Childrens Book Review: The Apple Thief

Children's Book Reviews

Title - The Apple Thief

Author - Gail Herman & Duendes del Sur

Series - Scooby-Doo! Readers #13

Published - September 1st 2002

Publisher - Scholastic Paperbacks

(Goodreads)

Synopsis

Scooby and the gang are going apple picking. But no matter how fast Shaggy and Scooby fill their baskets with apples, the apples disappear! Is a ghost taking their apples? Time to look for clues because there's a mystery to solve!

Review

My daughter and I read this one together. We both loved the story and the pictures that went along with the story. It's a cute mystery that my five year old enjoyed and I did too. Knowing what I do about Scooby-Doo I total didn't expect who the apple thief would be. This is our first time reading this book but I know from the way my daughter is attached to it we will be reading it again and again. To quote my daughter " The story is awesome and I loved it!!" 

Book Review: Disney after Dark

Title - Disney after Dark

Author - Ridley Pearson

Series - Kingdom Keepers #1

Genre - YA Fantasy

Format - Kindle freebie

Published - August 29th 2005

Publisher - Disney Press 

(Goodreads)(Amazon)

Synopsis

In this fantastical novel, Disney's Magic Kingdom suddenly becomes a bit eerie. Finn Whitman and four other teens have been hired as Disney World guides, but with an odd twist: With cutting-edge technology, they have been transformed into hologram projections capable of leading guests around the park. What begins as an exciting theme park job turns into a virtual nightmare as Finn and his pals attempt to thwart an uprising by a menacing group of Disney villains.

Review

Disney after Dark is the story of 5 teens hired by Disney to become holograms that walk around the park as guides. However things aren’t as they seem when Finn wakes up in a dream or at least he thinks it’s a dream in Disney confronted by Wayne. Wayne explains it’s up to Finn to get the other four DHI to meet at the same time before he is willing to explain everything. The kids are local celebrities so it should be easy to figure out who they are but Finn is going to need help.

With the help of his Amanda from school Finn is able to track down the other DHI kids who all go to different schools. They need to solve the Stonecutters Quill before the pirates and the overlord figure it out. While the teens are thrust into a magical world they learn that when they sleep they take on the abilities of their hologram counter parts. Thus allowing them to move around the park and solve the clues faster.

I liked Finn right from the start he’s a good kid who is willing to risk it all to save the park. The other characters each have a role in the story but Finn is clearly the main character but I think the way the supporting characters are woven into the story is really well done. I also really liked the way the overlord who’s our bad guy plays out in the story.

I picked up Disney after Dark as a kindle freebie a while back with the intention of starting it right away but never seemed to get around to it. My hubby is the Disney world nut so when he saw the book on his kindle he had to read it and it’s all I’ve heard about for months. I typically try to stick with older characters because some get to young I can’t connect with them. However the characters in the book don’t come off as young but very mature which made it easy to connect with them. I love the way the author took the Disney concept adding their own unique twists to the story. Disney after Dark is one of those fast packed action packed novels that you just can’t put down. I enjoyed it and plan to read the next one in the near future. 

Book Review: Loramendi's Story

Title - Loramendi's Story

Author - Angela Carlie

Series - Lords of Shifters #1

Genre - YA Fantasy romance

Format - Kindle freebie

Published - August 2nd 2011

(Goodreads)(Amazon)

Synopsis

 Lora wants nothing more than to be the wind behind sexy windsurfer Chance's sails. But fulfilling that wish just became...complicated. After seventeen years of normal life, someone wants Lora and her family dead. And the attempted massacre isn't nearly as strange as the reason behind it.

A Lords of Shifters Novel -- YA Paranormal with Romance

Review

Lora’s summer was far from interesting until she catches the attention of a sexy windsurfer. Her best friend has returned from being gone all summer but something is bothering her and Lora isn’t sure what it might be. When her windsurfer shows up at her work Lora decides to seek him out where they windsurf and falls asleep only to wake up to him sitting next to her. Chance is determined to win her heart which isn’t hard because Lora quickly falls for him as well.

