Monday, April 30, 2012

Madly & Wolfhardt (Madly #1-2) by M. Leighton


Goodreads Summary: 

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


Madly James is thoroughly enjoying her internship on dry land 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 and 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?


My Review:
This was the first book that I have read that had to do with Mermaids. Needless to say this book made me love mermaids!! I was sucked into Madly's world right away. By page 21 I couldn't put the book down. I read it in about a day and a half (stupid work made it take longer). It had so many concepts that were so interesting. The pearls, the Lore, Sentinals, and mermaids in general. It was a whirlwind of awesome. I had to know what was going to happen next!!


Madly is a very likable female character. She is a strong person who has to make some tough decisions for her people. She also has some great friends. I wish I had friends that were like that. So loyal and willing to do what they need to do to help or protect her. Aiden and Jersey are awesome characters. Aiden is fiercely loyal, especially when I didn't expect it! Jersey is the awesome best friend who can make you laugh when your heart is aching. 


Jackson....oh Jackson. What is there to say about a super hot buff merman? It is refreshing to see a truly sweet love story without teenage anguish. It was such a beautiful love story. Madly struggled with duty and doing the appropriate thing and true love. I can't tell you which way she went you will have to read the book! Which I highly recommend you do!!! Seriously! Now! I can't wait for book 3 I hope it comes out soon! 

Sunday, April 29, 2012

Tempting the Best Man by J. Lynn

Goodreads Summary:
Madison Daniels has worshipped her brother's best friend since they were kids. Everyone thinks she and Chase Gamble would make the perfect couple, but there are two major flaws in their logic. 1) Chase has sworn off relationships of any kind, and 2) after blurring the line between friends and lovers for one night four years ago, they can't stop bickering.


Forced together for her brother's wedding getaway, Chase and Madison decide to call a truce for the happy couple. Except all bets are off when they're forced to shack up in a tacky 70’s honeymoon suite and survive a multitude of "accidents" as the family tries to prove their "spark" can be used than for more than fighting. That is, if they don't strangle each other first…


FYI this is not a YA book and is intended for adult readers!


My Review:
Ok this is an adult book written by Jennifer Armentrout under the pen name J. Lynn. This book was amazing! I could NOT put it down..and I didn't. It is considered a novella at 172 pages in ebook format. I purchased this book and read it in 4 hours. I was instantly sucked into Madison's life. Her brother is getting married and she is the maid of honor in the wedding and her lifetime crush Chase is the best man. It is quite obvious that she has the hots for Chase and he clearly knows it. They go back and forth with little arguments here and there which only makes their blissful moments so much better.  In a particular part (the period slightly before the end) I was like NOOOO! (out loud at my poor Kindle).This book full of heartache, love, sex, and is an emotional roller coaster. It's a quick read that I encourage anyone who likes a good romance to pick up. 


Jennifer Armentrout has proven that she has a wide range of writing skill. I hope that she continues to utilize this form of writing! Move over Fifty because Chase is here! If I could give it more then 5 stars I would because it was that good. 

Indelible (The Yara Silva Trilogy #2) by Lani Woodland

Goodreads Summary:
Yara is beginning to understand just how much her life will change now that her Waker abilities have emerged. She has come to terms with the fact that seeing ghosts is part of her life, but she isn’t ready to let being a Waker dictate her choices. All she wants is a ghost-free senior year with her boyfriend, Brent, and her best friend, Cherie. But Yara soon discovers that there are more dark secrets in her school’s history than just the curse she broke. While an angry ghost makes Yara question everything she thought she knew about spirits, she and Brent learn that there are long reaching consequences to last year’s adventures. As new enemies emerge and old ghosts resurface, Yara finds herself in the center of another deadly mystery, and this time she has to contend with the living as well as the dead.


My Review:
I dove into Indelible right after reading Intrinsical. Indelible picked up right where Intrinsical left off. Yara returns from a summer in Brazil with Vovo. She is still undecided on whether being a Waker is something she wants to pursue in her life. It's kind of a big decision for someone so young considering it will be your life! Ghosts are still scary in this book too. Well, maybe crazy would be a better word haha. You will know what I mean when you read it. We also get to see a group that I was hoping we would get to see!!! Yara's abilities are also put to the test here. We got to see what Vovo could really do and I am glad to say that she is a kick butt woman! I was really surprised by the extent of Brent's abilities. However there are reasons why he is a tad more powerful. Again, you need to read to find out about this! I was so immersed in this world that mirrors bugged me at night haha! 


