Review: Torn by Jennifer L. Armentrout

Title: Torn

Author: Jennifer L. Armentrout

Publication Date: 7.19.2016

Series: A Wicked Saga #2

Source: eARC from Ink Slinger PR

Buy: Amazon

Rating:  4.5 Stars

Summary (from Goodreads):

Torn between duty and survival, nothing can be the same. 

Everything Ivy Morgan thought she knew has been turned on its head. After being betrayed and then nearly killed by the Prince of the Fae, she’s left bruised and devastated—and with an earth-shattering secret that she must keep at all costs. And if the Order finds out her secret, they’ll kill her. 

Then there’s Ren Owens, the sexy, tattooed Elite member of the Order who has been sharing Ivy’s bed and claiming her heart. Their chemistry is smoking hot, but Ivy knows that Ren has always valued his duty to the Order above all else—he could never touch her if he knew the truth. That is, if he let her live at all. Yet how can she live with herself if she lies to him? 

But as the Fae Prince begins to close in, intent on permanently opening the gates to the Otherworld, Ivy is running out of options. If she doesn’t figure out who she can trust—and fast—it’s not only her heart that will be torn apart, but civilization itself. 

Review:

There’s a certain kind of delicious comfort that I experience every time I open a Jennifer L. Armentrout book. I know, beyond a shadow of a doubt, that I’ll enjoy it. She’s one of those rare authors that I just love everything she touches with words. Sometimes I just enjoy the ride, other times I am left agape and sometimes I just can’t control my fan-girl flailing freakouts. TORN, the sequel to last year’s Wicked, was one of those agape/OMG-freak-out books.

TORN picks right where Wicked left off with our main girl Ivy having on helluva bomb dropped on her life. The majority of this book is Ivy-driven and watching as she tries to reconcile who she thought she was with who she really is. There’s a beautiful, utterly human sadness as you watch Ivy try to decide between hiding from what she is and confronting it. Yes, the situation is entirely paranormal, but at some point, everyone face that moment: Will you acknowledge and embrace something? Or will you hide it away from everyone and ignore it?

Of course this book is also full of Armentrout-patented hotness in the form of Fae hunter Ren and his relationship with Ivy. Ren is protective and sweet and a little overzealous (props to Ivy for standing firm in her wants and not acquiescing to Ren when he wanted her to stay home or by his side so she was protected), but you can’t help but love him. Their relationship is true with lots of give and take and conflict that isn’t quickly resolved by a quick roll in the sack.

I can’t wait for the next installment next year. This series is definitely one of my favorites by one of my favorite authors. It’s a fun, paranormal take on the New Adult genre (something NA desperately needs more of).  Check this one out ASAP!

About Jennifer L. Armentrout:

#1 New York Times and #1 International Bestselling author Jennifer lives in Martinsburg, West Virginia. All the rumors you’ve heard about her state aren’t true. When she’s not hard at work writing, she spends her time reading, watching really bad zombie movies, pretending to write, and hanging out with her husband and her Jack Russell Loki.

Her dreams of becoming an author started in algebra class, where she spent most of her time writing short stories….which explains her dismal grades in math. Jennifer writes young adult paranormal, science fiction, fantasy, and contemporary romance. She is published with Spencer Hill Press, Entangled Teen and Brazen, Disney/Hyperion and Harlequin Teen. Her book Obsidian has been optioned for a major motion picture and her Covenant Series has been optioned for TV. Her young adult romantic suspense novel DON’T LOOK BACK was a 2014 nominated Best in Young Adult Fiction by YALSA.

She also writes Adult and New Adult contemporary and paranormal romance under the name J. Lynn. She is published by Entangled Brazen and HarperCollins.

Links:

Website ** Facebook ** Twitter ** Novel Goodreads ** Author Goodreads

Review: Dare to Run by Jen McLaughlin

Title: Dare to Run

Author: Jen McLaughlin

Publication Date: 2.2.2016

Series: Sons of Steel Row #1

Source:  eARC from publisher

Purchase: Amazon

Rating: 4 Stars

Summary (from Goodreads):

Lucas Donahue is not ashamed of his criminal past, but after a brief stint in prison, he’s ready to go legit and live a normal life. The problem is, no one leaves the gang without permission—even if he is one of the boss’s top men. Plus someone’s placed a hit on him. And then there’s that feisty little bartender who’s going to cause him even more trouble.

