Lucan
Author: Susan Kearney
Paperback: 368 pages
Publisher: Forever (September 5, 2009)
Received: Won in a contest.

My Rating: 4.5 out of 5

Summary:
Earth is dying, or rather it's just fading out. Nobody on Earth can have children, even though they are trying to. So when Lucan's sister miscarries again, he knows that he needs to do something. When he finds a map that might lead him to the Holy Grail, which will cure his sister, and save Earth, Lucan vows that he will bring it back to Earth.

Lady Cael is a dragonshaper, the only one of her kind on her planet of Pendragon. Being the only dragonshaper is a lonley life, because nobody is allowed to touch her. So when she meets Lucan, and he doesn't show fear at the customs set by her people, Cael becomes suspicious, even though when he touches her every fiber of her being ignites. But she knows that she has to stay focused and find the Holy Grail to save her nephew, the only one of her family who she knows without a doubt really cares for her.

Lucan, was a very enthralling read. When I picked it up I had assumed that it would be a historical romance, set somewhere else. What little did I know. It was like Star Trek meets a romance novel! From the first chapter I was hooked.


Cael, is so fiesty, and proud. Even when Lucan pretty much abandons her, she still stands up for herself and her people. I love how both Lucan and Cael were both primary characters. Usually in a story like this, you get one character who over shadows the other, and it was not the case in this story. Both Lucan and Cael lept off the page and into my heart.


I felt myself becoming tense over how they were both going to save the Holy Grail, and rescue both of their planets without loosing one another. The ending surprised me, but really made me happy and paved the way for the next installment. Rion, which I am happily devouring now.


I would recommend Lucan to people who like futuristic stories, and of course great love and romance.

Knight of Pleasure
Author: Margret Mallory
Paperback: 400 pages
Publisher: Forever (December 1, 2009)
Recieved: from publisher for review & blog tour

Rating: 4.5 out of 5

Summary:
Isobel is the apple of her fathers eye. She is everything he's ever wanted in a child. Headstrong, courageous, beautiful and smart. So when he gives her in marriage to a man who is practically ancient, she feels as if she was betrayed in the worst way possible. When her husband dies he leaves her with no other option but to agree to wed a French noble man to help form a political alliance.

Stephen is a womanizer, and an amazing solider. However, he is looking for something more even though he doesn't know it yet. When he meets Isobel he's immediately attracted to her, even though she is promised to someone else.

Knight of Pleasure was a very enjoyable read. To me it was of the same quality as Judith McNaught, and Jude Deveraux, two of my favorite authors in this genre. It was nice to read something that was quick paced but made the reader care about the characters. There were times when Isobel was going through some really crappy stuff, that just broke my heart.

Stephen is someone who I would be interested in. He was strong and stubborn and just from his description and personality, delicious. And Isobel who grew up a tomboy kept that up through out the whole story, which pleased me. She was no delicate wilting flower, she was strong and feminine, and honestly I felt that she would have fit in the time period she was written for.

The fact that Knight of Pleasure is part of a series didn't matter either. Yes there were allusions to the story before it, but it worked well as a stand alone as well. I didn't feel as if I had missed anything from the first story. I will be picking up the third book Knight of Passion and digging out the copy of Knight of Desire that I had won in a contest awhile ago.

Great book, great read. I would recommend to anyone. I know that this book is for sure a keeper on my shelf.

Hunger
Author: Michael Grant
Hardcover: 608 pages
Publisher: Katherine Tegen Books (May 26, 2009)

My Rating: 4.5 out of 5

Summary:
Things in the Fayze are getting worse. Food and other supplies are running out. Sam is starting to run low on hope and everything just seems so bleak.

Sam has to be the adult that he doesn't want to be, and it's really starting to wear on him. The kids of the town are looking to him for help, and guidance. He's expected to stop fights and to provide for everyone. He's also expected to be the one with the answers. When all he really wants is to go surfing and be a real kid.

For me this book was not as good as the first one, still a great read and a totally diffrent look on a survivor story. But ultimately not as good. It took me much longer to get into this one than it did Gone.

Hunger was much more violent than the first installment of this series. The violence actually shocked me. There were times when I felt as if I wasn't reading about young children, I had to forcefully remind myself that I was. However, for all the violence and such it felt very realistic. It's something that I'm sure if it were to happen would almost play out exactly the way it was written.

I would still recommend this book to anyone who likes novels like this. I would also still recommend this series to a teenage boy who isn't too fond of reading. My little brother picked it up and was actually interested in it, and he hates to read.

