Thursday, January 31, 2013

Carnival of Souls by Melissa Marr

Carnival of Souls
In a city of daimons, rigid class lines separate the powerful from the power-hungry. And at the heart of The City is the Carnival of Souls, where both murder and pleasure are offered up for sale. Once in a generation, the carnival hosts a deadly competition that allows every daimon a chance to join the ruling elite. Without the competition, Aya and Kaleb would both face bleak futures--if for different reasons. For each of them, fighting to the death is the only way to try to live.

All Mallory knows of The City is that her father--and every other witch there--fled it for a life in exile in the human world. Instead of a typical teenage life full of friends and maybe even a little romance, Mallory scans quiet streets for threats, hides herself away, and trains to be lethal. She knows it's only a matter of time until a daimon finds her and her father, so she readies herself for the inevitable. While Mallory possesses little knowledge of The City, every inhabitant of The City knows of her. There are plans for Mallory, and soon she, too, will be drawn into the decadence and danger that is the Carnival of Souls.

From Melissa Marr, bestselling author of the Wicked Lovely series and Graveminder, comes a brand-new tale of lush secrets, dark love, and the struggle to forge one's own destiny.

4 Stars

Melissa Marr strikes again! This first in the new series is awesome. Thank you Five Finger Death Punch for inspiring this amazing book. The world Marr creates is intriguing, dangerous, provocative, and spellbinding. This book has a character for each type of character lover. Mallory is the innocent/sheltered girl. Aya is the tough women's lib chic. Kaleb is the hero/total badass. Belias is the conflicted one. Adam is the overprotective father. Evelyn is the evil witch. And that doesn't even scratch the surface of the many characters in this book that have a strong presence. I really can't wait to see how this story unfolds.

~Kat

Tuesday, January 29, 2013

A Perfect Proposal by Katie Fforde

Sophie Apperly's family has never taken her seriously. Fiercely academic, they see her more practical skills as frivolous whilst constantly taking advantage of her. So when her best friend Milly invites her over to New York, she jumps at the chance. It'll do her ungrateful family good to do without her for a while. What s more, she's on a quest America holds the key to solving her family's financial woes, even if they don't deserve her help.

From the moment Sophie hits the bright lights of Manhattan she's determined to enjoy every minute of her big adventure. So when an evening at an art gallery throws her into the path of Matilda, a spirited old lady who invites her to Connecticut for Thanksgiving, Sophie willingly accepts, much to the dismay of Matilda's grandson Luke. Undeniably attractive but infuriatingly arrogant, he is very protective of his grandmother and seems to doubt Sophie's motives for befriending her. No match for the formidable Matilda, he eventually admits defeat, but first he has a proposal to make. He'll help Sophie in her quest to save her family from financial ruin if she repays the favour. But just what does she have to do in return...?

4 stars
I received a copy of A Perfect Proposal courtesy of NetGalley and the publisher.

Sophie is completely taken advantage of by her family in England. They don't appreciate her for being frugal and helping out whenever they need her to, and since they're 'academics' they don't feel like she measures up to them. Silly Sophie, for being their door mat! Luckily for her, she has a best friend in New York that convinces Sophie to come visit and work as a nanny for a month. So Sophie heads across the pond, only to have her plans changed once she gets to America. Along comes Matilda and Luke, and now Sophie has a different set of plans...

I thought A Perfect Proposal was the greatest in chick lit! I absolutely LOVE British novels, and this one was no exception. I want to be friends with Sophie, and have her make me fabulous shabby chic clothes! I'm not sure how realistic Matilda taking Sophie under her wing was, but it worked out, since Sophie was an honest gal. It doesn't hurt that with Matilda comes her protective watch dog grandson Luke. I was expecting the outcome with Sophie and Luke (chick lit read, after all) but I felt like the end was a little rushed. I'm glad I was able to read this one tho, it was just what I needed for a winter pick me up.

~Mandy


Endlessly (Paranormalcy #3) by Kiersten White

Endlessly (Paranormalcy, #3)
Evie's paranormal past keeps coming back to haunt her. A new director at the International Paranormal Containment Agency wants to drag her back to headquarters. The Dark Faerie Queen is torturing humans in her poisonous realm. And supernatural creatures keep insisting that Evie is the only one who can save them from a mysterious, perilous fate.