Heidi Greene knows to keep her distance from a ladies’ man like Lucas—even if she can’t keep her eyes off him. When he rescues her from an attack in the alley outside her bar, she’s forced to stay by his side for safety. But the longer she spends time with him, the greater her chances are for getting hurt in more ways than one.

Review:

So I've met Jen McLaughlin multiple times at multiple events. Let me tell you - she is one of the sweetest people. Always smiling, itty bitty petite ... She's the definition of adorable. But I'd never read one of her books until DARE TO RUN.

HOLY CRAP. What the what even happened?! This book absolutely caught me off guard and by surprise in all the best ways.

Lucas is a bit of an ass. Arrogant, commanding, maybe a lot little bossy. Typically that annoys me when I'm reading, but it just worked in this book. The way Jen writes him, with a heart, makes it impossible not to like him. Doesn't hurt that he's hotter than a Miami beach in July. I loved the way he was with Heidi, and watching them butt heads and fall for each other was everything I wanted.

This is a book you'll just enjoy. Just love it for because it's a fun, entertaining book and a great start to a new series.

Review & Giveaway: Unexpected Rush by Jaci Burton

Title: Unexpected Rush               

Author: Jaci Burton

Publication Date: 2.16.2016

Series: Play By Play #11

Source:  Finished copy from publisher

Rating: 4 Stars

Summary (from Goodreads):

All the Right Moves

For Barrett Cassidy, playing defense for the Tampa Hawks is a dream come true. And now he may have discovered his dream woman. Harmony Evans, once the sweet, gawky teenage sister of his best friend and teammate has grown into a smart, gorgeous woman with moves he finds hard to resist. But he knows he can’t get involved with his best friend’s sister—it’s guy code.

Harmony has always gone after what she wants with single-minded determination, from her independence to her education to her career in social work. She never expected her youthful crush on Barrett to develop into something deeper. And she’s not about to let some ridiculous man rules or her brother stand in her way.

When the chemistry is this combustible, lines tend to get crossed. And when Barrett and Harmony’s secret gets out, it just might be game over...

Review:

There's a reason I shout, "JACI BURTON" whenever a friend wants a sports-romance recommendation. No one combines the heat of competition and chemistry the way Jaci does. I am thrilled and entranced over and over again without fail because dang. Her books are amazing, and the 11th book in the Play By Play series is no second string book.

Old crushes-turned lovers are my favorite trope in romance. I love anytime there is a back story between two characters; to me it gives a stronger foundation and I can truly believe they get the HEA when the book ends.

I love Barret - he's sweet and fun and compassionate and a wonderful balance to Harmony. The two of them have remarkable chemistry. This is one of those books I simply never, ever wanted to end.

Is it time for book 12 yet?!

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Review: Frozen Tides by Morgan Rhodes

Title: Frozen Tides

Author: Morgan Rhodes

Publication Date: 12.15.2015

Series: Falling Kingdoms #4

Source:  Finished copy from publisher

Rating: 4 ½ Stars

Summary (from Goodreads):

Rebels, royals, and monsters wage war over the Mytican throne in the shocking fourth book of the Falling Kingdoms series, from New York Times bestselling author Morgan Rhodes.

CLEO: Reeling after a bloody showdown in Limeros ending with Amara’s abduction of the water crystal, and a vacancy in the Mytican throne, Princess Cleo must cast aside her feelings and look toward her kingdom with the eyes of a Queen.

MAGNUS: With the kingdom in chaos, Princess Lucia still missing and quite possibly in danger, and a shocking realization about Cleo, the steely prince is once again torn between love and duty, leaving him wondering whether he’s strong enough to rule his people.

LUCIA: The young sorcercess has had her vengeance after the cruel death of her first and only love. Heartbroken and unable to trust anyone, she allies with the awoken Fire god, who also seeks revenge.

JONAS: After escaping death by the skin of his teeth, the defeated rebel—along with a mysterious stranger–leader reunites with Princess Cleo, only to find himself a mere pawn in a dangerous hunt for the elusive Kindred.

KING GAIUS: Abandoned by Melenia and betrayed by his own children, Gaius flees Mytica and sails to Kraeshia, where he attempts to ally with the famously brutal emperor across the Silver Sea.

