Book Review: Manners & Mutiny by Gail Carriger

Series: Finishing School Book #4

Format: Hardcover

Pages: 326

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

How I Got It: Purchased

Genre: Young Adult, Fantasy, Paranormal

Publisher: Little Brown Books

Synopsis courtesy of Goodreads

Lessons in the art of espionage aboard Mademoiselle Geraldine's floating dirigible have become tedious without Sophronia's sootie Soap nearby. She would rather thwart dastardly Picklemen, yet her concerns about their wicked intentions are ignored. 

Who can she trust? Royal werewolf dewan? Stylish vampire Lord Akeldama? Only one thing is certain: a large-scale plot is under way. Sophronia must be ready to save her friends, her school, and all of London from disaster.

Review

I love Gail Carriger! Her voice as a writer is so unique and intoxicating. There's often tongue-in-cheek humor, but she isn't afraid of dangerous situations. She's able to blend all of this together effortlessly.

This was a perfect ending. Of course I would love to spend more time with many of these characters, but I don't need it. Now, I want to re-read The Parasol Protectorate just to be in this world again. I also want to read the other books she's written.

This review is pretty vague because I'm trying to avoid any spoilers.

Sophronia is a spectacular heroine and I loved going on this journey with her. The friendships and relationships were written well and with great nuance. 

I'm just so glad I read this series and was able to enjoy it. Everyone I picked it up I felt myself smiling.

Thanks for reading!

Holly

Book Review: Succubus Shadows by Richelle Mead

Series: Georgina Kincaid Book #5

Format: ebook

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

How I Got It: Borrowed from Library

Genre: Paranormal, Romance

Publisher: Kensington

Synopsis courtesy of Goodreads

Georgina Kincaid has formidable powers. Immortality, seduction, shape-shifting into any human form she desires, walking in heels that would cripple mere mortals -- all child's play to a succubus like her.

Helping to plan her ex-boyfriend's wedding is a different story. Georgina isn't sure which is worse -- that Seth is marrying another woman, or that Georgina has to run all over Seattle trying on bridesmaid dresses. Still, there are distractions. Georgina's roommate, Roman, is cluttering her apartment with sexual tension. Then there's Simone, the new succubus in town, who's intent on corrupting Seth.

But the real danger lies in the mysterious force that's visiting her thoughts, trying to draw her into a dark, otherworldly realm. Sooner or later, Georgina knows she'll be too weak to resist. And when that happens, she'll discover who she can trust, who she can't -- and that Hell is far from the worst place to spend eternity.

Review

I have a love-hate relationship with this series. Like I can't stop reading and care about these characters. But there is so much about the content in them that is a pet peeve of mine. Naturally, I will continue to read because I am invested.

There was some serious movement in Georgina's personal story. Including her history-which was where I got really emotional. And the ending almost had me in tears.

Really, I just want to talk my desires for the last book.

So, maybe spoilers ahead.

I really want more information on Carter. Why do these types of stories always have mysterious angels? I am sucker for them. And Georgina's dream better be like the epilogue or something.

I guess this wasn't much of a review. Sorry, I just had to get my thoughts out in the world.

Thanks for reading!

Holly 

Book Review: In a Badger Way by Shelly Laurenston

Series: Honey Badger Chronicles Book #2

Format: ebook

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

How I Got It: NetGalley

Genre: Paranormal, Romance, Shapeshifters

Publisher: Kensington

Synopsis courtesy of Goodreads

Petite, kind, brilliant, and young, Stevie is nothing like the usual women bodyguard Shen Li is interested in. Even more surprising, the youngest of the lethal, ball-busting, and beautiful MacKilligan sisters is terrified of bears. But she’s not terrified of pandas. She loves pandas. 

Which means that whether Shen wants her to or not, she simply won’t stop cuddling him. He isn’t some stuffed Giant Panda, ya know! He is a Giant Panda shifter. He deserves respect and personal space. Something that little hybrid is completely ignoring.

