Night Huntress series by Jeaniene Frost

This week Monica and I are reading books from the same series.  I recommend you do the same.  It's a series that needs to be discussed with a friend like a good soap opera.  I don't watch soap operas, I've never been into them, but I do know people love to talk about them.  This book isn't really like a soap opera either.  Maybe that was a bad comparison.  It's just a good book that has moments that make you blush (trust me, and you're the lucky one if you stay at least a chapter behind.  The person ahead gets to tell you what parts you can skip, thanks Monica!),  angry, sad, happy, and pure bad guy slaying fun!  You can talk about how much you like Cat, Bones, Spade....hmmm,  pretty interesting names.  It's just one of those books that is so much more fun to read with a friend.  We talked on the phone the other day for over an hour.  I haven't laughed so hard in a loooooong time (and I just came back from "the happiest place on earth").  So sit back, relax, read, and talk your friends ear off.

Monica:  This is such a fun series.  It is full of action, romance, humor, family drama, and it even gives me the heebie jeebies.  I highly recommend it.  I am all caught up on the books and suffering major Cat/Bones withdrawals.  They are great characters and such creative story lines.  And Lindsey is not exaggerating, we talked about this series for an hour the other day.  It is quite a ride.  We're hooked!

It's Wednesday, I'm in Love...

It's Wednesday!  So that means we're already in the middle of the week, Hump Day, if you will.  Everyone needs a little pick-me-up around this time, right?  We decided that to help us get through the week we would share our favorite fictional love stories.  It can be a favorite of all time or from the book you're currently reading.  As long as it involves love, come on over and share!

This Wednesday, let’s discuss 

The couple that didn’t get together, but should have.  

You know, the guy that just never caught a break or the girl that can’t see what was right in front of her face.  Maybe he was from another world, and she couldn’t go with him.  Or one of them doesn’t survive the battle.  Whatever the reason, what couple would you liked to have gotten together?  

Monica’s Choice

In most cases, my favorite couplings are always the ones that survive in the end.  When we came up with this topic, a ton of movies rushed through my head, but I was at a loss for books.  Like, how the heck could Samantha pick Kelley over Jasper in Here on Earth?!  Chris Klein over Josh Hartnett? Sure...  Don’t even get me started on Red Riding Hood starring Amanda Seyfried.  But we’re talking about books, I digress.  So I’ll pick a recent read, Paranormalcy by Kiersten White.  Warning: if you have not yet read this (go do so immediately) do not go any further.  Okay, so it’s a series and the second one just came out, so we don’t know for sure who Evie will end up with.  But I would have liked to see a little bit of action between Evie and Reth, other than the “ex factor.”  Make it a real love triangle, not just some mega-possessive faerie trying to hold her against her will forever.  Tension!  I need some tension!  And some of the consensual persuasion, not the kind that she doesn’t have a choice in her attraction.  Anyway, I’m hoping that there will be a little more drama between Evie and Reth in the second book, preferably with a bit of lip-locking action. 

Lindsey’s Choice
Like Monica, this question is very difficult for me.  While you read through my answer, it may take just a minute to read, but trust me, it did not take a minute to ponder this question.  Off the top of my head Aislinn and Keenan, from Wicked Lovely, are the first to jump in my thoughts.  Aislinn can see invisible faeries although she is a human.  If you love faerie books as much as I do, you know how cruel faeries are to humans.  They love to tease, taunt, and torture us (considering you're a human).  So for Aislinn, seeing faeries while they are wandering in the city, invisible, is a very dangerous thing.  If they recognize that she can see them, they are more than likely going to kill her.  She has a crush on a long time friend, Seth.  I wanted nothing more for them to be together.  She's had a crush on him for a long time and they flirt like crazy.  I loved it!  But Keenan, the Summer King, needs a wife.  The Summer Court depends on it.  They are withering away.  Keenan thinks Aislinn is "the one."  So who does she end up with?  Well, I guess it's obvious, considering the question and my answer.  Keenan still loves his previous wife, Aislinn loves Seth, but gosh darn it!  I want them together!
Julianne’s Choice

