Four Reasons Why You Should Read The Fixer Immediately

The Fixer by Jennifer Lynn Barnes - Published on July 7, 2015 by Bloomsbury - Goodreads

Review: A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J. Maas

A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J. Maas
Publisher: Bloomsbury
Publishing Date: May 5, 2015
Page Count: 416 pages
Summary: When nineteen-year-old huntress Feyre kills a wolf in the woods, a beast-like creature arrives to demand retribution for it. Dragged to a treacherous magical land she only knows about from legends, Feyre discovers that her captor is not an animal, but Tamlin—one of the lethal, immortal faeries who once ruled their world. As she dwells on his estate, her feelings for Tamlin transform from icy hostility into a fiery passion that burns through every lie and warning she's been told about the beautiful, dangerous world of the Fae. But an ancient, wicked shadow grows over the faerie lands, and Feyre must find a way to stop it . . . or doom Tamlin—and his world—forever.

Review: Cress by Marissa Meyer

Cress by Marissa Meyer
Publisher: Feiwel & Friends
Publishing Date: February 4, 2014
Page Count: 592 pages
Summary: Cinder and Captain Thorne are fugitives on the run, with Scarlet and Wolf in tow. Together they’re plotting to overthrow Queen Levana and her army. Their best hope lies with Cress, who has been trapped on a satellite since childhood with only her netscreens as company. All that screen time has made Cress an excellent hacker; unfortunately, she’s just received orders from Levana to track down Cinder and her handsome accomplice. When a daring rescue goes awry, the group is separated. Cress finally has her freedom, but it comes at a high price. Meanwhile, Queen Levana will let nothing stop her marriage to Emperor Kai. Cress, Scarlet, and Cinder may not have signed up to save the world, but they may be the only ones who can.

This is a review of a sequel, so beware of spoilers! If interested in the series, you kind find the review of the first book, Cinder, here.

Review: Scarlet by Marissa Meyer

Scarlet by Marissa Meyer
Publisher: Feiwel and Friends
Publishing Date: February 5, 2013
Page Count: 452 pages
Summary: Cinder, the cyborg mechanic, returns in the second thrilling installment of the bestselling Lunar Chronicles. She's trying to break out of prison--even though if she succeeds, she'll be the Commonwealth's most wanted fugitive. Halfway around the world, Scarlet Benoit's grandmother is missing. It turns out there are many things Scarlet doesn't know about her grandmother or the grave danger she has lived in her whole life. When Scarlet encounters Wolf, a street fighter who may have information as to her grandmother's whereabouts, she is loath to trust this stranger, but is inexplicably drawn to him, and he to her. As Scarlet and Wolf unravel one mystery, they encounter another when they meet Cinder. Now, all of them must stay one step ahead of the vicious Lunar Queen Levana, who will do anything for the handsome Prince Kai to become her husband, her king, her prisoner.

This is a review of a sequel, so beware of spoilers! If interested  in the series, you kind find the review of the first book, Cinder, here. 

Review: A Darker Shade of Magic by V.E. Schwab

A Darker Shade of Magic by V.E. Schwab
Publisher: Tor Books
Publishing Date: February 24, 2015
Page Count: 400 pages
Summary: Kell is one of the last Travelers—rare magicians who choose a parallel universe to visit. Grey London is dirty, boring, lacks magic, ruled by mad King George. Red London is where life and magic are revered, and the Maresh Dynasty presides over a flourishing empire. White London is ruled by whoever has murdered their way to the throne. People fight to control magic, and the magic fights back, draining the city to its very bones. Once there was Black London - but no one speaks of that now. Officially, Kell is the Red Traveler, personal ambassador and adopted Prince of Red London, carrying the monthly correspondences between royals of each London. Unofficially, Kell smuggles for those willing to pay for even a glimpse of a world they’ll never see. This dangerous hobby sets him up for accidental treason. Fleeing into Grey London, Kell runs afoul of Delilah Bard, a cut-purse with lofty aspirations. She robs him, saves him from a dangerous enemy, then forces him to another world for her 'proper adventure'. But perilous magic is afoot, and treachery lurks at every turn. To save all of the worlds, Kell and Lila will first need to stay alive — trickier than they hoped.

