Breathe You In (Sweet Torment #1) by Joya Ryan

For years, Amy Underwood has been wracked by guilt over her sister’s fatal overdose. With one last shot at redemption, she is determined to open a drug treatment center—even if it means her shameful secret will be exposed. But when she sneaks into the biggest political event of the year in search of funding, she quickly discovers that in the world of fast-paced politics there is always a price—and this one could cost her everything.

Running for a second term, the young governor of New York, Roman Reese, finds that his privileged past and dark childhood could not only threaten the blue-collar vote—but his reputation and livelihood as a politician. So when he meets a sexy woman with big ambitions, he quickly strikes a deal: He’ll see that Amy’s clinic obtains funding, and she’ll play the down-to-earth girlfriend to help his electability. They’ll keep the relationship strictly business, scripted to the last detail, and end it when the polls close.

But secrecy and desire have a way of binding hearts. As Election Day draws closer, so do Amy and Roman—until the discovery of one final deceit threatens to tear them apart for good.

To be honest, I wasn't expecting to like this book. This was a book club pick, and when I read the blurb, I got the impression that I had read this story before. I thought that it was going to be predictable and cliche, but I have to admit that I was pleasantly surprised. Both Amy and Roman have issues, which gave the story plenty of angst. There were enough twists in the story to keep it interesting, and I liked the push and pull of Amy and Roman's relationship. Roman, especially, had some serious walls that needed to be pulled down. There are plenty of steamy scenes, which makes it more NA than strictly romance, and it had all the things that a lover of NA novels would want. It was a quick read, and can be read as a stand alone. There is a sequel/spin off novel, Only You, which will feature Amy's friend, Paige, that is due out in August. I liked this novel enough to want to read the next one. I'm glad that I gave this one a chance.

Scarred Beautiful by Beth Michele

Francis Heller lives with two truths. Love hurts and beauty is only skin deep.

With midnight black hair, moss-colored eyes, and traceable curves, Fran is the picture of beauty and confidence...on the outside. But deep down she is tormented. Not just by the jagged scars that line her body, but by the horrible memories that cloud her mind and haunt her dreams. The ones that make her want to flee from herself and from the devastating pain. The ones that cause her to placate herself with sex. Anything to make her forget. But for Fran, there's nowhere to hide from the darkness that swallows her whole.

Matt Dixon is the gorgeous brother of her best friend's fiancée. He's suffered losses of his own and isn't willing to let anyone in until his unexpected encounter with Fran Heller, the girl who challenges him and causes him to take a second look, not only at her, but at his own life.

But Matt has scars of his own.

Together can they help each other discover that second chances really do exist? That love doesn't have to hurt? Or has the damage they've both suffered cut too deep to ever heal?

This was another great story from Beth Michele. I loved that both Fran and Matt were scarred, and that they were both healed by love. Their romance was a whirlwind and is the perfect example of the adage, when it's right, it's just right. The story has plenty of steamy scenes and was laugh out loud funny at times. It is a stand alone novel, and is a great read for any NA lover. 

This Time (Moments #3) by Marie Hall

Tor Boler has wanted Jamie Sullivan since the first moment he saw her eight years ago. The problem is, she doesn't see him. Jamie is still wrapped up in her on again off again boyfriend, Angel. However when Jamie receives a phone call that Angel has overdosed again, she wants nothing more than to get lost in someone and forget.

Tor asks her to stay with him, hoping that this time he can make her really see him. But Jamie never imaged that their one night of passion would make her feel alive for the first time in years, or that the consequences of that night would forever change her life. But making a relationship work with Tor isn't simple, especially since her past won't let her go.

This is the third and final installment of the Moments Series, and I wasn't disappointed. I loved this series, mostly because the characters had to overcome some pretty series obstacles to find love. It made for an angsty and emotional ride. The story had everything that you would want in a NA novel - romance, turmoil, steamy scenes, and a happy ending. Definitely worth the read.

