Come Alive by Jessica Hawkins

Title: Come Alive
Author: Jessica Hawkins
Info: Website | Twitter | Facebook
Release Date: May 30th, 2013
Publisher: Self-Published
Pages: 275
Format: Electronic Copy
Acquired: Netgalley
Interest: Series
Others in the Series: Come Undone
Age Group: Adult

Determined to move on with her life, Olivia Germaine has vowed to forget David Dylan. Struggling to keep her head above water, she focuses on her new promotion and refuses to drown in the memory of their night together.

But when Olivia realizes what life without David means, she must decide if she is willing to risk everything for him . . . and if she is ready to reopen the wounds of her past.

Can Olivia move forward with her marriage despite her feelings for David?

And can David stay away like he promised?

Oh my god. Oh my god. Oh my god.

So, this is one of those books where the people that are around me while I'm reading this wished that I was illiterate.

The way I wanted so badly to just jump Olivia and end her was so profound. I understand her, the commitment she made to Bill. But come on! The feels! The feels for David Dylan! They are there; I can see it, Pluto can see, all can see it except her!

David Dylan, I want you. Olivia might be difficult, but I will take you.

I just don't understand who would put themselves into that type of suffering. The way these two are, there is just no denying their attraction and their emotions for each other.

The whole thing was such an emotional roller coaster, I wasn't sure if I would come off of it in one piece, to be honest. I was pulling my hair at everything. I don't know how Hawkins does it, I honestly don't, because she is just a master at this.

The struggle that Olivia was facing and just how things were working out, or not working out in this case.

I still cannot believe I have to wait until September for the last book. One thing Hawkins has going for her is the fact that she keeps me wanting to come back for more and more!

Come Undone by Jessica Hawkings

Title: Come Undone
Author: Jessica Hawkins
Info: Website | Twitter | Facebook
Release Date: January 1st, 2013
Publisher: Self-Published
Pages: 289
Format: Electronic Copy
Acquired: Netgalley
Interest: Series
Age Group: Adult

Olivia Germaine has already found love. Devoted wife, loyal friend, determined career woman - she’s created the life she always envisioned.

But when Olivia locks eyes with a handsome stranger across a crowded room, he peers a little too closely and sees emotions she thought she’d buried long ago.

David Dylan, alleged playboy and eternal bachelor, challenges Olivia to confront the life she’s built and to make decisions that could either lead to happiness . . . or regret.

Will Olivia be able to draw the line between lust and love?

And can David respect that line?

Can anyone say Best Erotic Literature of 2013?! I can, I can!

Okay, so maybe erotic isn't the genre this one falls under (even though there were plenty of scenes that had even me reaching for a glass of water) this romance novel is different and enjoyable. Hawkins never lost my attention throughout the book, and I am so glad I got the chance to read it!

At first, when I saw that this was bout a married woman possibly cheating, I thought I would hate her. I do, but only because she's so stubborn! I understand how she must feel and what she would be going through, but I just wanted to smack some sense into her or at least pray she sees the light soon.

The tension between her and David was so hot that if someone even thought of lighting a match it would start a huge fire.

I read this in one night, there was no sleeping until I found out what happened at the end.

I thought I would end up dying in the end when I saw where Hawkins left me. I am so glad that there was a second book and that there will be a third! I am so happy and so sad, because of the wait.

This is one of those moments when I wish that authors would write faster!

Still love this series though. It isn't just about the romance and the sex, but about finding oneself.

So, I have to say, this is the Best Romance Book of 2013! Heck, maybe it can even have both made up awards.

All I Need by Susane Colasanti

Title: All I Need
Author: Susane Colasanti
Info: Website | Twitter | Facebook
Release Date: May 21st, 2013
Publisher: Viking Juvenile
Pages: 240
Format: Hardcover
Acquired: BEA 2013
Age Group: Young Adult

The last night of summer is only the beginning.

Skye wants to meet the boy who will change her life forever. Seth feels their instant connection the second he sees her. When Seth starts talking to Skye at the last beach party of the summer, it’s obvious to both of them that this is something real. But when Seth leaves for college before they exchange contact info, Skye wonders if he felt the same way she did—and if she will ever see him again. Even if they find their way back to each other, can they make a long-distance relationship work despite trust issues, ex drama, and some serious background differences?

Teen favorite Susane Colasanti returns to the alternating-voice style of her beloved debut When It Happens in this Serendipity-inspired story about summer, soul mates, and the moments that change our lives forever

My first Susane Colasanti novel and I must say, this was worth it! A quick, fast, fun read about summer romancing. While I may never have one (then again, we can never say never) it was interesting the way this novel played out. Believe me, the line waiting (and the sore feet) I had to do at BEA in order to get this book was well worth it.

When Skye meets Seth, it's a summer romance waiting to happen. Skye, though, is still a high school junior, while Seth is off to college. Not only that, but they have their socioeconomic differences that come between the two throughout the novel.

While simple, this book still touched on a lot of really important and real life issues; not just for those in high school, but those in college.

I absolutely adored the changes in point of view throughout the book. Between Skye and Seth, I had a lot of fun getting into the mind of a guy.

The whole thing was entertaining and made me like this book a whole lot more.

Colasanti is wonderful.

