Book Review: Cliffhanger (The Belinda & Bennett Mysteries Book 1) by Amy Saunders

Title: Cliffhanger
Author: Amy Saunders
Series: Belinda & Bennett Mysteries #1
Pages: 237
My Rating: ❤❤❤❤❤

Making her grand re-entry into Portside, Rhode Island, Belinda Kittridge expected fun, sun, and sugar cookies.

Instead, she gets one jilted lover braced for round two, an old rival on the hunt, and the murder of a former classmate and friend. Even worse, Belinda must return to the events surrounding a tragic sailing accident to set things right.

But new possibilities emerge in the form of security expert Bennett Tate. Between her connections and his know-how, they're bound to catch the killer - and kick the skeletons out of the closet for good.

I was enthralled in Belinda and Bennett's story instantly! The scenery sounds beautiful, the characters are super realistic, and the mystery is enthralling!

Cliffhanger is one of those books that is so engrossing and loaded with detail that you feel like its a movie playing in your head. You can perfectly picture the locations and even the expressions on the characters faces. It was truly that great! It definitely felt like a Hallmark movie to me! 😊

Growing up, one of my favorite series to read was Nancy Drew, since that time it has been I don't know how long since I've actually sat down and read a good mystery book. Cliffhanger brought all those good memories back to me! I absolutely love how Saunders weaves in the perfect amount of humor and romance with such a great mystery! I also really enjoyed how as a reader, I didn't know every little thing the characters were thinking, Instead, they were able to surprise me!

I can't wait to get my hands on the second book in this series and see more of Belinda, Bennett, Jonas, Kyle, and Victoria! I really enjoyed getting to know all of them in this book!

Book Review: Goddess Tricked (Mate Run Book 1) by Skylar Blaue

Title: Goddess Tricked
Author: Skylar Blaue
Series: Mate Run #1
Pages: 140
My Rating: ♥♥♥♥

When a full moon falls on the night of a solar eclipse, it’s called a Blood Moon. The Goddess has a major influence on nights like this, and only complete isolation can keep a Shifter or Spark safe from her supernatural matchmaking.

Carly, a Spark, a.k.a. magic wielder, takes a big risk when she gives into the temptation of a night of fun with her Human best friend. One bad decision after another leaves Carly and her friend in the wrong place. Surrounded by potential Shifter and Spark mates, Carly’s only desire is to make it through the night single. There’s only one way to do that. She’ll have to make a run for it and hope she can avoid waking up mated and pregnant.

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

From the moment that I laid eyes on the title of chapter one, I knew that this was going to be a fun read. I was definitely not disappointed! This book was non-put downable (is that even a word...oh well whatever 😊), literally I did not put the book down! Instead I read the whole shabang in like three hours.

If you're looking for a book that has some grandeur and talks about the meaning of life, this is not your book. However, if you are looking for a fun quick entertaining read that will have you rolling with laughter, then look no further! The main character and her friend were absolutely hilarious!

As for the world created, I think the author did a great job. She gave us a taste of her world, but not to much, leaving me wanting to learn more. The idea of sparks, werewolves, and humans all coexisting together is pretty great!

I can't wait to see what this author has in store for the rest of this series! I hope that it is just as entertaining as this one!

Book Review: The Selection (Sapient Salvation Book 1) by Jayne Faith

Title: The Selection
Author: Jayne Faith
Series: Sapient Salvation #1
Pages: 282
My Rating: ❤❤❤❤

Twice a year, the alien Lord Toric demands a selection of human women between the ages of 18 and 20 to compete for a place in his harem. Maya must get through just one more selection and then she can marry the man of her dreams. She should have been safe, but when a young woman who was supposed to compete dies the day of the selection, Maya is forced into the competition.

Thrown into the fight of her life with no preparation, Maya must shed her innocence and win Lord Toric’s favor. And there is only one winner in the competition. The losers will be sacrificed. Will she survive the first round, or will she pay the ultimate price for her inexperience?

I have previously read The Selection by Kiera Cass and absolutely loved it! I found that both books are extremely similar, except Faith's is geared towards a more mature audience and includes aliens. In addition to Cass' series, this book also tends to incorporate some elements from The Hunger Games. Overall, I would say that Jayne Faith's novel is The Hunger Games meets The Selection (Cass) meets aliens.

It may seem like there is a lot of different elements being thrown into this book, but somehow Faith manages to make it all mesh seamlessly. I really enjoyed how their is a bi-annual culling of both men and women, who then must compete in various survival scenarios. However, the real competition is within both groups, for there can only be one male victor and one female victor. This makes for an interesting dynamic between "obligates."

The story was really enjoyable, but ended too abruptly. I hate when books do that! I felt like after such a slow start (background stuff) that the story was finally getting to some action, and then "wham!" The end. I just wasn't prepared for the story to end, even though the status bar at the bottom of my kindle indicated it's upcoming end.

"May we all find what peace we can, collect as many moments of happiness as possible, and know gratitude in every breath."

Book Review: Accepting Fate (Destiny Book 2) by Deanna Chase

Title: Accepting Fate
Author: Deanna Chase
Series: Destiny #2
Pages: 240
My Rating: ❤❤❤❤❤

From New York Times bestselling author, Deanna Chase comes the second book in the Destiny series.