But Stevie has a way of finding trouble. Like going undercover to take down a scientist experimenting on other shifters. For what, Shen doesn’t want to know, but they’d better find out. And fast. Stevie might be the least violent of the honey badger sisters, but she’s the most dangerous to Shen’s peace of mind. Because she has absolutely no idea how much trouble they’re in . . . or just how damn adorable she is. 

Review

***I received this book via NetGalley from the publisher in exchange for an honest review***

This is my 3rd Shelly Laurenston book and the second in this series. All three have confused the hell out of me, but I don't even care. The stories and characters are so crazy, but I am hooked after one page.

Stevie and her sisters are over-the-top and are each 10 pounds of crazy in their own 5 pound bags. The love they have for each other is so good. There are actually tons of positive familial and regular friendships. I love reading about those.

Shen is just the cutest Panda. He is so calm in such a stressful world. I could actually feel his calmness whenever he was the POV character. It allowed me to relax as the reader. I loved his constant and methodical eating of bamboo. I'm totally team panda.

There is a romantic sub plot. It was fun and kind of unique. The way Stevie approaches romance (and friendships) is different than anything I've ever read. She's like a bulldozer and I mean that in the best possible way.

While I was (and continue to be) confused, I did like getting more info on this world-especially the MacKilligan family. I'm assuming I have to wait a year for another book and I can't wait. Plus, I'm guess it's be more focused on Max and I need that.

Thanks for reading!

Holly

Book Review: The Indigo Spell by Richelle Mead

Series: Bloodlines Book #3

Format: Hardcover

Pages: 401

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

How I Got It: Purchased

Genre: Young Adult, Paranormal

Publisher: Razorbill

Synopsis courtesy of Goodreads

Sydney Sage is an Alchemist, one of a group of humans who dabble in magic and serve to bridge the worlds of humans and vampires. They protect vampire secrets--and human lives."

In the aftermath of a forbidden moment that rocked Sydney to her core, she finds herself struggling to draw the line between her Alchemist teachings and what her heart is urging her to do. Then she meets alluring, rebellious Marcus Finch--a former Alchemist who escaped against all odds, and is now on the run. Marcus wants to teach Sydney the secrets he claims the Alchemists are hiding from her. But as he pushes her to rebel against the people who raised her, Sydney finds that breaking free is harder than she thought. There is an old and mysterious magic rooted deeply within her. And as she searches for an evil magic user targeting powerful young witches, she realizes that her only hope is to embrace her magical blood--or else she might be next.

Review

Apparently, I never reviewed this one when I first read it. So, now that I'm re-reading the series I will.

I believe this was my favorite in the series. So far in this re-read, I would say it is still my favorite. 

And Ms. Mead puts so much into this book. Looking back, it's hard to believe there was so much. There's movement with the larger plot and an individual plot. Plus, the romance gets some real love. I love Sydrian so much and they aren't disappointing on a re-read.

The character development is also good. Of course there is Sydney and Adrian who are growing perfectly-I love reading Sydney's evolution. But the other characters as well. I don't remember being as intrigued by Jill as I am. She isn't in the story a lot, but she does have an interesting story. She's also growing and developing a maturity. I remember very little about her so I'm interested in seeing what happens to her.

Oh, and I totally forgot about Hopper. Seeing Sydney and Adrian as "parents" is so adorable. I'm team Hopper-more Hopper-all Hopper all the time.

Thanks for reading!

Holly

Book Review: The Bane Chronicles by Cassandra Clare, Maureen Johnson, and Sarah Rees Brennan

Part of the Shadowhunter World

Format: Hardcover

Pages: 507

Rating: 4 Stars 

How I Got It: Purchased or Christmas Gift (I can't remember)

Genre:Young Adult, Fantasy, Paranormal

Publisher: Margaret K. McElderry Books

Synopsis courtesy of Goodreads

This collection of eleven short stories illuminates the life of the enigmatic Magnus Bane, whose alluring personality, flamboyant style, and sharp wit populate the pages of the #1 New York Times bestselling series, The Mortal Instruments and The Infernal Devices.

