Brandi Breathes Books

Review: Storm and Fury (The Harbinger #1) by Jennifer L. Armentrout

2019-02-15T12:13:00.000-05:00

Storm and Fury (The Harbinger #1) by Jennifer L. Armentrout

From the #1 New York Times, USA TODAY and internationally bestselling author of the fantastical Dark Elements and the Lux series comes a new novel set in a world of gargoyle protectors, rising demons and one girl with an explosive secret.
Eighteen-year-old Trinity Marrow may be going blind, but she can see and communicate with ghosts and spirits. Her unique gift is part of a secret so dangerous that she’s been in hiding for years in an isolated compound fiercely guarded by Wardens—gargoyle shape-shifters who protect humankind from demons. If the demons discover the truth about Trinity, they’ll devour her, flesh and bone, to enhance their own powers.
When Wardens from another clan arrive with disturbing reports that something out there is killing both demons and Wardens, Trinity’s safe world implodes. Not the least because one of the outsiders is the most annoying and fascinating person she’s ever met. Zayne has secrets of his own that will upend her world yet again—but working together becomes imperative once demons breach the compound and Trinity’s secret comes to light. To save her family and maybe the world, she’ll have to put her trust in Zayne. But all bets are off as a supernatural war is unleashed…

I wanted to read this because she is one of me favorite authors and was glad to be approved on netgalley. This doesn't effect my review because I would have loved it just as hard regardless and will probably still buy on release day.
I liked Trinity from the beginning, she's fierce, witty and it's good to be in her head. She has the sarcasm that we're used to in JLA's main characters but it feels fresh. She is also so resilient. She faces challenges from her eye sight but she just trains harder to be able to fight and protect herself.
The cast of characters is well done and a great complement to a main character I enjoyed. It was great to see Zayne again, and it took me longer than it should have to remember the backstory (thought you could read this without having read his story, they eventually give the details.) I also liked her protector Misha and the bond they had.
The world is supernatural but she gives us a good re-introduction. Its interesting to see things from Trinity's POV because she is half like Layla, but half warden instead of half demon which has whole other implications but also means that she is on the outside of the community looking in.
She also eased us into Trinity's disability. I knew some about retinitis pigmentosa, her type of blindness before reading but JLA let us understand as much as the sighted community could be able to understand what she's dealing with. She has wacky depth perception, a difference in her field of vision but she is not fully blind as most people imagine. At the end we also realize that this is a disease that Jennifer herself has and that shocked me, I don't know how I didn't know that.
The end was a shocker to me, Jennifer always manages to surprise me and I will def continue in this series.

Review: Be the Girl by K.A. Tucker

2019-01-22T10:45:00.001-05:00

Be the Girl

Almost sixteen-year-old Aria Jones is starting over. New postal code, new last name, new rules. But she doesn’t mind, because it means she can leave her painful regrets behind. In the bustling town of Eastmonte, she can become someone else. Someone better.
With the Hartford family living next door, it seems she will succeed. Sure, Cassie Hartford may be the epitome of social awkwardness thanks to her autism, but she also offers an innocent and sincere friendship that Aria learns to appreciate. And Cassie’s older brother, Emmett—a popular Junior A hockey player with a bright future—well … Aria wishes that friendship could lead to something more. If he didn’t already have a girlfriend, maybe it would.

Hi! I know its been a while. I had a baby and he's adorable, and taking up most of my time. But I read this and think that its worth coming on and writing up a quick review. I loved the diversity of the characters, especially Cassie. I haven't read much with a featured character with autism and I think that it was fresh, honest, and she made me smile.
I also appreciated the family focus in this one. While Aria's mom hasn't always been the most involved, in this book she is realizing how to be and what she needed to change. I also love the dynamic of Cassie's family and especially big brother bear Emmett.
The romance is spot on too, and I was crushing with Aria over Emmett.
I think that it takes a hard look at bullying and shows that small things can spiral and that everyone can be guilty of hurting others and may not realize our impact on top of what that person may be dealing with.
I sped through this one and def recommend.

And just because I'm a proud momma:

This is Benjamin Lucas:

Born Oct 16th 7 lbs 7 oz, 20 inches

here's all three

Review: If There's No Tomorrow by Jennifer L. Armentrout

2017-09-09T19:15:00.003-04:00

If There's No Tomorrow by Jennifer L. Armentrout

Lena Wise is always looking forward to tomorrow, especially at the start of her senior year. She's ready to pack in as much friend time as possible, to finish college applications and to maybe let her childhood best friend Sebastian know how she really feels about him. For Lena, the upcoming year is going to be epic—one of opportunities and chances.
Until one choice, one moment, destroys everything.
Now Lena isn't looking forward to tomorrow. Not when friend time may never be the same. Not when college applications feel all but impossible. Not when Sebastian might never forgive her for what happened.
For what she let happen.
With the guilt growing each day, Lena knows that her only hope is to move on. But how can she move on when her and her friends' entire existences have been redefined? How can she move on when tomorrow isn't even guaranteed?

Emotional hard hitter. Enjoyed the characters and romance just like I do other JLA books. Def worth the time, though I will say that it was a lot of characters to hit me with at once.

I connected with Lena on a personal note because of the way that she avoids confrontation and of course her love of reading. I totally feel her that sometimes a book can easily trump a party.

I loved the romance between her and Sebastian. The friendship built into love over so much time. Its hard to see that they are both in denial, but it draws things out and it gets them closer.

This is a close look at guilt, grieving, realizing that every choice has a consequence, falling prey to the mindset that mistakes never catch up to you, and that sometimes even when you think that

"it'll never happen to me" that bad things always happen to other people, that one bad choice, one time of not speaking up or listening to your gut instincts can effect much more than yourself.

Bottom Line:

My question to you, my lovely readers:
Do you think its mostly young adults with the mindset of "it will never happen to me"?

Series Review: The Sookie Stackhouse Novels aka The Southern Vampire Mysteries by Charlaine Harris

2017-08-23T10:51:00.000-04:00

Dead Until Dark
Living Dead in Dallas (book 2)
Club Dead (book 3)
Dead to the World (book 4)
Dead as a Doornail (book 5)
Definitely Dead (book 6)
All Together Dead (book 7)
From Dead To Worse (book 8)
Dead and Gone (book 9)
Dead in the Family (book 10)
Dead Reckoning (book 11)
Deadlocked (book 12)
Dead Ever After (book 13)

After Dead: What Came Next in the World of Sookie Stackhouse

Two days in a row baby! So I watched True Blood and then knew that I wanted to give the books a try again. I did try a few years back when I was just in my teen fiction mood, and basically only wanted Twilight again.

