Unfortunately, I could not get into this book. Felt bored by the story, the characters, didn't like the historical background, and didn't like the fact Claire didn't try to get back to her husband.Such a shame. I wished I liked this more than I did.
This review has been x posted at The Book TwinsIt took me until a few months ago to pick up the first book. A friend of mine kept telling me to read this series, but when I see the word 'Ghosts' and I start to feel disinterested because it's not my favourite aspect to the supernatural world. When she told me that it wasn't ghosts exactly, but the fact the main character is a reaper --- that is the point I thought, Oh well, that is different, so I decided to take the chance and pick up the first book.
In this first novel, Charley is a reaper for ghosts who have died and want to pass on. She is basically like the light tunnel to which they go through to their ever after. Some stick around though, sometimes because they aren't ready to move on, and sometimes, to maybe bug her, LOL
In the meantime, Charley has been having hot and sexy dreams of a mystery man, and also she tends to see him in real life from time to time. She has no idea who he is or why she is seeing him, but why question the sexy man? :P
Work also keeps her pretty busy, especially now when she has more than one case to deal with. She needs to deal with the fact she has three murdered lawyer ghosts trying to get her to help find their bodies and solve their murders. Ah, the life of a reaper. Life is never dull for Charley. Just an everyday occurance.
Charley is a very fabulous heroine. Not only is she smart, talented and gorgeous... but she also has this awesome wit where you can't help but laugh at some of the things she says, does or events she finds himself in the middle of. If she wanted easy, she would not be in this job --- not that this was a choice where she could decide yes, or not if she wants this career path. This was chosen for her, but it's not so bad.
The hero for this series, well he is unlike any other male. I have had heard about Reyes from Alpha male contests around the web and also from friends, but until I met him, I had no idea what I was really dealing with.
We see small things regarding him. He is a mystery I can't wait to find out more about. Charley discovers some things about him when she finds out he is the man from her dreams. I loved what I have read about him so far, and I can't wait to dig into the rest of the books to get to know him even more deeply than you do in this first book.
I was surprised at how much I loved this book. It just goes to show that sometimes the best stories are the ones you don't have in your life.
I can't wait to dig into the next book in this new fab series.
Rating: 5/5
This review has been x posted at The Book TwinsSomewhere in the future, a Dystopian world, there are officers that punish criminals. If you are under the age of 16, you are Slated, which means your memory is wiped and you have no memories of the person you were, only who you are today. This is their version of a second chance at a new life. To do something better than you did previously.
Kyla wakes up to a new life. She doesn't know what she did to get Slated, but she doesn't question it right away because she is lucky to be given this chance.
With her new family, Kyla tries to form some sort of normal life as she adjusts to everything and new people.
Each Slated has a wrist-attached Levo, which controls their emotions and moods, just to monitor them just in case they experience violet outbursts. In that case that does happen, they will be rendered unconscious. This Levo makes sure each Slated is turned into the perfect citizen, as to not hurt themselves or anyone else in the community.
I found this world built by Terry quite interesting and definitely plausable. It's set in England where the government has been taken over by the coalition. I could definitely see this as a realistic thing and I could see myself in a world such as this, as I know how horrible the coalition can be... they are dirty bastards who only think about control and power -- yes, I'm more of a Labour supporter, even though I am not much into politics.
Every time Kyla had a blast from the Levo, I can only just imagine how much pain that would feel like. There are some freaky moments where I could feel myself in her position and it's utterly terrifying. I'm not sure how I would go about things if I was in her situation.
Kyla is a strong girl who goes from keeping her mouth shut and playing with the rules they have set for her, to someone who keeps asking too many questions and finding herself involved in the conspiracy of this world and the Slated.
Now lets get to the romance... there is always one, and well, I could somewhat understand it, and felt it at times, I think it could have been written better. I didn't connect with Ben as much as I wish I could have. Maybe the next book will be better in terms of their relationship. But they did have their moments that I felt was sweet, and I'd like to know more about him and their relationship. I suppose that was the one thing that could have been improved.
Other than that, I quite enjoyed the book. I have bought the second book... just have to get around to reading it -- this is what happens when I own too many books.
