Low Red Moon - Ivy Devlin

TITLE: Low Red Moon

AUTHOR: Ivy Devlin

SUMMARY: The only thing Avery Hood can remember about the night her parents died is that she saw silver—deadly silver, moving inhumanly fast. As much as she wants to remember who killed them, she can't, and there's nothing left to do but try to piece her life back together. Then Avery meets the new boy in school—Ben, mysterious and beautiful, with whom she feels a connection like nothing she's ever experienced. When Ben reveals he's a werewolf, Avery still trusts him—at first. Then she sees that sometimes his eyes flash inhuman silver. And she learns that she's not the only one who can't remember the night her parents died.Part murder mystery, part grief narrative, and part heart-stopping, headlong romance, Low Red Moon is a must-read for teen paranormal fans. As breathless as Twilight and as spooky as Shiver, this is a book to be devoured in one sitting—by an acclaimed YA author making her paranormal debut under the pseudonym Ivy Devlin. - From Publisher

REVIEW: An amazing book! The first few pages made me so uncomfortable and heart broken that I was worried if I would be able to muster through the book. (Note: I may later blame this sadness on pregnancy hormones) And despite that uncomfortableness I loved that Devlin got me to that place because I felt Avery's pain so strongly. I felt like I was a part of her world and was dealing with the lose of parents as she was. This really helped you get pulled into Avery's world that was morphing and twisting into something unnatural and, in my opinion, because Devlin got you to that uncomfortable place I was more easily swayed into believing the paranormal events that begin to take place.

Avery is a self assured girl and I love that while she loved how her parents raised her she wasn't overly awkward and wanted to still be balanced. She seemed to have a clear view of life. Plus, it was refreshing that she didn't resent her Grama, Renee, and that as the story developed you saw that Avery realized how much her Grama did love her father and how alike they were. It was enjoyable that their relationship with neither perfect or horrible, just a tad awkward and it read realistically.

Oh and the romance between Ben and Avery was fire cracker hot and intense. I absolutely loved how this was written and all the history that was woven between the canvas of characters. Some thing I guessed and others were a pleasant surprise. But Ben was such a unique character (like all of them) and he often did the opposite of what I thought he would do, so it sorta kept me guessing.

I absolutely adored this book and you should all go pick this up to read. A wonderful blend of suspense, character growth, romance and supernatural. Also, I really hope Devlin continues with this 'verse and that we get a second book.

RATING: ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥

Don of The Dead - Casey Daniels

TITLE: Don of The Dead

AUTHOR: Casey Daniels

SUMMARY: She sees dead people

Beautiful, smart, and chic, Pepper Martin never had to work a day in her life -- until her surgeon daddy was convicted of fraud, her wealthy fiancé took a powder, and the family fortune ran bone dry.

Suddenly desperate, the inexperienced ex-rich girl was forced to take the only job she could get: as a tour guide in a cemetery. But a grave situation took a turn for the worse when a head-on collision with a headstone left her with an unwanted ability to communicate with the disgruntled deceased . . . and now Pepper has a whacked Mafia don demanding that she hunt down his killers -- and threatening to haunt her until she does. - From Publisher

REVIEW: Another series that I am past fashionably late to read. I have a few of these. However, the nice thing about being late is that there are now 7 books out (in total for this series) there for me to read. I sorta loved that when I started to reach Rachel Vincent's Shifters series I had so-so many books to read and I didn't need to wait for 'em.

Anyway, onto the review because none of you probably really care about how I seem to have been missing out on various series.

I was a bit leery when I picked up this first book. Worried that it would be cliche and that Pepper would annoy me, because realistically she has the makings of a character that would annoy readers. A rich girl that falls out of money and now has to work? I was scared that Pepper wouldn't have any endearing qualities and that she'd be so selfish and fashion centered that I wouldn't be able to make it through the book. Thankfully, that wasn't the case. Yes, Pepper has some room to grow but I found her enjoyable despite those flaws. She was a well balanced character; having flaws that I am assuming Daniels will slowly weed through and but I didn't feel I had to push through this first book. I loved Pepper, so I am excited to see how much more I love her as I continue to read this series.

The plot was at a steady pace and kept you wanting to read. Even when the characters weren't doing much, all the back history and sleuthing into Gus's past was so much fun. I loved the humorous moments and how Pepper learned so much from DVDs and her trying to explain that to her friendly ghost. Daniels mixed so much together in just the right blend, from humor to Pepper really succeeding in her digging. I dislike when characters seem overly klutzy and manage to always escape unscathed. Daniels put Pepper in situations that allowed for some really great moments, but in no way was Pepper a sleuthing genius.

