Showing posts with label 2010 Review. Show all posts
Showing posts with label 2010 Review. Show all posts

Sunday, 16 January 2011

Review: Rules of Attraction - Simone Elkeles

Carlos Fuentes isn't happy about leaving Mexico to start the "new" life his older brother, Alex, has planned for him. Carlos liked his freedom; living life on the edge and carving out his own path - just like Alex did.

Kiara Westford doesn't talk much; preferring instead to shut the world out. And when Carlos bounds into her life she struggles to understand him and his wild ways. Carlos is sure that Kiara thinks she's too good for him, which is just fine because he's not interested anyway, right?  But when they finally open up to each other, the connection they feel shocks them both. Can they overcome their fears and realise that sometimes opposites really do attract?

Fuentes Brothers Trilogy
Perfect Chemistry
Rules of Attraction
Chain Reaction

For more information visit Simone Elkeles' website

Review:
I was such a massive fan of Perfect Chemistry that I was desperate to read Rules of Attraction but at the same time I found myself feeling nervous. How could Simone Elkeles possibly live up to my high expectations? What if I didn't like it, would that colour my thoughts of Perfect Chemistry? I honestly don't know why I was so worried, not only did Rules of Attraction live up to my expectations - it far exceeded them. Yes, I'll admit it Carlos has stolen my heart away from Alex - something I didn't think would be possible.

Rules of Attraction does follow a similar storyline to Perfect Chemistry - hot bad boy gang member meets and falls in love with a girl who couldn't be more different than he is - but Carlos and Kiara are very different to Alex and Brittany and their story is just as powerful. Where Alex only joined a gang because he wanted to protect his family Carlos believes it is in his blood to be a member. He thinks that he was born to be part of the gang and feels it is right to follow in the footsteps of his father and brother. His mother sends him to live with Alex because she is worried for his safety but Carlos doesn't go willingly. He believes that Alex abandoned his family to be with Brittany and he hates him for that, the last thing he wants is to be forced into living with the couple and he is determined not to follow their rules.

When Alex arrives in Colorado he seeks immediately finds the wrong crowd and ends up getting in trouble. It is only when he is forced to live with Kiara's family that he starts to see how wrong his attitude has been. Kiara is nothing like the girls Carlos is usually attracted to, she is a tom boy and not one of the popular crowd at school. She is happy in her own company and would rather be working on her car or off hiking than swapping make-up tips with the girls from school. Kiara is painfully shy but she knows who she is and what she wants out of life. She may be attracted to Carlos but she isn't going to fall for his charms easily so he'll have to work hard if he wants to be with her.

The relationship between Kiara and Carlos is Hot with a capital H but also has incredibly sweet and tender moments that will make your heart melt. I found the storyline lighter than Perfect Chemistry and there were a lot of laugh out loud moments as the two of them banter and play tricks on each other. You really never were quite sure what they would get up to next. I loved getting to find out how Alex and Brittany are doing 2 years after the ending of their story, it made me want to re-read Perfect Chemistry (in fact I might just indulge myself and read both books one after the other). I also really enjoyed getting to know Kiara's family and fell for her younger brother Brandon in particular.

If you haven't already read Perfect Chemistry you could probably read Rules of Attraction as a stand alone story but they are both such amazing reads that I would highly recommend reading them in order. Perfect Chemistry easily makes it into my top 10 YA reads of 2010 and I would have to read some pretty impressive books to knock Rules of Attraction off of this years list. If you're looking for a contemporary YA romance you can't go wrong by picking up a book by Simone Elkeles, she really is a master at characterisation and knows just how to draw you into the romance. I can't wait to get my hands on the final book in the series Chain Reaction.

Source: Received for review from publisher Simon & Schuster

Other Reviews:
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Monday, 10 January 2011

Review: Half Brother - Kenneth Oppel

We are the weirdest family in the world.

For his thirteenth birthday, Ben Tomlin gets an unusual present.  A baby chimpanzee called Zan.

Ben's dad is a hot-shot behavioural scientist, and Zan is part of a new experiment to find out if chimps can learn language.  But 'Project Zan' turns their family life upside-down.  For Ben, it's the beginning of an extraordinary relationship with his new half brother.

Though he's being raised as a human child, Zan is still a chimpanzee.  His chimp's instincts and rapidly-growing strength make him unpredictable, yet he remains heart-breakingly vulnerable in the human world.  And when the experiment starts to go wrong, only Ben can save him.

Half Brother is a story of tremendous excitement which asks big questions about family, humanity and love - and describes one of the most unforgettable friendships in fiction.

Visit Kenneth Oppel's website for more information

Review:
Ben's parents are both scientists but he is shocked when they announce that they are adopting a chimpanzee so they can try to teach it sign language.  He isn't keen on the idea and really doesn't want to have to move across the country to be nearer the university that is funding the experiment either.  When Zan arrives Ben is told to think of him as a younger brother, Zan is to be raised as a human child and the whole family must be involved along with several students from the university.  But what will happen to Zan if funding for the experiment runs out?

I have to confess that I was nervous about reading Half Brother, the idea of raising a chimp in a human family didn't sit right with me and I wasn't sure if this was a story I would enjoy.  There were a couple of things at the beginning of the book that made me really uncomfortable and I almost didn't continue reading but I have to say I'm glad I pushed through and gave the story a chance.  Both Ben and Zan stole my heart and this ended up being an incredibly emotional read that I thoroughly enjoyed.

When Ben first finds out that his parents will be bringing home a chimp and raising him as Ben's brother he isn't happy.  He doesn't like the idea of having to move to another part of the country and is worried about what his new classmates will think of him and his family.  When Zan first arrives he is determined to have as little to do with him as possible but it doesn't take long before Zan's big brown eyes and sweet nature start to grow on him.  He soon falls in love with his new brother and becomes very protective of him.  I loved watching the relationship develop between the two of them and found it sweet watching them together.  Watching Zan's progress as he grows older and starts learning sign language is fascinating, especially when you find out that the story is based on two real experiments with chimps that were carried out in the 70's.  Some of the things you will learn about animal experiments that have been held in the name of science are truly horrific.  I know humans are capable of some despicable acts but there is something that makes it even worse when it is against defenseless animals and done supposedly for the greater good of mankind.

Ben's father insisted on treating Zan like a member of the family and raising him so he thinks of himself as human but as a scientist he has always managed to keep emotions out of the equation.  This isn't so easy for Ben to do so when the experiment starts getting bad press and the money starts to run out Ben is worried about what will happen to Zan in the future.  This was where the story became completely heartbreaking.  It's hard to go into much detail without giving spoilers though so you'll have to read the book to find out what happens and how things turn out for both Zan and Ben.