Perfect You
Author: Elizabeth Scott
Paperback: 304 pages
Publisher: Simon Pulse (March 25, 2008)

My Rating: 4.5 out of 5


Summary:
Kate's life was starting to fall down around her ears. Her dad quit his job to open a vitamin kiosk, and her best friend ditched her to hang with the in-crowd, then of course there is the guy that she likes but who has a massive player status reputation. Kate's life could be any girls life.

The main I didn't like about Kate is that she was very focused on herself. But then I have to stop and remember that at Kate's age I too was very self focused. It was more about me than anyone else.

Anna, Kate's best friend keeps jerking her around. Kate misses her so much, and is so desperate for any sign that her old best friend is in there somewhere. Anna does show that she still cares for Kate, but doesn't want to be seen with Kate. I feel that Anna jerked Kate around. She knew that no matter what Kate would be there, and yet took advantage of that.

Kate's dad is essentially just another one of the kids. He plays video games with her brother, and has no issues leaving his job to follow his dream, to own a vitamin kiosk. I really wasn't a big fan of her dad. The fact that he would have both of his children work at what he is calling the family business, but would have no problem leaving Kate there by herself to go play video games or something really annoyed me.

Kate's mom, brother and grandmother were all wonderfully supporting roles. And her mom and grandma's relationship dynamic was very realistic. Something that when her grandma was first introduced I thought would end up being extremely played out and cliche.

Will, Kate's player status crush was adorable. I totally want a guy like him. I felt bad that she wouldn't cut him even the smallest break. The way Kate felt was that everything he did or said had some ulterior meaning or was him just being a player. I had to remind myself though that that too was part of being in high school.

Growing up, falling in love, family issues. This book was really good. I would recommend it to young girls. Maybe 8th grade and up.

No excerpt to copy and paste here, but the author does have the first two chapters up on her website. Or you can click HERE to read them as well.

The Abduction of Julia
Author: Karen Hawkins
Paperback: 400 pages
Publisher: Avon (April 1, 2000)

My rating: 4.5 out of 5

Summary:
Julia is known as the Frant Dragon, she is her cousin's chaperon and is a strict reformist. It's something that wasn't really explained. Throughout the book there are parts where her past is talked about but nothing is ever said or anything. It did make me wonder why she was fighting so hard for the Society.

Alec is a rake, he gambles, boozes and sexes a little too freely. He has to marry, and do it before his birthday in order to recieve the inheritance from his grandfather, and save it from his cousin Nick. The only thing that confused me about that was that in the beginning of the book it was said that his grandfather thought he was a bad seed, but later it comes out that him and his grandfather had a close relationship. A little bit of a WTF moment.

When the two of them finally got together and realized that they were ment for one another, I was so happy. The path their relationship took was a bit weird, but altogether it worked. There was a part where I was actually crying along with Julia, because of things that Alec had said to her.

The supporting characters were pretty funny as well. Lucian is someone who I would love to have a story for. He was a pretty awesome supporting character, and of course Aunt Maddie who was just harebrained. I imagined her as the character Kathy Bates played in Titanic.

Overall a very quick read. Something that wasn't overly sexual and I would feel comfortable recommending to my grandma.

Excerpt after the cut:
The mantel clock chimed the quarter hour and the viscount stared at it as if transfixed. “Damn, damn, damn.” Scowling, he downed his drink in one swift motion.

She lifted her brows in disapproval. “Whatever is bothering you, imbibing that lethal concoction won’t help.

Imbibing that lethal concoction won’t help.”

“Nothing can help now,” he said with a faint sneer. “Thanks to your minx of a cousin.

Julia sniffed and he laughed, pouring another tumbler of punch. He crossed the room and held it toward her. The faint aroma of nutmeg and cinnamon made her stomach grumble eagerly, but she shook her head.

Amusement curved his mouth. “A prude, Miss Frant?

“No. I can’t hold my drink. It’s a curse of the family, you know.”

“An excellent reason, then, to drink more.”

Without giving her time to remonstrate, he pushed the tumbler into her hand. Her fingers curled around the warmed metal and she welcomed the curls of steam that rose to tickle her nose. She would just hold it until it cooled and then she would set it on the table. Surely there was no harm in that.

The viscount sank into the chair opposite hers and stretched his legs toward the weak embers. A blackness hung about him that Julia had never witnessed. And she’d had many opportunities to observe the dashing and dissolute viscount. More than he would ever know.

“I can’t help you if I don’t know what’s happened,” she stated firmly.