I love this question because there is actually a book I read a while back and I still am extremely disappointed in the girl's choice. The book is Nightshade by Andrea Cremer. Calla is the beautiful alpha female in her wolf pack. Ren is the handsome alpha male of her rival pack. Now these two have an arranged marriage to start a new pack and release tension between the rival packs. Then Shay comes along. He and Calla are supposedly "soulmates." So Calla and Shay begin to secretly see each other behind Ren's back, which honestly ticks me off. If you haven't already noticed I think that Calla should be with Ren. But no, she has to be with her "soulmate." My favorite scenes in the book are when Calla and Ren are together. My thoughts behind her reasoning for not wanting to be with him is that she is arranged to marry him and she has no choice. Then Shay comes along and ruins that, I mean then he comes along and shows that she can have a choice. The second novel just came out recently so there is hope yet for them to be together. I'll be crossing my fingers! TEAM REN FOREVER!

Who is involved in your least favorite couple in love?

It's Monday! What are you reading?

It's Monday!  Don't you wish they were just as wonderful as the picture suggests?  Well, let's make them that way and talk about one of our favorite things.  BOOKS!  So it's time to share our reading plans for the week.  Whether you get to them all this week or change your plans by Wednesday, give us your titles...

Monica’s Reads

Lindsey’s Reads

Julianne’s Reads
 

What are you reading this week?

Top Ten Tuesday...

We’re joining in on the fun over at The Broke and the Bookish for their Top Ten Tuesday (Wednesday).  Today’s list is:

Top Ten Books You Loved But Never Wrote A Review For

Monica’s List

This is an easy one because I have not been writing reviews recently, nor have I been writing reviews for long.  My kids started school again and we’ve been a bit busy.  But reviews will be making their return this week!  I’m sure you’ve been waiting anxiously for that exact announcement.  

1.  Jewels of the Sun by Nora Roberts - I have fallen in love with the Gallaghers of Ardmore.  Nora has painted a vivid picture of Ireland.  Her characters are lovable and well-written.  

2. Morrigan’s Cross by Nora Roberts - Roberts has such a way with mythology.  It is so believable that I wouldn’t be surprised if Cian showed up at my doorstep or Morrigan sent me on a mission to save the world.  Beautiful mythology and again, beautiful Ireland.

3. The first 4 books in the Fever series by Karen Marie Moning - I read these one right after another, without a breath in between.  My review for Shadowfever pretty much sums up my love for this series.  Such an incredible world and characters.  

4. The Wallflower series by Lisa Kleypas - Great romances, great characters, and great writing.  The banter and issues are so entertaining, I never once got bored.

5. Juliet by Ann Fortier - I love the spin the author gives to Romeo and Juliet.  Going from past to present, a beautiful story is created, with numerous twists and turns along the way.

6. My Name is Memory by Anne Brashares - Normally, I am not a fan of soulmate stories, but this one was different.  The characters are well-drawn and nothing lies flat here.

7. The Body Finder by Kimberly Derting - Has this book made every list so far?  If so, it’s only because it is so good.  Go get it now!  

8. Delirium by Lauren Oliver - This a great dystopian about love.  It has just the right amount of romance, suspense and rebellion.  

9. My Soul to Take by Rachel Vincent - This is such an original story.  I can’t believe I haven’t gotten to the next in the series.  

10. The Peach Keeper by Sarah Addison Allen - I love this author.  Her use of magic realism is so incredibly believable.  I want to live in these tiny Southern towns and know these larger than life characters.  This is her most recent books and one of my favorites.

