REVIEW: How Beauty Loved the Beast by Jax Garren

How Beauty Loved the Beast by Jax Garren

Series: Tales of the Underlight, #3

Publication Date: May 13th 2013

Publisher: Carina Press

ebook, 292 pages
Useful Info: Goodreads, Author's Website

It's all been leading to this .

Jolie Benoit has become a skilled agent of the Underlight, relying on her savvy to complete assignments while Sergeant Wesley Haukon was out of commission. But an unexpected clue to the Order of Ananke's diabolical scheme rattles Jolie, and she turns to Hauk for comfort.

It's been years since Hauk took comfort from the touch of another person, though his love for Jolie is deep and powerful. Uncomfortable in his skin, scarred by a terrible fire, he is unable to give in to the pleasures that Jolie so desperately wants to grant him.

Meanwhile, the Order is lurking in the shadows—and when they strike, the blow is swift and terrible. Hauk and Jolie scramble to fight for their community, but with the future of the Underlight threatened, no one is safe. And Hauk will never be the same…

How Beauty Loved the Beast is the much awaited conclusion to the very successful sci-fi series, Tales of The Underlight written by Jax Garren and let me tell you fans of the series won't be disappointed in the least. I know I wasn't! And how could I ever be when Garren's writing style and the way she portrays her heroes and their emotions is simply irresistible!

If you read my reviews of the previous two books in the series then you know how much I loved everything about Jax Garren's writing style and her story. So, there's no need for me to repeat myself by saying what an amazing author she is once more or how much I loved her main and secondary heroes of this story. Even if all the books in the series are rather short, Jax Garren's stories are character driven. Her main focus is her characters and their emotions and that is why I probably love so much this series. Jolie is so much more than a pretty dancer and Hauk is so much more than scars and muscles.

The final book in the series, wraps up the whole plot but here I have to note that there are more things to be said. Maybe most of the basic things were covered but I'm left feeling that there's just more to everything. I don't know if the author did that on purpose and she will return on the same universe with another set of characters later or things couldn't possibly wrap up better, but I sure hope that it was intentional. In my mind there are two characters who would make a perfect couple for a future story but that remains to be seen. After all, The Order of Ananke is far from defeated...

But while I really liked pretty much everything about How Beauty Loved the Beast, somehow, I was left unsatisfied too. Maybe part of that is because of the ending of the story and how I felt that there were more things to be said. Maybe it's because the whole thing wrapped up pretty quickly. And maybe it is because this final instalment in the series was more focused on Jolie's and Hauk's relationship rather than what happened with Underlight and the Order and their final battle. But probably, it's because of all the reasons mentioned above. Don't get me wrong, I really enjoyed reading about Jolie and Hauk, they are one of my favorite fictional couples but when so many other crucial things kept happening or were on the verge of happening, I just felt that it was wrong for the sole focus of the story to be their relationship. Maybe I'm wrong here, but that's what I was expecting from this final book. And while I did get a closure I still don't know how I feel about that. And the ending.... Well, after reading the author's note at the end I couldn't help but agreeing with her choice of ending but still, I found myself wanting the alternative... But, despite that, the whole ending is a matter of preference. Either one of them would fit the story, so that wasn't any real problem. Any problems I had were purely with the way things wrapped up with the Order rather than anything else.

All in all, How Beauty Loved the Beast is just as amazing as the rest books in this series even if I had some minor troubles with it. Despite what I said I really enjoyed reading it and I just can't wait to read anything else Jax Garren will write in the future. And even if I truly hope that she will return on the same universe again I really want to read something completely different and new too. Whatever the case, there's no way I'm gonna miss Garren's next story!

* Review first published at Book Lovers Inc
* ARC provided via NetGalley for review purposes

REVIEW: Defying the Odds by Kele Moon

Defying the Odds by Kele Moon

Series:Battered Hearts, #1

Publication Date: December 20th 2011

Publisher:Loose Id LLC

ebook, 165 pages
Useful Info: Goodreads, Author's Website, Book Depository

When struggling waitress Melody Dylan gives a handsome, lonely stranger a simple gift she has no clue her life is about to take a drastic turn.

The stranger ends up being Clay Powers, a famous UFC heavyweight fighter. Clay’s large build and dangerous fists have always intimidated. People in his hometown keep their distance and Clay is fine with that. Everything changes when a new waitress at the local diner buys him a piece of pie on thanksgiving. Touched by the gesture when it’s obvious she can barely afford to survive, her warm smile and lush body churn up powerful feelings that leave Clay wanting more from her than pie.

Melody is running from her past and the small, country town of Garnet is the perfect hiding place. With an ex-husband after her and scars from her abusive marriage etched deep, the last thing she expects is to fall for a man who makes a living with his fists, but she can’t resist Clay or the tender connection they share.

Finding love in the most unlikely of places, the passion is undeniable, but Clay and Melody know their haunted pasts and unpredictable futures leave the odds stacked against them.

Publisher's Note: This book contains explicit sexual situations, graphic language, and material that some readers may find objectionable: violence.

Defying the Odds was a very pleasant surprise for me! Surely, I have read all the raving reviews about this book but with my luck lately, that doesn't mean that I would actually enjoy a book others have loved... But I'm glad to say, that Defying the Odds lives up to its expectations and it was a book I really enjoyed reading!

It's no big secret that I love my contemporary romances sweet yet at the same time sexy. It's a common combination in stories out there, but it's not that successful always as one might think. In some cases the sexiness overshadows everything else, while some other times a story can be really sweet, but with little to no sex in it, something that I have no problem with, but let's face it, I tend to feel unsatisfied afterwards, searching for a little spiciness in all that sweetness. Who says I'm hard to satisfy?

Defying the Odds though has the perfect balance between sexy and sweet. Between cute and lust. It's just written in a way that will satisfy any reader's appetite and mood. And that is the best thing about this story for me. That is what I loved the most and why I couldn't wait to pick book two as soon as I finished reading this one. Kele Moon, has found in this novel the perfect balance between everything thus making her story irresistible!

As far as the plot is concerned, you will not find any big surprises here. Defying the Odds follows most of the cliches of the romantic genre but fear not, it manages to stand out. Not only because of that balance I talked about before, but because of its characters as well, both main and secondary. And that is the second thing I really loved about this story: the way the characters were written and their development. Kele Moon really focuses on her characters, since most of the secondary characters in this one will either be the main ones in future novels or will appear again. So she tries her best to introduce everyone to us and make us want to know more about them, making it hard for the reader to not anxiously await for future novels in this series. At least I know I can hardly resist them when they get published! I want to read each and everyone's story!

