The Vincent Brothers (The Vincent Boys, #2)

 

 Author:Abbi Glines
Series: The Vincent Boys, #2
Pages: 279
Challenge: Goodreads Challenge 2014, 2014 Book Bingo Challenge
Genre: New Adult
Acquired: Bought
Rating: ★★★★

*****

Goodreads Summary:

Hot romance is the cure for heartbreak in this sequel to The Vincent Boys.

Getting a boy to fall head-over-heels in love with you isn't easy. Especially when he's been in love with your cousin for as long as you can remember.

Lana has lived her life in her cousin's shadow. Ashton always made perfect grades, had tons of friends, and looks model-perfect. And she's always had Sawyer Vincent, the only boy Lana's ever wanted wrapped around her finger. But now things are different. Lana has a chance to make Sawyer see her, and she's taking it. If only he'd get over Ashton because Lana is sick of second-best.

Sawyer's heart is broken. He's lost his best girl to his best friend. And then Lana comes to town. Ashton's cousin has always been sweet and soft-spoken, but now she's drop-dead gorgeous as well. Sawyer doesn't know if Lana can heal his broken heart, but spending time with her might at least make Ashton jealous.

What starts as a carefree fling becomes a lusty game of seduction. Sawyer and Lana may have different motives, but their scintillating hookups are the same kind of steamy. . . .

  *****

 My Thoughts:

BTW: I actually read this book first despite it being the 2nd in the duology. Story of My Life: I would read the books out of order on accident! Anyway: for those curious, I have know read both books and I don't think the order matters, in case any want to read the 2nd first!

When Lana McDaniel decides to spend the summer with her cousin Ashton, it's not because she misses her cousin terribly, it's all because of one Vincent brother in particular. Sawyer Vincent. When Ashton and Sawyer break up, Lana sees this as her chance to finally get noticed. Little does Lana know, winning the heart of this Vincent brother isn't as easy as she may think.

Told in the main POVs of Lana and Sawyer, we as readers get to see both sides of their story. I really liked Lana's character, her personality, humor, and intelligence were all great aspects. My only dislike with Lana would be that she decided to change her entire appearance to get a guy to notice her.... This really rubbed me the wrong way. I would have much preferred if that choice was more personal and for herself.

Now on to some of the other characters, I also obviously loved Sawyer. He was the perfect guy in literally just about every way! Always polite, humble, and considerate, he was my favorite. Although he had his own issues and slip-ups, I still found myself rooting for him and wishing for his happiness.

With this being my first New Adult novel, I think it was a good start! I didn't know what to expect from trying out this new genre, but I wasn't disappointed. I thoroughly enjoyed it!

My favorite scenes were when Sawyer and Lana were just warming up to each other again and also the boat scene and field party scenes were among my favorites. I liked most the scene with Beau, Sawyer, and their dad. I waited on that scene ever since it was first mentioned in the book, and I was pleased with it! Heart- warming and great! :)

I liked least how their friend Ethan ended up in all of this. I feel like he didn't win at anything in this book and it wasn't his fault. He definitely deserves to win! I rooting for you Ethan!! <3

This was a light read, and I felt that it was a the perfect book to get my first taste of New Adult! I am definitely looking forward to reading Beau and Ashton's story in The Vincent Boys (Book 1).

Cover: 6/10
Rating: 4/5 I really enjoyed it! Plan to read more Abbi Glines soon!

I would recommend this to those who want to try New Adult and are not sure where to start!

Book 1: The Vincent Boys

If you have read this book, let me know your thoughts below!!

*****

Easy (Contours of the Heart, #1)

 

Author: Tammara Webber
Series: Contours of the Heart, #1
Pages: 310
Challenge: Goodreads Challenge 2014
Genre: New Adult
Acquired: Bought
Rating: ★★★★½

*****

Goodreads Summary:

When Jacqueline follows her longtime boyfriend to the college of his choice, the last thing she expects is a breakup two months into sophomore year. After two weeks in shock, she wakes up to her new reality: she's single, attending a state university instead of a music conservatory, ignored by her former circle of friends, and failing a class for the first time in her life.