Originally released one-by-one as e-only short stories by Cassandra Clare, Maureen Johnson, and Sarah Rees Brennan, this compilation presents all ten together in print for the first time and includes a never-before-seen eleventh tale, as well as new illustrated material.

Review

It only took me like a year to read this. That isn't anything negative about this anthology, but it was my bedtime book and I was really bad about reading at night.

Some of the stories were a little bleh, but overall I liked them. They probably would've been better if it hadn't been years since I read anything in this series. I really enjoyed the story with Raphael Santiago. And it was sad but seeing Valentine and and the Circle was very interesting. Those are events you hear about in The Mortal Instruments, but don't actually see/experience.

Reading these stories made me want to get back into this world and read the books I've been putting off.

Thanks for reading!

Holly

Book Review: Etiquette & Espionage by Gail Carriger

Series: Finishing School Book #1

Format: Trade Paperback

Pages: 307

Rating: 4 Stars

How I Got It: Purchased (Pretty sure)

Genre: Young Adult, Paranormal, Steampunk

Publisher: Little, Brown Books

Synopsis courtesy of Goodreads

Fourteen-year-old Sophronia is a great trial to her poor mother. Sophronia is more interested in dismantling clocks and climbing trees than proper manners--and the family can only hope that company never sees her atrocious curtsy. Mrs. Temminnick is desperate for her daughter to become a proper lady. So she enrolls Sophronia in Mademoiselle Geraldine's Finishing Academy for Young Ladies of Quality. 

But Sophronia soon realizes the school is not quite what her mother might have hoped. At Mademoiselle Geraldine's, young ladies learn to finish...everything. Certainly, they learn the fine arts of dance, dress, and etiquette, but they also learn to deal out death, diversion, and espionage--in the politest possible ways, of course. Sophronia and her friends are in for a rousing first year's education.

Review

I love Gail Carriger's voice as a writer. She's quirky and fun and dignified.

Sophronia is an interesting main character. She's adventurous and headstrong. She's also unexpectedly friendly and supporting of those around her. She also doesn't know a lot about the world she's thrown into so I also don't know a lot. I trust things will be explored, but I also wish I knew more NOW!

I feel like there may be a romance which I am here for. (It's inter-racial and that is one of my favorites since I was raised in an inter-racial home). But I'm not 100% sure it will happen so I'm going to hold off on commenting too much.

I really liked the connections to the Parasol Protectorate series. There are a few-mainly characters-which are pretty obvious. I'm excited to see if there are any more connections as the series continues. And it kind of makes me want to re-read the Parasol Protectorate series. Personally, I think that's a good thing in a book/series.

Thanks for reading!

Holly

Book Review: Succubus Heat by Richelle Mead

Series: Georgina Kincaid Book #4

Format: E-Book

Rating: 4 Stars

How I Got It: Borrowed from the Library

Genre: Paranormal, Romance

Publisher: Kensington

Synopsis courtesy of Goodreads

Georgina Kincaid has been a bad, bad succubus. . .

. . .which should be a good thing. But lately, thanks to her foul mood over breaking up with bestselling writer Seth Mortensen, she's been so wicked that Seattle's über-demon Jerome, decides to "outsource " Georgina to a rival—and have her spy for him in the process.

Being exiled to the frozen north—okay, Vancouver—and leaving Seth in the cozy clutches of his new girlfriend is unpleasant enough. Then Jerome is kidnapped, and all immortals under his control mysteriously lose their powers. One bright spot: with her life-sucking ability gone, there's nothing to keep Georgina from getting down and dirty with Seth—nothing apart from his girlfriend that is. Now, as the supernatural population starts turning on itself, a newly mortal Georgina must rescue her boss and figure out who's been playing them—or all hell will break loose. 