I enjoyed the series and binge read them. I loved Sookie's strength, dedication, loyalty, and down to earth. The poor girl goes through a lot. I can't imagine being a telepath and then having to go through life like everything is normal. People guess at what is going on with her, but no one wants to really admit that it's possible. But with vampires "coming out of the coffin" it does open up minds a bit to the supernatural. Sookie meets vampire Bill, and throughout the series I had a love hate relationship with him, and to some extent she did too.

Since I did binge read, at times it felt like there were too many guys too close together, but she really did hint at who she will end up with, even though I did not agree. Harris defends herself against a lot of unhappy fans, saying that they are mystery not romance. And while I could sort of accept the way that things fell apart in the last few books, and that Sookie made a choice for herself, in some aspects I wish that I would have stopped reading at book 11, but that is just not in my nature, so I ploughed through, and at times wanted to throw the book or hit some certain characters upside the head. I guess that Sookie made the right choice for her given that (spoiler, highlight to read) she didn't want to be turned, and she loved the sunlight too much, but that is not the choice I would have made for myself. (spoiler, highlight to read) I adored Eric and the whole bad boy but his soft spot is Sookie. He really did care for her, and wanted to protect her though of course his methods often could be considered manipulative. It's not that I didn't like Sam, I do, but to me, it seemed that it should have stayed best friends, unless there was more lead up. Yes, she gave us plenty of hints, but it just developed in last book and didn't really give me a chance to really cheer for their relationship. I do kind of side with some that say that it felt like she gave up on the series and just kind of threw everything together in the last books.

Overall, 4, 7, and 9 were my favorites and if you've read that shows if you can't tell which team I am on. Oh, and After Dead was a huge disappointment.

Bottom Line: Addictive, binge read it.

My question to you, my lovely readers:
Have you read this? Have there been times where the main character didn't end up with who you wanted them to? If you've read, then which "team" are you on?

Review: Boys South of the Mason Dixon by Abbi Glines

2017-08-22T10:35:00.000-04:00

Boys South of the Mason Dixon (South of the Mason Dixon #1)

The only thing hotter than the weather South of the Mason Dixon line are the boys. Worn, faded blue jeans, slow Southern drawls, and those naughty moments in the back of pickup trucks a girl never forgets.
Welcome to the world of the Sutton boys.
Five brothers who fight, party, drink a little too much, but more importantly, they love their momma. Nothing can tear them apart… until the girl next door wins more than one of their hearts.

Publishes in US:May 15th 2017 by Abbi Glines Publishing
Genre: na
Source: borrowed
Series? South of the Mason Dixon #1

Whoa. Yes. Its me. I've still be mostly reading fanfic. But my friend loaned me this one and I enjoyed. It was an easy read for me and I flew through it. Although I am sometimes a fan of the love triangle, this one def has a new spin with them being brothers. And then there is the whole mystery of Asher and why he broke Dixie's heart as well as his own. The reason actually occurred to me, but I wasn't sure of it.

It was set up in dual perspective as well as having flashbacks, but it worked for me, and I wasn't confused. It really tied the story together. I liked the family setting, not only the sutton boys and their personal dynamic as well as their relationships with their mom. I also loved the connection between Dixie and her dad.

I will def be on the lookout for more in the series to get the stories behind the other brothers.

My question to you, my lovely readers:
Ever been attracted to a set of siblings?

Talk to me: True Blood

2017-07-29T21:00:00.000-04:00

I just did a True Blood marathon and liked it. The first 4-5 seasons the best. I almost could have done without the finale, I totally wanted something else to happen. I was Team Eric, and there were so many ways that I could have done it better in my mind.
I have tried to read the books before, but something just didn't work for me, but after the show, I am in withdrawal and I am trying to read the first again.
Did you watch? Did you read the books? Which guy do you like? (and yes, I know that the books did differently than the show) Did you like how either ended?

And just to make me happy:

Where's Brandi?

2017-02-21T16:38:00.000-05:00

Hey peeps! I just wanted to let you know where I have been. I have been burnt out on YA lately, and can't find NA or adult novels that are working for me right now. So, I have been reading a lot of Twilight fanfic, and its been making me happy.
As of right now, I have no intention of quitting blogging indefinitely, its been a nice break and will stay on hiatus until the reading (nonfanfic) bug hits me again.

Meanwhile, my health has been doing good, and I have been spending a lot of time with the family. My older is in 3rd and younger is still in prek, but will start kindergarten in July. It's unreal how fast kids grow and time passes.

If you want to see which fanfics I am reading, feel free to check out my goodreads, most of them are on there, but not all. I don't do reviews of them, but would be glad to let you know a rating for any that may catch your eye if that is your cup of tea.

Review: Sad Perfect by Stephanie Elliot

2017-02-01T04:00:00.000-05:00

Sad Perfect by Stephanie Elliot

The story of a teen girl's struggle with Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder and how love helps her on the road to recovery.Sixteen-year-old Pea looks normal, but she has a secret: she has Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID). It is like having a monster inside of her, one that not only dictates what she can eat, but also causes anxiety, depression, and thoughts that she doesn’t want to have. When she falls crazy-mad in love with Ben, she hides her disorder from him, pretending that she’s fine. At first, everything really does feel like it’s getting better with him around, so she stops taking her anxiety and depression medication. And that's when the monster really takes over her life. Just as everything seems lost and hopeless, Pea finds in her family, and in Ben, the support and strength she needs to learn that her eating disorder doesn’t have to control her.

Publishes in US: February 28th 2017 by Farrar, Straus and Giroux
Genre: ya contemp
Source: earc via netgalley from macmillan
Disclaimer: I received this book as an ARC (advanced review copy). I am not paid for this review, and my opinions in this review are mine, and are not affected by the book being free.
Series? no

Buy it: Amazon

Author stalk away: ~site ~twitter ~facebook

I wanted to read Sad Perfect because I am drawn to books about eating issues as well as depression, and I liked the sound of the main character and the romance.

I'd never heard of her issue with foods, and it was interesting to get a new perspective on a type of eating disorder. But it wasn't so much her choice, more an issue of taste, texture, and not craving foods, and certain ones, or even watching people eat certain things making her gag or feel nauseous.

Family is present in this one, and you can tell that her mom wants the best for her, but there are still some issues. Her and her brother don't connect the best.

I liked how her best friend was so understanding and still there for her through her issues.

I felt for her feeling nervous about a new relationship, enjoying the feelings, enjoying being kissed and taken out, but also still hiding her issues with food. She had a previous relationship that fell apart in part because of food issues, which makes it even harder for her.

My biggest issue with the book was the perspective. It was 2nd person (I think--its where it says for example you are floating down the river and you are hot.) Sometimes I can't handle this, but I was able to get over it because it still had voice of the main character and I was intrigued by premise.