This one though, is the story of Clay, a UFC fighter and Melody, a waitress who runs for her past and falls right into the hands of one unmistakably sexy and gorgeous man who will change her life forever! Clay is super delicious while Melody is as naive as one could get but somehow her naivete instead of irritating me made me adore her. Their chemistry is off the charts and the romance between them has the exact pace I love in a story. No insta love or lust. Surely they like each other and are attracted to each other but not in the way I'm tired of reading lately with clenching wombs and wetness between the heroine's legs every single time she lays her eyes on the hero.

All in all, Defying the Odds was a most pleasant surprise of a book for me! I loved pretty much everything about it and as soon as I finished reading it, I just immediately grabbed the next one. And so far, it's just as good, so something tells me that this series, will be my next obsession for some time :)

*This title was provided for review via NetGalley

REVIEW: The Indigo Spell by Richelle Mead

The Indigo Spell by Richelle Mead

Series:Bloodlines, #3

Publication Date:February 12th 2013

Publisher:Razorbill

Hardcover, 401 pages
Useful Info: Goodreads, Author's Website, Book Depository

In the aftermath of a forbidden moment that rocked Sydney to her core, she finds herself struggling to draw the line between her Alchemist teachings and what her heart is urging her to do. Then she meets alluring, rebellious Marcus Finch--a former Alchemist who escaped against all odds, and is now on the run. Marcus wants to teach Sydney the secrets he claims the Alchemists are hiding from her. But as he pushes her to rebel against the people who raised her, Sydney finds that breaking free is harder than she thought. There is an old and mysterious magic rooted deeply within her. And as she searches for an evil magic user targeting powerful young witches, she realizes that her only hope is to embrace her magical blood--or else she might be next.


Populated with new faces as well as familiar ones, the Bloodlines series explores all the friendship, romance, battles, and betrayals that made the #1 New York Times bestselling Vampire Academy series so addictive—this time in a part-vampire, part-human setting where the stakes are even higher and everyone’s out for blood.

It's no big secret that I absolutely love Richelle Mead and her writing style. I mean she has written some of my favorite books, both adult and YA. So, it's only natural that I couldn't possibly wait to get my hands on Indigo Spell, the third book in her spin off series. Because you see, even if Bloodlines, isn't yet half as good as Vampire Academy is, I still love both Mead's writing style and the world she created. And after feeling a little bit disappointed with the previous two books in this series, I think that finally, things are starting to slowly get better.

Indigo Spell, was great! Simple as that. Not perfect or mind blowing, but great nevertheless and definitely way better than the previous two books. At least I saw it that way.

Sydney is finally starting to resemble a human being with emotions and flaws, well, she's not flawed, she's still the most perfect heroine ever, but in Indigo Spell she starts showing signs of emotional capability. And I really liked that about Sydney. I may not hated her before, but she definitely was a character I just didn't care about. I didn't hate her, but I wasn't her biggest fan either. And for a number of reasons that I have stated before, so no need to repeat myself. But in Indigo Spell there are signs of improvement in her character. She stops moaning the whole time and judge everyone, including herself. She feels more relaxed, she starts questioning things and act a little bit like the super smart person she's supposed to be. She embraces her magic and most importantly, the fact that she actually feels something for Adrian.

And that is the second part of this book that I really loved. Sydney and Adrian finally, and after that ending in the second book, are slowly starting to roll!There are cute scenes between them, romantic ones as well as funny. Well, it's a Richelle Mead book, of course there would be some funny scenes. But even though Adrian and Sydney's romance is finally moving forward, the story in Indigo Spell isn't just focused there. There's also some action, not an explosive one like in VA, but there's definitely action, and even though this third book in the series is a "bridge" between what happened and what is about to come (and I usually hate bridges, they bore me out of my mind), it is fast paced and a story hard to put down. Well, you guessed right, I devoured it in one sitting. I couldn't help it!

Adrian, well, like I said, he's Adrian. He can't disappoint his fans and he has a way to make you love him even if you don't want to. He managed to change Sydney's opinion, who am I to resist? The rest of the team isn't really making that great an appearance in this book though. Jill and Eddy only appear in a few scenes, while Rose, Lisa or Dimitri just have a line or two in the whole book. Can't complain that I missed them though. I had a lot of things to focus apart from them like the elusive Marcus Finch. I had a hard time deciding whether I liked him as a character or I couldn't care about him. I still haven't decided. He definitely had his moments, but I wasn't convinced. I'll have to wait to make up my mind about him on the future books.

All in all, Indigo Spell is my favorite book in the Bloodlines series so far. There were moments that I actually remembered how it feels to read a book written by Richelle Mead, something that sadly wasn't the case with the other two books. Let's hope that we have even better things to hope for with the future books!

EARLY REVIEW: Midnight Secrets by Ella Grace

Midnight Secrets by Ella Grace

Series:Wildefire, #1

Publication Date:April 30th 2013

Publisher: Ballantine Books

Mass Market Paperback, 400 pages
Useful Info: Goodreads, Author's Website, Book Depository

For fans of Maya Banks, Allison Brennan, and Lori Foster, a thrilling new romantic suspense novel from Ella Grace

AT THE STROKE OF MIDNIGHT, THE HEAT BEGINS

On a hot southern night, with a storm on the horizon, a family is shattered. Three beautiful daughters—Savannah, Samantha, and Sabrina Wilde—go on with their lives, each significantly changed, as they bear the memory of the murder-suicide that killed their parents. For years, they have stayed away from Midnight, Alabama. Until Midnight calls them home.

Savannah is the first one back, when a grueling case in Nashville leads the young prosecutor to seek shelter in the quiet of the once grand Wilde mansion. But when she finds letters casting doubt on her family’s dark, shameful past, she realizes that peace in Midnight is a shallow façade and sinister secrets lurk beneath the surface. Zach Tanner, once the town’s bad boy, is now the new police chief and still has a wild hold over her. Zach can feel it, too, but he hurt Savannah once. As teenagers, they broke every rule together. Now it’s his job to keep her safe, even though he isn’t sure who her enemies are—or which ones might be his own.

What a pleasant surprise Midnight Secrets was for me! I mean all I seem to pick lately in the romantic suspense genre are mediocre to bad books but Midnight Secrets is the kind of book that finally reminded me why I like this genre so much! Ella Grace is on my radar from now on!