Alongside Zan's story we also get to watch as Ben starts his new school and tries to fit in and make friends, this part is very much a coming of age story.  I found it interesting to see that as much as Zan was learning to become human Ben was picking up qualities that chimpanzees have in the wild as he tried to become the alpha male at school.  I did find 'Project Jennifer' - where Ben approaches trying to win Jennifer's heart as some kind of experiment - was a little odd but I think considering his background this was probably quite a natural way for Ben to look at things.

Half Brother is a book that raises all kinds of issues regarding testing on animals and animal cruelty but it never forces opinions down your throat, instead it gives you all sides of the story and allows you to make up your own mind.  It will also make you think about love, family and the rights of those who aren't able to stand up for themselves.  A thought provoking and powerful read that will take you through all kinds of emotions Half Brother is a book I'd thoroughly recommend, I guarantee you will fall in love with Zan.  This is the first book I've read by Kenneth Oppel but it definitely won't be the last.

Source: Thanks to RHCB for sending me this book for review

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Thursday, 6 January 2011

Review: Secret Lives - Gabriella Poole

'True graduates of the Darke Academy take life by the throat, Cassandra, remember that!'

The Darke Academy is a school like no other.  An elite establishment that moves to a new exotic city every term, it's students are impossibly beautiful, sophisticated and rich.  And the more new scholarship girl Cassie Bell learns about the Academy, the more curious she becomes.

What sinister secrets are guarded by the Few - the select group of students who keep outsiders away?  Who is the dark stranger prowling the corridors at night?  And what really happened a year earlier, when the last scholarship girl died in mysterious circumstances?

One thing Cassie will discover is that a little knowledge may be a dangerous thing, but knowing too much can be deadly...

Darke Academy Series:
Secret Lives
Blood Ties
Divided Souls

Gabriella Poole is a pseudonym for author Gillian Philip, you can find out more about The Darke Academy series and her other books on her website here

Review:
So far life has been tough for Cassie, she has spent most of her life in a children's home since she was abandoned by a mother who couldn't cope.  When she wins a scholarship to the elite Darke Academy she is determined to make a fresh start of it but she knows it won't be easy to fit in with the wealthy students.  Arriving at her new school she finds herself ignored by most of the other students, in particular by a group who call themselves the Few.  Students in the Few seem to run the school, skipping lessons as they please and ignoring curfews which immediately catches Cassie's attention, she is determined to find out what secrets they are hiding and why they are allowed to break all of the rules.

Secret Lives is the first book in the Darke Academy series and was a quick and easy read.  I'm not always a big fan of prologues but this one had me completely gripped.  After the prologue the story did seem a little slow to get started but the pace does pick back up again and it made for enjoyable reading.  One thing I really did struggle with was the number of students we were introduced to in such a short space of time.  I was desperately trying to remember all of the different names because I wasn't sure who was going to be important to the storyline.  I think we could easily have been introduced to less characters without losing any of the story or if they had been introduced over a longer period we would have been able to get to know them all a bit better.

What I really loved was getting to read a young adult urban fantasy with a British main character and I found myself really liking Cassie.  Life in the children's home wasn't easy and she quickly learnt how to stand on her own two feet which makes her a feisty character and one who won't let the other students push her around even if they do have a lot more money than she does.  I loved the way she didn't let anyone get away with bullying her and didn't let it show that she found the others intimidating.  She is a tough cookie and you wouldn't want to end up on the wrong side of her.

The other students come from all over the world and although they do tend to pretty much follow the standard stereotypes I liked the fact that a mixture of cultures were included.  It made it more interesting than stories where all of the main characters come from the same background.  My favorite characters alongside Cassie had to be her roommate Isabella and the other scholarship student Jake.  Isabella is a fiery Argentinian who is funny and likable and made me smile with the way she was constantly mixing her metaphors while Jake is the all American boy who has his own secrets to hide.

I knew going in that this was a vampire story so I had expectations before I started reading but Gabriella Poole (Gillian Philip) managed to completely surprise me with her unique twist on the genre.  I'm very curious to see where the story will take us in Blood Ties so will definitely be continuing the series.  If you're looking for something with a great British heroine I would recommend giving Secret Lives a try.

Source: Library

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Wednesday, 5 January 2011

Quick Review: An Eye for an Eye

*** Please don't read this blurb if you haven't read Noughts & Crosses as it includes MAJOR spoilers ***

Can two wrongs ever make a right?

Sephy is a Cross - the daughter of a top politician and a member of the ruling class.

She is also six months pregnant.

But Sephy's baby will be a mixed-race child, it's father a nought - in a world where the two classes are divided by colour and never treated as equals. Even worse, the baby's father, Callum, is dead.

And now Sephy - and her sister, Minerva - must face a violent confrontation with Callum's brother, Jude, who is thirsting for revenge. For Jude reckons that Sephy was responsible for Callum's death...

Noughts & Crosses Series:
Noughts & Crosses
An Eye for an Eye (Novella)
Knife Edge
Checkmate
Double Cross

Visit Malorie Blackman's website for more information

Review:
An Eye for an Eye is a novella that was released for World Book Day in 2003 and is now out of print. The novella can also be found as an extra in the latest edition of Noughts & Crosses.

I don't really want to go into much detail about the plot as it would be too easy to spoil the story.  What I will say is that I really enjoyed the way the story was told by Jude and Minerva (Callum's brother & Sephy's sister).  It was nice to get to know them both a bit better and to hear their voices.  I'm very curious to see which point of view we will get to see in the next installment to the series.

An Eye for an Eye gives you a dramatic insight into the months after the end of Noughts & Crosses.  For a short story it packs quite a punch, it's a tale of hate, anger and fear and is impossible to put down.  If you enjoyed the first book in the series then this novella is a must read, I was on the edge of my seat and can't wait to pick up Knife Edge to find out what happens next!

Source: Received from RHCB in exchange for an honest review

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Review: Noughts and Crosses - Malorie Blackman

Callum is a nought - a second-class citizen in a world run by the ruling Crosses...

Sephy is a Cross, daughter of one of the most powerful men in the country...

In their world, noughts and Crosses simply don't mix.  And as hostility turns to violence, can Callum and Sephy possibly find a way to be together?  The are determined to try.

And then the bomb explodes...

Noughts & Crosses Series:
Noughts & Crosses
An Eye for an Eye (Novella)
Knife Edge
Checkmate
Double Cross

Visit Malorie Blackman's website for more information

Review:
Callum and Sephy have been best friends for as long as they can remember.  They grew up playing together while Callum's Mum worked for Sephy's parents but after a falling out between the families they are now banned from spending time together.  They aren't going to let that stop their friendship but will the world get in the way?  Sephy is a dark skinned Cross and her father is one of the most powerful politicians in the country, she has had a privileged upbringing that couldn't be more different to the way Callum lives.  Callum is a pale skinned nought, considered a second classed citizen he has always suffered from discrimination from the Crosses.  In a world where Crosses and noughts should never mix can they find a way to be together?

