Death and the Girl He Loves by Darynda Jones

Pages: 272

Genre: Paranormal

Series: Darklight #3

Publisher: St. Martin's Griffin

Release Date: Oct 8, 2013

The fate of the world is not something a girl wants on her shoulders, and that is especially true for Lorelei McAlister. Unfortunately for her, that is exactly where the world’s fate has decided to take up residence. Lorelei has seen firsthand the horrors that lie beneath our everyday world. And those horrors are getting her friends killed. Because of this, she agrees to leave the sanctity of her hometown and is sent to a different world entirely. A boarding school. But even here she is being watched. Someone knows what she is. What she carries inside her soul. And on top of that she’s seeing visions. This is nothing new for Lorelei. But these visions are something more: death, destruction, and the end of the world. Lorelei must face the fact that there are people who want her dead, and no matter where she goes, no matter how far she runs, the lives of her friends and family are in mortal peril. Lucky for her, her friends and family include the handsome Angel of Death, a fiercely protective half-angel, and a ragtag group of loyal supporters who aren’t afraid to get a little dirty in the name of fighting pure evil.

First of all I want to say...guess who's quoted in this book? THAT'S RIGHT. MOI. But of course that doesn't affect my opinions on this book! (But I will say that this series is definitely one to read if you're looking for a paranormal romance that's not so typical.)

The beginning is actually a bit slow, since we get a full recap of everything that happened in the last two books--which was great since I actually needed a recap! I did feel like, to anyone who remembered all the happenings in the prequels, would find it completely redundant--even I felt like it was a bit over explained. 

After our initial info-dump though, things definitely started to speed up--and rather quickly! Already there's a threat on Lorelei's life, spicing things up, but that's not even the main conflict. Soon Lorelei is back in New Mexico and ready (or not so ready). I wasn't the biggest fan of Lorelei in this book, though the other elements did make up for most of it. Lore seemed to shrink back from her fate, something that, while understandable, just doesn't work in YA books. She just kept saying she couldn't do it, she didn't believe in herself, no matter that everyone else did. 
But the other characters? Oh, it was wonderful seeing our old gang with all their gorgeous personalities. And they haven't changed a bit. It was fun seeing these characters I haven't read about in what seems like forever and I can't believe I forgot how much I loved them! They're all so quirky and you really can't help but fall in love with them again. 

The plot is rather brilliant, especially for the closing of a trilogy. Somehow, I feel like barely anything happened, when so much did--it just passed by in a blur! Darynda Jones really has a unique type of writing that just leaves you immersed in the story. While a lot of important events occur throughout the plot, Jones still manages to keep her signature snark in all her characters, making me laugh out loud (at the most inappropriate times too!)
And the ending! At first I wasn't the biggest fan of it, but as I reread it...it really is perfect for the book, and a beautiful conclusion to the story! 

I can't really say much on romance sinc ethat wasn't really the main issue this time around, either! But yes, Jared shows up. And yes, he's as adorable as ever. And yes. Their ending is just as amazing as the story's. (Also? I totally ship Cameron and Brooke)

An honest to God gorgeous conclusion to the trilogy, Death and the Girl He Loves blew me away. I definitely recommend this series to anyone who wants to take a break from all the contemporary and dystopian and read a bit of paranormal romance again! 

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Mini Freak Out: Emblaze by Jessica Shirvington

Mini Freak Out
(Non spoilery. I think)

Goodreads Blurb

 Once again Violet Eden faces an impossible choice ... and the consequences are unimaginable.
Violet has come to terms with the fact that being part angel, part human, means her life will never be as it was.
Now Violet has something Phoenix - the exiled angel who betrayed her - will do anything for, and she has no intention of letting it fall into his hands. The only problem is that he has something she needs too.
Not afraid to raise the stakes, Phoenix seemingly holds all the power, always one step ahead. And when he puts the final pieces of the prophecy together, it doesn't take him long to realise exactly who he needs in order to open the gates of Hell.
With the help of surprising new allies, ancient prophecies are deciphered, a destination set and, after a shattering confrontation with her father, Violet leaves for the islands of Greece without knowing if she will have a home to return to...

 Well well, it's been a while since one of these! WARNING: LOTSA CUSSING. I shall use ze asteriks.

Pages: Reaction

7: Ummm...I forgot everything...O_O

15: DELUDED, KID. YOU'RE DELUDED

37: The delight sounds good, but what's the horror for? *suspicion*

41: I love Phoenix. SO MUCH.

43: TAKE THAT BACK VIOLET. YOU COULD LOVE PHOENIX.

54: Ze dad iis blind.

59: GO VI.

61: Oh, bad idea random exile.

64: They have the Maddox...*thinks of Beautiful Disaster* Please, no.

66: OHOHOH

69: Come here, Violet, let me hug you and MAKE YOU REALIZE THAT PHONEIX IS SO MUCH BETTER

71:*snorts* I bet Spence's emotions are different than yours. Plus, this is PHOENIX. I'd do anything to see him lol.

76: OH SHI*

81: O_______O Oh my gosh. That's so sad D:

87: ASKDF:NWDSC

95: NUH UH. PHOENIX WOULDN'T HURT STEPH.

