Sweet Persuasion by Maya Banks

I know! I am reading the second book and not the first book like a good little nugget. My library didn't have the first book and ordering it from another one would have taken a month or two. So I decided to read the second book and deal with some of the spoilers for the first. I will try not to spoil anything from the first if I can. I'm sorry if I do. Sweet Persuasion is the second book in the Sweet series by Maya Banks. I think this is the first full length novel I am reading from her, and I enjoyed it very much.


Serena has been fulfilling other people fantasies, she hadn't really given her own a thought. That's all changed once she comes forth with wanting to be dominated and to be owned by a man. There is just the perfect person known to make this fantasy come true one way. Damon Roche owns a sex club and the man that Serena seeks out. Together they will push each others limits, Damon has no intentions of letting go, but Serena isn't sure. She's everything that he has ever wanted and he has to convince her to stay with him. His submissive.

I liked the message of "doing what makes you happy", either through your job or extracurricular activities, something has to do it for you. If you are not doing what makes you happy you should think about doing something that does. So long as it is legal. I think we are aware that this is not a YA novel, this is an adult book. With that being said after the sexier scenes where done, I thought there was going to be more in depth detail. I like that there wasn't. It was tasteful and not overdone. With that Banks didn't allow the sex to be everything in the book, yes it was a good portion, but I feel I learned more about the characters than I have with a few other erotic books. I laughed so much, mainly from the three girls that are best friends, but from beginning to end I was laughing.

I have two dislikes. One pertains to the book and the other is a rant. The one that actually deals with the book is that there were a few times that I felt like it got a little dull. Though once those spots where over they were quickly forgotten. Now for the rant. I am sick of endings going like this; the love interests in the book either towards the end or in the second book of the series (if the couple are the powerhouse of the series), break up because of something (sometimes stupid sometimes not) and then get back together because they realize how much they belong together. This is getting annoying. I am sick of reading books that follow this because I know now the telling signs to it about to happen and then I skip the last 15 to 20 pages of the book. I just find the one sentence that says why they got back together and skip everything in between.

I wish I had the first book to read, I really do not like reading a series out of order. This wasn't too bad though. I don't feel like the first book got ruined or why that couple broke up and then got back together. That is about the only thing that bugged me the most. Every thing else was great. I do recommend this to the more mature audience, it is labeled an "adult" book for a reason. After reading this book I do want to read more from Banks. I do want to own this book and maybe the series.

Rating: 4 out of 5.

Page Count: 345 pages (paperback)

Price: $16

Next Book: Succubus Blues by Richelle Mead

Thank you so much for reading!
~Jade



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Oblivion by Kelly Creagh

The third and final book in the Nevermore trilogy, Oblivion sure does go out with a bang. I do have reviews for the first two books Nevermore, and Enshadowed already up. I really do hope that Creagh starts mentioning something more coming from her. For the most part I enjoy her writing. To be honest I finished this book a little while ago but I haven't had enough time to even think about reviewing it. So I am making time now!



Varen's still in the dream world, and Isobel is starting to lose hope. She doesn't want to go back to the dream world where she had a near death experience last time. But the nightmares don't stop and they are starting to bleed even more into reality. She is faced with either going back and getting Varen or letting reality be destroyed. It won't be easy bringing him back if she can, a new loss and Lilith willing to do anything to keep him are all against her. It's all or nothing in this ending to the trilogy.

Oh my goodness there is finally some action! I was sorely disappointed with the last book because there wasn't much action. Oblivion made up for that. Varen was pretty much all throughout the book as was different aspects of Edgar Allen Poe. I really liked reading more about the dream world, it had me hooked all through the book. One of the last few chapters was very cruel when I thought someone was going to be dead. I loved that part once I got past it though. I did like to see that Isobel still had the determination to get Varen back, she was losing hope but she didn't completely. The ending was the best part of the book just because of  all the things that took place. I can't pinpoint one part that I liked more.

Now for the one thing I didn't like, there were only a few spots that dragged on a bit. Though once they were done there was action again. I am still more upset that the second book in the trilogy lacked so much. I definitely feel as though Creagh could have done something about it, but it's her book, she can do what she wants with it.

I greatly enjoyed this book. I finished it a some time ago and I want to reread it. I can for sure say that I would love to own this book, along with the first one. I recommend this book and this trilogy to everyone, young and "old". You definitely don't have to be a Poe lover to read these books. It is safe for a younger reader who is looking for something that is longer in length but not quite Harry Potter. I'm sorry it's been over a month since I last put a review up, I've been crazy busy. I have books to review, just no time to type the review out.

Rating: 5 out of 5

Page Count: 434 pages (hardcover)

Price: $18.99

Next book: Sweet Persuasion by Maya Banks

Thank you so much, I hope no one is too mad at my disappearance
~Jade


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If I Stay by Gayle Forman

First book in the If I Stay duology, I think just about everyone knows about these two books because of the movie. The second book is called Where She Went. The book itself was released in 2009 and gained lots of popularity when the movie was made. I remember seeing this book in high school but I was too preoccupied with other, longer books. Now I'm glad that I have read it.



Mia had life pretty much good. She has an amazingly supportive family, she's talented and smart. Then it all changes with a simple freak accident. Now she has to decide if she wants to stay or move on with her life. The hardest choice she had to make before was moving away and perusing her passion for music or staying with her boyfriend. This new choice isn't that simple, nor going to be easy to make.

This is a pretty small book I finished it relatively quickly. Had I of been able to sit down and read this nonstop I think I would have finished it in less than a day. I don't want to spoil anything so I will try to keep my likes pretty vague (as usual). I laughed a few times and when I did, I giggled about it even afterwards. Like when Mia and Kim got into a fight. Speaking of Kim, I really enjoyed her message of "family doesn't always mean related to you by blood". Way too many people think this and get disillusioned when their blood-family doesn't end up being there for them. Though I can understand why Mia would think this, her family was so close that facing the reality of possibly spending the rest of her life without them would be saddening. I liked reading about that closeness, it's not often that you see a family that close in real life. I also liked the simplicity of the story. It wasn't full of twists, turns, and hints about what's to come and all the rest.

As for things I didn't like, one is how simple the story was. Everyone swore that they cried and couldn't believe that they were so deeply moved. I wasn't. *SPOILER-ALERT* I knew that everyone was going to have to die for Mia to be faced with the choice of living or moving on.*SPOILER-ENDED* Not just one or two people but all. I didn't cry, I've lost friends to tragic things like illnesses, car crashes, and suicide. After a while you are just content to read and know that it isn't real. Also I don't see where the hype from this book came from. I see how it can be moving for some people really, and the story was nice but other than that it was just 'okay' to me. But that ending! How could you Forman! A dreaded cliffhanger!!!

Even with everything that I didn't like I still recommend this book to those that are younger. I definitely feel as though they would get more out of the story than those of us who have already experienced loss. I don't know when I will be reading the second book. I'm not in a rush to read it, just like I am not in a rush to own this book. If I find it for a good price, I'll take it. I wan to do a book to movie comparison but I don't know how I would do it. If it happens you guys will now.

Rating: eh, 4 out of 5.

Page Count: 196 pages (hardcover)

Price: $16.99

Next Book: Oblivion by Kelly Creagh

Thanks for reading!
~Jade


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Peeps by Scott Westerfeld

Most people know Westerfeld for his Uglies series, he does have quite a number of books published, Peeps also being one of them. As far as I can tell there is only two books that belong with the duology and no talk of a third. The second book doesn't follow the same characters as this first book but most do see it as the second book. Peeps was published back in 2005, right around the same time as Uglies. I have tried to read that series however, I could never get into it. I'll keep trying but don't expect anything any time soon.



A one night stand changes everything for Cal. The woman is mysterious and a carrier of a parasite. On the bright side Cal also becomes a carrier, on the downside he's given it to all of his ex-girlfriends. They've become Peeps, known more to the common folks as vampires. It's now up to Cal to track them down and stop them from killing or making more peeps. Thankfully with being a carrier you get all the extra strength, better vision and senses that the peeps do too. Cal's definitely going to need it with all the coming trouble.

I don't have very many likes for Peeps. I tried really hard to find more things but in the end I was more disappointed than anything. The first thing that I liked was the biology lessons. They made me laugh reading them, sadly enough  my nerd was showing and I understood everything that was going on. My favorite was the "Trematodes" chapter, that one had me cracking up (my sense of humor is weird, I know believe me I know). Also I laughed throughout the book, not just with the biology lessons and that helped my rating from being shit for this book. I loved most the different take on vampires or the peeps. I was kept interested the most by that, but eventually I realized that nothing special was going to happen so I just opted to finish the book.

