Foretold ~ A Demon Trappers Novel by Jana Oliver

Title: Foretold ~ A Demon Trapper's novel (Book 4)
Author: Jana Oliver
Pages:  352
Published: St. Martin's Griffin 2012

From Goodreads ~

In the fourth Demon Trappers novel, Riley faces the final battle for humanity and Beck's heart—and Hell is the least of her problems
Now that Riley’s managed to (just barely) fend off Armageddon, everything’s changed. Well . . . most things. After their passionate kiss before the big battle in the cemetery, Beck is back to treating her like a little girl, as if nothing ever happened. While she’d love to just tell him off and move on, Riley vowed to take care of Beck the way he’s taken care of her since her father’s death—but she’s about to get a whole lot more than she bargained for. When she’s commissioned to go with Beck to his hometown and help him care for his dying mother, they stumble too close to a dark and murderous secret, one that Beck fears will drive Riley away from him forever. As chaos breaks loose, Riley may be Beck's only hope for redemption . . . and survival.

Meanwhile, up in Atlanta, it’s quickly becoming clear that Heaven may have won a battle, but the war is far from over. Riley and Beck face a stormy future, as Lucifer's ex-right-hand-man, Sartael, proves himself to be more resilient than anyone thought. He has Atlanta in his grip and is about to begin a brutal war with the prince of Hell. As the seconds tick down toward a final confrontation, it's up to Riley and the man she loves to finally defeat their old enemy, or lose everything they've fought for.

So, What did I think?

Perfect.  This was a perfect ending to a fantastic series.  I don't think I can rave enough about how much I am in love with this series and the author Jana Oliver.  Her writing is consistent and beautiful.  She takes the characters and makes you fall in love and have emotions you never thought you could have with words on a page.  I will definitely be re-reading these books in the future and will, I'm sure, love them just the same if not more the next time around.

Please, if you have ever considered or thought about reading these books...DO!  You will not regret it.  

Forgiven: A Demon Trapper's Daughter Book 3

Title: Forgiven: A Demon Trapper's Novel ~Book 3
Author: Jana Oliver
Pages: 354
Publisher: St. Martin's Griffin 2012

On the Cover ~

Heaven help you if you've lost your heart to hell....

The days are growing darker for seventeen-year-old demon trapper Riley Blackthorne.  With her father's reanimated body back safely, Beck barely speaking to her because of a certain hunky fallen angel, and a freshly made deal with Lucifer, she has enough on her hands to last a normal teenage lifetime.  Though she bargained with Heaven to save his life, her ex-boyfriend, Simon, has told the Vatican's Demon Hunters that she's working with Hell.  So now she's in hiding, at the top of everyone's most-wanted list.

But it's becoming clear that this is bigger than Riley, and rapidly getting out of control:  Something sinister is happening in Atlanta...or someone.  Caught between her bargain with Heaven and her promise to Lucifer, Riley fears the final war is coming - and it may be closer than anyone things...

So, What did I think?

These book are just so great! I'm definitely a Jana Oliver fan! I can't help but get caught up in the characters and get all emotional. Riley has continued to be a strong minded heroine in every book.  I love her independence.  No matter what she does, I know that she is going to do what is right.  

I can't help but love Beck more and more in each book. His stubborn withdrawal gets frustrating at times but I know he has reason to withhold his emotions towards Riley.  

The third book was filled with more kick butt action and intense emotions.  There is just so much to say about these books but I don't want to spoil anything for anyone.  Definitely find these books and read them! 

Striving For the Goal

I know it's been a while since my last post, but believe me, I've got plenty of posts coming up.  The reason for my absence is because I've been trying to reach my goal for 2012.  I had a goal to read 100 books for the year 2012 and I DID IT!  Go me!!  Now that I've reached my goal, I have about 10 books to review and blog about.  Stay tuned because I've read some REALLY good books in the past few weeks.  Some are probably going to be new to you, so you will want to know a little bit about them.  I appreciate your patience and can't wait to start the new year with a new goal and lots of blogging!  Happy Holidays and Best Wishes for the New Year!!

Soul Thief (A Demon Trappers Novel Book 2) by Jana Oliver

Title: Soul Thief ~A Demon Trappers Novel (Book 2) (aka Forbidden)
Author: Jana Oliver
Pages: 324
Publisher: St. Martin's Griffin 2011

On the Cover ~

Riley Blackthorne is beginning to learn that there are worse things than death by demon.  And love is just one of them...

Riley has about had it up to here.  After the devastating battle at the Tabernacle, trappers are dead and injured - her boyfriend, Simon, gravely so - and now her beloved late father's been illegally poached from his grave by a very powerful necromancer.  As if that's not enough, there's Ori, one sizzling-hot freelance demon hunter who's made himself Riley's unofficial bodyguard, and Beck, a super-overprotective "friend" who acts more like a grouchy granddad.  With all the hassles, the seventeen-year-old is almost ready to leave Atlanta behind.

