Review: Keeping Never - C.M. Stunich

Keeping Never - C.M. Stunich

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Keeping Never is the 3rd book in the trilogy "Never Say Never". What a great trilogy it was, at that. In the first Novel, you hear about Never's back story. In the second novel, you get more insight into Never, and you start hearing about Ty's back story. In this novel, you get FULL disclosure on Ty's past. 

First off, I love Ty and Never. They're so blunt, honest and beautifully broken. Being broken only means you need to be fixed. Ty is the glue that holds Never together and Never is the heart in Ty's soul. I'm seriously addicted to the tortured couple scene. 

I was in love with Ty McCabe before, but now? Now I'm head over heals infatuated with him. If he was a real person, I mean straight stalker status. I know I've said this time and time again... but Ty will go down in my TOP 5 Best Book Boyfriends EVER. And by ever, I mean I'm pretty sure he'll ever be replaced by anyone. Ty is so many things. He is tortured, Obnoxious, Unfiltered, but he is also passionate, caring, understanding and loving. 

Never is just her usual basket case of messed up. Ty holds her together, keeps her strong.  As she is battling harder than ever with inner thoughts, Ty is working harder than ever to keep her safe. Just to plain old keep her. In this novel, Never is going to face the ghosts of her past. Nothing could be harder than facing everything that ruined you. 

If you haven't started this series yet, I strongly recommend that you do. I won't promise you'll love it, because everyone has different taste. However, This series is amazing.  Definitely worth looking into. 

C.M Stunich You are beautiful and amazing. Don't ever change! Oh, and I love your filthy mouth! Your writing is out of this world and should never be under-rated. The Tasting Never series was simply flawless. You've made this series come full circle. I can't wait to read your other novels, especially your new one, [Paint Me Beautiful]

Review: The Evolution of Mara Dyer

The Evolution of Mara Dyer - Michelle Hodkin

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Well...... MIND BLOWN. 

"There will come a moment when there's nothing you want more than us. Together. When you're free of every fear and there is nothing in our way."

"I would rather die with the taste of you on my tongue than live and never touch you again. I'm in love with you, Mara. I love you. No matter what you do."

If those two quotes don't make you immediately want to go out and buy this book, I CAN'T even deal. I LOVED The Unbecoming of Mara Dyer. To say that the "sequel" in this series is a filler, would be a out and out lie. This book seriously keeps you guessing from the first page to the very last. Let me start off with this, if you thought that the first one shook you, be prepared for this one! 

Michelle Hodkin delivers a hauntingly beautiful read, again. I swear every time I said alright, last chapter then its bed time... a new and startling revelation happened and I COULDN'T put this down. I honestly feel dumb-founded right now. I'm so in awe of how much work that Michelle had to put into this series. The descriptions, the research, the crazy un-explainable story line. 

I was completely psychologically baffled. One chapter I thought Mara was crazy insane. The next I thought she was completely sane. The support characters in this novel were absolutely amazing. Jamie with his quick witty banter, and his absolute confidence in Mara. Then there is Noah... with his unconditional love and complete devoted faith in Mara. Boy do I love that overly pretentious cocky bastard! My heart raced with anticipation so many times during this book. 

Well as all amazing books end, Hello Cliffhanger. This one... made me want to cry. I stared at the page.. Flipped to the next. Flipped back. I couldn't believe it! Of all things!? THANK god this is a trilogy, because I don't think I could deal with this being final. All in all, the romance was stunning and the creep factor was crazy out of this world! Honestly, Michelle Hodkin took psychological thriller to a WHOLE NEW LEVEL with this series. I can't wait to see what the final installment has in store for us! 

~ Beth

ARC Review: On Every Street by Karina Halle

Title: On Every Street
Published: March 12th, 2013
Author: Karina Halle
Pages: 100+
Rating: 5/5 stars

I was given an ARC of On Every Street by the author for an honest review. This is no way influenced my review. This review is spoiler free.

On Every Street is a prequel to Sins & Needles, but you can read it before or after Sins & Needles. Or you can read it as a standalone, but I strongly suggest reading Sins & Needles simply because it's amazing.

Ellie Watt has never had a stable life. She is the daughter of two con artists who abandoned her long ago, after a drug lord ruined her leg. Now she's out for revenge. She changes her name to Eden White and sets her sights on someone close to Travis, the drug lord. Javier Bernal is beautiful, dangerous, and absolutely irresistible to Ellie. As she finds herself falling for Javier she begins to question if love is stronger than her need for vengeance.

“When I choose Javier as my mark, I never thought my mark would choose me. Because that's what Javier had just done. I wanted to win over his heart so I could get what I wanted. But I had a feeling he was about to get to my heart first.”
Karina Halle's writing is like a drug. Dangerous, destructive, and absolutely addictive. After finishing On Every Street I need another hit. Sometimes knowing how a story is going to end softens the blow a bit, but this was not the case for On Every Street. Although this is a novella, it doesn't read like one. It has as much substance as many full length novels I've read. This book started a war between my head and my heart. I knew I shouldn't fall for Javier, but much like Ellie my heart didn't care.

“I want to do more than survive. I want to live.”

Ellie is a character I already loved. She grew on me when I read Sins & Needles and I liked seeing a different side of her. Her chemistry and attraction to Javier is so strong it's begins to take on a life of it's own, becoming this almost tangible force that has complete control over her. I was reminded of how quickly love can make us forget the path we have laid out in front of ourselves.

“You are all mine, even if you run. I will find you because a soul needs its other half to truly live.”

Javier is so much more than I expected. I have a weak spot for the bad boys[don't we all?], so I knew I would have a Javier crush. I didn't think I would feel so strongly for his character. I was terrified and excited by his fierceness[RAWR!], but what really won me over was his soft side he reserved only for Ellie/Eden. There's something so sexy about a man who can protect you, but when that man can also express his feelings it's like the total package[minus the whole drug cartel business]. Javier is one of the most loveable bad boys I've come across.