I said I liked the biology lessons until they came every. Other. Chapter. Take them out and the actual story is not that big. I understand getting readers to know that things like the transmission of parasite to host is very common it can be detrimental, but can also be very positive for life. But come on! Every other chapter? It got old pretty quick for me, I felt like I was back in high school in sophomore year. Yeah this was way more interesting to read but I felt like Westerfeld needed something to lengthen the book. Also, the ending. Pardon me but WTF! One little blip with the main problem and then wham, bam done. And the "drama" with the Night Watch. Of course they are hiding things from you, Cal. They call you 'Kid' for a reason! (Okay I'm going to stop ranting now....)

I don't think I will be reading the second book, I would have to order it from another library and that could take quite a few weeks. Also with as disappointed as I was in the book, overall I want to hold off on the second book. I think younger kids could learn something from reading the book along with enjoying the plot. That being said I recommend this to the younger-ish ones. Not too young though, there is talk of sex but nothing to get upset over.

Rating: 3 out of 5.

Page Count: 312 pages (paperback)

Price: $8.99

Next: If I Stay by Gayle Forman

Thank you for putting up with my rant!
~Jade


You can also find me here: Facebook, Goodreads, and Tumblr!

Enshadowed by Kelly Creagh

This is the second book in the Nevermore trilogy. I do have the first book Nevermore reviewed, it's on the rougher side of a review but it's still mine. I plan on reading the third book Oblivion however, I don't know when I will be getting to it, I hope soon though. As far as I can find there hasn't been any talk of Creagh coming out with anything else since Oblivion was published. This could very well change at a moments notice and I sure hope it does!



Varen is still gone in the dreamworld, Isobel is in the real world where she is experiencing very real nightmares and visions. Her only hope comes from a grave in Baltimore, where Edgar Allen Poe is buried. On the morning of his birthday a mysterious person visits the grave, he is known as the "Poe Toaster". Whomever it is, they know how to get to the other world, and Isobel needs their help. Unfortunately there are other hurtles she must get over before she can get to him. Varen's being torn in two, toward an evil so powerful and also by Isobel. Though by time she gets to him, he is no longer the same Varen she knows.

Poe! Again, like the last book I loved that Poe's work was incorporated. I am a huge fan of Poe and as of thus far I do not think Creagh did a bad job with his work. I would've liked to have seen more, but this book was more about Isobel trying to figure out how to get to Varen, and get him back into the real world. I really loved the suspense leading up to Poe's birthdate in the first part of the book. I also liked the aspect of the dream world being more in the book. I like the features of that world and how things mirror the real, but at the same time changes within seconds. I did love two characters in particular, Gwen and Danny. Gwen because without her being sassy and sarcastic I don't think I would have read the book in it's entirety. Danny made me smile he knew something was wrong, didn't know how to approach it, but still made it known that he loved his sister. People don't think that kids understand what is going on around them, but some really do.

If you're looking for Varen to be in the book, well I have bad news for you. He really isn't at all. The ending is an excellent draw in for the final book however, if you are like me and wanted to get some action from Varen, you'll be disappointed. In general I was disappointed with the last half of the book. Things were built up to and I was expecting something so much more than the little stint in the other world. By time the ending of the book came I was left with the feeling of "that's it? That's all that this lead up to?" It was more of Isobel hemming and hawing until Poe's birthday. I definitely think that if I wouldn't have waited so long to read Enshadowed I would have seen a lot more of the book as dull. Dare I hint that this had Middle Book Syndrome...? I will highly unhappy if the final book is like this one, and everything built up to and then not properly executed.

I'm glad I didn't get to read this book right after the last one because I would have been more disappointed in the book. I definitely wouldn't rush out and buy this book, I want the first book more than this one. I hope that the last book is a lot better, I'm going to try and get to it a little quickly but I don't think I will be able to because I work a lot this week, and I am already reading another book. I still recommend this to people of all ages, even those who are on the younger side and like big books.

Rating: low 4 out of 5

Page Count: 429 pages (hardcover)

Price: $17.99

Next Book: Peeps by Scott Westerfeld

Thank you for reading!
~Jade



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Nightwalker by Jocelynn Drake

Nightwalker is the first book in the Dark Days series by Drake. There are six full length novels and a few novellas. Drake has another series out just in case Nightwalker isn't your type of book. I found this book in the fantasy section of my library. This was published back in 2008 and the last novella was published in 2012.


By now Mira is used to being a nightwalker, it's been a few centuries since she has been made. Her mysterious power over fire makes her different from the other nightwalkers and has made her an interest to others. So far it seems that her power is keeping her from meeting her end. A new enemy has arisen and his name is Danaus, a vampire hunter. He's killed many of Mira's kind and she now has to make a decision, either hunt or be hunted.

Again another book that had a lot of action and a few sub plots that could make or break the main one. I think so far they are making the main plot stronger because all the smaller plots are adding to the suspension of everything that is happening. I especially think the conflict between Mira and Jabari could be a great explosion and I hope that Drake explored it. I do like that there is a slightly more complex hierarchy of vampires. There are the ancients, the middle groups and then lower and newer vampires. I haven't heard the term naturi before, which is another name for the fey creatures. The fey are not small or pixie like with Drake. They are not always nice either and this was a great change of pace.

I only have a couple of dislikes and one of them really dropped my rating for the book. Some authors hang onto a phrase and just use it to death. Drake used so and so person "ran their hand through their hair" so many times that I quit reading the book for a few days. In one chapter alone it was used three times. I tried to keep count for the book as a whole but I quit counting after it was used the eight time. I don't know what Drake could have used in replace of that phrase but something else was needed to express their frustration. The second thing that annoyed the crap out of me was that Mira couldn't seem to wear the appropriate attire. Yes, lets wear leather high heel boots while knowing that I have a number of people on my ass. There is cool looking combat ready clothes that she could have considered, knowing that there are lots of people that want her dead.

Nightwalker was a great read, and I was kept interested throughout the book. If it weren't for the phrase "ran their hand through their hair" I would have given the book a higher rating. I don't know if I would reread Nightwalker any time soon. I would like to own the book however it is a book that I would be willing to pass up for another. Honestly, I do recommend this for young adults as well, there's a few PG-13 parts but they don't last but a few paragraphs at most.

Rating: 3 out of 5

Page Count: 370 pages (paperback)

Price: $7.99

Next book: Enshadowed by Kelly Creagh

Thank you so much for reading!
~Jade


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Touch the Dark by Karen Chance

Firstly, thank you to everyone who has read or viewed my blog. I woke up last week and when I logged into blogger I found that I was at 2,000 page views!! I know it may not seem like much but for me it is way more than I thought I would get when I first started this review blog some time ago. Thank you again!

Now that that is said, this is the first book in the Cassandra Palmer series by Karen Chance, there are a total of 6 books published and two more anticipated. I have heard that the seventh book in the series has had it's publication date pushed back a couple of times. It doesn't seem that this will be happening any more, hopefully. There is quite a number of books by Chance published, some that go along with this series and ones that do not.



Sometimes being able to see the future isn't as cracked up as it sounds. Cassandra Palmer knows this all too well because her ability makes her sought out by the dead and undead. Ghosts aren't a problem but they will talk your head off. It's all the other creatures of the night that make problems for her. Cassie escaped a crazy house run by an even crazier vampire three years ago and has avoided vampire as much as she can. But the person she is running from has caught up to her and she goes to the vampire Senate for help. Their help comes with a price, and she ends up working with one of the most powerful vampires. He demands a price to be paid as well and Cassie doesn't know if she is willing to pay up.

I guess I go through fazes of getting books that don't have enough action, to getting the books filled with action. Touch the Dark had lots of action, pretty much from about 20 pages in there was almost nonstop action all the way through. I was kept interested with the action but also with the talk about Cassie's back story, and especially a few of the vampires too. As always, I loved that there was more than two mythical creatures in the book. I do plan on reading the second book eventually and I hope to see more of the Fae, and witch aspect. *SEMI-SPOILER ALERT* I did see the part with Tomas coming. I didn't really like him in the beginning, he gave me a weird feeling. *SEMI-SPOILER ENDED* Whereas I wasn't really surprised, I am glad that Chance did that because otherwise events that where going on wouldn't have made sense. I extremely liked that just because one becomes a vampire, they are not automatically "awesome", they get there through lots of work and through the years. Otherwise they are nothing special.

I know I said I liked all the action, but I also had a slight problem with it. There wasn't much down time, and with this things moved really fast. I got confused quite often in the beginning because of this. Cassie would start to talk about her time with Tony and it just wouldn't make sense to me as to what was going on, and then the fighting would start. After a while it did become clearer but that was more toward the end of the book. I would have preferred a little novella to come before this first book just to give a taste as to Cassie's history.