When two souls are fated...

A year ago, Jax Russo left school to escape to her safe haven, her hometown of Mendocino, CA. After overcoming depression and healing old wounds, she’s finally ready to move on. But when her brother’s arrested for a shocking crime, she finds herself caught between her family and her brother’s accuser—the man she’s been in love with since she was fifteen years old.

Firefighter Derek Alexander never wanted to be a hero. He does his job for one reason and one reason only—to make up for that terrible night nine years ago. His demons haunt him, but so do dreams of Jax, the girl he knows he’s fated to be with. But in a world of magical soul mates, sometimes even love and forgiveness isn’t enough.

I didn't have very high hopes for Accepting Fate. I figured it would just be the usual hum-drum romance, but I am glad to be wrong! It is your typical romance, but it is extremely cute! I really enjoyed the characters, and absolutely loved how Chase switched back and forth between Jax and Derek. Not to mention, Chase can write one gorgeous character...Derek (sigh).

Both Jax and Derek have been through a lot in their lives. They still have nightmares and it is a constant struggle for them to try to be upbeat and get through their lives. This struggle is something that they bond over, and they come to realize that the other is the only person that truly understands them and what they are going through. It is extremely sweet to see how much they support for and care for each other.

Not only is this a book about sweet romance, but there is a bit of a paranormal twist. In this world, soul mates truly do exist, which was interesting. The one thing that I truly liked was that a soul mate does exist, but that does not mean they are the best person for you. I really liked the idea that you had the ability to choose, and it wasn't like some ingrained connection (insta-love). It was truly a great book, and I hope that Chase continues on with the series!

"As he pulls away from her, his gaze meets mine, and we stare at each other for one long moment before I slowly raise my left hand and give him the middle finger."

"The look she gives me is priceless - shock mixed with pure pleasure. I make a note to put that look on her face as often as possible."

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: Origin (Lux Series Book 4) by Jennifer L. Armentrout

Title: Origin
Author: Jennifer L. Armentrout
Series: Lux Book 4
Pages: 364 
My Rating: ❤❤❤❤❤

Daemon will do anything to get Katy back.

After the successful but disastrous raid on Mount Weather, he’s facing the impossible. Katy is gone. Taken. Everything becomes about finding her. Taking out anyone who stands in his way? Done. Burning down the whole world to save her? Gladly. Exposing his alien race to the world? With pleasure.

All Katy can do is survive.

Surrounded by enemies, the only way she can come out of this is to adapt. After all, there are sides of Daedalus that don’t seem entirely crazy, but the group’s goals are frightening and the truths they speak even more disturbing. Who are the real bad guys? Daedalus? Mankind? Or the Luxen?

Together, they can face anything.

But the most dangerous foe has been there all along, and when the truths are exposed and the lies come crumbling down, which side will Daemon and Katy be standing on?

And will they even be together? 

Okay, so I know I said I already had a favorite Lux book, but I may have spoken too soon. Origin is amazing!!! This was one of my favorite ones yet! Origin switches back and forth between Daemon's and Katy's point of view, and you can clearly tell which point of view you are reading.

The last book, Opal ended on a bit of a cliffhanger, and Origin picks up right where it left off. At first the book was a bit slow, but it picked up fairly quickly. There is so much that Katy or even Daemon don't know about, but are a big part of it all nonetheless. So many things were brought to light in this book, but it left me with way more questions than answers. I just kept coming to one bombshell after another, and I loved it!!

I recently saw a post from Jennifer L. Armentrout saying how Obsidian made it on the top young adult books of all time list, and it without a doubt deserves to be on there! This is a great series, and I am so glad that she has decided to write a book completely in Daemon's point of view!!

"Daemon Black could be as prickly as a hedgehog having a really bad day, but underneath all that spindly armor, he was sweet, protective, and incredibly selfless."

"I don't have all day, guys. I have things to do. A nap I want to take this afternoon. There's a new movie out on Netflix I want to watch, and a goddamn coupon for a free Whopper Jr. that's calling my name."

"We're stuck between a mountain and a volcano about to explode."

"While you're deep in something, you never say or do what you need to. It's always after the fact, when it's too late, that you realize what you should've said or done."

Book Review: Elfin (Elfin Series Book 1) by Quinn Loftis

Title: Elfin
Author: Quinn Loftis
Series: Elfin Series Book 1
Pages: 248
My Rating: ❤❤❤❤

Before tonight Cassie Tate’s biggest concerns were whether she could pass Algebra and how she was going to keep Elora, her best friend, from dressing her in a skimpy fairy costume for Halloween. Her feet were firmly planted in suburban reality and she had no reason to believe her life would be anything but that of a typical teenager. That is until tonight, when Cassie saw something that no human was ever supposed to see; in the blink of an eye she was thrown into the world of the Light and Dark Elves.

He comes from a realm where light and dark have fought for millennia. He is of a race known to humans only in myths and legends. The darkness that lives inside him is a part of both who and what he is and it makes him the most gifted spy and assassin in the history of his time. His life is not his own; he lives in the service of the Dark Elf King. He slays who he must, has mercy on no one, is relentless in his hunt, and never tires of seeing his prey fall. He is Triktapic, assassin, spy, most feared of the Dark Elves.

