Any Man of Mine - Rachel Gibson

TITLE: Any Man of Mine

AUTHOR: Rachel Gibson

SUMMARY: Autumn Haven's Las Vegas "to-do" list said to catch a show and play the slots-not wake up married to a sexy jerk like Sam LeClaire. The first moment she saw him eying her like a luscious piece of the dessert buffet, her usually responsible self told her to run. And she did-right into the wildest fantasy weekend of her life. But Monday morning jolted her back to reality, and before she could say "pass the coffee," Sam was gone.

Now a successful wedding planner, Autumn hasn't clapped eyes on the heartbreaking hockey superstar for over two years . . . until she organizes his teammate's "Special Day," where Sam makes a big play to pick up where he left off! But she has vowed any man of hers plays for keeps. Is Sam the man for her or does she banish him to the sin bin forever? - From Publisher

REVIEW: What I love about Rachel Gibson is that she has quickly become an author that I can pick up and thoroughly enjoy with no worries of disappointment. Her style is one I gravitate towards - character driven rather than skin driven. I use to only read romantic suspense because I just have never ever been able to get into the whole 100% pure romance. That should explain why it has taken me FOREVER before I got into chick-lit, I had assumed (and there are some out there) that it was going to be pure fluffy smut, which I dislike. That isn’t the case with Gibson. She always delivers fun characters that seem real and I love how this ‘series’ is surrounded around a hockey team. Yes, there is some smut but it never drives the story.

Especially with this book I found myself so immersed in Autumn & Connor’s world and how the events had shaped her. I loved how Gibson wrote Autumn’s feelings towards Sam, Connor’s Dad, from pure hatred to nothing. The emotions felt real and it was refreshing that Autumn had moved passed it and was focused on giving Connor a healthy home, that she had accepted Sam for being the tool that he at times was. Not that she was okay with how he treated his relationship with his son but not seeing the point in trying to get Sam to change. That indifference made the story pack a little extra punch.

We have had Sam in the previous books and he’s always been portrayed as a bit of a horn dog and he was 90% that guy in this book. Not at as much in the beginning and I have to admit I was a bit perturbed by that. I wasn’t sure if Gibson didn’t want to make him unlovable to us readers by going too far or if maybe Sam put on a front around the ‘boys’. This little inconsistency, in my opinion, wasn’t a huge deal just a little something I noticed.

If you are looking for some fantastic beach/patio/road trip books I highly recommend snapping up this book along with the rest from Gibson’s Chinook’s Hockey Players series. I don’t think you’ll be disappointed; I stayed up to 1:30 this morning in order to finish the book so that’s gotta tell you something.

RATING: ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥

On the Prowl - Karen McInerney

TITLE: On The Prowl: Tales Of An Urban Werewolf

AUTHOR: Karen McInerney

SUMMARY: Talk about a bad-hair day!

Sophie Garou is a master at taming her inner beast, which comes in handy since she's a werewolf. With a big promotion at work and a supersexy boyfriend, Heath (whom she recently spotted leaving a jewelry store with a beguiling ring box), she's one happy girl.

But when Heath starts spending long nights at the office with his new associate-a dead-ringer for Career Day Barbie-Sophie smells trouble. And when her professional relationship with her big new client-who also happens to be Texas's brilliantly blue-eyed most eligible bachelor-begins to sizzle, she wonders if her animal instincts are leading her in the wrong direction. Just when it seems that things can't get any more complicated, they do. The Houston werewolf pack has sniffed Sophie out, and their message is chillingly clear: you're either with us or against us. And unless she can prove that she's with them, the next full moon may just be her last. - From Publisher

REVIEW: Yay for the second book and for not having to wait for it. That is one of the things I love about discovering an older series, the books are all out there and the waiting time is limited in length.

We start this second in the trilogy months after the first. Sophie is trying to get her life back to normal and succeeding fairly well. She’s now made partner but the waters get rough pretty quickly. Soon she has to meet the Alpha of Houstin and try to find a way not to end up as a furry rug, she’s getting threats on pretty much everyday that ends with a ‘y’. Her boyfriend and hers relationship isn’t going so smoothly and her client, (Texas Monthly’s Hottest Bachelor) seems to be very interested in her.

This book had some more strength than the first, but there were definitely still moments that I found the writing to be a bit elementary and frustrating. I think McInerney trying to blend Sophie’s wolf and human side (in both relationships and personality) was a bit awkward and when things were discovered it all happened so fast that it felt rushed. Even things with Heath, I felt events that happened were more an excuse to put Heath on the edge while other things were going on in Sophie’s world.

I am excited to still read the last of this trilogy but in all honesty, I am a bit disappointed with this series. A quick read but not one that I’m addicted to and or wholly invested in.

RATING: ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥

Howling at the Moon - Karen MacInerney

TITLE: Howling at the Moon

AUTHOR: Karen MacInerney

SUMMARY: Sophie Garou seems to have it all: a great job at a prestigious accounting firm, a closet that rivals a Nordstrom showroom, and a terrific boyfriend who isn't afraid to use the "M" word. There's just one little itty-bitty problem: Sophie is a werewolf-and her time of month has a whole new meaning.

