Review: Chained by Night by Larissa Ione

Publish Date: September 30, 2014

Mass Market Paperback {p.}

Genre: Paranormal

Series: MoonBound Clan Vampire #2

Source: Publisher

Aylin, Hunter

THE FUTURE OF HIS TRIBE Leader of the vampire clan MoonBound, Hunter will do what he must to save his people from extinction—or worse, a torturous eternity as vampire slaves and subjects of human experimentation.To keep his enemies at bay, he has agreed to mate a rival clan leader’s daughter in return for peace between the clans and an ally in the looming war with the humans.

THE LOVER OF HIS SOUL But survival comes at a price. First, Hunter must break an ancient curse by successfully negotiating three deadly tests. Then he must resist the searing passions of the gorgeous vampire warrior he despises but is bound to mate. Will Hunter stay true to his word? Or will he risk everything for the woman he really loves: the vampire seductress’s identical twin sister?

 

It took me some time to get into this story, and when I did, it seemed to drag on in parts a bit unnecessarily. With that said, I still enjoyed the majority of the book. I really liked the interaction between Aylin and Hunter. All her live she'd been below everyone else in the pecking order, but when she was with Hunter you would never know it. She spoke her mind with Hunter, without fear of reprimand.

The chemistry between the two of them pretty much began at first sight of each other. Even with that being the case, I never felt that their chemistry was forced. Hunter was a great leader for the clan in the aspect that everyone was equal, no one person was better than the other because of issues beyond their control. 

I am interested to see how the clan progresses, especially Nicole and Riker and Myne. Outside of Aylin and Hunter, they were the ones I became most invested in. Sam was also an interesting character. He was not at all what I was expecting. The overall series seems promising, but it's not one that I'll be impatiently waiting for.

Review: Searching for Perfect by Jennifer Probst

Publish Date: April 29, 2014
Trade Paperback {p.341}
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Series:  Searching For #2
Source: Publisher
Kennedy Ashe, Nate Dunkle

The up-and-coming matchmaking agency Kinnections is the hottest thing to hit Verily, New York—just like Kennedy Ashe, social director for the service she owns with her two best girlfriends. A coach, consultant, and cheerleader rolled into one super-sizzling package, Kennedy creates dream dates, encourages singles to shine, and never refuses a challenge—not even Nate Ellison Raymond Dunkle, rocket scientist, nerd extraordinaire, and Kennedy’s newest client.

Kennedy vows to work her magic and transform this hot mess in a lab coat with a disastrous relationship track record into the most wanted man on the Verily dating scene. If only she could turn the wand on herself.

Though she radiates confidence and sex appeal, Kennedy harbors deep-seated insecurities from a tormented past and lifelong struggle with weight issues. When she realizes she and Nate are cut from the same cloth and might be perfect together, can Kennedy learn to let her heart lead the way? Or will her fears sentence her to the sidelines as Nate finds love—with someone else?

This book had me laughing from page one. Nate was absolutely "amazing." I think I may have liked Nate more than Kennedy. Nate is this brilliant aerospace engineer, but when it comes to people, he has absolutely no social skills. He doesn't says what's on his mind without sugarcoating it, which can be off-putting in the dating arena.

Kennedy had some major issues that I wasn't aware of from the previous book, so she hid it well. Whereas her friends, Gen and Arilyn, it is evident that they are going through something. Kennedy seemed so put together, I guess that's why I was surprised by her issues.

This was by far the funnier of the two books in the series. All the scenes of Nate's transformation from geek to chic, were a riot. I loved every minute of this book, of course except for Kennedy sabotaging her own happiness. This is a great series that pulls you in and you become attached to every single character. Even the supporting characters: Wolfe, Connor, Gen; I want to know more about them. Like Gen, she starts this series engaged, but something is amiss with that relationship. I'm excited to see how it plays out.

Definitely a series you should pick up if you are looking for a good laugh with your romance.

Review: Never Too Far by Abbi Glines

 

Publish Date: February 25, 2013 
Kindle {p.193}
Genre: New Adult
Series: Rosemary Beach #2
Source: Personal Library
Blaire Wynn, Rush Finley

Just when Blaire allowed herself to fall for her stepbrother, Rush, he revealed a life-altering secret so devastating that she couldn't forgive him. Unable to face him again, Blaire leaves the promise of true love behind in Rosemary Beach and returns to the comforts of her small town in Alabama, wanting nothing more than to put the summer behind her.

But unexpected news complicates Blaire’s plans, and she’s forced to trust the one man she shouldn’t. Trapped between Rush’s fierce desire to win her back and her own sense of self-preservation, Blaire doesn’t know if she’s doing the right thing . . . or if she’s making the biggest mistake of her life.