Review: Red Queen by Victoria Aveyard

Red Queen by Victoria Aveyard
Publisher: HarperTeen
Publishing Date: February 10, 2015
Page Count: 383 pages
Summary: The poverty stricken Reds are commoners, living under the rule of the Silvers, elite warriors with god-like powers. To Mare Barrow, a 17-year-old Red girl from The Stilts, it looks like nothing will ever change. Mare finds herself working in the Silver Palace, at the centre of those she hates the most. She quickly discovers that, despite her red blood, she possesses a deadly power of her own. One that threatens to destroy Silver control. But power is a dangerous game. And in this world divided by blood, who will win?

Review: Snow Like Ashes by Sara Raasch

Snow Like Ashes by Sara Raasch
Publisher: Balzar + Bray
Publishing Date: October 14, 2014
Page Count: 416
Summary: Sixteen years ago the Kingdom of Winter was conquered and its citizens enslaved, leaving them without magic or a monarch. Now, the Winterians’ only hope for freedom is the eight survivors who managed to escape, and who have been waiting for the opportunity to steal back Winter’s magic and rebuild the kingdom ever since. Orphaned as an infant during Winter’s defeat, Meira has lived her whole life as a refugee, raised by the Winterians’ general, Sir. Training to be a warrior—and desperately in love with her best friend, and future king, Mather — she would do anything to help her kingdom rise to power again. So when scouts discover the location of the ancient locket that can restore Winter’s magic, Meira decides to go after it herself. Finally, she’s scaling towers, fighting enemy soldiers, and serving her kingdom just as she’s always dreamed she would. But the mission doesn’t go as planned, and Meira soon finds herself thrust into a world of evil magic and dangerous politics – and ultimately comes to realize that her destiny is not, never has been, her own.

Review: If The Viscount Falls by Sabrina Jeffries

If The Viscount Falls by Sabrina Jeffries
Publication Date: January 27, 2015

Publisher: Pocket Books

Page Count: 400 pages
Format: eArc
Summary: From New York Times bestselling author Sabrina Jeffries, the deliciously sexy fourth book in the “Duke’s Men” Regency romance series—the first of which was called “a totally engaging, adventurous love story” (RT Book Reviews, Top Pick). The heir presumptive to the Viscount Rathmoor, Dominick Manton once had his heart’s desire within reach—a bright future as a barrister and engagement to Jane Vernon, a wealthy baron’s daughter. Then a shattering betrayal by his vindictive brother George snatched away Dom’s inheritance and his hopes of offering Jane a secure future. Brokenhearted, and attempting to end their engagement without destroying Jane’s reputation, Dom staged a betrayal of his own to convince her that he’s not the husband-to-be that she thought. Now George is gone and the viscountcy restored to Dom, since his brother’s widow, Nancy—Jane’s cousin and closest confidant—never bore an heir. But when Nancy goes missing, a panicked Jane calls on her former fiancé to track down her cousin. Dom knows the mistakes of the past may be unforgiveable—but now, entangled together in mystery and danger, will they rekindle a passionate longing that was never lost to begin with? (via goodreads)

Review: The Raven Boys by Maggie Stiefvater

The Raven Boys by Maggie Stiefvater
Publication date: September 18, 2012
Publisher: Scholastic Press
Page Count: 416 pages

Summary: It is freezing in the churchyard, even before the dead arrive. Every year, Blue Sargent stands next to her clairvoyant mother as the soon-to-be dead walk past. Blue herself never sees them—not until this year, when a boy emerges from the dark and speaks directly to her. His name is Gansey, and Blue soon discovers that he is a rich student at Aglionby, the local private school. Blue has a policy of staying away from Aglionby boys. Known as Raven Boys, they can only mean trouble. But Blue is drawn to Gansey, in a way she can’t entirely explain. He has it all—family money, good looks, devoted friends—but he’s looking for much more than that. He is on a quest that has encompassed three other Raven Boys: Adam, the scholarship student who resents all the privilege around him; Ronan, the fierce soul who ranges from anger to despair; and Noah, the taciturn watcher of the four, who notices many things but says very little. For as long as she can remember, Blue has been warned that she will cause her true love to die. She never thought this would be a problem. But now, as her life becomes caught up in the strange and sinister world of the Raven Boys, she’s not so sure anymore. From Maggie Stiefvater, the bestselling and acclaimed author of the Shiver trilogy and The Scorpio Races, comes a spellbinding new series where the inevitability of death and the nature of love lead us to a place we've never been before.

