Fragile Spirits by Mary Lindsey

Fragile Spirits (Souls #2)

Author: Mary Lindsey

Publisher: Philomel

Pages: 311

Paul has always known he was a Protector, fated to serve a Speaker who could hear the voices of spirits lingering after death and help those souls find peace.

Vivienne ignores the voices of the dead.

Paul has always followed the Protector’s rule book, preparing diligently for the day when he’d be matched with his Speaker and fulfill his destiny.

Vivienne never does what she’s told.

So when Paul is matched with Vivienne, they both find the pairing less than satisfactory. But a kidnapping, a malevolent spirit and power stronger than both of them may just prove that they are two halves of the same whole.

In a stunning story about the beauty of fate and the power of secrets, Mary Lindsey returns to the world of Shattered Souls with a breathtaking thrill-ride of a novel.

**Note from author: This book begins one month after Shattered Souls leaves off. Lenzi and Alden are featured in this book, but reading Shattered Souls is not a prerequisite.~Goodreads

I was extremely hesitant to read Fragile Spirits for two main reasons:

1.   I had read its predecessor, Shattered Souls, over three years before—and I wasn’t sure  I’d be able to pick back up and know what was going on.

2. Shattered Souls was so incredible (fan girl rant here), I didn’t think its sequel would be able to compare in the slightest.                                  

My hesitation was completely unnecessary. Mary Lindsey’s writing is fantastic. She created a world that is so unique and intricate yet so easy to follow and get lost in—it’s amazing. I LOVE this world. (I so want a book about someone who works at the Intercessor Council. Someone who reads and files all the reports?! Maybe with a dash of office romance?! Yes please.)

In this second installment we are introduced to Protector 993, Mr. Paul Blackwell. Let me just start by saying he is the epitome of adorable.  I fell hard and fast for Alden but with Paul it was gradual, with each flip of the page. He is intelligent and thoughtful and supportive and so sweet. He is extremely levelheaded, even in a crisis—he is calm for others around him. Even when he is angry—he doesn’t lash out (just counts in his head like a cutie). He went through so much when he was younger, he comes with some heavy baggage yet he is still this caring, honest guy and I respect Paul so much.

Then we have Vivienne.  Miss Sassy McSasserton. She is so closed off and rude in the beginning that it took me awhile to warm up to her. She has her reasons for being that way and I felt for her. Her quick wit and bold persona won me over though. She's pretty much a BAMF.  And can I say character growth like WHOA. At the start of the book she’s ignoring the hindered and by the end she’s saying, “Game on” for kicking some malevolent ass. Yeah, she’s great. 

Another character I really enjoyed was Charles. To me he read as more than just Paul's boss, he was like Paul’s father figure. And oh my gosh the scene between him and Paul in Charles' office?? Yeah, I really like the dude.

And don’t you worry, all of our friends from the first book make an appearance in this installment as well. I loved getting to see little snippets of what Lenzi and Alden and Race were up to. 

Unfortunately, one of the most dangerous malevolent spirits is back too and he is a major a$$ "Anyone mind if I smoke?" You'll get why that was SUCH a DICK thing to say once you read the book (because I know you’re going to want to after seeing that gorgeous cover and reading this marvelous review :P )  I wanted to knock the guy’s teeth out. Only problem was he was kinda possessing a character I liked. And I didn’t want to knock HER teeth out, ya know?

Also, THANK YOU to Mary Lindsey for chapter 21! During the chapter I said to myself, “I want this one thing to happen” because I knew it NEVER would. And then it DID happen and I was like, “AHHH! NO WAY!” In-freaking-credible chapter. 

I love this series because not only is it funny and suspenseful and sexy at times, it's so emotional. I FELT ALL OF THE FEELS while reading this. I did not want to put it down. The characters are amazing, the world is incredible, the writing is beautiful--I can't say enough good things.

I would HIGHLY recommend this series. I hope with all my heart that Mary Lindsey gives us another installment! 

Carnival of Souls by Melissa Marr

Carnival of Souls

Author: Melissa Marr

Publisher: HarperCollins

Pages: 306

Rating: 5 Striking Stars! 

In a city of daimons, rigid class lines separate the powerful from the power-hungry. And at the heart of The City is the Carnival of Souls, where both murder and pleasure are offered up for sale. Once in a generation, the carnival hosts a deadly competition that allows every daimon a chance to join the ruling elite. Without the competition, Aya and Kaleb would both face bleak futures--if for different reasons. For each of them, fighting to the death is the only way to try to live.