Review

I have a love-hate relationship with these books. There is a lot of stuff that bothers me in them. Now, I knew this going in because Georgina is a succubus, but it still bothers me. And I couldn't put this book down.

I'm getting stressed by the romance(s?) in this series. I just feel like there's no way I can be satisfied by a resolution to it. I am hopeful but unsure.

I do really enjoy the supernatural intrigue and story line. The specific events in this one were predictable-like I called every "reveal." But it was still fun to read. And I am interested in the overall story. Especially Carter-he is so mysterious and intriguing.

I will definitely keep reading this series even though it gives me serious agita. I need to know what happens next-especially after that ending.

Thanks for reading!

Holly

Review: Succubus Dreams by Richelle Mead

Series: Georgina Kincaid Book #3

Format: ebook

Rating: 4 stars

How I Got It: Borrowed from the Library

Genre: Paranormal, Paranormal Romance

Publisher: Kensington

Synopsis courtesy of Goodreads

First, Georgina Kincaid, a shape-shifting succubus who gets her energy from seducing men, can't have sex with her gorgeous bestselling author boyfriend Seth Mortensen--in case she inadvertently kills him. Second, Georgina's under demonic orders to mentor the new (and surprisingly inept) succubus on the block. Third, someone's manipulating her dreams, draining her energy and supplying eerie visions of her future. Georgina seeks answers from Dante, a dream interpreter with ties to the underworld, but his flirtatious charm only leaves her more confused--especially as the situation with Seth reaches a crisis point. Georgina needs to rein in her out-of-control love life and go toe-to-toe with an enemy capable of wreaking serious havoc among mankind. Otherwise, Georgina, and the entire mortal world, may never sleep easy again.

Review

I wasn't planning on reviewing this, but it's eating me a live. I saw the ending coming and it really pisses me off. I understand drama and tension is needed, but I hate this particular version of that.

OK, I'm going to stop avoiding spoilers.

Spoilers ahead!!!

The minute Maddie showed up I I knew it would turn into some sort of love triangle. I literally stopped reading for a couple weeks because this type of storyline just really bothers me.

And honestly, I'm really mad at Seth. I'm assuming this is going to be some sort of "I hurt you to protect you" thing. But right now I'm really angry.

There are still three books to go. I want to keep reading, but I'm not sure I have the mental ability to handle this twisted love triangle for three books.

This was probably less review and more vent session.

Thanks for reading!

Holly

Review: Remembrance by Meg Cabot

Series: Mediator Book #7

Format: Trade Paperback

Pages: 388

Rating: 4 Stars

How I Got It: Christmas Gift

Genre: Romance, Mystery

Publisher: Harper Collins

Synopsis courtesy of Goodreads

You can take the boy out of the darkness. But you can’t take the darkness out of the boy.

All Susannah Simon wants is to make a good impression at her first job since graduating from college (and since becoming engaged to Dr. Jesse de Silva). But when she’s hired as a guidance counselor at her alma mater, she stumbles across a decade-old murder, and soon ancient history isn’t all that’s coming back to haunt her. Old ghosts as well as new ones are coming out of the woodwork, some to test her, some to vex her, and it isn’t only because she’s a mediator, gifted with second sight. 

What happens when old ghosts come back to haunt you?

If you’re a mediator, you might have to kick a little ass.

From a sophomore haunted by the murderous specter of a child to ghosts of a very different kind—including Paul Slater, Suze’s ex, who shows up to make a bargain Suze is certain must have come from the Devil himself—Suze isn’t sure she’ll make it through the semester, let alone to her wedding night. Suze is used to striking first and asking questions later. But what happens when ghosts from her past—including one she found nearly impossible to resist—strike first?

Review

I enjoyed the original series and this was a good addition. It was a little more adult which felt more real for Suze-especially her language. And it was interesting to see how Jesse's values and religion impacts their relationship.

The mystery/ghost story was a real adventure. It started as a traditional one for these books, but then it got deeper. And it felt much more serious then the others.