I've seen a lot of hype for this series. A loooot. Not just from bloggers but even from people I follow on tumblr. So much passion for this series and it's characters. Especially it's characters. I'd heard about Richard Gansey III way before I even learned where he was even from. And the fan casts and graphics people on tumblr made were absolutely flawless. (For example, some I've loved recently are here, here, and here). What I'm trying to say is, I had expectations. Lots of them, more than I've had for a book in a long time. I also thought I knew how the book would go because of a lot of what I heard. But I was wrong. This book was nothing like I expected it to be. 

And I loved it.

Review: Amour Amour by Krista & Becca Ritchie

Amour Amour by Krista & Becca Ritchie
Publication Date: December 12, 2014
Publisher: Self-Published
Page Count: 347 pages

Summary: The best aerial technique won’t land 21-year-old Thora James her dream role in Amour—a sexy new acrobatic show on the Vegas strip. Thora knows she’s out of her element the second she meets Amour’s leading performer. Confident, charming and devilishly captivating, 26-year-old Nikolai Kotova lives up to his nickname as the “God of Russia.” When Thora unknowingly walks into the cross hairs of Nikolai’s after-show, her audition process begins way too soon. Unprofessional. That’s what Nik calls their “non-existent” relationship. It’s not like Thora can avoid him. For one, they may be partners in the future--acrobatic partners, that is. But getting closer to Nik means diving deeper into sin city and into his dizzying world. Thora wants to perform with him, but when someone like Nikolai attracts the spotlight wherever he goes—Thora fears that she’s destined to be just background to his spellbinding show.

I didn't hear about Amour Amour until very recently, as I was currently reading the Addicted series by the same authors. I was already completely hooked on the series because of the writing, the characters, and their chemistry with each other whether through friendships or relationships. These authors do such a good job with all the aspects of a book that I truly love, so I decided I had to try Amour Amour. Especially since I was just finishing the last of the Addicted books. I had high expectations all things considered, and I was not let down! I really loved this one as well.

Review: The Unbecoming of Mara Dyer by Michelle Hodkin

The Unbecoming of Mara Dyer by Michelle Hodkin
Publication Date: Semptember 27, 2011
Publisher: Simon & Schuster
Page Count: 456 pages

Summary: Mara Dyer believes life can't get any stranger than waking up in a hospital with no memory of how she got there. It can. She believes there must be more to the accident she can't remember that killed her friends and left her strangely unharmed. There is. She doesn't believe that after everything she's been through, she can fall in love. She's wrong. (via goodreads)

So, I've known about this series for quite a while now. At first I didn’t realize the last book had come out until recently but it’s been around and I've seen all sorts of mixed reviews for it, which left me intrigued because I more often see a collective love or dislike of a lot of books from the reviewers/bloggers I follow. Then Jess from My Reading Dress reviewed the series and I decided I had to finally give it a try. I have to say, I ended up enjoying the first book.

Review: I'll Give You The Sun by Jandy Nelson

I'll Give You The Sun by Jandy Nelson
Publication Date: September 16, 2014
Publisher: Dial Books
Page Count: 371 pages

Summary: Jude and her twin brother, Noah, are incredibly close. At thirteen, isolated Noah draws constantly and is falling in love with the charismatic boy next door, while daredevil Jude cliff-dives and wears red-red lipstick and does the talking for both of them. But three years later, Jude and Noah are barely speaking. Something has happened to wreck the twins in different and dramatic ways . . . until Jude meets a cocky, broken, beautiful boy, as well as someone else—an even more unpredictable new force in her life. The early years are Noah's story to tell. The later years are Jude's. What the twins don't realize is that they each have only half the story, and if they could just find their way back to one another, they’d have a chance to remake their world.

