Book Review: Wild Cards (Simone Elkeles)

After getting kicked out of boarding school, bad boy Derek Fitzpatrick has no choice but to live with his ditzy stepmother while his military dad is deployed. Things quickly go from bad to worse when he finds out she plans to move them back to her childhood home in Illinois. Derek’s counting the days before he can be on his own, and the last thing he needs is to get involved with someone else’s family drama.

Ashtyn Parker knows one thing for certain--people you care about leave without a backward glance. A football scholarship would finally give her the chance to leave. So she pours everything into winning a state championship, until her boyfriend and star quarterback betrays them all by joining their rival team. Ashtyn needs a new game plan, but it requires trusting Derek—someone she barely knows, someone born to break the rules. Is she willing to put her heart on the line to try and win it all?

So, for someone who loves Simone Elkeles' books, I must say that I was not so much as impressed as I am deeply disappointed. I expected Wild Cards to be truly original - and at some level, it was - but I found it a replica of Elkeles' previous book: Perfect Chemistry.

The similarity of the two books nearly drove me insane as I ended up getting my guesses nearly all right and though I hate to say that Wild Card was, quite simply, predictable. It followed the same love-hate layout that Simone Elkeles is known for executing very well. However, predictable as it was, this book did not fail in making me giggle with its cuteness.

Derek and Ashtyn had a weird relationship, and part of me was freaked out by it. See, Derek's father married Ashtyn's sister and somehow, even though it complicated things a bit, it appeared as though a link was present between the two characters, even if they did not know each other. One thing I have to say, I found it hard not remain angry at Ashtyn's father. Ashtyn, a kicker in their football team, is not supported by her dad, and usually it is them who push their sons to the limit when it comes to sports. Is it just because Ashtyn is a girl therefore her own father can be unsupportive of her love for football and lead the my-life-is-a-mess-so-leave-me-alone life?

Well what else can I say? Their first meeting immediately captured me. I loved it! It is definitely something to look out for and I am warning you now - it is funny and very very cute. Derek seems tough and bad-ass in some ways, ended up being expelled from his school because of the practical jokes he played. But I can't forget to mention how HOT Derek is. Even as I read the book, I couldn't stop thinking how easily I could fall for a book characters, so long as they were similar to Derek.

Ashtyn contrasts most female protagonists in the YA genre. Somehow I find that many girls appear as fragile, so the fact that Ashtyn was played football and seemed like a heroin, I was satisfied.

Wild Cards, was entertaining, very much so with its cuteness and its characters who were just plain adorable. It was an enjoyable and I have treasured reading it. The similarity between Wild Cards and Perfect Chemistry is quite obvious and is a total let-down, yet this book itself deserves credit for being well-written and unique.

Three Stars!

Book Review: The Naturals (Jennifer Lynn Barnes)

Seventeen-year-old Cassie is a natural at reading people. Piecing together the tiniest details, she can tell you who you are and what you want. But it’s not a skill that she’s ever taken seriously. That is, until the FBI come knocking: they’ve begun a classified program that uses exceptional teenagers to crack infamous cold cases, and they need Cassie.

What Cassie doesn’t realise is that there’s more at risk than a few unsolved homicides— especially when she’s sent to live with a group of teens whose gifts are as unusual as her own.

Sarcastic, privileged Michael has a knack for reading emotions, which he uses to get inside Cassie’s head—and under her skin. Brooding Dean shares Cassie’s gift for profiling, but keeps her at arm’s length.

Soon, it becomes clear that no one in the Naturals program is what they seem. And when a new killer strikes, danger looms closer than Cassie could ever have imagined. Caught in a lethal game of cat and mouse with a killer, the Naturals are going to have to use all of their gifts just to survive.

I've read a few books by Jennifer Lynn Barnes before and most were pretty good, so for me, it didn't come as a surprise that I quite liked this one too. When I got hold of this book, my excitement could not - no matter how hard I tried - be contained; I simply wanted to be drawn in the world of the FBI and the Naturals. And I did.

Cassandra Hobbes - Cassie - is a Natural Profiler, able to distinguish what type of person you are with just one glance, kind of like a super power. I liked Cassie. She has kept a strong personality through most of the book and proved herself worthy to the rest of the team. At times, she played heroine and it suited her brave personality well. Her only weakness was the two guys at the base, Dean and Michael and it mostly irritated me - no matter how cute they were (and believe me, they were adorable) . So no matter how strong or brave Cassie can be, her shield falls apart whenever those two are around.

What I found creepy yet interesting was the serial killer's monologue, appearing every now and then before each chapter. Disturbing as it may sound, I quite like it. It was thrilling and a body is usually discovered a few page turns later. Jennifer Lynn Barnes provided the readers a detailed description of serial killers and their psychological state. I found it truly fascinating.

However, as much as I tried, there was something that I just something in the book I couldn't connect with. Whether it was the psychological thriller mixing with YA romance that didn't seem to fit or the way that only the second part of the book that was getting all the mystery in. Or maybe it's something else entirely. Whatever it is, it did not let me connect to the book as fully as I hoped it would.

This book had me asking questions all the way. I remained clueless as to who the serial killer was until the very end. The twist was just as awesome. So for those crime-teen novel fans out there: this book might be for you; there is enough dose of romance and mystery in The Naturals to get lost in.

Three Stars.

*Thank you to Quercus for sending us this cool review copy!

Book Review: Poison Heart (S.B. Hayes)

the moment Katy sees Genevieve's beautiful face staring at her from a window, her life will never be the same. Wherever Katy turns, Genevieve is there - at school, with Katy's friends, and worst of all, in Katy's hot new boyfriend's life.

But Genevieve has a menacing side, a dangerous side, a threatening side that she only reveals to Katy: I'm your worst nightmare.

When Genevieve's behaviour becomes increasingly twisted, Katy delves into the girl's past, with the help of her best friend Luke. Nothing prepares her for the dark truths that she discovers, or the new romance she finds along the way. Is Genevieve a troubled girl with a difficult childhood? Or is the truth unearthly and much more frightening?

Who is the real Genevieve?

What are her secrets?

Why is she determined to destroy Katy's life?

I had high expectations of this book. Not only was the cover truly captivating, but it also seemed that the story line was one that I would definitely like. Poison Heart was full of mysteries with a dose of thrill. I must say that although I have enjoyed majority of the book, it did not deliver what I though was its full potential.

Poison Heart immediately drew me in from the very beginning. The curiosity inside me definitely won as I ended up wanting to know more and more about the mysterious plot. S.B Hayes did well in providing this book plenty of deceit, lies and a heavy dose of mysteries and of course, evil.