97: O_O VIOLET DON'T YOU DARE

113: Awkkkkwarrrddd

134: YOU SHOULD. I love Phoenix. :D In case you didn't know.

138: STOP IT LINC. THEY'RE PERFECT TOGETHER.

136: Suckerrrrrr. (I'm talking about Jase. Not the others)

155: SERIOUSLY? SERIOUSLY? SERIOUSLY?

160: Steph, you're genius

174: OUCH

179: Okay, maybe I do like Linc. *wavers* NO. TEAM PHOENIX. I think.

186: DANGER DANGER DANGER

187: Oh, poor Jase. I feel so bad for you :(

197: Shi* just got real.

200: STOP IT WITH YOUR HERO COMPLEX, VI. I LOVE YOU, BUT STILL.

204: YEAH LINC. ARE YOU DEFICIENT?

211: Oh my God. I'm starting to storngly dislike your father, Vi.

213: Oh my GOD, SPENCE. I GATHER YOU IN A HUG MENTALLY.

219: I don't think I'm going to like this chick.

222: D:

225: TELL HERRRRRRR.

229: BAHAHA I LOVE SPENCE. Also, BS with Grigori? SOUNDS FUN

235: O_O Uh oh

242: HOW DID IT THAT THERE. MANY STARES.

246: *giggles*

261: GRIM REAPERS GRIM REAPERS. RUNNNNNN.

276: O_O WOAH WOAH WOAH.

281: OMG. OMG. OMG. *SQUEALS* FINALLY. Okay, I may be a bit Team Lincoln.

283: NOOOOOOOO.

286: Are you surprise? IT'S JOSEPHINE

288: SADNESS

291: NEVER MIND TOTALLY TEAM PHOENIX *throws self into imaginary Phoenix's arms*

293: HE DOESN'T HATE YOU.

300: Gaping commence

304: YOU DIDN'T

305: LOLOL

323: TALK ABOUT SHOW OFF

347: DID YOU JUST FIGURE IT OUT

350: Oh my God. VIOLET, DON'T YOU DARE

361: Okay, so Phoenix is a bit demented, but I still love him

375: SADFLJHEWIIIIINALKHNRHI$#WURPO@QJNRE

377: NONONONONONO

379: SHI* SHI* SHI*

387: DAMN RIGHT HE DOES. DON'T HURT HIM

389: FUC*

391: Oh my God. You're kidding me. So she's winter, he's the sun, she's vanilla, he's honey. So basically e's gold and she's silver? *headdesk*

402: SEE. HE IS NOT EVIL. MUCH

408: Oh dam* O_O

410: MEEEEP

418: YOU DON'T EVEN KNOW HER CONDITIONS. DON'T TURN YOUR BACK ON HER

432: dude, you have no chance. Trust me.

445: OH MY GOD YOU CAN'T JUST FREAKING END IT THERE.

So that was longer than usual plus I'm too much in shock to write a review. So, yeah.

Pages: 464

Genre: Paranormal

Series: Violet Eden Chapters #3

Publisher: Sourcebooks Fire

Release Date: March 5, 2013

Rating: 4 stars

The Beautiful and Cursed by Page Morgan

Goodreads Blurb

After a bizarre accident, Ingrid Waverly is forced to leave London with her mother and younger sister, Gabby, trading a world full of fancy dresses and society events for the unfamiliar city of Paris.
In Paris there are no grand balls or glittering parties, and, disturbingly, the house Ingrid’s twin brother, Grayson, found for them isn’t a house at all. It’s an abandoned abbey, its roof lined with stone gargoyles that could almost be mistaken for living, breathing creatures.
And Grayson has gone missing.
No one seems to know of his whereabouts but Luc, a devastatingly handsome servant at their new home.
Ingrid is sure her twin isn’t dead—she can feel it deep in her soul—but she knows he’s in grave danger. It will be up to her and Gabby to navigate the twisted path to Grayson, a path that will lead Ingrid on a discovery of dark secrets and otherworldly truths. And she’ll learn that once they are uncovered, they can never again be buried.

The Beautiful and Cursed was definitely a book I was looking forward to--Gargoyles? In Paris? With that gorgeous cover? How could I not be intrigued?

Oh the atmosphere! It was haunting and chilling and had an absolutely dark tone to it that I had to fall in love with. It had such a gritty feel to it and was absolutely wonderful. This was so much darker that I thought it'd be! It's mysterious and a bit gory, but completely enticing. The mystery is definitely one of the best parts about the story--and the gargoyles? They added a sense of grim allure that just drew me in. Especially in Paris!

Speaking of gargoyles--hello? Who's written about that before! Learning the lore behind gargoyles was absolutely fascinating and I loved Morgan's twist on these old tales! It did seem a bit typical at first, but that's quickly overlooked by, well, the gargoyles. 

With YA you can make pretty much any creature sexy and enticing, huh?

The plot was definitely one of the better parts of the book! It was shocking and twisted, surprising me until the very end. It's a complicated mess--and we all know those are the best when it comes to the plot! The Beautiful and Cursed was definitely at it's strongest in the second half though! Because that's pretty much where a chain of events unfold and where everything just explodes.