I’ll Give you The Sun is the second young adult novel by Jandy Nelson, her debut being The Sky Is Everywhere. I enjoyed her debut so much; the imagery in her writing captures the emotions of her characters so well and the writing is beautifully poetic, which gives a certain feel to the words on the page. It’s almost overwhelming to read her prose and the emotions that are evoked. I can say the same for this one as well. She so easily makes my chest tighten for Lennie, Noah, and Jude.

Review: Heir of Fire by Sarah J. Maas

While this review isn't full of spoilers I don't recommend reading it unless you've read the previous books. Unless of course, you're a rebel, then read on!

Heir of Fire by Sarah J. Maas (Book Three)
Publication Date: September 2, 2014
Publisher: Bloomsbury
Page Count: 562 pages

Summary: Lost and broken, Celaena Sardothien’s only thought is to avenge the savage death of her dearest friend: as the King of Adarlan’s Assassin, she is bound to serve this tyrant, but he will pay for what he did. Any hope Celaena has of destroying the king lies in answers to be found in Wendlyn. Sacrificing his future, Chaol, the Captain of the King’s Guard, has sent Celaena there to protect her, but her darkest demons lay in that same place. If she can overcome them, she will be Adarlan’s biggest threat–and his own toughest enemy. While Celaena learns of her true destiny, and the eyes of Erilea are on Wendlyn, a brutal and beastly force is preparing to take to the skies. Will Celaena find the strength not only to win her own battles, but to fight a war that could pit her loyalties to her own people against those she has grown to love? (via goodreads)

A Return to Erilea: Review of Crown of Midnight

Crown of Midnight by Sarah J. Maas (Book Two)
Publication Date: August 27, 2013
Publisher: Bloomsbury
Page Count: 420 pages

Summary: From the throne of glass rules a king with a fist of iron and a soul as black as pitch. Assassin Celaena Sardothien won a brutal contest to become his Champion. Yet Celaena is far from loyal to the crown. She hides her secret vigilantly; she knows that the man she serves is bent on evil. Keeping up the deadly charade becomes increasingly difficult when Celaena realizes she is not the only one seeking justice. As she tries to untangle the mysteries buried deep within the glass castle, her closest relationships suffer. It seems no one is above questioning her allegiances—not the Crown Prince Dorian; not Chaol, the Captain of the Guard; not even her best friend, Nehemia, a foreign princess with a rebel heart. Then one terrible night, the secrets they have all been keeping lead to an unspeakable tragedy. As Celaena's world shatters, she will be forced to give up the very thing most precious to her and decide once and for all where her true loyalties lie...and whom she is ultimately willing to fight for. (via goodreads)

Review: Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn

Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn
Publication Date: May 24, 2012
Publisher: Orion Books
Page Count: 422 pages

Summary: On a warm summer morning in North Carthage, Missouri, it is Nick and Amy Dunne’s fifth wedding anniversary. Presents are being wrapped and reservations are being made when Nick’s clever and beautiful wife disappears. Husband-of-the-Year Nick isn't doing himself any favors with cringe-worthy daydreams about the slope and shape of his wife’s head, but passages from Amy's diary reveal the alpha-girl perfectionist could have put anyone dangerously on edge. Under mounting pressure from the police and the media—as well as Amy’s fiercely doting parents—the town golden boy parades an endless series of lies, deceits, and inappropriate behavior. Nick is oddly evasive, and he’s definitely bitter—but is he really a killer?

Honestly this was me through a lot of the book.

Review: Amy and Roger's Epic Detour

(short note: Sorry for the major delay in posts! Busy times so I didn't have much time available for putting together posts. So I'm getting back into the groove of things with this review, so it's on the short and simple side.)

