Literary Cravings

With the influx of paranormal romances hitting the YA market I thought Die for Me would be one in the same. While it does have typical elements within the story it did have unique surprises that made it different. Which lead to an interesting story.I enjoyed how the story was set in romantic and exotic Paris, France which in my book automatically added diversity and freshness to the story. It was interesting to read how Kate, the main character, navigated her new surroundings and the handsome mysterious male Vincent. Who brought to her life new adventures and dangers. The romance between Kate and Vincent was typical and a bit fast for me, I would have liked for a bit more development and drama since how the ending played out this will clearly develop into a series. Though in the end it didn’t really detract from the story as a whole because while half the focus was set on their romance it was more on the discovery of the Revenants and how they affected and changed Kate’s life. What really captured me was the paranormal element within the story that Vincent and his friends brought. The Revenants were unique and intriguing, grabbing my attention from when they were first introduced with their powers and missions. I wish there were more of those intense scenes with the Revenants, watching them go to work and battle their enemies. Since the story was told in first person narrative through Kate’s point of view I found her to be a good strong character with a clear voice. Overall I found that I enjoyed Die for Me. Amy’s writing style was clear and entertaining and I look forward to reading more of Kate and Vincent’s story.

Wither was such a captivating read for me. There was so many different emotions that the story invoked that at the end I felt like I’d gone on a journey instead of just reading about one. In a future world filled with a devastated environment with half of the world being wiped out and a deadly virus that shorten the human life span to 25 for males, 20 for females, Rhine finds herself as well as the whole female population lowered down to nothing more than prize positions to the highest bidder to become a breeder or a bride. Fighting for a semblance of a normal life with her brother, Rhine life changes forever when she is captured and becomes one wife to a wealthy man living in a mansion far from home where she has to navigate the polygamous life style she’s been forced into while plotting an escape that could end in her being killed. It hurt my heart to read the cruelty that Rhine and her sister wives had to go through. Several scenes had me wanting to scream in anger and frustration. I wondered if I lived in their world, would I have had the strength and cunningness to deal with what they had to deal with. I enjoyed being pulled into their world and watch how they had to navigate the mental mind field that was their lives.Each girl had strength and though the story was told through Rhine’s eyes I was still able to connect in some way to each of them and how they interacted and affected Rhine’s world.DeStefano was able to pull my emotions into the story, making me feel for the characters whether it was happiness, pride, hate, or sadness. How one moment I felt a certain way about a character like hatred for Linden in the beginning but as the story unfolded my feelings morphed and changed to sadness and pity for him.I would have liked to know more about Gabriel and his story. There seemed so much more to him then was told. And I would have liked more stolen moments between him and Rhine. The end really didn’t feel like an ending to me but a beginning full of possibilities for a continuation of the story.Wither deals with serious issues like love, death, sex, freedom, in a great way that leaves me compelled to read on and see what would happen to these characters. I enjoyed reading Rhine’s story and to go on the emotional rollercoaster that DeStefano lead me on. Reads looking for a deeply compelling, thought proving tale that you can’t help but to feel should defiantly give Wither a read.

Not knowing what to expect with Mercy, what I got instantly drew me into an intense story that I couldn’t pull away.From the start Mercy and her crazy story, the journey of finding out who she really is and what need to happen in the life she now found herself in.Mercy was a strong character with a strong personality that knew what needed to be done and wasn’t afraid to do it. Her relationship with Ryan was compelling yet mysterious adding to the story. There was clear growth and development between their relationship without them falling instantly in love with each other. What stood out for me within Mercy was the plot. The suspense and intrigue was just as compelling. Taking on a ride I didn’t know what would happen next and who it would happen to. The story was filled with edge and drama. Also with the classic mystery elements of Who’d done it? and missing person rolled into one.Ms. Lim’s writing was clear and uncomplicated. Even with the dual stories being told they somehow worked together.Overall, Mercy was an amazing read, filled with a balance of great characters and even greater story. The ending was like the cherry on top. Leading to a start of an engaging series that I can’t wait to read.