Leaving a party alone, Jacqueline is assaulted by her ex's frat brother. Rescued by a stranger who seems to be in the right place at the right time, she wants nothing more than to forget the attack and that night - but her savior, Lucas, sits on the back row of her econ class, sketching in a notebook and staring at her. Her friends nominate him to be the perfect rebound.

When her attacker turns stalker, Jacqueline has a choice: crumple in defeat or learn to fight back. Lucas remains protective, but he's hiding secrets of his own. Suddenly appearances are everything, and knowing who to trust is anything but easy.

  *****

 My Thoughts:

Easy is centered around a young teenage Jacqueline, who after she and her boyfriend decide to call it quits, gets thrown into a terrible encounter after she leaves a party one night. When an unlikely guy saves her, Jacqueline is forever grateful. As the attraction between Jacqueline and her rescuer grows stronger, both are aware that their secrets could possibly ruin it all and tear them apart.

I really liked Jackie's character! She's a smart, talented musician with an innocent personality. On the other hand another character, Lucas is definitely your typical bad boy that defends the girl.... BUT.... his past is so shocking, it allows you to understand why he acts like he does.

I liked how believable the story was and how the events in the novel unfold the way that they do. It provided for a more enjoyable read for me because I could see those things unfortunately easily happening to anyone in real life. I also loved that you could see how the individual characters dealt with their own past demons separately as well as seeing that dealing with certain traumatic past experiences takes time to heal from. It's a long, hard process but with the support from the people closest to you, they can help you continue to move forward and I think that this concept shows in the novel.

This was my second new adult book, and I can say that I enjoy this genre so far! One of the things I like most would have to be reading about college- aged characters. With me being in college, I like getting a chance to read about characters closer to my age than say someone around sixteen or seventeen.

My favorite scenes would have to be learning about Lucas's interesting past, as well as the different relationships and friendships throughout the book. I liked most the realistic elements in the book. It was different from the young adult contemporary I had previously read. I definitely gravitate towards New Adult more so than Young Adult contemporary I have noticed recently..... (For some reason, contemporary books bore me.... lol with exception of a few..... granted I have not read very many due to this, but based on what I've read I just find that I have a hard time getting into Contemporary.).....
I liked least Kennedy's character, Jacqueline's previous boyfriend. Overall, one word to describe him... ANNOYING...

Ending: I liked how the story wrapped up, I felt that all the points I needed answered were taken care of so I was content with how the story ended.

Rating: 4.5/5: I thought it was really good, and I would recommend it to new adult lovers or those who would like to try new adult, but don't know where to start.
Cover: 3/10 ... yeah not a big fan of this one.

Book 2: Breakable
Book 3: Sweet  (Expected Release: April 27, 2015)

If you have read this book, let me know your thoughts below!!

*****

The Crown of Embers (Fire and Thorns, #2)

 

Author: Rae Carson
Series: Fire and Thorns, #2
Pages: 410
Challenge: Goodreads Challenge 2015
Genre: Fantasy
Acquired: Library
Rating: ★★★★

*****

Goodreads Summary:

She does not know what awaits her at the enemy's gate.

Elisa is a hero.

She led her people to victory over a terrifying, sorcerous army. Her place as the country's ruler should be secure. But it isn't.

Her enemies come at her like ghosts in a dream, from foreign realms and even from within her own court. And her destiny as the chosen one has not yet been fulfilled.

To conquer the power she bears, once and for all, Elisa must follow a trial of long-forgotten—and forbidden—clues, from the deep, hidden catacombs of her own city to the treacherous seas. With her go a one-eyed spy, a traitor, and the man whom—despite everything—she is falling in love with.

If she's lucky, she will return from this journey. But there will be a cost.

  *****

 My Thoughts:

After Elisa's recent victories and defeating her powerful enemies, Elisa thinks all is over and done, her prophecy fulfilled, and that she can rule her kingdom peacefully as queen. But that is not the case. Enemies come at her constantly and while Elisa fights to protect her kingdom and loved ones, she still has yet to fulfill her destiny so she must embark on a new journey to figure it all out....again!

