The Mermaid's Mirror - L. K. Madigan

I really liked "The Mermaid's Mirror". Its something different from what I've been reading lately and so I found it as a breath of fresh air. The story was very creative and I sure hope there is a sequel because I would love to read it.





Lena has been watching all her friends surf but she was never able to. Her dad had an accident early back and almost died, so he isn't even willing to step in the water much less teach her how to surf.



For Lena's 16th birthday, her boyfriend's, Kai, sister offers to give her surfing lessons. So she can't stand not surfing any longer and eventually accepts. Lena has this pull torward the water. She walks along the beach just about everyday and on her 16th birthday, she swears that she sees a mermaid. A beautiful mermaid. She is determined, against her father's wishes, to learn to surf so she can explore the waves ans search for the mermaid. Once she learns, she takes her board out to Magic Crescent Cove when even the experienced surfers won't surf that day. She's out in the ocean surfing and then she is caught in the rip tide. While she is in the riptide, the mermaid puts a key into her hand. Now she knows that she's not crazy and there really is a mermaid out there. The key has to fit in something so she starts searching every key hole she can find. When she's snooping through her parents room, she finds a death certificate from her birth mother's suicide. Then she is about to give up before she gets caught, when she sees a chair in a spot where it wouldn't be of any use. She moves it and pulls up the carpet and finds a sea chest. Bingo! The key fit. When she opens the chest, she finds photos and other items along with a mirror. Lena looks into the mirror and is shown the sea and mer-people. From then on, Lena's life will never be the same. Her dad comes home and confesses the truth about her mother. Now that Lena knows, what will she do? Will she stay on land with her family or will she stop resisting the call of the sea?



This was a quick and fast paced read. It was non stop entertainment for me. The story was full of mystery, friendship, trust and love. When it ended, I was heartbroken. I personally wouldn't be able to make the decision that she does. How do you choose between family? Lena learns to trust her own heart in the end, even if it hurts herself and those she loves. If you're tired from the recent vampire craze and want something a little different, read this. It was a super cute story!

4 STARS

Shades of Twilight - Martin Sharlow

   After reading the first chapters of "Shades of Twilight", this book had my attention.  Melissa jumps down into the water and almost drowns.  Michael saves her and takes her to the hospital to be checked out.  Later Melissa and Mike start hanging out.  They go to eat but he has already eaten, so she's the only one munching down on a Whopper.  Melissa starts becoming paranoid at nights after leaving work thinking someone or something is watching her, so she constantly is calling Mike to come watch over her or take her places.  When something does attack her, Mike and Melissa start trying to find out how to kill it.  They enlist in the help of Mike's uncle and Melissa's friend, Debbie.  Will anyone be able to stop what's coming after them before someone gets hurt?
  
   I really did like this book.  Mike was such a courageous character trying to save Melissa all the time.  He was always there to protect her.  If she called him, he would arrive shortly after and would make it just in time to save her.  Melissa, on the other hand, was a bit of a crybaby to me.  She was always crying to Mike.  No matter what was happening, she seemed to sob over it.  She was also a stubborn character.  Anytime she was told to stay in the car or duplex- did she listen? (Nope- always did the complete opposite of what she was told to do and then made the situation worse)  Duh!  Just do what you're told for once and things may not get so bad!!
  
   I would love to have Mike's car!  Want to know what it was?  A replica of the "Smokey and the Bandit" car.  How awesome would that be?  The only difference was that Mike's was a t-top and Burt Reynold's wasn't.  But I love the idea of that car driving down the street with a HOT vampire behind the wheel:)

   My only dislike about the story is the romance.  I think it was lacking in the romance department.  Hugs and embraces came in plenty, but kisses- not so much.

   Overall, the story was creative and was able to keep me interested.  I do recommend this story for those who enjoy vampires with mystery.  Head on over to Amazon and get yourself a copy:)

4 STARS

Bitter Frost - Kailin Gow

   Breena has always dreamed of a magical land with faeries and other magical  creatures.  And in this dream, she and Kian, the Winter Prince, perform a special wedding dance and then chaos  interrupts her dream.  When Breena turns 16, her dream starts to become reality.  She starts seeing magical beings like a goblin, satyrs, and a pixie and just chalks it up to her imagination going wild.  When a missing boy is found with multiple bites and out of his mind, Bree starts to realize that it may not be her imagination after all.

Breena goes home and on the way, she sees a pixie and she's so frightened because pixies bite humans and cause memory loss.  Logan, her best friend, who is all of a sudden very protective of her, comes over.  While they are in the house, the pixie named Delano comes to the door.  Logan fights Delano and Kian appears and leads Breena to her art studio.  But after the door to the studio closes, she is transported with Kian to Feyland.