The POVs are something of a nuisance for me. I hate multiple POVs, but I loved Grayson's. It added even more of an air of mystery to our already thickening plot and made everything so much more...interesting. But at the same time, I'm no fan of multiple POVs, and this wasn't really an exception.

Now, I should've stopped and thought about the romance when it said "a devastatingly handsome servant". There were almost 2 love triangles (two and a half? Two halves? Does Chelle count? Vander? Ermm...), one for each sister. And the love interests (besides Luc) weren't my favorite. They seemed a bit bland to me in all honesty, and a bit too typical for a YA love interest. (And there were so many guys, I can't remember all their names!) And the insta love between Luc and Ingrid--that just ruined it completely. There was no support for their romance, no building up of chemistry really. It was just...there.

And I didn't even really understand how these two girls could attract so many guys! Ingrid was definitely my favorite of the sisters, but she seemed to...proper for my taste, though Morgan did a wonderful job of creating the perfect attitude for both of these girls! But I usually like my characters more wild--though Ingrid was still, most definitely kickass. But something about her struck me as annoying.
Gabby definitely struck a nerve. She was so naive and irritating--so impulsive too! I'm not sure if she ever really thought before she acted, but it didn't really seem like it. But I did admire her will to fight and to rescue her brother even in the face of doubt!

Just like the title suggests, this novel is truly beautiful and thrilling to its core. While I didn't completely enjoy it, The Beautiful and Cursed definitely had it's good moments and I'll be sitting here waiting for a sequel!

Pages: 352
Genre: Fantasy/Historical
Series: The Dispossessed #1
Publisher: Delacorte Books for Young Readers
Release Date: May 14, 2013
Rating: 3.5-->3 stars

Chosen at Nightfall by C.C. Hunter

Goodreads Blurb

Kylie Galen's life hasn't been the same since her world was turned upside-down in Born at Midnight, Shadow Falls #1, and now an epic conclusion to her journey—not to mention a tough choice between two guys!—is brewing in Chosen at Nightfall:
When Kylie Galen left Shadow Falls, she thought it was the hardest decision of her life. Heartbroken and separated from everyone she loves, she has to embrace her abilities and what it means to be a chameleon. But as Kylie's journey comes to a close, she must return to the camp that started it all...and she must finally chose between the two boys who love her. The werewolf who broke her heart when he chose his pack over her, and the half-fae who ran from their intense attraction before they ever really had a chance. For Kylie, everything will finally be revealed and nothing will ever be the same.

For one of my well-liked series, this was a rather disappointing conclusion. 

We still have all of our gloriously hilarious and fun characters who I absolutely love to read about (Perry? My favorite character, ever.) and we meet a few (not many) new characters who I loved meeting! C.C. Hunter is wonderful with her characters and they're usually my favorite part of the books! Especially Kylie's fellow campmates and supernaturals!

Our love triangle was definitely done well in my opinion! I was so worried that Kylie would immediately forgive him once he showed his face, and I am unbelievably relieved that she didn't! If you've read my other reviews, I'm pretty sure you know how hard it was for me to choose a team on this, and I'll just say I was definitely happy with the outcome! (But seriously. Boy next door personality wise or bad boy turned sweet?)

Kylie's still talking to the ghosts and this time, we meet one who plays a rather...significant role in our final conclusion. I really love how C.C. Hunter always focused most of the plot on the new ghost, but this time, it was a bit of a bad point. 

As a final ending book, I expected most of our story to focus on stopping Mario and discovering more about Kylie's chameleon heritage, but we never really see him until maybe the last 50-100 pages or so. There wasn't as much tension as I'd expect considering, and I was definitely disappointed by that. 

Another thing was how *SPOILER SPOILER SPOILER* the entire thing ended in a HEA (Happily Ever After) where literally everyone ended up happy and didn't lose. It was basically a win/win/win/win/win/win situation. Everyone ended paired up and I was beyond frustrated by that. Not to mention the cheesy sayings which definitely had me groaning a bit. 

While Chosen at Nightfall wasn't completely horrible, it wasn't as amazing as I'd hoped and expected! I definitely recommend the series as a whole though! 

Pages:400

Genre: Paranormal

Series: Shadow Falls #5

Publisher: St. Martin's Press

Release Date: April 23, 2013

Rating: 3.5--->3 stars

Days of Blood and Starlight by Laini Taylor

Goodreads Blurb

Once upon a time, an angel and a devil fell in love and dared to imagine a world free of bloodshed and war.
This is not that world.

Art student and monster's apprentice Karou finally has the answers she has always sought. She knows who she is—and what she is. But with this knowledge comes another truth she would give anything to undo: She loved the enemy and he betrayed her, and a world suffered for it.
In this stunning sequel to the highly acclaimed Daughter of Smoke & Bone, Karou must decide how far she'll go to avenge her people. Filled with heartbreak and beauty, secrets and impossible choices, Days of Blood & Starlight finds Karou and Akiva on opposing sides as an age-old war stirs back to life.
While Karou and her allies build a monstrous army in a land of dust and starlight, Akiva wages a different sort of battle: a battle for redemption. For hope.
But can any hope be salvaged from the ashes of their broken dream?

