{Review} Ignite Me by Tahereh Mafi

{Review} Ignite Me by Tahereh Mafi

Goodreads Description:

Juliette now knows she may be the only one who can stop the Reestablishment. But to take them down, she'll need the help of the one person she never thought she could trust: Warner. And as they work together, Juliette will discover that everything she thought she knew - about Warner, her abilities, and even Adam - was wrong.

My Review:  Oh holy hell, where do I start? I finished reading this book on Feb. 20 and I still have a book hangover from it. I am having such a hard time wrapping my mind around this book and the series as a whole.
Ignite Me has to be my favorite book to read out of the whole series and it is the perfect ending. I absolutely loved this book. I know there are a lot of fans that were not happy with the way things ended but I thought it was completely perfect.
There were times I did get frustrated with Juliette, as always. She has a real problem with standing up for herself. But when she does, boom!! Burn!! ;-) Everything escalates and comes to head but syncs up quite nicely.
It's hard to write a review without spoilers since this just came out so I'm going to try my hardest not to be spoiler-y. 
I'll go with the characters first....
Adam...well, if you read Fracture Me, you have some inkling into what kind of person he is becoming. I still love him because he still tries his best for what he thinks is right. That's not always the case but he becomes quite a...well...snot. LOL His love for James is unconditional as it should be. But his love for Juliette? Is brought into question and made me think about it for a while.
Warner....is well....okay I am going to say that I think he is a real character. I don't know how exactly to put it really except that....I wish there were a lot more Warners out there in the real world. He is by far one of my all time favorite characters I've read. His feelings for Juliette really shine through this entire novel. Even more than in Unravel Me and Destroy Me. 
Kenji.....as always one of the best characters in the series. Yes, as I've said, he is a comic relief but not just that. He is everything that Juliette needed in a friend and more. One of my favorite lines was when Juliette and Warner were talking and he mentioned Kenji and she said, "He's my best friend." Oh man it touched my heart. LOVED that.
Juliette....She's grown up quite a bit from the first book. It was really cool to see her transition into a strong person. Some of the ways she handled herself in certain situations frustrated me because she doesn't say what she really should have. But by the end, I was so damn proud of her. Wow. 
While I was reading this final book, I kept catching myself thinking about how old all these characters were. Seriously....the was the book projected them, made them seem older than they were. I had to keep reminding myself that they are 17-19 years old. Although I guess when you've been through what they all went through, you age a lot more.
I thought that the ending "battle" was a bit rushed and that the relationships were the real main focus. The ending did almost leave it open in case Mafi ever wants to revisit this series. I honestly don't really want her to because I thought the ending was perfect the way it was.
In closing I will say this: CHAPTER 55. CHAPTER 55. CHAPTER 55. CHAPTER 55!!!
;-)

{Review} Shatter Me & Destroy Me by Taherah Mafi

{Review} Shatter Me by Taherah Mafi  

Goodreads Description:

Juliette hasn’t touched anyone in exactly 264 days.
The last time she did, it was an accident, but The Reestablishment locked her up for murder. No one knows why Juliette’s touch is fatal. As long as she doesn’t hurt anyone else, no one really cares. The world is too busy crumbling to pieces to pay attention to a 17-year-old girl. Diseases are destroying the population, food is hard to find, birds don’t fly anymore, and the clouds are the wrong color.
The Reestablishment said their way was the only way to fix things, so they threw Juliette in a cell. Now so many people are dead that the survivors are whispering war – and The Reestablishment has changed its mind. Maybe Juliette is more than a tortured soul stuffed into a poisonous body. Maybe she’s exactly what they need right now.
Juliette has to make a choice: Be a weapon. Or be a warrior.

My Review:

Now I originally read this back in 2011 when it first came out and I was blown away. Not only with the story but the writing. I've never read anything like it and I was enthralled. Here is my review from 2011 on Goodreads: REVIEW .

I recently re-read this book to refresh my memory on what exactly happened because I knew Ignite Me came out and I was anxious to read it. So this is just a sort of mini review for Shatter Me.

Even though I've read this book before (3 years ago) I was still amazed by the writing in this book. Yes, the ending was a bit like X-Men but that's ok because I actually love X-Men. It was great to get a refresher on this book because I couldn't wait to read the rest in the series.

Juliette still broke my heart with her scratched out thoughts and Adam was the knight and shining armor that fairy tales are made of. The love scenes were so intense and just so....passionate. I loved every minute of this re-read. I cannot wait to see what happens next. 

Even though everybody says Warner is a jerk, I still think he's hot and I LOVE a good bad boy lol.

