I've been pumped to read Marked ever since I heard about its release a year ago. Sarah Fine's one of my favorite authors, and Marked is book one in heI've been pumped to read Marked ever since I heard about its release a year ago. Sarah Fine's one of my favorite authors, and Marked is book one in her first adult series. While she's known for her young adults novels, after reading this book I think she's proven she can write for any audience.
Marked follows paramedic partners Cacy Ferry and Eli Margolis as they try to save lives and survive in a futuristic and devastated version of Boston. They also have to fight their intense attraction to one another and deal with the deadly secrets Cacy and her powerful family are hiding.
Cacy and Eli were both awesome characters. I loved how accepting they were of each other and how their relationship developed from friendship to romance. I especially enjoyed the romance. It got really hot and steamy at times! I also appreciated how protective and close they were with their siblings. Good relationships between siblings are something I haven't seen much in the books I've read, so it's always nice and memorable when I do.
Marked was a fun and exciting start to a new series involving family politics and the afterlife. As soon as I finished it, I could not wait to pick up the next book Claimed! If you love adult books in the paranormal romance and urban fantasy genres, I definitely recommend this series to you....more
My mini-review can also be found on my blog Collections.
1.5 stars
Unfortunately, I didn't like The Escape. I wish I did, but nothing in the story worke My mini-review can also be found on my blog Collections.
1.5 stars
Unfortunately, I didn't like The Escape. I wish I did, but nothing in the story worked for me. All the characters suffered from a serious case of TSTL (too stupid to live). It must be one of those highly contagious diseases people are catching at the FEMA camps mentioned in the book. Because whoa. Their reasoning for doing some of the things they did made zero sense. They rarely used logic. It was unbelievable and a bit hilarious. I have no idea how they managed to survive everything that happened in this book, and I can't comprehend how they're even still living after the 'Pulse,' which happened a year ago and is the reason technology and most humans in America were wiped out. I guess these people are seriously lucky or everyone else around them is just dumber. Those are the only reasons that make sense to me.
I don't want to end this without saying at least something good about The Escape. So, I've thought of three things I liked. One would be that, although I haven't read the first book and all the books in the trilogy are connected, I didn't feel lost while reading this sequel. I was also able to read this fairly quickly. It was easy to get through. The final thing would be that I didn't get a headache, even though I wasn't enjoying it.
If you're still interested in reading this book or the entire trilogy, then that's your choice. I'm not going to tell anyone what they should or shouldn't read. But as for me, The Escape just wasn't for me, and I don't have any plans to read the other books....more
My mini-review can also be found on my blog Collections.
4.5 stars
I didn't know what to expect from The Winner's Curse. It wasn't originally on my rada My mini-review can also be found on my blog Collections.
4.5 stars
I didn't know what to expect from The Winner's Curse. It wasn't originally on my radar, and I only became curious about it once I started to notice all the great reviews it was receiving. After getting the chance to read it myself, I can understand why so many are praising this book.
Kestrel, a high-class Valorian and the general's daughter, and Arin, a Herrani slave purchased by Kestrel at an auction, were the main characters. They may have grown up in different worlds, but they were similar in many ways. Both were sympathetic people, full of strength and determination, wishing for the freedom to live their lives the way they wanted to. I just found it so easy to like them. I also loved how their relationship evolved. They didn't always get along, yet there was a connection between them that made them open up to one another little by little. It was precious and sweet. They each had their secrets though, and it led to devastating revelations and consequences. I have no idea how they will overcome that, but I hope that whatever happens next they are able to survive it together.
I'm so glad I took a chance and read The Winner's Curse because I was immersed in the story from the very beginning. Although it was a bit slow-going at times, it didn't stop me from enjoying it overall, and I'm already eagerly anticipating the release of the sequel....more
My review can also be found on my blog Collections.
4.5 stars
Shadowdance is the fourth book in Kristen Callihan's Darkest London series. I have yet to My review can also be found on my blog Collections.
4.5 stars
Shadowdance is the fourth book in Kristen Callihan's Darkest London series. I have yet to read the first three books, so I had no idea what to expect. I figured each book could be read as its own story, but since I wasn't familiar with the world found in this series, I still was a little unsure that I would be able to follow it as well had I read the previous books. I really had nothing to worry about, though, because once I started reading I was hooked and couldn't get enough of the fascinating characters and the unique world.