Amy and Roger's Epic Detour by Morgan Matson

Publication Date: May 4, 2010

Publisher: Simon & Schuster

Page Count: 344 pages

Summary: Amy Curry is not looking forward to her summer. Her mother decided to move across the country and now it's Amy's responsibility to get their car from California to Connecticut. The only problem is, since her father died in a car accident, she isn't ready to get behind the wheel. Enter Roger. An old family friend, he also has to make the cross-country trip - and has plenty of baggage of his own. The road home may be unfamiliar - especially with their friendship venturing into uncharted territory - but together, Amy and Roger will figure out how to map their way.

Amy and Roger's Epic Detour is my first journey into the world of Morgan Matson novels. I've had this one on my to read list for a while now but I just hadn't brought myself to read it yet. Then Since You've Been Gone (will be reviewed in the future) came out and all the excitement and love over this book and for Matson in general had me deciding, I just have to give her books a try! I have to say, I wasn't disappointed with this one at all. I love discovering new voices who come to be some of my favorites.  

The novel starts off with Amy, who's left alone in her old house for the last month before summer and the new beginning in a new place, as per her mother's choice. Due to some things that have yet to be revealed in the story, instead of Amy driving herself across country to get to her new home, she's joined by Roger. Roger agreed to drive her because he's also going to the east coast to visit his father after finished his semester at school. Both are meeting for the first time right before heading off on their little adventure.  

Amy and Roger's Detour was a delightful little read about learning how to deal with grief and letting go for the sake of the future as well as emotional healing. Amy and Roger both have their fair share of emotional turmoil and incidents to come to terms with and together they grow as they continue to travel from state to state, ignoring the itinerary made by Amy's mother. While it doesn't take long to understand what Roger is dealing with, Amy's story is revealed slowly within the novel, within length of her acceptance and understanding. I enjoyed the evolution of their relationship with each other, and the growth of their friendship and the camaraderie that builds on the road trip. It's not forced or superficial, nor is it something that moves too fast. For me, it was just right and unique to them. Both were also great characters to read about outside their relationships. Amy specifically, with what we see of her and her brother and his own healing as well. I wish we'd gotten to see more between Amy and her mother, how they were able to work through things together but the book still had a great end to it.  

Overall, this was a great first novel to start by Morgan Matson. Second Chance Summer will be the next one I'll try.

Review: Under The Never Sky by Veronica Rossi

Under The Never Sky by Veronica Rossi
Publication Date: December 1, 2011
Publisher: HarperCollins
Page Count: 374 pages

Summary: Exiled from her home, the enclosed city of Reverie, Aria knows her chances of surviving in the outer wasteland--known as The Death Shop--are slim. If the cannibals don't get her, the violent, electrified energy storms will. She's been taught that the very air she breathes can kill her. Then Aria meets an Outsider named Perry. He's wild--a savage--and her only hope of staying alive. A hunter for his tribe in a merciless landscape, Perry views Aria as sheltered and fragile--everything he would expect from a Dweller. But he needs Aria's help too; she alone holds the key to his redemption. Opposites in nearly every way, Aria and Perry must accept each other to survive. Their unlikely alliance forges a bond that will determine the fate of all who live under the never sky.

What I Liked: The world Veronica Rossi created. It wasn't just a dystopian young adult novel, but there was such underlining science fiction aspects to it, and it was an interesting telling of the world after great disaster. Such as the world of Reverie and how everyone who lived there could go anywhere they wanted in the world, create realms filled with the things the love most, do what they wanted most, just with a thought. It's a world that seems almost perfect on the surface, a paradise that the people who run Reverie want others to crave. Then we have the world of the outsiders, a world aptly named The Death Shop. It's a place of many dangerous things, and stories are past around Reverie about what lives out there. Cannibals, Savages, and the deadly Aether Storms that are feared by all in the pods. And the outsiders aren't the same as those in Reverie, biologically. This was a really interesting aspect of the story, especially when it comes to Perry and his sense of smell descriptions of Aria and the others from Reverie. 