4 Stars

First things first. Do not let the second book discourage you from reading the final book. What a ride! Welcome back sassy Evie, frustrating Reth, loyal Lend, and all the rest of them. The conversational banter is quite a fun read. There is so much action in this book that taking a day off to go sight seeing was actually painful. Almost every question you have is answered in the final book, except one, which I'm not going to say since it would be a spoiler. Have fun if you decide to read this series. It was entertaining.

~Kat

Thursday, January 24, 2013

Supernaturally (Paranormalcy #2) by Kiersten White

Supernaturally (Paranormalcy, #2)
Evie finally has the normal life she’s always longed for. But she’s shocked to discover that being ordinary can be...kind of boring. Just when Evie starts to long for her days at the International Paranormal Containment Agency, she’s given a chance to work for them again. Desperate for a break from all the normalcy, she agrees.

But as one disastrous mission leads to another, Evie starts to wonder if she made the right choice. And when Evie’s faerie ex-boyfriend Reth appears with devastating revelations about her past, she discovers that there’s a battle brewing between the faerie courts that could throw the whole supernatural world into chaos. The prize in question? Evie herself.

So much for normal.

3 Stars

I'm on the fence about this one. It started off exciting and I thought, "Okay, here we go." And then it never really happened. It was more of an unnecessary sequel to give the reader more time with the main characters. Evie wasn't quite as sassy or funny in this one. She was actually a bit of a whiner. And then there is a big revelation in the last 20 pages which is really the only significant bit of new information. The book had a nice and neat happy ending and I am not compelled to grab the last one because "I just have to see what happens next!". However, I am going to anyway in the hopes that the final book will pick up the pace again.

~Kat

Monday, January 21, 2013

Paranormalcy (Paranormalcy #1) by Kiersten White

Paranormalcy (Paranormalcy, #1)
Evie's always thought of herself as a normal teenager, even though she works for the International Paranormal Containment Agency, her ex-boyfriend is a faerie, she's falling for a shape-shifter, and she's the only person who can see through paranormals' glamours.

But Evie's about to realize that she may very well be at the center of a dark faerie prophecy promising destruction to all paranormal creatures.

So much for normal.


4 Stars

Paranormalcy was actually quite good. It's a story about a girl who grew up serving "the system" only to find out she is really being governed by it. White portrays the main character, Evie, as a tough chic in hot pink stiletto boots. This I loved, because I truly believe you can be tough and girlie at the same time. She also has quite a bit of sass and a good sense of humor which is shared since the book is written in first person. The story was fast paced; it never got boring. Werewolves, vampires, and fairies, oh my! Throw in a hag, a few trolls, and a mermaid and you have a recipe for fun filled entertainment. The language was definitely young adult which made it a very speedy read, but it never took away from the story. I would recommend this to anyone interested in a fun paranormal read.

~Kat

Saturday, January 19, 2013

Release Me (Stark Trilogy #1) by J. Kenner

For fans of Fifty Shades of Grey and Bared to You comes an erotic, emotionally charged romance between a powerful man who’s never heard “no” and a fiery woman who says “yes” on her own terms.

He was the one man I couldn’t avoid. And the one man I couldn’t resist.

Damien Stark could have his way with any woman. He was sexy, confident, and commanding: Anything he wanted, he got. And what he wanted was me.

Our attraction was unmistakable, almost beyond control, but as much as I ached to be his, I feared the pressures of his demands. Submitting to Damien meant I had to bare the darkest truth about my past—and risk breaking us apart.

But Damien was haunted, too. And as our passion came to obsess us both, his secrets threatened to destroy him—and us—forever.

Release Me is an erotic romance intended for mature audiences.