I am so happy I got into this series and I cannot wait to catch up on the rest of this series. Two thumbs up!

RATING: ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥

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: ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥

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: ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥

My Soul to Take - Rachel Vincent

TITLE: My Soul to Take

AUTHOR: Rachel Vincent

SUMMARY: She doesn''t see dead people, but…

She senses when someone near her is about to die. And when that happens, a force beyond her control compels her to scream bloody murder. Literally.

Kaylee just wants to enjoy having caught the attention of the hottest guy in school. But a normal date is hard to come by when Nash seems to know more about her need to scream than she does. And when classmates start dropping dead for no apparent reason, only Kaylee knows who''ll be next… - From Publisher

REVIEW: Vincent is rapidly becoming one of my favorite authors. I loved this series opening, the whole concept feels unique and different even though it really isn't. Gotta love authors that can take a concept and make it fresh and new.

This book starts off with best friends Emma & Kaylee sneaking into a club. I like that while Kaylee isn't an 'it' girl she also isn't a social leper either. I enjoy that she sneaks into clubs and does thing that your average teen does. I found her character to be one that I easily related to and that made this book highly addictive. Yet despite the normalcy I loved that she had a tortured and battered past. That her life wasn't fully average. I do think that considering her stint in a ward that there would be more damage. I found her softness towards her Aunt & Uncle at certain moments in the book to be off, or perhaps I'm just cold-hearted but I wanted to see more of her rage, hopefully in the second book we get more of it. Anger at her father for allowing it and now swooping in. (Yes I realize there is a prequel to this series but I'd still like some backlash.)

Hottie, Nash Hudson is just that a hottie. I naturally liked him and he did some unexpected things that I enjoyed. My biggest issue with him is that for someone with such a play-boy reputation he didn't really act like it. Again, Vincent could be doing her trade-mark zig when I think she'll zag but I do hope we get more back-history on him. Was he that much of a play-boy and if so are his intentions with Kaylee fully honest or is he hoping for something in return??

I love that Vincent does that. That her writing style isn't predictable and that really, she could totally change things. I love that I have another few books to eat through before I'm caught up, because her writing is such an addiction for me! I cannot wait!

RATING: ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥

Two-Way Street - Lauren Barnholdt

TITLE: Two-Way Street

AUTHOR: Lauren Barnholdt

SUMMARY: 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. - From Publisher

REVIEW: A perfect ya chic-lit for those days where you want to read something that's easy to sink into and just puts a smile on your face.

From the moment I started reading this I figured I was going to love. I love Barnholdt's style of writing and how easily she makes the story flow. Yes, at times the dialogue and inner dialogue is a bit stiff and I was so happy when Barnholdt quit making Courtney's inner thoughts have point form but those are easy things to look past. The romance between Jordan & Courtney was a delight to read and I think the jumping from previous events to current was well balanced and really assisted the story. I got my information and it never seemed chopping when she bounced.

However, never have I read a teen/ya book before and felt so stinking old! I do not remember guys being like this and nor do I remember girls acting like some did in this story. It's not like it's been decade upon decade that I was last in HS but man, times must have changed. Oddly at the same time I felt nostalgic. My husband and I were HS sweethearts and I remember when he broke up with me how horrible it was. Barnholdt did a fabulous job in giving each person their side through inner thoughts but never letting it pass to the other verbally. It made the story so much better and allowed me to be more invested in them as a couple.

I'm definitely going to have to look into more books by this author as this was a thoroughly enjoyable read.

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: ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥

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: ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥

To The Brink - Cindy Gerard

TITLE: To The Brink

AUTHOR: Cindy Gerard

SUMMARY: Working on highly sensitive diplomatic affairs, Darcy Prescott is a natural target for terrorist kidnappers. But when she's mysteriously plucked off a street in Manila one sultry night, Darcy's disappearance isn't what it seems.

The moment Special Forces soldier Ethan Garrett laid eyes on Darcy, he knew she was the woman he would marry-and he did. But when their marriage fell apart, Ethan never really recovered. Now a highly paid bodyguard, Ethan quickly slips back into combat mode when he learns of Darcy's disappearance and calls in old favors to assemble a rogue rescue team..

Tracking Darcy all the way to the jungles of the Philippines, Ethan knows every move he makes could mean the difference between life and death. His love for Darcy burns stronger than ever. But when he learns the true reason for her abduction, it may be too late to save her-or himself. - From Publisher

REVIEW: Finding romantic/suspense writers that become addictive are a rarity for me. I find myself often cringing at some of the cheesy lines when it comes to the characters declarations of love. Anyways, I've been wanting to read Cindy Gerard's The Bodyguard series for awhile. I like bodyguards, they fit into my alpha male love so I was eager to read this series. Got my hands on this book through my local used bookstore and now I must track the rest of this series down. Immediately.