Like in the last book, I really liked Elisa's personality and wit. She's very clever and intelligent, and I enjoyed reading about her journeys in this book. I am also always surprised with the new interesting characters we meet in each book.... this series is also always handy with the plot twists. :)

I liked how the story continued from where the last book left off and how easy it was to pick the story back up after having read the last book over 8 months ago. It is still hard to believe that Elisa's character is only 16 years old because of her maturity I tend to see her as a couple years older easily. I like that she is continuing to grow into her character and evolve into a great leader and queen for her kingdom.

The journeys and adventures in this book are always so interesting and mysterious to read about. You never know what to expect next and that is what makes these books so fun and enjoyable to read. I like the relationships and friendships with the characters the most. I disliked how nothing really ever gets resolved until the very end of these novels. I mean... maybe that's the point to not know everything until the end but.... I like my relationships of any kind to be built from close to the beginnings of books (as opposed to 3/4 through) that way I can see the relationship evolve and grow (for both friendships and love interests). Just a personal opinion though.

My favorite scenes were any scenes with Mara and Elisa. I love their closeness and friendship. I also find the scenes with Elisa with any of her enemies to be favorites as well; I just feel that she handles each situation well for her age in the books. I can admit though that it took me a few days to get through this one since in most of the middle it was a little slow, but for the majority of the rest of the book the pacing was good.

The ending was good. It could have been better and done in a more suspenseful way, but nonetheless it was done nicely and sets up the final book well.
Cover: 5/10
Rating: 4/5
I would recommend to those looking for a good young adult fantasy trilogy with fantastic magic and adventure!

Book 1: The Girl of Fire and Thorns (Check Out My Review Here!)
Book 3: The Bitter Kingdom

If you have read this book, let me know your thoughts below!!

*****

Ruby Red (The Ruby Red Trilogy, #1)

 

 Author: Kerstin Gier
Series: The Ruby Red Trilogy, #1
Pages: 336
Challenge: Goodreads Challenge 2014
Genre: Sci-Fi
Acquired: Bought
Rating: ★★★★

*****

Goodreads Summary:

Gwyneth Shepherd's sophisticated, beautiful cousin Charlotte has been prepared her entire life for traveling through time. But unexpectedly, it is Gwyneth, who in the middle of class takes a sudden spin to a different era!

Gwyneth must now unearth the mystery of why her mother would lie about her birth date to ward off suspicion about her ability, brush up on her history, and work with Gideon--the time traveler from a similarly gifted family that passes the gene through its male line, and whose presence becomes, in time, less insufferable and more essential. Together, Gwyneth and Gideon journey through time to discover who, in the 18th century and in contemporary London, they can trust.

  *****

 My Thoughts:

Gwyneth Shepherd has always known that there was a time traveling gene in her family. She has also always known that her cousin, Charlotte, who has been preparing since birth to travel time, would inherit that gene. That is until one day Gwyneth slips back through time. Now she must come to terms with her new ability as well as help unravel the mystery surrounding her family and time travel.

Gwen is an interesting character. She has always accepted Charlotte as having the gene thankfully and willingly. I enjoyed her funny and strong-willed personality; I am curious as to how her character evolves in the next books in the trilogy. Another character that I am beginning to like in Gideon, Gwen's time traveling partner. He is an arrogant boy who I grew to love once he stop being such an enormous ass-whole!.... I mean that's how almost all boys start out right? Haha Soooo it wasn't hard to warm up to him and enjoy reading about him. :)

With this book I didn't really have any big problems with the plot that couldn't be fixed and addressed in the next books. All of my questions were more based on vagueness or understanding of the act of time travel.... which should be easily explained more in the rest of the trilogy. Also I would like to point out that this book reminded me of All Our Yesterdays, but seeing as I never finished that book I can't really compare the two. So if you enjoyed this book, All Our Yesterdays would be a recommendation. :)

I liked the mystery of literally EVERYONE in the book... I honestly didn't and still don't know which characters to trust or believe or whose side to be on. I disliked the explanation and details of the chronograph. Still COMPLETELY confused as to its purpose or how it worked but... it could just be me....

