{Review} Goodbye Rebel Blue by Shelley Coriell

Goodbye, Rebel Blue
Series: none
Author: Shelley Coriell
Release Date: 2013
by, Harry N Abrams
*given for review*
Pages: 320

Rebecca Blue is a rebel with an attitude whose life is changed by a chance encounter with a soon-to-be dead girl. Rebel (as she’s known) decides to complete the dead girl’s bucket list to prove that choice, not chance, controls her fate. In doing so, she unexpectedly opens her mind and heart to a world she once dismissed—a world of friendships, family, and faith. With a shaken sense of self, she must reevaluate her loner philosophy—particularly when she falls for Nate, the golden boy do-gooder who never looks out for himself. Perfect for fans of Jay Asher’s blockbuster hit Thirteen Reasons Why, Coriell’s second novel features her sharp, engaging voice along with realistic drama and unforgettable characters. {Goodreads}

I'm one of those gals who prefer more excitement in my books. You know, the horror, mystery, ass kicking sort of excitement. It doesn't have to be a specific genre--vamps, fae, nephilium, dystopia...all and more. That being said, sometimes something soft and sweet can be a nice filler book. One that I can enjoy, smile and gush over helps clean the pallet when their has been a little too much ass kicking back to back.

Rebel Blue is one of those cute "clean your pallet" type of books I couldn't help but love. With its soft love interest, rebel attitude, and journey of adventure and living life more full, Coriell gave a great coming of age book. While this book has its reference to Jay Asher's Thirteen Reasons Why, I didn't find it as heavy (this was read before the Netflix series came out). Again, I found this to be a very refreshing read. I felt like I kept letting go of breaths for Rebel, like she was holding her breath just as tight as she was holding who she thought she needed to be. As the story progresses I found it nice to read from Rebel's POV as she started shedding layers and breathing easier.

Then there's the list. The bucket list that runs this book. The bucket list is definitely where I can understand the comparison to Ash's book. A chance encounter between Rebel (Rebecca) and a more popular girl at school after a day in detention leads Rebel on a chase of life after the girl dies and leaves behind her bucket list. The list becomes Rebel's main priority and through it her character blossoms leaving the reader happy and warm inside by the end. Her character development was lovely. Even better, I was enjoyed in how Coriell decided to slowly release each girl's bucket list they were forced to write in detention--Rebel's by chapter names.

This book didn't having my dying at the fact that it was over nor did it have me adding it to my most coveted book shelf but it did leave me content. I would recommend this book to any one who is looking for a quick, fun read between book releases or just looking for something old that's new to read. Give it a shot!

Rating:

*a copy was provided for review purposes*

{Blog Tour} Blood Moon by Teri Harman

TA-DA!!!!!!!!!!! Today I get to be a part of the Blood Moon Blog Tour!

I get to share my review, an interview with Teri Harman, and there is also a giveaway at the end!

So, stayed tune for all the awesomeness going on today yes!!? ;D

~The Author:

Teri Harman has believed in all things wondrous and haunting since her childhood days of sitting in the highest tree branches reading Roald Dahl and running in the rain imagining stories of danger and romance. Currently, her bookshelf is overflowing, her laundry unfolded, and her three small children running mad while she pens bewitching novels. Utah is her home, but she often imagines living in the wild landscapes of the Pacific Northwest. 

Come share in the magic and chaos at teriharman.com.

Find her at: ~Facebook~Twitter~Website~Goodreads~

~The Interview:

1. Dystopia, vampires and contemporary fill book shelves over abundantly these days in the Young Adult genre, What made you want to write about witch lore? 

I have always been fascinated by magic, witches and the supernatural. One of the most important things about writing is to write what you love. So I see the popularity of this kind of book as a fortuitous thing; Blood Moon is one more great addition to the trend. The wonderful thing about books is readers always need more. 

2. It was practically love at first sight with Willa and Simon. Do you believe in love at first sight? 

I do. I think we can feel a connection to someone the first time we meet them. I felt a connection with my husband the first time we met and we were only twelve years old. 

3. When do you know you've found your "soul mate"? 

I think your soul mate is the person you feel at home with, feel most like your true self with. Together you are better, stronger than you are alone. Together you make everything better. A soul mate is the person you can’t imagine living without. 

4. If you were a witch, which of the Six Gifts would you want? 

The magical powers in Blood Moon are known as The Six Gifts: Earth, Air, Wind, Fire, Dreams and Mind. Each witch is born with one dominate Gift, but can work magic of all kinds. I’d love to have the Gift of Dreams, like Willa, and see the future in my dreams and talk to ghosts. 

5. What attributes makes Willa and Simon strong both together and apart? 

Together they are strong because they complement each other’s strengths and weaknesses. Simon is very logical, very reason driven, whereas Willa is more willing to take a leap of faith. Sometimes they need logic and other times faith. Both are intelligent, kind and honest. They ground each other as well as lift each other up. It’s a balance of sharing the strangeness of who they are and being open to the discovery of what comes next. 