Better When He's Bad (Welcome to the Point #1) by Jay Crownover

Shane Baxter is from the wrong side of the tracks. In fact, he's not just a bad boy, he's the definition of a bad boy, and he revels in it. A thief to the core, Bax has no problem taking what he wants - women, cars, and anything in between. Out after spending the last five years in prison after a job involving his best friend goes bad, Bax is looking for answers, and he is determined to get them no matter what he has to do. His quest for the truth leads him to the doorstep of Dovie Pryce, the sister of his best friend, Race.

Dovie Pryce has led anything but an easy life. Her one saving grace has been her brother, Race, but now he has disappeared, leaving her with only one clue: trust the man with the star tattoo. When Bax breaks into her apartment, Dovie knows that Bax is her only chance to find her brother, and she refuses to sit back and wait, especially since everyone in The Point is after Race. When Dovie is threatened in an effort to smoke Race out, Bax steps in and finds himself in the role of her protector.

As the two of them search for Race, they find themselves in a series of dangerous situations that bring them closer and closer. Bax will discover that maybe he's not all bad, and Dovie will discover that some boys are just better when they are bad.

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I don't know how Jay Crownover does it, but she manages to write story after story that just keep getting better. I love each and every one of Jay's books, and her guys are among my top book boyfriends. Bax is a whole other level of bad boy, and completely different from any of her other characters. While the men in the Marked Men Series appear bad, in reality they are just a bunch of playboys whose appearance gives the perception of badness. Bax's badness is more than appearance. He is a real bad boy. In fact, Jay managed to somehow make me swoon over a convicted criminal! Not something that my anti-crime moral code would typically allow. 

But just like Jay's marked men, there is more to Bax than meets the eye. Yes, he is a criminal, and he revels in living that life, but he is also loyal, protective, and capable of fierce love. These seemingly contradictory sides make for a compelling, dynamic, and complex male lead, which in turn, makes for a suspenseful, exciting, and thrilling story. Better When He's Bad is not your typical love story, and yet there are some things that still ring true - the realization that we all are more than the sum of our parts, and loving someone means loving everything about them; the sacrifices true love compels us to make; and that home really is where the heart is.

This is the perfect start to what will no doubt turn into another great series from Jay. It's definitely darker and grittier than anything we have seen before, but the story is still full of heart. It has all the steaminess that we have come to expect, but still remains a truly unique love story. I can't wait for the next book in the series, Better When He's Bold, which is Race and Brysen's story, which we should expect in January or February of 2015. I'm also hoping that Bax's brother, Titus, will get his own book. Bring on some more bad boys!

Love (Crush #3) by Lacey Weatherford

Cami and Dylan's love story is anything but conventional, but two years later, they are still living their happily ever after and expecting their first baby. When strange things start happening around the house, at first Cami thinks she is being forgetful, but it soon becomes clear that someone is trying to send Cami and Dylan a message.

As things escalate, Cami and Dylan are forced into hiding as the police scramble to figure out who has targeted them, and leaving Dylan desperate to protect Cami at all costs. While Cami and Dylan have faced danger, heartbreak, and tragedy before, this new threat will push them and their love to new limits. 

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I must admit that I did not really think that this series needed another book, but having enjoyed the previous two books, I wasn't going to pass this one by. It turned out to be nothing like what I expected. It picks up two years after the end of Smitten, and Cami and Dylan are exactly where you would expect them to be - living in a swoon worthy fantasy bubble. Unfortunately, this bubble doesn't last and Lacey not only pops this bubble, but explodes it. While it became obvious that a threat from Cami and Dylan's past was going to resurface and cause trouble early in the book, I wasn't prepared for what actually happened. This book took a tragic twist that kept getting worse and worse, and I found myself not only heartbroken, but soul crushingly sad. Lacey definitely pushes the limits of love in this book. The result is a wholly unexpected story that will lead you on a suspenseful and emotional journey, and reaffirm your belief in the power of true love.

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Up next in the series...It's Russ's turn to find love...