Rating: 4/5
This review has been x posted at The Book TwinsI said this during my review for Pushing the Limits -- but YA Contemporary has never been my favourite thing, and I am very picky at which books in this category I choose to read. After the first book in this series I knew I had to follow through and read the next one, and boy was I glad I did.
At first I was a little weary about the book being Beth's as I was never a big fan of her in Noah's book, but she did prove me wrong, and showed me she was capable of more than I assumed at first.
Katie McGarry just knows how to hook you in, not only with the story but also with the characters and mystery which these characters seem to have attached to them.
Our two main characters, Beth and Ryan couldn't be more different from one another if they tried. Ryan is the sort of boy who has dreams and thinks he knows what he wants in life, or at least, what his family wants from him. He is the golden boy. With Beth though, she is the opposite of that. She takes life by as each day comes. She has had a rough life and is still going through the rough patches. When these two meet though --- it's like you just know they are just meant to be. It won't be easy, but the things they bring out in one another just make everything else worth it.
Beth and Ryan find themselves playing a game of cat and mouse after Ryan's friends get him involved in a dare. As he gets to know her... will he have to decide whether the game is over, or has it just began?
Our lead characters each have their own demons that lurk in their personal lives, but the cure to make everything disappear just may be in each other's arms.
That's not the only relationship that changes in this book. Beth's relationship / friendship with her closest friend, Isaiah splits down the middle when he basically makes his feelings for her known, and she has to decide how to feels, and try not to hurt him in the process.
Some of their conversations just broke me heart. Just seeing him so hurt.. after being in love with her for so long... I just wanted to hug him, and tell him he will find the girl for him.
I admit, at first.. I was a bit disappointed that this story was not going to be Beth and Isaiah, because I adored them and how it was obvious he really liked her, but after reading the book, I know now that Ryan is the best person for her. And now, Isaiah will just have to find that person who is the one for him.
This was a absolute stunning book,. but I should not have expected anything less when it concerns Katie McGarry. I can't wait to see Isaiah's book.. who broke me heart more than almost anyone. Hopefully he'll find the perfect girl for him.
Rating: 4.5/5
This review has been x posted at The Book Twins
In the sequel to 'Angel', L.A Weatherly brings back to Alex and Willow's story where we find that after the events of the first book they are on the run. Alex and Willow slowly make their way toward Mexico where they meet up with a bunch of AK (Angel Killers) led by someone from Alex's past. They need someone to lead them that knows what they are doing and that would be Alex. Leading these guys isn't something he originally wished to do, but he was nonetheless convinced it's what is best for everyone.
Not only that, but Willow starts to have dreams of some mystery guy, who turns out to be another (I know, geez how many are there?) half angel, whom has been looking for Willow all his life.
Insert cue for love triangle. *groan*
I know, I know. Trust me.. we all hate or love to hate love triangles.. but what I loved about how it was done in this book is how Willow's love for Alex never wavered. It was still constant, even with her growing attraction toward Seb.
And I suppose you could say this new third party in their relationship made things more exciting with the tension that was between the three of them, but I still preferred when it was just Alex and Willow.
Alex was as awesome as ever. If anything I think I might have fallen in love with him a little more in this book. Seb, was an interesting character, and I liked him to a degree. I just didnt like the amount of interest he had in Willow.
There was quite a bit of action going on in this book, and it swaps POVs, between Willow, Alex, Seb and Raziel, who is Willow's Angel father.
I anticipate waiting for the final book in this trilogy, for when I think all hell will break loose and there probably will be a final confrontation between the angels and the AK's and we'll see who comes out alive. Who will win, who will lose?
Rating: 5/5
This review has been x posted at The Book TwinsComing into this series, and being a big fan of Jeaniene's 'Night Huntress' series, I knew we would not get a Happily Ever After in the first book of this series, even if this series would be a trilogy. I know what she is like much more than that, but I also knew things wouldn't be easy for these two. What I didn't expect was for things to become as intense and breathtaking as they did.