6. If you could combine any paranormal being into your book what would it be and why? 

If I was going to introduce another kind of paranormal being into these books it would probably be an immortal creature from another world. Something powerful, like a god, and mysterious. 

7. What can we expect for book two? :) 

Book 2, Black Moon, throws into question all the decisions Willa and Simon made in Blood Moon. Evil abounds in expected and unexpected places. The story has taken some exciting turns and I can’t wait to hear what readers think.

~The Book(s):

Blood Moon

Series: The Moonlight Trilogy #1

Release Date: June 22, 2013

by, Jolly Fish Press

Buy: ~Amazon~B&N~

Willa dreams of true events and her best friend is a ghost. Simon can heal any wound with a touch and senses others’ emotions, intentions. All their lives they’ve felt alone in their bizarre abilities, hiding behind a facade of normalcy, wondering why and how. The night Simon walks into the Twelve Acres Diner and meets Willa face to face, in a swirl of electric heat, they are bound to one another and glimpse the magic of who they are.

Across town a witch is held prisoner in the derelict basement of an old Victorian house. One night as it rains, she dares to reach her filthy, scarred hand out the window. Willa, walking home from work, recognizes the pathetic hand from a recent, terrible dream.

After a daring rescue of the witch, Willa and Simon are catapulted into the alluring but dangerous world of witchcraft and the magic of The Six Gifts. Answers to all their questions are within reach, but they’ve stepped into the middle of a deadly fight for the Powers of the Earth. Do they stay, risk their lives on the promise of power, or walk away?

Teri Harman's groundbreaking debut novel, the first installment in The Moonlight Trilogy, completely reinvents the modern concept of witches and magic. With its authentic translation of the history of witches into a fresh and entertaining package with unprecedented characterization, Blood Moon is sure to capture readers from the first page.{Goodreads}

~My Review:

  I can't say right off the bat that I was completely wowed or fell absolutely head over heels in love. I will say that I didn't find it horrible and completely unappealing. There wouldn't have been a review here if that was the case. Not only because this is a blog your but because on my blog I like to think that my reviews help people find new books. How would you find new books to LOVE if all I gave you guys was bad reviews? Ya not really possible.

  Blood Moon was good. My three star rating stands for "This book was good! Not great, but not horrible. At the least, worth the read." That was exactly the case in this book. I didn't love it. I didn't hate it. It was worth the read and I think book two has more potential. I think Blood Moon had a lot going for it and I'm not exactly sure what it was that turned me off. What caused me not to love it.

  It may have been Simon and Willa's instant love. I believe that there can be some sort of spark or connection when you first meet. I mean there has to be something that goes on when you first see the person that interests you in getting to know each other and becoming more than acquaintances...right? I just think that meeting, feeling the spark and all of a sudden THAT night the guy comes to your HOUSE again, in the middle of the NIGHT waiting outside your WINDOW and her coming out and them kissing after they JUST MET is uhm a little far fetched and if I might add a little creepy!? Then her mom saw it all and I don't know about you but my parents wouldn't have just stood by and just watched thinking "awe how cute! There's my daughter in the middle of the street kissing a boy I don't know." Sorry but I think that whole thing was a little crazy and way too fictional. I love fiction, that's all I read really but I like my fiction believable too. I mean it kin of goes away from vampires and werewolves and witches and dragons. How the hell do you make those unrealistic things...realistic? Trust me it's possible. I just wish I would have seen some more believable (not so much realistic I guess) attributes in Willa and Simons relationship and also with other parts of the book.

  Looking back while writing the review I do really have to give credit to Mrs Harman. This book had some really good things going for it. She had some really great ideas and I can really see the potential for this series! I'm thinking that this could have first book syndrome where it is just the spark to the flame. It's the opening to something great. I definitely want to read book two to see where Willa and Simons adventures are gonna take them. What kind of struggles await them. I would definitely love to see what happens next and maybe I will enjoy book two more. There have been two series where that has happened. Where I didn't particularly love the first and felt as if it was just a starter book and then the second blew me away. I definitely see the potential for the Moonlight Trilogy! It's there I know it's there!! ;D

  As far as writing goes I think Teri has a wonderful writing style. She simplifies. So many times these days authors try to show how genius there writing can be by too much dazzle. They try to complicate things way to often. There is beauty in simplicity. Teri Harman showed us just what that meant. Where she could have made a big show of The Six Gifts and make this big complication of it with many details she kept is simple and straight to the point. No huge network of underground tunnels with so many twists and turns you are sure to get lost forever. She explained everything rather well. I didn't have to back track to make sure I got it all down like I sometimes have to with other books. She gave the main points and the history behind it all nicely. It was well done. I think the side characters were a little undeveloped. I mean they are side characters but some had a big enough role where is like to have had less simplicity and more detail. I think Teri did a wonderful job with Blood Moon. I think her writing was great I just feel as if she had all this she wanted to accomplish and had a bit of trouble carrying it all out. Like she wasn't sure how to put all these ideas into one book. I felt as if there was a bit of struggle to get the series started. Now, that the series has started and is out there I have no doubt she will find her rhythm and make this series as great as it can be.

