Unforgiven (Fallen #5) by Lauren Kate

High school can be hell.

Cam knows what it’s like to be haunted. He’s spent more time in Hell than any angel ever should. And his freshest Hell is high school, where Lilith, the girl he can’t stop loving, is serving out a punishment for his crimes.

Cam made a bet with Lucifer: he has fifteen days to convince the only girl who really matters to him to love him again. If he succeeds, Lilith will be allowed back into the world, and they can live their lives together. But if he fails…there’s a special place in Hell just for him.

Tick-tock.

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I thoroughly enjoyed this addition to the Fallen series. I always liked Cam, even though he was the “bad guy.” I always thought there was something more to him and it turns out I was right. There is something quite romantic about the idea of a man willing to make a deal with the Devil and risk his immortal soul to save the woman he loves. Of course, that is so easy task, and I rather enjoyed having to watch Cam work to regain Lilith’s trust, forgiveness, and love. If you are a fan of this series, than you will enjoy this one. I would recommend reading the other books in Fallen series before picking this one up as it makes reference to characters and events from the previous books that would serve as spoilers, but in the end I think by doing so you will end up with a richer reading experience because you will be able to fully appreciate Cam’s transformation and redemption.

The Year I Became Isabella Anders (Sunnyvale #1) by Jessica Sorensen

Introducing Jessica Sorensen and her new YA book, The Year I Became Isabella Anders! Make sure to enter the giveaway for a signed paperback of this book! #NewSeries #TopFave

Isabella Anders has always been the girl that never fit in. Most days she feels invisible, especially when she’s around her older sister, Hannah, who catches the eye of everyone, including Kai and Kyler, the boys who live next door.

Isabella has had a crush on Kyler for years, but knows he’ll never see her as anything more than Hannah’s little sister, unless she finds a way to standout.

When Isabella gets an offer from her grandmother to travel overseas for the summer, she seizes the opportunity, hoping she’ll discover more about herself. And she does, but not in the way that she expected.

Three months later, Isabella returns home an entirely new person. The change is enough to catch both Kyler and Kai’s attention. But Isabella is still struggling with what she discovered over the summer and until she deals with the truth, she’ll never truly be herself.

 

Cover Created by Sarah Hansen Okay Creations

Photography by Lauren at Perrywinkle Photography

♥ BUY THE BOOK ♥

Amazon

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My Two Cents...

An amazing start to what I feel will be another amazing series from Jessica Sorensen. I was hooked from page one and read the whole book in one sitting. My only criticism is...I wish it was longer! I was so engrossed in the story that I didn't pay attention to my "left to read" percentage and found myself stunned (and disappointed) that I had reached the end of the story. 

I love Isabella's character. I think she is a classic underdog that people can easily relate to, and the sort of love triangle she has going on with the Meyer brothers makes (and is going to make) for some intriguing reading. The plot of the story is not entirely unique. It's like a twist on a Cinderella story. All the main characters are there in some form - the evil stepmother, the evil sister, the fairy godmother, the prince (or maybe princes??), and of course Cinderella herself. Nevertheless, Jessica manages to weave enough twists and mystery into the story line to keep it fresh and from being entirely predictable. She certainly leaves us with quite a few unanswered questions at the end of this installment.

The Year I Became Isabella Anders is definitely tamer and more YA that anything I have read by Jessica Sorensen thus far (and I've read a lot!). The characters are younger (high school aged) and while there are some hints at darker forces, it is not as in your face as say the Nova series. I am used to Jessica's books being somewhat dark and highly dramatic, so this was a nice change of pace. Not that it was boring or lacking drama...it was just a different kind.

I'm excited to see where this series goes and I am looking forward to book number two, The Year of Falling in Love, which is due out in December. This series is definitely worth checking out.

**I received a free ARC in exchange for an honest review.

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Cold rain instantly soaks through my clothes as I skip down the driveway, moving awkwardly, because I can’t bend one knee. I don’t care though. Rain is awesome. And it smells so great. Seriously, if I could, I’d skip around in the rain all the time. My hair is drenched by the time I reach the sidewalk, and the flip-flops splash water from the puddles all over the backs of my legs. It reminds me of this one time Kai and I walked home in the rain and we intentionally splashed in all the puddles. “Isa! What are you doing?!” Someone shouts with a hint of laughter in their voice. My head whips to the side as I stumble to a stop. Kai is standing out on the side deck, beneath the shelter of the roof, and I think he might be laughing at me, but the veil of rain crashing from the cloudy sky makes it difficult to see. “Going to the paint store!” I shout then wave at him and start to skip off again. “Are you crazy?” he calls out. “You can’t walk to town in the middle of a rainstorm.” I sigh and slow down again. “I’m not walking! I’m skipping!” My eyelashes flutter against the rain. “Can’t you wait until it at least stops raining?” he asks, shaking his head as I jump into a puddle. “No way! It’s either the rain or being in the house with Hannah. And I choose the rain. Besides, rain is awesome!” I can hear him laughing all the way from over here. “Would you get your ass over here?” He waves at me to come to him. “I’ll drive you if you really want to go. But it’s too damn cold for you to be playing around in the rain, no matter how cute you look.” Cute? Did he just call me cute?

