Bound by Night (Moonbound Clan Vampire #1) by Larissa Ione

Larissa Ione's bestselling Demonica series has captivated fans with its sensual blend of dark passion and demonic fury. Now she takes you to another intoxicating world—where a dangerous clan of wild vampires rules the night...

A WOMAN OUT FOR BLOOD

Nicole Martin was only eight years old when the vampire slaves rose up in rebellion and killed her family. Now she devotes her life to finding a vaccine against vampirism, hoping to wipe out her memories—along with every bloodsucker on the planet. But there’s one thing she cannot destroy: her searing, undeniable attraction for the one man she should hate and fear the most . . .

A VAMPIRE OUT FOR REVENGE

A member of the renegade vampire MoonBound Clan, Riker is haunted by demons of his own. When he recognizes Nicole and remembers how her family enslaved his loved ones, his heart burns for vengeance. But when he kidnaps Nicole and holds her in a secret lair, his mortal enemy becomes his soul obsession, his greatest temptation, and, perhaps, his only salvation—a hot-blooded lover who could heal him with her touch . . . or bury him forever.

4 Stars

I received a copy of Bound by Night courtesy of NetGalley in exchange for a review.

I wasn't sure that Bound By Night was going to be any different than any other vampire book I'd read before, so I wasn't too much in a hurry to delve into it. My friend recommended Larissa Ione tho, so I decided to give her a read. Very good introduction to this author! I actually started telling my husband the story as I was reading it, how I liked the fact of the vampires being a part of society, although they were enslaved in America, and that they had derived from the days of Native Americans and still followed the ways of the spirits. I really look forward to reading Chained by Night, and also adding more of Larissa Ione's books to my TBR! 

~ Mandy

Revenge (Revenge #1) by J.J. Knight

Jess moves to LA for her dream job as a music intern. On her first day, she bumps into Dylan busking on a street corner.

Dylan Wolf has a gritty voice. His eyes are soulful. His incredible body is to die for, tattoos and all.

When Dylan looks at Jess, she feels emotions she's never had before. He can be sweet, but his dark moods scare her. When he sings, the whole world falls away.

Jess and Dylan's meeting hasn't gone unnoticed. At her job, Jess is summoned to the mysterious ninth floor. Her new assignment is to get close to Dylan. By seducing him.

Jess is shocked. She's an innocent girl.

Selling her body would be immoral. It would be wrong.

But strange things are happening at the company. No matter which decision she makes, she might be in danger.

One thing is for sure: If she takes this assignment, Jess will never be the same.

4 Stars

I received a copy of Revenge courtesy of the author and publisher in exchange for a review. 

Jess moves to LA to pursue her dream of working in the music industry, and within her first couple days, is mugged and ends up with a black eye. Good thing she was watching a sexy musician busking on the street, because not only did she get her wallet back, she got a bonus. Dylan makes her feel something, and she's lucky enough to be hired as Eye Candy to pursue him and earn his trust.

I would love to happen upon a hot street performer, but that's never been my luck. Lucky Jess! Not in her new town for a hot minute before she's got one singing to her about her shoes! I enjoyed the way Jess presented herself, and how she interacts with her new roommate. Although, it took me a minute to appreciate her always calling Amanda a skank, since that's also my name. Call 'em as you see 'em I guess. I really am curious about the shady seeming dealings with Jess becoming Eye Candy, and I can't wait to find out more in the next installment! Dylan is a mystery to me and I want to get inside his head!

~Mandy

Devil's Frost (The Spellspinners of Melas County #3)

Every young witch looks forward to her first Solstice Stones. The pride of representing her coven against the warlocks. The rush from her first taste of dark magic.

But a few short minutes into the Stones, and Lily’s lifelong dream turns into a nightmare of pain and regret. Betrayed not once, but twice, her restraint snaps—with dire consequences. 

Lily is wracked with guilt and on the run from the powerful Congression, when her broken confidence is further shattered by an ugly secret from the past. As her options dwindle, Lily is forced into a distasteful alliance.

Will she be able to find her way back to the light? Or will darkness consume her before dawn's new day?