His gaze dropped to his tumbler and he stared into it as if seeking answers. “There’s not much to tell.”

Her heart ached at the darkness she saw reflected in his face. “I might be able to help. Two heads are better than one.”

He regarded her thoughtfully, then shrugged. “Why not? I have all the time in the world now.” He leaned his head against the high back of his chair and sighed. “My grandfather was determined to prove the error of my ways.”

Apparently the viscount’s grandfather was a man of some intelligence, Julia thought approvingly.

As if reading her thoughts, the viscount’s silver eyes glinted. “You may not know this, but some call me wicked.”

“Among other things.” At his astonished expression, she hurried to add, “Of course, it’s probably all untrue.”

The viscount chuckled. “Unfortunately, it’s probably much too true.” His amusement faded. “All of us, his children and his grandchildren, were a disappointment to my grandfather.”

“Surely you are being overly harsh.”

“Am I? Grandfather turned my uncle out without a penny for marrying a woman who had . . .” His gaze flickered over her. “Shall we just say she had unusual appetites?”

“Oh,” said Julia, wondering what that meant. She caught the dark gleam in his eye and hastily asked, “And your mother?”

“My mother fancied herself in love with an impecunious Scotsman who possessed no land, no money, nothing more than tenuous claim to a dubious title. She eloped.”

"She must have been deeply in love.”

He scowled. “She was seventeen and wild to a fault. When she disappeared, Grandfather was devastated. He searched everywhere. He finally found them, living in a state of poverty that defies description.” His gaze dropped to the sputtering fire. “My parents died shortly afterwards.”

“So your grandfather raised you.”

“Yes. Six months ago he died and left me his fortune. My cousin Nick inherited the title and the estate, though it is heavily tied up. He cannot sell it except to a member of the family.” Alec’s mouth thinned. “Grandfather knew my cousin too well to leave it unprotected.”

Julia wrapped her hands more securely about her mug. “What does all of this have to do with Therese?”

“In order to inherit the fortune, I have to marry before my next birthday and live in society for a year completely without scandal.” His mouth curved in a self-derisive smile. “Grandfather feared I was too wild and restless.”

“He probably heard about your lightskirts,” Julia said, breathing in the spicy steam from her own cup.

“Lightskirts?” he choked.

“Or the gambling,” she said with a helpful nod.

A crooked grin tugged at his mouth. “You seem to be up on all of the gossip, Miss Frant.”

“There’s little else to do sitting with the other chaperones. How much time do you have left?”

The viscount glanced at the clock. “Less than two hours.”

She blinked at him. “Two hours? And just how long have you known of the conditions of your grandfather’s will?”

“Since the day after he died.”

“But that was six months ago!”

“I kept hoping that something would happen to stave off this nightmare.” He ran a hand through his black hair, one lock dropping back across his forehead. “But nothing did.”

Julia curled her hands tightly about the mug to keep from reaching over and smoothing his hair back into place. “May I ask why you chose Therese?”

“The will is very specific. I am to marry the daughter of the late earl of Covington if I wish to gain the fortune.” His mouth curved into a faint smile. “Grandfather was certain marriage would settle my unfortunate tendencies.”

“He must not have known my cousin,” remarked Julia.

His eyes gleamed with amusement as he chuckled. “He didn’t. The Covington lands march ours and the earl had a marriageable daughter. For Grandfather, it was more than enough.”

Julia tried to suppress the relief she felt at the news that the handsome viscount had not been head over heels in love with Therese. “Who inherits the money if you don’t?”

“My cousin, Nick Montrose.”

“The new earl of Bridgeton? He’s been whispering to Therese a lot lately.” She frowned, catching herself just before she took a sip of the punch. “It wouldn’t surprise me if they were in it together. Forgive me for saying this, but Therese has always wanted to be a countess and your title, while very nice, cannot compare to an earl’s.”

Alec slammed his fist onto the arm of his chair with such force, Julia started. “Damn them!” he snarled. “May they rot in hell for playing such a trick!” He cursed again and tossed back the remainder of his drink as if it were water.

Julia winced. If he became drunk, no mere kick in the shins would recall him to a sense of propriety. And empty the bowl he would, unless she did something. She lifted the mug and took a deep breath, the scent of cinnamon and cloves making her stomach rumble anew. The warm, spicy wisps of steam beckoned.

She would just drink this one cup. If nothing else, it would be one less cup he would devour. That decided, Julia took a large gulp. The rum spiraled through her and warmed her from head to toe in one delicious swirl. “My, my.”

