Category Archives: Reviews

To all the boys I’ve loved before by Jenny Han

Posted on May 15, 2014 | Leave a comment

To All the Boys I've Loved Before (To All the Boys I've Loved Before, #1) To all the boys I’ve loved before by Jenny Han.  Published April 15, 2014 by Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers. CDN $11.99 Kindle edition.

I received this book free in a giveaway on Goodreads.

To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before is the story of Lara Jean, who has never openly admitted her crushes, but instead wrote each boy a letter about how she felt, sealed it, and hid it in a box under her bed. But one day Lara Jean discovers that somehow her secret box of letters has been mailed, causing all her crushes from her past to confront her about the letters: her first kiss, the boy from summer camp, even her sister’s ex-boyfriend, Josh. As she learns to deal with her past loves face to face, Lara Jean discovers that something good may come out of these letters after all. (Goodreads Excerpt)

This is not the type of story I usually read. However I have to say that it is absolutely adorable. It is a little young for my taste, more middle grade than young adult, but it is very well written. It is light and easy to read and just an all around sweet book.

I was sucked in from the start with the idea of the love letters. It is so honest and endearing and I can’t imagine being that age and having my private love letters sent out. I mean she reveals all her deepest thoughts on paper being totally honest and not ever expecting anyone to read it.

The relationships between Lara Jean and the other characters seem true to life. I was a little (ok whatever that isn’t real) at first when seeing the relationship with her sisters. I after all have a zillion sisters and we fought like cats!) But you see the realness of the relationships as it progresses and it shows the deep love and affection sisters have for each other no matter what gets in the way.

I loved how Lara Jean and Peter K interact with each other during their pretend relationship and you totally fall for them. I was rooting for Peter and angry at him too. It was cute and romantic and sweet and….you get the picture.

While this wasn’t full of witches and demons and all kinds of crazy fantasy that I normally read, it was sweet and light and fun to read. I give it 5 stars and look forward to the next book!

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Vampire Academy by Richelle Mead

Posted on May 15, 2014 | Leave a comment

Vampire Academy (Vampire Academy, #1) Vampire Academy by Richelle Mead. Published Aug 16, 2007 by Razorbill. CDN $10.99 Kindle Edition

St. Vladimir’s Academy isn’t just any boarding school—it’s a hidden place where vampires are educated in the ways of magic and half-human teens train to protect them. Rose Hathaway is a Dhampir, a bodyguard for her best friend Lissa, a Moroi Vampire Princess. They’ve been on the run, but now they’re being dragged back to St. Vladimir’s—the very place where they’re most in danger. . . .

Rose and Lissa become enmeshed in forbidden romance, the Academy’s ruthless social scene, and unspeakable nighttime rituals. But they must be careful lest the Strigoi—the world’s fiercest and most dangerous vampires—make Lissa one of them forever. (Goodreads Excerpt)

I have to say that I really like this book.  I’m not a big fan of long series books, but the first book is easily read on its own and doesn’t just end in the middle of a major plot point.  Not that you’re not dying to find out what’s next, but at least it finishes the major conflict at the time. The characters are amazing.  I’m a big fan of Rose.  She is one kick ass heroine and I love how fiercely loyal she is.  Throw in the steamy Dimitri and OMG you’ve got major intrigue, romance and action all in one book.  Did I mention that Dimitri is HOT!

I liked how original this book is too.  How the author builds her world around what we expect from vampires, but throws in a twist.  Not a sparkly kind of vampire twist but an original live and dead vampires twist.  (Don’t want to spoil anything so will leave it at that…lol)

The only weird thing for me is that I couldn’t get over how similar it is to the covenant series by Jennifer Armentrout. I mean it is like both books were following a guideline or something.  I don’t want to go into too much detail but it was eerily similar, which is amazing since this was about vampires and the Covenant series was about Gods, demigods etc. Then I realized that Vampire Academy came out first, so it is not any reflection on this book.  Hopefully the similarities end with the first book only. I really enjoyed the Covenant series however so don’t get me wrong I’m not complaining, it’s just weird.