   What drew me first to "Bitter Frost" was the cover.  I absolutely love the cover of this book with the blue glitter on the girl's lips and on the title.  It just is really catching to me.  Unfortunately the cover was better than the book was.

   During the beginning when Logan comes over on her birthday to make her dinner, they have a whip cream fight.  I loved this scene because it was so fun.

   I loved the character Logan.  He does everything to make Bree happy.  He will do anything for her- fight pixies, Kian and her classmates that are snobby with her. (Who wouldn't want him when he would do that plus he's incredibly attractive, sweet and caring.)

   I really enjoyed reading Kailin's descriptions of Feyland:

"The leaves sparkled, each one giving off a glow like so many tiny fireflies.  The grass murmured beneath me, rolling like waves over the earth."

   I really enjoyed this story overall except for the ending.  Reason being-  It wasn't an ending, just a cliffhanger to read the sequel.  That is why I rated it lower.  When I finished this book, I wasn't feeling fulfilled with having read a full story.

3 1/2 STARS

Wisdom - Amanda Hocking

   "Wisdom" starts off with Alice, Milo, and Bobby visiting Mae, Peter, and newly turned vampire child, Daisy. The trip is cut short when Alice learns of a recent murder of someone close to her. She is determined to find the killer and whether he/she is a human or a vampire. Alice is still torn between Jack and Peter but in a different way than before. She's in love with Jack, but with Peter, it's no longer a blood bond between them and she really enjoys being with him when she learns how caring and thoughtful he is.
   Now that Alice is a vampire, she starts thinking about what she wants to do with her life. Ezra gives her literature and textbooks to read and study to see if she can find anything that interests her. Alice also starts taking lessons to learn how to fight, that way she can destroy the killer.
    I cried while reading "Wisdom". It was full of twists and turns. Alice has an eternity ahead of her so she starts wondering if she made the right decision. She has to put trust in her new vampire family and also some other past characters that came back into her life. The end blew me away. It left plenty of opening for a 5th book. Out of all the possible career choices she was contemplating, she chooses that?!! (If you want to know what "that" is, you'll have to run over to Amazon and pick up a copy of "Wisdom") This is my new favorite series and I read them back to back cause I couldn't get enough. Thank you Amanda for such a wonderful series!! I can't wait for the next installment, so I hope it comes out soon:)

5 STARS

Flutter - Amanda Hocking

Newly turned vampire Alice, takes off with Ezra, Jack and Peter's brother, to go rescue Peter from what is believed as a suicide mission.  Ezra believes that Alice will be the only one able to talk him into coming back home.  Alice felt this was her fault that he was over there to begin with.  While in Finland looking for Peter, Ezra and Alice run into a pack of lycan (vampires who live more like animals) and among them is a man named Leif who tells them where Peter is and how to get to him.  When they all return home, Alice meets Milo's boyfriend, Bobby, learns of Jane's vampire bite addiction, and later Mae's (Ezra's wife) longing to turn her ill great-granddaughter, Daisy who is only 5 years old.  Peter and Jack are trying to get along (but let's face it, when you're in love with the same woman- it can be a little difficult).  When Jane is kidnapped by the lycan, Alice will have to make a decision that could mean life or death.  What will Alice do?  Well if you want to know, go read the book.           

   This story introduces some pretty important characters.  There is a love triangle between Jack, Alice, and Peter.  The lycans become involved in Alice's life along with Jane as the pawn.  I can't help but feel sorry for Peter and at the same time root Alice and Jack on cause they have a true love that can last for an eternity.  I love this book also.  The romance was extremely hot and with all the tension built up and the fight scenes toward the end,  I was left longing for more of this series.  I just can't get enough.  Read this series and I guarantee you'll love it as much as I do:)

 

5 STARS

 

 

 

Fate - Amanda Hocking

   Alice is caught between her feelings for Jack and Peter.  For Jack it feels natural, but for Peter, its nothing but a purely physical pull towards him and she can't resist what he does to her.  Peter has taken off, which is for the best if he is going to try and kill her.  Alice starts falling in love with Jack and they both try to fight it cause if they give in, Peter can possibly  kill them if he smells Jack on Alice or in her blood.  To make matters worse, Milo - Alice's brother, has an accident and the only way to save him is to turn him into a vampire.