I didn't feel, however, connected to the character at all. Katy turned out to be a very sneaky character and most of the lies and deceit came from her; she wasn't at all a character I admired. The book follows her life after the sudden appearance of Genevieve. Katy ended up being a total stalker and was very intent on finding out about Genevieve - this, I found incredibly creepy and dare I say, put me off a bit. Katy made promises she couldn't really keep, so she wasn't exactly a trustworthy character- far from it actually. The term "curiosity killed the cat" would be the closest to describe Katy as her overwhelming curious - not to mention judgmental - personality.

The character to look out for? Luke. So unexpectedly adorable and funny, you will most probably love him. I found him totally cute (I'm starting to sound like a fan girl!). He's character is different from Merlin who I found was too deep with his emotions. But the love triangle itself was truly amusing and quite cute.

Poison Heart definitely made me want to read it, right from the very start. I had high expectations, it had a good plot after all, but unfortunately it wasn't that amazing. I didn't exactly like Katy, she had a clouded judgement and I didn't admire her personality. It still had a solid plot and a generous dose of romance.

Three Stars

Book Review: Shooting Stars (Allison Rushby)

Meet Josephine Foster, or Zo Jo as she’s called in the biz. The best pint-sized photographer of them all, Jo doesn’t mind doing what it takes to get that perfect shot, until she’s sent on an undercover assignment to shoot Ned Hartnett—teen superstar and the only celebrity who’s ever been kind to her—at an exclusive rehabilitation retreat in Boston. The money will be enough to pay for Jo’s dream: real photography classes, and maybe even quitting her paparazzi gig for good. Everyone wants to know what Ned’s in for. But Jo certainly doesn’t know what she’s in for: falling in love with Ned was never supposed to be part of her assignment.

Shooting stars gave me an insight as to what the photography industry is like. It was a cute and interesting read with an unexpected twist - not one that I expected at all. At first, I saw not so keen in reading it, but curiosity got the better of me and thank god it did!

Jo, the main character is a paparazza with an advantage and the book goes on about the mission she is sent to do. I found 'Zo Jo' - as she is known in the business - a talkative character that goes on and on about a particular subject. And while it was perfectly fine in the beginning, soon, it became almost unbearable, but mind you, it did turn down a bit and it was her constant need to blabber on and on that made it possible for me to relate to her (I myself am quite chatty in person). Jo seems to be an independent character certainly capable of taking care of herself - with all the years of being a paparazza, that is. However, she seems so unsure about herself and what she wants to do that it made her seem weak as well as how she seemed so motivated by money and how she 'needs' it to pay for her photography class. One of the characters I really looked forward to come across in the book was Seth. Rude and nosy, I particularly liked him without knowing why, but I do have a feeling that it may be his funny character.

The plot twist is one I definitely loved! Sure, hints we dropped throughout the book and I may have thought it possible but it was still quite good. But there were some parts in the book where I found it was quite weak.

Shooting Stars might not have drawn me in at the beginning, but it certainly made up for it in the end. It wasn't at all 'fluffy' but instead was funny with a hint of cuteness. It is definitely an eye opener for the world of paparazzi and the stars. (If that is how it is?)

Three Stars

Book Review: Popular (Gareth Russell)

'AND HOW ARE WE?'

'BETTER.'

'THAN?'

'EVERYONE.'

MEREDITH HARPER is rich, popular, manipulative and almost unnaturally beautiful. At the age of sixteen, she's already a social legend.

IMOGEN DAWSON, beautiful and sexy-chic, she's Meredith's best friend and a total bombshell. And doesn't she just know it. Then there's . . .

KERRY DAVISON, daddy's little princess with a passion for pink and a penchant for Fabulous Induced Breakdowns. Now meet

CAMERON MATTHEWS, six-feet tall, blue-eyed and the most popular guy in school.

Together they're unfathomably gorgeous and like, totally beau. But under the glamorous surface of parties and spa-days is a wealth of comforting lies and convenient silences, bitching, break-ups and scandal. Let the games begin . . .

Popular by Gareth Russell was a very fun read. It was hilarious and exciting, which you could probably guess by the blurb, and it is such a girly-girl book, as you can totally tell by by the cover! It really was funny and full of typical high school socialites. It's like gossip girl and mean girls and ... you know, those girls!

The characters were funny and beautiful popular high school socialites. The life the characters live is an almost perfect one, although behind those parties and glamour were a pile of lies and scandals. This book is mostly based on high school life. They all have their own personalities and they are very (as you may have already known) rich, rich, rich. Made me envy them, but made me see how easily money can get into someone's head also.

I liked the plot and it showed high school life. It sounded like a typical high school I expect, too. Parties, secrets, break-ups. As it turns out, the life of the unmistakably gorgeous socialites aren't perfect at all. It's always good to appreciate the little things in life!

What I didn't really like was how some characters were without common sense sometimes. It happens in real life I know, but I felt like the book exaggerated and it became annoying. Maybe it's just the socialites in the characters that make them annoying, but I wish I liked them better.

I would recommend this book to readers who like the drama and flair of high school life and Gossip Girl. Popular is the perfect read for those of you wanting to read a very fun and glamorous book.

Three Stars.

* Thanks to Razorbill for my review copy!

Book Review: Jenna and Jonah's Fauxmance (Emily Franklin & Brendan Halpin)

Fans of romance don't need to look any further than the fauxmance brewing between teen idols Charlie Tracker and Fielding Withers—known on their hit TV show as Jenna and Jonah, next-door neighbors flush with the excitement of first love. But it's their off-screen relationship that has helped cement their fame, as passionate fans follow their every PDA. They grace the covers of magazines week after week. Their fan club has chapters all over the country. The only problem is their off-screen romance is one big publicity stunt, and Charlie and Fielding can't stand to be in the same room. Still, it's a great gig, so even when the cameras stop rolling, the show must go on, and on, and on. . . . Until the pesky paparazzi blow their cover, and Charlie and Fielding must disappear to weather the media storm. It's not until they're far off the grid of the Hollywood circuit that they realize that there's more to each of them than shiny hair and a winning smile.

This book looks so cute I had to bypass several others just so I can read it. It lives out to this cuteness until about halfway through, and then I thought - hmm, I could have survived not reading it as quickly as I did.

Told in the alternate points of views of Charlie Tracker (Jenna) and Fielding Withers (Jonah), J&J's Fauxmance introduces the readers into the world of teenage showbiz. Both their narrations feels like an insider take on one of the major influences in modern teenage culture - and what they paint is not a pretty picture. More than romance, I think this book shows how Jenna reverts back to Charlie and Jonah to Fielding. Because their lives are so intertwined with their on-screen characters, they had to find themselves first before they can find each other.