Back to VA.  I have to say this is now on my top ten list. I can’t wait to get started on the next in the series and now am looking forward to the movie.

5 stars for me for sure!

 

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Prodigy (Legend #2)

Posted on April 29, 2014 | 1 comment

   Prodigy (Legend, #2)  Prodigy (Legend #2) by Marie Lu. Published January 29, 2013 by Juvenile Putnam.  CDN #10.99 Kindle edition.

Injured and on the run, it has been seven days since June and Day barely escaped Los Angeles and the Republic with their lives. Day is believed dead having lost his own brother to an execution squad who thought they were assassinating him. June is now the Republic’s most wanted traitor. Desperate for help, they turn to the Patriots – a vigilante rebel group sworn to bring down the Republic. But can they trust them or have they unwittingly become pawns in the most terrifying of political games?   (Goodreads Excerpt)

Well my first reaction is WOW. I LOVED this book. I think I loved it more than the first Legend. That is HUGE for a sequel. It is full of action, intrigue, suspense and hang onto your seat kind of stuff legends are made of…ok cheesy for sure…but true.

I have to say kudos to June. She is one badass, kick ass, smart, awesome heroine. I love her character. I mean you just have to like her from the start. Marie Lu does an awesome job of making us feel for her in every sense. And Day…OMG the interaction between these two is freaking awesome. (Sorry for all the awesome! I’m drooling over this series. And it’s my favorite word!) Anyway, I don’t want to give too much away but this book is well worth the read. And to think I stumbled upon it in my daughter’s bedroom. Didn’t even hear much about it until then. Whoda thunk? Smart kid.

Oh did I forget to tell you about the cliff hanger? Nope cause I don’t do spoilers…lol but it is HUGE!

5 stars for me.

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Spellcaster – Claudia Gray

Posted on April 13, 2014 | 1 comment

Spellcaster (Spellcaster, #1) Spellcaster by Claudia Gray.  Published March 5, 2013 by Harper Teen. CDN $9.99 Kindle edition.

When Nadia’s family moves to Captive’s Sound, she instantly realizes there’s more to it than meets the eye. Descended from witches, Nadia senses a dark and powerful magic at work in her new town. Mateo has lived in Captive’s Sound his entire life, trying to dodge the local legend that his family is cursed – and that curse will cause him to believe he’s seeing the future … until it drives him mad. When the strange dreams Mateo has been having of rescuing a beautiful girl—Nadia—from a car accident come true, he knows he’s doomed.

Despite the forces pulling them apart, Nadia and Mateo must work together to break the chains of his family’s terrible curse, and to prevent a disaster that threatens the lives of everyone around them. Shimmering with magic and mystery, New York Times bestselling author Claudia Gray’s new novel is sure to draw fans of the Hex Hall and Caster Chronicles series, and fans of the hit CW TV show The Secret Circle.(Goodreads excerpt)

Wow, where do I start? I loved loved loved this book.  I’m a big fan of anything magical or paranormal or different.  This was all three.  Big fan of Claudia Gray.  This book was intriguing and dark and sinister…all things I love in a good magical read.

The story is told from third person omniscience POV.  This is my only negative comment in this review.  I’m not a fan of this type of view.  It makes it a little harder to relate to the important characters when you flip around all the time.  I don’t want to know what the crow in the sky is seeing or feeling.

Back to the good stuff.  Despite the Omniscience I did like knowing what Nadia and Mateo are feeling, thinking etc.  I loved the interaction between these two.  It was amazing to see how they deal with each other, given the circumstances they find themselves in.  I don’t want to give anything away, but suffice it to say they have a lot of obstacles to overcome and the interaction and growth is fun to watch.

I love the originality of the story.  The magic was amazing.  I love how everything is explained and made to feel real and possible.  Did I say how big of a fan of magic I am?  Yes a little fan girl going on here.  Claudia Gray is an amazing writer and she didn’t disappoint with this book either.  I can’t wait to read the next book.