   After Jack turns Milo into a vampire, Ezra later tells Alice that she'll have to wait about 3 years before they can turn her since Jack has his hands full with Milo.  Alice decided to wait because she didn't want to leave Milo behind but now that he's a vampire she feels like she is the one getting left out.  Eventually Milo is able to control his thirst and he takes Jane and Alice to a club where things don't go as planned.  The vampires are still drawn to Alice for some reason and she must try to get out of the club alive with the help of her brother and  best friend, Jane.  Will they make it out without anyone getting hurt?  And will Jack come to the rescue?  You're gonna have to read this and see what happens.

   We're introduced to more characters in "Fate".  There are new vampires trying to harm Alice and everyone is trying to keep her safe.  When I read the very last sentence of the story (I'm not gonna tell you what it is- That would be spoiling the plot) I was immediately starting the third book "Flutter" .  I am addicted to this series.  I NEED it and have to know what happens next.  Read this series.  It is AMAZING!!

5 STARS

My Blood Approves - Amanda Hocking

   After leaving a club in the middle of the night, Alice Bonham and her best friend Jane start walking home.  So Alice starts hearing footsteps behind them and so they hurry realizing that the footsteps hurry also.  They take refuge in a deserted parking garage and the men follow in after towards Alice.  She freezes not knowing where Jane has hidden and is about to accept her fate of an early death.  All of a sudden a black Jetta screeches in and the guy inside (wearing pink no doubt) saves her.  He introduces himself as Jack.

   Jack texts Alice and they start hanging out.  They go to a concert (where he lifts her onto his shoulders for the entire event) and everyone seems to look at Jack like he's the only male on the planet.  Alice can't figure out what's different about him and starts considering different theories as to what he's hiding from her.  Alice starts having feelings for him. (Ahem...gorgeous, rich, heroic - who wouldn't right?)

   Jack and his family are vampires and when Alice meets Jack's brother, Peter, she can't resist the urge for them to be together, but the problem is that he wants nothing to do with her.  Now Alice has to sort her true feelings out and decide who and what she wants in life.  But the consequences could be deadly if she chooses wrong.

   Just after reading the opening chapters of "My Blood Approves", I knew I was hooked and would be a huge fan of Amanda Hocking.  I loved this book from the beginning all the way to the end.  I couldn't help but cheer when Jack came in the parking garage to save the day.  Every girl wants their own "Knight in Shining Armor" (But let's face it girls- Who really ever gets one?)

   I started reading it thinking that it was very similar to "Twilight" and then it just started developing into a story all of its own.  Any fans of vampire romance should read this series.  As soon as I finished this book, I went right on to the sequel.  I am HOOKED!!

5 Stars                                                            

Heavenly - Jennifer Laurens

Zoey hasn't had the perfect life. Her brother Luke smokes pot. She parties by drinking ALOT and getting "extra" attention from the boys. Her parents don't pay enough attention to her cause they are constantly worrying over Abria, Zoey's sister who has autism. Well soon her life changes when she meets Matthias, her sister's guardian angel. Not everyone can see Matthias and he's only around when Abria needs him. Zoey and Matthias start hanging together with Abria and she can't seem to get enough of him and soon falls in love with him. Zoey has to cloud her thoughts so Matthias can't read that she's thinking about holding, touching, and kissing him. She even starts singing Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious over and over in her mind to keep him from her thoughts. What will he do if he finds out? Will he love her back or will he tell her that he isn't able to love?

I've never read a book by Jennifer Laurens. This is my first. It was a quick read that was well written and had everything I was looking for. I have a child with ADHD, and so I was really able to relate with the characters and the reality of it all. "Heavenly" touched me in ways no other book has before. I laughed and cried while reading it. Read this and you won't regret it!! 5 STARS

Crescendo - Becca Fitzpatrick

Nora Grey is gonna learn the truth about herself in this book. She is going out with her guardian angel, Patch. Patch drops Nora off and while she is stalling to go, they make out and she tells him that she loves him. He suddenly acts like he has to go. After that, Nora can't help but regret saying it knowing they can't be together because if they are caught, Patch will be sent to Hell. Nothing left to do but break it off with Patch, even though it kills her to do so. So Nora gets to summer school and has Marcie Miller as her new lab partner. Marcie has done nothing but torment Nora so when she hears Patch and Marcie are together, Nora starts hanging with Scott who is a friend from her childhood that used to pick on her, who just moved back town. Vee is dating Patch's friend Rixon, a fallen angel, so Nora starts hanging out with Scott more and more then starts to realize there's something not quite right about him. Is he really who he says he is or is he something more? While at a local shopping center with Vee, Nora thinks she sees her dead father then has nightmares of murders that happened in the past, along with her father's murder, and starts digging around for the truth. Is her father really dead? Well, that is what Nora is going to find out.