3 Stars

I received a copy of Devils Frost courtesy of NetGalley and the publisher in exchange of a review.

Devil's Frost is the '3rd in the Spellspinners of Melas County, and starts off where the Gleaning leaves us. I don't envy Lily, and all the heavy crap she has to deal with! She finds out some disturbing info regarding her gift and family secrets, and is now on the run from the Congressional. Not only that, but she still needs answers to some seriously unexplained questions, one of them being the mystery Islands of the Seven Sisters. 

I really enjoyed this series so far, although I was thinking the Witches of Melas County was a trilogy. Heidi R. Kling has definitely captured and held my attention, I will certainly continue with the story that is next, but I just wish she would've combined at least two of the books. The Coliloquy usage is one of the funnest things I've experienced while reading a book, and I have to be honest, I went back to all the choices and read it each way. Kind of glad I did, because certain things were mentioned that I would've missed! I am eagerly awaiting the next installment.

~Mandy

The Unidentified Redhead by Alice Clayton

When Grace Sheridan returns to Los Angeles to become a working actress, it’s a second shot at a life-long dream. With some help from her best-friend agent, will that dream become a reality—or at thirty-three, has Grace missed her chance at the big time? And when an unexpected sizzling romance with Jack Hamilton, the entertainment industry's newest “it” boy, threatens to shine an uncomfortable spotlight on her life, how will that affect her career…and his?

Funny, borderline neurotic Grace is perfect in her imperfections, and the sexual chemistry between her and charming yet blissfully unaware Jack is off the charts. With laugh-out-loud dialogue and a super-steamy romance that will get your heart racing, sneaking around in L.A. and dodging the paparazzi has never been so fun.

4 Stars

I received a copy of The Unidentified Redhead courtesy of the publisher in exchange for a review.

How did I miss this gem by Alice Clayton? I read Wallbanger awhile back and LOVED it, but The Unidentified Redhead seemed to get shoved onto my TBR and overlooked. Seems to be a trend lately *sigh* Grace Sheridan is 33, single, and living back in LA, ready to take the acting world by storm. Enter her best friend Holly's new client, Jack Hamilton. Jack is a 24 yr old newbie heart throb, and instantly clicks with Grace, propositioning her for a tryst. What perhaps started as a hot and hilarious fling quickly became a real romance, eliciting a few 'ahh's' from me, as well as my new book boyfriend going by the name Sweet Nuts. He also answers to George...I applaud Alice Clayton for letting this 33 yr old cougar live vicariously thru The Redhead. Can't wait to start on The Redhead Revealed!

~Mandy

Uses for Boys by Erica Lorraine Scheidt

Anna remembers a time before boys, when she was little and everything made sense. When she and her mom were a family, just the two of them against the world. But now her mom is gone most of the time, chasing the next marriage, bringing home the next stepfather. Anna is left on her own—until she discovers that she can make boys her family. From Desmond to Joey, Todd to Sam, Anna learns that if you give boys what they want, you can get what you need. But the price is high—the other kids make fun of her; the girls call her a slut. Anna's new friend, Toy, seems to have found a way around the loneliness, but Toy has her own secrets that even Anna can't know.

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.

3 Stars 

I received a copy of Uses for Boys courtesy of NetGalley in exchange for a review. I enjoyed Uses for Boys, even tho it scared the crap out of me! Not for myself, mind you, but because I am a mother to girls! It is so easy for girls to lack self worth and self confidence, and like Anna, get caught up in the emotions of when a boy likes you. Anna didn't have a proper role model in her mother of course, and if she had, then maybe her story would be a little different. I just found her sad, and having the damaged reputation she did, it was no wonder she acted out.  Toy was a little easy for me to figure out, maybe because it just seemed too convenient that she was so desirable, but she was another sad case. I was happy that Anna found Sam and his family, and was worried she would corrupt him, but it all worked out in the end. I just pray my girls come to me when they reach that age! ~Mandy

Stealing Harper by Molly Mcadams

Chase Grayson has never been interested in having a relationship that lasts longer than it takes for him and his date to get dressed again. But then he stumbles into a gray-eyed girl whose innocence pours off her, and everything changes. From the minute Harper opens her mouth to let him know just how much he disgusts her, he's hooked.

