Book Review: My Own Mr. Darcy by Karey White

Title: My Own Mr. Darcy
Author: Karey White
Pages: 288
My Rating: ❤❤❤❤

After being dragged to the 2005 movie Pride and Prejudice by her mother, sixteen-year-old Elizabeth’s life changes when Matthew Macfadyen’s Mr. Darcy appears on the screen. Lizzie falls hard and makes a promise to herself that she will settle for nothing less than her own Mr. Darcy. This ill-advised pledge threatens to ruin any chance of finding true love. During the six intervening years, she has refused to give any interested suitors a chance. They weren’t Mr. Darcy enough. Coerced by her roommate, Elizabeth agrees to give the next interested guy ten dates before she dumps him. That guy is Chad, a kind and thoughtful science teacher and swim coach. While she’s dating Chad, her dream comes true in the form of a wealthy bookstore owner named Matt Dawson, who looks and acts like her Mr. Darcy. Of course she has to follow her dream. But as Elizabeth simultaneously dates a regular guy and the dazzling Mr. Dawson, she’s forced to re-evaluate what it was she loved about Mr. Darcy in the first place.

Okay, so I know this isn't some life-changing literary masterpiece, but you know what who cares! My Own Mr. Darcy is a fun and frustrating read (opposites I know, but I'll explain later). This is one of the few books I have read that I could actually see as a movie. And, just like with any other cute quirky rom-com, this book had me grinning from ear to ear with anticipation for the dramatic "will they or won't they?" at the end. It was pretty glorious; I'm not going to lie!

I know I said that the book was a fun read, and yes it was, but I was also pretty frustrated throughout. The main character is super obstinate! But, at the same time I could see where she was coming from. For the past six years she has dreamed of finding the perfect guy, a.k.a Mr. Darcy. But, sometimes everything isn't always what it is cracked up to be. This is exactly what happens, and I know it's hard to admit your wrong, but I was wanting Lizzie to do just that the entire time! No easy feat, I know!

Despite the turmoil I experienced throughout the book, I still really enjoyed it and thought it was a cute romance book. It even came with a nice moral...it's okay to change your dreams.

"They say love is blind but perhaps high school crushes are even blinder."

"Did you know hot cocoa has three times as many calories as a cup of coffee?" Matt asked.
"Did you know it's more than three times as delicious?" I asked. 

"We ate crunchy fish tacos while we watched Tom Cruise pretend to be smart and athletic and twenty years younger than his actual age."

"Don't mess up your future because you're afraid to change your dream."

Book Review: Fall From Grace (Mad World Book 1) by Christine Zolendz

Title: Fall From Grace
Author: Christine Zolendz
Series: Mad World #1
Pages: 317
My Rating: ❤❤❤❤

I'm finally home after struggling through my brother's illness and death. But, home is definitely a bit different. My best friend (the only person alive now that knows my secret) has a new boyfriend; and he has a friend. Shane Maxton: bad boy, tattooed rock god, eye candy extraordinaire. He is also New York City's most arrogant, self-serving, son of a, well, a definite one-night stand kind of a guy.

But, it doesn't matter to me because I've spent my existence looking for the love of my life, my angel. And, there is nothing that Shane Maxton can do to change that.

A paranormal romance.

Fall From Grace was a nice super fast read! Grace has spent her time looking for "the one" and so far, has been unable to find him. However, she does know that there is absolutely no way that Shane, in all his bad boy glory, could be "the one."

But, no matter how hard you try not to like him, Shane manages to get under your skin. You just cannot help but love him! Despite this, Grace goes out of her way to not like Shane or give into him. Which, is pretty entertaining and makes for some great dialogue.

The story includes some paranormal elements, and I am all for some supernatural stuff, but I think the story would have been great without this. I would have preferred the story without the Heaven and Angels plot. Take that out, and you get something similar to Jamie McGuire's Beautiful Disaster, but more mellowed out.

One thing that I really did not like was the ending. I was just in the middle of a scene, reading along, then turned to the next page only to find "the end." In the middle of a scene. What the heck? This wasn't a cliffhanger, but instead almost just like a page break. You know, but without the click here to read more link. Also, practically every guy that Grace came across threw themselves at her. I get it, she's pretty, but literally every guy did this.

Other than that, however, it was a nice read and I enjoyed the back and forth between Shane and Grace!

"Lea, you know you should never have a battle of wits with an unarmed opponent."

"You know, if you're going to be a smart ass you should start with being smart, otherwise, you're really just an ass."

"No. I want you to tell me why you have a pair of broken angel wings on your shoulder. I want you to tell me why you cut your wrists and I want to know why and how you play and sing the way you do, but most of all I want you to tell me what I need to do to be a good enough man for you."