Review:

I swear, this series just gets better and better with every book. The fact that it’s book 4 and I’m still heavily invested (you guys know I have an issue reading series’), is a testament to the awesomeness that is Falling Kingdoms and Morgan Rhodes.

FROZEN TIDES picks up shortly where Gathering Darkness left off. Without giving away too much of the plot from past books, FROZEN TIDES seriously ups the ante. I loved traveling beyond the shores of Mytica to Kraesha with Amara. Amara completely caught me off guard. Her intelligence and ruthlessness absolutely stunned me in the best ways possible and she is truly set up as a force to be reckoned with in FROZEN TIDES. I can’t wait to see her in the next book!

I have loved watching the evolution of Magnus, Jonas, and Cleo. These three are my absolutely faves (OK, Magnus is #1), and their growth from book 1 to book 4 is incredible. They’ve learned and adapted and persevered and refused to give up.

Fans of Falling Kingdoms are going to be hopelessly entranced by FROZEN TIDES. Rhodes once again bests herself in the storytelling game, weaving a masterful tale of secrets, deceit and love. 

KGI Celebration: Day 2

Welcome to Day 2 of the KGI Celebration here at The Irish Banana Review! Let's talk about some more heroes, shall we?

SOFTLY AT SUNRISE
Ahh, the first novella of the KGI series. We go back to visit Rachel and Ethan, whose marriage has improved leaps and bounds, but it still a process. I loved checking back in where it all started and seeing how far this couple has come both as individuals and as a team.

This is a sweet glimpse into the KGI behind the scenes life (with some suspense and drama thrown in for good measure). Fans of this series have been craving this kind of reconnect with past favorites and I hope to see more in the future.

SHADES OF GRAY
PJ has long been a favorite of mine. She and Cole are a pair of dynamite sharpshooters on one of the team and there has been an undercurrent of sexual tension between the two of them in every book that explodes here. As the only female on the team, PJ has always been in a league of her own, but this book demonstrates that even kickass females can be felled.

This book rocks because you get not one but two KGI operatives in a relationship. Savor it.

FORGED IN STEELE
Steele, another team leader, has always been a stoic enigma for fans, but in this book we get a great look at the man behind the scowl. Maren is another favorite female of mine in this series. I love how deftly she is able to care for these guys as the unofficial team doctor.

Maren and Steele bring a calming balance to each other and I loved seeing their relationship play out. Definitely one of the better romances in the series.

AFTER THE STORM
After several books of team members, we finally get a new Kelly brother story. Van has always had a soft spot for women and kids that totally melts me. It is epically showcased in this book as he comes to the aid of a local family.

While I love Van, the highlight of the book was the chemistry explosion (FINALLY!!!!) between Sean and Rusty. Rusty entered the series in book one as a troubled runaway the Kelly's adopted into their fold and she has grown from a teen to a college student, but she and Sean have always had this antagonistic relationship that you just know is going to be it's own story. Hopefully soon.

WHEN DAY BREAKS
Oh, Swanny. You broke my heart earlier on as a POW with Nathan who endured possibly more pain, but I've loved watching you thrive in your KGI role. And leave it to you, the guy with the scars, to fall for a stunning model. But thankfully this model is a breath of fresh air who is sweet and fun and a joy to read.

But this means that we're at book 9 and there are no more KGI novels left to read. Well, not yet anyway.

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KGI Celebration: Day 1

Several years ago I started this blog, which started out as a way for me to share my love of Young Adult, but while I love YA, I also love some more grown up reads. Especially those of the military hero variety. I stumbled onto Maya Banks' KGI series and fell hard and fast for these hot heroes with equally strong and resilient females. After 9 books and 1 novella, this series is still going strong and 2015 will bring book #10 to shelves near you.

This week I am going to share my love of this series and highlight what drew me into each book. There's also going to be a giveaway running along with these posts courtesy of my friends at Berkley for the first 5 books in the series, and trust me: you want this series in your life.

THE DARKEST HOUR
Here we go, book #1. This series starts off on a somber note with Ethan Kelly bitterly mourning the loss of his wife, Rachel, who died a year earlier. When Ethan is giving intel that his dead wife might not be as dead as he was led to believe, he enlists the help of his brothers' Kelly Group International organization (which they've been trying to get him to join) to save Rachel.