All Mallory knows of The City is that her father--and every other witch there--fled it for a life in exile in the human world. Instead of a typical teenage life full of friends and maybe even a little romance, Mallory scans quiet streets for threats, hides herself away, and trains to be lethal. She knows it's only a matter of time until a daimon finds her and her father, so she readies herself for the inevitable. While Mallory possesses little knowledge of The City, every inhabitant of The City knows of her. There are plans for Mallory, and soon she, too, will be drawn into the decadence and danger that is the Carnival of Souls.~Goodreads

Carnival of Souls was the very first book I’ve ever read by Melissa Marr and to say I loved it would be an understatement.

It was brilliant, beautiful and brutal. It was frightening, exciting and surprising. It was absolutely fantastic!

I fell for all of the characters immediately. Usually when I read a book where the story lines switch between characters I end up picking favorites. And when I pick favorites I find myself wanting to get back to THAT character’s storyline ASAP, but in Carnival of Souls that NEVER happened. I adored Belias & Aya’s narrative just as much as I FREAKIN’ LOVED Mallory & Kaleb’s.

I also loved how the book switched between worlds. It was an awesome contrast that really added to the plot and showed how large the gap between Mal’s world and Kaleb’s world was. Aya, Belias and Kaleb all live in The City where the Carnival takes place and oh holy wow! The way Melissa Marr depicts every scene is absolutely stunning and puts you right into the action. You are at the fights, you see the gore and hear the roar of the crowd. You’re excited and nervous. You don’t know who is going to win and who is going to play dirty. The fights were just so freakin’ remarkable. Hands down, my favorite part of the story.

I also ADORE-DORE-DORED Mallory’s dad Adam. He’s a witch and he’s protective and he’s amazing. I wants to reads more about him!

Overall, Carnival of Souls weaves enough secrets, stolen kisses and stabbings throughout the pages to keep anyone EXtremely intrigued! 

I HIGHLY recommend this book and I cannot wait for its sequel, Theatre of Deceit!

THANK YOU SO MUCH KAREN FOR LETTING ME BORROW! Love, love, LOVE YOU! :)

Over You by Emma McLaughlin & Nicola Kraus

Over You

Authors: Emma McLaughlin & Nicola Kraus

Publisher: HaperTeen

Rating: 5 Adorably Spectacular Stars!

Team: Ben Cooper

After the grand explosion of her relationship, seventeen-year-old Max Scott developed what every girl in the history of the world has been waiting for: a way to get over being dumped. Now Max is the go-to guru for heartbroken high-school girls all over NYC. But when her ex unexpectedly shows up in her neighborhood, Max’s carefully controlled world starts to unravel. With her clients’ hearts hanging in the balance, Max will have to do the seemingly impossible: get over him once and for all.

Brilliant at bringing humor to the trials and tribulations of the lovestruck, #1 New York Times bestselling authors Emma McLaughlin and Nicola Kraus have crafted a tale that will resonate with any girl who has ever been in love or had her heart broken. It brims with smart observations, features a pitch-perfect teen voice, and will attract fans of Jenny Han, Sarah Mlynowski, and Lauren Barnholdt. Readers are sure to fall head-over-heels for this sharp spin on breaking up, making up, and getting even.~Goodreads

Over You is a quick, adorably funny read about friendships, relationships and finding what makes oneself truly happy!

Max was a fan-freaking-tastic main character! I loved everything about this girl; her personality, sense of humor, style and I especially loved her entrepreneur skillz! Her business is seriously the best thing ever! Broken hearted? Bummed about it? Max has got the fix! She’ll get you over your ex so fast you won’t even remember why you liked him in the first place! She’ll also make sure that you have your “Moment.”—where you show your ex you're better off without him and where he’ll wish he would’ve never dumped you in the first place! It’s basically a fool-proof system.

You see, Max along with her best friends/cohorts, Zach and Phoebe, run Ex Inc. a completely free (cookie and brownie donations accepted!) service that helps girls through the many stages of a break up. Max goes by referrals only and comes armed with chocolate, a dash of alcohol and a sleeping aid—the girl is seriously prepared for any situation. Her most recent client, Bridget, is having a hard time getting over her skateboarding ex and proves to be one of Max’s more difficult cases. Kinda like the Angie Riverdale case *shudders* Let’s just say that one involved mix tapes, torn tights and a walk of shame in the rain…poor girl.

The reason Max does all this is because she knows what it’s like to be dumped. And heartbroken. And lonely. And depressed. And part of the reason she helps other girls get over their exes is because she never really got over her’s. That is….until she meets Ben.

