Just For Now (Sea Breeze 4) by Abbi Glines

I have so many reviews to do.  Life has been getting in the way! 

Just for Now is the 4th book in Abbi Glines Wonderful Sea Breeze Series.  This one is just as HOT as the others.  This book follows the story of Preston the ladies man of the group and Amanda Hardy who is Marcus' little sister.  Preston has had a hard neglected childhood but is trying to carry the weight of his world on his shoulders the only way he knows how.  When introduces in the Sea Breeze series, Preston is Marcus Hardy's best friend and the guy who all the bimbos flock to in the club.  He has a different girl every night of the week.  However, hiding under the surface is a man who will do anything to provide for his 3 younger siblings while trying to maintain his grades and keep his baseball scholarship.  He has done things he hates and feels he isn't good enough to even look in Amanda's direction.  Not to mention, Marcus wouldn't understand. 
Amanda has always been in love with Marcus but knows he would never love her because he only sleeps with girls who have big boobs.  She will always be Marcus' little sister.  But one night Preston not only notices her but fullfills her fantasies with a one night stand.  The problem is he thinks it is all a fantasy of his own.  Preston finally realizes that Amanda can love someone like him and they both brave the critical opinions around them.
Amanda and Preston have incredible chemistry and this is one book you won't want to put down.  I loved it.  The whole series is great and a must read!

Books I would like to read

Books recommend for After Beautiful Disaster that I haven't read:

Pulled and Take this Regret by A. L. Jackson
Hope's Chance by Jennifer Foor
Defying the Odds by Kele Moon
Between the Lines by Tammara Webber
Insufferable Proximity by Z Stefani
Poughkeepsie by Debra Anastasia
Rock Chick Kristin Ashley
The Boy who sneaks in my bedroom window by Kristy Moseley
Rock Me by Cherrie Lyn
Avoiding Commitment by K A Linde
On Dublin Street by Samantha Young
My Life Next Door by Hunter Fitzpatrick
Naughty Little Secret by Shelley Bradley
The Opportunist by Tarryn Fisher
The Wild Ones M. Leighton
On the Island by Tracey Graves Garvis
Down to You by M. Leighton
Omega Mine by Aline Hunter
Blackmailed into Bed by Lynda Chance
All the Wrong Reasons by J L Paul
Two Way Street by Lauren Barnholdt






Books recommended for after Beautiful Disaster That I have read:
Easy by Tammara Webber
Flat Out Love by Jessica Park
Crash by Nicole Williams
Pushing the Limits by Katie McGarry
Sea Breeze Series by Abbi Glines
Thoughtless Series by S C Stephens
Slammed & Point of Retreat by Collen hoover
Unlikely Allies by Tiffany King
Breathing Series by Rebecca Donovan
Love Unscripted/Love Unrehersed by Tina Reber
Moreno Bros Series by Elizabeth Reyes
Callum & Harper by Fisher Amelie
Almost  by Anne Elliot
My favorite Mistake by Chelsea Cameron

Unlikely Allies by Tiffany King

What would you do if you find out your mother lied to you, your whole life?  Kimberly's Mom confesses that now that she is 18, Kimberly's father is alive but doesn't know of her existence.  Rick, Kimberly's father, runs a camp for foster kids in the Colorado Mountains.  Being a California girl, Kimberly's idea of a day outdoors, involves the beach not hiking, sleeping in cabins, and freezing in the cool Co. temps.  Kimberly is immediately thrown into being a counselor at the camp meeting some great new friends.  Rick has 'adopted' Mason as a foster son when he came to the camp and when Kimberly meets him the sparks fly.  Kimberly can't figure out why Mason is so critical of her.  Mason seems to resent her very presence at the camp and never fails to let her know it.  As the weeks go one, Kimberly earns the respect of her fellow counselors and breaks through the tough skin of some of the campers.  When one of her campers goes missing, Kimberly and Mason must come together to search the trails.  In the pouring rain, on the most difficult trail, Kimberly and Mason must depend on each other to survive  an accident that almost takes their lives.
I loved this book.  Tiffany King writes great romances so I knew without a doubt that I would love anything she writes.  Something about love/hate relationships that I really enjoy and usually lend a special spark to the romance. Kimberly is a great character who is thrown into an ackward situation by her mother's lies.  I am not sure I could be as forgiving.  Kimberly throws herself into embracing Rick and being open to his camp.  She shows a maturity in dealing with the unusual situation and even an extrodinary patience with Mason who flat-out just provokes her.  Mason is a "greek god" who shows a deep caring heart to everyone but Kimberly.  I kept thinking he was just jealous of her place as Rick's real daughter but the truth had me reading on and on.  This is a real in depth story with many great characters that lend a real true nature to the story other than the romance that is the central theme.  The summary really can't do this book justice without spoiling some of the story so the only thing I have left to say is READ this book.

Freeing Carter by Nyrae Dawn

The story opens with Carter responsibly helping his drunk mother into bed.  Freeing Carter is a real look into the relationships in a family affected by alcoholism.  Carter is a star point guard for his high school, has a hot girlfriend, and an alcoholic Mom.  Carter goes through some classic enabler feelings as he tries to protect his 6yo sister with Down't Syndrome.  Then Kiera enters Carter's life with an understanding and insight into his life that he keep guarded from everyone.  Kiera is a beautiful person changing styles from day to day and treating Carter's sister with great respect.  With Kiera's help, Carter begins to face his situation with strength rarely seen in someone his age.
If you haven't read a Nyrae Dawn book yet, I highly recommend them.  I have read all of her books and love the prospective of the guys point of view.  She gives you insight in the male psyche of young men who are respectful and have an inner strength.  The romance sweetly builds and becomes a beautiful rainbow of emotions.  Her books are grounded in reality and fleshed out characters that entice the reader to not want to stop reading.

Blood Twist by Bonnie Wheeler (Erris Coven 2)

The highly anticipated second book in the Erris Coven series, Blood Twist delivers all the romance and action of it's predecessor Fate Fixed.  Continuing the series, Liz has come to Erris to find out why her best friend Lexie hasn't called or emailed for months.  Once she arrives she walks in on the aftermath of Alik's challenge for power in Lexie's basement.  Braden finds her in the middle of the bloody chaos and immediately admires how she handles the shock that werewolves and dhampirs are real.  Liz is drawn to Braden but feels he isn't her type at all so she doesn't give much thought to him other than to admire his physique.  Braden can't seem to stop watching Liz with his family.  He finds the way she brazenly handles her self as fascinating.  With Ruby, Lexie's Mom, infected and rejecting the werewolf virus, Liz promises herself that she will find the cure. Ruby was the closest thing to a real mom that Liz has ever known.  She is determined not to fail no matter what it takes.  Braden claims he has a lead in Europe to track down a cure and Liz is insistant that she go with him.  Once they begin their quest to find the cure, Braden's secrets begin to come to the surface.  Their search leads them into the heart of a dangerous draghur nest. 
I was so excited to finally get to read more about the Erris Coven.  I loved being able to still know how Lexie and Torin were doing as well as the rest of the family.  Braden was a sexy hot guy with deep secrets.  These secrets drive the quest for the cure.  Liz is a wonderful girl who speaks her mind and takes charge without being overpowering.  The chemistry between Braden and Liz sparks like lightening flashing through the reader's veins.  As with the first novel, Blood Twist has a mysterious entity that you will keep you guessing the outcome.  Not often am I kept quessing about the outcome of a book but Mrs. Wheeler is a master of intrique and action.  I never quite knew what was coming next.  The unpredictability kept me reading long into the night.  The soulmate connection is there again drawing the reader in with heart pounding action and making you root for a happily ever after.  Braden and Liz's connection is unique from Torin and Lexie's keeping the romance fresh and new.  The excellent storytelling has me waiting on a sequel.  I can't wait to find out what is next for the Erris Coven and the heart-throb's Cian and Teagan.  I highly recommend the series for anyone who loves the paranormal romance genre. 

