Audiobook Review: A Shade of Blood (A Shade of Vampire #2) by Bella Forrest

A SHADE OF BLOOD

Author: A Shade of Vampire, Book #2

Author: Bella Forrest (Twitter)

Genres: YA, Fantasy, Paranormal Romance

Format: Audiobook (Amazon | Audible)

Narrators: Emma Galvin, Zachary Webber, Holter Graham & Michael Braun

Length: 8 hours & 42 minutes

Release Date: April 8, 2013

Reading Challenges: 2015 Goodreads Challenge, 2015 Audiobook Challenge

In A Shade Of Blood, Bella Forrest transports you deeper into a unique, enthralling and beautifully sensitive story. Prepare to be lost in its pages…

When Sofia Claremont was kidnapped to a sunless island, uncharted by any map and ruled by the most powerful vampire coven on the planet, she believed she’d forever be a captive of its dark ruler, Derek Novak.

Now, after months of surviving an endless night, the morning sun may soon rise again for Sofia. Something has possessed Derek’s heart and he offers her a gift no human slave has ever been given in the history of his cursed island: escape.

High school, prom and a chance to move on with her life now await her.

But will she be able to forget the horrors that steal her sleep away at night? … and the feelings that haunt her for that tormented prince of darkness?

I'm really enjoying how this story is evolving. It's pretty more intricate that what I first gave it credit for. The storytelling is done very well. Each chapter is told from a different perspective and each voice is singular. I am loving hearing each character's own voice and I love seeing how the characters see each other as well as themselves.

(Spoilers!) Book Review: Zodiac (Zodiac #1) by Romina Russell

ZODIAC

Book Series: Zodiac, Book #1

Author: Romina Russell (Twitter)

Genres: YA, Fantasy, Science Fiction, Mythology, Astrology

Format: Hardcover (Amazon)

Length: 336 pages

Release Date: December 9, 2014

Reading Challenges: 2015 Goodreads Challenge

At the dawn of time, there were 13 Houses in the Zodiac Galaxy. Now only 12 remain…

Rhoma Grace is a 16-year-old student from House Cancer with an unusual way of reading the stars. While her classmates use measurements to make accurate astrological predictions, Rho can’t solve for ‘x’ to save her life—so instead, she looks up at the night sky and makes up stories.

Then, when more Houses fall victim to freak weather catastrophes, Rho starts seeing a pattern in the stars. She suspects Ophiuchus—the exiled 13th Guardian of Zodiac legend—has returned to exact his revenge across the Galaxy. Now Rho—along with Hysan Dax, a young envoy from House Libra, and Mathias, her guide and a member of her Royal Guard—must travel through the Zodiac to warn the other Guardians.

But who will believe anything this young novice says? Whom can Rho trust in a universe defined by differences? And how can she convince twelve worlds to unite as one Zodiac?

Embark on a dazzling journey with ZODIAC, the first novel in an epic sci-fi-meets-high-fantasy series set in a galaxy inspired by the astrological signs.

FIRST IMPRESSION:: I immediately latched on to the idea of this book. I have always loved stargazing and have been into astrology, as my personality does go along with the identity of my star sign, Aquarius. So after the gorgeous cover caught my attention and I read the synopsis, I was very eager to read this.

Book Review: Revenge of the Witch (The Last Apprentice / Wardstone Chronicles #1) by Joseph Delaney

REVENGE OF THE WITCH

Book Series: The Last Apprentice / Wardstone Chronicles, Book #1

Author: Joseph Delaney (Facebook)

Genres: YA, Middle Grade, Paranormal, Supernatural, Magic

Format: Hardcover (Amazon)

Length: 343 pages

Release Date: September 6, 2005

Book Club (April Book of the Month): Nerds and Novels (SoCal Chapter)

Reading Challenges: 2015 Goodreads Challenge

Capturing witches. Binding boggarts. Driving away ghosts. For years, Old Gregory has been the Spook for the county, ridding the local villages of evil. Now his time is coming to an end. But who will take over for him? Twenty-nine apprentices have tried-some floundered, some fled, some failed to stay alive.