    

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Enjoy a sneak peek into two trailer teasers created by Becca at Bibliophile Productions

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Jessica Sorensen is a New York Times and USA Today bestselling author from the snowy mountains of Wyoming. When she's not writing, she spends her time reading and hanging out with her family.

Facebook | Twitter | Website | Goodreads

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Jessica Sorensen's THE YEAR I BECAME ISABELLA ANDERS Release Day Giveaway

The Boy Who Sneaks in My Bedroom Window by Kirsty Moseley

Amber Walker and her older brother, Jake, have an abusive father. One night her brother's best friend, Liam, sees her crying and climbs through her bedroom window to comfort her. That one action sparks a love/hate relationship that spans over the next eight years.

Liam is now a confident, flirty player who has never had a girlfriend before. Amber is still emotionally scarred from the abuse she suffered at the hands of her father. Together they make an unlikely pair. Their relationship has always been a rocky one, but what happens when Amber starts to view her brother's best friend a little differently? And how will her brother, who has always been a little overprotective, react when he finds out that the pair are growing closer?

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Overall, I really enjoyed this story. I did have some issues with the plot, however. Amber is the classic damaged girl, and Liam has loved her since they were kids. In an attempt to get over her, Liam develops the reputation as a player, until Amber begins to see him in a new light. The story does deal with some heavy issues and my main issues with the plot stem from plot's timing and inconsistencies with characters. Amber and Liam's love story was sickly sweet at time, and this is definitely more YA than New Adult. 

Stop reading now if you don't want plot spoilers....

All of It by Kim Holden

Seventeen-year-old VERONICA SMITH has it all: a loving family, a funky car named Jezebel, and a plan to go to college after graduation. On the first day of senior year, she meets DIMITRI GLENN--a mysterious transfer student with gray eyes and a mischievous smile who seems determined to win her heart.

But there's something odd about Dimitri, leading Veronica to wonder if there's more to him than meets the eye. Before long she finds herself in a whirlwind romance that seems to good to be true--until a series of devastating events leaves her questioning everything. It's not until she chooses to think with her heart instead of her mind that she can rise from the ashes to learn the truth of their connection.

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A book is sometimes...just a book. A simple collection of words inked on pages in straight lines, separated by spaces and punctuation, enclosed between two covers. 

A book is sometimes...more than just a book. Sometimes it is a story that entrances the mind and nestles into your heart. All of It is more than just a book.

I was so wrapped up in this story from the very first page, that I actually had to forcefully make myself stop reading one night. I was seriously tempted to say to hell with sleep and ignore that fact that I had to get up early the next morning to go to work. My fellow book nerds will understand this dilemma well.

I don't want to give two much away, because I don't want to spoil the twist in this sigh worthy love story. While reading, I had two working theories, one of which turned out to be true. I got slightly annoyed with Veronica when she broke up with Dimitri because her life got too overwhelming, and had to remind myself that they were high schoolers, but in the end, she redeemed herself and I forgave her for her serious lack of judgement. 

This book has everything you would want in an epic romance - humor, drama, tragedy, hope, and a happy ending. This is the second book by Kim Holden that I have read, and she has become my new favorite author. This one is definitely worth your time.

Eleanor & Park by Rainbow Rowell

Two misfits.
One extraordinary love.

Eleanor... Red hair, wrong clothes. Standing behind him until he turns his head. Lying beside him until he wakes up. Making everyone else seem drabber and flatter and never good enough...Eleanor.

Park... He knows she'll love a song before he plays it for her. He laughs at her jokes before she ever gets to the punch line. There's a place on his chest, just below his throat, that makes her want to keep promises...Park.

Set over the course of one school year, this is the story of two star-crossed sixteen-year-olds—smart enough to know that first love almost never lasts, but brave and desperate enough to try.

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There are so many things to love about this book. It's funny, the characters are endearing, it's sweet, it's heartbreaking, it's set in the 80's. I loved it. Eleanor and Park aren't your typical Romeo and Juliet. She's a little overweight, wears the wrong clothes, and comes from a broken home. He's half Asian, keeps to himself, and doesn't quite fit in. Their love story is teenage angst at its finest, but it's also real. Both characters have to deal with figuring out who they are, what they want, and both make mistakes along the way. 

This novel will have you laughing, crying, and wanting to watch your favorite "Brat Pack" movie. Although this book is billed as YA, it does deal with some heavy subject matter and does have some language that might be offensive to some. I was slightly concerned at the end of the book that the author was going to leave the story in a place that would have caused me to throw the book across the room in anger, but I'm happy to report that she worked it all out in the end. Although, the ending was not entirely satisfying and I am still dying to know what happens next to Eleanor and Park. 

2015 Reading Challenge: A book set in high school

Chased Dreams (Chasing Nikki #3) by Lacey Weatherford with Chase Walden

Chase's life is perfect. He is married to his beautiful wife, Brittney, and has a baby on the way. His dreams of playing professional football are on the verge of becoming a reality. After everything he has been through, Chase finally feels like life is starting to go his way...or so he thought. When an injury jeopardizes all of his plans for the future, Chase struggles to figure out who he is and hold his relationship with Brittney together. Chase also finds himself plagued by dreams from the past that stir up confusing emotions. As everything falls apart around him, Chase finds himself wondering if all he has left is chased dreams.