But a princess deserves a Prince Charming who can make her dreams come true. Not a guy who can turn her life into a nightmare.

All good intentions go out the window when Harper starts to fall for the guy Chase has come to view as a brother. He wanted to protect her by keeping her away, but he can’t stand to see her with anyone else, and he’ll do anything to make her his. But when it comes down to Harper choosing between the two, will Chase have the strength to step back from the girl who has become his whole world if it means she’ll be happy?

Lines will be crossed. Friendships will be put to the test. And hearts will be shattered.

3 Stars

I received a copy of Stealing Harper in exchange for a review.

For some reason, I didn't realize Stealing Harper was the POV of Chase, from Taking Chances. So I read Taking Chances first, so I was in the know. Let's just say, I enjoyed Chase telling the story a little better. Maybe it was because I was a bit in love with Chase (yep, my book boyfriends are awesome) or maybe it was the fact that he was simple compared to Harper. The female mind is a confusing thing, I should know! Harper was a little too whiny, made things more complicated, and I felt like she could've told her 'side' in half the time it took. Chase did an excellent job in Stealing Harper! Of course, his ending was different from Harper's, but still. I really like Molly Mcadams, and think she does an excellent job at the love triangle thing!

~Mandy 

Me Before You by Jojo Moyes

Lou Clark knows lots of things. She knows how many footsteps there are between the bus stop and home. She knows she likes working in The Buttered Bun tea shop and she knows she might not love her boyfriend Patrick.

What Lou doesn't know is she's about to lose her job or that knowing what's coming is what keeps her sane.

Will Traynor knows his motorcycle accident took away his desire to live. He knows everything feels very small and rather joyless now and he knows exactly how he's going to put a stop to that.

What Will doesn't know is that Lou is about to burst into his world in a riot of colour. And neither of them knows they're going to change the other for all time.

5 Stars
Jojo Moyes is now one of my favorite authors. Although the subject matter isn't conventional, it sure touches you where it counts! In Me Before You, Will is a quadriplegic, stuck in his chair and in pain for the last 2 years, after someone on a motorcycle ran him over. He is utterly miserable, a shell of the man he once was. His mother hires Louisa as a sort of caretaker/companion for Will, to try to cheer him up. The two form a friendship, and end up helping each other thru some heavy stuff. I sort of knew what I was getting into when I started this book, but I sure didn't expect to get the ugly cry going! There were a few parts in the book that had a profound effect on me, one being from Will's mothers POV. She mentions her son as a broken man, but that she didn't see him as just the man he had become, instead she saw his whole life when she looked at him. From the moment he entered the world, the toddler, then adolescent, teenager, and grown up, it was all of him she saw when looking at him. Before being a mom, I'm not sure I ever would've been as affected by that particular part, but boy did it hit home now. I haven't been this impacted by a book in awhile! It will probably remain one of my favorites, and will definitely stay with me.

~Mandy

Walking Disaster (Beautiful #2) by Jamie McGuire

Finally, the highly anticipated follow-up to the New York Times bestseller Beautiful Disaster. Can you love someone too much?
Travis Maddox learned two things from his mother before she died: Love hard. Fight harder.

In Walking Disaster, the life of Travis is full of fast women, underground gambling, and violence. But just when he thinks he is invincible, Abby Abernathy brings him to his knees.

Every story has two sides. In Beautiful Disaster, Abby had her say. Now it’s time to see the story through Travis’s eyes.

4 Stars
I received a copy of Walking Disaster courtesy of Netgalley and the publisher.

I read Beautiful Disaster awhile ago, and I'm not sure if it was the other books I'd read before/after, or just my state of mind at the time, but Walking Disaster totally redeemed any misgivings I had! Maybe it was because we got to see everything from Travis' view, I don't know, but it was pretty hot! I didn't understand his rage, or why he was such a man whore, but lord did I still want him as my fictional boyfriend! Travis may be a walking disaster, but good hell, this romance sure is beautiful.