3 1/2 stars
I received a copy of Release Me courtesy of NetGalley and the publisher

Nikki is new to LA, and one of her first assignments of her new job is to snag Damien Stark's interest in helping fund her company's new product. Although Nikki had a brief encounter with Damien 6 yrs ago, she's sure he doesn't remember her, but oh does she remember him. How could she not?! She describes him as a Roman God, and the images popping thru my head were along the lines of the same men I pictured as Christian Grey! Yowza! Lucky for Nikki, Mr Stark is very interested, at least in her. The two explore their passion, as well as open up to each other with some of their deep, dark, buried secrets.

Release Me has been compared to Fifty Shades of Grey and Bared to You, and for good reason! I was a little hesitant to start this trilogy, because I wasn't sure I wanted to read another copy cat book, with just the characters names changed. And although there are similarities between the books, Release Me holds its own! I want to find out Damien's big bad secret (although I'm pretty sure I know what some of it is) and see where Nikki and Damien grow. When we leave Release Me, the two are enjoying the carnal attentions of the other, but a new threat looms just as the closing music cues. (yes, I sometimes get closing music in my head when I know I'm at the end of a book. Blame the audio books for that one) I can't wait to read the next book!

~Mandy

Friday, January 18, 2013

Darkest Mercy (Wicked Lovely #5) by Melissa Marr

Darkest Mercy (Wicked Lovely, #5)
The Summer King is missing; the Dark Court is bleeding; and a stranger walks the streets of Huntsdale, his presence signifying the deaths of powerful fey.

Aislinn tends to the Summer Court, searching for her absent king and yearning for Seth. Torn between his new queen and his old love, Keenan works from afar to strengthen his court against the coming war. Donia longs for fiery passion even as she coolly readies the Winter Court for battle. And Seth, sworn brother of the Dark King and heir to the High Queen, is about to make a mistake that could cost his life.

Love, despair, and betrayal ignite the Faery Courts, and in the final conflict, some will win...and some will lose everything.


The thrilling conclusion to Melissa Marr's New York Times bestselling Wicked Lovely series will leave readers breathless.


4 Stars

In the final installment of the Wicked Lovely series, everything comes to a head. There is action and there is a lot of it. This book had me on the edge of my seat and I didn't want to put it down. Just like the rest of the books, I really enjoyed it and it thoroughly entertained me. It ended in the way I was hoping it would and it did have a little bit of a twist, which is always fun. I highly recommend this series to anyone interested in YA Fantasy.

~Kat

Wednesday, January 16, 2013

The Stranger (Just One Night part 1)

Kasie knows who she’s supposed to be. But one passionate night with a mysterious stranger will teach her who she wants to be.

You should sleep with a stranger, her best friend whispers in her ear as they take to Vegas for one last pre-wedding fling. Despite her best intentions, when Kasie Fitzgerald enters the casino and sees him, a man whose tailored clothes belied a powerful, even dangerous, presence, she loses herself to the moment. Maybe it’s the dress, much shorter than she’d ever normally wear, or the Scotch, but something makes her give herself over to him more completely than she's ever done with a man before.

It was supposed to be just one night. But right as she’s thinking she wants more, he shows up in her office with an agenda. As the billionaire CEO of a company that’s engaged her PR firm, his demands just became her reality...and he desires so much more than just some attention in the boardroom.

3 stars
I received a copy of The Stranger(Just One Night 1) courtesy of NetGalley and the publisher.

Anna goes to Vegas, gets instructed to have sex with a complete stranger from her BFF, and meets said stranger at a game of Black Jack. Robert Dade gives Anna the night of her life, but she decides to compartmentalize the affair and pack it away with her memories. She's engaged after all. Ah, but now Mr Dade requests Anna to assist him and his company in going global, and since the account is so huge, she can't turn it down. Along the way, Anna finds out who she really is, with the help of Robert of course, and realizes Dave the safe fiancé isn't quite the right path.

The Stranger was HOT! And not nearly long enough! How many times do people stay on the 'safe' path of life, trying to please everyone else? Not taking any risks, staying with what's comfortable, their "baked potato"? Probably more than we would like to admit, and maybe that's why affairs happen. Maybe not. Either way, I sort of understood Anna's resistance with Robert, but at the same time I'm reading and thinking "Get rid of boring Dave!" The chemistry between Robert and Anna was amazing! I was bummed when Kyra Davis left us hanging at the end of The Stranger, but fortunately for us, Exposed will be out soon! UNfortunately, it isn't out for a couple months. Grrr!