This was just a continuation of the previous book, with all the characters pretty much the same with no growth. The only character I felt that changed was Grant, and not for the better. Grant, Rush's brother, seemed to all of a sudden be Team Nan. Nan of course, was still her mean, hateful self when it came to Blaire. To me, all that should have been directed toward her so-called father.

I wanted to give Blaire's ex-boyfriend Cain a chance and like him, but he never made it possible. I just wanted to punch him in his face throughout his stint in this book.

Woods stepped up and took on the role of caregiver and protector of Blaire when it seemed that Rush couldn't or wouldn't. Rush insisted on proving to Blaire that he was going to put her before his sister and mother, but at times he did not. Some of it was understandable, but at other times, it was not. So he lost some points with me for that, and I wasn't his biggest fan to begin with.

Overall I still enjoyed this installment very much.

Review: Fallen Too Far by Abbli Glines

Publish Date: December 14, 2012
Kindle {p.300}
Genre: New Adult
Series: Rosemary Beach #1
Source: Personal Library
Blaire Wynn, Rush Finley

To want what you’re not supposed to have…

She is only nineteen.

She is his new stepfather’s daughter.

She is still naïve and innocent due to spending the last three years taking care of her sick mother.

But for twenty-four year old Rush Finlay, she is the only thing that has ever been off limits. His famous father’s guilt money, his mother’s desperation to win his love, and his charm are the three reasons he has never been told no.

Blaire Wynn left her small farmhouse in Alabama, after her mother passed away, to move in with her father and his new wife in their sprawling beach house along the Florida gulf coast. She isn’t prepared for the lifestyle change and she knows she’ll never fit into this world. Then there is her sexy stepbrother who her father leaves her with for the summer while he runs off to Paris with his wife. Rush is as spoiled as he is gorgeous. He is also getting under her skin. She knows he is anything but good for her and that he’ll never be faithful to anyone. He is jaded and has secrets Blaire knows she may never uncover but even knowing all of that…

Blaire just may have fallen too far.

Rush, Rush, Rush. I was stumped as to how the author was going to turn this character around. He started out as this womanizer with no morals, so I didn't know how he could be leading man material. I found that I was more into the characters Grant, Rush's brother, and Woods, the country club playboy. You could see Rush's struggle with his attraction to Blaire.

I don't know how she did it, but I fell in love with this book and its screwed up characters. I'm still screaming, "Why Rush, why!?! Why didn't you say something before?"

All that classist behavior that was oh so prevalent at the country club, felt reminiscent of Kellermans, the country club from Dirty Dancing. These little country club snobs really grated on my nerves.

Blaire father was an complete deadbeat. Hated him before he showed up, and still hated him after. I don't know how you spend you life with someone you claim to love and have children with and can't even be bothered to attend their funeral, or extend condolences to your child for their loss. I don't care if they were divorced at the time of his ex-wife's death, they still had a daughter who was terribly in need of a parent having just lost her mother. There was no redeeming him to me. The thing I couldn't understand, is why ANYONE would want him after that.

The only person I may hate more than Abe, Blaire's father, is Nan, Rush's sister. Although Rush's mother Georgiana is giving Nan a run for her money in that race. Blaire is a bigger person than I there at the end with Nan, 'cause I would have did it.

Best believe, I will be continuing on with this series. I have to see who the lucky lady is that will capture my love interest, Woods.

Review: Searching for Someday by Jennifer Probst

Publish Date: November 26, 2013
Trade Paperback {p.375}
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Series: Searching For #1
Source: Publisher
Kate Seymour, Slade Montgomery

Kate has given up on love—at least for herself. She is both blessed and cursed with the ability to sense a romantic connection between two people—a gift that her family passed down for generations. When Kate launches her own matchmaking company, Kinnection, with her two best friends in a cozy New York town, she has to put aside her own romantic disasters to make her business a success.

But when a furious man stalks into her office and accuses her business of being a scam, Kate is given the ultimate challenge to prove herself. Slade puts himself in her hands and asks Kate to find him love. Enraged at his arrogance but stubbornly eager to prove herself, Kate agrees, dedicating herself to the journey of finding him love...only to find herself falling for him along the way.

I really enjoyed this, although it took a couple of chapters before it picked up for me. It started a little bland, but around chapter four or five is when it came alive for me. Kate and Slade both seemed to develop around then. It was a fun, flirty read that kept me enthralled from that point forward.

All the characters were well-written, well-rounded and had both strengths and flaws. I loved each and every one of them, including Robert, Kate's dog.

What I truly liked about Kate and Slade's relationship, is that although they had that instant connection and attraction, it wasn't instant love. They went through their share of rough patches trying to deny their connection to one another. The chase is what kept it interesting.