Leila, like Cat, is such a strong heroine. Leila goes with her instincts, sometimes she can be stubborn and not know something when it's in front of her, but she also feels things so deeply. When things become a little intense with Vlad, she knows she needs some space. She isn't sure this is the life she wants, and Vlad is so Alpha-Male and never apologies to what he wants, even if it means pushing her away slightly.
When Cat finds herself back on the road, she has no idea that someone may want to kill her. This is a mystery that will keep you guessing as to what really is going on. Who is responsible and why.
We also get some history on Vlad, and begin to understand how he came to be how he is. Why he can't bare to show Leila who he really is. The fear of being rejected when all your defenses are down is one big thing when it comes to Vlad, or anyone really.
When you put up a female, a human no less against a 700-year old Vampire, it's not easy to come out and stand up equal to that person, but Leila did a great job at not letting Vlad walk on her. She can stand her grown, challenge him and be the confident and self-respecting woman he sees her to be.
Sometimes he underestimates her.. sometimes she does things he doesn't expect, but I believe in the long run the challenges these two face will prove stronger in the end.
Leila's heart is probably the most vulnerable thing, and Vlad will have to realize that when one loves someone, it is with all the flaws and everything. I was happy at how the story between these two have been progressing.
I can't wait to see the final installment to this amazing paranormal trilogy to see these two stubborn people get the happiness they so deserve.
Rating: 4.5/5
This review has been x posted at The Book TwinsIf I Should Die is the final in this romantic and dark trilogy. The end of the previous installment we saw Kate discovering her beloved could very well be dead after his body being taken and burned by a bitch from hell.
Just when you thought things couldn't get any worse, the events that take place in this final book just about break your heart, but also melt it too.
I've been a pretty big fan of this series. It's a series that sets itself apart from all the other things in YA right now, which was a breath of fresh air. It took on a unique thing and made it into so much more than I could have even anticipated.
I couldnt have imagined how much I would adore these characters, the setting and everything they all endured between the first and third books.
I looked forward to seeing how everything would end for these characters, and I was very satisfied.
There was a couple things that stopped from giving this a full 5 star rating. The way Jules ended up and how something that happened felt contrived when I read it. I suppose now that I think about it, it does make sense going back to the beginning, but still.. highly coincidental.
The story picks up pretty much where the previous book left off. Kate is in shambles as she goes to alert the others as to what had happened. Of course, everyone then bands together to try find a way to fix what has happened and bring him back, but that proves not as easy as one might think. I suppose one thing that helped if that while Vincent's body was gone he was still there in spirit and was able to communicate to Kate on such things.
Violette is determined to gain power from Vincent, who she sees as the champion, but she didn't count on Kate and the others hell bent on getting him back no matter what it took.
What I did admire was the love Kate has for Vincent. It goes beyond anything else in this world, it's the kind of love that she would die for..
Kate is a very tough and kickass character. She has grown so much since she arrived in Paris with her sister, Georgia after the death of their parents.
After reading Jules's novella, it made me feel so bad for him because he was in love with Kate so painfully, it made me want her to love him, but I knew that was impossible. I just hope one day he finds someone to love that would be his only. A spinoff would be perfect actually.. HINT HINT, Amy.
But I loved his friendship with Kate, with Vincent. I think everyone in this group has grown and matured from the people they were to begin it. It's a natural process the things they had to overcome since Kate came into their lives, but in another way, she made their lives so much better. So much more alive, as much as one can be when you die and then return time and time again.
Toward the middle of the book things become very intense. Secrets are revealed. Characters come into place you don't expect and discover whether or not Vincent is the champion after all.
A shocking revelation involving two characters come to light, one more shocking than the other, but interesting peices of information nonetheless.
The conclusion to this story was bittersweet but happy. All in all, a great ending to this unique series.
Rating: 4.5/5
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This review has been x posted at The Book TwinsA big thank you to Pan Macmillan giving me this chance to read and review this riveting tale. The moment I saw the synopsis of it, I knew I wanted to read this.
Something that was different from my usual genres. Something that was a woman's journey, real, honest and exciting adventure.