Of course I love Suze and Jesse. It's nice to see their relationship grow. Although there could've been less Suze keeping things from Jesse as a source of conflict. She should know better than that at this point.

I could've done without Paul because he sucks, but it was a great book other than that.

Trigger Warning for child abuse. It was handled tastefully but is still there.

Thanks for reading!

Holly

Review: Marked in Flesh by Anne Bishop

Series: The Others Book #4

Format:Mass Market Paperback

Pages: 489

Rating: 4.5 Stars

How I Got It: Purchased

Genre: Paranormal

Publisher: Roc

Synopsis courtesy of Goodreads

Since the Others allied themselves with the cassandra sangue, the fragile yet powerful human blood prophets who were being exploited by their own kind, the delicate dynamic between humans and Others changed. Some, like Simon Wolfgard, wolf shifter and leader of the Lakeside Courtyard, and blood prophet Meg Corbyn, see the new, closer companionship as beneficial—both personally and practically.

But not everyone is convinced. A group of radical humans is seeking to usurp land through a series of violent attacks on the Others. What they don’t realize is that there are older and more dangerous forces than shifters and vampires protecting the land that belongs to the Others—and those forces are willing to do whatever is necessary to protect what is theirs…

 

Review

Well that was an adventure. There was a ton of tension which kept me engaged and turning the page. But that also stressed me out. There are so many characters and I care about so many of them, but they can’t all make it out of the series alive right? And the sexual tension went up a lot. At  this point if there isn’t some kind of resolution between Simon and Meg I’m going to be pissed.

I have no idea where this is going in the next book. I’m pretty sure I say that every time and it’s good that Ms. Bishop is keeping me on my toes. And my understanding is that the last one in the series/following these characters. I’m not sure I’m ready for this series to end.

Thanks for reading!

Holly

Fall TBR (2017)

My summer TBR went well so I'm hopeful for my Fall TBR.

I picked books that I've been putting off for various reasons. And they have some serious tones or are fantasy books. For whatever reason I think books like that feel like fall. 

I've also decided to start putting a non-fiction book on my seasonal TBRs. I don't read them a lot but have some on my shelves that have been around for years.

Here are the five books I want ot read this fall:

The Remedy

Creating Magic

Theft of Sword (Book #2)

Team Human

Mortal Heart

 

What do you want to read this fall?

Thanks for reading!

Holly

Review: Twilight by Meg Cabot

Series: The Mediator Book #6

Format: Mass Market Paperback

Pages: 312

Rating:4 Stars

How I Got It: Purchased

Genre: Young Adult, Paranormal

Publisher: Avon

Synopsis courtesy of Goodreads

Suze has gotten used to ghosts. She's a mediator, after all, and communicating with the dead is all in a day's work. So she certainly never expected to fall in love with one: Jesse, a nineteenth-century hottie. But when she discovers that she has the power to determine who becomes a ghost in the first place, Suze begins to freak. It means she can alter the course of history... and prevent Jesse's murder, keeping him from ever becoming a ghost - and from ever meeting Suze.

Will Jesse choose to live without her, or die to love her? 

Review

I finally finished my re-read of this series. This isn’t perfect or my favorite series, but it is enjoyable and I would read it again.

The tension didn’t feel as high in this book. But I did like the romance and even got a little teary-eyed at the end. I would’ve liked to see Suze grow up a little more, but she did develop a bit especially when it comes to her relationship with Jesse.

In the next couple months I plan on reading The Proposal and Remembrance. Both I’ll be reading for the first time.

Thanks for reading!

Holly

Review: Haunted by Meg Cabot

Series: Mediator Book #5
Format: Mass Market Paperback
Pages: 263
Rating: 4 Stars
How I Got It: Gift from family
Genre: Young Adult, Paranormal
Publisher: Avon

Synopsis courtesy of Goodreads

Suze is used to trouble, but this time she's in deep: Ghostly Jesse has her heart, but Paul Slater, a real flesh-and-blood guy, is warm for her form. And mediator Paul knows how to send Jesse to the Great Beyond. For good.