Bottom Line:

My question to you, my lovely readers:
Are there any foods you just can't eat?

Brandi's Best of 2016

2016-12-30T03:00:00.000-05:00

Contemporary:

The Season of You & Me

my review

Constantine, Robin *

The Possibility of Somewhere

my review

Day, Julia *

Fantasy:

Titans

my review

Scott, Victoria

Adult:

Moon Called (Mercy Thompson, #1)

review

Briggs, Patricia

my review

With Ties That Bind: A Broken Bonds Novel, Book One

Wolfe, Trisha *

Re-read

Twilight (Twilight, #1)

Meyer, Stephenie

Fanfic (I went through quite a period this year where this is all I wanted to read)

A Light in the Darkness

Bryan, Lissa *

The Cannabean Betrothal

for the jacob lover in me

A Week in the life of Jacob Black

stacey218

Bella's Guitar

AmandaForks

Hands on Me (jake and nessie)

IndependenceIndividuality

Review: The Odds of Lightning by Jocelyn Davies

2016-12-19T00:30:00.000-05:00

The Odds of Lightning by Jocelyn Davies

A bolt of lightning inspires an incredible journey in this charming, magical realism adventure that takes four teens on an all-night journey through the streets of New York City.
Extraordinary things happen when we least expect them.
Tiny, Lu, Will and Nathaniel used to be best friends. Then life-defining events the summer before high school tore them apart. Now, three years later, they hardly talk anymore. Nathaniel has become obsessed with winning the prestigious science scholarship that his genius older brother once won. Will has risen from anonymity to popular soccer star. Lu grew into a brash, impetuous actress. And shy, poetic Tiny has slowly been fading away.
But fate weaves their lives together again the night before the SATs, during a wild thunderstorm that threatens to shut down New York City. And lightning strikes.
Before they know what's hit them, the four teens embark on an epic all-night adventure to follow their dreams, fall in and out of love, reconcile the past, and overcome the fears that have been driving them since that one lost summer. And by the time the sun rises, odds are they’ll discover that there’s a fine line between science and magic, and that the mysteries of love and friendship can’t be explained.

GR
Publishes in US: September 20th 2016 by Simon Pulse
Source: arc from Simon Teen
Disclaimer: I received this book as an ARC (advanced review copy). I am not paid for this review, and my opinions in this review are mine, and are not affected by the book being free.
Series? No

Buy it: Amazon Barnes & Noble Indiebound

Author stalk away: ~site ~twitter

My reviews of other Davies' books

I chose to read this one because it was sent to me by Simon, and Tiny sounded like a character that I could connect with.

Four POV can be tricky, and add to it a "then and now" style can either be great or it can be rough. However, the beginning was enough to spark my attention, and I wanted to explore the friends who used to be close and then were drawn together again under extraordinary circumstances. However after the 2nd time switch and third jump in POV, I just couldn't keep up.

Bottom Line:

My question to you, my lovely readers:
If it were the end of the world, would you stay home? (a question/quote from the book)

Review: A List of Cages by Robin Roe

2016-12-11T22:21:00.001-05:00

A List of Cages by Robin Roe

When Adam Blake lands the best elective ever in his senior year, serving as an aide to the school psychologist, he thinks he's got it made. Sure, it means a lot of sitting around, which isn't easy for a guy with ADHD, but he can't complain, since he gets to spend the period texting all his friends. Then the doctor asks him to track down the troubled freshman who keeps dodging her, and Adam discovers that the boy is Julian--the foster brother he hasn't seen in five years.
Adam is ecstatic to be reunited. At first, Julian seems like the boy he once knew. He's still kind hearted. He still writes stories and loves picture books meant for little kids. But as they spend more time together, Adam realizes that Julian is keeping secrets, like where he hides during the middle of the day, and what's really going on inside his house. Adam is determined to help him, but his involvement could cost both boys their lives.

Publishes in US: January 10th 2017 by Disney-Hyperion
Genre: ya contemp
Source: earc via Netgalley from Disney
Disclaimer: I received this book as an ARC (advanced review copy). I am not paid for this review, and my opinions in this review are mine, and are not affected by the book being free.
Series? no

Buy it: Amazon IndieBound Book Depository Barnes and Noble

Author stalk away: ~site ~twitter ~facebook

I wanted to read A List of Cages because I am drawn to books with the psychological elements since I myself suffer from several mental illnesses. I get a sense of healing from reading about others who also deal with it-- looking at issues from a new angle as well as how they cope and their own journeys of acceptance, healing, and going on with life. Not only that, but this also had the element of family that intrigued me-- the foster brother situation.

It's told in dual narrative, so we get to experience the story from both of the boys. Julian is the one that struggles, and is the one who lost his parents. He has anxiety about speaking, and often skips class, which gets him into trouble. Adam is popular and feeling on top of the world, until he gets the coveted aide position for the school psychologist. He gets a glimpse of what others has to deal with and it also puts him in a spot to reconnect with and understand Julian.

Bottom Line: Worth a read.

My question to you, my lovely readers:
What was/is fave elective in school?

Review: Fire in You by J. Lynn

2016-12-05T04:00:00.000-05:00

Fire in You (Wait for You #6) by J. Lynn, Jennifer L. Armentrout

From the # 1 New York Times and International bestselling author, Jennifer L. Armentrout writing as J.Lynn, comes a richly moving story about heartbreak and guilt, second chances and hope. Full of familiar, fan-favorite characters and no two people more deserving of a happy ending, Fire In You will burn bright beyond the last page…
Jillian Lima’s whole world was destroyed in a span of a few hours. The same night her childhood love, Brock ‘the Beast’ Mitchell, broke her heart, her life was irrevocably altered by the hand of a stranger with a gun. It takes six years to slowly glue together the shattered pieces of her life, but Jillian is finally ready to stop existing in a past full of pain and regret. She takes a job at her father’s martial arts Academy and she’s going out on her first date since a failed relationship that was more yuck than yum. Jillian is determined to start living.
She just never expected Brock to be a part of her life again. But he’s firmly back in her life before she knows it, and not only is he older, he’s impossibly more handsome, more teasing and more everything. And when he sees Jillian, he’s no longer capable of thinking of her as the little girl who was his shadow growing up or the daughter of the man who gave him a second chance at life. He sees the woman who’d always been there for him, the one person who believed in him no matter what.Brock knows she’s the one he should’ve made his, and what begins as a tentative friendship quickly turns to red-hot chemistry that sparks a flame that burns brighter than lust. Falling for Brock again risks more than her heart, because when the past sorrow-filled and guilt-ridden past resurfaces, and a web of lies threatens to rip them apart, the fallout could lay waste to everything they’ve fought to build together, and destroy the dreams of those they care most about.