There were times I found myself saying "NO! Don't do it" and "Seriously!" and "It's about time!" out loud while I was reading. Lives, family, and love are threatened in this book and Yara is forced to make life changing decisions. 


I am so glad this book did not go into the love triangles!! I really liked Brent from the first time Yara laid eyes on him. He was really perfect for her. They compliment each other so well. It has to be one of the cutest romances I have read in a while. Their relationship is tested in this book....I liked the way the book ended. I can't wait until the 3rd and final book comes out! 

Saturday, April 28, 2012

Win a SIGNED copy of The Calling at Omfg Books Blog!!



So who doesn't want to win a SIGNED copy of The Calling by Kelley Armstrong!?! I'm a huge fan of this series as well as The Darkest Powers series. Omfg Books was lucky enough to get to go to Kelley's book signing and got an extra copy signed!! There is a giveaway up on Omfg Books Blog! (click the link for a direct way to the giveaway!) Or click the button on the right sidebar for a direct link to Omfg Books blog. I am spreading the word about her giveaway in hopes that I might win this one! If you haven't read this series I would highly recommend it!
Here is the book trailer if you haven't seen it!



Wednesday, April 25, 2012

Wishlist Wednesday #2


Wishlist Wednesday is a weekly post put on by Dani at the Pen to Paper Blog. Where you post a book you really really want to read or one that has been on your wishlist! If you've seen my to-read list on Goodreads then you know there are plenty that I could use. So I decided to use this feature every Wednesday.








Goodreads Summary:
Being connected to Daemon Black sucks…


Daemon’s determined to prove what he feels for me is more than a product of our bizarre connection. I’ve sworn him off even though he’s running more hot than cold these days. But against all common sense, I’m falling for him. Hard.


Our relationship issues aren’t out biggest problem…
The Department of Defense is here. If they ever find out what Daemon can do and that we’re linked, I’m a goner. So is he. And when a new boy shows up a school with a secret of his own, things get complicated fast. I need to choose between my own instincts and Daemon’s.


But then everything changes…
I’ve seen someone who shouldn’t be alive. Daemon’s never going to stop searching until gets the truth. What happened to his brother? Who betrayed him? And what does the DOD want from them—from me?
No one is who they seem. And not everyone will survive the lies.


My Thoughts:
I figured since this is my first Wishlist Wednesday I would start out big. I have been seeing so many reviews lately for Onyx and it is driving me crazy!!! I want this book sooo bad! But, I will have to wait until August for it like everyone else...


I have enjoyed all of Jennifer Armentrout's books. They are simply awesome! This is more of a need then a want honestly. This book can't come out fast enough. It is number one on my wish list at this point in time! See my review of Obsidian HERE. If you haven't read this series then I strongly suggest that you pick it up. It has been re-released and my copy should be here by this weekend. Also Daemon invasion is going to start soon. For more information about that check out Jennifer Armentrout's blog.

Sunday, April 22, 2012

Wish List Wednesday #1


Wishlist Wednesday is a weekly post put on by Dani at the Pen to Paper Blog. Where you post a book you really really want to read or one that has been on your wishlist! If you've seen my to-read list on Goodreads then you know there are plenty that I could use. So I decided to use this feature every Wednesday.

What you need to do to join (via Pen to Paper's blog):
  • Follow Pen to Paper as host of the meme.
  • Please consider adding the blog hop button to your blog somewhere, so others can find it easily and join in too! Help spread the word! The code will be at the bottom of the post under the linky.
  • Pick a book from your wishlist that you are dying to get to put on your shelves.
  • Do a post telling your readers about the book and why it's on your wishlist.
  • Add your blog to the linky at the bottom of this post.
  • Put a link back to pen to paper (http://vogue-pentopaper.blogspot.com) somewhere in your post.
  • Visit the other blogs and enjoy!
My first post will go up this Wednesday!