Now, in the midst of his King’s complicated plans to expand the Dark Elves’ holdings into the mortal realm, for the first time, Trik finds his loyalties divided. For no Elf, Dark or Light, can turn away from their Chosen.

Unbeknownst to the mortal realm, the battle between Light and Dark is being brought to their doorstep. The only one who can keep it at bay holds darkness in his heart like a lover, and the one who can sway that heart must decide if she can look beyond his black past, beyond his evil nature and see the man he is destined to be.

The question must be asked, does love really cover a multitude of sins? Can true love actually conquer all or will his darkness consume those around him until all that stands is an assassin with the blood of the mortal realm on his hands?

Cassie Tate is a good girl, she doesn't get into trouble and makes good grades. She is just your normal, average eighteen year old, or is she? Turns out, she apparently has a "chosen" who is not so average or normal.

Trick is a dark elf assassin that actually likes what he does. Remorse, never heard of it! He just does whatever the dark elf king asks him to, that is until he meets his chosen.

Trick has stayed in the darkness for centuries and has somehow managed to be paired with Cassie, the manifestation of all things good. Throughout the book, Trick struggles with accepting Cassie, because he believes that he doesn't deserve her. The actual struggle that takes place within Trick about whether or not to change his evil ways helps make him a more dynamic character.

To me, Trick seemed much more real than Cassie. Throughout the whole book, Cassie is made out to be extremely good.....and pure........and angelic (You might as well picture her with a halo!). On the other hand, Trick struggles with what is right and what is wrong. He doesn't believe he is worthy of Cassie. He needs to overcome his darkness and realize that Cassie does have some faults.

Overall, I enjoyed Elfin! I have read the first three books of Loftis' The Grey Wolves Series, and her writing is definitely hers! In Elfin, Cassie has a snarky best friend that reminds me of Jen (TGWS), but toned down a bit. I have come to the realization that I really like Loftis' writing, and that I need to get a hold of more of her books!!!

Book Review: Saving Angel (Divisa Series Book 1) by J.L. Weil

Title: Saving Angel
Author: J. L. Weil
Series: Divisa Book 1
Pages: 324
My Rating: ❤❤❤❤

I wondered what my life would be like if we had never moved to the ho-dunk town of Spring Valley, Illinois. Sure the internet service was splotchy, there was nothing but miles of wheat fields, and I probably wouldn’t be faced with death at every corner.

My only neighbor in this god forsaken town was…well there really was only one to describe him, hot as hell. With his sinful dark looks, unusually silver eyes, and kissable lips, there was something about him that was more than meets the eye.

Of course I was determined to find out.

Chase Winters might be drool-worthy, but he was also insufferable, arrogant and…in short a d-bag. Our relationship was anything but love at first sight. Not even close. There was something weird about the family living next door.

What I hadn’t expected to find was an underworld of trouble.

Chase and his cousins Lexi and Travis are Divisa, half-demon, half-human. Getting them angry was hardly in my best interest, not if I wanted to live.

As it turned out, that might be the least of my problems. I’ve been tagged by hell.

Now every ugly, nasty being from hades was on my trail. I have suddenly became a magnet for demon disaster, and the only way I am getting out of this alive was by putting my life in the demon spawn’s hands.

One wrong decision and my butt was toast.

Okay, so my initial thought that this book would be similar to Obsidian by Jennifer L. Armentrout was even more right then I could have dreamed of. Saving Angel is extremely similar to Obsidian, but this wasn't necessarily a bad thing. I really enjoyed Obsidian, and also enjoyed Saving Angel.

I thought that it was pretty funny and ironic how a girl named Angel ended up living by a family of half-demons! I wasn't expecting her name to be Angel, I instead assumed that since demons were a major part of the book, that angels would be too. Anyways, just because her name is Angel does not mean that she acts all that angelic. She instantly forms a sort of love/hate relationship with Chase, the hot guy next door with the pierced brow. They literally cannot be around each other without having some big argument. Which, I don't mind, I find it pretty entertaining.

I did like Chase and Angel's characters, but I actually want to see more of Travis. He seems like a very funny easygoing guy, but underneath that, he is still wounded from the disappearance of his girlfriend. He still has a hard time coping with it all and loses it every once in a while. I would just like to see how he progresses throughout the books.

In regards to the rest of the books, I hope they don't all correlate to The Lux Series. I would like to see them move away from that and become their own thing. The world that Weil has created with half-demons and hellhounds is actually very interesting, and I don't want to see it get categorized as just a Lux want-a-be series.

"I still had travel hair, which meant it looked like I stuck my finger in a light socket."

"All country towns have one road in and out of town called Main. It was like law."

"I could use all the confidence I could get. If possible, I would steal some from the egotistical Chase. He had more than enough to spare."