Ben Cooper, delivery boy for Cooper Baby, shows up at Max’s apartment with a crib in tow ready to drop it off and bolt. But when Ben meets Max, he has other ideas. *SUH-WOON* Ben is SO adorable and SUCH a cutie and also a TOTAL flirt! If Max doesn’t want him, send him my way!! <3

One of the main things I loved about this story was that Ben’s POV was included! The whole book actually rotates through most of the characters! Granted they were small snippets compared to Max’s voice, but it was still cool to be able to get a glimpse into so many characters thoughts!

Anyway, between dealing with other clients, trying to help Bridget reach her “Moment” and stressing about college, Max stays pretty busy and doesn’t really have time for a new boyfriend. Max also doesn’t deal with her own issues and keeps them bottled up—which causes a stain in all of her own relationships. Her best friend Zach confronts her about it (he was awesome and hilarious) but she doesn’t budge. Stubborn girl!

I seriously idolized Max so hardcore—she seemed to have it all together—until she ran into Hugo, her ex.

Max had, what they like to call at Ex Inc., a relapse. After Hugo shows up she makes some horrible decisions and hurts a lot of people in the process. I was so...not disappointed...but, like, completely let down by her. It was one of those moments where you kinda like deflate and say, “aww, man...she used to be perfect.” Or at least that’s what it was like for me. (Isn’t it so awesome that you can connect with a character so much that they have the power to let you down!? I love that.)

So any who! Does Max reach her “Moment?” And what happens with Ben? You need to PICK UP THIS BOOK to find out!! Over You hooked me from the very first sentence and captivated me until the very last! I would recommend this book to everyone!

SEQUEL PLEASE!!?! <3

Such a Rush by Jennifer Echols

Such a Rush

Author: Jennifer Echols

Publisher: MTV Books

Pages: 320

Team: Grayson ♥

Rating: 5 FLYnomenal Stars! (see what I did there?!) 

A sexy and poignant romantic tale of a young daredevil pilot caught between two brothers.

High school senior Leah Jones loves nothing more than flying. While she’s in the air, it’s easy to forget life with her absentee mother at the low-rent end of a South Carolina beach town. When her flight instructor, Mr. Hall, hires her to fly for his banner advertising business, she sees it as her ticket out of the trailer park. And when he dies suddenly, she’s afraid her flying career is gone forever.     

But Mr. Hall’s teenage sons, golden boy Alec and adrenaline junkie Grayson, are determined to keep the banner planes flying. Though Leah has crushed on Grayson for years, she’s leery of getting involved in what now seems like a doomed business — until Grayson betrays her by digging up her most damning secret. Holding it over her head, he forces her to fly for secret reasons of his own, reasons involving Alec. Now Leah finds herself drawn into a battle between brothers — and the consequences could be deadly.~Goodreads 

I’ll save you’re the wondrously horrible cliché of saying that this book was, “Such a Rush” because it was much more than that. It was irresistible and inspiring and incredible. Such a Rush is a story about following your dreams and making them come true by any means possible and I loved every single page.

Our main character, Leah, doesn’t have the best home life. She lives in a noisy trailer park with her mom, who’s rarely ever around, and a boy that’s no good for her. Leah dreams of escaping, of becoming a pilot, she wants the freedom that flying will give her, so she starts working for Mr. Hall. Leah starts out at the company as the receptionist, until one day she asks for a flying lesson. At first, Mr. Hall doesn’t seem to keen on the idea but while talking to Leah, he sees her passion and strong desire to be in the sky, so he starts giving her lessons.

Not knowing anything about planes myself, I found their time in the sky to be absolutely fascinating! Echols gives just the right amount of details to make the jargon understandable and exciting! Kinda makes me wish I could fly a plane myself! BUT, banner flying is also EXtremely dangerous and even the smallest gust of wind or drop of rain can causes and accident. There were many a times I was frightened senseless and I wasn’t even flying the plane! For the most part, all serious accidents were avoided though. Thank gosh!

Things really start to take off though (see what i did there?) when Mr. Hall's twin sons come back to town to take over the business after he passes away. GUYS. I LOVED THESE BOYS!

Alec is an absolute sweetheart. He’s always willing to help you out or make you smile, while Grayson is the complete opposite. *Shakes head* Grayson, Grayson, Grayson…what am I going to do with you? (possibly tie you to my bed...ehem...I mean...?) Grayson is so outrageously sexy and a major daredevil, he is the epitome of a bad boy and he definitely had me and Leah falling hardcore. BUT! He’s also very confusing! One minute he’s super charming and helpful, bringing Leah dinner and the next he’s a complete asshole and totally spiteful, blackmailing her. I wanted to slap him SO HARD at one point! He was so stubborn and on such a major power trip. GAH! He was SO FRUSTRATING. BUT SO FREAKING ATTRACTIVE. (Did I already mention that?)

