{Kelly M & Kristin Discuss} Pushing the Limits by Katie McGarry

Title: Pushing the Limits
Author: Katie McGarry
Genre: YA Contemporary
Publisher: HarlequinTeen
Publication Date: July 31, 2012

Goodreads   Website   Facebook   Twitter

Amazon   Barnes & Noble

Synopsis:


"I won't tell anyone, Echo. I promise." Noah tucked a curl behind my ear. It had been so long since someone touched me like he did. Why did it have to be Noah Hutchins? His dark brown eyes shifted to my covered arms. "You didn't do that-did you? It was done to you?" No one ever asked that question. They stared. They whispered. They laughed. But they never asked.

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 of that horrible night. 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. They should have nothing in common. And with the secrets they both keep, being together is pretty much impossible.Yet the crazy attraction between them refuses to go away. And 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.

Kelly & Kristin Discuss

(In light of all the Dare You To ARCs being released and the excitement surrounding its realease, Kelly and I decided to discuss Pushing the Limits today.)

First perception of Echo? Did she live up to those perceptions? 
Kelly: That she had something to hide and that no one really understood the real her. She had so much more to give than people originally thought. And she lived up to my perceptions and more.

Kristin: Echo drew my attention from the first page. It was obvious something horrific happened to her and she had few people in her corner. Ms. McGarry did an excellent job of letting Echo mature in a manner that seemed realistic throughout the book.


First perception of Noah? Did he live up to those perceptions?
Kelly: Obviously broken bad boy and that he had a dark past that he refuses to let anybody know. He was also a very angry guy. Yes he lived up to my expectations but I also learned so much more about him. That he is fiercely loyal and protective and loving and he has a big heart.

Kristin: Ah, Noah! I think by introducing each character via Mrs. Collins gave us early insight to some of the issues at hand. Noah appeared like a slacker who cared about nothing, but that was far from the truth. I'm going to be honest and say I connected more with his character than Echo's which is a bit odd, but true. Noah surpassed any and all expectations I had for him.


What were your feelings throughout the book? Did you expect the twists in Echo's and Noah's stories?
Kelly: Feelings, ha! I was a mess! I had tears in my eyes the ENTIRE time and I was seriously psychologically messed up throughout the entire book. I have never experienced so many emotions in one book. As for the twists? Honestly? Not at all! Especially Noah's! Like WTF how sad to keep such a huge secret that your little brother started the fire by accident that killed your parents! Wow!

Kristin: I read Pushing the Limits as an ARC (but had to buy the book as soon as it released) and I remember thinking...Wow! I haven't read another book which left me asking WTH with every single turn of the page. I literally fell into the story, feeling everything I imagined Echo and Noah must've been feeling. Like Kelly, I think Noah's story shocked me a little more than Echo's, though both were equally tragic.


How did the intense psychological trauma the book dished out affect you?
Kelly: Basically I felt like I wanted to crawl into a dark corner and cry until I dried out like an old sponge.

Kristin: Rereading my review, the one word that describes my feelings while reading Pushing the Limits is: overwhelming. There were so many emotions and crazy, awe-inspiring events happening, I had a hard time grasping everything.


What did you think of Mrs. Collins, the guidance counselor?
Kelly: LOVED this woman! She provided some relief from all the sadness! She made me laugh so much! Especially with her driving.

Kristin: As I said in my review, Mrs. Collins may be my favorite adult in any YA book ever. I loved that she didn't dwell on making Echo and Noah like her; she used actions, not words. I'm like Kelly...the driving thing was insane; an excellent use of comic relief.


If you were Echo's dad, how would you have handled the extreme trauma she'd been through?
Kelly: Honestly I don't know. Every person is different right? I do think he should have been there for her more though.

Kristin: Like Kelly said, every person is different but I would like to think I could be more open and honest with my daughter. I'm not big on keeping secrets, especially this kind of secret, but I also understand that there was a reason Echo's brain refused to let her remember what had happened, so maybe it was for the best. I think the part that upset me the most is that he led Echo to believe her mother was locked up when he knew she wasn't. Lies never bode well in the end.


Favorite scene in book?
Kelly: Every time Noah was with his brothers. I wanted to piss through my eyes every time.

Kristin: The scene that comes to mind every single time I think of this book is the award ceremony with Noah and Jacob. Jacob says "Noah is better than Batman" then Noah replies, "I love you, too, lil' bro." I bawled like a baby, not even going to deny it for a single second.


If you were Echo, would you have wanted to see your mom again?
Kelly: Yeah no. Not even a little bit.

Kristin: I'm a huge advocate on knowing both sides of the story, so I feel like I would want to at least hear her side. And, because I trust no one, I would have to see my mom in person, because I would need to see her face when she told me her story...partially to see if she was lying, partially to see if she was truly sorry.


Noah and his brothers, super cute! What did you think about the solution to Noah's problems?
Kelly: PERFECT!! It made me want to jump for joy and shoot confetti from my hands!

Kristin: Honestly, I prayed throughout the book that Ms. McGarry found an appropriate ending for Noah and his brothers. I kept thinking about how he must feel, how much he must have wanted them back, but in my heart, I didn't feel like that ending would have been in anyone's best interest. I think Noah, his brothers, and I all got our happily ever after ending.


Overall thoughts on the book?
Kelly: I am not one for contemporary as I have stated many many times, but this book was hands down the BEST contemp book I have EVER read! It also helped me get through a very difficult night. So this book means a lot to me!

Kristin: As previously stated, I connected with Noah and the way he handled his losses immediately. I'm in no way advocating these actions as ways to cope, but I've been there, and it's so easy to fall into the same trap Noah did. Trust me. Even as an adult.

And Now For Our Choice in Casting!

(Kelly did an amazing job picking out Echo and Noah)

What do you think? Be sure to leave us a comment telling us how you felt about Pushing the Limits. Answer one of our questions or make up you own!