 

Book Review: Just One Drop (Grey Wolves Series Book 3) by Quinn Loftis

Title: Just One Drop
Author: Quinn Loftis
Series: Grey Wolves #3
Pages: 239
My Rating: ❤❤❤❤❤

Jennifer Adams, best friend to Jacque Pierce and Sally Morgan, spicy, out spoken, a little crazy and human...or so she thought. Jen has just found out that human DNA is not the only thing that resides in her veins, she happens to share that little pesky werewolf gene, although it isn't more than just a drop. Now that she and her friends are living in Romania with Fane's pack, she is also oh so conveniently stuck with the object of her affection, the fur ball Decebel. Drawn to each other by something they don't understand Jen finds herself frustrated by the lack of mating signs between her and said fur ball. Not only is she dealing with that not so un-frustrating problem, she now has been informed that because of that little drop of werewolf blood in her she is now required to attended a multi-pack gathering for un-mated wolves. This type of gathering hasn't taken place in over a century but with a shortage of females among the werewolf population the males are getting worried they won't ever find their true mates. Meanwhile Decebel struggles with the emotions he is feeling towards Jen. He tries to keep his distance but there is just something about the mouthy blonde that keeps him coming back for more of her verbal abuse that he just can't seem to get enough of...go figure

Jen had a lot of excitement in Blood Rites, not only did she learn that she was going to go to Romania, but she also learned that her blood was special. She literally had just one drop of werewolf blood in her. This meant that she was subject to everything that the other werewolves were. She now had an alpha, but this also meant that there was a possibility she could have a mate. As much as Jen hated to admit it, she already knew who she wanted her mate to be, the bossy furball Decebel.

If you loved Jen and Decebel in Blood Rites, you will love them even more in Just One Drop!! Both of them know what they want and are frustrated by the lack of signs to prove their feelings right. The one thing that is for sure about their relationship though, is that Decebel is very protective of Jen and especially does not want her going to what she has so eloquently referred to as "Mate Fest."

"Mate Fest" is basically just a huge singles mixer for unmated werewolves, and since Jen has a drop of werewolf DNA, that means she is required to attend. This means that unmated males will believe that she is up for grabs, which definitely does not sit well with Decebel. As you can imagine, Jen gets herself into trouble.....a lot, much to the dismay of Decebel.

In addition to the drama going on between Decebel and Jen, there is also a bit of espionage going on. Werewolves really are power hungry, there is no denying that now!

The words spoken between Jen and the furball are once again pretty perfect. Loftis has certainly outdone herself this time!! Jen has actually became my favorite character (sorry Jacque!)!! I love how Jen always has a response, be it good or bad. Decebel certainly has his hands full with her! I can't wait to see what's in store next for Jacque, Jen, and Sally, I mean those three girls do seem to attract a lot of trouble...

Book Review: Blood Rites (Grey Wolves Series Book 2) by Quinn Loftis

Title: Blood Rites
Author: Quinn Loftis
Series: Grey Wolves #2
Pages: 223
My Rating: ❤❤❤❤❤

With the challenge complete and the corrupt Alpha of Coldspring defeated Fane is now free to complete the mate bond with Jacque and perform the Blood Rites. Although the challenge is done, the affects are far reaching. Once it is known that Vasile one of the strongest Alphas in the world is in America, specifically Coldspring, TX, there is one Alpha who cannot over look the significance of this. An Alpha who happens to share Jacque's DNA, but is this the one she needs to fear?

With her mom driving and her two best friends, Jen and Sally in tow, Jacque set off for her happily ever after. She will soon realize a plan has been put in motion that will change her course and possibly tear her from Fane's grasp forever. It will take a wolf pack, her mother's love, her two best friend's unrelenting determination, her own will to survive and the undying love of her mate to bring her home. The question remains, if she fights, if she endures, who will she be, what will be left once she is back in her mates arms?

After what happened in the last book, Fane and Jacque are eager to complete the blood rites ceremony. The day of the ceremony Jacque, along with her loyal sidekicks and her mom, pack into their car and head of to where the ceremony will take place. On the way though, the unthinkable happens. Can Jacque and Fane not catch a break?

I liked how Loftis used the third person perspective in the first novel, but absolutely loved it in this one! The first book focused on Jacque and Fane, but Blood Rites expanded on the more minor characters, which actually became a lot less minor. The reader was able to find out a whole lot more about Jen, Sally, and even Decebel. Not only that, but there was even a focus on the "bad guy" and it was very cool to get to see what was going on in his mind.

I am very excited about the next installment in this series, Just One Drop. I have it on hold at the library and am currently numero uno in line! It will focus more on Jen and the bombshell she was told at the end of Blood Rites. Also included will be Jen's favorite snarky wolf...Decebel.

"What is your ETA?"
"My Beta says we will arrive in ten minutes."
"Ten minutes, how courteous of you to give ample notice of your arrival."

"I'm here to guard you. I mean guard all of you. Not just you, but each one of you at the same time, not alone..."

"If someone had told her last week that all this was going to happen she would have said something along the lines of, oh yeah, and George Strait is selling me his ocean front property in Arizona as well."

