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The Concealed is the first book in the young adult fantasy series, called The Lakewood Series, by Sarah Kleck. I loved The Concealed. I knew from the summary that it was going to be magical and mysterious and it totally delivered! Now, of course, the mysterious part completely blew my mind and excited me even more than I thought. I loved the direction that author Sarah Kleck took this story in, but it would be a completely spoiler for me to tell you. I will say this- it is one of my favorite sub-genres of fantasy & magic, and it was such a pleasant and unexpected surprise. (ok, heck- just click the spoiler box if you want to know more about the secret society alluded to in the summary)

The Concealed- and the entire Lakewood series is about Merlin and the Lady of the Lake! It is their romance story. I was super excited to see that the society had to do with protecting the descendants of Merlin, Arthur and others. What a cool idea!

Poor Evelyn starts the story out by losing her sister- her last remaining family member. And then only a scene or two later she is packing up all of her belongings and leaving her home town to go away to school at Oxford completely alone. My heart broke for her. I could feel her despair and loneliness. But soon she meets up with her own friends- Felix and Sally. Felix rubbed me the wrong way from the get-go. He was always in Evelyn's space. I just wanted to tell him to back off. But I was never too worried because Evelyn was completely taken with the mysterious Jared.

I thought The Concealed did an excellent job of giving you enough answers so you would never be frustrated, but keeping enough information out of the readers reach to keep you desperate for more. (at least I was.) I could not put this book down. I need the second book asap! And, as an aside- the romance was great too. It wasn't rushed, but when we finally did get to it it was super cute and wonderful. The Concealed put a big smile on my face. I can't wait for more from Author, Sarah Kleck.

This review was originally posted on Book Briefs

**You can see this full review and more at Book Briefs: http://bookbriefs.net**YA ReviewMy ThoughtsHave you ever picked up a book and by the time you were finished, you were convinced that the author crafted the book just for you? That was what happened to be with The Conspiracy of Us by Maggie Hall. It was like the author poked around in my head, and pulled out a bunch of winning elements for me, mashed them all together and popped out a story that was sure to make me fall in love with it. Everyone is comparing The Conspiracy of Us to The DaVinci Code, and I get that comparison, but I feel like it was even more than that. It felt like The DaVinci Code mixed with Tomb Raider mixed with the biggest international secret society of all. Plus the focus was on Alexander the Great, who I think is a fascinating historical figure. (and yes, I do know that a ton of "facts" surrounding Alexander have been fictionalized and sensationalized throughout history, but that just makes him all the more interesting in my opinion.) The Conspiracy of Us will leave you wanting more.

I was immediately swept up in the Circle of Twelve and everything that has to do with them. Personally, I really enjoyed a majority of the characters in this book. I know some readers biggest complaint was that they didn't feel a connection to Avery, but I did. I got that she so badly wanted to know more about her father, because she thought it would fill something in her. She was constantly on the move, and constantly stuck in surface level relationships. She wanted something more, something deeper. I think that was her driving motivation throughout the whole story. Avery's mom was my only annoyance in The Conspiracy of Us. I don't like the whole Parents keeping their kids in the dark about some huge part of them or their lives. (but it does happen a lot.) However, as Avery was brought into the mystery and intrigue of the Circle of Twelve, I soon forgot about that roadblock, and I was quickly swept up in the Mandate. I couldn't read this book fast enough. I kept wanting to get to more clues.

There is a dash of romance thrown in, to satisfy that romantic sweet tooth, and I think there will be even more to come. Honestly, I just can't wait to get my hands on the next book. Maggie Hall does such a great job making you want more, that while I am kicking myself for waiting so long to read The Conspiracy of Us, I am also happy that I did wait, because book two- The Map of Fates comes out in only 2 months. The Conspiracy of Us ends on a cliffhanger, so if you are smart, you will grab books 1 and 2 at the same time and start on a wonderful binge read. You will thank me.

Bottom line: If you are a fan of The Davinci Code, of secret societies, of history and of tomb raider this book is a match made in heaven for you. There isn't much to NOT love. I loved this book so much. It is a favorite of mine for sure.