No Where to Run was an exciting story that had me on the edge. Sam and Sophie’s story was intense from the beginning. I was lead on a crazy ride throughout the story. Both Sam and Sophie were strong characters with unique vulnerabilities that they needed to deal and come to terms with. The romance between the main characters was intense and lit up the pages. I enjoyed the struggle and work that Sophie and Sam had to go through in order to build a solid relationship. It made their love more realistic, no love at first sight. They both brought different important elements to the story that made it more enjoyable to read how they would work it all out while staying alive. Besides the heated moments of romance the drama and danger of the plot brought as much suspense and intensity as the romance did. Fast pace and action packed I couldn’t flip the pages fast enough to find out what would happen next. At some points I even wondered if Sophie and Sam would make it especially with Sam’s condition. Maya Banks did a good job balancing the romance and action. All the characters, besides the main characters were just as entertaining and important, setting up for a future series that I would like to read more about. Can’t wait to get inside the rest of the Kelly men’s lives.

Its one thing to be shocked at finding out you’re actually a twin. But it goes to a whole other level when you find out that your twin is dead and the killer is using you to replace her and keep her death a secret. Emma finds herself in this exact crazy dilemma after she makes contact with her so called “twin” and receives an invitation from Sutton to meet up, things turn surreal after that. What Emma thinks will be a great unforgettable reunion is unforgettable in a totally different way. Leading a turn around in her other wise messed up world that drops her into a dangerous game of secrecies and lies. Emma and Sutton, though identical twins bring very different styles and unique views point to the story; it adds diversity and interest with he differently they see the world through their lives. I would have like for more resolutions within this story for all the unanswered questions within the story. It would have made for more balance. Though it is called The Lying Game. I enjoyed the intricate web that Sara Shepard created with the plot, even though we know from the beginning that Sutton is dead she still plays and active part in the story. The Lying Game is filled with so many twist and turns within the plot and the characters are interesting bringing together an exciting story that you will be compelled to read just to see how it ends. Sara Shepard takes the saying “Trust No one” to a whole new level. Readers who are interested in non stop danger and suspense will really enjoy The Lying Game. I look forward to reading what will happen next to Sutton and Emma and how further they will get themselves into the game of lies because how it ended I know the story is just getting started.

Across the Universe was an intense thought provoking sci-fi novel that had me in its grip from the opening paragraph and didn’t let me go. This was uniquely different story is set in the future following two teen aged kids, Amy and Elder, as they navigate the crazy society on board the space ship Godspeed which is filled with so much secrets and danger that if found out would drastically change Amy and Elder, plus all the passengers on board lives.I really enjoyed reading Beth Revis’s intensely detailed world. Even though the story was set on the confining space ship it felt like a vast world filled with interesting sights and activities. Revis had a great writing style that made the story an easy, clear read with a pace that didn’t leave me bored or confused but satisfied. Amy and Elder aren’t exactly your regular teenaged characters with the story set in the future their mindsets and goals are vastly different, making them as interesting as the plot itself. The split point of views between Elder and Amy gave great insight into both the characters lives and showcased their differences as well as their connection which tied in perfectly with the plot. Even though their mindsets were different from teens today, Amy and Elder were still relatable characters, going through relatable situations like finding who they were as individuals and being able to go with their convictions.There were a lot of deep important themes that were raised within the story that left me thinking long after the story was over. Like the power of the individual, the importance of one’s voice and having the guts to stand up for what is right even if it means going against the norm and all that you know. Across the Universe was an amazing read filled with action, suspense, romance and danger. It re-opened my eyes to how great sci-fi genre can be and I feel that readers will greatly enjoy it.