5 awesome stars for me!

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Legend by Marie Lu

Posted on March 28, 2014 | 2 comments

Legend (Legend, #1) Legend by Marie Lu. Published Nov 29, 2011 by Putnam Juvenile. CDN $9.50 paperback copy.

What was once the western United States is now home to the Republic, a nation perpetually at war with its neighbors. Born into an elite family in one of the Republic’s wealthiest districts, fifteen-year-old June is a prodigy being groomed for success in the Republic’s highest military circles. Born into the slums, fifteen-year-old Day is the country’s most wanted criminal. But his motives may not be as malicious as they seem. From very different worlds, June and Day have no reason to cross paths – until the day June’s brother, Metias, is murdered and Day becomes the prime suspect. Caught in the ultimate game of cat and mouse, Day is in a race for his family’s survival, while June seeks to avenge Metias’s death. But in a shocking turn of events, the two uncover the truth of what has really brought them together, and the sinister lengths their country will go to keep its secrets. Full of nonstop action, suspense, and romance, this novel is sure to move readers as much as it thrills. (Goodreads Excerpt)

I seem to be on a bit of a dystopia kick lately. Not that I’m complaining, since so far I have not been disappointed. My 16 yr old daughter gave me this book to read first since it isn’t something she would normally read. I was pleasantly surprised. The book is written from both June and Day’s POV. I love this type of writing. I like how we get into both heads and learn what makes them tick. I have to say I was shocked at Metias’s death. (Not a spoiler since it is on the goodreads excerpt!)

The back and forth chase between the characters is engaging and keeps you on the edge waiting until they meet face to face. I love how alike these characters are even though they don’t see it. There is a lot of suspense, action, thrills and chills. I’m a big fan of kick ass heroines and this delivers with impact. Day is equally bad ass but with a kind soft side that is endearing.

The love connection between the two is sweet and maybe a little quick, but I will chalk it up to how they met and the intensity of the timing. I was a little surprised at the ending, not in a bad way but just surprised. I’m looking forward to the next book.

4 ½ stars for me.
 

 

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White Hot Kiss by Jennifer L Armentrout

Posted on March 17, 2014 | 2 comments

White Hot Kiss (The Dark Elements, #1) White Hot Kiss by Jennifer Armentrout.  Published Feb 25, 2014 by Harlequin Teen.  CDN $3.03

One kiss could be the last.

Seventeen-year-old Layla just wants to be normal. But with a kiss that kills anything with a soul, she’s anything but normal. Half demon, half gargoyle, Layla has abilities no one else possesses.

Raised among the Wardens—a race of gargoyles tasked with hunting demons and keeping humanity safe—Layla tries to fit in, but that means hiding her own dark side from those she loves the most. Especially Zayne, the swoon-worthy, incredibly gorgeous and completely off-limits Warden she’s crushed on since forever.

Then she meets Roth—a tattooed, sinfully hot demon who claims to know all her secrets. Layla knows she should stay away, but she’s not sure she wants to—especially when that whole no-kissing thing isn’t an issue, considering Roth has no soul.

But when Layla discovers she’s the reason for the violent demon uprising, trusting Roth could not only ruin her chances with Zayne…it could brand her a traitor to her family. Worse yet, it could become a one-way ticket to the end of the world. (Goodreads excerpt)

OMG! This was me after reading this!

Well holy crap and OMG!  I love this new book by Jennifer Armentrout.  I have to say that I am a HUGE Roth fan!  Demon or not this guy is HOT, STEAMY, SEXY and a whole lot of AWESOMENESS all entangled into one WICKED man.  I kid you not…this guy is TEMPTATION personified. 

I love the concept of this book. Not only do we see a world with SEXY HOT Gargoyles of all creatures, talk about original, but the entire world is aware of them.  Very cool.  I want to go knock on a gargoyle and see if he is real.  Personally I love everything this author touches but this one is fantastic. It is suspenseful, thrilling, captivating and engaging and really draws the reader in.  It is a typical battle of good vs evil, but we don’t really know who is good and who is bad.  The lines are blurred perfectly making the reader second guess everything. 