Gerard most definitely did her research. When it came to Ethan and his team I felt that the dialogue and actions where true to life, that the men could easily be non-fiction rather than fiction. I love when an author does their research, they end up adding those little details that, for me, make a story pop and often suck me into the world they've created. Along with all those fine delicious details that Gerard added for reading the books out of order I never felt lost. Each character was given a little back history to make a new reader become in the loop, yet at the same time I never once felt like I was getting an over-whelming amount of information. Enough that I wasn't scratching my head wondering why Ethan trusted this group of guys. Each was unique and I'm looking forward to getting the two previous books read before I continue on with this series.

Even the plot was engaging. Gerard did bounce back and forth from present to past, but it was always clearly marked, which I loved (sometimes I just don't want to get pulled out of rhythm wondering where I am in the time-line of event). I think the fact that we were shown past events make Ethan & Darcy's connection and love much stronger. Plus, it really showed how much each of the characters had grown during the time apart and made me fall more into what they were going through. Generally I find when authors jump around in the time line I get confused and can't seem to get my rhythm, I'm glad that didn't happen with this book. Gerard pulled it off flawlessly.

Definitely a perfect book for an enjoyable fast past read that will keep you hooked until the very, very end.

RATING: ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥

Succubus Shadows - Richelle Mead

TITLE: Succubus Shadows

AUTHOR: Richelle Mead

SUMMARY: From the author of the hugely popular Vampire Academy series comes this sexy, suspenseful, and witty urban fantasy that features Seattle-based succubus Georgina Kinkaid who discovers that her dreams are not what they seem. - From Publisher

REVIEW: I've loved this series, until this book. I felt like nothing really happened and I sorta feel like we've hit a slump. *ducks flying objects*

Before you start a mob, let me explain and please keep in mind that I adore Mead's work, I think she's brilliant and a fantastic writer with a unique voice. The whole drama with Seth is done. I've past the delicious tension portion of these two and am now just over them. I think the next book or two needs to have Seth barely mentioned and for us to focus on the real excitement, *SPOILER WARNING* the double contract... well and maybe the whole relationship with Roman, who I'm just really loving more and more with each book, so I'm just waiting for that to never happen. (Oh sarcasm, my lovely friend) *face palm* But seriously, I'm done with the Seth drama and he needs to just sit back, get his crap in order and our beloved Succubus needs to get the full 411 on the shifty details.

This book just felt so repetitive. Even the flashbacks weren't all that exciting and more often than not I found myself bored with them. Perhaps this was a filler for what's to come but I felt like the majority of this book didn't bring anything new to the table until the end and a certain kiss.

Maybe I'm the only one that felt this way and others loved the back history, and yay for you all, I wish I was one of you. As for her romance interests I just feel like I've been beaten over the head with Seth (much like how I'm beating my opinion about him in this review) and I want something new. Give her Roman, of course I've got a theory about that. *THEORY SPOILER WARNING* Her and Roman will end up together cause she'll realize that Seth needs to be with his family and sort through that whole drama. I'll fall more in love with Roman and then when she gets out of her contract due to having two... blah, blah, blah and she becomes human she'll got for Seth and I will be mad. So... maybe Roman could die in the fight(?) and then I wouldn't have to know he's suffering while watching the two of them together. Love triangles are EVIL especially when generally they never end up how I'd like them to.

That's my two cents on the book, if you are reading this series, you probably should read this because yay for Mead but also because the teasing with the 'stuff' and Roman is really well written and you may enjoy all the back history and creepy ways of torture (I did enjoy the torture and pain and heartbreak that this book did provide, shocking, I know) that Georgina endures.

RATING: ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥

Stray - Rachel Vincent

TITLE: Stray

AUTHOR: Rachel Vincent

SUMMARY: I look like an all-American grad student. But I am a werecat, a shape-shifter, and I live in two worlds.

Despite reservations from my family and my Pride, I escaped the pressure to continue my species and carved out a normal life for myself. Until the night a Stray attacked.

I'd been warned about Strays--werecats without a Pride--constantly on the lookout for someone like me: attractive, female and fertile. I fought him off, but then learned two of my fellow tabbies had disappeared.