Lindsey’s List

Julianne’s List
1. Little Women by Louisa May Alcott - Along with Harry Potter, this book helped to create the bookworm that I am today. After months and months of my mom and sisters trying to convince me to read it, I finally gave in. And you know what? I absolutely loved it.
2. Goose Girl by Shannon Hale - Hale is hands down one of my favorite authors. This novel in particular is my favorite of hers. Whenever there is a rainy day or I'm in the mood for a good read, this is the book I pick up.
3. Graceling by Kristin Cashore - Honestly what I love most about this book is that the people that have totally beast powers, or Gracelings, have two different eyes colors. How cool is that? It also happens to be a really good book. So you should... you know.... READ IT!  
4. 13 Reasons Why by Jay Asher - I know what you're thinking, "You like a book about a girl who committed suicide?" If you're a person who said this then you obviously haven't read this book. This is an absolutely amazing book and I suggest that everyone read it.
4. Song of the Sparrow by Lisa Ann Sandell - This is the first free verse book I had ever read. At first I was skeptical but after a few pages in I was hooked. This is a wonderful retelling and a nice twist of the tale of the Lady of Shalott.
5. The Secret Journal of Brett Colton by Kay Lynn Mangum - Great heartwarming story about a girl who comes to love her brother through his journals that he wrote for her while he was dying. 
6. The Inheritance Series by Christopher Paolini - I first read this book in 6th grade and have patiently waited through the long years for his sequels. I can't wait for the last book to come out in November. I mean it's not like I've been waiting for it for 3 years or anything. 
7. The Giver by Lois Lowry - This is a magnificent utopian story. I love the way that Lois Lowry wrote this novel.
8. An Old-Fashioned Girl by Louisa May Alcott - Of all of her novels, this is my utter favorite. It is just a nice classic tale that I love to read.
9. What Happened to Good-bye by Sarah Dessen - This is Sarah Dessen's newest novel and I flat out love it. 
10. Northanger Abbey by Jane Austen - Everyone always talks about how wonderful Pride and Prejudice is, and I have to admit it is pretty good, but this novel is my favorite by Jane Austen. I would love to have a Mr. Tilney in my life.

What are some of your favorite books that you never reviewed?

It's Monday! What are you reading?

It's Monday!  Don't you wish they were just as wonderful as the picture suggests?  Well, let's make them that way and talk about one of our favorite things.  BOOKS!  So it's time to share our reading plans for the week.  Whether you get to them all this week or change your plans by Wednesday, give us your titles...

Monica’s Reads

Lindsey’s Reads

Julianne’s Reads

Bummer.  Some of us are still in high school.  Sorry, JA!  

What are you reading this week?

Top Ten Tuesday, er, Thursday...

We’re joining in on the fun over at The Broke and the Bookish for their Top Ten Tuesday (Yeah, we know it's Thursday, we've been a bit behind this month).  Today’s list is a freebie, one of our choosing:

Top Ten Villains:

Monica's List
1.  Valentine from The Mortal Instruments by Cassandra Clare - Anyone that would do the things he did and made other people believe, is so evil in my opinion.  But wicked smart.

2. Phillip Tempest from A Love Fatal Love Chase by Louisa May Alcott - No one was going to have Rosamund if he couldn't and it is a sick obsession he develops.  Super old-school villain.  Well done, Ms. Alcott.

3. Selia from Goose Girl by Shannon Hale - Talk about complete and utter betrayal.  She's bad to the bone!

4. Helen from Wait Till Helen Comes by Mary Downing Hahn - Murderous child ghost.  Need I say more?

5. Elfin Knight from Impossible by Nancy Werlin - He starts his evil off right at the beginning.  His act is despicable and unforgivable.

6. Mrs. Danvers from Rebecca by Daphne duMaurier - So she isn't really a villain, but she is super creepy, super obsessive and super mean.  She made my skin crawl, the 1940 film version captured that perfectly

7. Sergej from the Strange Angels series by Lili St. Crow - He is ruthless, beautiful, ancient, and strong.  What could be better?

8.  The Government from Unwind by Neal Schusterman - Unwinding?  Kids?  Ugh!  This book was a struggle for me to get into, but not because it was slow (which it wasn't).  The thought of unwinding a child is so completely disturbing and detestable that I couldn't swallow the concept.  Such an amazing book though.

9. The Capitol from the Hunger Games series by Suzanne Collins - Go read this book now, if you don't know why I chose this villain.  