  Again I have high hopes for this series and the potential I see in it and other works from Mrs Harman are incredible! I think that if you have the time read it. If you have the patience to read a good starter book and wait for a great sequel do it. It's worth the chance trust me. I mean really, sometimes a start up is better than a kick off first book and a sucky sequel. Take the chance and enjoy it. You never know if you will encounter the same problems as I.

This review was a part of the Blood Moon Blog Tour.
*a copy was provided for review purposes*


3 of 5 stars!! :D

~The Giveaway:

a Rafflecopter giveaway
Good luck!!
Hope you enjoyed this blog stop! :D
Have a wonderful day!!
~Jaiden

{Review} Hooked by Liz Fichera

Hooked
Series: Hooked #1
Author: Liz Fichera
Release Date, January 29, 2013
by, Harlequin Teem
Source: *a copy was provided for review purposes by Netgalley*
Format: Kindle
Pages: 368

When Native American Fredricka ‘Fred’ Oday is invited to become the only girl on the school’s golf team, she can’t say no. This is an opportunity to shine, win a scholarship and go to university, something no one in her family has done.

But Fred’s presence on the team isn’t exactly welcome — especially not to rich golden boy Ryan Berenger, whose best friend was kicked off the team to make a spot for Fred.

But there’s no denying that things are happening between the girl with the killer swing and the boy with the killer smile...

GET HOOKED ON A GIRL NAMED FRED.{Goodreads}

~Review:
  This is another book where I didn't get what I was expecting. The cover is cute and it portrays a good humored, sexy kind of book and...it's not. Hooked sort of failed me if I may say so. It sort of disappointed me. I don't mean to be harsh--never my intention--it just wasn't what I wanted and hoped.

  The characters weren't developed enough. Ryan was supposed to be somewhat broken. The rich teen that got whatever he wanted but his home life was kind of messed up. Too much pressure and not enough love. He was expected to get the good grades and be perfect. He was probably the only character I really felt pulled through with the authors inventions but even that wasn't a 100% feeling. He was a total ass hat from the beginning and didnt prove he had enough soft side to make me love him. He was just one or the other. It kind of gave a bipolar feel to him. I liked Fred every now and then. I appreciate her for going out and doing what everyone said she couldn't do. She was strong in that way. She didnt let what people say intimidate her into quitting and running away with her tail between her legs.

  I guess now that I think about it I liked both characters...individually....just not together. I didn't feel there love. It was just sudden. One minute they hate each other and all of a sudden they feel love?? No ease into it people!! There is immediate attractions and then there is warming up and of course hatred. Immediate and hatred don't go together. Give us a reason they fell In love. Something true and a bit more deep then "oh well I guess she/he is cute, maybe ill like him then" I don't know I just wasn't feeling it.

  Liz is a great writer I can tell. I think she just needs to work out her few kinks. This could have been great if we were shown more depth. More history more something!! I really wanted to love this book but I couldn't. It was good but not great. It was missing those little details that make a book great. Hooked is a good fluff book. It was worth the short little read. If you need a filler book go ahead and give it a shot but I'm not going to jump up and down egging you to read this. Go on and give it a chance. Ill be giving a chance with book two!

~Rating:

3 of 5 stars!!!

Thanks for stopping by!

Have a great day!! :D

~Jaiden 

{Review} Uses for Boys by Erica Lorraine Scheidt

Uses for Boys
Author: Erica Lorraine Scheidt
Release Date: January 15, 2013
by, St. Martin's Press
Source: *a copy was provided from Netgalley*
Pages: 240

Then comes Sam. When Anna actually meets a boy who is more than just useful, whose family eats dinner together, laughs, and tells stories, the truth about love becomes clear. And she finally learns how it feels to have something to lose—and something to offer. Real, shocking, uplifting, and stunningly lyrical,  Uses for Boys  is a story of breaking down and growing up.

Then comes Sam. When Anna actually meets a boy who is more than just useful, whose family eats dinner together, laughs, and tells stories, the truth about love becomes clear. And she finally learns how it feels to have something to lose—and something to offer. Real, shocking, uplifting, and stunningly lyrical,  Uses for Boys  is a story of breaking down and growing up.{Goodreads}

~Review:
  Short book...short review. ;P I was really looking forward to this one. It had an adorable cover and the premise really reeled me in. I like broken characters that find their place and finally poece by piece fix themselves. When I was approved on Netgalley for it I was so happy! However, this book was nothing I was expecting. Yes it has our broken protagonist. The writing is what really through me off. It wasn't like a normal YA book. It was like a poem. I came to really appreciate the way of writing after adjusting. It didnt really have a point of view at all. you kind of got that it was Anna telling the story but it was...different. that is the main word for this book. Different. and Unique. It also disnt have much dialogue but it worked in a way. i didn't mind it. It was fitting. It was a piece of art really. It was so unique and completely different. I had never read anything like it. Scheidt is what you call an artist, a writer with a magic hand.

