Daring the Moon by Sherrill Quinn

Daring The Moon
Author: Sherrill Quinn
Source: Personal Purchase
Genre: Adult Paranormal Romance
Publisher: Brava
 (February 1, 2010)
ISBN-13: 978-0758231888

SUMMARY:

It takes a lot of ruffle Taite Gibson, investigator with the Pima County Attorney's Office. But the enormous, snarling werewolf that's stalking her through the streets of Tucson? Yeah, that oughta do it. 


Those terrifying attacks convince Taite to seek out Ryder Merrick, a reclusive British horror writer reputed to know everything about werewolves, including how to kill them. 


Turns out he also knows how to leave her shaking with desire...On his remote private island, Ryder can live safely with the beast inside him, unable to harm others or himself. Then Taite arrives, her lush, sweet scent and gorgeous curves tempting him to give in to every wicked hunger. And as a full moon rises, the only way to keep Taite safe from the evil that's followed her here is to convince her to trust in an attraction that's deeply dangerous, and wilder than she ever guessed...

MY THOUGHTS:

I really tried to enjoy this book.  When the story even ventured from paranormal to just plain wacky, I kept pushing myself to finish it.  Do you know how hard it is to finish a book when it is not just clicking for you?  Well, this book took me much longer to read than normal because it was one of those books that just didn't bring enjoyment to me.

The only character I truly enjoyed in this book was Cobb.  Yes, the butler is the one highlight of this book that made me even consider finishing it.  Taite was naive and at times lacking any strength.  She is described as being some tough woman but she was spineless enough times to  make me wonder how she even stood on her feet.  Declan was an okay character mainly because his accent brought out some funny dialogue.  He was protective of Taite in a big brother way that was nice.  Ryder was a bit rude to begin with but slowly started to warm up.  One main issue I had with this book was the instant attraction and love between Ryder and Taite.  Ryder barely meets her for a day and is already wanting her for a mate.  The bad guy was pretty easy to figure out as well.  I already knew who it was before the first half of the book had been read.

In my opinion, this could have been a better book if the author had progressed a little more in her writing.  I won't say it is immature, but the writing is still in the infant stages of story instead of mastered.  I really think the author would be better off reworking some of the story to make it better.  Hopefully the authors writing has grown since this book and her next book I pick up will be much more pleasant to read.

MY RATING:

       

I did not like this book at all!

The Fireman Who Loved Me by Jennifer Bernard

The Fireman Who Loved Me
Author: Jennifer Bernard
Source: Publisher
Genre: Adult Contemporary Romance
Publisher: Avon
 (April 24, 2012)
ISBN-13: 978-0062088963

SUMMARY:

Captain Brody has been badly burned by his ex-wife. When he orders Ryan, his star fireman, to participate in a bachelor auction, little does he know he’s the one who will lose his heart. 


Melissa McGuire is a brainy local news producer trying to get her career back on track. She can’t believe she’s being set up by her grandmother, who bid on a date with a fireman at the auction. She prefers the artsy type, not the tough, commanding , though clearly attractive, fire chief. 


And yet, they can’t resist each other, especially once her ambitious news anchor assigns her the “Thanksgiving with the Firefighters” news special. Add in her grandmother’s matchmaking and the combined efforts of Captain Brody’s crew…can Brody help being the first bachelor to succumb to love, and the crazy rollercoaster ride of the Curse?

MY THOUGHTS:

Need a feel good romance to read to pass the time?  Well, I needed one and this one arrived at the perfect time.  While I won't go as far to say it was amazing,  it did help pass the time and give me a small romance to read about to tide me over.

There were some funny scenes throughout the book, but the first few chapters at the auction had to be my favorite.  What made it even more of a fun read at the beginning was the Grandmother.  She was a hoot in my opinion.  All though I did get a little impatient reading about her talking to her deceased husband at times.  Melissa was annoying at times with the way she acted, but she wasn't too bad of a person to make me stop reading.  I have to say that the firemen at the station are what made this book easier to read about.  I loved their personalities and the fun they brought to the story.  Sometimes the side characters make the book so much more enjoyable.  The romantic scenes between Melissa and Brody were few and could have been better.  I wish that the author would have focused more on their relationship then the side stories at times.  