{A Kristin A Review} Covet by Melissa Darnell

Sorry my review is late guys, but this book is made of everything awesome, from witches to vampires to keepers!

Title: Covet

Series: The Clann Series #2

Author: Melissa Darnell

Publisher: HarlequinTeen

Publication Date: September 25, 2012

Website    Goodreads     Twitter     Facebook

Amazon     Barnes & Noble

Synopsis:

Dangerous to be together. Painful to be apart.Savannah Colbert knows she broke up with Tristan Coleman for the right reasons. Most of all, to keep from killing him with her new vampire abilities. But try telling her heart. Now, lost in a sea of hostile Clann faces, Sav tries to come to terms with what she's becoming and what that means for her future. And that someone is doing their best to bully her into making a terrible mistake.

Tristan can't believe Sav won't even talk to him. If being apart is her decision, fine. Just don't expect him to honor it. But even as he prepares to fight for the girl he loves, forces beyond their control take them both in directions neither could have foreseen or prepared for.

A reckoning is coming…and not everyone will survive.

So, I haven't read Crave, book 1 in The Clann Series, but I seriously loved Covet! Every page was filled with twists and turns, love and friendship, allies and enemies. Some of my intuitions were right, others were completely out of this universe.

I want to start by saying, Ms. Darnell created a group of multifaceted characters, both primary and secondary. Anne is one of the strongest female characters I've read about in a long time. She's a true friend to Savannah and the girl knows how to keep a secret. Ron is a protector and stands by Sav's side, regardless of his relationship mishaps with Anne. I'm interested to find out more of what happens to Emily in book 3, until then, I'll have to settle for knowing she holds some intrigue to her.

My first opinion of this book is that it is filled with parents trying too hard to protect their children from the truth while simultaneously pushing them into danger because they do not possess the knowledge, skills, or facts to protect themselves. The conclusion of the book did not alter my opinion one smidgen. 

Tristan's family and the Clann refuse to allow him to see Savannah with "because we said so" as their reasoning. Okay, so Sav's half-vampire and Tristan knows it, what neither understand is why they're still being forced to abide by laws which are, quite literally, centuries old. 

The vampire counsel tells Sav she must stay away from Tristan, but it's not until horrific events come to pass that she finds out exactly why. Luckily for her, she has her dad to help guide and protect her. Sav's father seems to be the only adult in the entire book who has half a clue. Her mother isn't too terrible, but best I can tell, she's spent nearly 17 years keeping Savannah from her destiny only to be completely blindsided by before mentioned horrific events.

I truly enjoyed the first half of the book, but when I reached the 50% mark, I was enthralled. It was a battle for me to put down the book and shut my eyes both nights. I loved Sav and her spunky attitude. She refused to skip school and let the Clann win. She embraced her vampire side, eventually, then she became empowered by her witchiness. Dylan and the Brat Twins became little more than annoying little flees to Sav, even without Tristan by her side. 

Ms. Darnell certainly knows how to keep her readers' attention and throws more WTH moments than teenagers reading Shakespeare. Come on...everyone knows you don't appreciate the classics until you're much older. The pace picks up nicely toward the middle of the book, making it near impossible to put down. Tristan's and Savannah's thoughts are portrayed nicely through alternating first-person POVs. I always love seeing both sides of a story. Leaves less guessing on my part.

And, hey, if you want a small glimpse into what to expect from Consume, book #3, run by HERE and read my interview with Melissa Darnell and enter to win a prize package from HarlequinTeen.

I obtained Covet from NetGalley and HarlequinTeen in exchange for my honest review and participation in a virtual blog tour.

{Blog Tour and #Giveaway} Covet by Melissa Darnell - Author Interview

(Review to be posted later today)

Interview with Melissa Darnell

1.Why did you decided to write about Vampires?  Some say Vampires are getting old, some say Vampire themed books never get old.

I started writing about vampires back in 2008 when the vamp trend was really starting to take off. Since then, I’ll admit there are a LOT more vamp stories out there. However, Tristan and Savannah’s story is about much more than just vamps, and this particular species of vamps is different from your typical vampire. For instance, because I wanted my vamps to be different, I gave them unique origins—their creator is Lilith, the rumored first wife of Adam, which makes them more a demon/vampire hybrid that can drain energy with a bite or a kiss. They can only be killed by a stake to the heart, fire, or decapitation. And because their vampirism is more like a disease, they retain their souls, so no religious items, buildings, or sacred ground has any adverse affects on them. If these vampires go to Hell after death, it is only due to their choices and actions and not what they are.

The Clann Series also features several other paranormal, otherworldly groups besides just vamps. Another major player in the series is the Clann, a group of families who come from Irish druid ancestors with magic abilities that are dependent on their individual energy levels as well as energy they can pull from or give back to the earth. The Clann is the natural-born enemies of the vampires due to their ability to kill vampires with nothing more than a thought or a flick of the wrist. But their powerful, energy-laced blood is also the biggest temptation for vampires.

Mix the two groups’ abilities, and you get our heroine Savannah, a teen who, thanks to her rule-breaking parents, now has to learn how to handle not one but two sets of crazy abilities and issues while being a hated and feared outcast of the Clann. Throw in Tristan, our hero from the Clann and its expected future leader, and you’ve got a strong Romeo and Juliet story grounded in very dangerous circumstances outside the lovers’ control with a whole lot of obstacles they have to face both individually as well as together as a couple. With each book in the Clann Series, these obstacles get bigger and bigger, extending way beyond just Tristan and Savannah to affect not only all the vamps and Clann descendants worldwide, but even the humans who have no knowledge of either the vamps or the Clann.