Book IV: Smolder

Expected release date: October 2014

Russ knew true love existed—he’d seen it first hand—he simply didn’t believe it existed for him. And then she walked into his life. Russ didn’t know what had hit him . . . all he knew was that she made him burn.

Tristan: Finding Hope (Nova #3.5) by Jessica Sorensen

This short novella is a prequel to Wreck Me, the fourth book in Jessica Sorensen’s Nova Series, which will center on Quinton’s cousin, Tristan. Even though Tristan has gotten clean, sobriety has proven to be a 24/7 battle. Tristan has always felt invisible and has struggled to find a purpose in life since getting clean. Lost with no direction, Tristan finds himself drawn back to drugs again and again. 

Quinton and Nova have tried to help by getting him involved in building houses with them for Habitat for Humanity, but even that can’t fill the void that Tristan feels. But then he meets Avery, and instantly he knows that there is something different about this girl. Behind her eyes and tattoos are a world of secrets that Tristan can’t help but want to unravel.

However, a confrontation with her past sends Avery running and leaves Tristan wondering if he will ever see her again.

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Although this is a short novella, it does an amazing job of setting up the story line for Wreck Me. I always had a soft spot for Tristan and wanted him to find happiness after everything that he has been through. I was excited to learn that Jessica was going to continue the series and give him his own book, and based on this novella, it promises to be a good one. Both Tristan and Avery have issues that they need to overcome and I have a feeling that their book will be riddled with plenty of angst and passion. I can already tell that this one is going to give me a book hangover, and reading this novella has only made me more impatient for Wreck Me’s release, which is scheduled for October. This novella is currently free, so get it while you can!

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Up next in the series...

Book #3: Wreck Me

Expected Release Date: October 2014

Once upon a time there was a girl named Avery Hensley who thought she’d found the guy—the one that she thought she was going to spend the rest of her life with. They got married young and had the most beautiful son in the world.

Life seemed perfect.

But not everything is what it seems.

Turned out the guy had another side to him, one Avery didn’t see coming. He wrecked her and broke her into a thousand pieces that she had to put back together again. She swore off guys from then on, vowing never to let anyone hurt her or her son again. She built a wall around herself and planned on never letting anyone through it again.

But then she meets Tristan Morganson. He wrecks Avery in a different way, the kind of way that makes her feel free again, the kind of way that makes her think not all guys are bad. But can Avery trust him enough to let her wall come crumbling down?

The Shadowhunter's Codex by Cassandra Clare and Joshua Lewis

The Clave is pleased to announce the newest edition of the Nephilim’s oldest and most famous training manual: the Shadowhunter’s Codex. Since the thirteenth century, the Codex has been the young Shadowhunter’s best friend. When you’re being swarmed by demons it can be easy to forget the finer points of obscure demon languages or the fastest way to stop an attack of Raum demons. With the Codex by your side, you never have to worry. 

Now in its twenty-seventh edition, the Codex covers it all: the history and the laws of our world; how to identify, interact with, and if necessary, kill that world’s many colorful denizens; which end of the stele is the end you write with. No more will your attempt to fight off rogue vampires and warlocks be slowed by the need to answer endless questions from your new recruits: What is a Pyxis? Why don’t we use guns? If I can’t see a warlock’s mark, is there a polite way to ask him where it is? Where do we get all our holy water? Geography, History, Magic, and Zoology textbook all rolled into one, the Codex is here to help new Shadowhunters navigate the beautiful, often brutal world that we inhabit. 

Do not let it be said that the Clave is outdated or, as the younger Shadowhunters say, “uncool”: this new edition of the Codex will be available not only in the usual magically-sealed demonskin binding, but also in a smart, modern edition using all of today’s most exciting printing techniques, including such new features as a sturdy clothbound cover, a protective dust jacket, and information about title, author, publisher, and so on conveniently available right on the cover. You’ll be pleased to know that it fits neatly into most satchels, and unlike previous editions, it rarely sets off alarm wards. 

