{Teaser Tuesday} Indigo Spell by Richelle Mead

Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme, hosted by MizB of Should Be Reading. Anyone can play along! Just do the following:

• Grab your current read
• Open to a random page
• Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page
• BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!)
• Share the title & author, too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers!

Title: The Indigo Spell
Series: Bloodlines #3
Author: Richelle Mead
Publisher: Razorbill (Penguin)
Publication Date: February 12, 2013

Synopsis:


In the aftermath of a forbidden moment that rocked Sydney to her core, she finds herself struggling to draw the line between her Alchemist teachings and what her heart is urging her to do. Then she meets alluring, rebellious Marcus Finch--a former Alchemist who escaped against all odds, and is now on the run. Marcus wants to teach Sydney the secrets he claims the Alchemists are hiding from her. But as he pushes her to rebel against the people who raised her, Sydney finds that breaking free is harder than she thought. There is an old and mysterious magic rooted deeply within her. And as she searches for an evil magic user targeting powerful young witches, she realizes that her only hope is to embrace her magical blood--or else she might be next.


Populated with new faces as well as familiar ones, the Bloodlines series explores all the friendship, romance, battles, and betrayals that made the #1 New York Times bestselling Vampire Academy series so addictive—this time in a part-vampire, part-human setting where the stakes are even higher and everyone’s out for blood.

MY TEASER

He caught hold of my arm and rolled me over. I closed my eyes again and wrapped my arms around his neck. I felt his lips touch mine, not quite a kiss, just the barest brush of--

Have you read The Indigo Spell? Tell us what you think, but be sure to join us for all things Indigo Spell this week!

{Teaser Tuesday} Along for the Ride by Sarah Dessen

Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme, hosted by MizB of Should Be Reading. Anyone can play along! Just do the following:

• Grab your current read
• Open to a random page
• Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page
• BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!)
• Share the title & author, too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers!

Title: Along for the Ride

Author: Sarah Dessen

Publisher: Penguin

Imprint: Viking Juvenile

Release Date: June 1, 2009'

Synopsis:

It’s been so long since Auden slept at night. Ever since her parents’ divorce—or since the fighting started. Now she has the chance to spend a carefree summer with her dad and his new family in the charming beach town where they live.

A job in a clothes boutique introduces Auden to the world of girls: their talk, their friendship, their crushes. She missed out on all that, too busy being the perfect daughter to her demanding mother. Then she meets Eli, an intriguing loner and a fellow insomniac who becomes her guide to the nocturnal world of the town. Together they embark on parallel quests: for Auden, to experience the carefree teenage life she’s been denied; for Eli, to come to terms with the guilt he feels for the death of a friend.

In her signature pitch-perfect style, Sarah Dessen explores the hearts of two lonely people learning to connect

This is the first Sarah Dessen I have read and I love it so so so much! Thank you April David for such an awesome suggestion. And I'm going to have so much gushing about this book when I'm done, the review is going to take pages. LOL.

My Teaser #1: It was a split second decision, the kind you hear about people making in the most dangerous or serious of situations. This was really neither, but I still was not thinking, just doing, as I reached my hand into the beans, scooping out a big gob with my fingers. Then, before I could reconsider, I turned and launched it at Eli.

My Teaser #2: I smiled, and then, in the middle of Tallyho, in the middle of the night, in the middle of everything, Eli kissed me. It was not at all how I'd imagined it happening, and yet totally perfect anyway.

{Review} Bloodrose by Andrea Cremer

Title: Bloodrose
Series: Nightshade #3
Author: Andrea Cremer
Publisher: Philomel (An Imprint of Penguin USA)
Released: January 3, 2012

Website ǀ Facebook ǀ Twitter ǀ Goodreads ǀ Amazon ǀ Barnes & Noble

Synopsis:

The Ultimate Sacrifice.

Calla has always welcomed war. But now that the final battle is upon her, there’s more at stake than fighting. There’s saving Ren, even if it incurs Shay’s wrath. There’s keeping Ansel safe, even if he’s been branded a traitor. There’s proving herself as the pack’s alpha, facing unnamable horrors, and ridding the world of the Keepers’ magic once and for all. And then there’s deciding what to do when the war ends. If Calla makes it out alive, that is.