This review was originally posted on Book Briefs

**You can see this full review and more at Book Briefs: http://bookbriefs.net**

Revenge and the Wild is a standalone novel by Michelle Modesto. Notice that I did not put a genre in the previous sentence. That is because I think it is impossible to sum up Revenge and the Wild with a single genre. This book is delightfully different. I know words like unique and different get thrown around a lot in review, but in this case it is absolutely 100% true. Revenge and the Wild is like a fantasy and magic novel, mixed with a western, and blended with a steampunk. And of course there is a kick butt romance as well. I know! How on earth did Michelle Modesto do it? I have no idea, and I honestly don't think it can be replicated. This book was just so well done. I loved the mash up of genres, and I really, really loved the finished result.

Revenge and the Wild is set in a small town in western America. A town with a dome of magic that keeps the creatures out. Creatures like trolls and ogres and, oh yea, cannibals. (And trust me, you will not be able to forget the cannibals.) Westie is the main character and I just adored this girl. I loved her brash and unfinished attitude. She is no delicate flower, and I would not have had her any other way.

Westie is on the hunt to track down and get revenge on the cannibals that killed her parents. There is a lot going on in the world that Michelle Modesto created and her world building is why I believe her mash up of genres is so successful. She really takes the time at the start of the book to set the scene and immerse you in this very, very different world. If she didn't, I don't think the reader would fully appreciate just how different the town of Rogue City is.

I also really, really loved the steampunk elements of the story. It made me want to go on a steampunk reading binge. ( I really don't read enough of it.) I don't want to give too much more away about the plot and some of the more magical elements of the story because they were a lot of fun for me to discover along the way. But I will say this. I don't think too many people will be able to see the end coming. Whether you love it or hate it, I think it will be a surprise. I loved Revenge and the Wild. In a sea of books that can sometimes mash together, Revenge and the Wild stands completely out!

Bottom line: I am not going to say this book is perfect for fans of X or fans of Y. Revenge and the Wild is a book you need to read if you like reading. Period.

This review was originally posted on Book Briefs

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No Promises is a stand alone, new adult romance by N. Raines. I really enjoyed No Promises. I found it to be a fun read that was sweet, but at the same time each of the characters had enough of their own demons to give their story some grit as well. (but let's call it light grit, because overall I would call this a lighter, feel good read.)

No Promises is told in dual narrative between Sam and Rick. Sam feels like she is constantly in the shadow of her prettier cousin. She feels a little plain jane herself, but she has the kindest heart ever. (and she is super cute!) What I immediately loved about Sam is that she is surrounded by great people. Her dad was so awesome. I just loved him to pieces. And her cousin and Sam have a really wonderful bond. I enjoyed the two of them together too. It was no wonder that when Rick came into her life he was taken with her as well. She is just a good person. You can't help but like her. She actually reminded me of my best friend. (who is an amazing person!) Her big heart with animals and her work with feral cats and shelter animals was a wonderful addition to her personality. I really admired what she was doing.

Rick starts off the book carrying a big secret of his own. It was crazy, but you could actually physically feel this dark cloud looming over him. We don't find out what it is for a while but right from the start you can tell that it is pulling him down with the weight of it. I just wanted to hug him. I also loved that Sam has had a crush on Rick since high school, when he was dating Sam's cousin. It was so cute to watch her all grown up with the same crush. Their romance developed wonderfully. I thought N. Raines did a good job with letting things progress naturally between the two of them.

Bottom line: if you are a fan of new adult romances with a sweet heart, No Promises is a good book for you. You will love Sam and Rick and the secondary relationships in the book will put a smile on your face.

This review was originally posted on Book Briefs

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My Thoughts
Anatomy of a Player by Cindi Madsen, is the second book in the new adult Taking Shots series, but it can be read as a standalone novel. The first book in the series was Getting Lucky Number Seven. I really enjoyed Getting Lucky Number Seven, so I was really excited to check out Anatomy of a Player. I remember great romance and wit from Cindi Madsen, and I am happy to say that Anatomy of a Player had both of those in spades. I knew I was going to love Anatomy of a Player from the very first page, when Whitney said that she was doomed because she was missing "playdar" (like gaydar for players.) It just cracked me up.