  I felt bad for Anna. I truly felt sorry for her. She is probably the most broken character I have ever read. She was troubled and confused. She never truly had any real joy or love in her life so she didn't know there was anything different than being left and used. She didn't know what it was like to have a family or mom. Anna didnt know how she should have been treated. She was completely naive in some ways. Anna didnt know better plane and simple. Her story was one of finding and fitting in. Making mistakes and learning. Some people will take this book on confusion. Some will take it not so well and maybe a bit offensive. Some aren't going to see through the lines. Others will think they have the meaning and it all figured out but won't really. Some will get it truly and fully. Only the author truly know honestly. She knows what she wanted to convey and hope that others will see it and understand.

  All together this book was pretty good. I liked it but in some ways I didn't. Certain things rubbed me the wrong way. The thing I really really liked about Uses for Boys was the writing. It was really good and I loved it for its differences. I liked that it wasn't like anything I had ever read before. I liked the layers you tried to peal and understand. I liked that I may not have truly understand. Again this book may not be for everyone. No. I KNOW it's not for everyone. It's indescribable  It's a hit or miss kind of thing. I suggest you to try it on for size. It wasn't a favorite of mine but I did enjoy it. Not as much as I had wanted to but enough where I will give it a good rating. Just make sure that going into this book you know it's unique. Know that it isn't going to be at all what you think. It's not a fluffy happy go lucky kind of book. It's not a cute I will find my way kind of book. It's not a sweet contemporary. It's less but so much more. It all depends on how you look at it and how you choose to SEE it.

~Rating:

3 of 5 stars!!!

Thanks for stopping by!!

Have a great day!! :D

~Jaiden

{Review} Tempest by Jenna-Lynne Duncan

Tempest
Series: Hurricane #1.5
Author: Jenna-Lynne Duncan
Release Date: November 23, 2012
Source: *a copy was provided by the author for review purposes*
Format: E-book

Hayden Boudreaux couldn't decide which was worse— that he was falling in love with a mortal or that the only way to break his family's centuries-old curse would be to kill her. Of all that he was certain was the more time he spent with her, the more he knew he would do anything to protect Adriana Alexander, including sacrificing his eternity. What he wouldn't expect was that Luke - his brother that hated Ana, who wanted to kill her - would decide he would want her as his own.{Goodreads}

~Review:
  Let me just start off with...I am totally Team Luke. So, maybe that totally makes me a wee-bit biased. Just a wee bit.

  Anyways, even though I totally love Luke...I still really like Hayden. Both boys are great but you know..lil 'ol be likes the mysterious bad boys...even though Luke isn't bad...just mysterious. Hayden is sweet and he totally loves Ana/Adriana. (so does Luke!!..ok I'll stop now) He is loyal and honest. There is not a doubt that he would do anything and everything for Ana and I loved seeing that play out more in this little novella. This book basically goes everything that happened in Hurricane  just very much summarized....and from Hayden's POV of course. Ya, so everything that we read but shorter, skipping over some main events.

  Obviously if it is from Hayden's POV there is going to be more behind the scenes and it will be shorter. And it was. But that is what a novella is for..to give some knowledge for in between books. But here is what I need to get at I guess...Yes, I like Hayden. It was kinda cool to see his point of view but...I didn't think it was all that necessary  Again, novellas (.5's, 1.5's, 2.5's, etc) are meant to give knowledge to the readers about what was going on between certain scenes, before the book, in between books. This was just a summary of what we already read. The difference being it was shorter and from Hayden's POV. That was pretty much it.  I

  It was nothing we didn't already know. Even if it was intended for a more romantic take like Twilight being taken on by Edward, we had already saw his love and because he was such an open book pretty much with his feelings with Ana...I didn't see the necessity. What I would have enjoyed more was it being from Luke's POV (again..here is where some may think I am biased...oh wells.) I mean...bias aside...it would have made more sense. Luke's POV would have given needed knowledge. From the very beginning we knew that Hayden was infatuated with Ana. He may have been criptick and a bit reserved at times but through it all we as readers knew he still liked her a lot...there was just something that was holding him back but with Luke...He hated her. He wanted to kill her. He was focused on the goal and wasn't willing to let feelings get caught up in his mission. Then all of a sudden...BAM! He loves her to.

  The novella from his POV would have let us in to his more mysterious character. We might have gotten to see the hurt behind his parents death...the need that drove him to kill Ana. When did the light switch on and he decided he loved her too? When did she become The One? I merely think (again bias totally aside) it would have filled a bigger purpose. We knew more about Hayden because Hurricane--in a sense--was Ana and his book. They were the main love interest. The plot revolved around Ana and Hayden's love. We got side swept with Luke's love. I mean...he hated her!! Was I the only one thrown off guard? I just don't know I really would have liked it from Luke's POV. To me it would have served a better purpose. Let you gain knowledge of the things we didn't know.

