Take a photo of a barcode or cover
2.54k reviews by:
bookbriefs
**You can see this full review and more at Book Briefs: http://bookbriefs.net**This review was originally posted on Book Briefs
**You can see this full review and more at Book Briefs: http://bookbriefs.net**
Center Ice is the first book in the Corrigan Falls Raiders series, a new young adult (possibly new adult in future books) contemporary romance series about a Major-minor league hockey team. It is told in dual narrative between Tyler and Karen. I really enjoyed that because I have been reading more paranormal books lately and I have to say I have missed my dual narrative contemporary romances. And I didn't even realize that I missed them until I started reading Center Ice.
One of the great things about Center Ice...other than the Hockey players...is that the characters are so completely read. You are going to see the good, the bad and the ugly from Karen and even Tyler. They are both great, but Karen especially found herself in a less than desirable situation, and she is a 16 year old girl. So she sometimes had a tendency to let her snarky and bratty side show. Not that I really blamed her though. I think having to go live with the father you never knew- after the death of your mother- and to find out that he has a whole family and he was cheating on his pregnant wife, which resulted in knocking Karen's mother up with her. Yes, that is not the typical situation and it is bound to be more than a little awkward. Yes, the kids are going to resent you and the mother has every right to be a total witch. And the oldest daughter was a total witch, but the mom really surprised me. I kind of wish Karen had been a little nicer to her initially because she was surprisingly great about the whole thing. I kind of loved that even though she had every right to be cold and distant towards Karen, she wasn't mean at all. It was refreshing.
Karen is only 16, so she does have some growing up to do, but this is such a tough time for her that you have to cut her some slack. And then there is Tyler. Tyler is so worthy of being a hometown hero. I just loved him. I felt so bad for him. In some ways I felt worse for him than for Karen. I know that sounds strange because Karen lost her mom, but Tyler has parents alive, but not there for him. They don't seem to care about what he wants, only what they want for him. It was tough for me to read some of the scenes with Tyler and his dad, but I lived for the scenes between Tyler and Karen. I just loved the two of them together. And I loved that Karen wasn't that into hockey. The scene were she found out Tyler was a hockey player cracked me up.
Overall, Center Ice is a great book. It is funny, sweet, heartbreaking, and an all around wonderful read. I loved getting to know all of the characters, and I loved that Cate Cameron wasn't afraid to show some ugly sides to them. This is how they were and this is how you were going to see them. No punches barred. If you are a fan of young adult/new adult contemporary that is realistic and not falsely fluffed up, I would strongly reccomend Center Ice. I can't wait for the next book in the Corrigan Falls Raiders series.
This review was originally posted on Book Briefs
Center Ice is the first book in the Corrigan Falls Raiders series, a new young adult (possibly new adult in future books) contemporary romance series about a Major-minor league hockey team. It is told in dual narrative between Tyler and Karen. I really enjoyed that because I have been reading more paranormal books lately and I have to say I have missed my dual narrative contemporary romances. And I didn't even realize that I missed them until I started reading Center Ice.
One of the great things about Center Ice...other than the Hockey players...is that the characters are so completely read. You are going to see the good, the bad and the ugly from Karen and even Tyler. They are both great, but Karen especially found herself in a less than desirable situation, and she is a 16 year old girl. So she sometimes had a tendency to let her snarky and bratty side show. Not that I really blamed her though. I think having to go live with the father you never knew- after the death of your mother- and to find out that he has a whole family and he was cheating on his pregnant wife, which resulted in knocking Karen's mother up with her. Yes, that is not the typical situation and it is bound to be more than a little awkward. Yes, the kids are going to resent you and the mother has every right to be a total witch. And the oldest daughter was a total witch, but the mom really surprised me. I kind of wish Karen had been a little nicer to her initially because she was surprisingly great about the whole thing. I kind of loved that even though she had every right to be cold and distant towards Karen, she wasn't mean at all. It was refreshing.