Measuring Up by Nyrae Dawn

Anabel is sick of the 'in' crowd at her highschool teasing her abut her weight.  Her own mother is so highly critical of her that she feels she will never be able to please her.  Her father is overly supportative and wants to make things easier for her. Anabel is so sick of it all that she finally decides to join a gym but goes to the otherside of town where noone will know her.  Outside the gym she battles self doubts and isn't sure she can actually go in when she meets the gorgeous Tegan.  Tegan is the picture perfect "gym boy" and Anabel is sure he is just trying to be nice.  Then Tegan's family shows up and Tegan's little brother Timmer needs help getting into his electric wheelchair.  Anabel steps up to help Tegan lift out of the van.  Tegan has a protective shell build around his famiy yet cannot help but talk to Anabel as they get to know each other while working out together.  Tegan begins to give hints about his attraction to Anabel.  But she is sure he couldn't want a fat girl like him
The writing is beautiful and speaks to that little girl devil inside of all women who hate something about themselves.  Although there is a romance the story, the real shining point of the plot is to learn how to be enough for yourself and not anyone else.  Every woman should read this book.  Ms. Nyrae had a way of climbing into my head and making me Aanbel.  Tegan is attracted to Anabel but loves her soul and the way she looks now.  Ms. Dawn writes a book that is a must read for every woman that thought about changing just that one thin.

Eden by Jamie McGuire (Providence 3)

Eden is the thrilling conclusion to the Providence trilogy.  It begins where Requiem left off with Nina and Jared's wedding.  Jared, again, proves he is an astute listener and makes arrangements to have Nina's perfect wedding.  They get to spend a week on their island without the fear and outside world touching them.  Once they are back in Providence, things immediately go from zero to sixty.  Nina tries to fit back into her role at Titan but must run for her life after an accident.  The demons want to prevent Jared and Nina's child from being born.  They begin to shell humans which is like a temporary take over physically that leaves humans with no memory of their actions.  Because any human can be shelled, they are in danger no matter where they go.  Jared is desperately searching for a solution to keep Nina and their child safe.  The ending is huge.
Eden played in my mind like a good action flick that never stopped.  I loved Jared and Nina's wedding and their bliss of the pregnancy.  This book kept me reading late into the evening and neglected the world around me.  I was happy with the ending and believe this series will be on the keeper shelf.  Bex continued to be a favorite of mine and I would love for a side story on him.  I wonder who he will love and who is Taleh will be.  *hint,hint Mrs. McGuire ;)

Providence by Jamie McQuire

I picked up Providence because of how much I am obsessed with Beautiful Disaster.  This book is a completely different genre and blew me away.  This series is so very different from BD.  McQuire is so talented to create a world around soul searing romance that will make you ride a roller coaster of emotion and not want to put the book down.  The very best thing about reading this series now is that all three books are out and I didn't have to wait for the next book!  I am immediately reading Requiem which picks up where Providence left off. 
After her father's funeral, Nina sits on a bus stop bench in the pouring rain staring into space when her silent protector comes and sits along side of her.  Jared is hot, protective, and supernatural--3 of my favorite things.  Sharing a cab back to Brown University, Jared and Nina talk just enough to plant the seed of attraction.  Soon Nina is looking for places to 'run' into Jared and starts to believe he is watching over her.  One night when Jared saves Nina and her friends, fate begins to weave their lives together in a way that could be deadly.  Jared and Nina have some serious chemistry and I cheered all the way through with them.  I also cried in places where Nina and Jared believe the world is out against them.  This is an action packed supernatural romance that I loved.  Jamie McQuire is definitely one of the best and will soon be a household name.  I can't wait to see how this series ends.

Stealing Grace by Shelly Crane

This was a very interesting book.  Only Shelly Crane could take a subject like human trafficking and write a romance.  This was the only book I haven't read by Ms. Crane.  Her Significance series is my all time favorite and has made me a full lifeime fanatic. 
Elena is stolen off the streets and taken through the seedy world of human trafficking.  She ends up being sold into being a wife as a part of a cult-like society.  But Alex, her husband, has always felt that the treatment of the women was abusive and wanted to pick a wife just to save her from his mother's own bitter fate.  As a result, Elena starts to see the good in Alex and a deep love is formed.  Together they make a difference by helping some of the other women escape.  In the end, they must run for their lives from not only the community but the human traffickers themselves.

Crash by Nicole Williams

Wow!  I loved this book. I started it and couldn't put it down until I finished it.  Crash is a fast paced passionate bad boy-I-want-to-save romance.  While some could read the bad boy with a bad temper as just another book that glorifies violence, Crash is so much more with deeper.  Beside let's face it, who hasn't wanted to save a bad boy or be the one special someone that can get through to him.  For me, Books are supposed to be a loose your reality type of story not necessarily what I would do in real life.  This is an excellent book for those of us who have loved Beautiful Disaster by Jamie McQuire.  Jude could actually take over my crush on Travis.
Lucy's family has downsized when her father lost his business which makes her family have to move to their lake cabin where she will go to private school.  She meets Jude Ryder whose reputation of local bad boy with a 2 page rap sheet.  But she sees something in him, Jude allows her to touch his soul. They are drawn to each other and their passion ignites.  I don't want to resummarize this book but trust me it's good.  I fully expect this one to follow in Beautiful Disaster's footsteps and wind up a best-seller that will put this Indie author on the radar.

Wishing for Someday Soon by Tiffany King

Katelyn and her little brother Kevin arrive in a small town in Montana from California.  The town is so small there is only one grocery store and one gas station.  They live in the only run down trailer park.  But for Katelyn this is actually a step-up from living from homeless shelter to living in the car with a hole in the floorboard.  Katelyn is both abused and neglected by her Mom but gladly suffers and covers up the secrets to keep Kevin safe and with her.  She fears any interference from the state would end her and Kevin in seperate foster homes.  Then comes Max who likes Katelyn instantly and manages to break through all of her self protective walls. 
This is another wonderful love story written by Tiffany King that whispers of love at first sight and soulmates.  Katelyn's life is harsh and gritty that bases the story in reality.  Max and all the kids in Katelyn's class are friendly and welcoming to the newcomers.  The book made me experience all of Katelyn's highs and lows right along with her.  I couldn't put it down.

Consumed by Rebecca Zanetti

I have been a huge fan of the Kayrs brothers series since reading the first novel.  Jordan and Katie, two mountain lion shifters, were introduced in the first book and have appeared every part of the story.  Katie loves Jordan who rescued her as a kitten from an abusive foster home, but is afraid he will never see her as more than the little girl he rescued.  Now she has been infected with the dreaded Virus-27 that has taken her ability to shift but given her an ability to locate werewolves who have been turned into evil killing machines by the Kurjans.  Ten years have past since the last book and Katie has been living on her own as the leader of a hunting team.  However, Jordan shows up suddenly to take her home to the Realm's HQ.  Jordan has been infected and knows that he will be turned into a mindless werewolf by the next full moon.  Katie is determined to save him even if she has to take one for the team and seduce him to do it.
I have always loved Jordan and Katie and was so excited that they were getting their own story.  I couldn't put this down as Ms. Zanetti drawns the reader into her world and never lets go.  The series has a number of secondary characters and previous main characters that the reader will love getting to know also.  It was a great treat to see Janie growing up and the dynamic with her, Zane, and Kalin.  I can't wait for the next book.

Thomas & January by Fisher Amelie

When you first meet Tom in Callum & Harper, he is happy-go-lucky bass player known for his tied dye shirts.  Then his heart gets broken when his first love gets engaged to someone else.  Tom moves away from his New York "family" to Austin where he becomes a music scout with a hard veneer.  Tom is excellent at his job because he is tightly in control of his emotions and concentrates on the quality of the music.  January ends up at one of his scouting job and they are instantly drawn to each other.  The attraction is hot and severe that creates enough fireworks to burn the book out of your hands.  Tom is cruel and is afraid of what this attraction means for his frozen heart. 
As a twist of fate, has January and Tom teaming up through Europe to scout new bands in a contest against another scout.  Soon they can't fight the fire, but will it be enough for Tom to take a chance on love?
If you haven't read a Fisher Amelie book yet, you HAVE to drop everything and start now.  She is an AMAZING writer who immediately pulls you into the story with a well developed world that has realistic imperfect characters.  The relationships between these characters are what she does best.  Even the friendships inspire deep seated feeling in the reader and when she gets to love, the pages very nearly glow with passion.  I loved this book and can't wait to read more from this incredible author.