I'm surprised to have been reminded a lot about how gullible the public is when it comes to the rubbish the media decides to throw in their face. Really, it's the farthest reaction I expected! Nevertheless, the book maintains its cuteness, although I'm also surprised that at some points the narrative seems to settle a little for the older adults. I adore both Charlie and Fielding's voices - they are superbly accurate. Fielding's thoughts, emotions and reactions are of a typical male's, while I can vouch that Charlie's are characteristically female. It was wonderful to see how these two blend together in shedding Jenna and Jonah and resurface as Charlie and Fielding. All those talks about Jenna and Jonah had me wanting to read more of their tv series - I would have easily been a fan of that also!

Three Stars.

* Thank you Bloomsbury for my review copy.

Book Review: Withering Tights (Louise Rennison)

The misadventures of Tallulah Casey… Hilarious new series from Queen of Teen – laugh your tights off at the (VERY) amateur dramatic antics of Talullah and her bonkers mates. Boys, snogging and bad acting guaranteed!

Picture the scene: Dother Hall performing arts college somewhere Up North, surrounded by rolling dales, bearded cheesemaking villagers (male and female) and wildlife of the squirrely-type.

On the whole, it’s not quite the showbiz experience Tallulah was expecting… but once her mates turn up and they start their ‘FAME! I’m gonna liiiiive foreeeeeever, I’m gonna fill my tiiiiights’ summer course things are bound to perk up.

Especially when the boys arrive. (When DO the boys arrive?)

Six weeks of parent-free freedom.

BOY freedom.

Freedom of expression…

cos it’s the THEATRE dahling, theatre!!

Oh dear God this book is insane. It could have easily killed me with its hilarity, and to be entirely honest it might just be the most hilarious, most ridiculous book I've ever read. I wish I read this when I was younger - I'd have loved it! Or well...it could have easily killed me then. It's just too funny!

Tallulah Casey is seriously insane. In a good way. She is a character so full of life it's hard to not be uplifted whenever I open the pages and read about her adventures ... or I beg your pardon, misadventures. Her voice is genuine, and really a lot like a young teen. You can sense her naivety and insecurity, and it is easy to relive your very own interesting teenage experiences with her. Or compare it with hers, and with it comes the nostalgia. I think that's one of the best things about Withering Tights - as an adult, it not only filled with the the exuberance of a teenage spirit, but also made me reminisce the many misadventures of my own teenage life!

With a cast of equally vibrant characters with Tallulah, Withering Tights blossoms to a book with a life on its own. It's easy to get into the flow of the plot; apart from Tallulah's easy narration, one can expect hilarity at every other page, indignation in between, and a lot of fun mishaps sprinkled throughout.

A little caution on the narrative's tendency to exaggerate, though. Although admittedly, it is so very hilarious, at times it's bordering on stupidity rather than naivety - it's primarily what I disliked about the book, really. I felt that Tallulah as a character with brains was somehow sacrificed just so the humour could continue. My thoughts then, at those points were dominated by - 'surely no teen could be that stupid!' But there you go.

Having said that, I'm sure Withering Tights will be a hit for kids and kids at heart alike. It's hard not to like such a vibrant, hilarious book!

Three Stars.

* Thank you HarperCollins for my review copy.

Book Review: Calling Romeo (Alexandra Potter)

Juliet can't help wishing she had more romance in her life. She loves her boyfriend Will, but after living together for two and a half years, she's come to realise that thirtysomething monogamy isn't all it's cracked up to be. Will used to whisk her off to candlelit restaurants. Now his idea of a perfect evening is a video and vindaloo. He used to leave post-it notes saying 'I love you' on the bathroom mirror. Now the only things she finds are his dirty socks on the bathroom floor. So, when Juliet meets a sexy, dark-eyed Adonis from a rival London advertising agency she is sorely tempted. And when he invites her away for an illicit, no-expense-spared weekend in Verona it's almost impossible to resist. Her very own Romeo.

But does she want to risk losing Will and all they have shared together? Juliet must work out what's really important in life and whether romance really is all about sexy lingerie and red roses.

I'm not certain why I somehow still read books about someone infidelity when I know that all it ends up doing is making me feel terribly agonised. It irks me to no end, but perhaps I keep looking for a book that gives an insight to both sides of the party. Well, Calling Romeo fits well, but it isn't the best read, I don't think.

I'm very torn about my response to this book. On the one hand, the trickling pace of the plot bored me. Too much narrative! I was tempted to skip through and just get to the ending. I disliked the ending; hated the message it could have easily given to the reader. On the other hand, I appreciated Juliet's hesitations because that is how it is. Unless one is unfeeling or morally apathetic, you would hesitate and reconsider to the nth degree your decision to begin an affair. I thought Juliet's thoughts and indecision - her consultations to friends even - were an accurate portrayal of that dilemma. But I'm not saying she justifies it - adultery for me is never justified, whatever the circumstance. Juliet does however, show that she isn't indifferent and has genuine reasons for her affair with Sykes. Admittedly, I believe part - a very small part - of the blame lies on Will, but as Juliet realises love is not always the happy side of the coin.

Calling Romeo is underscored by many subplots, and one can view the events from different points of view. And so when everything unravels, there is much, too much pain swivelling around the characters. I'm not exactly happy how Will handled Juliet's unfaithfulness, and how towards the end Juliet for me didn't feel as apologetic as she should be. Oh yes, there were many tears and pain but I didn't feel she was ultimately entitled to be angry at Will after her unfaithfulness, because whatever Will did or did not do, cheating surpasses that. I tell myself this though: she isn't me. She's a flawed character, and in that she is entitled to feel what she does. I don't think they resolved anything by the ending, and it was very vague, but there you go.

The plot is cliche. The characters are naive, sometimes foolish, sometimes selfish. It can be dragging. But ultimately, Calling Romeo is a book that builds on its imperfections. It made shed tears, it made me angry, it made me want to lash out at the ending, but at the end of it all it's a story of two people that isn't me. Therefore while I don't think it's the best book, plot or ending for me, it might just be for them.

Three Stars.

Book Review: The Countess (Lynsay Sands)

The fairy tale courtship did not turn into a happily ever after…

Not until her husband dropped dead, that is. He had been horrible enough to Christiana during their short marriage, and she was not going to allow the traditional period of mourning to ruin her sisters’ debuts as well. So Christiana decides to put him on ice and go on as if nothing’s happened…

Until the real earl appears. Richard Fairgrave had every intention of confronting his villainous twin who robbed him of his name and title…only to discover that he’d died. Quietly assuming his identity, Richard must now deal with a maddening desire for his ravishing inherited “wife”—certainly a gold digger and possibly a murderess. And Christiana must deal with an unwanted new “husband”…and they both must figure out what to do before the ice melts!