Needless to say, life among yummy flesh-and-blood humans is no piece of steak . . . er, cake!, but regular doses of wolfsbane tea and a mother who runs a magic shop have helped Sophie keep her paranormal pedigree under wraps. Still, when a sexy, golden-eyed werewolf prowls into town, Sophie finds herself struggling to keep her animal impulses in check-not to mention trying to keep things on track with her super hot (and super human) lawyer boyfriend. What's more, someone is threatening to expose Sophie for what she really is. And when her mother is accused of selling a poison-laced potion, Sophie must sniff out a culprit before the fur hits the fan. - From Publisher

REVIEW: My disclaimer for this book is that I have been hunting for it via used book stores and my library. As long time followers of my reviews you know that I am a huge library supporter, not saying I never buy books (there are some that one needs to own) but I generally like to use my library. Originally my library didn't catalog paperbacks, which meant it was a bit of a pain finding some of the lesser known authors and their works. Or you would find the second or third book in a trilogy but never the first. That was the case for this series. But I suppose being out of the reading loop for a bit was good because when I came back there it was, online and available to request. I love that they are working on cataloging all paperbacks. *content sigh* Now onto the review.

The book has a sorta chick-lit feel to it, with paranormal elements. It was so easy to sink into and enjoy - always a plus. Sophie is the sort of heroine that stumbles along into the roll of hero. She didn't really set out to become one but this first book lays the ground work for the rest of the trilogy. With that said because the adventures of this book are so 'out there' from what we know of her I found at times that there was a little cheese factor to it. I could tend to overlook it but I wish MacInerney had taken a little more time to develop that while Sophie had managed to snuff her werewolf traits she wasn't completely in the dark and understood some of those supernatural abilities. At times when the situation called for it Sophie had these skills that she was well aware about but than at other times she seemed so clueless. Of course, one has to give some room when it comes to the first book of a series.

Sophie and her best friend Lindsey had a fun dynamic to them, however I felt like at times Lindsey was a bit callus and didn't always show Sophie those 'have your back qualities'. On the flip side, it is sorta nice having a BFF in a book that is not the loyal, always there type of character. It makes me feel like Sophie is somewhat stumbling through all this new knowledge surrounded by friends and loved ones but at the same time doing it on her own.

The book progressively got stronger, especially once Tom (a hunky lone werewolf) came onto the scene. He brought lots of answers and mystery to Sophie's life. In fact, I think MacInerney did a perfect job in bringing him into the book without making him a huge part of this first book. I want more of him and his story and so curious as to how some of the information he passed on to Sophie will affect the next two books in this series.

All around this book had a few things that irked me (Sophie bouncing from having werewolf knowledge to being clueless and a few plot huhs) but overall I thought this first book has lots of potential. I think, especially with the ending, the second will be a lot stronger and dive more into Sophie trying to figure out some wolfy things.

If you enjoyed Vincent's "Shifters" series I imagine you would enjoy this book as well. It was published back in 2008 so maybe many of you have already read this trilogy, if so I would love to hear your thoughts on this first book.

RATING: ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥

Gracling - Kristin Cashore

TITLE: Gracling

AUTHOR: Kristin Cashore

SUMMARY: Katsa has been able to kill a man with her bare hands since she was eight she’s a Graceling, one of the rare people in her land born with an extreme skill. As niece of the king, she should be able to live a life of privilege, but Graced as she is with killing, she is forced to work as the king’s thug. When she first meets Prince Po, Graced with combat skills, Katsa has no hint of how her life is about to change. She never expects to become Pos friend. She never expects to learn a new truth about her own Grace or about a terrible secret that lies hidden far away . . . a secret that could destroy all seven kingdoms with words alone - From Publisher

REVIEW: So this would be book number 2 of fantasy for this avid reader. I’m a little shocked I’ve never jumped into this world previously. I love “Lord of The Rings”. I think I was worried they’d use old English and confuse the crap out of me, which is probably easier than I care to admit.

Regardless, this book hooked me early on. The character of Katsa pulled me. I loved her hard edges and refusal to let anyone in. She was in a way her own worst enemy, but it was beautiful watching her open to others and slowly morph and take the power back. Of course when she allowed herself to be vulnerable and got hurt it made that dagger just push in a bit deeper and twist more violently.

The plot was intriguing and I liked how the first few scenes set up for the rest of the book. I originally thought it was simply a rescue mission, a way to introduce the reader to Katsa and her Grace. (Sidenote: the concept of Graces was awesome. I loved that each was unique, some sought after by greedy men and others so useless.)

While the plot and pace was kept up through the majority of the book I found when we were almost finished Part 2 that it hit a bit of slump. The plot or something slipped and I found myself struggling to stay focused. I don’t know if it was the addition of Bitterblue, who I liked, and how all of sudden I was suppose to have the same level of love for her as I did for the others. That wasn’t the case. Thankfully the plot and pace was kicked back up and I didn’t finish the book with that ‘meh’ feeling. The ending was perfect for everything that Cashore had previously set up. In fact there are other books to this ‘verse. Not so much a series of following Katsa but using other characters and building the ‘verse.

Generally I enjoyed this book. However, I don’t know that it would be a series that I would follow, mostly because I am more interested in Katsa & Po, what I am sucker for the main characters.

RATING: ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥

Rampant - Diana Peterfreund

TITLE: Rampant

AUTHOR: Diana Peterfreund

SUMMARY: Forget everything you ever knew about unicorns . . .