{Review} Destroy Me by Taherah Mafi

Goodreads Description:

Perfect for the fans of Shatter Me who are desperately awaiting the release of Unravel Me, this novella-length digital original will bridge the gap between these two novels from the perspective of the villain we all love to hate, Warner, the ruthless leader of Sector 45.
In Tahereh Mafi’s Shatter Me, Juliette escaped from The Reestablishment by seducing Warner—and then putting a bullet in his shoulder. But as she’ll learn in Destroy Me, Warner is not that easy to get rid of. . .
Back at the base and recovering from his near-fatal wound, Warner must do everything in his power to keep his soldiers in check and suppress any mention of a rebellion in the sector. Still as obsessed with Juliette as ever, his first priority is to find her, bring her back, and dispose of Adam and Kenji, the two traitors who helped her escape. But when Warner’s father, The Supreme Commander of The Reestablishment, arrives to correct his son’s mistakes, it’s clear that he has much different plans for Juliette. Plans Warner simply cannot allow.
Set after Shatter Me and before its forthcoming sequel, Unravel Me,Destroy Me is a novella told from the perspective of Warner, the ruthless leader of Sector 45

My Review:

Now going into this book I wasn't too much of a Warner fan. Just because he seemed a little crazy and bipolar. I still have a crush on him because the way Juliette described him was just so perfect. I loved it.

Now, after reading the book, I am completely taken with Warner. Really and truly taken with him. I love Adam too but Warner.....it just....*sigh*. I'm not sure how to express what I think. 

I really enjoyed seeing his side of things. It's a great perspective to see how deep he truly is and where is heart and mind truly lie. 

One of my favorite parts was the scene with the dog. Oh my goodness I think my heart literally melted into a pile of goo all over the floor. I almost cried....almost. Mafi's style of writing just blows me away.

I love little novellas like this so you can see a peek into another character's psyche. Now that I've seen Warner's mind, I don't think I wanted to leave it. I just hope he doesn't turn into a complete douche by the end.

I'll still love him though I'm sure.

         

{Review} Insurgent by Veronica Roth

{Review} Insurgent by Veronica Roth

Goodreads Description:

Fighting for survival in a shattered world… the truth is her only hope.
The thrillingly dark sequel to No. 1 New York Times bestseller, DIVERGENT.
I have done bad things. I can’t take them back, and they are part of who I am.
Tris has survived a brutal attack on her former home and family. But she has paid a terrible price. Wracked by grief and guilt, she becomes ever more reckless as she struggles to accept her new future.
Yet if Tris wants to uncover the truth about her world, she must be stronger than ever… because more shocking choices and sacrifices lie ahead.

My Review: I recently finished Divergent at the end of 2013 and I ws anxiously waiting to read this one. Me and my bestie April over at Sim Sational Books promised to do a bunch of buddy reads this year and finishing this series is in that list. I couldn't wait to start Insurgent. The previous books left it wide open. Let me first tell you that I am totally pushing for buddy reads. They are probably the best thing ever. Reading with someone who has the same taste and same passion of books as you makes reading so much more fun. Voxer adds it all together with live narration of sorts. It's incredible. I highly suggest you do it. On to my review.....one word for Insurgent...WOW. This book is completely non stop with all the action and politics. I love that you don't know what is going to happen and it keeps you guessing. All the way until the cliffhanger ending.
I adore Tris and think she's a complete badass chick. She's been through so much and she still stands so strong. One of my favorite characters ever.
Four is dreamy but to me a little wishy washy sometimes. He's still dreamy though don't get me wrong. I understand where he is coming from in most of his little arguments with Tris.
I will say that was the downer of the book. Tris and Four argue quite a bit and I get that couples argue but I didn't like that it was the main focus for a while. There was just so much other stuff going on that should've been priority.
Other than the arguing, this was fantastic and cannot wait to read Allegiant. I will say that I highly dislike Four's mom....She's pretty shifty. Oh! And I want to slap Caleb in the face....more like punch.
Buddy read #2-Allegiant April and I are coming for you!!

{Blog Tour & Giveaway} Return to Poughkeepsie by Debra Anastasia

{Blog Tour} Return To Poughkeepsie by Debra Anastasia

Goodreads Description:

Beckett Taylor is a murderer. His calling, his craft are destruction and intimidation—whether he wants it that way now or not. He left Poughkeepsie to keep his brothers safe, to keep Eve safe. Set up with happy lives to live, they’re better off without him, right?
But all his willpower crumbles when he hears his brother Blake’s frantic voice on the phone. An unknown enemy has moved in on his old territory, and Livia’s been taken. In an instant, Beckett knows it will take an attack only he and Eve can execute to bring her back. All his self-imposed embargoes are torn to shreds, perhaps along with the new man he’s struggled to become.
“Brother, call Eve. I’ll be there soon.” 
In this emotional and action-packed sequel to Poughkeepsie, Debra Anastasia conjures a tale of love at its most raw and ragged. With Beckett and Eve, how could we expect anything less? But even when it’s messy, not magical, true love perseveres. Real love finds a way—for better or for worse until death does part.

