I received an eARC of this book from the publisher via Edelweiss in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of this review.

How I felt reading this book:



The Night We Said Yes by [a:Lauren Gibaldi|7214756|Lauren Gibaldi|https://d.gr-assets.com/authors/1376416253p2/7214756.jpg] reminded me of all the reasons why I do NOT read young adult contemporary but also reminded me of all the things I actually like about it as well. This story follows Ella and her friends on a one-time adventure, a night where they have to say yes to everything. It alternates between present and past, something I really enjoyed, telling the story of the characters through a very unique perspective. As the synopsis says, Ella's ex Matt is back after disappearing for six months, and this is the catalyst for the adventure as it is what they did on the night they met. (Hence the back and forth between past and present) Ultimately the question is will Ella forgive Matt?

What I Liked:

I loved the alternating past and present chapters. This was unique and brought something that the story would otherwise have been missing. As the reader you get a chance to see through Ella's eyes how she fell for Matt on that first night which makes her animosity towards him in the present that much more heartbreaking.

I liked Matt :D He's this sweet, average, run-of-the-mill guy. He's nothing extraordinary, nothing too terribly bad. He has this sweet boy next door feel to him, which makes his disappearance that much harder to understand. I found myself siding with him throughout the book though, despite Ella's hurt.

What I Didn't Like:

Bear with me, because there was a lot I didn't care for. However, just because I didn't care for it doesn't mean you won't like it. I think I'm realizing to just stay away from YA contemporary all together ;)

I didn't care for Ella, which was a shame considering she is the main character. I thought she was immature, whiny and a bit on the annoying side.

Her friends Meg and Jake were not winners either. Meg was shallow, self-absorbed, and I just didn't get the whole BFF thing they had going. Jake was a dick, there's just no other word for it. He had the whole rock star mentality.

Then there was the whole absentee parents. Ella's parents are mentioned briefly when Ella and Meg find out they told their parents they were staying at the other's house for the night. First, how did they get away with this? Where were their parents to NOT KNOW that their children were out all night long? This really bothered me. Maybe I had an overprotective mom or something but my mom always called to make sure I got where I was supposed to be, there was none of this sneaking around because she would find out!

Not Impressed

Overall I just wasn't all that impressed with the book. Yes it's a sweet story about first love and what not, but it had a lot of what I dislike about young adult contemporary: partying, underage drinking, absentee parents. But beyond that, I felt like what the kids did in the book was a bit unbelievable. What bar in this day and age doesn't card? What good parent (as Ella's are described) wouldn't know that their child snuck out? I just didn't care for it. If you enjoy young adult contemporary than give it go. If you do, come back and tell me what you think :D

Review in a Gif:

Heir of Fire is the third book in the Throne of Glass series by [a:Sarah J. Maas|3433047|Sarah J. Maas|https://d.gr-assets.com/authors/1269281353p2/3433047.jpg] and it does not disappoint!!!! Picking up where [b:Crown of Midnight|17167166|Crown of Midnight (Throne of Glass, #2)|Sarah J. Maas|https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1391580481s/17167166.jpg|21581860] left off, Celaena is in Wendlyn on the king's mission to kill the royal family, her cousins who she doesn't know if she should like or dislike as they did not come to the aid of her country when the king invaded and killed her family. Prince Dorian is struggling to come into his powers, keep them hidden, and his relationship with Chaol is strained. Chaol is one giant mess as he sent the woman he loves away, he's found out her secret and his loyalty, the only thing he's ever had a true claim to, is in question. This book is told from multiple, MULTIPLE perspectives giving the readers a comprehensive glimpse of what's to come....war.

First off, I LOVE this series!!! Celaena is a favorite character of mine. She's quick-witted, strong in her own rights, and despite the fact that she was raised as an assassin she also has a heart that bleeds for her kinsman and friends. She's hurting in this book after the death of Nehemia which was a betrayal in itself. She doesn't know if she should love Chaol, hate him, or just forget him. She's genuinely in a bad place about 75% of the book. I feel for her and root for her all the same.

"She has no hope left, Prince. She has no hope left in her heart. Help her. If not for her sake, then at least for what she represents--what she could offer all of us, you included."

Then enters Rowan, a prince of the Fae, who finds Celaena in Wendlyn and begins training her in the art of her magic. First off Rowan is a bada--! He's handsome, standoffish, most definitely Fae, and very much like Celaena. He's lost the people he loves too, his heart bleeds as hers does, and - I never thought I'd say this - my ship has changed. I say forget Chaol and turn your eyes on Rowan Celaena!