This brush with danger was all my Pride needed to summon me back...for my own protection. Yeah, right. But I'm no meek kitty. I'll take on whatever--and whoever--I have to in order to find my friends. Watch out, Strays--'cause I got claws, and I'm not afraid to use them.... - From Publisher

REVIEW: I've seen this book on various friends shelf over at Shelfari but for some reason never wanted to pick it up. I don't know my full reason for. I remember being worried that it was going to be a bit over the top. Female shape-shifter a bit ditzy, perhaps I should blame it on the summary, which I don't think does the book justice and makes it sounds bad. Or it could be that I'd read a review and combined with the summary I cringed and continued on, who knows what goes on in my crazy mind. Whatever had stopped me from initially picking up this book is obviously evil because I loved this book, in fact, I chewed through this book in a night and it was awesome!

The story kicks off with a good jump kick in regards to plot. I loved how we were tossed into our leads world, we got information but there was so much left up in the air. Kudos for authors not laying down the full 411 within the first 20 pages. There's gotta be some intrigue and mystery in regards to characters past that keep a reader engage. It's a tricky balance to keep us in the loop but at the same time not showing the full hand.

Generally I enjoyed the character of Faythe, there were a few times that I felt like she flipped and flopped a bit too much. However, I notice that often with the first book in a series the female leads aren't fully established and I'm always willing to give a little for what I consider to be missteps. All in all I enjoyed her, I liked how stubborn she was and how that often ended up getting her into trouble. The romance in the book was well written I only hope that as I read this series Vincent stays clear of the guy that Faythe ends up with doesn't become boring and mooshy. I loved all the tension in this book, the push & pull. (For those that have read my reviews know that I love tension and am always okay if the decision isn't made within the first book of the series. I love the tug-of-war.)

The biggest argh moment I had with this one was some of the heavier content, not that it was included in the book just that I'd like there to be more repercussion for them. I believe Briggs (author of the Mercy Thompson series) has been the only author that has really followed through with any sort of assault issues. I'm okay if an author treads there but I want it to be written properly and I felt like some of the characters bounced back too quickly. With that said I suppose one could argue that being a were gives a different take on it, but since I'm not a Were I hope in the second book we get a bit more of the consequences from this book.

All in all I loved this opening book and I've already got the rest of the series in my possession and I'm eagerly awaiting to read them. The series is sorta reminding me of Mercy Thompson series & Kitty Norville series, both of which I love.

RATING: ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥

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: ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥

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: ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥

Blood Ties - Kay Hooper

TITLE: Blood Ties

AUTHOR: Kay Hooper

SUMMARY: New York Times bestselling author Kay Hooper takes us to the outer reaches of fear in her latest thriller, as the Special Crimes Unit finds itself targeted by a monster intent on destroying both Noah Bishop and his people.

The elite Special Crimes Unit, the FBI's most controversial and effective team, is a group of mavericks and misfits trained to use their unique psychic abilities to hunt the worst monsters imaginable-human ones. Led by the enigmatic Noah Bishop, the SCU has earned a reputation for pitting their skills and cunning against killers that other cops fear. But this time Bishop and his agents face an enemy who has them in his sights, a trained sniper with a deadly plan-and more than one ace up his sleeve.

It starts with an unspeakable series of grisly murders across three states, a trail of blood leading, finally, to the small Tennessee town of Serenade. There, two more brutal killings lure the SCU into what may be the ultimate trap.

One of the first investigators on the scene, Special Agent Hollis Templeton, is willing to push herself as hard and as far as necessary. Risking more than her life to help and protect her SCU colleagues, Hollis must cope with her own psychic abilities, which are evolving in unprecedented ways, an attraction to the most complex man she's ever known, and a serial murder investigation that turns very, very personal.

In her time with the SCU, Hollis has shown an uncanny ability to survive even the deadliest attacks. But what she can't know is that this killer intends to destroy the team from within.

The clock is ticking. The body count is rising. And as Bishop and his agents race to uncover the true identity of their enemy, not even their special senses can warn them just how bloody, and how terrifyingly close, the truth will be. - From Publisher

REVIEW: Hooper is a mastermind at creating vivid characters with a storyline that has you engaged and begging for more. Blood Ties is the newest installment from Hooper's Noah Bishop Series and if you've enjoyed the previous books you'll love this one.

This book, like Blood Dreams & Blood Sins, is part of a bigger story arc and something Hooper hasn't done until this trilogy with her Bishop Series. The story continues with familiar foes and a new enemy that's working at destroying Bishop and the SCU. While I loved having a huge story line that spanned three books, I wish the release dates were closer. Often I'd find myself trying to remember what happened in book one and that took away from the story, not a lot but enough that I took notice.