 I love Layla.  She is smart, funny, fearless, with abilities like no other.  She is everything you want in a MC.  She has her faults too of course; impulsive is probably the biggest since it gets her in trouble.  You have no choice but to empathize with her.  She has lived her whole life with a huge problem…her kiss would suck the soul right out of you. And to top it off, she craves souls like an addict on crack!  Talk about issues…

I’ve said this before, that I am not a fan of love triangles, but this one works.  Layla has been in love with Zayne, a gargoyle forever, but can never have him. Then comes along Roth, whom she can be with if she chooses, but he is an upper level demon…talk about a date with a devil.  And he is full of deliciousness that she can’t resist.  It’s all about choices.  I won’t tell you anymore, but this is an incredible book! 

5 stars for me. 

 

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Bitter Sweet Love – Jennifer L Armentrout

Posted on March 3, 2014 | 3 comments

Bitter Sweet Love (The Dark Elements, #0.5) Bitter Sweet Love by Jennifer L Armentrout. Published Dec 1, 2013 by Harlequin Teen.  CDN$2.51 Kindle Edition

Dez wasn’t just Jasmine’s crush. A gargoyle Warden like Jas, he helped her come to terms with her destiny—fending off demons and maintaining balance between good and evil. He was her everything…right until the moment he disappeared without a trace. It didn’t help that Jas’s father had just announced that she and Dez would one day be mated. Hard not to take that personally.

And now he’s back, three years older, ten times hotter, ready to pick up exactly where they left off. But Jas isn’t taking that risk again. Dez has seven days to meet all her conditions and earn back her trust. Seven days filled with terrifying danger and sweet temptation. Seven days to win her heart—or shatter it all over again…(Goodreads Excerpt)

HOT! and OMG I love this book!  I can’t wait to dive right into White Hot Kiss.  I love the originality of this series.  I have never read a book with Gargoyles that come to life and are so hot you melt reading about it.  I love the imagination of Jennifer Armentrout.  I haven’t been disappointed in any of her writing yet and this is certainly no exception.

The interaction between Dez and Jasmine is so real and engaging that you can’t help but love them both.  You see real emotion between them and it feels realistic and genuine.  You just Sigh…and go OMG and I can’t wait to read more.

I also love how we get introduced to a young Kayla, the main character in White Hot Kiss.  This promises to be one great series.  It has everything, action, romance, Gargoyles, Demons…did I mention Hot Guys?

5 stars for me.

 

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Destroy Me (Shatter Me 1.5) by Tahereh Mafi

Posted on March 3, 2014 | 4 comments

Destroy Me (Shatter Me, #1.5)Destroy Me (Shatter |Me 1.5) by Tahereh Mafi published Jan 1 2012 by Harper Teen. CDN $2.99 Kindle edition

In Tahereh Mafi’s Shatter Me, Juliette escaped from The Reestablishment by seducing Warner—and then putting a bullet in his shoulder. But as she’ll learn in Destroy Me, Warner is not that easy to get rid of. . .

Back at the base and recovering from his near-fatal wound, Warner must do everything in his power to keep his soldiers in check and suppress any mention of a rebellion in the sector. Still as obsessed with Juliette as ever, his first priority is to find her, bring her back, and dispose of Adam and Kenji, the two traitors who helped her escape. But when Warner’s father, The Supreme Commander of The Reestablishment, arrives to correct his son’s mistakes, it’s clear that he has much different plans for Juliette. Plans Warner simply cannot allow.

Set after Shatter Me and before its forthcoming sequel, Unravel Me, Destroy Me is a novella told from the perspective of Warner, the ruthless leader of Sector 45.

I wasn’t sure if I was going to read this novella as it didn’t see to be relevant to the story.  Then I couldn’t decide if I should read it before or after I read Unravel Me and Ignite Me.  I decided to finish the story first and then go back and read this novella from Warner’s perspective.