After I read "Hush, Hush" , I couldn't wait to get my hands on the sequel. I loved this book and the cliffhanger at the end will leave readers begging for more. I know that I sure am. We get to discover about Nora and a lot of characters that have secrets. Its kept me guessing the entire way. I was heartbroken when Nora broke up with Patch, but it was for his own safety and I respect Nora for her decision. The thing about this book though is that Patch and Nora really aren't away from each other very much because they keep "running" into each other at parties, pool halls, and plenty of other unexpected places. There is plenty of romance (my favorite part), action, and mystery so if you get a chance to read this book...Read it!! 4 1/2 - 5 STARS

Torment (Fallen #2) - Lauren Kate

Daniel is a fallen angel. Luce is the love of his life. She normally in all her previous lives would spontaneously combust, but this time she hasn't and Daniel has to send her to Shoreline - a school that has a protective shield and many Nephilim. Luce has teachers who are angels and demons, and they will be able to help protect her from the beings that want to hurt her. She starts making friends and learning a bunch of helpful information about the Announcers, the shadows, and stars wondering if she is really meant to be with Daniel after all or if all this torment needs to end once and for all.

Lauren Kate did not disappoint me in the romance department while I was reading this book. Luce just can't deny the chemistry and history between her and Daniel. The romantic places that he takes her away to make me melt as they hold and kiss each other. He'll do anything to protect her and what more could a girl ask for. When I read the back of the book, I got a little scared that Daniel wouldn't be in the story very much since he takes Luce to Shoreline, but he makes plenty of visits and doesn't leave me disappointed. It's pretty interesting to learn what Luce can do with the shadows and how her new friends keep helping her so she doesn't have to do it alone. I'm glad that the new characters are introduced and some of the older ones from Sword & Cross appear in the story as well. Overall, it was a delightful read and I can't wait for book 3 in the Fallen series.
4 1/2 - 5 STARS

Low Red Moon - Ivy Devlin

Avery Hood can't remember what happened the night that her parents were murdered. All she can remember is silver and being covered in blood from trying to piece them back together. The new boy in school, Ben, befriends Avery and they start falling for each other very quickly. Avery sees silver in Ben's eyes and starts trying to figure out what happened on that tragic night and if Ben, who can't remember what happened the night her parents were killed, was the one who did it. She learns that he does have a secret about him, that he's a werewolf, but she already has this amazing connection with him and she doesn't want to lose it. When the truth is finally revealed, will it be too late?

Thank you Ivy Devlin for writing such an amazing book!!! The connection between the characters was so romantic, I fell for Ben myself while reading this story. I adored the way they risked so much to be together, and how they were able to connect through their feelings and thoughts. Let's not forget the mysterious murders in the story and the suspects I kept adding to my list. I never would have predicted the outcome of the story. I was able to devour this book very quickly and enjoyed every bit of it. I just wished that it didn't end so soon. I totally recommend this book to paranormal romance lovers. If there is gonna be a sequel, I hope to find it soon cause its gonna be good!! 4 1/2 - 5 STARS

Forgive My Fins - Tera Lynn Childs

Lily is half human and half mermaid. She lives with her aunt on land and goes to school with Brody. She's had a crush on Brody since she first saw him in the ocean. He just looked like he belonged there. Lily also has a pesky neighbor, Quince, that annoys her all the time. She finally gets up the nerve to ask Brody to the Spring Fling and he says "no". She goes to sulk in the bathroom when Quince comes in and consoles her. Later Quince comes up with a plan to try and get Brody and Lily alone, only it's not Brody whe ends up alone with...it's Quince. She thinks she's alone with Brody so they kiss and she realizes its Quince she is actually kissing. Lily kissing Quince has bonded them and Quince is gonna turn to a merman. Now Lily has to take Quince to meet the King and get the bonding removed so she can be with the one she truly loves.
This is such a cute love story! It was a quick read that kept me entertained the entire time. I actually had fun reading this story. There were so many twists and turns, I couldn't predict what was gonna happen next - though I did try. The sea terminology that Tera used when writing this story had me laughing at random moments and my family thought I was going insane. She created a funny, adventurous romance with "Forgive My Fins" and I would love to read the seaquel (LOL... get it SEAquel) HAHA...see I can come up with my own terminology too:) Just read this cause its really good. 4 STARS