Saving Rachel is the easiest obstacle they have to overcome - Rachel has endured hell, but even before that her marriage with Ethan was anything but smooth sailing. I love how this book truly highlights the highs and lows of a marriage. It's not all happily ever after and love takes work.

This book brilliantly introduces KGI and the Kelly brothers to readers in a way that is not overwhelming despite there being 6 Kelly brothers. 

NO PLACE TO RUN
Oh, Sam. This is one of my favorite books in the series and not just because it starts of with a seriously hot scene. Sam is the oldest brother and leader of KGI and his relationship with Sophie is anything but simple. Both have secrets which get exposed. 

This book gives readers a better insight into the leadership and camaraderie of KGI. It's full of suspense and twists and moments to make your knees weak.

HIDDEN AWAY
Garret Kelly played a key role in book #1, so when it was his story to tell in book #3, I was more than ready. This story was a little different because of the isolated locations Garrett was sans his KGI brothers. But it introduced Sarah, one of my favorite females of this series. 

Sarah, who has a brutal background that makes her so hesitant to trust. I loved watching her open up around Garrett and the way they bonded. Their relationship throughout the entire series is a major high point for me - especially since Sarah adorably tries to cure Garrett of his potty mouth (spoiler alert: it doesn't go so well).

WHISPERS IN THE DARK

It took me a little while to be OK with  because it deviates from this being a contemporary military romance series by adding a paranormal twist.

This is the book when Shea and Grace Peterson are introduced and both possess some telepathic skills that I wasn't sure fit into this world at first. In fact, sometimes I still wonder why this was made part of the series, but I love the series so I'm rolling with it.

Nathan Kelly (one half of the Kelly twins) is captured and tortured while on tour overseas and while his brothers scramble to find a way to locate and save him, he is saved by Shea who establishes a mental link with him and helps ease his suffering while in captivity.

Shea is another one of my female faves of this series. She has a great wit and determination, and her bond with Nathan is one of my favorite relationships.

ECHOES AT DAWN
Another deviation from the KGI formula (way to change it up, Maya Banks). Once again we meet up with Grace Peterson, but this time our hero is Rio, one of the KGI team leaders but not a Kelly brother. 

Rio has been a stoic background character for five books, but he truly comes to life in this book. He and Grace have what, to me, feels like one of the more mature relationships in the series. Both of them have lied through and survived so much, their being together feels more concrete than a lot of the other relationships.


So there you have it. The first 5 books of the KGI series. Make sure you come back tomorrow for some more KGI goodness, and check out the giveaway!

*Winner must have a US mailing address and be over the age of 16. The Irish Banana Review is not responsible for lost/stolen/damaged/unsent prizes by a third party.*

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Review: Believe by Erin McCarthy

Title: Believe

Author: Erin McCarthy

Publisher: InterMix

Publication Date: 1.21.2014

Genre: New Adult, Contemporary

Series: True Believers #3

Source: eARC from publisher

Rating: 4 Stars

Summary (from Goodreads):

Robin used to be a party girl… until she got black out drunk and woke up in bed with her best friend's boyfriend. Now she's faced with being THAT girl, and couldn't be more disgusted with herself. She can't even tell her friends the reason for her sudden sobriety and she avoids everyone until she meets Phoenix—quiet, tattooed, and different in every way that's good and oh, so bad…

Phoenix is two days out of jail when he meets Robin at his cousin's house, and he knows that he has no business talking to her, but he's drawn to her quiet demeanor, sweet smile, and artistic talent. She doesn't care that he's done time, or that he only has five bucks to his name, and she supports his goal to be a tattoo artist.

But Phoenix knows Robin has a secret, and that it's a naïve dream to believe that his record won't catch up with them at some point. Though neither is prepared for the explosive result when the past collides with the present…

Review:

True Believers is one of my favorite New Adult series, and I love telling people about this awesome, yet often overlooked, series. I feel like more people are getting familiar with it because of me. Or because the books are now in print as well as digital format. Probably the latter.

BELIEVE is book 3 and what I love most is how these books layer in characters from previous books but they can be read as standalones. Robin’s story was hinted at towards the end of book 2, and I have to admit, I was fairly unimpressed by Robin in that book. All I got was a quick “I cheated” and it’s hard to feel any sympathy for a character when that happens.