My favorite scene was the ending scene with Gwen's cousin. Although it made me even more confused as to who to trust and believe, I liked the placement of that scene in the novel. It makes you think and come to your own conclusions about what you think will happen until you read the next book. Also not a hug problem... but I felt that not much happened in this book. It was like a teaser to what the story could become in the later books. But of course it is what to be expected with this being Book 1.

Cover: 5/10. Not amazing, but the covers match so that's a plus!
World Building: 5/10. Still confused, but it's Book 1
Cliffhanger? Not really. It ended calmly and I wasn't fretting over having Book 2 immediately.

The ending was okay: it satisfied me well enough for me to want to read the next book soon-ish.
I would recommend this to someone who wants a light book with time travel and mystery!

If you have read this book, let me know your thoughts below!!

*****

Prophecy of the Sisters

 

 Author: Michelle Zink
Series: Prophecy of the Sisters, #1
Pages: 343
Challenge: Goodreads Challenge 2014
Genre: Paranormal
Acquired: Bought
Rating: ★★★★

*****

Goodreads Summary:

An ancient prophecy divides two sisters--one good, one evil.
Who will prevail?
Twin sisters Lia and Alice Milthorpe have just become orphans. They have also become enemies. As they discover their roles in a prophecy that has turned generations of sisters against each other, they find themselves entangled in a mystery that involves a tattoo-like mark, their parents' deaths, a boy, a book, and a lifetime of secrets.

  *****

 My Thoughts:

Within an ancient prophecy twin sisters, Lia and Alice are pitted on the opposite sides of good and evil. Soon after both sisters and their younger brother are orphaned, Lia finds a strange tattooed marking on her wrist. Soon after they are all launched into a world of secret texts, symbols, witchcraft, and angels and demons. While one sister is tasked with saving the world from evil, the other is destined to destroy it and let evil prevail.

Told in Lia's POV, she is a sweet, young girl who tries to unravel the secrets of her past as well as the mystery of the age old prophecy that she and her sister are now involved in. I really liked Lia's character and personality. She was the more cool, calm, and collected sister; she took everything in stride (which was a bit weird because I would have definitely driven myself mad if a bomb like having to potentially try to save the world had been dropped on me!).

Other characters like Sonia and Luise were very different while being similar at the same time. I like their connection to the prophecy (which I figured out before hand so go me :D) as well as Aunt Virginia. I will say though I am still wary about James and his potential involvement (Lia's boyfriend) I just get the suspicion that there is more to him buuuuuttttt I could be reading way to much into it. Also the vague and mysterious beast demon trying to escape the Void or Plane.... I really want to know more about him too. (Even the bad guys need stories and attention too haha)

Back to Lia..... I liked that she developed throughout the book into a stronger, more capable character to rival her sister. I like that she knew that she had a goal and purpose to accomplish and that she was clever enough to find clues and try to connect the dots with the help of Luisa and Sonia.

I was pleased that this book was different from what I expected. Originally bought the book because I had seen it around and heard about it a while ago, but I didn't have high hopes or expectations in the storyline or being engrossed with the characters and their involvement in the plot.... Let's just say that I am happy I decided to randomly pick it up and give it a try!

My favorite scenes were when Lia understood and discovered more about her mother. Also finding out the significance of the keys was another favorite scene(s). What did I like most? The mystery of everything and the truth about Lia and Alice. What did I like least? The Henry scene. :((((((( the feellllllssss!

I was kept guessing throughout the majority of the book while occasionally being hit with clues to figure out the mystery along with the characters. The plot was cool with the different take on angels and demons and good and evil and how they coexist or are connected to the regular world in the book. Also the traveling the plane aspect was interesting as well. Ending? I was satisfied; it set up the next book with no cliffhanger, but the reader is still left (or at least I was) with an interest to read the next book to see what happens.

Cover: 6/10
Rating: 4/5
Recommend to: Those who like mystery, angels/demons, twin sisters with two different fates and prophecies.

If you have read this book, let me know your thoughts below!!