Book Review: Prince of Wolves (Grey Wolves Series Book 1) by Quinn Loftis

Title: Prince of Wolves
Author: Quinn Loftis
Series: Grey Wolves #1
Pages: 230
My Rating: ❤❤❤❤

Jacque Pierce was just an ordinary 17 year old girl getting ready to start her senior year in high school in Coldspring, Texas. When a mysterious foreign exchange student from Romania moves in across the street, Jacque and her two best friends, Sally and Jen, don't realize the last two weeks of their summer was going to get a lot more interesting. From the moment Jacque sets eyes on Fane she feels an instant connection, a pull like a moth to a flame. Little does she know that the flame she is drawn to is actually a Canis Lupus, werewolf, and she just happens to be his mate; the other half of his soul. The problem is Fane is not the only wolf in Coldspring, Texas. Just as Fane and Jacque are getting to know each other, another wolf steps out to try and claim Jacque as his mate. Fane will now have to fight for the right to complete the mating bond, something that is his right by birth but is being denied him by a crazed Alpha. Will the love Fane has for Jacque be enough to give him the strength to defeat his enemy, will Jacque accept that she is Fane's mate and complete the bond between them?

I read Prince of Wolves a few years ago and remembered that I had enjoyed it. So, after seeing that the public library actually had the rest of the series, I decided to re-read Prince of Wolves, because I had no idea what happened. I mean I'm good at remembering things, but not that good!

Jacque lives in the small town of Coldspring, TX where there is not always a whole lot of excitement. When she learns that her neighbors are getting a foreign exchange student, she is immediately intrigued. She camps out by her window waiting for him to arrive, and is in for a surprise.

Fane arrives at the house that is to be his home for the next year, and feels something different. He looks around and sees a girl staring at him from a window. As soon as he realizes what is going on, he cannot wait to meet her. Fane belongs to the Romanian pack of Canis lupus, and believes that the girl in the window is his true mate.

As soon as Jacque lays eyes on the gorgeous guy that will be staying across the street, she starts to hear voices in her head. She thinks she is going crazy, but voices are not even the half of it, things get even crazier...

This story is told in third person, which I found really refreshing. I am used to books in first person, but I found this different point of view very enjoyable. In addition to this point of view, the author tends to switch between focusing on Jacque and Fane. This was very interesting, because you were able to see one scene from both perspectives. Also, since Fane is Romanian, Loftis included a lot of Romanian words. Now I couldn't pronounce them, but I enjoyed seeing them nonetheless. As a side note, I already checked out book 2, Blood Rites and will probably be starting it later tonight.

"It was someone real, tangible, and well, hot! Not that him being hot is important, Jacque thought to herself, but, seriously it didn't hurt, right?"

"Do yourself a favor, Jac and get a Kit Kat and give yourself a break."

"Where on earth do you come up with these ideas? Is there like a website called vindictive.com or cruel-mean-ideas.org?"

"Well, you are a wolf, I don't think it's a good idea to start the habit of you sleeping in the bed, you know, with all the shedding and what-not."

 

Book Review: Falling into the White (The Ancients Book 2) by Christine M. Butler

Title: Falling into the White
Author: Christine M. Butler
Series: The Ancients Book 2
Pages: 264
My Rating: ❤❤❤❤❤

Jessica St. Marks has come to grips with being the stuff of legends. She is destined to be the leader of her kind, the werewolves.

While she dreams of uniting the two breeds of werewolves, the Ancients and the Lesser, she must first put a stop to the tyrannical rule of the current werewolf king, Antoine De’Lune.

Jessica must come into her full power in order to take her rightful place as the white wolf ruler. She cannot do that without first accepting a mate.

A choice must be made between Evan, the wolf whose claim she has already accepted once; and his brother, Mikael, whom she was forced to get to know. One will help her embrace her destiny, while the other is fated to destroy her.

I could not help myself when I finished the first book in this series and automatically had to purchase the second one. Butler did not let me down! This book was to me even better than the first!

Falling into the White picks up right where the first book left off. Jess has been left with a choice that she has to make thanks to Antoine, the king. This whole thing that is going on brings out a whole different side to some of the characters. I personally went from rooting for Evan to almost becoming the president of Mikael's campaign to win Jess' heart!

Butler does include some twists and turns that threw me for a loop. Once we got to know Mikael a little bit better, I couldn't help but want to already re-read the first one to meet Mikael once again. So far I have restrained myself, because I have so many books I want to read. Before starting this series I had never heard of Butler, but now, I am looking forward to more of her books!

Book Review: Shadows of the Ancients (The Ancients Book 1) by Christine M. Butler

Title: Shadows of the Ancients
Author: Christine M. Butler
Series: The Ancients Book 1
Pages: 225
My Rating: ❤❤❤❤❤

No one ever questions the pairings their pack-master chooses for them. No one, except Jessica St. Marks, who can't stand the thought of being bonded for life to Zach Brighton, douchebag extraordinaire.

Jessica plans a night out with her human friend, Ashley, to have a little fun before she's forced to settle for the loser her pack has chosen to be her mate. Little does she know, her fate is about to change when she runs into a mystery wolf who takes her breath away, and marks her as his own.

Evan De'Lune may be new and exciting, but he has secrets that threaten to not only put Jessica's life in danger, but his ability to keep his claim on her as well!

You never know what you are going to get into with a free book, but this one in particular had a 4 1/2 star rating and an interesting little synopsis. It also had werewolves, which is something I am totally loving at the moment! I thought hey I'll give it a shot...

I was definitely not disappointed!! Jess is a great strong female character, and I absolutely love her best friend Ashley!! Whenever Ashley opens her mouth, or even sends a text to Jess, it is almost 100% guaranteed to make you smile or even laugh out loud! So, not only does the book have that going for it, but it also has some pretty great eye candy, which is always a plus in my book!