Fae Not by Leah Speigel

Fae Not was a unique and intriquing read about a new version of fae.  The only thing that changed this from a 5 star to 4 star was that I wanted more background in the beginning.  I understand the building mystery to the society and supernatural beings, but I wanted the farm more clearly explained.  Sometimes it felt a little thrown into the middle of a story.  Because of this, the farm was sort of vaccuum that I wasn't real sure of the time period of the story.  It wasn't until the trip to Wal-Mart and mentions of the Garmin GPS that I was sure it was present day. 
However, that being said, I did immediately get drawn into the mystery of Ashton and the depressed Claire.  The new twist on the Fae keep me reading as I wanted to know all the details of how the society worked.  While the beginning bothered me with a lack of background details, the story really picks up halfway through and kept me reading until I finished it.  As Claire's true story emerges and her relationship with Ashton deepens, I really feel fans of the fae will be enthralled.  I loved the last half of the book and couldn't put it down but wanted more details of what happened.  The ending felt a little abrupt but did give me my happy ever after.

Easy By Tammara Webber

Jacqueline follows her long time high school sweetheart to the University of his choice instead of attending a Music Conservatory. She suddenly finds herself single and unsure of who is without her boyfriend. Then, to add to her turmoil she is in trouble of losing her scholarship because she has skipped the last two weeks of her economics class so she didn't have to sit in her assigned seat next to her ex.

After a meeting with her professor, Jacqueline starts using the class tutor Landon through email. Thus, begins an on-line relationship that kept me drawn with witty emails. Landon is smart and quick with intelligent emails that draws Jacqueline to him. It is a touch of my favorite movie "You've Got Mail" that I loved.

Then there is the bad boy Lucas who is covered in tattoos, sketches in the back of class, and saves Jacqueline who is almost raped by an aquaintance after a frat party. Lucas is just yummy but quiet. However, I was so drawn to him that I could identify with Jacqueline. Lucas and Jacqueline's romance is intense but there continues to be secrets and until they are fully discussed no relationship will ever work.

I loved this book. I began to read it as a number of my friends gave it great reviews. I have to agree it is a re-read for the keeper shelf. I loved how this romance went and was throughly satisfied.

Because Of Low By Abbi Glines

I can't tell you how glad I was that Marcus got his own romance in the next book of the Sea Breeze series.  I fell in love with Marcus in Breathe and couldn't wait for him to find his own love story.  The story begins several months after Breathe ended and Marcus' family is facing a crisis.  Of Course being the upstanding dependable guy that we all love, Marcus comes home to be there for his Mom and sister.  Marcus moves into an apartment back in Sea Breeze with Cage who reminded me a little of Travis Maddox(Beautiful Disaster--If you haven't read this you are missing out!!!).  Cage is a self proclaimed Man-whore who parties with a different girl every night.  Soon after Marcus moves in, Low shows up on the door step wanting to stay with Cage.  Marcus is immediately drawn to her but she sizes Marzus up by his father and instantly thinks she has no chance with Marcus.  Marcus is fascinated by the vulnerable girl who appeals to his protective side but gets shut down by Cage who proclaims he is going to marry Low.  Low always turns to Cage who has been her constant through her crappy childhood, shielding her and helping her out time and time again.  Marcus longs for Low to turn to him and trust him with her secrets.  Low feels like Marcus could never identify with her family drama. 
Again, Ms. Glines weaves a romance with real characters whose lives aren't perfect.  The imperfections make them indentifiable and allow them to crawl into your heart where I guarantee they will stay long after you put down the book.  This story made me laugh and cry along with the characters and will be a re-read on my keeper shelf.

Breathe (Sea Breeze) by Abbi Glines

Sadie White lives an unusual life for a 17 year old girl.  Having just moved to the small town of Sea Breeze with her 7 month pregnant mother, Sadie is forced to take over her mother's job so her Mom can rest.  Sadie soons finds out that she works in the summer getaway of the teen rocker Jax Stone.  But Sadie needs her job to keep a roof over her head and food in the kitchen.  She doesn't have time for swooning over Jax Stone.  Sadie never had time to swoon over stars as she has always been forced to mother her own mother.  She has had to grow up too fast and too soon.  At first, she isn't sure they will allow her to stay in her Mom's place but soon her hard work, dedication, and sweet attitude make her part of a close knit work family.  She soon becomes a person with people who care about her for the first time in her life.
Jax is fascinated with the beautiful etheral girl who seems to not care who he is and is there to do a good job.  He is drawn to Sadie and soon befriends her.  Sadie doesn't want to fall in love with him because she knows they come from opposing worlds.  Marcus her best friend tries to warn her and save her from heartache but knows it is too late.  Marcus is so sweet and damn near perfect too.  I loved him and I am so glad he is getting his own book and romance. 
At times, Jax talks like a cheesy poetic romance hero.  But so help me I love him anyway.  He is every woman's fantasy so who cares if he seems to good to be true.  We all secretly want one just like him.  Sadie's Mom Jessica may just be the most selfish excuse for a Mom that I have ever seen.  I alternately wanted to slap her and yell at her.  The ending was so good and made the whole book worth it.  I loved this book from beginning to end and it will definitely be on my keeper shelf. 

Effortless by S. C. Stephens

Effortless is the continuation of Kiera and Kellan's love story.  Since their romance started while Kiera was still dating Kellan's best friend, Denny, there is a great deal of mistrust between them.  Kiera is also st ruggling with her self-confindence and Kellan's rock star personna.  Kellan has written her name on his heart to keep Kiera close.  Kiera has to continually remind her self of Kellan's love to be able to deal with his on-stage flirting and the constant attention Kellan gets from women.  Not to mention, Kiera is constantly running into people Kellan has sleep with before. 
As Kellan and Kiera have just started to find their way back to themselves, after the pain and thoughless actions from before, the D-bags are given the biggest opportunity of their lives to go on tour with another popular band for six months.  Kiera must stay behind for school and both are terrified of what this seperation will mean for their relationship.  Kellan is afraid Kiera will get lonely and seek solice in the arms of another.  Kiera feels Kellan may be tempted to go back to his man-whore days.  Both must learn to trust each other and be open and honest on a new level of intimacy. 
This book is definitely my favorite of the two.  Kellan proves himself even sweeter and more dedicated to Kiera.  I don't want to spoil the things he thinks up to keep Kiera thinking of him but it is swoon-worthy.  Kiera is better to tolerate in this book.  I think one thing that makes her hard to take is the writing(Kiera's POV) is honest and frank and yet, Kiera often lies to herself and refuses to meet her suspicions head on.  If they would both just be honest!!! 
Kellan and Kiera are still completely hot and combustable together and some of their love scenes read with butterfly inducing intimacy.  There is sex and drinking in this book so it definitely is not for young teens.  But I would definitely recommend it.

Keeping Kennedy

Kennedy is a beautiful high paid PR consultant for the big wigs of politics in Washington DC.  She is happy with her life and has everything she wants but to get her friends and family to stop trying to fix her up and marry her off, she invented a fiance.  But not just any fiance, Drake her extremely HOT neighbor and friend.  Therefore, when her High School reunion rolls around she has to convince Drake to come home with her for the week to pose as her fiance.
Drake being the nice guy that he is agrees to her plan.  But things immediately get complicated as the friend lines get blurred.  The end result is a laugh out loud sweet romance that has just the right amount of heat.  The quirky townspeople will have you laughing and enjoying the read. 

Flat Out Love by Jessica Park

Julie Seagle is excited to be starting her college career in Boston away from her small town Middle America roots. However, she gets scammed out of her off campus apartment through Craig's List. As a last resort, her Mom calls an old college roommate, Erin Watkins who immediately sends her son Matt to her rescue. Erin offers to let Julie live there to solve her housing problem while keeping company with the eccentric youngest daughter Celeste.

This is such a wonderful character driven story. The characters are full dimensional despite the title and will have you falling in love with the family right along side Julie. Matt and Julie have the most excellent dialog that is a cross between nerd speak and academia. I absolutely loved the quirky Celeste who seems to be Asperger's to me. Her biggest quirk, carrying around a life sized color Flat cut-out of her world touring brother Finn. Julie is so accepting and treats Celeste with respect and while she tries to help her fit in, Julie never makes Celeste feel freakish or draws attention to her quirks. She is supportive in a way that I wanted to hire her for my own teenage daughter with autism.

Then there is Finn. Finn is the older brother whose is touring the world by volunteering in exotic locales and helping the impoverished. Finn and Julie begin to chat and post via facebook. Finn is social, witty, and Julie can't help but like him. Finn is sometimes quite the opposite of Matt.

There is a strange love triangle in the book between Finn-Julie-Matt and the crushes they have on each other. I loved both brothers equally and was on the edge of my seat and turning pages long into the night in my urge to know how this would work out. The ending is something I didn't see it coming but it made me swoon and smile to myself in delight.