Things are starting to change for Lora first is starts with a stranger in the forest around fog. Wild bear attacks are happening all over the area and she’s even the target of one. Suddenly Lora’s too tired to function and forced to stay home where she learns the truth of whom and what she really is. As well as who Chance is and what their future holds. Will the dangers that are threating to destroy her get ahold of her?

I liked Lora she seems like your normal everyday girl but she has some flaws. I wasn’t sure about Chance at first he’s kind of comes on to strong. However the more we learn about his story and future with Lora it all makes sense. I’m not a huge fan of insta love I think they need to work at it a little more but they are meant to be. We don’t have another love interest so no love triangle bonus. I wanted to connect with Lora but she just accepted her future and everything going on around her like she was changing her socks.

I picked this one up as a kindle freebie a long time ago and it’s currently not available to purchase. I was drawn to the cover and the synopsis because I’m a huge fan of shifter stories. Loramendi’s story is a fast paced novel that was a quick read it’s a mix of action and romance. I think the concept is very creative I just think the story is rushed and not executed to its fullest potential. I found the idea of alternate dimensions for the supernatural was intriguing and very unique. I secretly hope that since you can’t purchase them maybe we will see them revamped because I think the author is on the right path. I enjoyed the book and I’m curious to see how it plays out in the future maybe if it’s a kindle freebie. 

Book Review: Hidden

Title - Hidden

Author - Sophie Jordan

Series - Firelight #3

Genre - YA Fantasy Dragons

Published - September 11th 2012

Publisher - HarperTEEN

Format - eBook Kindle

(Goodreads)(Amazon)

Synopsis

Jacinda was supposed to bond with Cassian, the "prince" of their pride. But she resisted long before she fell in love with Will—a human and, worse, a hunter. When she ran away with Will, it ended in disaster, with Cassian's sister, Miram, captured. Weighed down by guilt, Jacinda knows she must rescue her to set things right. Yet to do so she will have to venture deep into the heart of enemy territory.

The only way Jacinda can reach Miram is by posing as a prisoner herself, though once she assumes that disguise, things quickly spiral out of her control. As she learns more about her captors, she realizes that even if Will and Cassian can carry out their part of the plan, there's no guarantee they'll all make it out alive. But what Jacinda never could have foreseen is that escaping would be only the beginning....

Loyalties are tested and sacrifices made in the explosive conclusion to Sophie Jordan's Firelight trilogy. 

Review

Jacinda may be bonded to Cassian but he’s not the one she wants to be with. While escaping his sister is captured with the help of Will they may just get her out before it’s too late. Jacinda knows that they have to save her from the Enkros or else they may not see her ever again. They send her in fully manifested in her Draki form turning her over to the Enkros with the understanding that in twenty four hours later they will plan the escape. What Jacinda finds in the compound is shocking to say the least, all the Draki are in cells treated like animals. She’s released into a fake forest where she encounters a grey Draki who is savage and determined to kill her, but the Enkros intervene before it’s too late.

Before her twenty four hours are up the Enkros take Jacinda into the lab intent on embedding a silver disk under her skin in her skull but it’s interrupted by the rescue. In their attempt to free the compound another Draki free’s the grey Draki but before they can escape Cassian is attacked by the savage Draki. If not for Will they wouldn’t get him but hunters are hot on the trail. Will they be able to escape from the Enkros once and for all? Who is the grey Draki that they freed? Will Jacinda find out what happened to her dad?

I loved Jacinda in each book she just kept getting better and better as the novels continued. In the first two I was a little on the fence I like both guys each one is unique in his own way and would be a good match for her. I was nervous because Jacinda loves both guys just in different way it’s duty to her people or following her heart in the end. I loved her sister Tamra in the first two books and I was thrilled to see her shine in her own right. The girls are kick ass heroines in this series they don’t need the guys to fight for them. I was able to connect with the characters which I find a huge plus when I’m reading a novel.