“It's funny what love can do to a person. It strips them of everything, even their instincts. It creates a new world for you to adhere to, a new world where you break the rules just to keep the love intact.”
At the end of the book, the very last page, I just stared at the blankness for a minute. I had to digest what I read, and let my raging emotions simmer back to normal. I finished On Every Street with a heart that was a little heavier and eyes that were a lot redder. I am having serious withdrawals from Ellie and Javier already. I can't wait for Shooting Scars, the second book in the series.

-Kait

ARC Review: Dare You To by Katie McGarry

Title: Dare You To [Pushing The Limits #2]
Published: June 7th, 2013
Author: Katie McGarry
Pages: 304
Rating: 4/5 stars
From Goodreads:
Ryan lowers his lips to my ear. "Dance with me, Beth."

"No." I whisper the reply. I hate him and I hate myself for wanting him to touch me again....

"I dare you..."

If anyone knew the truth about Beth Risk's home life, they'd send her mother to jail and seventeen-year-old Beth who knows where. So she protects her mom at all costs. Until the day her uncle swoops in and forces Beth to choose between her mom's freedom and her own happiness. That's how Beth finds herself living with an aunt who doesn't want her and going to a school that doesn't understand her. At all. Except for the one guy who shouldn't get her, but does....

Ryan Stone is the town golden boy, a popular baseball star jock-with secrets he can't tell anyone. Not even the friends he shares everything with, including the constant dares to do crazy things. The craziest? Asking out the Skater girl who couldn't be less interested in him.

But what begins as a dare becomes an intense attraction neither Ryan nor Beth expected. Suddenly, the boy with the flawless image risks his dreams-and his life-for the girl he loves, and the girl who won't let anyone get too close is daring herself to want it all....

-----------------

“I won't let you go." I blink. As if he could stop me.

"You won't let me go."

"No, I won't let you go. You're mine and I don't lose.”
After a run in with the police, while saving her drunk, deadbeat mother, Beth is forced to live with her uncle. To add insult to injury, her uncle has the local jock, Ryan[who was just hitting on her last week] to help her at school. Beth thinks she has Ryan figured out, but she soon realizes that Ryan's life isn't as perfect as she thought.


Pushing the Limits, one of my favorite YA contemporary novels, introduced me to a number of amazing characters. One of those characters was Beth, a tough as nails girl with an I don't give a shit attitude. When I heard that she was getting her own story I was beyond excited. When I got approved for an advanced copy I did my happy dance[which is a pretty tragic sight].

Dare You To picks up some time after Pushing the Limits. It's not necessary to read PTL before starting Beth's story, but I would suggest it because it's an amazing book and it you get a great introduction to the characters. Dare You To is told in alternating point of view, which I know a lot of people have an issue with, but Katie McGarry does an amazing job with it.

“A sliver of hope sneaks past my walls and I slam every opening shut. Emotion is evil. People who make me feel are worse. I take comfort in the stone inside me. If I don't feel, I don't hurt.”

Beth's transformation was amazing. It was truly a caterpillar to a butterfly type of story. She really figures out who she is and who she wants to be, but not without a few stumbles along the way. Learning more about Beth, her upbringing, and everything that happened to her was heartbreaking. I wanted to slap her mom more than once.

“I like you. I. Like. You. I'll admit you're annoying. Sometimes you agitate me to the brink of insanity, but you can throw it back at me like no one else. When you laugh, I want to laugh. When you smile, I want to smile. Hell, I want to be the one to make you smile.”

After reading the synopsis I was confused. I had hoped for a Beth/Isaiah story, so I started this book a little weary. That didn't last long. Ryan is the kind of guy you love fully. After twenty pages I was thinking that maybe Isaiah isn't so right for Beth, then maybe this Ryan guy is the one, and finally RYAN! He absolutely captured my heart with the way he fought for Beth. His own family struggles made me so sad, I just couldn't stand the way his father acted.

“I'd love to kiss her right now. Not the type of kiss that makes her body come alive. The type of kiss that shows her how much I care - the type that involves my soul.”
Overall this book was amazing. I was drawn in to the story and couldn't stop reading it until I was finished. I loved how Noah and Echo were worked into the story in a way that wasn't intrusive to Beth and Ryan, but was still enough for me to know that they were still together. Oh, and there's going to be a third book for Isaiah's story called Crash Into You[that definitely sounds like Isaiah]!

I will definitely be buying this book as soon as it comes out. All you lovers of a good heart wrenching contemporary should pick it up too.


-Kait

Review: Finding Never - C.M. Stunich

Finding Never - C.M. Stunich
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First of all... DAMN YOU C.M Stunich!!! WHAT a way to finish a book. I hate cliffhangers. Ok ok, I love them AND I loathe them. I love them, because they're always an amazing ending. I loathe cliffhangers for the obvious reasons. WHAT HAPPENS NEXT!? We all know that we want to know RIGHT MEOW. But alas, we have to wait... Finding Never doesn't exactly have a cliffhanger ending, but SO much is left unsaid. Not ot mention the extreme *SQUEE* moment at the very end. Two huge unravelings, left me cursing and anxious for the next and last installment of the trilogy, Keeping Never.

Finding Never is a reunion long overdue with her family and a first love. After the first installment in the trilogy, Never continues her journey to face her demons. Never has a tough journey ahead of her, but is accompanied by the infamous Ty McCabe.

In Tasting Never you get to learn about Never's troubled past and the reason why she is who and what she is. Finding Never not only follows up in Never's story, but gives you a look into Ty's story. Beautifully damaged Ty. Although the journey is still Never's to take... Ty brings such a wonderful addition to the story.

I COMPLETELY devoured this book. I read about 75% of it in one sitting. I would have read the book in its entirety but I fell asleep with my kindle on my chest and a dog covering my legs. [This is how I woke up, too. Except the hubby was now next to me, as well.] I. Can. Not. Wait. for Keeping Never. C.M. Stunich, you've captivated my heart, with this story. I'm speechless, but have an abundant amount of questions that need answering! Keeping Never's release date isn't soon enough. I WANT IT MEOOOOOOOW! 