A couple of background characters, Genevieve and her twin sister Izzy, really caught my attention. I'm interested in seeing where their story is going to go. There was definitely something much deeper going on there.

Kate and her business partners have a great relationship and they kept me laughing. I did discover a few movies I need to add to my to-watch list while I anxiously await the next installment in the series.

Review: Twisted by Emma Chase

Publish Date: March 25, 2014
Trade Paperback {p.241}
Genre: New Adult
Source: Publisher
Katherine Brooks, Drew Evans

When spontaneous and carefree meets cautious and responsible, falling in love can get just a little Twisted

There are two kinds of people in this world: the ones who look first, and the ones who leap. I've always been more of a looker. A planner. Cautious. Then I met Drew Evans. He was so persistent. So sure of himself. He made it easy to leap with him.

Did you think Drew and I were going to ride off into the sunset and live happily ever after? So did I. But life is about choices, and Drew already made his. In fact, he tried to decide for the both of us; but you know that's not my style. So I came back to Greenville, to spend some time alone . . . sort of.

Because old habits die hard, and sometimes you have to go back to where you began before you can move ahead again.

Where to begin. This whole sh*t-storm could have been prevented if only Kate had not lied. I was never a fan of Drew from the last installment, and this one didn't change my mind about him. If anything, it just cemented that indeed he and Kate are perfect for one another. I must agree with Kate's ex-boyfriend in that both Kate and Drew need some serious therapy.

Drew has always been the spoiled, jealous type that throws a tantrum when he doesn't get his way, so I didn't understand why Kate would take the lying approach with him when she knows exactly how he is. On cue, he lashes out at her trying to hurt her as badly as he perceives she's hurt him. They have a somewhat destructive type of relationship. When the story started, I liked Kate and Drew was tolerable, but when the lies from Kate started, both characters seemed to take a turn for the worse. Kate's immediate forgiveness of Drew was a bit much in that, yes it was a misunderstanding, but his way of handling these things is not okay and it didn't seem to be properly addressed. So what's to say that the next time they have a misunderstanding, he won't becoming a complete as*hole every time?

With all that, I must admit I did enjoy this one more than TANGLED. That could be because this one had less Drew and more Kate. The characters are very vivid, funny and well-written, I just don't tend to like them as people. Which is difficult for me to understand because I love all the secondary characters. Matthew, Delores, Alex, Carol, Billy, Mackenzie, etc.; just not Drew and sometimes not Kate. The author writes some really strong characters, so much so that you're not on the fence with them. You either love them or hate them.

I am however looking forward to reading Delores and Matthew's story next. These two, I've loved from the start.

Review: Loving Cara by Kristen Proby

Publish Date: January 21, 2014
Mass Market Paperback {p.328}
Genre: Contemporary
Series: Love Under the Big Sky #1
Source: Publisher
Cara Donovan, Josh King

In this new Love Under the Big Sky series from a USA TODAY bestselling author, Cara agrees to tutor her former classmate's nephew—and learns some lessons in love!

Josh King is an expert at running his family’s multi-million dollar ranch in Montana. (And all that outside manual labor has done wonders for sculpting his six-foot-three body, too.) But as sure footed as he is when it comes to the ranch, Josh doesn’t know anything about how to deal with an adolescent boy—so when his twelve-year-old nephew, Seth, is dropped off on his doorstep, looking scared and acting surly as hell, Josh knows he needs help in straightening him out.

Cara Donovan loves her quiet life as a teacher in her sleepy hometown, so she jumps at the chance to make a little money over the summer as a tutor. But when she learns she’ll be teaching Josh King’s nephew, Cara’s sweet summer job gets a little bit hotter. Cara tries to focus all her attention on tutoring Seth, but Josh proves to be a delicious distraction, while Josh’s memories of the shy girl he once teased in high school are nothing like the beautiful woman he’s facing now. Can he persuade her that there’s more between them than a summer fling?

Cara was this plain, curly haired girl in high school that guys never noticed. Now as an adult, Josh has finally taken notice of her, but so have other men. This really brings out Josh's alpha male side. Cara sees Josh as walking perfection and doesn't understand why he'd be interested in her. But when these two get together, they set the sheets on fire.

I was drawn into this book from the first page. Josh and Cara had a very loving, playful type of relationship. It wasn't always about the sex. This two were able to interact outside of the bedroom as well, which is refreshing to read. There was none of that insta-love that I find hard to choke down. The attraction was instant, but that's how it happens for the bulk of us. These two were real from the start. The obstacles thrown their way weren't so huge that they were insurmountable, but they also weren't so petty that they were pointless.

I loved not only Cara and Josh, but all the characters in the book. I am so hoping that this is an actual series and not just a trilogy, because the background characters and the town are just that great. I loved Ty and Zack, and was intrigued by the small snippets of Sam, the town paramedic.