The Clann Series also revolves around things way deeper than just vamps and witches. It’s about love...for your family, your friends, your soulmate, and yourself. It’s about figuring out what’s most important in your life, and how to juggle those priorities. It’s about having dreams and sometimes, deciding whether to let go of them. It’s about dealing with constant temptation, learning to recognize what is truly right from wrong, and how to successfully walk that line between them. It’s about learning how to deal with the consequences of the choices we make, and how to forgive ourselves when we mess up. Beyond anything paranormal, these issues are things that every one of us face every day of our lives, and I think readers of the Clann Series are going to be able to look beyond the otherworldly elements to the very human and relatable challenges this series’ characters face.

2. How do you go about research for your books. Did you just make up the lore of the Crave series by yourself, or do you base them on some old lore? 

I based my Clann Series vampires on old legends of Lilith, and the Clann on old Irish druid lore and legend.

3. What is the allure of writing about forbidden love for you? 

Everyone thinks you should go after true love. Why wouldn’t you? We all dream of not only finding but also instinctively recognizing that soulmate when we meet them. But once that person becomes off limits to you because being with them could mean life or death for a lot of people you care about, it’s not such a simple matter anymore. Would you have the strength to walk away from a love like that?

To me, forbidden love is one of the most solid obstacles for true love. When you find someone who seems to be your soulmate, who you enjoy talking with as well as dancing with and kissing, when that person is your friend as well as your boyfriend or girlfriend, you have to have some serious reasons why you shouldn’t be together. Forbidden love does that and then some, because it pits your romantic love against the love and respect you have for your family. It makes you question whether that romance is selfish, especially if the consequences of that relationship could cause actual harm to the people you care about. It takes a lot of strength and personal sacrifice to walk away from true love.

4. What is your favorite character to write, and which one is the most complicated for you?

To me, writing about Savannah is easier, but not because she’s a female. It’s because she’s self sacrificing. She understands the bigger picture and intrinsically cares about the feelings of others, maybe too much! If she had been raised to be more selfish and strong willed, it would be so much easier for her to go after only what she wants regardless of whether it means breaking the rules and jeopardizing her loved ones. But she wasn’t raised to be like that. She loves her family, and they love her, and she was taught from birth to have strong values and morals. And because of that background and familial love, she really tries to resist Tristan, whereas others might not even try. She also faces letting go of a dream, which I can also imminently relate to because I’ve faced the same issue (as have so many of us probably).

Tristan is harder for me to write, and yet equally as fun, because he has a lot of traits I wish I had. One of those is his hardcore romantic sensibilities. After bowing down to his parents’ wishes for years, his love for Savannah proves to be his breaking point. He tries to resist his feelings for her at first, but eventually he realizes that he values the love he and Savannah share more than anything else on the planet. And that includes his family. To him, it seems that if his parents really loved him, they would want him to be happy. He thinks Savannah should never have been made off limits to him in the first place, and those kinds of rules need to be changed. His “bigger picture” is all about changing the world if it doesn’t make sense or doesn’t work. But he doesn’t always immediately see how his idea of what is right or wrong is based on his personal needs and desires instead of what is better for the greater good of others. He doesn’t care if being with Savannah is dangerous to him or the peace treaty between the Clann and the vamps. He will risk everything to be with her, even his own life. Her love is everything, and nothing else matters. That takes a whole lot of willpower and a certain kind of narrowed vision that is harder for me to relate to, but I think also appeals to the hardcore romantics out there (including me!).

5. Could you tease us with what we can expect in book 3 of the Crave series? 

The obstacles Tristan and Savannah have to face in Consume are going to be bigger and crazier than anything they’ve ever had to deal with before. This time, it’s no longer about just their love, though of course that will also be tested right down to its very foundation. In Consume, it’s also going to be about the entire world as they know it falling apart. No one will be in control of their lives anymore. Dreams will be shattered. Some forms of love will be tested and lost, while others will be redefined and saved. Every character in this book will have to face their worst fears and redefine who they are individually as well as the relationships they have with each of their loved ones. And no one will be safe in this book (and I mean absolutely no one!).

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Buy Links:

Amazon    Barnes & Noble

Social Links:

Goodreads    Facebook    Twitter    Website

{ARC Review} Pushing the Limits by Katie McGarry

Title: Pushing the Limits
Author: Katie McGarry
Genre: YA Contemporary
Publisher: HarlequinTeen
Publication Date: July 31, 2012
Source: NetGalley

Goodreads   Website   Facebook   Twitter

Amazon   Barnes & Noble

Synopsis:


"I won't tell anyone, Echo. I promise." Noah tucked a curl behind my ear. It had been so long since someone touched me like he did. Why did it have to be Noah Hutchins? His dark brown eyes shifted to my covered arms. "You didn't do that-did you? It was done to you?" No one ever asked that question. They stared. They whispered. They laughed. But they never asked.

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 of that horrible night. 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. They should have nothing in common. And with the secrets they both keep, being together is pretty much impossible.Yet the crazy attraction between them refuses to go away. And 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.

"An edgy romance that pulls you in and never lets go. I was hooked!"-Gena Showalter,  New York Times bestselling author of the Intertwined series.

It's been a long long time since I've given any book 5 Stars but Pushing the Limits pulled me in from the first page and held my attention to the very last! Dark, edgy, and perfect. Need I say more? Okay, probably...so I will.

Honestly, I was going to wait and write this review in a couple of days but I was discussing it with my girls over at Starbooks and I became inspired. I've never been much of a contemporary fan, but I'm finding myself reading more and more of them lately. I think it's because I love the darkness of paranormal romance and contemporary tends to be light-hearted and a little too happily-ever-after for me. Not a problem with Katie McGarry's debut Pushing the Limits.

Two teens who have been through traumatic and horrifying life-altering events. One withdraws into herself and the other becomes the bad boy you can't help but love. If Noah and Echo could be summed up as "withdrawn" and "typical bad boy" then 5 stars wouldn't be called for. Fortunately, Ms. McGarry has created deep and complex characters who embodied so many emotions I sometimes felt a little overwhelmed. But...people, especially hormonal teenagers, are never as clearly cut and simple as some writers would have you believe.