~Mandy


Monday, January 14, 2013

Radiant Shadows (Wicked Lovely #4) by Melissa Marr

Radiant Shadows (Wicked Lovely, #4)
Hunger for nourishment. Hunger for touch. Hunger to belong.

Half-human and half-faery, Ani is driven by her hungers.

Those same appetites also attract powerful enemies and uncertain allies, including Devlin. He was created as an assassin and is brother to the faeries' coolly logical High Queen and to her chaotic twin, the embodiment of War. Devlin wants to keep Ani safe from his sisters, knowing that if he fails, he will be the instrument of Ani's death.

Ani isn't one to be guarded while others fight battles for her, though. She has the courage to protect herself and the ability to alter Devlin's plans--and his life. The two are drawn together, each with reason to fear the other and to fear for one another. But as they grow closer, a larger threat imperils the whole of Faerie. Will saving the faery realm mean losing each other?

Alluring romance, heart-stopping danger, and sinister intrigue combine in the penultimate volume of Melissa Marr's New York Times bestselling Wicked Lovely series.


4 Stars

I am very happy with this series. Sometimes you read a series and every book has the same underlying theme. Boy meets girl. They fall in love. Unforeseen external forces try to keep them apart. I don't feel there is anything wrong with those series. I enjoy them, but sometimes they can get a little predictable. This series, however, is not like that. Books 1, 3, and 5 are about the same characters. Books 2 and 4 give you the back story of the other major players in the overall story. By arranging the series in this way, you are guaranteed to NOT get bored. Radiant Shadows was filled with excitement. Everything from fight scenes to lovers on the run. This book was pure entertainment. As with all the others in this series, loved it!!

~Kat

Saturday, January 12, 2013

Beautiful Bastard by Christina Lauren

An ambitious intern. A perfectionist executive. And a whole lot of name calling. Discover the story that garnered more than two million reads online.

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

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

As their appetites for one another increase to a breaking point, Bennett and Chloe must decide exactly what they’re willing to lose in order to win each other. Originally only available online as The Office by tby789—and garnering over two million reads on fan fiction sites—Beautiful Bastard has been extensively updated for re-release.

3 stars
I received a copy of Beautiful Bastard courtesy of NetGalley and the publisher.

Beautiful Bastard is about Bennett Ryan, a COO at his families media firm, and his assistant/intern Chloe. They bicker and annoy each other, but are also fiercely attracted to one another. After working together for 9 months, the sparks burst into a full on raging flame, and boy is it hot! As far as the story goes, there isn't much to it, aside from them having lots and lots, and LOTS of sex. Some of the other reviews I read mentioned something along the lines of this being a fan fiction of Twilight. I just don't see it. Fifty Shades, yep, but this, nope. Either way, it didn't really matter to me. I wasn't reading Beautiful Bastard because of literary appreciation, I read it because I wanted to indulge in some mindless smut. I was not disappointed!
~Mandy


Divergent by Veronica Roth

In Beatrice Prior's dystopian Chicago, society is divided into five factions, each dedicated to the cultivation of a particular virtue--Candor (the honest), Abnegation (the selfless), Dauntless (the brave), Amity (the peaceful), and Erudite (the intelligent). On an appointed day of every year, all sixteen-year-olds must select the faction to which they will devote the rest of their lives. For Beatrice, the decision is between staying with her family and being who she really is--she can't have both. So she makes a choice that surprises everyone, including herself.

During the highly competitive initiation that follows, Beatrice renames herself Tris and struggles to determine who her friends really are--and where, exactly, a romance with a sometimes fascinating, sometimes infuriating boy fits into the life she's chosen. But Tris also has a secret, one she's kept hidden from everyone because she's been warned it can mean death. And as she discovers a growing conflict that threatens to unravel her seemingly perfect society, she also learns that her secret might help her save those she loves . . . or it might destroy her.