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I was surprised to learn that there was going to be another book in this series. The Chasing Nikki series is an emotional roller coaster from start to finish, and made me ugly cry on more than one occasion. It is a heartbreaking story about love and loss, and I thought it was brought to a perfect conclusion after the last book. I really didn't see a need for a third book, but having loved the first two so much, I didn't hesitate to pick this one up. In retrospect, I think I should have...

This book was written by Lacey, in conjunction with Chase Walden, who is the cover model for the series. While I had absolutely nothing against the writing style, I was not at all happy with the direction the story took in this book. I loved Nikki, and I was devastated by her death, but I also really loved Brittney. Watching Brittney and Chase fall for and heal each other in the second book was emotional and I swear that I went through all the stages of the grieving process right along with them. I has glad to see them get their happy ending. After everything they had been through, they deserved a happy ending.

Then Chased Dreams comes along and obliterates their (and my) happy ending. I don't want to give too much away, so writing this review is somewhat challenging. I have the feeling that people will be of one or two minds after reading this book: they will either love it, or they will hate it. While I think "hate" is too strong a word for how I feel about this book, I was definitely not happy with it. I'm not even sure what the right word to describe the feeling I had upon finishing the book, but it was something akin to betrayal. I felt like everything that I had suffered and overcome while reading the previous two books was for nothing, and as such, I had a really hard time embracing the new ending of this story. In hindsight, I wish I had stopped after book two. However, I know that there will be many out there who will love how this book plays out, and will be thrilled with the new ending. Loving or hating this book really comes down to which ending you prefer.

The Crush Series by Lacey

Book I: Crush
Cami Wimberley and Hunter Wilder seem like the most unlikely of couples. Cami is beautiful, a talented musician, gets good grades, and plans to go to college. Hunter, while handsome and charming, is a party boy with a bad reputation. Despite their apparent polar opposite personalities, it is clear to everyone that they are crushing on each other.

Hunter, however, is determined to keep Cami at an arms length, regardless of how he feels. He has a secret, a secret that will change everything. Something that he must protect Cami from at all costs. But Hunter is unable to deny his growing feelings for Cami or stay away from her. When his secret is finally revealed, Hunter will find himself scrambling to protect Cami.

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Book II: Smitten
Everything seems to be going perfectly in Cami and Hunter's (a.k.a. Dylan) world. Cami is at her dream college, pursuing music, and Hunter is by her side. Everything is going according to plan until Hunter is called to go undercover again. His new case involves infiltrating a gang known for chopping and racing cars. Hunter is not allowed to have any contact with Cami and to make matter's worse, he is required to play the role of boyfriend to the sister of the gang's leader, Ripper.

Unable to keep away from Cami for long, Hunter arranges to meet her. Unfortunately, Ripper follows him and Hunter is forced to introduce Cami as his foster sister to keep his cover. Making matters worse, Ripper takes a liking to Cami and decides to pursue her. Cami and Hunter are forced to play a long in order to keep Hunter's cover, and both of them must endure seeming the one the love in the arms of another. As the case heats up, Hunter and Cami find themselves playing an ever increasingly dangerous game as they steal moments of passion. When his cover is blown, Hunter and Cami find themselves on the run from Ripper and his gang.

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This is a great little YA series from Lacey. I first came across her writing when I read the Finding Nikki series, which is fantastic, but caused me to ugly cry more than once. This series has suspense, but not a lot of angst. The story was somewhat predictable, but I was still able to lose myself in the story. Because it's a YA series, the romance is PG-13 at best, so don't pick this one up expecting steamy scenes. The most scandalous thing about this series is the fact that Cami is underage when she and Hunter first meet. Regardless, I still enjoy Lacey's style and recommend this series to those who enjoy YA romances. 

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Up next in the series...

Book III: Love

Scheduled for release in February, 2014

Living happily ever after has always been part of the plan for Cami and Dylan, but when strange things begin happening around the Wilcock household, Cami simply believes her pregnancy hormones must finally be catching up with her.

Desperate to keep his wife safe and happy, Dylan hires a live in maid to help Cami out while he’s at work. But when both Cami and the maid start experiencing the unusual occurrences, he’s at a loss about what to do.

Unable to explain what’s going on, Dylan delves deeper into the mysterious happenings, but when the truth comes out, he finds himself scrambling desperately to protect his one true LOVE.

Blog Tour ~ Now Or Never (Fight or Flight #2) by Jamie Canosa

Book Lover's Paradise is happy to host a stop on Jamie Canosa's Now Or Never blog tour. Keep reading to learn more about Jamie, a review of Now Or Never and an awesome giveaway!

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Meet Jamie Canosa - author of Now Or Never

About the Author

Jamie Canosa is a full time author of YA literature, which she absolutely loves. When she’s not writing or spending time with her family, she can usually be found with her nose in a book. She currently resides in Ravena, NY with her wonderful husband and three crazy kids . . . plus the dog, the bird and the rabbit.

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To move on,
Leave the past behind,
And build a new life with Jay.

That’s all Em wanted. After everything they’d been through together, they were both overdue their ‘happily ever after’. Too bad the world doesn’t work that way. Memories last longer than dreams and Em’s fears continue to plague her both day and night, interfering with that new life she so desperately craves.