As if I wasn't already fiending for the next installment, I made the mistake of reading the snippet of Seducing Lauren at the back of the book, and now I have to wait until AUGUST to read it. Ugh! In the meantime, I will have to scour the shelves to find any and all of her previous books to hold me over until August.

Review: Tangled by Emma Chase

Publish Date: August 2, 2013
Trade Paperback {p.232}
Genre: New Adult
Series: Tangled #1
Source: Publisher
Katherine Brooks, Drew Evans

Drew Evans is a winner. Handsome and arrogant, he makes multimillion dollar business deals and seduces New York’s most beautiful women with just a smile. He has loyal friends and an indulgent family. So why has he been shuttered in his apartment for seven days, miserable and depressed?

He’ll tell you he has the flu.

But we all know that’s not really true.

Katherine Brooks is brilliant, beautiful and ambitious. She refuses to let anything - or anyone - derail her path to success. When Kate is hired as the new associate at Drew’s father’s investment banking firm, every aspect of the dashing playboy’s life is thrown into a tailspin. The professional competition she brings is unnerving, his attraction to her is distracting, his failure to entice her into his bed is exasperating.

Then, just when Drew is on the cusp of having everything he wants, his overblown confidence threatens to ruin it all. Will he be able untangle his feelings of lust and tenderness, frustration and fulfillment? Will he rise to the most important challenge of his life?

Can Drew Evans win at love?

Tangled is not your mother’s romance novel. It is an outrageous, passionate, witty narrative about a man who knows a lot about women…just not as much as he thinks he knows. As he tells his story, Drew learns the one thing he never wanted in life, is the only thing he can’t live without.

I had a hard time staying focused with this one. The author's writing style kept distracting me from the story. I found the whole, "see that guy there," and "back to the story" aspects of the book to be rather annoying. I would get frustrated with all the side-talk and guy humor, as it seemed to take away from the overall story.

The premise of their workplace romance was a bit reminiscent of Beautiful Bastard at times, but that could be due do the fact I'd just recently read it. Drew is the handsome, wealthy playboy that falls for his smart, beautiful new associate. Kate, I liked from the beginning. Drew, not so much. I never really liked him or his view of women throughout the story. He did manage to endear himself to me during his few scenes with his four year old niece McKenzie. This is the Drew he should have been throughout the whole story. These were some of his best and funniest moments.

I know the story was being realistic because there truly are a lot of asshole guys out there. But I don't necessary find myself rooting for the asshole guy. By the end of the story, I liked Drew, but I didn't love him. I don't think I truly trusted him. He seemed more like the guy a girl goes to to get advice about the guys she's dating, but not the guy she would actually date herself.

In the end, I did want them to work it out. What woman doesn't love to see a woman be able to change a man?

Review: Black and Blue by Gena Showalter

Publish Date: October 22, 2013
Mass Market Paperback {p.387}
Genre: Paranormal
Series: Otherworld Assassin #2
Source: Personal Library
Evangeline Black, Corbin Blue

He is every woman’s fantasy

Corbin Blue is a man of many talents. One of the most powerful otherworlders ever born, he is wealthy, a professional football star, and a legend in the bedroom. But only a select few know he is also a black ops agent…and there is no better killer. When he and his crew are attacked and separated, he’s forced to turn to his boss’s daughter for help—a woman with even more secrets than Blue.

She becomes his only obsession…

Evangeline Black has always been wary, guarded. No man has ever breeched her walls. Until Blue. He has never been denied something he wants, and now, he’s decided he wants her. As he sweeps her into his double life of seduction, intrigue, and danger, he helps her see beyond the darkness of her own past. But as an enemy closes in, Blue will have to let Evie go to keep her safe—even though he'd rather die than live without her…

This story started out slow and I never really got into. Blue and Evie had some very funny moments together, but I never truly connected with either one of them. It was a struggle just to finish it.

Evie constantly berated Blue for being a "man-whore" but in the same time wanted to be one of his long list of many. Beyond their connection of Michael, Evie's father and Blue's boss, they have absolutely nothing in common. They had sex a couple of times and the rest of the story was just page fillers.

The communication, or speech, between the two main characters was very reminiscent of that of my junior high cousins. "Amazeballs" "Gorge" "Snugs" Very troubling for the speech of the future. Not the best I've read from this author.

Review: Beautiful Bastard by Christina Lauren

Publish Date: February 12, 2013
Trade Paperback {p.305}
Genre: New Adult
Series: Beautiful Bastard #1
Source: Personal Library
Chloe Mills, Bennett Ryan

An ambitious intern. A perfectionist executive. And a whole lot of name calling.