I thought that the overall story was very entertaining. The book follows Jessica, a wolf shifter that has been promised to a complete douche named Zach. She goes out one night to a club with her friend Ashley to get her mind off her predicament. She probably did not expect to just get herself in an even deeper pile of crap though. She inadvertently gets herself marked by strong powerful wolf, that she does not even know the name of. She just knows that there is this intense attraction that she cannot deny and is just drawn to him. She does find out the name of the one who has staked a claim on her, and **spoiler** it's Evan.

Evan seems like the perfect guy for her. Jess has never been attracted to anyone or even shown an interest in anyone before now. He seems to do everything right, the problem is he comes with a lot of problems...and danger.

Butler does a FANTASTIC job of throwing in surprises and keeping lots of humor in a story filled with looming danger and consequences. Right after I finished this book, I immediately went to the kindle store and bought the second installment. Now be aware I never do this unless I absolutely love a book and just feel compelled and excited to keep reading! I am not kidding around, I am serious, this book was fantastic and had me staying up all night, and buying and starting the second book at three in the morning! I just couldn't help myself!!

Book Review: Everlasting (The Night Watchmen Series Book 1) by Candace Knoebel

Title: Everlasting
Author: Candace Knoebel
Series: Night Watchmen Book 1
Pages: 428
My Rating: ❤❤❤❤

What if your destiny lay on the other side of death?

The annual Culling ceremony is a day every coming-of-age novice looks forward to within the Primeval Coven. It’s the start to being initiated into the Night Watchmen, humankind’s protectors, and it’s the long-awaited day when novices discover if they’re a Hunter or a Witch.

But this day is not a happy one for Faye Middleton. Not when she’s known her whole life that she’s a Defect and is about to face banishment in front of her fellow novices. She’s forced to attend the Culling with little hope for her future, but what she discovers about herself is far worse than she could’ve imagined. And far more dangerous.

Thrown into training and separated from her friends, Faye must learn to adjust. She struggles to find her place within the Coven, and with Jaxen Gramm, the darkly handsome and extremely unnerving man assigned to watch and protect her. Emotions run high, and when she discovers a deadly secret about him, her struggles deepen. As corruption within the Coven begins to unravel, Faye pieces together her role in saving the future of her people, and within Jaxen’s life...but will the truth save her, or be her undoing?

I know you have probably heard me say this already, but I love free books!! I got Everlasting on my kindle, along with several other free books. I just cannot help myself, I see a free book in a genre I like and immediately click purchase! Sometimes I try to stick to the 4 1/2 or 5 star ratings, but Everlasting sounded pretty interesting, but had a 4 star rating. I also loved that it had 428 pages!!

Everlasting follows Faye, a girl who is dreading the Culling ceremony. In this ceremony, it is decided whether you will be a Hunter or a Witch. This ceremony also gives you an affinity mark. This mark will be shared with one other person, who in turn will be your partner for life. I know scary right? This is not what Faye is worried about though. Her whole life she has suspected or known that she is a defect. She believes that she will be forced to leave the Coven and have a normal human life. She already has her college acceptance letter and everything.

As like any paranormal book, we all know that things do not always go the way that the main character thinks it will. For Faye, circumstances really throw her for a loop. Not only is she a myth (you'll understand later), but she is somehow linked to the moody Jaxen Gramm, her best friend isn't having as good a time as she thought she would, and something has happened to her parents!!

This book is full of action! I thought that there was no way there could be another fight scene, but Knoebel would surprise me and throw another one in. Knoebel uses all of those 428 pages, they are not just fluff!!

Book Review: Lark (Lark Trilogy Book 1) by Erica Cope

Title: Lark
Author: Erica Cope
Series: Lark #1
Pages: 314
My Rating: ❤❤❤❤❤

The last time she checked, Mia Carrington was pretty sure that she was a normal girl with a completely ordinary life.

She goes to high school, has a crush on the gorgeous and mysterious new boy in town, and has strange dreams that she can’t help but feel are real somehow.

Okay, so maybe she’s not all that normal after all.

A freak accident changes Mia’s life forever when she is thrown into another world and left to deal with the revelation that she is the daughter of the King of the Light Elves. Throw in an ominous prophecy predicting that Mia will break a curse unleashing the Dark Elves on the world and well, things don’t look too good.

There is danger lurking at every corner in this strange world and Mia isn’t sure who she can trust…

The only thing she is certain of is that the Dark Elves know about her, and they will stop at nothing until they have her.

Mia is ready for her senior year! She has a job she likes, does well in school, and was even voted cheerleading captain. In addition to all of that, she met Grey. He seems to pay attention to no one else, but her. They even both work at the movie theater together. Despite this, Grey insists that they are good friends. Mia cannot help but wonder, "What if?" She thinks she knows Grey so well, but after an accident that should have resulted in a trip to the hospital, she learns that there is much more to him than meets the eye.

It turns out, that the world is a lot bigger, and dangerous than Mia realized. Her biological father that ran out on her mother before Mia was born, finally comes back into the picture. Turns out he is actually an elf king! As if things couldn't get any crazier, turns out Mia could be part of an ancient prophecy that could result in the dark elves being able to escape the underworld. Wow, no pressure right?