With the couple of problems I had with Touch the Dark I still really enjoyed it. Like I said before I really want to read the second book because things have just gotten started. This is considered an "adult" book, there are a few sex scenes, but I have read much, much worse. A more mature teenager could handle this book no problem. I recommend this book, obviously with the caution to the younger audience because of the sex. I wouldn't mind owning this book, but it remains to be seen how the rest of the series is going to turn out.

Rating: 4 out of 5

Page Count: 307 pages (paperback)

Price: $7.99

Next book: Nightwalker by Jocelynn Drake

Thank you so much for reading!
~Jade


You can find me on: FaceBook, or GoodReads, or Tumblr. Go check them out feel free to subscribe to this blog, like, friend or follow any of the others too!

Nightlife by Rob Thurman

Nightlife is the first book in the Cal Leandros series, there are a total of ten books published and a eleventh planned for 2016. I will be reading the second book, however I don't know if it will be right away or not (I've said this before but we'll see what happens this time). There are a few other books out by Thruman so if this doesn't peek your interest maybe one of the others will. I picked this book up seeing the name Rob, and I know I read a lot of female authors and I wanted to branch out into more male authors. However upon further research, Rob is a female. I tried everyone, I did. I even read the little blurb about the author in the back of the book and NOTHING said that she was female. Oh well, life goes on.

 

New York City doesn't know that there is a troll under their Brooklyn bridge, a boggle in Central Park and a vampire in the Upper East Side. Most humans don't realize what is going on around them, Cal does but he's only half human. The lovely father of Cal, his heritage is that worthy of nightmares. On top of that him and his otherworldly race are after Cal. Cal doesn't stick around anywhere long enough to find out why though. Niko, his half brother, and Cal for four years have been able to keep ahead of them, until now. Now they are about to find out exactly what Cal is wanted for. Hell on Earth, is just a metaphor for what Cal is going to be used for.

For this being Thurman's first book in 2006, it wasn't bad. It was really nice not reading a romance novel, and switching things up for a bit. I really enjoyed the sibling love throughout the book. Especially since not all half-siblings have the best relationships. I also really liked that Niko took his education seriously, to know more about your enemies and how to kill them is a good thing. Speaking of enemies, Cal has a lot of them being half Auphe (elf), and because of this there was a lot of action. I have had a problem with a lot of books not having enough action and this book definitely sated my action thirst. I loved that there where a lot of mythological creatures and not all of them are beautiful either. Some authors try to beautify mythological creatures (I don't have a problem with this) but not all of them are. I also loved that Puck was a character pulled into the book, if you do not know who Puck is look him up. I also liked the plot even if I did forget it with the first 100 pages.

The first 100 pages of the book where a bit of a bore. I forgot what Niko and Cal where after many times and eventually I quit trying to go back and read what it was. At one point in time I was about to put the book down but I was going to wait till about the 150 page mark before I did that. Thankfully before then the book really picked up. I also found that whereas I normally get engulfed with a book, this did not happen this time around. I could easily put the book down and do something else. I could have easily started another book and just forgotten about this one. Though because of this I ended up skimming over a good amount of the book. I read the parts that where important and skipped over that which wasn't.

I don't know if I would exactly call this an "adult" novel. I could definitely see this as a transition between young adult and adult, it meets a perfect middle ground. It wasn't bad by far but there was quite a few things I didn't like. Most revolving around when there wasn't action there wasn't anything, and when there was action it was good. I do want to read the second book, I am looking forward to what it holds, though it's not that high of a priority to read right this second. I recommend this book to all ages, not just "adult", and if you like fantasy, go for it. As of right now it remains to be seen if I would want to own this book.

Rating: 3 out of 5.

Page Count: 339 pages (paperback)

Price: $7.99

Next book: Touch the Dark by Karen Chance

Thank you for reading!
~Jade

Note: I'm trying to aim for a book review every other week if possible. If not then I am very sorry. Also I'm almost to 2,000 views! Thank you to everyone who is checking out and possibly reading my reviews. I really, truly appreciate it!

Want to keep up with me in another way? I created a Facebook Page where I will be updating when I post something here! Go take a look at it and like it if you want to.

Texts From Jane Eyre and Other Conversations with Your Favorite Literary Characters by Mallory Ortberg

Back in high school I remember my 11th grade literature teacher reading this hilarious book based off of Facebook statuses from characters in Hamlet and others. I loved every bit of it and I wish I could get my hands on that book. I was more than excited when I saw that I had won an ARC from a Goodreads first reads giveaway* almost a year ago. This is going to be a shorter review as well.



As the title says, there are text messages from Jane Eyre, Edgar Allen Poe, Gone With the Wind, Shakespeare, and many more. Can you even begin to fathom what some of these characters would text about? Ortberg gives you a glimpse into some of the shenanigans that they could come up with.

I laughed a lot. I hoped that I would, and I did. I was extremely happy with this. I have picked up books like this one and expected just as much and have been let down. This book is a hoot from beginning to end, if a bit naughty at time. I found that I recognized quite a bit of the people and stories mentioned, either from reading them myself, in high school, or just hearing about them from other people. I especially loved Edgar Allen Poe's and Hamlet's texts, they had me rolling in laughter.

I did find that if I didn't know the story or understand the context I wouldn't understand the humor in the texts. For example I have never read Rebecca by Daphne du Maurier, whereas I found parts of the texts humorous, there were parts where I didn't laugh and was trying to figure out what was being talked about. There are other stories where I had the same problem, but I find that if you don't do like I did and try to read too much into it you can get a laugh anyways.

Either way around I found that I very much enjoyed reading Texts from Jane Eyre, and I would most definitely read it again. I am tempted to read a number of the books mentioned because if they are half as entertaining as these texts, I think I will enjoy them. I do highly recommend this book to everyone, like I said there are a few naughty spots but I don't think anything more that a teenager wouldn't hear in school is presented.

Rating: 5 out of 5.

Price: $23 though this could be less (paperback)

Page Count: 226 pages

Next: Nightlife by Rob Thurman

Thanks for reading!
~Jade


*Note: Yes, I did receive this from a Goodreads giveaway. No, I am not being paid or sponsored to review the book. Yes, these are my heartfelt opinions. If you didn't know I received this book late last year and I am just now review it. If I didn't like the book I would say. Have a concern? Email me and we can talk through it.

I would like to add this in, I'm sorry if reviews are scarce. I am working and taking 3 classes this summer. Reading isn't something I have much time for at the moment, but I read every chance I get and when I shouldn't be. However, I will still be putting reviews up when I can. Just hang in there with me I promise it won't always be like this :)

My True Love Gave to Me: Twelve Holiday Stories edited by Stephanie Perkins

Why am I reading Christmas stories in the middle of summer? Well, I saw that Laini Taylor had a short story in it and I realllly wanted to read it. So I grabbed it, and I probably wouldn't have read this during the holiday season anyways. It's been a while since I read a short story collection and it was pretty nice.



The very first story is Midnights by Rainbow Rowell. I give this story a 5 out of 5. I really loved it overall. At first I wasn't too sure about it in the beginning but by time the end came around I really did love it. I wanted a novella from this story if it were possible. I haven't read anything before by Rowell but I think I might pick up a book by her to check out.

The second story is The Lady and the Fox by Kelly Link. I give this story a 2 out of 5. I liked the ending, and the concept of the story, the rest not so much. For me it didn't really contribute to the story, it was just about the little girl growing up and moving on with her life while figuring out something to do with the guy. That's pretty much it.

Next is Angels in the Snow by Matt de la Peña. I give it a 3 out of 5. It was a sweet story, a really sweet story and I loved the cat. That's about it for the story for me. I liked the characters, I loved that Peña included a cat, I kind-of liked where the story was going, but that's it. It has it's sweet and cute moments, I will say that.

Polaris is Where You'll Find Me by Jenny Han is the fourth short. I give this story a 3 out of 5. Han made this a cute little tale and I liked where it was going. It was different and I liked that very much, but it was only 14 pages long. Don't get me wrong, I liked it but I wanted more in a not that good way.

It's a Yuletide Miracle Charlie Brown by the editor herself Stephanie Perkins is next. I give this story a 5 out of 5. I really found myself able to connect with Marigold. Which is funny I find myself typing that about this story but there is another story kind-of like this one and I don't feel the same way. She wants out and to do something big, I have that feeling a lot as well. I really like the feel of the story even from the beginning. It was cute and I found myself wanting more of the story at the end.