Book Review: The Rising (Darkness Rising Book 3) by Kelley Armstrong

Title: The Rising
Author: Kelley Armstrong
Series: Darkness Rising #3
Pages: 406
My Rating: ❤❤❤❤❤

Things are getting desperate for Maya and her friends. Hunted by the powerful St. Clouds and now a rival Cabal as well, they're quickly running out of places to hide. And with the whole world thinking they died in a helicopter crash, it's not like they can just go to the authorities for help.

All they have is the name and number of someone who might be able to give them a few answers. Answers to why they're so valuable, and why their supernatural powers are getting more and more out of control.

But Maya is unprepared for the truths that await her. And now, like it or not, she'll have to face down some demons from her past if she ever hopes to move on with her life. Because Maya can't keep running forever.

Old secrets are revealed and unexpected characters make a surprising return in this stunning conclusion to Kelley Armstrong's New York Times bestselling Darkness Rising trilogy.

Ms. Armstrong sure knows how to drive a person absolutely crazy! Throughout the book I was just waiting for a certain something (wink wink) to happen. I was over 3/4 of the way done, and I was almost freaking out that it was never going to happen. So, at that point, I naturally could not put the book down and probably looked like a reading maniac (yes, don't judge me). But, then it did happen and now I am for certain that The Rising is my absolute favorite of Armstrong's Darkness Rising Series!

So, if you have read the Darkest Powers Series, this novel is where the characters you love from the series come into play. It is also mentioned that there is a large werewolf pack and I'm kind of wondering if that is also a crossover from another of Armstrong's series? However, I don't really know, so I may have to read more books written by Ms. Armstrong. What a sacrifice...not! I would definitely read more of her books! The Rising had me chomping at the bit to get to the end of the book; I just couldn't wait to find out the ending!

This was a series full of suspense, and I absolutely loved it! I pretty much loved everything about it, the characters, the scenery, the action, etc. (really I could go on and on!). If you haven't read anything from Kelley Armstrong, get a move on it!

"That depends. Are you going to call me an ass again?"
"That depends. Are you going to act like one?"

"I'm going to need to save you."
"Excuse me? No one needs-"
"I'm saving you, so shut up and be grateful."

"After this, he'd probably be going to zoos, climbing the enclosure, saying, 'Here, watch this...' Famous last words, as yet another unfit human is removed from the gene pool."

Book Review: Hyacinth (Svatura Book 2) by Abigail Owen

Title: Hyacinth
Author: Abigail Owen
Series: Svatura #2
Pages: 200
My Rating: ❤❤❤❤

Book #2 of the Svatura Series

Selene sacrificed everything when she took her brother’s place as ruler of the Vyusher, including her secret love for her one-time adversary Griffin Aubrey. When nightmares that are just a little too real start, Selene fears she’s turned into a cold-blooded killer…the monster that Griffin thinks she is.

Griffin and Ellie Aubrey are finally safe for the first time in over a hundred years. But when an unknown menace drives Selene to leave her family and ask for help, Griffin must decide. Can he move past his hatred of everything she is? Or will the bond that could bring them both the greatest joy now be the source of their deepest despair?

The threat of the danger stalking Selene in her dreams might be too much even for this powerful group. And Griffin doesn’t want to easily forgive the woman he blames for killing his family…

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

While reading the first book in this series, I found Griffin to be one of my favorite characters. However, he has been surpassed by Selene. It was almost as if the tables had been just completely turned, flipped over, and maybe even thrown around. Because, instead of liking Griffin as I did in the first one, I found myself having a love-hate relationship with him.

Griffin complained about how stubborn Ellie is, but I'm starting to see that this is more of a family trait. He is super stubborn! But, he only thinks he is doing what is best, and you still can't help but love him.

Not only are you introduced to Griffin's stubbornness, but Hyacinth also introduces you to Selene. And trust me, you will absolutely love her too! She has been through so much in her long life and has endured a lot of pain and heartache, which has made her extremely closed off. So, when that shell starts to crack and break you can finally see the true Selene. After all she has been through, she has managed to be a kind and gentle person, which is truly amazing!

All the other characters you came to care for in Blue Violet also have roles in Hyacinth. So, don't worry you will still get to see Ellie, Alex, and company!

"We wouldn't dare. That dragon trick is just too intimidating."
"Wait a minute..." Ellie held up a hand to Selene's forehead. "Was that humor? Are you sure you feel all right?"

"The timing couldn't be more horrible. Or awkward for that matter. But sometimes you didn't get to pick your moments - the moments just sort of happened."