I’ve had Hidden since I finished the first two but I couldn’t bring myself to read it because I didn’t want the series to end. I started Hidden last night but it became apparent if I didn’t put it down I would be up all night reading. This morning I dove right into Jacinda’s story captivated right from the start and didn’t stop till I finished. I was nervous about how the novel would play out but the author does a fantastic job weaving an intricate story that ends the series beautifully. I’m really sorry to see it end because I loved the world of the Draki it’s such a unique play on dragons and I want more. I see potential for maybe a spin of series and hope one day we will see more of them. Hidden is an action packed adventure, loaded with suspense, mystery and even romance. The Firelight series is a must read for fans of dragon romance. I would love to wake up one more and manifest into a Draki to be able to fly would be so cool.  

S&S Review: Hunt

Title - Hunt

Author - Rachel Vincent

Series - Shifters 6.5

Genre - Urban Fantasy Shifters

Published - October 20th 2014

(Goodreads)(Amazon)

Synopsis

This short story was previously in the anthology Chicks Kick But

It’s been more than four years since Abby Wade survived capture and torture by a quartet of rogue shifters. Back then she was a scared kid, just trying to survive.

Now Abby is all grown up, and if she’s learned anything from training with Faythe Sanders, the world’s first female Alpha, it’s that she can take care of herself—and anyone else who comes along. So when her college roommate is abducted from a campsite deep in the Appalachian woods, Abby knows exactly how to get her back…

The rules of the hunt are simple. Kill or be killed.

Abby Wade is not ready to die. 

Review

Abby thought it would be a chance to stretch her legs in her shifted form but when she takes off for a hike only to hear her friends being attacked she knows it’s not going to be what she expected. Returning to camp in her panther form Abby is surprised to see her friends being gutted open by a guy she knows from school. Abby has to act fast if she plans on saving any of them heading into battle in her panther form. While the fight stirs up only memories hopfully her training with Faythe will keep her alive.

I love the Shifters series it’s one of my all-time favorite shapshifter series because it’s not wolves. I knew I had to read Hunt because it’s more of the world I love plus the end of the novella has a teaser for her new series. While the novella is a quick story it’s action packed I completed it within a few short minutes before heading to bed for the night. While the story is short it gives us to see how Abby has grown since we last saw her and gives us just enough to be super excited for the new series and I can’t wait to read the new book. I’ve not read any of Rachel Vincent’s other books yet but I do hope to in the near future. 

Book Review: Ghouls Rush In

Title - Ghouls Rush In

Author - H.P. Mallory

Series - Peyton Clark #1

Genre - Paranormal Romance

Published - Montlake Romance

Published - May 20th 2014

(Goodreads)(Amazon)

Synopsis

Do you believe in love after life?

Looking for a fresh start, Peyton Clark becomes the proud owner of a piece of New Orleans history: an Antebellum-era two-story house in the Garden District. It’s going to take time and a fat wallet to restore the fixer-upper to its former glory, but after her recent divorce, Peyton could use the distraction.

It’s not long before Peyton discovers she’s moved into the haunted home of a flirtatious paranormal prankster. She’s receiving kisses from unseen lips and caresses from a ghostly hand, and soon she begins to have vivid dreams, bringing her face-to-face with the incomparably handsome ghost of Drake Montague.

When Peyton grows closer to her general contractor, Ryan Kelly—who is as charming as he is alive—the chill in the air could only suggest Drake’s jealousy from beyond the grave. But even though she’s definitely attracted to and interested in Ryan, Peyton also can’t get Drake out of her dreams, or her heart, as she begins to uncover the frightening truth behind his death a century ago…

Review

Peyton has just gotten divorced when this house that used to belong to her great-aunt in dropped in her lap. She takes it as destiny to start her new life redoing the house of her family whom she knew nothing about. Peyton’s new house isn’t in the best shape with all the rain it’s leaking pretty bad. When Ryan is sent to check on her he finds the house in a bad place and offers her a warm place to stay and to help her find someone who can fix her house up.  With little coaxing from Ryan’s sister she sets out to get him to be her general contractor on the house.

While tearing apart the house they find old newspaper articles that tell of a young cop searching for a killer known as the Axeman before he died. When Drake starts  coming to Peyton in her dreams she learns that he’s tied to the house haunting it you could say. Only Drake isn’t the only sprit hanging around but the Axeman has come back to New Orleans. Peyton needs to figure out how to get rid of him with the help of a little voodoo she may be able to send him away. Plus what about her contractor Ryan who she can’t stop thinking about.