-Beth

Kindle links:
Tasting Never
Finding Never 

Review: Eden - Jamie McGuire

Eden - Jamie Mcguire

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Jamie McGuire can do no wrong in my eyes. As I don't think Eden deserves a 5 heart review, I'm not sure if I can pinpoint out why. I loved the series in its entirety. The characters were amazing and each one grew in every novel. I'm sad to see this story end, as it was one of my favorites... AND it's set in my home state. :) I think maybe because it took me so long to read Eden... after I read Providence and Requiem back to back, I semi lost interest. I do have to say though, I am completely satisfied with the series.

I'm going to miss the crew. Nina, Jared, Claire, Ryan an especially Bex. I think it's hard for an author to incorporate a mix of the first two novels in a trilogy. Not only does Jamie keep you current on the events happening with everyone, but she also reminds you of your favorite moments in the first two novels.

Eden provides you with the same amount of action packed moments as it does with the romance. You get to see more into Jared and Nina's relationship progression, as well as how they handle things differently now that they've been together. I REALLY loved how much more you see of Bex in this novel. I just love him!

Jared and Nina have been through hell and back, along with Claire, Ryan, Bex and Kim. The final installment delivers a thrilling show down, a budding romance, and some completely tragic moments. Like I said, Jamie can do no wrong. Definitely a beautiful ending to this paranormal romance trilogy. 

 

 -B

Double Review: Shatter Me & Destroy Me by Tahereh Mafi

Since Destroy Me is a novella, and I only have a short review, I decided to create a double review.


Title: Shatter Me
Author: Tahereh Mafi
Pages: 340
Publisher: Harper Collins
Rating: 4 out of 5
From Goodreads:
Juliette hasn’t touched anyone in exactly 264 days.

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

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

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

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“I am unwanted for good reason. My hands can kill people. My hands can destroy everything.”

I've been shying away from the dystopian YA genre for a while now. I just have not been able to get into any of them, nothing seems to hold my attention and I end up being let down. Shatter Me definitely changed that. I dove into this book, and while I was nervous about entering a dystopian land of disappointment, I kept an optimistic mind. What I found was definitely not a disappointment.

“All I ever wanted was to reach out and touch another human being not just with my hands but with my heart.”

The writing style can be considered either poetic or annoying, depending on the reader. I was completely open to the strikethroughs and 2 3 4 sentences that were always repeating repeating repeating. For me, the perfect punctuation and sentence structure isn't as important as the story. Don't get me wrong, when a sentence makes no sense it takes away from the experience, but that's not the case for this book. Tahereh Mafi took a risk, and I think it paid off.


Juliette has been locked up for 264 days. This makes her a little bit of an unstable character. I formed a tight bond with her from the beginning. She's been neglected, unloved, and alone her entire life. She was told from a very early age that she's a monster, and after a terrible accident she begins to believe it's true. She sees herself as a monster, with a curse. Her progression through the book is great.
“It's not what you think.”

At first I wasn't feeling Adam. I wasn't sure what his angle was, but as his plan become more evident I fell for him. His dedication and love for Juliette made me forever Team Adam[no matter how likable Warner becomes].

“Possessive is not a strong enough word for Warner.”

Warner... He's a golden haired, green eyed murderer who is completely obsessed with Juliette. Your circumstances are not to blame for your actions, I just can't see it that way. [See my Destroy Me review below for more about Warner]
“Because we're not the same. I want to be better.” - Juliette's thoughts on being the same as Warner.

Another great thing about this book is the slight twist. I was completely surprised because nothing leading up to the revelation even hinted to it. I love when someone can surprise me. This book, as a whole, surprised me. I was apprehensive about reading Shatter Me, even after meeting Tahereh Mafi[did I not brag about this yet!?], but I am so happy I did.


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Title: Destroy Me
Author: Tahereh Mafi
Pages:103
Publisher: Harper Collins
Rating: 3 out of 5

From Goodreads:
In Tahereh Mafi’s Shatter Me, Juliette escaped from The Reestablishment by seducing Warner—and then putting a bullet in his shoulder. But as she’ll learn in Destroy Me, Warner is not that easy to get rid of. . .

Back at the base and recovering from his near-fatal wound, Warner must do everything in his power to keep his soldiers in check and suppress any mention of a rebellion in the sector. Still as obsessed with Juliette as ever, his first priority is to find her, bring her back, and dispose of Adam and Kenji, the two traitors who helped her escape. But when Warner’s father, The Supreme Commander of The Reestablishment, arrives to correct his son’s mistakes, it’s clear that he has much different plans for Juliette. Plans Warner simply cannot allow.

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No amount of making things sound better will make me love Warner. I'm sorry, I just can't.

So things might not have been what we thought they in Shatter Me, I figured that was coming. Was I softened a teeny bit? Yes. Who wouldn't be? But definitely not enough to make me jump on Team Warner and hope that Juliette will leave Adam. I feel sorry for Warner, sure, but I can't excuse his horrid behavior. Let's be honest, no amount of playing with puppies is going to make Warner a good person.

Some rise about their situations, like Juliette, and stay true and good. Some feed off of it and become something not so good, like Warner. His father's abuse has forever fucked up his head, and his singular love for Juliette is not going to cure him.

Overall, I enjoyed this novella. I enjoyed getting to know Warner better. I found him very interesting, despite my aversion to him.


And just because I can, check out that handwriting! 

-Kait

Review: Reached - Ally Condie

Reached - Ally Condie

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"You can not change your journey if you are unwilling to move at all."
 

My feelings about Reached can be summed up in just one word. 

Conflicted: Opposition between two simultaneous but incompatible wishes or drives, sometimes leading to a state of emotional tension and thought to be responsible for neuroses.
   

I think I got my hopes up too high for the last installment in the Matched trilogy. I'd love to say that I wasn't disappointed, but I was. I really enjoyed Matched, was happy with Crossed, but Reached... it just didn't reach me. Ally Condie is a fabulous writer, but it feels like she got bored with this series and had nothing left to put into it. For me, Reached was very slow, and very wordy.