  I liked Tempest. I enjoyed seeing Hayden's view. I am super duper excited for Aftermath!!! So, even though it may sound like I didn't enjoy this novella...and I am complaining...I am not. I enjoyed it. It was really good! A bit blotchy at times but again....it kinda had to be. It isn't absolutely necessary to read but it was fun to read...worth it! :) If you are a fan of Hurricane then definitely read it! And if you are TeamHayden then ya....you may want to really read it and maybe you will like it more than me hahaha but what can I say...I am a Luke kinda girl ;) So because the blotchy play and the fact I felt it unnecessary....nothing against the writing...or the series...!! It is still a good ranking I just wasnt completely thrilled with it :) SO can't wait for the next book though!! Please give me!! give me!! give me!! (oh and psst....it has a sneak peak to it!!...I skipped it cus..well I always do when there are ones....I like to be surprised...I feel more needy if I read them hahaha)

~Rating:

3 of 5 stars!!!

Thanks for stopping by!!

Hope you have a great day!! :)

~Jaiden 

{Review} Dante's Girl by Courtney Cole

Dante's Girl
Series: The Paradise Diaries #1
Author: Courtney Cole
Release Date: June 24, 2012
by, Lakehouse Press
Source: Netgalley
Format: ebook
Pages: 356

I have spent every summer since I was ten years old with my father in London. Every summer, since I was ten years old, has been uneventful and boring.
Until this year.
And this year, after a freak volcanic eruption strands me far from home, I have learned these things:
1. I can make do with one outfit for three days before I buy new clothes.
2. If I hear the phrase, “You’re not in Kansas anymore, Toto,” even one more time, I might become a homicidal maniac.
3. I am horribly and embarrassingly allergic to jellyfish.
4. I am in love with Dante Giliberti, who just happens to be the beautiful, sophisticated son of the Prime Minister of a Mediterranean paradise.
5. See number four above. Because it brings with it a whole slew of problems and I’ve learned something from every one of them.
Let’s start with the fact that Dante’s world is five light-years away from mine. He goes to black-tie functions and knows the Prime Minister of England on a first name basis. I was born and raised on a farm in Kansas and wear cut-off jeans paired with cowboy boots. See the difference?
But hearts don’t care about differences. Hearts want what they want. And mine just wants to be Dante’s girl.
My heart just might be crazy. {Goodreads}

~Review:
  I was so excited to read this book and uber excited when I was approved to receive it on Netgalley! Love in a foreign city? Yes please! Those are like my favorite. Cliche? Maybe but...who the hell cares? It's a cliche everyone loves!

  The book starts out in the airport while Reece is traveling to see her father. Not something she is too thrilled about but..its a vacation right? Then she (yes literally) runs into uber hot, adorable Dante! Oops! This guy is a replica of a Greek god...both in my eyes and in Reece's. They say their apologies and part ways *sigh* but wait! They are on the same plane! *chu ching!!* But the great...has a change for the worst and a terrible disaster strikes having Dante dragged off the plane and Dante dragging Reece with him. First, uhmmm creepy! you don't even know the dude! But..he is hot and not giving her much choice so she goes and ends up stuck in a place she knew nothing about with the Prime Minister and his son..aka..Dante Giliberti.

  This book was adorably cute. It was funny and it was sweet. I loved Mia and Gavin they were the best of the book. I liked Reece. She was quirky and innocent and somewhat realistic. I have to say...some of her quirky sayings got annoying. I was kind of done with the "sweet baby monkeys" but at the same time I came to realize it was just her. We all have our dumb sayings and that's what makes us..us. But still, a bit annoying at times. I loved Dante but...he was too perfect. There weren't many flaws to him and the ones that were brought forward made him look only dumb and whiny. Put Reece and Dante together and....I wasn't quite feeling their love. I don't know what it was but something was just lacking which made me not feel the realness. Again too fiction. I felt like there was a pixie dust cloud/haze surrounding them.

  Now don't get me wrong, they were adorable. They had their relationship struggles and that helped them out in the "real" factor. The best books put enough real and enough fiction to where you have your toes curling, your cheeks blushing, and your heart fluttering. I just was sadly not feeling it. I was feeling the end though. That...that was possibly the cutest thing in the entire book!! AHH! I can go fan girl on the last 10 or so pages. A-DOR-A-BLE!!! I also felt bad about it too though. I mean, hello! What about her best friend? Was anyone thinking about her!? But, I still loved it! Cutest thing in the book! ^-^ I loved the setting and the culture. I didn't particularly like the amount of "American" jabs. I get there are going to be lots when you go out of the country but in this book...a bit too many? I just felt they were better left out.