My Review:

Where do I even start with this? I will try my damnedest to be spoiler free. Poughkeepsie is one of my all time favorite books. It was my top for 2012 and it will remain my top forever more. I wrote my review for that on my old blog a while ago. If you want to look at it you can click here. Since I loved Poughkeepsie so very much, you can probably guess at my enthusiasm to read the second book. I loved Beckett and couldn't wait to see his side of things. Not only that, but Eve gives me a lady boner. She is my favorite character in this series.  I could probably sum up my reaction to Return To Poughkeepsie in a few short words: Wow. Rocked. My. Entire. Universe. Debra Anastasia has the insane ability to be a true storyteller.  Okay....So now with the story....(without spoilers I promise) If you've read Poughkeepsie, you know that Beckett Taylor is a complete badass with some crazy on the side. But it's the good kind of badass and the hot kind of crazy right?! At least. that's how I justify it. Haha. I do have to say it was really awesome to see most of this from his point of view and his reactions. It was wonderful to see this man's side of things. I loved being inside of his head. His love for his brothers and their wives is overwhelming and completely endearing. I knew he had a heart. It shows a lot more in this book.  Eve. Oh, my dear deadly Eve. Man I wish I could have her as a bestie!! Holy crap what a woman. Like I've mentioned above, she gives me a lady boner and I don't know who really wouldn't for this chick. She's had a rough go of it and keeps it together....mostly. I just love how Debra showcased her complete badassery in this book. Also, her compassionate and softer side.  I could go into Blake, Livia, Kyle & Cole but really.....this book is about Beckett and Eve. Yes, all the other main characters from the first book are in here....but they aren't the main focus. I still love them all but Beckett and Eve's story is the forefront and I want to keep that in main focus. I will say that there are some moments in this book that Debra had me in tears for these 4. So don't count them out.  The whole story is crazy action packed. Full of twists and turns that you don't really see coming. This book has the ENTIRE package of what a book is supposed to be. Romance, action, debauchery, crazy ( I should highlight the crazy), sex, passion, compassion, adventure....I swear the list goes on and on. From the very beginning, Debra Anastasia bitch slaps you and catches your attention. She keeps it the entire time. She has such a way with it. She can bitch slap me anytime and I'd enjoy the hell out of it. I truly do not think she could ever write a book that I wouldn't enjoy to the fullest.  I know I've said it before tons of times....but seriously...I have to say it again. Debra Anastasia has become one of my all time favorite authors and will forever remain one. I consider her a friend and one of the most outrageously funny women I know. If you've ever read her facebook statuses you know what I'm talking about.  Personal stuff aside, she truly has a way with words and her approach to storytelling is unlike anything I've ever seen. Her words can have you busting up one second and touching your heart the next. All of the stories intertwine and I love it. I cannot recommend this book and this series enough. There are not enough words for me to describe just how much Poughkeepsie moved me when I read it the first time. It still moves me every time I read it. Return To Poughkeepsie is just as enchanting. 

"Sometimes you can save someone's whole world just by smiling at them. Kindness is one of those things that has immense value to the person experiencing it."

Return To Poughkeepsie is LIVE!!! Snatch it up!!! http://www.amazon.com/Return-Poughkeepsie-Debra-Anastasia-ebook/dp/B00HL50PIO/ref=sr_1_4?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1388364635&sr=1-4&keywords=return+to+Poughkeepsie 

About Debra:

Debra Anastasia is busy, just like every other mom. There's dinner, the dogs, the two kids, the two kids, and her ongoing battle with...ahem... digestive issues, which combined with her adolescent boy sense of humor makes for colorful and sometimes cringe-worthy social media updates. Her first love and crowning achievement is her thriving career as the weirdest mom on the block.

Her writing started a decent handful of years ago when--along with the animals and humans in her house--the voices of characters started whispering stories in Debra's ear. Insomnia was the gateway to plots that wouldn't give up, wouldn't let go. Now they stalk her everywhere. Halfway through making lunches, a twist takes hold and--fingers full of peanut butter--she finds somewhere, anywhere to write it down.