Whip-smart, hardworking, and on her way to an MBA, Chloe Mills has only one problem: her boss, Bennett Ryan. He's exacting, blunt, inconsiderate—and completely irresistible. A Beautiful Bastard.

Bennett has returned to Chicago from France to take a vital role in his family's massive media business. He never expected that the assistant who'd been helping him from abroad was the gorgeous, innocently provocative—completely infuriating—creature he now has to see every day. Despite the rumors, he's never been one for a workplace hookup. But Chloe's so tempting he's willing to bend the rules—or outright smash them—if it means he can have her. All over the office.

As their appetites for one another increase to a breaking point, Bennett and Chloe must decide exactly what they're willing to lose in order to win each other.

Chloe and Bennett were always arguing with one another, even when they were having sex. I believe that's what kept it interesting, the fact that the bickering didn't stop immediately when they jumped into bed together. And it was a long time into the book before they actually did do it in a bed.

From the start I could see why Chloe didn't like Bennett, because he was a jerk. But it wasn't immediately clear as to why he would go out of his way to be such a jerk toward her.

The overall book was more sex than story, but the authors managed to make it work. Even with Bennett being a jerk, he never became an unlikable character. To me, that was because he never seemed to be malicious in his behavior, just more like he was purposely doing it to get a rise out of her. Like the little boy in elementary school picking at the little girl he had a crush on.

The banter between these two was so funny and entertaining. As a reader I couldn't help but to root for these two to get their stuff together and make it work.

Review: Because of Low by Abbi Glines

Publish Date: February 7, 2012
Hardcover {p. 290}
Genre: Young Adult
Series: Sea Breeze #2
Source: Public Library
Willow Foster, Marcus Hardy

Marcus Hardy had hoped to enjoy a year away at college while he put the summer he’d rather forget behind him. But instead, he’s jerked right back to the coastal town of Sea Breeze, Alabama due to a family crisis. His dear ol' dad found himself a girlfriend only a few years older than Marcus. So now his sister needs help dealing with their mother who is mentally falling apart. The only bright spot to returning is the fascinating red head who sleeps over several times a week. The problem is she's sleeping in bed with his new roommate, Cage York.

Willow “Low” Foster needs a place to live. Running to Cage’s apartment every time her sister kicks her out isn’t exactly a long term solution. Juggling her courses at the local community college and a part time job doesn’t produce excess income. But Cage has a new roommate and suddenly sleeping over at her best friend’s apartment isn’t such a bad thing. Not when she gets to see those sexy green eyes of Marcus Hardy’s twinkle when he smiles at her like he wants her there. Even though Cage seems a little territorial where Low is concerned, Marcus finds time to spend with Low without upsetting his roommate. Cage may use his small college baseball star persona to sleep with every hot female in his path but he’s still under the disillusion that when he’s through sowing his wild oats, he’s going to marry Low. Marcus intends to change that assumption for both Cage and Low. Until his carefully laid plans come crashing down with a revelation he never expected. He’ll have to choose between Low or his family. Because once the truth comes out.... there’s no other choice.

The story played out a little predictably when I heard both Marcus and Willow's family situation. Before it ever came out in the story, I already knew how it was going to play out.

I ended up hating Low's sister Tawny on sight. The way Tawny treated her sister and her own daughter, I found it very difficult to believe anyone would voluntarily chose to be with her.

Low and Cage's relationship was that of a brother and sister to me even though Cage claimed to that he was going to marry her one day. Still, I continued to wonder if maybe Cage's feelings for Low were more than that of a brother even with all his sleeping around. He would drop everything for her, and seemed to be the only one who could reach her during her panic attacks.

Marcus, I liked, but never really loved. Sure he came across as a nice guy. He was from a well-to-do family but was never a snob about it. What truly bothered me about Marcus was that he claimed to love Low, but automatically assumed the worst of her and refused to listen to any explanation from her.

I felt both characters were in need of a bit more maturing. They read more of that of early high school (freshman or sophomore) students than that of college students.

Review: Hunter of Shadows by Nancy Gideon

Hunter of Shadows
Nancy Gideon
Series: Moonlight #5
Publisher: Pocket
Publish Date: November 29, 2011
Mass Market Paperback {p.383}
Source: Publisher
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Monica Fraser, Silas MacCreedy
Challenge: 100+
Buy the Book: Amazon

The secrets he knows about her could get him killed.

Transferring to the New Orleans Police Department, Detective Silas MacCreedy has a hidden agenda: to secure his clan’s place once again in the Shifter hierarchy. What he didn’t count on was stumbling upon a sexy assassin who could shred his best intentions and lead him into a dangerous dance that threatens to engage his heart.

But the ones he doesn’t know . . .

Monica Fraser knows just how to make a man beg—for his life. But she has no clue how to fight her attraction to the fiercely intense detective who seems determined to get in her way, both professionally and intimately.

