Review: Deadly Crush by Ashley Stoyanoff

Deadly Crush (Deadly Trilogy #1)

by Ashley Stoyanoff

Genre: YA PNR

Published: August 23rd 2013

Synopsis:

Dog Mountain is just like any other small town — peaceful and uneventful. Well, that is if peaceful means wolves howling all night, and uneventful means it’s overrun by pesky werewolves, then yes, Dog Mountain is just your average small town.

Jade Shaw has spent the last two years avoiding the pack. But when Aidan Collins moves to town, avoiding the dogs doesn’t seem possible. The pack wants him just as much as she does.

Determined to keep him out of the pack’s grasp, Jade does everything she can to gain his attention. Little does she know, Aidan is in deeper with the pack than she could have imagined, and competing for his attention is a deadly game, one she may not want to win.

The e-book is FREE both on Amazon and B&N at the moment

My Thoughts:

5 super stars!

WOW!

This isn't news: I absolutely love Ashley Stoyanoff's books and I venture to say that this one is my favorite so far. Almost unbelievable considering it's about werewolves but yes, I loved it.

I believe that Ashley's writing got even better. As I said, I loved her previous books but in this one the writing simply flows, I advanced in the book effortlessly because the pace is fast so you can't get bored. But at the same time there is a very good scene description, thorough.

The take on werewolves is original, not only for werewolves being known and treated almost like royalty in Dog Mountain but also I enjoyed the dynamics of the pack. 

At first I thought it was just a regular pnr but no no no!

There is an intriguing plot behind it. I couldn't stop reading because I wanted to discover the truth behind that carefully crafted web of lies.

Moreover, I felt that this time all the characters were well defined and there personalities, nicely built.

Regarding our MC Jade... First of all, I found her name hard to pronounce lol. (maybe is my Argentinian tongue that get twisted but try to say Jade Shaw a few times in a row). Anyway... at first I thought she was awesome: strong, determined, self-confident and somewhat wild but as I kept turning the pages I realized she is plain annoying. She contradicts herself all the time, she is childish and I don't really get what's up with Dom. (yeah, yeah, there was an explanation but I feel like there is more to it)

Dom is great. I wasn't expecting that 'bomb' after Aidan confronted him regarding Jade but that added more to his mystery. I believe he is faithful, a great friend (even after some mishaps) and I want to read more about him.

Marcy is cheerful, energetic and she creates a bright side into a story that is to some extent dark. 

Aidan is a hottie, like every male character that Ashley creates. He is cryptic but I like it. I know there is a lot more to learn about him, specially about his past. He is the Colton Hayes kind of sexy. 

Jade's father and mother... wackos... I want to unfold that mystery ASAP.

That being said... I'll be getting my paws on book 2 really soon.

Review: Vain (The seven deadly #1)

VAIN (The seven deadly #1)

by Fisher Amelie

SYNOPSIS:

If you’re looking for a story about a good, humble girl, who’s been hurt by someone she thought she could trust, only to find out she’s not as vulnerable as she thought she was and discovers an empowering side of herself that falls in love with the guy who helps her find that self, blah, blah, blah...then you’re gonna’ hate my story.

Because mine is not the story you read every time you bend back the cover of the latest trend novel. It’s not the “I can do anything, now that I’ve found you/I’m misunderstood but one day you’ll find me irresistible because of it” tale. Why? Because, if I was being honest with you, I’m a complete witch. There’s nothing redeeming about me. I’m a friend using, drug abusing, sex addict from Los Angeles. I’m every girlfriend’s worst nightmare and every boy’s fantasy.

I’m Sophie Price...And this is the story about how I went from the world’s most envied girl to the girl no one wanted around and why I wouldn’t trade it for anything in the world.

MY THOUGHTS:

This is a book that evokes either 1 of 2 feelings on the readers, love or hate. Personally I really enjoyed VAIN. 

It was fast paced, entertaining and sweet. Some parts were heartbreaking but

the writing was nice and simply flows.

There were a few things I didnt like because they were not believable such as their actions after being attacked and Abri's sudden change of mind.

That being said I loved Sophie. 

Dont get me wrong! I thought she was awesome at the beginning being a complete b**** lol but her growth was amazing.

She became such a great, loyal and caring woman.

Ian, Charles and Karina are great characters too. Charles and Karina are so cute together! I envy a love like that one!

And Pemmy rocks! Best lawyer ever! Being the closest to a father that Sophie's ever had.

Who else? Spencer!!! I can't wait to read more about him. And book 2 has him as the protagonist! yummy :)

The love story was tender and beautiful but not so overwhelming which was good. The whole book was interesting without it.

The end is bittersweet but It was definitely a good book.

Review: Torrent (River of Time #3)

Torrent (River of Time #3)

by Lisa T. Bergren

Genre: YA Time travel, historical fiction

- See review of Waterfall (River of Time #1) - 

- See review of Cascade (River of Time #2) -

SYNOPSIS:

When Gabi and Lia finally learn to surf the river of time, they realize they must make hard choices about life and love in the third and final book in the River of Time series.