Paul claims he won't do anything to Jesse as long as Suze will go out with him. Fearing she'll lose Jesse forever, Suze agrees. But even if Suze can get Jesse to admit his true feelings for her, what kind of future can she have with a guy who's already dead?

 
Review

This book stressed me out. That's not a bad thing, just a fact. The whole Paul story line makes me so anxious. And that's a good thing. I know how this series ultimately ends, but still get wrapped up in this story.

And there was finaly some real movement in the Jesse/Suze story line! It's a good thing these are fast-paced books, because the romance is so slow. It's not slow in a bad way, but the anticipation is killing me.

I'm so excited to read the next/final book in this series.

Thanks for reading!
Holly

Review: Unmade by Sarah Rees Brennan

Series: Lynburn Legacy Book #3
Format: Hardcover
Pages: 370
Rating: 4 Stars
How I Got It: Purchased
Genre: Paranormal, Young Adult
Publisher: Random House

Synopsis courtesy of Goodreads

 

Kami has lost the boy she loves, is tied to a boy she does not, and faces an enemy more powerful than ever before. With Jared missing for months and presumed dead, Kami must rely on her new magical link with Ash for the strength to face the evil spreading through her town.

Rob Lynburn is now the master of Sorry-in-the-Vale, and he demands a death. Kami will use every tool at her disposal to stop him. Together with Rusty, Angela, and Holly, she uncovers a secret that might be the key to saving the town. But with knowledge comes responsibility—and a painful choice. A choice that will risk not only Kami’s life, but also the lives of those she loves most.

Review

I'm not sure I should even write this review. I had to step away from this book for a few days because it was destroying my emotions. I think that was a mistake.

The end was a little too quick and I don't really understand what happened. That's odd because every other time I would give Ms. Brennan an A+ in the world building and description department. But overall, I did really enjoy this and it was a good conclusion to the series.

I definitely would re-read this series and I wonder if this one would work better on a re-read. I'm sure some day I will find out.

Thanks for reading!
Holly

Review: The Unleashing by Shelly Laurenston

Series: Call of Crows Book #1
Format: ebook
Rating: 3 Stars
How I Got It: Purchased
Genre: Urban Fantasy, Romance,
Publisher: Kensington

Synopsis courtesy of Goodreads

 

Kera Watson never expected to face death behind a Los Angeles coffee shop. Not after surviving two tours lugging an M16 around the Middle East. If it wasn’t for her hot Viking customer showing up too late to help, nobody would even see her die.

In uncountable years of service to the Allfather Odin, Ludvig “Vig” Rundstöm has never seen anyone kick ass with quite as much style as Kera. He knows one way to save her life—but she might not like it. Signing up with the Crows will get Kera a new set of battle buddies: cackling, gossiping, squabbling, party-hearty women. With wings. So not the Marines.

But Vig can’t give up on someone as special as Kera. With a storm of oh-crap magic speeding straight for L.A., survival will depend on combining their strengths: Kera’s discipline, Vig’s loyalty… and the Crows’ sheer love of battle. Boy, are they in trouble.

Review

This took me quite awhile to finish. I put it down for a couple weeks. I piecked it up after hearing raving about it on the DBSA podcast. And I was a little disappointed. However, based on what they said, Shelly Laurenston is kind of an acquired taste.

I think my biggest struggle is how confused I was. There are so many characters and I kept forgetting who they all are and their relationships. The mythology was also confusing. I could've used a character map or appendix.

Now, I am intrigued by some of the side characters. Jace has my catnip written all over her. Fortunately, it looks like they will become main characters.

Which I suppose answers the question I'm going to keep reading these. I am. A huge part of that is Jace. But I'm also hopeful I will start to understand the world more as I keep reading. We shall see. Eventually.

Thanks for reading!
Holly

August Wrap-Up (2016)

August really flew by. I think a huge part of that is that work was busy. This is already our busy season and this is the worst I've seen it in my five years there. So, I've been working a lot of overtime. This cuts into a lot of free time including reading.