I think we all know this book, after all, didn't we all fall in love with Daughter of Smoke and Bone? But, shockingly, I've been hearing some doubt about this sequel. (You guys are crazy. And that's coming from me.) So, here I am, ready to clear all of those delusions doubts.

So, first thing first, I was so confused throughout about 40% of the book. I had no idea what was a flashback in time, what was a reference to Karou's life as Madrigal, what in the world was happening sometimes, what had happened, and who some of these characters were. Of course, that last part may have something to do with the fact that I completely forgot what happened in Daughter of Smoke and Bone, but, you know. The wonderful thing about Days of Blood and Starlight (I'm just calling it Days.) is that you can quickly grasp the plot threads. 

I'm sure I don't have to go over how absolutely stunning the writing is. It's just gorgeous and lush and I can go on and on, but I'll spare you all the time it'd take. But for you people who haven't read Daughter? It will not disappoint you. 

The characters are just so incredibly well written and I bet I don't even have to explain how in depth they are. I loved each of their quirks, how even though a move seemed unpredictable, you somehow knew it was going to happen sooner or later. We just get to know characters more and more that we end up feeling as if they could be our next best friends! (Totally joking of course. I, personally, don't want a blood thirsty angel as a friend. Or an enemy.) 

The imagination used for this book is just crazy! I can't believe how vivid some of these descriptions are and I just love how detailed they are. It's amazing how much creativity was channeled into this 500 page thing! 

The plot was, well, a bit slow in the beginning. I was pretty bored and I just wanted so kickbutt scenes to come into play and I got it about 100 pages in! That's still 400+ pages of goodness, people. It's worth it. There were so many epic battle scenes and reunions and I loved anticipating what would happen next. Crazy things happen, unexpected events occur, and basically, Days will blow your mind!

Pages: 528

Series: Daughter of Smoke and Bone #2

Genre: High Fantasy/Romance

Publisher: Little, Brown Books for Young Readers

Release Date: November 6, 2012

Rating: 3.5--->4 stars

Death, Doom, and Detention by Darynda Jones

Goodreads Blurb

The normal part of Lorelei MacAlister’s life didn’t just slip away quietly the day Jared Kovach came to town. Nope. The normal part of her life shattered. It exploded. It burst into a gazillion shards of fleeting light.

It went out with a bang.

Goodbye normal.

Hello dark and eerie.

While her best friend, Brooklyn, is focusing all of her energy on helping Lorelei hone her abilities, Lorelei is dealing with the reality that Satan’s second in command has taken up residence inside her body. Oh, and the fact that she has a crush on the Angel of Death. But what a beautiful death it is. If those weren’t bad enough, something sinister has come to town and it wants nothing more than to hear Lorelei’s dying breath as it strangles it out of her. Thank goodness the gang has a supernatural champion. But what happens when the only being who can save them switches sides midstream? How can a group of misfits capture one of the most powerful beings ever created? And will they find out how to bring Jared back to them before it’s too late?

I honestly think I've fallen in love with this series. Seriously! This is one of my favorite angel/demon stories! And that's a hard list to top.

Death, Doom, and Detention was a perfect sequel for me and I loved it (almost) as much as Death and the Girl Next Door! My only complaint was that there were a few crucial things to the plot at Lorelei didn't mention until, oh my, it came back to bit her in the butt. I reall wanted to strangle Lorelei for "forgetting" a few very important details.

Now the absolute best thing was Lorelei and her snark. She made me laugh out loud so many times, I think a few of my classmates may think I'm schizophrenic. (I may be exaggerating. Maybe) She was a hilarious character that definitely didn't seem like our typical (sometimes whiny) heroines. She was a lot more reluctant and a lot more wary than what you usually seein books and I definitely appreciated that!

The relationships between the characters were definitely a thing of fascination! There was definitely a ton of tension present and the way they all reacted to each other was fun to read about. You could just feel the animosity in the book's atmosphere and I definitely had to hand it to Darynda--she managed to write unique characters who both made you sit up straighter in shock and make you laugh out loud!

The plot was predictable in some parts, but was, for the most part, completely unexpected! Jones always manages to throw something right in your face once you think everything's fine and settled--I'm still deciding if I love it or hate it! 

Taking a usually overused paranormal element, Darynda Jones manages to write a completely unique story about a girl who's lost in her own way, an angel who's darker than he seems, and a prophecy that's scaring everyone and anyone. It seems like your typical story, but it's far from it!

Pages: 320

Genre: Paranormal

Series: Darklight #2

Publisher: St. Martin's Press

Release Date: March 5, 2013

Rating: 4 stars

2013 Belongs to Dante!

Goodreads Blurb

He makes good girls...bad. 

Dante Walker is flippin’ awesome, and he knows it. His good looks, killer charm, and stellar confidence have made him one of hell’s best—a soul collector. His job is simple: weed through humanity and label those round rears with a big red good or bad stamp. Old Saint Nick gets the good guys, and he gets the fun ones. Bag-and-tag.