The sixth story is Your Temporary Santa by David Levithan. I give this one a 5 out of 5. It was hilarious! I laughed almost the whole way through reading this story. I also liked that the main Guys name wasn't given, at all (as far as I can tell, I could have missed it though I wouldn't be surprised if I did). The ending was very adorable too.

The seventh story is Krampuslauf by Holly Black. I give it a 5 out of 5. The name alone made me smile, I knew it was going to be a different take on Christmas as it was. This story really called out to my child side that still believes in magic. From the beginning to the end I loved Krampuslauf, and I wanted a full length novel.

Next is What the Hell Have You Done, Sophie Roth? by Gayle Forman. I give this one a 4 out of 5. I also connected with Sophie as well, again she wanted out and I know that feeling. It was a cute read, however I wouldn't read this story over and over again. Forman's writing style was very nice and I might seek out a book from her.

Beer Bucket and Baby Jesus by Myra McEntire, I give this a 5 out of 5. I laughed the whole way through the story and I loved it. The first sentence really hooked me and kept me the whole way though. If this is how McEntire writes I will for sure be seeking out a book by her. Though to be fair if the story wasn't funny I don't know if I would have enjoyed it as much.

The tenth story is Welcome to Christmas, CA by Kiersten White. I give this one a 5 out of 5 as well. This is the story where I should have connected with the character but I didn't. She ended up falling in love and then got out. I don't see that for me. However I did smile the whole time while reading the story and I did like the cook (Ben) and his full name reveal. Maria trying to guess his full name had me laughing a few times.

Next is Star of Bethlehem by Ally Carter. I give this one a 4 out of 5. I liked the story but I don't think I would have picked it up on its own. It was cute, and I really liked it but it just wasn't my cup of tea. I've never taken an airplane anywhere and it makes be wonder if you really could switch tickets with someone and get away with it. Carter's writing was really nice and I think I might look in to another book of hers.

The last story and the one I was looking forward to reading the most is The Girl Who Woke the Dreamer by Laini Taylor. It is a very good thing that this wasn't at the beginning story because I wouldn't have read the rest of the book. What stopped me from reading just this story and not the rest? I have not a clue so don't ask. I give this one a 4 out of 5. I liked Taylor's story so very much, but I wanted a lot more. From the cover I was hoping that Karou from the Daughter of Smoke & Bone trilogy would be in it but she wasn't. I wasn't overly disappointed, I still enjoyed the story very much.

I completely and utterly recommend this book to everyone. I'm far from upset with the stories and authors that were compiled together. I would love to own this book, however I probably wouldn't read it cover to cover very often. I would pick and choose which stories I was in the mood for and read them. Also if you would like to know which pairs of the people on the front cover belongs to which author, I provide a picture down below that someone (not me) graciously points out who belongs to whom. From what I can tell they are correct, though over half of them I had not a clue and couldn't match them up myself. For a young adult novel I do think adults could enjoy a number of the stories that are held in this book. I would say that it is perfect for the holiday season and for those who like holiday stories.



Rating: 5 out of 5.

Page Count: 321 pages (hardcover)

Price: $18.99

Next Book: TBA

Thanks for reading!
~Jade

If you want to know why Laini's characters have (stand-in) on the bottom of her name http://naturallysteph.tumblr.com/post/100249929020 click that link and read!

Deadly Little Games by Laurie Faria Stolarz

This is the third book in the Touch series I do have the first two books reviewed. If you go to Deadly Little Lies review I have the first book linked there. Stolarz did publish a book back in 2014 so if you are looking to read something from her that is recent there is Welcome to the Dark House.



Camila and Ben both have the power of psychometry, it's rare to find someone that close to you that has the same specialness as you. Ben can lose control though, if he starts to feel something more malevolent. Camila's specialness gets itself out when she works with her clay. Most of the time she doesn't even understand what it means. Back together they barely have time to talk things through before something start to stir up again. This time, Camila isn't the target of someone's ministrations. This time it is Adam, someone from Ben's past. Clues begin to pile up faster and faster and it's apparent that he's in danger. But who can be trusted?

*nearly put my head through a wall* That's a great start to likes right....? I liked that when problems began to pop up with Ben and her she tried to straighten things out. That's how relationships work, things pop up the couple works on them, when both are ready. Honestly though Kimmie, Wes, and Aunt Alexia saved this book for me. Otherwise I would have put it down. I also liked that Stolarz tried to put more than one topic in that could possibly happen with being a teen, like parents going through a divorce, relationship drama, family problems, parents pressuring. All of these could be a reality as you grow up. I liked it a lot that the puzzles that were being sent to Adam where put in the book as well. Lastly I liked that Camila got to interact with Alexia in this book.

Now for the dislikes. I actually put off typing up this part because I didn't want to completely slam the book. I've been through the relationship that Camila and Ben have (just without the psychometry) and reading what they (Ben) were doing was driving me mad. Ben downright annoyed the fuck out of me and I used to like him! I can understand a person being afraid because of their past, but guess what? IT'S THE FRICKIN' PAST YOU HAVE TO LEARN FROM IT AND MOVE ON! Ladies and gents, do not want this type of relationship. It's not healthy and it's not fun, take it from someone who was there for almost 4 years. Please enjoy your younger years, being an adult isn't as cracked up as it is made to look like. Be single and enjoy it. I stated that I liked that Stolarz tried to put a lot of possible drama besides relationship, but I felt that it was a lot going on for this book. Stolarz should have picked a couple and went with it not all of them. I was more interested with what was going on with Kimmie, Wes, and Alexia then Camila, Adam and Ben. Again, I could have done without the love triangle.

I went ahead and read what the next book is about and I don't know if I will be getting to it soon. I don't want to deal with Ben and Adam anymore. I was more disappointed with this than anything and actually didn't want to read it most of the time because of everything. I still recommend it to a younger audience but, again do not romance Ben and Camila's "relationship", it isn't as "romantic" as it seems. I don't think I would reread Deadly Little Games, and I don't think I would buy it at even half price or at all.

Rating: 2.5 out of 5.

Page Count: 297 pages (hardcover)

Price: $16.99

Next Book: My True Love Gave to Me: Twelve Holiday Short Stories

Thanks for reading everyone,
~Jade

May & June Book Haul

I have a smallish book haul for the months of May and June. I honestly can't believe that this year is already half over, it feels like we just got into 2015. Next thing we know we will be ringing in the new year! So before I go on a complete rant about that here's the books I received.

For the month of May I got 3 books and 1 of them is an ebook.

The ebook I bought and was basically given to me is Trinity Defying Destiny by Kylie Price. This is the second book following Trinity The Prophecy which I do have a review up for. Eventually when I can actually sit down long enough to read the ebook there will be a review for it, I cannot wait to read it. *give Kylie a big huge hug*

I was actually expecting this book in April but it came to me in May and I did not mind because it came to me safe and sound. I did receive it through a Goodreads first reads giveaway* The book is Racheal Awakened by Robin A. Dilks. If you haven't already I did review this book as well and it is linked as usual. There is a second book set to be released called Morrigan Blade of Grace.

This next and last book I received in May was also won through a Goodreads first reads giveaway* and it is Camael's Battle by Michele E. Gwynn. It is book one and two put together, book one is Camael's Gift. I don't know how I will review this one, if I will make it into two different reviews or one review containing the two. When I do know you guys will know as well. These two books are part of the Angelic Hosts series. There looks to be some romance, maybe some mythology, and action.

For the month of June I got 4 books. I was expecting a few more to come, depending on if they come after this is posted and how many of them do I may edit this post or I might add them to the next book haul.

The first book I got in June is A Study in Death by Ann Lee Huber. It is the fourth book in the Lady Darby Mystery series, and with that being typed I don't know how quickly I will get to this book. If I find out that there are very little spoilers from the first three books I will go ahead and read it. I don't want to accidently spoil anything for anyone. This book is a murder mystery, historical fiction, and maybe some romance too. I also got this book through a Goodreads first reads giveaway*.

The next book I received is of the erotic and BDSM genera called Never Let You Down by Joely Sue Burkhart. It is the fourth book in the Connaghers series and once again if I find that there are spoilers to the first three books it may be a while before I review it. I really want to read it but I don't want to spoil anything. Again I got this book through a Goodreads first reads giveaway*.

I also got this book from a Goodreads first reads giveaway*. It is Devil's Daughter by Hope Schenk-de Michele, Paul Marquez, and Maya Kaathryn Bohnhoff. It is the first book in Lucinda's Pawnshop possibly series, it is yet to be seen what this is going to turn into. This book is a fantasy, romance, and fiction read.