~Mandy

From Ashes by Molly McAdams

When Cassidy Jameson's best friend Tyler took her to Texas with him when he left for college, she was expecting his cousin, their new roommate, to be a Stetson-wearing cowboy since his family owned a ranch; not this incredibly gorgeous guy with a husky Southern drawl that seemed to make the world stop whenever she looked at him. Because of her past, she's only ever trusted two men in her life, Tyler and her dad whom passed away when she was six. But there's something about Gage that draws her to him in a way she can't explain, only problem? He's always telling Tyler that he doesn't want Cassidy living there and sees her as nothing more than his little sister.

Gage Carson was excited his cousin Tyler was coming to live with, and go to college with him. When he'd called to ask if he could bring his friend Cassi with him, Gage didn't care. Gage had heard about this mysterious friend since they were kids and felt like he already knew her. Nothing would prepare him for watching her jump out of Ty's Jeep though. Not only was Cassi the most beautiful girl he'd ever seen, but there was something about her that within seconds of meeting her, made Gage want to protect her, and make her his. Too bad Tyler made it a point to remind Gage on a daily basis that he was dating her and she was completely off limits.

For a year and a half, Gage and Cassidy dance around their feelings for each other as Tyler continues to keep them apart; until one day Tyler unknowingly pushes her right into Gage's arms. With Tyler unable to keep lying to them, they finally start a relationship both have been craving since their first meeting. But when an accident and disaster sends her back to Tyler and California, will Cassidy be able to come face to face with the demons from her past to live a life she and Gage deserve; or will the fact that she once again ran to Tyler be the final push that ends Cassidy and Gage for good?

Recommended for ages 17+ due to sexual situations and language.

3 Stars
I received a copy of From Ashes courtesy of the publisher in exchange of a review.

Cassidy has a screwed up home life, and wouldn't be able to function had it not been for her best friend and life line Tyler. He has saved her in more ways than he probably knows, and decides to take her to Texas with him, when he goes to college. They end up moving in with Gage, and the sparks between Cassi and Gage are instantaneous. The problem? Tyler is in love with Cassidy, and is waiting for her to see that she feels the same towards him.

I really liked From Ashes, but often times felt the story was a little unbelievable. Not that I'm an expert on child abuse, but the extreme levels that Cassidy experienced, even coming into contact with a doctor and teachers, I just can't believe she made it as long as she did in her house, and didn't turn out completely inept with dealing in reality. That aside, the romance was spicy between Cassidy and Gage! I couldn't get enough of him, maybe because he was a true southern boy, or just because he was so hot! The main flaw he had, communication issues, seems to be a general thing between males and females. At the end of the day tho, we ended up with a happy ending, and I do love a fairy tale romance.

~Mandy

Blaze (or Love in the Time of Supervillians) by Laurie Boyle Crompton

Blaze is tired of spending her life on the sidelines, drawing comics and feeling invisible. She's desperate for soccer star Mark to notice her. And when her BFF texts Mark a photo of Blaze in sexy lingerie, it definitely gets his attention. After a hot date in the back of her minivan, Blaze is flying high, but suddenly Mark's feelings seem to have been blasted by a freeze-ray gun, and he dumps her. Blaze gets her revenge by posting a comic strip featuring uber-villain Mark the Shark. Mark then retaliates by posting her "sext" photo, and, overnight, Blaze goes from Super Virgin Girl to Super Slut. That life on the sidelines is looking pretty good right about now...

4 Stars
I received a copy of Blaze courtesy of the publisher in exchange for a review.

BAM! I LOVED Blaze! I'm not one for comics, aside from the Marvel and DC comic cartoons, but damn! Blaze was fun and sassy and unique! POW! I read this book in one sitting, and was laughing several times throughout. The idea of a chick doing comic books based on her experience with a boy, Mark the Shark, was genius! What better way to get back at a man whore? Had one of my friends done something to shame me the way Amanda had done to Blaze, I probably would've shanked the bitch, but I guess it all worked out in the end. Blaze was a true super hero, and some of the girls could learn a thing or two from her. I will definitely look forward to more from Laurie Boyle Crompton!