The viscount roused himself long enough to watch her take another sip. “Careful. It’s stronger than it seems.”

“I am no sheltered child, Lord Hunterston. I am very aware of the indelicacies of life.”

“I’m sure you are,” he said with a faint sneer. “You probably know every soiled dove in London.”

She pointedly ignored his sarcastic tone and took a defiant sip. “I know a few. The Society for Wayward Women has—”

“Good God!” he said, revolted. “You’re a reformer!”

“Call it what you like. I work to better the position of those who are afflicted by the cruel hand of poverty.”

“And what, Miss Frant, do you know of poverty?”

She gripped the mug with both hands. In the dark days following the deaths of her parents, Julia had come face to face with the realities of being a woman alone with no way to earn a living. The memory still twisted her stomach into a thousand knots, yet she managed to answer evenly, “I know enough to wish to see it ended.”

He laughed, the sound jarring in the small room. “We make a lovely pair, don’t we, Miss Frant? You, dying to help others but without the money to make a real difference and me, dying to help myself, yet with no more success.”

She hid her hurt behind a shrug. “I do what I can.” She looked down at her mug and wondered what had become of the rest of her punch. There was barely a mouthful left. She peered at the bottom of the mug to see if it had a leak, but could detect nothing. Reluctantly, she turned her attention back to the viscount. “Have you seen a solicitor?”

“Dozens of them, the damned leeches.” With a bitter smile, Alec rose and refilled both their tumblers. “It is over. I played the game and lost.”

His fingers brushed hers when he handed her the mug. Julia could feel the warmth of his hand through her thin gloves, the touch leaving her yearning for more.

To steady her erratic heart, she took a deep drink. Immensely fortified, she felt as if she could solve every problem. No wonder her father had been so adamant about the medicinal properties of rum. She wondered if anyone had ever thought to bottle it.

“There must be a way ‘round this,” she announced loudly.

This time his laugh had a touch of genuine humor. “Do all Americans believe they can work miracles, Miss Frant?”

“I was raised to value candor and hard work, Lord Hunterston.”

“You are a complete contrast to Therese, aren’t you?” He leaned a broad shoulder against the mantel, his eyes twinkling a silvery gray.

Julia looked down at her overly large feet with a twinge of regret. “Yes, a complete contrast.” There were few things she envied her beautiful cousin, and the questionable attentions of the most notorious rake in London should not have been one of them. But there had always been something, a certain glimmer in his reckless smile, a certain wistfulness in his glance, that made her yearn to know more about him.

As if aware of her thoughts, he sighed. “We should return to London.”

His words brought a moment of panic. She knew that once they left the enchanted confines of the parlor, things would return to normal. He would become the unapproachable, faintly dangerous Devil Hunterston, while she once again faded to obscurity as a lowly chaperone.

Hastily, she downed the few sips left in her mug. “I need more punch.”

A surprised quirk lifted the corner of the viscount’s mouth, but he agreed. “After today, I may not be able to afford such luxury.” He walked to the table, pulled out a bench and offered a graceful bow. “Will you join me, Miss Frant?”

She stood, noting that the room had taken on a swirling quality that made it difficult to navigate. Fortunately she managed to make it without tripping over any of the wavering furniture. She sat beside him and held out her mug.

He refilled both tumblers. “We’ll have to get more punch.” He pushed her mug across the table and reached toward the empty bowl.

A rustling noise halted him and he frowned, removing a crumpled paper from his coat and tossing it on the table. “I won’t need this now.”

Julia rested her chin on the edge of her mug and breathed in the spicy sweetness. A warm glow settled around her and the small parlor became cozier and more intimate. She squinted unabashedly at the viscount’s profile, noting the length of his lashes and the proud curve of his mouth.

He looked up and caught her gaze. For a split second she couldn’t breathe. Then she found herself adjusting her spectacles and blindly reaching for the paper. “It’s a Special License,” she said stupidly.

Alec nodded, returning his preoccupied gaze to his empty mug.

The license was dog-eared and crumpled with his name scrawled elegantly across the bottom. “Alec Charles MacLean, Viscount Hunterston,” Julia mouthed silently.

She sipped her drink. It was, she decided, even sweeter when taken from the bottom of the bowl. The innkeeper must have forgotten to stir. She swished the punch about her mouth, her idle gaze falling back on the paper. “You didn’t finish filling it out.’”

“I didn’t have time to stop and ask her entire Christian name, so I just wrote ‘Miss Frant.’” The viscount shrugged. “It served. The Archbishop did not question it.”