Flat Out Love is a must read for anyone. The romance will appeal to every fan and the story is about real-life people who on the outside seem to have it all together. But love and friendship emerge when Julie looks deep beneath the surface.

Thoughtless by S. C. Stephens

I have been hearing so much about this series but have been reluctant to read it as I really hate cheating.  I really had no interest in reading it after reading the blurb.  But continually it popped up again and again as a recommendation in the same flavor as "Beautiful Disaster" by Jamie McQuire.  Kellan has been described as a swoon worthy bad boy with that absolute dedication to the woman he loves.  Curiousity made me rethink my first gut reaction and finally read it.
I have to admit I loved Kellan.  He is a damaged soul who truly is a sexy bad boy with a heart of gold.  Being the lead singer of a local Seattle Rock Band, the D-bags.  He is a man-whore who finds love in the arms of any willing females.  But Stephens has done such an excellent job of not only describing the hotness that is Kellan, but made me fall in love with him too.  Kiera, however, already has a great guy who is goofy, beautiful, and has an accent, Denny.  She is so in love with him that she leaves her family and friends behind to follow him to his dream internship in Seattle.  She transfers to the University of Washington to finish her last 2 years of college.  They plan to rent a room in Kellan's house whom Denny knows from being a foreign exchange student. 
It isn't until Denny leaves for a two month seperation that Kiera becomes to rely on Kellan.  At first Denny calls mutiple times a day, but then goes days without calling.  This isn't an excuse and Kiera remains faithful until the point that Denny accepts a permanant position in Az. Denny is like a brother to Kellan and neither want to hurt Denny but there is an unexplainable  draw between Kiera and Kellan.  I still don't like the cheating but Stephens does such a great job of making this a believeable and relatable story even to the likes of me.  The only thing that made me really frustated was Kiera being torn between them.  I wanted to shake her and scream at her to stop being such a witch and make a choice. 
In the end, Kellan and Kiera's romance won me over.  I am definitely on my way to read Effortless.  I would recommend this to anyone who enjoys bad boys with a little romance.

Almost by Anne Eliot

Jess Jordan was 'almost' raped her freshman year of high school because of on poor decision to sneak out to a senior party.  Since then, she has nightmares, doesn't sleep, and is almost normal.  Jess has perfected the bitch persona to keep others away from getting to know how crazy she really is.  Her ticket to a normal life and going off to college is an intership at Geekstuff.com.  Only she isn't the only person up for the position. Gray Porter is also a canidate.  Gray has secrets of his own--Jess's parents warned him to stay away from her after the horrible almost crime.  But the two came face to face at the interview.  Jess, being certain that Gray will win the internship and her effort to appear almost normal, desperately proposes an outrageous bargin where Gray will pretend to be her boyfriend and hang out with Jess this summer so that she can get normal points and apply to colleges.  However, they decide to lie to her parents about his identity to keep her parents from asking too many questions.  Gray feels like he has to agree because he owes Jess because he wasn't able to help her when she needed it. 
I really enjoyed this story.  Gray was adorable, sweet, and honorable.  He was brave enough to stand up for what he believes in and stand by Jess.  This story is about the trauma that can remain even if you end up being 'a very lucky girl'.  Jess can't remember and therefore tries to shut all her flashes and feeling out to keep her sanity.  She believes if she knows what really happends then she will just go crazy for real.  This was a great book for such a cheap price.  Definitely a recommended read.

Black Dawn by Rachel Caine (Morganville Vampires 11)

I love the Morganville Vampires and have a bit of book crush on Shane.  Let me just say I hate it when Ms. Caine messes with Shane. ;) 
I don't want to give spoilers so I won't do a huge review because truly to appreciate all the brillance behind this series you need to read it from book one: "Glass House". 
Black Dawn continues the story line of Claire, Shane, Eve, and Michael who are trying to navigate Morganville's Vampire world.  In Last Breathe, The Draug, a watery vampire enemy that frightens even the vampire's have taken over the town and the survivors are wholed up in the founder's square which has been stockpiled for just such an occaision.  With Amelie sick from a Master Draug bite, Oliver is striking back while Myrnin and Claire work on finding a weapon of mass destruction.  Choas reigns and the friends will have to rescue one of their own before the battle begins. 

Out of the Dark by Quinn Loftis (Prince of Wolves 4)

Out of the Dark continues the compelling story of the Romanian Wolf Pack and the three girlfriends, Jacque, Jennifer, and Sally.  The pack finds themselve in the midst of a war with Serbian Pack.  Not only is the Serbian Pack trying to topple the Romanian Pack by employing a witch who has just burned down the mansion.  Jen is trapped in a cave at the bottom of a ravine bleeding and broken just as her mate bond has formed with Decebel and they are able to mindspeak.  Not only must they rescue Jen and stop the most powerful witch ever but the witch sets a curse on Decebel taking all of her is good memories of Jen and making it impossible to find Jen. 
As usual, Ms. Loftis has spun another exciting chapter in the Prince of Wolves series with the same action and smart-mouthed talking girls who interplay with the alpha wolves.  The romance is hot and the are quipping.  This book is the fourth in the series and should be read in succession.  I would recommend this series for anyone who loves YA Romance and Werewolves.

Pushing the Limit by Katie McGarry

Echo Emmerson is crazy, at least that's what all her peers whisper when the walks down the hallway.  She is labeled a cutter because of the scars lacing up and down her arms.  Echo had once had it all: a popular basketball stud boyfriend, the popular lunch table, and Dance team.  But all that shattered 2 years ago in an event that she cannot even remember, her memory a black hole.  The story opens as she is being a part of new theraputic program at school with a new counselor, Ms. Collins. 
Noah Hutchinson was a basketball star and honor student until the night a fire killed his parents and ripped his little brothers away from him to put him in a foster care system that fails him at every turn.  Noah also becomes a patient of Ms. Collins and wants nothing more than to find out who his brothers foster parents are so that he can hope to gain custody of his brothers by proving they are an unfit placement like so many of his homes. 
Echo and Noah meet when Ms. Collins sets up tutoring between the overachieving Echo and the seriously slacking Noah.  They immediately dislike each other until they realize they have more in common than they thought.  Drawn together by tramatic secrets in a goal to steal information that will lead them to the answers they so desperately want. 
I loved this book!!! The story is so multilayered with well fleshed out characters that brought on a roller coaster of emotions.  Noah was the bad boy who had a heart of gold.  He is definitely my latest book crush.  He falls for not only Echo's beauty but her bravery for being able to try for normal.  This book is definitely going on my keeper shelf for re-reading.  Although a completely original story, I was reminded of the emotional romances of "Beautiful Disaster" by Jamie McQuire and "Slammed" by Coleen Hoover.  Don't miss what is sure to be the next bestselling YA Romance.

Change of Fate by Jayme Morse and Jody Morse (Briar Creek Vampires 4)

In this installment of the Briar Creek Vampires, Lexi and Dan have gotten sucked into the book.  They fall into a strange world that after some investigation turns out to be Briar Creek in the 1800's.  With some luck, Lexi ends up finding Albert Hunter and the witch who curses the town.  Lexi must figure out a way to change the curse so that she will no longer be in danger of being attacked.  She also learns to trust Dan and that maybe he isn't so bad after all.
Gabe and Austin are searching for a way to get Lexi and Dan back to their own time.  Their search takes them to rescue Lexi's Dad from being kidnapped and back to Huntington.  Rhonda, the vampire that Gabe accidently made, comes into some very important powers and is going to make big waves. 
Briar Creek Vampires is such a great series.  The Morse Sisters continue to write books full of twists and turns that make each book impossible to put down and unpredictable.  One running theme of the series is the romance between Gabe and Lexi.  This books injects even more obstacles in the form of Dan and Rhonda.  Rhonda is just a grade a witch who is going to be very dangerous.  Dan has really grown on me.  I never really identified with him too much in the first couple of books really feeling like he was on the town's side and thinking Austin was insane to trust him.  This book really shows a protective side to Dan which has me rooting for him. 
I can't wait to see where this series will go from here.  Also check out the Howl series which is another excellent series from the very talented sisters.

