like for Luce to be apart from her fallen angel boyfriend, Daniel. It took them an eternity to find one another, but now he has told her he must go away. Just long enough to hunt down the Outcasts - immortals who want to kill Luce. Daniel hides Luce at Shoreline, a school on the rocky California coast with unusually gifted students -Nephilim, the offspring of fallen angels and humans.

At Shoreline, Luce learns what the Shadows are, and how she can use them as windows to her previous lives. Yet the more Luce learns, the more she suspects that Daniel hasn't told her everything. He's hiding something - something dangerous. What if Daniel's version of the past isn't actually true? What if Luce is really meant to be with someone else? The second novel in the addictive FALLEN series . . . where love never dies.


This one didn't have as much of a slow start as Fallen, and I can honestly say I can't wait to read on in Passion (and I will explain why). I did like this one better than Fallen, even if I have a few complaints. I will get those out of the way first.

The one thing that drove me batty is being in the dark about things just as much as Luce. Of course, I guess this is a good way to keep a reader interested. Another thing is that there was another love triangle (ugh - more Luce and Daniel!), but that is my personal preference. In some aspects it left me confused because of the things I still don't know, but I am hoping that Passion will answer a good bit of things for me, which is why I can't wait to read it.

I loved the moments between Luce and Daniel (yes, call me a sap) and that maybe their love isn't always picture perfect, even with it being fiction and him being an angel, with this it makes a little easier to relate. He was gone a good bit of the book, but it made the few moments they had together better for me. Although, I would have to say that her whining about things could have been played down a little.

I loved her new friends in this book, Shelby and Miles. They were fantastic. Shelby is sarcastic, sometimes a bit harsh, but also funny and still a reliable friend. Miles is also a great and loyal friend (who has a thing for Luce naturally and obviously from the get-go). You'll just have to read for yourself. ;)

Ultimately, I just hope that the next in the series will finally unlock a lot of the questions Luce (and myself!) has about her past, about Daniel, and well, pretty much everything.

What I give this book:

The Body Finder - Kimberly Derting

Violet Ambrose is grappling with two major issues: Jay Heaton and her morbid secret ability. While the sixteen-year-old is confused by her new feelings for her best friend since childhood, she is more disturbed by her "power" to sense dead bodies—or at least those that have been murdered. Since she was a little girl, she has felt the echoes that the dead leave behind in the world... and the imprints that attach to their killers.

Violet has never considered her strange talent to be a gift; it mostly just led her to find the dead birds her cat had tired of playing with. But now that a serial killer has begun terrorizing her small town, and the echoes of the local girls he's claimed haunt her daily, she realizes she might be the only person who can stop him.

Despite his fierce protectiveness over her, Jay reluctantly agrees to help Violet on her quest to find the murderer—and Violet is unnerved to find herself hoping that Jay's intentions are much more than friendly. But even as she's falling intensely in love, Violet is getting closer and closer to discovering a killer... and becoming his prey herself (Goodreads)


Oh. My. God. This book had my stomach fluttering, heart racing, and on the edge of my seat. It's part thriller, part romance and part supernatural. I loved every bit of it and could not put it down. I really liked how it told Violet's story, but also had parts from the killer's POV. Creeeeeptastic!! I was almost paranoid sitting by myself here on the couch reading this while everyone else was asleep.

It was a ride going through these things with Violet: her ability to sense the dead and those who have killed (from murderers to animals), the twisting serial killer aspect, and the ever evolving relationship between her and her best friend since childhood, Jay (totally fell in love with this boy). I liked her because she wasn't overly whiny/needy/damsel-in-distress but she wasn't too stubborn/cold/hard-headed either, she had just the right attitude at just the right moments. She was well developed and had just the right amount of maturity for someone at her age with her ability. She wasn't flawless, but she was just right.