Julia waited for him to say more, but he returned to his own dark reflections, his attention sliding away from Julia all too easily. She sighed and pulled her mug across the crumpled license. Maybe the heat from the warmed metal would iron it out.

Her father had always taught her the importance of neatness. She smiled wistfully at the thought. Though he had died over five years ago, she thought of him daily. She especially missed his ability to see right to the center of the most difficult situation and point out the one, logical answer. It always angered Julia when Therese sneered at her father. It was true he had left England and ignored the position his father had wished for him, but he had acted with the purest, most noble of intentions. He had acted for love.

Love. An idea slipped into her head with an almost audible thunk.

“I know how to help you,” she said wonderingly.

Alec lifted his brows, his eyes the color of frosted glass. “How?”

“Simple. Marry me.”

The Song (Sons of Destiny book 4)
Author: Jean Johnson
Paperback: 368 pages
Publisher: Berkley Trade (February 5, 2008)

From the back of the book:
Eight brothers, born in four sets of twins, two years apart to the day - they fulfill the Curse of Eight Prophecy. To avoid tempting their destiny, the brothers are exiled to Nightfall Isle, where women are forbidden. This presents a challenge for the brother whose magic has been destroyed ...

Evanor, fourthborn of the Sons of Destiny, lost his voice- and with it, his powers- in the violent battle that freed his family from their greatest enemy. Thankfully, with the safe return of his twin, Evanor now knows precisely who can bring his songs back to life.

She is the enchanting widow Mariel, a Healer brought to Nightfall to help the brothers in their hour of need. For Mariel and her young son, that means leaving their beloved homeland for the unfamiliar island of Nightfall and it's still-forbidden shores ... and with it, risking the passion she stirs in her intriguing patient's heart.

But a new danger looms when the Council of Katan learns there might be women on the Isle...

Personal Review:
Reading this book, I truly realized how interlocked these books are. It is wonderful, I enjoy being able to point out where and who will be in the following books, because they play a large part in a previous book.

When Dominor was in Natallia with Serina, the brothers were able to talk via a two way mirror. It was through this two way mirror that Evanor saw Mariel, and knew upon first glance that she was for him. Out of all the books so far, Evanor had the easiest time woo-ing Mariel. They both seemed to realize that they were ment for each other right from the start.

The only person that had a bit of a rough time with this instant coupleing was Mariel's son Milkor. But he too eventually came around.

It actually was Milkor who first encountered the Council of Katan, and he was able to stall them long enough for himself to be rescued, without giving away any of the Isle's secrets. However, when the Council showed up it forced the Isle to ring the bell and declare themseleves independant from Katan. Which is now going to be bringing a whole new set of problems around. I cannot wait to find out what happens next.

This book flowed so well, it was a seemless addition into this series. I am currently devouring the next book in this series.

Rating: 4.5 out of 5

The Wolf (The Sons of Destiny Book 2)
Author: Jean Johnson
Paperback: 304 pages
Publisher: Berkley (April 1, 2008)

From the back of the book:
Eight brothers, born in four sets of twins, two years apart to the day - they fulfill the curse of Eight Prophecy. To avoid tempting Destiny, the brothers are exiled to Nightfall Isle, where women are forbidden. When a childhood friend seeks refuge among the brothers, it triggers a confrontation with their mysterious enemy.

Alys arrives desprate and afraid, but welcomed by Wolfer, the second-born brother. They have each harbored deep feelings for the other, but Alys harbors a secret as well. It is her very own uncle who torments the exiled brothers, plaguing them with creatures, and who seeks to kill them to secure their ancestral inheritance for himself.

But confessing her uncle's plan to the brothers will put them at even greater risk, for their resistance against the evil mage has stirred his wrath. This time Alys fears her uncle is determined to exterminate the brothers once and for al l- destroying the star-crosed lovers as well...

Personal Review:
The second book in the Sons of Destiny series, did not disappoint. It was a super quick read and neatly tied up some of the questions from the first book, along with raising new ones that will be answered in the following books.

Alys having been forced a life of servitude to her uncle and now being forced into an arranged marriage runs away. She runs to the Isle, not only for her freedom but to her long time crush, Wolfer. After having to use her powers to escape her uncles wrath, she instead faces Wolfers. His feelings for her are the same, but he's unsure of if she should be on the Isle or not. Plus, he can tell she's hiding something, but is unsure what.