The Shapeshifter's Secret by Heather Ostler

Cheyenne has an overprotective father who has been keeping her in the dark about who she really is and where she is from.  About the same time Caleb, a mysterious new student, starts at her high school, Cheyenne's dad, Lancer puts bars on her window.  Cheyenne has also been having a hard time controlling her anger and has a meltdown in front of her class.  After running out of school, she loses herself in a nearby park and faints.  Caleb is the last person she sees.  When she wakes up, Lancer, his best friend Liam, and Caleb sit her down and explain that she is a were-cat from the world of Ossai only reachable through hidden portals throughout our world.  Not only that but, Lancer is from a royal line of were-cats.  But their are many enemies who want Cheyenne dead as a way to gain ruling power in Ossai.  Because of this treat, Lancer has hidden Cheyenne in our world with only his trusted friends to help guard her.  But now that the evil Guild has found them, Lancer decides that it would be best to return to Ossai where the Soldier Union can help guard Cheyenne and she can study at a special school.  Cheyenne meets and begins to secretly date Terrance, a trusted captain in the Soldier Union.
The story is a great YA adventure and will be a great start to the series.  My only complaint was that the story didn't go the way I wanted to it to go in the romance department but I have hope for the future books.  Caleb and Cheyenne have chemistry and are meant to be.  For some reason, I never felt a connection to Terrance.  Terrance didn't feel genuine for me to the point that I kept thinking he would betray Cheyenne.  However, there is adventure and secrets that kept me reading.  I recommend this for a YA Paranormal and look forward to the upcoming books.

Taking Shots by Toni Aleo (Assassins 1)

There is something so sexy about a professional sports player.  Being a native Floridian, I am not a hockey fan. I know shameful, but that doesn't mean I can't enjoy a good romance.  Shea Adler is the captain of the fictional Nashville Assassins who is drawn to Elli Fisher, a photographer taking team shots.  The romance is slow building with real characters who I found to be easy identifable.  Shea is smoking hot and decisive about what he wants with the relationship.  There is nothing more sexy than a man who knows what he wants and goes after it.  Elli is shy and almost socially inept thanks to some horrific family relationships.  But I loved her, once all her secrets were revealed I wondered why she wasn't even more messed up.  Shea sees Elli as beautifully curvy and falls for her giving personality.  I loved that their relationship while having it's ups and downs didn't drag out the drama for the sake of story.  Some books seem to enjoy keeping the couple in constant turmoil and love that Shea and Elli developed a great healthy relationship.  I also loved that Shea saw through Elli's insecurities to love the real person underneath.  This is an excellent romance and I would recommend this everyone. 

On The Island by Tracy Garvis-Graves

A little bit of castaway blended with survivor, On The Island delivers adventure and sweet romance.  I shied away from this story at first because being a former teacher, the thought of a teacher in a romance with a much younger student is something that frankly turned me off.  However, the romance isn't immediate and builds slowly through extreme circumstances.  It truly isn't like the scandalous news stories.  The characters are real and although there is an age gap, Anna and TJ grow together over time.  Anna is at a completely different time in her life than TJ.  She has been with her boyfriend for years and takes this tutoring assignment for the summer as a way to distance herself from a man that just will not commit to her.  TJ has just survived cancer and is looking forward to actually getting on with living and being around his friends while not being sick.  After the place goes down, Anna and TJ struggle to survive through dehydration, storms, hunger, and loneliness.  Anna keeps a professional distance despite watching TJ growing into a man right before her eyes.  Their time on the island spans about three years.  The story continues as they struggle to adjust back into society and even their own families.  This story will grip you from the start and not let you go.  I laugh and cried right along with Anna and TJ.  This is one for my keeper shelf.

Barely Breathing (Breathe 2) by Rebecca Donovan

Barely Breathing is the follow up novel to Reason to Breathe.  After finishing the highly intense and emotional Reason to Breathe book, I was so glad there was going to be a follow up and was on pins and needles waiting for it.  Six months after surviving the horrible attempt on her life, Emma has recovered physically but contines to struggle emotionally.  Emma continues to shut things down and go through her life without really feeling.  Sara and Evan are still there for her and a big part of her recovery.  Evan is still the perfect supportive boyfriend who has helped her through her terrifying life.  Emma is living with Sara and Sara's Parents are her court appointed guardians now that everyone knows about the abuse she suffered at the hands of her aunt.  Her Aunt has been sent to prison for attempted murder and her Uncle has taken the younger kids with him to move to FL. 
Emma has decided early on that she needs to move into her Mom's house.  Her real Mom, Rachel, who left her with her abusive Aunt and Uncle because she was too distraught after Emma's father's death.  I think Emma is afraid to be a burden to Sara's parents.  She is having nightmares and knows she is messed up from it all.  She also trully wants to know her mother who seems to be more together.  Soon it is very evident that not only is her Mom still drinking but also dating around.  Her Mom begins a relationship with a much younger man named Jonathan.  Jonathan has survived abuse and has nightmares as well and bonds with Emma understanding her dark places more than Evan or Sara ever could.  Emma begins to rely on Jonathan in the middle of the night when she can't sleep.  I could see the train wreck coming with that one.  I loved Jonathan but his dark side can be scary and I could easily see him becomming an abuser.  Not to mention, Evan is so incredible that I want him and Emma to have their Happily Ever After.  Both of them deserve that. 
This book series is incredible.  Barely Breathing wasn't quite as emotional read as Reason to Breathe but still crawled under my skin to obsure my thinking throughout the day.  These characters become a part of you and draw you into their world and don't let go.  There will be one more book in this series and I can't wait to see what happens.  I want my HEA!!! :)

Born at Midnight by C. C. Hunter

The Shadow Falls series begins with Born at Midnight which follows Kylie Galen whose life is falling apart.  Her grandma just died, her parents are getting a divorce, and she gets arrested for being underage at party serving drugs and alcohol.  As a result of the arrest, her mom decides that to send her to a camp for troubled teens that her shrink recommended.  But as it turns out nothing is as it seems.  She finds out that she has special abilities and Shadow Falls is really a camp for Supernatural Teens.  Kylie is an anamoly, not fitting into any group at the camp.  She can talk to ghosts and has night visions of them.  She has to learn to deal with a witch and vampire for roommates and learning about other supernatural cultures. 
I am a sucker for supernatural schools and loved the story but sometimes Kylie seemed to all over the place emotionally.  But because of all the revelations in her life, I can understand it.  The only reason I gave this 4 instead of 5 stars was I really wish some of the mysteries could have been cleared up somewhat.  The quest to find out what Kylie is drags out along with the romance between her and Derek.  Lucas, who is much more sexy, is missing for much of the story so he really doesn't seem like he should be as big of a factor.  I will continue reading this series and encourage anyone who likes supernatural YA to do the same.

Point of Retreat by Collen Hoover

Point of Retreat is the continuing story of Wil and Layken's romance that began in Slammed.  As the book opens, Layken's Mom has passed away 3 months ago.  She and Wil have fallen into a rhythm of college classes, caring for their little brothers, and seeing each other.  As the new semester begins a person from Wil's past will stir up trouble for him and Lake.  Again, I feel these books are so good that I don't want to give too much of the plot away because that is one of the best parts of this book was letting it unfold to me.  Lake begins to question whether Wil loves her because of their similar circumstances or if he really loves her for herself.  Life continues to throw curves their way that they must navigate. 
I loved this book as much as the first and it was so fun to have this one told from Wil's POV.  By the end of the two books I felt satisfied and even closer to the characters.   I would recommend this series to everyone that loves romance.  The love story is touching and real.  Both Slammed and Point of Retreat will be on my keeper shelf for re-reading!

Slammed by Collen Hoover

This book was spectacular.  It follows a romance between Wil and Layken who find each and begin to fall in love before life begins to "Slam" them from all directions.  Wil is not only sexy but is raising his young 9 year old brother every since his parents were killed in a car accident.  His job and responsibilities to his brother come first but this is just a part of what makes Wil so special.  He is kind, strong, and loves to write Slam poetry.  Layken has just moved in across the street when she meets Wil.  Having lost her Dad to a heartattack 6 months before,  the two immediately identify with each other.  Their little brothers are fast to become best friends which continues to have them running into each other.  Wil and Layken's first date is awesome.  Wil takes her to a poetry slam where he preforms a touching poem about his parents death.
There are some many twists and turns in the plot that I really want you to experience so I won't write much more about the story.  This is story with real characters that get battered by life but continue on through strength of character.  Many things stand in the way of Wil and Lake's relationship but they continually push through. If you enjoy love stories that have real life characters, this is a book for you.  You will not find silly high school drama in this book but incredibly real life situations that will etch this story on your heart.  This is definitely one for the keeper shelf.
The second book, Point Of Retreat, is out and is from Wil's point of view.  I was so relieved and excited that I could immediately read it.  It was so nice that this book was from Lake's POV and the next is from Wil's to give you a chance to get inside both their heads.