Only Thomas Ward is left. He's the last hope; the last apprentice.

Can Thomas succeed? Will he learn the difference between a benign witch and a malevolent one? Does the Spook's warning against girls with pointy shoes include Alice? And what will happen if Thomas accidentally frees Mother Malkin, the most evil witch in the county... 

I enjoyed this book every much, especially all the illustrations. It served mostly as an introduction to the series, and I was okay with that. Delaney's writing style kept me interested, the plot being laid out with a nice rise and fall, slow pacing at just the right times then dialing up the action, which made my reading experience all the more enjoyable.

Audiobook Review: SYLO (The SYLO Chronicles #1) by D.J. MacHale

Title: SYLO

Book Series: The SYLO Chronicles, Book #1
Author: D.J. MacHale (Facebook | Twitter)

Genres: YA, Dystopian, Science Fiction, Mystery

Format: Audiobook (Amazon | Audible)

Narrators: Andrew Bates

Length: 10 hours & 42 minutes

Release Date: July 2, 2013

Reading Challenges: 2015 Goodreads Challenge, 2015 Audiobook Challenge

Does Tucker Pierce have what it takes to be a hero when the U.S. military quarantines his island?

Fourteen-year-old Tucker Pierce prefers to fly under the radar. He’s used to navigating around summer tourists in his hometown on idyllic Pemberwick Island, Maine. He’s content to sit on the sidelines as a backup player on the high school football team. And though his best friend Quinn tells him to “go for it,” he’s too chicken to ask Tori Sleeper on a date. There’s always tomorrow, he figures. Then Pemberwick Island is invaded by a mysterious branch of the U.S. military called SYLO. And sitting on the sidelines is no longer an option for Tucker, because tomorrow may never come.

It’s up to Tucker, Quinn, and Tori to uncover the truth about the singing aircraft that appears only at night—and the stranger named Feit who’s pushing a red crystal he calls the Ruby that brings unique powers to all who take it. Tucker and his friends must rescue not just Pemberwick Island, but the fate of the world—and all before tomorrow is too late.

FIRST IMPRESSION:: Yes! This is the kind of “Chapter One” I like. Start off with a bang and don't beat around the bush with unnecessary pretense! A perfectly healthy, all-star football player, Marty Wiggins, drops dead after celebrating the final touchdown in a blowout game. And that was just the first death in a "Night of Deaths." Our main character, the all-stars back up, who's more interested in cheerleaders than football. A not-so-obvious hero. A possible villain - a surfer-looking guy scribbling furiously in a notebook during play who is the only one not paying attention to the game and the only one  missing from the stands when Marty dies. Im I intrigued... Uh, heck yeah!

Audiobook Review: Deadly Sting (Elemental Assassin #8) by Jennifer Estep

Title: Deadly Sting

Book Series: Elemental Assassin, Book #8

Author: Jennifer Estep (Facebook | Twitter)

Genres: Urban Fantasy, Paranormal

Format: Audiobook (Amazon | Audible)

Narrators: Lauren Fortgang

Length: 11 hours & 6 minutes

Release Date: March 26, 2013

Red is definitely my color. Good thing, because in my line of work, I end up wearing it a lot.
Most people shy away from blood, but for an assassin like me— Gin Blanco, aka the Spider—it’s just part of the job. Still, it would be nice to get a night off, especially when I’m attending the biggest gala event of the summer at Briartop, Ashland’s fanciest art museum. But it’s just not meant to be. For this exhibition of my late nemesis’s priceless possessions is not only the place to be seen, but the place to be robbed and taken hostage at gunpoint as well. No sooner did I get my champagne than a bunch of the unluckiest thieves ever burst into the museum and started looting the place

Unlucky why? Because I brought along a couple of knives in addition to my killer dress. Add these to my Ice and Stone magic, and nothing makes me happier than showing the bad guys why red really is my color.

FIRST IMPRESSIONS:: i love the book cover and how it ties with this story. No question, you can see that this is a story about one badass chick.