Sleepless - Cyn Balog

Eron is a sandman. He puts his charges to sleep through seduction but never touches them or communicates with them. His job is to protect his charges. His 100 years as a sandman are almost up and he can return to being human in just a few weeks. Julia is one of his charges. Her boyfriend Griffin recently passed away and is gonna be Eron's replacement. Griffin is having a hard time letting go of Julia and starts leaving signs showing that he may be dead, but he is still watching her and that she still belongs to him. After years of putting Julia to sleep and watching out for her, Eron starts falling for her and even though it's not allowed, while he is transitioning to become human, he risks everything to be with her and not forget about her.
My thoughts on this book: I loved it! I love the characters and the plot. "Sleepless" kept me reading into the night while everyone else was sleeping. The way it was written made me feel that I was actually a real character in the story. I could relate with the characters and their feelings and so while I was reading, I was constantly rooting for Eron and Julia. When I was finished, I kept opening my eyes in hopes that maybe my own sandman would come. I can't wait to see what Cyn Balog has up her sleeve next. I recommend this story for those that love paranormal romance but are tired of the usual vampires and werewolves. 4 1/2 STARS

Swoon - Nina Malkin

Pen falls from a tree and almost dies. During her fall, a man from 1769 named Sinclair Youngblood Powers, aka Sin, steps in and takes possession of her body. He wants revenge on the ones responsible for his beloveds, Hannah, death and their unborn child. Candice ,aka Dice, tells Pen she's possessed and they set to exorcise Sin out of Pen but only end up turning him to a real person. Now Dice is falling for Sin even though he is going around and causing chaos all over Swoon to make everyone pay for something their ancestors did. So Dice has to try and get Sin to work with her so they can investigate what really happened and who was responsible for Hannah's death.
Overall, I didn't enjoy this story as well as I thought I would. The way it was written left me confused most of the time. Nina Malkin kept using big words in the story. It was almost as if she had a thesaurus right by her computer looking up synonyms as she wrote "Swoon". I liked Sin and Dice, and their push and pull relationship. Dice kept pushing Sin away after she would learn of one of his incidents causing havoc on the town, but yet she was still in love with Sin and wanted to try to help him the best way she could. This story had drugs, strong sexual content, and burglary so just be advised when you read it what you are getting yourself into. 2 - 2 1/2 stars

Monster High - Lisi Harrison

The story takes place in Salem; not Mass but Oregon. Melody Carver is a normie and Frankie Stein is a monster, well not really, but that is what the normies would call her if they knew her true identity. Frankie dreams of the day that she can walk in public as herself and not have to disguise her neck seams, bolts, and her green skin with scarves and loads of makeup. Melody meets her new neighbor, Jackson, who has a secret of his own. When Melody learns of his secret and of the "monsters" at Merston High, she'll have to decide who her real friends are and what she's going to do with this newfound knowledge.
The way this story is written is really confusing at first. Lisi goes back and forth between Melody's and Frankie's viewpoints that I was forgetting who was friends with who. I did enjoy the idea of real movie-like monsters hiding out in the real world to keep their true identities safe. Frankie just wants to be able to exist as herself and not be ridiculed for who and what she really is and I can't blame her. To have to hide yourself away from the rest of the world because of the chaos that would become if her truth was revealed would be a real shame knowing what a great person she is inside. Melody, on the other hand, doesn't feel beautiful even after her plastic surgeon father redid her nose. She wants people to like her for who she is and not what she looks like on the outside. So when their worlds collide, they'll have to decide if they want to work together or stay away and keep each other's secrets. This is just a book I would recommend if you're bored and can't find anything else to do. It had me yawning at times and the confusion of the characters didn't help. Even trying to write my thoughts on this book was confusing LOL...3- 3 1/2 stars at the most from me.

Matched - Ally Condie

I would really give this book 3 1/2 stars. I liked the characters Cassia, Xander, and Ky and the whole forbidden romance sort of plot but I got confused and a bit bored reading this. I still don't know if the character are more human or robot so I really wish the author would have confirmed that for me so I am not left wondering. The idea of the Society matching you up around the age of 17 and not giving them free will to choose their own future and mate was interesting but the way it was written was a little boring for me. I will be honest and say that around page 80 I started skimming through the book and reading just the quotes of the characters so that I knew what was going on. I was still able to keep up with the story doing this and became invested in Cassia's conflict with her 2 "matches" and how she was falling in love with Ky when she knew that she was supposed to be with Xander, her true match and lifelong friend. The Society are people that take away your ability to do what normal humans would do. They have to eat when they are told and what they are told, and they have to work, sleep, be inside at a certain curfew every night. To make matters worse, the elders all die at the age of 80, they don't know how to write and if they are caught, they would get an infraction against them. This book would be an example of what would happen if we didn't have our own free will to do and be with who we want and that is not a world I would want to live in.