Astrid Llewelyn has always scoffed at her eccentric mother's stories about killer unicorns. But when one attacks her boyfriend-ruining any chance of him taking her to prom-Astrid finds herself headed to Rome to train as a unicorn hunter at the ancient Cloisters the hunters have used for centuries.However, all is not what it seems at the Cloisters. Outside, unicorns wait to attack. And within, Astrid faces other, unexpected threats: from bone-covered walls that vibrate with terrible power to the hidden agendas of her fellow hunters to her growing attraction to a handsome art student . . . an attraction that could jeopardize everything. - From Publisher

REVIEW: It had me at killer unicorns. looks around Okay that, is a total lie. I found the killer unicorns a bit ‘odd’ and corny and I wasn’t even sure I wanted to read this book. Plus when I think of unicorns I imagine the episode in Supernatural where Dean is rambling about unicorns. It’s hard to take it seriously when Dean Winchester is mocking it. However, putting aside my ‘are you kidding me’ face and deleting all unicorn references from my mind I continued to read about killer unicorns and Alexander the Great.

A brilliant angle, not to mention good use of mythology in having the hunters being virgins in order to kill the unicorns. I like reasons for characters actions and I like tension. I think the build up to any romance is always far more interesting and even when they are together I like the conflict; it gives characters so much depth. With this book Peterfreund mixed the two. Astrid has to remain a virgin in order to fulfill her destiny and that brings in romantic tension, which just makes this ready endlessly happy.

Pacing is something I tend to find with a lot of teen/ya books lacking. Normally the romance is happening quickly, the plot is moving at a constant pace and at times I wish that it would slow down, do some more build up. Of course, the counter argument is that if you only have 288 pages and no deal for a continuation you’ve gotta get stuff done. I found the pacing in this book to be perfect. Lots of information and character build up but at the same time you got plot jumps where something would happen that would take the book to another level.

The book didn’t read as ya, however never did I feel that it took the story to an inappropriate place. The relationships and interactions and reactions to events were spot on. I loved that Astrid wasn’t obsessed with the lead male and that it didn’t distract from the storytelling. That she makes mistakes and sorta bumbles about trying to figure things out. She wasn’t always sure footed and that endeared her to me.

Honestly, this book sums down to one thing and that’s that Peterfreund managed to make killer unicorns into something realistic. There, I said it. Killer unicorns exist. She created a world where at first I was leery and than became a huge fan, not just with the whole killer unicorn angle (though that was awesome) but even the mythology. The girl did research and took things and weaved them brilliantly together. If the whole killer unicorn thing seems a bit odd to you, suck it up. Pick this book up, you’ll love it!

RATING: ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥

Kitty Goes to War - Carrie Vaughn

TITLE: Kitty Goes to War

AUTHOR: Carrie Vaughn

SUMMARY: Kitty Norville, Alpha werewolf and host of The Midnight Hour, a radio call-in show, is contacted by a friend at the NIH's Center for the Study of Paranatural Biology. Three Army soldiers recently returned from the war in Afghanistan are being held at Ft. Carson in Colorado Springs. They're killer werewolves-and post traumatic stress has left them unable to control their shape-shifting and unable to interact with people. Kitty agrees to see them, hoping to help by bringing them into her pack.

Meanwhile, Kitty gets sued for libel by CEO Harold Franklin after featuring Speedy Mart--his nationwide chain of 24-hour convenience stores with a reputation for attracting supernatural unpleasantness--on her show.

Very bad weather is on the horizon. - From Publisher

REVIEW: This series continues to exceed my expectations. Whenever I go to pick up the new Kitty Norville book I always get some trepidation on whether this book will be the one that leaves me with that uncomfortable disappointment that eats at me. Thankfully it seems with each new installment Vaughn continues to keep up the pace and brings new angles to keep us readers hooked.

What I loved about this installment was that some old characters where brought back. Back in book Kitty Goes to Washington we got to meet the Doctor that exploited Kitty now he's back. While he doesn't make any face time we do get to see his 'work'. I'm so happy that Vaughn tied in previous characters and I loved that angle of using the supernatural in human wars. It adds depth to the book and I'm hoping that we go down this path more and more.

If you haven't picked up the series I highly recommend that you do. The first few books are a bit tedious to get through, however I loved them but I know other reviewers weren't instant fans of this series. Regardless, pick 'em up and enjoy the ride.

RATING: ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥

The Reformed Vampire Support Group - Catherine Jinks

TITLE: The Reformed Vampire Support Group

AUTHOR: Catherine Jinks

SUMMARY: An un-romanticized, irreverent, hilarious look at the blood-sucking life, through the eyes of Nina Harrison, fanged at 15 and still living with her mother. She''s stuck in a support group for reformed vamps that has never had anything exciting happen to them...until one of them is murdered. With the help of a priest and Nina''s mom soon the whole cast of weak misfit vampires bands together to surprise themselves: saving a werewolf, solving a mystery and keeping the world safe from blood-thirsty unreformed vamps. Through it all, Nina learns to stop fighting fate, accepts that she''s a vampire, and realizes she actually kind of does like that cute Dave guy even if he''s a vampire. - From Publisher

REVIEW: A very humorous and completely different look at vampires, which was refreshing and I sorta like how the book poked a bit of fun at the way vampires are portrayed. It was different reading a book where vampires aren't rolling in money and laughing at us walking happy meals and our fragile immortality. The concept of them being frailer than us and struggling to simply survive in the most basic sense took a bit of time getting use to. All the vampires I read about are like Nina's Zadia Bloodstone. Regardless of their struggles with health and finding a way to exist without drawing attention to themselves of blodding an human, I found this story to be enjoyable.