I loved Peyton she's gotten rid of her loser ex and is starting her life all over. The author gives Peyton a perfect partner in house hauntings Ryan. Granted he’s been nicknamed a barbarian I think he’s just what she needs to go with her new life. I also think he’s going to be able to deal with all her supernatural stuff better than most. I’m not sure how I feel about Drake I wanted to like him but he’s kind of this womanizer ghost who is tied to Peyton.

I've purchased a few books by this author but never started them and this one keeps popping up on my news feed so I decided to bite the bullet. However I've been watching Coven of American Horror story that features the Axeman of new Orleans which is super creepy that this novel also features him. I looked him up also btw totally real scared the hebbie jeebies out of me. The story is witty, loaded with humor, toss in a little mystery and a ghost it's a perfectly executed story. I enjoyed Peyton's story and the supernatural elements are done tastefully. Ghouls Rush in is a cozy mystery perfect for a lazy afternoon read. 

Book Review: Pawn

Title - Pawn

Author - Aimee Carter 

Series - The Blackcoat Rebellion #1

Genre - YA Dystopian

Format - Kindle Arc Ebook

Published - November 26th 2013

Publisher - Harlequin Teen

(Goodreads)(Amazon)

Synopsis

YOU CAN BE A VII. IF YOU GIVE UP EVERYTHING. 

For Kitty Doe, it seems like an easy choice. She can either spend her life as a III in misery, looked down upon by the higher ranks and forced to leave the people she loves, or she can become a VII and join the most powerful family in the country. 

If she says yes, Kitty will be Masked—surgically transformed into Lila Hart, the Prime Minister's niece, who died under mysterious circumstances. As a member of the Hart family, she will be famous. She will be adored. And for the first time, she will matter. 

There's only one catch. She must also stop the rebellion that Lila secretly fostered, the same one that got her killed …and one Kitty believes in. Faced with threats, conspiracies and a life that's not her own, she must decide which path to choose—and learn how to become more than a pawn in a twisted game she's only beginning to understand.

Review

I received Pawn in return of an honest review from the publisher via NetGalley. Kitty Doe is an orphan growing up in the system till she hits 17 and takes the test which will determine her future in life. When she tests but only succeeds in being ranked as a three with an assignment across the country in order to stay in town with her boyfriend her only option is to join Tabs in prostitution. On her first night they auction her off to the highest bidder, who plans to change Kitty’s life making her on of the most powerful girl in the country.

Kitty wakes up from surgery with a whole new life taking over for the late Lila who died in a skiing accident. Kitty has no other choice but to accept the offer and pretend to be Lila or end up like Tabs. Everyone has plans for Kitty from being against the rebels to supporting the rebels. With the help of Lila’s mother and fiancé Kitty is tossed into a new world full of deceit, murder, secrets and even a little romance. As the truth about what’s really going on starts to come out will Kitty fall victim like Lila or survive?

I wasn’t sure about Kitty at first but as the story progressed I grew to love her she is like a wine just keeps getting better with age. I loved that she cared so much for her boyfriend Benjy and was willing to risk her life to keep him safe. I wasn’t sure about Knox I wanted to dislike him but I just couldn’t and I see a lot of potential for him in the next book. I was worried we would see a love triangle but we didn’t get one which I was really happy about.

I’ve been sitting on this one far too long, as I received it for review over a year ago and I feel terrible about not getting to it sooner. Pawn is an interesting concept while it’s still a dystopian I found the story fresh and exciting. The storyline has a nice mix of suspense and action making it hard to put the novel down. This is my first book by Aimee Carter but I have become a quick fan of her writing style it just flows so smoothly and I was captivated by the book. The characters are easy to connect with I loved Kitty by the end and can’t wait to continue her story. Pawn is one of those must reads for fans of the dystopian genre it’s a clean novel so teens as well as adults will enjoy it. I’ve already picked up the second one and I’m looking forward to find out what happens next in Kitty’s world.