I think this is probably the hardest review I've ever written, not because I didn't enjoy Noughts & Crosses but because I loved it so much.  It was without a doubt the most thought provoking and best book I read in 2010 and I don't think I can write a review that will do it justice.  I honestly think this is a book that should be read by everyone and I can't recommend it highly enough.

I found the story all the more powerful because it is so realistic, although Malorie Blackman has turned racism on it's head in the world she has created many of the injustices she describes have occurred in fairly recent history (and in some cases probably still occur today).  Seeing the world through Callum's eyes doesn't make for comfortable reading and there were times I wanted to scream with anger at the things he and his family go through.  Both Callum and Sephy were (and still are) so real to me that they feel more like friends than fictional characters.  Their story will capture you, make you laugh, frustrate you and tear your heart to pieces in equal measures.  I was literally heart broken at the end but at the same time felt the story was beautiful.

Noughts & Crosses is a powerful, emotional read that covers difficult topics like discrimination, prejudice, slavery, oppression and terrorism with a gritty realism that isn't afraid to take you to dark places.  At it's heart is a superbly written love story which contains strong themes of friendship and family.  Sephy and Callum both have distinctive and realistic voices that make it easy to get inside their heads and feel exactly what they are feeling.  You get to see first hand how good people can be forced to do terrible things when they are desperate enough.  As much as you may not agree with the decisions they make you can understand why they felt forced down what seemed like the only path available to them.

If you are only going to read one book in your lifetime make it this one - I guarantee it will leave a piece of itself in your heart and soul forever and you'll never feel the same again.

Source: Received from RHCB in exchange for an honest review

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Friday, 31 December 2010

UK ARC Review: Mistress by Midnight - Maggie Robinson

First comes seduction…

As children, Desmond Ryland, Marquess of Conover, and Laurette Vincent were inseparable. As young adults, their friendship blossomed into love. But then fate intervened, sending them down different paths. Years later, Con still can’t forget his beautiful Laurette. Now he’s determined to make her his forever. There’s just one problem. Laurette keeps refusing his marriage proposals. Throwing honor to the wind, Con decides that the only way Laurette will wed him is if he thoroughly seduces her…

Then comes marriage…

Laurette’s pulse still quickens every time she thinks of Con and the scorching passion they once shared. She aches to taste the pleasure Con offers her. But she knows she can’t. For so much has happened since they were last lovers. But how long can she resist the consuming desire that demands to be obeyed?

Courtesan Court Trilogy:
Not Quite A Courtesan (Lords of Passion Anthology)
Mistress by Mistake
Mistress by Midnight
Mistress by Marriage
Master of Sin

For more information visit Maggie Robinson's website

Review:
Con and Laurette were childhood friends who became sweethearts and had plans to marry.  Plans that were ruined when Con was forced to marry for money to save his estate and the lives of the people who relied on him.  10 years later Con's wife is dead and he is determined to have a second chance with his one true love but Laurette isn't sure.  She may still have feelings for Con but so many things have happened and she has a big secret she needs to protect.  Con is prepared to go to any lengths to get Laurette back, the trouble will be convincing her he's right and getting her to believe that they were meant to be together.

I loved the first book in this trilogy Mistress by Mistake so I was really excited to get hold of an advanced copy of Mistress by Midnight.  I have to say that Con didn't make it easy for me to like him at first, the way he has behaved in the past and the measures he takes to get Laurette back into his life don't show him in the best light and made me feel quite sorry for Laurette.  However, as the story progresses and you find out more about his history you realise that he has been a victim of circumstances as much as Laurette and his wife were.  Although he didn't steal my heart in quite the same way that Bay from Mistress by Mistake did I was definitely hoping for a happy ending for Con and Laurette.

Laurette is a strong character and one who has suffered a lot because of Con's family.  Her life hasn't been easy but Con is determined to make up for the past and he wants to give her the future she deserves.  I liked the fact that she stood up for herself and wasn't a weak character who just welcomed Con back with open arms.  She only agrees to spend time with him to protect her brother which makes her a better woman than me because I think in the same circumstances I'd have left my brother to clean up his own mess!

It was nice to get a glimpse of life on Jane Street, especially as there was a bit of a crossover from Mistress by Mistake so you get to see things in the first story from a different point of view.  I also loved the chemistry between Con and Laurette, things may be a mess between them but they definitely get along just fine in the bedroom.  I'm looking forward to reading the final story in the trilogy Mistress by Marriage and will be keeping an eye out for more of Maggie Robinson's work in the future.  If you're a historical romance fan I'd definitely recommend giving this series a try.

Source: Thanks to Maggie Robinson for sending me this ARC

Other Reviews:
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Thursday, 30 December 2010

Quick Review: Shadow Days - Andrea Cremer

Shadow Days is a free Nightshade prequel that can be downloaded for free from Amazon here.

The story introduces us to Shay and gives a snapshot of his life in the couple of weeks leading up to the beginning of Nightshade.

Witches War Series:
Shadow Days (Prequel Novella)
Nightshade
Wolfsbane (July 2011)
Bloodrose (2012)

Check out Andrea Cremer's website or the UK Nightshade website for more information

Review:
Shadow Days is a free prequel novella set the weeks leading up to the beginning of Nightshade.  This is Shay's story and I enjoyed reading from his perspective.  Shay has just turned 18 when he receives a call from his uncle telling him he has to move from Portland to live in the family estate in Vail, Colorado.  Not at all happy about having to leave his friends Shay is dreading making yet another move and having to fit in at a new school for his senior year.

When he arrives at the family estate Shay feels isolated as he doesn't know anyone so he uses facebook and his blog to keep in contact with his friends from Portland.  As he waits to start his new school he spends his time exploring the creepy estate and sharing what he finds via his blog.

This is a great prequel that I'm sure any Nightshade fan will really enjoy.  I feel like I know Shay a lot better now and I like him more because of that.  It was great to get more information about the Rowan estate and it makes things clearer about how and why Shay had broken into the forbidden library.

If you've already read Nightshade I'm sure you'll enjoy reading Shadow Days and if you're not sure if you want to try the series or not I'm sure this will help you make your mind up.

Source: Downloaded for free from Amazon (click here to get your copy)

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Review: Nightshade - Andrea Cremer

I wanted him to kiss me - wished he could smell the desire that I knew was pouring off me.  You can't Calla.  This boy isn't the one for you.

Calla Tor has always known her destiny: After graduating from the Mountain School, she'll be the mate of sexy alpha wolf Ren Laroche and fight with him, side by side, ruling their pack and guarding sacred sites for the Keepers. But when she violates her masters' laws by saving a beautiful human boy out for a hike, Calla begins to question her fate, her existence, and the very essence of the world she has known. By following her heart, she might lose everything— including her own life. Is forbidden love worth the ultimate sacrifice?