"My father is a control freak, I hate my stepmother, my brother is dead and my mother has...well...issues. How do you think I'm doing?" - Echo

So many times when an author writes about tragedies I feel like I am standing on the outside looking in. I connected with Echo instantly. Because Echo has suppressed her "incident," the reader discovers what happened to her as Echo remembers the bits and pieces. Watching her put the puzzle together created a perfect amount of suspense. Gosh...I really don't want to write any spoilers, but I can't really avoid this one. Spoiler Warning: Even though I knew Echo should avoid her mother at all costs, I completely understood her need to seek her out. Partially because Echo needed to understand why her mom did what she did and partially just because her mom is her mom...you know? Spoiler over!

"I wrote about the person I love the most, my older brother, Noah. We don't live together so I wrote what I imagine he does when we're not together."

"And what is that?" prodded the stout man.

"He's a superhero who saves people in danger, because he saved me and my brother from dying in a fire a couple of years ago. Noah is better than Batman." The crowd chuckled.

"I love you, too, lil' bro." - Noah and his brother Jacob.

And Noah...well, let's just say WOW! Talk about a young man with issues who has handled them horribly, but I understood every broken piece of him and could imagine myself reacting in the same ways. There's so much depth to his character. Yes, he is the pot-smoking, gave up on life, who gives a damn guy...at least on the outside. Internally, he has two younger brothers he loves and wants nothing more than to assure they are safe. Victims of a horrible house fire that took their parents, these three boys got thrown into the "system" and separated. Noah's innate instinct to protect all children earns him the reputation of being unstable and violent, so his visitation rights with his brothers range from monthly supervised to nonexistent. But Noah doesn't give up easily. Noah's love for his brothers and their family bond brought a whole other level of emotional attachment to his story.

We'd read about sirens in English this fall; Greek mythology bullshit about women so beautiful, their voices so enchanting, that men did anything for them. Turned out that mythology crap was real, because every time I saw her, I lost my mind. - Noah

Noah earned my love and devotion not only because of his blood family devotion but his devotion to foster siblings too. Anybody who is as protective and supportive as Noah is innately good, no matter how much they wish otherwise. I actually think Noah reminds me a bit of my oldest daughter who has told me on more than one occasion that she's tired of "always being the good girl." I simply remind her that she knows who she is deep inside, no matter what she does or doesn't do. 

"Do I need to contact your social worker?"

I headed for the door. "Go ahead. What is she going to do? Rip my family apart? Put me in the foster care system? Continue to dig and you'll see you're too late."

"When was the last time you saw your brothers, Noah?"

My hand froze on the doorknob.

"What if I could offer you increased supervised visitation?"

I let go of the doorknob and sat back down. - Noah and Mrs. Collins

Mrs. Collins may be my favorite adult character in a YA book ever. She's new to the school system but a completely awesome clinical social worker. Whether she meant for the outcome to be what it was or not, she understood both Echo and Noah on a level no one else ever could. Pairing them accomplished much more than I expected and their characters complimented each other perfectly.

"Baby, no one would ever make the mistake of using the word ugly with you. Especially with me around. He pushed the curls off my face, his fingers leaving a burning trail. "Everything about you is beautiful and sexy as hell." - Noah

Both Noah and Echo have so much to overcome and Noah has so much to fight for, including Echo. Their emotional roller-coaster caused the deepest parts of my soul to ache. I wanted to jump in the book and fix everything for them, as impossible as it would be. I think that's where my attachment to Mrs. Collins came from. She always had Noah's and Echo's best interests in mind, even when they didn't like or trust her. And...Mrs. Collins doesn't dwell on making them like her, she gains their trust with actions as opposed to words. Nothing comes easy for any of them, but eventually, things do come together.

I kissed her lips. Soft, full, warm--everything I'd fantasized it would be and more, so much more. Echo hesitantly pressed back, a curious question for which I had a response. I parted my lips and teased her bottom one, begging, praying, for permission...She opened her mouth, her tongue seductively touching mine, almost bringing me to my knees. Flames licked through me as our kiss deepened. Her hands massaged my scalp and neck, only stoking the heat of the fire. - Noah

The book is written in first person from both Echo's and Noah's perspectives. Since I had an egalley from NetGalley, the POV's bled into each other. I'm certain the finished product will be better defined. I loved getting inside Noah's head and seeing his heart-ache. I know some people don't like dual POV's and for so long, it was a huge No-No, but I love seeing more than one side of the story. I'm one of those nosy people who want to know what the other main characters are thinking and third person omniscient sometimes seems a step or two removed for me. 

My final thoughts:

Pushing the Limits by Katie McGarry is a book filled with warring emotions. Pain and numbness. Loss and gain. Heart-ache and love. Dark intermingled with moments of light. Brutality and gentleness. Two teenagers who lose everything separately and then find their way together. There is nothing I didn't love about this book. The emotions are raw and gripping, the friendships real and imperfect, and the romance is slow burning, building into a heated flame of passion.

Side note: If there were any problems with the writing, I was too absorbed in the story-line to notice. Ms. McGarry's world-building and story-telling skills rocked my world!

*This book was obtained via NetGalley and HarlequinTeen Publishing in exchange for my honest review. No money exchanged hands. Both the cover-art and the synopsis were obtained from Goodreads for the soul purpose of this review.

{ARC Review} The Immortal Rules by Julie Kagawa

Title: The Immortal Rules
Series: Blood of Eden #1
Author: Julie Kagawa
Publisher: HarlequinTeen
Release Date: April 24, 2012

Website│Facebook│Twitter│Goodreads

Amazon│Barnes&Noble

Synopsis:

In a future world, Vampires reign. Humans are blood cattle. And one girl will search for the key to save humanity.