Overall not a bad book to pass the time with, but not one to read again.  I am going to try the next book in the series though so I can read more about the firemen.  They made the story so enjoyable that I can't wait to see what is in store for them all!

MY RATING:

Okay book, but it left me wanting more!

*I received this book free of charge in exchange for an honest review*

Hunted by Cheryl Rainfield

Hunted
Author: Cheryl Rainfield
Source: Publisher
Genre: Young Adult
Publisher: WestSide Books
 (December 15, 2011)
ISBN-13: 978-1934813621

SUMMARY:

Caitlyn is a telepath in a world where having any Paranormal power is illegal. Caitlyn is on the run from government troopers, who can enslave, torture, or even kill her, or make her hunt other Paranormals. When Caitlyn settles down in a city, she falls for Alex, a Normal (someone without Paranormal powers), which is dangerous because he can turn her in. And she discovers renegade Paranormals who want to destroy all Normals. Caitlyn must decide whether she's going to stay in hiding to protect herself, or take a stand to save the world.

MY THOUGHTS:

After reading the synopsis on this book,  I was intrigued by the fresh take in the supernatural.  It was different than what is out on shelves at the moment, and gives the reader a chance to step back from the norm of paranormal involving vampires and such.

Caitlyn  and her mother are Paras.  Any type of paranormal power is illegal and comes with dire consequences if discovered.  Para Troopers hunt them and get rid of anyone with any sort of paranormal powers.  Caitlyn has already lost her Dad to the Para Troopers and her brother was taken as well.  The only difference is that her brother wasn't killed like they thought he was.

This book did have some plot points that could be touchy to some people, but having an open mind reading this book makes it so much better.  Things included are interracial relationships, lesbian relationships (not graphic), and touches also on the subject of prejudice in what people are or could be.  The author did wonderful though in telling this story with a supernatural twist.  Yes, some of the plot and story was predictable, but it did not deter from the point the author was trying to make with the book.

If you want to step out of the normal in young adult paranormal, then give this book a chance.  You might be surprised on how much you would enjoy it as well.

MY RATING:

Very Good! I would recommend this book!

*I received this book free of charge in exchange for an honest review*

Forbidden by Syrie James & Ryan M. James

Forbidden
Author(s): Syrie James & Ryan M. James
Source: Wunderkind PR
Genre: Young Adult Paranormal
Publisher: HarperTeen
 (January 24, 2012)
ISBN-13: 978-0062027894

SUMMARY:

She should not exist.


He should not love her.


Claire Brennan has been attending Emerson Academy for two years now (the longest she and her mom have remained anywhere) and she's desperate to stay put for the rest of high school. So there's no way she's going to tell her mom about the psychic visions she's been having or the creepy warnings that she's in danger.


Alec MacKenzie is fed up with his duties to watch and, when necessary, eliminate the descendants of his angelic forefathers. He chose Emerson as the ideal hiding place where he could be normal for once. He hadn't factored Claire into his plans. . . .


Their love is forbidden, going against everything Alec has been taught to believe. But when the reason behind Claire's unusual powers is revealed and the threat to her life becomes clear, how far will Alec go to protect her?

MY THOUGHTS:

Forbidden is written by a Mother and Son.  Both contribute to the works in the book and give us perspective from Alec and Claire's point of view.

While the book started out with strength,  as I read further into the book it started to falter.  I personally enjoyed the side characters better than the main characters.  Claire's friends were refreshing and humorous.  I loved their witty comments and they brought much more to the story than Claire and Alec.

Claire is always on the move with her mother.  They never seem to stay in one place long enough and Claire has no idea why.  They have lived in their current residence for two years now and Claire really enjoys her school.  It is a private school so she has to keep up her GPA and grades to attend.  This isn't really much of a problem though since she is super smart and works hard to keep her grades from slipping.

Alec is a mystery in this story.  He has a secret past that he is running from and wants to attend high school for the first time.  He meets Claire and her friends during registration day and becomes part of their group.  He has the instant attraction to Claire even if she has hopes of becoming better friends with another boy at school.

I wasn't a fan of the instant love between the two main characters.  At times it even felt forced.  I also couldn't  get attached to Alec because of his personality.  At times he would be mature and act his age.  Other times it was like he was reverted back to middle school with some of his actions and personality change.  Claire was also a little dense at times.  She couldn't figure out why Alec would get so depressed or moody whenever she would mention the other boy Neil that she had a crush on.  It was obvious Alec loved her, but she couldn't seem to see the obvious signs.