And oh sweet heavens! The tension between Leah and Grayson!? It flew (no pun--actually, pun intended!) off of the pages. The spark between them!? I’M SURPRISED THE BOOK DIDN’T SPONTANEOUSLY COMBUST. HOLY FOREST FIRE. Like, damn. Just make-out already! :P

I absolutely adored this book, it left me swooning and speechless. It was sexy and amazing and just...SO FREAKING GOOD! I want a sequel! I NEED more Leah & Grayson and sky time! This book is seriously a must, MUST read!

“The plane wants to fly.”

For Darkness Shows the Stars by Diana Peterfreund

For Darkness Shows the Stars

Author: Diana Peterfreund

Publisher: Balzer + Bray

Pages: 398

Rating: 5 Incredibly Stunning Stars!

Generations ago, a genetic experiment gone wrong—the Reduction—decimated humanity, giving rise to a Luddite nobility who outlawed most technology.

Elliot North has always known her place in this world. Four years ago Elliot refused to run away with her childhood sweetheart, the servant Kai, choosing duty to her family’s estate over love. Since then the world has changed: a new class of Post-Reductionists is jumpstarting the wheel of progress, and Elliot’s estate is foundering, forcing her to rent land to the mysterious Cloud Fleet, a group of shipbuilders that includes renowned explorer Captain Malakai Wentforth—an almost unrecognizable Kai. And while Elliot wonders if this could be their second chance, Kai seems determined to show Elliot exactly what she gave up when she let him go.

But Elliot soon discovers her old friend carries a secret—one that could change their society . . . or bring it to its knees. And again, she’s faced with a choice: cling to what she’s been raised to believe, or cast her lot with the only boy she’s ever loved, even if she’s lost him forever.~Goodreads

Having never read the original story by Jane Austen, I feel as though I was able to come into this story with a fresh pair of eyes and no preconceived notions. This book was so gorgeously brilliant and it makes me want to pick up the original!

For Darkness Shows the Stars is a beautiful story about struggle, class difference, heartbreak, changing your circumstances and love. It was so spectacularly written; with the book set up in present tense through narrative and past tense through letters the whole story was intense, heart-wrenching and incredible.

The characters themselves were fantastic as well, especially Elliot. Elliot was remarkable. She’s incredibly smart and she’s not afraid to push the boundaries of her role as a Luddite. She puts others needs before her own, dedicating her life to making sure that the people working on her estate are warm, feed and safe. She’s probably the least selfish character I’ve ever come across. She treats everyone with respect and kindness (even those she doesn’t necessarily like). She also has so much compassion for those she loves. I adored her relationship with her grandfather and Ro. Maybe it’s because both Ro and Elliot’s grandfather have trouble speaking and communicating, yet Elliot is so patient with them. So patient. I admired that about her.

Perhaps her patience is based on the fact that she’s been waiting four years for the boy she loves to return...and return he does...

Captain Malakai Wentforth. Do I even need to continue? His name alone had me swooning hardcore. When Kai shows back up on the North's Estate, Elliot doesn’t really know how to handle his presence, he's changed so much. He’s distant and aloof and almost ignores her completely. And then he becomes just plain rude, throwing a bunch of low blows Elliot’s way. Four years ago Kai asked Elliot to run away with him—to go see the world—and she couldn’t. To say this turned their relationship...sour...would be an understatement. Their relationship is now filled with tension and resentment and all of their emotions and feelings transcend through the pages. Even the tiniest bit of dialect between them had my heart surging! Oh man...just...GAH! I LOVED ALL OF Elliot and Kai’s scenes together!

For Darkness Shows the Stars has so many elements that should make it a classic in itself; a strong heroine, a segregated society, unrequited love and a life changing choice that has to be made. I highly recommend this book to anyone. I absolutely loved it!

 One of my favorite scenes between Kai & Elliot: 

“I said go away!”

“No, you said ‘get out.’ I’m out.”

“Now go away.”

“No.”

For a second they were both fourteen again, bickering. Bantering. For another second, Elliot wished it could stay that way. But too many things had changed.

Sweet Evil by Wendy Higgins

Sweet Evil

Author: Wendy Higgins

Publisher: HarperTeen

Pages: 464

Rating: 5 Seriously Sizzling Stars!