Chapter One was cute. Nice introduction back into the world of Gin and Finn. I love their banter, and Finn in general. He takes being self-conceit to a whole new level, but still remains loveable and charming.

The 100 (The Hundred #1) by Kass Morgan

Title: The 100

Book Series: The Hundred, Book #1

Author: Kass Morgan

Genres: YA, Dystopian, Science Fiction

Format: Hardback

Length: 323 pages

Release Date: September 3, 2013

In the future, humans live in city-like spaceships orbiting far above Earth's toxic atmosphere. No one knows when, or even if, the long-abandoned planet will be habitable again. But faced with dwindling resources and a growing populace, government leaders know they must reclaim their homeland... before it's too late.

Now, one hundred juvenile delinquents are being sent on a high-stakes mission to recolonize Earth. After a brutal crash landing, the teens arrive on a savagely beautiful planet they've only seen from space. Confronting the dangers of this rugged new world, they struggle to form a tentative community. But they're haunted by their past and uncertain about the future. To survive, they must learn to trust - and even love - again.

FIRST IMPRESSION:: My eyes just happened to fall on this title while browsing in he library and I HAD TO HAVE THIS!!! I am a huge fan he CW series, so I definitely wanted to give the book a whirl. Wasn't disappointed. I enjoyed it

Book Review: Shatter Me by Tahereh Mafi

Book Series: Shatter Me, Book #1
Author: Tahereh Mafi
Genres: YA, Dystopian
Format: Audiobook (Audible)
Narrator: Kate Simses
Length: 09 hrs and 12 mins

My Ranking:

Juliette hasn’t touched anyone in exactly 264 days.

The last time she did, it was an accident, but The Reestablishment locked her up for murder. No one knows why Juliette’s touch is fatal. As long as she doesn’t hurt anyone else, no one really cares. The world is too busy crumbling to pieces to pay attention to a 17-year-old girl. Diseases are destroying the population, food is hard to find, birds don’t fly anymore, and the clouds are the wrong color.

The Reestablishment said their way was the only way to fix things, so they threw Juliette in a cell. Now so many people are dead that the survivors are whispering war – and The Reestablishment has changed its mind. Maybe Juliette is more than a tortured soul stuffed into a poisonous body. Maybe she’s exactly what they need right now.

Juliette has to make a choice: Be a weapon. Or be a warrior.

With the first few sentences, your immersed in a world with texture, color, scents and sounds. Every moment is full; every thought, fully realized. I've never read a book like this before. Mafi sets each scene so completely it's almost too much. It's like a sensory overload; I can feel, see, touch and taste everything that's described to such fine detail. The experience is unique and delicious.

However, after getting 75% through the story, the detailed descriptions began to really, really ... really aggravate me. The best part and the worst part about the book is the imagery and the over examination of everything Juliette is feeling. It's beautiful but distracting. Because as rich and detailed as her experience is, there overall story falters. Since Juliette doesn't know what's happening neither do we. And I am almost done and I haven't learned anything. Nothing of true substance when it comes to the plot or the world were in. This is almost like a character story of Juliette and of Warner.

Ah, Warner. I wanted to hate him. But there is something seductively terrifying about his brand of crazy. He's pretty much devoid of all personality except - to the chagrin of our protagonist - for his fascination with Juliette. And he things he does aren't even as scary as what he says. One of my favorite creepy Warner lines is this - "Inflicting pain, you see, is incredibly efficient method of getting information out of anyone and with you...," he glances at my hands, "well, it's cheap, fast, effective." He smiles wider. "And as long as we keep you alive you'll be good for at least a few decades. its very fortunate that you're not battery operated."

If that isn't cold blooded I don't know, what it is. but still I don't hate him... I'm not quite sure that means that mossy is such a good writer she's created a likable evil, creepy antagonist or or me the sad bastard type of girl who likes guy who who might very well kill them in there sleep. But hey, I guess books for the best place do fancy that type of guy, right?