Witches War Series:
Shadow Days (Prequel Novella)
Nightshade
Wolfsbane (July 2011)
Bloodrose (2012)

Check out Andrea Cremer's website or the UK Nightshade website for more information

Review:
Calla is a Guardian (werewolf) and has always known that it is her destiny to mate with Ren and form a new pack.  They will then fulfill their role of protecting the Keepers (magic users) from the Seekers (their sworn enemies).  The world she lives in is dictated by the Keepers, their word is law and they are the ones who make the decisions about everything - the Guardian's have no say in their own destiny but that is the way it has always been so it is never questioned.  When Calla comes across a hiker who is being attacked by a bear she knows it is forbidden to save him but she goes against everything she knows she should do and risks her life to protect him.  Nothing will ever be the same for her again and she will be forced to question everything she has ever been told.

First of all I have to say how much I loved Nightshade, this was a must read book for me & one I would highly recommend.  I was captured from the very first page and drawn so far into the story that I didn't want to stop reading for anything - I just had to know what would happen next.  I still can't quite believe that this was a debut novel and I can't wait to read more from Andrea Cremer in the future.  The world she has created is complex and interesting, it may not be a comfortable one - in fact it is a harsh world with extreme punishments for any Guardian who dares to question the Keepers - but it is one that draws you in completely and leaves you wanting more.

Calla is everything I like in a heroine, she is smart, strong, loyal and brave - everything you'd expect from an alpha.  As the alpha of the young Nightshade pack it is her duty to mate with Ren (the alpha of the young Bane pack) and between them they will form a new pack who will help to protect the Keepers.  Calla may not be completely comfortable with her future but she has never questioned it - she knows that is the way things are meant to be and has accepted it.  Well that was before she met Shay (the hiker she saved) who helps her look at things from a different point of view.  Shay helps her open her eyes to the way the Keepers control the Guardians and make her question whether things should really be like this.  She is torn between loyalty to her pack, the future she know she was born to live and the life that she would choose for herself.  How can she decide what would really be for the best?

The love triangle between Calla, Ren and Shay is extremely intense and this book has enough sexual tension to make you spontaneously combust.  Ren is a perfect match to Calla in every way, they were born to be together and oh boy did I want to see more of them together.  At times Ren's arrogance could be irritating but there is more to him than that and the more I saw of him the more I liked him.  He is very protective of his pack and of Calla and will do whatever it takes to keep them safe.  Some of my favorite scenes in the book were when Calla and Ren were together - put those two alone in a room and the heat levels would be enough to create a sauna.  When it comes down to who I would personally choose I have to confess that I'm on team Ren, he is one hot wolf and very alpha male.  When it comes to who I think Calla should be with I'm a little more cloudy, I want to say Ren but I don't think it would take much to sway me to team Shay.

Shay is a human orphan who has just moved to the area with his uncle who is an important figure amongst the keepers but we're not sure exactly how or where he fits into the picture.  Shay is sweeter than Ren but there is still something about him that draws you to him and I enjoyed the tension between him and Calla.  As an outsider Shay sees the bigger picture when it comes to the Keepers and the Guardians and he forces Calla to see things in a new light.  What she discovers will be extremely uncomfortable for Calla and will have massive repercussions on her future.

I have to mention how much I liked the interactions between both of the young packs, each of the wolves are loyal to their alpha (either Calla or Ren) but are wary of each other even though they will become a pack one day.  You get to know each of them throughout the book and I liked them all but I have to say Bryn (Calla's second) and Ansel (her younger brother) were particular favorites of mine.  Watching the two packs together made for interesting reading, you have all of the usual teen dramas but also pack bonds playing a big part.  I'm looking forward to spending more time with them throughout the series.

Nightshade is a book I'd highly recommend, definitely one of my favorite reads in 2010 and I can't wait to get my hands on Wolfsbane.  The cliffhanger ending nearly killed me and I have so many questions left unanswered but I think the wait for the next installment will only make reading Wolfsbane that much sweeter when I get hold of a copy.  If you're looking for a refreshing take on the werewolf genre I'd suggest getting hold of a copy of Nightshade as soon as possible - I'm sure you won't regret it!

Source: Received from Atom in exchange for an honest review

Other Reviews:
I Swim For Oceans
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Review: Her Warrior Angel - Felicity Heaton

Einar is one of Heaven’s best hunters and he’s on a mission to uncover why an angel was working with demons. When he finds the first demon fighting a beautiful woman named Taylor, he intervenes and saves her life. Taylor has spent her whole life protecting London from the lowest demons and she’s not about to let an angel waltz into her city and take over her job, and she’s certainly not about to fall in love with him, even if he is gorgeous. The reason why she can’t is simple—she’s half demon.

There is no love in this world more forbidden than that between an angel and a demon.

Sense tells Taylor to get out before she gets her heart broken, but she winds up convincing Einar to partner with her instead. Einar is certain that working with Taylor is a bad idea, and not only because he can’t focus when he’s around her, but he can’t let her go. The mission leads them deep into the city’s underworld, where old flames burn Taylor while new flames of passion and fear of the consequences consume them, and the threat of Einar’s demons hangs over them both.

Can a love so forbidden ever have a happy ending or are they destined to break each other’s hearts?

ALL OF THE STORIES IN THE HER ANGEL SERIES STAND ALONE, JOINED BY CHARACTER AND WORLD ONLY, AND DO NOT NEED TO BE READ IN ORDER

Her Angel Series:
Her Dark Angel
Her Fallen Angel
Her Warrior Angel
Her Guardian Angel
Her Demonic Angel
Her Wicked Angel
Her Avenging Angel
Her Sinful Angel

Visit Felicity Heaton's website for more information

Review:
Einar is an angel but he's also a hunter, one of the best at tracking down demons who are causing trouble on earth.  He has been sent to find 3 demons who have been the cause of multiple human deaths but he gets more than he bargained for when he finds Taylor.  Taylor was born half demon and half human but she spends her life hunting the demons who prey on humans and other weaker demons.  When Einar tracks down one of the demons he has been searching for he finds Taylor fighting it and is drawn to her strength and skill.  The attraction isn't one sided but they both know that there is nothing more forbidden than love between an angel and a demon.  With Einar needing Taylor's help to track down the remaining demons can they resist each other and what will happen to them if they don't?

Her Warrior Angel is the 3rd story in Felicity Heaton's Her Angel series and although it's the last book currently available I really hope we will get to read more about these characters in the future.  I'm sure there is more to tell & I'm looking forward to meeting more of these sexy angels (have you seen the covers for this series - you can't tell me they're not hot!).  Although the stories in this series can be read as a stand alone story I'd still recommend reading them in order - you really won't want to miss any of them.