In BELIEVE, it’s easy to see Robin lead a lifestyle that simply spiraled out of control. It’s easy to see how it happened, but the heart and soul of the girl underneath is what drew me into this story. Robin is a likeable and very human character. She makes mistakes—often big ones, but there is definite growth in her.

Phoenix … Phoenix was a little hard to wrap my head around. I expected a tough, fresh out of prison badass, but this guy is sweet and sensitive and has such a big heart. He also wants to help Robin, but he’s not a masochist. Guys being the be all, end all saviors in New Adult is played out. Phoenix is a guy who is loving and supportive, but will call you on you BS. He’s not a doormat and I loved seeing genuine maturity in a character like his.

This is a fantastic series. Everyone who reads NA needs to have True Believers and Erin McCarthy on their radar. I own all the books in ebook format, but I am happily also buying them in physical form because I need them in every way possible. And so do you.

Review: When Day Breaks by Maya Banks

Title: When Day Breaks

Author: Maya Banks

Publisher: Berkley

Publication Date: 6.24.2014

Pages: 304

Genre: Adult, Romance, Military, Contemporary

Series: KGI #9

Source: Finished copy from publisher

Rating: 4 Stars

Summary (from Goodreads):

The Kelly Group International (KGI): A super-elite, top secret, family-run business.
Qualifications: High intelligence, rock-hard body, military background.
Mission: Hostage/kidnap victim recovery. Intelligence gathering. Handling jobs the U.S. government can’t…

Eden is said to be one of the most beautiful women in the world. Her face has graced countless magazines and her body has sold millions of dollars of clothing. But her fame and beauty has earned her more than she ever imagined. Evil is stalking her, determined to extinguish the ethereal beauty forever.

Swanson or “Swanny” as his teammates call him is always up for the next mission. He came back from Afghanistan wounded and scarred. Hardly the kind of man who even belongs in the same room with Eden. And yet there’s something about the quiet beauty that stirs his blood and makes him dream of the impossible. Because Beauty loving the beast only happens in fairy tales and KGI doesn’t deal in fairy tales. Ever.

Review:

This definitely felt like more of a return to the KGI series I know and love. Whatever happened with the last book, Maya Banks found her groove again, and WHEN DAY BREAKS is a great ninth (NINTH!) addition to this hot military group.

Swanny has always been that guy that hovers in the background. He’s had a very minimal presence in the series and I wasn’t sure how I would like him being a romantic lead, but I was pleasantly surprised by how likeable and enjoyable he was. I kind of want to go back and re-read the series now so I can pay more attention to him.

Eden was a nice female to root for. She wasn’t the traditional model, but Banks did a great way of showing how models can care about their appearance (yes, I mean weight here) without starving themselves. Again, I wasn’t 100% sold on a model heroine, but Banks pulled it off with her usual awesomeness.

These books have started to feel a bit routine, I’ll admit. I’m hoping something jarring happens soon in one of the next books to spice things up a little, but overall I still love this series.

Review: After the Storm by Maya Banks

Title: After the Storm

Author: Maya Banks

Publisher: Berkley

Publication Date: 1.7.2014

Pages: 392

Genre: Adult, Romance, Military

Series: KGI #8

Source: eARC from publisher

Rating: 3 Stars

Summary (from Goodreads):

Over the years, Donovan Kelly has fought relentlessly for justice, women and children always holding a special place in his heart. Working side by side with his brothers, Donovan has witnessed firsthand the toll it’s taken—physically, mentally, and emotionally—on his loved ones, and the innocent lives caught in the crossfire. What he never expects is for his next mission to happen right on his home turf—or for it to take a very personal turn.

Picturesque Kentucky Lake is the perfect place for a soul in search of safe harbor. A beautiful stranger has arrived—desperate, breathless, and on the run from a dark past closing in on her and the younger siblings she has vowed to protect. Donovan must now draw on every resource at his disposal—if he wants to save a woman and the children who may prove to be his destiny.

Review:

Please know that anytime a KGI novel from Maya Banks hits my shelf - virtual or physical - I will be dropping all things to read it. This includes occasionally acting like I have a case of Montezuma's revenge so I can hide in the bathroom at work and read.

Yes. It's that serious.

Of all the KGI guys, Van has always been the one that's the hardest for me to pin down. I love his heart and his brilliant mind, both of which are frequently in contradiction to the rough-and-tough KGI member that he comes across as. He's an enigma, and I was hoping his book would help me understand him a bit better.