The old woodcuts and engravings have been replaced as well: instead, you’ll find lavish modern illustrations by some of the brightest luminaries of the fantastic. Creatures, weapons, people, and places have been carefully and accurately rendered by the likes of Rebecca Guay, Charles Vess, Jim Nelson, Theo Black, Elisabeth Alba, and Cassandra Jean. Chapters are beautifully introduced by the drawings of Michael Kaluta, and along with our condensation of the classic 2,450-page tome, A History of the Nephilim, you will find a selection of the best of the lovely illustrations of that volume by John Dollar. 

This is a fun little extension of Cassandra Clare’s Mortal Instruments Series. The book contains drawings done by Clary and a scattering of “handwritten” notes written by Clary, Jace, and Simon throughout the pages, which add a little humor to the reading experience. It is not an essential read to understanding the series, but it does provide some more background information and history behind the Shadowhunter world that fans of the series will enjoy.

City of Heavenly Fire (The Mortal Instruments #6) by Cassandra Clare

Sebastian Morgenstern’s final message to the Shadowhunters: “ΕRCHOMAI. I am coming.”

The Shadowhunters have never faced an evil like Sebastian Morgenstern, and Clary is determined to find a way to defeat her brother, but no one could imagine the horrors Sebastian planned to unleash on the Shadowhunters. Using the Infernal Cup, Sebastian is creating a new army of Shadowhunters, by turning them into the Endarkened. Converted into something dark and evil, there is no saving a Shadowhunter who becomes an Endarkened, and families, lovers, and parabati are torn apart. 

With Institutes under attack all over the world, the Shadowhunters withdrawn to Idris, leaving the world largely unprotected. But even the wards surrounding Idris can keep Sebastian at bay. No weapon from this world can defeat him, and when the Nephilim discover they have been betrayed by their Downworlder allies, Clary, Jace, Isabelle, Simon, and Alec, are forced to travel to a demon realm in the hopes of finding a way to defeat Sebastian.

The fate of the world rests in the hands of Clary. In this final installment, lives will be lost, sacrifices will be made, and the fate of the world will be decided.

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Cassandra Clare is one of the finest YA writers out there. Her books have a sophistication and an intelligence about them that make them truly unique. She is an amazing writer and every time I open one of her books, I find myself in awe of her talent. Her stories are complex and involve multiple characters and worlds, but she weaves them together seamlessly and in a way that keeps you turning page after page. The nerd in me loves how she integrates allusions to the Bible and myths, Latin, and other literary works. Her books are imaginative, without being cliche or hokey, and her ability to sustain this level of excellence throughout a long running series is impressive.

It is always a bittersweet thing when a series comes to an end. On one hand, I am dying to know what happens and how the series will come together in the end. On the other hand, I am hesitant to say goodbye to a story and characters that I have invested so much in. It’s like getting ready to say goodbye to a friend. And of course, you can always reread a series, but you will never again have the chance to experience the books for the first time again. As a quintessential book nerd, I have lived this experience over and over again. Sometimes I think I’m a glutton for punishment, but I can’t seem to help myself. The ending of this series is definitely a bittersweet one.

I have absolutely no complaints about the ending of this series. I was thrilled when it showed up in the mail and I saw that it was over 700 pages. Nothing bothers me more when the the final book in a series is rushed or too short. While fast paced, nothing about this book was rushed. It had everything you would expect - action, romance, tragedy, and plenty of plot twists. In fact, had the final twist not worked out the way it did, this would have been a very different review. I don’t want to give anything away, but let’s just say that there was a situation involving Simon that would have ruined the entire book for me had Cassandra not resolved it like she did. In the end, I was very pleased with how everything played out.

The good thing is that we will not have to say goodbye to the Shadowhunter world any time soon. Even though the production was delayed, a movie adaptation of City of Ashes is still in the works. No information on an expected release date, but as of now, we can still expect to see the second installment of The Mortal Instruments hit the big screen.

The best news, however, is that Cassandra will be releasing a new series! This will be a spinoff of The Mortal Instruments, and the new series will feature some of the characters introduced in City of Heavenly Fire. It appears that there will be three books in The Dark Artifices Series, and based on the story that was set up in City of Heavenly Fire, it promises to be another amazing read. It looks like we should expect the first book, Lady Midnight, in the Spring of 2015.