She's eternally grateful to Omnific Publishing, which has now published four of her books: two in the Seraphim Series and two in the Poughkeepsie Brotherhood Series, as well as her novella, Late Night with Andres. That one is special because 100% of the proceeds go to breast cancer research. (So go get it right now, please!) She also very much appreciates her open-minded readers, who embrace everything she has to offer, with a focus on anti-heroes and bathroom humor.

Debra lives in Maryland with her family. You can find her at DebraAnastasia.com and on Twitter @Debra_Anastasia. But be prepared.

Social Media Links:

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{Promotional Event} Experiment in Terror: 12 Days of Dexmas

Book Description:

Amateur ghost-hunter Perry Palomino has battled ghosts, fought off skinwalkers and skirted the fine line between life and death. But can she survive bunking down in Seattle for a week with her partner (and man she secretly loves) Dex and his perfect girlfriend, Jennifer? And can she do so while being tormented by a malicious spirit from Dex's increasingly shady past? With love and life in the balance, Perry must discover the truth among the lies or risk losing everything she's ever cared about.

Release date: December 12, 2011

Age Group: Mature NA/Adult

Genre: Romantic Suspense/Horror

Links: 

Goodreads/Amazon/B&N

The Dexism:

My Review:

What did I think?

Three words: O.M.G.<---yes that's three ;-)

For just a second, look at that cover. I mean.....really look at it. How freaking creepy is that?! When I picked this up, I had no idea what I was getting into. The cover seriously freaked me out. I mean....whoa *shivers*...

This book picks up right where Dead Sky Morning leaves off. This time the suspense and tension are a lot higher in this book.

Perry and Dex go inspect a haunted mental institution. How creepy is that?! Not only does Perry have to be in close proximity with her love interest Dex, but she also has to put up with his hot, overtly sweet girlfriend Jenn.

Talk about awkward right? You have no idea....

I think one of the best parts of this book is watching Perry grow up and get some real confidence. I know Dex has a lot to do with that but it's great that it's not just Dex. It's really herself.

One of the other best parts is Dex tells Perry more about his past. Dex is so complicated. Argh! But I love him so! He still holds the title to one of my most favorite characters. You love him, yet you want to punch him right in the face. ;-) Which makes him all the more special to me. So complicated... *swoons*

We get introduced to a couple new characters in this book. One of whom I fell completely in love with. Rebecca. Oh man she is just so awesome. Oh just a breath of fresh air that Perry needs.

Things get real in this. I mean really real. In every way. For the last half hour that I was reading this, my eyes must have been bugging out and my mouth in a constant shock formation. I stayed up until 3 am finishing this.

And oooooohhhhh the ending. Left me with soooooo many unanswered questions. Everything was left in the open and I'm so anxious to get to the next book.

On a side/personal note:

I really did enjoy this series thoroughly. Not only do I think the author is brilliant but she is wicked cool. I've gotten to talk to her on Twitter and she has to be one of the coolest chicks out there.

Whenever I read a book, I always talk about it to my fiancee. I love how he indulges me and acts interested...Even though I know he'd rather be playing video games. What really Robby's (my fiancee) attention is when I mentioned the bands that Perry talks about in the books. Slayer, Mr. Bungle, Peeping Tom... those are ALL bands that Robby and I listen to. It surprised Robby that a chick listens to these bands because they're pretty underground.

I asked Karina about it and she's was a music journalist and got to meet Mike Patton and has met Dave Lombardo a couple of times. It's actually really cool. Robby was also impressed. ;-)

As I was talking about the series, Robby dragged this out:

Notice the name....haha

It was really cool that she talked to me. LOL I know that sounds lame but it always means a lot to me when an author (one of my favs) actually acknowledges me. You know? It's awesome. So I want to say a special thank you to Karina. You are one wicked cool chick!!

I encourage you to read this series. For real. The series is awesome and so is the author.

Favorite Quotes:

"It's not magic Perry. You're the most beautiful woman I've ever known and before you say anything, you've always been that way to me."