~Mandy

City of Glass (The Mortal Instruments #3) by Cassandra Clare

To save her mother's life, Clary must travel to the City of Glass, the ancestral home of the Shadowhunters - never mind that entering the city without permission is against the Law, and breaking the Law could mean death. To make things worse, she learns that Jace does not want her there, and Simon has been thrown in prison by the Shadowhunters, who are deeply suspicious of a vampire who can withstand sunlight.

As Clary uncovers more about her family's past, she finds an ally in mysterious Shadowhunter Sebastian. With Valentine mustering the full force of his power to destroy all Shadowhunters forever, their only chance to defeat him is to fight alongside their eternal enemies. But can Downworlders and Shadowhunters put aside their hatred to work together? While Jace realizes exactly how much he's willing to risk for Clary, can she harness her newfound powers to help save the Glass City - whatever the cost?

Love is a mortal sin and the secrets of the past prove deadly as Clary and Jace face down Valentine in the final installment of the New York Times bestselling trilogy The Mortal Instruments.

4 Stars

In the third book in this series, the story comes to a head with a huge battle between Valentine and the Shadowhunters and Downworlders. More information about Jace and Clarissa's past comes to light. Yay! No more incest! The book ends with literally everyone living happily ever after, so why are there books 4 and 5? I am going to find out!

~Kat

18 Things by Jamie Ayres

Can eighteen things save a life?

Olga Gay Worontzoff thinks her biggest problems are an awful name (after her grandmothers of course) and not attending prom with Conner, her best friend and secret crush since kindergarten.

Then Conner is killed in a freak boating accident and Olga feels responsible. When she downs an entire bottle of pills to deal with the emotional pain, her parents force her into counseling. There, her therapist writes a prescription in the form of a life list titled 18 Things. Eighteen quests to complete the year of her eighteenth birthday.

All she has to do is fire-walk, try out for the cheerleading squad, break a world record, and err . . . go on her first date. Good thing Nate, a new hottie in town, enters her life with perfect timing. He brings the fun factor to her list and helps her discover the beauty and strength inside herself, then complicates things by falling in love with her.

But there's more to Olga’s quests than meets the eye and when her therapist reveals a terrifying secret, her world is shaken.

There’s only one thing she knows for certain: her choices won’t just affect her future, but all eternity.

4 Stars
I received a copy of 18 Things courtesy of NetGalley and the publisher.

18 things is the 5th or 6th book I've read from Curiosity Quills, and I have loved every one! As with all the books before it from this publisher, 18 Things is unique and original. Olga experiences her first broken heart, in the form of her best friend dying, and her being unable to save him. And before she gets to tell him that she loves him. Olga goes thru a year of ups and downs, with the saving grace coming in the form of Nate.

I just loved the characters in 18 Things! They were real, had a sense of humor, and I of course appreciated the Star Wars references. The grief Olga experienced after losing her best friend Connor broke my heart, but the idea of the list was a great way to help her heal, and I enjoyed the variety of ways that were on it. I guessed there was a twist at the end, but I was questioning my guess until the last chapter. Let me be clear tho, this book wasn't predictable! I saw there was possibly a sequel, and I'm really hoping that's the case!

~ Mandy

The Venetian Affair by Dana Mitchell

When cool, reserved Helene Stoddart dons a mask in magical Venice, it changes her life forever. Her identity protected, she succumbs to a night of wild lovemaking with gorgeous Italian, Gabriel Venier. Convinced she'll never see Gabriel again, Helen returns home to Australia, where an old family scandal sees her hunted by the paparazzi. Then Gabriel arrives, looking for the mystery woman he can't forget. But the Helen he encounters is withdrawn, arctic, nothing like the gorgeous, sensual woman seared into his memory. Despite Helen's reluctance, Gabriel makes time for them to get to know each other, and for slow, delicious seduction …