Book Review: Atlantis Riptide

Title - Atlantis Riptide

Author - Allie Burton

Series - Lost Daughters of Atlantis #1

Genre - YA Fantasty Romance

Published - May 22nd 2013

Publisher - Alice Fairbanks Burton

(Amazon)

Synopsis

Atlantis Riptide

Lost Daughters of Atlantis Book 1

Sixteen-year-old Pearl Poseidon ran away from the circus tired of her adoptive parents’ abuse of her special skills. As a runaway, she craves anonymity but when she saves a small boy from drowning she draws attention to herself and her special abilities. Boardwalk employee and aspiring investigative reporter, Chase Thomas, helps her with the rescue and witnesses her amazing dive.

Now, he has questions. And so do the police.

Unbeknownst to Pearl, a battle rages under the Pacific between Loyal and Non-Loyal Atlantean forces and each side wants to use her powers for their cause. Will the commotion in the ocean expose her secrets to the world? Will Chase’s reporter-determination ruin their chance for a real relationship? Will staying near the ocean she loves catapult into a battle royale? 

Review

Pearl is on the run from the circus starting a new life with a new identity in Mermaid Beach. She takes a job on the boardwalk working as a custodian when she see’s a young boy fall into the lagoon. Risking her secret identity Pearl dives into the lagoon to save the boy, however by the time she finds him and saves his life he’s been under water to long. Her only chance to save him she breaths into him giving him the chance to breath under water and saving his life.

Chase is the boardwalk manager who saw the whole thing knowing that Pearl and the boy had been under water longer than was humanly possible. Pearl tries to pass it of as not a big deal in hopes of not drawing attention to her secret. Pearl doesn’t know about her past only that she can breathe under water, is strong, swim fast and isn’t affected by changing temperatures. As Pearls relationship grows with Chase she decides she can trust him telling him her secret. Next she encounters another person just like her who can live under water. She learns that she’s a descendant of Poseidon one of the missing princesses. Will Pearl be able to keep her secret or will her past come to claim her.

I like Pearl she’s had a tough life but has gotten away from her abusive adopted parents and is at last living her own life.  I loved Chase at first I wasn’t sure about him but as the book progressed he just kept getting better and better. I really liked getting to know the other Atlantean’s and hope to see them in the next book like Cuda and finn as well as the other princess.

I picked Atlantis Riptide up as a kindle freebie a while back but never seemed to get around to it yet but I’ve been hoping too. I wasn’t sure what to expect I honestly figured it would be mermaids but I was pleasantly surprised to see that they kept their human forms. I like the concept that Pearl is an Atlantean from the lost city of Atlantis. Atlantis Riptide is a captivating novel about a girl finding the life she has been missing. I loved the character Pearl was easy to connect with and I couldn’t’ help cheering her on as she learns to trust Chase, finds out about her past and her future. The novel is well written the story flows from start to finish I had a hard time putting it down. I really enjoyed Atlantis Riptide and look forward to reading the rest of the novels and see what happens next. 

Book Review: Kindling Flames

Title - Gathering Tinder

Author - Julie Wetzel

Series - Kindling Flames #1

Genre - Fantasy Romance Vampires

Published - September 19th 2014

Publisher - Crimson Tree Publishing

Format - 

Kindle Freebie

(Amazon)

Synopsis

 Fresh from college and with no real work experience, Victoria Westernly considers herself lucky to land the coveted position of personal assistant to Darien Ritter, the CEO and owner of a multibillion-dollar company. His busy schedule and eccentric ways are enough to keep her on her toes. But, all is not what it seems when she discovers the handsome man employing her just happens to be the most powerful vampire in the area. 

This is the first book in The Ancient Fire Series

This is part one of two. The original book was divided due to length. 

Review

I picked up Gathering Tinder as a kindle freebie a while back drawn to the cover I didn’t read the synopsis till I picked it up this week. Darien is in need of a personal assistant to handle his life now that his former assistant is out on bed rest. 9 temps later Vicky (Victoria) shows up desperate for the job because if it doesn’t work out she will have to hit the plasma bank in order to pay her rent. Vicky quickly learns that the job is more than just your typical 9 to 5 job as she’s on call should he need her at any time. 