Excerpt:

I closed the door behind me with nothing more than a gentle click and started walking down the hall back the way I came.A loud POP came from behind me while the hall in front of me became a smidge darker. The loud and unexpected noise caught my breath and made me jump mid-stride. I stopped and stood still.Another quick POP followed by another level of dimness. I turned around expecting to see someone but what I saw was the overhead lights at the very end slowly going off.Pop. Pop. Pop. They were fizzling out and leaving the once-bright hallway in darkness, as if some invisible being was going along and removing the bulbs. I knew enough that the scenario wasn’t all that crazy.The dark was catching up with me. I turned and started to run as quietly as possible, chalking it all up to faulty wiring on a stormy night. But as I neared the stairwell at the end, the stairwell lights went off and so did every other light in the hallway.The darkness engulfed me. I paused, disoriented and scared out of my wits.Thump, thump, thump.The sound of footsteps raced toward me from the far end of the hallway. They didn’t sound quick but they were coming.For me.I ran blindly for the door and felt around for it until my hands connected with the handle. I yanked it. It wouldn’t open. The door had locked behind me. There was blackness outside and in. I whirled around, hearing the footsteps still coming, this strange, slow and sloppy run.They stopped somewhere in front of me, maybe a few inches away. I held my breath. All I could feel was that terrifying notion that something was standing in the dark and watching me. Wanting me.“Please let me die.” The voice from earlier came from down the hall.“Yes, please let me die,” another voice came, this one closer to me and from the left.“He let me die,” said one more. This one sounded familiar. This one wasn’t a human being, a patient in a room with no hope or normal life left. This one had an accent. This one was dead. It was coming from right in front of me.I slowly stuck my arm straight out in front of me. I wanted to see how close it was. I waved it around but hit nothing.Raucous laughter erupted from the rooms. It caught on like a wave, crashing down the hall until it was all I could hear. Insane, unforgiving, unrelenting laughter, the type that you’d hear being howled at the moon. It reverberated through the hallway until it forced me to cover my ears.I thought about calling Dex. He could come down and let me out. I could tell him I went to look for the bathroom on this floor. I took one hand away from my ear and took out my phone, conscious of not crushing the vulnerable, secret meds in my pocket.BANG!The lights above me suddenly came on with the sound of snapping wires and the low hum of a generator kicking in. The area just in front of me was illuminated, hurting my eyes. I could see again.And there was nothing there.The same went for the rest of the hallway. As each light went back on, it showed how empty the place was. And the laughter stopped along with it.Until the end.The last light went on.There was a woman standing beneath the waxy light bulb. In the middle of the hall. Facing me. She was far enough away that I couldn’t make out her face. But I knew from the snakelike angle of her head that I didn’t want to.She stood as still as night, not moving. Just facing me like a gunslinger during a standoff.This…wasn’t good.I slowly lifted up my hand that had the phone and dialed Dex while keeping my eyes on her.She still hadn’t moved. But I knew it was misleading.I put the phone to my ear and after a few rings (I could almost hear it ringing on the floor above) he answered.“Perry? You OK?”“I’m locked on the second floor,” I whispered. “Please come and let me out right now.”“OK, one sec,” he said. I heard him hang up, a few footsteps from above and then the sound of the third-level door opening onto the stairwell. I breathed a sigh of relief, not taking my eyes off the figure at the end.Which was good. Because she twitched. And now, she was moving, walking toward me, twice as fast as a normal person, almost gliding down the hall as if she were on skates.Her arms were outstretched, her head wobbled back and forth with each quick stride, and a thick flow of blood flowed off of her, falling to the floor behind her like a red bridal train.It happened so fast.She was there.And then she was in my face. 

About Karina:

Karina Halle is the USA Today Best Selling Author of The Artists Trilogy (On Every Street, Sins & Needles, Shooting Scars, and Bold Tricks) published by Hachette, the Experiment in Terror series, and The Devil's series published by Diversion.


The daughter of a Norwegian Viking and a Finnish Moomin, Karina Halle grew up in Vancouver, Canada with trolls and eternal darkness on the brain. This soon turned into a love of all things that go bump in the night and a rather sadistic appreciation for freaking people out. Like many of the flawed characters she writes, Karina never knew where to find herself and has dabbled in acting, make-up artistry, film production, screenwriting, photography, travel writing and music journalism. She eventually found herself in the pages of the very novels she wrote (if only she had looked there to begin with).

Karina holds a screenwriting degree from Vancouver Film School and a Bachelor of Journalism from TRU. Her travel writing, music reviews/interviews and photography have appeared in publications such as Consequence of Sound, Mxdwn and GoNomad Travel Guides. She currently lives on an island on the coast of British Columbia where she's preparing for the zombie apocalypse with her fiance and rescue pup.