Karen is only 16, so she does have some growing up to do, but this is such a tough time for her that you have to cut her some slack. And then there is Tyler. Tyler is so worthy of being a hometown hero. I just loved him. I felt so bad for him. In some ways I felt worse for him than for Karen. I know that sounds strange because Karen lost her mom, but Tyler has parents alive, but not there for him. They don't seem to care about what he wants, only what they want for him. It was tough for me to read some of the scenes with Tyler and his dad, but I lived for the scenes between Tyler and Karen. I just loved the two of them together. And I loved that Karen wasn't that into hockey. The scene were she found out Tyler was a hockey player cracked me up.
Overall, Center Ice is a great book. It is funny, sweet, heartbreaking, and an all around wonderful read. I loved getting to know all of the characters, and I loved that Cate Cameron wasn't afraid to show some ugly sides to them. This is how they were and this is how you were going to see them. No punches barred. If you are a fan of young adult/new adult contemporary that is realistic and not falsely fluffed up, I would strongly reccomend Center Ice. I can't wait for the next book in the Corrigan Falls Raiders series.
This review was originally posted on Book Briefs
**You can see this full review and more at Book Briefs: http://bookbriefs.net**
Confessions of a Virgin Sex Columnist! is written by ya author Kaitlin Davis, writing new adult as Kay Marie. This book is a hilariously good time. I honestly don't know any other way to describe it. I struggled with this review because every other sentence I wrote kept repeating how funny and witty and quirky this book was. So I decided to scrap that whole long meandering and honestly just repetitive review and write a mini review instead, telling you that this book is funny and a great time and you should read it. Period. End of story.
Ok, I will say a little bit more about the book. But you should read Confessions of a Virgin Sex Columnist! because you will really enjoy it. Fans of romantic comedy movies will get a kick out of Skyler. I can't imagine anyone not taking an immediate liking to her. I know that I did. I empathized with her, I saw bits of myself in her and I saw bits of so many people I knew in her. She is really relateable. Skyler's first person point of view was conversational and kept the book flowing right along.
So grab something cold to drink, a snack to much on and sit back and get ready to laugh at Skyler's adventures as a fresh college grad working on a local paper as their sex columnist. And oh yea, she is a Virgin. This book is a really good time.
This review was originally posted on Book Briefs
Confessions of a Virgin Sex Columnist! is written by ya author Kaitlin Davis, writing new adult as Kay Marie. This book is a hilariously good time. I honestly don't know any other way to describe it. I struggled with this review because every other sentence I wrote kept repeating how funny and witty and quirky this book was. So I decided to scrap that whole long meandering and honestly just repetitive review and write a mini review instead, telling you that this book is funny and a great time and you should read it. Period. End of story.
Ok, I will say a little bit more about the book. But you should read Confessions of a Virgin Sex Columnist! because you will really enjoy it. Fans of romantic comedy movies will get a kick out of Skyler. I can't imagine anyone not taking an immediate liking to her. I know that I did. I empathized with her, I saw bits of myself in her and I saw bits of so many people I knew in her. She is really relateable. Skyler's first person point of view was conversational and kept the book flowing right along.
So grab something cold to drink, a snack to much on and sit back and get ready to laugh at Skyler's adventures as a fresh college grad working on a local paper as their sex columnist. And oh yea, she is a Virgin. This book is a really good time.
This review was originally posted on Book Briefs
**You can see this full review and more at Book Briefs: http://bookbriefs.net**
The Last One by Tawdra Kandle is the first book in a contemporary romance series, called the One Series. It is told in dual narrative between Sam and Meghan, and I absolutely loved it. It is technically adult contemporary romance but I think it will appeal to fans of new adult and adult romances alike. The Last One allowed me to totally tune out the world. I could not put this book down, for anything or anyone. I was so engrossed with their story. I loved the dynamic between the two of them. They started out on the total wrong foot and became bicker buddies for a long time after that.
Sam had the wrong first impression of Meghan, but I loved the happenstance that brought them into each others lives for longer than their first meeting. Let me back up and explain. Meghan is a junior in college that has been having a rough time with some family stuff. So her and her best friend go out one night for carefree fun so Meghan can just let loose. Megahn and her friend end up broken down on the side of the rode and Sam comes to their assistance. Meghan is totally wasted and Sam thinks she is just some party college girl. Meghan meanwhile signs up to do a volunteer ArtCorps over the summer. A program that assigns an art student to be a volunteer teacher for a community in need of one. The student stays with a host family for the summer and gives free art classes to the kids in the community. Three guesses who is a part of Meghan's host family for the summer. And just like that you have all the ingredients you need for a sizzling and banter laced-, unresolved sexual tension filled, summer of a good time.