To start over,
Secure a future,
And give Em the life she deserves.

That was Jay’s plan, but the past isn’t done with them, yet. While Em still struggles to overcome the ghosts of her past, Jay is forced to come face to face with his. When the skeletons in his closet step back into the light, Jay must decide what he will do—and what he will sacrifice—to protect Em from them.

Against all odds, Em and Jay are on the verge of having everything they’ve ever wanted. They’ve fought for it before, but is their love strong enough to endure any more heartache? The time has come for each of them to choose for themselves whether or not they will allow the past to continue to corrupt their future. And, together, they must decide, will it be . . . NOW OR NEVER?

Purchase Links

Amazon buy link
Goodreads link

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They were the missing pieces of each other. She needed him just as much as he needed her. 

Jay and Em thought their troubles were behind them. They had escaped their worst nightmares and come out on the other side together. But reality always has a way of stepping in and things are not as easy as they dreamed. Working themselves to the bone to make ends meet is nothing compared to the old fears that will not release them.

Em struggles daily with the fears of her past, which continue to interfere with the future she is trying to build with Jay. Jay is desperate to provide the future that he promised Em and can't help but feel that he is failing her. Their relationship is put to the ultimate test when Jay's past resurfaces and threatens Em. Jay is forced to make a painful decision, a decision that will leave both him and Em shattered. To Jay, protecting Em is more important, even if that protection means that he could lose Em forever.

His only chance, his only hope of protecting the truly fragile thing that love was, was to keep it as far from him as possible. In Jay's fucked up world, the only true, undeniable power love held was the power to destroy.

As their pasts close in on them, both Jay and Em find themselves plagued by old insecurities and fears. Each struggles to prove that they are strong enough on their own, failing to realize that together they are stronger than they ever will be apart. Can they realize this before they completely shatter each other hearts? Or will the past steal their future forever?

Just when I thought I couldn't love these characters anymore, Jamie delivers this heart-wrenchingly beautiful tale. After finishing Fight Or Flight, I wanted nothing more than to see Jay and Em ride off into the sunset. They deserved the sunset, the happily-ever-after. Hell, they deserved the castle complete with moat, a fairy godmother, magic lamp, and so much more for what they had been through. Unfortunately, life isn't a fairy tale, even in fiction. I knew it was a matter of time before the past caught up with Jay and Em. Pasts like theirs don't simply disappear. They demand to be faced, to be defeated.

"We've both been trying so hard to prove to ourselves that we're strong enough to do things on our own, but I think we were wrong. We're not strong enough alone. And that's okay, because we're not alone. I have you, and you have me, and nothing is going to change that."

This book had me all tied up in emotional knots. It was painful to watch these characters almost lose everything, but beyond gratifying when they realized that all the strength they thought they lacked could be found in the other. Finally, these two characters who deserve nothing but the best, have a real chance. There are many characters who are near and dear to my heart, but Em and Jay are in a category all their own. I never wanted characters or a couple to succeed so much. Love is a complicated thing. Nothing else has the power to both strengthen you and make you vulnerable all at the same time.

"I looked at you and I...I swear I saw a piece of myself. A piece I'd been missing. I can't explain it any better than that...You'd taken this dank, dilapidated hole in the wall unfit for human occupancy and turned it into a home. My home. Simply because you were there."

Jamie had me from the very first word, on the very first page. Now or Never is proof that even the most truest of loves can be tested, that sometimes faith isn't enough, that sometimes relying on someone else isn't a sign of weakness, but a sign of strength. Once again, my only criticism is that it was too short. I'm not ready to say goodbye to Em and Jay. I want more!!

Up next in the series...
Find out whether Ashlyn and Mason find their own happily-ever-after in Win or Lose

*Note: I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review

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And now...A Giveaway!!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Cover Reveal ~ Now Or Never (Fight or Flight #2) by Jamie Canosa

Book Lover's Paradise is thrilled to bring you the cover and blurb for Now Or Never by Jamie Canosa, book two in the Fight or Flight Series. Make sure to stop by on November 2nd when I will be hosting a stop on Jamie's blog tour! 

The Breathing Series by Rebecca Donovan

Book I: Reason to Breathe

Emma Thomas does her best to appear invisible. Sure she is a star athlete, belongs to several clubs, and is a stellar student, but beyond that she tries desperately to fly under the radar. The drive behind Emma's perfection is survival. Emma has a secret - a secret that is a matter of life and death for her. No one knows the truth of the hell she lives in except Sara, her best friend, and even she doesn't know the whole truth.

When Evan Matthews shows up, Emma finds her world turned on it's head. Evan doesn't ignore Emma like everyone else and sees her in a way that no one has before. Emma is drawn to Evan, even though she knows she can't ever tell him the truth. Even as Emma falls for Evan, she pushes him away, desperate to protect her secret. Evan, who guesses Emma's secret, becomes one of the few things in Emma's life that motivate her to keep breathing and not give up. But when the web of secrets begins to unravel, Emma finds herself facing a choice that will change her life forever - to stay or to go?