I really enjoyed Lark! The plot of this book is actually very similar to Amanda Hocking's Trylle trilogy. The same kind of stuff happens, but I think that Cope is actually going to take a different route in the rest of the series. Just because they are similar, does not mean that Lark is not worth reading! I loved the Trylle trilogy, and think that Lark is just as good!! Mia is a very relatable character. She describes herself as somewhat of an introvert that loves to read. I mean how can that not be relatable?

"We both know that the movie theater is probably number two on the avid reader's dream job list, number one being the library, of course."

"I'm pretty certain Senior-itis does in fact exist and that the disease is currently running rampant through my veins."

"This Jacoby character, regardless of how dreamy he may appear, is aiding and abetting my captivity. Not exactly the kind of guy you want to bring home to meet mom."

Book Review: The One (Selection Series Book 3) by Kiera Cass

Title: The One
Author: Kiera Cass
Series: Selection Book 3
Pages: 323
My Rating: ❤❤❤❤❤

The Selection changed America Singer's life in ways she never could have imagined. Since she entered the competition to become the next princess of Illéa, America has struggled with her feelings for her first love, Aspen—and her growing attraction to Prince Maxon. Now she's made her choice . . . and she's prepared to fight for the future she wants.

Find out who America will choose in The One, the enchanting, beautifully romantic third book in the Selection series!

Once again, Cass did not disappoint! And once again I devoured another book by her. I started this series thinking that it would just be okay, but I was shocked to find out that I love it! This series found it's way into my heart and onto my top 10 favorite series ever list! My usual books involve vampires, werewolves, or some other paranormal creature. These books just involved a girl and a guy with some not so normal circumstances.

I don't know what to say about what happens in the book, because I definitely don't want to give anything away. One thing is for sure though, America is just as fierce and brave as ever. She is not afraid to stand up for what she thinks is right, even if that means she will have to face the consequences of her actions. Maxon is one of the sweetest characters I have every met. Some of the things he does and the way he looks at America are so sweet and full of things neither one can articulate. There are so many odds against them, but can they overcome it? Or is Aspen, the rebels, and the king too much?

Book Review: The Elite (Selection Series Book 2) by Kiera Cass

Title: The Elite
Author: Kiera Cass
Series: Selection Book 2
Pages: 336
My Rating: ❤❤❤❤❤

The Selection began with thirty-five girls.

Now with the group narrowed down to the six Elite, the competition to win Prince Maxon's heart is fiercer than ever—and America is still struggling to decide where her heart truly lies. Is it with Maxon, who could make her life a fairy tale? Or with her first love, Aspen?

America is desperate for more time. But the rest of the Elite know exactly what they want—and America's chance to choose is about to slip away.

I loved The Selection so much, that after finishing it I quickly picked up The Elite. I spent all day Saturday reading and devoured The Elite in one day! It was just as good as its predecessor. Yes, like some of the reviews I have read, I too found America, Maxon, and even Aspen infuriating in this book. Unlike people who hated this, I loved it! This is what books are all about, making you feel things, and it only made me that more invested in all of them finding happiness.

Right now as I'm writing this, I am already a few chapters into The One, and I literally just finished The Elite! That right there should tell you just how amazing this series is! I am so glad that all three books were out when I started, because I would have went crazy waiting on them to come out!

Book Review: The Selection (Selection Series Book 1) by Kiera Cass

Title: The Selection
Author: Kiera Cass
Series: Selection Book 1
Pages: 336
My Rating: ❤❤❤❤❤

For thirty-five girls, the Selection is the chance of a lifetime. The opportunity to escape the life laid out for them since birth. To be swept up in a world of glittering gowns and priceless jewels. To live in a palace and compete for the heart of gorgeous Prince Maxon.

But for America Singer, being Selected is a nightmare. It means turning her back on her secret love with Aspen, who is a caste below her. Leaving her home to enter a fierce competition for a crown she doesn't want. Living in a palace that is constantly threatened by violent rebel attacks.

Then America meets Prince Maxon. Gradually, she starts to question all the plans she's made for herself—and realizes that the life she's always dreamed of may not compare to a future she never imagined.

The Selection has been on my radar for a while. I have heard good things about it and thought that the back cover sounded pretty interesting. I found a box set for only $21 and thought it was a great deal, so naturally my little book addict self had to purchase it. Once again, so far it was more than just a great deal...it was an awesome deal! I could not put it down and found myself loving every moment the book had to offer.

You may be thinking okay what is this book about then...

Our nation is no more, and instead a young country called Illea stands in its place. In this country there is a caste system, Ones are at the top and Eights are at the bottom. There is a country-wide curfew and there are rules about dating, not only about outside your caste, but just dating in general. America Singer thinks she has everything figured out, she wants to marry Aspen and despite the obstacles in their way, she thinks love can conquer it all.

America is soon swept up in a competition known as the selection. She is one of 35 girls competing for the heart of Illea's Prince. The selection is actually helping her family, but is it what she wants. Can she even imagine actually being a princess?