I loved pretty much everything about this book! From the small town setting and the great characters to the deadly secrets that were well hidden up to the end, Midnight Secrets is a book I found very hard to put down. Even if the start was very slow, with the first 3 or 4 chapters taking place 18 and 10 years ago, I found myself drinking in every small detail. Even if the beginning was slower than what I usually prefer, I think that it was essential for the building of the story and to understand the characters better. Getting to know more about an 18 year old Savannah and a 20 y.o. Zack not only added to the whole story but helped me understand them better and added to them a more than solid past.

The writing style is simply exquisite! The pace of the story is even, with not a single moment where I felt bored or tired even when nothing happened. Because granted, the whole uncovering the past mission started quite late in the story but still, I was more than occupied wondering what happened between Savvy and Zach and drove them apart and then all I wanted was to see them back together as soon as possible. The sexual tension between them was delicious and the sparks were all over the place. And that is partially because of those few flashback first chapters.

There wasn't much action in Midnight Secrets I'm afraid, but the mystery was well written and uncovered in an even pace, with small clues given every other chapter making me wondering for quite some time. Yeah I found the villain soon enough but I wasn't 100% certain of the identity until the ending. Maybe it wasn't that difficult to put everything together but at least there was some well delivered mystery to the whole story plus the motive was also not easy to figure out.

The character development is also great and both main and secondary characters are well explored and have a voice of their own. Maybe because most of those characters will re-appear in the next books but still, Ella Grace did a splendid job with all of them. I could watch how both Savvy and Zack matured through all the difficult things they had to survive, how all of those things affected them and shaped them as adults. And that is my favorite part of the story I think.

All in all, Midnight Secrets was a very pleasant surprise for me and I just can't wait for the next book in the series to be published! Ella Grace (a.k.a. Christy Reece) is an author to watch out for!

*This title was provided for review via Edelweiss

ARC REVIEW: Lead and Follow by Katie Porter

Lead and Follow by Katie Porter

Series:Club Devant, #1

Publication Date: January 8th 2013

Publisher:Samhain Publishing

ebook, 262 pages
Useful Info: Goodreads, Author's Website

The best partners share everything...

Lizzie Maynes's torn ACL threatens more than her career as an international Latin ballroom champion. During her lengthy recovery, her longtime professional partner, Dima Turgenev, has been dancing at the Chelsea District's most notorious burlesque, Club Devant. More than just dancing, he’s been experimenting with shocking new moves that make her want to pull him off stage and get back on tour as soon as possible--the better to keep their successful friendship safe.

Dima knows all about safety, and the lack thereof, because he blames himself for Lizzie’s injury. Far from the pressures of competition, Club Devant is the perfect creative venue to rebuild his rattled confidence. He’d love for Lizzie to join him and revel in the club's intoxicating freedoms. By exploring the new sensual energy simmering between them, they could become more than friends.

Paul Reeves, a recently divorced Texan starting over in the Big Apple, is all for joining the dancers as they blaze through sexual boundaries. But he also knows their sizzling trio won’t last. Lizzie and Dima belong together. Before the last sparks fade, he plans to transform two stubborn friends into lasting lovers--one raunchy lesson at a time.

Warning: Burlesque meets ballroom in this f***ing sexy book when a smoldering Russian dance god and a blonde firecracker with hips possessed by the devil share a sunny, filthy-minded Texan--for just a dance or two.

This review was originally published at Book Lovers Inc

Before I say anything else about Lead and Follow, I just have to take a moment and note that I picked up this book with a really open mind. You see I have never before read anything quite similar to this story. Never. But I just couldn't resist myself and ask this book for review (and here I really need to say a huge thank you to both Carrie Lofty and Lorelie Brown for providing me with a copy of this book upon my request).

I mean, have you read that premise? As soon as I read it I just had to get this book at all costs. I have a thing both for dancers and Russians. A hot Russian dancer? How could I ever resist that combo? No way! So, I picked this book up and literally devoured it! Oh it's that good and if it's possible, even better!

The writing style and character development is great as one would expect from the duo of authors. I'm not familiar with Lorelie Brown's writing style (but now I desperately want to!) but I'm in love with Carrie Lofty's writing style. I have still not read a story of hers that didn't grab me and in the end of day I didn't enjoy. So, as far as the writing is concerned, Lead and Follow is incredible! The characters are multi-dimensional, have wants and needs and they are flawed as any real person would be. So even though I couldn't really understand them (I'll explain in a bit why) and their needs and wishes I cared for them and I could connect with them. And it's the first time that I can connect with a set of characters I can't fully understand what motivates them.

So, let me explain now why I couldn't really understand the characters. Like I said in the beginning, it's the first time I read something like Lead and Follow. And that is a truly erotica novel. Yeah, that 50 Shades craziness has caught up with me, so sure, I have read some erotica novels, but nothing with menage or M/M romance in it. Lead and Follow is erotica in its very core. It's all about sex and carnal wishes but with a great set of characters and a plot in there. It has lots of hot sex in it, but even if the story is centered around sex, it's not just that. So, the reason I couldn't fully understand Dima and Lizzie was purely personal and simply because I couldn't myself fathom what motivated them. How could they love so much each other and engage in sex with others. I couldn't put myself in Lizzie's shoes and imagine myself being turned on by seeing the man I love having sex with another man. That's why I couldn't relate to the characters, but still, I could connect with them. To make a long story short, the whole story was outside my comfort zone. Am I making any sense?

Anyway, Lead and Follow delivers exactly what the premise indicates and then so much more!!! I couldn't care less if I understood the characters. The scenes were incredibly sexy and I couldn't care less if Dima was playing for both teams. He was one sexy man with an incredibly dirty mind!

But like I said, Lead and Follow, although centered around sex, isn't only about that. It explores relationships and their dynamics, how our fears can hold us back, from everything, and how much better it is to chase what you want even if you're afraid you might lose everything in the process. Because otherwise, you might lose the chance of even trying to.

Lead and Follow is how an erotica novel should be written. Because a good erotic story isn't only about well written sex scenes. It's about making you care for characters outside your comfort zone. And in that area, this story delivered everything I didn't even dare to hope for!

* This title was provided courtesy of the author for a review.