As I already stated this book has to be told in multiple POV otherwise you wouldn't know anything of what is happening back home with Chaol and Dorian. Dorian finally, FINALLY, moves on from Celaena and has a new girl in this book. She's mentioned very briefly in the previous books but with no name so don't try to go looking for her ;) I'm not sure how I feel about her, it's almost like a rebound fling, but not. You'll understand when you read it! Chaol, I'm not sure what's happened to him in this book. He's so lost. Basically everything he's ever defined himself as is being ripped from him and I hurt for him throughout the book. But what irritated me was that he even questioned his true feelings for Celaena. Ummm....are you telling me that what you and I felt in the last book was all in your head?! I don't think so!!!

Chaol also has a run-in with the resistance and in the process meets Celaena's cousin, who she thought long dead....Aedion. I'm not sure how I felt about him at first, but the more I read the more I loved him. I just know he will be a big player to come in the next novel and I can't wait to see his role :D

Overall Heir of Fire focuses on many different things: Celaena's learning to use her magic AND grieving, Chaol's loyalties and where they lie with Celaena or his king, Dorian's powers, and there's this nice little side story with the Ironteeth witches which I believe will play a bigger role in the next book. Honestly I couldn't sit it down, as has been the case with the whole series thus far! It was fantastic, well written, and the world-building just keeps getting richer and deeper. I can't wait for September and [b:Queen of Shadows|18006496|Queen of Shadows (Throne of Glass, #4)|Sarah J. Maas|https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1425999888s/18006496.jpg|25272067] :D

Perfect ending!!!

Full Review to come....

Updated 6/22

I received an eARC of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of this review.



Perfect....FANTASTIC ending to this series!!!

Soar by [a:Scarlett Dawn|7141792|Scarlett Dawn|https://d.gr-assets.com/authors/1371703030p2/7141792.jpg] is the last book in her Cold Mark series and I'll be honest I was worried how it would turn out. I was worried it would be rushed, answers to questions would be missing, but above all I was worried I would be disappointed after investing so much time into the series. My worries were unfounded! Soar is fantastic and a great ending to the series :D

Please Note if you haven't read any of the prior books there are minor unavoidable spoilers in this review.

Braita Valorn is one of my favorite characters. Yes, she's a bit naive and doesn't think beyond her own wishes to be free, but she's also a force to be reckoned with. She's strong, courageous and brave. She faces her fears head on and doesn't bat an eyelash. I love this about her!

And the Plumas....



Oh my!!! I love them :D In this last book of the series, Braita finally makes her decision between the Plumas of the East and the Plumas of the West. I can tell you now I wasn't disappointed with her choice ;) Both Plumas are unique and have their own appeal so I don't think I would've been disappointed with either choice.

The mysterious Madeline who is mentioned in book three makes a brief appearance in this book and we get a few answers plus a promise of a spin off series!!! I'm so excited for Moon Mark now :D

Overall this was a great conclusion to the serial series. I adore Braita and all the other characters as well. The world-building is phenomenal and I love learning about the Mian culture. If you enjoy new adult, science fiction, and of course some romance, then I highly recommend this series!!! I promise it won't disappoint!

I need a minute....this was a fabulous conclusion to the series!

Full review coming....

Updated 6/27/15

I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of this review.

Angeldust by Hanna Peach is the exciting conclusion to the Dark Angel series. Please note that if you have not read the previous books in this series that there are minor unavoidable spoilers in this review. Alyx, Israel, Jordan, and the rest of the Freethinker community is on the run. They are looking for a place to lie low after the attacks on their community and the defeat of Samyara. But the reappearance of Ana, Lukas's wife, who has lost her memory, starts telling them about an island of warriors, Alyx knows there's no time to lose in stopping Michael. The question is can she stop him without losing any of her friends in the process?

Alyx is every bit the bada-- she's been in every book of this series. She's cunning and witty with a warrior's heart. Nothing will stop her in defeating Michael and protecting Israel. Even when a friend betrays her in the worse way, possibly dooming them all, Alyx doesn't stop fighting. Truly she is the Guardian that she's denied being throughout the series.

"You are my center, my balance, my sanity. My peace. I just need to be you and me. Just for a while. Is that okay?" ~Israel

Oh my dear, sweet Israel! Israel's has a rough road throughout the series, but he finally accepts his destiny and fate in this book. He accepts that he is the keye, he accepts and embraces Tobias as his father, and above all he accepts Alyx's love :D He's come so far as a character and it's wonderful to see him come full circle!