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Book II: Barely Breathing

Everyone knows Emma's secret, but her aunt can't hurt her anymore. With Sara and Evan at her side, Emma must now start to pick up the pieces of her shattered life. When her mother asks her to come and live with her, Emma takes the opportunity to rebuild the relationship with her only surviving parent. But some things cannot be fixed, and Emma will find herself once again facing the realities of her past. Believing that she only brings destruction to those she loves, Emma leaves everything and everyone behind as she leaves for California, even more broken than before and hoping for a new start.

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Book III: Out of Breath
It's been two years since Emma left everything and everyone behind her in Weslyn. Now at Stanford, Emma is not the same girl that she used to be. She is a shell of her former self and completely broken, struggling daily to stay numb and move on from her past. When another tragedy brings Evan and Emma back together, Emma must face her past once and for all and gain the forgiveness that is holding her back, or risk losing Evan for good.

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This series is an emotional rollercoaster from start to finish. It has you flying high, only to plunge you back into heartache. There were times where I had to put the story down and walk away for a bit, because it is that intense at times. The series deals with some pretty heavy subject matter and Emma is a truly amazing character. She manages to survive everything life throws at her time and time again. Her strength and ability to keep moving forward are amazing. 

Evan is also amazing and worthy of the title of book boyfriend. His love of Emma, even after everything she puts him through, is unconditional. He refuses to give up on her and is a pillar of strength. But he's also not perfect, and for me that is the key to their love story. They are not perfect, but they are perfect together. There were times throughout the series where I wanted to scream because it was so obvious that they belonged together, but as I learned in the Slammed series by Colleen Hoover, "sometimes things have to fall apart so that they can fall back together." 

Be prepared for some serious cliffhangers in books one and two, but overall I am pleased with how the series ended. There is a lot that could be explored in the future and I did feel that there were a few loose ends to tie up. I would love to know what happens next for Evan and Emma, but am content for now with where their story ends up at the conclusion of book three. This series is definitely worth the read, even if you might be an emotional wreck afterwards.

His Fair Assassin Series (Book I and II) by Robin LaFevers

Book I: Grave Mercy
While growing up in 15th Century Brittany (France), Ismae Rienne's life has been anything but easy. Her mother attempted to kill her while she was in her womb and Ismae has been raised by a hateful father. Now at the age of 17, Ismae finds herself facing an arranged marriage which promises nothing but brutality. Rescued from her new husband, Ismae is brought to the convent of St. Mortain. There she learns that she is the daughter of Mortain, a god of old (now worshipped as a saint) and bringer of death. The sisters at the convent train Ismae to become a deadly assassin and handmaiden to Death.

Ismae's most important assignment will bring her into the high court of Brittany and into the path of Gavriel Duval. The Duchess of Brittany is struggling to secure her crown and faces treachery at every turn. Gavriel, her half brother and sworn protector, is forced by the convent to take Ismae to aid the Duchess. Presented as Gavriel's mistress, Ismae finds herself struggling to navigate the politics of the court and fulfill her duties to the convent and Mortain. When Gavriel himself comes under suspicion, Ismae finds that following her heart may mean disobeying the convent and betraying her vow to Mortain. Each move Ismae and Gavriel make is like a game a chess where not only their fate, but the fate of a nation hang in the balance.

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Book II: Dark Triumph

We first meet Sybella in Grave Mercy, when she arrives at the same convent where Ismae has sought sanctuary. Sybella has been driven half mad by the horrors of her past and seeks to escape the evils of her family. At the convent, Sybella learns that she is also the daughter of Mortain and trains alongside Ismae to become one of his handmaidens. Sybella quickly learns that her refuge comes with a price, when the abbess sends her back to her family to act as a spy. For Sybella's father is none other than d'Albret, the cruel and brutal noble seeking to force the Duchess of Brittany into marriage so that he may control her kingdom.

After returning to d'Albret's house and being forever on her guard, Sybella waits impatiently for the marque to appear that will allow her to strike d'Albret down, but it near appears. Then Sybella receives word from the abbess of a new mission - to help a knight taken prisoner by her father escape so that he can return to the service of the Duchess. The knight turns out to be none other than Benebic De Waroch, a.k.a. the Beast of Waroch, famed warrior. As Sybella travels with Beast and nurses him  back to health, she cannot help the pull she feels towards him, despite her feelings of unworthiness. Together Sybella and Beast will  fight to thwart d'Albret's plots against the Duchess and Sybella will face the demons of her past, embracing what it truly means to be a daughter of Death.

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This series is a historical fiction gem! It has all the great things you would expect of time period - intrigue, betrayal, scheming politicians, a dash of myth and mystery, honorable knights, and romance. The series centers around 3 women - Ismae, Sybella, and Annith - all of whom are sired by Mortain, the ancient god of Death. All three women are trained to be assassins by the sisters at the convent of St. Mortain. These books are linked together and most of the characters are the same in both books, however, they each focus on one of the 3 fair assassins. The characters and events in the books are based on real historical events and the author does make the attempt to use the vernacular of the time, but does not create a stumbling block for the modern reader. The books have a continuous storyline throughout, which means that they need to be read in order and together or you will probably be lost. I was totally engrossed in the story from the very beginning and didn't want to put the series down once I started. 

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Coming Soon...