The Probability of Violet & Luke (The Coincidence #4) by Jessica Sorsensen

Luke Price and Violet Hayes haven’t seen each other in a month, not since they found out about Luke’s mother being involved in Violet’s parent’s murders. But when Luke gets into some gambling trouble, the only person he can turn to for help is Violet. 

Violet is torn on whether she should help Luke, especially because she has her own problems to worry about. But it’s hard to say no to the only person she’s ever had feelings for.

I don’t know how Jessica Sorensen manages to churn out these books, but I love them! Every single one. She creates these characters that are so beautifully broken and have such painful stories. Every book I read of hers is an emotional roller coaster from start to finish, and I often find myself “suffering” from a book hangover. She is one of the few authors that have earned an automatic pre-order. I don’t care what it is, if she wrote it, I’m ordering it. Her books are that good. The Coincidence Series is one of my favorites that she has written.

Violet and Luke’s story is a spin off of Sorensen’s Callie and Kayden series. Violet is Callie’s aloof college roommate, and Luke is her boyfriend Kayden’s best friend. The two meet in The Destiny of Violet & Luke and manage to break down each other’s walls, only to find themselves torn apart by a dark secret. One month later, Violet and Luke find themselves thrown back together when Luke gets into some gambling trouble. Neither one can deny the pull they feel towards each other, but the revelations concerning their connected pasts proves to be a difficult obstacle to overcome. 

This is very much a transition book, as Sorensen has one more book planned for Violet and Luke. While the story is good, and I was pleased with how it moved the story forward, do not go into this book expecting any resolutions. In fact, while there is not “cliffhanger,” this book foreshadows several events that promise to make book three epic. Unfortunately, book three isn’t due out until September. And yes, I already have mine pre-ordered :)

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Up next in the series...

Book #5: The Resolution of Callie & Kayden

Expected Release Date: September 2014

Book #6: The Certainty of Violet & Luke

Expected Release Date: September 2014

Book #7: Unbeautiful

Expected Release Date: December 2014

Book #8: Seth & Greyson

Expected Released Date: April 2015

All Lined Up (Rusk University #1) by Cora Carmack

Dallas Cole is used to coming in second to football. Hoping to escape the life of a coach’s daughter and her football star ex-boyfriend, Dallas enrolls at Rusk University to study dance. But the best laid plans don’t always work out, and Dallas finds herself right back to where she started when her father accepts the new head coach position at Rusk, with her ex-boyfriend as the starting quarterback.

Carson McClain is on a mission. As a transfer, Carson is determined to earn a scholarship position on the football team. His future depends on it, and he cannot afford to fail. He certainly cannot afford any distractions, either. However, when Dallas literally falls into his lap, neither one can ignore the pull they feel for each other. The problem: Dallas doesn’t know Carson is on the team, and Carson doesn’t know that Dallas is the coach’s daughter.

When all is revealed, Dallas and Carson find themselves questioning their plans. Dallas will have to decide whether or not she can move past her football hang ups, and Carson will have to find a way to balance a relationship with Dallas and football. Both of them are walking a fine line, and one misstep could unravel everything. The question is, is being together worth the risk?

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I have never been a huge fan of football (I’m more of a baseball fan), but I love Cora Carmack, so I was more than willing to give this series a chance. Naturally, Cora hit it out of the ballpark...or threw it into the endzone? Whatever the football equivalent to “hit it out of the ballpark” is, that’s what she did. I loved all of the new characters, especially Dallas and Carson. I loved Dallas’ witty comebacks and Carson’s determination, but what I loved most was watching them fall for each other. They were so supportive of one another and pushed each other to be better. It was heartwarming to watch and made the hopeless romantic in me swoon with delight.