Sealing souls is nothing personal. Dante’s an equal-opportunity collector and doesn't want it any other way. But he’ll have to adjust, because Boss Man has given him a new assignment:

Collect Charlie Cooper's soul in ten days.

Dante doesn't know why Boss Man wants Charlie, nor does he care. This assignment means only one thing to him, and that’s a permanent ticket out of hell. But after Dante meets the quirky Nerd Alert chick he’s come to collect, he realizes this assignment will test his abilities as a collector…and uncover emotions deeply buried.

I had no freaking idea what I was getting into when I started this. No. Freaking. Idea. Honestly? I was maybe expecting some big cheesy romance with a few paranormal elements thrown in. But it was SO much more. 

There's really only one way to kick off this review: Dante. His name alone should make you swoon! But his swagger and his attitude? It'll charm you and keep you laughing! Who cares if he's a reaper from hell--he's DANTE. He's a naughty influence and it was interesting seeing things from his POV. It changed things up a bit, and gave us a fresher view on a usually typical paranormal romance. His sarcasm and wit is, by far, his most endearing traits. Not counting physically of course...
Charlie was an interesting character. At first, I pretty much felt the way Dante did--she was pathetic, desperate, in need of quite a few makeovers. But there was just something about her that was brought to life in these pages and I adored her character so much after a few chapters! She was just, if she were real, one of those people I'd instantly want to protect. To repeat Dante's thoughts, she was so INNOCENT in a sort of cute way. 

And OMG their romance. Dante just fell EVER so slowly while Charlie was basically in love at first sight. Too bad Dante didn't feel the same way then! But it was adorable seeing how Charlie became more than just a promotion scheme to him, more of a person, more of someone he wanted to protect and love. It. Was. So. Damn. Sweet.

I want a Dante.
Without the drama. 

What I found interesting about this were the...unique rules of Heaven and Hell. A lot of things came into play that aren't usually used in an angel/demon book, but I have to give it to Scott--she handled it beautifully. Or, rather, witfully. Which is totally a word. The paranormal elements were interesting and definitely wasn't overshadowed by the romance like I'd expected! It's a captivating read--and watching how Dante operated were really interesting bits. ;)

There were a TON of plot twists I honestly never saw coming and sometimes I just had to stop reading and collect my thoughts. Dante was an overpowering antihero! Who totally had me swooning at the first page. Back in topic, the plot was well executed and OHMYGOSH I just loved it! 

Pages: 352
Genre: Paranormal/Romance
Series: The Collector #1
Publisher: Entangled Teen
Release Date: April 2, 2013
Rating 4.5--->5

Check out the other stops on "2013 Belongs to Dante" 

Victoria Scott
I’m a YA writer with a die-hard affection for dark and humorous books. My workis represented by the fabulous Laurie McLean of Larsen-Pomada literary agency. I have a master’s degree in marketing, and am a member of the Writers’ League of Texas and Teen Shiver.
My first YA book, THE COLLECTOR, will be published by Entangled Teen, April 2013. It is the first book in a trilogy. My second YA series will begin with THE BRIMSTONE BLEED and is being published by Scholastic in spring 2014.

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Infatuate by Aimee Agresti

Goodreads Blurb

Haven Terra is still recovering from an internship that brought her literally to the brink of hell when a trip to New Orleans leads to more trouble. Graduating early from high school leaves the spring semester free, so Haven and her friends Dante and Lance head to the Big Easy to volunteer with community service projects. But their true mission becomes clear when they run across an enclave of devils known as the Krewe. New Orleans is a free-for-all for these shape-shifting devils, who are more reckless and vicious than any Haven, Lance, and Dante have encountered. And they soon discover their French Quarter housemates are also angels-in-training, and together they must face off with the Krewe in their quest for wings. But Haven’s resolve is tested when Lucian, the repentant devil with whom she was infatuated, resurfaces and asks her for help escaping the underworld. Can he be trusted? Or will aiding him cost Haven her angel wings—and her life? Thrilling, romantic, and full of surprises, this gripping sequel to Illuminate takes the battle of good and evil to the next level.

*MAY HAVE SPOILERS FOR ILLUMINATE* 

This was so, so, so MUCH BETTER than Illuminate! Where Illuminate was incredibly monotonous and boring the first 2/3, Infatuate was action packed all the way! So much better than it's first installment! (But...this cover doesn't match the beauty of the first one!)

What I didn't like, though, was Lance and the predictability of some of the twists. Not spoiling, but what happens with Sabine was definitely something I was expecting. A character so thoroughly written was of course going to...well. I could see some things coming from a mile away, so I guess I was disappointed on that aspect, but anticipating it was incredibly frustrating...in a good way. IS there a good kind of frustration? No? Let's call it anticipation then!

As for Lance, I absolutely hated how he treated Haven and their entire romance. He wasn't the best boyfriend--in fact he didn't act the part of the boyfriend at all, except for one scene of jealousy and a few chaste kisses here and there. Not to mention him slobbering over another girl...it was just disappointing...well, not really!

As Team Lucian I was definitely pleased with what was happening! Lucian is back and as swoony as ever! He's a bit hard to trust, that's for sure, but after his sacrifice in Illuminate, I was ready to risk it. 