His Fair Assassin Book III: Mortal Heart - expected release Spring, 2014. 

Check out the blurb belong: 

Annith has watched her gifted sisters at the convent come and go, carrying out their dark dealings in the name of St. Mortain, patiently awaiting her own turn to serve Death. But her worst fears are realized when she discovers she is being groomed by the abbess as a Seeress, to be forever sequestered in the rock and stone womb of the convent. Feeling sorely betrayed, Annith decides to strike out on her own.

She has spent her whole life training to be an assassin. Just because the convent has changed its mind doesn't mean she has.

Stealing Harper (Taking Chances #2) by Molly McAdams

Stealing Harper is the companion novel (novella really) to Taking Chances (review here...fair warning, it does contain spoilers), which is a heart wrenchingly good contempory romance novel. I found myself absolutely emotionally destroyed after reading Taking Chances, so much so that I couldn't pick up another book for a few days.

In Taking Chances we meet Harper as she arrives at San Diego State University determined to start a new life for herself. Harper quickly finds herself falling for two guys and smack in the middle of a love triangle. Brandon is tattooed, ridiculously muscled and handsome, a fighter in the Underground, and incredibly sweet and gentle with Harper. Chase is a hot, tattooed artist with a reputation for going through girls like socks. Even though she knows he's wrong for her, Chase gets under her skin like no one else can and is determined to become a better man in order to be worthy of Harper. Harper finds herself torn - she knows she loves Brandon and wants to spend the rest of her life with him, but she just can't seem to forget about Chase. One weekend of passion will have far reaching consequences for both Harper and the men she loves.

Stealing Harper allows us to reexperience the story from Chase's point of view. It doesn't really add anything new to the overall story, but if you were a fan of Chase before then you will "enjoy" this one. I say "enjoy" because as much as I would like it, Chase's fate remains the same and it is still emotionally devastating (even if I already knew what I was in for). If anything, this book made me love Chase even more. He is the perfect redeemable bad boy and one of my favorite book boyfriends. I loved being in his head as he struggled with his feelings for Harper and his desire to become a better man for her. I still find myself wishing for Chase's story to have a different ending, unfortunately you can't always get what you want...

The Secret of Ella & Micha by Jessica Sorensen (The Secret #1)

The night Ella walked away from the bridge and Micha left her shattered. Now she is determined to start over and leave the girl she used to be and her past behind her. Ella cuts ties with everyone from home and sets off for college, creating a new identity. When Ella returns to her home for the summer, she fears that everything that she has been trying to suppress will resurface, especially if she sees Micha again.

Micha and Ella have been best friends since they were kids and Micha has loved her since they were 16. He never told Ella for fear of driving her away, but the lines of their friendship have long since been blurred, and he believes she feels the same for him. When she finally reappears after disappearing 8 months ago without a word, Micha is determined not to lose her again. He slowly breaks down the facade that Ella has built, as only he can - only Micha knows the truth about Ella and her past - and as the walls crumble, Ella and Micha find in each other a love worth everything.

I enjoyed this book, but not as much as The Coincidence of Callie and Kayden. I'm not sure if a sequel to this novel is really necessary as there was no big cliffhanger at the end of this one. However I am interested to see what's next for Ella and Micha. There are certainly things from both their pasts that can still be explored, as well as the next chapter of their relationship now that they have finally gotten together. I will definitely be picking up the sequel when it is released later this month.

Coming soon in this series...

The Forever of Ella and Micha (The Secret #2) - E-book release date May 28, 2013

The Temptation of Lila and Ethan (The Secret #3) - Expected E-book release October 8, 2013. This is a spin-off of Ella and Micha's story and I'm looking forward to this one. I liked both the characters of Lila and Ethan and like the idea that they will get their own chance at love.

This Girl by Colleen Hoover

This Girl is the third installment in the Slammed series (review here) by Colleen Hoover. This time we get to see the events that happened in Slammed through the eyes of Will. I loved how Colleen approached this book. It is not just a straight retelling of Slammed. Instead the book picks up where Point of Retreat (book two) leaves off - with Will and Layken on their honeymoon.

Will tells Lake about some of the most memorable moments from when they first met - the first moment he saw her, their first date, when he realized he was her teacher, the moment when he first realized he loved her, the poetry slams, etc. The book flows back and forth between the present and Will's remembrances  which was an interesting style choice. I enjoyed it because it was more like a conversation. She asked him about something, he would tell her about it, and then we got to see her reaction to Will's thoughts and feelings.

The epilogue takes us 3 years into the future and was the perfect ending for this series. The final poem - my last piece - was so touching and perfect. God, I would love to find myself a guy who can write poetry like that! Will is definitely one of my favorite book boyfriends :) I'm so happy that Colleen decided to write this book. I love when we are able to see both sides of the story. I think it adds so much more depth to the characters and the events in the story. Another great one from Colleen!

The Slammed series has just been re-released with new covers. Make sure to check them out!

What I Didn't Say by Keary Taylor

Jake Hayes has a bright future ahead of him. He is a senior, an athlete, and plans to join the Air Force after graduation. Jake has also been in love with Samantha Shay since freshman year, although he has never had the guts to tell her. Jake's life takes an unexpected turn after he gets drunk at a homecoming party and is involved in a car accident that leaves him mute. Now Jake's biggest regret is that he will never be able to tell Samantha how he really feels.