I liked the multiple points of view, however... the only character that made any impression on me is Xander. Ky doesn't really make much of an appearance in this installment... [Go figure, based on Crossed.] As for Cassia, I just couldn't connect with her. I also liked that Indie had a little more of a role in this book. I also enjoyed the parts that weren't within the Provinces. The camp outside the outer Provinces was probably my favorite part of the book.

Don't get me wrong, I liked Reached, it was a good conclusion to the series, but I just think Ally Condie could have got to the point a lot faster. An over abundance of information, just left me feeling like it was a chore to finish the book. In Matched and Crossed I was pretty sure who I sided with for the love interest for Cassia. Reached totally got me thinking again though. Again, the word Conflicted comes into play.

Writing a review for this is kinda hard, without spoilers. I really love Ally Condie's writing style, and Reached is just as well written as her first two novels, if not better written. I want to give it a better review, but if I'm to be honest... I can't. A lot of elements came into play in the first two novels, and the action in them was great. Reached was lacking in that department. I hope that others don't feel the same as I do about this novel, and can enjoy he ending of this series. I'm not sure if I'm more disappointed with the BOOK or with MYSELF for not liking it. Again... CONFLICTED!

Review: Boundless - Cynthia Hand

Boundless - Cynthia Hand

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Recently I've been putting down my normal paranormal reads and getting into something out of my regular comfort zone. I've picked up a new found love for Contemporary. Well. I started to think that I wasn't going to go back to paranormal, because I just wasn't getting into anything. Then I recieved an arc of Boundless. Not only do I LOVE the Unearthly Series, but I was sooo excited to get this that I dropped everything to start it!

Cynthia Hand does not disappoint. I loved Unearthly, so I had to get Hallowed. At the end of Hallowed, my mind was completely blown. I was left speechless. I anticipated Boundless HARDCORE. I thought, SERIOUSLY!? What else is going to happen after that?! So I immediately dove head first into Boundless. I loved everything about this series, and I can not wait to read Cynthia's next work of art [whatever it may be.]

Clara, Tucker, and Christian. The epic love triangle that never really was. I was always so torn between Tucker and Christian. Christian is perfect, but so is Tucker. As Clara found out before, everything happens for a reason. The visions are always a premonition of her purpose. Clara realizes that in order to keep Tucker safe, she needs to let him go. After all, she is Angel-blood, he's just a mere human. Embarking to Stanford with Christian and Angela is just the start of everything. Clara sees a crow that she thinks is watching her, and following her. Finally she realizes that the crow that's been stalking her is the one and only Samjeeza.

SO much happens in Boundless, the FINAL chapter in this trilogy [sigh]. I felt like every time I turned the page a new secret was revealed, a new twist turned, and I was along for the journey WITH them. There is still the everlasting inner battle with Clara about who she loves, and who she is going to be with. I can't tell you who I thought she was going to end up with in the end. I can however tell you that it threw me for a COMPLETE loop! I almost fell out of bed at the revelation that occurs.

Cynthia Hand's The Unearthly Trilogy will forever be in my Top Ten Series EVER. I adored this story. It was extremely well thought, written and carried out. I'm completely satisfied with this series. I want to say that I'm happy about who Clara ends up with, because I really am... but there's always gonna be that piece of me that wishes she ended up with the other person.[Hey I said I was torn!] This was a thrilling conclusion to an epic love story. Such a bittersweet finale. I will definitely recommend this series til my dying day. There's not enough praise for the beauty of these novels. 

-Beth

Review: Where She Went - Gayle Forman

Where She Went - Gayle Forman

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Adam’s Promise: If you stay, I’ll do whatever you want. I’ll quit the band; go with you to New York. But if you need me to go away, I’ll do that too. .. And that would suck, but I’ll do it. I can lose you like that, if I don’t lose you today. I’ll let you go. If you stay.

Could YOU hold up to your promise? Harder than it may seem.. Especially when someone means more than the world to you. If you didn't think they heard the promise, would you renege? What if they heard... and you didn't keep it. 

This was my first ever Audiobook.

Needless to say, I loved it. It's very hard for me to get into someone else telling a story, and picturing it in my mind the way I would if I were to read it. At first I was distracted by other thoughts, and had to rewind a few times cause I found I just wasn't paying attention. After I got over the whole listening to someone read to me, I found I relaxed and enjoyed it. It's a nice change compared to sore eyes!

Where She Went is the sequel to If I stay. Instead of being from Mia's POV, Gayle Forman throws you a curve and writes this in Adam's POV. Genius. I loved the first novel. But this one... the raw emotion, just kept me *listening* and I just couldn't stop. In the beginning of each chapter, Adam quoted lyrics to one of his songs off of his album Collateral Damage. Moving, beautiful and raw, it brings you deeper into the pain, grief, and suffering he's occurred the past three years after Mia's accident. 

I have to say, there was probably too much time in between the time I read the first book, to the time I *listened* to this one. However, Forman did an EXCELLENT job at recapping the first novel. She also does an amazing job at blending the past with the present. Flashbacks from right after the accident happened, loom over Adam's mind all the time. 

Through the first half of this book, I couldn't be more pissed off at Mia. I was like, Oh THIS bitch. How could you do that to Adam!? But then, I understood the reasoning behind the actions. Adam understood and Mia understood. That's all that ever mattered. Adam and Mia. 

I loved this book. Perfect sequel to the first. The POV change just made it that much better. This is definitely a raw emotional stay under the covers sobbing in bed read. It's totally worth your tears. If the story of Adam and Mia ends here, I'll be satisfied. If it doesn't... Well, if Gayle can keep it up to the same level as this one I'm all for that, too. 

-Beth

Review: Dark Seraphine by KaSonndra Leigh

Title: Dark Seraphine
Author: KaSonndra Leigh
Pages: 230
Rating: 4 out of 5
From Goodreads:
"Mom always says the angels walk among us. She forgot to tell me that sometimes they're not all fluffy and nice."