It took some time to get into, but that was more real life barging in and interrupting me every time I got into the book. Had there been no distractions I would've read through this faster. I thoroughly enjoyed the journey Nina went on. From hating her existence and other vampires to finally embracing her vampirism and realizing that she put limitations on herself, not her 'disease'. I liked that little moral issue that was slipped into the actual book.

For fans of the vamps and those looking for a humorous read and willing to laugh and mock at yourself you'll enjoy this.

RATING: ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥

Shift - Rachel Vincent

TITLE: Shift

AUTHOR: Rachel Vincent

SUMMARY: Being the first female werecat enforcer isn''t easy. Scars accumulate, but I''m stronger in so many ways.

As for my personal life? It''s complicated. Choices worth making always are. Ever since my brother''s death and my father''s impeachment, it''s all I can do to prevent more blood from spilling. Now our Pride is under attack by a flight of vicious thunderbirds. And making peace with our new enemies may be the only way to get the best of our old foe.

With the body count rising and treachery everywhere, my instincts tell me to look before I leap. But sometimes a leap of faith is the only real option…. - From Publisher

REVIEW: The Pride is under attack from the Thunderbirds, vicious shape-shifters who are avenging the death of one of their cocks. (Yes, the humor and mocking is so easy it's not even worth it.) While we understand their need for vengeance, considering that Faythe and the Pride are planning on attacking Malone for his sole part in the murder of Ethan, the Thunderbirds are after the wrong pack and it's up to Faythe to prove their innocence.

I loved this book, and perhaps because it sets up a lot for the finale installment of this series Alpha coming out in fall. Logically they need some more allies and unknowing Malone has given them just that. I must say, I love that Malone isn't a dumb nemesis. The alpha is smart in how he plays his hand. Attacking but managing to show that he is simply responding to what Sanders, Faythe's father & Alpha is doing. It's refreshing that he's not a dumb foe, makes it more challenging and really sets things up.

Question, am I the only one that hopes Kaci & Jace end up together? I know there isn't even snippets of these two but I feel like they'd be a good fit and oddly this is one of the few triangles where I am not rooting for the 'other' guy. I get Faythe's feelings towards Jace but I have huge love for Marc. He's be strong through out the series and while I think he needs to learn to control his temper I think he brings something out of Faythe that we haven't seen others manage to pull out of her.

Alpha is going to be epic and while I think I know who Faythe will choose Vincent has manage to throw me for loop after loop so who really knows. At this point Faythe could decide neither. What I am sure of is that the final book to this series will be amazing and that I won't get any sleep until I'm finished it.

RATING: ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥

Prey - Rachel Vincent

TITLE: Prey

AUTHOR: Rachel Vincent

SUMMARY: Sometimes playing cat and mouse is no game...

Play? "Right." My Pride is under fire from all sides, my father's authority is in question and my lover is in exile. Which means I haven't laid eyes on Marc's gorgeous face in months. And with a new mother "and" an I-know-everything teenager under my protection, I don't exactly have time to fantasize about ever seeing him again.

Then our long-awaited reunion is ruined by a vicious ambush by strays. Now our group is under attack, Marc is missing and I will need every bit of skill and smarts to keep my family from being torn apart. Forever. - From Publisher

REVIEW: And the plot thickens. Just when you thought it was safe and time for the Pride to get their political ducks in a row after Malone's heavy handed politics more trouble is brewing in the 'free zone' and this time it's out for Marc.

It seems that with this book Vincent decided to let all the proverbial crap hit the fan. It was an endless storm and it seems like Faythe and her Pride are getting attacked on every side. We've got the power hungry Malone vying for the Alpha's spot and hoping to turn everyone against him and his Pride.

With Marc being kidnapped, leaving too much of his blood in his home to look like he survived the attack Faythe is on the verge of collapse. But, with Marc's disappearance we do get to see her step up and plot the demise of those that hurt him. With her hunt for him just discovers some more secrets that while she knows are connected to Malone's plot against them she can't scrounge up any hard evidence. To make things more dire in her world Malone attacks and leaves Faythe in a tail-spin of agony.

And just when I thought she was done with making stupid mistakes she makes another one, one I'm not sure will bode well for anyone. While I could kind of see it coming I was still (seems to be a trend with this series) shocked after it. Especially with the fallout of.

This book doesn't let up for one moment and I couldn't believe everything that was packed into this one. I love Vincent's style of writing and how she weaves so much together and it all ends up cohesive and balanced.

RATING: ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥

Pride - Rachel Vincent

TITLE: Pride

AUTHOR: Rachel Vincent

SUMMARY: I'm on trial for my life. Falsely accused of infecting my human ex-boyfriend--and killing him to cover up the crime. Infecting a human is one of three capital offenses recognized by the Pride--along with murder and disclosure of our existence to a human.

I'm two for three. A goner.

Now we've discovered a rogue stray terrorizing the mountainside, hunting a wild teenage tabbycat. It's up to us to find and stop him before a human discovers us. With my lover Marc's help, I "think" I can protect the vulnerable girl from both the ambitious rogue and the scheming of the territorial council.

"If" I survive my own trial... - From Publisher

REVIEW: When reading Rogue and the fallout from Faythe and her college years I never would've guessed that there as going to be a trial. I don't know why I just figured they'd try to cover it up. So having Faythe fight for her life against a corrupt council was just a bit shocking, but in the best way.