3 Stars
I received a copy of The Venetian Affair courtesy of the publisher in exchange for a review.

There is just something about books set in Australia that snag me from the synopsis! The Venetian Affair was no different. Helen is in Italy, on tour singing with a couple girls and ends up performing at a club that Gabriel happens to spot her in. He just has to know her and have her! Helen has a secret tho, one that she doesn't want Gabriel to find out about, so she agrees to spend the night with him, under one condition- she gets to keep her mask on and the lights off. Sparks fly of course, and neither of them is the same after. Gabriel ends up on a mission to find Helen, and luckily he does, back in Australia!
I could in no way put myself in Helen's shoes, and wondered about the way she handled things at times, but I really liked the way her and Gabriel connected! The chemistry between the two was volatile at times and scorching at others, which I really appreciated. And who doesn't love a HEA? I finished this one with a smile on my face!

~Mandy

Undressed (The Manhattanites #1) by Avery Aster

Content Warning: due to graphic sex scenes, strong language, suggestive themes, mature humor, and just about everything your mother ever told you not to do--including wearing a see-through dress, this novel is for adults only.

Milan's notorious playboy, Massimo Tittoni, seems to have everything--Lamborghinis, exotic women, palaces throughout Europe and business success. Ramping up his fabric company to go global with a new apparel brand, he ruthlessly stops supplying fabrics to the American client who inspired the collection. But once they meet, what's he willing to give to get her in his bed?

Upper East Side designer Lex Easton will be damned if she'll let an Italian stud muffin knock her down. So what if she named her favorite vibrator after him. With Fashion Week approaching, she'll do whatever it takes to secure the fabrics she needs to become the next Diane von Furstenburg-- even sleep with her rival. But when she arrives in Europe the paparazzi chronicles her every move and she finds herself in a situation never imagined. Lex’s Louboutins stilettos are dug in deep to win this war. All’s fair in love and fashion!

Avery Aster's super-glossy debut novel is loaded with passionate escapism, pitting American ambition against Italian tradition. Erotic romance fans who appreciate extended sex scenes, witty banter and glamour mustn't miss Undressed.

Inside Scoop: Though the hero and heroine remain monogamous, their Prada-wearing friends indulge in a ménage a trois and other fashionable sexual fun and games.

ABOUT THE MANHATTANITES:

It's a series of full length novels focusing on relationships. Each book may be read as a stand alone and features a HEA w/ closure for the couple's story. If you've enjoyed TV shows like Girls (HBO), Dirty Sexy Money (ABC), and The Bold & the Beautiful (CBS) then you'll love this series. Avery's characters are over the top. They have raunchy sex, speak their minds and the plots are twisted. (In a good way!)

4 Stars
I received a copy of Undressed courtesy of the author and publisher in exchange for a review.

When I received an email from Avery Aster herself, asking me if I could handle a book that contained scenes so hot they were scorching and panty dropping, I replied with an enthusiastic "OF COURSE!" She even went as far as to almost call me out on my reads of late being sort of 'vanilla' and more HBO vs Cinemax. I couldn't agree more. So I took on her book, bearing in mind I was going to be experiencing a more raw version of Sex and the City. Well, let me tell you, Carrie and Big have NOTHING on Lex and Massimo!

Undressed delivers funny, vibrant, witty characters, not to mention the strong and sexy female roles. The story, fun banter, and make you blush sex scenes held my attention, and for that, I gave it 4 stars. There were a few moments that seemed a little inconsistent, and not very believable, but for the most part, the hotness of the book made up for it. I'm eagerly awaiting the next installment!

~Mandy

Spellbound by Emmie Dark

Belle is a modern-day witch who's had a bad run with men. And she's not that good at the magic stuff, either. When her boyfriend leaves her feeling undesirable, Belle conjures up a night of perfect passion with a phantom version of her super gorgeous neighbour Nicholas Marchetti. But after an amazing night, Belle realises it was the real Nick. And when Nick discovers Belle's powers, he is confused and wary. And to top it all off, it seems someone is using magic to try to keep the would-be lovers apart.

Angst, lust – and Aunty Gertrude – all play a part in this sizzling erotic romance that begins and ends in the bedroom.

For those who like their romance hot, hot, hot!