Seventeen-year-old Caleb Wood has seen people he calls the walkers since he was a baby. It didn't take long for him to realize something…no one can see these strangers but him. They never stuck around or tried to touch him. And they never said a word. That was until one day on the first day of class in his senior year when an incredibly gorgeous girl strolls into his life…and things are never the same again.

Soon Caleb realizes he has stepped into the middle of a growing conflict between two ancient groups. And his ability to see the invisible ones, the half-breeds that want to modify the human race, just might be the only hope both he and the mysterious, but infuriating, Gia, have of making it out alive.

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A huge thank you to KaSonndra Leigh for offering this book in exchange for an honest review.

Caleb has seen “walkers” since before he can remember. They don't speak to him, so he just deals with them as if he's blind to them like everyone else. That all changes when a beautiful walker starts talking to him. He knows nothing about her except that he's the only one who can see or hear her. But when the gorgeous walker girl shows up at his school, sporting the name Gia and a crew of her own, things start to get weird. These creepy men keep popping up and Caleb starts to get crazy strong. The only thing Caleb knows is that he can't control the draw he feels to Gia, and it might just mean the beginning of the end.

I think maybe my head has been clouded by books that all about love and steamy scenes and not so much about the journey. Dark Seraphine was more about the journey, and I liked that. It was also very refreshing to read a book with a male POV. There was a great flow to the book, but I found a couple parts to be a little lack luster compared to the rest of the book.

Caleb deals with all the regular teenage boy stuff and some serious darkeness. He has to juggle school, girls, and his issues at home. I felt so bad about the way his father neglected him, it was so horrible. I didn't quite fall head over heels for him, but I definitely liked him. He was funny and smart, but there was room for growth.

His friends, Kyle and Shani, kind of annoyed me. I can't really even pinpoint the exact reason for it. Maybe it was because they didn't have much of a presence besides sucking face. And Shani came off as super bitchy. Erica was okay. You definitely feel for her when you find out more of her story, but I still felt a little weary of her.

The ending of this book was crazy. It left me wanting Lost Seraphine, the next in the trilogy, NOW! Overall I really liked this book I can't wait to see what will happen to Caleb next

And seriously, this book is only .99! That's a steal. [Price may change]
Buy on Amazon HERE

Joint Review - Fallen too far by Abbi Glines

Fallen Too Far - Abbi Glines

Kait: 2 stars / Beth: 4 hearts

 

 Kait's Review:
♥♥
I wanted to like this book, I wanted to love Rush, but I didn't. I know I'm the minority here, but this was definitely my least favorite Abbi Glines book.

I have read the Existence and Sea Breeze series and I loved both, but much like The Vincent Boys this book fell short for me. There was a very rushed (pun intended) feeling to it and I just couldn't connect with the characters.

I found Blaire to be a pushover, Rush was a jerk, and everyone else was just background noise. The sex scenes were pretty steamy, but since I didn't care for the characters I didn't really enjoy them.

Toward the end, when Rush actually started showing emotion and saying more than "I need to bury my dick inside you" , I actually felt pity for him. I really just wanted to slap Blaire. She allowed Rush and everyone else push her around and degrade her.and then she just offers up her virginity to some asshole who makes her sleep in a freaking closet.

I think that there was some serious potential for this book, but the lack of character development killed it for me. I will probably read the sequel to see what happens. Who knows, maybe I'll fall for Rush, but I won't hold my breath.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


Beth's Review: 
♥♥♥♥
“Everyone always says that love was enough. It wasn't. Not when your soul has been shattered.”

What can I say about this book? Lets see, i'm gonna start off with I loved it and I hated it at the same time! I can't wait for the next book to come out in March. I will also tell you that I was an Abbi Glines virgin before this! I've heard many mixed reviews about this book. This is the first book that my blogmate [Kait] and I have ever partially disagreed on! so that's TWO firsts. ONE book.

When I first started this book, I read 3 pages... and decided on another book cause I didn't like it. Then I went back and said don't let me deceive myself. So I started reading more and more. I fell in love with the main character Blaire. I felt overwhelming sympathy for her and really routed for her. She's fierce and isn't afraid to kick some ass. At the same time, I felt she really should have stood up for herself more. I mean living under the stairs, and being treated like shit? Yeah... Not cool. Being naive was apparently just her style.

Rush was a completely different story. Yes.. being a typical female I was allured to his never-ending doucheness. However, UGH what a pig. I kinda came around to him at the end though. [Shh.] Besides that... As big of a douche as he was, he was still protective of Blaire. I wasn't a fan of the "hoop" earrings, but the tongue ring? Yum. Those steady silver eyes? I think I just fell from being weak in the knees!

All in all, I thought this was a good book. The ending was super packed with drama and yes, I will admit... I cried for probably the last 3 chapters. [Obviously I'm not going to tell you the HUGE secret!] I'm glad that this was my first Abbi Glines book, so I didn't have any expectations of her previous writing to compare it to. I think that the book may have been a little Rushed.[Haha on pun]

The secret that everyone was keeping... Honestly I felt that it was made into WAY more of a bigger deal than necessary.I mean I get it. He fucked up, but there's FAR worse things that could have been done/said in my opinion. There were still a few things that bothered me about their relationship, but other than that I can't wait for the second book. I'm nervous about what it's gonna be about though! So many crazy ideas running through my mind!

Dual Review: The Coincidence of Callie and Kayden

*****First ever YA Vixens DUAL REVIEW!!!***

AND a Giveaway!

The Coincidence of Callie and Kayden by Jessica Sorensen

There are those who don’t get luck handed to them on a shiny platter, who end up in the wrong place at the wrong time, who don’t get saved.

Luck was not on Callie’s side the day of her twelfth birthday when everything was stolen from her. After it’s all over, she locks up her feelings and vows never to tell anyone what happened. Six years later her painful past consumes her life and most days it’s a struggle just to breathe.