Karina is represented by Scott Waxman of the Waxman Leavell Literary Agency

Author social media links:
http://experimentinterror.com

http://khalle.wordpress.com

https://www.facebook.com/ExperimentinTerror

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Karina-Halle/

www.twitter.com/MetalBlonde

http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4785031.Karina_Halle

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{Review} Come Alive by Karina Halle

{Review} Come Alive by Karina Halle

Goodreads Description:

It’s one thing to bring the woman you love back into your life. It’s another to try and keep her there. For Dex Foray, con­vinc­ing Perry Palomino to open her­self to their bur­geon­ing rela­tion­ship has been more chal­leng­ing than hunt­ing ghosts, bat­tling demons and stalk­ing Sasquatch com­bined. Add in the fact that the only way they can keep their Exper­i­ment in Ter­ror show run­ning is to take on a third part­ner in the form of the mys­te­ri­ous Max­imus Jacobs — all while inves­ti­gat­ing a sin­is­ter voodoo sect in New Orleans — and you’ve got the per­fect South­ern storm and a recipe for dis­as­ter. Luck­ily, Dex has never been one to back down, even when his life –and heart — are on the line.
Come Alive is told from Dex’s POV.

What did I think?
One word: Wowza! Ha! 
I have to say this first: Karina Halle's writing gets better and better with every book she writes. Every time I read her books, my breath is completely taken away. If you haven't started her books, you need to start pretty damn quick because this is one author you do NOT want to miss out on.
*****If you have not read any of the previous EIT books, don't read any further! Pick them up and read them. I have spoilers in here*****
So, Come Alive picks up directly after Into The Hollow. Things changed in Into The Hollow and I was really curious as to where Halle was going to go with Perry and Dex. Perry and Dex, to me, are the perfect kind of couple. They are perfect for each other and so easy to relate to. Well....I will admit that it took a bit for me (and I'm sure others) to warm up to. Probably because he was such an ass. But Perry makes him a better man and brings out the best in him.
In Come Alive, you see things through Dex's eyes and let me tell you it was certainly entertaining. I mean you get glimpses of it in The Dex Files & And With Madness Comes The Light but this entire novel in his POV. 
How can you say no to seeing everything via Dex Goggles? You can't. 
I loved it. It was great seeing Perry through Dex's eyes and seeing how much he cared for her. I also thoroughly enjoyed seeing things through the sexy, pervy eyes of the notorious Declan Foray. It was an experience, that's for sure. I liked seeing the different sides of Dex and enjoyed every page.
The whole book was exhilarating. Nonstop from one page to the next. You got some crazy ass voodoo mojo in the heart of New Orleans and some sexy hot scenes that make me want to melt. This book (as do all of Halle's works), really has it all. The creepy parts had my breath hitching and trying to keep up with my heart. The creep factor was high in this one. For real.
We also get some perspective on the relationships between the main characters Maximus, Dex & Perry. It was completely awesome. Words really cannot express how much this series is so fabulous. Come Alive truly is an epic book and now one of my favorites of the series. I'm still reeling from everything that went down in this book.
Dex and Perry FINALLY get to have a go at a  real relationship. I am so happy for them because after all they've been through....no one deserves it more than them. 
P.S. OMG on the ending. Makes the wait for Ashes To Ashes seem like forever!!

Review: Reason To Breathe by Rebecca Donovan

{Review} Reason To Breathe by Rebecca Donovan

Goodreads Description:

"No one tried to get involved with me, and I kept to myself. This was the place where everything was supposed to be safe and easy. How could Evan Mathews unravel my constant universe in just one day?" 
He knows there’s something more to the girl sitting in the back of the class the moment he sees her. She’s beautiful, intelligent, and athletic – but she slips quietly through the crowded halls, trying not to exist. Determined to get to know the elusive girl, Evan soon discovers… Emma Thomas is hiding a terrible a secret. Reason to Breathe is an electrifying page turner from start to finish, a unique tale of life-changing love, unspeakable cruelty, and one girl’s fragile grasp of hope.

Why did I pick this up? Honestly I didn't pick it up myself. I went to a book signing in LA and Rebecca Donovan was there. I saw her book on her table and read the back blurb and thought to myself, "That sounds like a badass book!" So I picked it up, had her sign it and bought the sucker.  What did I think? Um.....wow. Where do I even start?  I'll admit that I was a little wary once I started the book because I thought it would make me cry. It didn't make me cry but it took my breath away. So many emotions ran through me as I kept reading. I was enraptured by Emma's story. Emma has a pretty hard life at home and does her best to bear through it. I have to hand it to her, because what she takes, most people wouldn't be able to handle. She's counting down the days until she can leave and be free. To breathe. I felt her pain and heartbreak. It was practically dripping from the pages. I couldn't look away.  Evan is such a great character. I loved him from the start and he will be a favorite character for me for a while. He takes everything in stride and is honest. You don't find too many honest guys out there. Not to mention what a little hottie he is. Ha! Emma and Evan's love story is timid at first and blossoms into this all-encompassing passion that overtakes them. I think it also takes them by surprise as well. It was really fantastic to read through the book. I think that the best part about this book is that it is brutally honest. When you read about what Emma goes through, you think to yourself, "Why doesn't she fight back? Or leave? I would." But when you truly think about if you were in that certain situation, would you truly be able to? I was thinking that to myself as I read. I honestly don't know what I would do in that situation. No one really does.  Rebecca Donovan did an amazing job with this book. I cannot wait to read the next one in this series. This book will be in my brain for quite a while. As well as my heart.  I highly suggest you pick up a copy soon and start to read! This is one that you do NOT want to pass this one up.