Publishes in US: November 28th 2016 by Jennifer L. Armentrout
Genre: adult/new adult contemp
Source: bought
** Audience alert: this is a new adult book. It does contain sex scenes that aren't fade to black, descriptions of violence and other adult situations. If you are under 18, get your parent's advice if this is a book for you.
Series? Yes Wait for You #6
My reviews;
#1 Wait for You
#1.5 Trust in Me
#2 Be with Me
#3 Stay with Me
#4 Fall with Me
#4.5 Dream of You
5: Forever with You

Buy it: Amazon IndieBound Book Depository Barnes and Noble

Author stalk away: site Blog | Facebook | Goodreads | Twitter

I wanted to read Fire In You because I adore JL Armentrout/J Lynn. This is no exception, it has a great main character with flaws and insecurities that has a lot of growth emotionally and through hard times. Jillian has a scar on her face from a violent attack is what it seems like at first, but we don't get the whole story until later. She also has hearing loss in one ear, and its a challenge I haven't seen addressed a lot.

The romance is a second chance one, and although she faced a lot of hurt the first time around with Brock, they are thrown back into each other's lives and she can't deny neither the powerful attraction and chemistry nor the hurt she felt years ago.

I liked their conclusion and where they ended up in their relationship, with her family and career wise. I enjoyed getting an update on the other characters as well.

Bottom Line: Worth the read, good addition to the series.

My question to you, my lovely readers:
Have any visible scars?

Review: Mercy Thompson #2-8 by Patricia Briggs

2016-11-29T11:40:00.002-05:00

Blood Bound (Mercy Thompson, #2)

Briggs, Patricia

Iron Kissed (Mercy Thompson, #3)

Briggs, Patricia

Bone Crossed (Mercy Thompson, #4)

Briggs, Patricia

Silver Borne (Mercy Thompson, #5)

Briggs, Patricia

River Marked (Mercy Thompson, #6)

Briggs, Patricia

Frost Burned (Mercy Thompson, #7)

Briggs, Patricia

Night Broken (Mercy Thompson, #8)

Briggs, Patricia

Genre: adult UF
Source: library
** Audience alert: this is an adult book. It does contain sex scenes that aren't fade to black and other adult situations. If you are under 18, get your parent's advice if this is a book for you.
Series? Yes Mercy Thompson #2-8
my review of #1 Moon Called

Author stalk away: ~site ~twitter ~facebook

I am continuing to read and devour this series. I love Mercy as a main character, she has such compassion, and wants to put others first. We get to see her and Adam get closer and I adore the dynamics of their romance and relationship. The fact that she becomes his mate and his husband and all that entails with their love as well as the pack ties makes for interesting reading.

Trouble always finds her, and her unique status as a shapeshifter but not werewolf allows her to befriend certain people in the species, werewolves, vampires, fae, other humans, halves, and other shifters, as well as people that share the native american heritage.

These are fairly short for adult standards, but I enjoy that because I have been able to devour in several sittings each.

Bottom Line:

My question to you, my lovely readers:
What animal would you shift into?

Review: A Tragic Kind of Wonderful by Eric Lindstrom

2016-11-21T09:07:00.000-05:00

A Tragic Kind of Wonderful by Eric Lindstrom

In the vein of It's Kind of a Funny Story and All the Bright Places, comes a captivating, immersive exploration of life with mental illness.
For sixteen-year-old Mel Hannigan, bipolar disorder makes life unpredictable. Her latest struggle is balancing her growing feelings in a new relationship with her instinct to keep everyone at arm's length. And when a former friend confronts Mel with the truth about the way their relationship ended, deeply buried secrets threaten to come out and upend her shaky equilibrium.
As the walls of Mel's compartmentalized world crumble, she fears the worst--that her friends will abandon her if they learn the truth about what she's been hiding. Can Mel bring herself to risk everything to find out?In A Tragic Kind of Wonderful, Eric Lindstrom, author of the critically acclaimed Not If I See You First, examines the fear that keeps us from exposing our true selves, and the courage it takes to be loved for who we really are.

Publishes in US: February 7th 2017 by Poppy
Genre: ya contemp
Source: Poppy via netgalley
Disclaimer: I received this book as an ARC (advanced review copy). I am not paid for this review, and my opinions in this review are mine, and are not affected by the book being free.
Series? no

Also read and reviewed by Eric: Not if I See You First

Buy it:

Author stalk away: ~site ~twitter ~facebook

I wanted to read A Tragic Kind of Wonderful because I am drawn to books with mental illness. I myself have bipolar disorder, and though Mel is a bit early to present from what I've researched, I can definitely see parts of myself in her and when she speaks of her brother.

It is hard to keep friends when you cycle through moods like you do with bipolar, sometimes even while on meds. I also have social anxiety and though I am on drugs for both, it is still hard to show my true self to others and maintaining close relationships when prone to go hermit for times, and always feeling like I am hiding parts of myself. I saw these things in Mel as well, and it was quite a journey to go through with her as she realized more about herself, faced hard things from her past, and struggled to not let herself push others away even in light of what she learned.

There were flashbacks, some of which I enjoyed and others I felt like were a bit disruptive. I get they were important scenes and integral to the story, but especially at the beginning I just felt like I was getting to know Mel, and it was throwing even more characters at me.

I liked the relationship with her new therapist, as well as the resident of the community home she works at. It is realistic and not at all let's wave a magic wand. The friendships were complex in this one and it was quite the journey to unravel what happened. There was a good amount of secondary characters, but they all served a purpose and they were well developed.

There was romance, but it didn't take front stage, and I liked that, because there was other things that were the focus.

Mel learned a lot about herself, her relationships, began to heal from the loss of her brother, started being okay letting others in, and telling them the truth. It was a character driven story with good development of the characters and I was pleased with the journey as well as the ending.

Bottom Line: Good look into a girl with mental health problems with an enjoyable cast of characters.

My question to you, my lovely readers:
Is it hard for you to be your true self around others like Mel?

Review: Tumbling by Caela Carter

2016-11-01T19:49:00.000-04:00

Tumbling by Caela Carter

Grace lives and breathes gymnastics—but no matter how hard she pushes herself, she can never be perfect enough.
Leigh, Grace’s best friend, has it all: a gymnastics career, a normal high-school life…and a secret that could ruin everything.
Camille wants to please her mom, wants to please her boyfriend, and most of all, wants to walk away.
Wilhelmina was denied her Olympic dream four years ago, and she won’t let anything stop her again. No matter what
Monica is terrified. Nobody believes in her—and why should they?By the end of the two days of the U.S. Olympic Gymnastics Trials, some of these girls will be stars. Some will be going home with nothing. And all will have their lives changed forever.