*****

Obsidian (Lux, #1)

 

 Author: Jennifer L. Armentrout
Series: Lux, #1
Pages: 335
Challenge: Goodreads Challenge 2014, 2014 Book Bingo Challenge
Genre: Paranormal
Acquired: Bought (Kindle Ebook)
Rating: ★★★★★

*****

Goodreads Summary:

Starting over sucks.

When we moved to West Virginia right before my senior year, I'd pretty much resigned myself to thick accents, dodgy internet access, and a whole lot of boring... until I spotted my hot neighbor, with his looming height and eerie green eyes. Things were looking up.

And then he opened his mouth.

Daemon is infuriating. Arrogant. Stab-worthy. We do not get along. At all. But when a stranger attacks me and Daemon literally freezes time with a wave of his hand, well, something... unexpected happens.

The hot alien living next door marks me.

You heard me. Alien. Turns out Daemon and his sister have a galaxy of enemies wanting to steal their abilities, and Daemon's touch has me lit up like the Vegas Strip. The only way I'm getting out of this alive is by sticking close to Daemon until my alien mojo fades.

If I don't kill him first, that is.

  *****

 My Thoughts:

When Katy moves from her hometown in Florida to West Virginia, her life was turned upside down when her mom gets the urge to start over in a new town. As she settles into her new life she is moved across the street from the mysterious Black family. When suspicious events start to unfold, Katy finds out an unbelievable secret about the Blacks.

I felt that I immediately connected with Katy's character because she is a book blogger, although it was completely unnecessary to the story I still liked the little shout-out to the book blog community. I was also more interested since we both shared a common hobby. I liked Katy's spunk as well, she has a no-nonsense attitude that expels a sense of "Don't try to walk over me, because you won't succeed."

Among the other characters, the Black family and their friends were a crowd of very interestingly mysterious people. Daemon Black was the epitome of an arrogant, cocky, over-protective, guarded, and insanely good- looking Alien of sorts (the Alien bit is definitely not a spoiler since you can get that from the Front Cover and synopsis of the book but I wished it would have not been so obvious, would have liked the mystery of trying to figure out what he was). And then there's Dee (sister to Daemon), a very sweet and friendly girl that just wants to live as normal a life as possible with human friends like Katy.

This story is pretty far-fetched, but that's what I love about it. With this being my second alien book, I was definitely happily hooked. The first alien book I tried I had to put it down due to disinterest but with this book that was not a possibility since I read it in a matter of hours.

I liked Katy's character development into a stronger, braver, and more understanding girl with a good head on her shoulders. With Daemon, he developed into a less guarded, less blunt and harsh boy-alien with more compassion. Overall this book was definitely something that I wasn't expecting to love especially with one of the ugliest and cheesiest covers I've seen in a long time. My favorite scene was really anytime Daemon was described as being shirtless.....and also the Arum action scenes. I liked Daemon and Katy's complicated love-hate relationship most. What I liked least was the vagueness surrounding the D.O.D. and the goverment's significance. It was all confusing to me and I just wanted more clear information that I could understand. Maybe in later books this is fixed and questions surrounding them are answered.

On another note, the plot was very addicting and the characters were all likable (meaning I didn't find myself screaming on the inside at any annoying or ridiculous characters, so A+++). I felt that the storyline was executed well and I loved the entire book from start to finish. With the ending, I was satisfied with how Jennifer L. Armentrout left it and now I will have to buy the next books in the series to marathon the rest of the story ASAP.

I would give the cover a 2/10 (In this case it pays to not judge a book by its cover!) I give the story a big 5/5 stars!!! I would recommend to paranormal lovers who like books about Aliens. I think everyone should try it out, it was a quick read, very addicting, and at the least you will be entertained with a good story to possibly get you out of a reading slump. I at least was NOT left disappointed!!

If you have read this book, let me know your thoughts below!!

*****

The Testing

 

 Author: Joelle Charbonneau
Series: The Testing, #1
Pages: 336
Challenge: Goodreads Challenge 2014, 2014 Book Bingo Challenge
Genre: Dystopian
Acquired: Library
Rating: ★★★½

*****

Goodreads Summary:

Keep your friends close and your enemies closer. Isn’t that what they say? But how close is too close when they may be one in the same?