What if there were teens whose lives depended on being bad influences? This is life for sons and daughters of fallen angels in Sweet Evil.

Tenderhearted Southern girl, Anna Whitt, was born with the sixth sense to see and feel emotions of other people. She’s aware of a struggle within herself, an inexplicable pull toward danger, but it isn’t until she turns sixteen and meets the alluring Kaidan Rowe that she discovers her terrifying heritage, and her will-power is put to the test. He’s the boy your daddy warned you about. If only someone had warned Anna.

A cross-country trip to meet her father forces Anna to face the reality that hope and love are not options for her kind. When she confronts her destiny, will Anna embrace her halo or her horns?~Goodreads 

Sex. Drugs. And Rock & Roll. And Demons. And a love interest who’s extremely cocky. And an ending that will leave you panting for more—all of these can be found in Wendy Higgins amazing debut! This book totally had the potential to be crude and offensive but the way in which Wendy incorporated such risqué topics made Sweet Evil that much more intriguing and seductive!

The twist that Wendy put on her demons and Nephilim was so freakin’ incredible! I loved the concept of the demons representing the 7 deadly sins! And i adored the fact that their children, the Neph’s, had to coerce humans in to partaking in those sinful acts. (Yeah...i probably shouldn't admit that...but it was so mind-blowing and awesome!)

Enter Anna, a girl raised to believe she was normal...only, she doesn’t even believe that because she can see auras. (Which would be totally COOL!) Anyway, Anna and her best friend Jay (LOVED HIM! He was cute and lovable and hilarious!) go to a club at the beginning of the book and Anna runs into someone who will change her life forever. Dun dun duuunnn...

Kaidan Rowe –Drummer. Son of Lust. Sexiest bad boy to ever hit the pages of a young adult novel (wait...this was a young adult novel, right?! Some of the scenes were so incredibly tantalizing I was like, “WHOA.”) *THUD* Kaidan is a complete enigma and I fell in love with him the moment he was introduced. He was playing the drums so effin’ passionately and yeah...*fans self* Also, as if the boy wasn’t talented enough, he has some pretty mad knife throwing skillz. SO. HOT. Ehem...anywho! As Anna spends more time with Kaidan (ROAD TRIP!) he really starts to open up to her and reveal his more compassionate side. Their relationship? Holy heavens! Or...hell! It was the most adorable thing ever!  Anna and Kaidan shoot off sparks from the very first time they meet and I was rooting for them the whole time!

But, unfortunately, falling for the son of lust has its downfalls. His job description is less than ideal if you’re looking to have a relationship with him...which Anna was. That poor girl, it all goes down hill for her from there. Kaidan Rowe causes her tons of heartache and I felt super bad for her! Especially when he starts to act all distant? WAAH! My heart hurt. WHY CAN’T THEY JUST BE TOGETHER AND BE HAPPY AND KISS AND STUFF!?!

There was nothing ‘sweet’ about Sweet Evil’s ending. It left me hanging and I NEED THE SEQUEL NOWZ! The concept and characters were brilliant and I’m definitely looking forward to reading MOAR about Anna & Kaidan’s world! You should DEFINITELY pick up this amaztastic debut!

“You know the little voice in your head?” he asked. “The one humans like to call their ‘conscience’?” I nodded. “It’s actually the messages people are receiving from their guardian angels. You see, the demon spirits whisper thoughts into a person’s mind, and the demon thoughts battle it out with the human’s own feelings, along with the messages their guardian angels are trying to instill. The old cliché about a devil on one should and an angel on the other is not far off.” 

Still not convinced? Go check out these other enticing Sweet Evil reviews! Shortie Says,  Two Chicks on Books, Magical Urban Fantasy Reads, Fiktshun! 

The Selection by Kiera Cass

The Selection
Author: Kiera Cass
Publisher: HarperTeen
Pages: 327
Rating: 5 Stars!
Team: Aspen ♥

For thirty-five girls, the Selection is the chance of a lifetime. The opportunity to escape the life laid out for them since birth. To be swept up in a world of glittering gowns and priceless jewels. To live in the palace and compete for the heart of the gorgeous Prince Maxon.
But for America Singer, being Selected is a nightmare. It means turning her back on her secret love with Aspen, who is a caste below her. Leaving her home to enter a fierce competition for a crown she doesn't want. Living in a palace that is constantly threatened by violent rebel attacks.
Then America meets Prince Maxon. Gradually, she starts to question all the plans she's made for herself- and realizes that the life she's always dreamed of may not compare to a future she never imagined.~Goodreads

There are so many wonderful things about this book that I want to touch on but, first, a preface:

I felt that this book was nothing like The Hunger Games. At all. The Selection and The Hunger Games are two TOTALLY different competitions and even the worlds in which they take place are very unalike. The Hunger Games was intense and fast paced in a way that made every situation seem dyer. With The Selection, to me, the story was told more at a leisurely pace and the world felt more...magical/fairy tale-esque and less dystopian. Each of these books are completely unique in their own incredible ways and I think it’s unfair to compare the two.