Callum & Harper by Fisher Amelie

Callum & Harper tells the story of two teenagers who have aged out of social services after being bounced from one horrible foster home to another.  Sitting next to each other while waiting, both are instantly attracted to each other and Callum offers Harper a ride to see if they can get a bed at Hope House a homeless facility.  They end up being turned away and Callum calls a friend who allows them to sleep at his studio.  An incredible relationship is forged out of shared circumstances and a deep understanding of being alone.  Callum is such a swoon worthy guy you will fall instantly in love with him right along with Harper.  He is protective of Harper while being respectful, humble and incredibly sexy.  He introduces Harper to his group of friends that envelop the two like a big mismatched family. 
Harper is strong and immediately drawn to the honesty in Callum's personality.  At first they seem to be staying together out of necessity but begin to rely on each other.  Ms. Amelie describes both with poetic reality that makes them identifiable and kept me reading deep into the night.  There is no way to describe the incredible romantic dance that becomes Callum and Harper's relationship.  They interact in a way that has your heart beating right along with theirs.  Callum convinces Harper to attend NYU with him as she was already accepted.  When they inquire about student housing they find there is nothing but married available.  Callum persuades Harper that the smartest thing to do would be to get married but believes that Harper thinks they are only just friends.  Harper agrees believing the same about Callum when both are madly in love with the other.  Circumstances and interruptions keep the two from confessing their soul deep love for each other.  Harper is also being stalked by an abusive psychotic man named John who once shared a foster home with her.  John is obsessed and deadly in his threats toward Harper.  John is a nightmare in the flesh and keeps the two to depend on each other and their friends beyond everything else.
Callum & Harper is one of the best books I have read this year and will most definitely be on my keeper shelf.  As I finished it, I wanted to immediately re-read it to not let my experience with these wonderful characters end.  I would highly recommend this book to anyone looking for a YA Romance with teeth that deals with real life and is still swoon worthy.  I loved the alternating viewpoints allowing me to get inside both Callum and Harper's heads.  I was captivated by this book and can't really do it justice in a review!

Beautiful Disaster by Jaime McQuire

I chose to read Beautiful Disaster because I had been hearing so many good things about the book from reviewers and bloggers that I like and respect.  The story drew me in immediately with the opening scene as something out of Fight Club.  I personally hate fighting and never understood why guys would volunteer for that kind of punishment.  That being said something about the fight scene fascinated me and pulled me in like no other book.  I related to Abby and identified with her stunned reaction yet physical attraction to Travis.  I loved the dialog between Abby and Travis.  There is nothing sexier than a man who knows what he wants and Travis is just that man.  Travis falls for Abby and Abby is determined to stay away from anything that reminds her of her drunken gambler father.  Her father was a professional Vegas Poker player who famously claimed his daughter stole his luck.  Abby is tired of all the whispers and stares and wants to start a life of cashmere sweaters and preppy frat boys.  Travis as a Fight Club member and the campus man-ho is too close to Vegas for Abby to even consider.  The story is so compelling and full of plot twists that I couldn't put it down.  This book has everything I usually hate fights, violence, borderline abuse, and characters to stubborn to admit they love each other.  But I absolutely loved this book and it will be one I re-read with frequency. 
Warning:  Travis and Abby are often like oil and water and at times Travis seems almost close to abuse.  He is definitely all Alpha Male.  So if this is not your thing, I don't think this book is for you.  But if you keep an open mind, you just might love it as I do anyway. :)

The Paladin Prophecy by Mark Frost

The Paladin Prophecy is a full on action movie where "Bourne Identity" meets Harry Potter.  I was immediately drawn into the action where Will West hits the ground running literally from mysterious black sedans.  Will has always lived by a book of rules his Dad made for him.  Will never preformed up to his abilities and always stayed below the radar.  He wasn't even able to join the cross-country team until he promised to always finish in the pack.  But as the book starts, Will notices the black sedans watching and following his running route.  After escaping to school, Will is called out of class to be offered a full scholarship to THE CENTER, an ultra exclusive school for the highest of achievers.  Will finds out that he scored off the charts of a regular exam he took in the fall.  Will figures his parents will be angry due to a violation of the rule to never draw attention to himself.  But when he gets home, he finds his Mom has been replaced by Stepford Mom, his mother by looks but who is not acting like herself at all and won't take her sunglasses off.  Will decides to run away and almost gets caught by some really demonstrous bad guys.  He is saved by a guardian of sorts who will not tell him what is going on.
Will struggles to escape the black caps who have captured his Dad and done something to his Mom.  Desperate to get away, he calls Dr. Robbins and accepts the scholarship to the center.  He barely escapes to the center when he is immediately challenged by a fellow student who is essentially the dorm advisor and security.  Will finds himself immediately thrust into a world of over-achievers that are mysterious and trustworthy.  Will finds a "family" of sorts that he learns to trust and even violates rules.  Will belongs with the center but knows that he hasn't really escaped the danger that found him in the Southern California hills.  Soon Will finds a connection that challenges everything he has ever known.  Will must piece together a mystery that could mean keeping the balance between light and dark.  With the help of his friends, Will uncovers the secrets that have been hidden in the world since before the English ever landed in America.
I loved this book and cannot wait for the next one.  This is the start of solid series in the fashion of Harry Potter.  I could totally see this playing out as a movie in the genre of Percy Jackson or HP.  The story hits the ground running and continues to engage the reader in a mysterious identity of Will.  Will West is also the best hero name in a long time!  I do wish there was a little more romance between Will and Brooke--It seemed rushed and an afterthought in the whole picture.  It didn't really need to be there but being the hopeless romantic I am I hope this will develop more in the future books.  The struggle of light and dark reminded me of the darkness that was written into Scott Westerfields' Midnight Hour books.  I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys action filled struggle between good and evil.  This series is poised to burst onto the YA scene and become the next breakout.

Shayla Witherwood: A Half-Fairie Tale by Tamra Norton

Shayla Witherwood starts her first day at public High School invisible literally.  Shayla is half fairie who has previously home-schooled her entire life while traveling the country in an RV with her human grandparents.  She knows almost nothing about using her fairy magic except what she has learned by accident like turning invisible.  She begins school and immediately makes a few friends and a couple of enemies.  Shayla is genuinely nice to everyone and decides to be friends with the social outcast instead sitting with the popular crowd. 
"Mind your magic, Shayla Dove" her grandma reminds her before school each day.  Grandma and her homeschool tutor Trebor are Shayla's only friends that truly know her.  As she becomes more and more involved with others at school, she must try harder to hide her true identity.  There is an unknown danger from revealing too much. 
This was a quick read that was easily engaging and fun.  Shayla was a likeable character who is shy and self conscious of her magic.  I felt Shayla will be identifiable for teens who feel like others don't understand them.  I loved her magic and how much she could do even when she wasn't sure what she is doing.  I would highly recommend this for any teen who enjoys magic and fey.

Reason to Breathe by Rebecca Donovan

Wow!  This book was really INTENSE!  I went into it thinking it was about a sweet love story and it was but it is also about a girl suffering abuse at the hands of her Aunt.  Emma is a great student and an extrodinary athelete in 3 different sports but has a horrible homelife.  Her father died when she was really young and her mother became unable to care for her because of alcoholism.  Emma has to move into her Uncle and Aunt's house.  At the beginning of the story, Emma is extremely closed off and has only one friend because most of the time she tries to remain invisible.  Emma's life is all about trying to get through High School in order to escape into college.  She is determined to make it through the abuse for the sake of her small cousins.  Her aunt is crazy, unpredicable, and cruel.  Emma is forced to most of the housework, doesn't get enough to eat, and tries to go unnoticed at home. 
Then, Evan begins to notice her by commenting to her.  Evan is new but has been in most of Emma's classes since the beginning of the year when he inserts himself into her life.  I loved Evan's persistance and determination.  Emma continues to push him away because she cannot have others find out her secret.  She is hardly let out of the house and dating is absolutely out of the question.  Even when Emma tells Evan that they can just be friends, he continues to disrupt her world.  Evan and Emma have a sweet love that will have to loving Evan. 
I cried all the way through this book but couldn't seem to put it down.  I was so moved by this story that I had to explain to my husband why I kept crying. It is not something I would have sought out to read but I am glad I read it.  This is such a moving story about a fantastic girl caught up in an awful situation.  I have to admit without spoiling it I hated the vagueness of the ending --I wanted my happy ever after--I live for that.  I would recommend this book as a well written look at abuse and what it does to people.  However, it is not for the faint of heart and I don't think I would recommend it for younger teens.