The Seven Stages War left much of the planet a charred wasteland. The future belongs to the next generation’s chosen few who must rebuild it. But to enter this elite group, candidates must first pass The Testing—their one chance at a college education and a rewarding career.

Cia Vale is honored to be chosen as a Testing candidate; eager to prove her worthiness as a University student and future leader of the United Commonwealth. But on the eve of her departure, her father’s advice hints at a darker side to her upcoming studies--trust no one.

But surely she can trust Tomas, her handsome childhood friend who offers an alliance? Tomas, who seems to care more about her with the passing of every grueling (and deadly) day of the Testing. To survive, Cia must choose: love without truth or life without trust.

  *****

 My Thoughts:

The Testing follows Cia Vale and her life after being chosen as a testing candidate. I first got wind of this book due to its heavy comparison to The Hunger Games by Suzzane Collins. Both novels deal with candidates representing their districts, or colonies in this case, to compete in the Testing to earn one of the coveted spots to attend the University and become the world's future leaders. In that aspect the plot differs but the similarities are noticable.

Cia's character overall was a little too pristine and squeaky clean for me. She was a little too nice for me to even take her seriously. I really wanted a bad-ass, kick-butt character but instead I feel like I got a somewhat complacent and too perfect version of the character I wanted. Now with that being said, I did like her character not to confuse you; I just wanted more from her.

As far as the other characters go, Will and Tomas were very interesting characters that made the story more unpredictable. They kept the plot fast paced and exciting. Cia on the other hand slowed the plot a bit with her character being one dimensional and not complex at all. She was clever and smart in some scenes but overall her character was boring to say the least.

Action? I could have gone for more a little bit more in the action department. Although the book was a fast read (read it in a few hours) I wanted more suspense and chair- gripping moments. Maybe the plot gets better with the following books in this series. Now on to The Hunger Games comparison, this was definitely a softer version of The Hunger Games as far as "graphic" scenes or the element of thrill go. I would recommend this to anyone who wants a post- Hunger Games read due to the similarities I observed in this first book.

The way this novel ended was completely anti-climactic. I feel like it just slowly ended. No big cliffhanger. Just a slow rolling stop to the last page. I felt that it had a lot of potential to redeem itself and end on an amazing climactic cliffhanger leaving me desperately needing the next book..... but instead the story just sort of stopped.

I'm still on the fence on if I should continue with the next installment in this trilogy, I'm certainly in no rush but I am curious as to if it gets better as the trilogy progresses.

If you have read this book, let me know your thoughts below!!

*****

Frozen

 

 Author: Melissa de la Cruz
Series: The Heart of Dread, #1
Pages: 336
Challenge: Goodreads Challenge 2014, 2014 Book Bingo Challenge
Genre: Paranormal/ Fantasy
Acquired: Library
Rating: ★★★★

*****

Goodreads Summary:

From New York Times bestselling author Melissa de la Cruz and Michael Johnston comes this remarkable first book in a spellbinding new series about the dawn of a new kind of magic.

Welcome to New Vegas, a city once covered in bling, now blanketed in ice. Like much of the destroyed planet, the place knows only one temperature—freezing. But some things never change. The diamond in the ice desert is still a 24-hour hedonistic playground and nothing keeps the crowds away from the casino floors, never mind the rumors about sinister sorcery in its shadows.

At the heart of this city is Natasha Kestal, a young blackjack dealer looking for a way out. Like many, she's heard of a mythical land simply called “the Blue.” They say it’s a paradise, where the sun still shines and the waters are turquoise. More importantly, it’s a place where Nat won’t be persecuted, even if her darkest secret comes to light.

But passage to the Blue is treacherous, if not impossible, and her only shot is to bet on a ragtag crew of mercenaries led by a cocky runner named Ryan Wesson to take her there. Danger and deceit await on every corner, even as Nat and Wes find themselves inexorably drawn to each other. But can true love survive the lies? Fiery hearts collide in this fantastic tale of the evil men do and the awesome power within us all.