Call me crazy, but this book actually reminded me of The Hunger Games. Girls fighting for something they want can be just as scary as what Katniss went through (okay that is slightly exaggerated, but it works). There is a boy she has known forever and a boy she is thrust into a competition with (see maybe i'm not so crazy after all!). The difference is this book is focused on America's heart and what she wants, whereas The Hunger Games was focused on survival and taking down a terrible form of government. The selection actually mentions the government of Illea, and this leads me to believe that what is going on in the country may come into play in the other books in the series.

I cannot wait to start in on The Elite, so I can continue on with this amazing tale! I love strong female characters, and America is not afraid to speak her mind. Since day one of the selection, she has refused to let the competition change her. I honestly do not know what will happen, I have my hopes, and am eager to finish America's story!

Book Review: Defiance Rising (The Rising Trilogy Book 1) by Amy Miles

Title: Defiance Rising
Author: Amy Miles
Series: Rising Trilogy Book 1
Pages: 328
My Rating: ❤❤❤❤❤

Illyria has never known a life without the Rebellion.
Instinct.
Survival.
Nothing else matters…until she ventures out into unknown territory and is faced with an enemy that proves even more fierce and determined than she ever thought.

Bastien is infuriating, dangerous and annoyingly gorgeous. Eamon is familiar, comforting and turning into a man before her eyes. Both want her heart...but she is torn between duty and desire. When her choice affects all of mankind, how can she allow herself to be selfish? There is a power within her that can change everyone’s fate…but she underestimated the most potent force on Earth—love. Illyria must discover if she has the strength to sacrifice her heart to save mankind.

I love it when a book that I got for free turns out to be something that I would have willingly paid for. I get carried away sometimes and will just sit at my computer and buy a ton of free books. Days later, some of the purchases are actually appealing. I consider these appealing free books "little gems" (corny...I know). Defiance Rising by Amy Miles turned out to be one of these.

Post apocalyptic worlds are very popular at the moment, and it is in such a world where Miles chose to tell the story of Illyria. After being raised in the resistance, Illyria has learned to be a warrior. Not only is she skilled with a blade, but she is also very curious and defiant. She does not know much about what the world use to be like before the aliens invaded. Now though, the world is overrun with these aliens, Caldonians, who are hunting down the remaining humans. Illyria was born into the resistance and she wants to defeat the Caldonians, but is it possible? Can her friends defeat a whole army?

This book was amazing!! There were several twists and turns that I was not expecting, and each one had me going "What does this mean? What is going to happen now?" Illyria is such a strong person and endures so much. I know I would have cracked under the pressure, but she truly is a warrior. Miles does a fantastic job of creating these characters with many different sides. The book is only 344 pages, but in that amount of writing, I felt that characters were able to develop and grow.

Bastien has to be my favorite character. There is so much more to him than meets the eye. He is definitely not just the tough handsome guy that everybody sees. Books do not always make me cry, but there were times where I actually started to tear up (the part with the teddy bear, if you read it then you'll understand).

I cannot stress enough just how descriptive Miles' writing is! One review I read actually said all the description was a bad thing, but for me it just made everything seem so real and it was perfect! I highly recommend this book and am so thankful that I came across it!!

Book Review: Storm (Elemental Series Book 1) by Brigid Kemmerer

Title: Storm
Author: Brigid Kemmerer
Series: Elemental #1
Pages: 432
My Rating: ❤❤❤❤

Earth, Fire, Air, Water – they have more power than you dream.

Ever since her ex-boyfriend spread those lies about her, Becca Chandler is suddenly getting all the guys—all the ones she doesn't want. Then she saves Chris Merrick from a beating in the school parking lot. Chris is different. Way different: he can control water—just like his brothers can control fire, wind, and earth. They’re powerful. Dangerous. Marked for death.

And now that she knows the truth, so is Becca.

Secrets are hard to keep when your life’s at stake. When Hunter, the mysterious new kid around school, turns up with a talent for being in the wrong place at the right time, Becca thinks she can trust him. But then Hunter goes head-to-head with Chris, and Becca wonders who’s hiding the most dangerous truth of all.

The storm is coming...

Becca Chandler has a reputation, and not by choice. As a result, she is thought to be "easy" and is constantly harassed. This doesn't stop her from being her kind sweet self though. She, a small girl, saves Chris from being beaten to death by not just one, but a group of guys!

Chris goes to Becca's school and the two have virtually never even talked to each other. After she rescues him, things start to change. The two start actually acknowledging each other, and soon they find themselves in the middle of a huge mess. You could say a storm is brewing (yes I am a dork and went there!).

There are so many questions that the book brings up. Why does Becca have a reputation? Why does Chris have this thing for water? Who would put a pentagram on someone's door?

This book has twists, turns, and a whole lot of action. There were times I thought "What is happening?" Now, when I say there is action, I don't just mean a little bit, I mean just about the whole book is packed with action. The last quarter of the book was especially intense and I could not put it down until I finished it!

The writing style made me feel as if I was watching a movie instead of reading a book, if that makes sense. Instead of being in a characters head (first person) we were instead an outside observer (third person). This is different than most of the books I usually read, but I was still able to picture the characters and what was going on.

I have already looked at the descriptions for the rest of the books in the series, and it seems like each book focuses on a different male character and his love interest. I honestly don't know if I would like that or not. I just want to see more of Becca and Chris!