Perry. Oh Perry. From the moment he was introduced I was intrigued by him, even if Aria wasn't quite fond of him. He's the complete opposite of Aria in the way he grew up and the life he's used to. It's a lot harsher, and he's learned to survive danger in a way only Aria has been able to imagine. There's not much to condemn when it comes to how Perry and his village has had to survive (outside the certain events). I couldn't help but feel for him either when you get to know him and his full story. Outside the circumstances of where he lives, he's not had an easy life emotionally. And the way his feelings of distaste for Aria gradually changes, had my heart going soft big time. 

Roar. This character was a delightful surprise to find in Under The Never Sky. He's the kind of charming character who makes you smile when things get tough, and provides the laughs when you need him to. But he's not just a comic relief, he's a character that I fell for just as much as I did for Perry, especially when you get to see what's under the funny and charm he exudes constantly. His fondness for Perry and eventually Aria evolved so nicely. I don't think I can even fully describe the evolution of feelings that built for this character, he was just there in my heart by the end of it. All of his scenes in the book were some of the best. 

What I didn't really like: The lack of world building. Rossi creates a universe that's pretty amazing but there isn't enough descriptors when it comes to making sense of things for the reader. You have to pretty much assume what certain things mean or how certain things look like. When it comes to dystopian/fantasy novels there should be more building for the setting to pull the reader into your story. Reverie was just brushed on, as well as the Death Shop and the extent of the world outside the pods. This part of the novel could have been added to. 

Lastly, I wasn't too fond of Aria. At least, in the beginning. It was very annoying to see her prejudices and emotions over her situation being pushed onto Perry. I couldn't sympathize for very much until she finally quit it with her preconceived ideas and thoughts to see what was really in front of her. That's when I began to see how things changed between her and Perry, and her relationships with Roar and the others along the way in the novel. 

However, it was an enjoyable novel overall and there were plenty of things I enjoyed enough that the weak points didn't greatly impact how I felt about the story. I will definitely be continuing the series and most of what I see from others say that it gets even better in the next book of the trilogy.

Enter the world of Erilea: Review of Throne of Glass

Throne of Glass by Sarah J. Maas
Publication Date: August 7th 2012
Publisher: Bloomsbury
Page Count: 404 pages

Summary: After serving out a year of hard labor in the salt mines of Endovier for her crimes, 18-year-old assassin Celaena Sardothien is dragged before the Crown Prince. Prince Dorian offers her her freedom on one condition: she must act as his champion in a competition to find a new royal assassin. Her opponents are men-thieves and assassins and warriors from across the empire, each sponsored by a member of the king's council. If she beats her opponents in a series of eliminations, she'll serve the kingdom for three years and then be granted her freedom. Celaena finds her training sessions with the captain of the guard, Westfall, challenging and exhilarating. But she's bored stiff by court life. Things get a little more interesting when the prince starts to show interest in her... but it's the gruff Captain Westfall who seems to understand her best. Then one of the other contestants turns up dead... quickly followed by another. Can Celaena figure out who the killer is before she becomes a victim? As the young assassin investigates, her search leads her to discover a greater destiny than she could possibly have imagined.

I started Throne of Glass excited about what this story would bring because, once again, I'd seen a lot of positive things being said by other people, bloggers included. I definitely get excited when I see a big amount of people loving the same book! I also like the fantasy genre, though it's a genre I don't read heavily because I can be a bit picky. However this series did not disappoint! It was like a mixture of game thrones and a bit like some fantasy novels I've read by Tamora Pierce. It also took me a bit longer to read because I made the mistake of starting right before finals week. It seriously took all my willpower to study and write papers instead of reading this book.

Throne of Glass gives us Celaena, a trained assassin at 18 years old, forced to slave away in a place called Endovier for her crimes. She gets an opportunity for freedom when Dorian asks her to be his champion in a battle of sorts for the choice of being the King's chosen assassin for 4 years and eventual freedom. Celaena was a really interesting character to read about, to be honest. She was young but she didn't had the opportunity to truly be young since the start of her training as assassin from such an early age. Yet she still managed to laugh, have sass, be confident, and have strength in her character, considering the trials she's faced in her short life.