  *****

 My Thoughts:

Frozen follows Nat, a blackjack dealer, with a very interesting past and a couple of dangerous secrets. When she hears of the "the Blue", a place of freedom and safe haven where she won't be persecuted by her secrets when and if they come to light. She soon sets off on a journey with a boy named Wes and his band of misfits who promise to get her to "the Blue".

I really liked Nat's character and her secrets even more. She was easy to connect to with her strong demeanor and determined nature. I also thought the supporting characters were interesting and enjoyable as well. The problems the characters faced were believable for their specific storyline, and I loved the fantasy aspects throughout the novel and the mix of magical elements, pirates, "the Blue", and the other intriguing people and creatures we met along the way.

I enjoyed reading the book and seeing Nat's transformation and evolution from a scared yet determined girl with a huge secret into a key figure with extreme importance to the storyline as the book progressed. Was the book different from what I expect? Yes actually! I was pleasantly surprised with the plot and its originality. I haven't read a book like it and it was refreshing. Really liked the fantasy and magical elements and how they balanced each other out in the novel.

My favorite scene was the ending scene as well as the pirate showdown. I liked learning more about the characters and finding out more about their stories. I least liked the romance between Nat and Wes. I felt that it seemed a little forced and wasn't needed or necessary to the story. I feel that more and more recently authors are including romances in their stories possibly because they feel that there should be one.... they are not always necessary and as a reader I don't mind reading a novel without a romance especially if it isn't needed.

I found the plot to be new and interesting and different from what I've read recently and I think that's why I liked it and really enjoyed reading it. For the most I was kept guessing but some events I could easily pinpoint what was coming before it happened, but otherwise the story didn't bother me much. The ending was pretty good and was a nice wrap to this installment and I will check out the next book when it comes out.

I rate the cover 7/10 and give the story a 4/5 stars. I would recommend this to those looking for a action-packed and different story in the fantasy genre.

*****

Miss Match (Lauren Holbrook, #1)

 

 Author: Erynn Mangum
Series: Lauren Holbrook, #1
Pages: 365
Challenge: Goodreads Challenge 2014
Genre: Contemporary
Acquired: Library
Rating: ★★★

*****

Goodreads Summary:

Lauren Holbrook has found her life's calling: matchmaking for the romantically challenged. And with the eclectic cast of characters in her world, there's tons of potential to play "connect the friends."Lauren sets out to introduce Nick, her carefree singles' pastor, to Ruby, her neurotic coworker who plans every second of every day. What could possibly go wrong? Just about everything.

  *****

 My Thoughts:

Miss Match follows Lauren Holbrook on her journeys to wed off all her friends. She, however, wants nothing to do with marriage but prides herself on setting up everyone she knows with their perfect match. Lauren is a cool character who works at a photography studio that her childhood bestfriend Brandon has now acquired from his father. She is very spontaneous and lively as a character and I connected with her the most. I related to her and also shared her love of drinking coffee and devouring virtually almost anything covered in chocolate, which was a bonus!

As far as other interesting characters, Lauren's sisters  as well as Brandon had frequent appearances throughout the book and I liked that aspect because it really put emphasis on the importance of family and friendship within the book.

Also the problems that Lauren faced with setting up some of her friends were realistic and believable with made the story that much more interesting. I also liked the Lauren had a small character change later in the novel as she evaluated her views on life and what was best for her.

Was this different than what I expected?  No not really. I specifically picked this up from the library because I wanted a light  chick-lit book to read so this was exactly what I wanted to read that the moment. My favorite scene was the "pact" that Lauren and Ryan made. It was interesting to see where it went and how it affected the two of them. I liked Lauren's character most as well as her and Brandon's cute friendship. It just goes to show that some friends will always be there with you even as you transition into adulthood. What I liked least was the lack of an interesting or surprising storyline. It was a bit boring in some parts. I didn't expect this book to be full of action and adventure or anything but I still found myself wanting a little more from the story.