(Addition after getting past 75 percent) It's almost as if Mafi heard my earlier critique and changed the style of the book. After meeting Adam's brother real life gets pumped into the book. You get a sense of who Adam is, meet funny characters and then, Omega. This is what I have been waiting for. Plot, background, and for Juliette's wall decimating ability to not seem so out-of-left-field, bat-shit crazy. It gets interesting in the last few chapters and why did he epilogue feel so content rich. It's supposed to be a tasty morsel, a little bite of extra pleasure. Not Juliette getting the means to actually lead a "normal life" via the sexy vixen, skin-tight purple catsuit.

Had I not already bought the next audiobook I doubt I would have continued the book. It's beautifully stylized, but underneath it all, there's not that much there.

Kate Simses portrays a brilliant narration of this world, these characters. The repetitive "I am not insane" in almost brought me to tears. The desperation, absolution, and fear were so ingrained into the repetition. And her interpretation of Warner is either responsible for my fascination with him, or she feed him in the same crazy but sexy way as me, which makes me not feel so bad. His words ooze from her lips with this deliberately slow, seductive cadence that has underlining robotic, dissociative quality that's just like ... wow.

Book Review: Shadows by Jennifer L. Armentrout

Book Series: Lux, Book #0.5
Author: Jennifer L. Armentrout
Genres: YA, Paranormal Romance, Aliens
Format: Audiobook
Narrator: Justine Eyre
Length: 4 hrs and 53 mins

My Ranking:

The last thing Dawson Black expected was Bethany Williams. As a Luxen, an alien life form on Earth, human girls are…well, fun. But since the Luxen have to keep their true identities a secret, falling for one would be insane.

Dangerous. Tempting. Undeniable.

Bethany can’t deny the immediate connection between her and Dawson. And even though boys aren’t a complication she wants, she can’t stay away from him. Still, whenever they lock eyes, she’s drawn in.

Captivated. Lured. Loved.

Dawson is keeping a secret that will change her existence...and put her life in jeopardy. But even he can’t stop risking everything for one human girl. Or from a fate that is as unavoidable as love itself.

(Quick comment - I read this after Obsidian) What a nice surprise. This was a much needed departure from the "all sarcasm, all the time" relationship with Daemon and Katy. And it was also good to see a Lux loving their life, because I felt so bad for Daemon and Dee in the first book. This world sucks for the Lux (unintentional rhyming, I swear).

Moving along, I think that Dawson and Bethany had a great relationship. Their story felt more sweet than intense in comparison to Daemon and Katy. Though, I think that might have more to do with Daemon's personality. Speaking of that, I think that Daemon got handed the shortest stick in the Black family. With Dawson and Dee letting their heart and personal desires drive them, it doesn't leave much room for Daemon to be his own person. He's had to be responsible for everyone and has probably made a lot more sacrifices then either of his siblings. Which brought new treatment of Katy. It doesn't excuse his harsh words and actions, but it does make his instant rejection not feel like less a slap in the face with how intense he is against even knowing Katy.

Daemon is still my favorite Black, although Dawson had some great moments. I loved when he got so excited from Bethany just calling him. Brings back fond memories of youth and loves past.

Also, I appreciated getting to see part of what caused the local Luxen's human aversion. Poor Katy - she didn't have a shot in hell of being accepted by any Lux after Dawson basically gave them the finger and told them to suck it when they disapproved of his relationship with Bethany. It was good to see were the prejudice and distrust came from. While I don't agree, I sympathize.

This book felt a more exciting than the first, which is always a good thing. Jumping into Onyx. This might be new favorite series!

No knew thoughts on Justine Eyre. The tone of her voice didn't bother me as much. Maybe that had more to do Dawson and Bethany's interactions being more mature.

Book Review: One Night Rodeo by Lorelei James

Book Series: Blacktop Cowboys, Book #4
Author: Lorelei James
Genres:  Western, Erotica, Contemporary Romance
Format: Audiobook
Narrator: Scarlet Chase
Length: 9 hrs and 50 mins

My Ranking:

In the rodeo arena, all you have to worry about is surviving. But in the arena of love and ecstasy, things get much more complicated.