I enjoyed the fact that she didn't fall all over Dorian Havalliard from the start, considering his good looks and the charm he exuded. However, when their relationship started progressing, it seemed so stale on her end. It was easy to see his feelings and the progression but even when she stopped hating him I just didn't feel she was on his level. Dorian was still an enjoyable character on his own. His humor lightened up many moments and his affection that built for her was sweet to witness. Especially nice to read, was his rebellion against the King in such little ways. The dynamic between her and Chaol, however, was perfect. I feel like there was more between them under the surface. The build up of their camaraderie was done so well. However there still wasn't a huge focus on romance in the series and I can't say I have an actual preference in choice for her (though I do really like Chaol). Nehemia was also spectacular. There was so much going on for her and her friendship with Celaena and I can't wait to see her continued part of the series. And it was great to see another strong female who was fighting in her own way just as Celaena did.

The actually plot of the book was amazingly done. I like the set up and the complexity of the world Celaena lived in. The whole politics behind the King's treacherous behavior was easy to grasp, as well as the hate that builds for him and all the destroying he's done over the years. You sort of build up a hate for him along with her. The whole championship thing was frustrating and intense, especially the way the others (mostly Cain) treated her. The whole murder mystery plot with the other contestants was a bit predictable though. There was only a split second where I doubted the culprit or the story behind what was happening but it wasn't too hard guessing who. The how or why though, that was tricky indeed. And Kaltain. Lord, I felt more anger for her than the rest. The King being close behind.

Overall, Throne of Glass was the perfect fantasy read for me. The characters were enjoyable and complex and the plot didn't bore me to tears in any parts. I was able to take it slow and enjoy the ride. There was even well done humor in several parts of the book. It was also nice for the book to end without a massive cliffhanger. I will definitely be continuing this series when I can.

Review Time: Monster In His Eyes

Note: this book is categorized as erotica and may have some darker elements that aren't suitable for viewers under the age of 18.

Monster In His Eyes by J.M. Darhower
Publication Date: April 27th, 2014
Publisher: Self-published
Page count: 350 pages

Summary: Ignazio Vitale is not a good man. I suspect it, the first time I see him, sense the air of danger that surrounds the man. He has a way of commanding attention, of taking control, of knowing what I'm thinking before I even do. It's alarming and alluring. It's dark and deadly. It's everything I've ever wanted but the last thing I truly need. Obsession. It doesn't take him long to draw me into his web, charming me into his bed and trapping me in his life, a life I know nothing about until it's too late. He has secrets, secrets I can't fathom, secrets that make it so I can't walk away, no matter how much I beg him to let me go. I see it sometimes in his eyes, a darkness that's both terrifying and thrilling. He's a monster, wrapped up in a pretty package, and what I find when I unmask him changes everything. I want to hate him. Sometimes, I do. But it doesn't stop me from loving him, too. (via goodreads)

J.M. Darhower is quickly becoming one of those authors that I'll read anything they write. The characters and the realistic but intriguing worlds of danger she can write have me hooked instantly (also she's a nice lady). In Monster in His Eyes, J.M. Darhower gives readers a book that has you wondering from the very beginning how things are going to go. What's being hidden? Who is Ignazio Vitale? And more importantly, why is he a monster?

Ignazio “Naz” Vitale was mesmerizing from the start. He was silent and deadly, captivating Karissa so very quickly. He captivated me quickly. On the outside he was calm and controlled but there always seemed to be something going on in his head. As if he was calculating every action he took as well as the actions of those around him. There was no doubting his danger, even if Karissa was slowly being seduced into believing there was none at all with him. This man had me on the edge of my seat until the end of the book. There was no doubting the storm going on behind his eyes, the darkness that he let out in gradual stages as he spent time with Karissa.

Karissa herself was likeable, and she was also so wrapped into the mystery and sex appeal of Naz so she's easily persuaded into a sense of safety. This, as a reader, sets you on edge even if you're being seduced almost as easily as she is. However, I was screaming in my head “Watch out!” But, when push comes to shove she does have her own spark that comes out. The tension between her and Naz was a great thing to see, especially with how the age difference plays in. It was sexy without there being overdone or full of sex. I hope that in the next book, with the big reveal being out, that we get to see more of her spark and the angry passion building between her and Naz.