This was the perfect beginning to a series that I have a feeling will only get better and better. For those of you who are not football fans like me, don’t be discouraged from giving this series a chance. Football serves as the backdrop, but is not an overpowering element of the plot. If you are a football fan, than there is certainly enough football in the story to hold your interest. It is clear that Cora has personal experience with the world she created in this book, and I appreciated the groundedness that it provided the story. It’s hard to describe, but nothing about this story felt forced or too “hollywood.” I’m looking forward to the subsequent books in this series.

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Up next in the series...

Book #2: All Broke Down

Expected Release Date: October 2014

Dylan fights for lost causes. Probably because she used to be one.

Environmental issues, civil rights, corrupt corporations, and politicians—you name it, she’s probably been involved in a protest. When her latest cause lands her in jail overnight, she meets Silas Moore. He’s in for a different kind of fighting. And though he’s arrogant and infuriating, she can’t help being fascinated with him. Yet another lost cause.

Football and trouble are the only things that have ever come naturally to Silas. And it’s trouble that lands him in a cell next to do-gooder Dylan. He’s met girls like her before—fixers, he calls them, desperate to heal the damage and make him into their ideal boyfriend. But he doesn’t think he’s broken, and he definitely doesn’t need a girlfriend trying to change him. Until, that is, his anger issues and rash decisions threaten the only thing he really cares about, his spot on the Rusk University football team. Dylan might just be the perfect girl to help.

Because Silas Moore needs some fixing after all.

Book #3: All Played Out

Expected Release Date: February 2015

Twisted (Tangled #2) by Emma Chase

Drew and Kate are back in the second installment of the Twisted Series. We watched them fall in love in Tangled, but this couple is not riding off into the sunset just yet. An unexpected surprise and a catastrophic misunderstanding, sends Kate running back home. As everything comes crashing down around her, Kate is left facing a life altering decision. A decision that might mean the end of her and Drew.

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Drew’s quick wit, arrogance, and charm quickly won me over in Tangled, so naturally I was super excited to hear that Emma was continuing the series. I was slightly disappointed to hear that this book was not going to be from Drew’s POV, but having read it and knowing the plot line, it makes sense that it would be told from Kate’s POV (except for the very end, when Drew takes over). This one was not as laugh out loud funny as the last book (although there are still moments that had me bursting out with laughter). This book was a slight departure from the last one, because this is the point where Drew and Kate’s relationship gets real. There is always a moment when a couple’s relationship crosses over from the honeymoon stage to the “stuff just got real” stage. Twisted represents that shift for Drew and Kate. As a result, this book is a lot more emotional and a lot less funny than the first, but it also had a lot more heart. While I hated watching everything imploded and fall apart, I loved watching it all come back together and I can’t wait for the rest of the books in the series.

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Up next in the series...

Book #3: Tamed

Scheduled Release Date: July 2014

Stop me if you’ve heard this one before: girl meets player, they fall in love, player changes his ways.

It’s a good story. But it’s not our story. Ours is a lot more colorful.

When I met Dee I knew right away that she was special. When she met me, she thought I was anything but special—I was exactly like every other guy who’d screwed her over and let her down. It took some time to convince her otherwise, but turns out I can make a convincing argument when sex is at stake.

You might know where this story’s headed. But the best part isn't where we ended up. It’s how we got there.

TAMED goes back in time to the Tangled days. But this time around, it’s not Drew dishing out the advice and opinions—it’s his best friend Matthew, who of course is dealing with Dee Dee.

Book #4: Tied

Scheduled Release Date: October 2014

Drew and Kate can’t wait to tie the knot—if they can survive the pre-wedding festivities.

For most of my life, I never imagined I’d get married. But Kate did the impossible: she changed me. I think we can all agree I was pretty frigging awesome before, but now I’m even better.

The road to this day wasn’t all rainbows and boners. There were mistakes and misunderstandings worthy of a Greek tragedy. But Kate and I made it through with our inexhaustible lust, boundless admiration, and everlasting love for one another intact.

That being said, there were some unexpected incidents in Vegas last weekend that could have been a problem. It was kind of... my final test.