Lainie Capshaw has been servicing injured cowboys long enough to know that a charming Western drawl combined with a fine physical form doesn't mean you should fall for a man. As a sports therapist, she travels the rodeo circuits patching up riders - and fending off their sweet-talking, swaggering advances.

So no one is more surprised than Lainie when she finds herself involved with not one, but two different men on different circuits. Hank Lawson, a bullfighter, and Kyle Gilchrist, a bull rider trying to stage a comeback. Lainie feels guilty about her two-timing, but it doesn't keep her from doubling her fun -until Hank catches her with Kyle.

She's shocked that Hank isn't mad. She's more shocked to learn Hank and Kyle are hometown buddies. But when the men offer to share her - she knows that both of them are going to try to win her, body and soul. Now it's up to Lainie to choose the one man who can give her the ride of her life.(less)

Even with your favorite authors, you're never going to love everything. This is the first Blacktop Cowboys story that I found only okay. This book hit upon my dislike of some of James's female lead characters. However, to be honest, I never really liked Celia to begin with. There was just something about her flighty, flirty nature that just turned me off. It didn't get any better when she was the focus.

Usually, my intense like of the male leads can override my dislike of the females and allow me to enjoy the story as a whole. Not this time. What's strange is that I liked Kyle - or, at least,  Kyle in Corralled. He was less ... angsty. He was such a strong character in Corralled and even took his rejection from Laney in an impressive way. But this story - with this mother, father and Celia - I didn't get the same vibe from him.

 A big complaint was that they story was very, very unrealistic. Everything just fell in their laps. Kyle's broke? No problem,  here's an inheritance. Kyle love ranchin' and always wanted one - here's a ranch from the Daddy you never knew you had! Kyle and Celia want a future together, so poof, man/woman of your dreams. Perhaps that last one being too harsh because them ending up together has been hinted a bit. Overall, there was too much of a cause and effect plotline. Yes, yes, I know that's how stories go, but not with James. The other books in the series felt more organic. In fact, I love these stories because of their realism. Nothing ever felt like a soap opera; hell, even the first book's ménage à trois felt more natural.

Meh on this one. Still a Blacktop Cowboy's fan. Even though I thought Kyle could take the top spot in which Blacktop Cowboy I loved the most, it's still Renner Jackson all the way. Then Bran, then Hank... then Kyle. Girls follow same path of "like". Tierney, Harper and so on and so forth (though I'd Jainie is last - didn't like her one bit).

The tiny speck of a town called Muddy Gap, Wyoming, has captured a special place in my heart. But this book was my least favorite.

Scarlet Chase is fantastic. She's got a great drawl but still speaks clear. She also is excellent at capturing the masculinity of these charming cowboys. Her performance enhanced my enjoyment of the story so much that I decided to stay "audiobook-loyal" to this series and will not read the printed version.

Book Review: Corralled by Lorelei James

Book Series: Blacktop Cowboys, Book #1
Author: Lorelei James
Genres:  Western, Erotica, Contemporary Romance
Format: Audiobook
Narrator: Scarlet Chase
Length: 9 hrs and 48 mins

My Ranking:

In the rodeo arena, all you have to worry about is surviving. But in the arena of love and ecstasy, things get much more complicated.

Lainie Capshaw has been servicing injured cowboys long enough to know that a charming Western drawl combined with a fine physical form doesn't mean you should fall for a man. As a sports therapist, she travels the rodeo circuits patching up riders - and fending off their sweet-talking, swaggering advances.

So no one is more surprised than Lainie when she finds herself involved with not one, but two different men on different circuits. Hank Lawson, a bullfighter, and Kyle Gilchrist, a bull rider trying to stage a comeback. Lainie feels guilty about her two-timing, but it doesn't keep her from doubling her fun -until Hank catches her with Kyle.