Kelly, Saber's wife, imediately takes to Alys, and offers her a protective wing. However, Wolfer isn't happy with that either, but it forces him instead to offer Alys the same protection. A little while later he realizes, that Alys feels for him the same way he feels for her. There is a lot of sexual energy between the two of them, and pretty soon Wolfer realizes that she is his intended.

Alys however, is still keeping her secret. Sure that if she were to ever tell the brothers would reject her, even worse that Wolfer would reject her. When her uncle unexpectadly shows up on the Isle, Alys knows that it's now or never. After her uncle is shown off the isle she spills her guts. Wolfer's reaction was predictable, but some advice from a very unlikely brother has Alys going after him to plead her case.

Wolfer listens, and the more he hears the more he wants to rip her uncles throat out. He forgives Alys for not being up front, and instead is more focused on getting even with her uncle. However, her uncle has a diffrent plan. He breaches the Isle's defenses and is there ready to take the place by storm. All of the brothers show up for the fight, and of course come out the winners. Not before one of them is seriously wounded though.

Rating: 4.5 out of 5

Betrayed
Author: P.C Cast & Kristin Cast
Paperback: 320 pages
Publisher: St. Martin's Griffin (October 2, 2007)

From the back of the book:
Fledgling vampyre Zoey Redbird has managed to settle in at the House of Night. She’s come to terms with the vast powers the vampyre goddess, Nyx, has given her, and is getting a handle on being the new Leader of the Dark Daughters. Best of all, Zoey finally feels like she belongs--like she really fits in. She actually has a boyfriend…or two. Then the unthinkable happens: Human teenagers are being killed, and all the evidence points to the House of Night. While danger stalks the humans from Zoey’s old life, she begins to realize that the very powers that make her so unique might also threaten those she loves. Then, when she needs her new friends the most, death strikes the House of Night, and Zoey must find the courage to face a betrayal that could break her heart, her soul, and jeopardize the very fabric of her world.

Personal Review:
After reading the first book in this series, Marked (review up: HERE) I knew that I would have to pick up the next installment. And boy, oh boy am I glad I did. This book had it all, suspense and mystery, with a touch of romance and realism. I like Zoey's character much more in this book, because she seemed so normal.

Zoey had finally gotten used to everything at the House of Night. Her circle of friends was strong, and her reign as the leader of the Dark Daughters, while making her nervous, was going well. Her love life was confusing. But then again what teenage girl's isn't? She had both the yummy Erik Night and her ex-almost boyfriend Heath fighting over her. Even though sometimes she's not sure if it's really Heath, or his blood that she is attracted too.

Then everything seems to be going wrong. Some human boys that she knew from school wind up missing, and then later are found as dead. Zoey believes that nobody from House of Night would do that, but all the signs are pointing towards them. Zoey's best friend, Stevie Rae, is getting sick. And when Heath ends up missing as well, Zoey knows that it's time to step in and get to the bottom of this mystery.

Rating: 4.5 out of 5

Marked
Author: P.C Cast & Kristin Cast
Paperback: 320 pages
Publisher: St. Martin's Griffin; 1st edition (May 1, 2007)

From the back of the book:
Enter the dark, magical world of the House of night, a world very much like our own, except here vampyres have always existed. Sixteen-year-old Zoey Redbird has just been Marked as a fledgling vampyre and joins the House of Night, a school where she will train to become an adult vampyre. That is, if she makes it through the Change - and not all of those who are Marked do. It sucks to begin a new life, especially away from her friends, and on top of that, Zoey is no average fledgling. She has been chose as special by the vampyre Goddess Nyx. Zoey discovers she has amazing powers, but along with her powers come bloodlust and an unfortunate ability to Imprint her human ex-boyfriend. To add to her stress, she is not the only fledgling at the House of Night with special powers: When she discovers that the leader of the Dark Daughters, the school's most elite group, is misusing her Goddess-given gifts, Zoey must look deep within herself for the courage to embrace her destiny - with a little help from her new vampyre friends.

Personal Review:
I picked up this book based first on the cover, it was a very mysterious cover and I felt that it would be a good read. Boy I was right!

This book starts off with Zoey talking to her friend Kayla about her almost boyfriend Heath. They're talking about a party when Zoey notices an undead guy, and in an ominous voice he proclaims her marked. Kayla freaks and Zoey is left to deal with it on her own. She goes home to tell her parents, and let's just say her mom is less than thrilled and brings out the People of Faith.

With home an unsafe place Zoey heads out to see her grandmother, the only person she knows without a doubt she can trust. However, things don't go as planned because while looking for her grandma Zoey trips and falls and hits her head. She has a weird out of body expierence and the next thing she knows, she is waking up in a strange room.