The story in Shadowdance revolves around the shifter Jack Talent and the Ghost in the Machine (or GIM) Mary Chase. They both work for the Society for the Suppression of Supernaturals and are given orders to partner up and solve a case involving murders of demons and now shifters that began a year ago. Having to team up isn't easy, considering they've never been able to get along ever since they met four years ago. But what makes it even more complicated are Mary's suspicions of Jack's connection to the murders and the fact that someone out there is willing to do everything and anything to get Jack's blood.
Some of my favorite romances are ones where the two characters are constantly bickering but obviously have feelings for each other. Needless to say I loved Jack and Mary's banter and rivalry and the tension caused by their attraction to one another. They might have found it frustrating, but it was a lot of fun to read! Especially when their animosity towards each other started to evolve into sweet and touching and hot and steamy moments that had me swooning all over the place. Their relationship helped them both to become better people and to open up and confront their heartbreaking pasts as well. They were a lot similar than they realized, and together they found the happiness and love they've been missing and craving in their lives. I really couldn't get enough of them and their interactions. They were definitely the highlight of the novel for me.
As for Jack and Mary's mission of solving the murders, it ended up not being a simple or easy case. It became about more than just the murders. There were twists and turns as more and more characters were added to mix. It left Jack and Mary with more questions than answers, keeping them on their toes. I had no clue what it was all leading up to. Things that were revealed along the way surprised me just as much as them, and I started getting nervous for them both because the danger they faced continued to grow. Once everything finally collided, all I could do was hope that Jack and Mary would make it out together in one piece.
Shadowdance was a wonderful introduction for me to the Darkest London series. It was a thoroughly entertaining read that I found hard to put down. I loved everything about it, especially Jack and Mary and the development of their relationship from hate to love. I'm already looking forward to reading the rest of the books in the series, including the next novel Evernight and the first three I missed. If you love reading stories filled with romance and supernatural and steampunk elements, I highly recommend Shadowdance and the Darkest London series....more
After seeing the reviews for SONGS OF THE FIREFLIES, I've decided not to finish reading it.
---
I just found out I won a copy of Song of the Fireflies tAfter seeing the reviews for SONGS OF THE FIREFLIES, I've decided not to finish reading it.
---
I just found out I won a copy of Song of the Fireflies through a giveaway here on Goodreads. Awesome! I'm looking forward to receiving and reading it. :)...more
My review can also be found on my blog Collections.
4.5 stars
Star-Crossed had me intrigued from the very beginning. It was hard to put down. But I have My review can also be found on my blog Collections.
4.5 stars
Star-Crossed had me intrigued from the very beginning. It was hard to put down. But I have to say... The last 30% of the story definitely amped it up and had me on the edge of my seat! What happened to the characters almost felt like a never-ending train-wreck. I could not look away, nor could I help but to get emotional. I was extremely anxious to know how Kaitlyn's story would end, so props to the author Luna Lacour for keeping me guessing all the way to the final lines of the book.
The story focused on eighteen-year-old Kaitlyn Laurent, who no longer wanted to live the life her wealthy and out-of-touch father already planned out for her and who becomes immersed in a game to seduce her teacher Mr. Tennant. Kaitlyn was an interesting character. I couldn't relate to her life or her choices, and I thought she sometimes came off as cold and distant. However, she grew on me. I understood her reasoning behind some of the reckless decisions she made. Her unhappiness with the way her life was going didn't cause me to roll my eyes or make me wish she would be happy that she at least had money. I just ended up feeling immense sympathy for her and hoped things would work out for her, even though it seemed impossible.
The males in Kaitlyn's life fascinated me as well. Her stepbrother Marius stood out to me a lot. He was the one who started the game, the bet, between himself and Kaitlyn. There were times I wanted to know more about him and times I wanted to shake him. It wasn't easy figuring him out, and his motives weren't clear to me till the last part of the story. I just felt really bad for him by the end, and it made me wonder how differently things would have been had he not hid behind all the games. Tyler was another stand out. He was a loner at school because of his status and somehow became best friends with Kaitlyn during their final semester. I loved how normal he seemed compared to everyone else. He was sweet, had morals, and viewed the world in an entirely different way compared to the all rich kids at school. I'm so happy with his outcome and glad Kaitlyn had him by her side.