Whitney and Hudson really entertained me. Whitney is sick of always falling for the player guys, and Hudson is a player to the extreme. Both figuratively and literally (he is a hockey player) Whitney is a journalist, trying to get the scoop on student athletes. While her story was pretty predictable, that didn't make it any less enjoyable. Although, people that get really irked with predictable books, should take note that this one. That is something that doesn't really bother me if the writing is good, the characters are developed and the romance is enticing. And all of those things are true here.

Even though both Whitney and Hudson were trying to accomplish different things, it was clear that they were not going to be able deny that they had chemistry. And that is my favorite thing to see in contemporary romances. Cindi Madsen has shown that she is solid in her romance game. Both books I have read from her have shown to be witty and quippy and the romance has put me in a good mood, which is all that I really ask of my contemporary romances.

Bottom line: if you are a fan of romances with witty quips and banter galore, Anatomy of a Player is the book for you. Though a little predictable, this will be a romance that you will get a kick out of. And do be sure to read the first book in the series. (You don't need to, to understand this one, but you will really enjoy it!) I am a fan of the Taking Shots series. I think you will be too.

This review was originally posted on Book Briefs

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The Prophecy of Shadows is the first book in the young adult fantasy/mythology series, called the Elementals by Michelle Madow. This series says it is aimed for fans of Percy Jackson and The Secret Circle, and I think they are right on point with The Secret Circle. What I liked most about The Prophecy of Shadows is the blend of witches and elemental magic with mythology. I thought that was a cool take on a mythology story that I have not seen done before. I have read contemporaries, fantasies, and romances from author Michelle Madow and she really has a talent for being an author that can write diverse genres of books well. I always know that I will enjoy her story telling. And I did with The Prophecy of Shadows.

The Prophecy of Shadows follows new girl Nicole. When she shows up to her new school, she is placed in a mysterious honors class, which happens to be a code word for the classes for students with magic powers. From there, she is swept up in a whirl wind adventure that must have seemed like something out of a dream for her. Not only did she have powers, but strange things started happening to her and some of her class mates. Strange, even for kids with powers. I really liked how fast paced The Prophecy of Shadows was. You don't really have too much time to do anything but keep reading and try to keep up with Nicole and her classmates because they are off on a prophecy journey pretty quickly in the story. I loved deciphering the clues, and I cannot wait to see what is going to be in store for them next.

The Prophecy of Shadows does a good job of laying the groundwork to their world. I know we will see more of white, grey, and black energy magic. (as well as all the colors.) And with some of the creatures that we got a glimpse of in The Prophecy of Shadows, I know there is bound to be lots more adventure for the gang. I can't wait to see what happens next plot wise. It is going to be a wild ride, and I am super excited about it.

I loved Nicole. I thought she was a strong character, and I admired her conviction and morals when it came to her choices throughout The Prophecy of Shadows. (especially when it came to Blake.) In fact, my only hold up with the story is Blake. I just can't seem to get on board with him. He does nothing for me, and the fact that he wanted to keep everything with Nicole a secret gave me icky vibes. I didn't feel their kind of budding romance at all. I really hope he proves me wrong in the next book, but as of right now, I am hoping for a new character to come into play as a love interest for Nicole.

Bottom line: If you are a fan of witch stories and of mythology this is a mash up of the two that you should check out! Book one is fast paced, and does a lot of world building and setting ground work. Michelle Madow has set up the Elementals series to be an action filled, fun ride and I can't wait for more!

This review was originally posted on Book Briefs

**You can see this full review and more at Book Briefs: http://bookbriefs.net**


Happily Ever Ninja is the fifth book in the Knitting in the City series by Penny Reid, but it can be read as a standalone. I myself have not read any of the other books in the Knitting in the City series, but my love for Penny Reid runs so deep that I couldn't pass up any of her books. I also wanted to read Happily Ever Ninja for another reason- it is a book about a married couple. I hardly ever read a book where the couple starts out married. And I knew that if I was going to start with one, it was going to be by Penny Reid. She just has a way with romance and with humor. I have loved every single one of the books I have read by her, and this one is no different.