Time Mends (Timber Wolves 2) by Tammy Blackwell

WOW!  What an amazing ride Ms. Blackwell takes us on in the world of the Timber Wolves.  I love this series.  After the world that is created in the first novel Destiny Binds, Time Mends picks up where the amazing debut ended.  Scout Donovan is still recovering from a near fatal stomach laceration that Jase, her brother, accidentally gave to her in an attack where her boyfriend Alex died.  At the end of the first novel, Scout swears she sees a flash of Alex's wolf at his funeral.  She is also able to determine that his coffin was buried empty which leads her to question not only his death but her sanity throughout this book.  She continues to have vivid lifelike dreams where Alex meets her on their beach and gives her obtuse and enigmatic advice.  The dreams seem so real and like Alex is trying to guide her through her changes.  I loved Alex and was so shocked by his death at the end of the first book.  I loved this tie and continuation of Alex in Scout's life.  
Without giving away any of the delightful twists and turns of this novel, I will only say that Scout is thrust into the Shifter world in a role that she neither wants or is quite ready for.  She must also come to terms with Alex's death and the rift it has created between Jase, Charlie, and herself.  Jase becomes angry and short fused while Charlie closes himself off from everyone going about his life in an almost robotic way.  Ms. Blackwell makes Scout's emotions so easy to identify with in this book.  I really felt torn between Alex and Charlie in the first book and hurt by Jase and Charlie's action that led to Alex's death. 
This book again takes the reader places that are both a surprise and a refreshing story that made it impossible to put the book down.  I read it in one day. Scout is funny and easily identifiable to the point that I laugh and cry right along with her.  I can't wait to see where Ms. Blackwell takes us in the next book and desperately hope it really comes out in the fall of this year!!!

Defiance (Significance 3) by Shelly Crane

Ever get a book and can't wait to read it and never want it to end?  This is that book.  The Significance Series by Shelly Crane is my all time favorite series.  It is a beautiful series about finding your one significant soul mate with a paranormal twist.  Defiance is the third installment which takes place at the reunification celebration outside of London.  This is a gathering of the Virtuoso where they meet from all over the world.  Imprints are coming back which means this celebration is also an opportunity to meet your significant.
Maggie immediately becomes the focus as the new Visionary.  If the Virtuoso is not bowing and kissing her hand, they are jealous or frightened of her power.  The Council led by Donald Watson begins to impose the laws that are out of date.  Because they want no hanky panky before marriage they charm Maggie's room and send her and Caleb into withdrawals overnight.  Caleb is also taken to a cell for killing the Watson's at his Dad's house even though it was self defense.  Maggie is forced by the circumstances to take charge in her own destiny and become a ruler.  While Maggie doesn't want this, she realizes that if she doesn't other's like the Watsons will continue struggle for the power.
This book reveals many secrets such as the life of the previous Visionary, new significants, and Maggie's true father.  I absolutely recommend this whole series and if you haven't read them you are really missing out.  The whole soulmate significant world that Shelly Crane has created is sexy and romantic. This is a really hard book to review because I really don't feel anything I say can do it justice and I also don't want to spoil the story.

Noah by Elizabeth Reyes (5th Street 1)

Noah is the beginning of a new romantic series from Elizabeth Reyes centered on a small rustic gym called 5th Street.  When Veronica is dragged into the 5th St. Gym by her best friend Nellie, she is at least 40 lbs overweight and depressed from her mother's long sickness and subsequent death.  Having hid in her house and let herself go, Roni is anything but confident and certainly not who Noah wanted to train.  Noah, a 20 year old trainer/boxer, finally gets his shot at training through the gym and his first clients are Roni and Nellie.  Even though Noah feels he is taking it easy on Roni, she fully intends to never come back.  However, Nellie makes Roni promise to follow through with her training and pull herself out of her depression.  What Roni doesn't count on is the close friendship and attraction that develops between her and Noah.  Roni refuses to entertain anything but a friendship with Noah because she is 8 years his senior.  She feels as a 20 year old he is not ready for a relationship and needs to enjoy sowing his wild oats.  Noah is an orphan who has had to grow up fast and mature through his experiences in the foster care system.  What develops is a toe tingling anticipation of a building relationship forged through friendship.
Nobody writes Alpha Males quite like Elizabeth Reyes.  Noah develops the same posessive stare that declares Roni off the market to his fellow Gym members.  Soon, Noah moves into Roni's house as a roommate which quickly ups the intimacy between him and Roni.  One of the sexiest things in a romance is when a male character is in love and will stop at nothing to get his girl.  Noah decides Roni is his girl and is determined to make her see that age is an illusion.  I can't wait for Gio's book, the next in this series.  Reyes has developed a loveable and sexy cast of characters that I can't wait to see in future books.  If you love Noah, definitely check out the Moreno series!!!  There is something about those Moreno men.

The Legend of the Inero Dragon by JF Jenkins

I have really enjoyed this series of Dragon books by J.F. Jenkins.  The world created by Jenkins is beautiful fantasy world. Having read the Legend of the Oceina Dragon first, I was eager to dive into the Legend of the Inero Dragon.  This story introduces the Fire Dragons and their culture.  After reading the Oceina book, I expected the Inero Dragons to be selfish, power hungry, and bloodthirsty.  However, Jenkins introduces us to Jason and Matthius, a pair of identical twins, who are favored sons of the Dragon Lord Lynx.  The story begins by introducing the reading to a couple of girls, Kat and Gwen, being chosen for the Elite.  The Elite are taken from their families and lined up in an impersonal ceremony to be chosen as a wife of a dragon.  Kat and Matt were previously best friends and eager to become mated.  Matt is the favorite son and highly involved in the dragon politics.  Kat is insecure and becomes pregnant quickly. Matt is asked to do take an leading role in the beginning of a war among the dragon tribes.
Jason seems more calm and laid back than his twin Matt.  He picks Gwen by looking into her eyes for her soul.  He is so attentive and insists on taking the time to build a relationship between himself and Gwen.  Gwen feels very out of place as a wife of an important dragon who is expected to lay about a pool and gossip.  I loved Gwen and identified with her immediately and rooted for her and Jason to fall in love.  Kat and Matt were an adorable couple before they mated but as they changed I wasn't as sure about them.  I really felt Kat's uncertainty.  I wanted there to be a villian after reading the Ociena book--I really wanted to dislike Matt or Lynx.  While, I disliked the turn the story took near the end(I don't want to spoil), it was only because I wanted to root for Jason and Gwen.  In the end, I was left uncertain of who was good and who was evil and out for selfish gain.  The only reason I rated 4 stars is this wasn't as much of romantic story for me and I throroughly enjoyed Oceina more than this one.  This book was the other side of the story and takes place simultaneously as the Oceina book.  I highly recommend these books for anyone who enjoys paranormal shifter stories especially dragon lovers. 

A Beautiful Evil by Kelly Keaton (Gods & Monsters 2)

I really enjoyed "Darkness Becomes Her", the first book in this series about a post catastrophic Hurricane New Orleans called New 2.  Ari found out that she is a 'god-killer' or Gorgon at the end of book one.  Her best friends and everyone of the Nine controlling families now know what evil lurks inside her.  Some want to use her for protection from the evil Athena and as a bargining chip in a politically fueled duel between the Goddess and the Families.  Ari wants revenge on Athena for her mother's death and desperately wants to rescue her little friend Violet and her Father.  She is unsure of how Sebastian feels about her anymore since he hasn't spoken to her since the show down with Athena.  Ari is sure he feels she is a monster.  But Sebastian continues to feel drawn to Ari, himself a misfit as a half vampire-half warlock, and he helps her on her mission for revenge. 
Ari is granted permission to search the secret library that only the council knows about for any information to help remove her curse or free Violet and her Father from Athena.  Henri, Sebastian, and Ari manage to get into Mt. Olympus by following one of Athena's minions to a magic doorway.  After stumbling into a banquet right in front of Athena, herself, the three must a way to rescue their friends and themselves. It is a roller coaster reading ride that you will be unable to put down.
This series is like nothing I have ever read.  Keaton does a wondrous job of creating a fantasy New 2 that is based in real life.  She also makes a mythological villian, the Gorgon, an identifable and courageous heroine.  The story is action, romance and coming of age in a world that is seeped in mystery and magic.  This is an incredible series for anyone that enjoys paranormal and highly recommended. 