Book Review: The Gathering (Darkness Rising Book 1) by Kelley Armstrong

Title: The Gathering
Author: Kelley Armstrong
Series: Darkness Rising #1
Pages: 359
My Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥

Sixteen-year-old Maya is just an ordinary teen in an ordinary town. Sure, she doesn't know much about her background - the only thing she really has to cling to is an odd paw-print birthmark on her hip - but she never really put much thought into who her parents were or how she ended up with her adopted parents in this tiny medical-research community on Vancouver Island.

Until now.

Strange things have been happening in this claustrophobic town - from the mountain lions that have been approaching Maya to her best friend's hidden talent for "feeling" out people and situations, to the sexy new bad boy who makes Maya feel...different. Combine that with a few unexplained deaths and a mystery involving Maya's biological parents and it's easy to suspect that this town might have more than its share of skeletons in its closet.

In THE GATHERING, New York Times best-selling author Kelley Armstrong brings all the supernatural thrills from her wildly successful Darkest Powers series to Darkness Rising, her scorching hot new trilogy.

Before getting this book, I hadn't realized that it was actually said to be a companion series to Armstrong's Darkest Powers Trilogy. I read a review saying it was meant to be. Seeing as how I had never read any of Armstrong's books, I was a little hesitant to go ahead and start The Gathering. As it turns out, reading the other series was not necessary...at all. I knew just as much as the main character did - well, except about sports, she had me beat there.

I don't know anything about Armstrong's other works, but I do know that she painted a pretty great picture with The Gathering. I thought the pace was very steady and not rushed. Instead of hurrying through the plot, things were allowed to develop more slowly, and as a result, were much more detailed. This allowed you to get to know the main players in the game, especially Maya.

I absolutely loved Maya and the town of Salmon Creek! I know it is super small, with a population of less than 200, but it seemed like a great little town. Everybody knew everybody, and of course gossip spread like wildfire. Can you say Stars Hollow (except even smaller, and without all of Taylor's cheesy town functions?). It was just your average tiny town, except of course for the fact that secret medical research is conducted there. However, that isn't all that the town is hiding...

Okay, enough about the cute small town with its adorable 50s themed diner. I get it, I'll move on. Our female lead, Maya has all the athleticism that I wished I had! Seriously, she climbs cliffs! Overall, Maya is a great strong female character. She's not whiny or wimpy, and I can't wait to see more of her!

Book Review: Supernaturally (Paranormalcy Book 2) by Kiersten White

Title: Supernaturally
Author: Kiersten White
Series: Paranormalcy #2
Pages: 336
My Rating: ❤❤❤❤❤

Evie finally has the normal life she’s always longed for. But she’s shocked to discover that being ordinary can be...kind of boring. Just when Evie starts to long for her days at the International Paranormal Containment Agency, she’s given a chance to work for them again. Desperate for a break from all the normalcy, she agrees.

But as one disastrous mission leads to another, Evie starts to wonder if she made the right choice. And when Evie’s faerie ex-boyfriend Reth appears with devastating revelations about her past, she discovers that there’s a battle brewing between the faerie courts that could throw the whole supernatural world into chaos. The prize in question? Evie herself.

So much for normal.

It's extremely rare to find a second installment better than the first. Usually, they pale in comparison, or at most are equally great. However, Supernaturally blew up these stigmas and then ran the remnants over with a steam roller. I would have never thought that I would have liked Supernaturally better than Paranormalcy. But, here I am telling you just that!

Now that Evie is living the life of a normal teenage girl, she finds that the "normal" life isn't all that it's cracked up to be. She goes to school, works at the diner, and gets to hangout with Lend on the weekends. Tasey, her trusty sidekick has now even taken up residence in her sock drawer. So, when she gets the chance to get a taste of the paranormal butt-kicking action she longs for, she accepts.

Between school, extracurriculars of the paranormal nature, and her sassy attitude, Evie has all the makings to be the next Buffy! In Supernaturally, she even gets her own sidekick! Jack is a handful though. He reminded me of a kid on a sugar high throughout the entire book! I can't forget about Lend! He was just his awesome amazing self. No complaints there!

Supernaturally exceeded my expectations, and even threw me for a loop! Just when I thought I knew what was going on, somehow the story made a 180. When this happened, all I could think was "what the bleep?" But, this turn of events made the book that much better! I really enjoyed the ride it took me on! It's a bleep of a good book!

"You're much prettier when you aren't talking. True of most people, I've found."

"Still, if you'd prefer to simply bask in the glory of my company, I understand. You're probably overwhelmed by holding my hand and want to enjoy the moment."

"Yeah, I know you're a creature of the night. Bringer of death, sucker of blood, needer of tans, so on and so forth. And oddly enough, I'm still unimpressed."

"'Fun Run' indeed, what a misnomer. That'd be like saying 'calm gremlin' or 'pleasant hag.' Or 'entertaining history textbook.'"