The Other Fish In The Sea by Jenn Cooksey

The Other Fish In The Sea by Jenn Cooksey

In Shark Bait, readers everywhere met and fell in love with the new girl, Camie Ramsey, and swooned over her sure to be future husband, Tristan Daniels. Now, in The Other Fish in the Sea, the long anticipated second installment of the Grab Your Pole series by Jenn Cooksey, Camie and Tristan are back, but so are their friends!
So, find a breathing apparatus and shimmy into your scuba gear, because it's finally time to dive deeper into the lives of the GYP gang, but be warned, it's a big world out there and an even bigger ocean where danger might be lurking around the next corner and realistically, anything could happen.

What did I think?
Oh my, where do I even start? I don't even have the words to write to construe how I feel about this book. Not only this book but the author as well. But we'll get to Jenn in a bit.

I first fell in love with GYP gang last year when I was given Shark Bait to read and review by Jenn herself. The writing was so unlike anything I've ever read before and I was enthralled.

This book is no exception. Jenn Cooksey seriously has a way with words and a talent for story telling that is out of this world. In TOFITS, we get a glimpse into other people's POV. But only the girls. Which I loved. Everything in this book is so down to earth and REAL. You don't get any more REAL than what happens in this installment.

Camie and Tristan have to be two of my most favorite characters ever. Their chemistry is spot on and they are totally perfect. I seriously wish I had them as friends while I was in high school. Shoot, I want ALL of their friends as my own NOW. Oh the fun we would have....*sigh*

Without ruining anything in this book, I can safely say that every emotion you have will be put to the test while reading this piece of art. It's not just a book. It's a work of art in my eyes. Nobody writes with this type of honesty and emotion nowadays and I commend Jenn on being so awesome and different with her technique. There were laugh out loud moments, pump your fist moments, bittersweet moments and a heartbreaking one.

I can't get to spoilery because I don't want to ruin it for anyone else. I seriously hope that you pick up a copy to read today because you are seriously missing out if you don't grab your copy today.

Now....as for my earlier statement about Jenn...

I had the distinct pleasure of actually meeting Jenn face to face last year before my life when completely crazy. She has not only become one of my favorite people but one of my dearest friends. She has a zest for life that I can only dream of having and more talent for writing in her little finger than I do with my whole body. I treasure her friendship very much and am so very damn proud of her for how far she has come in the author world. I look forward to seeing her again in the future and I enjoy being along for the ride on her way up to #1. <3

I'm only going to say one more thing and that is, if you've read Shark Bait and The Other Fish In The Sea, wait til the next installment comes out. It will blow your socks off. Completely. I'm not lying when I say that Jenn has talent with story telling. She truly is talented. But every book she writes will be completely worth the wait and then some.

If you want to see my review of Shark Bait plus the interview I did with her, click HERE. It's at my old blog site and it contains some pictures of the highschool that Camie and the gang go to. Just remember....that giveaway is no longer happening. LOL

Review: And With Madness Comes The Light by Karina Halle

Review: And With Madness Comes The Light by Karina Halle

Goodreads Description:

The Man. The Mystery. The Madness. Dex Foray has never been anyone’s fool – until he missed his chance for happiness with Perry Palomino. Broken and alone, Dex has no choice but to rise from the ashes Perry left behind and find his own path to redemption. But nothing in Dex’s life has ever come easily, especially when there’s a dark madness waiting in the wings.Told from Dex’s POV, And With Madness Comes the Light is short story/novella that spans the time period from the end of Lying Season (Book #4) until the end of On Demon Wings (Book #5). If you were ever wondering what really happened to Dex while Perry was gone - his journey to Dex 2.0 - now is your chance.