Samantha Shay doesn't believe in love and her life has been anything but easy. Her father abandoned her and her mother, and her mother's job required her to travel frequently. However when Samantha's mother dies of cancer, she must hide the fact that she is not living on her own so that she can graduate and get a college scholarship.

After Jake returns to school, his friendship with Sam grows and the two realize that they need each other. Jake finds himself falling even more in love with Sam and is desperate to tell her how he feels, but Sam won't let him. Together the two of them will discover the strength to overcome the hardships of their circumstances, learn to not wallow in self-pity and to be thankful for the good things in life.

This was a really sweet story and I enjoyed it. It is really a story about focusing on the good things in life. Sam and Jake both could have easily given up and descended into self-pity, depression and self-destruction, but they both chose to focus on the good. I think that this is a good lesson for us all to remember. It is so easy to lose sight of all the things to be thankful for, especially in the face of hardship. I believe that things happen for a reason. I think that often the worst thing that ever happens to you, turns out to be the best thing because it gives you the opportunity to learn about yourself, your inner strength, and makes you realize what is truly important in life.

The Purgatory Series by Amy Harmon

"That which has been is now; and that which is to be has already been."

Book One: Slow Dance in Purgatory

The year is 1958 and Johnny Kinross is 19 years old. He arrives at the newly built high school for a rumble. Johnny is there to defend his younger brother against snide comments made by the mayor's son, Roger. The night ends tragically and Johnny finds himself trapped in limbo, invisible to others and unable to leave the school. 

Flash forward to 2010...Margaret "Maggie" O'Bannon has had her share of tragedy. After the death of her parents, she was bounced around the foster care system until finally coming to live with her great-aunt. Maggie is special - she has the ability to see ghosts. Normally the ghosts don't interact with her - she just sees them carrying out a moment from their lives before disappearing - but when Maggie sees Johnny, he is able to see, hear, and touch her. As Johnny and Maggie spend more time together, they find themselves falling for each other. But their relationship seems doomed from the start...how can they be together when Johnny is a ghost?

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Book Two: Prom Night in Purgatory

Defying explanation, Johnny somehow escapes Purgatory and finds himself in the year 2010. The problem is he doesn't remember anything after the night he was shot - not his time in Purgatory and not Maggie. As Johnny struggles to find his place in his new time, Maggie looks for a way to help Johnny remember who he is. In the process, she discovers a new aspect of her gift - she is able to step through time.  Johnny and Maggie find themselves looped in time, where their actions have consequences and are able to change the future. It appears that fate has more in store for these lovers and as time continues to loop, it offers Johnny and Maggie the opportunity to right a few wrongs of the past. But not everything can be changed, and Johnny will face the same decision he faced back in 1958 - does he chose Paradise? Or Purgatory? And will either choice allow him to be with Maggie?

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I really liked this series. Johnny is just the right mix of a James Dean bad boy and a knight in shining armor. Maggie is an average girl with a tough backstory. I liked that she wasn't drop dead gorgeous and that she hadn't been broken by her past. It made her a relatable character and made me want to root for her. I was hooked into this story from page one and loved the fact that it kept flashing back to the 1950s. It is such a romanticized era in American history. It certainly had its faults, but it was a much simpler time with some fantastic music, which is why I think so many people love it. The story was well written and I enjoyed Amy's writing style. She was able to weave this story together, especially in Prom Night, without it getting too complicated, far-fetched or confusing. It is definitely a sweet, sigh inducing story that is well worth the read. 

Fight or Flight (Fight or Flight #1) by Jamie Canosa

Emerson, a.k.a. "Em," knows the only way to escape the hell she has been living in is to run - run and never look back. She has nowhere to go and no one to turn to, but a life on the streets is better than the nightmare she is leaving behind.

Jay has been living on the streets for two years after escaping his own personal hell. When his path crosses Em's, he cannot help the intense desire to protect her. As Jay and Em get to know each other and learn about the demons they are running from, their connection grows and they find in each other the love they have always been denied. However when Em's past catches up with her, she makes a decision to protect Jay, even though it means she could lose him forever.

I loved the characters in this book and my heart broke for them. Jay is a knight in shining armor who protects and takes care of Em so selflessly. Em is beyond brave for even being able to get up every morning after experiencing everything she went through, and my heart broke every time she couldn't see just how brave she was. I liked how the book changed back and forth between Em and Jay's perspectives, as it allowed insight into the heads of both characters. The fact that either of them was able to feel love after the traumas they faced is amazing, but what was truly beautiful was the way they loved each other - unconditionally, with complete acceptance and a willingness to sacrifice for each other.

While Fight or Flight could be a stand alone novel, I would actually really love a sequel (I know! I can't believe I'm saying it!). According to Goodreads, it appears that I might get my wish...there appears to be another book or novella entitled Sink or Swim scheduled to be published sometime in 2013. There is no cover or description posted, but I really do hope there is more coming. I'm not ready to say goodbye to Em and Jay.