Although Einar didn't quite manage to steal me away from Lukas (the hero of Her Fallen Angel) he came pretty close.  He is an alpha male at his best and I'm sure he'll capture plenty of hearts.  Taylor is probably my favorite of the heroine's in the series so far and is an ideal match for Einar, they are both physically strong and determined to stop demons from hurting others.  Both are courageous, protective and have serious fighting skills which leads to a more action packed story than the first two novellas.  The story is fast paced and will keep you gripped from the very beginning, Felicity has proved that she can write a good fight scene that will make it easy for you to picture every move made as you are reading.

Even though the story is full of action there is still time for the romance and I continue to be impressed with how well Felicity manages to round out her characters in a novella.  I didn't find any of the romance unbelievable which can often be a problem with shorter stories and I can't wait to see what she can do with a full length novel.  This series is one I'd definitely recommend to fans of paranormal romance, especially if you like them to include a scorching heat level.  This is a series not to be missed.

Source: Received free from the author in exchange for an honest review

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Tuesday, 28 December 2010

Review: Her Fallen Angel - Felicity Heaton

Annelie fell for Lukas the moment he walked into her pub three years ago. He’s stunning, his vivid green eyes lending to his otherworldly beauty, but he’s seriously out of her league. When he tells her that she’s beautiful and confesses that he wants her, she can’t resist him and his passionate kiss. She unleashes her desire and seizes the moment and Lukas with both hands. But Lukas has a secret, one that will test Annelie’s love for him and threaten to tear them apart.

He’s an angel.

Annelie can’t believe it when Lukas says that their feelings for each other aren’t a sin, but she can believe his pain when he tells her the reason he’s on Earth. He is fallen, cast out of Heaven as punishment for a crime he didn’t commit. Lukas isn’t about to give up and accept his fate though. He’s determined to prove both his innocence and his love for Annelie, and to show her that the intense passion they share is real.

When Lukas and Apollyon discover who framed him, will he be able to stop them from going after Serenity and Annelie? Will he be able to protect the woman he loves and fly away with her into their forever after?

Her Angel Series:
Her Dark Angel
Her Fallen Angel
Her Warrior Angel
Her Guardian Angel
Her Demonic Angel
Her Wicked Angel
Her Avenging Angel
Her Sinful Angel

Visit Felicity Heaton's website for more information

Review:
Annelie has has a crush on Lukas since he first started visiting the bar she runs 3 years ago but she didn't realise that she loved him until he disappeared for 3 weeks.  Lukas is a fallen angel who was framed for a crime he didn't commit, he is desperate to prove his innocence and have his fallen status revoked.  The only thing keeping him sane over the last 3 years has been Annelie and he has fallen for her in a big way.  Never in her wildest dreams did Annelie think that her feelings could be returned by this gorgeous man but when he comes to the bar and is obviously upset she wants to comfort him and make him smile again.  She offers to drive him home as he has been drinking and her life will never be the same again.

Now I loved Apollyon in Her Dark Angel and didn't think Felicity Heaton would be able to top him but I'm sorry Apollyon, Lukas has totally stolen my heart!  I'm not sure how she can top Her Fallen Angel but I can't wait to read Her Warrior Angel to see if she manages it.

Things between Annelie and Lukas may heat up quickly but it doesn't feel at all rushed, you can tell they both have feelings for each other and oh boy can Felicity write a hot, frantic love scene (I'm surprised it didn't melt my ereader!)  You could feel the urgency between the characters and it made for intense reading - I was definitely left in need of a cold shower.  I absolutely loved the chemistry between Lukas and Annelie and was completely unable to put the book down.

The mystery of who had set Lukas up was interesting and I loved the fact that we got to see Apollyon and Serenity again when Apollyon agrees to help Lukas discover who is behind the plot.  Poor Annelie is in for a shock when she discovers that Lukas is an angel and understandably this makes her unsure if she should pursue a relationship with him.  I felt her feelings were realistic but was glad Serenity was able to help her work through her issues.

If I had any complaint about this series it would be that I'd love to see all of these characters star in a full length story - I don't think I could get too much of them, especially Lukas! - but I'd still highly recommend these novellas.  Although the series doesn't need to be read in order I would recommend reading Her Dark Angel first as I really enjoyed both stories.  I'd definitely recommend Her Fallen Angel to anyone who loves a good paranormal romance or erotic read.  These stories are great for when you're looking for a quick read but be warned you will want to read them in one sitting so make sure you have enough time to do that.  I can't wait to see what Felicity Heaton comes up with next.

Source: Received free from the author in exchange for an honest review

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Quick Review: Her Heart's Divide - Kathleen Dienne

Lila was a faithful, loyal wife.

Ryan was her sexy, loving husband.

And so was Jack...?

Jack, however, was her boss, not her husband-why was he claiming her as his own? Lila had been passionately happy with Ryan for more than seven years. Yes, there'd been a moment when she'd first been attracted to Jack, but then she'd met his best friend, Ryan. They'd fallen in love and married. Jack claimed that in his world, their attraction had led to the altar.

And now she was caught between two men-two husbands-in the wildest situation Lila could ever have imagined. But what she wasn't imagining were the two men touching her, pleasing her, caressing her...

Visit Kathleen Dienne's website for more information

Review:
Lila and Ryan are happily married but one day their friend Jack comes home from work convinced that Lila is his wife not Ryan's.  Lila and Ryan don't know what to make of Jack's claims but he knows things about Lila that he shouldn't possibly know.  What if Jack's claims are real in an alternative reality?  While they try to figure out what has happened Lila finds herself drawn to both men but should she persue her fantasy to be with them both?

Her Heart's Divide is a novella and with just 66 pages I wasn't sure how well it would be able to draw me into the story but I found myself pleasantly surprised.  Although I would have loved to see this made into a full lenght novel it was an enjoyable erotic read.  I liked all of the characters and would have liked to get to know them better (I want to know what happened in the alternative world!).  This was a quick read but a steamy one and I really enjoyed the menage with Lila, Ryan and Jack.

I'd definitley recommend this ones to fans of erotic romance and menage scenes.  Kathleen Dienne was a new author for me but I'll be looking out for more of her work in the future.

Source: Received for review from publisher via NetGalley

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Monday, 27 December 2010

Review: The Betrayal of Natalie Hargrove - Lauren Kate

A steamy Southern beauty makes one fatal mistake

Natalie Hargrove would kill to be her high school’s Palmetto Princess. But her boyfriend Mike King doesn’t share her dream and risks losing the honor of Palmetto Prince to Natalie’s nemesis, Justin Balmer. So she convinces Mike to help play a prank on Justin. . . one that goes terribly wrong. They tie him to the front of the church after a party—when they arrive the next morning, Justin is dead.

From blackmail to buried desire, dark secrets to darker deeds, Natalie unravels. She never should’ve messed with fate. Fate is the one thing more twisted than Natalie Hargrove.

Cruel Intentions meets Macbeth in this seductive, riveting tale of conscience and consequence.