For as long as Kayden can remember, suffering in silence was the only way to survive life. As long as he did what he was told, everything was okay. One night, after making a terrible mistake, it seems like his life might be over. Luck was on his side, though, when Callie coincidentally is in the right place at the right time and saves him.

Now he can’t stop thinking about the girl he saw at school, but never really knew. When he ends up at the same college as Callie, he does everything he can to try to get to know her. But Callie is reserved and closed off. The more he tries to be part of her life, the more he realizes Callie might need to be saved.
  
[(New Adult Contemporary)**Mature Content** Recommended for ages 17+ due to sexual situations and language.]

So we decided, that since we both read this, that we would do a dual review, but instead of reviews... we're gonna do some questions in the form of reviews! We both have a seperate review for this book, as well on the Facebook page & Goodreads!

We've also decided......

One lucky winner will get:

Ebook copy of  The Coincidence of Callie & Kayden 

from YA Vixens!!!

 Review Questions:

1. In 5 words or less, describe Callie, Kayden, and Seth.

Kait:
Callie – shy, strong, resilient, beautiful
Kayden – deep, sexy, mysterious 
Seth – Hilarious, protective, trustworthy

Beth:
Callie - Broken, Troubled, Brave, Reckless
Kayden - Sexy, Disturbed, Charming, Determined, Addictive
Seth - Quirky, Adorable, Nurturing, Playful


2. What are your favorite quotes from The Coincidence of Callie and Kayden?

Kait:
“I just never wanted to throw them away. Even if they were broken, I still loved them.” - Callie

“I've never felt like this before, with anyone. It's against the rules of surviving.” - Kayden

“I don't know what you're being so cocky about girl,” he says. “Take away that push up bra, fake tan, dyed hair, and fancy clothes, and all you'd be is a slightly overweight girl with a really bad nose job.” - Seth being all protective <3

“In the existence of our lives, there is a single coincidence that brings us together and for a moment, our hearts beat as one.” - Callie

 Beth:

“In the existence of our lives, there is a single coincidence that brings us together and for a moment, our hearts beat as one.”

 “I can do pain. That’s the easy part of life. It’s everything else, happiness, laughter, love, that’s fucking complicated.” 

 “There is something about someone trusting you enough with their secrets that it makes it easier to trust them. It’s like they’re opening their heart and in return yours should open up to them, too.”


 3. What was your Favorite moment?

Kait: The challenge at the carnival.

Beth: There was so many moments that I could have chose to be my favorite, but I think the moment when Callie finally tells Kayden her darkest and deepest kept secret, would have to be my favorite.


4. Was there any one thing you didn't like?

Kait: Callie's inability to stand up for herself. I liked Callie, and hated what she went through, but I always have a hard time with characters who don't stand up for themselves.  

Beth: Hah! Besides the mega cliff hanger of doom!? I really hated what happened to both Callie and Kayden. I hate that Callie kept her secret to herself for so long, letting it basically ruin every relationship she could build with anyone. I would have liked to see Callie show more of her strengths, than being reckless... but that who Callie is. 



5. What do you hope happens in the second book[no spoilers!]?

Kait: I hope that Seth gets a man. And I hope that Kayden and Callie can help heal each other.

Beth: I hope to see a little more of Luke's story and to see Seth quirkier than ever with boy-toy in tote. I also hope to see Callie and Kayden working through and exploring  their darkness' with one another.


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Insurgent - Veronica Roth

Divergent - Veronica Roth

    ♥♥♥♥½

 

I have not been waiting for Insurgent like most people after Divergent, seeing as how I read it right after! Divergent introduced us to five factions of a society, Tris, and Four. I loved, loved, loved the Divergent. I think that Veronica Roth is absolutely brilliant in her story telling. I fell in love with the characters all over again in Insurgent. I REALLY liked this book. I thought it was a great sequel. I want to say I loved it... but it definitely made me mad! Oh and talk about Cliff hangers....What the hell!

Insurgent starts off exactly where Divergent ended. The factionless have really entered more of the story. Instead of being at the Dauntless compound, Tris and the crew are pretty much all over the place. This book is really about Tris' journey to live through her guilt of the events that unfolded in the first book.I do have to say though, while Tris' is working through her issues but I kinda annoyed with her, several times. I almost want to say that I wasn't expecting this book to be how it was. Things change.. especially when secrets start coming out of the woodwork.

In Insurgent, what you thought you might know about someone.. just might not be the case. Secrets exposed, Loyalties testes, love questioned, and just utter chaotic uprisings in the factions. Tris learned from a young age to think a certain way, now she learns that what she was told... may be her downfall. I can't wait for the third installment in this series, and Insurgent was definitely an amazing second installment. I will say, The book picks up and gets very dark around half way through.

Veronica Roth definitely had an insane idea, and I'm seriously glad she went with it. Again, it was an amazing book... but I did like the first one better. I feel that this was based a little too heavily on Tris' guilt. All in all, I would definitely recommend this series to anyone who reads, not just YA fans. 

-beth [Vixen 2]

Libera Me by Christine Fonseca

Title: Libera Me
Author: Christine Fonseca
Pages: 278
Rating: 4 out of 5
From Goodreads:
What happens when everything you’ve sacrificed for is lost?
Aydan thought Nesy’s death would be the end of him, until he meets Nessa and his hope is restored. Could she be Nesy reborn? He is certain she must be. That is, until her lack of memories and incessant nightmares begin to erode his faith.

Zane is used to trusting his mind, his wisdom and his angelic senses. But these attributes are no help with Nessa. He has no way to be certain of her identity, no way to know the truth. That is, unless he listens to the one thing he has refused to acknowledge throughout his existence - his feelings for Nesy.

Blind to both angel and demon, Aydan and Zane must figure out the truth behind Nesy's identity before all is lost, Azza discovers the truth and the Beast is again unleashed.

The lines between good and evil have never been so blurred.

---------

A huge thank you to Christine for giving me a copy of Libera Me for an honest review. This hasn't influenced my review in any way.

WARNING: Mild spoilers for those who have not read Lacrimosa.