Sam and Meghan are so great together but man oh man are they ever thick-headed. They are each so focused on not getting tied down, that they don't see a good thing when it is staring them in the face. They each need a good shaking from time to time, but that is all part of their journey. And what a journey it is. Fans of new adult and of contemporary romance alike will love Tawdra Kandle's writing. I could not get enough of Meghan and Sam. I can't wait to see what is going to be next in the series. It is Ali's story and I am super excited about that because that girl deserves her HEA.
*Note: I have seen this as Adult contemporary romance as well as New Adult contemporary romance. I think it would work for either of those categories.
This review was originally posted on Book Briefs
The Last One by Tawdra Kandle is the first book in a contemporary romance series, called the One Series. It is told in dual narrative between Sam and Meghan, and I absolutely loved it. It is technically adult contemporary romance but I think it will appeal to fans of new adult and adult romances alike. The Last One allowed me to totally tune out the world. I could not put this book down, for anything or anyone. I was so engrossed with their story. I loved the dynamic between the two of them. They started out on the total wrong foot and became bicker buddies for a long time after that.
Sam had the wrong first impression of Meghan, but I loved the happenstance that brought them into each others lives for longer than their first meeting. Let me back up and explain. Meghan is a junior in college that has been having a rough time with some family stuff. So her and her best friend go out one night for carefree fun so Meghan can just let loose. Megahn and her friend end up broken down on the side of the rode and Sam comes to their assistance. Meghan is totally wasted and Sam thinks she is just some party college girl. Meghan meanwhile signs up to do a volunteer ArtCorps over the summer. A program that assigns an art student to be a volunteer teacher for a community in need of one. The student stays with a host family for the summer and gives free art classes to the kids in the community. Three guesses who is a part of Meghan's host family for the summer. And just like that you have all the ingredients you need for a sizzling and banter laced-, unresolved sexual tension filled, summer of a good time.
Sam and Meghan are so great together but man oh man are they ever thick-headed. They are each so focused on not getting tied down, that they don't see a good thing when it is staring them in the face. They each need a good shaking from time to time, but that is all part of their journey. And what a journey it is. Fans of new adult and of contemporary romance alike will love Tawdra Kandle's writing. I could not get enough of Meghan and Sam. I can't wait to see what is going to be next in the series. It is Ali's story and I am super excited about that because that girl deserves her HEA.
*Note: I have seen this as Adult contemporary romance as well as New Adult contemporary romance. I think it would work for either of those categories.
This review was originally posted on Book Briefs
**You can see this full review and more at Book Briefs: http://bookbriefs.net**
4.5/5 stars
Nowhere But Here is the first book in a new young adult contemporary series by Katie McGarry, called Thunder Road. 2015 is the year where I finally start to read some new- but-insanely-popular-YA-authors. Because guess what? I haven't read a Katie McGarry book yet. Craziness! I know. But when I saw that she had a new series coming out, I thought this was the perfect time for me to jump on the bandwagon and experience what all the ya romance hype is about. And I get it, people. I really do. I have never been one for motorcycle books. I know it is a huge trope out there, but I could never really get into it. Until now. I absolutely loved the family and brother ship that Katie McGarry painted with the Reign of Terror. Trust me, their name is way meaner than they actually are.
Nowhere But Here is told in dual narrative between Emily and Oz. Oz is the son of one of the big ups in the Reign of Terror and he has been itching to join the business, well, since forever. Emily is the long lost daughter of the head family of the chapter. And her past is shrouded in deep dark mysteries. I really liked the mysterious aspect that surrounded Emily and her mom. It was a fun element that I wasn't expecting in the story. I was fed up right along with Emily as she tried to sort out all of the lies and secrets that everyone was keeping from her.
But the main focus on the story is Emily and Oz. Oz is assigned to protect Emily from the ongoing riots between a forced rival of a motorcycle gang. And this other gang, seems like the bad kind. I liked that Katie McGarry distinguished between legit motorcycle groups that do things "legal" and aboveboard, and the other gangs that don't care so much about following the law. The romance between Oz and Emily was a wonderful slow burn romance. They certainly did not like each other at first glance, but rather what they felt built and evolved over time.