Allison Sekemoto survives in the Fringe, the outermost circle of a vampire city. By day, she and her crew scavenge for food. By night, any one of them could be eaten.

Some days, all that drives Allie is her hatred of them. The vampires who keep humans as blood cattle. Until the night Allie herself is attacked—and given the ultimate choice. Die… or become one of the monsters.

Faced with her own mortality, Allie becomes what she despises most. To survive, she must learn the rules of being immortal, including the most important: go long enough without human blood, and you will go mad.

Then Allie is forced to flee into the unknown, outside her city walls. There she joins a ragged band of humans who are seeking a legend—a possible cure to the disease that killed off most of humankind and created the rabids, the mindless creatures who threaten humans and vampires alike.

But it isn't easy to pass for human. Especially not around Zeke, who might see past the monster inside her. And Allie soon must decide what—and who—is worth dying for.

A dystopian vampire-ruled society...what's not to like? The Immortal Rules is the first book in Julie Kagawa's new series Blood of Eden. I absolutely adored her Iron Fey series and feel she is off to a great start with this novel. Julie's world-building and character development amaze me. Her worlds are always imaginative but, somehow, still realistic. Her protagonists are strong-willed, both mentally and physically, but also humanly flawed.

Summary:

The world in The Immortal Rules is dystopian, meaning that society is oppressed and disintegrating under some type of government...in this case, vampires rule. Humans are either Registered or Unregistered. Registered meaning that the vampires keep track of you, collect blood for their feeding from you, and, in return, the vampires provide you with food and necessities. Unregistered humans are able to easily slip through the cracks, because, in the vampires' eyes, they didn't exist. This also means the Unregistered aren't given a meal ticket, leaving bands of misfits to scavenge for food and supplies. If an Unregistered is caught stealing, imminent death is certain..

Allie is a young Unregistered living with three other teenagers in an abandoned schoolhouse, struggling to survive. They depend on each other for food and protection. Lucas, Rat, Stick, and Allie attempt to stay under the radar of the Prince of their city. Before her death, Allie's mother taught her to read, a rarity in this particular society. Knowledge of any sort can cause humans, Registered and/or Unregistered, to become Taken and used by the vampires.

It doesn't take long for Allie to lose more than just her parents. She loses the only friends she has ever known and her own life as a human. Nothing can keep her from dying, but Kanin can make her immortal. Kanin is bluntly honest with her. She will, from the point she turns, always be a monster. Nothing changes that fact. She will kill a human, no matter how hard she tries not to...it will happen. Even with this information, Allie makes the only choice she can, she allows Kanin to turn her and teach her how to become a vampire. 

Allie's journey with Kanin is only the beginning. Once he has taught her all he can, she must set off on her own path and learn to survive without his protection. Along the way, she discovers a group of humans searching for Eden...the proverbial promised land. The choices she makes along her travels will eventually define her as a person and a vampire. She begins to realize that hiding her true nature is going to be extremely difficult...especially as her feelings for Zeke grow into something more than friendship. Holding on to her humanity is important to Allie and the lengths she takes to save her new friends might be the one thing that gives her away.

My Opinion:

I loved the storyline. A dystopian vampire society is a unique and intriguing concept. I also appreciated the fact that Julie made no qualms with including Christian beliefs and ideologies in The Immortal Rules. Her candor with not only Allie's, but with all of the going-to-Eden pack's, beliefs--or loss of belief, as the case maybe--is refreshing to see in writing. 

Allie is a strong female lead, who does what she must to survive, but...she also has flaws and battles internally about what is right and wrong. Occasionally, she makes the wrong decisions and suffers the consequences of her actions. Although she is a strong character, it took me a while to "like" her.

Several things about this novel didn't bode well with me. First, I am a dialogue-from-the-word-go girl. I love character interaction and character driven literature. I felt like there was too much world-building and information dumping in the first quarter of the book. For me...it dragged. Second, I didn't feel like all the "vampire lore" was needed. Honestly, Julie's vampires were traditional...they didn't sparkle, they couldn't go out in the sun, they had to live off human blood, they were virtually immortal...all of this was explained in great detail. If you've read a vampire novel...even Twilight, where the vampires were not your everyday vamps...you know these specifics about traditional vampires. Lastly, and I know many disagree, but I needed more romance in this book. I love romance and I don't mind the insta-love thing if it's written believably. There is very, very little romance in The Immortal Rules.

The Result:

All things combined...awesome and not-so-awesome...I am giving this book 3 Stars. However, I don't want anyone to get the wrong message...I loved the book and YES, I will be reading the rest of the series. Julie's writing continues to captivate me and take me to unique and interesting worlds.

*I acquired this copy of The Immortal Rules from NetGalley and HarlequinTeen in exchange for my honest review. 

{Review} New Girl by Paige Harbison

Title: New Girl
Author: Paige Harbison
Production: HarlequinTeen
Release Date: January 31, 2012
Source: NetGalley

Website  ǀ Twitter ǀ Goodreads ǀ Amazon ǀ Barnes & Noble

Synopsis:

 They call me 'New Girl'...

Ever since I arrived at exclusive, prestigious Manderly Academy, that’s who I am. New girl. Unknown. But not unnoticed—because of her.

Becca Normandy—that’s the name on everyone’s lips. The girl whose picture I see everywhere. The girl I can’t compare to. I mean, her going missing is the only reason a spot opened up for me at the academy. And everyone stares at me like it’s my fault.

Except for Max Holloway—the boy whose name shouldn’t be spoken. At least, not by me. Everyone thinks of him as Becca’s boyfriend but she’s gone, and here I am, replacing her. I wish it were that easy. Sometimes, when I think of Max, I can imagine how Becca’s life was so much better than mine could ever be.

And maybe she’s still out there, waiting to take it back.