The story starts off with Marc & Faythe still apart due to the previous book and Faythe unwilling to marry. I have to admit that I loved that and loved that things weren't patched as we got into this book. I like that Marc got his 'balls back' and that it forced Faythe to make a choice. I like that things between these two aren't smoothed over and you know that they aren't the happy couple working together to knock back the common foe. Yes, they will fight together for the Pride and because while not together none of us readers think for a moment that Marc doesn't love Faythe or unwilling to do anything to save her. I just like that we don't have a 'happy' couple shoved down our throats. I like when authors do this with a series, sometimes if things are all 'yay' I find myself bored.

While the tension between Marc & Faythe was delicious nothing compared to the events of the trial. So many unexpected issues arose and none of them I predicted. And while I was reading I was constantly thinking, no way will that happen. They'll find a way around it, not gonna happen but it did! The unexpected did happen and while I was thrown, I loved it. This whole book kept me on my toes. I was throwing guesses left and right about how they could fix it and none of my ideas worked.

Love when a book and series can keep you guessing and wondering how things will be fixed. I feel like this is the book where Faythe realizes everything that her actions have caused. It's a slap in her face but it was needed. I don't think she fully understood the concessions her father was making, what it was doing to the Pride.

This book broke my heart, in the best ways and once again Vincent managed to keep the series going strong with new obstacles and some of the same ones.

RATING: ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥

Rogue - Rachel Vincent

TITLE: Rogue

AUTHOR: Rachel Vincent

SUMMARY: I know that better than most. Since rejoining the Pride, I've made big decisions and even bigger mistakes: the kind paid for with innocent lives. As the first and only female enforcer, I have plenty to prove to my father, the Pride and myself. And with murdered toms turning up in our territory, I'm working harder than ever, though I always find the energy for a little after-hours recreation with Marc, my partner both on and off duty.

But not all my mistakes are behind me. We're beginning to suspect that the dead are connected to a rash of missing human women and that they can all be laid at my feet--two or four, take your pick. And one horrible indiscretion may yet cost me more than I can bear.... - From Publisher

REVIEW: Hello amazing sequel that tears things apart and made me full of happy!

In this sequel Vincent deserves lots and lots of cookies and shiny things. For those that have been following me for awhile know I like broken characters and when it comes to any sort of romance I like conflict and choices, hard choices and a path that is full of traps and pain. Vincent delivered all of that in this sequel. The character of Faythe goes through lots and I loved watching the little growth we got to see with this book. Yes, she's flawed but that's how I like my butt-kicking females, flawed. Yet, despite those flaws I didn't find Faythe a character that rubbed me the wrong way. She brings good ideas to the table and while she doesn't always have it figured out she's stubborn enough to not let the issue die until it's remedied.

With the second book of the Shifters series we got some fallout from Faythe's past. I feel like the first book really set us up for this storyline but it wasn't predictable where I found myself bored. There's always a web of complication to keeps things from going stale and the repercussions are heady and often leaves Faythe stumbling about trying to fix things. However, the girl could definitely use a class in explaining and learn to sometimes just suck it up and offer another solution. Of course, then she would've be her and we wouldn't get to the see the perfectly paced changes in her character.

I don't want to dive too much into the plot but I will say that this book sets up the rest of the series (which I've now fully read), which is explosive and amazing. I am so glad I picked this series up, I'm in love and addicted and now cannot wait for the final book of the series to be released this fall.

If you haven't already, go snag this series, you'll love.

RATING: ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥

Unwind - Neal Shusterman

TITLE: Unwind

AUTHOR: Neal Shusterman

SUMMARY: In a society where unwanted teens are salvaged for their body parts, three runaways fight the system that would "unwind" them

Connor''s parents want to be rid of him because he''s a troublemaker. Risa has no parents and is being unwound to cut orphanage costs. Lev''s unwinding has been planned since his birth, as part of his family''s strict religion. Brought together by chance, and kept together by desperation, these three unlikely companions make a harrowing cross-country journey, knowing their lives hang in the balance. If they can survive until their eighteenth birthday, they can''t be harmed -- but when every piece of them, from their hands to their hearts, are wanted by a world gone mad, eighteen seems far, far away.

In Unwind, Boston Globe/Horn Book Award winner Neal Shusterman challenges readers'' ideas about life -- not just where life begins, and where it ends, but what it truly means to be alive. - From Publisher

REVIEW: Shusterman creates a world that I would never want to see come to fruition. The whole story is a cautionary tale and one I definitely think should be read.

I picked this book up due to a fellow reader writing that if you liked Suzanne Collins Hungry series that you'd enjoy this book. While I suppose they are the same I think Collins series is more fast paced and action, which isn't surprising considering what goes on in those books. Shusterman's Unwind in comparison was... far more depressing? *ponders* Yeah, I think I'd go with depressing & heavy.

Parents choose to have their children unwound, which basically means they are taken apart piece by piece, organ by organ while alive (I view this like having a c-section you can feel them doing stuff and it's not super comfy fun but not really painful either, with that said knowing you are being dismantled would be painful). Once they are dismantled they are passed to those that are in need and deemed worthy of survival. As a parent I cannot even comprehend opting to chop up my child so some kid that can play the piano beautiful would live longer. This is taking organ donors & that CSI episode where that crazy killed people for their organs to the extreme.

That aspect along with 'storking' newborns (the law now states that after you have a child you can leave it at someone's door and it's their job to raise it, by law) just broke my heart and made this potential future so depressing and haunting. There's a scene where they really dive into storking and it just shattered me, actually there were a few aspect of this book that just shattered me.

The book is heavy, but creates some good conversation and if I were an English teacher I'd be all over this for a novel study. After reading I couldn't help but take a look at my life and wonder if I'd be unwound...