Jay was great. I don't know where to begin with this one. He is Violet's childhood friend and one loyal friend at that. It was a lot of fun reading as Violet discovered her feelings for him. I didn't think it was overly cheesy, though some you could see coming, but it was realistic in the way things developed. I think that this part, with me being a romance lover, was my favorite part. It made giddy and excited and even impatient wanting them to become more than friends.

The serial killer part truly freaked me out. His bits were creepy and chilling. There wasn't any goriness, thank goodness, there needn't be any, it was haunting enough without it.

All in all this is another novel I will probably not keep my mouth shut about. It was unique, thrilling and well written, with the characters being well developed and interesting. I loved this book hands down, and I'm sure I will love the next book in the series as well (VioletandJayOMGcan'twait!).

What I give this book:

Evermore - Alyson Noel

Since a horrible accident claimed the lives of her family, sixteen-year-old Ever can see auras, hear people’s thoughts, and know a person’s life story by touch. Going out of her way to shield herself from human contact to suppress her abilities has branded her as a freak at her new high school—but everything changes when she meets Damen Auguste…

Ever sees Damen and feels an instant recognition. He is gorgeous, exotic and wealthy, and he holds many secrets. Damen is able to make things appear and disappear, he always seems to know what she’s thinking—and he’s the only one who can silence the noise and the random energy in her head. She doesn’t know who he really is—or what he is. Damen equal parts light and darkness, and he belongs to an enchanted new world where no one ever dies.

This was an excellent book, hands down, and I can't wait to purchase the next book in the series, Blue Moon.

I could not imagine having to live in Ever's world, knowing everything about everyone - their thoughts, their past, their feelings. Ever is also in a deep amount of pain. Then, meeting Damen changes everything. It was pure joy/torture reading on and on trying to figure out what exactly Damen was. The book kept me hooked trying to unlock the secrets. I very much enjoyed reading this, and do recommend it. Riley, was an enjoyable character as well, and I won't say who or what she is, but she had a bit of mischievousness about her that made it fun.

On the downside, there were a few instances that reminded me of the Twilight Saga, but it wasn't enough to keep from enjoying the story. I'm still intrigued to find out what is going to happen with Ever and Damen. What can I say? I'm a sucker for love!

What I give this book:

Fallen - Lauren Kate

There's something achingly familiar about Daniel Grigori.

Mysterious and aloof, he captures Luce Price's attention from the moment she sees him on her first day at the Sword & Cross boarding school in sultry Savannah, Georgia. He's the one bright spot in a place where cell phones are forbidden, the other students are all screw-ups, and security cameras watch every move.

Even though Daniel wants nothing to do with Luce--and goes out of his way to make that very clear--she can't let it go. Drawn to him like a moth to a flame, she has to find out what Daniel is so desperate to keep secret . . . even if it kills her.

Dangerously exciting and darkly romantic, Fallen is a page turning thriller and the ultimate love story. (BarnesandNoble.com)

This is a tough one. I would say for about the first half of the book, I took it slowly. It was a slow start and I could easily put it down and just read it casually. However, when things picked up, it threw me in! I was literally reading late into the night, wanting to know what was going to happen next. One moment, I was just reading lightly, learning about Luce, the school she was at, her friends, and her obsessing over Daniel. The next, my eyes were glued wanting to know more and more and more.

One thing I did not like: it didn't open up into the really good stuff until toward the end. Once I really was drawn into it, it was cut off, with a cliffhanger naturally, to set things up for Torment. At the same time, I'm glad it didn't give absolutely everything away at once or too soon, but maybe a little sooner would have been okay.

All in all, I did enjoy this one, even if was the slow reading at first or the can't-tear-myself-away reading at the end.


What I give this book:

P.S. I Love You - Cecelia Ahern

"A novel about holding on, letting go, and learning to love again.

Now in paperback, the endearing novel that captured readers' hearts and introduced a fresh new voice in women's fiction — Cecelia Ahern.