And my Jordan! You're still my favorite ;) Jordan has also come full circle, but not in the way you would expect. He's accepted Alyx and Israel's relationship, he's no longer the womanizer, and he's lost a bit of his confidence. But that's okay. He's still Jordan :D And I love his side story with Cleo, the prostitute from Purgatory.

Overall, this book is it! It answers just about every question that comes up in the series and it ends leaving you sad but also content because you do get closure with this series, which I've been reading a lot of series enders recently and you don't always get that. All the characters, some of the world building, it all comes to a head in the perfect way. Fair warning though have your tissues ready. This is a war and with war there's losses and I wasn't prepared for that at all!!! I cried my eyes out, not even going to joke about it!

Personally I love the series, and while I thought this book started out a bit shaky, jumping from one POV to another quickly, it found it's pace and I lost myself in the world of angels and war. While this book is billed as mature young adult (16+), I might go as far to say it's new adult. There are some sexual scenes and references that I don't think belong in young adult, but that's my opinion. If you enjoy urban fantasy, angel mythology, and of course romance, I highly recommend it.

I received an eARC of this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of this review.

HOLY WOW!!! What a Ride!!! The Corridor by [a:A.N. Willis|13980964|A.N. Willis|https://d.gr-assets.com/authors/1432315913p2/13980964.jpg] is the first in a new young adult science fiction series about a girl and her ability to travel through other dimensions. Stel Alaster was an average girl until an electrical surge at the Corridor six months ago. Now she finds she has the ability to create a portal between her hands and travel to parallel universes. Only one problem with this, she can't tell anyone what she's discovered without revealing this anomaly. Add in an escaped Mod and a cute boy from another universe and you've got The Corridor.

A blinding burst of light swallowed me up inside it. In a split second, the whole train station had disappeared. Instead there were trees. Suddenly - impossibly - I was standing in the middle of a forest.

Estele, or Stel as she likes to be called now, is my new favorite character. She's smart, a bit scared, and devoted to her family. When the accident happens, her life was seemingly perfect. Her father was the head of the Corridor, her brother had just been promoted to lieutenant of the Corridor guard, and Stel was working in the control room. Now six months later, her life is in shambles and she doesn't know how to pick up the pieces.

I LOVE the world-building in this book! It's intense and there's a lot of it but I love how the author makes it believable and just a part of reality for Stel. In Stel's world, there is First Earth (her universe) and Second Earth (the Mods' universe). When Second Earth tried to create the Corridor as a way of contacting other parallel universes and to spread their knowledge of technology, they found First Earth and simultaneously destroyed their own. Stel's entire world believes there's only the two universes, but Stel with her power knows better.

I love her tentative exploration of her gift. It's fascinating to learn along side Stel about the parallel universes, her portal ability, and to learn about the Mods. Mods are genetically modified humans from Second Earth. They have varying abilities (think X-Men-ish) and can be freakishly scary. Ana, an escaped Mod who Stel helps, has the ability to influence people's thoughts and behavior. Super cool!!

There's a couple of boys introduced that could be potential love interests, but the book doesn't focus on that which is awesome and a reprieve from many YA books out there. Instead the author focuses on Stel, her ability, and the fact the Corridor has become unstable and could destroy First Earth much like it did Second. Stel has to find a way to stop it. The whole concept is a bit mind-boggling and I'll admit to be lost at least once while reading the book, but the author quickly brought me up to speed.

The only thing I didn't care for was that I felt the book was a bit rushed. I wanted to know more about the Corridor, Second Earth, and the other parallel universes. But that's what a series is for I guess ;)

Overall I enjoyed this story and devoured it in one sitting! I can't wait to find out more about Stel, what will happen to Ana, and if they can save First Earth from Second Earth's fate. I would recommend this book for anyone who enjoys a good science fiction (not hard), young adult fiction, and a tiny touch of romance.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of this review.

Sideswiped by [a:Lia Riley|7366597|Lia Riley|https://d.gr-assets.com/authors/1391390778p2/7366597.jpg] is the second book in Off the Map and picks up a few months after the end of [b:Upside Down|18733288|Upside Down (Off the Map, #1)|Lia Riley|https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1392411863s/18733288.jpg|26608502]. Talia is heading back to Australia to complete her Senior thesis and to give her relationship with Bran a real chance. Bran is stuck behind a desk finishing his honors program, but he's antsy, wanting to be out in the fresh air instead of inside. When Talia arrives, he thinks all will be well, but the looming date that signifies her return to America keeps them both up at night. Can they make their relationship work and what will happen when Talia's visa expires?