I must admit - from what I've read of Lyndsay Sands' historical romance, I didn't expect a lot from The Countess. I was primarily drawn to the premise of its blurb (as I always am with Lyndsay Sand's novels) and, although this is certainly one of the better ones in her book list, it's not necessarily one of the good ones I've read.

Christiana is a lovely character. Oppressed by her husband Richard or "Dicky", the Earl of Fairgrave, she has lost all confidence in herself. What she did not know - is that her husband is actually George Fairgrave, twin of the real Earl of Fairgrave! When Dicky drops dead however, it seems like a blessing - until the real Richard appears at a ball. Victimised by his own twin's greed, Richard returns to claim his right, but finds instead a wife who he cannot control his lust for. With a great cast of supporting characters, there is an abundance of hilarity and affection in this novel. Christiana's lack of self-confidence takes centre-stage in the plot, as is Richard's need to trust his new-found partner.

Often times I wish for more than just a romantic plot in Lyndsay Sand books, but this one did have a murder-mystery to spice up the plot, but lacks the most fundamental element of a romance novel - the romance per se! There was a heavy focus on the murder-mystery and although the romance has its foundation on Christina and Richard getting to know each other, I was surprised at its speed. I also did not prefer the way their romance was heavily based on lust - although I suppose some might say that cannot be helped. And speaking of, The Countess is actually a really sexy novel (as compared to the rest of her historical romances) and I think this new series is definitely going to be sexier! I must admit, despite me not liking the romance angle between Christiana and Richard very much - their chemistry is superb together.

In the end, I was not wholly satisfied by how the murder-mystery turned out - but, if you're looking for a historical rom-com slash mystery to entertain, this will do its part.

Three Stars.

* E-book copy courtesy of Net galley.

Firelight (Sophie Jordan) Blog Tour: Review + Giveaway!

A hidden truth.

Mortal enemies.

Doomed love.

Marked as special at an early age, Jacinda knows her every move is watched. But she longs for freedom to make her own choices. When she breaks the most sacred tenet among her kind, she nearly pays with her life. Until a beautiful stranger saves her. A stranger who was sent to hunt those like her. For Jacinda is a draki—a descendant of dragons whose greatest defense is her secret ability to shift into human form.

Forced to flee into the mortal world with her family, Jacinda struggles to adapt to her new surroundings. The only bright light is Will. Gorgeous, elusive Will who stirs her inner draki to life. Although she is irresistibly drawn to him, Jacinda knows Will's dark secret: He and his family are hunters. She should avoid him at all costs. But her inner draki is slowly slipping away—if it dies she will be left as a human forever. She'll do anything to prevent that. Even if it means getting closer to her most dangerous enemy.

Mythical powers and breathtaking romance ignite in this story of a girl who defies all expectations and whose love crosses an ancient divide.

Out of the few dragon-themed novels that I have come across to read, none of them were connected to so much romance as Firelight did. Most of the time, dragons in fiction tend to be much associated with adventures, thrills of battle, and power - the romance in Firelight is testament to its originality, as this book certainly takes you on a wholly different ride!

Albeit already special - being a shape-shifting dragon and all - Jacinda's fire-breathing abilities puts her on a pedestal. With the suffocating protectiveness of her pack, her mother's desire for her to kill her other self and her sister's envy of her abilities, Jacinda is sooon forced to a life faraway from the comforts of her home. Most of Jacinda's narration is consequently filled with the heaviness and the bitterness of this fate - I was angered and saddened along with Jacinda. Fortunately, she was not depressing, but one finds oneself symphatetic to her plight. Jacinda voices and delivers her emotions readily, and it is easy for the readers to understand why she resents being where she was. Her loyalty is to her dragon - her other self - and to give this up and unthinkable.

With Will, Jacinda finds her dying dragon revived. This was her primary reason to constantly justify her emotional and physical responses to Will. Unlike her sister (who has been shunned by her fellow drakis as she cannot transform), Jacinda does not belong in the human world. Only Will ties her to it, and the theme of forbidden love is one of the central plots. Will and Jacinda's romance is seductive, sexy and a sure joy to read. Despite knowing that what they essentially have is veiled with deceit, dangerous and ultimately forbidden, it is as easy to ignore that as Jacinda does when they are together. However - what I cannot wait for is to see how a third party, Cassian - Jacinda's intended fiancee and the next leader of the drakis - plays in the succeeding books - because as much as I adore Will with Jacinda, I am definitely rooting for darkly seductive Cassian!

There were however, disappointments in Firelight. Minor - but they affected my reading experience quite a bit. Firstly I wanted the plot to move at a quicker pace than it did, as at some points the narrative felt very repetitive. There was also what I felt was a lack of subplots, which would have made reading the book so much better - I felt like I was looking for more while reading.

Having said that, the ending, though neat, hardly gives readers peace. You will be longing to see what happens next once you turn that last page!

Three Stars.

GIVEAWAY!

One lucky UK resident will win a fresh, beautiful new copy or Sophie Jordan's Firelight!

Ends 10th March.

Don't forget to check out tomorrow's stop for a guest post from Sophie! Chek out Lynsey and Vicki's blog at:  http://yafiction-heavenhellandpurgatory.blogspot.com/

Book Review: Shade (Jerry Smith-Ready)

Love ties them together. Death can't tear them apart.

Best. Birthday. Ever. At least, it was supposed to be. With Logan's band playing a critical gig and Aura's plans for an intimate after-party, Aura knows it will be the most memorable night of her boyfriend's life. She never thought it would be his last.

Logan's sudden death leaves Aura devastated. He's gone.

Well, sort of.

Like everyone born after the Shift, Aura can see and hear ghosts. This mysterious ability has always been annoying, and Aura had wanted nothing more than to figure out why the Shift happened so she can undo it. But not with Logan's violet-hued spirit still hanging around. Because dead Logan is almost as real as ever. Almost.

It doesn't help that Aura's new friend Zachary is so understanding—and so very alive. His support means more to Aura than she cares to admit.

As Aura's relationships with the dead and the living grow ever complicated, so do her feelings for Logan and Zachary. Each holds a piece of Aura's heart...and clues to the secret of the Shift.

Shade has been sitting on my to-be-read pile for months (Lyndsey @ Heaven, Hell and Purgatory Reviews very kindly lent me her copy), the reason being that I was not entirely certain of whether or not it will be the kind of book I fancy reading. Turns out my gut feeling was right, because I did not seem to like it as much as others told me I would.