But as Atlanta's demon count increases, the Vatican finally sends its own demon hunters to take care of the city's "little" problem, an pandemonium breaks out.  Only Riley knows that she might be the center of Hell's attention: An extremely powerful Grade 5 demon is stalking her, and her luck can't last forever...

So, What did I think?

As a predecessor to a fabulous beginning, this book does not disappoint!  It picks up right where book one left off and continues with it's fantastic story line and wonderful writing.  I have to say, though, I a may appear a little bias, because this book happens to take place very close to home.  I, yet again, love how the author creates a "new Atlanta" for me.  It's as if I am living in the book...or close to it.  

I have to say that Riley must be one of the hottest chicks in Atlanta, because she not only has one, two, but THREE hotties after her!  First off, I never really had a great feeling about Simon in the first book, NOW I despise the guy.  Ori, well, he may be one of the sexiest men on earth, but he definitely has some secrets....definitely!  Now, my money is on Denver Beck, a southern to the core, strong minded, soft hearted babe who hides behind this tough guy motif that, in my opinion, will eventually break as Riley starts to slip away.  If you have read these books, I would love to know who you are routing for, so please comment!!

Now that Riley is on the run from the vicious demon hunters who don't plan to just have a chat, the plot thickens.  What will Riley do?  Where will she go?  Who will she choose to trust?..or is there anyone trustworthy?  All these questions and more I hope to answer as I move on to the third book, Forgiven.  I am super excited because the forth book comes out this month (December 15th!!!) I will definitely be in line to buy it!  

This book made me laugh and even shed some tears(when Beck opens his heart).  I hope that you will take it upon yourself to find a copy of these books and enjoy them as much as I am.

If by chance Jana Oliver ever reads my blog, I just want to say that I love your writing and hope to read many more books by you in the future! 

Enclave by Ann Aguirre

Title: Enclave (Razorland Book 1)
Author: Ann Aguirre
Audiobook Length: 7hr 53mins
Narrator: Emily Bauer

Goodreads Description~

WELCOME TO THE APOCALYPSE

In Deuce’s world, people earn the right to a name only if they survive their first fifteen years. By that point, each unnamed ‘brat’ has trained into one of three groups–Breeders, Builders, or Hunters, identifiable by the number of scars they bear on their arms. Deuce has wanted to be a Huntress for as long as she can remember.

As a Huntress, her purpose is clear—to brave the dangerous tunnels outside the enclave and bring back meat to feed the group while evading ferocious monsters known as Freaks. She’s worked toward this goal her whole life, and nothing’s going to stop her, not even a beautiful, brooding Hunter named Fade. When the mysterious boy becomes her partner, Deuce’s troubles are just beginning.

Down below, deviation from the rules is punished swiftly and harshly, and Fade doesn’t like following orders. At first Deuce thinks he’s crazy, but as death stalks their sanctuary, and it becomes clear the elders don’t always know best, Deuce wonders if Fade might be telling the truth. Her partner confuses her; she’s never known a boy like him before, as prone to touching her gently as using his knives with feral grace.

As Deuce’s perception shifts, so does the balance in the constant battle for survival. The mindless Freaks, once considered a threat only due to their sheer numbers, show signs of cunning and strategy… but the elders refuse to heed any warnings. Despite imminent disaster, the enclave puts their faith in strictures and sacrifice instead. No matter how she tries, Deuce cannot stem the dark tide that carries her far from the only world she’s ever known.

So, What did I think?

What I liked most about this book is that it has a strong heroine, Deuce, a Huntress who has earn her title and wears her scars proudly for her people.  She is strong, smart, and brave, true, but underneath all her tough, scarred exterior she has a golden heart that she would gladly sacrifice if it meant saving the life of someone else.  Will this be enough to save her on the top side?  

I really enjoyed the reading by Emily Bauer.  Her voice was pleasing to listen to and she gave the story character.

This book has so much potential to blow my mind in the sequel.  Will it though?  We shall find out, because I have already downloaded the sequel, Outpost, to my iPod through Audible.  

Unspoken by Sarah Rees Brennan

Title: Unspoken
Author: Sarah Rees Brennan
Pages: 370
Publisher:  Random House

From the Back of the Book ~

Kami Glass loves someone she's never met...a boy she's talked to in her head ever since she was born.  She wasn't silent about her imaginary friend during her childhood, and is thus a bit of an outsider in her sleepy English town of Sorry-in-the-Vale.  Still, Kami hasn't suffered too much from not fitting in.  She has a best friend, runs the school newspaper, and is only occasionally caught talking to herself.  Her life is in order, just the way she likes it, despite the voice in her head.

But all that changes when the Lynburns return.