Debut author Veronica Roth bursts onto the literary scene with the first book in the Divergent series--dystopian thrillers filled with electrifying decisions, heartbreaking betrayals, stunning consequences, and unexpected romance.

4 stars
I decided to finally give into the hype of the dystopian YA books a couple months ago, and read The Hunger Games. Of course it was a toss up of starting that one vs Divergent, but I figured I'd get to both of them soon enough. And then I had to wait a bit before starting Divergent, because I didn't want to be comparing the two. I mean, let's be honest- Divergent has Tobias/Four, but Hunger Games has Peeta AND Gale. So I waited until I couldn't hold off any longer, and I loved it! Divergent was fun! It has the under dog learning how to kick some ass and take some names, as well as beat the system! Anyone that read this book was rooting for Tris from the beginning! She was the little Amish-type girl that could! I did find the idea that in order to prove you were Dauntless, you also had to sort of give up common sense. I mean, jumping off a moving train onto a building 7 stories down isn't really brave, it's stupid! But I can see how people would mix the two up. Anyway, I can't wait to get my hands on a copy of Insurgent, and see how the shake up of factions turns out.
~Mandy





Wednesday, January 9, 2013

A Handful of Heaven by Kristin Hannah

A Handful of Heaven
Yukon Territory was a gold miner's heaven, and Devon O'Shea had come to claim her share. But instead of a thriving store in a boom town, Devon discovered she was part owner of a filthy, disorganized tent with a bunch of gold diggers and a mountainous slap of animosity for a partner: Stone Man McKenna. Gathering mop, pail and sheer determination, Devon vowed to make this post the best in the Yukon Territory. Stone Man didn't scare her. But his kiss -- a gruff attempt to convince her that the Yukon was no place for a lady -- left her feeling, for the first time in her life, feminine and alive . . .


3 Stars

A Handful of Heaven is Kristin Hannah's debut novel, and after reading a few of her newer books, it was obvious to me. She has come a long way! Set in the winter/spring of 1896 in the Yukon Territory of Alaskan wilderness, Devon applies to become a partner at a trading post for Stone Man. Except Devon was picturing a city, and ends up in a tent city out in the sticks! Stone Man wants nothing to do with Devon, because he was expecting a HE and got a SHE instead, and everyone knows, Alaskan gold mining towns are no place for ladies (unless you're a whore, of course) and Devon is surely a lady. The two bicker and fight and obviously fall in love, but both are too stubborn to tell the other how they feel. Made me want to reach thru the pages and shake them to be perfectly honest. Of course, it wouldn't be a great romance without the trials and tribulations, so no surprise we got a happy ending. Not bad, but not her best by far. Solid 3 stars.

~Mandy

All In (The Blackstone Affair 2) by Raine Miller


All In (The Blackstone Affair, #2) 
THIS IS BOOK TWO IN The Blackstone Affair TRILOGY.  THE BOOKS ARE NOT STAND ALONE.  If you have not read Naked (Part 1) then you need to go back and do that first.  *Raine is just looking out for you to ensure you a positive reading experience*

All In, The Blackstone Affair, Part 2

Ethan Blackstone has problems.  He's broken the trust of the woman he loves and she's left him because of it.  Ethan isn't giving up though -- he's determined to get his girl back.  Their passion together was explosive, but their secrets are even darker and more frightening.  With political threats directed at Brynne, Ethan has no choice but to fight for her, to win her love, and to protect her from the very dangers that could take her away from him forever.  He's willing to risk everything to have Brynne and to keep her safe.  He'll go all in...


3 Stars

I received a copy of All In: The Blackstone Affair 2 courtesy of Netgalley and the publisher.

All in starts out where Naked left off, Brynne found out Ethan was hired by her father to protect her, and she walked out on him. Ethan is a wreck without Brynne, because he realizes how much she means to him, more than any other woman has before. After reading a bit of poetry, Ethan tries to make it right with Brynne, and luckily for him, she agrees to try again, with full disclosure. 