The first thing about New Girl that captured my attention was the beautiful, yet eery cover. The girl appears to be floating just beneath the surface of the water, patiently waiting for something...to be saved, maybe? I don't really know, but I fell in love. Then I read the synopsis and knew I had to get my greedy paws on this book...immediately. I'm so glad I did.

I wasn't aware that this novel was a retelling of Rebecca by Daphne Du Maurier, obviously meaning, I haven't read Rebecca. I have now added it to my TBR list and look forward to reading it soon.

The book starts with "New Girl" getting accepted to a boarding school her senior year. She had originally applied to Manderley several years before wasn't accepted. Her parents continued to submit applications every year and kept it a secret until one day when they received an acceptance letter. Even though it's her senior year and she's perfectly happy with her home and school life, "New Girl" decides to move from the warm Florida coast to chilly New Hampshire. She's determined to make the best at the school of her dreams...or nightmares as the case maybe.

What she doesn't know is she's taking the spot that once belonged to Becca, a girl who went missing at the end of the previous school year. Rumors and mystery surround Becca's disappearance and somehow "New Girl" is taking the brunt of them and can't seem to escape Becca's shadow--from the guys she crushes on to her roommate.

The story consistently built upon itself, each page bringing with it a deeper deception, heart-ache, and finally complete understanding. I enjoyed getting to see the story unfold from both Becca's and "New Girl's (NG)" eyes. As the reader, I became frustrated with the situation wanting to grab NG and tell her all the dirty little secrets. I also wanted to grab Dana, the roommate, and tell her to open her eyes, not everything is as it should be...but then everyone has their secrets...right?

I'd read half the book before I realized I didn't know the main characters name. I know this bothered some people, but it only added to the mystery and intrigue for me. My only problem with New Girl was the flipping between "New Girl's" point of view and Becca's point of view. Alternating POV's don't usually bother me but the fact that it was also a past/present POV shift made everything a little harder to understand. 

When I finally read the line in which I find out NG's name...my heart wept with joy. 

I highly recommend New Girl to lover's of suspense and romance.

 *Thanks to NetGalley and HarlequinTeen for the chance to preview this uncorrected e-proof.

{Review} If I Die by Rachel Vincent

Title: If I Die
Series: Soul Screamers #5
Author: Rachel Vincent
Publisher: HarlequinTeen
September 27, 2011
Soul Screamers on Facebook

Website ǀ Twitter ǀ Goodreads ǀ Amazon ǀ Barnes & Noble

Synopsis:

The entire school's talking about the gorgeous new math teacher, Mr. Beck. Everyone except Kaylee Cavanaugh. After all, Kaylee's no ordinary high-school junior. She's a banshee—she screams when someone dies.

But the next scream might be for Kaylee.

Yeah—it's a shock to her, too. So to distract herself, Kaylee's going to save every girl in school. Because that hot new teacher is really an incubus who feeds on the desire of unsuspecting students. The only girls immune to his lure are Kaylee and Sabine, her boyfriend's needy ex-girlfriend. Now the unlikely allies have to get rid of Mr. Beck…before he discovers they aren't quite human, either.

But Kaylee's borrowed lifeline is nearing its end. And those who care about her will do anything to save her life.

Anything.

Ah, If I Die, happens to be my favorite book of the Soul Screamer Series. If I were to die now, I could honestly say that I died after reading the absolute best book of the Soul Screamer Series to date. That being said...I am overjoyed that there is another book coming out in June. I am not sure When I Wake can top If I Die...ever, but we shall see.

Have you ever read a series where you thought you knew what you wanted to happen, only to realize your heart wanted the complete opposite? That is exactly how I felt about this book. I can tell you this because I haven't reviewed the others...so you don't know what I'm talking about. LOL.

So, what to tell that won't spoil everything. As you know from the blurb...Kaylee finds out her life is nearing the end and so many things are left undone. Kaylee, Emma, and Sabine (yes, her) will have time for just one last mission before Kaylee's time runs out. Kaylee makes it one of her dying wishes to save her classmates from the evil that is Mr. Beck. Not only is she doing something good for humanity but she is keeping her mind busy, focused on anything but her death.

Nash spends his time vying for Kaylee's love and attention that seems to be divided between him and his brother. Kaylee commits to give Nash the thing he has always wanted before she dies...oddly though, a certain Reaper keeps showing up just in the nick of time. I have always enjoyed the tension between Tod and Nash. This book takes it to a whole new level. We learn things about Tod's death that Nash doesn't even know. We see Tod make decisions that may cost him greatly.

Kaylee makes a deal with a nightmare that I never saw coming. If Nash is the epitome of selfish then Kaylee is the epitome of selflessness. Okay, maybe Nash isn't always selfish. He has been trying really hard to gain Kaylee's trust and doing a pretty good job of it...but if you have read this series, you know what I am talking about.

I loved Kaylee's I-don't-give-a-darn-attitude-about-anything-other-than-getting-rid-of-the-demon-sucking-the-souls-out-of-high-school-girls attitude. Homework? Um...no. Closing the door to her bedroom when Nash is there? Um...hell no. Curfew? WTH? But...she actually went to school and that is more than I would have done.

A spine-tingling, heart-pounding, tear-jerking, and fury-evoking read. Never under-estimate Rachel Vincent's power to twist the plot, pull the strings, and throw the curve balls like no other. Her characters are multidimensional and have their share of adversities. In If I Die, some characters rise to the challenge and others fall from grace but through it all, they have each other...for better or worse. So many things take place in this installment, making it difficult to stop reading.

Be sure to check out Rachel's blog to see the cover of When I Wake. It is beautiful. Also, Rachel has some really great discussions on her blog. From cliffhangers to love triangles and so much more. Also, if you look around...you will find interview questions with both Tod and Nash.