  I am super excited for book 2 in the series (Mia's Heart). I loved her! She was so awesome. Her and Gavin were the two stable things in the book that were realistic. They were real and I loved them plus...Gavin..hot guy with a sense of humor and a dash of cockiness? I don't know why but those are what make me drawn to the guys...Humor...the guy has got to make me laugh. Not always serious you know? But also not able to be serious. Mia has a hard life and she puts up with it by wearing black and covering up but deep down she is true to her heart and self. I am SO excited to see what is brought to the table in her book! Hopefully it will be better than Dante. It will be an even balance of real and fiction. She will get deeper with Gavin and...its gonna be nice getting to know Quinn finally! ;D

  Altogether again...Dante's Girl is an adorable read. It makes you giggle like a little school girl and laugh from all the corny humor. A perfect book to read snuggled up on the coach basking in the sun like a cat (since it is no longer summer...but you can imagine! ;D) If you are looking for a quick, cute read, this book is for you! I don't ever for a second regret reading it. I liked it. I really did. I just merely didn't love it. I hope you enjoy it more than I did when you get the chance.

~Rating:

3 of 5 wonderful stars!

Thanks for stopping by! 

Hope you have a great day!! :D

~Jaiden 

{Review} Dark Kiss by Michelle Rowan

Dark Kiss
Series: Nightwatchers #1
Author: Michelle Rowan
Release Date: March 29, 2012
by, Harlequin Teen
Source: NetGalley
Format: ebook
Pages: 348

I don't do dangerous,  Smart, ü ber-careful, ordinary Samantha-that's me. But I just couldn't pass up a surprise kiss from my number-one unattainable crush. A kiss that did something to me...something strange. Now I feel hungry all the time, but not for food. It's like part of me is missing-and I don't know if I can get it back. 
Then there's Bishop. At first I thought he was just a street kid, but the secrets he's keeping are as intense as his unearthly blue eyes. If he's what I think he is, he may be the only one who can help me. But something terrifying is closing in, and the one chance Bishop and I have to stop it means losing everything I ever wanted and embracing the darkness inside me.... 
NIGHTWATCHERS 
When angels and demons must work together, something beyond evil is rising... {Goodreads}

~Review:
  This book was wishy washy for me. At times I was really loving it and at others...not so much. I never hated parts but some just kinda left me hanging. I felt that the beginning was a bit juvenile. I don't know what it was but something just hindered me from getting hooked. The main character, Sam/Samantha, might be that reason. She lacked charisma with me. She was childish and kinda annoying. Again I'm not sure what it was but...I..I don't know.

  Another thing as it was so predictable! Like seriously. I knew what was going to happen and the "big secrets" were too obvious! I know that in some books of course the reader is going to see it before the character. That's the way some books go and it flows. With this one...It was almost frustrating. I like my books with a bit of mystery to them. I don't want to be able to predict whats behind every bend ya know? the only times I was actually and honestly surprised was when it was Kraven and Bishop's secrets.

  These boys were awesome and I think the only thing that kept me reading for awhile. They kind of remind me of Stephen and Damon from The Vampire Diaries and I really love them soo I adored these boys too and like with VD I am #TeamDamon/#TeamKraven. I love Bishop but I got a thing for the not-so-bad-boy. Both boys have their secrets and their pasts and I want to know them. Kraven really surprised me in the end and well...so did Bishop! I mean woah!! That ending....ya. I am so excited whats in store for each boy in book 2! *wiggles eyebrows* ;D

  So...no I didn't hate this book. I actually really liked it! But it took the ending to be its salvation for me. I will end up reading book two because so much wasn't answered and so much was left unsaid ;D This book has awesome angel lore I mean...the grays?? awesome! A kiss that can steal your soul...HOT!! Would I recommend you buy it?? Mmmm not so much. But that is entirely up to you. I say check it out from the library or borrow it from a friend. But hopefully you'll have better luck with it than I did. Again, I liked the book! I just couldn't find myself loving it ya know? Worth the read?? Yes most definitely! :)

~Rating:

3 stars!! 

Thanks for stopping by! 

Have a great day!! :D

~Jaiden

PS....Don't forget to enter for a chance to win a signed copy of Lisa M Stasse's debut novel, The Forsaken! All happening here! :D

{Review} Shiver by Maggie Stiefvater

Shiver
Series: Wolves of Mercy Falls (#1)
Author: Maggie Stiefvater
Published: August 1, 2009
by, Scholastic Inc.
Source: Bought (physical copy)
Pages: 392

Grace and Sam share a kinship so close they could be lovers or siblings. But they also share a problem. When the temperature slips towards freezing, Sam reverts to his wolf identity and must retreat into the woods to protect his pack. He worries that eventually his human side will fade away and he will be left howling alone at the lonely moon. A stirring supernatural teen romance. {Goodreads}

~Trailer:

~Review:
 I have to be honest in all my review right? Ya, I know I do. But I also know that almost every single one of my favorite bloggers absolutely adored this book.....and I....did not. Well, not at first that is.

 So I bought the whole series along time ago and hadnt yet read them so I decided to finally one day. So, I started it! Duh!!! And then....I stopped. It was pretty boring. Then I went on goodreads to look at my friends were saying and came to the first review I saw. One of my favorite bloggers....H.D. If any of you have read the review you obviously know what it says...if not...go read it...(Review).