As for the plot, it alters between fast and slow, but it's enjoyable anyhow (even with the lags!) and definitely an exciting read! It's an original angel story, definitely different from all those other paranormal books, so I loved reading every page and discovering what happens and why it happened, etc. The voodoo shop and haunted mansion and cemetery (so many creepy places thrown at you!) were definitely some of my favorite places and the most...well, ominous scenes happen there! Any surprise? 

But I am going to say that for an angel book, it didn't have much lore, like where the angels came from, the way the angel world worked, etc. so I was a bit disappointed in that aspect...but the rest definitely made up for it!

Umm...hmm. Short review...

Pages: 416

Genre: Paranormal

Series: Gilded Wings #2

Publisher: Harcourt Children's Books

Release Date: March 5, 2013

Rating: 3.5--->4 stars

Rants of a Freak *SPOILERS*

This is probably a one time thing, but I recently read the novella Radiant by Cynthia Hand and I needed to rant. So here we go. It's not technically a review, though you can find it in my archive!

• I CAN NOT BELIEVE ANGELA BETRAYED CLARA LIKE THAT! Ugh I want to punch her.
• Just because YOU want to be normal, Clara, doesn't mean Angela wants to. I get you trying to protect your friend, but she loves him. Can't you understand THAT?
• DON'T FORGET, YOU LOVED TUCKER WHICH WAS FORBIDDEN. So Angela loves an angel. Did you also forget how you were created?
• I never did like Angela, but this just seals the deal. She was so...pitiful.
• I can't believe they both spent their summers pining for guys. I mean, it's SUMMER!
• WHY IS THIS SO SHORT. I CAN NOT BELIEVE YOU.
• I wish Tucker and Christian were here...
• I honestly don't like Clara or Angela in this book. Even Tucker who's barely mentioned is annoying me, all because Clara is being whiny about him. Sigh. 
• AT LEAST IT HELD ME OVER UNTIL BOUNDLESS COMES!

Well, there you have it. It's short, but it's basically like a review in bullet points, less professional, and I just got done reading it.

Death and the Girl Next Door by Darynda Jones

Goodreads Blurb

Ten years ago, Lorelei’s parents disappeared without a trace. Raised by her grandparents and leaning on the support of her best friends, Lorelei is finally beginning to accept the fact that her parents are never coming home. For Lorelei, life goes on. High school is not quite as painful as she thinks it will be, and things are as normal as they can be. Until the day the school’s designated loner, Cameron Lusk, begins to stalk her, turning up where she least expects it, standing outside her house in the dark, night after night. Things get even more complicated when a new guy—terrifying, tough, sexy Jared Kovach—comes to school. Cameron and Jared instantly despise each other and Lorelei seems to be the reason for their animosity. What does Jared know about her parents? Why does Cameron tell Jared he can’t have Lorelei? And what will any of them do when Death comes knocking for real? Thrilling, sassy, sexy, and inventive, Darynda Jones’s first foray into the world of teens will leave readers eager for the next installment.

So the first thing I thought when I read the blurb was "Oooh contemporary! Sounds cool!" and then, immediately after I read the firrst chapter "...IT'S A PARNAORMAL! THAT'S SO COOL" and it was! Because admit it, the blurb does sound contemporary, doesn't it? But trust me, this is definitely the opposite. 

Now, for some reason, I've been having issues with characters. Especially the main character. But Lorelei (first of all, very cool name no? I want that name!), but Lorelei was definitely an awesome character! She was just so snarky and quirky, and I had so much fun seeing the story through her eyes! She knew when things were serious, did her best to try and keep peace, and never let any team but hers win. She was stubborn, but didn't ignore warnings and go off on her on like those stupid heroines (there are so many of them...)

The characters all seemed a bit real. Not 100% like they-could-be-real-OMG-no-way but more of an I-would-do-that-too sort of way. Because honestly, I wouldn't kick two big angry supernaturally-strong guys in the shins when they're fighting. on the other hand, I would run out if...well, I can't spoil that, can I?

Ok, the cover and blurb are totally misleading here. While it looks like there was a love triangle between Lorelei, Jared, and Cameron, there really isn't. Cameron just hates Jared. For reasons know to me, and unkown to you. There was a love triangle and just a smidge of insta-love, but the love triangle makes the story more endearing since you see it from the POV of a person not involved. The insta-love between Jared and Lore was more...insta-lust honestly. And speaking of, the make out sessions were...well, let's jsut say they weren't exactly YA lol, but since this is an adult author turning into YA author as well, that can definitely be forgiven! 

The paranormal aspects were the best parts for sure.Like I said, at first I had thought that it was contemporary so when Lore had a vision I was just sitting there, gaping at the book. Even more surprising? Her friends knew about her skill and I loved that! Usually, the main character has to hide all these secrets from her best friends, but this is me going "If they're so your best friends..." Anyways, just to clear the air, this is an ANGEL book, ok? No werewolves, no vamps, ANGELS. And this was definitely a twist. Why? Because they also mention time traveling, or at least, something like it and that was definitely intriguing! I immediately wanted to know more! 