One last thing because I like to do my part for charity and St. Jude's is one of my favorite charities because they never turn a child away. Go to Barnes and Noble ($1.29) or Amazon ($1.79) and download Never to Sleep a Soul Screamers Novella. Rachel is donating her royalties from this novella to St. Judes. You can read more about it HERE.

Arc Review: The Juliet Spell by Douglas Rees

Title: The Juliet Spell
Author: Douglas Rees
Publisher: HarlequinTeen
Copyright © 2011 by Douglas Rees
Uncorrected E-Proof from Netgalley
The Juliet Spell on Goodreads

Synopsis:

I’m Juliet.

At least, I wanted to be.

So I did something stupid to make it happen.


Well, stupid and wonderful.

I wanted the role of Juliet more than anything. I studied hard. I gave a great reading for it—even with Bobby checking me out the whole time. I deserved the part.

I didn’t get it. So I decided to level the playing field, though I actually might have leveled the whole play. You see, since there aren’t any Success in Getting to Be Juliet in Your High School Play spells, I thought I’d cast the next best—a Fame spell. Good idea, right?

Yeah. Instead of bringing me a little fame, it brought me someone a little famous. Shakespeare. Well, Edmund Shakespeare. William’s younger brother.

Good thing he’s sweet and enthusiastic about helping me with the play...and—ahem—maybe a little bit hot. But he’s from the past. Way past. Cars amaze him—cars! And cell phones? Ugh.

Still, there’s something about him that’s making my eyes go star-crossed....


Will Romeo steal her heart before time steals him away?

The Juliet Spell had an intriguing storyline that I eventually grew to like. I’ll be honest, I did not find much GREAT about this book, OK...maybe, but not great. 

• Miranda – is a girl who wanted to play Juliet so bad that she somehow concocted a spell that brought Edmund Shakespear into the 21st Century.
• Edmund Shakeshaft (Shakespear) – is William Shakespear’s brother who lands in the middle of modern time and has quite a shock.
• Drew – is part of the Romeo and Juliet cast. He is also talented in other areas of academics.
• Bobby – is best friend to Drew and a premier Actor who can be a pain in the butt one minute then kind and loving the next minute.
• William Shakespear – Do I really need to explain who he is?

Ok, so the story line was intriguing and it held my interest. I wanted to know how the story ended and what would become of the characters. Loving Romeo and Juliet, as I do, I knew there would be a tragedy involved, as all Shakespearian literature does. I just couldn’t figure out exactly what that tragedy would be…exactly. I had my ideas, but sometimes you just never know.

While I liked the book, there was so much I would have changed. I completely understand that a writer shouldn’t have to write a backstory for their characters; but, you have to give me enough understanding to make them believable. I had a really hard time believing that Miranda just came up with a spell to bring Edmund to current times, even if that wasn’t her intent. Then Drew just happens to be a quantum physicist, with no explanation? Hmmm….

I never even got a feel for the romance between Miranda and Edmund, besides her jealousy. There was no real feelings or emotions involved.

I know this is a negative review and I do apologize about that, but I really feel like the story was missing so much, but don’t take my opinion on this book. Please check out reviews from other colleagues who have loved it. Here are the links to a couple...

The Cozy Reading Corner

My Guilty Obsession


*This is an Advanced Reader Copy Review. It is an Uncorrected E-Proof meaning changes can still be made to The Juliet Spell at this time. I want to thank NetGalley and HarlequinTeen for allowing me to review this surprisingly intriguing book. Anything quoted or alluded to is subject to change. All opinions are 100% mine. I do not work for any entity that may cause bias nor am I compensated for my reviews in any other way than by my followers who read and comment on my them!

WWW Wednesdays 1

To play along, just answer the following three (3) questions…

• What are you currently reading?
• What did you recently finish reading?
• What do you think you’ll read next?

Here Are My Answers

Currently Reading

Just Finished Reading

Reading Next


*Thanks to HarperCollins, Harlequin, and NetGalley for allowing me to read the ARC's!

ARC Review of The Iron Knight by Julie Kagawa

Title: The Iron Knight
Series: The Iron Fey Series #4
Author: Julie Kagawa
Publisher: HarlequinTeen
Copyright by Julie Kagawa 2011
Courtesy of NetGalley
Julie Kagawa's Official Website
Julie's Blog
The Iron Fey Facebook

Synopsis:

Ash, former prince of the Winter Court, gave up everything. His title, his home, even his vow of loyalty. All for a girl… and all for nothing.

Unless he can earn a soul.

To cold, emotionless faery prince Ash, love was a weakness for mortals and fools. His own love had died a horrible death, killing any gentler feelings the Winter prince might have had. Or so he thought.
Then Meghan Chase—a half human, half fey slip of a girl— smashed through his barricades, binding him to her irrevocably with his oath to be her knight. And when all of Faery nearly fell to the Iron fey, she severed their bond to save his life. Meghan is now the Iron Queen, ruler of a realm where no Winter or Summer fey can survive.

With the (unwelcome) company of his archrival, Summer Court prankster Puck, and the infuriating cait sith Grimalkin, Ash begins a journey he is bound to see through to its end— a quest to find a way to honor his solemn vow to stand by Meghan’s side.

To survive in the Iron realm, Ash must have a soul and a mortal body. But the tests he must face to earn these things are impossible. At least, no one has ever passed to tell the tale. And then Ash learns something that changes everything. A truth that turns reality upside down, challenges his darkest beliefs and shows him that, sometimes, it takes more than courage to make the ultimate sacrifice.

Just let me say…There could not possibly have been a better ending for the Iron Fey Series. Julie perfected each of her characters in this book, allowing them to grow, mature, and resolve old problems. She dissolved the disputes, answered the unanswered questions, and even provided a possible future for her characters.

I have always been Team Ash, but there has always been a piece of my heart reserved for Puck. Yep…I cried, again! But in the end I was not only satisfied, but elated by their choices and their futures.