The body count in piling up and not all the victims are human when the alpha werewolf confronts Darien asking for his help he needs to bring the subject to the council. When a routine trips ends with Darien making a visit to the council he’s forced to bring Vicky into his world. Suddenly Vicky is being watched by not only Darien but the wolves and other vampires are watching her. While danger looms nearby will Darien solve the murders before Vicky is caught in the crossfires?

I liked Vicky she is willing to do what it takes to survive even if it means working for a vampire. She accepts that Darien is a 900 year old vampire give or take a few years, and even knowing that he could drink her dry she still trusts him with her life. I like the potential relationship idea between the two and hope the next novel gives us a little more. 

Gathering Tinder is a combo of vampire romance and suspenseful thriller creating an intriguing story. The author takes the vampire idea and sticks pretty true aside from the fact that Darien is over 900 and the sun is bearable to him as well as munching on human food. He’s a good guy who would be prefect for Vicky but since this book is the first in a series it’s a little a lacking in the romance, however I have high hopes for the next one. I like the concept for the vampires having a council as well as the werewolves and the fae being mixed in the story. The characters are easy to connect with you can’t help rooting for Vicky she’s so darn sweet. I do plan to continue the series I want to see how it’s going to play out since this one was a cliffhanger. 

Book Review: Alice In Zombieland

Title - Alice In Zombieland

Author - Gena Showalter

Series - White Rabbit Chronicles #1

Genre - YA Fantasy Zombies

Format - paperback

Published - September 25th 2012

Publisher - Harlequin Teen

(Goodreads)(Amazon)

Synopsis 

She won’t rest until she’s sent every walking corpse back to its grave. Forever.

Had anyone told Alice Bell that her entire life would change course between one heartbeat and the next, she would have laughed. From blissful to tragic, innocent to ruined? Please. But that’s all it took. One heartbeat. A blink, a breath, a second, and everything she knew and loved was gone.

Her father was right. The monsters are real….

To avenge her family, Ali must learn to fight the undead. To survive, she must learn to trust the baddest of the bad boys, Cole Holland. But Cole has secrets of his own, and if Ali isn’t careful, those secrets might just prove to be more dangerous than the zombies….

I wish I could go back and do a thousand things differently.

I'd tell my sister no.

I'd never beg my mother to talk to my dad.

I'd zip my lips and swallow those hateful words.

Or, barring all of that, I'd hug my sister, my mom and my dad one last time.

Review
I received an ARC for review from a fellow blogger and sadly it took a little longer to get to it. Ali (Alice) dad is a little odd he won’t let them out after dark for fear of monsters. It all changed when on her birthday Ali asks her parents to take her to her sister’s recital knowing that they will be out after dark. On the drive home their car was wrecks her father is thrust though the window and when Ali comes to she sees the stuff of his nightmares eating her father. In the fatal accident Ali loses both her parents and her little sister leaving her with only her grandparents and the knowledge her father was right.

Now Ali is starting over her new life in a new school with new friends. She still hasn’t gotten over the loss of her family but she can’t let it keep her depressed forever. She has new friends as well as the attention of the hot bad boy. Ali learns more and more about the monsters that killed her family that they are zombies and can only been killed in the spirit world. A world that only a few can see and she happens to be one of them. With the help of her new friends Ali learns to fight the zombies and risks her life and her heart.

I loved Ali right from the start, and she may be my favorite Alice in Wonderland spin off character. She has so much sadness in her life but she also has the good things like her grandparents, her friends, and her new mission in life. I also like Kat she’s a little different but in a good way she makes me smile maybe she just a little nutty. Who doesn’t love Cole he’s just the perfect guy for Ali who will risk it all to save her life.