I think my biggest issue with this book was that there were a bit too many character storylines going on and while they did all connect and made for a beautiful tale I felt like I could never invest fully in them. Too much switching to fully sink into their stories.

All in all a good book, probably not a book you bring on vacation for a light read but one I highly recommend reading.

RATING: ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥

Twice Bitten - Chloe Neill

TITLE: Twice Bitten

AUTHOR: Chloe Neill

SUMMARY: Shapeshifters from across the country are convening in the Windy City, and as a gesture of peace, Master Vampire Ethan Sullivan has offered their leader a very special bodyguard: Merit, Chicago's newest vampire. Merit is supposed to protect the Alpha, Gabriel Keene-and to spy for the vamps while she's at it. Oh, and luckily Ethan's offering some steamy, one-on-one combat training sessions to help her prepare for the mission.

Unfortunately, someone is gunning for Gabriel, and Merit soon finds herself in the line of fire. She'll need all the help she can get to track down the would-be assassin, but everywhere she turns, there are rising tensions between supernaturals-not least between her and a certain green-eyed, centuries-old master vampire. - From Publisher

REVIEW: A fast paced story that once again lands Merit in deep waters as she tries to figure out what side she should be fighting for and how to deal with the politics of Pack & Houses.

I am not sure how Neill managed to take shape-shifters and write them in a way that I wasn't fully expecting. Sure, she kept to lots of what we know but I liked that while much was he same she tossed in little things, like the pack not submitting to Gabriel fully. They seemed okay with showing their rage and potentially attacking. In other shape-shifter books one may challenge the Alpha but it's always done in such a political calm way, these guys aren't quite like that. Even the characters from this Pack were fun and I found myself immensely loving them and wondering if at some point Neill was going to throw a curve ball and have little flirty-flirt between Merit & Pack.

Along with bringing in the Pack we also got some good reveals and within the first two pages my anxiety sky rocketed. We finally find out who has been sending her, Merit, those mysterious letters and what is asked of her is shocking. Plus, it never fully resolves itself until the last moment, so, through out the whole story I was simply waiting for the other shoe to drop. I love that Neill never writes her character as cookie cutter. Merit is a complex character and with each book I love that she not only grows but when she challenges Ethan I love that she often makes a good point. She is independent without it ever rubbing one the wrong way. She's a smart chic. And makes a point of not becoming what others before her have become.

Of course we get lots of Merit & Ethan moments, which are wonderful. Not so much Morgan in this book but I'm okay with that, only because I'm not sure what side he's on at the moment. Celina is still a worry for me and while I loved the moments we got with Merit & Morgan (in this book & previous ones) I worry that his allegiance is still to the old Master of the House and if push came to shove he'd support Celina and that it would crush Merit if they were involved. Of course with that said Ethan can be such a douche at times that I just want Merit to find someone who isn't into playing games or using her as a weapon. Neill is one author where there was a potential love triangle and still is but I don't feel like either guy could win and who knows, another one could come in and steal my heart. She's done a fabulous job at balancing and not having one fully win, which in my opinion is smart. I hate when in a series you instantly get a pairing and they are just happy happy. Again, Lisa like tension, pulling and pushing and longing but refusing... *le sigh*

Oodles to twists & turns and I naturally loved the fight sequences, especially when Merit is in training. There's nothing about this series that I find irksome. Neill has really found a fabulous rhythm and has created a 'verse that I just want more and more of.

RATING: ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥

The Neighbor - Lisa Gardner

TITLE: The Neighbor

AUTHOR: Lisa Gardner

SUMMARY: From a master of suspense comes a chilling new novel that explores the dangers lurking closer than you think. Because even in the perfect family, you never know what is going on behind closed doors….


This is what happened…

It was a case guaranteed to spark a media feeding frenzy-a young mother, blond and pretty, disappears without a trace from her South Boston home, leaving behind her four-year-old daughter as the only witness and her handsome, secretive husband as the prime suspect.

In the last six hours…

But from the moment Detective Sergeant D. D. Warren arrives at the Joneses' snug little bungalow, she senses something off about the picture of wholesome normality the couple worked so hard to create. On the surface, Jason and Sandra Jones are like any other hardworking young couple raising a four-year-old child. But it is just under the surface that things grew murky.

Of the world as I knew it….

With the clock ticking on the life of a missing woman and the media firestorm building, Jason Jones seems more intent on destroying evidence and isolating his daughter than on searching for his "beloved" wife. Is the perfect husband trying to hide his guilt-or just trying to hide? And will the only witness to the crime be the killer's next victim? - From Publisher

REVIEW: I adore Lisa Gardner, she writes spine tingling, lock & double lock your doors, sadly this book didn't quite do that to me.

Yes, there were moments in this book, specifically when it's moments about people's last moments before death and some back history in Sandra's past. And of course, it always gets to me when children are involved.

Still, with all of that said I didn't find myself in the grip of this book. I wasn't waiting to get errands and chores done so I could sit and read. That makes me sad because normally when I pick up a Gardner I can't put it down.

RATING: ♥ &hearts &hearts &hearts ♥

The Last Song - Nicholas Sparks

TITLE: The Last Song

AUTHOR: Nicholas Sparks

SUMMARY: Seventeen year old Veronica "Ronnie" Miller''s life was turned upside-down when her parents divorced and her father moved from New York City to Wrightsville Beach, North Carolina. Three years later, she remains angry and alientated from her parents, especially her father...until her mother decides it would be in everyone''s best interest if she spent the summer in Wilmington with him. Ronnie''s father, a former concert pianist and teacher, is living a quiet life in the beach town, immersed in creating a work of art that will become the centerpiece of a local church.