First off I have to say OMG I loved reading from Warner’s POV! I loved getting to see his side of the story and have insight into what made him tick.  I’m actually glad I waited to read it because I think it would have ruined the series for me to read it first.  I liked knowing only what Juliette knew making me understand her decisions and actions all the more.

This was totally worth the read if you are a fan of the series. I’ve always had a soft spot for Warner so it was a real treat reading this.  I’m going to go read Fracture me now and see Adam’s side of the story.

5 stars for me.

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Ignite Me by Tahereh Mafi

Posted on February 25, 2014 | 1 comment

Ignite Me (Shatter Me, #3) Ignite Me (Shatter Me #3) by Tehereh Mafi. Published Feb 4, 2014 by Harper Collins CDN $11.99 Kindle Edition.

Juliette now knows she may be the only one who can stop the Reestablishment. But to take them down, she’ll need the help of the one person she never thought she could trust: Warner. And as they work together, Juliette will discover that everything she thought she knew – about Warner, her abilities, and even Adam – was wrong. (Goodreads Excerpt)

I have to say OMG I loved this book!  This was probably the best ending to a trilogy that I have ever read.  It was as good, if not better than the first one. That is really hard to do I might add. 

Everything that I hoped from this book has come to be.  Juliette’s character has so much growth and change in this book.  I love the new badass, kick some butt, take life by the horns amazing character that she is…and of course her powers are amazing.  I have a thing for superpowers that can destroy!  Its the sadist in me I guess…lol.  I had a soft spot for Warner after reading Unravel Me but I was always holding out for Adam.  I have to say this book changed my mind in a big way.  I love how the triangle was finally figured out.  (I won’t say how…don’t want to spoil it.) Mafi does an excellent job with reeling you in as a reader and making you invested in the outcome.   OH and does she ever turn up the HEAT in this book!  Uh huh…

I don’t want to say anything else for fear that I will spoil it.  I hate spoilers.  So I will leave it at this…this is one amazing book and a fantastic end to the trilogy. 

5 amazing stars for me.                                                        

 

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Allegiant (Divergent #3) by Veronica Roth

Posted on February 20, 2014 | 2 comments

Allegiant (Divergent, #3) Allegiant (Divergent #3) by Veronica Roth.  Published Oct 22, 2013 by Katherine Tegen Books.  CDN $11.99 Kindle edition.

The faction-based society that Tris Prior once believed in is shattered—fractured by violence and power struggles and scarred by loss and betrayal. So when offered a chance to explore the world past the limits she’s known, Tris is ready. Perhaps beyond the fence, she and Tobias will find a simple new life together, free from complicated lies, tangled loyalties, and painful memories. But Tris’s new reality is even more alarming than the one she left behind. Old discoveries are quickly rendered meaningless. Explosive new truths change the hearts of those she loves. And once again, Tris must battle to comprehend the complexities of human nature—and of herself—while facing impossible choices about courage, allegiance, sacrifice, and love. Told from a riveting dual perspective, Allegiant, by #1 New York Times best-selling author Veronica Roth, brings the Divergent series to a powerful conclusion while revealing the secrets of the dystopian world that has captivated millions of readers in Divergent and Insurgent. (Goodreads Excerpt)

What to say other than I am sad it is over and sad sad sad at the way it ended.  Don’t get me wrong as the book was brilliant but I wish the author could have ended it a little differently.  I understand why she did it, given the characterization and the development of the book.  But, sigh…I just wanted something different.  It made me cry.  The cover of the book says it all…

                One choice will define you.

The story is masterfully told and I really enjoyed reading the different perspective of Tobias and Tris.  I love both of these characters and enjoyed watching their story unfold.  Both characters are flawed and real and I came to understand both of them and accepted their choices as being true to character.

I was surprised by the twists in the book.  It was very interesting to see how the secrets and lies of the government unfolded into more secrets and lies.  I don’t want to give anything away, but you really need to pay attention to who is telling what story and for what purpose.  It makes the story interesting and keeps you on the edge of your seat trying to figure out what is real and what isn’t.  I am amazed at the authors detail with her world building.  The story is very complex and she captures it all with detail and explanations.  I can’t wait to see if the movie lives up to the book. 