The Lynburn family has owned the spectacular and sinister manor that overlooks Sorry-in-the-Vale for centuries.  The mysterious twin sisters who abandoned their ancestral home a generation ago are back, along with their teenage sons, Jared and Ash, one of whom is eerily familiar to Kami.  Kami is not one to shy away from the unknown - in fact, she's determined to find answers for all the questions Sorry-in-the-Vale is suddenly posing.  Who is responsible for the bloody deeds in the depths of the woods?  What is her own mother hiding?  And now that her imaginary friend has become a real boy, does she still love him?  Does she hate him?  Can she trust him?

Sarah Rees Brennan brings Gothic romance kicking and screaming into the twenty-first century with a heroine who can take care of herself, a boy who needs to be saved, and the magical forces that bring them together and tear them apart.

So, What did I think?

Unspoken is a pure reflection of Sarah Rees Brennan's contagious and witty personality.  It is funny and spooky all at once.  At times, it made me laugh so hard out loud that I had to explain that I wasn't crazy.  When Kami ended up in the well and Jared asked her jokingly if she happened to "have a very intelligent collie who might communicate through a systems of barks to her parents that little Kami is in the well", I absolutely lost it!

One thing I like best about Unspoken is that the book ended so that I wanted more yet I wasn't left with too many questions at the end.  It was a fulfilling cliffhanger, if that makes sense.  I guess the best way to describe it is that this chapter of Kami's life was complete and yet you feel you want to continue into the next chapter of her life.  I look forward to another story of risk taking adventures and maybe a new twist into Jared and Kami's relationship.  

The only thing I did not enjoy about this book was the fact there was some time lagging in the middle.  I felt it carried on too long before getting to the big story.  However, I feel that in that time, the author was able to build more on the character's relationships.  

I highly recommend this book to anyone who loves mystery and strange happenings.  If you are a Nancy Drew reader or maybe a Scooby Doo fan, you will love this book.   

I received this book from the author at YallFest in Charleston, SC on November 10, 2012.  Here are a few pics of the author as she signed books.

Visit Sarah Rees Brennan ~

www.sarahreesbrennan.com

email: sarahreesbrennan@gmail.com

Beautiful Redemption by Kami Garcia and Margaret Stohl

Title: Beautiful Redemption (Book 4 of the Beautiful Creatures Series)
Authors: Kami Garcia and Margaret Stohl
Pages: 451
Publisher: Little Brown

From the Back of the Book ~

I'd had nightmares about him before.  Before I knew him, or at least knew he was going to be Ethan.  But this wasn't like anything I'd ever seen in any nightmare.

It was real.

Ethan Wate has spent most of his life longing to escape the stiflingly small Southern town of Gatlin.  He never thought he would meet the girl of his dreams, Lena Duchannes, who unveiled a secretive, powerful, and cursed side of Gatlin, hidden in plain sight.  And he never could have expected that he would be forced to leave behind everyone and everything he cares about.  So when Ethan awakes after the chilling events of the Eighteenth Moon, he has only one goal: to find a way to return to Lena and the ones he loves.

Back in Gatlin, Lena is making her own bargains for Ethan's return, vowing to do whatever it takes - even if that means trusting old enemies or risking the lives of the family and friends Ethan left to protest.

Worlds apart, Ethan and Lena must once again work together to rewrite their fate, in this stunning finale to the Beautiful Creatures series.







Let me just start by saying, I loved the first book in this series and could not wait to read the other two books.  However, by the end of the third book I was completely ready to be out of Lena and Ethan's head.  This fourth book was just a chance for resolution to me.  And I feel it did just that.

Of course, in the end of the third book, we all felt that when Ethan jumped off the water tower, things just didn't feel right.  Obviously, it couldn't end like that.  The fourth book takes us through the Otherworld and back again.  It leaves you feeling complete.  I was, however, disappointed because I just didn't feel as involved in the final books.  I wasn't giddy with joy for Lena and Ethan by the end.   I like a book that leaves me happy or shocked.  And this book just didn't.  

Pushing the Limits by Katie McGarry

Title:  Pushing the Limits

Author:  Katie McGarry

Pages: 392
Publisher: Harlequin Teen 2012

Connecting with Katie ~
Website: http://www.katielmcgarry.com/
Twitter: @KatieMcGarry
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/katielmcgarry
Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4575371.Katie_McGarry

From the Back of the Book ~

So wrong for each other...and yet so right.

No one knows what happened the night Echo Emerson went from popular girl with jock boyfriend to gossiped-about outsider with "freaky" scars on her arms.  Even Echo can't remember the whole truth.  All she knows is that she wants everything to go back to normal.  But when Noah Hutchins, the smoking-hot, girl-using loner in the black leather jacket, explodes into her life with his tough attitude and surprising understanding, Echo's world shifts in ways she could never have imagined.  Now Echo has to ask herself just how far they can push the limits and what she'll risk for the one guy who might teach her how to love again.