Sisters Red - Jackson Pearce

Scarlette and Rosie March hunt werewolves called Fenris. It all started when a salesman came to the door selling citrus. Oma March, their grandmother, knew automatically the salesman was a wolf by the arrow tattoo on his wrist. She tells Scarlette and Rosie, just tiny kids at the time, to run and hide. Scarlette can her her grandmother's last moments before she dies and realizes its up to her now to save herself and her younger sister. Seven years later, Scarlette and Rosie are still hunting the Fenris in their home of Ellison, GA. Now Rosie feels she owes her sister her own life for protecting her and saving her years ago. Scarlette was severely scarred that night saving her sister's life and also lost an eye from the beast that wanted to devour them. Rosie, Scarlette, and Silas- their hunting partner now back after being gone a year- hunt the Fenris in the park in the town of Ellison. More Fenris are showing up in town and they need to figure out why. So they travel to Atlanta. There is only one problem- Rosis is falling for Silas. She is seeing this boy that she's known her whole life in a whole new light, and she's afraid that Scartlette won't understand her new found feelings.
This is a great story with a lot of creativity put into it. Sisters Red is a modernized version of Little Red Riding Hood with a twist. The sisters even wear the red cloaks to attract the attention of the Fenris, which I think is really cool. I love the way Jackson Pearce took a well known fairy tale and turned it into something even better. I wasn't expecting the ending, so I did cry a little, so you might want to have a tissue ready just in case. Overall, I love the twist to the story and would recommend this book for sure.

Halo - Alexandra Adornetto

Three angels are sent down to earth on a mission to do good in the town of Venus Cove. Gabriel is the warrior, Ivy is the healer, and Bethany is the most human of the three. Bethany starts making friends and soon learns of the dark forces that have been at work causing accidents and deaths all over town before they arrived. Bethany most of all starts being attracted to a human boy, Xavier. She loves spending time with him and soon starts falling for him. Gabriel and Ivy, her brother and sister, soon worry about Bethany and how far she is taking her human emotions. They worry she won't be able to concentrate on her mission if she is involved with Xavier. Bethany can't stand lying to Xavier so she decides to be honest with him and reveal herself to him and show him her true identity.
This is the best book I have read in a long time. I love the actual "goodness" of the characters and what they can do to help the town of Venus Cove. A lot of people who read this book could really learn ways to help in their own community by following examples of the angels. I craved the growing love of Xavier and Bethany and their struggles to stay together, the intensity and trust of their relationship proved that romance could work between a mortal boy and an angel, even if there are dark forces trying to tear them apart. I can't wait for the second book of the trilogy to come out. THIS BOOK ROCKS!!! I recommend this book to everyone who loves romance with a little action and drama added in the mix. If you have a chance to read this, take it and you won't be disappointed.

Glimmerglass - Jenna Black

Dana Hathaway is fed up being embarrassed and covering up for her alcoholic mother when she comes to her recital drunk. Dana has never met her father and has been in her mother's care since she was born. She realizes that it is time to take her life into her own hands cause she has been taking care of herself since around the age of 5, so she contacts her father and flies to Avalon hoping for a more normal life. The thing about Dana is that she is part human and part faerie, and Avalon is the crossroads between the human world and Faerie.
When she arrives in London, her father's friend is not there to pick her up to take her to Avalon. She waits and waits then decides to get a cab to take her there. Once in Avalon, she is going through a checkpoint through customs and is called over to another area by a woman who ends up being her aunt. Well Aunt Grace takes Dana to her house and tells her that her father, Seamus Stewart, is actually in jail right now so that is why he didn't meet her there. When Aunt Grace leaves Dana locked in the bedroom, Dana realizes she is a prisoner and it may not have been such a good idea to leave home after all. Then Dana is moved from the bedroom to a cell. While asleep in the cell, she is rescued by Ethan and Kimber. Dana was instantly attracted to Ethan and his tall, slender frame with long blond hair, but that doesn't mean she can trust him. They later take her to perform a test. She looks out over the distance of the mountain and feels dizziness and nausea. What she is seeing is called the Glimmerglass- the window that looks out into the mortal world and Faerie at the same time. Dana realizes she is a Faeriewalker who can travel from Avalon into Faerie or into the mortal world and she is the only one.
The first half of the book was 5 stars. The moment Ethan enters the story, I didn't want to put it down. The romance, action, and magic kept me interested. The 2nd half of the story wasn't as great in my opinion. Here, I was reading up on this great building romance and then the author just takes a turn, for the worse, I might add, and has them fighting the main rest of the book. I honestly can't wait to read book 2 in the series to see what happens, because overall the story was inventive, romantic and the family issues involved will help teenagers in the same situation relate to Dana. The main moral of the this story I believe to be: The grass isn't always greener on the other side.