The tale that unfolds is an unforgettable story of love on many levels--first love, love between parents and children -- that demonstrates, as only a Nicholas Sparks novel can, the many ways that love can break our hearts...and heal them. - From Publisher

REVIEW: Nicholas Sparks once again writes a strong book that spins you around and makes you hit all the emotions. That's something I love about his work and I feel like throughout his book he's gotten strong and more refined.

His characters are always so vivid and within moments I often feel like I already know the cast and understand their reasoning's for their actions. All of them become alive and Sparks seems to consistently add nice little details that round them out even more and give the beginning glimpses of their characters.

Reading how Ronnie & her father interacted throughout the summer was brilliant, especially with the Sparks-twist that he enjoys torturing us with.

With his books it's all about the journey and with this one especially I thought he captured a young girls journey into adult hood. While I know some readers don't enjoy the pain that Sparks seems to drag his readers through, I'd highly recommend reading this one. Sure you may have to reach for the kleenex but it's worth it.

RATING: ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥

Silver Bourne - Patricia Briggs

TITLE: Silver Bourne

AUTHOR: Patricia Briggs

SUMMARY: All-new action in the #1 "New York Times" bestselling urban fantasy series

When mechanic and shapeshifter Mercy Thompson attempts to return a powerful Fae book she'd previously borrowed in an act of desperation, she finds the bookstore locked up and closed down.

It seems the book contains secret knowledge-and the Fae will do just about anything to keep it out of the wrong hands. And if that doesn't take enough of Mercy's attention, her friend Samuel is struggling with his wolf side-leaving Mercy to cover for him, lest his own father declare Sam's life forfeit.

All in all, Mercy has had better days. And if she isn't careful, she might not have many more to live... - From Publisher

REVIEW: This series never gets old or boring and kicks ass over and over again.

I need to start off by saying I have such a hard time reviewing this series because I love it so much I just want to squee and write incoherent sentences because my brain is all over the place in excitement. I hope that for those that love this series understand. So, please bare with me as I try to settle my squee.

What I love about Briggs is that while the romance is there it's never the driving force. I feel like it drives the characters into directions and gives them more to fight for. There are scenes in this book that are just so potent and brought tears to my eyes and no words are exchanged it's just Briggs' style of writing. She's the master at conveying emotions and struggles without the words, just body language.

I feel like the plots as the series has continued have just gotten stronger. I like that the main plot is there but you still get so much more. The packs interaction with having a coyote as their alpha's mate is wonderfully written. I love that Mercy is still struggling with the aftermath of Tim. That alone makes me love Briggs so much more. That she's written it all so tastefully and hasn't swept it under the rug and watching Adam struggle with how to deal is beautiful. His struggle with not wanting to frighten her but his wolf being, well, his wolf was so perfectly well written and well balanced.

The story with Sam was strong and it makes me wonder if Briggs is going to do a little side story with him. I hope she does, I'd be all over that!

Such a fantastic book and a wonderful addition to a strong series.

RATING: ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥

Nineteen Minutes - Jodi Picoult

TITLE: Nineteen Minutes

AUTHOR: Jodi Picoult

SUMMARY: Jodi Picoult, bestselling author of My Sister''s Keeper and The Tenth Circle, pens her most riveting book yet, with a startling and poignant story about the devastating aftermath of a small-town tragedy.

Sterling is an ordinary New Hampshire town where nothing ever happens--until the day its complacency is shattered by an act of violence. Josie Cormier, the daughter of the judge sitting on the case, should be the state''s best witness, but she can''t remember what happened before her very own eyes--or can she? As the trial progresses, fault lines between the high school and the adult community begin to show--destroying the closest of friendships and families. Nineteen Minutes asks what it means to be different in our society, who has the right to judge someone else, and whether anyone is ever really who they seem to be. - From Publisher

REVIEW: A must read!

This was one of those books where I loved but at the beginning it had some lull moments. I liked that Picoult jumped back in time to give us history but at the beginning I was so desperate to get into the actual shooting that I was a tad frustrated that I was being pulled out of the present to be in the past. However, this could also just be my small level of patience I have. I did enjoy the past segments as it got closer to the shooting. I found those more relevant however; after reading the book those early years of Peter showed events that happened that morphed and changed him and tied things together.

Content. This book was heavy. It broke my heart in more ways than one and just sorta rammed home the after effects. Often the news covers the current and you sorta forget that for the victims the sound of a loud bang will send them falling to their knees looking for cover long after the camera crews have packed up. That's heartbreaking and Picoult gave us so many moments of the after. Of Peter receiving letters, the court description and pictures and how it shook up the town. It was all overwhelming and Picoult never shied away from the content. I feel like if you're writing about such heavy issues that you need to fully dive in because not and skimming or glazing over takes away and trivializes the events.

As always Picoult writes in detail and definitely not one that you can sorta breeze through. Every page has important information and the characters go through lots of changes and there's twist and upsets and you end up feeling for people that you wouldn't normally feel for.

A potent and beautiful book about events that are horrific and painful. One of the best books I've read and a must read for all, especially if you're in a book club.