I was going to give it 4 stars because the ending was sad and disappointing, but the more I thought about it, I have to give it 5.  It was beautifully told and we can’t always have the ending we desire. 

5 stars for me.

 

 

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Fire With Fire (Demonblood #2)

Posted on February 20, 2014 | Leave a comment

Fire with Fire (Demonblood, #2) Fire With Fire (Demonblood #2) by Penelope King.  Published Dec 28, 2013 by Ascension Press.  CDN $1.99 Kindle edition.

It’s been over two months since Lucky and Liora decided their fate outside the cave. Over two months since Kieron left to finish his mission. So why hasn’t he returned? Crushed and confused, Liora finds comfort with a mysterious stranger, a guy whose motives include more than just healing Liora’s broken heart. Meanwhile, Lucky finds herself in the arms of an old friend…the one who has always laid claim to her true soul. When the reason for Kieron’s disappearance becomes known, loyalties will be tested, friends will be betrayed, loves will be lost, and hope will be found. Once and for all, Lucky and Liora will have to chose their destiny. And not everyone will survive their choice.  (Goodreads Excerpt)

Well this one is hard to comment on without giving away too much.  I really enjoyed learning more about Liora/Lucky and how they manage to live their alternate lives the way they do.  It is a very interesting concept that is explored very well.  It amazes me how the author has created two alternate realities that coexist side by side and only occasionally interact.  I thought it would get boring or annoying but it is so interesting and well done that it works.

The love story triangle gets really messy here and I am not normally a fan of this but in this case it works.  What is intriguing is that with Kieron missing, both girls have an opportunity to explore other interests that are separate from each other.   I have a soft spot for Bones which really crushed me to see what happens ( I don’t’ want to spoil it so that is all I will say. ) He is so sweet and caring and full of awesomeness (is that a word?)  Anyway he is my favorite. ..sigh…

The story is action packed and full of adventure from beginning to end with a huge cliff-hanger at the end that makes you want to run out and get the next one.  I am dying to find out how Liora/Lucky deal with their little problem especially now that….oh wait I can’t tell you…sorry you will have to read it to know what I mean. 

5 stars for me!


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Insurgent (Divergent #2) by Veronica Roth

Posted on January 30, 2014 | 4 comments

Insurgent (Divergent, #2)Insurgent (Divergent #2) by Veronica Roth.  Published May 1, 2013 by Harper Collins    CDN $10.91Kindle edition

Fighting for survival in a shattered world… the truth is her only hope.

The thrillingly dark sequel to No. 1 New York Times bestseller, DIVERGENT. I have done bad things. I can’t take them back, and they are part of who I am.

Tris has survived a brutal attack on her former home and family. But she has paid a terrible price. Wracked by grief and guilt, she becomes ever more reckless as she struggles to accept her new future.

Yet if Tris wants to uncover the truth about her world, she must be stronger than ever… because more shocking choices and sacrifices lie ahead. (Goodreads Excerpt)

WOW, I have to say WOW.  I am so amazed at this story.  Insurgent was as good as Divergent (which is rare) but a little sadder at times and perhaps a little more emotional when you take in all that Tris has to go through including her strained relationship with Four that is tested to the limits.  They go through ups and downs and everything in between leaving the reader in agony over the outcome of their relationship.  

I love the quote on the cover, ONE CHOICE CAN DESTROY YOU.  Like holy cow, no kidding.  This book is all about choices.  Tris has to make some really tough ones that she knows may cost her everything in the end.  She struggles with herself and what she is and risks everything to make the right decision.

I love how the author builds on Divergent and keeps going.  It never lags or drops but keeps you on the edge of your seat.  We learn more about the factions and more about the characters that belong to them. Tris’ whole world is wrapped into a web of secrets and lies and she must decide if the truth is worth everything she might have to sacrifice to obtain it.  The Candor manifesto wraps up this story nicely.