Katie McGarry has created a fantastic group of characters with a wonderful romance between Oz and Emily. This book had me bawling at the end. Full out bawling. I just loved it so much. I get what all the fuss is about with Katie McGarry. This lady writes seriously great romance. She made me fall in love with everyone, even the secondary characters that I didn't initially think I would care much about. This is a really great book for young adult fans, new adult fans and adult fans alike.
4.5/5 stars
This review was originally posted on Book Briefs
4.5/5 stars
Nowhere But Here is the first book in a new young adult contemporary series by Katie McGarry, called Thunder Road. 2015 is the year where I finally start to read some new- but-insanely-popular-YA-authors. Because guess what? I haven't read a Katie McGarry book yet. Craziness! I know. But when I saw that she had a new series coming out, I thought this was the perfect time for me to jump on the bandwagon and experience what all the ya romance hype is about. And I get it, people. I really do. I have never been one for motorcycle books. I know it is a huge trope out there, but I could never really get into it. Until now. I absolutely loved the family and brother ship that Katie McGarry painted with the Reign of Terror. Trust me, their name is way meaner than they actually are.
Nowhere But Here is told in dual narrative between Emily and Oz. Oz is the son of one of the big ups in the Reign of Terror and he has been itching to join the business, well, since forever. Emily is the long lost daughter of the head family of the chapter. And her past is shrouded in deep dark mysteries. I really liked the mysterious aspect that surrounded Emily and her mom. It was a fun element that I wasn't expecting in the story. I was fed up right along with Emily as she tried to sort out all of the lies and secrets that everyone was keeping from her.
But the main focus on the story is Emily and Oz. Oz is assigned to protect Emily from the ongoing riots between a forced rival of a motorcycle gang. And this other gang, seems like the bad kind. I liked that Katie McGarry distinguished between legit motorcycle groups that do things "legal" and aboveboard, and the other gangs that don't care so much about following the law. The romance between Oz and Emily was a wonderful slow burn romance. They certainly did not like each other at first glance, but rather what they felt built and evolved over time.
Katie McGarry has created a fantastic group of characters with a wonderful romance between Oz and Emily. This book had me bawling at the end. Full out bawling. I just loved it so much. I get what all the fuss is about with Katie McGarry. This lady writes seriously great romance. She made me fall in love with everyone, even the secondary characters that I didn't initially think I would care much about. This is a really great book for young adult fans, new adult fans and adult fans alike.
4.5/5 stars
This review was originally posted on Book Briefs
**See this full review and more at http://bookbriefs.net**
I Know Lucy is told from Zach's point of view. The chapters alternate between Zach, which is told in the first person, and Lucy, which is told in the Third person. It really worked for the story. Zach is the one trying to puzzle out the mystery that is Lucy, or Dani as he knows her, so Lucy's chapters are pieces of her past that allow the reader to slowly fill in the gap between when her parents were killed and Zach's present. I really loved watching how the story unfolded. Melissa Pearl is an excellent story teller.
I loved how smart and observant both Lucy and Zach are. I think that was one of the main things that drew them to each other. It was really interesting to see how similar their thought processes were. Zach is known as the "fixer" with his friends. He always picks girls that are a little crazy or off and he likes to play hero and save the day. His friends think that Lucy is just another one like that. But Zach is convinced that there is something different about her. He just doesn't know how right he is.
Lucy has had such an awful life. I felt so bad for what she had to witness and being on the run couldn't have been easy. As more and more of her past was revealed throughout the story, I felt myself hoping against hope that she was as good as she seemed. I was just like Zach. I wanted her to be this awesome girl. I didn't want to believe that she was going to do anything to hurt Zach or his friends. I ended up guessing correctly, but I am not going to tell you what I guessed or if it made me happy or sad. That will be for you to experience.
I Know Lucy was pretty powerful. I was really invested in Zach. I just wanted him to be happy, and of course I wanted Lucy to be happy as well. She has had it so rough. I might not have always admired her choices, but it would be hard to completely hate her. She is just a young girl trying to survive. I love Melissa Pearl's writing. Her stories are always so captivating. And with the ending of I Know Lucy, I kind of can't wait to get my hands on the next book. I am really interested to see what is going to happen next. This is not your typical YA love story at all.