 

Gabi and Lia Betarrini have learned to control their time travel, and they return from medieval Italy to save their father from his tragic death in modern times.

 

But love calls across the centuries, and the girls are determined to return forever—even though they know the Black Plague is advancing across Europe, claiming the lives of one-third of the population. In the suspenseful conclusion of the River of Time series, every decision is about life … and death.

MY THOUGHTS:

5 stars/birds

CAREFUL! THERE MIGHT BE SPOILERS FROM THE PREVIOUS BOOKS!

I loved loved loved the beginning!

I'm so glad Ben is back with them. At first, I thought it was going to be more of the same but the story traps you instantly.

I love the plan they device to free Fortino. 

Of course, what happened was unexpected but naturally it couldn't have been that easy.

About characters: 

- Lord Zinicola! He is so cool :D I want a neighbour like him.

- Tomas, amazing and brave! One of the best characters of the trilogy.

- I admit I was intrigued with Rodolfo Greco since book 2, and I was very interested to see where his quest was going, and where his heart was heading... Certainly, I would have enjoyed more depth in his relationship with Gabi. I wanted to see more of them.

The turn of events involving him was shocking.

- I confess: I never fell for Marcello. But nonetheless, I couldn't think for a better outcome than the one Lisa T. Bergren wrote. 

- Lia and Luca, how cute! and corageous!

- The girls' parents are also incredible, I liked how well they adjusted to the time.

About plot and pace:

This installment was fast paced and even more action packed than the previous one but with a bit more romance.

Overall I can say this is an amazing series, with well built and fascinating scenarios. 

I absolutely felt in medieval Tuscany, the author really caught the essence of those times and the place and managed to make it entertaining.

Super recommended series!

Review: Unravel Me (Shatter Me # 2)

UNRAVEL ME (Shatter Me #2)

by Tahereh Mafi

Genre: YA Dystopia
Published: February 5th, 2013



SYNOPSIS:

tick

tick

tick

tick

tick

it's almost

time for war.

Juliette has escaped to Omega Point. It is a place for people like her—people with gifts—and it is also the headquarters of the rebel resistance.

She's finally free from The Reestablishment, free from their plan to use her as a weapon, and free to love Adam. But Juliette will never be free from her lethal touch.

Or from Warner, who wants Juliette more than she ever thought possible.

In this exhilarating sequel to Shatter Me, Juliette has to make life-changing decisions between what she wants and what she thinks is right. Decisions that might involve choosing between her heart—and Adam's life.

MY THOUGHTS:

As usual, it is simpler for me to write about books that I don't like. 

Because in cases like this book, I know I love it, but I find it very difficult to point out why!

It's just an...

To be honest, the writing started as a poor version of the one in SHATTER ME and I was also disappointed that Juliette was insecure again. 

But at some moment, the writing got better, there was a lot of action and I started to like it more. Probably when Warner appeared. (even from afar) 

The depth all the characters achieved was outstanding. I could connect with all of them, even the secondary ones.

The girls, Kenji and James are great. 

On the other hand, even if they were nicely created, I didn't like Castle and I despised Anderson. What a cruel and heartless person.

Among the supporting characters, my favorite was Kenji. He is funny, loyal, not afraid of saying what he thinks and with a story so sweet and sad that you can't help loving him.

About the protagonists:

Adam: Nothing against him, I actually liked him a lot in book one, but here he was dull, so doubtful and at some point, even seemed unstable. Though, I felt really bad for him. (can't say why without spoiling anything so...)

Juliette: as mentioned before, Juliette starts as a whiny, useless and scared little girl and ends up being so strong and brave. I believe Warner has a lot to do with this transformation. (and that's another reason why I LOVE him)

Warner:... he is just a tortured soul. And he is better than he let others see. Did I mention he is also sexy, sweet and sexy, and sexy? He captivated me and I adored his connection with Juliette. The way he challenges her and understands her. More than anyone else.

What else?

This book has the most romantic scene I've read in a long time and somehow Juliette managed to ruin it but anyway I still cling to the idea of that moment repeating.

Juliette's chemistry with Warner is just perfect. It makes me shiver. And I realized every time they were together I was so excited, no doubt I'm SO TEAM WARNER.

I believe that at the moment I'm Tahereh Mafi's biggest fan. I have a severe case on FAN GIRL -ism.

She had me completely with the twist she incorporated between Adam and Warner (which of course would be the spoiler of the year so... I'll say nothing)

The end was EPIC. Yay!!!

Can't wait for Ignite Me. I've already bought it... PLEASE TBD hurry up!

Review: Shatter Me

SHATTER ME (Shatter Me #1)

by Tahereh Mafi

BLURB:

Juliette hasn’t touched anyone in exactly 264 days.

The last time she did, it was an accident, but The Reestablishment locked her up for murder. No one knows why Juliette’s touch is fatal. As long as she doesn’t hurt anyone else, no one really cares. The world is too busy crumbling to pieces to pay attention to a 17-year-old girl. Diseases are destroying the population, food is hard to find, birds don’t fly anymore, and the clouds are the wrong color.