 

ARC REVIEW: Through the Ever Night by Veronica Rossi

Through the Ever Night by Veronica Rossi

Series:Under the Never Sky, #2

Publication Date: January 8th 2013

Publisher:HarperCollins

Hardcover, 341 pages
Useful Info: Goodreads, Author's Website, Book Depository

It's been months since Aria last saw Perry. Months since Perry was named Blood Lord of the Tides, and Aria was charged with an impossible mission. Now, finally, they are about to be reunited. But their reunion is far from perfect. The Tides don't take kindly to Aria, a former Dweller. And with the worsening Aether storms threatening the tribe's precarious existence, Aria begins to fear that leaving Perry behind might be the only way to save them both.

Threatened by false friends, hidden enemies, and powerful temptations, Aria and Perry wonder, Can their love survive through the ever night?

In this second book in her spellbinding Under the Never Sky trilogy, Veronica Rossi combines fantasy and dystopian elements to create a captivating love story as perilous as it is unforgettable.

Through the Ever Night was one of my most anticipated YA releases for 2013. I loved so much the first book in the series, Under the Never Sky, and I was so looking forward to the sequel, that as soon as I was granted access to the e-arc, I immediately started reading this book.

But, I’m afraid that even if I liked Through the Ever Night, I didn’t like it quite as much as I did the first book, for a number of reasons.
The first reason, was the fact that I just couldn’t really get into the world Veronica Rossi created. Or not exactly get into it, but remember all the details and get immersed into the book as soon as I was hoping to. If you remember from my review of the first book, I had similar problems understanding exactly how the world worked. Problems that as soon as I moved past, I just couldn’t put the book down. So, it’s only natural that I wasn’t expecting to face similar problems in the second book as well. Maybe it’s my own fault for not remembering all the details. But still, I don’t usually face similar problems with stories and with worlds even more complicated than that of Through the Ever Night. Granted, the world building is complicated and intricate and unique, but still, I shouldn’t be facing any problems especially after being quite a few chapters into the book.
Anyway, the details of the world building, even if a little bit later than what I was expecting, came to me, but still, I found myself not being so excited about this story as I was with the first one. Maybe because in this sequel, the story was more centered around the tribes rather than Perry and Aria’s story and all those descriptions from their journey that so fascinated me in the first book were absent. Perry and Aria are away from each other for a good part of the book, their relationship seem to be static and even if there are a couple of journeys described, they’re not half as good as what they were in the first book.

Other than that, Through the Ever Night follows the exact same pattern as the first book, it is quite well written and with good character building. Lyv and Roar story was among my favorite things about this book.

All in all, Through the Ever Night, may be inferior, in my opinion, compared to Under the Never Sky, but it’s not a bad book, not by a long shot. And the ending, just left me wanting for more. To say that I thought that there were a couple of pages missing from the file would be an understatement. Fans of the series, won’t be disappointed.

*This ARC was provided for a review through Edelweiss

REVIEW: Once and Always by Judith McNaught

Once and Always by Judith McNaught

Publication Date:April 25th 2006

Publisher:Pocket

Edition:Mass Market Paperback, 400 pages
Useful Info: Goodreads, Author's Website, Book Depository

"Once and Always," one of Judith McNaught's most masterful and moving love stories, powerfully brings to life the fiery passion of a free-spirited American beauty and a troubled English lord.

Suddenly orphaned and alone, Victoria Seaton sails the vast ocean, eager to reclaim her heritage at Wakefield, the sumptuous English estate of a distant cousin, the notorious Lord Jason Fielding. Bewildered by his arrogance yet drawn to his panther-like grace, she senses the painful memories that smolder in his eyes. When he gathers her at last into his arms, arousing a sweet, insistent hunger, they wed and are embraced by fierce, consuming joy -- free from the past's cruel grasp. Then, in a moment of anguish, Victoria discovers the treachery at the heart of their love . . . a love she had dreamed would triumph not just once, but always

This review was first published at Book Lovers Inc

One thing I can say about Judith McNaught and her books is that I just can't put down her books for no reason. As soon as I start reading one of her novels, I just forget everything about actually living and all I want to do is read. Simple as that. I can resume my life as soon as I'm done but no sooner :P

Needless to say, that was the case with Once and Always. I don't know if it's the way McNaught writes, or her stories themselves, but I find myself enjoying them, even if I have a few problems with some things in the plot or even if most of her novels (that I have read so far at least) are following the same pattern. McNaught has an unmistakable way of writing "full" stories. And when I say full, I mean with an interesting story, well-built and relatable characters, amazing writing style and most importantly a toe curling romance!

Once and Always is the story of Victoria, who when orphaned is shipped from America to England to live with a relative of her mother's she never met and of Jason, a man who has turned his back to love after a dreadful experience and finds everything he believed lost in the face of Victoria.

I won't say much about the plot, if you have read even one novel by McNaught (and if not, what are you waiting for?) you can expect enough sexual tension and misunderstandings to keep you turning the pages. Like I said, it's one of those books you just can't put down for no reason whatsoever.

So, one might correctly assume that this would be a solid 5-star review, but unfortunately it won't be. Because Once and Always is an amazing book but for a small detail, that well, ruined many things for me. Having previously read Whitney, My Love, I couldn't help but notice some resemblances between the two novels. Whitney was originally published in 1985 while Once and Always in 1987 and in both books, the heroines are treated in a very similar way at about the same point of their stories and for the same pretty much reasons. It may be a detail, but the whole thing was a major let down in both novels for me and well, I thought of it as unoriginal to say the least...

So, despite the fact that I loved pretty much everything about Once and Always and it's one of those books I recommend without a second thought, the resemblances it shares with McNaught's previous work was a major disappointment for me.

REVIEW: One Night with a Hero by Laura Kaye

One Night with a Hero by Laura Kaye

Series: The Hero, #2

Publication Date: October 20th 2012

Publisher: Entangled Publishing, LLC (Brazen)

ebook, 173 pages

Useful Info: Goodreads, Author's Website

He wants just one night…

After growing up with an abusive, alcoholic father, Army Special Forces Sgt. Brady Scott vowed never to marry or have kids. Sent stateside to get his head on straight—and his anger in check—Brady’s looking for a distraction. He finds it in his beautiful new neighbor’s one-night-only offer for hot sex, but her ability to make him forget is addictive. Suddenly, Brady’s not so sure he can stay away.

…what they need is each other.

Orphaned as a child, community center director Joss Daniels swore she’d never put herself in a position to be left behind again, but she can’t deny herself one sizzling night with the sexy soldier who makes her laugh and kisses her senseless. When Joss discovers she’s pregnant, Brady’s rejection leaves her feeling abandoned. Now, they must overcome their fears before they lose the love and security they’ve found in each other, but can they let go of the past to create a future together?