She's shocked that Hank isn't mad. She's more shocked to learn Hank and Kyle are hometown buddies. But when the men offer to share her - she knows that both of them are going to try to win her, body and soul. Now it's up to Lainie to choose the one man who can give her the ride of her life.(less)

This was the very first book in the Erotica genre I read. For most of my early adult life, I avoided the genre under the naive assumption that all "erotica" books were those that featured Fabio-like characters with long flowing mane and had sex scenes that spoke of "quivering bosoms". Translation, ick. Also, I've never read a Western-themed book. Wide open plains, cattle raising and rodeos never struck me as something I'd ever be into. But, I gave this book a chance and was I was wrong on both of the aforementioned accounts.

James's sexy world of rodeos and cowboys caught me off completely by surprise. I was not prepared how damn sexy this book was going to be. James is extremely proficient in writing scorching hot sex scenes. I was not prepared for that and I was so captivated, I finished this audiobook in about a day.

What's more is that while the sex scenes are definitely amazing, the story behind it all was real. The quick gist is that there's a woman Melanie "Lainie" Capshaw who was having a relationship with two different men, Hank Lawson and Kyle Gilchrist. A chance encounter at a bar exposes everything and the two men discover the secret. To make it even more awkward, not only to Hank and Kyle know each other and are friends, they both have there stubborn hearts set on being with Lainie. They both were also planning to make there move before it all went to hell. So what do they do. They take a risk and ménage it up, while both men are determined and secretly plot to win her over.

Sound like typical, petty drama? That's what I assumed. But James' surprised me with all the characters genuine emotions and motivations. She introduces you to all of the characters and gave them had distinct personalities and backgrounds.

When it was all said and done, I had discovered her secret. This wasn't a book about sex. It was a book about relationships, the Western lifestyle and most of all, about love. It was detailed story with some hot, hot sex scenes to keep it interesting and enticing. What a superb formula - I loved every minute of it!

My only critique is that there was more sex than story, and that the actual story was told more toward the end of the book. For that reason, I could only give this book a 3-star rating because I loved the characters, so much I could have lost a sex scene or two for more plot.

The tiny speck of a town called Muddy Gap, Wyoming, has captured a special place in my heart. By the time the narrator had announced the story was at it's end, I'd come to love the town and everyone in it, the rodeo lifestyle and the rich descriptions of the Wyoming/Midwestern landscape. And, of course, I especially loved all the charmingly sexy cowboys...

Scarlet Chase is fantastic. She's got a great drawl but still speaks clear. She also is excellent at capturing the masculinity of these charming cowboys. Her performance enhanced my enjoyment of the story so much that I decided to stay "audiobook-loyal" to this series and will not read the printed version.

Book Review: Beautiful Disaster by Jamie McGuire

Book Series: Beautiful, Book #1
Author: Jamie McGuire
Genres: New Adult, Contemporary Romance
Format: Audiobook
Narrator: Emma Galvin
Length: 10 hrs and 30 mins

My Ranking:

The new Abby Abernathy is a good girl. She doesn’t drink or swear, and she has the appropriate number of cardigans in her wardrobe. Abby believes she has enough distance from the darkness of her past, but when she arrives at college with her best friend, her path to a new beginning is quickly challenged by Eastern University's Walking One-Night Stand.

Travis Maddox, lean, cut, and covered in tattoos, is exactly what Abby needs—and wants—to avoid. He spends his nights winning money in a floating fight ring, and his days as the ultimate college campus charmer. Intrigued by Abby’s resistance to his appeal, Travis tricks her into his daily life with a simple bet. If he loses, he must remain abstinent for a month. If Abby loses, she must live in Travis’s apartment for the same amount of time. Either way, Travis has no idea that he has met his match.

It's always a good thing when you end a book with a stupid, cheesy grin on your face.

I really liked this book. It was a great story. First of all, I really liked that the characters all had pretty distinct personalities, and the way that they interacted with each other was really believable. The whole story was very believable (well, minus the underground fighting ring and the gambling part... you wouldn't run into that everyday).

But, I didn't like the book in the beginning. When it started, I wasn't sure how I feel about this story. I, for one, don't really get Abby's appeal especially when it comes to Travis. I got that he obviously was attracted to her from the start. But I wasn't sure what kept him coming back and being so willing to help her in the beginning. Abby, to me, acted like she was on some crazy-ass, mood swing teeder-toddler. But then, same goes for Travis. His desperation for Abby to like him and not leave was so... odd. I guess I want to know what the deal was faster. What are his demons, and more importantly, what are hers? I am suspecting there is more to Abby's madness. Much, much more.