Like a wild animal, the truth is too powerful to remain caged. 

I don’t want to give too much away, but Insurgent is a fantastic sequel to Divergent.  It is amazing, thrilling, full of intrigue and emotion and leaves you breathless and wanting more.  I can’t wait to read Allegiant.

5 stars for me.

 

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Divergent by Veronica Roth

Posted on January 23, 2014 | 7 comments

Divergent (Divergent, #1) Divergent by Veronica Roth.  Published April 25, 2011 by Katherine Tegen Books. CDN $11.99 Kindle edition.

In Beatrice Prior’s dystopian Chicago world, society is divided into five factions, each dedicated to the cultivation of a particular virtue–Candor (the honest), Abnegation (the selfless), Dauntless (the brave), Amity (the peaceful), and Erudite (the intelligent). On an appointed day of every year, all sixteen-year-olds must select the faction to which they will devote the rest of their lives. For Beatrice, the decision is between staying with her family and being who she really is–she can’t have both. So she makes a choice that surprises everyone, including herself.

During the highly competitive initiation that follows, Beatrice renames herself Tris and struggles alongside her fellow initiates to live out the choice they have made. Together they must undergo extreme physical tests of endurance and intense psychological simulations, some with devastating consequences. As initiation transforms them all, Tris must determine who her friends really are–and where, exactly, a romance with a sometimes fascinating, sometimes exasperating boy fits into the life she’s chosen. But Tris also has a secret, one she’s kept hidden from everyone because she’s been warned it can mean death. And as she discovers unrest and growing conflict that threaten to unravel her seemingly perfect society, Tris also learns that her secret might help her save the ones she loves . . . or it might destroy her. (Goodreads Excerpt)

OMG..what can I say?  I am absolutely enthralled with this book!  I was hesitant to get into it at first.  I had heard that it was a lot like Hunger Games (Which I loved) but I didn’t want to read a knock off of a great book.  HOLY COW was I blown away.  It was similar to Hunger Games but so totally unique.  I can’t get over the world building in this book.  The attention to detail is amazing.  I was not a big fan of Dystopian books, but I sure am now.

OK calm down now…what to say about the book other than it was amazing?  Lets see, I love Tris’ character.  She is real, flawed and everything.  I love her spirit and her courage and even her vulnerable side.  And Four, OMG this man is fantastic.  The interaction between them is heart wrenching.  The Chemistry, the vulnerability and everything else keeps you on the seat of your pants waiting…

I love a story with a lot of action and this one delivers with a Capitol A.  OMG it is non-stop.  I don’t want to give too much away but it doesn’t disappoint in the action from training that is NUTS to say the least,  government secrets,  heart stopping dare devilness (is that a word?), bad guys and good guys turned bad, and everything else action…this story has it.

I loved it so much; I have already downloaded the next book and am deeply engrossed into it!

5 amazing stars for me.  This is in my top 5 favorites for sure.

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Stir Me Up by Sabrina Elkins

Posted on January 16, 2014 | 3 comments

Stir Me Up Stir Me Up by Sabrina Elkins.  Published Oct 1, 2013 by Harlequin Teen.  CDN $1.99 Kindle Edition

Cami Broussard has her future all figured out. She’ll finish her senior year of high school, then go to work full-time as an apprentice chef in her father’s French restaurant, alongside her boyfriend, Luke. But then twenty-year-old ex-Marine Julian Wyatt comes to live with Cami’s family while recovering from serious injuries. And suddenly Cami finds herself questioning everything she thought she wanted.

Julian’s all attitude, challenges and intense green-brown eyes. But beneath that abrasive exterior is a man who just might be as lost as Cami’s starting to feel. And Cami can’t stop thinking about him. Talking to him. Wanting to kiss him. He’s got her seriously stirred up. Her senior year has just gotten a lot more complicated…(Goodreads Excerpt)

What to say? Hmmm.  I picked this book as a distraction from my normal read which is YA paranormal.  Witches, Demons Vampires and ghosts easily entertain me.  This book has NONE of those.  Be forewarned..lol

I adored the book.  It was a nice light read that kept me entertained.  I liked that it explored the teenage issues that all girls face today, pressure from boys for sex, drugs, alcohol etc.  Cami’s boyfriend at the beginning of the book annoyed the heck out of me and I wanted to smack him up the side of the head.  (Sigh…I have teenage daughters so you will forgive the urge)  I liked that Cami was strong enough to stand up to him…most of the time.