I have to prioritize other things like sleep. Especially when I have to be 100% at work.

So, I read six books. It could've been better, but I'm not disappointed. Probably doesn't hurt that I finally read a few books by two of my favorite authors. And all but one of them (which was a re-read) were library books.

Below are the books I read and their ratings.

The Shadows-4 Stars

Blood Kiss-4 Stars

The Beast-4 Stars

Lover Eternal-5 Stars

Brown-Eyed Girl-4 Stars

Fortune's Pawn-4 Stars

Thanks for reading!
Holly

Review: Bitter Sweet Love by Jennifer L. Armentrout

 

Series: The Dark Elements .5
Format: Ebook
Rating: 3 Stars
How I Got It: Free ebook
Genre: New Adult, Paranormal Romance
Publisher: Harlequin Teen

Synopsis courtesy of Goodreads

 

Dez wasn't just Jasmine's crush. A gargoyle Warden like Jas, he helped her come to terms with her destiny—fending off demons and maintaining the balance between good and evil. He was her everything…right until the moment he disappeared without a trace. It didn't help that Jas's father had just announced that she and Dez would one day be mated. Hard not to take that personally.

And now he's back, three years older, ten times hotter, ready to pick up exactly where they left off. But Jas isn't taking that risk again. Dez has seven days to meet all her conditions and earn back her trust. Seven days filled with terrifying danger and sweet temptation. Seven days to win her heart—or shatter it all over again...

 
Review

I mean, this was ok. I'm glad I got it for free. There was nothing particularly wrong, but it didn't contribute to the rest of the series. Personally, I think prequel novellas should. Maybe things will come together as the series continues.

Jasmine was the more interesting characters, but they both fell a little flat. She talks a lot about disliking parts of Warden society, but doesn't deliver with it. At least, she's nice to Layla even though she's half demon.

The romance between Jasmine and Des is the main focus of the story. It's fast-paced and a pretty typical Jennifer L. Armentrout one.

If you're interested in this series, I would just start with White Hot Kiss. You can come back to this one if you really want to.

Thanks for reading!
Holly

Book Review: White Hot Kiss by Jennifer L. Armentrout

Series: The Dark Elements Book #1
Format: Paperback
Pages: 384
Rating: 4 Stars
How I Got It: Borrowed from Library/Own an ebook edition
Genre: Young Adult Paranormal, New Adult
Publisher: Harlequin Teen

Synopsis courtesy of Goodreads

One kiss could be the last.

Seventeen-year-old Layla just wants to be normal. But with a kiss that kills anything with a soul, she's anything but normal. Half demon, half gargoyle, Layla has abilities no one else possesses.

Raised among the Wardens—a race of gargoyles tasked with hunting demons and keeping humanity safe—Layla tries to fit in, but that means hiding her own dark side from those she loves the most. Especially Zayne, the swoon-worthy, incredibly gorgeous and completely off-limits Warden she's crushed on since forever.

Then she meets Roth—a tattooed, sinfully hot demon who claims to know all her secrets. Layla knows she should stay away, but she's not sure she wants to—especially when that whole no-kissing thing isn't an issue, considering Roth has no soul.

But when Layla discovers she's the reason for the violent demon uprising, trusting Roth could not only ruin her chances with Zayne… it could brand her a traitor to her family. Worse yet, it could become a one-way ticket to the end of the world.

Review

I really enjoyed this but I don't have much to say. It's a Jennifer L. Armentrout book and I want to keep reading. But I still like the Lux books better.

I like the idea of Gargoyles. It isn't something I've read before. The Demon things remind me a lot of the Sweet books by Wendy Higgins, but I don't mind.

Layla was a great character. She's a little immature, but she's only seventeen and has a lot going on. So, I forgive her. Zayne bothered me a little. He kept calling her childish when he was either being the same or she was actually reasonable.