I really like these characters! Talia seems to have found a way to live and function with her OCD. She's strong-willed, trusting, and puts her whole heart towards whatever she finds important, whether it be her work, her family, or Bran. She throws herself into her senior thesis project finding she enjoys the oral interviews and documenting them for history. The only problem that she faces is what she will do with her life after graduation.

My poor Bran! I love him and in this book, it's his turn to struggle a bit. He's lost his way, his identity. The shocker Adie dropped at the end of the first book and then him giving up his activism dreams and working behind a desk to complete school has Bran at a complete loss. He's self-conscious, unsure of himself and his decisions, but the one thing he is sure of and clings to is Talia. She's his life boat and this clinging could be catastrophic for them.

I like watching their relationship grow as they learn to live with each other but also as Talia starts to grow her own wings. The biggest problem looming for them is the end of her visa. What will they do after? Bran has a crazy idea that at first Talia goes along with, but then she realizes that he clings to her as much as she does to him. The question becomes will they sink or swim together.

Overall I enjoyed this book as much as the first one. I like Talia and Bran and their relationship has this uber-sweetness factor. The only issue I take with the book is the language, which seems to be for shock factor only, and the sex, there's a lot and it's detailed. Consider yourselves warned. Aside from that I enjoy the book and look forward to the conclusion of their relationship :D

Hmmm...where to start? Through Glass - Episode 7 by Rebecca Ethington is the next installment in the Through Glass serial series, a very dark and twisted tale about a girl and the day the sky went dark. Picking up where the last episode left off (last year!!!), Lex and Travis are in the house with the two children they found. Except they are no longer JUST children. Please note that if you haven't read this series there are spoilers in this review to prior episodes!!!! All of the suspicions that Travis has had about the Tar is confirmed with these kids. Not only was I shocked but horrified at the outcome and then suddenly I understood Travis's fear for Lex....she's turning and it will be soon!

Ummm....first off I love this author and this series has its nails sunk into me, but I'll be honest I felt a little short-changed with this episode. Like with episode six, there were more questions than answers, more filler, less plot moving. Lex and Travis are still at the kids' house. The side story with Bridget and the very much explosive ending in episode six isn't even touched on in this one! Needless to say I was disappointed with that.

That being said there were some great revelations in this episode by Lex. She starts realizing that Travis's fears are right and she begins to worry about her ownself.

Spoiler

After she kills the brother and then the sister in turn, Lex begins to worry if she made the right decision. Can these children change at will? Is she going to become them? Will she hurt Travis? What has happened to Cohen?

All these questions whirl through Lex's head as she sits in the darkness of the house.

Honestly as far as suspense goes, I think this episode ranks up there with the first and second when the Tar first arrived. I was on the edge of my seat, unable to stop reading from sheer horror and curiosity. I'm curious to see where the series is going and I'm more than a little worried about Lex. Also I have so many questions!!! Why are the Tar here? Where is Cohen? What will happen to Bridget and her discovery? Will Travis kill Lex if she turns?

Episode 8 can't get here fast enough!!! I highly recommend this series to anyone that enjoys a good scare, young adult fiction, and serial series.

I need to be completely honest for a second. This is the third time I've attempted to read Wicked Appetite by Janet Evanovich. I bought it in 2010 when it was first released and I was so excited because hello! I love Stephanie and I love Diesel in the Between the Numbers series. So yes I was very excited to read a series featuring a new girl and Diesel, but I never was able to make it more than half way. I found the book boring and just way to much deja vu with the By the Numbers series. So I set it down. Now five years later (plus over a year since I've read the last Plum book) I was able to sit down and truly enjoy Lizzy and Diesel and people I read it in one sitting, sacrificing sleep to do so.

Lizzy is just your average girl. She has the girl-next-door thing going on that I just loved and made her extremely relatable to me. She's a pastry chef in Salem, Massachusetts and lives in a house (which is falling down around her) that she inherited from her Aunt Ophelia. No guy in her life, she really doesn't seem to need one. She's self-sufficent and most importantly she's happy. Then Diesel comes in and turns everything on its head!