The last book I got in June I actually spent money on! Before I reveal the name of the book I want to make this clear. It's okay if you love the series. It's okay if you hate the series. It's okay if you are indifferent like me. But do not hate on someone else because of what their opinions are. If you cannot nicely state your opinion please don't. I haven't had this problem seeing as I don't have comments but still. The book I bought is Grey by E.L. James. It is the first book for the Fifty Shades of Grey series as told by Christian Grey's POV. James has already stated that there will the a Darker POV from Christian as well. I do own the FSoG trilogy and I have read them. Reviews are not up because I read them long before I started this review blog. I paid $8.76 at my Sam's Club (not including tax), it originally goes for $15.95.

That's it everyone! That's my book haul for the months of May and June. I hope you enjoyed!

Next book: Deadly Little Games by Laurie Faria Stolarz

Thanks for reading!
~Jade

*Note: I received these books through a Goodreads First Reads giveaway, but in no other way am I being sponsored to make a review on them or even talk about them. I may get to a review of them quickly, I may not. It all depends on what I feel like reading.

The End Games by T. Michael Martin

Sorry there was no post for last week but it was nothing but finals for me and lots of last minute online work so I didn't really get to read. BUT here is the review! As far as I can tell this is the first book for Martin, and I couldn't tell what it was about when I picked it up. So I went to fictiondb.com and as soon as I saw the word zombies I proceeded to keep it with me. I don't know if Martin has any other books planned, but if he does I think I will be checking them out.

Michael and his five-year old brother Patrick have stayed alive through following the instructions of the Game Master. The Bellows are nasty creatures that can tear someone apart if they are not careful to stay away from them. By night the brothers fight them, by day they salvage around to stay alive. Unfortunately that might not be for too long. The others in The Game don't follow the rules, and the Bellows are mutating even more.

The past couple of reviews I have done weren't that well liked by me, however The End Games earns a thumbs up from me. I'm not very hard to please (sometimes). Martin really got my attention with the differences of the "normal" zombies compared to his Bellow-zombies. I really enjoyed that they weren't the typical zombies that we see in movies, TV and read about. With a zombie book you expect there to be some sort of action, and there was in this. All throughout the book things were happening and I couldn't wait to read what was coming next. Along with that the descriptions of things like Cady, and what was happening really made me enjoy this book more. Things weren't too descriptive but descriptive enough for me to really get into what was happening. As for characters I really enjoyed, Patrick by far was my favorite. I don't know why other than I think little kids are awesome. I did enjoy that a main reoccurring theme was sibling love, even when it is hard to love the sibling. I think through growing up and being a tween and teenager siblings forget that they should be nice to their other brothers and sisters. Yes you won't always get along but don't forget that they might not always be there, so love them while you can.

The only dislike I have is character development. For Bonnie, and Hank I can understand why they didn't get the development, but for Holly I was disappointed. I felt that Holly was disconnected with the book. She was a character there for the plot and to get Michael and Patrick through. Martin tried to make her a bigger part of the book but for me it really didn't work.

Despite the lack of character development, I do recommend this book to everyone. Readers young and "old" could find something that they like about The End Games. I was drawn into the book and kept in and I really enjoyed that. For Martin's first book I will say he did a very good job. I can see myself rereading this book later on and possibly owning it. I do enjoy zombie books and I appreciate the twist with this one. It shakes up the normal stereotype and that is another reason why I recommend it.

Rating: 5 out of 5.

Page Count: 369 pages (hardcover)

Price: $17.99

Next: May and June Book Haul

Thanks for reading!
~Jade

Deadly Little Lies by Laurie Faria Stolarz

Second book in the Touch series I do have the first book Deadly Little Secret, reviewed. The next book in the series is Deadly Little Games. Stolarz does have a number of other books out, so if this series isn't your cup of tea, she might have something else that is.

It was only last fall when Camila fell for Ben and found out that he has the gift of psychometry. Though as things began to get good, Bed up and leaves. Heartbroken Camila spends month researching psychometry and even experiences a few spells herself. Wondering if this is something that can be passed from one person to the next, she tries to tell Ben once he does come back but it's no use. She can't get him to listen long enough. Things start to happen though, almost like a repeat from last year. Warning and threats begin to pop up like last time. In the midst of all of this, deciding to move on Camila starts seeing a new guy in town named Adam. He seems to be less complicated then Ben, but a love triangle forms. Ben's past starts to reveal itself and Adam is tangled in it too. Someone is lying but no one will say who.

Yet another book where I don't have that many likes. I'm in a rut lately...but here we go. I liked that Camila tried to effectively cut things off with Ben seeing as they were no longer "together". She knew that it wasn't good to try and keep things at a "friend" level when they had such a heated connection. Sometimes it's better to cut things off completely because it means that both people will be able to heal. I'm interested to see how this next book plays out with Adam. This time around I really enjoyed Kimmie and Wes more, they had me laughing a number of times. I think I'm beginning to like them more than Camila. I loved the snippets from Alexia, it took me a while to figure out who she was. Mainly because I forgot, but once I did I really enjoyed those parts the most. *SPOILER-ALERT* I did see the psychometry being hereditary-thing coming but I was waiting to see who else has or had it in the family.*SPOILER-ENDED* For the last thing that I liked, Stolarz showed with Alexia that how a parent acts toward a child really does affect them. Be it good or bad it has an affect and after so long the child may turn their attitude around completely because of this.

Now for the dislikes...I completely saw Debbie coming. I mean she hates Ben. Granted, yes, the whole school pretty much does but she realllly hates him. So why not make his life hell? I did feel as though I was rereading the first book with some change ups and no kidnapping. I seriously hope that wasn't the point because it killed the mood of the book for me. Also the love triangle, saw that one coming too, and YA novels have enough of the love triangles going on. It's time for authors to switch things up with that. I probably would have guessed a good chunk of the book had I of read this book closer to the last book. The "action" that was being lead up to was a little over a page and then done. There was more talking than anything. I think I liked the tussle between Ben and Adam a lot more. Though this book wasn't dull, it wasn't really anything spectacular either.

I am not completely discouraged from reading the third book, but if things don't pick up I don't know about the rest of the series. I do recommend this book to others but be warned that I don't know if more advanced readers will enjoy it as much as the younger ones, but I could be wrong. I would like to own the first book, but not so much this one. Depending on how the next books in the series go, it will really make my mind up if this is one of those series I want to own just a few of the books or the whole series.

Rating: low 3 out of 5.

Page Count: 282 pages (hardcover)

Price: $16.99

Next Book: The End Games by T. Michael Martin

Thanks for reading!
~Jade

Cryer's Cross by Lisa McMann

Known for her Wake trilogy McMann does have a number of other books out. I do have Wake, Fade, and Gone all reviewed and they are linked. If you click on their names you will be taken to the reviews. I do believe this is a standalone, I don't think McMann will be writing any more books that go along with Cryer's Cross.

When something big happens in a small town, especially like a teenager going missing, it hits close to home. No pun intended. But when it happens a second time, something is seriously wrong. Kendall has OCD and having something like someone close to her heart go missing doesn't make it better. Fear and anxiety makes it even more worse as she tries to keep it all together. Hearing voices nearly tips her off completely, but when she finds a message scratched into the desk she decides to act on her impulses. Why? It's the same desk where both students who went missing sat. Some small towns have secrets, some are more horrifying than others.

I don't have many likes. I was more disappointed then anything. I liked the plot, and where it was going. I liked the characters names, they weren't popular (well maybe all but Kendall). I liked that McMann kept that with super small towns everyone knows everything going on with everyone. It's true, though sometimes it doesn't need to be a really small town for this to happen. With the small town Kendall's need to get out and go somewhere big, I could relate to. Sometimes I feel as though I am going to do the same thing everyday for years and I reallllly don't like that feeling. I do feel as though McMann did well showing how Kendall's OCD is. There are many types but she portrayed this one well, especially including how Kendall would feel if she wouldn't get to finish a ritual. I really enjoyed the "story" at the end that Hector told. I wish more would have come from it.

As I said before I liked the plot but there could have been soooo much more done with it, and I was disappointed that there wasn't. Hectors "story" could have been incorporated a lot more and there could have been a lot more done with it. I really felt as though there was a lack of real sustenance. It was basically Kendall dealing with loss, Kendall dealing with her OCD, Kendall dealing with conflicted feelings, Kendall dealing with this, Kendall dealing with that. Things did move along even though it was like this but there could have been more. Do you get that I wanted more by now? It wasn't a good more though. I think I would prefer rereading Gone before rereading this...yeah. I could go on but I don't like tearing a book completely apart with negatives.