Last, but not least: Will Tennant. He was the new literature teacher at school and the one Kaitlyn had to seduce in order to win the bet (the prize being Marius's trust fund money) and escape the life she no longer wanted. I really liked Will. He was kind, patient, and intelligent. There was also a bit of mystery about him, and it didn't hurt that he was hot and British. I felt him and Kaitlyn were a perfect match. They both seemed lost and shared an immediate connection that was hard to ignore. As for the bet, it became really hard for Kaitlyn to go through with, especially once she realized how deep her feelings were for Will. Keeping their student/teacher relationship a secret from everyone was hard enough, and if Will found out about the bet, Kaitlyn knew everything would come crashing down. It did give the story excitement, but at the same time, it gave me much anxiety because all I wanted was for them to be happy and together.
Star-Crossed was about a girl who wanted to live her life the way she wanted to with the man she loved but got caught up in all the secrets and lies. It was alluring and at times thrilling and not the usual new adult read. I don't want to spoil the ending, but I will say that it was unexpected and fitting and left me breathless. Star-Crossed was a wonderful debut novel by Luna Lacour, and I'm looking forward to reading what she writes next!...more
My review can also be found on my blog Collections.
2.5 stars
Breaking Nova is the first novel I've ever read by Jessica Sorensen. I've heard lots of pr My review can also be found on my blog Collections.
2.5 stars
Breaking Nova is the first novel I've ever read by Jessica Sorensen. I've heard lots of praise for the author's other books, and I've been wanting to read some of them for awhile. Unfortunately, as an introduction to her works, I'm not sure Breaking Nova left a great impression.
One word that kept going through my head while reading this book was gloomy. When a story is moody and full of hard-hitting moments, I usually feel uncomfortable and hope it's all sunshine and rainbows by the end. Breaking Nova did make me feel a bit uncomfortable, but the most important thing it did not do was move me. I couldn't bring myself to cry or even tear up. I just wasn't able to connect with the story or the characters in any way. And I almost felt like there was too much tragedy involving the characters. Every single one of them had their own sob story, and it was all a big depressing mess.
Nova and Quinton were the main characters, and I can't say I found them to be interesting or memorable. All I can remember them doing throughout the book were two things: cry and smoke weed. Seriously, that's all they did the majority of the time! Nothing exciting happened with them as the story progressed. I was waiting for a huge, mind-blowing moment, but there really never was a major climax or anything. Very few was resolved and the things that were seemed to be fixed simply and quickly. I didn't even find the romance between Nova and Quinton swoon-worthy, especially when Nova kept comparing Quinton to her dead boyfriend and Quinton kept thinking about his dead girlfriend. It was a pretty emotionless reading experience for me that by the end I didn't care to know what happened to them next.
Sadly, Breaking Nova didn't leave an impact. It just wasn't a fulfilling or stunning read. It looks like there will be two more books in the series, and while I'm still willing to read the author's other novels, I already know I will not be continuing on with the Nova series. If you're a fan of Jessica Sorensen, Breaking Nova might be your cup of tea. However, if you've yet to read Jessica Sorensen, Breaking Nova might not be the best book to start off with....more
My review can also be found on my blog Collections.
4.5 stars
The first book in the Fall Away series Bully was one of my favorite books this year. As so My review can also be found on my blog Collections.
4.5 stars
The first book in the Fall Away series Bully was one of my favorite books this year. As soon as I finished, I could not wait to read Madoc's story! Then the author announced she would be writing Bully in Jared's POV. While I was excited and curious to know his side of the story, I was kind of unsure how I felt about reading another version of Bully, no matter how much adored it. I didn't have to worry though because Penelope Douglas made sure Until You was more than just a retelling.
Reading from Jared's perspective was a way different experience than reading from Tate's perspective. Which should be expected, since they're not the same person. But what really stood out to me was how I felt about Jared. In my review for Bully, I stated how frustrated and angry I got with him and things that happened in the book. Maybe it's because I knew the outcome of some events and had already forgiven him by the end of Bully, but Jared didn't piss me off at all in this book. I felt sympathy and sadness and heartbroken for him from the very beginning. I also realized I (including Tate) was too quick in making assumptions about him during certain situations, even if it was warranted at the time and he quite frankly deserved it. But what Until You made me see was that there's always another side to a story and what we assume might not always be the truth.