Saturday, April 21, 2012

Intrinsical (The Yara Silva Trilogy #1) by Lani Woodland

Goodreads Summary:
Sixteen-year-old Yara Silva has always known that ghosts walk alongside the living. Her grandma, like the other females in her family, is a Waker, someone who can see and communicate with ghosts. Yara grew up watching her grandmother taunted and scorned for this unusual ability and doesn't want that to be her future. She has been dreading the day when she too would see ghosts, and is relieved that the usually dominant Waker gene seems to have skipped her, letting her live a normal teenage life. However, all that changes for Yara on her first day at her elite boarding school when she discovers the gene was only lying dormant. She witnesses a dark mist attack Brent, a handsome fellow student, and rushes to his rescue. Her act of heroism draws the mist's attention, and the dark spirit begins stalking her. Yara finds herself entrenched in a sixty-year-old curse that haunts the school, threatening not only her life, but the lives of her closest friends as well. Yara soon realizes that the past she was trying to put behind her isn't going to go quietly.


My Review:
I knew based on the summary that this book was about ghosts. I have never really read a book that was about ghosts or someone who could see them. Mostly because it scares me. I'm ok with admitting that. I can't watch Ghost Hunters or stuff like that on TV. However, I decided to read this book anyway! And I am glad I did. This book had a surprising take on seeing the dead. I really liked the twists the plot took too. There was one particularly huge one that I was shocked about. I never saw it coming at all.  I like it when I am pleasantly surprised by a book. 


The friendship between Yara and Cherie is amazing. I wish I had a friend like that when I was in  high school. I feel like I missed out a bit haha. They are as close as sisters. The relationship between Brent and Yara is soooo cute! It wasn't a quick "oh, I'm in love with you because your hot" relationship. And the way they get to know each other and to truly care about each other was very interesting. That would test the breaking points of anyone. By the end I was like, if you don't kiss him already!!!!! I don't want to spoil anything so I won't say whether they did or not. I would highly recommend this book. It was a very fun and fast read. I felt the need to sit down and read this book. So therefore it gets five stars :)

Tuesday, April 17, 2012

Fifty Shades Freed (Fifty Shades #3) by E.L. James

Goodreads Summary:
When unworldly student Ana Steele first encountered the driven, damaged young entrepreneur Christian Grey it sparked a sensual affair that changed both their lives irrevocably. Shocked, intrigued, and ultimately repelled by Christian’s singular sexual tastes, Ana demanded a deeper commitment; determined to keep her, Christian agreed.

Now, together, they have more – love, passion, intimacy, and a world of infinite possibilities. But Ana always knew that loving her Fifty Shades would not be easy, and being together poses challenges neither of them ever anticipated. Ana must somehow learn to share Christian’s opulent lifestyle without sacrificing her own integrity, identity or independence; Christian must somehow overcome his compulsion to control, and lay to rest the horrors that blighted his past and haunt his present.

Just when it seems that together their love can conquer any obstacle, misfortune, malice and fate combine to make Ana’s worst nightmares come true. Alone and desperate, she must face down the poisoned legacy of Christian’s past.

Seductive, shocking, sad and funny, Fifty Shades Freed is the compelling final volume in the Fifty Shades trilogy.


This review may contain spoilers it is also meant for an adult audience. This is not a YA book!!

Friday, April 13, 2012

The Calling (Darkness Rising #2) by Kelley Armstrong

Goodreads Summary:
Maya and her friends--all of whom have supernatural powers--have been kidnapped after fleeing from a forest fire they suspect was deliberately set, and after a terrifying helicopter crash they find themselves pursued by evildoers in the Vancouver Island wilderness.

May contain slight spoilers in this review. Just an FYI!

My Review:
I was sucked into this book instantly! Of course I am biased because I have loved the books in the previous series as well as the first one in this series. The plot picked up right where The Gathering left off in the helicopter. Things go wrong pretty quick on during this evacuation. The helicopter then crashes, most of them escape however some do not. You will have to read to find out who!

Eventually they start to realize that they are different and that there are companies that know this. They literally have to run for their lives as friends are lost along the way.  I felt like Maya was a real person during this book. It took her a little bit of thinking to come up with a plan, it didn't just instantly come to her. She was afraid and frantic at times that affected her ability to think. I liked that, it made her feel more like a real person that was scared and sad about her friends. She was a very strong young woman who faced some pretty bad situations. She is one of my favorite female characters.