While I just told you that this book works as a standalone from the other books in the Knitting in the City series, I would recommend that you read the free prequel to the story, Ninja At First Sight (click here to get it for FREE) but in the ebook that I read, Penny had very nicely put the prequel story right before the start of Happily ever Ninja, which I think is a really great idea for ebooks. I loved having both the prequel/origin story in the same place as the full length book.

Greg and Fiona were college sweethearts (read Ninja at First sight to see how they met in college) and Happily Ever Ninja takes place after they have been married for several years. But if you are thinking this is about to be your average contemporary romance, you would be completely and totally 100% wrong. Let me set the stage. Greg is overseas for work when he gets taken and Fiona has to come rescue him. She is a total bada**. Seriously. I didn't read the previous books, but if you did you would know more about Fiona and her past in the CIA, but her she completly kicks some major butt to get Greg. I loved her so much.

And the only thing I loved more than Fiona herself was her and Greg's bantering back and forth. It worked perfectly in with Penny's witty writing style that I love so much. Happily ever Ninja was an awesome read. I don't know what I was expecting, but it certainly wasn't this. I don't know how she does it, but Penny Reid continually surprises me. In the best ways.

Bottom line: Read this book. That is all.

P.S. This book also has another super cute touch. Before each chapter Penny Reid posted excerpts of letters from real life married couples (and some to their future spouses.) They were all different, but all a real treat to read. It was a very cool idea.


This review was originally posted on Book Briefs

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The Asset is the first book in the adult thriller romance series, called the Wounded Warrior series by Anna del Mar. This is one of those books that is not my normal read. But there was something about the summary that was mysterious enough for me to really want to give it a try. The whole Lia hiding aspect intrigued me enough that made me want to see what was going to happen. And I am very pleased that I did. This book had so much more action in it than I was expecting. Yes it is a very nice love story as well, but this book would make a kick ass, high budget, let's blow things up action thriller.

Lia is living in a cabin in the middle of no where. Ash shows up to this cabin looking to be her roommate with a dog, and oh yea he is very very hurt and very very defensive about it. It was a very bizarre start to the story. I didn't know what to make of either of the characters. Lia was frazzled to the extreme and I thought Ash was going to die in the first chapter. Talk about a bumpy start between the two of them. But soon Lia proved herself to me to be a ballsy lady that deserved respect. And Ash wormed his way into my heart very quickly after. I really, really liked the combination of them when they are together. Ash is gruff and very regimented, but he is just so darn observant that he seems to always know exactly what is going on, and what Lia needs. And Lia is such a sweetheart, but oh my goodness, the girl is a crazy runner. She bolts from everything, even if it is the dumbest thing she can possibly do.

The plot of The Asset veers a lot throughout the story and the way it all comes together is pretty cool. I don't want to ruin any of author Anna Del Mar's plot twists, but know that this book had strong enough characters to appeal to character driven readers and a very strong plot as well. Something for everyone.

The one thing that irked me about the book is a very strange thing. In fact, I think it might be my weirdest complaint I have penned in a review. Are you ready for it? I don't like the placement of the Carina Press "C" on the cover. It makes it look like Ash has a strange man earring. What? I told you it was weird, but for the life of me, that is all I think about every time I see the cover.

Bottom line: Whether you are a character driven reader, or a plot driven reader- the Asset will appeal to you. This is a kick butt book with a strong romance, strong characters and action galore. Check it out.

This review was originally posted on Book Briefs

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Do you guys even know how exciting this is for me? Meg Cabot has been my favorite author for my whole reading life. Her books are the very first books that I remember completely devouring and re-reading in the young adult genre. And the Mediator series is my very favorite of my favorites. I have, no joke, read the mediator series at least 15 times. Remembrance is book 7 in the Mediator series by Meg Cabot, and it takes place 15 years after book 6 left off. What I love the most about Remembrance is that the characters have grown up just like I have. So now this is an adult book. Suze is getting ready to marry off Jesse (who by the way, was my very first book boyfriend. And still one of my top book boyfriends of all time.)