RATING: ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥

Hunting Grounds - Patricia Briggs

TITLE: Hunting Ground

AUTHOR: Patricia Briggs

SUMMARY: Anne Latham didn't know how complicated life could be until she became a werewolf. And until she was mated to Charles Cornick, the son--and enforcer--of Bran, the leader of the North American werewolves, she didn't know how dangerous it could be either...
Anna and Charles have just been enlisted to attend a summit to present Bran's controversial proposition: that the wolves should finally reveal themselves to humans. But the most feared Alpha in Europe is dead set against the plan--and it seems like someone else might be, too. When Anna is attacked by vampires using pack magic, the kind of power only werewolves should be able to draw on, Charles and Anna must combine their talents to hunt down whoever is behind it all--or risk losing everything... - From Publisher

REVIEW: I love the character of Anne, but I sorta wish we got more of her inner struggle.

It's not a secret that I'm in love with Brigg's Mercy Thompson series and that I'm also a fan of this series. I love her writing style and characters. My issue with Anne is that I want more of her turmoil. I feel like we got some of her inner conflict and her trying to deal with her past issues but I would love more. I would love to feel that oppressive feeling she gets when surrounded by dominates and her struggling with things. Meshing her human and wolf sides together. I guess, in short, I want her to be a bit more broken and for us, the readers, to get a better handle on how broken she truly is.

However, in no way do I think Briggs is gliding over her past or changing Anne's character I just want more. I did think we got some beautiful and touching moments in this installment but I'd like more. I'm a bit greedy that way.

What I have loved is Charles dealing with her. I love how off balance she makes him and I love reading how torn he is with trying to ensure he doesn't hurt her or scare her away with his past. It's all frustratingly beautiful.

As always, reading Briggs is pure reading enjoyment. I love her plots and characters and how she weaves things together. Will be eagerly awaiting more.

RATING: ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥

The Choice - Nicholas Sparks

TITLE: The Choice

AUTHOR: Nicholas Sparks

SUMMARY: #1 New York Times bestseller Nicholas Sparks turns his unrivaled talents to a new tale about love found and lost, and the choices we hope we''ll never have to make.


Travis Parker has everything a man could want: a good job, loyal friends, even a waterfront home in small-town North Carolina. In full pursuit of the good life - boating, swimming , and regular barbecues with his good-natured buddies -- he holds the vague conviction that a serious relationship with a woman would only cramp his style. That is, until Gabby Holland moves in next door.


Spanning the eventful years of young love, marriage and family, THE CHOICE ultimately confronts us with the most heartwrenching question of all: how far would you go to keep the hope of love alive? - From Publisher

REVIEW: Now this is a classic Sparks book and just what I love. Happiness before pain and then wondering if he, Sparks, can fix it or not.

I can, at times, be a hard person to please (just ask my husband). I want my characters to talk more like normal people, do some rambling and make assumptions and at times look like a fool, because in real life we do all those things. At the same time when I read that in a book it sounds off and non-book-esque. This is problem I discovered with Travis's sister Stephanie. She rambled and talked like an actual person would and while I loved that I didn't. It didn't take away from story, which was good, but it also read funny. Yeah, hard to please.

The story itself was beautiful. I love the journey and the theme. I feel like Sparks writes a classic romance that never goes near the smutty that most straight romances do. And while you get the romance you also get a few beautiful stories in one book. I never find myself getting bored while reading his works he does well writing real life.

If you enjoy romances or Sparks' movies/books you'll enjoy this. Just be sure to have some Kleenex.

RATING: ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥

The Lucky One - Nicholas Sparks

TITLE: The Lucky One

AUTHOR: Nicholas Sparks

SUMMARY: In his 14th book, bestselling author Nicholas Sparks tells the unforgettable story of a man whose brushes with death lead him to the love of his life.

Is there really such thing as a lucky charm? The hero of Nicholas Sparks''s new novel believes he''s found one in the form of a photograph of a smiling woman he''s never met, but who he comes to believe holds the key to his destiny. The chain of events that leads to him possessing the photograph and finding the woman pictured in it is the stuff of love stories only a master such as Sparks can write. - From Publisher

REVIEW: When ever I pick up a Sparks book I know I'm in for an enjoyable journey. This was one book that I found to be a bit different from other books I've read of his. I'm always expecting a tragedy and some sort of unhappy pain, with this book I didn't get that. Some would say that's good but I felt like I was missing out and that perhaps Sparks missed the mark, slightly with one character.

Keith Clayton, Elizabeth's ex, was written from the start as someone you weren't suppose to enjoy. I never felt sympathy for him and found his attitude of superiority to be a bit over the top and off from Sparks usual style. As the story unfolded and events happened I felt like Sparks wanted me to possibly have some sympathy for him, yet I never could muster it up. That aspect didn't sit well with me and, like I said, it didn't have that Sparks twist to it.

The rest of the characters were just what I've come to expect for Sparks. They were all well developed with lives that felt realistic and lots of depth and layers to them. That's one thing I love about his writing, is how we get lots of history and people connections in his books. A character is never really wasted or just plopped in for fun. I find this allows you to really focus in on the characters and get to know them.

Logan and his dog Zeus won over my heart instantly. Makes me want to fly to Germany when I eventually get my own German Shepard. The story of Logan's journey was laid out well and I enjoyed the flashbacks we got. I dislike when authors use flashbacks inappropriately but I find Sparks always uses his to the books advantage. You never feel lost nor overwhelmed, he's got a good balance with them.

All around I enjoyed the book. It sat more on the romance side, but was a nice reprieve from some of his more heartbreaking tales.

RATING: ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