This is a unique story of mystery, intrigue, love, tragedy and friendships. From an Australian author comes a story which I was enticed by before I had even read it.
It all comes down to the life of a young woman, Leila. She had an ordinary life, but after the death of her mother, Leila suddenly finds comfort in a philosophical website forum in which she can talk to others about the same kind of views as she. Quickly, she became closely acquainted with the owner of the website, Adrian.
Leila becomes involved in a deep and secret project organised by Adrian called "Project Tess," this is one thing that will change her life forever, make her question everything, but also will open up so much opportunity for her.
As Leila gets to know and understand Tess, she becomes her friend, her confidant and only person who knows and understands what she is going through. But is Tess telling Leila everything she needs to know? Everything is vital for when the time comes when Leila is to become Tess. As Leila gets involved with Tess's life and world, Leila starts to notice not everything matches up... is there a possibility that not everything as it seems, and Tess is holding back more than she should?
This book surprised me. I wasn't sure what I would think of it, but I loved it. From the different characters, to the world that Leila was drawn into. It was part mystery, part thriller.
Rating: 4/5
This review has been x posted at The Book TwinsThis recently installment to Keri Arthur's Dark Angels saga is downright my favourite in the series thus far. We get a few answers to some lingering questions, but there was progression in terms of the romantic entanglement with Azriel.
But Risa herself gets caught up time and time again in another adventure.
Just when Risa was recovering from her latest near death experience, she is then called pretty much right away to deal with another important case, and this time it's Hunter's lover who has been found dead in a way that's even more gruesome than most murders.
Risa doesn't have much time to solve this, because if she doesn't, then not even Azriel's healing abilities can stop the wrath that would be coming for her.
The relationship between Risa and Azriel really heats up and comes to a head in this book. It was everything I hoped it would be and more. But par usual, things with Keri Arthur do not come easy, or at a cost. They may finally give in to all those feelings that's been underlying under the surface, but Azriel breaks all the rules he is bound to as a reaper for Risa, and everything he does comes at a massive cost. A cost that does not come to light until later on in the book, and it's something Risa herself will not be happy with.
The things you do for love.... hopefully Risa will come to forgive and understand eventually, but until then, things are not going to be easy.
Not to mention we have the return of Lucien, I always knew there was something off about him, and so did Azriel. It isn't until this book where his true colours get exposed and you see him for what he really is.
There was parts of this book where I was shocked. I couldn't see coming, but then I think back to previous ones and everything makes much sense.
Lucien reminds me of one of the characters from Riley's series. He makes some really bad decisions and those that affect Risa so very much. Decisions that will have consequences not only on herself, but also to Illiana, one of her best friends.
Everything changes in this installment. There is no going back to how something was before now. It's only dealing with what has happened and how to proceed forward from here on out.
It's only been two months since the release and I am aching for the next book. The wait until November is terrible and I wish it would hurry up because I need to know what happens next for these characters.
Rating: 5/5
This review has been x posted at The Book TwinsHave you ever come across something in a particular genre that was very unique? That is what The Farm is for me. While this story involves vampires, but McKay has written it in a very unique and special way, it will blow you apart.
McKay builds such ground-breaking worldbuilding for this story. tragic and courageous characters, with heartbreaking revelations and developments. This is a story which it's impossible not to fall in love with. The way the author hooks you in, makes you care about these main characters and the world around them is utterly astounding.
Our main characters are twin sisters, Mel and Lily. They are trapped at a camp they are desperately trying to escape from. Lily has been looking after her sister for as long as she can remember. Mel has autism and is only able to communicate in specific ways. When someone new and someone from her past comes crashing back into Lily's life, she needs to decide whether she can trust him. Is he there to help them, or capture them?
Lily will soon discover more about the Ticks, aka Vampires than she ever wanted to know before. It's the choice to stay and die, or leave and survive. There really isn't much choice, is there? Leaving the compound is only just the beginning of their journey. It's what happens after what matters. After things happen, Lily and her new friends have to decide what action needs to be taken, and if they can reach safety.