Shade is an interesting enough read. The concept of every sixteen year old and under able to see and communicate with ghosts, while the rest of the world remains blind is intriguing to say the least. Surprisingly, the plot surrounds and explores this phenomenon through the heroine's efforts in unravelling what really happened. Shade is packed with mystery and although it ended abruptly and answered too few a question for my liking, it kept me well interested throughout. The plot I think can do with more tension, but I suppose

The characters are not easily discernible. I had a difficult time understanding the heroine, Aura, and her mixed emotions. Her narrative does not come across as strong as it should be and her words lacked impact. I expected a lot of emotions in her words considering Logan's death, but for some reason I was not entirely satisfied. To top it off, there are certain changes that occurs to Aura in the book that is not well-backed and well transitioned. I was surprised to find her decisions so suddenly shifting her path to the left when all along she was indicating a right-ward veer. The boys however, are a delight. Logan - dead, notwithstanding - is an active, romantic character, so full of life and so vibrant he comes across as friendly to the reader as he is described the book. Zachary, on the other hand, is mysterious, protective, encouraging. Romance-wise, he is the perfect 'other guy'. There are a few secondary characters that seem to play more than just a background role, but the ending is a little abrupt, so I'm not really sure. It didn't feel...complete.

I found the book focusing mostly on two things: the mystery about the Shift and the romance of course. I must admit I was left confused and frustrated about how the book explains the Shift - let's sum it up to this: Shade is definitely a series book, because there is much left of the mystery for the next book to answer. I'll bet my last penny there will be a surprising explanation at hand as the book seemed to be geared towards this. So it might just be all down to waiting for the next book.

The romance in Shade begins well, but loses its touch when Logan dies and Zachary enters the scene. Despite the chemistry between the latter and Aura, her reactions to him seem to upset what was already seen in previous pages - her love and devotion to Logan. It does however, end on a surprising note, which caught me off guard! I was not expecting it at all. Good call, that.

Three stars.

Book Review + Giveaway: Dividing Dark (Melissa Swaim)

How is a 16-year-old girl with an eating disorder supposed to reconcile the ancient wounds between the Annunaki, the Reptilian Watchers, and the human race? After Flannery “Fee” Birch loses her father in Afghanistan, she ends up in the alien land of Alabama, where she learns the art of spelunking (caving) in order to make friends. To make matters worse, Fee is afraid of caves, heights, and just about everything else…until she meets Faron Rothschild, an outcast from either world, though an emissary for both. Faron’s mixed blood kind took up the role of protecting humans, whom the Anunnaki abandoned and later warred with, while also keeping the Anunnaki secret from the world who forgot them. Not an easy task for a shape shifter who can switch between both sets of his DNA, human and Reptilian. This is a secret that must be maintained at all cost, and Fee, who once tried to disappear from life, pound by pound, must not only rectify her own life, but demand truce between light and darkness.

Dividing Dark is one of those novels that manages to maintain its originality despite falling firmly within the paranormal romance genre. Indeed, even if it surrounds itself with shape shifting, human versus non-humans conflict, it is original in its setting and a few aspects of its plot. While I feel that Dividing Dark is not extraordinary, it has its own merits.

For instance, it has a darn good prologue. The tension, action combined with the deliberate missing information is what makes an interesting prologue, and Dividing Dark has that. I immediately jumped into reading the wholeheartedly, and was anxious to know how everything fits. The backdrop of caves, cliffs, raging rivers and underground tunnels is well described, enough for claustrophobics and altophobics readers to be weary of. It was such a thrill reading about the whole lot.

The characters Fee and Faron are not complex, but are also not exactly easy to read. They are not personified neatly and there are still loose threads that I thought could be tied up better. There is a lack of development in other characters, although I found them easy, sometimes even fun to read and get along with. They also create several loose subplots and are generally good foils to the main characters. These characters are not only interesting but also has realistic relationships which I felt was explored well. In particular, despite their romance being fast and instantaneaous, Fee and Faron have great chemistry together. Their connection is more emotional that physical and that is a breath of fresh air from the many young adult novels I have read.

There are several flaws which undermined the premise of Diving Dark. There were several subplots started that were not thoroughly explored, which can potentially be good for a sequel, but I am not sure if there will be one. It made the book feel incomplete somehow and confusing at times too. The descriptions in this novel is adequate, but I would have liked more elaboration on history and events that mattered in the plot, of characters and visuals. The narrative is at times confusing as there is no smooth transition between scenes and at some points I felt I was completely lost as how the scope of the plot ended up so far away from where it was three pages before.

Regardless, I read this in one sitting and would gladly welcome a sequel.

Three Stars.

It's giveaway time - 

Thanks to Melissa, we're giving away an e-copy of Dividing Dark!

Rules.

• Open internationally.
• You do not have to be a follower to enter.
• Deadline for entries will be on 15th November, 12MN GMT.
• Winners will be drawn through random.org
• Winners will be contacted via e-mail, and will be given 48 hours to response. Otherwise, a new winner will be drawn.
• Any details will be deleted after use and will not be passed on to any third party.

* E-book copy received for review from the author. Thanks Melissa!

Book Review: Spy Glass (Maria V. Snyder)

An undercover mission leads to danger, adventure and an impossible choice...

After siphoning her own blood magic in the showdown at Hubal, Opal Cowan has lost her powers. She can no longer create glass magic. More, she's immune to the effects of magic. Opal is an outsider looking in, spying through the glass on those with the powers she once had, powers that make a difference in the world.

Suddenly, the beautiful pieces she makes flash in the presence of magic. And then she discovers that someone has stolen some of her blood - and that finding it might let her regain her powers. Or know it could be they are lost forever...

Firstly please note that I am reviewing Spy Glass as a stand alone novel and not as part of a series. Spy Glass is the third and final book of Maria V. Snyder's Glass Trilogy.

Having said that, I thought Spy Glass is more about adventure than suspense. Granted, it's one very dangerous adventure, but there was not as much suspense as I would have expected. Again, my lack of knowledge about previous books played a big role in what I think is my failure to grasp the importance of the turn of events. The plot was easy enough to follow - really, the plot is solid for a stand alone novel, but there is a lot of references that felt like they have implied meaning and relevance, as well as actions, words and phrases that appears to mean more that what I understood. Most of the characters were very easy to read about - however, there are a few characters who I felt weighed more than two sentences' worth of introduction. There was not much depth in as these characters have been written about in the previous books. For those reasons, I felt that my reading experience was not complete.

Opal is a spirited character - she's independent, smart, sometimes rash, but brave. I'm not very fond of her, and she's not very likeable. I disliked many of her decisions, especially those that pertain to her safety and those which has to do with love. With a mind of her own, she often has the tendency to overestimate or underestimate, but never right. She's fiery to a fault, and I dislike the way she seems selfish in that she forgets the people around her, but I grant that she's her own character.