I Know Lucy is told from Zach's point of view. The chapters alternate between Zach, which is told in the first person, and Lucy, which is told in the Third person. It really worked for the story. Zach is the one trying to puzzle out the mystery that is Lucy, or Dani as he knows her, so Lucy's chapters are pieces of her past that allow the reader to slowly fill in the gap between when her parents were killed and Zach's present. I really loved watching how the story unfolded. Melissa Pearl is an excellent story teller.
I loved how smart and observant both Lucy and Zach are. I think that was one of the main things that drew them to each other. It was really interesting to see how similar their thought processes were. Zach is known as the "fixer" with his friends. He always picks girls that are a little crazy or off and he likes to play hero and save the day. His friends think that Lucy is just another one like that. But Zach is convinced that there is something different about her. He just doesn't know how right he is.
Lucy has had such an awful life. I felt so bad for what she had to witness and being on the run couldn't have been easy. As more and more of her past was revealed throughout the story, I felt myself hoping against hope that she was as good as she seemed. I was just like Zach. I wanted her to be this awesome girl. I didn't want to believe that she was going to do anything to hurt Zach or his friends. I ended up guessing correctly, but I am not going to tell you what I guessed or if it made me happy or sad. That will be for you to experience.
I Know Lucy was pretty powerful. I was really invested in Zach. I just wanted him to be happy, and of course I wanted Lucy to be happy as well. She has had it so rough. I might not have always admired her choices, but it would be hard to completely hate her. She is just a young girl trying to survive. I love Melissa Pearl's writing. Her stories are always so captivating. And with the ending of I Know Lucy, I kind of can't wait to get my hands on the next book. I am really interested to see what is going to happen next. This is not your typical YA love story at all.
**You can see this full review and more at Book Briefs: http://bookbriefs.net**
4.5/5
Holy Cow, did I love Powerless. The book just kept getting better and better. I love me some super powers books and this world was just plain cool. There are villains, super villains, heroes and superheroes. And then there are the ordinaries. I don't know the breakdown of how many villains there are versus heroes and versus ordinaries. That was my only sticking point with Powerless. It felt like we were just kind of dropped into this world without any real explanation. Kenna, the main character just starts talking about heroes and vilians and all these organizations like it is totally normal, without really telling how the world got to be this way. Scientists and experiments played a role in creating the first wave of powers, but you don't learn too much more than that. You do learn some more as you go along. And honestly, I was so quickly swept up in the thrill of the storyline that I didn't care too much about being dumped into this world.
Kenna is the daughter of a super famous hero that was killed by a villain, and a powerful scientist that does a lot of super secret work for the hero task forces. So to say she dislikes Villains is putting it mildly. But, things are never quite what they seem and the heroes have secrets. I am not telling you any more than that, but I don't think that a big government agency looking to take control would have some not so shiny secrets and skeletons of their own. This sets off a world wind adventure with a great group of characters. There are villains, heroes and ordinaries all working together. And I loved their group. They bickered and fought and formed really great friendships. And the romance in this one was great. I loved Draven.
Powerless is the first book in a new series that I just know is going to be one of my favorites. It has a great romance, lots of action, plenty of twists and turns and some awesome super powers. Fans of x-men will love this book. Kenna is great. I loved her as the main character. I thought it was fantastic that she was more than ordinary (kind of) but that she didn't have powers. It would have been so easy to have just made her a powerful hero and had it be her v. the villains. But what Tera Lynn Childs and Tracey Deebs came up with was so much better! And the ending. I think I held my breath for the last 10 pages. Holy cow! Someone please get me book 2 right now!
This review was originally posted on Book Briefs
4.5/5
Holy Cow, did I love Powerless. The book just kept getting better and better. I love me some super powers books and this world was just plain cool. There are villains, super villains, heroes and superheroes. And then there are the ordinaries. I don't know the breakdown of how many villains there are versus heroes and versus ordinaries. That was my only sticking point with Powerless. It felt like we were just kind of dropped into this world without any real explanation. Kenna, the main character just starts talking about heroes and vilians and all these organizations like it is totally normal, without really telling how the world got to be this way. Scientists and experiments played a role in creating the first wave of powers, but you don't learn too much more than that. You do learn some more as you go along. And honestly, I was so quickly swept up in the thrill of the storyline that I didn't care too much about being dumped into this world.