When some of the mystery starts to unravel and things start to clear up a little, you finally think you are going to get some answers.  While some things are clear,  there were other things that were left open that needed closure for this book to be better.  To me the book felt a little incomplete by the last page.

While I can see the younger teens enjoying this book,  I feel that the older teens and adults will have some issues with it.  If there is going to be more books in this series, I do hope the authors can work together at getting the actions and personalities straight for the ages their characters are.

MY RATING:

If the library doesn't have it, don't worry about reading it!

*I received this book free of charge in exchange for an honest review*

Life Is But A Dream by Brian James

Life Is But A Dream
Author: Brian James
Source: Amazon Vine
Genre: Young Adult
Publisher: Feiwel & Friends
 (March 27, 2012)
ISBN-13: 978-0312610043

SUMMARY:

Sabrina, an artist, is diagnosed with schizophrenia, and her parents check her into the Wellness Center. There she meets Alec, who is convinced that it's the world that's crazy, not them. But when Alex starts to convince Sabrina that her treatment will wipe out everything that makes her creative, she worries she'll lose hold of her dreams and herself.

MY THOUGHTS:

I don't know what to say about this book.  Was it intriguing? Yes.  Did it have great writing? Most of the time, yes.  Beautiful cover? Check.  Maybe I am in a reading funk lately and the young adult stories are just not as refreshing.  I really wanted to enjoy this book -- which I did -- but not as much as I was hoping.

Sabrina is in Wellness Center or psychiatric hospital.  She has been diagnosed with schizophrenia and her parents put her their for treatment.  The author takes us inside Sabrina's mind and lets us get a glimpse at schizophrenia from her mind.  When she meets Alec, he tries to convince her that they aren't crazy.  He thinks that the outside world is messed up and not them.  During the duration of the book, we get to read more about Alec and Sabrina dealing with their problems and relationship.  This book is a little darker that what I am used to reading in the young adult world.  It is a little heavy and some teens might not like the depressed feel of the story.

Not a bad book, but it wasn't one that had me excited to read more after I finished it.  I am curious to see how the author would do with a lighthearted teen book instead of such a serious one.

MY RATING:

Okay book, but it left me wanting more!

*I received this book free of charge in exchange for an honest review*

Daughter of the Centaurs by Kate Klimo

Daughter of the Centaurs
Author: Kate Klimo
Source: Amazon Vine
Genre: Young Adult
Publisher: Random House Books for Young Readers
         (January 24, 2012)
ISBN-13: 978-0375869754

SUMMARY:

Malora knows what she was born to be: a horse wrangler and a hunter, just like her father. But when her people are massacred by batlike monsters called Leatherwings, Malora will need her horse skills just to survive. The last living human, Malora roams the wilderness at the head of a band of magnificent horses, relying only on her own wits, strength, and courage. When she is captured by a group of centaurs and taken to their city, Malora must decide whether the comforts of her new home and family are worth the parts of herself she must sacrifice to keep them.

MY THOUGHTS:

Forget the vampires.  Forget the werewolves.  No zombies.  Welcome to the new supernatural in the dystopian world.  In Daughter of the Centaurs, we are introduced to just that -- Centaurs.  These are those half human/ half horse people from long ago legends and fables.  I was curious about this one.  Not only is the cover kind of pretty,  but it features the dystopian world with a different twist in the paranormal we have grown accustomed to.

This was in fact a hard read to get into.  It has a lot of narrative and the dialogue was lacking for me.  Then add in the fact that the Centaurs were nothing like I expected, a world that isn't explained well on the how it came to be, and you have a so-so novel with no bang for the buck.  I really wish the author would have answered many of the questions that will arise for the reader.  How did this future world come to be?  This was the main thing for me.  If you want to present a dystopia novel to readers, you better be able to back it up on the how.  Now this could have changed since the copy I read was an ARC copy and not a finished copy.  It could have been fixed for final prints.  I just don't think I would even buy a finished copy to find out.

Certainly not a read I expected to fall as flat as it did.  I had high hopes for it only to be bored halfway through and ready to quit.  If you want to step out of the current fads of reading -- and have the patience to put up with everything I didn't like -- then give it a try.  This might be just what you are looking for.