I am big on commitment and loyalty, and as much as I love romance, I was heavily disappointed in Opal's actions in Spy Glass. I might be getting her wrong, but there commitment is commitment and in a relationship, it is very fundamental. I'm in no position to comment as to who she ends up with, as I don't feel like I know their characters in depth, but I do know that whether the man in question is right for you or not, I think it is basic courtesy to end the relationship before diving into another one. She got that one incredibly wrong, and I did not feel like she had the chance to feel remorseful. Of course, she's entitled to make mistakes, but it rattled me, I suppose.

Spy Glass has a strong mythology, only one I cannot relate to. I personally think the book works as a stand alone novel. However, even I can appreciate the beauty of its fantasy world and the strength of its plot. I'm not certain if those who have been following this series will find it an excellent novel as I have no frame of reference of the previous books, but I'm sure more than a few will. So while I don't recommend reading this as a standalone, I would encourage readers to have a go at the series, in order of course.

Three Stars.

* Book received for review from MIRA. Thank you!

Book Review: The Duff (Kody Keplinger)

Seventeen-year-old Bianca Piper is cynical and loyal, and she doesn't think she's the prettiest of her friends by a long shot. She's also way too smart to fall for the charms of man-slut and slimy school hottie Wesley Rush. In fact, Bianca hates him. And when he nicknames her "Duffy," she throws her Coke in his face.

But things aren't so great at home right now. Desperate for a distraction, Bianca ends up kissing Wesley. And likes it. Eager for escape, she throws herself into a closeted enemies-with-benefits relationship with Wesley.

Until it all goes horribly awry. It turns out that Wesley isn't such a bad listener, and his life is pretty screwed up, too. Suddenly Bianca realizes with absolute horror that she's falling for the guy she thought she hated more than anyone.

The Duff is a witty, funny and endearing novel, full of lessons and with lots of growing up involved. Not to mention it's also honest, sarcastic and a hugely entertaining read indeed!

Bianca Piper is very cynical and very blunt, but is also very guarded. Never in a million years would she have thought she'd kiss, let alone sleep with Wesley Rush, resident womaniser and the same jerk you just referred to her as the Duff: Designated.Ugly.Fat.Friend. And yet, she ends up doing exactly just that. I find it amusing how she can make the most ridiculous of mistakes but is still standing strong enough, willing and ready to berate herself for her every action afterwards. She goes through a lot in this book, from being lowly called the Duff, and undergoing a family breakdown, but also takes a lot from it and learns to mature and face her problems. I'm not very sure I understand completely the rationale behind her actions and decisions and in fact at times I feel I disagree with her at all.

Having said that, I am completely in love with the solidarity of her friendship with best friends Jessica and Casey and their unwavering support for her. I love how her relationship with each of them differs from the other but all three are still unequivocally bonded to and love each other. Theirs is a friendship every girls should have - and if Kody ever decides to write about these three again, I will be first in the queue to get the book.

The romance in The Duff is slightly overridden by Bianca's development as a character, but they are both so closely intwined and are integral to the plot. Wesley and Bianca's relationship (or lack thereof) is interesting, to say the least. The Duff narrates a few of their rendezvous and does not become too graphic, although it is a few words shy of being quite explicit for younger teens.

I have a few major complaints about the way the narrative is handled. I kept looking forward to understand Wesley more and to the development of his character, but The Duff falls short of that. There were not enough scenes, let alone enough dialogue from Wesley to fully understand his character and how and why Bianca falls for him. If I am not mistaken I think majority of Wesley's scenes involved sex and there was not much words to convey the depth of his character there, apart his constant question of "are you okay?" or "what's wrong?". Perhaps this affected the second flaw I noticed, which is that this book is too short for my liking. There were much emphasis on scenes I would have rather not read too much of and less on those I really would have wanted to read.

I had fun with The Duff and I'm sure will too, but I caution younger teens from reading this book just yet. Maybe wait until they're little older?

Three Stars.

Book Review: Scarlett Dedd (Cathy Brett)

You're dead Scarlett...Previously a poor taste jibe from school frenemies, now a statement of fact. Scarlett is absolutely mortified (in more ways than one) to discover that she's accidentally killed herself while trying to get out of a school trip. Even worse, she's taken her entire family with her. Life as a ghost is pretty dull - if only some of her friends were dead too...

Cathy Brett's Scarlett Dedd is the first graphic novel I've read in years. I do not have a lot to compare Scarlett Dedd to, but even for a non art enthusiast, I was blown away by the illustrations in this book - so brilliantly done! It's very detailed, very vivid and so real to life. I can look at them over and over again and never tire.

Scarlett Dedd is not only one of the best illustrated novels I've ever come across, it's also one of the funniest. Scarlett, our protagonist, dies in the stupidest (her words, not mine!) way, and or the most pathetic of reasons - you have to read the book to discover how, as doing so is one of the fun things about this book. Scarlett Dedd feels like an interactive novel, as I was always looking forward to the next illustration and find myself examining all the details and matching it with the text when I do. I also hugely enjoyed the conversations in this book - they are genuinely british, what with the British slangs. I absolutely love it!

I'll have you know that I probably damaged my guts laughing my head off at all Scarlett's antics. She's such a fresh, vivacious and infectious character, I wanted to pull her pictures off the page and bring her to life. She's determined and resilient, albeit a little misguided. Her naivety sometimes grated at my nerves, but this book shows an in depth character development and maturity, in which Scarlett discovers the thin line between right and wrong, her own strength and weakness and ultimately her place in life (afterlife?). The supporting characters are just as fun. Teens and adults alike are just as mischievous and entertaining as Scarlett.

There appears to be a lack of emotions from the secondary characters though -interestingly, apart from Psycho (lol!), who both fancies and is fancied by Scarlett, her friends seem to find it fascinating that she's dead rather than mourn her death the traditional way. That, and the way they used Scarlett's haunting as a means to popularity rather than to communicate with Scarlett, are one of their traits that I disliked but nevertheless enjoyed. There was little tension in the book and I was not particularly drawn to the climax, but I found myself giggling with fun anyway - there's a huge potential for a sequel for more of Scarlett's ghostly adventures, and it would be quite fun to accompany the Dedds on another fun-filled episode!

Three Stars.


* Thanks Sam from Headline for my copy!


Want to know more about Scarlett? Or perhaps you need an advice from the afterlife? Visit her blog and say Hi! - www.scardeparted.blogspot.com 

Book Review: Mistress of the Storm (Melanie Welsh)

The wind blew fast and clean straight into Verity's lungs. Even from the downs she could smell the salt spray - fresh and cold - and hear the crash as the Storm ploughed head-on into green and churning waves. Sea water washed over her prow and drained back in torrents of foam. Verity Hunter is just a normal, lonely little girl who has never quite fit in. But suddenly it's down to her to solve the riddle of an ancient pledge and protect her family from the evil Mistress of the Storm. What hope does she have against a witch so powerful that she can control the wind and create storms at will? Luckily, Verity does not have to face her enemy alone. As events begin to spiral out of control, she finds two loyal and steadfast friends to stand by her side. The Storm is coming. And it will change Verity's life forever.