Black Dawn by Rachel Caine

Title: Black Dawn
Author: Rachel Caine
Info: Website | Twitter | Facebook
Release Date: May 1st, 2012
Publisher: NAL Trade
Pages: 367
Format: Paperback
Acquired: Bought
Interest: Series
Others in the Series: Glass House, The Dead Girl's Dance, Midnight Alley, Feast of Fools, Lord of Misrule, Carpe Corpus, Fade Out, Kiss of Death, Ghost Town, Bite Club, and Last Breath
Age Group: Young Adult

Ever since the draug—mysterious creatures that prey on vampires—took over Morganville, the lives of student Claire Danvers and her friends have been thrown into turmoil. Most of the town’s residents have evacuated, but Claire, Shane, Eve and Michael have chosen to stay and fight.Using the city’s water system to spread, the draug have rapidly multiplied. Things in Morganville look grim, especially since vampire Amelie—the town founder—has been infected by the master draug’s bite.

Now, if Claire and her friends don’t figure out how to cure Amelie and defeat the draug, it looks like Morganville will become little more than a ghost town…

Morganville is falling apart, but Rachel Caine is truly building something even cooler.

Things are heating up or watering up now with the draug slowly taking over Morganville. Now that the gang and pretty much the whole time are cornered up, an attack has to be placed in order to take back their town.

I still love how Rachel Caine is mixing it up by changing point of views. Unlike the other ones that started out slowly with one point of view here and there, and then giving whole chapters, but still focusing heavily on Claire, to giving a lot of equal time to many of the characters.

Things between Eve and Michael are a little rocky, Amelie is falling deeper and deeper into her sickness, Oliver has sort of taken over/fawning over Amelie, Shane is protective, Myrinn might be in love with Claire, and the said Claire is trying to make it another day.

Yep. Caine knows how to keep the interest in the series. I love how she added this, just so effortlessly, while still closing up what remind of the last few story-lines.

I'm very excited the way things are going. The story is getting more and more complex, the characters more interesting (or in the case of Eve, more annoying) and I am truly sad knowing that the series is coming to an end soon, because I don't know what I'll do knowing that I won't have my favorite quartet to look forward to.

Le sigh. You win some you lose some, I guess. 

Last Breath by Rachel Caine

Title: Last Breath
Author: Rachel Caine
Info: Website | Twitter | Facebook
Release Date: November 1st, 2011
Publisher: NAL Trade
Pages: 335
Format: Paperback
Acquired: Bought
Interest: Series
Others in the Series: Glass House, The Dead Girl's Dance, Midnight Alley, Feast of Fools, Lord of Misrule, Carpe Corpus, Fade Out, Kiss of Death, Ghost Town and Bite Club
Age Group: Young Adult

With her boss preoccupied researching the Founder Houses in Morganville, student Claire Danvers is left to her own devices when she learns that three vampires have vanished without a trace. She soon discovers that the last person seen with one of the missing vampires is someone new to town-a mysterious individual named Magnus. After an uneasy encounter with Morganville's latest resident, Claire is certain Magnus isn't merely human. But is he a vampire-or something else entirely

Rachel Caine does it again by blowing me away!

Usually, in a series that is this long, I always fear that the interest will die away and that the characters will no longer be interesting, but that is not the case with this book series. If anything, they just keep getting better and better.

I absolutely love how Caine changes things up, which is why things become so interesting, I feel. Now the readers are no longer just looking at Claire's point of view, but looking into Shane, Eve, Michael, and even Amelie. Now that was interesting, to say the least.

As for Eve and Michael, all I can say is that the chick is really grinding on my last nerve. I mean, marriage, really? She was okay in the beginning, but now she's just irritating me and I really don't like her. And then she has this bad habit of complaining on just about everything and all I can think is, Why is she still around?

Shane and Claire are just as cute as ever.

Of course, things took an interesting twist that left me, well, with my last breath (no pun intended). Caine finds new and better ways to keep the interest alive, and she is winning.

Bite Club by Rachel Caine

Title: Bite Club
Author: Rachel Caine
Info: Website | Twitter | Facebook
Release Date: May 3rd, 2011
Publisher: NAL Trade
Pages: 340
Format: Paperback
Acquired: Bought
Interest: Series
Others in the Series: Glass House, The Dead Girl's Dance, Midnight Alley, Feast of Fools, Lord of Misrule, Carpe Corpus, Fade Out, Kiss of Death, and Ghost Town
Age Group: Young Adult

After discovering that vampires populate her town, college student Claire Danvers knows that the undead just want to live their lives. But someone else wants them to get ready to rumble.

There's a new extreme sport getting picked up on the Internet: bare—knuckle fights pitting captured vampires against each other—or humans. Tracking the remote signal leads Claire—accompanied by her friends and frenemies—to discover that what started as an online brawl will soon threaten everyone in Morganville...

Just when I thought that Rachel Caine could not surprise me more, she does it again, but this time two fold. Not only are we reading about Claire and all her adventures, but now we even get Shane's point of view. And things are getting a little tense.

The whole book kept me on edge, as Shane fell further and further down a road of no return, while Claire scrambles to find a way to bring him back. When a new gym opens up, things with Shane begin to change as he begins to change.

And an old enemy returns, one that many faithful readers would be very familiar with.

As much as I love this book, I was also starting to get irritated with Eve. For once, I was really wishing that she wasn't around because she just annoyed me and I have a bad feeling that she will continue to irk me for the rest of the book series.