In the final installment of the Nightshade trilogy, New York Times bestselling author Andrea Cremer creates a novel with twists and turns that will keep you on the edge of your seat until its final pages. A dynamic end to this breathtaking trilogy.

I read Bloodrose THE DAY it released, the very day, in one sitting. It has taken me the better part of a month to become impartial enough not to just sit down and write a scathing review about how badly I disliked certain things that happened. That wouldn't have been fair, because while there were things about this book that frustrated me, Bloodrose is a very well written book, with plenty of action and romance that kept me reading for eight straight hours, and any book that can do that...well, it deserves better than I would have given it minutes or even days after I finished tearing through it.

I needed to complain to my friends and anyone else who would listen. I needed to let all the events settle. I needed to step away and gain some perspective. Which is exactly what I did.

In the third and final installment of the Nightshade Series, Renier Laroche is now at the Academy and the sexual tension reaches an all time high. In order for Shay to complete his quests, he needs to be surrounded by people he can trust and strong warriors. Everybody knows Ren is the best there is, but can Shay trust him? Strangely enough...yes, at least in battle...now with Calla, that's a whole different story.

Calla calls top spot as the Alpha going into this final journey, stating she refuses to pick a mate until the war between the Searchers and the Keepers is behind them. The saying "easier said than done" takes on a whole new meaning in this case. Neither of the boys gives her a single moment of peace, each promoting their own agenda and Calla finds it hard to resist either of them. But Calla and her men aren't the only ones in love...many of the secondary characters finally find their homes.

The final battle is one of my favorite action scenes in any book. Pack mates are forced to fight one another, others reunite, and many will perish for the greater good. Those left standing may not be happy with their ultimate destiny...some will relish in it.

Many people will be heart-broken and maybe a little furious with the conclusion of the Nightshade Series. Honestly, I was mortified but I have the utmost respect Andrea Cremer's writing and her talent. She writes fascinating and complex characters and throws twists into plots like no one else can...well, she and Cassandra Clare run a close race in that arena. Things will happen that you never saw coming, and most of them, well...you'll just have to decide for yourself...

The actual story is not why Bloodrose isn't receiving a higher rating from me...it's more about the digression of the storyline throughout the series. Now...while Bloodrose was fast-paced and action-packed, I felt like everything I loved about Nightshade just disappeared during Wolfsbane and this installment. The underlying themes of fate, politics, and hard choices are what pulled me into this series initially...by the third book, the only thing left was a farce of political shortcomings. I feel like this series could have been so much more...I'm just not sure where it all went wrong.

Reviews to the rest of the series -
Nightshade
Wolfsbane
Bloodrose

{Review} Lola and the Boy Next Door

Title: Lola and the Boy Next Door
Author: Stephanie Perkins
Publisher: Dutton Books (Penguin Group USA)
Release Date: September 29, 2011

Website ǀ Twitter ǀ Goodreads ǀ Amazon ǀ Barnes & Noble

Synopsis:

Budding designer Lola Nolan doesn’t believe in fashion . . . she believes in costume. The more expressive the outfit -- more sparkly, more fun, more wild -- the better. But even though Lola’s style is outrageous, she’s a devoted daughter and friend with some big plans for the future. And everything is pretty perfect (right down to her hot rocker boyfriend) until the dreaded Bell twins, Calliope and Cricket, return to the neighborhood.

When Cricket -- a gifted inventor -- steps out from his twin sister’s shadow and back into Lola’s life, she must finally reconcile a lifetime of feelings for the boy next door.

Oh, this is one of my favorite books ever written. Seriously. Lola and the Boy Next Door is a contemporary YA book that had me doubling over laughing, squeeing on the edge of my chair, and most of all...wanting things to be alright for Cricket and Lola. If any two people deserve happiness, it is them.

Lola has been through hell and back. Her mother got pregnant young and decided to let her brother adopt Lola, knowing that he could provide a more stable home life than she ever could. However, Lola's mom still shows up at some of the most inopportune times, bringing sorrow and disarray into Lola's otherwise perfect life. Lola dresses in costume. That is who she is. When her boyfriend tells her that she is a liar, changing her appearance everyday, never letting anyone see the "real" Lola, she knows that relationship is headed downhill. And...to add insult to injury, the Bell twins have moved back in next door.