Bleeding Violet - Dia Reeves

Hanna Jarvinen runs away from her home in Dallas, TX where she stayed with her aunt after her father passes away. Her aunt wants to have her put in the nuthouse so she listens to her dead father and heads to Portero on the guidance of her father on how to get there. Her mother Rosalie, doesn't want her to stay but she finally makes her a deal and says if she can make friends and fit in within 2 weeks, she can stay. Hanna thinks no problem until she realizes that this town is weirder than her aunt thought she was.
This book contains a lot of a sci-fi feel to me. There are some explicit sex scenes and hard violence and gore that I wouldn't recommend to younger teenagers. With things like lure- which call you to the window and suck out all your juices and organs and leave this glass shell statue behind, and flying leeches, swans that literally come to life and peck your flesh from your face and other stuff like magic color cards and hidden doors that take you around town, you'll see why I think that this book is a little out there in my opinion and a bit unbelievable.
I came into this story expecting this great paranormal romance but was left with this feeling that I just read something that was far-fetched and a little disappointing. I think if I were to read it again, not that I want to, I might be able to enjoy it more now that I understand everything going on in the plot, but I really don't recommend this title. I only continued reading cause I wanted to know how it ended.

I Kissed A Zombie and I Liked It - Adam Selzer

Ally Rhodes and her friends- Marie, Sadie, and Trinity- are known as the "Vicious Circle" at her school, Cornersville Trace High. They run the paper there which is actually not a paper, but a blog. Ally is personally known as the Ice Queen of the Vicious Circle cause she is always mean and has bad comments to say about everyone. So Ally and her friends are invited to the Cage to review a local band called the Sorry Marios. The Sorry Marios aren't very good but with their new member on drums, Will, a vampire, she goes to do the review. Ally is not impressed with the band until a new singer appears on stage and sings two songs. As soon as she hears the songs that he is singing, which happened to be her favorites from the 30's artists, she automatically starts crushing on this mysterious newcomer, Doug. They start going out and she overcomes his terrible smell, the only outfit he owns, and his mysterious liquid that he must drink every four hours. She assumes he has a disease and feels bad for him and just wants to kiss him over and over and take all his pain away. She soon starts falling for Doug and is not the Ice Queen she once was, but a sympathetic and caring human being. Doug on the other hand isn't human after all. He is what humans call post human, and when Ally finds out, it blows her mind until she starts piecing together all the clues. So Will tries to convince her to convert to a vampire to be with him and Doug wants her to convert to a Zombie to be with him. So now Ally has to decide if she wants to change or remain human.
This was a fast read for me. I couldn't quite relate to any of the characters though. It all just seemed a bit to far fetched for my taste. However, I did enjoy the book and the idea of a girl having to make tough decisions based on her love life. The ending was unexpected and a big letdown for me, but I might try another of Adam Selzer's books if I happen to come across one- But I won't go searching anytime soon.

Jekel Loves Hyde - Beth Fantaskey

Jill Jekel's life changes after her father is mysteriously murdered in a parking lot near his work. They have a funeral in January a day after her 17th birthday and her dad's friends and coworkers show up to support Jill and her mother. Jill is feeling completely alone until she sees Tristen. She wasn't even friends with Tristen Hyde so she wasn't sure why he showed up at her dad's funeral for when no one else showed up for her. He comforts her and holds her and tells her that it's going to be okay. Jill comes to learn that her father wasn't the man she thought he was. He stole her college fund before he died, so when the opportunity for a scholarship in chemistry arises, Jill decides to go for it. Jill enlists in the help of Tristen. Jill and Tristen decide to partner together and help each other. Tristen confides in Jill and tells her of the "Beast" inside of him that is getting stronger and wants to take over and start killing. So they enter her dad's office and break open a "forbidden box" that contains papers with documents and formulas to try to cure Tristen. So Jekel and Hyde start experimenting and he decides to take the vial and drink it after they are done. Will the vial cure the "Beast" in Tristen Hyde or kill him and leave Jill alone yet again?
I was hooked from the first page. The mystery involved in this story along with the growing romance between Jill and Tristen is what peeked my interest in the book. Tristen's afraid that the "Beast" is gonna overcome him so he tries not to act on his feelings for Jill, while whe can't imagine someone like Tristen ever falling for her when he can have any girl that he desires. Beth Fantaskey has delivered another story that has captivated me and I can't wait to see what kind of story she develops next.