After reading Once in a Full Moon I’ve learned an important fact, never kiss a guy under a full moon especially after he’s just been bitten by a wolf. Bad idea. Things will just get crazy and he’ll turn into a wild animal…literally. Celeste learned that lesson the hard way, even though she fair warning but why would a seventeen year old listen to a physic right? They aren’t real right? Wrong. Once in a Full Moon had the potential to be a great uniquely interesting story but it fell a bit flat for me. Though towards the end had some interesting moments. The pacing of the beginning was a bit slow, since the story is told in first person by Celeste our main character we see her life through her eyes. Celeste thinks she has the perfect life with the best friends and the perfect boyfriend Nick, the most popular guy in school. Things get a bit interesting when Brandon comes into the picture and Celeste feels this intense connection to him. Just your typical high school romantic triangle. Through out the story there was something missing, I wanted more action, more spark. I wanted Celeste to have more conviction in her wants and decisions and not worry so much about what her friends wanted. Celeste wasn’t a strong enough character to hold the story. Speaking of her friends, I didn’t feel true friendship from Ivy or Abby half of the time. I don’t know if it was intentional but it felt like they just wanted her to be something that she wasn’t and keep to the status quo, not really listening or caring about her feelings. Nick wasn’t memorial at all; he just acted selfish and stuck up most of the time, only really focusing on him self. Which I wanted Celeste to drop him so bad but in the end there hast to be a character we love to hate and that was defiantly Nick for me. After a couple of chapters in I started to fear the story would fall totally flat but Brandon did bring some small spark back into the story. When Celeste gave into her felling for Brandon and stopped listening to everyone and went with her heart, that’s when a bit of magic started to happen. Unfortunately it was so late in the story when it started. Brandon brought the intrigue and mysteriousness to the story that I liked. I wanted to see more of Brandon and have the chance to see inside his head. I feel this story would have worked better being told from Brandon’s point of view since all the interesting things were happening to him. Hopefully if this story continues into a series we can see things from Brandon’s point of view. Even though the pacing was a bit slow and I didn’t really care for the characters I found that did like what Ellen Schreiber was trying to do. Though the tale of the werewolf have been around for centuries. I like the strange twist that Ellen Schreiber created and how Celeste played as important role in the plot as Brandon. I wanted a stronger focus on the paranormal aspect and how Celeste and Brandon dealt with it. More action and reaction. I liked how the story ended leaving me curious and wanting to know more about how Celeste and Brandon relationship would survive.

Love is a tricky thing to find, some search their whole life to find it, that connection with that one person who makes everything better. Who some how gets you and understand you and care about you more than anything in the world and just want to see you happy. Many who think that they have found it are quickly shown that they were wrong. Finding that pure honest love with someone, other than your family members, who feels the exact same way is so hard to find but it doesn’t stop us from trying. Livia Stowe has had her experiences with love though short and not as many as some. After a hard year fighting and beating an illness that would have made the strongest of heart quiver in fear, seventeen year old Livia was ready to experience life and love and decided to visit her older brother Jeff, studying abroad from England at Princeton University for the summer. She lived in England her whole life and had not been able to travel or experience life like a normal girl because of her illness and being able to go to America was an opportunity that she couldn’t pass up. Plus she thought what better way to really remember every experience but to create a private blog and catalogue everything while there. Livia was on a mission in America to have a fun summer fling with a sexy American boy while spending time with her brother. Surprisingly instead of a fun summer fling, Livia ended up finding love with Adam, who was a friend of Jeff and was from England too. The story quickly changed gears from Livia blogging about her sight seeing experiences in America to falling in love with Adam. I really liked Adam and how genuine he was and how he really cared about Livia, falling just as much a Livia did. Their journey in finding love was so heart warming and had me so emotionally invested. The relationship Livia’s family was so tight, which was nice to read about even though her parents were divorced. It was refreshing to see the strong bond they still had, showing that things could still be ok after a divorce. What really threw me off was how the story ended. Things were going great and then it just ended, leaving me totally undone. I have to admit there was some foreshadowing leading up to the end but it was still too abrupt to me. I felt that there was so much more story to be told and Livia and Adam deserved to have more. All in all, I felt that it just ended way to quickly, leaving me raw with emotion but other than that this was a good story showcasing that life is short and we all need to stop and really experience it.