From there things just get equal parts better and worse for Zoey. She was taken to the House of Night, and she actually makes some friends. However, her ex-boyfriend and ex-best friend show up to spring her from the weird-o house. Zoey isn't sure she want's to be sprung. Besides if she leaves she'll have to leave hottie Erik Night, who might just be interested in her.

For Zoey it was one thing after another, but she never lost herself in the shuffle. The only thing I didn't like is that Zoey seemed to react to everything perfectly. Her life is in shambles and she has to totally reconfigure it, and she just kind of shrugs it off and goes with the flow.

Rating: 4.5 out of 5

Truth or Dairy
Author: Catherine Clark
Paperback: 272 pages
Publisher: HarperTeen (May 3, 2000)

From the back of the book:
This is the journal of Courtney Von Dragen Smith: middle child, product of divorce, would-be vegetarian. She writes the first mega-negative page the day after her boyfriend, "such a Dave," breaks up with her because he's heading off to college. Angry and humiliated, Courtney vows to survive senior year on the anti-guy plan. But can she really give up guys and focus on friends, school, and her job at the hip cafe Truth or Dairy? Or will a stint in student goverment, an epileptic dog, and a guy named Grant ("like-the-lake") Superior turn her world upsided down and prove her jounal right?

Personal Review:
There is something about reading someones diary that really tickles my fancy. I like to know what people are really thinking, and what they are really feeling. So being privy to their most private thoughts is a real big favorite of mine. Reading Courtney's journal was a pleasure. She was your typical teenage girl. She had best friends, a crazy mom, a little brother and a whole slew of boy problems.

Truth or Dairy, starts off when Courtney's boyfriend Dave, dumps her because he's going off to college. As the story progresses, Courtney obsesses over Dave, gets elected to Student Government where she is hit on by the Tom. And realizes that she might have a thing for one of Dave's friends, Grant. Pretty normal girl stuff. All the while Courtney has to deal with her mom wanting to go to her grandparent's house for Thanksgiving, even though her grandparent's are thinking about splitting up.

This book was full of well rounded characters, which is unique for a book that is supposed to be someones diary. I felt like I knew all of Courtney's friends, like they were my own.

Rating: 4.5 out of 5

Lock and Key
Author: Sarah Dessen
Hardcover: 432 Pages
Publisher: Viking Juvenile (April 22, 2008)

From the back of the book:
“Ruby, where is your mother?”

Ruby knows that the game is up. For the past few months, she’s been on her own in the yellow house, managing somehow, knowing that her mother will probably never return.

That’s how she comes to live with Cora, the sister she hasn’t seen in ten years, and Cora’s husband Jamie, whose down-to-earth demeanor makes it hard for Ruby to believe he founded the most popular networking Web site around. A luxurious house, fancy private school, a new wardrobe, the promise of college and a future—it’s a dream come true. So why is Ruby such a reluctant Cinderella, wary and defensive? And why is Nate, the genial boy next door with some secrets of his own, unable to accept the help that Ruby is just learning to give?

Personal Review:
When I started reading this I had to make sure that I wasn't reading a V.C. Andrew's novel, which depresses me because I love love LOVE Sarah Dressen's writing. But the way it started at the beginning with Ruby's mom leaving her and her moving in with her sister and her sisters over attentive and nice husband made me freverently hope that I was wrong.

Which I was! This book once I got past my own trepidation was amazing. Ruby was a character that I could get behind 100%. I love stories where I feel like I can connect with the main character, and for me Ruby was one of them. Her fight or flight mentality was unique, while at the same time not too far stretched.

Nate, was a doll. He suffers from what many guys suffer from. Good Guy Syndrom, along with his unique problems with his father. Which, not going to lie I caught on to when Ruby saw Nate's dad with Roscoe the dog.


Rating: 4.5 out of 5

Key of Valor
Author: Nora Roberts
Paperback: 332 pages
Publisher: Jove Books (2004)

From the back of the book:

What happens when the very gods depend on mortals for help? That’s what
three very different young women find out when they are invited to
Warrior’s Peak.

Light and Knowledge have succeeded in their
quest, and two of the keys have been found. The final, and last, test
goes to Zoe McCourt - Valor.

Zoe has the courage to raise her
young son alone, and to face all the adversity life has thrown at them.
But will she have the courage to face a foe determined to do anything
to stop the third key from being found - even destroying everything -
and everyone - she loves?