3 Stars
I received a copy of Spellbound courtesy of Netgalley and the publisher.

What a cute book! Belle is a witch, but not much of one. When she attempts a spell to conjure a phantom man that looks like her hot neighbor Nick, it doesn't turn out like she expected. Although it brings her and Nick together for real, there still seems to be some force keeping them apart. You'd never guess from from the sparks those two were creating! Holy moly, the bedroom scenes were HOT! Belle and Nick were so sweet and cute together, and when they finally figured out what Aunt Gertrude was telling them, things started to fall into place. I just wish the story hadn't been so short.

~Mandy

City of Ashes (The Mortal Instruments Book Two) by Cassandra Clare

Clary Fray just wishes that her life would go back to normal. But what's normal when you're a demon-slaying Shadowhunter, your mother is in a magically induced coma, and you can suddenly see Downworlders like werewolves, vampires, and faeries? If Clary left the world of the Shadowhunters behind, it would mean more time with her best friend, Simon, who's becoming more than a friend. But the Shadowhunting world isn't ready to let her go — especially her handsome, infuriating, newfound brother, Jace. And Clary's only chance to help her mother is to track down rogue Shadowhunter Valentine, who is probably insane, certainly evil — and also her father.

To complicate matters, someone in New York City is murdering Downworlder children. Is Valentine behind the killings — and if he is, what is he trying to do? When the second of the Mortal Instruments, the Soul-Sword, is stolen, the terrifying Inquisitor arrives to investigate and zooms right in on Jace. How can Clary stop Valentine if Jace is willing to betray everything he believes in to help their father?

In this breathtaking sequel to City of Bones, Cassandra Clare lures her readers back into the dark grip of New York City's Downworld, where love is never safe and power becomes the deadliest temptation.

4 Stars

Wow. This story has gotten way better in the second book. There's still some creepy incest lingering in the air, however it is a gentle breeze that can be shrugged off. There is a lot of action in this book, plenty of new demons, new magical items, and new plot twists. We meet a few new characters and they are fully developed by the end of this installment. I have to say it is truly worth getting through the mundaneness of the first book to experience this one. Again, the language is beautiful. Be careful of some 1 star reviews, they tend to misquote the text. That being said, her imagery is not contradictory, it is eloquently descriptive.

~Kat

Love Unrehearsed (Love #2) by Tina Reber

There is no rehearsal for true love.

When A-list film actor Ryan Christensen ducked into her pub to escape his screaming fans, never in a million years did Taryn Mitchell think her life was about to change forever. But now, eight months later, after a whirlwind romance, Taryn wakes up in Ryan’s Hollywood hotel room to find a diamond to die for on her left ring finger—and her face splashed across the cover of every gossip magazine.

Ryan’s very public proposal is catnip to the tabloids, his management team is worried, and Taryn must figure out how a small town girl like her fits into his glittering world. What does it take to make a relationship work amidst telephoto lenses, daily on-set temptations, and jealous fans who will stop at nothing to keep you from walking down the aisle with the man of your dreams?

With no script to follow and no chance for a dress rehearsal, Taryn and Ryan will be forced to take the plunge and risk everything to make their love last.

4 Stars
I received a copy of Love Unrehearsed courtesy of the publisher in exchange for a review.

I got a copy of Love unrehearsed awhile ago, and just barely got around to reading it. I had so many other books lined up ahead of it, and it took a back seat. Then my reading slump happened. So, I picked up Love Unrehearsed in hopes it would bring me out of the funk, and holy hell did it ever! I devoured this book! Even though Ryan and Taryn's story wasn't in the forefront of my mind, Love Unscripted was so good, it stuck with me. There are books I read, and within 5 mins I forget the characters names. Seriously. So it was like I read the Love series back to back, that's how reeled in I was! I love Taryn and Ryan's love affair, and how they deal with all the stress that comes from Ryan's status as an A-list celeb. Not to mention, the chemistry between them is AH-MAZE-ING! If it's true, and there is a Love #3 based on Marie and Mike, I'm so in! Tina Reber has made it onto my favorite list for sure!