10. The Killer in The Body Finder by Kimberly Derting - Creepy!  Nasty!  Reading the POV of the killer will make your skin crawl and totally get why they are a super villain.

Lindsey’s List

1. 

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

7.

8.

9.

10.

Julianne’s List

1. Voldemort - Need I say more???
2. Valentine from The Mortal Instuments - He turned one of his children into a little demon child. Creep.
3. Lord Ido from Eon - This guy not only has super awesome dragon powers, but he is super scary. Not only does he go on a little killing spree, but at one point he can control Eona with his freaking mind.
4. President Snow from Hunger Games - He smells like blood. Can it get any sketchier?
5. The Government in Delirium - They say love is a disease and can be cured. So they take it away. Who in their right mind would agree with them?
6. Coin from Mockingjay - Technically she's part of the rebellion, but I think she is just a crazy, psycho woman who gets what she deserves in the end.
7. Sauron from Lord of the Rings - He wants to take over MIddle-Earth and enslave everyone. What's new?
8. The White Witch from The Chronicles of Narnia - She kills Aslan, granted he comes back. Who wouldn't hate her?

Who are your top ten villains?

It's Monday! What are you reading?

It's Monday!  Don't you wish they were just as wonderful as the picture suggests?  Well, let's make them that way and talk about one of our favorite things.  BOOKS!  So it's time to share our reading plans for the week.  Whether you get to them all this week or change your plans by Wednesday, give us your titles...

Monica’s Reads

Lindsey’s Reads

Julianne’s Reads

What are you reading this week?

Top Ten Tuesday...

We’re joining in on the fun over at The Broke and the Bookish for their Top Ten Tuesday.  Today’s list is:

Top Ten Underrated Books (books you can't believe aren't more popular, books that are more obscure, etc.)

Monica’s List

Since I tend to read more YA, it looks like my list will be pretty heavy with it today.  And some of my choices might not be so much underrated as they just aren't as popular as I think they should be.  In no particular order:

1. The Body Finder by Kimberly Derting  This is one of my favorite YA Paranormal reads.  The idea is original and the characters are strong.  5 Stars

2. The Strange Angels series by Lili St. Crow  This series is darker than most YA, but the grit and maturity amps it up.  I can’t wait to see what happens to Dru next.  The 5th book in the series comes out in November 2011. 4.5 Stars

3. Nightshade by Andrea Cremer  What if werewolves were forced to work for someone and that someone was evil?  The good ones would fight back.  I love Calla and the little triangle she finds herself in.  Team Ren! 5 Stars

4. The Prophecy of the Sisters series by Michelle Zink  This one is full of legend, mystery, betrayal, and love.  What’s not to enjoy?  4 Stars

5. The Secret Circle series by LJ Smith  We hear so much about the Vampire Diaries, but this series is just as action-packed and entertaining.  Cassie is a great heroine and I quickly related to her.  Excellent read.  4.5 Stars

6. Persuasion by Jane Austen  Okay, so Austen is not what you would call underrated, but Persuasion is my fave novel of hers and I don't think it gets as much attention.  It's slower moving than P & P, but the love story is tortured and amazing.  5 Stars

7. A Certain Slant of Light by Laura Whitcomb  This is a hauntingly beautiful story.  I bought it because I loved the cover and ended up loving the book.  5 Stars

Lindsey’s List

1. The Goose Girl by Shannon Hale
2. The Godfather series by Mario Puzo

3.  Unwind by Neal Schusterman

4. The Mortal Instruments series by Cassandra Clare

5. The Infernal Devices series by Cassandra Clare 

6. The Darkest Powers trilogy by Kelley Armstrong

7. Iron Fey series by Julie Kagawa

8. Wicked Lovely by Melissa Marr

9. The Host by Stephenie Meyer

10. Ethereal by Addison Moore 
11. Grey Eyes by Brandon Alston and Quinteria Ramey

Julianne’s List

1. A Countess Below Stairs by Eva Ibottson

2. Fire by Kristin Cashore

3. 13 Little Blue Envelopes by Maureen Johnson

4. Gemma Doyle Series (A Great and Terrible Beauty) by Libba Bray

5. The Mortal Instruments/ The Infernal Devices both by Cassandra Clare

6. Darkest Powers series by Kelley Armstrong

7. East by Edith Pattou

8. Books of Pellinor by Alison Croggon

9. The Maze Runner by James Dashner

10. Keturah and Lord Death by Martine Leavitt

What novels do you think are underrated?