With the ending, I thought it fit the book well and was a good conclusion to this book and I look forward to continuing on with the story in the future. Cover gets a 3/10 from me, it's not very eye-catching or appealing and I rate the book 3/5 as a whole. I would recommend this to someone looking for a laid back read and isn't expecting much from the story other than a light, enjoyable read. I think this would be a perfect winter read or even a beach read.

*****

Embrace

 

 Author: Jessica Shirvington
Series: The Violet Eden Chapters
Pages: 369
Challenge: Goodreads Challenge 2014, 2014 Book Bingo Challenge
Genre: Paranormal
Acquired: Library
Rating: ★★★★

*****

Goodreads Summary:

It starts with a whisper: "It's time for you to know who you are..."

On her 17th birthday, everything will change for Violet Eden. The boy she loves will betray her. Her enemy will save her. She will have to decide just how much she's willing to sacrifice.
Dangerously exciting and darkly romantic, EMBRACE is a compelling novel of good and evil, seductive desires and impossible choices. A centuries old war between fallen angels and the protectors of humanity chooses a new fighter. It's a battle Violet doesn't want, but she lives her life by two rules: don't run and don't quit. If angels seek vengeance and humans are the warriors, you could do a lot worse than betting on Violet Eden.
LINCOLN: He's been Violet's one anchor, her running partner and kickboxing trainer. Only he never told her he's Grigori--part human, part angel--and that he was training her for an ancient battle between Angels and Exiles.
PHOENIX: No one knows where his loyalties lie, yet he's the only one there to pick up the pieces and protect her after Lincoln's lies. In a world of dark and light, he is all shades of gray.
Two sides: Angel or Exile.
Two guys: Lincoln or Phoenix.
The wrong choice could cost not only her life, but her eternity...

  *****

 My Thoughts:

Embrace follows the story of a seemingly normal girl named Violet Eden who is trying to deal with the reality that she is actually half-angel and half-human. The same goes for the guy that she thought she would fall in love with. The book follows Violet's journey of deciding to accept or not accept who she is becoming. Along the way she copes with learning the reality that the world is not all that she thought it was, with it being filled with good and evil paranormal beings and creatures. When big problems start to arise will Violet be able to make a life-changing decision that will affect her for the rest of her existence or will she opt out of all of it and choose to try to go back to living a normal life like before.

I found the main character, Violet, to be a confused and defiant individual from the start of the novel. I really wanted her to come to terms with who she was to make things easier for herself. I also wanted her to make more decisions for herself and with herself in mind. She also held many grudges for too long in my opinion (but these reasons where explained and cleared up later in the novel as the story progressed).

So any other interesting characters? Umm YES Please! Phoenix! I absolutely loved his character and how he cared for Violet even though it was against his nature and existence. He was definitely one of my favorite characters!

I also liked that the story was told though the view point of Violet; I felt that it suited the story well. I would also be interested to see the story through Lincoln's POV. I think that it would be interesting to see his side on everything also.

Although Violet changed throughout the novel, I constantly debated on if I really liked her character. To like her character or not to like her character. I think I chalk it up to it being the first book in a series so her character was meant to be confused and naive since she hasn't really started to grow as a character yet. I also came to find the book a bit predictable. I found myself guessing on what would happen next and came to be right about 80% of the time.

The ending of the book didn't end with a crazy cliffhanger but it did elude to bigger and badder events to come in the next books or the series. Despite everything you have read about my problems with the predictability and conflicts with Violet's character. I actually enjoyed this book and plan to continue on with the series eventually. I give it ★★★★ and would recommend this to anyone looking for an ok/standard start to a paranormal series involving angels.

*****

Blog Schedule

** This is not a final schedule, there will be days when I do not post or adhere to this schedule exactly. This is just a rough schedule outline.**

 

 

Sunday

 Showcase Sunday/ Random

 

Monday

 Book Review

 

Tuesday

 Top Ten Tuesday

 

Wednesday

Waiting on Wednesday/ Wishlist Wednesday

 

Thursday

 Book Review

 

Friday

  Weekly Reading Update

 

Saturday

  Off Day/ Discussion