~Mandy

City of Bones (The Mortal Instruments Book One) by Cassandra Clare

When fifteen-year-old Clary Fray heads out to the Pandemonium Club in New York City, she hardly expects to witness a murder -- much less a murder committed by three teenagers covered with strange tattoos and brandishing bizarre weapons. Then the body disappears into thin air. It's hard to call the police when the murderers are invisible to everyone else and when there is nothing -- not even a smear of blood -- to show that a boy has died. Or was he a boy?

This is Clary's first meeting with the Shadowhunters, warriors dedicated to ridding the earth of demons. It's also her first encounter with Jace, a Shadowhunter who looks a little like an angel and acts a lot like a jerk. Within twenty-four hours Clary is pulled into Jace's world with a vengeance, when her mother disappears and Clary herself is attacked by a demon. But why would demons be interested in ordinary mundanes like Clary and her mother? And how did Clary suddenly get the Sight? The Shadowhunters would like to know. . . .

Exotic and gritty, exhilarating and utterly gripping, Cassandra Clare's ferociously entertaining fantasy takes readers on a wild ride that they will never want to end.

3 Stars

This book is about a girl who is lied to her entire life by her mother who is trying to protect her. It took me 300 pages to get really into the book and then about 150 pages later I said, you've got to be f****** kidding me because the story I was hoping would unfold, the love story that was making this book interesting, died with a plot twist. I will say the book is written pretty well, the descriptive language paints a beautiful picture of an enchanting world that I will continue to explore with the second book in this series. Here's to hoping the characters are developed a bit more thoroughly.

~Kat

Memoirs of an Imaginary Friend by Matthew Dicks

Budo is Max's imaginary friend. But though only Max can see him, he is real. He and the other imaginary friends watch over their children until the day comes that the child stops imagining them. And then they're gone. Budo has lasted a lot longer than most imaginary friends - four years - because Max needs him more. His parents argue about sending him to a special school. But Max is perfectly happy if everything is just kept the way it is, and nothing out of the ordinary happens. Unfortunately, something out of the ordinary is going to happen - and then he'll need Budo more than ever...

4 Stars

I really enjoyed this book. I was lucky to win an advanced readers copy. Written from the perspective of the imaginary friend, you are taken on an adventure to experience the life of a special needs child. This book offers excitement in its simplistic writing that I have not had the pleasure of finding in another novel. It is a beautiful story of the bond between a child and their imaginary friend and how children grow and change and eventually outgrow them.

~Kat

Dinner with a Vampire (The Dark Heroine #1) by Abigail Gibbs

Violet Lee is the sole living witness to a horrific pre-dawn mass murder in Trafalgar Square, London.

But before she can alert the authorities, she is taken by the group of murderers, who, to her shock, are vampires. Kidnapped, Violet is forced to live among them, for they've discover she is the daughter of the UK's Secretary of State for Defense… who has been secretly dealing with the vampires for years.

Now a pawn in a game of politics between humans and vampires, Violet begins to doubt her allegiance, especially when she begins to fall for Prince Kaspar, the heir to the throne of the vampire world, as well as his best friend, Fabian. Swept into a complex love triangle, will Violet leave her newfound life, or return to the human world?

4 Stars
I received a copy of The Dark Heroine from the publisher in exchange for a review.

After reading a few of the reviews for this book, I was a little hesitant to start it. I mean, 2 star ratings don't really say "READ THIS BOOK NOW!" do they?! I guess I'm easily entertained, because I really enjoyed this book, and want the next one to be out NOW! Sure, there were some discrepancies, and maybe some gaps that could have been filled in, as well as parts that were added for maybe shock value. But I was expecting that, since my copy was an uncorrected proof.
The Dark Heroine reminded me a little of Discovery of Witches, one of my favorite vampire books. Violet is sassy and outspoken, but has a good heart and is sure in her beliefs of what right and wrong are. The thing I liked about her tho, is she was willing to see the other side of things. Kaspar is quite the dick, but Violet figures out the reasons behind his behavior, and he's soon not so bad. I look forward to the next book, where I'm sure we'll learn more about the other dimensions, as well as the rest of the prophesy of the Heroines.

~Mandy