It does ... but it also left me a little confused. While it has all the KGI staples I've come to know and love - hot guy, complex heroine, danger, and thrills with a some sexy times - this one kinda gave me a little whiplash, but I didn't notice until I set the book down at the end and realized that Van and Eve fell in love in 2 days.

2 days.

And it showed, unfortunately. The story felt a bit rushed and the pacing a bit off the whole time. Like Banks was following a formula (albeit a great one). The highlight was definitely the brief Rusty and Sean scenes because Rusty and Sean!!!!!!

I'm hoping this isn't the beginning of the end of my love for this series. 

Review: Throne of Glass by Sarah J. Maas

Title: Throne of Glass

Author: Sarah J. Maas

Publisher: Bloomsbury

Publication Date: 8.7.2012

Pages: 404

Genre: Young Adult, High Fantasy

Series: Throne of Glass #1

Source: Finished copy from publisher

Rating: 5 Stars

Summary (from Goodreads):

After serving out a year of hard labor in the salt mines of Endovier for her crimes, 18-year-old assassin Celaena Sardothien is dragged before the Crown Prince. Prince Dorian offers her her freedom on one condition: she must act as his champion in a competition to find a new royal assassin. Her opponents are men-thieves and assassins and warriors from across the empire, each sponsored by a member of the king's council. If she beats her opponents in a series of eliminations, she'll serve the kingdom for three years and then be granted her freedom. 

Celaena finds her training sessions with the captain of the guard, Westfall, challenging and exhilirating. But she's bored stiff by court life. Things get a little more interesting when the prince starts to show interest in her... but it's the gruff Captain Westfall who seems to understand her best. 

Then one of the other contestants turns up dead... quickly followed by another. 

Can Celaena figure out who the killer is before she becomes a victim? As the young assassin investigates, her search leads her to discover a greater destiny than she could possibly have imagined.

Review:

Sarah J. Maas is a master at her craft. This book just blew me away. I caught myself gasping, whispering to myself "oh no", and getting mad along with the characters. I was definitely surprised by the turn of events.

The characters in this book are so amazing and have such depth that you can almost talk to them. Celaena is by far my favorite, as she should be. Maas did an amazing job getting you in her head, letting you in her heart. You think you know her, how she is, how she will react to something and then BAM! Your blown away by her. You begin to feel her scars and blush with her at the same time. Dorian and Chaol are no different. All of their personalities are so different yet you can relate and understand them and who they are. I love them all.

Maas has an eye for details. All of the little things she describes and inputs make this story that much more real. Exactly how Celaena was when she left camp, the fires, the glass castle, and the landscape give the perfect mental image and portray what Maas is giving you. I don't want to give to much away.

What I love most is Celaena's journey. How her priorities change and her heart seems to grow out of no where. And the hint of something deeper that she is keeping quiet and hidden. Also, the king. There are just question marks popping up all around and makes you weary for Celaena.

Maas has created an adventurous, mysterious tale that leaves you clueless, happy, hopeful and excited for what's to come.

Review: The One by Kiera Cass

Title: The One

Author: Kiera Cass

Publisher: HarperTeen

Publication Date: 5.6.2014

Pages: 323

Genre: Young Adult, Dystopian, Romance

Series: The selection #3

Source: Finished copy from BEA

Rating: 4 Stars

Summary (from Goodreads):

The highly anticipated third book in Kiera Cass's #1 New York Timesbestselling Selection series, The One will captivate readers who love dystopian YA fiction and fairy tales. The One is perfect for the fans who have followed America's whirlwind romance since it began—and a swoon-worthy read for teens who have devoured Veronica Roth's Divergent, Ally Condie's Matched, or Lauren Oliver's Delirium.

The Selection changed America Singer's life in ways she never could have imagined. Since she entered the competition to become the next princess of Illéa, America has struggled with her feelings for her first love, Aspen—and her growing attraction to Prince Maxon. Now she's made her choice . . . and she's prepared to fight for the future she wants.

Find out who America will choose in The One, the enchanting, beautifully romantic third book in the Selection series!

Review:

I know what you’re thinking: Hannah finished a trilogy?

Yeah. I did. Can I get an “Amen”?

That being said, I’ve really enjoyed this series, and this was a great way to tie everything together. Sort of.