Every time she appeared, I just had to roll my eyes because she was a thorn on my side.

Besides that, I honestly liked the book. A lot of things in Morganville are going to change and I'm a little excited to see just what happens!

Ghost Town by Rachel Caine

Title: Ghost Town
Author: Rachel Caine
Info: Website | Twitter | Facebook
Release Date: October 26th, 2010
Publisher: NAL Trade
Pages: 338
Format: Paperback
Acquired: Bought
Interest: Series
Others in the Series: Glass House, The Dead Girl's Dance, Midnight Alley, Feast of Fools, Lord of Misrule, Carpe Corpus, Fade Out, and Kiss of Death
Age Group: Young Adult

While developing a new system to maintain Morganville's defenses, student Claire Danvers discovers a way to amplify vampire mental powers. Through this, she's able to re-establish the field around this vampire-infested Texas college town that protects it from outsiders.

But the new upgrades have an unexpected consequence: people inside the town begin to slowly forget who they are-even the vampires. Soon, the town's little memory problem has turned into a full-on epidemic. Now Claire needs to figure out a way to pull the plug on her experiment- before she forgets how to save Morganville...

As many of you know, I was reading these books in volumes as they came out, but it has been well over a year since the last volume was released and I was getting impatient and needed my Morganville fix, so instead of waiting, I just got the rest of the books individually. Now, I'm just waiting for the last one.

And what a fix I needed. I have been on a nonstop Morganville Vampires marathon since I got the books, which for those of you that follow me on Instagram know that I got a lot of them.

First can I say how much I love the cover? I looked back at some of the covers for the earlier books, and this I have to say is so much better. The other books that followed afterwards also look amazing. And I love the color schemes that they got going on.

Now, to the story. Rachel Caine has developed the characters beautifully. Even though it has been awhile since I last read anything Morganville I love how I'm able to pick this up and still be able to remember everything that occurred in the last novels. And I'm able to remember how the characters are and compare them to now. It's crazy how things happen.

I'm so glad there was much more of Amelie and Oliver.

Also, is it just me or do the vampires get much deadlier in this book and those that follow? I feel like they do, which just reminds me how vampires are supposed to be. Deadly and fierce.

Rachel Caine is a genius and I absolutely love this series. I love it so, so much!

The Pleasures of Summer by Evie Hunter

Title: The Pleasures of Summer
Author: Evie Hunter
Info: Website | Twitter | Facebook
Release Date: May 30th, 2013
Publisher: Penguin Ireland
Pages: 448
Format: Electronic
Acquired: From Publisher
Interest: Series
Others in the Series: The Pleasures of Winter
Age Group: Adult

The Pleasures of Summer is a steamy erotic story of romantic obsession and explosive sexual chemistry for fans of Fifty Shades of Grey, The Pleasures of Winter and Sylvia Day's stories.

Summer O'Sullivan is rich, beautiful and in mortal danger. Her father has made powerful enemies who are targeting his precious daughter. Until the threat passes, Summer needs a bodyguard - someone to protect her and, she expects, to treat her with the reverence she's used to.

Into Summer's gilded cage comes former ranger, Flynn Grant. As far as Flynn is concerned, this is the assignment from hell, minding the spoilt daughter of a multi-millionaire. Summer and Flynn are poised to hate each other on sight. Even his devastating looks do not make up for how Flynn's rules cramp Summer's style. Unsurprisingly, the sparks fly between them. But when Summer breaks the rules one time too often, Flynn teaches her a lesson that leaves them shattered - and bound together in a way that astonishes them both.

In their remote hideout, the two start a battle over who is the tamer, and who is the tamed. It's a duel that stretches their minds and bodies beyond every limit. And in time their hearts begin to surrender too.

But when the dark forces that have been stalking Summer finally track them down, the battle is no longer a game, but a matter of life and death ...

Evie Hunter does it again! The companion to the first steamy novel in this wonderful series, the authors continue the tale with Summer and Flynn.

Summer is a spoiled socialite, who loves parties and having a good time. But Summer's in danger, because somebody is after her. After an accident, Summer's father decides to give her a body guard. She does her best to run off as many of them as possible, until Flynn comes along. And he's not so easy to scare away.

Flynn may just have met his match in Summer. She's sexy and tempting, a forbidden fruit that he has to taste. But she's a job, and he should never get involved with someone in the job.

Now isolated, the two of them are confronted with temptation at every turn. Flynn to keep his hands from her, and Summer doing her best to seduce him in order to get her way. With emotions running high on both ends it'll be a test of wills to see who bends first.

Honestly, this book was just as good as the first one. Summer proved to be an incredibly headache and Flynn to be a man not to mess with. Whatever was going on between the two, I don't even know what to call it, was there from the moment they met and Hunter never let it go!

This novel had me and wouldn't let me go. I never had a reason to stop reading this book, and I'm so glad that I did get the chance to read it. As erotic literature goes, I'd say this novel would be in the top ten of amazing books to read in the genre.

And there's going to be a third book! You all don't even know how excited I am right now! I can't wait to see what comes next, because there is no stopping the awesome team work of Evie Hunter!

Fever by Maya Banks

Title: Fever
Author: Maya Banks
Info: Website | Twitter | Facebook
Release Date: April 2nd, 2013
Publisher: Berkley
Pages: 416
Format: Paperback
Acquired: Bought
Interest: Series
Others in the Series: Rush
Age Group: Adult

Jace, Ash, and Gabe: three of the wealthiest, most powerful men in the country. They’re accustomed to getting anything they want. Anything at all. For Jace, it’s a woman whose allure takes him completely by surprise...