 Now...Don't bash on him ok? Yes, its not one of those raving reviews but its honesty. And that is what, we as bloggers, are supposed to do. We shouldn't butter up a review and be fake just cause other people really liked that particular book. Or just cus we don't want to hurt any feelings. Of course you should hurt feelings by bashing a book. Soooo not part of the blogger code!(if there is one haha idk..maybe I should make one??) ;) We need to be honest....whether we liked the book or not. We need to express our true thoughts! And that's what H.D. did...and I agree! Like 100%!! But I think liked it a bit more than he did.

So I'm going to have to brake this review into a sort of pro vs. con review.....starting with cons so we can end on a good note ya? :)

Cons:
 So....lets start with...The love story. I really do think it was all a bit familiar don't you think? ...like uhm I don't know....Twilight familiar? ...this was something I agreed with H.D. on. Sam (Edward) was the creepy stalker who was an obsession of Grace's (Bella). She didn't know why but she loved him...he fascinated her...(the wolf). Those yellow eyes that haunted her every thought. And she was the one he couldn't stay away from. He felt it was his duty to protect her....and someday be with her. But in this story..Grace can't talk with her obsession cus he is a wolf. But then one day....they meat person to person...

 One...WOAH!!!!! Nice meat and greet huh? ;) Naked guy on the porch! haha .....anyways skip, skip....to that night after the hospital...(cus of circumstances)...and she invites him to stay..in her room. WOAH!! (again) you just met the dude! Yes he seems familiar. Yes he just told you what he was but uhm!!! Red flags should be going off!!! What if he is just crazy!? What if he is some stalker killer who put on contacts cus he was watching you and your wolf obsession!!? But wait...she flippin invites him to sleep in her bed!!!! Again...agreeing with H.D. here!! What if he were to kill her!? Obviously...one its just a book. Ya let your imagination run free! And two...none of that happens but still...girl needed some common sense.

 Then we have a quicky love story. Seriously. Day two..not even actually it was just the morning after they met.....and they make out in the kitchen. Ya, girl....no. Sorry but no. But honestly you have to keep reading and then it's cute. You just can't think about the time they have known each other on a human to human basis and your all good! That is what I had to do...imagine they knew each other longer than they did.

 Now.....for the writing....Once again agreeing with H.D. I love how authors try to be different and unique. It's great! Go for it! I love different! I love that some of you I can read a page and guess...Oh! Yupp! That could only have been written by "so an so". Its awesome!! BUT!!! Please! I love you Maggie but this line bugged me as much as it bugged H.D. And I couldn't have agreed more with what he had to say so I am going to quote the quote and what H.D. had to say....

"'I was a leaking womb bulging with the promise of conscious thoughts...'

What. The. Heck. I re-read this sentence a million type. I couldn't get over that. What the heck was this? This weird, totally scary metaphor. I'm all for this adventurous prose. I'm all for authors trying new things and trying to stand out and be different. But to compare the idea of having conscious thoughts to a woman's LEAKING WOMB just isn't...real? Would any male (or even female, for that matter) take the moment in extreme agony or frustration to point out that: YEAH, I fell like a leaking womb!

I don't think so."

 Ya, that pretty much sums up my thoughts on that. And like he said.. don't hate...its a matter of opinion. and again good for Maggie and her comparisons! I liked most of them while others...just weird. I'm sorry but that's just how I felt. I LOVED her song lyrics for Sam! LOVED LOVED LOVED!!!! I loved her other comparisons most of the time. Go for unique! Go for colored vocabulary but PLEASE!!!!! Do not. go. off. the. deep. end!! Colorful is for intense moments. for when other simple words can't express the things that are going on but not. like. this. please. Again love stuff like this. But please don't over do it. I think I made myself pretty clear now! :) Sorry and thanks.

 Oh..and personally...Sam didn't quite make my crush list yet..(YET!) He was a bit too clingy..stalkerish in book one...Idk I love him! And I adored him at the end! And his story!!! Two words: heart breaking. I loved him for it! It made him a bit more stronger and likeable! Loved him but...waiting a bit! ;)

Sorry ladies!! :b

Pros:

1.  The love between the two of them was sooo beautiful!! I loved the adventures, the heart ache, the romance.
2. I loved all the side characters! Maggie did an awesome job with character description!
3. Sam's lyrics! SOOOO CUTE!!! Die! Swoon!!
4. All the background and folklore (idk if I used that word right) description and outlining!
5. The scenery description! Beautiful!!
6. The end!!! GAHHHHHH!!!!!! <3 x100
7. The alternating POVs

:)

Advice: If you are going to read this book......