. . . could kill them both.

When emotional attachments to the past and an unexpected glimpse of a different future have her questioning her deadly purpose, Nica must discover the truth about her secret abilities in order to free herself from the forces that control her. But that freedom comes with a price—trusting those she’s been ordered to eliminate.

Hunter of Shadows starts out of the gate with action. Silas and Nica meet when he happens upon her thinking she’s a damsel in distress, but is far from it. The two of them had major chemistry, even when Nica was trying to kill him. The only time she wasn’t trying to kill him was when they were trying to jump each others bones. They both have issues with trust, but can’t seem to stay away from one another.

Nica was unlike any heroine I’ve read before. Sure I’ve read books with strong female leads, but Nica is so much more than that. She could hold her own against the men in this novel and at times best them. Silas is the only one who can get through to her and keep her from her deadly mission.

Nica comes from a tragic past, and Silas come from a place of always being the provider. With his responsibilities to his sister and childhood love, he doesn’t really have anything that’s all about him. Until Nica. Both characters have such depth that you can’t help but to be drawn into their story. As far as his sister Brigit goes, at times I couldn’t stand her, but by the end of the book I was hoping I’d see more of her in the future.

Of course we also catch up with super couple, Max and Cee Cee. These two never fail to entertain. This latest installment in the Moonlight series has twists and turn that I didn’t see coming. I was totally engrossed in this one and could hardly wait to see what was around the next corner for these characters. I look forward to reading book six.

Review: The Unbecoming of Mara Dyer by Michelle Hodkin

The Unbecoming of Mara Dyer
Michelle Hodkin
Publisher: Simon & Schuster
Publish Date: September 27, 2011
Hardcover {p.452}
Source: Public Library
Genre: Young Adult
Mara Dyer, Noah Shaw
Challenge: 100+, YA Romance
Buy the Book: Amazon

Mara Dyer doesn't think life can get any stranger than waking up in a hospital with no memory of how she got there.

It can.

She believes there must be more to the accident she can't remember that killed her friends and left her mysteriously unharmed.

There is.

She doesn't believe that after everything she's been through, she can fall in love.

She's wrong.

Mara and her family relocated to Florida after a tragic accident left 3 of her friends dead. Her first day at her new school she meets the notorious Noah Shaw.

The story took some strange twists and turns with Mara and her hallucinations. She doesn’t remember what exactly happened that left her alive and her friends dead, but she tries to get those memories back while trying to have a semi-normal life.

Noah and Mara well written characters, although not very relatable. The creepy things they dealt with seemed a bit far-fetched but not so much so that it would deter me from wanting to see what would happen next.

Noah and his smart comments kept me entertained between breaks in the creepy. Mara’s mother I felt was overbearing and it came across as though she didn’t want Mara to get her memory back. She just wanted to keep her medicated. But that could have just been me.

The book ended on somewhat of a cliffhanger, so I’m sure there’s bound to be a sequel. I will be tuning in to see if what Mara saw at the end was real or fantasy.

Review: Mystical Warrior by Janet Chapman

Mystical Warrior
Janet Chapman
Series: Midnight Bay #3
Publisher: Pocket Books
Publish Date: June 28, 2011
Mass Market Paperback {p.351}
Source: Publisher
Genre: Paranormal
Characters: Fiona Gregor, Trace Huntsman
Challenge: 100+, Summer Romance
Buy the Book: Amazon

An eleventh-century lass with a stubborn streak unleashes the red-hot hero inside her modern lover in bestselling author Janet Chapman’s irresistible new Midnight Bay adventure.

Trace Huntsman’s peaceful life has headed to hell in a hand-basket ever since stunningly beautiful Fiona Gregor moved into the vacant apartment above his house. Kidnapped centuries earlier and transformed into a red-tail hawk, Fiona is human once more and must learn how to be a modern woman. But damned if Trace is going to be the one to teach her. Not when her mere presence ignites a fiery passion deep within his cautious heart.

Fiona longs to overcome the painful memories of her tragic past—to let down her guard and become a mother again. But so far her handsome landlord is not exactly thrilled with the stray animals—and suitors—that keep following her home. When the wizard Maximilian Oceanus shows up, Trace reaches the end of his rope. Weird things happen when Mac is around—raging storms, snarling demons—but this time, Midnight Bay is at the center of a fierce battle, and Fiona is the primary target. Only Trace can save her, but first, the lovers must set aside their fears...and open up their hearts.

Fiona is trying to adjust to her new life in the 21st century as a single, independent woman. With some pushing from her brothers, she gets her own apartment, living above Trace's house.