What did I think? Well, it really is no secret that I am a huge fan of the fabulous Karina Halle and her EIT Series. I can never get enough of Dex and Perry. Ever. The books are all told from Perry's POV except for a novella here and there. Don't get me wrong, I adore Perry but sometimes it's awesome to get a peek into someone else's mind throughout this series. It makes it even better when you get a peek into Dex Foray's mind. If you haven't read this series yet, I suggest you do because Dex is anything but your normal character from a book. He's flawed, damaged, and almost perfect. This book is the second novella that is told completely form Dex's POV and I loved it. Hardcore. I always wanted to know what makes Dex tick and this is just a glimpse into how Dex's brain functions. Only a glimpse mind you.  This book shows just how much damage Perry left in her wake after Lying Season. And if you were like me when I read that book, I almost chucked my kindle across the floor. LOL Seriously. My first reaction after reading that book and getting to the end was something along the lines of "Are you serious?! What an asshat!!"  With having this look into what Dex went through the time when Perry was gone, it gives you a new perspective and makes you really empathize with him. I felt his pain and it was hard to watch him spiral down. But it was so great to see him pick himself up and become the 2.0 version he is now.  Even though this was a novella and not a full novel, it still leaves an impression and I can't wait to read more. Halle always makes her readers wanting more which is one of the many reasons why she's such a favorite author of mine. I reiterate, if you haven't read the EIT series, I highly suggest you do so. They aren't the normal books you've read but they are going to be some of the best. :-)

Review: Sins & Needles by Karina Halle

Review: Sins & Needles by Karina Halle

Goodreads Description:

Ellie Watt is used to starting over. The daughter of a grifting team, Ellie spent her childhood being used as a pawn in her parents' latest scam. Now she’s much older, wiser and ready to give her con artist life a rest. But returning to the dry desert town of Palm Valley, California means one more temptation than she bargained for – Camden McQueen. Once known as the high school weirdo, Camden is bigger and badder than the boy he used to be and a talented tattoo artist with his own thriving business. Ellie’s counting on Camden still being in love with her but what she’s not counting on is how easily unrequited love can turn into obsession over time. When Camden discovers Ellie’s plan to con him, he makes her a deal she doesn’t dare refuse, but her freedom comes with a price and it’s one that takes both Ellie and Camden down a dangerous road.

**The Artists Trilogy is a dark and sexy contemporary ride about three flawed individuals caught in a world where it's so easy to justify the bad things we do. This is a pure adult read (Not YA or NA)

This is the 1st book in the trilogy. It is followed by the novella On Every Street (released in March 2013) and the sequel Shooting Scars (released in May 2013). The third and final book in the series will also be released in 2013.***

What did I think?

Well I fell in love with Halle's writing when I first read Darkhouse. She hasn't let me down since. I am totally addicted to her Experiment In Terror series and amd such a hardcore fan, I knew this one would kick my ass.

It totally kicked my ass lol. This is a completely different world that Halle takes you to. I loved every second of it. This book is really non stop and had my heart racing so many times it was like I was there. Karina Halle has the innate ability to captivate and entrance with her world building and her fabulous writing. She always creates these fantastic worlds with these memorable characters that you love even though they truly are damaged goods. 

I always love Halle's characters because they are so damaged. I love the damage and the darkness because....really....don't we all have a little bit of that in all of us? That's what makes here characters so memorable and all of them are my favorites. 

I'll start off with Ellie. Ellie is very complex and pretty hardcore. I've never read a character that has such baggage with her. Even though she had all that baggage and extra darkness with her, you still feel for her. Yes, she is a bad girl but for the most part she has best interest at heart. Kind of ;-)

Camden....Oh sweet Jesus Camden... What can I say here that can do him justice? I have no idea really. He is one of those epic characters that just....stick with you. Camden is also pretty messed up. I loved him because of it. But he's also a pretty big bad ass. But damn if he doesn't say the sweetest things. Tall, dark, sexy and effed up. Such a fantastical combination! 

Now for the story....holy crap what a wild ride! The party just does. not. stop. I had such a hard time putting this down. Seriously. Every page I turned, I just wanted to keep going and not stop. This story is so unlike anything  I've ever read. It's gritty, dark, sexy and so beautiful all in one. There really aren't enough words to express how much I truly adored this book. It has gone down as one of my all-time favorites. I cannot wait to read the next in the series. 

I don't want to give too much away but let me just say that if you are looking for an action-packed, suspenseful, sexy book, then pick this up. I will warn you though, Karina has been known to leave with a cliffhanger ;-)

Favorite Quote/Scene:

Camden continued looking at her with fervent intesity. It started to make her a little bit uncomforatble and she wiped her hands on her jeans. "You've never shown me your scars." The girl swallowed hard. "And I'm not about to." "Can it be so bad?" he whispered. "How can someone as pretty as you have anything that would make her less?"

I'm telling you....pick this up NOW!!   AMAZON|BARNES & NOBLE