Overall, this was a great read for me personally. It was dark in a way I hadn't found before (but dark in the way I can occasionally enjoy) and the mystery of Naz's secret went in a completely different direction than I was expecting to witness. I don't want to say too much about certain part's of the book considering how big everything is in regard's to the plot. Great characters, and great story; I couldn't have asked for more from Darhower's mind.

Review Time: Open Road Summer by Emery Lord

Open Road Summer by Emery Lord
Publication Date: April 15th, 2014
Publisher: Walker Children's
Page count: 342 pages

Summary: After breaking up with her bad-news boyfriend, Reagan O’Neill is ready to leave her rebellious ways behind. . . and her best friend, country superstar Lilah Montgomery, is nursing a broken heart of her own. Fortunately, Lilah’s 24-city tour is about to kick off, offering a perfect opportunity for a girls-only summer of break-up ballads and healing hearts. But when Matt Finch joins the tour as its opening act, his boy-next-door charm proves difficult for Reagan to resist, despite her vow to live a drama-free existence. This summer, Reagan and Lilah will navigate the ups and downs of fame and friendship as they come to see that giving your heart to the right person is always a risk worth taking. A fresh new voice in contemporary romance, Emery Lord’s gorgeous writing hits all the right notes.

Open Road Summer was something I'd been greatly anticipating after hearing about it while going around visiting book blogs ( you've probably heard enough of it by now but I just have to talk about it). Whether it was people who had already read it or wanted to read it, I saw nothing but good things and my hype was quickly building. I even attempted to wait it out because school had me so busy and I was also currently reading something else. Alas, I'm not good at denying myself what I want! I started it....and I was immediately drawn into the book.

What I liked about it: Reagan O'neill, for starters. She was heart weary and a bit shattered emotionally after too many mistakes in her life, but she wanted to change things and to become a better version of herself. She didn't make excuses about her actions and she didn't take anyways crap. I also enjoyed that this was another female character in the young adult genre who wasn't squeaky clean; Reagan has had her fair share of fun with boys and other things and she's had her moments of carelessness.

“I wanted to reach back into my history with a grade-school pink eraser, scrubbing away my decisions like mistakes on a math test. Too bad I drew my mistakes in ink.”

Dee Montgomery was another great character. She was the complete opposite of Reagan in so many ways but she didn't judge Reagan for who she was or what she did. She was a sweetheart but she wasn't a bland one; you couldn't not love her and you certainly couldn't go without loving their friendship. It's one that most of us yearn for or are lucky enough to have ourselves.  They love each other to death, they trust one another so much with everything they have, and they support each other without a second of hesitancy when something goes wrong. Even if they're mad at each other. However, this doesn't mean their friendship was “perfect”. You can't be as close as they are and not occasionally butt heads. What's important is they don't let their fights get in between what's important to them: their friendships.

The third reason I liked it is the Romance of course! And Matt Finch. Thinking his name gives me warm feelings because he was such a beautiful addition to this novel. Reagan was hooked on him the moment they meet and so was I. But, Reagan being her new and improved self who doesn't want to do anything stupid, doesn't let him now just how much he affects her. They clash in the best of ways and his teasing is so perfect when it comes to breaking down Reagan's walls. His songs, his feelings, his actions, everything about him is so genuine and different than what Reagan believes she deserves so seeing the romance between them as they fell harder and harder was beyond any words I can type to try and explain. Did I mention he sings?

“Do you want me to beg you? Do you want me to say please? Then this is the rest of my pride, girl. This song is me down on my knees. Just give in, give in to me, girl. I'll give everything I've got.”

Overall, I enjoyed everything about this book. All of the characters, the plot, the dialogue and all the beautiful quotable words. Emery Lord gave me a contemporary young adult novel that I'll be thinking about for a long time, and will be making me switch up my list of favorites! Go forth and read it immediately!