• And like it from the beginning....YAY!!! I'm so glad!! Maggie deserves all the fans she has gotten!! I'm glad you had no problems!! YAY!! YAY!! YAY!!! (no sarcasm whatsoever!) That is great! :)
• And didn't like it from page 1.....keep reading! It gets better! Honestly...I kept reading for one reason and one reason only....I had bought the entire series already and Goddammit I was going to freakin finish what I had paid for whether I liked it or not. And guess what!!? I don't have to have an agonizing time reading the rest of the series because I ended up liking it in the end! And am on book 2 now...yes it takes awhile to read sometimes but I do like it! :) So you keep reading and hopefully you will come to like it too! Keep reading and don't give up! Or stop and pick it up some other time! Who knows, your thoughts might change! :)

 Now...3 stars cus I did end up liking it! It would have gotten two due to the fact of finishing just to finish but I think it deserves the three star rating because I liked it in the end!! :)

~Rating:

I hope this will help ya! Thanks for reading and stopping by! :)

~Jaiden

{Review} Cycles by Lois D. Brown

Cycles
Author: Lois D. Brown
Published: January 13, 2012
Publisher: Levanter Publishing
Source: e-book ARC copy (not so much an ARC now cus of procrastination...sorry!!!)
Pages: 260

She remembers things that never happened.She's a stranger in her own home.She always knew she was different.She just didn't know why.Until now.
Renee Beaumont is about to die . . . again. {Goodreads}

This. Is a book I have procrastinated on giving a review because of my vaction. I am sooooo VERY sorry!!!! But without further adue....

Here is a short review (my reviews might be shorter from here on out fyi!)

I wasn't quite sure what to expect when I agreed to read and review Ms. Lois D. Brown's book. And too be honest...as you can see....I procrastinated..ALOT! And I feel really bad. Things got ruff in my life and I lost track. And I felt even worse cus this book was really good! 

It had its slow start but it was understandable. It really picked up about half way through and I was enticed. I had trouble putting my phone down. (e-book copy) The characters were very likable! The plot was very different and very intriguing. It was totally different and unique. I loved it!

I definitely recommend you all to go and try it on for size ;) I really dont think you will be disappointed.

Thanks,
~Jaiden

{Review} The Willows: Haven by Hope Collier

The Willows: Haven (Willows #1)
Author: Hope Collier
Published: October 11, 2011
Source: e-book review copy from Ms. Collier! Thanks!! ^-^

When tragedy strikes, seventeen year-old Ashton Blake sets out on a cross-country road trip, leaving the comforts of Malibu for the mountains of Kentucky. Along the way, she encounters Gabe Willoughby—the mysterious drifter with eyes like the sea and a knowing smile. Getting to know Gabe raises questions about her past. But no secret can be buried forever, and Ashton soon finds herself in a world where water is air and myth becomes reality.

Just as Ashton comes to accept her newfound heritage, she’s summoned to fulfill a treaty laid down centuries before — a treaty that will divide her love and test her loyalty. In the end, her future isn’t her biggest concern, her humanity is. To run may mean war, but is she strong enough to stay? {Goodreads}

 ~~~~~~~*My Review*~~~~~~~

The Willows: Haven is very different. I have not read anything in this genre before...I won't tell you the genre of paranormal it is because well, it's a secret! You'll have to read it for yourself sorry haha! The beginning is great! I loved it! It was a mystery so you HAD to keep reading! Then she meets Gabe and it all goes greater! Like I said, loved the beginning definitely kept me interested! Then it started going off the bdeep end for awhile and then picked up speed then it PISSED ME OFF!!! Well, I was just hurt haha it's a good book pissed off haha

Sometimes Ashton could be whiny and annoying but this book was very good! It is a good I-don't-know-what-to-read read lol Gabe was pretty cool and honestly liked him alot then.......ya anyways I liked Kyle more...ALOT more! He is so cute and once again I fall for the best friend who has loved her for awhile character. What can I say? I mean they know you! The REAL you! They have seen you at your worst and are still there for you. They lone you their shoulder when you want to bawl your eyes out. They always have your back and will kick the ass of the dude that hurt you! do I need to keep going?

~~~~~~~*My Rate*~~~~~~~

 Now, don't get me wrong I really liked this book it was very interesting and kept me reading. Why did I give it three stars then? The only reason it gets three stars is because of the ending.....The pick...if you know what I mean...UGH! Ashton PISSED ME OFF SO SO SO SO MUCH! I literally through my ipod on the couch, screaming and yelling "How could she be so stupid!!! What the hell is her flipping problem!! How in the world could she.....after.....and then how the other.....and did......and said......Come on!!! WTF!!!!!!!!" Ya, I through a lil hissy fit! But that's the only reason! :) If the situation would have happened differently then I would have given it 4 stars. I know, harsh but I was seriously mad! Can you tell hahaha

 

~~~~~~~*Final Say-So*~~~~~~~

 When you have the time definitely pick this one up! It's so cool and diferent. Sometimes it was lacking plot and went a everywhere at times and you were confused but past that....great e-book read! Like I said when you have the time...you shouldn't regret it.

Thanks for stopping by! :)

~Jaiden