I didn't really get into the story until about halfway through. Then, I started to really like Travis as a character. He had a very extreme personality and there was something very "Pan-like" about him. Yes, I mean Peter Pan. He was fierce and he was strong but very, very vulnerable. I really felt for him because Abby really put him through the ringer. She even had my head spinning through the whole story and it was told from her perspective. However - his behavior was a bit too extreme at times. And damn - what a temper he had.

Since I liked this book, I am not going to pick it apart. I enjoyed McGuire's writing style, she had some really great lines. One of my favorite lines was "Shepley moved like he watched too many Usher videos." I knew exactly what she meant. Oh, the hilarity!!!

One critique was who was that we never really learned who was the "old Abby." What was she like? Who was she when she was in Vegas? Because after I learned who her old boyfriend was and what her old life was, I didn't really believe the whole virgin thing anymore. Or, why she was treated so delicately by America.

I can't wait to read Walking Disaster and here what Travis has to say... the man behind the myth. Excited.

Emma Galvin is a phenomenal voice actress and my absolute favorite. She's brings her characters to life effortlessly and can capture even the tiniest emotion with her vocal inflection. I first discovered her through the Divergent series and have have almost finished every audiobook she's ever read. Yes, she's that good. And if you don't agree, don't even bother saying so. You can't convince me otherwise!

Book Review: Obsidian by Jennifer L. Armentrout

Book Series: Lux, Book #1
Author: Jennifer L. Armentrout
Genres: YA, Paranormal Romance, Aliens
Format: Audiobook
Narrator: Justine Eyre
Length: 9 hrs and 32 mins

My Ranking:

When 17-year-old Katy Swartz moved to West Virginia right before her senior year, she'd pretty much resigned herself to thick accents, dodgy Internet access, and a whole lot of boring, but then she spotted her hot neighbor, with his looming height and eerie green eyes. Things were looking up...until he opened his mouth.

Daemon Black is infuriating. Arrogant. Stab-worthy. It's hate at first sight, but when a stranger attacks her and Daemon literally freezes time with a wave of his hand, well, something...unexpected happens. The hot guy next door? Well, he's an alien.

Turns out that Daemon and his sister have a galaxy of enemies wanting to steal their abilities and Katy is caught in the crosshairs. Daemon's touch has lit her up like the Vegas Strip and the only way she's getting out of this alive is by sticking close to him until her alien mojo fades. That is, if she doesn't kill him first.

Aliens aren't my thing. Neither are hardcore sci-fi stories; I'm a paranormal girl - fairies, witches, vamps, weres and all the sexy little things that go bump in the night. Thus said, when I first heard about this series, it barely piqued my interest. Then a flash flood of Twilight comparisons came my way, and I was really turned off. I was fully prepared to pass on this series, but then Audible had a sale. They get me every time...

As I prepared myself to cringe my way though a saccharine sweet love story about two people who shouldn't be together, something magical happened. But the first page, I was smiling and laughing at these two characters get under each other's skin in such a hilariously way. This type of humor is definitely up my alley. And, upon finishing the book, said smile was still on my face.

I was surprised how much I liked Daemon, considering through about 75% of the book he was a jackass. But I didn't mind because he made up for it with his wicked charm and snarky, sexy sarcasm. That too, my friends, works for me. Also, I really appreciated that Katy didn't let him get away with it. She was a strong, independent and confident lead witch was refreshing. Too often you run into girls pining for complete jackasses how have cruel words and no heart to back it up... and the girl just takes it and continues to pine for him.

But, Daemon wasn't like that. Yes, he was over the top with this brush offs, but at least his goal was to literally make things so miserable for Katy she'd run screaming. Objective achieved; he came very close. He made it abundantly clear to Katy on many occasions he'd never want her around for himself and that a friendship with Dee wasn't gonna happen. I don't even believe his position truly changed in the end, despite everything. I can respect that.