Moving on!

I liked America a lot. She was just your average girl. She liked to sing and she had a boyfriend, which made her relatable. I also liked the fact that she stayed true to herself throughout the entire book, she didn’t change her core beliefs; which is always refreshing in a character! As for her boyfriend, Aspen, *sighs*. Aspen, Aspen, Aspen...you extremely attractive and honorable boy, I’m completely in love with you. He was...words cannot describe the things this boy is. He’s compassionate and hardworking and amazing and kind and sometimes an idiot but holy hell does he know how to kiss a girl, like WHOA! Hmm...yes, I liked him very much...

But then, as luck would have it, America is chosen to take part in The Selection thus separating her and Aspen. *sadface* She’s given a bajillion rules she has to abide by and then she’s whisked away to the Palace with 35 other girls. Dudes. I would never be able to take part in something like this. First: catty bitches everywhere and Second: catty bitches all up on your man. Like, how hard would it be to watch the boy you kinda sorta like flirt and kiss other girls!? Death. I would die a slow death. But hey! Not all the girls in the Palace are bad! I really liked Marlee, who became one of American’s really good friends. I think I’d be able to handle one close confidant. (Jena, i'm looking at you.)

And that’s sort of what America becomes for Maxon. A friend. When they first meet, she straight up tells him that she’s not interested in a relationship and that she’s basically there for the food. (HA! This girl...she’s great.) So they strike a deal, Maxon keeps her as close to the end as possible so that her family can continue to be compensated and America helps him out with the girls. Fair deal, right? And the more I got to know Maxon the more I genuinely liked the guy. He really steps up and proves himself as the future leader of Illea when he makes a certain announcement. And I think that’s when American and I kind of fell for him. Annnd I’ll leave that right there...

I don’t want to spoil anything else for you except this: New Guard. At the Palace. Stands outside America’s room. Opens the door. Goes inside. And blankets get whipped around. ‘Nuff said. :P

This book was seriously addicting, like a reality television show I did not want to end. But alas it did, and at a rather abrupt spot if I may add. Damn you Kiera Cass, damn YOU! Overall, The Selection was entertaining and magical and I’d definitely recommend it!

Tiger Lily by Jodi Lynn Anderson

Tiger Lily 
Author: Jodi Lynn Anderson    
Publisher: Harper Collins Children’s Books
Pages: 304
Rating: ALL the starts in the WHOLE ENTIRE galaxy.

15 year old Tiger Lily, proud and fierce, wild and misunderstood, doesn't believe in love stories or happy endings. Then she meets the teenage Peter Pan in the forbidden woods of Neverland, and immediately falls under his spell. Peter is unlike anyone she's ever known. Impetuous and brave, big-hearted but hard to reach, he both scares and enthralls her. As the leader of the Lost Boys, the most fearsome of Neverland's inhabitants, Peter is an unthinkable match for Tiger Lily.

Soon, she is risking everything - her family, her future - to be with the haunted, hunted, courageous boy who loves her. When - as a punishment for her rebellious ways - she is faced with marriage to a terrible man in her own tribe, she must choose between the life she's always known and running away to an uncertain future with Peter. With enemies threatening to tear them apart, the lovers seem doomed. But it's the arrival of Wendy Darling, an English girl who's everything Tiger Lily is not, that leads Tiger Lily to discover that the most dangerous enemies can live inside even the most loyal and loving heart. 

From the New York Times bestselling author of PEACHES comes a magical and bewitching story of the romance between a fearless heroine and the boy who wouldn't grow up.~Goodreads

WARNING: FAN GIRL BABBLE AHEAD.

Brilliant, beautiful, breath-taking, magical, and magnificent. I don’t even know how to explain the epicness that was this book. I can’t even pinpoint what exactly made it so fantastically great. I just.....can’t.

I’d also like to let you know that I may be a tad bit bias because I’ve always absolutely loved Tiger Lily. And this book makes no exception. She’s incredibly fierce and quietly defiant and I don’t even think those descriptions can do her justice. Something about her is just so intense and amazing...I can’t explain it.