This is book three in the series, and I read book two and fell in love with these characters, with this town. So of course I had to continue forward with book three. I loved both Fiona and Trace in the previous book and was excited to see them get their own story. Although Trace tries to fight it, he can't help but to be attracted to Fiona. But with Fiona's horrible past and fear of men, he tries to keep his distance. But Trace seems to be one of the few men she isn't afraid of.

The storyline pulled me in from page one. I had already formed a connection with the characters reading the previous book, but even if I hadn't I would have been drawn in with this one. Chapman writes strong, likable characters that feel like like family.

One of those secondary characters that you can't help but love is Mac. He piqued my interest in book two, and I fell in love with him in book three. He may hold all this magical power, but he's just as vulnerable as the rest of us. I really hope Mac gets his happily ever after.

Review: Forbidden by Tabitha Suzuma

Forbidden
Tabitha Suzuma
Publisher: Simon Pulse
Publication Date:  June 28, 2011
Trade Paperback {p.454}
Source: Public Library
Genre: Young Adult
Characters: Maya Whitely, Lochan Whitely
Challenge: 100+, YA Romance
Buy the Book: Amazon

Seventeen-year-old Lochan and sixteen-year-old Maya have always felt more like friends than siblings. Together they have stepped in for their alcoholic, wayward mother to take care of their three younger siblings. As defacto parents to the little ones, Lochan and Maya have had to grow up fast. And the stress of their lives—and the way they understand each other so completely—has also also brought them closer than two siblings would ordinarily be. So close, in fact, that they have fallen in love. Their clandestine romance quickly blooms into deep, desperate love. They know their relationship is wrong and cannot possibly continue. And yet, they cannot stop what feels so incredibly right. As the novel careens toward an explosive and shocking finale, only one thing is certain: a love this devastating has no happy ending.

This was an interesting read. I enjoyed the overall story. The author manages to handle a taboo subject in a manor that is very well written. As a reader, even though you know incest is wrong, you still feel sorry for them.

I spent the majority of the story trying to figure out Lochan. Although all his siblings seemed as normal as possible given their situation, something about Lochan eluded me the entire time. He seemed to always have some sort of internal struggle and not just with his feelings for Maya.

The ending was very emotional and totally unexpected. I know what they were doing was wrong, but what they received for their troubles was way too harsh. I found myself feeling resentment toward their younger brother and mother for setting all this into motion.

I knew going into this read that there was not going to be a happy ending because their love could never be. I was so upset by the time I finished this book, I literally did not even want to look at it. That's how strongly I felt about the punishment these kids received.

Ms. Suzuma did a fantastic job of drawing me in.

Review: How to Flirt With a Naked Werewolf by Molly Harper

How to Flirt With a Naked Werewolf
Molly Harper {Blog | Facebook | Twitter}
Series: Naked Werewolf #1
Publisher: Simon & Schuster
Publication Date: February 22, 2011
Mass Market Paperback {p.371}
Genre: Paranormal
Characters: Moonflower Duvall-Wenstein, Cooper Graham
Challenge: 100+, 50 States ~ Alaska

Northern Exposure

Even in Grundy, Alaska, it’s unusual to find a naked guy with a bear trap clamped to his ankle on your porch. But when said guy turns into a wolf, recent southern transplant Mo Wenstein has no difficulty identifying the problem. Her surly neighbor Cooper Graham—who has been openly critical of Mo’s ability to adapt to life in Alaska—has trouble of his own. Werewolf trouble.

For Cooper, an Alpha in self-imposed exile from his dysfunctional pack, it’s love at first sniff when it comes to Mo. But Cooper has an even more pressing concern on his mind. Several people around Grundy have been the victims of wolf attacks, and since Cooper has no memory of what he gets up to while in werewolf form, he’s worried that he might be the violent canine in question.

If a wolf cries wolf, it makes sense to listen, yet Mo is convinced that Cooper is not the culprit. Except if he’s not responsible, then who is? And when a werewolf falls head over haunches in love with you, what are you supposed to do anyway? The rules of dating just got a whole lot more complicated. . . .

Mo moves to Alaska to get away from her overbearing parents, only to fall for the resident werewolf.

From the opening line I knew I was in for a funny read. And Molly didn’t disappoint. Mo and her smart mouth was a riot throughout. I immediately liked her from the start.

Cooper however was another story. I didn’t like his broody attitude or his behavior toward Mo. His whole reasoning behind his unpleasant attitude just didn’t fly with me. It wasn’t enough to warrant his behavior. At times he came across as a complete and utter jerk.

As for the rest of Grundy, they were all amazing. These characters were described and portrayed in such vivid detail that they made you feel as if you were a part of the community too. I truly enjoyed Abner’s shameless flirting. He was one of the more delightful characters of the Grundy backdrop. Among others were Mo’s parents and the scenes where Mo first meets Cooper’s family were some of my favorites.