The last in a series is always the hardest review to write, so lemme tell you what to expect in the most non-spoilerish of ways I can.

The Rebellion: You find out what’s really going on with the rebels and why, but (like I said with the other books), the rebellion always feels like an unnecessary plot point just to add more drama to an already dramatic series. But, this does get resolved.

The Choice: Yes, America makes her choice. No, I won’t tell you who it is, but I was surprised by the adult nature of her choice. Impressed, even, if by the end I was more than ready to walk away from America and her waffling ways.

Look, if I can finish this series, then you know it’s gotta be worth it. So read this trilogy by Kiera Cass and let yourself love it.

Review: Alienated by Melissa Landers

Title: Alienated

Author: Melissa Landers

Publisher: Disney Hyperion

Publication Date: 2.4.2014

Pages: 304

Genre: SciFi

Series: Alienated #1

Source: ARC from publisher

Rating: 5 Stars

Summary (from Goodreads):

Two years ago, the aliens made contact. Now Cara Sweeney is going to be sharing a bathroom with one of them. 

Handpicked to host the first-ever L’eihr exchange student, Cara thinks her future is set. Not only does she get a free ride to her dream college, she’ll have inside information about the mysterious L’eihrs that every journalist would kill for. Cara’s blog following is about to skyrocket.

Still, Cara isn’t sure what to think when she meets Aelyx. Humans and L’eihrs have nearly identical DNA, but cold, infuriatingly brilliant Aelyx couldn’t seem more alien. She’s certain about one thing, though: no human boy is this good-looking.

But when Cara's classmates get swept up by anti-L'eihr paranoia, Midtown High School suddenly isn't safe anymore. Threatening notes appear in Cara's locker, and a police officer has to escort her and Aelyx to class. 

Cara finds support in the last person she expected. She realizes that Aelyx isn’t just her only friend; she's fallen hard for him. But Aelyx has been hiding the truth about the purpose of his exchange, and its potentially deadly consequences. Soon Cara will be in for the fight of her life—not just for herself and the boy she loves, but for the future of her planet.

Review:

Y’all know I love a good alien book, but a good alien book is so hard to find. Until now. For those of you looking for an intense, thrilling, breathless read with hot aliens and a heroine you can root for, look no further than ALIENATED by Melissa Landers. This book absolutely blew me away. I had high expectations and Landers exceeded each one of them.

I love that Cara isn’t your typical heroine. She doesn’t blindly jump into situations and she has serious reservations (as any sane, normal person would). I love that she behaved and reacted like I feel most people would in her situation.

Well, as normally as one can behave when a hot alien moves in with you.

Perhaps my favorite part, though, is the relationship between Aelyx and Cara. Yes, there are some steamy moments, but Landers doesn’t take the easy way out. She doesn’t have them collide in a combination of insta-love attraction and smoldering gazes that seem to bog down so many YA romances. What works is that she makes us invest in both characters individually before we can rally behind them as a couple. We watch them stumble and fumble and mature into a friendship that naturally goes deeper.

I cannot wait to see what Landers has in store for the rest of this series. Be assured that I will be devouring each book I can get my hands on as they come out because this is one series no one should miss.

 Buy: Amazon

The Marked Men by Jay Crownover Mini Reviews

I've never done mini reviews before, but it's also been awhile since I binge-read an entire series in a weekend. So, here's my reviews of the 3 first Marked Men books by the amazing Jay Crownover:

Title: Rule

Author: Jay Crownover

Publisher: Jay Crownover Books

Publication Date: 12.30.2012

Pages: 327

Genre: New Adult, Contemporary

Series: Marked Men #1

Source: Purchased ebook

Rating: B

Summary (from Goodreads):

Opposites in every way . . . except the one that matters 

Shaw Landon loved Rule Archer from the moment she laid eyes on him. Rule is everything a straight--A pre-med student like Shaw shouldn’t want--and the only person she’s never tried to please. She isn’t afraid of his scary piercings and tattoos or his wild attitude. Though she knows that Rule is wrong for her, her heart just won’t listen.

To a rebel like Rule Archer, Shaw Landon is a stuck-up, perfect princess-and his dead twin brother’s girl. She lives by other people’s rules; he makes his own. He doesn’t have time for a good girl like Shaw-even if she’s the only one who can see the person he truly is.