Source: bought

Karen at For What It's Worth and Mary at The Book Swarm occasionally post twitter-style reviews. Karen calls hers Short and Tweet, and I am going to borrow that review style here.

My short and tweet review:

I wanted to read this one because I like gymnastics books and TV shows. I enjoyed it, liked that the characters had depth but my one complain was there were multiple (5) points of view, and at first it felt like it jumped around too much to get a handle on the character, but I was rewarded that I stuck with it.

My question to you, my lovely readers:
Ever done gymnastics?

Review: If I Fix You by Abigail Johnson

2016-10-10T03:00:00.000-04:00

If I Fix You by Abigail Johnson

Readers of Sarah Dessen, Cammie McGovern and Morgan Matson will adore this thought-provoking, complex and romantic contemporary novel from debut author Abigail Johnson, about finding the strength to put yourself back together when everything you know has fallen apart.
When sixteen-year-old Jill Whitaker’s mom walks out—with a sticky note as a goodbye—only Jill knows the real reason she’s gone. But how can she tell her father? Jill can hardly believe the truth herself.
Suddenly, the girl who likes to fix things—cars, relationships, romances, people—is all broken up. Used to be, her best friend, tall, blond and hot flirt Sean Addison, could make her smile in seconds. But not anymore. They don’t even talk.With nothing making sense, Jill tries to pick up the pieces of her life. But when a new guy moves in next door, intense, seriously cute, but with scars—on the inside and out—that he thinks don’t show, Jill finds herself trying to make things better for Daniel. But over one long, hot Arizona summer, she realizes she can’t fix anyone’s life until she fixes her own. And she knows just where to start . . .

Publishes in US: October 25th 2016 by Harlequin Teen
Genre: ya contemp
Source: earc from Harlequin Teen via Netgalley
Disclaimer: I received this book as an ARC (advanced review copy). I am not paid for this review, and my opinions in this review are mine, and are not affected by the book being free.
Series? no

Buy it: Amazon IndieBound Book Depository Barnes and Noble

Author stalk away: ~site ~twitter ~facebook

I wanted to read If I Fix You because I liked the sound of the main characters. I have a thing for contemp genre, especially ones dealing with hurting people and their healing. It also sounded like it had a good chance for a good romance where two people support each other.

I liked the main character Jill. She has her issues, but she is trying to move on with life. She is close to her dad, still upset with her mom for leaving, the boy who used to be her best friend and his part in it, and their resulting distance from each other. She sleeps on the roof trying to find a way to deal with her pain, and escape her dad's pacing. But she has her own interests, cars and running. She helps in her dad's mechanic shop where she is more than tired of changing oil, but she gets to work on older cars, her passion and what she's saving up for.

Her new neighbor Daniel, who when she was hanging out/sleeping on the roof, overheard a huge fight between him and his mom, and begins to see where his bruises and scars come from. They had a connection from the start, but he was still trying to keep some sort of hold on his secrets, but they keep being drawn to each other, helped by their proximity to each other.

The romance, the deal with Sean, as well as some of her mom's issues ended up surprising me, but I appreciate the deviation from the norm. It went through a lot of emotions not only with Jill, but all of the characters had things to learn about relationships, their view of certain events, and themselves to learn.

While there were some heavy things in this one, it managed to not be depressing, but left me with a deeper understanding of the characters. It left Jill at a good point where she could forgive and more towards healing. I also liked the lighter moments, showing how involved and present her dad was, and the things in life that they shared and making it through her mom leaving.

I liked this one, and would read another by Abigail Johnson.

Bottom Line: Good character growth, heavy at times but worth the read.

My question to you, my lovely readers:
Do you have a favorite or dream car?

Review: The Best Possible Answer by E. Katherine Kottaras

2016-10-03T03:00:00.000-04:00

The Best Possible Answer by E. Katherine Kottaras

A contemporary YA novel about growing up and learning that loving yourself is more important than trying to be perfect.
AP Exams – check
SAT test – check
College Application – check
Date the wrong guy and ruin everything you’ve spent your whole life working for– check
Ultra-high-achiever Viviana Rabinovich-Lowe has always had a plan—and no room to be anything less than perfect. But her quest for perfection comes toa screeching halt when her boyfriend leaks racy pictures of her to the entire school. Making matters worse, her parents are getting divorced and now her perfect family is falling apart. For the first time, Viv feels like a complete and utter failure.Then she gets a job working at the community pool, where she meets a new group of friends who know nothing about her past. That includes Evan, a gorgeous guy who makes her want to do something she never thought she’d do again: trust. For the first time in her life, Viv realizes she can finally be whoever she wants. But who is that? While she tries to figure it out, she learns something they never covered in her AP courses: that it’s okay to be less than perfect, because it’s our imperfections that make us who we are.

Publishes in US: November 1st 2016 by St. Martin's Griffin
Genre: ya contemp
Source: earc from Netgalley via St. Martin's
Disclaimer: I received this book as an ARC (advanced review copy). I am not paid for this review, and my opinions in this review are mine, and are not affected by the book being free.
Series? no

Buy it:

Author stalk away: ~site ~twitter ~facebook ~blog

I wanted to read The Best Possible Answer because I liked the sound of Vivi. I am drawn to books about anxiety, young people making mistakes and how they learn from them, and the complicated family dynamics that it hints at.

Vivi is it dealing with panic attacks at the beginning of the book and her mom has finally realize how much stress she's only trying to do so much and be so much as an honor student and although she is trying to encourage her to slow down part of the problem is that she won't admit what else is going on with Vivi. We know from the synopsis that her boyfriend had leaked some pictures of her and it really affected her in a lot of ways and her mom just wants to look at the school aspect of it and tell her to calm down instead of trying to face the emotional pain that she's facing with that.

As far as family dynamics that's pretty complicated as well. Her dad is not living with them and not on good terms with her mom even though her mom just dealt with thyroid cancer and well things are looking okay she's still got a lot of uncertainties. Vivi has a younger sister who looks up to her a lot and wants to be closer. When her mom takes away the normal academic summer camp that she usually goes to that one chance to and it also brings her new friends into the picture. Vivi's father is a story unto himself. He has a lot of secrets, and he has hurt those around him in a lot of ways. Vivi figures out some of the things that he was hiding, and it only adds to her confusion and identity issues.

I liked the friendship aspect in this one as well. Vivi and her best friend Sammie live in the same building and they have been friends for years. They've always been close, but their own family issues that left them hurting have allowed them to bond even more and know that someone else understands. I do wish that the whole aspect of both of them liking the same guy wouldn't have been there, but it did allow for a lot of character growth and for them to look at their relationship and how to work on it.