The Betrayal of Natalie Hargrove is due for release in the UK on January 6th 2011 but it looks like Amazon UK already have it in stock so you might be able to spot it in the shops early too.

Visit Lauren Kate's website for more information

Review:
Natalie is obsessed with being crowned the next Palmetto Princess and wants her boyfriend Mike to be her Prince.  She has worked hard to make sure she is the most popular girl in school so she will be chosen but Mike's lack of interest isn't going to help him win votes.  Mike has competition for the role of Prince in Natalie's enemy Justin and Natalie will do whatever it takes to stop Justin taking the crown.  When a prank goes horribly wrong and Justin ends up dead Natalie is going to be forced to take drastic measures to ensure that she doesn't lose everything she has worked so hard for.

The Betrayal of Natalie Hargrove is a modern re-telling of Shakespeare's Macbeth but as I've not read the original story I can't really compare the two.  I have to be honest and say that this book and I just didn't get along.  Perhaps it's because I'm not familiar enough with Macbeth to understand all of the references but my main issue was the fact that I just couldn't stand the main character.  I don't think I've ever come across a heroine I disliked as much as Natalie Hargrove.

She is self centred and utterly obsessed with becoming the Palmetto Princess, it is the only think she cares about and she doesn't want to talk or even think about anything else.  Every single thing that she says or does has been thought out carefully in advance to make sure she will gain something from it.  Although Justin's death was an accident the way Natalie behaved afterwards was appalling and made me think she deserved everything she had coming to her and then some.

Although we do get some insight into why Natalie was so obsessed with proving her popularity I didn't feel that it excused her behaviour in the slightest.  Just because she grew up on the wrong side of town and used to be poor before her mother re-married doesn't give her the right to act as if the world owes her a favor.  For her everything is about being rich and popular and it doesn't matter who she has to climb over or betray to get what she wants.  She reminded me a lot of a spoilt child throwing a temper tantrum to get her own way.

Her boyfriend Mike has always been rich and popular so he doesn't see what the big deal is when it comes to being the Palmetto Prince.  He doesn't understand why it is so important to Natalie and really can't be bothered with the whole thing.  At times I felt quite sorry for him but then he'd do or say something that made me think he brought it all on himself.  Justin was probably the most interesting character for me but unfortunately we don't get to see much of him apart from in the memories of others.  The whole issue of his death was sad but it was a tragic accident and had Natalie or Mike been thinking clearly and just come clean at the beginning then the ending could have been very different.  As it was I didn't like either of them enough to really care what happened to them and I spent most of the book hoping that they'd be charged with murder!

There was something about the story that kept me reading though, I wanted to see how it ended and if Natalie and Mike would be punished (not so much for the prank but for their behaviour and cowardice afterwards).  I have to say that the ending wasn't what I was expecting but it did feel like they got off lightly under the circumstances.

I think if you've read the original tale of Macbeth you would probably enjoy this one more than I did.  I would also say that if you're interested in reading about the popular kids at school and seeing the lengths they are prepared to go to earn that popularity then again you'll probably enjoy it.  It isn't something I'm interested in and I'm glad that I didn't have to suffer through the whole homecoming dance / prom King & Queen thing at my school when I was younger.  I really like Lauren Kate's Fallen which is a book I'd highly recommend, the writing was as good in The Betrayal of Natalie Hargrove but it was the subject matter I wasn't keen on.  I'm looking forward to continuing the Fallen series though and will be reading more of her books in the future.

Source: Thanks to RHCB for sending me this book for review

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Saturday, 25 December 2010

Review: Once Bitten, Twice Shy - Jennifer Rardin

I'm Jaz Parks.  My boss is a guy called Vayl, born in Romania in 1744.  Died there, too, at the hand of his vampire wife, Liliana.  But that's ancient history.  For the moment Vayl works for the CIA, doing what he does best - assassination.  And I help.  You could say I'm an assistant assassin.

Yeah...you could say that.

But then I'd have to kick your ass.

Vayl is the CIA's top assassin.  A master of black ops, he has never failed.  He's also a 291-year-old vampire.  Assigned to protect Vayl, if such a formidable creature can be said to require protection, is Jasmine Parks - 'Jaz' to her friends.  A young lady with exceptional talents and secrets of her own.

In a world where the bad guys aren't always human and the CIA needs some very specialised help...

Jaz Parks Series:
Once Bitten, Twice Shy
Another One Bites the Dust
Biting the Bullet
Bitten to Death
One More Bite
Bite Marks
Bitten in Two
The Deadliest Bite (2011)

Visit Jennifer Rardin's website for more information

Review:
Jaz has been working as an assassin for the CIA for 6 months when she is given a new assignment.  She has been partnered with Vayl - a 300 year old vampire who happens to be the CIA's top assassin - as his body guard.  Something about the partnership doesn't ring true to Jaz - after all how can such a powerful vampire need a human body guard? - but she doesn't have much choice but to go along with it unless she wants to lose her job.  Their latest assignment is to take out a plastic surgeon who has known links to a terrorist organisation, it sounds simple enough and they are expecting to get the job done quickly and be home in a couple of days. But that was before they overhear a conversation and uncover a terrorist plot that could have devastating consequences if they don't find a way to stop it in time.

This is one of those books that I randomly picked up when browsing in the library, the comment on the back cover by author Patricia Briggs stating "Bond meets Dracula" was enough for me to add it to my must read pile and I'm so glad I stumbled across the series.  I'm surprised I'd not already heard of Jennifer Rardin and am looking forward to getting stuck into the rest of the series.  Although not perfect Once Bitten, Twice Shy is a promising start to an urban fantasy series and one I'd recommend trying if you're like me and hadn't heard of it before.

Jaz is quite a flawed character, she has a snarky attitude and was quite funny at times but she often speaks without thinking which tends to get her into trouble.  She wants to be good at her job and is prepared to do whatever it takes to protect Vayl but I think she probably has quite a lot of learning to do even though she is capable of standing up for herself.  She has had a tough time over the last couple of years and events from her past have had a massive effect on her present.  It's only as the story unfolds and we learn more details of these events that we get to see why she is the way she is and I started to understand her better.  I'm intrigued to find out more about who and what she is and am looking forward to seeing her work through her issues.

Vayl is an intriguing character but there is just something about him that really drew me in.  Most of his past is shrouded in mystery and we're never quite sure why he requested to have Jaz as his partner but you can tell he cares about her and there is definitely chemistry between them even though this hasn't been acted on yet.  I definitely have plenty of questions regarding the bond between them but I just want to spend more time with the pair and see how things develop.

The plot moves quickly and smoothly to the finish line and although they win the battle they certainly haven't won the war.  We have been introduced to some likable secondary characters who I hope we'll get to see more of in the future (I particularly liked tech geek Bergman and Jaz's Dad Albert) and I'm looking forward to seeing what kind of situation Jaz & Vayl will get themselves into next.  I'd definitely recommend the series to urban fantasy fans.