I feel as though McMann's writing is more for the younger part of young adults. I enjoy how McMann writes, but I don't enjoy hoping for something amazing from her and getting something mediocre at best. I don't know if I will read anything else of McMann, I want to give her Visions series a try but it might be a while unless I want something really quick to read. As hinted toward before I don't think I will be rereading this book at all, I would much rather reread Gone. I don't think this will be a book I will own, unless it is $3 or under. I won't be paying more for it even if I did want to really own Cryer's Cross. Do I mean to completely discourage you from reading this? No, but I definitely recommend this book for the younger readers. Not someone "older" or a more advanced reader, unless they want something to pass a couple of hours with.

Rating: 2 out of 5.

Page Count: 233 pages (hardcover)

Price: $16.99

Next book: Deadly Little Lies by Laurie Faria Stolarz

Thank you for reading!
~Jade

Racheal Awakened by Robin A. Dilks

To start I won this book free through a Goodreads giveaway*. This is the first book in the Daughters of Lilith series. There is a second book set to be published sometime soon.

(I like the way this book is summarized so I am going to use what is on the back.)
What if the stories of Lilith are wrong? What if she wasn't the demon legend portrays, but instead, she and her daughters were here to fight evil. Perhaps she was allowed to walk away. To fight for mankind. Racheal- much come to terms with who and what she is before she is ready. Taken prisoner and tortured, she is left broken, a shell of herself. Here to stop the Fallen, who want to put an end to humankind. Trapped by a life she didn't choose. Rafael- a dark-haired, golden-eyed Lycan, is ensnared by Racheal's spell from the moment they meet. He tumbles into her world. Sometimes patience can be a real pain in the behind, but despite it all, he can't walk away from the red-haired beauty who holds his heart. Lilith- a bargain can be a double-edged sword and the price of freedom steep, yet this dark beauty is the key to it all. From her first steps outside of Eden, she knows this life is going to be a bitch. Kamuel- is an angel, sent to keep Lilith in line-teach her, train her, show her how to fight- but if she crosses the line, he must not hesitate to kill her.

I genuinely enjoyed reading Racheal Awakened and I am not saying that because I won it, I mean it. I was worried about the size of this book but Dilks did a great job of keeping me interested between Rachael's, and Lilith's point of view. I'm not a huge religious person but I loved the twist with everything "religious" about this book, it really kept my attention and I wanted to see what else had a twist to it. As always, I did laugh a number of times especially at the end when Gunny the dog was introduced. I thought that was a really nice touch. Another thing that I liked was that Racheal overcame her attack (see the trigger warning just below my dislikes). She allowed herself time to grieve but she didn't allow it to take over her life completely. Yes, I know it is hard to cope with something super serious that happened but I believe that you are allowed to grieve, just try not to allow that grief to take over completely for a very long time.

I only have a couple of dislikes surprisingly and they really aren't dislikes. One being that it was so short, if someone really wanted to they could finish it in one day. Along with this whereas things where fast paced, I would have liked a little more. I won't knock it too much though because there are times when we all want a nice quick and interesting read and I definitely classify Racheal Awakened as a quick and interesting read.

I do have to put a trigger warning with Racheal Awakened. I did see it coming when I read Racheal's little blurb on the back of the book, but I don't know if others will catch it. The trigger warning is rape, it's about a page in length. It's not nearly as bad as some other books, it could be a great deal worse and it could have been a lot more detailed then it was. With that being said I do think that people who are more squeamish when it comes to rape can handle this book no problem.

I didn't know what to expect with Dilks book but I am really glad that I did get this. I'm very interested to see how the next book plays out especially between Lucifer and Lilith. I do think the book is a little on the short side but I don't have very many books that are small that are in my collection. Like I said though I do enjoy the shorter-ness of this book. I wouldn't exactly recommend this for a younger reader but a more mature audience. Even with my small amount of "dislikes" I still really enjoyed Racheal Awakened.

Rating: 4.5 out of 5.

Page Count: 215 (paperback)

Price: ???

Next: Cryer's Cross by Lisa McMann

Thank you for reading!
~Jade

*Note: I am in no way being coerced into making a review. Leaving a review is happily welcome but not required thus if I don't like a book I will say so. This review is based upon my true feelings and thoughts about the book. I promise you I wouldn't let anything sway my opinion about a book.

Zomburbia by Adam Gallardo

Zomburbia is the first book in the Zombie Apocalypse...I don't know yet if it is going to be a series or just a duology. This is a fairly new book, being published in 2014, and the second book Zombified published this year in February. It caught my eye when I saw that it had something to do with zombies and I told myself this time around at the library that I wouldn't pick anything up. As usual, I did. I don't know when I will be reading and reviewing the second book, college is getting reallllly busy, but I will try my best to keep posting reviews when I can.

High school is hard enough, add zombies to the mix and it just makes it that much more awesome. Add another strike by being born in Salem, Oregon. Courtney has a plan though. Selling Vitamin Z while working at Bully Burger and saving the money to move to New York. What's Vitamin Z you might ask? Well, zombie brains. Courtney isn't your run of the mill drug seller though. She notices that things are getting worse. The zombie seem to be getting smarter and faster. No one else seems to notice this at all. If she can make it through high school, avoid being arrested and try to stay out of the line of fire from a stupid boy things should be some semblance of fine. Right?

Yes I do have more likes than THIS HAS ZOMBIES IN IT! There were subtle hints throughout the book that people may become a zombie through something other than a bite or scratch. It was the same hint every time which made it pretty easy to pick up. For me it wasn't overly thrown in your face, and it did make sense as to why this would happen. Also the sarcasm between Courtney and Sherri had me cracking up constantly through the book. There were some dull parts where I was waiting for the book to pick up a bit but they really didn't bother me because I couldn't stop reading. I wanted to know what things where going to happen mainly between Courtney and Brandon. Speaking of those two, I liked that Courtney stayed true to herself even with a hot guy giving her attention. It took her a moment but she did stick to her guns. I think more younger girls need to know that even though a boy or girl likes you, you shouldn't change yourself to keep them interested. If they don't like you for who you are, they aren't worth your time and energy. Lastly I really liked the references to other books and movies. Grease, The Lost Boys, and even Lord of the Flies were mentioned. As someone knowing all three of these it was pretty cool to see how they were incorporated into the text.

For a young adult novel I'd say that even an adult could easily get into it and like it. Although I was able to predict a number of things, Willie and Sherri being one of them. It took me a little longer with Sherri but as soon as Brandon entered the picture, I knew what was going to happen with Willie. It was a dead ringer once Willie's mom was given a small voice too. *SPOILER-ALERT* Though really I don't think this is too big of one. The only other thing I had a problem with was when Courtney decided to aid her friends into trying Vitamin Z. Yes peer pressure is a bitch. Yes you are supposed to support your friends, but not when it comes to aiding your friends into trying a "hard core" drug. Don't do this kids. Just don't. *SPOILER-ENDED* Though I do appreciate Gallardo showing that bad things can happen and when it rains, it pours with the bad times.

I was really pleased while reading Zomburbia, I didn't want to put it down pretty much at all because I was kept interested. I did have a couple of problem but they really didn't deter me from finishing the book. I really hope that Gallardo continues to write, be it with this series or another. I find that his writing style really draws me in even when things are at a slower pace. I would most definitely reread this book, and I do think owning it would be nice. I would hold off to see how many more books are going to be added before really investing in them. Heck, for all I don't know the second book could be the end. I do recommend this book to people of all ages to read, and I don't see a problem with a kid in middle school reading this.

Rating: 4 out of 5.

Page Count: 362 pages (paperback)

Price: $9.95

Next Book: Racheal Awakened by Robin A. Dilks

Thanks for reading!
~Jade

The Cemetery Boys by Heather Brewer

I was extremely happy when I saw that my library got The Cemetery Boys in. I immediately grabbed it from the shelf and started wishing that it wasn't on hold for someone else. Ever since I heard about this book when Brewer first started hinting toward it, I was hooked. I'm a big fan of Brewer, and I follow a few of her social media sites. I have read the Chronicles of Vladimir Tod they are not reviewed because I read them looong before I started this blog. I have read the first couple of books of The Slayer Chronicles, I have read and reviewed the first book in the Legacy of Tril. There are a few other little short stories out by Brewer that I haven't been able to get my hands on.

Stephen knew there wasn't any other choice when his father told him that they where moving to Spencer. They were broke from paying Mom's hospital bills, and they had no one else to fall back on but grandmother. She's not that great though, she's bitter and stuck just like Spencer. After meeting Cara and her twin Devon things seem not as dull, but there is more than meets the eye. They have family troubles as well and Stephen can relate to the both of them. The closer he grows with both of them, the more he sees that something isn't right. The Playground, the Winged Ones, the "bad times", and Devon's group of friends, it all just doesn't seem right. And it might be too late before Stephen can do anything about it to save himself.
  