I liked the story line, how Vivi realized a lot about herself, her life, her plans for the future, and how she interacts with others. She wasn't in the best place at the beginning but she certainly learned a lot and while the main story lines were tied up, she still had a lot of room to grow, make choices, and move on with both old and new friends.

Bottom Line: Good read, had decent emotional connection, and complex family dynamics.

My question to you, my lovely readers:

Did your college plans turn out how you thought?

Where's Brandi????

2016-09-25T10:48:00.000-04:00

Hey lovely readers. I just wanted to let you know that I have been a bit burned out with YA genre. I found only two or three books in this fall season, and into the winter catalogs that I have wanted to read from Netgalley and Edelweiss.
I have been reading a bit of Mercy series by Patricia Briggs, and while I enjoy and I reviewed the first book, I just haven't had the desire to review the next three books.
As for those who know about my health struggles, I did have knee surgery at the beginning of this month and though stairs still bother me it is tons above what it was. Although my fibro isn't really happy about favoring one leg--my shoulder, neck, other knee and back is flared a bit. But I am hanging in there, and now that it will all settle down.
But mostly what I have been reading is Twilight fanfic. It is reminding me of characters and a love story that is my favorite as well as some AU with Bella and Jake.
I intend to return to blogging, and not say goodbye to it forever, because I have met wonderful people and it is something that I love. But it is a break. I have a review for one of the YA books I did request and liked coming in October, but no promises past that.
If you are curious what fanfics I am reading, I have been adding them on GR. If I added a rating, then its one of my faves.

https://www.goodreads.com/review/list/2614253-brandi-kosiner-brandi-breathes-books?shelf=read

Take care and don't forget me when I do come back!

Short and Sweet DNF: Harry Potter and the Cursed Child by J.K. Rowling, John Tiffany, Jack Thorne

2016-08-29T02:30:00.000-04:00

Harry Potter and the Cursed Child (Harry Potter #8) by J.K. Rowling, John Tiffany, Jack Thorne

Based on an original new story by J.K. Rowling, Jack Thorne and John Tiffany, a new play by Jack Thorne, Harry Potter and the Cursed Child is the eighth story in the Harry Potter series and the first official Harry Potter story to be presented on stage. The play will receive its world premiere in London’s West End on July 30, 2016.
It was always difficult being Harry Potter and it isn’t much easier now that he is an overworked employee of the Ministry of Magic, a husband and father of three school-age children.
While Harry grapples with a past that refuses to stay where it belongs, his youngest son Albus must struggle with the weight of a family legacy he never wanted. As past and present fuse ominously, both father and son learn the uncomfortable truth: sometimes, darkness comes from unexpected places.

Publishes in US: July 31st 2016 by Little Brown UK
Genre: script
Source: bought
Series?
Harry Potter #8

Buy it: Amazon IndieBound Book Depository Barnes and Noble

Author stalk away: ~site ~twitter ~facebook

I wanted to read this because I love the HP series, and wanted more. I read several of the scenes, but could not get into the play script format, and that is on me. I would love to see it though.

My question to you, my lovely readers:
Did you read this? Are you planning to? Have you ever read a script before?

Review: Moon Called by Patricia Briggs

2016-08-22T03:00:00.000-04:00

Moon Called (Mercy Thompson #1) by Patricia Briggs

Mercedes "Mercy" Thompson is a talented Volkswagen mechanic living in the Tri-Cities area of Washington. She also happens to be a walker, a magical being with the power to shift into a coyote at will. Mercy's next-door neighbor is a werewolf. Her former boss is a gremlin. And she's fixing a bus for a vampire. This is the world of Mercy Thompson, one that looks a lot like ours but is populated by those things that go bump in the night. And Mercy's connection to those things is about to get her into some serious hot water...

Publishes in US: Published January 31st 2006 by Ace
Genre: adult paranormal
Source: library
Disclaimer: I received this book as an ARC (advanced review copy). I am not paid for this review, and my opinions in this review are mine, and are not effected by the book being free.
Series? Mercy Thompson #1, Mercy Thompson World - Complete #1

Buy it: Amazon IndieBound Book Depository Barnes and Noble

Author stalk away: ~site ~twitter ~facebook

I wanted to read Moon called because of them branching out into the adult General little bit and this is one of the things that came up on the list of books to try if you like Richelle Mead and I very much enjoyed her adult fantasy books so we can give it a couple of them a try.

Mercy is the main character and I liked her a lot she's different from a lot of women that I read about she is a mechanic and she's strong and she's a shapeshifter and what she shifts into is a coyote which is also something that I haven't read about. She's strong and sassy and snarky but she also has a big heart. She comes across a new werewolf who asked her for work and she ends up being a big Ally for him and help him out.

It was a nice blend of the Paranormal there were werewolves and vampires and of course Walker's which is what they called her seat and her shape-shifting.

There were hints of the romance developing, but for a while it kept me guessing because Mercy deals with a lot of the paranormal beings, and she has a history with some as well. But I liked the eventual pick, and direction it was going.

I will continue with the series, because I liked the characters, and plot and how this one wrapped up.

Bottom Line: Fast, entertaining with good characters.

My question to you, my lovely readers:
What animal would you like to shift into if you could pick?

Review: The Possibility of Somewhere by Julia Day

2016-08-15T03:00:00.000-04:00

The Possibility of Somewhere by Julia Day

Together is somewhere they long to be.
Ash Gupta has a life full of possibility. His senior year is going exactly as he’s always wanted-- he's admired by his peers, enjoying his classes and getting the kind of grades that his wealthy, immigrant parents expect. There's only one obstacle in Ash's path: Eden Moore—the senior most likely to become class valedictorian. How could this unpopular, sharp-tongued girl from the wrong side of the tracks stand in his way?
All Eden's ever wanted was a way out. Her perfect GPA should be enough to guarantee her a free ride to college -- and an exit from her trailer-park existence for good. The last thing she needs is a bitter rivalry with Ash, who wants a prized scholarship for his own selfish reasons. Or so she thinks. . . When Eden ends up working with Ash on a class project, she discovers that the two have more in common than either of them could have imagined. They’re both in pursuit of a dream -- one that feels within reach thanks to their new connection. But what does the future hold for two passionate souls from totally different worlds?

Publishes in US: September 6th 2016 by St. Martin's Griffin
Genre: ya contemp
Source: earc from St. Martin's Griffin via netgalley
Disclaimer: I received this book as an ARC (advanced review copy). I am not paid for this review, and my opinions in this review are mine, and are not effected by the book being free.
Series? no

Buy it:

Author stalk away: ~site ~twitter ~facebook ~blog

I wanted to read this one because I liked that it dealt with smart kids who are from different walks of life. The hint of a new romance between the rivals for valedictorian also interested me.