This review was first published at Book Lovers Inc

As soon as I heard that there was a sequel to Her Forbidden Hero featuring Brady, I just couldn't wait to get my hands on it. You see, Laura Kaye intrigued me to no end with Brady's character,even if he appeared only shortly in Her Forbidden Hero and I was just dying to read his story.

Now that I read it, I just have to say that Laura Kaye can't disappoint with her work. Even if my feelings were a bit mixed towards certain parts of the story, in the end, I'm left with a sweet feeling, loving pretty much everything about One Night with a Hero.

First of all, let my clear what I mean by saying that I have mixed feelings towards certain parts of the story. At first, I found the pace of the story a little slow and the romantic part felt a bit rushed. You know me, when sex comes really soon in the story I rarely end up liking it. Not that I will judge a story only by that detail, but in most cases, when the sex comes before I have the chance to form any real attachment to the characters, I just can't connect with the hotness level of that said scene. And in One Night with a Hero, the first sex scene came way too quickly and as a result it was like I was just reading about two people having sex, without caring about how they felt or anything else. That first sex scene along with the next one were hot, but still, I couldn't really appreciate them.

Then, the pace of the story picked up and although it was cheesy at times, I had a great time while reading it. Only to be a bit disappointed with Brady and his behavior after a while until finally, the ending left me with a bittersweet feeling.

Yeah, One Night with a Hero was a bit of a roller coaster of a read for me. Not that I didn't like Laura Kaye's writing style, I absolutely loved it! She is one gifted writer and she made me enjoy a story that if written by any other author I don't think that I would enjoy as much.

The sex scenes are sexy and hot as hell but the character development was a bit inferior compared to the first book in the series.

Both Joss and Brady have so many emotional wounds and carry such a heavy emotional baggage that I definitely expected more in the character development department. As it is, both of them felt a little bit one-dimensional, with Joss' only highlighted aspect being her kindness while with Brady, all one could really see was his troubled past and how that affected his life. There aren't many other things the reader can say about them. And certainly, those aspects of their characters are crucial to the story, but there's more than that and I really wanted to see them. And after seeing how Kaye really can write a hero with a troubled past in the previous book, well, I kind of expected more.

But like I said in the beginning, despite not enjoying One Night with a Hero as much as I expected, I still liked it a great deal. Laura Kaye can definitely deliver in the romance department and despite some minor problems, what I remember the most about this story, aren't all those things that I somehow expected them to be better, but a cute and beautiful romantic story.

*This title was provided for review from the publisher.

REVIEW: Stealing Parker by Miranda Kenneally

Stealing Parker by Miranda Kenneally

Series:Hundred Oaks, #2

Publication Date:October 1st 2012

Publisher:Sourcebooks Fire

Paperback, 256 pages

Useful Info: Goodreads, Author's Website, Book Depository

Red-hot author Miranda Kenneally hits one out of the park in this return to Catching Jordan's Hundred Oaks High.

Parker Shelton pretty much has the perfect life. She’s on her way to becoming valedictorian at Hundred Oaks High, she’s made the all-star softball team, and she has plenty of friends. Then her mother’s scandal rocks their small town and suddenly no one will talk to her.

Now Parker wants a new life.

So she quits softball. Drops twenty pounds. And she figures why kiss one guy when she can kiss three? Or four. Why limit herself to high school boys when the majorly cute new baseball coach seems especially flirty?

But how far is too far before she loses herself completely?

I just love Miranda Kenneally and her stories! After reading both her releases I can safely say that she's among my favorite contemporary YA voices currently. Her stories are cute and full of humor and her characters are always different and manage to stand out. I love how she chooses to present her stories in a different way, inserting elements I could never expect to find in them. Like the God and Church references in this one. But let's take things from the start.

My favorite thing about Kenneally's stories is her writing style. It's witty and sarcastic and I plainly love her playful attitude. Like in Catching Jordan, I found myself laughing while reading Stealing Parker more than a few times. And not many authors can make me laugh so easily.

The other thing I love are her characters and the way she presents them. The characters in Miranda Kenneally's stories are quite different from the characters you usually find in YA novels. They are far from perfect for one. Her heroines aren't the gorgeous girls who don't even know how beautiful they are, who seem to be in every single YA title I read lately. Surely they are gorgeous, but they know it and their self-esteem problems have nothing to do with their image but with more common things that teenagers get anxious about. I know, image is definitely a main source of self-esteem problems, but there's more than that. And Kenneally seems to grasp that in her stories.

Parker is far from perfect. In fact, her choices can make it really difficult to like her. And at first, I had more than a few problems with her choices and the way she reacted to her problems. But only in the beginning. Because after a point, I could understand exactly why she behaved the way she did, and even if I didn't agree with her actions, I still cared for her.

Brian, is your typical swoon worthy teacher, worth of jeopardising everything to be with. At least in the beginning. And although I don't really like him, I can't hate him like many other readers did either. Surely he was responsible for everything but not the only one to blame. There are way more factors that one should take into consideration.

Drew, Parker's best friend is adorable, the kind of friend I would have liked to have myself, even if he was a bit of a drama queen at the end and Corndog, well, let's just say that he was amazing and leave it at that... :)

From the above, you can easily guess that the character development here is pretty good, with multiple characters being explored and not only a couple of them. Almost every character in Stealing Parker has a certain role in the story and isn't just waiting to be used whenever the story needs it.

And now, for the factor that really surprised me in this novel which is no other than the major part religion played in this story. You see, God and Christianity are mentioned more than a few times in this book and play a major role at the way Parker reacted to things. At first, I have to admit that I was a bit reluctant to the constant mentions, and not because I'm sensitive in such matters or anything like that, but I was afraid that they didn't really ad up anything to the story. By the end, I came to appreciate Kenneally's guts to present things the way she did, without being offencive or anything.

All in all, Miranda Kenneally is one of the freshest voices in the YA genre currently and her stories are always a joy to read. Now, I can't wait to get my hands on her next release :)

REVIEW: Sugar Rush by Rachel Astor

Sugar Rush by Rachel Astor

Publication Date:August 25th 2012

Publisher: Entangled Publishing, LLC (Bliss)

ebook, 158 pages

Useful Info: Goodreads, Author's Website

There’s nothing quite like your first bite.

Dulcie Carter has been running her family’s homemade sweet shop, Candy Land Confections, on her own since her mom passed away. But business is slow and rent is high, so Dulcie knows if she wants to keep her mom’s dream alive, she’ll need a miracle. Winning the annual Assembly of Chocolatiers competition will change everything, if only she can overcome her fears and bring herself to create something new for the first time in a long time.