But a short skirt, too many birthday cocktails, and spilled secrets lead to a night neither can forget. Now, Shaw and Rule have to figure out how a girl like her and a guy like him are supposed to be together without destroying their love . . . or each other.

Review:

I started reading this book for the first time when it came out. I was immediately annoyed as crap with Rule. After some gentle shoving from another blogger friend who assured me it got better, I decided to give it another go. I was totally stunned by how quickly and hard I fell in love with this story.

Yes, Rule is very antagonistic, but his loyalty and passion is what pulled me--and Shaw--in. And Shaw? She's just all sorts of sweet and awesome. These two balanced one another perfectly! This is a fantastic start to Jay Crownover's Marked Men series. She gives you a great glimpse into these guys and how tight their bond is as friends and family. I can't wait for each to get his story and time in the spotlight.

Buy: Amazon

Title: Jet

Author: Jay Crownover

Publisher: William Morrow Paperbacks

Publication Date: 5.28.2013

Pages: 416

Genre: New Adult, Contemporary

Series: Marked Men #2

Source: eARC from publisher

Rating: B+

Summary (from Goodreads):

With his tight leather pants and a sharp edge that makes him dangerous, Jet Keller is every girl’s rock and roll fantasy. But Ayden Cross is done walking on the wild side with bad boys. She doesn’t want to give in to the heat she sees in Jet’s dark, haunted eyes. She’s afraid of getting burned from the sparks of their spontaneous combustion, even as his touch sets her on fire.

Jet can’t resist the Southern Belle with mile-long legs in cowboy boots who defies his every expectation. Yet the closer he feels to Ayden, the less he seems to know her. While he’s tempted to get under her skin and undo her in every way, he knows firsthand what happens to two people with very different ideas about relationships.

Will the blaze burn into an enduring love. . . or will it consume their dreams and turn them to ashes?

Review:

I think this is my favorite of the three Marked Men books so far. I just love Jet. And Ayden. They have this combustible relationship that simply leaps off the page. It gave me shivers in all the right ways as a reader. Tight pants on a guy aren't usually my thing, but Jet totally sold them. I loved his rocker with a heart of gold mentality, and Ayden is this beautifully broken girl who is trying to build a better life for herself.

While some of the drama does get a little over the top at times, Jay Crownover has this fantastic voice that will make me follow her anywhere. This is the definition of a new adult book to me - two people taking on adult responsibilities and relationships for the first time.

Buy: Amazon

Title: Rome

Author: Jay Crownover

Publisher: William Morrow Paperbacks

Publication Date: 1.7.2013

Pages: 384

Genre: New Adult, Contemporary

Series: Marked Men #3

Source: eARC from publisher

Rating: B-

Summary (from Goodreads):

Sometimes the wrong choice can be just right . . .

Fun and fearless, Cora Lewis knows how to keep her tattooed "bad boy" friends at the Marked in line. But beneath all that flash and sass is a broken heart. Cora won't let herself get burned again. She's waiting to fall in love with the perfect man—a baggage-free, drama-free guy ready for commitment. Then she meets Rome Archer.

Rome Archer is as far from perfect as a man can be. He's stubborn, rigid, and bossy. And he's returned from his final tour of duty more than a little broken. Rome's used to filling many roles: big brother, doting son, supersoldier—but none of those fit anymore. Now he's just a man trying to figure out what to do with the rest of his life while keeping the dark demons of war and loss at bay. He would have been glad to suffer through it alone, until Cora comes sweeping into his life and becomes a blinding flash of color in a sea of gray.Perfect may not be in the cards, but perfectly imperfect could just last forever . . .

Review:

This felt like a little bit of a pull-away from the other books in the series. Don't get me wrong--Rome and Cora definitely have a swoony, hot romance, but I just didn't feel the same chemistry between them that I felt in the past books. Maybe I burned myself out by binging on all this hotness at once?

Cora is definitely harder to get a handle on than other leading ladies in this series. She's rough, brassy, and argumentative, and I wanted to slap her with all her "perfect guy" talk, but Rome and his amazingness made up for it. I still don't think Cora deserves Rome, but maybe that's because I want Rome?

Rome is a trouble war hero that dug his way under my skin and firmly into my heart. I hope I get a chance to see how his relationship with Cora keeps moving in flashes during other books.

Buy: Amazon