Diesel happens to be one of my favorite characters and my secret ship from the Between the Numbers series (you know the ones that covered the holidays). He's just Diesel with his beach-bum sexiness going on, a little boy-next-door qualities, and a lot of mystery!! Diesel drops into Lizzy's life unexpectedly. He's there to protect her but also to use her powers (more on that in a sec) and can we all just agree that we wouldn't argue if he showed up on our doorstep to protect us ;)

So the premise of this series is set around the SALIGIA stones. Each stone represents one of the deadly sins: pride, greed, lust, envy wrath, sloth and gluttony. Supposedly the keeper of all the stones can raise hell on earth. This book is about finding the gluttony stone...appetite...get it ;) I kind of like that each book will be centered around a different stone. This one cracked me up as the people who had contact with the stone took on the attributes. So you had people who couldn't stop eating or collected too many things or practiced other activities.

Overall I enjoyed this book, especially once I was able to separate the similarities to Evanovich's other series. Yes they are similar, yes some of the characters are similar (you have Diesel and Wulf his evil cousin to represent Morelli and Ranger, Glo for Lula, etc.), but it's easy to overlook as there is an overarching theme to the series. This book is what I saw one reviewer refer to as a cupcake: easy to enjoy, quick to consume, leaves you satisfied. I would easily recommend this book to anyone that enjoys the By the Numbers series, a little fantasy, a little romance, and of course a lot of laughs!

This book fulfills #60 on the COYER Summer Scavenger Hunt

Wicked Business by Janet Evanovich picks up about a year after the events of book one. Lizzy is still working at the bakery, her life has about returned to normal when Diesel shows up and whisks her away to a crime scene where a history professor took a swan dive off his balcony. Apparently the professor was looking for the Luxuria stone, or the lust stone, has a handprint burned onto his neck and a few keys to finding the next stone.

I adore Lizzy! Not only does she not take crap from anyone, Diesel and Wulf included, she's smart, can be brave if the situation calls for it, and she still finds time for her day job. She's awesome :D Diesel isn't too bad himself, but he does have a bit of a one-tracked mind. He's so focused on the stones that sometimes he misses what's right in front of him, I mean Lizzy of course!

I didn't mention Wulf in my review of book one, but I kinda adore him! He's Diesel's evil cousin who is also hunting down the stones. He's described as looking a bit like a vampire and he has this really cool ability to control fire! It's a little terrifying!! He makes a good villain for our Lizzy, but if I'm being completely honest I would like to see more of him.

So in this addition to the series, Lizzy and Diesel are hunting for the Luxuria stone (doesn't that sound so much better than lust stone?!) and it's like they are chasing a needle in a haystack. It's funny, a bit predictable, but a great read! I enjoyed every minute of it. If you like easy reads with lots of humor and a little mystery, this is the book for you!

This book fulfills #2 on the COYER Summer Scavenger Hunt

I received an eARC of this book via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of this review.

Wicked Charms by Janet Evanovich and co-autho Phoef Sutton is the next book in Lizzy and Diesel's search for the SALIGIA stones. After a bit of an encounter at the beginning of this book, Lizzy is upset with Diesel and with good reason. So when he shows up three weeks later, unannounced, ready to drag her away yet again, she refuses. Can't say I blame her! He shows up when Glo has set her up on an impromptu date with the coroner they met at the pirate museum after they discovered the prop wasn't a prop, but an actual dead guy.

Lizzy has a bit of a crisis in this book. She's been attempting to publish her cookbook to make some much needed money without success. So when Diesel sends her cookbook, along with a batch of cupcakes to Martin Ammon, a megalo-millionaire who decides he likes Lizzy. Turns out though Diesel didn't do it out of the kindness of his heart. Oh no! Martin is the key to finding the next SALIGIA stone, the stone of Avarice or greed.

Wulf turns up more in this book which made me all kinds of happy. Plus there's pirates, Glo, and Hatchet to ramp up the comedy.

The plot of the book centers around finding the stone but also branches out a bit and develops the characters a little more. I enjoyed this, along with learning more about the "Unmentionables" (this is what Diesel and Lizzy are) and then there's also the cult that worships the stone.

This book is fast-paced, more so than the last two and kind of saves the series in my opinion. Not that I haven't enjoyed the first two books, but this one sets the series off! It's fun, a bit quirky, and in general I just had a good time reading it. Also there was a nod to the By the Numbers series that had me squealing with delight ;) If you enjoy a little fantasy, a little romance (which by the way is a bit hotter in this book than the previous two), and a touch of mystery, add Lizzy and Diesel to your TBR!