Kenna is the daughter of a super famous hero that was killed by a villain, and a powerful scientist that does a lot of super secret work for the hero task forces. So to say she dislikes Villains is putting it mildly. But, things are never quite what they seem and the heroes have secrets. I am not telling you any more than that, but I don't think that a big government agency looking to take control would have some not so shiny secrets and skeletons of their own. This sets off a world wind adventure with a great group of characters. There are villains, heroes and ordinaries all working together. And I loved their group. They bickered and fought and formed really great friendships. And the romance in this one was great. I loved Draven.
Powerless is the first book in a new series that I just know is going to be one of my favorites. It has a great romance, lots of action, plenty of twists and turns and some awesome super powers. Fans of x-men will love this book. Kenna is great. I loved her as the main character. I thought it was fantastic that she was more than ordinary (kind of) but that she didn't have powers. It would have been so easy to have just made her a powerful hero and had it be her v. the villains. But what Tera Lynn Childs and Tracey Deebs came up with was so much better! And the ending. I think I held my breath for the last 10 pages. Holy cow! Someone please get me book 2 right now!
This review was originally posted on Book Briefs
**You can see this full review and more at Book Briefs: http://bookbriefs.net**
Killer Instinct is the first book in the young adult series by the same name. And right off the bat, I have to say that I love the new covers for the series so, so much. I think they are much cooler looking than the old covers, and I think they fit with the story. Killer Instinct is about a girl that is fascinated with serial killers. And not only is she fascinated with them and with the way their mind works, she thinks that she may fit the profile as one. Lane, the main character, kind of reminded me of the show Dexter. And like Dexter, she has a conscience. She doesn't want to just go around killing people just for the heck of it. She wants to be a vigilante serial killer of sorts. Killing or torturing only criminals who she thinks deserve it. She is seeking revenge for their victims.
Which I thought was a cool concept in YA because it was different than so many books out there. But then there is a whole other level to the story. Soon a mystery unfolds and Lane finds herself right in the middle of it. I totally loved the whirlwind and crazy journey that Killer Instinct took me on. A serial killer has been on the loose for year, called the Decapitator. He kills victims always in the month of September, and this September he comes to Lane's hometown and starts sending messages directly to her. On her hunt to find out who the Decapitator really is and what he wants with Lane, Lane finds herself learning more about the secrets of her past.
S.E. Green had me totally enthralled in the story. The writing was was great and made it so easy to become lost in the story. I loved Lane, even though she is a little creepy. (shh, don't tell her I said that.) I loved how much she loves animals and her younger brother. She has feelings, even when she thinks she doesn't, and her blooming something with Zach. Even though some parts of the plot seemed a bit too easy and convenient, I loved Killer Instinct and I totally did not see the ending coming. I thought it was crazy! I am really glad that I have the second book, Killer Within, because I need to start reading it ASAP. Fans of the tv show Dexter, and fans of YA looking for something dark, twisted, so wonderfully unique, and more than a little messed up, should check out the Killer Instinct series. The second book was released last month, so do what I am doing and read them back to back!
This review was originally posted on Book Briefs
Killer Instinct is the first book in the young adult series by the same name. And right off the bat, I have to say that I love the new covers for the series so, so much. I think they are much cooler looking than the old covers, and I think they fit with the story. Killer Instinct is about a girl that is fascinated with serial killers. And not only is she fascinated with them and with the way their mind works, she thinks that she may fit the profile as one. Lane, the main character, kind of reminded me of the show Dexter. And like Dexter, she has a conscience. She doesn't want to just go around killing people just for the heck of it. She wants to be a vigilante serial killer of sorts. Killing or torturing only criminals who she thinks deserve it. She is seeking revenge for their victims.
Which I thought was a cool concept in YA because it was different than so many books out there. But then there is a whole other level to the story. Soon a mystery unfolds and Lane finds herself right in the middle of it. I totally loved the whirlwind and crazy journey that Killer Instinct took me on. A serial killer has been on the loose for year, called the Decapitator. He kills victims always in the month of September, and this September he comes to Lane's hometown and starts sending messages directly to her. On her hunt to find out who the Decapitator really is and what he wants with Lane, Lane finds herself learning more about the secrets of her past.