In her tribe Tiger Lily is shunned because her people think she’s cursed.  The only ones who stick by her side are Tik Tok (the tribe's Shaman and Tiger Lily’s adoptive father) and a boy her age named Pine Sap. Pine Sap is also looked down upon because, physically, he’s very small—and to the tribe that’s not acceptable. So he and Tiger Lily form this unspoken bond. He’s very open with his feelings and it’s impossible not to tell that he's in love with Tiger Lily. And although she doesn’t reciprocate those feelings, Pine Sap stays by her side through out the entire story and I really liked him! 

Oh! Another person who’s always by Tiger Lily’s side is Tinkerbell! The story is actually told from Tinkerbell’s point of view. And at first I didn’t think I would like that but I eventually grew to love it. I think by having someone other than Tiger Lily or Peter narrate you’re able to see all different sides of the story.  And I also liked getting to know Tink better. She’s SO loyal to Tiger Lily that it’s absolutely adorable!

(I know I shouldn’t have done this but I kept comparing the book with the movie and all of Tink’s actions kind of totally make sense now. I’m pretty sure in the movie Tink wasn’t opposed to Tiger Lily and Peter! You know that part when they do that cute little nosey nosey thing? She doesn’t pull them a part…so HA!)

Any way, when Peter first captures Tiger Lily, I seriously got goose bumps. He's basically a savage and he’s not the Peter Pan you know...but he’s even better.

He’s such a complex person. His thoughts and actions are all over the place and he’s kind of just a mess. But he’s strong and he’s brave and he seems fearless to Tiger Lily. Yet, at times, he’s very naive and vulnerable. Peter NEEDS somebody to need him. I think that’s why he works so well as the leader of the lost boys because they look up to him and need his opinion and direction.

I can’t describe the relationship between Peter and Tiger Lily in any other way then to say it was magic. There’s this spark between them that grows quickly and you can’t help but love them together. Peter and Tiger Lily are very similar; they’re both wild, headstrong and tough which causes them to end up at odds sometimes. So, I wasn’t expecting their relationship to be filled with so much devotion. There were scenes between them that were so raw and powerful and tender that it made my heart ache. They were just perfection.

But on one of the nights that Tiger Lily sneaks off to meet the lost boys, a mermaid  warns her that it’s in Peter’s nature to disappoint people. Peter will eventually end up hurting Tiger Lily and there’s no way she can stop it. So. After that lovely statement, I was dreading the turn that the story would take.

I don’t want to give too much else away but I will say that I hate Wendy. Tiger Lily and Peter went together so well and then stupid Wendy had to come and ruin everything. And UGH! The times Tiger Lily didn’t go to meet Peter...for the reasons she wasn’t meeting him. Ugh! The way it ended...pierced my heart! I bawled my eyes out.

After reading this book, I want more retellings from Jodi because she did a fan-fucking-tastic job! The imagery was amazing, the emotional depth of each character was stunning and gah! I’ve been waiting for this story for the longest time. The way it was written was so lyrical and beautiful and oh god, it was just incredible.

So...incase you couldn’t tell, i hearted this book hard. I MOST DEFINITELY TIMES INFINITY recommend it!

Masque of the Red Death by Bethany Griffin

Masque of the Red Death

Author: Bethany Griffin

Publisher: Harper Collins

Pages: 320

Rating: 5 Stars!

Team: AHH! I don’t want to choose but IF I HAD to...if it was a LIFE or DEATH situation...I’d pick Will. NO ELLIOT! No Will! Actually, I’d prefer the Red Death. I love both boys too much to choose! :P 

Everything is in ruins. 

A devastating plague has decimated the population. And those who are left live in fear of catching it as the city crumbles to pieces around them. 

So what does Araby Worth have to live for? 

Nights in the Debauchery Club, beautiful dresses, glittery make-up . . . and tantalizing ways to forget it all. 

But in the depths of the club—in the depths of her own despair—Araby will find more than oblivion. She will find Will, the terribly handsome proprietor of the club. And Elliott, the wickedly smart aristocrat. Neither boy is what he seems. Both have secrets. Everyone does. 

And Araby may find something not just to live for, but to fight for—no matter what it costs her.~Goodreads

I was not expecting to fall for Masque of the Red Death as hard as I did! I loved every page, every character and ever plot twist. This book was simply fantastic!

The world in which this story takes place is a dark one. Where death is a daily occurrence and rain is almost always on the downpour the whole book has this very eerie vibe to it. The setting and mood really played its own role throughout the whole story and i loved that!