Source: Library

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Friday, 24 December 2010

Quick Review: A Peyton Family Christmas - Moira Rogers

Holiday Cheer, Southern Arcana Style

A free short story set after Crossroads and before Deadlock.

Life has settled down for Nicole Peyton and Derek Gabriel. They've fought battles and won, but friends and family still struggle with the scars. During their first Christmas together, surrounded by the people they love most, Derek and Nick give each other the less tangible gifts that matter most--and the too tangible gifts that mean forever.

This story contains major spoilers for Crossroads. Read with caution!

This story can be downloaded for free on Moira Rogers' website click here for more details

Southern Arcana Series:
Crux
Crossroads
A Peyton Family Christmas (free short story on Moira Rogers' website)
Zola's Pride (free short story on Moira Rogers' website)
Deadlock
Two Weddings (and One Near Funeral) (free short story on Moira Rogers' website
Cipher
Impulse
Enigma

Visit Moira Rogers' website for more information

Review:
I'm not going to give any details on the plot as it is a short story & I don't want to ruin it for you.  I would like to point out that this story will include major spoilers for Crossroads so I would strongly recommend reading Crossroads first.

I love getting to see a glimpse of a couple after they get their happy ending and it was great to see how Derek and Nick are spending their first Christmas. The story is set not long after the ending of Crossroads so they are still trying to deal with the aftermath of previous events but they are still crazy about each other.  With both of them being very family oriented they are looking forward to spending Christmas with their loved ones and it was good to see Michelle and Kat to find out how they are coping.

It's aways nice when authors offer free short stories & I often read them before buying an author's books to see if I think I'll like their writing style.  However in this case I'd strongly recommend reading the previous 2 books in the series first - at least read Crossroads as this would really give away the ending of the book if you decide to go back to that one later.  Moira Rogers do have other free reads on their website that don't include spoilers though so you could check those out if you want to get a taster of their writing.

I really love the Southern Arcana series and would definitely recommend giving it a try if you haven't already.  A Peyton Family Christmas is a nice addition to the series and a great way of getting into the Christmas spirit.

Source: Downloaded for free from Moira Rogers' website

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Review: Crossroads - Moira Rogers

Derek Gabriel was born human in family of psychics, aware of the supernatural world but never a part of it...until a rogue shapeshifter took humanity from him in a vicious attack. He's spent two years struggling to adjust, not just to a change that's driven many insane, but also to the prejudices of a culture where transformed wolves are considered inferior. A serious struggle, indeed, when the woman who attracts the man and the wolf inside him is the daughter of the most powerful wolf in the country.

For Nicole Peyton, nothing is more important than escaping the stifling confines of elite shapeshifter society, an old-fashioned world where women are valued only for their bloodlines and bank accounts. In New Orleans, she has a bar she loves, friends she cares for, and a smoldering, unspoken tension with an unsuitable but incredibly attractive man.

Neither could predict how quickly forbidden longing would erupt into burning need, but Nick and Derek have more than themselves to think about when Nick's sister arrives in the city with a shapeshifter strike team hard on her heels. The only way Nick can save her sister may be to play by the Conclave's rules--but it will mean giving up the man she's falling in love with, unless he's willing to risk everything in a challenge that will shake the foundations of their world.

Southern Arcana Series:
Crux
Crossroads
A Peyton Family Christmas (free short story on Moira Rogers' website)
Zola's Pride (free short story on Moira Rogers' website)
Deadlock
Two Weddings (and One Near Funeral) (free short story on Moira Rogers' website
Cipher
Impulse
Enigma

Visit Moira Rogers' website for more information

Review:
Derek and Nicole (Nick) have both had feelings for each other for a long time now but the time has never been right for them to act on it.  Derek was turned into a werewolf after a vicious attack a couple of years ago and since then has been trying to deal with his new supernatural abilities.  It hasn't been easy for him to come to terms with his inner wolf and he has always been afraid of losing control and hurting Nick.  Nick's father is an Alpha and also the head of the Conclave which is basically the council for American werewolves.  This means Nick is like a princess in the world of born werewolves but she wants nothing to do with politics and has escaped from New York to New Orleans where she is happy running a bar.  Nick wants nothing more than to be with Derek but as far as the born werewolves are concerned the turned werewolves are second class citizens and any relationship between them would be looked down on by her family. 

Just as they are starting to think that they might be able to have a future together Nick's sister Michelle turns up and she's in big trouble.  As a powerful magic user (known as a seer) Michelle's life has always been under the control of the Conclave, it's only the fact that her father is so powerful that she wasn't killed as a child.  Michelle is forbidden from having any kind of relationship but she has fallen in love with her bodyguard Aaron and is now pregnant.  The Conclave want to see Aaron killed for treason but Nick will do anything to protect Michelle & her family - even if it means giving up the love of her life.

Crossroads is book 2 in the Southern Arcana series and although it can be read as a stand alone novel I'd strongly recommend reading Crux first - this really is a series that you don't want to miss out on!  Although this is a paranormal romance it is one that straddles the lines with urban fantasy and I'd recommend it to fans of both genres.

We were first introduced to Nick and Derek in Crux so we know they both have feelings for each other and I for one was eager to see them together as a couple.  They actually get together quite quickly which I was pleased about and the passion between them was steamy to the extreme.  It isn't just sex though and although their mating instincts play a role you can tell how much they mean to each other.  Nick is a strong heroine and one who will do anything to protect those she cares about - her twin sister in particular.  She feels guilty that life has been so hard for Michelle and wants to see things work out for her even if it means sacrificing her own happiness to achieve that.  I admired Nick for the way she cares about Michelle and was desperate to see how things could work out for them both.

Derek is a great hero and perfectly matched to Nick.  He also cares a great deal about his family and immediately offers to do anything he can to help Michelle and Aaron.  His life has been hard since he was turned into a werewolf and he is sick of being considered a second class citizen by the Conclave and other born wolves.  He has no idea how ruthless the Conclave are prepared to be in order to get what they want but he's about to learn the hard way.  Derek is not going to leave Nick to face them alone though and is prepared to do whatever it takes to help both her and Michelle.

Crossroads is a fast paced read and one I read in one sitting because I couldn't bear to put it down.  The romance was hot enough to leave me needing a cold shower and I both laughed and wanted to cry as I was reading - it really did have everything you could ask for.  I enjoy spending time in the world Moira Rogers (writing duo Bree & Donna) have created and I'm relieved that I don't have too long to wait until the next installment (Deadlock) will be released.  The series includes a strong cast of secondary characters and I'm looking forward to reading each of their stories - Andrew & Alec's in particular - it was also nice to get to see Mackenzie and Jackson again (the main characters from Crux).  If you haven't already started the Southern Arcana series then I'd strongly recommend you get hold of Crux as soon as possible.