Mistress of the Storm is the perfect read for younger teens who enjoy a hearty dose of mystery and for those who are transitioning from children's book to young adult novels. Set in the small town of Wellow, Mistress of the storm follows the events of Verity Gallant's life following the day she finds a mysterious man handing her a red book.

The book is generally presented in three parts. I found the first part to be about introductions. The book spends a good number of pages introducing characters with importance to the plot. It was disorienting with so many characters being simultaneously presented, but as the book progresses one begins to understand their role better. More questions about the mystery is added here than answers. The combined effect was for me, a little confusing, but it does get better as the book progresses. The middle part reveals the history and the more magical side to the book. The thrill increases, and the characters undergo a lot more changes and interact more with each other. The third and final part is where the action occurs. I liked it particularly because this is where everything is unraveled and all questions are answered. It has elements of folklore, magic and the general theme of good against evil, which is what really led me to believe that Mistress of the Storm is a particularly good book for younger teens. It is still rooted in the magic that kids adore in children's book, but with a more edgy, more mature side that makes it close to a young adult book.

The characters in this book is well portrayed. Verity isn't a particularly strong girl - she does not seem to stand up to bullies and keeps to herself; but her flaws gives her the best platform to mature and her strength and courage becomes clear at the end of the book. It was easy to symphatise with her and feel outraged with the antagonists. I feel it will appeal even more to childres as they relate easier to the many colourful characters. All of the important characters were given their resolutions, one I feel strongly about. It shows how the book is neatly outlined. There were little surprises in this book, none of which are big twists in themselves. I must admit there were times where I felt the narrative dragged and could just have gone straight to the point. I am also partly unsure that some of the characters are particularly important. Not that I mind them being in the book, I simply think it could have done with less. Nonetheless, characters give this book variety so they do seem to have their purpose at least.

To those who'd enjoy mystery with a hint of magic, Mistress of the Storm is the book for you!

Three Stars.


* Book received from Bookbabblers for review - thank you!

Book Review: Exclusively Yours (Shannon Stacey)

When Keri Daniels’ editor finds out she has previous carnal knowledge of reclusive bestselling author Joe Kowalski, she gives Keri a choice: get an interview or get a new job.

Joe’s never forgotten the first girl to break his heart, so he’s intrigued to hear Keri’s back in town—and looking for him. Despite his intense need for privacy, he’ll grant Keri an interview if it means a chance to finish what they started in high school.

He proposes an outrageous plan—for every day she survives with his family on their annual camping and four-wheeling trip, Keri can ask one question. Keri agrees; she’s worked too hard to walk away from her career.

But the chemistry between them is still as potent as the bug spray, Joe’s sister is out to avenge his broken heart and Keri hasn’t ridden an ATV since she was ten. Who knew a little blackmail, a whole lot of family and some sizzling romantic interludes could make Keri reconsider the old dream of Keri & Joe 2gether 4ever.

Exclusively Yours is more than just a romance novel; if I can label it a general love novel I might probably do. It's infused with so many different type of love that it really surpasses just being a plain ol' romance book. It's full of hearty laughter and family closeness, and is one of those books that are refreshing, light and funny in spite of the drama it portrays. Set in the middle of a two-week Kowalski family outing, Keri and Joe's story gives an endless source of pleasure, fun and love.

Keri and Joe are an absolute joy to read and reminisce with, their connected past a constant reminder of exactly how perfect they are together. It was fun reading about their high school adventures, and even more so whenever one is used to embarrass any one of the pair. The book provides a very extensive insight into their past, so the characters are not only well-developed, but are actually seen in terms of their connection to each other. The characterisation is full and strong and many actions both in present and in the past are well-explained, not only from one, but from many perspectives. There is something incredibly romantic with reunited lovers, and as far as any ex-couple can go, these two are a really good match.

Apart from Keri and Joe's romance, there is also the rest of the Kowalski siblings' story in this book. I love the secondary characters in this book.Exclusively Yours portrays very common, very realistic issues in marriages among the siblings. While there is the general happily ever after feel to the plot, it makes clear that the road to it is not smooth. Keri and Terry's relationship was also very very entertaining. I love how their interaction and dislike of each other was not overly exaggerated. Instead, the book focused on what brought them together. To add to all the fun, the sense of brotherhood and camaraderie shared by the Kowalskis is spotlighted and needless to say, it was a delight to indulge in that!

What I found to be slight issues with this book in particular is that though Keri and Joe are both wonderful characters, I felt their romantic potential was not well explored. There were a lot of moments where I thought the tension (in the romance) could be heightened. I do like the fact that it was not all lust and whenever scenes became steamy, it was not overly graphic. I felt that there was a lot of reliance on their past and I would have liked a lot more attention to their present and perhaps future. Also, I felt that the book dragged a lot, although of course I take this may be due to the confined setting of the camping grounds.

I enjoyed Exclusively Yours a lot and would recommend it to those who love contemporary romance.

Three stars.


* This E-book was obtained for review from Net Galley.

Book Review: Two Way Street (Lauren Barnholdt)

There are two sides to every breakup. This is Jordan and Courtney, totally in love. Sure, they were an unlikely high school couple. But they clicked; it worked. They're even going to the same college, and driving cross-country together for orientation. Then Jordan dumps Courtney -- for a girl he met on the Internet. It's too late to change plans, so the road trip is on. Courtney's heartbroken, but figures she can tough it out for a few days. La la la -- this is Courtney pretending not to care. But in a strange twist, Jordan cares. A lot. Turns out, he's got a secret or two that he's not telling Courtney. And it has everything to do with why they broke up, why they can't get back together, and how, in spite of it all, this couple is destined for each other.

I keep wondering what I missed when reading this book because I have heard a whole lot about it and majority of what I did were positive reviews. It's not that I dislike this book or anything, it just wasn't as good as I have heard.

I loved the premise of a road trip between an ex-couple who I knew still loved each other. It's incredibly romantic, despite the tension and the pain of the break-up. In many ways the book lived up to that. It was romantic - Jordan's gestures convey all his feelings for Courtney, and Courtney's hurt was palpable in her thoughts and actions. There was a great plot build up in Two Way Street, complete with the flashbacks that support and explain the couple's past. It also explains hook up, the break-up and everything in between. Towards the end there was such a rush of tension that I pretty much just raced through he book.