S.E. Green had me totally enthralled in the story. The writing was was great and made it so easy to become lost in the story. I loved Lane, even though she is a little creepy. (shh, don't tell her I said that.) I loved how much she loves animals and her younger brother. She has feelings, even when she thinks she doesn't, and her blooming something with Zach. Even though some parts of the plot seemed a bit too easy and convenient, I loved Killer Instinct and I totally did not see the ending coming. I thought it was crazy! I am really glad that I have the second book, Killer Within, because I need to start reading it ASAP. Fans of the tv show Dexter, and fans of YA looking for something dark, twisted, so wonderfully unique, and more than a little messed up, should check out the Killer Instinct series. The second book was released last month, so do what I am doing and read them back to back!
This review was originally posted on Book Briefs
**You can see this full review and more at Book Briefs: http://bookbriefs.net**
Two of Hearts is a standalone new adult romance by Christina Lee. I have read, and totally loved, a handful of books in Christina Lee's new adult Between Breaths series. This book had a different vibe to it. It works great as a standalone as well. I really enjoyed this second chance romance between Shane and Dakota, and I loved the insight it gave me into the Native American and reservation culture. That is not a culture that I have explored much before, and it was cool to see it incorporated in this new adult contemporary.
Dakota's father ran a successful casino in her community, so when he died the casino fell to her and her mother. The problem is that her mother is 100% dutch and Dakota is 50% dutch. Some members of the Native American community saw this as a betrayal of sorts and had an issue with "an outsider" running such a profitable community business. I thought this was an interesting point of drama and strife in Two of Hearts. It added a different layer of complexity to the story and even to the romance.
Shane comes home to pay his respects to Dakota's father, since he grew up and worked in the casino. Shane is a US Marshall and soon he gets wrapped up investigating the death and wrapped up in Dakota himself. I am such a sucker for a second chance romance, and I think what I liked the most about Shane and Dakota is how well they really and truly understand each other. Dakota and I had a bit of a bumpy start, but I grew to love her. Initially, I had my feathers ruffled over how she handled her first chance at love with Shane in the past. I thought it was a typical "girl" move to try and test him and then let him go when he didn't react the way she wanted. Even though she didn't want him to leave she told him to. We all do it sometimes, it is like we can't help it. But it still aggravates me when mind games like that happen. Because everyone loses. But anyway, I digress. Their first chance didn't work out, but that brings us to their wonderfully crafted second chance at love. I really enjoyed going their their ups and downs.
Christina Lee is such an emotional writer. It makes for great contemporary romances. While I didn't love this book as much as the books in her Between Breaths series, I did really enjoy it. Shane and Dakota will make you experience a range of emotions and you will be rooting for them. Two of Hearts is a solidly good book. And I thought the cultural aspect of the book was just as well done as the romance. So kudos to Christina Lee for that!
This review was originally posted on Book Briefs
Two of Hearts is a standalone new adult romance by Christina Lee. I have read, and totally loved, a handful of books in Christina Lee's new adult Between Breaths series. This book had a different vibe to it. It works great as a standalone as well. I really enjoyed this second chance romance between Shane and Dakota, and I loved the insight it gave me into the Native American and reservation culture. That is not a culture that I have explored much before, and it was cool to see it incorporated in this new adult contemporary.
Dakota's father ran a successful casino in her community, so when he died the casino fell to her and her mother. The problem is that her mother is 100% dutch and Dakota is 50% dutch. Some members of the Native American community saw this as a betrayal of sorts and had an issue with "an outsider" running such a profitable community business. I thought this was an interesting point of drama and strife in Two of Hearts. It added a different layer of complexity to the story and even to the romance.