Christine Fonseca is a master of words. I feel like a broken record, but I can't say this enough. She truly has a way of creating a scene and making you feel like you are right there with the characters, feeling their feelings and fighting their battles. Her stories truly come alive. It's going to be hard to write a review without giving away anything, but I will do my best.

“But there is nothing, no trace that she’s ever existed. She is not here. She will never be here again.
Because of me.”

I loved Zane and Aydan's POV. It really allowed me to see the similarities and differences between them. What Zane wants most is for Nessa to have her memories of Nesy back. Aydan wants Nessa to know he loves her, even without her memories. Both are blinded to the world they have always been able to see, fighting for Nesy's love and memories.

Nessa, who may or may not be Nesy, is desperate to remember her past. But the fear of what she might remember is eating her up. She is plagued with terrible nightmares and uncertainty. She is completely lost in her own mind and only Aydan can comfort her. But there's something else fighting for her too, something that might ruin them all.

I loved getting closer to Zane, though I knew my heart was going to break for him. Zane was willing to, and pretty much has, sacrifice everything for Nesy. I hated some of the risks he took, but love tends to cause recklessness.

Even though my love for Zane grew, I still loved Aydan. He's still stuck in an internal battle with good and evil, but he's not willing to give in to the temptation of the evil. I love the fight in Aydan. He never gave up on Nesy, and he will put everything on the line for her.

I was definitely suspicious of Caim, there was just something about him I didn't trust or like. I liked Cass in Lacrimosa, but I didn't really have those same feelings for her this time around. I knew she was trying to be the voice of reason, and at time I felt bad for her, but I can't help but to side with Zane on almost everything.

I missed the action that Lacrimosa had, but it didn't really bother me because everything else was great. And I'm thinking that Dominus is going to have a crazy amount of action with the war that's brewing. I can't wait to see what happens when good and evil meet and the Beast is unleashed.

Divergent - Veronica Roth

Divergent - Veronica Roth

♥♥♥♥♥

 

“Becoming fearless isn't the point. That's impossible. It's learning how to control your fear, and how to be free from it."

“We believe in ordinary acts of bravery, in the courage that drives one person to stand up for another.”

I know... I'm super late on reading this book. (Like... last person on earth to read it! Haha.) It's funny, I wanted to read this before it even came out! How could I wait so long? I wish I knew... and I know I shouldn't have! Divergent was everything I could have expected from a book and more.

Society is divided by five factions. In your 16th year, they all come together to have a ceremony to pick your faction based on your aptitude test. The 5 factions are: Abnegation [selfless], Dauntless [brave], Amity [peaceful], Candor [honesty] and Erudite [intelligent]. Beatrice brought up in Abnegation and is always suppose to put others needs before her own. As the day of the ceremony comes, She has only one choice. What will she choose? Staying with her family and doing the same boring thing over and over... which sometimes she doesn't even agree with? Or does she take control of her life and start a new life somewhere else?

Veronica Roth has created and weaved together a fascinatingly complex, interesting, and extremely well written novel with Divergent. Starting from chapter one, Veronica grabs you and sucks you into Beatrice's world. Every detail in this book is as I pictured it, while letting your imagination run wild. Divergent is beautifully tied together from one faction to the next. With characters that you absolutely love [(Tris & Four) being favorites, Christina, Will) make this story one you're soon to never forget!I loved all the characters, really and yes.. even the bad guys. Ugh! (Eric and Peter...) The growth in every character is truly phenomenal.

I'm sure I can't say anything that someone else hasn't already wrote about the amazingness that is this book. I'm truly glad that I made myself read this before the end of 2012! Now I get to move on to Insurgent. Shh... Don't tell, but I already started it! I had to put Insurgent down so I could write this before I mix the two together! My god, Veronica. I mean, you've got the perfect anecdote for tragedy, love, bravery, rebellion, betrayal... let me stop, I could go on forever. Anyways! If you haven't picked up this book to read it.. DO IT RIGHT MEOW! I couldn't stop reading. You won't want to either!!!! This is most definitely a one-sit read, if you have the time. 

-beth [vixen 2]

Stolen Night - Rebecca Maizel

Stolen Night - Rebecca Maizel

♥♥♥♥♥

5 big pounding hearts
 
      Wow.Wow. Wow. Can I just say that I've been officially SHOCKED. First off. Hats off to Rebecca Maizel, for yet another astonishing novel. I was absolutely in love with Infinite Days, the first in the series. So, I could NOT wait to read this book. Even though it was released in the UK before US,(Jan. 29, 2013)I got super lucky that Rebecca is a complete saint. I was fortunate enough to receive a copy earlier than US release.

      Stolen Night is a heart-breaking and intense story that will amaze, bewilder, stun, and embrace you. In the first novel I had a never ending battle between Rhode and Justin. I'm here to tell you, it has continued. Until the very end... How would you handle being irrevocably in love with someone you know is your soulmate, but you'll never be able to actually be with said person!? that? I'm pretty sure I'd act the same as Lenah. *sigh*

     My heart broke my so many times because of the tragic love story that is Lenah and Rhode. Rhode being more present in this novel was definitely a big bonus in my eyes. He's so alluring, distant, and mystifying. However, Tragedy unfolds itself over and over in this novel. Being indescribably torn between Rhode and Justin was heart breaking in itself. And if I'm going to be honest to myself, I've completely fallen for Vicken. I know what you're thinking.. after what he did in Infinite days, how could I like him? Hah. Just wait. You'll be saying the same thing! I adored his witty humor and well, everything about him.

I’m really shocked with how the story ends(?) but it was utterly fabulous.I'm thoroughly convinced that it's clear Rebecca has seriously poured her heart and soul into this series. Now I understand why the wait for this novel was what it was. Rebecca’s really raised the stakes for Vampire book authors, because Stolen Night was so unpredictable that you just don’t know which way the story will go. Prepare to be completely blown away. Forget what you thought you knew... You're about to take an amazing journey. If you haven't read Infinite Days, I suggest you go out and get it RIGHT MEOW! 