Then she meets Nick, a molten-hot guy with a sexy smirk and chocolate brown eyes. The attraction is stronger than any sugar rush—until she discovers he’s set to inherit his family’s big-box candy shop in town, which is her strongest competitor for first prize. Nick’s got his own reasons for needing the win, but then being around Dulcie is proving addictive.

As the competition heats up, so do the sparks between them. Can they keep their sights on winning, when love might be the sweetest prize of all?

Sugar Rush is one of the sweetest and cutest stories I read this year! I mean this book is so sweet that I dreamt of cupcakes the whole time while reading it! Well ,the fact that cupcakes and other various candies were mentioned the whole time didn't help me with my diet, that's for sure :)

But, even if candies weren't mentioned every now and then, still, Sugar Rush would be a super sweet and cute read. Hands down!

First of all, it was refreshing amidst the erotica chaos, were every single romantic title has its protagonists having some sex from the very first chapters, to finally read one that the sex is only implied. I didn't realise how accustomed I had become to sex scenes until I read this book. It kind of reminded me that if the author is up to the task, there's no need for a book to be sexy to be bombarded by sex scenes. And granted, Sugar Rush may not have any descriptions of steamy hot scenes, but still, it's sexy in it's own way. And for that, I loved it all the more.

The other thing I really loved about this one is the fact that plot is surrounded by soooo much chocolate! I'm a chocolate addict myself and this book combined two of my loves in one single package: chocolate and romance. I mean is there any other more perfect setting for a romantic story than that of a candy store? I was a goner before I even started reading this story!

I really loved Dulcie and Nick, the two protagonists, how they interacted and how their romance unfolded. Granted, the actual plot of the book might not be that original but the setting definitely makes up for it! On the other hand, Dulcie's grandmother and Nick's father weren't my most favorite characters of the book, but even so, I think that they added to the whole narration. The character development is pretty good, although I would have loved for Nick to be a little bit more explored. I kind of feel that I don't know him as good as Dulcie and I definitely needed some more background. But even so, Sugar Rush was one of those books that as soon as I started reading it I just couldn't put it down.!

All in all, Sugar Rush is a super sweet and cute read you shouldn't miss the opportunity reading. Even if it is for the creativity of some of the candies described :) You'd be pleasantly surprised, believe me!

 

* This title was provided for review via NetGalley

REVIEW: The Convenient Bride by Jennifer St. George

The Convenient Bride by Jennifer St. George

Publication Date:September 2012

Publisher:Destiny Romance

ebook

Useful Info: Goodreads, Author's Website

Sienna De Luca will do anything to save her family's hotel, and ruthless Italian businessman Antonio Moretti knows it. With problems of his own, he proposes a marriage of convenience and plans to use Sienna to secure his next business deal. But things don't go quite according to plan.

In keeping with her part of the bargain, Sienna travels to Venice to be with Antonio, who introduces her to a life of great luxury and opulence. As befits the fiancée of the famous Antonio Moretti, Sienna is given a new wardrobe of designer gowns and outfits and instructed exactly how to behave when out in public. But after thinking he can manipulate her at his will, Antonio begins to realise he has seriously underestimated Sienna, her intelligence, her skills, her courage – and her beauty. Unexpectedly, Sienna gets too close and when she discovers his dark secret, Antonio's perfectly planned life begins to unravel.

When I started reading The Convenient Bride, I really didn't know what I should be expecting from this novel, seeing there where no reviews for the book at the time. So I just relied on the premise of this story and on my gut feeling and I'm glad to say that I wasn't disappointed by this story in the least.

The Convenient Bride is your typical, romantic story featuring one of my favorite tropes in the genre, the one of the marriage of convenience (which seems to be in every romantic title I pick lately).

The story isn't anything fresh or really memorable, after all there are a number of similar books out there, but Jennifer St George manages to make her story stand out with her characters. Because the setting might be common, the story as well, but the characters are what makes this story stand out among all the other similar stories out there. I really enjoyed reading about both Sienna and Antonio.

The character development along with the author's ability to create perfect images of places and buildings in this book, is what makes The Convenient Bride a memorable story for me. Because the author chose to place her story first in Melbourne and later on in Venice and as far as perfect settings for a romantic story are concerned, this one, couldn't be any better. Add to that, the author's ability to create perfect images and I was just left amazed with all the scenery I was able to imagine through those descriptions.

But the Convenient Bride isn't just a perfect setting. Is how two people for almost opposite worlds fall in love and how through that love they help each other overcome their fears.

Because if you consider how small a novel this one is, the way Antonio's character developed until the end of the story is just amazing!

And up until the last two chapters of this book, I was quite certain that it would be a solid 5 star review. But, the last two chapters where just not consistent with how great a book this one could really be. The easy way everything wrapped up in the final two chapters sort of destroyed the awesomeness. Everything was just settled way too easily for my taste.

All in all, The Convenient Bride is a novel all fans of romance should watch out for, one I really enjoyed both for the story and the writing style and if not for the easy way everything wrapped up in the end, it would almost perfect! As it is, it is definitely worth your time and I will certainly watch out this author from now on.

8This title was provided for review through NetGalley

REVIEW: The Marriage Trap by Jennifer Probst

The Marriage Trap by Jennifer Probst

Series:Marriage to a Billionaire, #2

Publication Date:October 2nd 2012

Publisher:Gallery Books

Paperback, 328 pages
Useful Info: Goodreads, Author's Website, Book Depository

WIFE WANTED…

Italian billionaire seeks faux fiancée. Willing to agree to anything in return...

In order for his sister to marry, Italian billionaire Michael Conte has to find himself a bride – and fast! When he learns that photographer Maggie Ryan is going to be in Milan, Michael hatches a plan to introduce her to his family as his “fiancée.” Never mind that Maggie is confident, independent, and a control freak. Never mind that she’s everything he doesn’t want in a wife… and everything he wants in his bed!

Convinced that Michael is in love with her married gal pal, Maggie agrees to keep up the ruse if he’ll keep away from her friend. Besides, she’s not attracted to charming, ridiculously hot billionaires who drive her nuts. Once they’re in Italy, however, everything changes – and the sexual tension between Maggie and Michael goes from simmer to naked nuclear meltdown!

But have they found the perfect arrangement… or are they trapped in a make-believe marriage?