It's Monday! What are you reading?

It's Monday!  Don't you wish they were just as wonderful as the picture suggests?  Well, let's make them that way and talk about one of our favorite things.  BOOKS!  So it's time to share our reading plans for the week.  Whether you get to them all this week or change your plans by Wednesday, give us your titles...

Monica’s Reads

Lindsey’s Reads

Julianne’s Reads

What are you reading this week?

It's Wednesday, I'm in Love...

It's Wednesday!  So that means we're already in the middle of the week, Hump Day, if you will.  Everyone needs a little pick-me-up around this time, right?  We decided that to help us get through the week we would share our favorite fictional love stories.  It can be a favorite of all time or from the book you're currently reading.  As long as it involves love, come on over and share!

This Wednesday, let’s discuss our least favorite couple in love.  You know, that couple you just can’t stand to see together or even the one you know is totally wrong for each other even if you like each character.  Share it here!  

Monica’s Choice

Heathcliff and Catherine!  I love the Bronte sisters, but Miss Emily sure created a couple I wanted to strangle in Wuthering Heights.  Needless to say, I strongly dislike them.  They were selfish, immature and incredibly self-centered.  I guess they were perfect for each other.  Is it too harsh to say that they deserved the end they got?  Yeah?  Well, I kind of feel (disregard the prior use of kind of) that way.  They were after all, fictional characters, so nobody’s feelings will really get hurt from that sentiment.

Lindsey’s Choice

Traveling... without me...

Julianne’s Choice

Traveling... without me...

Who is involved in your least favorite couple in love?

Trailer Tuesday...

I'm starting Elixir today and thought it would be fun to include its trailer on the ol' blog.  And seriously, when did Lizzie McGuire become an author?  Who'da thunk it.

Enjoy!

What Happened to Goodbye Review

What Happened to Goodbye by Sarah Dessen

★★★★☆

Synopsis:

After a scandal involving her mother and a famous college basketball coach rocked her family and her old hometown, McClean decided to live with her dad. His job as a restaurant consultant requires they pick up often, and at each new place she carefully selects who she’ll be—Eliza, Beth, or someone else with a new name and different interests. It’s easier this way for McClean, who is reluctant to form any true attachments. Then at their latest stop, McClean does something she’s not done in a long while—reveal her real name. But who is this McClean and is she ready to forgive her mother, fall for the boy next door, and finally stick around? (from Amazon.com)

Review:

This is my fourth Sarah Dessen and I have to say that she did not disappoint.  I have loved every story she has written and What Happened to Goodbye was not the exception.  I enjoyed McClean’s story and was able to relate easily to her.  She was just an average teenager, but able to weave an interesting story.  The characters she introduces along her story are well-done and easily loved.  I also enjoy the world Dessen has created and flows through each book.  It's fun to see old characters visit and know the backstories to many locations.  

By now, everyone that reads my reviews knows that I love a good romance.  I actually pick out my books based on that fact.  Although Goodbye promised a love story, it was quite a bit lacking in that department.  That’s the one complaint I have about the book.  I realized though that this story was more about a girl discovering who she really is on her own.  Not who she is within her family or alone with her mom/dad or who she is with her friends or even who all these people see her as.  But who she is to herself, without all the attachments.  A love story is always nice, however, I think it was important for McClean to discover herself, and accept it on her own terms.  She didn’t need a boyfriend to do that, so I get it (although I still think more romance would have been nice).  

If you’re a fan of Dessen, then you’ll enjoy this one.  It wasn’t my favorite Dessen, but it doesn’t fall far behind.  

--monica