To some extent the sound of Eden reminded me of myself. I grew up in trailer parks more often than not, had little money, wanted to go to college, was fairly good with grades but not as good as Eden, and I had and still have to this day problems with socialization. She is wary of others, keeps to herself a lot, and while our reasoning may be different, the results are the same.

Ash also was fun to read about. It's clear that he is under a lot of pressure from his parents to get good grades and they aren't happy with him being 2nd in the class. But his interactions with Eden are slightly awkward and she begins to see a side of him that he'd never shown her or that she didn't notice.

This was an easy read in some aspects, even when it dealt with some tough issues. Money is an issue a lot with Eden and her family and she gives them some of her college savings and it's hard for them all. Eden also babysits regularly for a family and the kids have really worked themselves into her heart. The girl, 10 is way more mature than she should be because the little boy, in 1st grade is a high functioning autistic. Eden in seeing his intelligence but also the autism that limits him and keeps hi in its cage has really made an impact on her and she wants to study special education specializing in autism.

Though it did begin to get really emotional and I am one who drinks angst like there is no tomorrow, so that was good for me.

I also liked that this book focused on family and friendship, showing that both can be imperfect but still present and a big part of the character's lives. Mundy is the new girl and she is bold in approaching Eden and doesn't let Eden use her usual maneuvers in order to evade the friendship. Its not perfect and Mundy does hide things that end up hurting Eden. But Eden also learns that even if things aren't perfect, and even if Mundy isn't going to be around physically for more than a semester, that their time and friendship still deserved to happen and that it was a good thing. Relationships can grow and change and often distance can be a factor, but it proved to Eden that even though her biological mother abandoned her and never looked back that it wasn't necessarily what would happen with every other relationship.

I liked how close Eden and her stepmother was, and how Marnie supported her and loved her and wanted the best for her even though they weren't blood related. Eden and her dad have it rough and there is some abusive tendencies there, but I also saw in moments that he cared for her, so even though it needed a lot of help and there should have been bigger consequences for his actions, that something might be salvageable.

The Possibility of Somewhere also touches on race and class, segregation and racism. It's not preachy but I do like that it is an inter-racial relationship and it examines the complexities and the stereotypes and parents that think they know what is best and push too hard. I did like that Marnie was accepting and just wanted Eden to have a man who adored her and treated her right. I think that Ash's parents, being Indian and also first generations to the US had a hard time at first putting those cultural differences aside and they treated Eden unfairly.

But I did like the ending, how it wrapped up certain story lines, how the couple even though young and in love, still pursued their college dreams, even while keeping things long distance and open for the future. I liked seeing the beginnings of change in their families as well. I liked that things were hopeful and open with so many possibilities while still giving me closure for the characters and the plot.

I look forward to reading more from Julia in the future, her characters left and impression on me, the romance was original and a slow burn, I loved Eden's inspiration for wanting to teach and seeing past Kurt (the boy she babysat for) difficulties and saw a loving child who needed people to love him, accept him, and help guide him through a scary universe to him.

I read this story in one sitting, and devoured all it had to offer. I haven't been much in the YA mood lately, and glad to read this gorgeously written book with characters that had a lot to learn and to offer.

Bottom Line: Emotional, focuses on character development, romance, family and friendship. Loved the smart main character and seeing her blossom.

My question to you, my lovely readers:
Do you have any experience with autism?

Review: Darkfever (Fever #1) by Karen Marie Moning

2016-08-08T03:00:00.000-04:00

Darkfever (Fever #1) by Karen Marie Moning

When her sister is murdered, leaving a single clue to her death—a cryptic message on MacKayla Lane’s cell phone–Mac journeys to Ireland in search of answers. The quest to find her sister’s killer draws her into a shadowy realm where nothing is as it seems, where good and evil wear the same treacherously seductive mask. She is soon faced with an even greater challenge: staying alive long enough to learn how to handle a power she had no idea she possessed—a gift that allows her to see beyond the world of man, into the dangerous realm of the Fae.

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/112750.Darkfever" target="_blank">

Publishes in US: October 31st 2006 by Delacorte Press
Genre: adult fantasy
Source: library
Series? Fever #1
Buy it:

Author stalk away: ~site ~twitter ~facebook ~blog

It took me a little bit to get into it but I'd heard some good things about darkfever. I wanted to also branch out some into the adult books since I think I've been a little burned out with YA lately and this was one that I've seen around on a lot of blogs and it was also in the you might also like whenever I looked up the adult Richelle Mead books that I've read and liked.

Usually the whole murder mystery thing isn't really my cup of tea but I knew that there was also a paranormal aspect to this so it wasn't just the Whodunnit. it was also a young woman in her twenties who just lost her sister and best friend and wanted to find out what her sister had gotten herself wrapped up in. as mac is asking questions and finding more and more out about the whole paranormal side of the world that she had no idea about she gets more and more drawn into it and figures out just how and what she is with everything that she's learning about.

The romance got started as a Kind of Love To Hate Thing. I guess there was physical attraction and he was the man who knew something about the strange words her sister left on Voice Mail just hours before her death. as they begin to trade information back and forth and antagonize one another we got to see more of how they clashed in some ways and fit in others. she said you know where she was light, he was dark and they had a lot of characteristics that were opposite but also some that were very much alike. They are both stubborn and strong and determined to find this mysterious book.

About a third of the way in, I started skimming, because I still wanted to know what happened, but it just didn't keep my full attention. The ending was okay, but I will not be continuing this series.

Bottom Line: Had potential but didn't work for me.

My question to you, my lovely readers:
Would you want to know if there was hidden paranormal in our world?

Catch up version: Stacking the Shelves, The Sunday Post, Bought Borrowed and Bagged

2016-08-06T03:00:00.000-04:00

Stacking the Shelves is hosted by Tynga's Reviews, check it out and sign up here

The Sunday Post is a weekly meme hosted by Kimba the Caffeinated Book Reviewer ~ It's a chance to share news~ A post to recap the past week on your blog, showcase books and things we have received and share news about what is coming up on our blog for the week ahead.

Bought, Borrowed, & Bagged is a weekly meme, hosted by TalkSupe, where I share with you the books I have bought, borrowed, or bagged. Link up with me here.