Source: Received from the author in exchange for an honest review

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Thursday, 23 December 2010

Review: Monster High - Lisi Harrison

Fitting in is out.

Welcome to Monster High, where freaky is about to get fabulous.

The monster community has kept a low profile at the local high school, but when two new girls enrol, the town will never be the same. Created just fifteen days ago, Frankie Stein is psyched to trade her father's formaldehyde-smelling basement lab for parties and prom. But with a student body totally freaked out by rumors of monsters stalking the halls, Frankie learns that high school can be rough for a chic freak like her. She thinks she finds a friend in fellow new student Melody Carver - but can a 'normie' be trusted with her big secret?

Monster High Series:
Monster High
The Ghoul Next Door (April 2011)

Check out Lisi Harrison's website for more information

Review:
Frankie may be only be 15 days old but she can't wait to get out of her parents lab and start high school.  Having spent her life being constantly praised by her parents Frankie is confident and knows she'll easily fit in at school and make friends but that's before her parents drop the bomb shell.  Before she can go to school she must cover up her mint green skin and hide her bolts and seams - the normies at school wouldn't accept her if they knew she was a monster.  The RADs (Regular Attribute Dodgers as the monsters like to call themselves) live amongst the normies (humans) in secrecy, blending in to avoid a witch hunt but Frankie thinks it's time for things to change.  She wants the RADs to show the world their real selves - but is the world ready for them?

I was in the mood for a light hearted, fun read so Monster High seemed like the perfect choice and in a lot of ways it completely lived up to my expectations.  It was funny, different from anything I've ever read and had a whole host of interesting supernatural characters.  I really enjoyed trying to figure out which of the students at the school were RADs and what type of monsters they might be, a few of them were fairly obvious but there were a couple I didn't get until they revealed themselves. 

I liked the fact that Frankie was so confident and proud of who she was, I completely related to her wanting to show her real self to the world and prove the normies had nothing to be afraid of.  I was annoyed on her behalf by the attitude of the normies to the monster sightings and wanted to see things change.  Frankie isn't the only new girl who starts at Merston High though and half of the story is told from Melody's perspective.  Melody is a normie who has just moved into town with her family.  She is looking forward to a new start and finally finding some friends since she never really fitted in at her old school.  In a lot of ways Melody is the opposite of Frankie, she isn't comfortable with herself and doesn't feel she fits in with the rest of her family.  I got the feeling that the two girls would have got along really well so I was disappointed that they didn't really speak to each other until right near the end of the book.

There were a few things that I didn't enjoy so much but to be fair that is probably more because I'm way out of the intended age range for the book than because of the story.  I don't mind some teen speak in a story but in this case it completely took over and really started to irritate me.  I also struggled with the amount of designer brands that were constantly name dropped, but again I've never been particularly interested in high fashion so that's probably down to personal taste.  I was a bit disappointed with the abrupt ending too, I love reading series and even enjoy a good cliff hanger but Monster High seemed to stop just as the story line was starting to get interesting.

Although this wasn't my favorite read I enjoyed it enough to be looking forward to reading the second book (The Ghoul Next Door) when it releases next year.  I think this series will be particularly popular with younger teens but it is one that can be enjoyed by any age as long as you're not put off by the teen speak.  Monster High is the kind of story that is easy to read in one sitting so if you're looking for some light entertainment it's definitely worth giving it a try.

Source: Received from Atom in exchange for an honest review

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Wednesday, 22 December 2010

Review: The Darkest Kiss - Keri Arthur

Dark secrets. Dangerous seduction. It all begins with a kiss...

With a werewolf's uncanny instinct for danger - and vampire blood coursing through her veins - Riley Jenson is an officer for the Directorate of Other Races, an organisation created to police supernatural beings. Now she's hunting for a killer who is targeting the rich and the powerful of Melbourne's society...

But for Riley the case takes a chilling turn when a second killer - a crazed young vamp - starts leaving a trail of mutilated bodies of his own. Riley knows she's got the skill and cunning to catch two serial killers at once, until one of them strikes inside her own tight-knit clan - and a sexy beast of a vampire re-enters her life to aid the hunt. His name is Quinn. He's lived forever, shed blood and shared pleasure - and he's the only man over whom Riley has absolutely no control...

Riley Jenson Guardian Series:
Full Moon Rising
Kissing Sin
Tempting Evil
Dangerous Games
Embraced by Darkness
The Darkest Kiss
Deadly Desire
Bound to Shadows
Moon Sworn

Dark Angel Series:
(This is a spin off from the Riley Jenson Guardian series)
Darkness Unbound
Darkness Rising
Darkness Devours
Darkness Hunts
Darkness Unmasked
Darkness Splintered
Darkness Falls

For more information visit Keri Arthur's website

Review:
Although this review won't contain spoilers for The Darkest Kiss as this is book 6 in the Riley Jenson series it will probably include spoilers for previous books. If you're new to the series or haven't read this far then I'd recommend checking out the reviews for book 1 Full Moon Rising. It is definitely an urban fantasy series that I'd recommend though.

This book picks up with Riley a couple of months after the ending of Embraced by Darkness and we find her still struggling to deal with a broken heart after her break up with Kellen. She is still working as a Guardian and when a politician is murdered she is called in to investigate. Soon she has a trail of bodies and realises she has a serial killer on her hands but before long it becomes clear that there is not just one killer on the loose. As if that wasn't enough to deal with Quinn is also back on the scene - can she capture the killers and protect her bruised heart at the same time?

This is a series I've enjoyed from the beginning but I have to say that I think it really is getting better with each new instalment. Riley has come a long way since Full Moon Rising and although I've always liked her I'm pleased to see the changes in her. She still has her snarky, kick ass attitude but whilst nursing her broken heart she has become less interested in casual sex and she seems to have grown up more. She will always enjoy flirting - and has more than a few men who are interested in that and more - but she wants to find a partner who she can actually care about. It was also nice to see more about the new abilities Riley has started to gain, although they didn't help her much in this book I'm curious to see what happens next.

I wasn't sure how I felt about the fact that Quinn would be making an appearance, I really liked him at first but then his attitude started to annoy me and I'd completely gone off him. However, I was really pleased to discover that he has also changed since the last time we saw him. With his attitude adjustment and Riley's new outlook I can actually see a future for them again and it was nice to be reminded of what attracted me to him in the first place. I'm now back to being interested in seeing how things play out with them over the rest of the series.

As I've come to expect from Keri Arthur the plot was well thought out and kept me turning the pages to see what would happen next. I was on the edge of my seat at certain points mentally screaming "nooooooo please don't let this be happening" but I can't really say more about that without giving spoilers so you'll have to read the book to find out if I was happy at the end or not. If you're a fan of the series then I'm sure you'll enjoy this instalment. I'm looking forward to picking up Deadly Desire and finding out what happens next.

Source: Library

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