This is a very different kind of vampires than you have ever seen before. When I saw the word 'tick' I didn't actually realize it meant vampires, I thought they were actual ticks, you know.. those blood sucking insects. I can understand the relation to them though, so it kind of makes sense why they would be called ticks rather than the normal term of vampires.
The story is separated in three POVS. Lily, Mel and Carter. Mel's was a little bit getting used to given her thoughts are all jumbled from her disability, but the more you read of it, you soon understand that she is talking, but it's not in the normal words and sentences that we talk.
One final bit of thought, I really loved the relationship between Lily and Carter. It's something that was taken from their past, and to realize there were those feelings still present... well, it drew me in and I wanted to learn more about them, and himself. Carter was an interesting character. He wasn't a victim. He wasn't afraid nor did he fear the vampires. he was prepared for them and had help. He wanted to make a different and rid the world of them, and get others out of these such camps.
I look forward to the sequel upcoming, to see where these characters take me next in the next installment to this series. To go along with the ride to wherever they go next.
Rating: 4.5/5
This review has been x posted at The Book TwinsI've read a couple of Cat Patrick's books and they are quite enjoyable. She knows the way to get someone hooked on the story, and world she has created.
This book is no different. It's kind of unlike anything else she has done before, and I loved it.
This story consists of three girls who are identical. One may think they are triplets, but what the public doesn't know is that they are clones. Three clones who was saved by their adoptive mother from birth. They have kept this secret all their lives, always being on the run for fear of being discovered what they are.
But when one of them falls in love... they want to be able to lead their own lives, not to be able to fear of what may come of them, and for that, there is only one person who has the answers they desperately seek: their mother.
The three girls who have grown up as close as any sisters could be, band together and find themselves deep in a world of mystery, secrets and danger. Can they find out the very truth which has been kept from them their entire lives.
This is a story about family, romance, loyalty and the bond of these girls who know everything there is to know about one another.
I think the relationship between the girls was my favourite part of the book. The bond and connection they have for one another is very sweet. They have to learn to stick together under extreme circumstances, and when things happen..
I was glad I decided to pick up this book. It was a very enjoyable read overall.
Rating: 4.5/5
This review has been x posted at The Book TwinsThere was so much talk about this book. A friend of mine loved it so much that it convinced me to buy it. Normally I would wait for a paperback, but I took the risk that I could like it enough to buy the paperback which was the only format available.
The moment I started reading it, I knew this was definitely my kind of book. I thought at first that it was a contemporary book, but when I read it, it was something else. I think it was probably half contemporary and half fantasy with special elements included.
This story, we are introduced to Addison has grown up in a world where everyone has a different ability. For Addison, her ability is to be able to search through different futures depending on what she or someone may or may not take.
After her parents drop a bomb shell upon her that threatens to tear her family apart, she has to decide who she would rather live with, her Mom in the place she has grown up in, or venture to somewhere new with her Dad, the human world where everything will be so unfamilar to her.
Deciding to search through her possible futures, Addie finds out what would happen if she stays or if she happens to leave.
In one possible future, Addie stays with her Mom and ends up dating the school's quarterback, and finds herself in a position and relationship she never wanted ton be in, but other than that, she couldn't be happier. In the other future, Addie sees herself setting to her new surroundings, and for the first time, falls in love with a human boy. But things become complicated when she gets involved in one of her mother's murder cases, and Addie finds herself in a position where not everything is what she thought it would be.
This novel battles many decisions. From what you think you should do, and what your heart is telling you. From dating someone who everyone wants you to date to someone who fall in love with against your own judgment. From a world full of supernatural elements to one that has none of that.
Addison was someone who I adored right off the bat. She was a character I think many people could relate on, especially when it comes to when she was dealing with her family and personal issues, even her issues when it comes to her lovelife. She was a great character. She has to make decisions based on what she felt in her heart, and what was best for her and in the long run, no matter what consequences may occur.
At first, I enjoyed both love interests, but as the story went on... my perspective changed and I definitely leaned more towards one than the other when information came to light about one of them and things started to change with particular actions taken.
I even loved the supernatural elements to this story. I can't wait for the sequel to see what will happen with Addie next.
Rating: 5/5