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.

Madly Wolfhardt by M. Leighton

Title:  Madly Wolfhart

Author: Michelle Leighton

Pages: 262

Publisher:  M. Leighton 2011

Locating the Author ~

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 ~

Madly is your average nearly-eighteen year old girl - for a mermaid princess, that is.

Madly James is thoroughly enjoying her internship in Slumber when the unthinkable happens - there's a prison break in Atlas, Madly's home beneath the sea.  A traitor has set free eight Lore, the spirits of what humans know as fairy tales, and they are making their way to Slumber to awaken their descendants.

The first spirit to arrive is that of Ulrich Wolfhardt, a man that was once obsessed with wolves and a young maiden he would follow through the woods.  After a bite from a wolf, Wolfhardt's obsession with the girl became an unnatural hunger and the young maiden's grandmother cursed him with a fate worse than death.  And now he's back...with a vengeance an a bite that can infect others as well.

Madly must learn the identity of Wolfhardt's descendant and stop him before he kills again and spreads his curse across the earth.  But the only person strong enough to help Madly is Jackson, the Sentinel who vowed to protect her and the one person capable of breaking her heart.  Can Madly resist forbidden love long enough to save the world from Wolfhardt?  Or will she have to sacrifice her heart and her destiny to save the ones she loves?

I have to admit.  I was completely shocked at how much I liked this book.  In all honesty, I'm not really fond of books about mermaids and water people (which is odd since one of my favorite Disney movies is The Little Mermaid).  The concept of throwing in the fairy tales was so unique though.  I'm a huge fan of the TV show Once Upon a Time, and Leighton's concept of bringing in the fairy tales one at a time reminds me so much of the show.  I'm not sure how many book are going to be in the series, but I know the next book is about Dr. Jackal and Mr. Hyde, which I am currently reading now so stay tuned for my review.

The back of the book tells you a basic summary better than I can so I won't bore you with a repeat of what the book is about.  I will, however, tell you a little about why I like the book.  First off, Madly comes across as a brave female lead who is pushed into her role as Princess quicker than she expected.  She is strong and stubborn which makes for a great read.  Her royal friends aren't as dominant in the book so we don't find out a lot about them.  Who we do, however, meet is Jackson Hamilton.  Oh my gosh!  I am completely enamored by this guy!  He's hot, sexy, chivalrous, strong, and hot..did I mention that already?  Leighton has a way of steaming up the place when Jackson is around. She's very good with detail and paints a picture so clear it will make you blush.  

To sum it up, I feel that whether you like mermaid stories or not, you will find Madly a book you will be glad you read.  Honestly, I started this book one day and didn't realize how fast I was going through it until all of a sudden it was over.  So, pick it up!  I think one of the best parts is that M. Leighton is self published, so if the book doesn't lure you in, show some support and check it out!

Rift by Andrea Cremer

Title:  Rift - Prequel to Nightshade

Author:  Andrea Cremer

Pages: 430

Genre: Supernatural Fiction

Publisher: Philomel Books
Locating the Author ~
Website:  www.andreacremer.com
Book Website: www.nightshadebook.com
Twitter:  @andreacremer

From the Cover ~

Ember Morrow was promised to the knights of Conatus at birth, her life traded for her mother's.  So when the horsemen come for her, soon after her sixteenth birthday, Ember's not surprised.  What does surprise her, though, is the magic the knights wield, the demons they hunt, and the feelings she has for Barrow Hess, the powerful man she serves.  When the knights realize that one among them is dabbling in dark magic, danger heightens and Ember must choose whether to follow the path to darkness or to escape the order and pledge her life to destroying her fellow knights.

With action, adventure, magic, and tantalizing sensuality, this breathtaking prequel to the Nightshade series delves into the history of Bosque Mar and the origin of the rift between the Keepers and the Searchers.

Ever since I read Grave Mercy by Robin LeFever (excellent book by the way), I have been infatuated with stories set in historical times.  There is something about the knighthood that just screams romance to me.  Maybe it's all the chivalrous, strong men that lure me in.  So, when I started reading this book and it talked about the Knights Templar, I immediately recognized the greatness of this book.  I have already read the Nightshade series, which I loved and highly recommend, even if you don't like stories about wolves, because the Nightshade series is so much more than just wolves.  It has time weaving, romance, historical wonders and loads of action packed adventures.  Rift is a completely new story line that incorporates one character from the Nightshade series by telling how he came to be the man he is in Nightshade.  It's fascinating really to learn how Bosque Mar came to be.  Of course, Rift is just the beginning of his story and I can't wait to read Rise.


Ember Morrow is a sixteen year old royal who was promised at birth to Conatus, the leader of the knight court, in return for her mother's life.  Though her family does not approve of the agreement, Ember is excited to take part in the oath of the knights and leave her family.  She craves adventure and secretly practices using the sword behind her father's back.  I won't tell you much more about the story because you can read that on the cover. However, I recommend you read Rift to find out more. 


I truly loved this book.  Andrea puts together a beautifully written story with characters you will surely love to read about.  It was well paced and constantly kept my attention.

Cover Reveal ~ Unbreakable by Elizabeth Norris

VH1's website just gave us a sneak peek at the cover for Unbreakable, the sequel to Unraveling by Elizabeth Norris!!  Here it is!  Drum Roll Please...............

Sooo, What do you think?  Personally, I like it! Let me know your thoughts!