Calliope is a figure skater, headed for the Olympics. Cricket's life has always been overshadowed by his sister's life as a star. Moving each time she decides to drop one coach for another, being home-schooled, never having friends. He left his life in San Fransisco years ago. Now he's home and hoping to reclaim that life. If only things were ever that easy. Cricket is going to have to work for Lola's trust, much less her love. Between him and Calliope, Lola had her heart ripped out and shredded into pieces.  Cricket might have a chance if he was only making up for his mistakes, but he also has to make amends for what damage his sister caused all those years ago.

Cricket meets a little known character, St. Clair, at Berkley. They become quick friends...as everyone does with St. Clair. This works to Cricket's advantage since Anna is Lola's manager at the movie theater. I love that Stephanie included St. Clair and Anna in Lola and the Boy Next Door. They made a perfect avenue for Cricket to get closer to Lola. And who can resist St. Clair.

Honestly, Cricket is one of my favorite characters ever. He is full of energy and shines like the sun. You just can't help but love him. Again, he is one of Stephanie's perfectly flawed characters. Cricket is weird in his own right, the crazy inventor type. Wild hair, a flair for the flamboyant, and good at everything he does - even though he can't see it. He's a bit insecure about himself...both because of past mistakes and a questionable heritage. He puts himself out there in ways that will cause him pain but he knows what he wants and if he is patient, perhaps he will get it.

Stephanie Perkins is a master at creating beautifully weaved love stories. Love stories that make your heart ache with desire. You cannot not pull for these characters. Nothing about them is perfect and nothing comes easy. That's life, right? But Stephanie's stories flow at a perfect pace, never giving you that break you need to put the book down. I read bot Anna and the French Kiss and Lola and the Boy Next Door in one sitting. Well, one sitting each. Each time I thought about putting one down...I felt my heart break, needing to know how things would end. Because Stephanie makes her characters work for their happy endings, the chemistry and tension are always palpable on the pages.

It wasn't until these books were recommended to me by some fellow bloggers that I started reading an YA Contemporary...now I seek these books out. 

One last thing, I want to say thank you to Stephanie for including a bit about alternative lifestyles in this book. I have family who belong to the LGBT community and it is important to me that their lives are acknowledged in a positive and loving way. I'm not sure it could have been done any better than Stephanie did it.

Sweet Possession (Sweet 5) by Maya Banks

Series: Sweet
Title: Sweet Possession
Author: Maya Banks
Publisher: The Penguin Group
Copyright 2011 by Maya Banks
Maya Banks Website
Maya Banks on Twitter

Synopsis: There is nothing Connor Malone wants to do less than babysit the outrageous and out-of-control pop star Lyric Jones. But part of him relishes taming the celebratty songstress and showing her what it's like to be possessed-body and soul-by one man. And though Lyric's crazy antics nearly drive Connor to the edge, his quiet intensity penetrates her defenses, leaving them both vulnerable to the secrets that could topple Lyric from the stage.

So, I am doing this a little bit backwards...but I am a little bit weird, so it all works out. I loved, and I mean loved, loved, this book. Honestly, it was the first of the Sweet Series that I had read and after finishing it...I went straight and bought the other four. And I loved all of them. However, I think Sweet Possession will always be my favorite. The sheer since of family and belonging is overwhelming in this group of somewhat dysfunctional characters. And I love them all!

• Connor Malone - is the last of his close friends to remain single. He is intense, snarky, gorgeous, and quite capable in many areas of expertise. His straight-laced nature paired with Lyric's party girl status provides for some hilarious dialogue and scenes.
• Lyric Jones - is a pop-star gone wild and now she is in trouble. She's unpredictable and tends to drive the rumors stirred up by the press. She has no self-preservation skills and no self-esteem; even though she comes across as confident.
• Kane - is an integral part of the security team that is hired to protect Lyric while she is in Houston. At first, I thought he was a complete ass, but now I adore him.
• RJ and Trent - are the only remaining members of Lyric's old security team. They have been up-close and personal with her and now their need is being questioned.
• Phillip - is Lyric's spokesperson from her record level. He has been keeping secrets that may endanger Lyric's life.
• Paul - is a jerk of a manager who holds a grudge. He holds information that could ruin Lyric's image and holds no compunctions about using it.
• Faith, Gray, Serena, Damon, Sam, Julie, Nathan, Micah, Angelina and Pop will all be detailed in each of their books. Just know that I truly want these people as my best friends. LOL!