Unfortunately, I somehow found the twist pretty obvious from the beginning, as Jordan gives abundant clues in his narration. From then on it was just a matter of seeing where it will all lead to, which was not very fun at all. There was also the lack of individuality in the narrative voices. Both Jordan and Courtney share the same idiolects (for instance, the tendency to say 'I mean this, not that') which I wasn't sure if I were to take as their connection or just a lack of differentiation in their voices.

I found myself enjoying secondary characters more. B.J. is my favourite character, and despite his antics I thought he was great company. Unfortunately, I fiercely disliked the adults in this book. Selfish, condescending and callow. I could have dealt with that, had the book not made me feel like it was Courtney who had issues and had to change to accommodate the adults. I felt as if the adults were tolerated and Courtney was at fault for being kept in the dark. Thankfully, I liked the resolution between Courtney and Jordan, and what the roadtrip meant for their relationship.

Three stars.


* I received this copy for review. Thanks Mel!

Book Review: The Highlander's Touch (Karen Marie Moning)

A Warrior Of Immortal Powers

He was a mighty Scottish warrior who lived in a world bound by ancient laws and timeless magic. But no immortal powers could prepare the laird of Castle Brodie for the lovely accursed lass who stood before him. A terrible trick of fate had sent her 700 years back in time and into his private chamber to tempt him with her beauty—and seduce him with a desire he could never fulfill. For this woman he burned to possess was also the woman he had foresworn to destroy.

A Woman Caught In The Mists Of Time

When Lisa felt the earth move under her feet, the fiercely independent 21st-century woman never dreamed she was falling...into another century. But the powerful, naked warrior who stood glaring down at her was only too real...and too dangerously arousing. Irresistibly handsome he might be, but Lisa had no intention of remaining in this savage land torn by treachery and war. How could she know that her seductive captor had other plans for her...plans that would save her from a tragic fate? Or that this man who had long ago forsaken love would defy time itself to claim her for his own...

Third in Karen Marie Moning's Highlander series, The Highlander's Touch is the most complex of the three I've read. Each of the book in the series has a very different feel to them, with different strengths and weaknesses, and this one is particularly infused with extra twists. Funny enough, all of them are connected - for instance The Highlander's Touch, which occurs a century prior, is connected to the first two by its characters.

Let me begin with the characteristics that it shared with its predecessors: it's hilariously funny, it has a drop dead gorgeous hero and the chemistry between the protagonists sizzles (swoon!). It has very loveable secondary characters - and as always, there are some seriously drool-worthy male foils.

I adored (or more like drooled over) Sidheach 'Hawk' Douglas from Beyond the Highland Mist, and Circenn Brodie is much like Hawk in this book. Devastatingly sexy and domineering, Circenn is a man of honour, a natural born leader who lived by his rules. (Un)fortunately for him, his curse on a religious relic misfires and transports the twenty-first century lass Lisa Stone into his lap - literally. She turns his world upside down; makes him break his oaths, lie and deceive. I had a good laugh at this, which saved what would have been a boring characterisation. Circenn, despite his allure, is a slightly inadequate character and much overshadowed by a foil, Duncan Douglas.

However, Lisa is a wonderful character. Strong, vivacious and determined, she works not for herself, but for her mother dying of cancer. She is understandably devastated when she finds herself in a war-torn country in the fourteenth century, her life threatened by the very person who can tempt her into staying. Again, while I like her character, she doesn't seem to have adequate focus, and less-developed characters are a boon in novels, really. Not good.

What makes this stand out in the series are these: several sub plots never fulfilled, a twist that is hard to foresee in the end, and an ending too polished for its own good. The first is annoying, because one of it involved Duncan Douglas, which is the superior character I found in this book. The twist is satisfying as I never could have seen it coming! Finally, the ending is such a classic. I thought it took happily ever after to the extreme, but I can't deny that I didn't like it. My inner child is forever screaming for a happy ever after in all of the books I read and was extremely satisfied with The Highlander's Touch.

Not the best in the series (or at least the three I have read so far), but pick this one up if you're looking for a sexy warlord to drool over, a happy-go-lucky protector to admire and to enjoy the company of the Knights of the Templar.

Three stars.


* I received this e-book for review. Thank you Mel!

Book Review: The Pace (Shelena Shorts)

Weston Wilson is not immortal and he is of this world. But, aging is not part of his existence, and eighteen-year-old Sophie Slone is determined to find out why. In doing so, she could also uncover something about her own life expectancy that she may not want to know. Suddenly, immortality will mean everything and nothing all at the same time.

Intensely fascinating and rich with determination, The Pace brings together romance, mystery, and suspense in a compelling bond that is sure to have readers asking for more.

The Pace is a very peculiar book. It was an interesting read, romantic and intriguing with it's fresh new take on conventional plots. However, while I enjoyed this book very much, I felt it lacked the sparked that I was looking for in its pages.

The Pace is fundamentally about Sophie Slone's relationship with Weston Wilson (III). After crashing into him and finding herself with a very odd young man, she becomes drawn to his chivalrous ways and gentlemanly behaviour. She finds Wes intriguing and every bit mysterious. When Sophie starts seeking answers, that's when the story really unfolds. From hence the readers are taken into a journey of finding and seeking, of understanding Wes and his real connection to Sophie.

Unlike other male protagonists, Weston is gentle, physically strong but emotionally vulnerable. Sophie is really the character that stood out in this book, and the stronger of the two. She is also more action and less thoughts; hence, Sophie's narration focuses a lot more on actions than on her reflections. I did not mind at all, and Sophie is a very comfortable character do spend some time with. It's fine with me, but I'm not sure it won't drag for other readers. I'm not sure there were other very substantial characters, as another peculiar trait of this novel is the tendency to surprise you with the importance of a passing character.

I have to admire the author for her creativity in the age-old concept of immortality. It has been made clear from the description that Wes is indeed immortal; so my reading experience consisted mostly of attempting to seek the answers to Wes' immortality. I was surprised about how it was handled in the book; it is a very scientific explanation and though I found it very intriguing, I was not sure I followed thoroughly. It was both understandable and slightly vague. I would have liked a lot more elaboration.

I found The Pace saturated with romance and tender moments, but sadly lacks suspense. It gets better towards the end, but as it stands, I did not particularly think that there was enough suspense built up within the previous pages. Because I was looking eagerly for one, I found several subplots that is not accomplished fully towards the end. There was also a sense of predictability in the romance, although like always, Sophie surprises me.

Just a note, the ending had me scratching my head, because it did not make any sense to me at all. No matter, it seems the sequel will fill in all the gaps. Despite the flaws of this book, I really can't let go of it and am itching to get my hands on The Broken Lake.

Three Stars.