Jace Crestwell, Ash McIntyre, and Gabe Hamilton have been best friends and successful business partners for years. They’re powerful, they’re imposing, they’re irresistibly sexy, and Jace and Ash share everything—including their women.

When they meet Bethany, Jace begins to feel things he’s never experienced before: jealousy, and a powerful obsession that threatens him, overwhelms him—and excites him beyond control.

Jace isn’t sharing Bethany—with anyone. He’s determined to be the only man in her life, and it’s jeopardizing a lifelong friendship with Ash. Bethany will be his and his alone. Even if it means turning his back on his best friend

I have to say, I absolutely loved this story way better than the first one and that is rare! When it comes to series, I always love the first novel much better, but this book, I have to say, deserves all five stars.

First, we read about Gabe, and now we read about Mia's older brother Jace. Normally, his sexual behaviors involve his pal Ash (not together, but threesomes are something both men are use to), but this time things change. Bethany, a young homeless girl who walks into Jace's life, and he immediately takes control.

Both characters were extremely strong and developed greatly!

While Jace loves Bethany dearly, there is no getting around his jealousy and distrust towards her, and for Bethany, there's no letting go of something that ties her to the past. While I was irritated for a good large portion, I did slowly start to come around and found how much I loved these two.

Way more than Mia and Gabe, that's for sure.

Jace slowly introduced Bethany to his world, and adjusted her well. There were moments that he went too rough, not in the bedroom (even though a lot of that happened as well) but in the relationship as a whole. His distrust in her and the things that she had to face.

The novel sucked me in right away, and I found myself enjoying! I was sad to see it end so soon! Love this novel!

Rush by Maya Banks

Title: Rush
Author: Maya Banks
Info: Website | Twitter | Facebook
Release Date: February 5th, 2013
Publisher: Berkley
Pages: 396
Format: Paperback
Acquired: Bought
Interest: Series
Age Group: Adult

Gabe, Jace, and Ash: three of the wealthiest, most powerful men in the country. They’re accustomed to getting anything they want. Anything at all. For Gabe, it’s making one particular fantasy come true with a woman who was forbidden fruit. Now she’s ripe for the picking...

When Gabe Hamilton saw Mia Crestwell walk into the ballroom for his hotel’s grand opening, he knew he was going to hell for what he had planned. After all, Mia is his best friend’s little sister. Except she’s not so little anymore. And Gabe has waited a long time to act on his desires.

Gabe has starred in Mia’s fantasies more than once, ever since she was a teenager with a huge crush on her brother’s best friend. So what if Gabe’s fourteen years older? Mia knows he’s way out of her league, but her attraction has only grown stronger with time. She’s an adult now, and there’s no reason not to act on her most secret desires.

As Gabe pulls her into his provocative world, she realizes there’s a lot she doesn’t know about him or how exacting his demands can be. Their relationship is intense and obsessive, but as they cross the line from secret sexual odyssey to something deeper, their affair runs the risk of being exposed—and vulnerable to a betrayal far more intimate than either expected

So, at this point I have read more than my fair share of erotic literature. In fact, I think I've read enough to probably classify me as a pervert or someone who just really likes erotica. Anyways, moving on, I have already made it clear how much I love Maya Banks, this is not any different.

Honestly, this novel had me reaching for a glass of water when I read the scenes between Mia and Gabe. Those two. My goodness.

I am officially in love with Gabe, Jace, and Ash. All three men are hilariously sexy and they are wonderful!

The relationship between Mia and Gabe was steaming from the very first page. Like I said, they had me reaching for a glass of water things were getting just a little too steamy.

Maya Banks brought such romance into this novel. It was great.

A little awkward how things turned out, and I wanted to hurt Gabe, but I guess there had to be some sort of drama.

I'm happy though that this novel wasn't just about sex. There was a lot more that took place that brought the story full circle. And a lot of awesome story development.

Amazing story!

The only thing I didn't like, which I happily skipped because I knew it would be a train wreck the moment that it happened is what Gabe had done to Mia during Paris. I can't go too much into it, but all I can say is that if it had been me, I probably would have left him. I try not to dwell too much on that part, but I can't deny that it didn't happen. Gabe has issues and I was sorry to see that it was Mia to get hurt the way she did.

I feel like she should have punished him just a little more for what he did. Like I said, I'm not as forgiving as her. 

Highlander Most Wanted by Maya Banks

Title: Highlander Most Wanted
Author: Maya Banks
Info: Website | Twitter | Facebook
Release Date: March 19th, 2013
Publisher: Ballantine Books
Pages: 352
Format: Electronic Copy
Acquired: ARC; Netgalley
Interest: Series
Others in the Series: Never Seduce A Scot
Age Group: Adult

Genevieve McInnes is locked behind the fortified walls of McHugh Keep, captive of a cruel laird who takes great pleasure in ruining her for any other man. Yet when Bowen Montgomery storms the gates on a mission of clan warfare, Genevieve finds that her spirit is bent but not broken. Still, her path toward freedom remains uncertain. Unable to bear the shame of returning to a family that believes her dead or to abandon others at the keep to an imposing new laird, Genevieve opts for the peaceful life of an abbess. But Bowen’s rugged sensuality stirs something deep inside her that longs to be awakened by his patient, gentle caress—something warm, wicked, and tempting.