What an adventure! Really! My mind was reeling by the surprise appearances of people, creatures, and places. This book provided so many unsuspected twists and turns that I could not put it down (and I mean for even one single second.) Julie was able to give characters who were barely a whisper in the wind their own voices and a time to shine. Ash, Puck, The Big Bad Wolf, Grimalkin, and….a surprise guest, each played an integral role in helping Ash achieve his goal. All are completely indispensable to the journey, but some actually have to sacrifice their own wishes and even their lives.

“The Testing Grounds,” he repeated…”I suspected as much. Then, if you wish to go to the Testing Grounds, you must be looking for something…Something you lack. Something very important. Your Name? No…I have a feeling you already know your True Name. What, then? You have power. You have immortality, in a sense…Ahhh, yes, I know why. There is only one thing left…You’re here because of the girl aren’t you?”

One of the things I enjoy so much about The Iron Fey Series is the characters and their repartee. They always make me laugh out loud. Puck's and Ash's constant bickering is perhaps some of my favorite dialogue in this series; however, there are other characters who have some unforgettable lines.

“Wake her up. I will attempt to rouse Goodfellow once more. Perhaps he will waken if claws are applied in a strategically important area. Then you can all tackle the dog. I will certainly not partake in that endeavor.”

Ah…the witty banter of Grimalkin. I will miss him dearly! But I will never forget, because to forget is to murder…murder all of the childhood story characters, the fey, and all the characters I have come to love in the Iron Fey Series because of Julie’s undying love of these characters.
A definite must read!!!

*This is an Advanced Reader Copy Review. It is an Uncorrected E-Proof meaning changess can still be made to The Iron Knight at this time. I want to thank NetGalley and HarlequinTeen for allowing me to review this surprisingly intriguing book. Anything quoted or alluded to is subject to change. All opinions are 100% mine. I do not work for any entity that may cause bias nor am I compensated for my reviews in any other way than by my followers who read and comment on my reviews!

The Iron King by Julie Kagawa

Title: The Iron King
Series: The Iron Fey #1
Author: Julie Kagawa
Publisher: HarlequinTeen
Copyright 2010 by Julie Kagawa
Julie Kagawa's Official Website
Julie's Blog
The Iron Fey Facebook

Synopsis:

Meghan Chase has a secret destiny; one she could never have imagined.

Something has always felt slightly off in Meghan's life, ever since her father disappeared before her eyes when she was six. She has never quite fit in at school or at home.

When a dark stranger begins watching her from afar, and her prankster best friend becomes strangely protective of her, Meghan senses that everything she's known is about to change.

But she could never have guessed the truth - that she is the daughter of a mythical faery king and is a pawn in a deadly war. Now Meghan will learn just how far she'll go to save someone she cares about, to stop a mysterious evil no faery creature dare face; and to find love with a young prince who might rather see her dead than let her touch his icy heart.

I have just finished reading The Iron Knight…the last of the Iron Fey Series; but before I write that review, I thought it would be helpful to review the other books in the series. What can I say, I was so hooked on this incredible journey that Julie began, I just kept reading and reading and reading.


I have always loved dark fey stories. Their sneaky, charming, addictive, and sometimes deadly ways fascinate me. Julie put a twist on her stories that I utterly and completely loved. “Fey are born from the dreams of mortals.” Wow! So when all the stories of fey, the big bad wolf, and other things that go bump in the night are forgotten, they will cease to exist! How unbelievably sad that makes me.


I believe the best way to get a feel for a story is know the characters, after all, they are the ones you will love or hate, the ones you will have a vested interest in. So, I shall introduce you to the characters of The Iron Fey Series, as they are in The Iron King. Many will continue throughout the series and all will change with time…for better or worse!

• Meghan Chase – Meghan is the half-blood fairy who this series revolves around. In the human world, she is completely out of place. She is poor, lives in the middle of nowhere, and has one friend…Robbie (more on him later). Meghan has a crush on Scott Waldron, a boy at her school. Sadly, he only lives to torture her. Meghan may have one flaw…personal loyalty. She places the safety of those she cares about above her own safety. Choosing who to save and when may be her downfall!
• Ethan – Meghan’s fully human four-year old brother who finds himself thrown into Their world.
• Robbie – Meghan’s one human? friend. She has known him since before she can remember. He is her closest neighbor, although she has never seen his house. He is also quite the prankster. He is protective of Meghan and may possibly have his own crush on her. However, Robbie aka Robin Goodfellow aka Puck, may have more than one secret to hide.
• Grimalkin – The all knowing Cait Sith that will lead Meghan and her friends through NeverNever.
• Oberon – King of Summer Court, Seelie. Also, the fey half of Meghan’s parentage.
• Ash – Prince of the Winter Court, Unseelie. Unbelievably charming and handsome, he is also cold and dangerous. He is the once best friend turned enemy to Puck. The Winter Court has a long standing grudge with the Summer Court, making Ash and Meghan natural enemies.
• Queen Mab – The Queen of Winter Court. She is a heartless and ruthless ruler who has little regard for any type life…fey or otherwise.
• King Machina – The King of the Iron Kingdom. His fey could be the end of NeverNever and all fey.
• Ironhorse and Virus – Lieutenants to King Machina.

Well, as you can see, there are many players on the field and what will come to pass is only to be seen. Meghan is the only thing that can stop the Iron Kingdom from killing all of NeverNever. Robin Goodfellow and Prince Ash may have to save the killing for another day…not to worry, a squirmish or two may arise. And man, Robin makes me laugh.


In the land of the fey, nothing is free. Any favor done, means a favor in return. Contracts and vows are irreversible. Politics galore…


Julie invented a fascinating world to live and dream in. She pulls you into the story, causing you to invest yourself in the characters life. If you haven’t read this series yet, you should.