MY RATING:

If the library doesn't have it, don't worry about reading it!

*I received this book free of charge in exchange for an honest review*

Virtuosity by Jessica Martinez

Virtuosity
Author: Jessica Martinez
Source: Amazon Vine
Genre: Young Adult
Publisher: Simon Pulse
 (October 18, 2011)
ISBN-13: 978-1442420526

SUMMARY:

Now is not the time for Carmen to fall in love. And Jeremy is hands-down the wrong guy for her to fall for. He is infuriating, arrogant, and the only person who can stand in the way of Carmen getting the one thing she wants most: to win the prestigious Guarneri competition. Carmen's whole life is violin, and until she met Jeremy, her whole focus was winning. But what if Jeremy isn't just hot...what if Jeremy is better?


Carmen knows that kissing Jeremy can't end well, but she just can't stay away. Nobody else understands her--and riles her up--like he does. Still, she can't trust him with her biggest secret: She is so desperate to win she takes anti-anxiety drugs to perform, and what started as an easy fix has become a hungry addiction. Carmen is sick of not feeling anything on stage and even more sick of always doing what she’s told, doing what's expected.


Sometimes, being on top just means you have a long way to fall....

MY THOUGHTS:

I deliberately waited to read this book because everyone was reading it at the same time.  I was careful to stay away from the reviews because I wanted the full effect of this book with no spoilers.  I fell in love with the cover first thing and I wanted to fall in love with the story as well!

While I am a piano player, I am in no means a master of it.  So when I saw that this book was about a musical child prodigy,  I was curious to see how it would play out.  While I wasn't a huge fan of the book, I will admit that the author knows how to write with ease.  It flowed nicely but I just couldn't connect with the characters.  Carmen's struggle with stage fright was something that I think many people would struggle with.  I liked how the author took this struggle and added to it the medication as well.  Jeremy was just an okay character for me.  Again, I had a hard time connecting with the characters, so that could be the reason I wasn't a big fan of him.

I would say that this is a book that many teenagers will fall in love with.  I might not have been a big fan of it,  but I might try reading it again when my reading tastes have changed.  It could have been a personal reading funk I am in or not.

MY RATING:

Okay book, but it left me wanting more!

*I received this book free of charge in exchange for an honest review*

The Vampire Academy: The Ultimate Guide

The Vampire Academy
The Ultimate Guide
Author(s): Richelle Mead and Michelle Rowen
Source: Gifted
Genre: Young Adult Paranormal
Publisher: Razorbill
  (December 22, 2011)
ISBN-13: 978-1595144515

SUMMARY:

Sink your teeth into the perfect holiday gift and must-have collector's item for every fan of Richelle Mead's totally addicting Vampire Academy series.


Discover the history of St. Vladimir's Academy, explore the dark psychology behind Rose and Lissa's spirit bond, and find out even more illicit secrets about Moroi society. This ultimate guide will feature everything readers want and need to go even deeper into the world of Vampire Academy, Frostbite, Shadow Kiss, Blood Promise, Spirit Bound, and Last Sacrifice . . . every heartache, every betrayal, every sacrifice, and so much more!

MY THOUGHTS:

If you are a fan of the Vampire Academy series,  you probably think you know everything there is to know about them.  Even if you think you do, you still need to give the Ultimate Guide a chance because it will definitely surprise you with things you didn't know.

I loved how it was broken down by each book in the series.  We get a small section from author Richelle Mead before each summary and she shares her thoughts on the writing process of each story.  We get to hear about her struggles, feelings, and character creation that we don't get to read about in the original stories.  Then each book is broken down into sections as well explaining certain quotes, story arcs and more.  It even features a pop quiz at the close of each one.  I loved taking the quiz after each section because it really made you think about what you have read.  Great for readers in testing their reading comprehension.

In the middle of the book,  we are also treated to color photos of the illustrated novel, photos of the author at signings, and web site links to further our experience into the Vampire Academy world.  The final part of the guide is a glossary.  It explains certain terms that readers will come across in the world that the author created for us.

If you are a fan of this author and/or the series,  then this is a book you have to have in your collection.  It completes the collection and series perfectly and is perfect for gifts as well.  A great addition to my bookshelf!