 Absolutely heart-hooking!  Pushing the Limits provided a little of everything for all readers but a lot of romance for those like me who just adore a good couple.

Let me start with Echo, which by the way is a fantastic name (for all you LOST fans, you may also remember an Echo, so it may not sound so unique to you) . Echo Emerson is a quasi strong heroine who despite her past is fighting to lead a normal life.  It isn't until her strength, Noah "HOTTIE" Hutchins enters her life that she begins to see that there is a silver lining.  Maybe normal isn't all it's made out to be.  Besides, what defines normal?  Noah has his own battles to fight and with the help of Echo, he might just win....provided he still wants to.  Together, the dynamic couple learn about life and letting go...and how to have the strength to make decisions that might not be part of their ultimate plan.  

Noah Hutchins is definitely at the top of the list as one of the most loveable men.  If only there were guys like him in the real world...and if there were, they lived in small towns like mine.  Boys in books are just so much better!

The Evolution of Mara Dyer by Michelle Hodkin

Title: The Evolution of Mara Dyer (Volume 2 of the Mara Dyer trilogy)
Author: Michelle Hodkin
Pages: 527
Publisher: Simon & Schuster 2012

Link Up with Michelle Hodkin~
Blog: http://www.michellehodkin.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MaraDyer
Twitter: https://twitter.com/michellehodkin
Goodreads: Michelle Hodkin, Author

From the Book Cover ~

Mara Dyer once believed she could run from her past.

She can't.

She used to think her problems were all in her head. They aren't.

She couldn't imagine that after everything she's been through, the boy she loves would still be keeping secrets.  She's wrong.

In this gripping sequel to The Unbecoming of Mara Dyer, the truth evolves and choices prove deadly.

What will become of Mara Dyer next?

There are no words to describe the emotions this book put me through.  It was a roller coaster ride from beginning to end.  And believe me, by the end, this is one ride you want to get off.  I'm not going to reveal any secrets, but lets just say the twists and turns Mara and Noah take will leave you biting your nails to short little nubs and saying "Oh my gosh" until the last period.  

Secrets are uncovered.  Lies are revealed.  More questions arise, and yet no answers to previous questions are given.  It's almost frustrating by the end.  And where did the flashbacks from the past come from?  Who is Mara Dyer and Noah Shaw?  For that matter, who are Stella, James, and Jude?  Is anybody who we think they are?  What's real? and what's not?

I don't believe I have ever read a more suspenseful book than this.  Like I said, there are no words that can describe it, you just have to experience it for yourself.  Good luck.

Best Line Ever: "If I were to live a thousand years, I would belong to you for all of them.  If we were to live a thousand lives, I would want to make you mine in each one." ~ Noah Shaw

Madly and the Jackal by M. Leighton

Title: Madly and The Jackal

Author: M. Leighton

Pages: 273

Publisher: M. Leighton Copyright 2012

Where to find Michelle ~
Blog: http://mleightonbooks.blogspot.com
Facebook: M. Leighton Author Page
Twitter: @mleightonbooks
Goodreads: M. Leighton, Author
Email: m.leighton.books@gmail.com

From the Back of the Book ~

How deep does love run?  Deeper than the ocean?  Deeper than memory?  Deeper than magic?

Following their plan to save Atlas, Madly and Jackson return the spirit of Wolfhardt to his prison beneath the sea.  But even the best laid plans couldn't account for the surprises they find.  This time, Lore aren't their only challenges.

Madly is special in ways no one could have guessed and dark forces seek to control her.  They want her power, but first they must weaken her.  They need her beaten.  Vulnerable.  Near death.  And alone.  But that task isn't an easy one with Jackson at her side.  The strongest of their kin, the only way to separate Jackson from Madly is to destroy his love for her, to erase it from his mind.  And his heart.

Is it possible to steal Jackson's love from Madly?  Or is their love the only truly unbreakable thing?

Ok. So, the one thing I can say about this book is HOT! HOT! HOT! In the first book, yes it had some scenes that would make you blush, but in Madly and the Jackal...Oh My Gosh!  I have yet to read any of M. Leighton's adult books, but if they are half as steamy as some of the scenes in this book then I am in.  I believe the first romantic scene actually even made me jealous.  Not only does Jackson have the looks but he's got the moves too.  I am just "madly" about Jackson!  

The story line sticks to the first book really well, and I feel another book coming on soon.  I haven't checked to see when the next book comes out or if she has made plans for another book, but I know I will definitely be reading it.  As you can tell, we have only been through two of the fairy tale creatures that have been set free from Atlas, so I feel we have a long way to go.

All in all, I'm very anxious to read more and hope that anyone reading my review will grab a copy and join this journey with me.