Now, I've heard there's a pretty intense love triangle in this series. I also know Ms. Armentrout let the readers decide who Layla would end up with. This scares the crap out of me. I'm very much on Team Roth and don't want to see him hurt. We'll see how I feel after reading book two.

Thanks for reading!
Holly

Review: Shadowland by Meg Cabot

Series: Mediator Book #1
Format: Paperback
Pages: 287
Rating: 4 Stars
How I Got It: Purchased
Genre: Young Adult, Paranormal,
Publisher: Harper Teen

Synopsis courtesy of Goodreads

There's a hot guy in Susannah Simon's bedroom. Too bad he's a ghost.

Suze is a mediator - a liaison between the living and the dead. In other words, she sees dead people. And they won't leave her alone until she helps them resolve their unfinished business with the living. But Jesse, the hot ghost haunting her bedroom, doesn't seem to need her help. Which is a relief, because Suze has just moved to sunny California and plans to start fresh, with trips to the mall instead of the cemetery, and surfing instead of spectral visitations.

But the very first day at her new school, Suze realizes it's not that easy. There's a ghost with revenge on her mind... and Suze happens to be in the way.

 
Review

I really loved this series when I was younger, so I was super-excited to see a new book was being released. Naturally, I thought this would be a great time for a re-read. But I was afraid adult me wouldn't like it as much as teenage me. Fortunately, it was still enjoyable.

The writing is easy to read and fast-paced. It's pretty funny and isn't very dated. Contemporaries can always be odd when it comes to word choice or fashion that way. And Suze is a snappy narrator who talks directly to the reader which I love.

Suze is definitely a little stubborn and judgey. She's very strong which comes from that, but she also needs to be a little open-minded. Overall, I enjoy her and the other characters. Father Dom is an amazing foil to her. And her little step-brother Doc/David is adorable. Then, there's Jesse who is sweet and dreamy especially for a dead guy.

I don't remember a lot of what happens in this series so I am eager to go on a journey with Suze again. And Jesse. Always Jesse.

Thanks for reading!
Holly

Review: Die for Me by Amy Plum

Series: Revenants Book #1
Format: Hardcover
Pages: 341
Rating: 4 Stars
How I Got It: Purchased
Genre: Paranormal Young Adult
Publisher: HarperTeen

Synopsis courtesy of Goodreads

In the City of Lights, two star-crossed lovers battle a fate that is destined to tear them apart again and again for eternity.

When Kate Mercier's parents die in a tragic car accident, she leaves her life--and memories--behind to live with her grandparents in Paris. For Kate, the only way to survive her pain is escaping into the world of books and Parisian art. Until she meets Vincent.

Mysterious, charming, and devastatingly handsome, Vincent threatens to melt the ice around Kate's guarded heart with just his smile. As she begins to fall in love with Vincent, Kate discovers that he's a revenant--an undead being whose fate forces him to sacrifice himself over and over again to save the lives of others. Vincent and those like him are bound in a centuries-old war against a group of evil revenants who exist only to murder and betray. Kate soon realizes that if she follows her heart, she may never be safe again.

 
Review

I really enjoyed this book. It isn't anything ground-breaking, but that's not something that really bothers me.

Kate was a nice main character. She's a pretty normal girl which makes her easy to relate to. Her situation could cause her to be super moody or angsty, but she isn't. Yeah, she has her moments, but she's pretty well-adjusted. Oh, and I like that she and her sister have a believable, but good relationship.

Initially, I thought Vincent would be the dark and dreary bad boy you usually see in paranormal books. He does have parts of that, but he's actually very kind and generous. And I really like the little found family he has.

The suprise little gems are Kate's grandparents. They are so freaking adorable and I love couples who still love each other after being together for so long.

Ms. Plum did a good job of giving information about the Revenants so I was satisfied, but also left some mystery. I'm not sure what will happen in the rest of the series based on how this ended, but I do want to know more. I do plan on continuing to read this series eventually.

Thanks for reading!
Holly