MY RATING:

Outstanding book that will stay on my bookshelf for rereading!

The Hunger Games Tribute Guide by Emily Seife

The Hunger Games Tribute Guide
Author: Emily Seife
Source: Publisher
Publisher: Scholastic Press
 (February 7, 2012)
ISBN-13: 978-0545457828

SUMMARY:

The New York Times bestselling Hunger Games is now a major motion picture -- and here is the ultimate guide to the all the tributes in the 74th annual Hunger Games!


Here is the ultimate guide to the twenty-four Tributes participating in Panem's 74th annual Hunger Games. Follow the Tributes' journey from the Reaping to the Games, with a look at all the highlights along the way--the Tribute Parade, the stations of the Training Center, the interviews, and more. Get exclusive information about the Tributes' strengths and weaknesses, their weapons of choice, and their experience in the Capitol before entering the arena.

MY THOUGHTS:

If it is a book on the Hunger Games, you can bet I am going to buy it and drool over it.  When I received this guide for review, I did not hesitate in jumping right into it. Unfortunately, it was not what I was really expecting.

We get to see wonderful pictures from the upcoming movie, but nothing really new that we haven't seen from released trailers.  It is set up in sections from explaining the reason for the Hunger Games all the way to where Katniss enters the arena.  It has color photos of each tribute with little facts on each one leaving the reader with no more information than what we started with after reading the series.

While it is great as a refresher book to remind us of the original story we have already read, it wasn't something that really added to the experience.  The photos were the only added bonus but not enough to make me really excited.  If you are a hardcore fanatic for this series, then add it to your collection.  Otherwise, you might want to pass on this one and see if something better comes out.

MY RATING:

If the library doesn't have it, don't worry about reading it!

*I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review*

WOW: Waiting on Wednesday

Waiting On Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine. WOW spotlights forthcoming titles that we absolutely can't wait to read.

THE GOLDEN LILY by Richelle Mead

Bloodlines #2

Estimated Release Date: May 1, 2012

Publisher: Razorbill

SUMMARY:

Sydney Sage is an Alchemist, one of a group of humans who dabble in magic and serve to bridge the worlds of humans and vampires. They protect vampire secrets—and human lives. 

Sydney would love to go to college, but instead, she’s been sent into hiding at a posh boarding school in Palm Springs, California–tasked with protecting Moroi princess Jill Dragomir from assassins who want to throw the Moroi court into civil war. Formerly in disgrace, Sydney is now praised for her loyalty and obedience, and held up as the model of an exemplary Alchemist. 

But the closer she grows to Jill, Eddie, and especially Adrian, the more she finds herself questioning her age-old Alchemist beliefs, her idea of family, and the sense of what it means to truly belong. Her world becomes even more complicated when magical experiments show Sydney may hold the key to prevent becoming Strigoi—the fiercest vampires, the ones who don’t die. But it’s her fear of being just that—special, magical, powerful—that scares her more than anything. Equally daunting is her new romance with Brayden, a cute, brainy guy who seems to be her match in every way. Yet, as perfect as he seems, Sydney finds herself being drawn to someone else—someone forbidden to her. 

When a shocking secret threatens to tear the vampire world apart, Sydney’s loyalties are suddenly tested more than ever before. She wonders how she's supposed to strike a balance between the principles and dogmas she's been taught, and what her instincts are now telling her. 

Should she trust the Alchemists—or her heart?

Dating the Undead by Gena Showalter & Jill Monroe

Dating the Undead
Author(s): Gena Showalter & Jill Monroe
Source: Planned TV Arts
Publisher: Harlequin
  (December 27, 2011)
ISBN-13: 978-0373892525

SUMMARY:

They're drop-dead handsome— and we're not kidding!


Welcome to the first and only guide devoted to loving the immortal man in all of his furry, feathery, fiery glory. Here is a forbidden-fruit salad of features, fiction, fashion, and more, including:


—Lipstick on His Collar


Is your immortal just a little bit…immoral?