I’ve had this one on my TBR for so long and now that the third one has come out I decided to give it a shot. I’m a huge Alice in Wonderland fan so Alice in Zombieland had some big shoes to fill and it exceeded my expectation. The concept for the zombies has its own unique twists which I found refreshing and exciting. The characters are easy to connect with you can’t help loving Ali she’s such a sweetheart with a tragic past. This is my first book by this author and I instantly fell in love with her writing style the story just flowed along making it hard to put down if not for real life I would have finished it in one sitting. The whole story is beautifully written from start to finish a captivating novel that captures the heart and imagination. Alice in Zombieland is action packed novel mix of action, romance, and suspense that keeps you guessing till the very end. I loved the book it is one of my new favorites. I can’t wait to read the next books in the series.
5 out of 5 Stars

S & S Review: Bitter Sweet Love

Title - Bitter Sweet Love

Author - Jennifer L. Armentrout

Series - The Dark Elements

Genres - YA, Fantasy Gargoyles 

Format - Kindle freebie

(Goodreads)(Amazon)

Synopsis

Dez wasn't just Jasmine's crush. A gargoyle Warden like Jas, he helped her come to terms with her destiny—fending off demons and maintaining the balance between good and evil. He was her everything…right until the moment he disappeared without a trace. It didn't help that Jas's father had just announced that she and Dez would one day be mated. Hard not to take that personally.

And now he's back, three years older, ten times hotter, ready to pick up exactly where they left off. But Jas isn't taking that risk again. Dez has seven days to meet all her conditions and earn back her trust. Seven days filled with terrifying danger and sweet temptation. Seven days to win her heart—or shatter it all over again...

Review
I picked this one up when it was a kindle freebie with every intention of reading it but then it ended up lost on my kindle. Jas comes from a long line of Wardens a race of Gargoyle that shades from human to the winged creature we all know. Jas had a crush on Dez for years but when her father announced that they should be mated suddenly Dez takes off leaving Jasmine assuming it’s because of her. After three long years he returns without explaining why he left or where he was and he wants to be her mate. Jas has seven days to decide if she will mate with Dez but it won’t be easy she has a to-do list that will test them both. 

While the pair embark on her to-do list Dez has to be on his guard if he’s going to keep Jas alive and safe from the demons that roam the city. Their first adventure will take them into the heart of New York but first he has to teach her to drive which is something the other guys haven’t been up to doing. Over the next seven days Dez will have to show Jas he loves her and keep her safe from demons that will want to harm her. 

The Dark Elements series takes us into an exciting new world filled with Gargoyles and demons a true good vs evil concept. I’ve not read many books with Gargoyles but these have to be the most interesting the way that they shade from human to winged creature is awesome. I loved the characters they are easy to connect with and captured my heart. I’m a huge fan of Jennifer L. Armentrout so I had high hopes for the novella of her exciting new series. Bitter Sweet Love doesn’t disappoint I can’t wait to read the series. The story is action packed and loaded with sweet moments between Jas and Dez. It was hard to put down and finished it in just a few short hours. I just wish it wasn't so short but we have a brief introduction to the future books characters who I can't wait to learn more about. 

5 out of 5 stars

Book Review: Heir of Skies

Title - Heir of Skies

Author - Rachel Higginson

Series - Starbright #1

Genres - YA, Fantasy, Romance 

Published - September 17th 2012

Format - Kindle freebie

(Goodreads)(Amazon)

Synopsis

Stella is a Star, sent by a Council of Elders to live on Earth and protect the planet from the Darkness, a terrifying evil that would suck the good from every living thing and leave the planet empty and desolate. She has until her twenty-fifth birthday before the Protectorship becomes hers and Earth is left solely her responsibility.

Stella’s fate goes on fast forward as she struggles to balance the rest of high school with the duties of protecting humanity from the deadliest kind of evil.

With her parents and Seth, the boy intended to be her Counterpart, by her side she faces down demons and fallen angels in an effort to protect the last inhabited planet in the universe.

But evil is not her only enemy. She also fights her future as she tries to decide if she’s willing to give up her human relationships, especially that of her best friend Tristan, in order to save humanity.

Review

Stella is just sixteen when she's attacked by the shadows that kick her future into high gear. Suddenly the guy who she's not supposed to meet for many years has shown up in time to save her from the shadows. The prior protector of Earth has been murdered kick starting Stella’s training to be the next protector. Thankfully she won’t have to step right into the roll since there is a temporary Star to protect earth. With the loss of one star and the arrival of Seth her warrior Stella’s life is about to change.