Okay, so I was in love with this book from page one. I have read several reviews of people who didn't care so much for this book...partially because they felt Connor was flat and maybe he was...generally speaking. However, when he is placed among his friends, he becomes the one who is different from them. He's not big on the kink factor but wants to show a woman how it feels to be truly loved. How can you not love a man like that? Plus, his reactions are just so damn funny.


Maya has created a great group of characters who love each other and, while they may tease and torment, they are always there for each other. Let it be said...there are no secrets within this group of friends. They make life...interesting, to say the least.


Honestly...I can't think of a single thing I didn't like about this book. I read way to late and had to suppress my laughter so that I didn't wake anyone up. Everyone has a different need from a book and when I read Sweet Passion, I suppose I needed the humor.

Here are a couple of my favorite parts...

"I don't like you," she finally said.
To his utter horror, he went hard.
He smiled then. A lazy, "I don't give a fuck" grin. It was either that or groan at his growing discomfort and he'd eat nails before allowing her to know how affected he was by her. "The feeling, Ms. Jones, is entirely mutual." pg 19

"What the ever-loving hell?" Kane said from across the room.
"Hang on a second, Gray."
Connor put the phone down to his leg and frowned over at Kane, who was looking out the window. "Something wrong?"
Kane turned around, his lips twitching. "Depends on whether you consider a pool full of naked girls a bad thing." pg 165

*Warning - Mature and sexual content and vulgar language. Recommended for adults age 18 and older.

Bloodlines by Richelle Mead

Title: Bloodlines
Author: Richelle Mead
Publisher: Penquin Group
Copyright 2011 by Richelle Mead
Richelle Mead’s Website
Richelle’s Facebook
Richelle’s Twitter
Bloodlines Goodread

Synopsis:

The first book in Richelle Mead's brand-new teen fiction series - set in the same world as Vampire Academy.

When alchemist Sydney is ordered into hiding to protect the life of Moroi princess Jill Dragomir, the last place she expects to be sent is a human private school in Palm Springs, California. But at their new school, the drama is only just beginning.

Populated with new faces as well as familiar ones, Bloodlines explores all the friendship, romance, battles and betrayals that made the #1 New York Times bestselling Vampire Academy series so addictive - this time in a part-vampire, part-human setting where the stakes are even higher and everyone's out for blood.

I loved the Vampire Academy series so it stands to reason I would love Bloodlines, right. Absolutely! Of course, I love Adrian Ivashkov, and I truly wanted him to end up with Rose…but I lost that battle. So, hopefully something better will work out for him in the new series. See the seriously hot trailer HERE.

Richelle did an excellent job of writing the perfect spin-off. She included characters I loved before and added characters that I loved to hate.

As always, here is a character profile for you:

• Sydney Melrose – The alchemist who helped Rose escape when she was suspected of murdering the Queen. She has been in trouble for being a “vamp lover” and is now given a second chance to clear her name and reclaim her status as family alchemist. Tolerating living with a Moroi and hanging out with a damphir may prove to be the easiest thing about this assignment.
• Jill Dragomir – Is the only family of Vasillisa Dragomir, the new Moroi Queen. Moroi law states the queen must have at least one living relative to hold her position. This law puts Jill in danger from those rebelling against Queen Dragomir, including some of her own people.
• Keith Darnell – Is the Palm Spring’s resident Alchemist. He will help Sydney with her mission by being her “liason.” He and Sydney have quite a past.
• Adrian Ivashkov – One of my favorite bad boys in all of paranormal, but definitely my favorite bad boy in all of Vampire Academy. Now, he and his wild ways have won my heart again in Bloodlines and then broke my heart. He is sarcastic, snarky, broken, and caring (in his own way). I was surprised at his role in this book. Certainly not what I expecting.
• Abe Mazur – Another awesome character from Vampire Academy…or not. Honestly, I like Abe, I don’t trust him, but I like him.
• Eddie Castile – Also from Vampire Academy. He is sent to Palm Springs to be Jill’s Dhampir Guardian.
• The infamous Rose Hathaway makes a couple of appearances in Bloodlines.
• Clarence Donahue – Is a moroi who will provide Jill with a feeder and open his house to Adrian.
• Lee Donahue – The son of Clarence. Love interest of Jill…and many other surprising things.