Shane comes home to pay his respects to Dakota's father, since he grew up and worked in the casino. Shane is a US Marshall and soon he gets wrapped up investigating the death and wrapped up in Dakota himself. I am such a sucker for a second chance romance, and I think what I liked the most about Shane and Dakota is how well they really and truly understand each other. Dakota and I had a bit of a bumpy start, but I grew to love her. Initially, I had my feathers ruffled over how she handled her first chance at love with Shane in the past. I thought it was a typical "girl" move to try and test him and then let him go when he didn't react the way she wanted. Even though she didn't want him to leave she told him to. We all do it sometimes, it is like we can't help it. But it still aggravates me when mind games like that happen. Because everyone loses. But anyway, I digress. Their first chance didn't work out, but that brings us to their wonderfully crafted second chance at love. I really enjoyed going their their ups and downs.
Christina Lee is such an emotional writer. It makes for great contemporary romances. While I didn't love this book as much as the books in her Between Breaths series, I did really enjoy it. Shane and Dakota will make you experience a range of emotions and you will be rooting for them. Two of Hearts is a solidly good book. And I thought the cultural aspect of the book was just as well done as the romance. So kudos to Christina Lee for that!
This review was originally posted on Book Briefs
**You can see this full review and more at Book Briefs: http://bookbriefs.net**
Fire of the the Sea is a young adult fantasy that incorporates a healthy dose of mythology as well. I love the mixture of those two subgenres. And I think the mermaids and the norse mythology was a really interesting and well done mash up of sorts. I enjoyed Fire of the Sea. It was very information heavy at the beginning and I will admit that I had a hard time try to keep everyone and everything straight. Because there was so much going on, my attention waned a little throughout the first half of the story. However, the romance and the promise of action, prophecies and mythology was enough to keep my interest and finish the book. And I am glad that I did. Fire of the Sea turned out to be a good read.
I really felt for the main character, Aeva. She experiences a pretty life changing tragedy right at the start of the book and it paralyzes her with fear for a while. Which is a big deal because she is being primed to take over for her mer people when she comes of age. Another one of my favorite aspects of the book was the connection she had with her sword. I found that fascinating. The second the sword kind of attached itself to her arm and she could feel it pulsing within her, I knew it was going to play an interesting role in the story.
Interesting is the word of the day with Fire of the Sea. Even though I felt lost, confused and even a little bored at parts while read- the story line was interesting enough to always make me want to continue. I am glad that I stuck with this book. As soon as I heard the prophecy being announced I knew Gunnar would play a role and fulfill the mythology portion of the story. And I was right! The book takes place in the waters of Iceland, and norse mythology is featured. I love norse mythology and I thought it's addition really enhanced the story.
Fans of mermaids, prophecies and mythology with some romance thrown in, will enjoy Fire of the sea. Just don't give up on it at the beginning. It will be a lot of information to take in, but I think if you keep reading, you will be glad you stuck with the story.
This review was originally posted on Book Briefs
Fire of the the Sea is a young adult fantasy that incorporates a healthy dose of mythology as well. I love the mixture of those two subgenres. And I think the mermaids and the norse mythology was a really interesting and well done mash up of sorts. I enjoyed Fire of the Sea. It was very information heavy at the beginning and I will admit that I had a hard time try to keep everyone and everything straight. Because there was so much going on, my attention waned a little throughout the first half of the story. However, the romance and the promise of action, prophecies and mythology was enough to keep my interest and finish the book. And I am glad that I did. Fire of the Sea turned out to be a good read.
I really felt for the main character, Aeva. She experiences a pretty life changing tragedy right at the start of the book and it paralyzes her with fear for a while. Which is a big deal because she is being primed to take over for her mer people when she comes of age. Another one of my favorite aspects of the book was the connection she had with her sword. I found that fascinating. The second the sword kind of attached itself to her arm and she could feel it pulsing within her, I knew it was going to play an interesting role in the story.
Interesting is the word of the day with Fire of the Sea. Even though I felt lost, confused and even a little bored at parts while read- the story line was interesting enough to always make me want to continue. I am glad that I stuck with this book. As soon as I heard the prophecy being announced I knew Gunnar would play a role and fulfill the mythology portion of the story. And I was right! The book takes place in the waters of Iceland, and norse mythology is featured. I love norse mythology and I thought it's addition really enhanced the story.
Fans of mermaids, prophecies and mythology with some romance thrown in, will enjoy Fire of the sea. Just don't give up on it at the beginning. It will be a lot of information to take in, but I think if you keep reading, you will be glad you stuck with the story.
This review was originally posted on Book Briefs