Bowen seizes his enemy’s keep, unprepared for the brooding and reclusive woman who captures his heart. He’s enchanted by her fierce determination, her unusual beauty, and her quiet, unfailing strength. But wooing her will take more than a seasoned seducer’s skill. For loving Genevieve, he discovers, means giving her back the freedom that was stolen from her—even if it means losing her forever

Like everything from Maya Banks, I loved this series! Another Highland novel that takes your breath away (and makes me fall in love with the Scottish even more!).

This is a continuation of the last book. As soon as the McHugh's have left their keep, leaving his people in the hands of the Montgomery and the Armstrongs. Distrust runs deep and loyalties are questioned at every turn. In the heart of the madness is Genevieve, a young woman who had been kidnapped a year prior to the novel. She is known as Ian's whore, and harassed constantly by the McHughs.

When Bowen arrives, desires begin between the two. But it is not that easy, especially because of the part that Genevieve plays in what had been his sister-in-law's kidnapping.

I found myself a liking Genevieve, and irritated with her at the same time. The things that occurred to her were obviously unfair, and she was a strong woman, but sometimes she showed a lot of weakness that brought her down a notch.

I was mainly irritated with the Armstrongs, and this might be because I didn't understand exactly the relationship that was going on with them and other clans, or just clan rules in general. I wish I could explain further, but that would be major spoiler alert. If only Maya explained the rules of the clans a little better, I could probably understand this novel in a whole new light.

Also, I didn't like how fast the relationship between Genevieve and Bowen developed. Prior to getting together they were just at odds with each other, and then he saves her, again after multiple times, but after that last one things changed drastically and they just sleep together. I raised my eyebrows, like really?! Sweetheart, he saved you from getting raped and you just willing give yourself to him? I found that just a little bit unrealistic.

Besides all the feels, because there was a lot of that, trust me! I absolutely found myself enjoying this novel. Maya Banks is amazing! She is a beautiful writer that brings her characters to life and has beautiful writing style.

I would recommend Maya Banks to just about anyone. And did I mention how she reenforces my love for Scottish men?

The Pretty One by Lucinda Rosenfeld

Title: The Pretty One: A Novel about Sisters
Author: Lucinda Rosenfeld
Info: Twitter | Facebook
Release Date: February 5th, 2013
Publisher: Little, Brown and Co.
Pages: 320
Format: Electronic
Acquired: Netgalley
Age Group: Adult

Perfect. Pretty. Political. For nearly forty years, The Hellinger sisters of Hastings-on-Hudson-namely, Imperia (Perri), Olympia (Pia), and Augusta (Gus)--have played the roles set down by their loving but domineering mother Carol. Perri, a mother of three, rules her four-bedroom palace in Westchester with a velvet fist, managing to fold even fitted sheets into immaculate rectangles. Pia, a gorgeous and fashionable Chelsea art gallery worker, still turns heads after becoming a single mother via sperm donation. And Gus, a fiercely independent lawyer and activist, doesn't let her break-up from her girlfriend stop her from attending New Year's Day protests on her way to family brunch.

But the Hellinger women aren't pulling off their roles the way they once did. Perri, increasingly filled with rage over the lack of appreciation from her recently unemployed husband Mike, is engaging in a steamy text flirtation with a college fling. Meanwhile Pia, desperate to find someone to share in the pain and joy of raising her three-year-old daughter Lola, can't stop fantasizing about Donor #6103. And Gus, heartbroken over the loss of her girlfriend, finds herself magnetically drawn to Jeff, Mike's frat boy of a little brother. Each woman is unable to believe that anyone, especially her sisters, could understand what it's like to be her. But when a freak accident lands their mother to the hospital, a chain of events is set in motion that will send each Hellinger sister rocketing out of her comfort zone, leaving her to wonder: was this the role she was truly born to play?

With The Pretty One, author Lucinda Rosenfeld does for siblings what she did for female friendship in I'm So Happy for You, turning her wickedly funny and sharply observant eye on the pleasures and punishments of lifelong sisterhood

So, when I first started reading this, like back earlier in the year, I was having a hard time relating for a lot of reasons. The main reasons were: Age, Experiences, and most importantly Sisters. I only have a brother and I can relate absolutely nothing with him, since he's much older than me and we have different interests. But then, I joined a sorority and I got over a thousand sisters overnight, except for my three line sisters who I spent 78 days and 8 minutes with each and every day talking with and doing something. And it was through that experience that I got to see a little bit more about what it's like to have sisters.

Obviously, sorority sisters vs. real sisters is completely different, but there's a main core to it: There's fighting, there's laughing, there's crying, and in the end there's just a heck of a lot of loving, and that's something that I found as a consistent them in this novel.

All three sisters are very different and I found that Rosenfeld did an excellent job in highlighting these differences. I know how hard it can be to find a voice for every single character, because they are supposed to feel real, and real people are just so different from each other. But I think that she pulled out of really well. All their voices came through, even that of the secondary characters.

I like how each sister interacted with each other and the people around them. Yes, they had their differences and they had a lot of faults, but they also had each other and that made the novel even cooler to read as they worked it out.

This novel was funny, witty, heartfelt, and very realistic. It pulled the reader in and didn't let go!