Ah, I love Richelle and everything she writes. Her characters are amazing with real teenage problems mixed with otherworldly problems. Her settings are dynamic, allowing for a multitude of events to occur. Emotions of love, hate, love-hate, lust, pleasure, pain and sometimes pure animosity emanate from her writing.

I think that Bloodlines may hold a different meaning for each person that reads it. For me…I believe it is a need to overcome prejudices and learn to get along with people of all “races.” Alchemist hold an interesting place in Richelle’s world. They are born and raised to believe that all vampires are evil and that the magic they possess is unnatural. Sydney suffers much antagonizing from other Alchemist because she helps the wrong team (Moroi and Dhampirs).


Her tolerance of these paranormal creatures may be just the thing that her enemies need to get rid of her for good. There are things happening in Palm Springs that have nothing to do with vampire politics and Sydney is just the person to uncover these exploitations. Between Jill’s possible impending death and Sydney’s detective work, Palm Spring’s is becoming quite dangerous for humans, Moroi, Dhampirs, and Alchemist. No one is safe.


The pace of Bloodlines was perfect. I had set a time limit for reading yesterday and when it was up…I couldn’t just put the book up…I mean I was at one of my favorite scenes -

“They’re waiting for you. Go on in.” Adrian leaned close to Keith’s ear and spoke in an ominous voice. “If. You. Dare.” he poked Keith’s shoulder and gave a “Muhahaha” kind of monster laugh.

“…Can you draw a skeleton riding a motorcycle with flames coming out of it? And I want a pirate hat on the skeleton. And a parrot on his shoulder. A skeleton parrot. Or maybe a ninja skeleton parrot? No, that would be overkill. But it’d be cool if the biker skeleton could be shooting some ninja throwing stars. That are on fire.” – Adrain

Adrian’s new research partner stepped through the door, and I knew the uneasy peace we’d just established in Palm Springs was about to shatter. – Sydney

Some characters I didn’t mention but hope to see more of…Micah, Trey, Kristin, Julia, and Ms.Terwilliger

Wolfsbane by Andrea Cremer

Title: Wolfsbane
Series: Nightshade Series #2
Author: Andrea Cremer
Publisher: Penguin Group
July 20, 2011
Andrea Cremers Official Website
Nightshade Series Website
Andrea's Blog

Synopsis:

When Calla Tor wakes up in the lair of the Searchers, her sworn enemies, she’s certain her days are numbered. But then the Searchers make her an offer—one that gives her the chance to destroy her former masters and save the pack—and the man—she left behind. Is Ren worth the price of her freedom? And will Shay stand by her side no matter what? Now in control of her own destiny, Calla must decide which battles are worth fighting and how many trials true love can endure and still survive.

So, I finished this book in about 7 hours. I was so excited for the release that I ran straight to Barnes and Noble and bought it first thing yesterday morning.

Calla finally wakes up from her injuries sustained while at the Rowan Estate helping Shay escape, only to find herself in the same room as the people who attacked her…The Searchers. Even though they assure her she is safe, she is unsure if she should trust them. Who can blame her, they did shoot her with enchanted bolts after all! We find out that Shay was not all that keen on trusting them until he knew Calla was healthy and safe.

There were so many new characters in this book and I loved them all. I was sad to see that several died before we got to know them better.