I'm not sure if it was because the story was told from Ethan's point of view or what, but I didn't enjoy it as much as I thought I would. I liked it, don't get me wrong. It had plenty of steamy scenes, the plot line evolved, but Ethan just seemed so...obsessed. Or something along those lines. It was obvious from Brynne that he was a bit possessive, but Ethan just brought it all out there. Maybe it was because of her safety, on top of the Olympics he was doing security for (which he really didn't seem to be doing much work for) who knows? I want to see where the story ends up, and the preview of Wide Eyes Open seems to be in Brynne's POV. I'm pretty sure I've guessed some of the surprises, but want to be proved right.


~Mandy

Fragile Eternity (Wicked Lovely #3) by Melissa Marr

Fragile Eternity (Wicked Lovely, #3)
Seth never expected he would want to settle down with anyone - but that was before Aislinn. She is everything he'd ever dreamed of, and he wants to be with her forever. Forever takes on new meaning, though, when your girlfriend is an immortal faery queen.

Aislinn never expected to rule the very creatures who'd always terrified her - but that was before Keenan. He stole her mortality to make her a monarch, and now she faces challenges and enticements beyond any she'd ever imagined.


In Melissa Marr's third mesmerizing tale of Faerie, Seth and Aislinn struggle to stay true to themselves and each other in a milieu of shadowy rules and shifting allegiances, where old friends become new enemies and one wrong move could plunge the Earth into chaos.


4 Stars

Fragile Eternity was a great read. Yet again, I could not put the book down. The deeper I get into this series, the more I want to see this made into a miniseries. Marr's vision is perfectly executed and I can picture each character beautifully. My favorite character thus far is Niall. He is the one I am most rooting for in the books. Bananach is evil incarnate, but I love how she is portrayed. I don't think I will ever look at a crow the same way again. The story is enthralling and I can honestly say I am a fan of Melissa Marr.

~Kat

Ink Exchange (Wicked Lovely #2) by Melissa Marr

Ink Exchange (Wicked Lovely, #2)
Unbeknownst to mortals, a power struggle is unfolding in a world of shadows and danger. After centuries of stability, the balance among the Faery Courts has altered, and Irial, ruler of the Dark Court, is battling to hold his rebellious and newly vulnerable fey together. If he fails, bloodshed and brutality will follow.

Seventeen-year-old Leslie knows nothing of faeries or their intrigues. When she is attracted to an eerily beautiful tattoo of eyes and wings, all she knows is that she has to have it, convinced it is a tangible symbol of changes she desperately craves for her own life.

The tattoo does bring changes--not the kind Leslie has dreamed of, but sinister, compelling changes that are more than symbolic. Those changes will bind Leslie and Irial together, drawing Leslie deeper and deeper into the faery world, unable to resist its allures, and helpless to withstand its perils. . . .


4 Stars

I was a little concerned at first when I saw the main character had changed, however to my surprise, I was sucked in and couldn't put the book down. Loved it as much as the first. Definitely an awesome series.

~Kat

Wicked Lovely by Melissa Marr

Wicked Lovely by Melissa Marr

Aislinn has always seen faeries. Powerful and dangerous, they walk hidden in mortal world. Aislinn fears their cruelty--especially if they learn of her Sight--and wishes she were as blind to their presence as other teens.

Rule #2: Don't speak to invisible faeries.

Now faeries are stalking her. One of them, Keenan, who is equal parts terrifying and alluring, is trying to talk to her, asking questions Aislinn is afraid to answer.

Rule #1: Don't ever attract their attention.

But it's too late. Keenan is the Summer King who has sought his queen for nine centuries. Without her, summer itself will perish. He is determined that Aislinn will become the Summer Queen at any cost--regardless of her plans or desires.

Suddenly none of the rules that have kept Aislinn safe are working anymore, and everything is on the line: her freedom; her best friend, Seth; her life; everything.

Faerie intrigue, mortal love, and the clash of ancient rules and modern expectations swirl together in Melissa Marr's stunning 21st century faery tale.

4 Stars

I completely loved this book. I couldn't put it down and it was 3am. The story is compelling, exciting, and romantic. The characters are lovable, believable, and complicated. Marr does an amazing job creating a beautiful and complex world. Loved it. Really needed to go to bed, but really wanted to start the second... Decisions decisions.

~Kat