-beth [Vixen 2]

Enshadowed by Kelly Creagh

Title: Enshadowed
Author: Kelly Creagh
Pages: 429
Rating: 4 out of 5
From Goodreads:
True love takes a twisted turn in the second book of this modern gothic romance trilogy channeling the dark brilliance of Edgar Allan Poe.While Varen remains a prisoner in a perilous dream world where the terrifying stories of Edgar Allan Poe come to life, Isobel travels to Baltimore to confront the dark figure known throughout the world as the Poe Toaster. This man, the same man who once appeared to Isobel in her dreams and abandoned her in Varen’s nightmare world, holds the key to saving Varen.

     But when Isobel discovers a way to return to this dream world, she finds herself swept up in a realm that not only holds remnants of Edgar Allan Poe’s presence, but has also now taken on the characteristics of Varen’s innermost self. It is a dark world of fear, terror, and anger.

     When Isobel once more encounters Varen, she finds him changed. And now Isobel must face a new adversary—one who also happens to be her greatest love.--------------

“Is — is any of this real?" she asked. "Are you real?"

He lifted a hand to her cheek, his fingers brushing her jaw.

"Even if this is a dream," he whispered, "I'm not."

I've been waiting to read this book for two years. So long, in fact, that I had to go back and skim over Nevermore to refresh my memory. In Nevermore I fell in love with a withdrawn, mysterious, emo-esque boy and I never looked back. I loved Varen from page one. And I missed him terribly in Enshadowed. Dream Varen just wasn't enough for me. Thankfully, the book was enough for me, for now.

It's been months since that night when Isobel cut off connection to the dream world, where Varen is now stuck, after being betrayed by Reynolds. When Isobel realized that Reynolds is the famed “Poe Toaster” she knows that if she can get to him then she can get to Varen. Now Isobel is doing whatever she can, including creating a rift between herself and her family, to get to Baltimore in time to meet Reynolds. With the help of Gwen, the only person she trusts, she makes her way to Baltimore. But just like a dream, things are not always what they seem.

“That a single kiss from a boy who knew how to walk through dreams, who himself now seemed to be a dream, hadn't irrevocably altered her.”
Isobel was somewhat of a girl you love to hate in Nevermore. I like her much better now, but there's still something in the way of me loving her. Her love for Varen is so strong it controls her. He haunts her day and night, and all she wants is to get him back into the real world and into her life. Her single mindedness was a bit irritating at times, but I definitely understood.

Gwen was amazing. She is hilarious. I found myself laughing out loud many times while reading anything she said. I was really glad that she had Isobel's back through everything, even when she was terrified.

I love Pinfeathers. There is just something awesomely creepy, yet loveable about him. The Nocs were one of my favorite parts of Nevermore, so I was a little sad that they weren't really present.

Isobel's family is also great. Usually YA novels leave out family relationships. While it's not something that deters me from reading a book, it is a noted absence. Isobel's parents are worried about her, and they show it in a way any caring parent would. I especially love her little brother.

Enshadowed was beautifully written. Creagh is a very poetic writer. She created a world that I think Poe would love. I seriously hope that it won't be another two years before I get to return to that world.

-Kait[Vixen1]

Onyx - Jennifer L. Armentrout

Well I guess I'll finish up the week with yet another JLA tribute! hehe. Last one, I promise! ....For now

Onyx - Jennifer L. Armentrout

 ♥♥♥♥♥

 

Jennifer, you did it AGAIN, but even bigger and better this time!!!!!!

Obviously, 5 fast beating hearts for this. Actually, 5 hearts wouldn't be enough! I loved this THAT much.

What can I say about this book that someone hasn't? Probably nothing. Onyx left me in a daze. My entire brain is just flustercucked! I'm not sure if I could be any more emotional right now. I can say though, i'm glad I don't have to wait as long as some of you have to get my next Daemon fix!

Y'know.. I really want to say Katy you're such a dumb bitch! BUT.. I totally understand why she does everything she does. And Daemon. Pfft. The things I would do and say to him. Oh right... let's keep this at least PG13. Now there are a few new characters in this installment of the Lux series. Blake has entered the picture.... at first I was like Oh here we go, love triangle! Hmmpf. If only things were that simple. Onyx is an intricate weaving of the good, bad, and the aliens! When I read the synopsis for this book, I cringed[in a good way]. I knew what was gonna happen.. I'd be yet again transfixed(which I was).

Let me just say, Obsidian was amazing. Onyx was amazement times infinity. Onyx will leave you breathless, speechless, but still panting for more. How is this possible!? I don't know.. but damn it it is!!! Once again, I'm gonna have to say YOU NEED TO READ THIS, RIGHT MEOW! but after you read Obsidian, Duh!! :) Don't be a douche-nozzle. Just do it. Per usual, I can not await the arrival of Opal. I might just give up my first unborn child to get my hands on a copy of it!! ;) 

-beth

Obsidian - Jennifer L. Armentrout

Obsidian - Jennifer L. Armentrout

♥♥♥♥♥

 

Holy hell.

     What words can you possibly say to describe this book? I'm seriously at a loss of words, and I almost forgot to even write the review! I dove right into Onyx.. right after I finished! Well I guess I should start off saying Jennifer L. Armentrout, I adore you.. in fact, Love you kitten! Not only did I have the great honor of meeting you this year, but I got to read your amazing novels!

      Katy and Daemon are probably one of my top 3 favorite "couples" EVER. The comedic banter along with the unforgettable angst between the two main characters is indescribable. Not only is this an story of epic proportion, but it takes you on a ride that you'll never forget. Aliens have never been so appealing and fun.

      Reviewing this without spoilers is pretty much preposterous! I love the characters, the writing, hell I just loved everything about this book. I'm pretty sure if I were ever to be a character in a book, I would want to be Katy. Oh and with Daemon's cocky attitude mixed with Katy's sass it made me smile and laugh every time I read it. 

Whatever you do...

 READ THIS BOOK!!!!! 

-Beth