I don't have many likes, I will get into why with my dislikes portion. Brewer herself is a very openly loving person. She doesn't care what walk of life you have or had, what your gender is, your sexuality, etc. So I wasn't surprised when a few of the characters where open loving themselves. I liked this because I myself am openly loving. This is something we as humans need more of. We need more openness and acceptance. People need to know that this is okay! Another thing I was happy to see Brewer incorporate into The Cemetery Boys was the mental health subject. Like I said before I follow Brewer and I was excited when she hinted toward this. Yet again this is something humans need to know is a part of life. People have mental illnesses, and they need to know that there is help. Okay touchy subjects over. I don't know if I have said this before in a review, but I love to hate characters. Stephen's Grandmother would be the one that I am loving to hate, though I am more on the disliking side then the loving. The state that Brewer placed this in made me smile from square one. It's Michigan. Though I hate it in the winter and bitch most of the time about it, it's my home state. The last thing I enjoyed about reading this book was the twist with Cara at the end. Boy, did I not see that coming!

To start off the dislikes, I almost didn't finish this book. Not because it was bad, it wasn't, it's because the hype that was built up to it, and the excitement didn't last. After about the seventh chapter I didn't feel captured with the book any more. I was waiting, and waiting, and waiting for things to happen. I got half way through the book then three-fourths through the book and still nothing *for me* had happened. Things really didn't get moving till the last 3-4 chapters, and by then I wasn't too terribly concerned with finding out what happened in the end. My next dislike is more of an annoyance with the character Harold (Stephen's dad). He waited until what felt like the last moment to even talk about what happened with Stephen's mom. Most of which I think came from the fact that he found some alarming drawings of the Winged Ones from his son. Don't wait till problems start to arise. Let the child know that it is okay to come to you when they feel as though they need to. I'll leave it short and sweet like that.  Speaking of the Winged Ones, I was really hoping for more of an encounter with them (if they were real?) I felt like that whole scene was built up to and then nothing again. My last dislike was how I felt when I ended the book. We have all had the feeling of "that's it?" but mine was really just, after all that that's it. I'm sad, this is a stand-alone and that is how I was left feeling.

I wasn't overtly disappointed, but I really hoped for more. Granted this is more for the younger reader and I am not super young, so I won't be completely harsh. I did enjoy laughing just a couple of times, and it was a pretty quick read altogether. Do I recommend The Cemetery Boys? Yes, to those younger readers. Though if you are older and think you may like this I truly say go for it. Will my opinion change in the future? Who knows, maybe it will, maybe it won't. Do I want to own this book? At this time, I don't feel too terribly consumed with wanting it. I want Brewer's other books more over this one. I don't think I will be rereading this anytime soon. This is definitely a book I see myself reading again after a number of years, which isn't a bad thing! Did anyone else read this and have the same feelings as me, or different? I'd really like to know.

Rating: Very low 3 out of 5.

Page Count: 273 pages (hardcover)

Price: $17.99

Next Book: (hopefully if I can finish it before it has to go back to the library) Zomburbia by Adam Gallardo

Thanks for reading!
~Jade

March & April Book Haul

The last day of April didn't fall on Sunday but I figured I would put this one up anyways. It is going to be a smaller book haul compared to some of my other ones. Here's a funny little story (at least funny to me) for the past week when anyone asked me what month came before April I would say May. I would completely forget about the month of March, I wouldn't even put it in May's place either. Even when I typed up the title for this I first typed "May & April Book Haul" only to stop and stare at it for a few minutes not realizing why it was bugging me. Can you tell college has my brain on the fritz?

For the month of March I got 5 books.

The first book is a signed copy of Lucky Midas by Kate Palmer. I don't quite remember where exactly I entered to win this book, but I do believe it was a Facebook giveaway. It's less than 100 pages and most definitely for younger readers but it is still a cute little read.

I received another signed book but this time it is from John J. Hohn and it is his book As I Was Passing By. It is a collection of poems written by him. I have read a few now and I really enjoyed them. I won this book through another bloggers giveaway.

The next book I got is a ARC of Gena Showalter's The Closer You Come. It is the first book of her Original Heartbreakers series, the second book is not set to come out until August of this year. I won this book through a Goodreads* giveaway.

Long before I started this blog, I had already read Infinity by Sherrilyn Kenyon. I was able to get Infinity, because I joined her rewards club on her Official Sanctuary website. Once I had enough points I turned them in for it. This is the first book in Kenyon's Chronicles of Nick series, I do have a few of the other books but not all of them.

The last book I got in the month of March is an ebook called Paydown by Nick Stephenson. Anyone who entered the giveaway he was hosting in March received this book and I think a couple of others. Paydown is a novella that is a prequel to Stephenson's Leopold Blake series.

I only got 4 books in April though I was expecting another to come along. Hopefully before this goes up it will come if not, that's okay with me.

The first book I got is Easy Target by Jenny Hillborne. It is the sequel to No Alibi. I also won this book through a Goodreads* giveaway.

This second book my Mom actually picked out at our library's little book buying section. It is a large print edition of Dark Peril by Christine Feehan. It is the twenty-first book in her Carpathian series, and there are twenty-five books in that series to be exact.....wow!

This next book I picked out from my library and it is Dead Sea by Brian Keene. I don't think this is part of a series or anything that I can find. It is about a zombie apocalypse and I couldn't refrain from picking it up.

For this last book I actually got it on the last day of April. It is called Don't Close Your Eyes by Lisa McMann. Before an fans of hers freak out, no this is not a new book. All this is is the Wake trilogy all put into one. I couldn't justify spending $5-$10 on each book when they are on the smaller side, especially the last book (to me). For this huge thing a total of $8.24 was spent at my Meijer. I do have Wake, Fade, and Gone reviewed and if you click their names you can go and read my reviews.

That's it for this book review, I hope you enjoyed! If you see any books you have read tell me what you think about them.

Next Book review: The Cemetery Boys by Heather Brewer

Thanks for reading!
~Jade

*Note: I received these books through a Goodreads First Reads giveaway, but in no other way am I being sponsored to make a review on them or even talk about them. I may get to a review of them quickly, I may not. It all depends on what I feel like reading.

Spirit Bound by Richelle Mead

Fifth book in the Vampire Academy series, I do have the fourth book reviewed. I do explain in that why I do not have the first three books up. Maybe one day I will reread them and also review them. There is one more book for this series, and eventually I will get around to reading it. Mead has quite a number of other books out, including a series called the Bloodlines series and it sort of goes along with the Vampire Academy. (Yes, there is a reason why I didn't mention the movie, I'm pretending it didn't happen.)

A heartbroken Rose returns to St. Vladimir's after a long and tiring trip to Siberia. She returns back to Lissa, and soon graduation takes place. The girls are ready for their life to begin outside of the academy's grip. Though even with that excitement looming there is almost always something that reminds Rose of Dimitri and she feels the heartache all over again. He's out there, and she knows it. Rose failed to kill him when she had the chance, Dimitri tasted her blood and now he's hunting her. She knows that if she doesn't join him as a Strigoi he will silencer her forever. But Rose won't give up hope, there are rumors and she must decide who matters most to her because of them. Risk everything and lose it all, or gain from it, is one of the hardest decisions she must make.

Rose is still my favorite character, though she annoyed me this book which I will get into in the next paragraph. Abe is creeping up in second place for favorites now. Rose was sassy and it had me laughing along with Adrian and him being himself. Speaking of Rose and Adrian, I was really happy to see that Rose apologized to him for certain things. She wasn't above apologizing when she knew she was in the wrong. I think more people need to be like this, and not so full of themselves. Apologizing to someone when you have done wrong isn't bad, if anything it can pave the way for making things better between the people. I liked that there was action pretty much throughout the book. It kind-of had to be that way because I probably wouldn't have finished Spirit Bound. The main problem was "solved" about half way through the book, so if there wasn't any action through the rest of the it I would have been disappointed. There where breaks long enough to process what just happened but soon after things would start back up again. Now, a lot of you know that I loath cliffhanger endings. This one however, when I finished reading the last line, it felt right. I don't know how I would have taken any other ending.