If you are still looking for some nice summer reads, check this one out for sure!

The Lonely Hearts Club by Elizabeth Eulberg

Title: The Lonely Hearts Club
Author: Elizabeth Eulberg
Info: Website | Twitter | Facebook
Release Date: January 1st, 2010
Publisher: Point
Pages: 290
Format: Electronic Copy
Acquired: Bought
Age Group: Young Adult

Love is all you need... or is it? Penny's about to find out in this wonderful debut.

Penny is sick of boys and sick of dating. So she vows: no more. It's a personal choice. . .and, of course, soon everyone wants to know about it. And a few other girls are inspired. A movement is born: The Lonely Hearts Club (named after the band from Sgt. Pepper). Penny is suddenly known for her nondating ways . . . which is too bad, because there's this certain boy she can't help but like. . . .

This is the first time I'm reading an Elizabeth Eulberg book, even though pretty much all her books are on my TBR pile and I am really excited I got to read this.

This was a quick read and I found it incredibly enjoyable.

Penny was a fantastic girl. She had a lot to work on and I'm glad she was able to grow from all her experiences. I kind of wish there had been a Lonely Hearts Club in my school, or that I had been smart enough to do one myself. I felt bad for her, but I was glad that she was able to move forward from that jerk.

I also learned a lot about the Beatles from her Beatles-loving-slightly-obsessed-parents. There were some characters that really surprised me, and I was glad about that. Eulberg didn't make her novel blatantly obvious. She had a lot of good tricks up her sleeves that brought the novel to life in interesting ways.

If you haven't read this book yet, don't waste time and I get going! It is unforgettable!

Weather Witch by Shannon Delany

Title: Weather Witch
Author: Shannon Delany
Info: Website | Twitter | Facebook
Release Date: June 25th, 2013
Publisher: St. Martin's Griffin
Pages: 336
Format: Electronic Copy
Acquired: Netgalley
Interest: Series
Age Group: Young Adult

In a vastly different and darker Philadelphia of 1844, steam power has been repressed, war threatens from deep, dark waters, and one young lady of high social standing is expecting a surprise at her seventeenth birthday party–but certainly not the one she gets!

Jordan Astraea, who has lived out all of her life in Philadelphia’s most exclusive neighborhood, is preparing to celebrate her birthday with friends, family and all the extravagance they might muster. The young man who is most often her dashing companion, Rowen Burchette, has told her a surprise awaits her and her best friend, Catrina Hollindale, wouldn’t miss this night for all the world!

But storm clouds are gathering and threatening to do far more than dampen her party plans because someone in the Astraea household has committed the greatest of social sins by Harboring a Weather Witch.

My very first Steampunk!

I wasn't sure how to take this book at first, since I've never actually read any steampunk before so I had nothing to compare it to. I found it interesting, confusing at times, and I had to keep reminding myself that this was an alternative timeline to that of the actual time period, which I found annoying.

I liked the protagonist, Jordan, a lot. She developed beautifully. I liked everything from the beginning as it started to fall together nicely. The only reason I won't give it five stars is because of just how long it took me to get really into it.

Originally, I made it through the first few pages without a glitch, but I wasn't excited about it and I ended up putting the book down for a few days. I didn't get gripped in from the beginning, and when I picked it up again, it took me awhile to get through some of the pages to finally get into the tale.

As the novel started to develop I found myself enjoying it a lot! I liked the characters, plot line, and everything else about it. A slow start, but it's worth going through all the muddy parts to get to the good.

Love Unscripted by Tina Reber

Title: Love Unscripted
Author: Tina Reber
Info: Website | Twitter | Facebook
Release Date: January 1st, 2013
Publisher: Atria Books
Pages: 592
Acquired: Netgalley
Format: Electronic Copy
Interest: Series
Age Group: Adult

An A-List Movie Star…
Ryan Christensen just wanted to be an actor. Never in his wildest dreams did he imagine a life where fans would chase him, paparazzi would stalk him, and Hollywood studios would want to own him. While filming in Seaport, Rhode Island, Ryan ducks into a neighborhood bar for a quick escape from legions of screaming fans…and finds much more than he expected.

A Small Town Girl…
Nursing a recent heartbreak, Taryn Mitchell believes men are best kept at a safe distance. But when Ryan Christensen unexpectedly bursts through the front door of her pub, she can’t help but be drawn in by his humor, charm, and undeniable good looks. At six foot two, with dirty blond hair, blue eyes, and an incredible body, Ryan has every girl in Seaport swooning. But Taryn isn’t every other girl.

A Relationship that Doesn’t Follow the Script…
Despite her better judgment, Taryn soon finds herself falling hard for Ryan. But is their bond strong enough to survive the tabloid headlines, the relentless paparazzi, and the jealous fans who seem determined to tear them apart?

This was my first DNF book of 2013, I believe. I can't give a very good review and I'm almost afraid of writing any type of review at all because this book just did not hold my attention.

I think I almost made it to page two hundred before I realized what a struggle this book was becoming. I was forcing myself into reading and liking this book as much as possible because it sounded like something I would like. I've read books like this before so I didn't think it would be that big of a deal, but the story just dragged in ways that didn't interest me at all.

The characters were meh. The plot line was dragging. I just wasn't feeling it at all. Like I said, there's not much I can really say about it.