Personal Review:
This ended one of the best trilogies I have read in a long time. Of course everybody lived happily ever after, but at the same time the road getting there wasn't very predictable. The characters in this one were fantastic. Zoe was one of my favorites, and Brad was just scrumptious. Defiantly one I'll be reading again.

Rating: 4.5 out of 5

Key of Knowledge
Author: Nora Roberts
Paperback: 352 Pages
Publisher: Jove (November 25, 2003)

From the back of the book:

What happens when the very gods depend on mortals for help? That’s what three very different young women find out when they are invited to Warrior’s Peak.

To Dana Steele books and the knowledge they hold are the key to contentment. But now that search for knowledge must include the second key needed to release three souls held captive by an evil god.

She won’t be alone, for she’s formed fast friendships with two very different women. She can’t allow herself to be distracted by the return of the man who broke her heart so long ago, for a danger beyond anyone’s imagination is determined to keep her from completing her quest.

Personal Review:
This book was a good solid read, if there ever was a sequel to read in order this is it. This book follows the first one (The Key of Light), and if you don’t read them in order it could be kind of confusing. Dana was such an amazing character to me. She’s the kind of person who takes charge and doesn’t let anyone hold her down, although she does have her moments of weakness, and she does have her flaws. The best part about this book was that Dana was a librarian, which made it speak to me even more since that is what I want to do. Although I think I could do without the whole immortal god threatening my way of life thing.

Rating: 4.5 out of 5

Key of Light (The Key Trilogy Book 1)
Author: Nora Robert
Paperback: 352 pages
Publisher: Jove (October 28, 2003)

From the back of the book:

What happens when the very gods depend on mortals for help? That’s what three very different young women find out when they are invited to Warrior’s Peak.

The Malory Price Life Plan does not include a quixotic quest - but the strangers on Warrior’s Peak claim that she must find a key that will release three souls held captive by an evil god.

Little does she know that the quest will bring her two new friends, the love of her life, and danger beyond anyone’s imagination.

Personal Review:
This book set up the beginning of the trilolgy beautifully. Usually in the first book of a series, most authors spend too much time focusing on one person, instead of using the first book to set up the specific story and introduce the rest of the key players. All of the characters are different from one another in large ways, but they all compliment one another wonderfully. Flynn and Mal are a cute couple, he’s rough and relaxed where she’s soft and up tight. The other characters in this book are funny, Dana’s a librian with a temper, and Zoe is the mother with a heart of gold. The men folk in this series are just as amazing. Jordan is the bad boy author, and Brad is the rich guy with a good guy complex. The rest of this series is going to be good, I can’t wait to see what happens next.

Rating: 4.5 out of 5

Fifteen Minutes of Shame
Author: Lisa Daily
Paperback: 304 pages
Publisher: Plume (March 25, 2008)

From the back of the book:
America’s favorite dating expert just found out her husband is cheating. Live. On national TV.

SARASOTA, FL — Darby Vaughn, a small-town girl turned dating guru, has finally landed the life she’s always dreamed of: A handsome, charming husband she’s crazy about, a fabulous home in an exclusive neighborhood, a bestselling dating book, and tax-deductible pedicures.

Thousands of women have attended Darby’s famous Dreamgirl Academy and followed her man-snagging advice, in hopes that their lives will turn out just like hers. But when she finds out her husband is cheating, her publicity-perfect world spins out of control.

Not only is the most humiliating moment in her life splashed across every supermarket tabloid and celebrity gossip show, but her reputation as America’s favorite love expert is shot. Her book sales have tanked, her publisher has canceled the rest of her tour, and her love life has become fodder for late-night TV. To make matters worse, the ex-wife Gigi keeps feeding the media frenzy in hopes of furthering her own reality TV career.

If Darby takes her philandering husband back, she will be breaking her own most cardinal law of relationships (Never stay with a cheater!), and her career will be over. If she sticks to her own rules, she’ll lose the only man she has ever truly loved. As her marriage and career fall apart, Darby learns that even dating experts get their hearts broken, and that when it comes to matters of the heart, none of us are in complete control.

Personal Review:
Fantastic book, as soon as I picked it up this book I couldn’t put it down. Managed to finish it in one night, and that’s still getting to sleep on time and doing all my homework. Darby was a lovable character, someone that would hit right to the heart of many women. I found myself groaning out loud when she got herself into more trouble, and cheering her on when she did something amazing. The other characters in this book are realistic, and make me smile thinking about how they match up to my own friends. The whole time I was reading this book I kept thinking about what would happen next, while some parts were predictable, all in all a fantastic story.

Rating: 4.5 out of 5