Enough about Daemon, because I liked Katy just as much. She pushed back just as hard as Daemon shoved, and the end result was hilarious. These two stubborn characters clashed in the most excellent way, but at the same time their non-relationship felt real. Plenty of people have fallen for the wrong guy and Katy know she had, but could she stop? Hell no, not with all the charm he was laying on. Which brings me to the sexual tension ... wow! Definitely made this an enjoyable read.

To wrap things up, overall storyline was only okay for me. If Katy and Daemon weren't in the book, it's own, I find the a little weak. But as setup for the series well that's a different situation. This story felt like sturdy foundation to base the series on. Plus, it ended on a high note and I had stupid grin plastered over my face. Already started the next book and the prequel, Shadows.

For the most part, I liked Justine Eyre. Overall, I thought her voice was a bit too mature. Don't get me wrong, when she spoke as a female teen, she sounded young enough. But with what I'd call Katy's stream of concious, it didn't work. I also don't like how she spoke as Daemon. And she dragged her "m's".  Okay - perhaps I didn't like her. Well, let's just say her style is not mine.

Book Review: Prince of Wolves by Quinn Loftis

Book Series: (The Grey Wolves, Book #1)
Author: Quinn Loftis
Genres: Paranormal, Shapeshifters, YA
Format: Nook Book (Barnes and Noble)
Length: 230 pages
Book Club Pick: Never Too Old For Y.A. & N.A. Books (Goodreads)

My Ranking:

Jacque Pierce was just an ordinary 17-year-old girl getting ready to start her senior year in high school in Coldspring, Texas. When a mysterious foreign exchange student from Romania moves in across the street, Jacque and her two best friends, Sally and Jen, don't realize the last two weeks of their summer are going to get a lot more interesting.

From the moment Jacque sets eyes on Fane she feels an instant connection, a pull like a moth to a flame. Little does she know that the flame she is drawn to is actually a Canis lupis, werewolf, and she just happens to be his mate; the other half of his soul.

The problem is Fane is not the only wolf in Coldspring, Texas.

Just as Fane and Jacque are getting to know each other, another wolf steps out to try and claim Jacque as his mate. Fane will now have to fight for the right to complete the mating bond, something that is his right by birth but is being denied him by a crazed Alpha. Will the love Fane has for Jacque be enough to give him the strength to defeat his enemy, will Jacque accept that she is Fane's mate and complete the bond between them?

I enjoyed this book. But the same time, I didn't really get it until about halfway it. Maybe not "get it", as in the story, but "get it" as in that instant connection between these two mates. It was just too fast, too underdeveloped. However, after getting to the end of the book, I realized this may have been because Loftis had a lot of ground to cover and just hit the ground running.

That fact, and being exposed to a new world, caught me off guard. It made everything a lot harder to swallow. But now that I've made it to the end, I could care less. I really did believe in the connection between Fane and Jacque. It was simply beautiful. Yes things did happen fast - very fast - but after the whole experience with Lucas Steele, and seeing how he behaved with Jackie, it just solidified the true meaning behind true mates in this story.

Now for the characters. I really liked Jacque. I sometimes have a hard time liking with female leads in YA books. Especially, since a great many are portrayed as a little bit silly, whine a lot, and make ridiculous, completely asinine decisions to just to keep the plot moving forward. That really, really irks me. But Jackie was spunky and had a firm backbone, which was awesome. Especially since she's eventually going to be an Alpha female.

Fane was a pretty hot, I have to say. I really liked his personality, and I myself, got giddy at the things he was saying in Romanian. Sometimes words, any word, just sounds hotter when said a different language.

I really liked all of the supporting characters: the helpful Henry's; Sally and Jen, Fane's parents, everyone. Sally and Jen especially brought a really great lightness to the entire story. Their relationship with Jacque was pretty refreshing, and hilarious, at most times. This story easily could've been very dark, but having these three wonderful, quirky characters - with all of their witty banter and all of Jen's sexual inappropriateness – in the story just made it more complete.