Reading Remembrance was like getting to reminisce with some of my older best friends. It was so great. Like being wrapped up in a big hug by someone you have missed greatly. I know that may sound silly, or exaggerated, but I am not kidding in the slightest. That is what I felt the entire time I was reading Remembrance. I could not wipe this silly mega grin off my face.

Suze is just as awesome as I remember her and Jesse is just as swoon-worthy. Suze has only gotten better with age. She is still as spunky as ever, but I feel like she has matured an appropriate amount in her years away. And it was so great to see her with a very much alive Jesse. The ghost in this book was good, but honestly, I can't say whether it was my favorite ghostly narrative of the series or not. I was just so darn excited to be reading a new Mediator book, that I don't know if my judgment is clouded on this issue. I am planning to re-read all of the books in the series, so I will have to get back to you on the ghost. (Louisa)

Paul surprised me in this book. I remember liking him, and then disliking him, and then disliking him a little less in the series. He never took away my love for Jesse, but Suze and Paul still have some great back and forth between them. That was fun to see. Without giving anything away with Remembrance, I will say this. This is a must read for fans of the Mediator series. And if you have not read The Mediator series yet, shame on you! What are you waiting for? It is a series, that I would recommend to everyone, no exceptions. You do need to read the first 6 books before reading Remembrance so get to it!

Bottom line: Meg Cabot always does an outstanding job, and Remembrance is no exception. Fans new and old of the Mediator series will love Remembrance. It certainly lived up to my expectations.

This review was originally posted on Book Briefs

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My Thoughts

Dancing in the Athenian Rain is a new adult time travel romance by Katie Hamstead. Even though the book is marked as new adult, I feel like it read more like a young adult novel. The main character is 18 years old, so she is borderline between the two genres but the maturity level of the characters pushed it, in my opinion anyway, towards the younger young adult side of the spectrum. Speaking of immature characters, I almost put this book down (DNF) three times within the first 30%. One time at only 6%, which would make it the quickest I had ever put a book down and didn't pick it up again. But I decided to give it another chance, and then I decided to give it another chance. And the third time I stuck with it. And while Dancing in the Athenian Rain was no where close to my favorite book ever, it did make an impressive recovery in my opinion. Dancing in the Athenian Rain is a book that gets so, so much better as it goes on. The second half of the book is very good, so good that it made up for the less than impressive beginning. What I am trying to say is, if you are like me, and you find yourself not enjoying the first part of the book (and I will tell you my problem with the beginning) push through it if the premise interests you, because once Donna gets to Greece, the book completely changes. In a great way.

I love the idea behind Dancing in the Athenian Rain. A girl that is not understood in her time, goes back to ancient Greece and she is able to come into her true self. Watching Donna gain confidence and start to love herself was my favorite part of the story. She starts the book out with no self appreciation at all. It was sad really. The people around her were so unbelievably awful (no, really, they were unbelievable) that they had convinced her that she was totally worthless. Part of the problem was herself. She shouldn't have allowed them to influence her opinion of herself that drastically, but it has to be hard with such negativity around you all the time. She should have ditched them one page one. Her so called best friend and boyfriend were so awful. They were the reason that I wanted to DNF. They didn't even seem like plausible real people to me because they were so beyond horrible. Why on earth was she friends with those people? But that is besides the point, because they are not in a majority of the book. (which is why I encourage you to continue on with the story if they are what annoys you.)

Once Donna gets to Greece the whole mood and tempo of the story changes. Even the writing seemed to change. There was a sophistication and maturity in Donna in Greece that was not present in the modern day Donna. I liked her a whole lot more. She did take a while to grow on me, but my fondest for her got there as the book went on. I loved author Katie Hamstead's depiction of Ancient Greece. She wove bits of history throughout the story and they worked well. There were lots of twists up her sleeve too that took me by surprise. Some were more surprising than others, that's for sure.

Bottom line: if you are a fan of time young adult travel romances and of stories of ancient Greece, Dancing in the Athenian Rain is a book you should consider checking out. I had some major problems with the beginning, but once I pushed through them and the setting changed to Ancient Greece, I liked the story a whole lot more. Donna has some truly awful friends, but if you are able to push past them and write them off as terrible people, you will enjoy the story a lot more.

This review was originally posted on Book Briefs