How to Flirt With a Naked Werewolf was a quick paced, fun read. I was literally laughing out loud. I want to revisit Alaska to see what the residents up to, especially Alan and Kara. I will definitely be reading the next installment.

Review: Something, Maybe by Elizabeth Scott

Something, Maybe
Elizabeth Scott {Blog | Facebook | Twitter}
Publisher: Simon Pulse
Publication Date: March 13, 2009
Audio Book {5 hrs}
Source: Public Library
Genre: Young Adult
Characters: Hannah, Finn
Challenge: 100+, Whisper Stories
My Rating:

Everyone thinks their parents are embarrassing, but Hannah knows she's got them all beat.

Her dad made a fortune showcasing photos of pretty girls and his party lifestyle all over the Internet, and her mom was once one of her dad's 'girlfriends' and is now the star of her own website.

After getting the wrong kind of attention for way too long, Hannah has mastered the art of staying under the radar . . . and that's just how she likes it. Of course, that doesn't help her get noticed by her crush. Hannah's sure that gorgeous, sensitive Josh is her soul mate. But trying to get him to notice her; wondering why she suddenly can't stop thinking about another guy, Finn; and dealing with her parents make Hannah feel like she's going crazy. Yet she's determined to make things work out the way she wants only what she wants may not be what she needs. . . .

Once again, Elizabeth Scott has created a world so painfully funny and a cast of characters so heartbreakingly real that you'll love being a part of it from unexpected start to triumphant finish.

Hannah is the teenage daughter of semi-famous parents. She lives with her mother while her father only knows her when he needs her for his reality shows’ slipping ratings.

Hannah is your typical teenage girl when it comes to crushing on Josh, the popular boy in school. She does all she can to get him to notice her. And just when she thinks she has accomplished this, he’s truly just trying to get next to her famous mother.

All the while the true guy for her has been under her nose all along. The relationship she had with Finn was cute and endearing. It was sweet the way her seemed to fumble over himself when it came to Hannah. It was obvious from the start to the reader that Finn, not Josh, was the guy for her.

I would have liked to see their relationship progress a little more, but I enjoyed it all the same.

Read by Ellen Grafton

Duration: 5 hours

Brilliance Audio

The narrator did a nice job of catching the teen voices of genders. It wasn’t to over the top, but not that memorable either.

Review: Dragon Warrior by Janet Chapman

Dragon Warrior
Janet Chapman {Facebook}
Series: Midnight Bay #2
Publisher: Pocket Star
Publication Date: January 25, 2011
Mass Market Paperback {p.340}
Source: Publisher
Genre: Paranormal
Characters: Madeline Kimble, William Killkenny
Challenge: 100+, 50 States
My Rating:

The steamy second book in Janet Chapman’s dazzling Midnight Bay series seduces readers with an enticing tale of a fiery independent woman and an irresistible immortal warrior with a dragon’s courageous heart.

Maddy Kimble has no time for a suitor—not with caring for her spunky nursing home patients, her shy nine-year-old daughter, her widowed mother, and her rebellious teenage brother. William Kilkenny’s stunning lack of modern dating protocol doesn’t help. The man is uncouth and outrageous—a towering, drop-dead, breathtakingly hot warrior. Who refuses to give up.

William is secretly a ninth-century Irish nobleman formerly trapped in a dragon’s body. All Maddy knows is that lately, she can hardly resist the urge to lose herself in his powerful arms. But as their uncontrollable passion grows, eerie occurrences in her small coastal Maine town begin to rouse Maddy’s suspicions about her lover. He begs her to trust him, but how can she surrender—body and soul—when she fears the danger he poses to her yearning heart?

Maddy Kimble wants nothing to do with weird caveman William Killkenny. After a haircut, a shave, and rolling up his sleeves, all that changes for Maddy and she can’t seem to stay away from him.

The two of them begin off with him chasing her, but after she finally agrees to a date with him things change. Everyone tries to get these two together. There was nice chemistry between the two, but at times Maddy does things that doesn’t ring true for someone in her situation.

I didn’t understand how Maddy would let a complete stranger off the streets claiming to be a doctor, be left unattended with a patient. Not once did she attempt to check his credentials. Plus with her being a single she kept repeatedly getting into these dangerous situations with William. Each time she could have easily been killed, leaving her 9yr old daughter behind. She knew he wasn’t being completely honest with her, but she didn’t seem to care.

Overall I liked the book and look forward to reading more from this author after discovering this one. Dragon Warrior was laugh out loud funny and had truly likable characters. It offered a nice mix of funny and emotional scenes. One scene in particular with Maddy’s “Mr. Man,” was a true tearjerker. Dragon Warrior is worth the read.