I know what you’re thinking—what the hell did you do this time? Relax. Let’s not judge, or call for my castration, until you've heard the whole story.

And hold on tight, because you’re in for a wild ride. Did you expect anything less?

The Color of Water by James McBride

The Color of Water tells the remarkable story of Ruth McBride Jordan, the two good men she married, and the 12 good children she raised. Jordan, born Rachel Shilsky, a Polish Jew, immigrated to America soon after birth; as an adult she moved to New York City, leaving her family and faith behind in Virginia. Jordan met and married a black man, making her isolation even more profound. 

The book is a success story, a testament to one woman's true heart, solid values, and indomitable will. Ruth Jordan battled not only racism but also poverty to raise her children and, despite being sorely tested, never wavered. In telling her story--along with her son's--The Color of Water addresses racial identity with compassion, insight, and realism. It is, in a word, inspiring, and you will finish it with unalloyed admiration for a flawed but remarkable individual. And, perhaps, a little more faith in us all.

This was another school read, but I must say that I enjoyed it. I liked how each chapter switched between James’s story and his mother’s story. Often the chapters were related and it was interesting to see how his mother’s experiences compared and shaped James’s experiences. At its heart, this memoir is about finding your own identity. The struggle for identity has always fascinated me. On one hand, we all seek out labels which give meaning to our lives - mother, father, sister, brother, friend, spouse - but at the same time, we often find ourselves limited by these same labels. Too often, we try to fit ourselves into a mold, ignoring our own uniqueness. Sometimes our search for identity is further hindered by a lack of understanding or denial, as is the case it this memoir. The memoir is honest, at times funny, and well worth the read.

Fracture Me (Shatter Me #2.5) & Ignite Me (Shatter Me #3) by Tahereh Mafi

Book #2.5: Fracture Me
4 Stars
This short novella is told from Adam’s POV and sets the stage for the final installment in the series, Ignite Me. Adam is reeling - Omega Point is preparing to launch an attack on the Reestablishment, Juliette has broken his heart, Kenji has been injured, and he is desperate to keep James safe.

When the battle alarm sounds, Adam and his fellow rebels face a decisive battle that will forever change the course of the revolution. While being in Adam’s headspace does a good job of setting the tone of the third book in the series, it is not an essential read. You can skip it and still understand what’s happening in Ignite Me. If you are a fan of the series, then I think it’s worth your time.

Book #3: Ignite Me
3 Stars

Ignite Me is the third and final installment in the Shatter Me Series. After the destruction of Omega Point, Juliette is determined to fight back and bring down the Reestablishment. In her quest to fulfill this goal, Juliette finds herself teaming up with Warner. This partnership will put many of Juliette’s relationships to the test, sowing conflict in relationships that she thought were unshakable, and forcing her to question and redefine what she thought was true. Juliette will be forced to face her own insecurities and decide once and for all who she is. With everyone looking to Juliette to lead, the fate of their world hinges on Juliette’s choice to embrace her true power and fight back.

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I have really mixed feelings about this book and the end of this series. I really wanted to love this book, but I have to say that I was somewhat disappointed by it. It just didn't hold my attention in the same way that the previous two books did, and I found myself struggling to get through it at times, for reasons that I will elaborate on in a moment.

Overall, I think this series is definitely worth the read. Tahereh is a fantastic writer and has created an imaginative world that, while similar to other dystopian novels, is also unique. Over the course of the series, I grew to love the characters she created. I cried, laughed, and cheered right alongside of them. Tahereh has a unique writing style that makes for an interesting reading experience. I appreciate her ability to submerse her reader’s fully into the mind’s of her characters, both in the novels and the novellas. It is the perfect blend of dystopian and paranormal.

The thing that I appreciated the most about the series, especially the third book, was the empowerment of Juliette. While stories with strong female characters do exist, they are still more of an exception to the rule. It is refreshing to watch a female character grow into herself and lead. I think it is important for young women to have these examples to look up to.

Okay, stop reading now if you haven’t read the book yet. The rest of this review contains some spoilers.