Instead of spending her days with school, sports and her friends she now has to add fighting and training to protect to the earth with Seth. While Stella is destined to be with Seth she can’t help the feelings that her best friend has developed. With two guys trying for her heart she has her hands full toss in an angry fallen who is intent on having Seth join his side. Stella will have to take a speed course in learning to defend the earth or else it will fall into the darkness like all the prior planets. At least she won’t have to do it alone.

I like Stella she’s one of those pure characters you can’t help liking right from the start. I really love characters you can connect with and Stella is one of those characters, plus as the book progresses she just gets better. I really like Seth he’s the good guy with a good heart intent on doing what’s right even if it means losing the last of his family. I’m not sure how I feel about Stella’s best friend Tristian he kind of bugs me the way he knows she’s off limits but doesn’t back off with his intentions.  

I've had this one as a kindle freebie for over a year and I wish I hadn't waited so long. I haven't found that Angel book that I've fallen in love with yet but this series may just be it. While the author uses the concept of good vs evil she adds her own unique twist creating stars and warriors as protects of earth. The stars and warriors have the ability to heat up their skin to the power of the sun, they are stronger, faster, and can fly how cool is that? I loved Stella even if she is in a love triangle which typically I avoid she’s still a character I enjoyed reading her story. Overall I think the author did a great job, and plan to read the next ones in the series. Side note the series was renamed and the cover updated in my opinion much better. 

5 out of 5 stars

Book Review: Ditched

Title - Ditched

Author - Amity Hope

Genre - YA Romance Contemporary 

Published - April 15 2013

Format - Kindle Freebie

(Goodreads)(Amazon)

Synopsis

Holly has her whole life mapped out. It’s simple, really. She just needs to finish her degree in journalism, marry Collin—her high school sweetheart—and live happily ever after.

Max has had a crush on his friend Holly since he moved to town four years ago. He’s been dreading her wedding since she first sent him a text telling him the news. He's dreading it so much, in fact, that he's decided to move back to his hometown in California immediately following the ceremony.

He never thought that a change of plan would include taking Holly with him, showing her that sometimes the happily ever after you really want, is the one you never knew you were looking for.

Review

Holly's life is all planned out from finishing college to marrying her high school sweetheart everything should be perfect. When she stops by her fiance's house after her bachelorette party she finds her fiancé home and not alone but with another woman. Instead of calling it off the wedding Holly lets her mom and his mom bully her into going through with the wedding. However after walking down the aisle she sees the girl who happened to be with Collin. Knowing she can’t marry him she calls of f the wedding thanks to Max with the perfect excuse to get out of town for a while.

A few weeks in sunny California sound like the perfect way to figure out what she wants to do and getting away from the backlash of the wedding with her best friend can’t be all bad.  After the long drive across the country things are looking up for Holly shes settled into life at the beach house and is seeing Max as more than just a friend and when Mike his older brother spells out that he’s been in love with her for years everything changes. Even though she’s getting over Collin she’s learning that it was never meant to be with him but Max is exactly what she wants. Will she be able to make it work with Max or end up rushing home to Collin when he has an accident?

I like Holly she reminds me of the girl next door who has a good heart just maybe takes Max for granted at first. As the book progresses and she gets out on her own I found myself really connecting with her. I love that she’s crafty making her own jewelry which is something I do myself. I loved Max he’s just a good guy who hasn’t had the chance to win over Holly’s heart but of course getting her away from her old life is the prefect chance at love.

I picked up Ditched as a kindle freebie a long time ago but never seemed to get around to it which seems to be a trend for me. I really loved the idea of a sweet romance between best friends finding love and I think that the author did a tasteful job creating a clean romance between the two that doesn’t come off as re-bound like. I found Ditched to be a sweet romance which is also clean so anyone can enjoy it the relationship between Holly and Max is adorable. I enjoyed the story it was quick paced and fun hard to put down because I was curious to see what would happen to Holly next. Overall it's a light hearted romance which is perfect for a lazy afternoon. I’m a sucker for a happy ever after and Ditched doesn't disappoint. 

4 out of 5 stars