Randomly, I found it funny that Jared didn't want Cameron to tell Lore what he was. When it was so completely obvious.but maybe that's just for the readers!

This is definitely one you should pick up, especially if you've loved Darynda Jones' adult series, the Charley Davidson series, I think it's called. Angel fans will love this and contemporary fans will too! Death and the Girl Next Door was a laugh-out-loud YA book that was just the right amount of funny and danger. For people who love action and those plot-to-plot type of books, this is definitely one for you! But i'd recommend everyone to buy or at least pick it up. If the first 5 chapters don't suck you in, I'm not quite sure what will. 

Pages: 304

Series: Darklight #1

Genre: Paranormal/Romance

Publisher: St. Martin's Press

Release Date: October 2, 2012

Rating: 4.5 ---> 5 stars

Rapture by Lauren Kate

Goodreads Blurb

The sky is dark with wings . . . .Like sand in an hourglass, time is running out for Luce and Daniel. To stop Lucifer from erasing the past they must find the place where the angels fell to earth. Dark forces are after them, and Daniel doesn’t know if he can do this—live only to lose Luce again and again.
Yet together they will face an epic battle that will end with lifeless bodies . . . and angel dust. Great sacrifices are made. Hearts are destroyed. And suddenly Luce knows what must happen.
For she was meant to be with someone other than Daniel. The curse they’ve borne has always and only been about her—and the love she cast aside. The choice she makes now will be the only one that truly matters.
In the fight for Luce, who will win?
The astonishing conclusion to the FALLEN series. Heaven can’t wait any longer.

Rapture. Such an appropriate title. This book absolutely stole my breath away and made me cry while my throat was clenched tight. In other words—I was raptured, reading the fourth and final installment in the Fallen series.

Luce has just come back from the past bearing bad news. Lucifer is planning to wipe away millions of years of history. To bring them back to the one event that started it all—the Fall. But if that happened, Luce and Daniel wouldn’t fall in love over centuries. Everything would come apart. So they, along with their angelic (and demonic) friends are on a race against time to find the three relics that will lead them to the site of the Fall where everything and anything is revealed. Including the secret revelation that sparked Lucifer’s rebellion in the first place.

Rapture made me love the Fallen series. In the beginning it was just something to read. But now I’m making it my number one priority to re-read every book all over again with new eyes. Rapture left my crying so many times and made me love Lucinda more than ever. (Notice how I use her full name.) We encounter new characters like Dee and Olianna and revisit with old ones. Either way, each one is essential to this story and most (excluding a certain few…) of them now have places in my heart.

The writing was beautiful and the plot never left you bored. Fast paced and filled to the brim with action, I couldn’t tear myself away and found myself reading deep into the night and finishing it in one sitting. Even the parts that are usually written awkwardly, the heaven descriptions, were wonderfully described, giving me the sense of angelic propriety.

Daniel seemed incredibly bossy and a bit merciless so I’m definitely Team Cam. I didn’t like the way he reacted to certain angels’ deaths even if they were his friends. I wanted to pull out my hair. Luce, on the other hand, seemed way more mature than in Fallen when we met her as a whiny girl. It was absolutely relieving when I realized that she was a better heroine than before. Whew!

It was a great angel read, although not as dark I prefer, but it was still awesome. The way Lauren Kate finished off Luce and Daniel’s story was absolutely fitting and I loved it, although it was a bit saddening. I cried when I read the last line, it was absolutely touching. It was absolutely 100% beautiful and is definitely one ending I hadn’t even imagined.

And the quote is half of the last sentence. No, it’s not a spoiler since it can mean so, so many things. None of which will even be close to what happened.

Pages: 432

Series: Fallen #4

Genre: Paranormal/Romance

Publisher: Delacorte Books

Released: June 12

Rating: 4 stars

“…leaving a moment’s brilliant flash of light behind them as below, Luce and Daniel fell in love for the first—and last—time.”

Sweet Evil by Wendy Higgins + Author Interview!

Goodreads Blurb

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

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

Forced to face her destiny, will Anna embrace her halo or her horns?

If the beautiful cover and the blurb didn't catch your interest...you're crazy. 100% crazy, no doubt about it. This book was absolutely beautiful, enchanting, and dark at the same time. It captured my heart and kept breaking it over and over and over. There is no happy ending, let's just say that now. And I say that with 100% because Wendy Higgins herself said that! (Check the author interview below) I'm going to be cutting this review short, only about three paragraphs, including this, since I do have an author interview to add!

Anyways, I loved Anna so much and I'm thinking a lot of readers can relate to her. We're all pulled in both directions: good and evil. We never really know which to pick, balancing between the two. Anna's the perfect good girl, thanks to her light angel mom. She knows when enough is enough, when too much is too much. But she also has to deal with the pulls of sins from her father's side. Something that makes her almost exactly like your typical human. And that is the main reason I loved Anna so much. Kaidan was....wow. Just wow. HELLO!? You have to love him! He's enticing, alluring, and has that dangerous edge that you guys know I love! I really can't think about other characters with these two fresh on my mind. However, Wendy Higgins did fit each character to their role as the spawn of a Duke.