Currently reading:

Complicated

source: FF.net

LyricalKris

From my mailbox:

Between Worlds by Skip Brittenham Thanks to Penguin House
Your Presidential Fantasy Dream Team by Daniel O'Brien Thanks to Random House

The Way I used to be by Smith Thank you Simon Teen

Three Truths and a Lie x2 thank you Simon Teen

Click Here to Start by Markell Thanks to Random House

The Flip Side by Johnson Thank you Simon Teen

Little Black Dresses, Little White Lies by Stampler Thank you Simon Teen

Matchmakers Playbook by Dyken Thanks to Skyscape

What I read:
Books:

Darkfever (Fever, #1)

source: library

Moning, Karen Marie *

Before I Fall

The Lauren Oliver Collection: Before I Fall, Panic, Vanishing Girls

Oliver, Lauren *

The Omen Machine (Sword of Truth, #12; Richard and Kahlan, #1)

source: library

Goodkind, Terry *

Didn't finish:

Harry Potter and the Cursed Child

Source: bought

Rowling, J.K.

Fanfic:

Masen Manor

drotuno

A Compendium of Thoughts

Ttisraining

A Light in the Darkness

Jenrar

The definition of want

Audreyii_fic

Zenith

Moniet, Majesta

The Cannabean Betrothal

Theories of Bellativity

Healing Faith (In Your World, #1)

Browne, Jennyfer *

Unexpected Circumstances

since last time on the blog:

Girl in Pieces

source: delacorte via netgalley

Review

Glasgow, Kathleen *

Torn (A Wicked Saga, #2)

source: bought

Review

Armentrout, Jennifer L. *

Because I Love You

Source: earc from Blaze via Netgalley

Review

Rigby, Tori *

Chasing Stars (After Eden, #2)

Source: bloomsbury via netgalley

Review

Douglas, Helen *

Detached

Source: earc from Dundern via netgalley

Review

Kilbourne, Christina

The Memory Book

Source: earc via Netgally from Little Brown

It's Not You, It's Me:

Avery, Lara *

Into the Abyss (Falls the Shadow #2)

Source: earc via Edelweiss from Simon teen

source: bought

- Waiting on Wednesday, WoW

What's new with me:
I know I haven't been as present lately, my mom is doing much better and is home. My oldest started third grade and celebrated her birthday turning 8 on the 30th.
I have completely caught up with my ARCs that I've requested and actually have none on my reading calendar. There have only been a couple of books on Netgalley and Edelweiss that even got my attention and I wasn't approved for those.

I have still been reading a lot of Twilight fanfic and its kept me happy enough but starting to wane a bit with that.

I don't know if I am burnt out on YA, or what, so I have been trying some adult series. I didn't get much into Darkfever by Moning, and am going to try some Jennifer Estep and Patricia Briggs-- I am open to other suggestions... I loved Richelle Mead's adult fantasy books and that is where I found those books from the amazon page and goodreads you might also like.

What are you reading? Any of my books new to you or have you read any of my books? If so, what did you think?
Also, feel free to link up your blog and mailbox post.

Review: Girl in Pieces by Kathleen Glasgow

2016-08-01T03:00:00.000-04:00

Girl in Pieces by Kathleen Glasgow

Charlotte Davis is in pieces. At seventeen she’s already lost more than most people lose in a lifetime. But she’s learned how to forget. The thick glass of a mason jar cuts deep, and the pain washes away the sorrow until there is nothing but calm. You don’t have to think about your father and the river. Your best friend, who is gone forever. Or your mother, who has nothing left to give you.
Every new scar hardens Charlie’s heart just a little more, yet it still hurts so much. It hurts enough to not care anymore, which is sometimes what has to happen before you can find your way back from the edge.

Publishes in US: September 6th 2016 by Delacorte Press
Genre: ya contemp heavy
Source: Delacorte via Netgalley
Disclaimer: I received this book as an ARC (advanced review copy). I am not paid for this review, and my opinions in this review are mine, and are not effected by the book being free.
Series? no

Buy it: Amazon IndieBound Barnes and Noble

Author stalk away: ~site

I wanted to read Girl In Pieces because I am drawn to the stories about mental illness and this one is about a cutter who is currently in treatment. Honestly though, I almost didn't want to stick with it because it is not in a traditional format. The "chapters" are short, generally a page or less, and it is almost like diary entries. I am not always so much on that sort of format, but it did catch my attention.

The intensity, emotions and eventual road to healing, understanding and some sort of life after recovery are all themes explored and what are universal in this type of story, and what kept me from not finishing.

Charlotte begins by mostly telling us about the others in treatment and group with her, and this works because we see what she notices, what of herself or her past that she latches on to. I felt for her, and its hard to see someone struggle with pain and depression and loss in these destructive ways.

Bottom Line: Worth a go round if the subject interests you.

Review: Torn by Jennifer L. Armentrout

2016-07-28T03:30:00.000-04:00

Torn (A Wicked Saga #2) by Jennifer L. Armentrout

Torn between duty and survival, nothing can be the same.
Everything Ivy Morgan thought she knew has been turned on its head. After being betrayed and then nearly killed by the Prince of the Fae, she’s left bruised and devastated—and with an earth-shattering secret that she must keep at all costs. And if the Order finds out her secret, they’ll kill her.
Then there’s Ren Owens, the sexy, tattooed Elite member of the Order who has been sharing Ivy’s bed and claiming her heart. Their chemistry is smoking hot, but Ivy knows that Ren has always valued his duty to the Order above all else—he could never touch her if he knew the truth. That is, if he let her live at all. Yet how can she live with herself if she lies to him?
But as the Fae Prince begins to close in, intent on permanently opening the gates to the Otherworld, Ivy is running out of options. If she doesn’t figure out who she can trust—and fast—it’s not only her heart that will be torn apart, but civilization itself.

Publishes in US: July 19th 2016 by Jennifer L. Armentrout
Genre: NA paranormal
Source: bought
Series? Yes
my review of #1 Wicked

Buy it: Amazon Kindle
Amazon Print
B&N
iBooks
Kobo

Author stalk away: Site Blog Twitter Facebook

I wanted to read Torn because I love JLA, the author, and I also liked the first one in this series.

It does not disappoint, the main character was fiesty and determined. She is also keeping a secret about herself, and trying to ward off the prince of the fae who wants to impregnate her, and uses all sorts of trickery to try to make his goal of opening the gates and starting what Ivy calls the apocalypse.

The romance is hot too, I liked Ren in the last one and same is still true. They are good for each other, and their chemistry and sex life is certainly never boring or tamed down.

There were good twists, and turns that I didn't see coming, and had me on the edge of my seat wanting to know what would happen next and how Ivy would overcome.

I liked the ending and how characters came together and really fought for one another and it gave a unity to them and I will be following this series, and happy with this book.

Bottom Line: Good second book, love the author and romance.

My question to you, my lovely readers:
Ever been to New Orleans?