Corey's abilities proved to be quite interesting. It here are still a lot of questions without answers. I hope they come in the later books. You can defiantly tell how it is tying into The Darkest Powers series too! I can't wait until they come together! Should be interesting!

Thursday, April 5, 2012

Pandemonium (Delirium #2) by Lauren Oliver

Goodreads Summary:
I’m pushing aside the memory of my nightmare,
pushing aside thoughts of Alex,
pushing aside thoughts of Hana and my old school,
push,
push,
push,
like Raven taught me to do.
The old life is dead.
But the old Lena is dead too.
I buried her.
I left her beyond a fence,
behind a wall of smoke and flame.

If you have not read book 1 then this review will contain spoilers for you! FYI!

My Review:
I really enjoyed this book. It was so different then the first. Lena has changed quite a bit since book 1. She went from a quite conformist to a strong and brave woman. She hardened a lot after Alex’s death. I think when someone you love like that a piece of you dies with them and you have to put those feelings in a box for a while in order to live. She did that and apparently did it very well. She had a learn a completely new way to live life and it wasn’t easy. She had help along the way from Raven and the others but, it was still a bumpy road. I like how it would jump from then and now. I think it added a little more mystery to things. The Invalid and Scavenger communities are a lot bigger then I would have imagined. I think Lena felt that way as well. I like how the book progressed and the storyline was great.

Julian. I guess I will always be Team Alex. I liked him in this book well enough but, I missed Alex. I think it was because Alex was Lena’s first love and all that. Julian seems like a good second place though. At some point everyone has to move on I guess.

I will be looking forward to the final book in the series however I am not happy that it is projected to be out in 2013!!! That’s forever away! Looks like you have time to pick up this series! I would recommend that you do!

Sunday, April 1, 2012

Bewitched (Dead and Beyond) (Ancient Legends #4) by Jayde Scott

This book is currently going through a title change. It may also have a different cover depending on when you purchase it. It may be Bewitched or Dead and Beyond. Just an FYI.


Goodreads Summary:
Amber Reed is a dead girl walking.

Having just been turned by her gorgeous vampire boyfriend, eighteen-year-old Amber Reed is bestowed with the ability to see ghosts. Between trying to figure out how to control her bloodlust and solving the mysterious disappearance of a friend, Amber realizes someone wants to step into her shoes so badly, they’ll do anything to take her place.

When one secret after another pops up, the only person who believes her is her enemy, Devon. Amber can’t figure out if he’s here to help or save his own immortal race from losing the ancient war against the vampires. What she does know, however, is that she can’t resist his good looks just as much as she can’t help becoming someone else…

In a world of dark magic and ancient enemies, three powerful courts fight for supremacy, and Amber might just be the pawn in winning this war forever. But how’s a girl to survive when everyone wants her dead?


My Review:
I read through the prolog and was of course interested right away. Then with chapter one I was like wait…It’s from AMBER’s point of view!!! It was like instant gratification! I have missed Amber and Aiden since A Job from Hell and was hoping we would be hearing more from them! I really wanted to know how she felt about being a vampire. I figured she was going to be pretty upset about it. We caught glimpses of Amber and Aiden throughout the other books in the series but, I have been waiting to get back to Amber and Aiden’s story. This book picks up not to long after Voodoo Kiss. Poor Amber is still learning how to deal with her necromancer abilities and it proves to be pretty hard on her. Hearing voices and seeing things that others don’t see is never a good thing. For anyone!

I was wondering throughout the whole book what could possibly be going on?!? In true Jayde Scott form she puts it together for you by the end. I felt kind of bad for Amber, I felt like she was left in the dark for a majority of the book by Aiden. And I really like Aiden so that was hard on me! I started to doubt Aiden a bit, the same as Amber. Especially when it came to Layla. I have a hard time with Aiden’s ex’s. There a tad on the crazy side.

I love the relationship between Aiden and Amber. It is so cute! I am glad to see that for once it can be true love without all the love triangles and questioning. What ghosts ask you to do does not count! I liked that Amber could see the bond too. Not sure why. I feel like they are going to be tested in the next book. Amber’s life appears to be in serious jeopardy…again.  I am glad that the fifth book will be out in June! Because I am going to have a hard time waiting for it!