Love Bites (Vampire Kisses, #7) - Ellen Schreiber

Imagine sitting with your hot vampire boyfriend making out in his Mansion, when all of a sudden there are three loud knocks on the door. Well, that is exactly what happened to Raven- the local goth girl, while in Alexander's Mansion. It's Sebastian, Alexander's best friend from Romania, and he has come for a visit. Well Raven thought what a great way to get more insight on her boyfriend's past than to talk to his best friend and learn everything that she can. Well, Sebastian ends up falling for Becky, which is Raven's mortal BFF who also has a boyfriend. So when it goes as far as Sebastian tasting Becky's blood after she falls and skins her knee, Raven and Alexander are now set out to find a soul mate for him to get him away from Becky. Will Becky be able to resist Sebastian and will Sebastian be able to move on with a girl of his own kind?
I absolutely love this series!! Raven and Alexander have the best relationship. She wants to be a vampire like him so they can be together for eternity and he tries no to give in to the temptation to go ahead and change her. This series makes me want to go out and look for my own vampire boyfriend, but then I remember that I am married. The characters really draw you in and I can't wait to see what happens next in Dullsville!!

Spirit Bound (Vampire Academy 5) - Richelle Mead

5 STARS!! First of all, I will try to not spoil any of the story so it might sound a bit cryptic reading this, but here it goes. Rose is on a mission with her friends to set Victor free and learn how to change Dimitri from a Strigoi back to a damphir. She is warned by Dimitri that as soon as she leaves the wards of the Academy that he will find her, but she continues her mission anyway to set Victor free and learn the way to "save" a strigoi. Once Rose's trials are finished, she and her friends head off and try to get Victor out of Jail. Once that is completed, they head to Las Vegas to meet up with Victor's brother, Robert. Robert tells them of how he saved a strigoi and then later they are all attacked by strigoi in the hotel. The leader of the strigoi attacking them just happens to be Dimitri. He kept his promise and finds Rose, who is not ready for anyone to kill Dimitri until she has a chance to try to change him back. She did not just do all that she did to have it be for nothing. But saving Dimitri comes at a cost and many lives will be lost. Will she be able to save him? If she does, will he be the same ever again?

This story had me from page one. I can only immagine what Rose would do to save Dimitri. He is the love of her life and since he was changed she has been lost. Of course trying to have a relationship with Adrian isn't the same as being with Dimitri. He was everything to her and she will go to great lengths to save him. I loved the fact that Richelle Mead didn't wait till the end of the book to bring Dimitri into the story. Not only did she not wait, but the middle is where everything in the story changes and the plot leaves readers wanting more all the way to the end. Rose not only has Dimitri and Adrian to deal with, but also new laws beings passed and royals that seem to want to threaten her and her future. She may have graduated the Academy, but here at the Court, she still doesn't know her assignment and what lies ahead for her future or what's going to become of her. I can't wait to read the next installment of Richelle's Vampire Academy because this series is never disappointing! I recommend this book to everyone!

Linger - Maggie Stiefvater

In this second book of the Wolves of Mercy Falls Series, Sam and Grace finally get to be together. But for how long is the question. With Winter chills still haunting Sam of his previous life as a wolf, he remembers what it was like and what he has gained from becoming human. He takes on the responsibility of Beck's pack, including 2 new wolves, and tries to help them with their new shifting abilities. Sam and Grace are able to spend night after night together sleeping in each other's arms all the while that Grace feels something welling inside of her. She comes down with fevers, headaches, and nose bleeds and she can only fear of the thing that is inside her is the wolf that has never gotten the chance to come out after all these years. Grace has to lie to Sam about what she really feels is wrong with her. Will Sam and the others figure it out in time to save Grace and did Sam become a human only to find out that he is gonna lose the love of his life?
The story contains the point of view of Sam and Grace, as well as Isabel and Cole, who is one of the new wolves. I didn't as much care to hear their POV as much as Sam and Grace. They are the main characters of the story and thought that having all 4 of the POV's was a bit much. I really enjoyed the story introducing the new characters, just got a little confused trying to keep in thought whose POV I was reading from. I would be reading Cole's and the entire time be thinking it was actually Sam's and then come to something that didn't make sense to me and then finally remember whose POV I was actually reading. 2 is ok, but 4 is a bit much in my opinion.
After all is said and done, I really did enjoy the story. I absolutely loved Shiver so I knew that I would not be disappointed with Linger. I loved Sam and Grace being able to spend their time together and the introduction of Cole who becomes a major character in the story along with his budding romance with Isabel. I can't wait for the next installment of the series to see what happens.