This is What Happy Looks Like by Jennifer E. Smith

Graham Larkin is Hollywood's latest "It Guy." Ellie O'Neill is an average girl living in "middle of nowhere" Maine. Their worlds converge when Graham accidentally sends Ellie an email concerning his pet pig, Wilbur. For months, the two 17-year-olds correspond back and forth, sharing the details of their lives and forming a connection. When the location of Graham's latest picture falls through, he seizes the opportunity to put a face to the girl behind the emails and convinces the director to shoot the movie in Henley, Maine, where Ellie lives.

Upon arriving, Graham searches out the girl he has been calling "E." When the two finally meet it becomes clear that both of them have not shared all the details of their lives as Ellie is stunned to learn that "G" is in fact the famous Graham Larkin. Ellie, despite the connection she feels with Graham, is hesitant to start a public relationship with him because of a family secret that could be exposed by linking herself with a public figure. Nevertheless, the two are drawn to each other by the connection they formed through email. But their relationship has so many obstacles to overcome - Graham's stardom, his inevitable departure, Ellie's secret - and so many questions still unanswered...

I really enjoyed this book and it is another good one from Jennifer E. Smith. If you enjoy sweet romances this is definitely a book for you. The characters were witty and real and the interspersing of the emails was a nice literary touch. My only issue of the book was that it ended far too soon! There are still so many questions left unanswered - What will happen to Graham and Ellie when he returns to L.A.? What about Ellie's father? What about Graham and his parents? What does the future hold? I sincerely hope that there will be a follow up to this book because I desperately want to know what happens next. The story just feels so horribly unfinished to me and it certainly felt that it was left open for more, but without the knowledge that more is coming I am left without the warm and fuzzy feeling (or at least a diminished warm and fuzzy feeling) I usually get after reading one of these books. The happy ending is just too overshadowed by the unanswered questions still looming and the uncertainty of what comes next. Happiness for me would mean a sequel where Graham and Ellie find lasting happiness with each other.

Walking Disaster (Disaster #2) by Jamie McGuire

Walking Disaster is the companion novel to Beautiful Disaster, which tells the story of Abby Abernathy and Travis Maddox. Abby leaves her hometown for college with the hope of leaving her past behind her and starting over. Travis is a notorious bad boy known for his temper and his one night stands. When Abby meets Travis she knows that he is exactly what she has been trying to avoid, but cannot deny the draw she feels towards him. Travis can't ignore Abby either. Since the death of his mother, Travis has been on the lookout for a love worth fighting for and he thinks he may have found it in Abby. However, the two of them have so many issues between them that their relationship seems doomed from the start.

Whereas Beautiful Disaster is told from Abby's perspective, Walking Disaster is told from Travis' point of view. I liked the first book, but didn't love it and found myself cringing a lot. Travis' behavior was often over the top and borderline abusive, but it was clear from the first novel that Travis was the more complex of the two main characters. The problem was you didn't get a whole lot of Travis' backstory in the first novel. I enjoyed Walking Disaster much more than Beautiful Disaster. Travis' behavior doesn't seem so extreme and a lot of his actions are better understood when seen from his point of view. There were several events that felt brushed over and I wasn't a huge fan of the Epilogue, but this book was far better than the first one.

Chasing Nikki & Finding Chase by Lacey Weatherford

Chase is heading nowhere fast. He was a star quarterback, popular, headed for a bright future. All that changed when his father died tragically in a plane crash. Now Chase lives to forget, drowning his pain with drugs and alcohol. After he gets arrested for under aged drinking, his mother moves him back to the ranch where she grew up, hoping a change in scenery will help them both.

When Chase sees Nikki, he is determined to have her. The only problem is she will have nothing to do with him. She has been burned before by guys like Chase, but he slowly wears her down and she agrees to go out with him. Chase finds in Nikki what he has been searching for since the death of his father - understanding, acceptance, and a reason to move forward. When another accident threatens to derail Chase again, he must make the ultimate decision - give up and return to the numb existence he lived before, or move forward and prove to Nikki and himself that life is worth living.

Chase has kept his vow to Nikki - to keep moving forward - even if he struggles to do so every day. Chase, having won a college scholarship, is heading off to school hoping that immersing himself in football will help ease the intense pain in his heart. He is doing his best to fulfill his promise, but doesn't know how to do it, other than move through the motions one day at a time. He is determined to keep everyone at an arm's length so that he never has to experience the pain of loss again. It helps that Chase's closet friends are all going to the same college. As Chase continues to heal, he begins to feel things that he never thought he would feel again and imagining a future he thought he lost forever. When fate offers him another chance at love, will he be brave enough to seize it?

I love, love, loved this series! What an emotional roller coaster! I fell head over heels for Chase and all his beautifully damaged perfection and was so happy at the end when he got his happy ending. I swear my heart dropped at the end of Finding Chase and I thought I was going to have to write a strongly worded letter to the author, but in the end no harm, no foul. I was even more floored when I read the author's note and found out that Lacey herself went through a similar situation. My heart broke all over again, but her story again proves that what doesn't kill us, does make us stronger. I am a firm believer that everything happens for a reason, even when that reason is not always clear. It often takes some time before you can step back and see how everything is connected, especially when you are in the midst of it, but somehow it always seems to come together in the end. This is a must read for any YA romancers. Just remember to keep your tissues close!!