This was an interestingly unique story. We follow Ashlyn Woods, our main character, on her way o her new school at the University of California at Santa Barbra from her home town of Berkley. This is a fresh start for her leaving behind the mess that was her life, with all the partying, drinking and destructive boyfriend Toby. Ashlyn was shocked that she was able to get into the school in the first place but quickly jumped at the opportunity. A new scenery and a new school Ashlyn is determined to get her life together. Things are going great until strange things begin happening to Ashlyn and she soon figures out that she is not and ordinary human but a Soterian. Her and four other kids are gifted with powers when the balance of good and evil is tipped more towards evil. Suddenly Ashlyn is thrown in this battle to fight the evil that is creating chaos in California, deal with finding her soul mate all the while making sure she doesn’t flunk out of college. There was a nice pace to the story that made it an easy enjoyable read. The story was unique with the plot line and the history of the Soterians, making the story filled with suspense and danger. I enjoyed Ashlyn character and could understand her past and her motivations to want to change. It takes a strong person to really look at their lives, see what the needed to change, and actually do it. The romance between Ashlyn and Kai felt intense and real. It was great that Kai had some involvement with the Soterians but was more in the side lines and comfortable with it. He was Ashlyn’s solid supportive rock always there when she needed him and didn’t try to out shine or overpower her. What added to the story was that Ashlyn wasn’t alone, there were others going through what she was going through. Other students who were called to power, some she knew and other total strangers forced to come together as a team to stop this unknown evil. Though they didn’t fight the evil head on, there was some action with the evil influences within weak minded people set to carry out its plans. What would have made the story better for me would have been more danger and action. The story was more focused on discovery and understanding what was happening with Ashlyn and the others powers then on the actual confrontation of the evil. Though there was a moment or two that had me surprised but I wanted more. There was a lot of building up with the suspense, intensity and actions that I hope will come out in the future stories since Rising Shadow is the first book in the series. All in all I feel that this was a good story which will hopefully branch off into and even better series.

With all the sadness and pain we go through in life it would be a dream come true to have it all just go away. But you know what they say, “be careful what you wish for”. Fraternal twins Tennyson and Bronte soon find that out when Tennyson becomes Bruiser’s friend and Bronte start to date him. Bruiser is the schools out cast, voted most likely to go to jail because of his huge size and silent domineer. But what no one knows is that Bruiser is harboring a huge secret and power. Ok I was really expecting a kick ass action story but what I got was an intensely suspenseful story about the power of connection, friendship and sacrifice. Shockingly I was entranced with Bruiser’s story and Tennyson and Bronte’s role in changing their lives as well as changing his life. Even though this wasn’t full on the action, Shusterman did a very good job capturing and holding my attention though out the story. The characters were what made this story. Bruiser, Tennyson, Bronte, and Bruiser’s brother views points took center stage, making the story more intense. I was able to get and strong view of what each character was going through and how their lives connected from all their trials and tribulations to form a special bond.Bruiser had this amazing yet distinctive power and it was great to read about how he managed it. This story was entertaining and special, bringing to light the depths we would go to to help the ones we love. This is a story readers will defiantly enjoy.

After writing eight books in her Psy-Changeling paranormal romance series Nalini Singh continues to capture my attention and heart with her characters in her latest installment Play of Passion. After writing such a long series revolving around the same world one would think that soon the stories would start to become boring and loose their interest, but I'm happy to announce that in fact the stories keep getting better and better. Ms. Singh has a way of drawing the reader into her amazingly well created world and lets you loose your self in the hugely complicated characters and all the crazy trials and tribulations that they face with life and love.In Play of Passion we meet Indigo and Andrew both a part of the powerful changeling wolf pack in San Fransisco called SnowDancer. Indigo is one of the only dominant female lieutenant in the pack, making the possibilities of her finding a mate that both she and her wolf can accept slim to none. Especially when her position in the SnowDancer pack hierarchy only shows the possibilities of two men more dominant then her, Hawk her alpha, which she has no feelings for. And Riley who is already mated. Indigo is comfortable with her life and her place within the SnowDancer pack, that is until Andrew comes back to the pack and starts to stir up feelings in Indigo that was long time buried. Being Riley's younger brother, Brenna older brother and with Andrew's position in the pack's hierarchy murky, Indigo knows that nothing could become of their relationship. But Andrew knows his feelings for Indigo are real and he will do anything he needs to do to prove to her that it doesn't matter that he's younger or his murky position in the hierarchy. The connection and chemistry that Andrew and Indigo has for each other clearly jumps of the page. I enjoyed Indigo's independence and strong will as well as Andrew's intensity and playfulness. They compliment each other in a great way bringing humor and lightheartedness to the story. Besides dealing with the feelings Indigo and Andrew have to deal with they also have to deal with the scheming of the Psy and what ever plans they have up their sleeves to hold onto their power of Silence. Will Indigo be able to come to terms with her feelings she has to Andrew and let him in? Can Andrew be able to break down all of Indigo's walls and show that what they have is worth fighting for as well as come to terms with her dominance? With they both give into their desires while overcoming the dangers the Psy faces their pack and much more? You'll have to read to find out and trust me you will not be disappointed.