Holly couldn't live without her husband Gerry, until the day she had to. They were the kind of young couple who could finish each other's sentences. When Gerry succumbs to a terminal illness and dies, 30-year-old Holly is set adrift, unable to pick up the pieces. But with the help of a series of letters her husband left her before he died and a little nudging from an eccentric assortment of family and friends, she learns to laugh, overcome her fears, and discover a world she never knew existed." (barnesandnoble.com)

I'm not even sure where to begin with this novel. I laughed, I teared up, and it made me think deeply about my own husband and what I would ever do without him here with me. Ms. Ahern wrote this beautifully. It follows Holly through the months after her husband's death and tells us of how she survives without him. Sometimes she is barely living and other times she manages to pretend to live. It is an amazing journey she takes us on as she learns to live without her other half.

Most of the time when I really enjoy a book, I like to zip through it, and while I was hoping to have finished it sooner, I felt more satisfied with it, even though it took me longer. Maybe this is the kind of book that needs to be taken in slowly. It is full of such strong emotions and truly grabs at your heart.

I felt as though I was in her shoes while I was reading. I could never imagine having lost someone, whether I had been with them for one year or one hundred.

For those of you (who like myself) have seen the movie, it is a bit different. For one, it does have some Irish style speaking in it, as Ms. Ahern is Irish and it takes place in Ireland, but it did not cause me to enjoy it any less. They both have still successfully caused me to become emotional though. ;)

Now, with that being said, I would definitely recommend this fantastic novel!

What I give this book:


Off to find something to read next. :)

Undead and Unwed - MaryJanice Davidson

"First Betsy Taylor loses her job, then she's killed in a car accident. But what really bites is that she can't seem to stay dead. And now her new friends have the ridiculous idea that Betsy is the prophesied vampire queen, and they want her help in overthrowing the most obnoxious power-hungry vampire in five centuries." (barnesandnoble.com)

First and foremost, this book had me laughing out loud - frequently and a few times to the point it hurt! This is the funniest book in chick lit I have yet to read. Needless to say, I was stoked when I realized it had several sequels.

The story follows Betsy, who starts out having this horrific day, only to die and come back. While having a bit of a vain designer shoe obsession, she is a very funny and likeable character. The only complaint I have is that the romance aspect took a bit longer to play out than I would have liked, but in all honesty, it is only because I am a sucker for love and romance.

I would definitely recommend this book, and have gotten my sister in law hooked on it as well. ;)

What I give this book:

Insatiable - Meg Cabot

So, it is now 2:38 a.m. About five minutes ago I finished Meg Cabot's book, Insatiable. I decided to start with this one first, why I don't know, but either way I started it yesterday. Okay, technically I started it Monday, but same difference right? ;) So, now to the good stuff...


"Sick of hearing about vampires? So is Meena Harper.

But her bosses are making her write about them anyway, even though Meena doesn't believe in them.

Not that Meena isn't familiar with the supernatural. See, Meena Harper knows how you're going to die. (Not that you're going to believe her. No one ever does.)

But not even Meena's precognition can prepare her for what happens when she meets—then makes the mistake of falling in love with—Lucien Antonescu, a modern-day prince with a bit of a dark side. It's a dark side a lot of people, like an ancient society of vampire hunters, would prefer to see him dead for.

The problem is, Lucien's already dead. Maybe that's why he's the first guy Meena's ever met whom she could see herself having a future with. See, while Meena's always been able to see everyone else's future, she's never been able look into her own.

And while Lucien seems like everything Meena has ever dreamed of in a boyfriend, he might turn out to be more like a nightmare.

Now might be a good time for Meena to start learning to predict her own future…

If she even has one." (barnesandnoble.com)

I loved every bit of this story! It was romantic, funny, and dramatic. Meg wrote this wonderfully. Meena is quite a character (as is the rest). She is sharp-witted, funny, and charming. The only drawback was the ending, naturally. I won't give it away (the ending), but I am definitely excited for this summer! There will be a sequel!!! It wasn't so much a cliff hanger ending, but to me, not what you would expect.

What I give this book:


Tomorrow I will be starting the next book, though I am unsure of which one at this time. :)