I'm glad Until You gave us the much needed insight into Jared's complex thought process. His reasoning for treating Tate the way he did made sense to me before. It didn't make it okay, but I understood. People have their own ways of coping and bullying Tate was his. Learning what led up to the bullying and knowing how he felt about it and what made him change for the better, though, helped to explain his reasoning even more. And he just managed to surprise me in a good way. His need to convince himself that he hated Tate always ended up with him describing her in a way that made it clear he had strong feelings for her. She was everything to him and deep down he was ashamed for having hurt her. I just loved reading how he saw her and how much he wanted her forgiveness. And of course, I loved reading all the intense, hot moments they shared in his perspective.
Another thing I enjoyed about Until You was finding out what other characters had been up to when Tate wasn't around. K.C., Madoc, Jax, Tate's father, and Jared's parents all made more appearances, and some of them made me hope we would get to see more of them in the future books. Like Tate's father, because he's awesome and badass! And like K.C., because she's not as bad as she was made out to be in Bully (which made me very happy!), and she seems to have plenty of secrets I would really like to know about. Then there's Madoc and Jax. I had so much fun reading their interactions with Jared. They were hilarious and wonderful, and both have their own complicated stories to tell. I'm so glad they are going to be featured in their own books. Cannot wait to read them!
Mad props to Penelope Douglas for making Until You its own story, instead of Bully 2.0, and nailing the male voice. That being said, I highly recommend reading Bully first before Until You because I think Tate's POV is just as important and you'll understand why Jared's story needed to be told when you're finished with Bully. Until You wrapped up any lingering questions or doubts about the Jared we met in Bully and was a satisfying conclusion to Tate and Jared's story. I'm already counting down the days to the next book in the series Rival!...more
After giving it some thought, I've decided to not finish reading 45 Pounds (More or Less). I really wanted to make it to the end, but all the characteAfter giving it some thought, I've decided to not finish reading 45 Pounds (More or Less). I really wanted to make it to the end, but all the characters were pretty much unlikable (I think they were suppose to be), which was making it extremely hard for me to get through the book. Also, the plot wasn't intriguing to me at all. I was bored and felt like I wasn't getting anywhere. This book just didn't work for me....more
I only had a vague idea of what Battling Boy was about when I started reading it. But from my experience reading some of Paul Pope's other gr4.5 stars
I only had a vague idea of what Battling Boy was about when I started reading it. But from my experience reading some of Paul Pope's other graphic novels, I knew what I was going to get: awesome artwork, a wonderful story, and badass characters!
It was easy to become immersed in Battling Boy's journey. (Yes, Battling Boy is the main character's name!) He may be young, but he was cool and hilarious. I loved that he was brave, yet unsure of himself. That uncertainty is something that I think we can all relate to, no matter our age. What I also loved about this graphic novel was the humorous and smart dialogue and the non-stop, kickass action. And with that amazing artwork, it wasn't hard at all for me to enjoy this story.
Battling Boy was just a completely fun and engaging read. The ending was a bit abrupt and made me crave more. I'm looking forward to reading the second volume, and I'm hoping we don't have to wait too long for it because I need to know what happens next with these characters!...more
My mini-review can also be found on my blog Collections.
4.5 stars
Foreplay is not the first novel I've read by Sophie Jordan. However, it's the first n My mini-review can also be found on my blog Collections.
4.5 stars
Foreplay is not the first novel I've read by Sophie Jordan. However, it's the first new adult book written by her that I've read (her writing is perfect for the new adult genre!), and it's by far my favorite of her books I've read. I just loved it!
What made me enjoy Foreplay so much was the relationship between Pepper and Reece. It was hot! I felt like I had to fan myself nonstop whenever Reece was around because he was so intense. He was also patient and protective and at times vulnerable. Honestly, I was a bit jealous of Pepper (I want my own Reece!), but she was a great character as well. I liked her personality and understood the reasoning behind the choices that she made. I loved that although Pepper and Reece seemed to be completely different they were actually similar people. They have both gone through rough childhoods, and I'm glad they were able to find each other because they are perfect together and both deserved happiness.
I wish the last few chapters had the same pace as the rest of the story because I think things were resolved rather quickly. Still, it didn't take away my enjoyment of everything else. And the very end was really sweet! I'm looking forward to reading more new adult novels by Sophie Jordan, including the next book in the Ivy Chronicles....more
Loading...