In Sarah MacLean's newest tale she was able to capture all the magic, adventure and steamy hot romance that her made her first historical romance such a success. In this story we now focus on Gabriel's twin brother Nicholas St. John who we met briefly in the first story 9 Rules To Break When Romancing A Rake, now in his own story he defiantly holds his own bringing all that quite intensity, intrigue and drama to the forefront. Drawing in Isabel Townsend, his love interest, who has secrets of her own and little do she know all the drama and action that comes to her and her house inhabitants with her newest house guest. She surely didn't expect for Nicolas St. John to show up at her door and Nicholas didn't expect to fall for the woman behind it. Isabel's quite world in the country and Nicholas quite solitary life soon becomes the center of action that will change Nicolas and Isabel's lives forever.Sarah MacLean took me on an entertaining wild ride with two such strong captivating characters both carrying secrets and fighting for a love that they couldn't fathom happening to them. I really enjoyed how independent and strong both characters were, especially Isabel who had the courage to take life in both hands when things were at there worst and make things better for her and her little brother. During the time period it was refreshing to see a lady not afraid to do what needed to be done, not trying to find a man to fix things for her. I enjoyed Nicholas a.k.a Nick's heart and how caring and genuine he was. How he came to understand and care for Isabel and the others and in overcoming his needs to try and be the hero realized the value in having a partner who was willing to love him as much as he did. The chemistry and courting between Nicholas and Isabel had me on edge flipping page after page to see what would happen next and who would find out the others secret first and whether their growing love could stand after all the truths came out. I liked how MacLean integrated all the rules into the story which added another level of humor to the story. As I said before Sarah MacLean did another amazing job telling a story filled with humor, action, suspense, drama and romance and I can't wait for her next book.

We all are faced with the challenges of labels and being placed into a certain group especially during high school and seventeen year old Bianca Piper is no exception when being labeled the Duff. Having to deal with the destruction of her family on top of school leaves Bianca to deal with some heavy issues about love, family and self worth. Dealing with all theses issues Bianca never in her wildest imaginations expected that the person who she would run to would actually listen and understand wouldn't be her best friends Casey & Jessica, but the popular, womanizer Wesley Rush the one who labeled her as the Duff in the first place. Kody Keplinger did a great job creating an entertaining story filled with well developed characters, interesting plot and a story that at the end of the day I felt had a great message.I really enjoyed Bianca and how independent and strong she was with everything falling apart around her she was still able to keep her head up and facing Wesley and his crazy tactics, she was still able to hold her own and stand up for herself. Bianca wasn't the girl to stand by and let people define her and Wesley quickly found that out much to his surprise and my entertainment. The chemistry between Bianca and Wesley was what made this story engaging and exciting for me. With both of them having such strong personalities their chemistry blazed off the page. I really enjoyed reading how their beginning hate and indifference for each other slowly turned to something more as they realized how much they had in common. Bianca was able to take a once offensive and degrading word and turning it around and making it fit her. Showing Wesley and everyone that labels shouldn't and wouldn't define her.