—Angel in the Kitchen


Heavenly dishes that don' take an eternity to prepare


—A Kiss is not just a Kiss


Immortals we crave divulge their lip-smacking turn-ons


—Undead & Well-Read


What's hot between the covers this month


—A View from a Guy


Zombie Jack's turn


—Immorstrology


Our indispensable guide to heavenly bodies

MY THOUGHTS:

I had been eyeing this book -- or book magazine -- for quite awhile now.  When they offered it for review to me, I jumped on the chance!  Who wouldn't want to read anything by authors Gena Showalter or Jill Monroe? Best of all, it is by both of them!

I absolutely loved this book!  It is definitely for the Immortal lover in all of us.  Can't decide which Immortal creature is for you?  This book goes in depth of the pro's and con's of each species.  It features werewolves, vampires, angels, dragons, demons and even zombies.  The best thing about this book is the magazine feel of it.  It is set up like a magazine and has everything you could imagine in it.

We have recipes, interviews, travel locations, drink recipes, character evaluations, quiz's, and so much more.  My favorite thing though was the ads.  I couldn't help but laugh out loud at all of the creative ads that were included.  We had 'Dead Bull' energy drinks, GoDieVa Chocolates, J. Crud clothing, U.P.T. Undead Pregnancy Tests, and even Mythmatch.com ads.

So readers put your Cosmo's and Vogue's away and be sure to pick up the new craze on the shelves!  Guaranteed to be the best romance finder on the market for that perfect Undead mate! Plus you even get a sneak peek at author Gena Showalters next book, The Darkest Seduction!

MY RATING:

Outstanding book that will stay on my bookshelf for rereading!

*I received this book free of charge in exchange for an honest review*

Last Sacrifice by Richelle Mead

Last Sacrifice
Vampire Academy #6
Author: Richelle Mead
Source: Personal Purchase
Genre: Young Adult Paranormal
Publisher: Razorbill
  (December 7, 2010)
ISBN-13: 978-1595143068

SUMMARY:

Murder. Love. Jealousy. And the ultimate sacrifice. Now, with Rose on trial for her life and Lissa first in line for the Royal Throne, nothing will ever be the same between them.

MY THOUGHTS:

In the final book in the Vampire Academy series,  author Richelle Mead brought action, drama, suspense and romance to one novel.  Why I am sad at this series coming to a close, I am excited by the idea of jumping into the spin-off series that follows this book.  I was a little hesitant in reading this book because I knew the series was coming to an end.  I wanted happily ever afters for so many characters but I didn't want to take that final journey knowing it will be over.

At the beginning of the book, we are with Rose in the cells.  She has been arrested for murdering the Queen and is being held before her trial.  Needless to say, the preliminary trial doesn't turn out for the best. It has been found that there is more than enough evidence for her to stand trial as a murderer.  Yes, the reader knows she didn't do this horrible crime, but the Royal community does not.  When she tried to slip into her bond with Lissa, she finds that she is being blocked.  She can't believe Lissa is blocking her and can't figure out what she is up to.  Lissa, Christian, Abe, Eddie, Adrian and Dimitri are all planning a way to break Rose out of jail.  They know Rose will be a fugitive and will have to hide, but it also buys them some time to try and figure out who really did kill the Queen.  In the midst of all of this,  Lissa is nominated for Queen and must undergo her own trials and tests.  If this is not enough drama for the reader,  add in the mystery of a missing Dragomir that is not suppose to be alive and we have another problem that Rose is forced to deal with.

What can I say about this book to convince you that this series is worth the time to read?  If you have read my reviews for the previous books in the series, then you know that I am a huge fan of them.  I will say though that this book didn't reach the awesome factor as much as the previous ones.  Yes, there is a lot going on, but I missed the connection between Dimitri and Rose.  I wanted them to connect even more than what was presented.  There was quite a bit of page time for these two, but I wanted more for them and wanted Adrian to be more of a presence with them.  I felt the way Rose handled the situation with Adrian at the end was a little cruel on her part.  I wish she would have stuck with what Dimitri had wanted in the first place and talked to Adrian first before the event happened.  My heart broke for Adrian and I do hope that the author has something planned for him.

Overall this was a great conclusion to a great series.  Does everyone get their happily ever after? Does Rose become Lissa's Guardian?  Does Lissa become Queen? All these can be answered in this book when you start reading it.  I can't wait to read the spin-off series next so I can see familiar characters again and hope for another happily ever after!

MY RATING:

Outstanding book that will stay on my bookshelf for rereading!