The Reestablishment said their way was the only way to fix things, so they threw Juliette in a cell. Now so many people are dead that the survivors are whispering war – and The Reestablishment has changed its mind. Maybe Juliette is more than a tortured soul stuffed into a poisonous body. Maybe she’s exactly what they need right now.

Juliette has to make a choice: Be a weapon. Or be a warrior.

PURCHASE:

 

MY THOUGHTS:

4.5 birds

Writing:

The first sentence was perfect. It was all I needed to know this is my kind of book.

"I've been locked up for 264 days"

The writing is delightful. It has parts with some sort of poetic style and metaphors. Awesome.

The chapters were short. Always useful for the "one more chapter" excuse.

I liked how the author mingles what Juliette says with her thoughts and true feelings.

"You can't touch me". I whisper. I'm lying, is what I don't tell him. He can touch me, is what I'll never tell him. Please touch me, is what I want to tell him. 

But things happen when people touch me. Strange things. Bad things. Dead things.

Characters:

Personalities are well defined. 

I liked that Juliette's personality is so moulded by the background with her parents. I enjoyed how much she changed through the story, first being so scared and sad, not being able to trust anyone  and then becoming so confident and kick a**.

James is funny and cute. Benji is awesome, he made me giggle a lot.

Warner intrigues me, eventhough he is mean and cruel, there must be a redeemable quality in him.

Adam... he is nice, sweet and caring. I like him but something is missing.

Plot:

I like the premise very much. It was such an entertaining and unique plot. 

Thrilling. I was intrigued by the fact that Juliette knew Adam. I liked how that turned out.

The love story is sweet and sexy.

Cover: 

You can see it. I'm in love with every detail of it.

To sum up:

Definitely an outstanding first book for a series.

I have Unravel Me (Shatter Me #2) in my shelves already so I'll be reviewing it soon.

Review: Half-Blood by Jennifer L. Armentrout

Half - Blood (Covenant #1)

by Jennifer L. Armentrout

Genre: YA Paranormal Romance
Published: October 18, 2011



BLURB:

The Hematoi descend from the unions of gods and mortals, and the children of two Hematoi pure bloods have godlike powers. Children of Hematoi and mortals--well, not so much. Half-bloods only have two options: become trained Sentinels who hunt and kill daimons or become servants in the homes of the pures. Seventeen-year-old Alexandria would rather risk her life fighting than waste it scrubbing toilets, but she may end up slumming it anyway. There are several rules that students at the Covenant must follow. Alex has problems with them all, but especially rule #1:Relationships between pures and halfs are forbidden. Unfortunately, she's crushing hard on the totally hot pure-blood Aiden. But falling for Aiden isn't her biggest problem--staying alive long enough to graduate the Covenant and become a Sentinel is. If she fails in her duty, she faces a future worse than death or slavery: being turned into a daimon, and being hunted by Aiden. And that would kind of suck.

MY THOUGHTS:

I started this book because I've read the DAIMON, the prequel, eons ago and I loved the cover. I wasn't very sure because I'm a huge fan of the Lux series and I thought this one was going to dissappoint me. And honestly I thought it was about witches lol (what??? the covenant thing confused me! and I didn't read the blurb until I read "Daimon")

Anyway, once I grab it, I didn't put it down. J.L.A has an incredible ability to pull you in the story from the first chapter. She just has a special gift to do it.
She makes each book so easy to read and fast paced.
And every chapter's end is amazing. I just couldn't stop reading.


Alex, our protagonist has been in the human world for the past 3 years. Her mother decided to escape the Covenant and she doesn't know why. But after some events that you can read about in the prequel, she comes back.

She is extremely difficult and childish. She has a really bad attitude that acomplishes nothing. 
At the same time, she is funny and you can see how much she grows by the end of the book and through the whole series.

"I was going to make it -I had to make it. I'd be super pissed in the afterlife if I died a virgin in this craphole"

Caleb is so sweet and caring. A great friend, I liked their pranks. 
Also, I like the rivalry she has with Leah. We see a little of Olivia, Deacon and Luke which are amazing supporting characters. Each with a rich world and personality.

Aiden... he is a pure... he is forbidden... oh cr*p!  He is just amazing. Loyal, sweet under the tough looks, he is protective of her. 

Kostas Martakis - My Aiden

I particularly liked the way their feelings for each other grow. It's slow and tender. I liked the way it unfolded. My heart was jumping out of my chest. As always in Armentrout's books there are tons of chemistry. I loved them together...

But I have a favorite... Seth's entrance in the story is just absolutely 
P - E - R - F - E - C - T. And I like how their relationship changes and evolves.

Jamie Campbell Bower - Something similar to my Seth ;)

Yes, I've noticed the similarities with Vampire Academy because they are half breeds, they are guards to the pures (and Moroi) and the heroines are kick ass but this story is as good as the other one. Actually, I enjoyed this one more. (don't get me wrong, I loved V.A but I like this one more)

I guess the only way to know if it's your cup of tea is to try it!


Btw, I'm SO team Seth. (I wasn't sure when I read this book yet, but through the series, even if I love Aiden, Seth is amazing!)