The Marriage Trap by Jennifer Probst may be the second book in her successful Marriage of a Billionaire series but this is actually the first book I try of this author and let me tell you that I was impressed! Yeah sure it may be a little cheesy at times and certainly full of cliches but I just loved it! It was fun and quick and cute and a read that I thoroughly enjoyed.

This is the story of Maggie, a photographer who thinks that she will never find true love and she doesn't care because she doesn't need it in her life. Or so she tries to convince herself. Michael is the hot billionaire every woman dreams to snatch for herself, a playboy at heart but who is big on family and tries his best to provide everything for his mother and sisters since his father died, even is his personal life's cost. The two of them agree on a faux marriage in order to help Michael's sister to get married and go on a trip to Italy where they finally realise that they are made for each other. Cliche and cheesy enough? I couldn't care less, believe me! I loved the tension between those two and how they didn't fall immediately into each other's arms but kept fighting and resisting their mutual attraction. I just loved their constant bickering and fighting and how different they were from each other.

Michael was as much alpha as one could hope for, reaching caveman level at some points. He was hot-headed and stubborn but so was Maggie. So they were good for each other. Maggie on the other hand was the only character in this book I had some problems with. Maggie and Mama Conte that is. Maggie because she was a little full of pretence in some cases and a bit arrogant as well. Just because a man didn't want to sleep with her, it didn't mean that he was in love with her married best friend. Maybe that wasn't the case, but it certainly came of that way. When she described how certain she was that Michael was in love with Alexa (aka her best friend) it actually came of as her certainty was the result of Michael's rejection.

And I disliked Mama Conte because she reminded me of an old meddling lady who tries to do things her way no matter what, which she actually is. The stunt she pulled towards the end of the book, was just precious! And so obvious I can't understand how no one else saw right through her petty tricks.

Apart from Maggie and Michael who are certainly developed enough as characters throughout the novel, the set of the secondary characters was a bit neglected. Mama Conte was just there only to meddle in things, Michael's sisters apart from Carina who is the main hero in the next novel in the series could just as well have not been present in the whole story and in overall the only secondary characters with some kind of depth are those that appeared in the previous novel (Alexa and Nick) and those that will appear in the next. The rest are just there to fill gaps. But once more, even with the lack of serious character development, I still loved The Marriage Trap. I loved it because it was sexy and cute and delivered in every department a romance novel should.

All in all, The Marriage Trap is a contemporary romance title full of cliches but enjoyable nonetheless. Try it and you won't regret it. At least you'll spend a few fun hours while reading it :)

*This title was provided for review through Edelweiss

Blog Tour: Review of Reaping me Softly by Kate Evangelista + Giveaway!

Today I'm really excited to be one of the next tour stops in the Blog Tour of Reaping me Softly by Kate Evangelista which is hosted by ATOMR Tours! You can click the button of the tour above to check the full schedule. And check at the end of the post for a giveaway :)

Reaping me Softly by Kate Evangelista

Publication Date:October 30th 2012

Publisher:Omnific Publishing

Paperback, 220 pages

Useful Info: Goodreads, Author's Website

Ever since a near-death-experience on the operating table, seventeen-year-old Arianne Wilson can see dead people. Just as she’s learned to accept her new-found talents, she discovers that the boy she’s had a crush on since freshman year, Niko Clark, is a Reaper.

At last they have something in common, but that doesn’t mean life is getting any easier. All while facing merciless bullying from the most powerful girl in school, Arianne’s world is turned upside down after Niko accidentally reaps the soul of someone she loves. This sends them both into a spiral that threatens to end Arianne’s life. But will Niko break his own Reaper’s code to save her? And what would the consequences be if he did?

After reading Taste by Kate Evangelista I have to admit that I was "stalking" the author for her next release. I loved so much Kate's debut novel and her writing style is right up my alley, so I was certain that there's no way that she could write a story I wouldn't love. And after reading Reaping me Softly, I'm glad to say that I couldn't be more right about this author!

Kate Evangelista is an amazing storyteller, an author with a unique voice and a talent to create different worlds, worlds that suck you in and completely mesmerise you. Worlds that are magical but hold a certain dark quality along with a distinct threat. A threat that everything pure and beautiful in this world can shatter any minute while there's also a promise that this pureness can overcome any darkness. All those elements are perfectly balanced in Evangelista's work and that is maybe what makes me love her stories so much. Well, one of the reasons anyway!

Reaping me Softly is the story of Ariane and Niko, a human and a Reaper, who meet and fall in love against all odds. But this is so much more than a teen paranormal romance story. Evangelista also deals with death and grief in her newest novel, along with the hot topic of bullying. And all that wrapped in a sweet and incredible love story.

I won't say anything about the plot. Only that it's even paced and keeps you turning the pages of this book until you reach the last one. The character development is pretty good with both main and secondary characters being explored. Especially those glimpses into Death's thoughts were priceless!

The ending just left me wanting for more. Seriously, there was no need for things to end that way and make us wait for so long until the second book is released... I'm kidding, the way things turned at the end and the ending, even if a little bit cliffhangerish, is just perfect.

All in all, Kate Evangelista is among the authors I discovered this year and whose work I will stalk because simply, I love everything about it! From Taste to Reaping me Softly, this author proves that she's is here to stay!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~GIVEAWAY~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

AToMR Tours are also hosting a big giveaway in celebration of Reaping me Softly's release. Enter the form bellow to enter:

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REVIEW: Angel's Ink by Jocelynn Drake

Angel's Ink by Jocelynn Drake

Series:The Asylum Tales, #1

Publication Date:October 16th 2012

Publisher:Harper Voyager

Paperback, 368 pages

Useful Info: Goodreads, Author's Website, Book Depository

Buyer beware . . .

Looking for a tattoo—and maybe a little something extra: a burst of good luck, a dollop of true love, or even a hex on an ex? Head to the quiet and mysterious Gage, the best skin artist in town. Using unique potions—a blend of extraordinary ingredients and special inks—to etch the right symbol, he can fulfill any heart's desire. But in a place like Low Town, where elves, faeries, trolls, werewolves, and vampires happily walk among humanity, everything has its price.

No one knows that better than Gage. Turning his back on his own kind, he left the magical Ivory Tower where cruel witches and warlocks rule, a decision that cost him the right to practice magic. And if he disobeys, his punishment—execution—will be swift.

Though he's tried to fly under the radar, Gage can't hide from powerful warlocks who want him dead—or the secrets of his own past. But with the help of his friends, Trixie, a gorgeous elf who hides her true identity, and a hulking troll named Bronx, Gage might just make it through this enchanted world alive.