Sweet Evil had a wonderful plot that made me wiggle in my seat and scream out loud. It made me laugh, cry, and smile behind my tears! The pacing was quick enough that you never get bored, yet slow enough that nothing ever just dashes by without you noticing. The world was beautiful, complicated, and so, so, wonderful. Readers will definitely line up and fight over copies (if they haven't already) and will be drawn into Sweet Evil's world.

Ok, I lied. Four paragraphs because I need to rant about this book! I have absolutely no negative thoughts. Which honestly? Is surprising. Hold on. I just remembered one thing I absolutely hated with all my heart: Sweet Evil ended! It ended! I am outraged by that. Just...just...no. There has to be more Kaidan! And another sequel! But mainly more Kaidan...If you still aren't convinced, I dare you to read it and tell me you don't absolutely love it!

Pages: 464

Series: Sweet #1

Genre: Paranormal/Romance

Rating: ARE YOU KIDDING ME? I'm making a new rating just for this book. An absolute 7 stars.

"He would never have the freedom to let himself be loved."

AUTHOR INTERVIEW

I got the opportunity to interview Wendy Higgins, author of the amazing debut Sweet Evil! Eek! Major fan girl moment!

Fiction Freak: What inspired Sweet Evil? (The inevitable question)

Wendy Higgins: I know it sounds corny, but I think my whole life lead up to writing this story. Every experience, heartbreak, family issue, friendship, book, my schooling, my time teaching...everything contributed to my mind being ready for this. Once I decided I was ready to write, the story came to me like a rush. It was a crazy, exhilarating time.

FF: There's no happy ending in Sweet Evil, is there?

WH: Nope. Sorry.  :(

FF: Did you plan for it to end that way, or did the story just pull you that way?

WH: Well, in my mind it’s not the end - it’s just the end of part 1. There is still much that will happen before the story really wraps up.  I hated not having a happy ending, but it wasn’t time for that - it just wouldn’t realistically work as is.

FF: Can you tell us a few things that were changed from the original Inkie version to the newly published version?

WH: The original Inkpop version, Angel Prophecy, was a stand-alone single story. I ended up cutting the story down the middle and extending it into a trilogy.

FF: Kaidan or Kopano?

WH: I love both my K-boys to pieces!!!  They’re both very different, but they both hold an intense allure for me.  I’ve spent more time in Kaidan’s head, so I do feel closest to him.

FF: How much of Sweet Evil was researched? How much was prior knowledge?

WH: I had to map out the cross country trip, and read a lot of fallen angel lore to see what other people were saying, but mostly I just made stuff up, lol.

FF: How did it feel to see your work go from online story to published book? (And HarperTeen no less!)

WH: It’s STILL sort of unbelievable, even after two years. When HarperTeen tweets about me I get all sorts of giddy. I feel like an inkpopper still - deep down I’ll always just be a writer who needs feedback and values the give & take partnership of critiquing that I came to love as an Inkie.

FF: What's one of your favorite debuts of 2012?

WH: Unraveling by Liz Norris

FF: What's one thing you love and hate about writing?

WH: I love, love, love when the story invades my mind and takes over my thoughts. Even though it turns me into a total ditz because I can’t concentrate on “real life,” there’s just no cooler feeling. What I hate is writer’s block - and for me it has more to do with feeling intimidated about moving forward, which sucks. I’m actually working through that right now.

FF: In Sweet Evil, a certain someone tells Anna the meaning of life; is that what you yourself think it is?

WH: Haha, well, kind of but not exactly.  I had to make it work for their particular story world. I am a spiritual person, so I do believe in a higher meaning and having a purpose and all that good stuff. But the way that certain someone breaks it down for Anna is extremely simplified.

FF: What's the funniest moment of your life?

WH: Hm...for some reason this is really hard for me. All the instances that come to mind are either too gross, too humiliating, or just plain inappropriate! Stuff about my parents keep coming to mind - like when my dad walked into the glass at a store in the mall and left a faceprint. Or when we scared my mom to death with these fake rattlesnake eggs in an envelope that “buzzed.” Both of those times about made me pee my pants.

Sweet Evil Blurb:

What if there were teens whose lives depended on being bad influences?
This is the reality for sons and daughters of fallen angels in Sweet Evil.
Tenderhearted Southern girl, Anna Whitt, was born with the sixth sense to see and feel emotions of other people. She’s aware of a struggle within herself, an inexplicable pull toward danger, but it isn’t until she turns sixteen and meets the alluring Kaidan Rowe that she discovers her terrifying heritage, and her will-power is put to the test. He’s the boy your daddy warned you about. If only someone had warned Anna.
Forced to face her destiny, will Anna embrace her halo or her horns?

Short Author Bio:

After earning a Creative Writing degree from George Mason University and a Masters in Curriculum and Instruction from Radford, she taught high school English until becoming a mommy. She’s always had a heart for teens, and writing YA stories gives her the opportunity to delve into the ambiguities of those pivotal years before adulthood.
She live in the D.C. area with my husband, daughter, and son.

Contact Info:

Sweet Evil Facebook

Wendy Higgins’s Blog

Wendy Higgins’s Goodreads

Wendy Higgins’s Twitter