As I said before Rose annoyed me. Even though both she and Adrian knew that Rose wasn't over Dimitri, they still decided to try out a relationship together. This personally made me want to smack them both. Rose and Adrian should have stayed close friends (no I don't mean that in a sexual way unless they wanted that mutually) and waited until Rose was either over Dimitri or knew fully that she wouldn't be able to be with him. Let your heart heal before you try to jump into another relationship with someone, this keeps you from being hurt again and hurting the other person. I could go on about this but I won't. The other thing that bothered me was Adrian's family was being nice to Rose, including Tatiana. This didn't sit well with me, I almost feel as though Rose is being set up. I wouldn't have been rude, but I wouldn't let my guard down either. Also, with everyone being nice how did this not raise a number of red flags with Rose? The last thing that bugged me, I mentioned before, is the big issue for the book was "over" half way through the book, because of this I knew something big had to happen to be able to fill a second book. This thing had to be something other than Dimitri being a Strigoi. So I wasn't surprised when that big event was revealed.

I'm still a big fan of this series and I really look forward to reading Bloodlines down the way. I didn't realize that its been 5 years since this book came out, I was genuinely baffled when I saw that. I do recommend this book to readers of all ages, and not just teens. I will put a warning out for younger readers, there are a couple of heated scenes but they don't go far at all. This is my personal copy, I rescued it from my library on one of their book sale days. I did have problems with Spirit Bound but I still very much enjoyed reading it. I do plan to read the last book eventually but I will not start Bloodlines until I do, so that should lit a fire under me to get on it.....sometime in the future.

Rating: 3.5 out of 5

Page Count: 489 pages (hardcover)

Price: $17.99 (I got this book for less than $0.10)

Next: March & April Book Haul

Thanks for reading!
~Jade

The Queen of Zombie Hearts by Gena Showalter

Third book in the White Rabbit Chronicles I do have book one and book two reviewed, feel free to check them out if you want. Showalter was originally going to end the chronicles with The Queen of Zombie Hearts but things have changed and there will be another book. The next book will be called A Mad Zombie Party and as of now it is set to be released later this year. I don't think I will be reading that one as soon as it comes out, I will probably wait a while before I do. There is another book out that fits between book one and book two called Cole...Meet Ali. If you want to read that just click and it will take you to Showalter's site where you can read it.

The worst is behind the slayers, or so they think. Ali is ready to go a step further with her boyfriend Cole Holland. Who also happens to be the leader of the zombie slayers. Everything was going good until Anima Industries lands a sneak attack. They are the ones controlling the zombies, and they are the reason why four of Ali's friends get killed. Ali realizes that people can be the most dangerous things, sometimes worse than monsters themselves. What's even worse is that this is only the beginning. Trying to overcome what just happened the remaining slayers gear up for war, and Ali finds that she can control the zombies too. She learns that she isn't who she thinks she is, along with so much more. She's connected to the woman who killed, and turned Cole's mother. More and more secrets come out into the open, and a relationship can only endure so much. Ali will find that taking down Anima is going to be harder than she thought and she just might have to sacrifice herself to do it.

I didn't have too many likes this time around. Zombie Hearts was an okay book, but I really had more problems with it. What I did like however was the action that was all throughout the book. There where down moments, but they were not down for very long. Things got going almost right away, and it just kept going from there. I laughed almost the whole way through the book, between Ali, Kat, Gavin, and everyone else there was an abundance of sass everywhere. The fact that Showalter kept me laughing is about the only reason why I didn't put this book down and not finish. *SEMI-SPOILER-ALERT* I will commend Showalter, she knows that her fan base is mainly younger readers. Things get heated with Cole and Ali, and Showalter promoted safe sex. Thank you, thank you, thank you! Safe sex needs to be promoted, because teens are going to be teens (not saying all teens will be teens but you get it).*SEMI-SPOILER-ENDED*

I'm on the fence about this next point, if you are sensitive and have not a clue about what happens in this book skip this little blurb and go to my dislikes (the very next paragraph). As soon as I read that four people where going to die, I knew exactly who they where. Along with the other. It wasn't really a big surprise to me, the four weren't huge characters. I did feel a touch of heartache, but it was because I was hoping to get a little more from them.

I had a lot of annoyances with this book, but I will cut them down to the ones that bugged me the most. The first one was the hints throughout the book specifically the ones on page 63 and 76. *SPOILER-ALERT* I knew that Ali was adopted before anything happened because of these two hints. I do think there was hints in the first two books but I don't quite remember them being so prominent. I also knew that Kat was going to die, just not the way that she did.*SPOILER-ENDED* The next one that bugged me was Ali's constant "OMG Cole is so hot, OMG Cole is the best, OMG Cole this, OMG Cole that" on just about every other page. I literally felt like Ali was 12 with her first crush and not a young adult. If I could have reached into the book and shaken her I would have. I liked Cole before, but not anymore. After commending Showalter, I do have to say that personally I do not think it is okay to tattoo your boyfriend/girlfriends name on you. Especially at a very young age, things happen and people change. I have seen more often than not that after getting a persons name tattooed on them, they split. Now they have a constant reminder of the other person until they get enough money to cover it up. Tattoo's are permanent unless you want to shell out a lot of money. Lastly, if the slayers knew that Anima was planning something (but not necessarily when per say) I would have never gotten as relaxed as they did. That's a big no-no, you do not get all relaxed when you know the enemy is still very much alive and kicking.

If I wasn't kept laughing from the sassiness I would have not finished The Queen of Zombie Hearts. I really was disappointed with this book. I kept hoping that things would turn around but they didn't. I didn't even list everything that I had a problem with because no one would have bothered to read a huge whining post. I know my opinion is one of the less popular ones, but this is what I think nonetheless. I hope that I like the next book more. I do recommend this book, only because I know there are people out there who are going to love the book and that's great.

Rating: 2.5 out of 5.

Page Count: 459 pages (hardcover)

Price: $18.99

Next Book: Spirit Bound by Richelle Mead

Thanks for reading!
~Jade

Note: I would still like to say that I am busy in college, this term is really packed with work to do. I don't have too much time to read, but I still do when I can. If reviews are further apart I'm sorry but you gotta do what you gotta do to live. If something happens and I cannot get reviews up for a while I will make a separate post saying so. Once again, thank you!

Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children by Ransom Riggs

I know, I know, I'm a little late on reading this book (more like four years). This shouldn't come as a surprise to anyone...but it's better late than never! To be perfectly honest I have had this book for a good year or so and I just now got around to reading it. For those of you unaware this first book in the Peculiar Children trilogy is going to be a movie in 2016 and rumored to be directed by Tim Burton! The second book is out and I do own it, though I don't know when I will get around to reading that. The final book is not published yet, but is set to be in September of this year.

If it weren't for a family tragedy Jacob wouldn't have been driven to a little island off the coast of Wales. While there he finds Miss Peregrine's Hone for Peculiar Children, it's in ruins but after looking around he sees that these peculiar children are more than what they seem. There's a chance they are dangerous, and have been quarantined here for a reason. There's a chance that they may still be alive.

I very much enjoyed this book, Riggs did a fantastic job of drawing me in but I wasn't kept there which I will get into in the next paragraph. I really enjoyed the idea that peculiar children need to be protected from this greater evil. Once the backstory is told of the greater evil I was really intrigued and I wished that there was a novella or something that goes along with the backstory more. I sympathize with Jacob, because if I had a grandparent telling me tales like Jacob's I wouldn't believe them either. It would take for me to come face to face with what they were talking about before I where to believe, like Jacob. I couldn't pick just a few characters that I liked, because I liked basically all of the peculiar children. They are unique and all really cool on their own, and I love how they are kept a secret from the "real world" for their protection too. I was surprised to see that I recognized a few of the photos that Riggs included.

The only real problem I had with Peculiar Children is that I found I could be drawn away from reading it. In between starting and finishing this book I also read 3 or 4 other books. I did always go back to it but if something caught my attention I didn't feel the need to finish Peculiar Children. Now this isn't so much as a dislike, but more of a annoyance. It also takes away from the full 5-rating that I was intending to give. My attention just wasn't kept by Riggs. I will hold off reading the second book for a little bit because of how easily distracted I was from this one.

I did enjoy Peculiar Children very much, I just wish my attention had been kept all the way through. I do recommend this book to everyone, not just young adults. I think that adults could enjoy this book easily. I also think younger readers could enjoy this book, I don't think there is anything in this book that they wouldn't come across worse just listening to the afternoon news. I already own this book and the second, it remains to be seen whether I decide to get the final third book.

Rating: 4 out of 5.

Page Count: 382 pages (paperback)

Price: $10.99 (I bought this around $7-$9 at my local Sam's Club)

Next Book: The Queen of Zombie Hearts by Gena Showalter

Thanks for reading!
~Jade

I had reviews going up every Saturday (for me) but seeing as I have a class on Saturdays now, I will just push back the reviews by one day. Now it will be every Sunday that I put a review up.