It doesn't come as a big surprise that I absolutely loved Angel's Ink. Whoever is familiar with Jocelynn Drake's work and her ability to create intricate and unique worlds knows exactly what I'm talking about and why I couldn't help but thoroughly enjoy Drake's newest release. She's simply one of those authors that just sweep you away into a magical journey you never want it to end.

But let's take things from the start. The first thing I really loved about Angel's Ink and found really refreshing was the male POV. I kind of take for granted that the voice I will hear in my head telling the story will be female that I was pleasantly surprised to realize that this time I would hear a man telling me his story. I know the blurb clearly states the POV but believe it or not I haven't even read the blurb before picking up this title. It was a book written by Jocelynn Drake, I didn't need any other recommendations... So, the male POV was such a fresh take on the genre, at least for me. I know this one isn't the first story told in male POV, but I seem to just keep picking all those that are told from a female one.

Gage's voice was strong and sexy and reading about his growing feelings for Trixie and how their romance developed was hotter than what I could have ever imagined and sweet at the same time.

The world building is something new and intricate. In fact the world building is so complicated that I kind of struggled to understand how everything works. And to be honest, even now that I have finished reading Angel's Ink I still haven't understood how everything falls in place in this world. You have humans and almost every paranormal creature you can imagine (warlocks, fae, elves, werewolves, trolls), all living together in modern society. The details of the world are slowly given to the reader along with the narration but up to the end, it's not quite clear how everything works or connects in the story. At least I fell that way. At points, everything was just too much and the actual story was lost in the details of such an intricate world.

The character development is pretty good, although it's mainly focused on Gage. We only learn about him and little else about the rest of the characters. And that was the reason I felt a little bit tired sometime after I reached the middle of the book. I was a bit tired about Gage's endless list of problems and fires he needed to put out. He was constantly running from someone to save his life or he was in the middle of trying to fix someone else's life in cost of his own.

The romance between Gage and Trixie was sweet and sexy at the same time and I really enjoyed reading that part of the book. Plus, the ending just blew me away. Although from an aspect it felt a bit anticlimatic, some details revealed at the end of the book just made sure that I would be definitely reading the next installment in this series.

All in all, Angel's Ink is a fresh UF story that all lovers of the genre should try reading. It may be weak in some aspects but Jocelynn Drake makes sure that you'll have a great time while reading her stories, even if you have some minor problems.

 * This title was provided for review through Edelweiss

REVIEW: Manipulated by Kimberly Montague

Manipulated by Kimberly Montague

Publication Date:August 19th 2012

Publisher: CreateSpace

Paperback, 254 pages

Useful Info: Goodreads, Author's Website

While this novel is set in the Setenid Blight world, it can be read as a stand-alone novel since no prior knowledge is required to enjoy it.

Two months ago, high school senior, Risa Neely had it all going for her: good friends, a good education, and a supportive mother. But all that changed the night her new stepfather attacked her. When her friends and even her own mother believe her stepfather's twisted lies, she has no other alternative but to turn to her absentee father.

Just when she thinks she's been able to move on and carve out a very safe, albeit lonely existence, bad-boy Brodie Decker, the school's hottest man-whore, literally knocks her off her feet. Drawn to the way she's completely unimpressed by him, Brodie knows she hides herself behind a mask and is determined to get underneath it. But he's blindsided by the connection they feel for each other.

Can Brodie accept Risa as a permanent fixture in his life? Can Risa trust Brodie enough to tell him her awful secrets? And will their connection be enough to hold them together when their friends, family members, and entire city are pulled under a deadly Setenid Blight quarantine?

Recommended for ages 15&up.

Kimberly Montague truly astonished me with her YA series! I mean I had read in the past her adult novel Until the Morning Sun, so I was already familiar with her writing style and I kind of knew what this author is capable of, but still, I think that YA is her strong point.

Manipulated is the third novel in her Setenid Blight series and even if I hadn't read the previous two books in the series, as Kimberly says, it can be read as a stand alone. I didn't feel lost at any point in her narration, the world building and the details of the whole setting were given in a way that helped me follow the story and slowly get into everything. I can't really say if I missed anything not having read this series in its order, except maybe the fact that I now really want to read them just to satisfy my curiosity :P

Honestly, Kimberly Montague did an amazing job and helps her readers follow the story even if they haven't read the previous two books in the series. After all, Manipulated features a brand new couple, and characters of the previous novels only make a brief appearance, at least as far as I could tell.

Manipulated isn't your typical YA novel. It starts much like a contemporary romance title would only to change direction somewhere after the second half and become a much darker urban fantasy one. This split in the narration is what made me love so much this novel and at the same time it was my main source of problems. Funny right? Let me explain.

You see, the fact that I was expecting an Urban Fantasy novel and it started with a very contemporary romance feeling took me by surprise, a really pleasant surprise. I loved seeing Risa and Brodie get together, how their relationship evolved and most of all I liked reading about the changes in Risa herself and her relationship with her father after all the bad things that happened to her. Especially Risa's relationship with her father is maybe my favorite part of the whole book. I loved the way Montague slowly worked the details of their tenuous relationship and the misunderstandings that kept them apart.

But, like I said, Manipulated in essence is an Urban Fantasy novel and somewhere along the second half of the book, it was more than obvious where the story was heading. And I didn't mind this change, if only the transition was smoother. I kind of felt that everything exploded rather untimely or maybe a little bit unexpectedly. There wasn't a balance, and from a teen romance/drama, the whole novel turned into a dystopian fight for survival. And if only that transition was smoother, I would have no problem whatsoever with that. On the contrary. But as it is, I feel like the biggest part of this book is contemporary and only a small part Urban Fantasy. There's no balance between those two genres. And as a result, vital information about the virus and how exactly that dark world operated are missing. There wasn't simply too much space for the world to unfold. It was consumed by Risa and Brodie's love story, which I really liked, but it kind of ruined the balance of the narration.

The character development is really good, with both main and secondary characters being explored. The plot, if split in half is evenly paced. The romantic part and the action part have a pace of their own, they just don't meet each other. I really don't know if I'm making much sense :P

All in all, Manipulated is a fascinating novel, that apart from some details is a great YA story. I fell in love with Risa and Brodie and I'm looking forward to see how things will unfold in their future. And I hope that in the future instalment most of my questions will be answered. The ending left me craving for more :)

* This title was provided for review from the author