I also really liked the main character Araby! She's a super compassionate character and she puts all of her emotions into every decision she makes (even when she tries not to.) She cares so deeply about everyone she knows and she’s not above giving out second chances. But she’s also extremely guarded and closed off. She puts up this front and tends to hide who she really is from others. So to escape not only the terrors of the outside world but also her inner struggles, Araby goes to local debauchery club on a regular basis with her friend April.

There, Araby meets Will and Oh. My. Perfection. He is everything you could ever possibly want in a fictional boy. Holy Gods. Jus...UNFF! (And that’s a technical term...) He has this unruly dark hair, a sly smile AND he’s all tatted up. *THUD* All of those glorious attributes make him totally mysterious, seriously sexy, and slightly dangerous.

Which makes it even more surprising when Will takes Araby back to his home. When she gets there, she learns that Will’s parents died from the plague leaving him to take care of his little brother, Henry, and little sister, Elise. And that was absolutely endearing to read about. He is so good to them and so protective that it made me want to cry. I could feel how much they meant to him through the pages. GAH! I just want to marry this boy. He’s completely charming and sweet and he’s someone that Araby really opens up to and starts to not only trust, but fall for as well. But, Will is not without faults...and I’ll leave that tidbit right there...

When Will’s not around another boy seems to always be close by...April’s brother, Elliot. *sighs* Oh, Elliot, you semi-insane stud with a hero complex, how could I not also grow attached to you too?  This boy has issues—major issues. Issues so deep that it seems almost impossible to get through to him. He’s arrogant and stubborn and selfish, but something about him drew me in. And it also drew Araby in as well.

When it comes to the boys in this book, picking a team is out of the question. The love triangle is done so amazingly well that I have no words as to describe its brilliance.

With an intense ending and no clear-cut future for Araby, I’m dying for more of her story! Masque of the Red Death is a stunning, seductive and incredible novel! I HIGHLY recommend it!

Hallowed by Cynthia Hand

Hallowed (Unearthly #2)

Author: Cynthia Hand

Publisher: HarperTeen

Pages: 403

Team: TUCKER! FOREVER & ALWAYS!!

Rating: 5 Stars!

For months Clara Gardner trained to face the fire from her visions, but she wasn't prepared for the choice she had to make that day. And in the aftermath, she discovered that nothing about being part angel is as straightforward as she thought.

Now, torn between her love for Tucker and her complicated feelings about the roles she and Christian seem destined to play in a world that is both dangerous and beautiful, Clara struggles with a shocking revelation: Someone she loves will die in a matter of months. With her future uncertain, the only thing Clara knows for sure is that the fire was just the beginning.~Goodreads

TEAM TUCKER! Ehem...I mean.....TEAM TUCKER!!! Okay, I guess that is what I mean.

Guys, this book. THIS BOOK. It broke my heart. I laughed, I swooned, and I squeed but....I also got my heart stomped on, my hopes crushed and tear stains on my copy.

This series is one of my absolute favorites. I can NOT even begin to describe to you how much I love it. I just dooooo! And this sequel did NOT let me down. Cynthia Hand delivers again with an incredible story and amazing characters!

You guys! Hallowed was one huge emotional rollercoaster. WAH! There was this one part...oh my gosh...INSTANT TEARS! *sniffs* Did I mention the condition of my heart during this one? Broken...into sixty five thousand pieces.

In this installment there's also a whole bunch of Christian, and don’t get me wrong, I liked learning more about him. I think he’s a great person, and a wonderful friend to Clara. Key word being FRIEND. That’s it. Nothing more, maybe something a little less... :P

But I’m just one hundred and fifty seven hundred percent Team Tuck. Forever and always. I fell SUPER HARD for him in Unearthly and he’s perfection to me. He’s hilarious and sweet and respectful and sexy and *huffs* I want to marry him! He deserves someone who can treat him right, and I believe that would be me! My only complaint about this book is that there was not nearly enough of my adorable Avery!

One thing I’m super curious about is what’s going on with Jeffery! I felt so bad for him in this one! That POOR KID! WHY CAN’T WE JUST REACH THROUGH THE PAGES AND HUG OUR FAVORITE CHARACTERS?!

As for the ending....it took me by total surprise! I was not expecting the story to take the turn that it did. D:  

But ANYWAY! I’m anxiously awaiting/slightly dreading the final book in this series. Oh, god! I am going to bawl my eyes out!! My Tucker better get his Carrots! ;)

By the way, if you haven’t picked up this series yet, WHAT THE EFF ARE YOU WAITING FOR?!!?