With having such a connected storyline it did allow for us to get to know some newer characters better and have more word time with some favorites. For example, Hollis. She's always been one of my favorites and I loved that we got lots from her in this book. Hooper always writes her characters so real that you feel like you're going through the story with them. I'm always so eager to learn about the new characters she brings to the canvas; and even for the characters that have been around for a while, she still manages to give them scenes that allow them to grow.

This is the twelfth book in this series and the plot and characters haven't eroded and Hooper is still finding villainous foes to pit against the talent of the SCU.

Here's to hoping that the next book in this series comes fast!

RATING: ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥

Shiver - Maggie Stiefvater

TITLE: Shiver

AUTHOR: Maggie Stiefvater

SUMMARY: For years, Grace has watched the wolves in the woods behind her house. One yellow-eyed wolf - her wolf - is a haunting presence she can't seem to live without. Meanwhile, Sam has lived two lives: In winter, the frozen woods, the protection of the pack, and the silent company of a fearless girl. In summer, a few precious months of being human -- until the cold makes him shift back again. Now, Grace meets a yellow-eyed boy whose familiarity takes her breath away. It's her wolf. It has to be. But as winter nears and the temperature drops, Sam must fight to stay human or risk losing himself, and Grace, forever. - From Publisher

REVIEW: The parallels of awesomeness I'm about to draw will blow your mind. Okay, so that's total bull. Unless it does blow your mind in which case go me! I digress. While I read this book I realized a few things that unknown to me, defined this brunette from an early age and something that caused my fandom heart to burst with wonderful nostalgia while I read this.

Lets start with a defining moment. When I was little, like kindergarten age, I remember going on family vacationsw or driving out to my Uncle's cabin and listening to Meat Loaf. It was my Mom's favorite and while the cassette cover disturbed me (young children should not be exposed to rippled men on motorcycles bursting out of hell, it's begging for them to have a love for the speed racer/bad boy types) I loved the music. One of my favorites was "You Took the Words Right Out of My Mouth (Hot Summer Night)". The song started with the following: "[Boy:] On a hot summer night, would you offer your throat to the wolf with the red roses? // [Girl:] Will he offer me his mouth // [Boy:] Yes. // [Girl:] Will he offer me his teeth? // [Boy:] Yes. // [Girl:] Will he offer me his jaws? // [Boy:] Yes. // [Girl:] Will he offer me his hunger? // [Boy:] Yes. // [Girl:] Again, will he offer me his hunger? // [Boy:] Yes! // [Girl:] And does he love me? // [Boy:] Yes. // [Girl:] Yes. // [Boy:] On a hot summer night, would you offer your throat to the wolf with the red roses? // [Girl:] Yes. // [Boy:] I bet you say that to all the boys!". I didn't get all the implications or smuttiness that the song implied I just thought it was about Red Riding Hood or something like that. This was the start of my wolf love. Now when I read a werewolf novel I know I'm loving and enjoying the book if this song jumps in my head. This song was on instant reply while I read Stiefvater's book.

Her characters were easy to fall for and from the first few paragraphs I knew this would be unlike other books I'd read from this genre and/or category. I liked how Stiefvater set this book up for the series. I felt like I got lots and really started to learn about the characters without being worried that in the next installments I'd get bored. I absolutely loved how Stiefvater didn't make Grace a whiner. She has her issues but was still written lovable and even with her at times absent parents that whole story line wasn't written like others I've read. Somehow I found it to be fresh, perhaps because it managed to stay balanced while giving it meat and adding to character development.

I also loved the style of this book, how we got chapters written in Grace's POV and others in Sam's, again, I liked the balance and insight that I got. Sometimes when it's all first person I get the longing to know what the other is thinking or feeling. I got that with this, yet I never found myself confused or that it tore my focus.

My favorite thing about this book, other than listening to Meat Loaf on replay, was the romance between Grace and Sam. Their whole journey and how he watched her for so long and she waited for him and how they longed for each other but figured it to be impossible was so Buffy & Angel. It was early seasons BtVS and how their budding romance was full of chaste kisses and simply being in each others presence. I found that far more romantic than if they just jumped into making out. The build up of it all was wonderful and filled in gaps where the plot may have slacked a bit. When there was a little plot slack I found I didn't care because I was so engaged in these two as both individuals and as a pair.

Easily, the best teen/ya romance I've read. I wish more were like this.

Definitely recommend this book to others. I think those that enjoy this genre will love this first book and Linger (book 2) is now on my must snag list. I hope with book 2 we get more from other characters, as the cast has a slew of potential.

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: ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