• Connor: The witty, wise-cracking searcher. I loved him. He was constantly teasing everyone and he had such a soft spot for Adne. I’m not sure if he is in love with  her or is just the big brother type. Hope to see much more of him in Bloodrose.
• Ethan: The one who shot Calla and brother to Kyle (The Searcher Calla killed). In the beginning of the book, I wanted to hate him so bad, but for some reason I just could not bring myself to do it. I am glad, because he saved the day when all was said and done. He definitely made a few mistakes but he made up for them.
• Ariadne: aka Adne. I loved her. She was smart, strong both physically and emotionally, and was loyal to her family above all else. Adne endured some horrific events but never forgot her duties. Her dad, Monroe, had been keeping a secret from her about his past and family she never knew. When Adne found out, she was the first…eh, maybe second, person that insisted on going to save them.
• Monroe: The guide to the Denver based Searchers. Man, does this guy have secrets. Wow! I was truly shocked when I learned about them. He was a great man and sacrificed his life for his family. I was extremely sad to see him go.
• Anika: The Arrow of the Searchers. She is the one who calls the shots.
• Silas: The Scribe and royal know-it-all. The banter between him and Connor left me smiling. Talk about two opposite sides of the same coin.

There is a lot of history about the Searchers, Keepers, and Guardians in this book. I think I was kind of annoyed with all of it at first. I just wanted to get to the action! Calla had to go save her pack and I wanted that to be immediately. Honestly, it did not take long to get into some of the action and I was glad. The first rescue mission left me in tears.

I am definitely Team Ren, so I was disappointed that there was not much of him in this book. And let me tell you, I think I feel the same way about Shay that I did about Jacob in the Twilight Series. (Not a comparison of the books, because they are nowhere near the same, only a comparison of my feelings.) I always felt like Jacob was a desperate, whiney baby and that is the feeling I get from Shay. He is trying way to hard to win Calla’s affection.

The end of the book left me bewildered. However, Andrea released the first chapter in Bloodrose, the third book in the series, yesterday. There are spoilers in the chapter, so do not read it until you have read Wolfsbane. I read it as soon as I finished and that one single chapter made me so much happier. I do not know what will happen when all is said and done, but perhaps I can relax until Spring 2012.

Again, Andrea Cremer wrote an outstanding story full of turmoil, conflict, and unrequited love. The underlying themes of injustice, political upheaval, and nature vs. nurture makes for a compelling and suspenseful read. I definitely recommend this series to anyone who enjoys YA Paranormal Romance and Urban Fiction.

My Nightshade Series Reviews -
Nightshade
Wolfsbane
Bloodrose

Nightshade by Andrea Cremer

Author: Andrea Cremer
Title: Nightshade
Publisher: The Penguin Group
Release Date: October 19, 2010
Nightshade Book Website
Andrea Cremer's Official Website
Nightshade Facebook

Synopsis:

Calla Tor has always known her destiny: After graduating from the Mountain School, she'll be the mate of sexy alpha wolf Ren Laroche and fight with him, side by side, ruling their pack and guarding sacred sites for the Keepers. But when she violates her masters' laws by saving a beautiful human boy out for a hike, Calla begins to question her fate, her existence, and the very essence of the world she has known. By following her heart, she might lose everything- including her own life. Is forbidden love worth the ultimate sacrifice?

I love Andrea Cremer! I put off reading this book because I did not want to read another book about werewolves. I cannot tell you how deeply saddened I am that I waited SOOOO long to read this phenomenal book. Now I want to keep rereading it until July 26, 2011 when Wolfsbane hits the market! This is a series like no other!

It is amazing to read a book with such creativity and depth. Nightshade pulled me directly into the story, angering me at times and making me laugh at other times. With underlying themes of politics, arranged marriages, alternate lifestyles, and freedom of choice; there is something for every type of reader in this exhilarating bestseller.

I fell in love with Calla from the beginning. She is a young lady who is a leader and a loyal friend and family member. She struggles while making tough decisions for her pack and for herself. She will have to be the keeper of secrets that could destroy everything she has ever known.

Renier is the chosen mate of Calla. He is sexy and charismatic with hunting in his blood. He has a reputation as a ladies man but is determined to take his place alongside Calla as a loyal mate. Ren comes from a family whose reputation may be difficult to get away from.

Shay is the new boy in town. Unlike others at school, he is completely unaware of the hierarchy already woven into the Mountain School's student population. He may be able to change some of the rules but not without consequences.

My Nightshade Series Reviews -
Nightshade
Wolfsbane
Bloodrose