Eve Silver's first book in her new series grabbed my heart and didn't let me go. The chemistry between Dae and Roxy was intense and steamy, just the way I like it. There was a clear and infectious connection between them from the very beginning that felt so genuine. Just because this is a love story Silver succeeded in creating moments for Dae and Roxy to naturally grow into their attraction for each other, not the 'I loved you with all my heart the moment I saw you' stuff. She made them work for it and it didn't fell rushed or forced be real in how the stumbled upon each other and grew to love through the initial connection and circumstances that brought them together.The plot was very engaging and had me flipping the pages to find out what would happen next. As Roxy and Dae's world got closer and closer to intersecting so did the suspense and intrigue. Silver created a vast entertaining world built on the various myths and tales of the underworld but had new twists that made it fresh and new. With the main characters on different sides of a brewing war, their growing attraction made things so much more complicated.Roxy was a strong character who though came from a shady background, forced herself to be different and made something of her life. Even though it meant going against the orders of a big bad soul reaper. I enjoyed her guts to say what she felt no matter who she was facing though it put her more in danger most of the time but it was enjoyable all the same. That she was of ethic background really added another element to the story as a whole. Being quick and able to fight for the protection of humanity added depth making her a great character overall.Dae was also a strong and entertaining character and was a perfect match for the feisty Roxy. With a past as crazy and complicated made the story that much more interesting. I enjoyed his quick wit and vices that added to the layers of his character and made him stand out. That he was able to laugh and make jokes and not be the typical brooding male was really refreshing.Eve Silver created a great start to what can be a great series filled with action, romance and mystery. I can't wait to read what will happen next in the story because the brewing war between the powers of the underworld is far from over.

Love is something that mostly everybody wants, whether they realize it or not. To be wanted by someone, knowing that somebody other then family members, cares for you and wants to be around you. In this story we meet teenagers on a search for finding love. Maddie Fisher and Rich Ross have come to a point in their young lives where they want a steady relationship, wanting the real thing but searching in the wrong places. Maddie is your average semi popular girl who is used to being looked over and tagged as the "friend", she then sets her sights on one of the poplar guys in school who she feels could be the one. While Rich is more of a loner, keeping to himself and not caring about what anyone say or thinks, finds himself liking one of Maddie's friends who is also one of the popular girls. Through their interaction with each other in their journey in finding love Rich and Maddie realize through trials and tribulations that the person they least expected, the one calledu friend, could be the persons they were meant to be with. I enjoyed reading this story, following Rich and Mad's journey to finding love. They both were easy to relate to with all of their strengths and insecurities. I liked the added depth with Maddie's strained family dynamic as well as Rich. The romance was slow to bloom bit it raised the anticipation with each encounter between Rich and Mad. Though i could understand Maddie, I felt that she was a little bit naive letting people do what they want regardless of her feelings. Though as the story progressed she became a bit more confident in herself and what she wanted to do with her life which saved the story for me. The story was well written with some plot twist to an otherwise predictable plot line. I felt sorry for Maddie's friend but at the end of the day and all the things she did karma came back to bite her, hard. But she defiantly brought the drama to the story. What I enjoyed the most was the romance between Rich and Mad and how deeply and intense their feeling were toward each other after weeding through their crazy crushes. This turned out to be a nice romantic read that had me feeling the love.

Everyone goes through struggles throughout their lives and its how we deal during those struggles that show us who we are. In Manifest we are introduced to Krystal Bentley who is not your average teenage girl. She has to deal with one of the hardest situations that could happen to a teenager, the separation of her parents and having to deal with their partners. On top of all that family drama she has to deal with a sexy Ricky Watson who, unfortunate for her, is dead and is recruiting her to find out who killed him. Krystal was a very straight forward girl not afraid to say what she felt except to her mother. Though Krystal was angry and in denial at what was going on in her life, I could surprisingly understand where she was coming from. Dealing with the breakup with no real explanation, ghosts, a new home, school & stepfather would make anyone angry. The plot was interesting and I liked how there was multiple situations going on with the story. With everything going on I was glad that she wasn't going through it alone, though reluctantly Krystal made friends with two unlikely kids at her school. Jake, the loner and Sasha the popular rich girl who surprisingly has powers of their own. Bringing them together in this mysterious journey that started way before they were born as well as unleashing an unknown evil. I enjoyed the added romance woven into all the supernatural, family drama and danger. I absolutely loved the diversity with the characters and how Arthur created a strong, realistic African American heroine who had faults but was able and willing to grow and mature into a better understanding person. I would have like going into more of the origins of the powers and more intensity within Krystal's romance. I would loved to have known more about Sacha and Jake's characters and can't wait for the continuation of the series. I felt that the story was a good read with lots of room to grow into a great series.