I loved the interaction between Cami and Julian.  The angry bitterness that he used to push her away and Cami’s “I don’t need to put up with his crap” that made me smile…Girl after my own heart.

Cami’s best friend Taryn was a good secondary character that gave a lot of laughter.  I love the SHOUTY CAPITOLS that she always uses in her text messages.

Oh and I loved the cooking references.  There were even recipes on the back of the book!  This aspect made it interesting and real that she was so passionate about being a chef.

The book was easy to read, easy to get into and I think what made me enjoy the book the most was that Cami, like many young girls finishing high school was nervous about what’s next.  I mean she had choices and some were pushing her to make that choice.  At times she was very real about someone else making the decision for her and I admire her for that…for recognizing that she was scared about her future.  I won’t say what she does, that would ruin it.  You will have to read it to find out!

While it wasn’t stocked full of thunder and action, it was a nice read and I give it 5 stars.

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A Demon Made me do it by Penelope King

Posted on January 10, 2014 | 1 comment

A Demon Made Me Do It (Demonblood, #1) A Demon Made me do it by Penelope King.  Published May 27, 20111 by Ascension Press.  FREE on Amazon.

Some girls share clothes, a bathroom, or a bedroom. Seventeen-year-old Liora Greyson has to share, too. Only she shares her body–with a demon.

Liora just wants to survive her final year of high school unscathed, her dark secret intact. But the walls she’s carefully constructed to keep people away crack wide open once she meets the sexy and mysterious Kieron, and he lights her world on fire. She can’t let him know she transforms into a demon named “Lucky” at nightfall—a demon with an entirely separate personality who passes out Torment, Justice, and Revenge like Halloween candy.

Turns out Kieron is the one who should be afraid once Lucky discovers his true identity and motivations. Liora wants to love him, but Lucky thinks he’s public enemy number one. And having a demon with a vendetta show up during a romantic date puts a serious crimp in any relationship.

Fighting your demons is one thing. Having one that fights back, messes with your guy, and leaves you with nasty hangovers is quite another.

Being bad has never been so good.. (Goodreads Excerpt)

I have to say I was pleasantly surprised when I read this book.  I’m not normally into Demons and Angels, but this book was original and easy to get into.  I loved the concept of two personalities in the one body, a human and a demon.  Both sides of Liora’s personality are very distinct…and very unique.  I really enjoyed getting to know both characters.

I liked Kieron right from the start.  He is far from perfect and does some stupid things but overall he comes off as a nice guy, and gorgeous doesn’t hurt either.  It is interesting how he ends up loving both Liora and Lucky.

SPOILER ALERT* I get how he explains that he sees them as one person, but don’t we all dislike something about our partners?  Kieron likes everything about Liora/Lucky.  She is sweet, fragile, gentle and loyal…and bad ass and can kick your butt from here to eternity.  Both characters are so different that it is hard to imagine that he is in love with both.  I mean if they were one person I can see that he loves her in spite of her flaws (whatever he perceives her flaws to be).  To each his own I guess.  Lucky says it right at one point it is like getting to have two different girls?  Must be a guy thing…lol

Back on track.  I have to say I love the character of Bones.  I am interested to see how he is developed in the next book.

I don’t want to say too much for fear of spoiling it (sorry for the spoiler alert earlier) but the story is very interesting and well thought out.  The different worlds that Liora/Lucky live in are very well thought out and I really enjoy how both characters are developed throughout the story.  I find myself unsure of whether or not I want them to reunite as one or stay as two separate beings.  I guess I will have to read the next one to see what happens.

5 stars for me.

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