Deeper We Fall by Chelsea M. Cameron

I participated in the blog tour hosted by Giselle from Xpresso Book Tours 

Title: Deeper We Fall

Author: Chelsea M. Cameron
Info: Website | Twitter | Facebook

Release Date: January 24th, 2013

Publisher: DRC Publishing 

Pages: 280

Format: Electronic Copy

Acquired: From Author 

Interest: Series

Age Group: Young Adult

Two years after her best friend was involved in a car accident that caused a traumatic brain injury, Lottie Anders is ready to start her freshman year of college. Ready to move on. Ready to start forgetting the night that ripped her life apart.

Her plans come to a screeching halt when not one, but both brothers responsible for the accident end up back in her life again.

Zack is cruel, selfish and constantly rubbing what happened to her friend in Lottie's face.

Zan is different. He listens to her awkward ramblings. He loves "To Kill a Mockingbird" as much as she does, and his dark eyes are irresistible. His words are few and far between, but when he does speak, she can't help but listen.

The trouble is, Zan was the driver in the accident, and now Lottie's discovered he lied to her about what happened that night. Now she must decide if trusting him again will lead to real forgiveness, or deeper heartache.

 Acceptance. Forgiveness. Love. Redemption.

This novel really took me by surprise. It was interesting reading it, after not reading for what feels like a long time. It was a "wake up" call, in a sense, because I almost forgot what it was like to read something so well written with characters that take you in right away. This novel swept me away from the beginning and I was happy to get the chance to review it.

Lottie's life is all about moving on and forgetting, ever since a car accident that left her best friend with a traumatic brain injury. She feels like college is just the escape that she needs, until the men responsible for the car accident reappear in her life. One who enjoys to bring back the cruel past that Lottie thought she could leave behind, and the other who she finds herself attracted to.

But is two years enough to forgive? And if not, is there ever a chance for such a thing? These are the questions that Lottie is facing as she realizes that there are two roads ahead of her: One that would involve running from her past or the other that would open the doors to those that have hurt her.

This novel opened up a lot of questions and the way that Cameron drove these characters I felt was great. I loved them all (Zack only because he lived up to his reputation), and Cameron didn't make the choice that Lottie had to face very obvious; the readers were kept at the edge of their seat the whole time.

I would recommend this book heavily.

Surface by Tiffany Daune

I participated in the blog tour hosted by Giselle from Xpresso Book Tours

Title: Surface
Author: Tiffany Daune
Info: Website | Twitter | Facebook
Release Date: February 1st, 2013
Publisher: Noble Young Adult
Pages: 252
Acquired: For Review
Format: Electronic Copy
Age Group: Young Adult

Bound to the water bound to land, a Siren’s soul will never be safe on either side of the ocean’s surface. Hidden beneath the rolling waves lies the secret to Theia’s past and as she unveils each haunting truth, she realizes the last seventeen years of her life have been a lie. Now, drawn into a mysterious new world and with nowhere to turn, Theia must place her trust in Luc, a beautiful boy who stops her heart with each dazzling smile, but even his unearthly charm can’t hide the truth—he has secrets— dark secrets binding him to his world—an underwater world where Theia will never belong—a world determined to destroy her soul.

I have to say, I don't read many books on sirens but when I do, I am rarely disappointed. This book was no exception to the fact.

When Theia is kidnapped by strangers, unsure of why or what they will do to her, they throw her into the water, and she's saved by Luc, the main love interest. Soon, Theia discovers that not everything is what it seems.

The novel took me in right away. I'm a huge fan of various points of views because, while I am a fan of first person, there's a lot more that goes on with different versions. The changes helped the story a lot and for the most part I felt pulled it together nicely.

I was a fan of Theia. She grew on me rather quickly and I liked seeing the different stages she went through and it helped me a lot, as the reader, understanding her. Daune takes the time to develop her beautifully.

Another thing I am a huge fan of is the mythologies that each author takes the time to develop. I love it even more when they do it right and not confuse the reader. It was a great addition to the tale and cleaned up a lot of questions.

If you aren't a mermaid fan, I recommend you read this because you may just change your opinion on the mermaid mythology. I'm surprised this genre hasn't blown up yet!

Love's Forbidden Flower by Diane Rinella

 

I participated in the blog tour hosted by Giselle from Xpresso Book Tours

Title: Love's Forbidden Flower
Author: Diane Rinella
Info: Website | Twitter | Facebook
Release Date: November 28th, 2012
Publisher: Midnight to six
Pages: 309
Format: Electronic
Acquired: From Author; Blog Tour
Interest: Series
Age Group: Young Adult

The heart cares not what society forbids.

Lily nurtures a secret love for a flawless man—the one who is her soul mate. Donovan is gorgeous, charismatic, and delights in all of Lily’s talents and quirks. Their innate knowledge of each other is almost telepathic. Together they interlock like fine threads creating luxurious silk.

But society dictates this picture-perfect adoration is the ghastliest of all possibilities.

As Lily embarks on a quest for the romance the heavens intended, her suitor turns reluctant. Desperate to uncover why Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hiding decayed from a tender-hearted gentleman into a ferociously self-serving, cocky bastard, Lily is prepared for battle when it comes to the salvation of her soul mate. However, Donovan traps Lily in a mental game of chess, leaving her to question his sanity. When Lily’s revelations about Donovan’s destructive alter ego lead to an inconceivable truth, can she help Donovan survive fate’s cruel joke?

Impassioned, witty, and deeply moving, Love’s Forbidden Flower is filled with stunning controversies that will forever haunt your heart

I honestly don't even know how to start this review or even what to say in general.

To me, Rinella presented a wonderfully crafted tale that you expect to be just a simple ride and are instead blown into another world of love. And her writing! I'm in love. The way she wrote and showed Lily's murky thoughts put me straight into Lily's shoes.

There was a lot to take in: Sadness, happiness, romance, depression, confusion, patience - a whirlwind of other emotions that I started to question my own sanity.

When Lily gets trapped into a vicious game for the sake of her mind and the man she loves, how far will she go to get back what belongs to her? I wasn't sure how this story would play out and I had my doubts about even finishing it, because the confusion that I was sure would come. It's not easy to write a novel that leaves the reader trying to follow into the confusing haze that the characters live in, but when an author can do it, they can present a wonderful book.

Rinella takes the reader into a mind-playing game and the ending. Goosebumps. There really isn't much I can say, except to be prepared, I guess is the best way I can put it. Take it all in and just be prepared for anything because this book is not what it seems.

The Kings of Charleston by Kat H. Clayton

I participated in the blog tour hosted by Giselle from Xpresso Book Tours

Title: The Kings of Charleston
Author: Kat H. Clayton
Info: Website | Twitter | Facebook
Release Date: July 10th, 2012
Publisher: Self-Published
Pages: 348
Format: Electronic Copy
Acquired: From Author
Interest: Series
Age Group: Young Adult

Casper Whitley is forced to move to Charleston, South Carolina where she’ll be the new kid her senior year of high school. Casper’s upset about the move until she meets the Roman family’s gorgeous son, Cal, but there’s a problem. A mystery surrounds him which can be summed up in one word…Kythera. Never heard of it? Neither has Casper until she finds the word tattooed on cars, paintings and all her new friends.

After Casper’s life is threatened, someone is forced to tell the truth about her parents, the Romans and Kythera’s motives for her being in Charleston. Once the truth is revealed, she must decide whether to protect her family and Kythera’s secrets or walk away from everything she has ever known

A fun mixture of romance and mystery all thrown together into one big novel, where a central theme keeps asking the same question and wondering what is going on.

When Casper moves to Charleston, South Carolina she finds more there than what she had originally anticipated, especially when it comes to Cal and his family. And when it comes to the town as a whole and the one mysterious word: Kythera.

Why I liked the mystery aspect of this so well is that Clayton didn't say that 2+ blank = 5. She gave an entire equation into the mystery instead of laying it out for the reader to see, and that added to the tangled mystery and how it worked to the benefit of the story as a whole.

Her writing, on top of that, was amazing. The words connected and drew the readers in from page one. The one thing that kept going was on what Kythera meant, and just who was Casper herself.

And of course the story between Casper and Cal - well, I'm always a sucker for a good romance. 

While there were a lot of great aspects to the story, some parts left me a little shaky. One of them had to deal with the characters. Her writing was well, but sometimes I kept going back to the characters and seeing that there wasn't much development at all. While resolutions may have happened, I didn't see the growth that I would have liked.

And I think what set my teeth on edge a little was what happened in the end. I know this is a series, especially since book 2 is about to be released, so I wasn't expecting the wrap up that happened in this book until the last one or at least to let it hang over into the second novel. Yet, Clayton closed up like that was the final and even beginning a new plot, or at least from where I stood that's how it felt like.

Despite these moments, I still found the book enjoyable enough to make it to the end and even anticipate the second book.

Fraction of Stone by Kelley Lynn

I participated in the blog tour hosted by Giselle from Xpresso Book Tours

Title: Fraction of Stone
Author: Kelley Lynn
Info: Website | Twitter | Facebook
Release Date: March 21st, 2013
Publisher: Sapphire Star Publishing
Pages: 293
Format: Electronic Copy
Acquired: From Author
Interest: Series
Age Group: Young Adult

Wind tunnels, torrential rains and earthquakes tear apart Casden. The cause of the world’s imbalance is unknown, but the mounting occurrences suggest there’s little time before life ceases to exist.

Rydan Gale and Akara Nazreth are the only humans with the ability to wield magic. The tattoo on their necks and the discovery of an ancient book, dictate they are the key to the world’s survival.

But the greatest obstacle for saving mankind isn’t the bizarre creatures, extreme betrayals and magic-fearing men hunting them.

It’s that Akara doesn’t believe the world is worth saving

I have to say, I don't know what I loved more about this novel. The romance between Akara and Rydan or the plot that just take the reader away into another place.

Lynn really had me impressed me from the gripping beginning when Rydan finds Akara in jail, and the moment he sees her he knows that he has to take her with him. After Rydan takes Akara to his instructor, they both try to find answers to who they are: magic welding Namaqua people, the last two, actually, remaining in the world.

When they find out that they have the ability to save the world, Akara is not interested. The girl has had a rough life and doesn't want to save a world that has abused her greatly.

And the journey and adventure that they take throughout the tale, facing crazy whether and evil Faris, who have been angered by Rydan's action in taking Akara in the first place.

The world made is wonderful and full of such imagination, I really want to know where Lynn got all this from.

This story sweeps you away in another place that you never been before and it is just wonderful. Wonderful, wonderful, wonderful!