More Than Magic: Semester Abroad By Elizabeth Kirke

What if you went out to stargaze while on a cruise and saw someone get pushed over the side of the boat?  This is exactly what happens to Jennifer one night on her Semester Abroad Program.  Needing some air, she decides to come up to the deck to watch the stars and sees a group in other students talking and horsing around.  Suddenly, one gets pushed off the side as a joke.  Jennifer rushes foward when nobody acts to help the student.  They try to convince her she didn't see anything and when Dani, the student suddenly vaults back onto the deck, Jennifer is stunned.  The next day, she is followed from class to class by different members of the group all day long.  They won't tell her what is going on until they met with Jon, their boss.  After Jon determines that Jennifer is a witch and all of the students in the group are magics of different types.  As Jen is introduced to a world that she didn't dream exsisted, there is suddenly a danger on the ship: a vampire.
Jennifer is immediately submerged into a wonderous world learning about magic and magical creatures.  She is able to bond with the others and becomes one of the tight group of friends.  Jennifer and her new friends are tested by having to face the horror of a vampire roaming the ship creating dhampirs and killing students.  Jennifer faces grave danger because her blood is changing as she gets in touch with her magic.  Witch blood is 3x as potent as a humans and makes Jen a target. 
Semester Abroad immediately engaged me and drew me into a world of magics.  At first, I was a little frustrated with Jen as her questions went unanswered.  But soon answers are revealed in a manner that slowly builds a believable fantasy.  I loved Jen who is somewhat niave but believable to me because I was just like her.  Dani, Charlie, Thomas, TS and Mariana became my friends as I read about them and learned their stories.  The adventures they have both fighting the vampire and going on trips at the ports was well told and a roller coaster ride of emotion.  The only thing that would have made this more perfect was more romance.  I can't wait to see where this goes in the next book.  This story would be a good read for even younger teens who enjoy paranormal but I highly recommed this for fans of Harry Potter and the Paranormal.  This was an excellent read and so worth the price. 

What the Heart Wants By Kelli McCraken (Soulmate Series 1)

What the Heart Wants is a beautiful story about a soul deep connection between two people that was forged through dreams.  I love romance and the notion that there is one person that your soul reaches out too.  Heaven has been dreaming of a dark haired boy embracing her under a weeping willow tree for the past six months.  The dreams are so real and so romantic she compares every guy she meets to her dream guy.  Dylan has been dreaming of a beautiful girl under the same tree and recognizes her instantly when she turns up at his band-mates wedding.  Heaven is the maid of honor and isn't sure that Dylan is her dream guy.  Dylan is afraid to move too fast and that he will scare her off or think he is nuts.  The result is a moving romance that had me swooning and reading way past my bedtime.
Dylan is a swoon worthy and it is such a shame he's a fictional character.  I think he beats Edward hands down.  I don't think I have ever read a better scene than the night they stay in the guest house and decide to be a couple.  This is such a great book it is very hard to do it justice in a review.  I highly recommend this book to romance lovers of all ages.  Altough there are some paranormal elements of soul connection and tarot cards, it was a relief to read a romance that the main male character doesn't turn all furry or suck blood.  Don't get me wrong- I love the paranormal but this story will stay with you long after you put the book down.  It has definitely made my keeper shelf.

Destined to Die (Briar Creek Vampires 3) by Jayme Morse and Jody Morse

Destined to Die is the third in an interesting new vampire series from sisters, Jayme and Jody Morse.  I was excited to read this installement after the cliff hanger of the last book where Austin rescues Lexi and is shockingly alive.  Lexi finds out Lexi and Gabe have been working together and Austin was turned right before his parents tried to kill him.  Gabe has been having visions and in almost all of them end in Lexi's death at the hands of the vampires in Briar Creek.  Lexi has been declared the suspect in a murder so she must hide in order not to be turned into authorities by the well-meaning public.  In order to hide, Gabe and Austin take Lexi and enroll in Huntington High a Vampire Hunter school in the nearby town.  Lexi finds out that the "Hunters" were a line of vampire hunters and she might be too.  But also at Huntington is the slutty vamp that made Gabe and wants him back.  After Lexi catches them in a compromising position, she seeks solace in the arms of an old flame. 
The main reason I didn't give this 5 stars is I didn't understand why Lexi would just go to Craig.  Craig is a character that I have never been able to believe as a love interest for me he is just sort of creepy.  I can't explain it really but I don't see him and Lexi as a couple.  Because of this ackwardness, part of the story is hard for me to fully get into.  It seemed like Lexi just immediately turned to Craig instead of mourning her relationship with Gabe.  She didn't really seem that upset about it--no sleepless crying nights.  But I still enjoy the unique storyline.  Briar Creek is a wonderful new paranormal vampire romance series that I would highly recommend.

Just One Drop (Prince of Wolves 3) by Quinn Loftis

This is the third book in a series that just keeps getting better and better.  Not only do we get to continue to see Fane and Jacque but all of the snarky friends.  I love the way Jacque, Sally and Jen interact with each other and finish each other's sentences.  Jen has finely fell in love with Decebel the Beta for the Romanian Pack.  However, it would seem that Jen has a drop of wolf blood and therefore could be a mate.  Decebel acts like Jen is his mate by going all Alpha protective of her.  His wolf has claimed her but the mating signs are not there.  Without being able to prove they are mates. Decebel is getting out of control.
Then packs from all over plan a "The Gathering" a great nuetral gathering of unmated males and females in hope of finding true mates.  Since Jen hasn't found her true mate that can be proven and she has a drop of wolf blood, she is forced to participate.  Decebel must watch her interact with unmated males while his wolf is barely in control of his temper. 
Also, unbeknownst to all, there is a plot underfoot to take down the strongest Alpha of all, Vasile. 
I love this series.  The interaction between characters is funny, touching, and hot.  Decebel is a hunk of burning Alpha male and loved seeing him trying to deal with his inner wolf and Jen's loud mouth.  They are essentially perfect for each other with a chemistry that is smoking.  I can't wait for the next book.  This one ends abruptly in a horrible cliffhanger that will have me biting my nails until the next one comes out.

Making You Mine by Elizabeth Reyes (Moreno Brothers 5)

The latest in the Moreno Brothers series gives the reader a inside look at the eldest brother, Sal.  While, Sal has been more of a fixture in the last couple of books, he is by far the most reserved of all the brothers.  Sal spent most of the series in college getting his business degree.  He has big plans to expand the Moreno's restuarants and is meeting with investors and in charge of staffing. 
Grace is a Culinary student who has been cooking since she was little and is desperate to get a job to get her and her sister out of a bad home life.  She lies about her age to increase her odds of getting a job.  Sal immediately fights his fascination with Grace and is shocked when Alex overrides him by hiring Grace. 
As soon as Sal has to be around Grace at work, the Moreno blood makes him possesive and he falls quickly for Grace.  Like all good Moreno brothers, once he decides what he wants, Sal goes after it with full force.  This is what I LOVE about the Moreno brothers--they know what they want and go get it.  Again, Sal is one of the Alpha Males that is possesive to a point and loves with his whole heart.  This books also follows with updates on all the couples and family members near the end. 
BTW, There needs to be one more book for Rose and Vincent. :)

Romero (Moreno Brothers 4) by Elizabeth Reyes

Romero is the 4th book in the Moreno Brothers series.  Although, Romero isn't a Moreno by blood, he is as close as family with the Moreno family.  With this book, the author introduces us to Romero's less than perfect world and the things that have shaped him.  Romero's Dad is in jail and he has been raised by his two uncles who own a topless bar.  Manny and Max, Romero's uncles are crass and in your face loud but they love Romero beyond words.  Romero has never been ashamed of his upbringing and been a somewhat player.  Moreno meets up with Valerie's roommate Isabelle at Angel's wedding.  This book starts with a few insightful scenes into Romero and Isabelle before they met.  These scenes build the characters and storyline investing the reader into their lives. 
Isabelle couldn't be more different than Romero. Isabelle's family are all over-achievers and push Isabelle to her type A personally.  But Romero and Isabelle balance each other and the chemistry is HOT.  I love that all these books have a strong male character that have a devoted soft side.  Romero enjoys ruffling Isabelle's perfect world and getting a reaction from her.  Pretty soon he is addicted to watching her expressions and can't imagine his world without her.  When Isabelle's father decides to make a run for San Diego Mayor and thrusts his family into the spotlight, Romero isn't sure he will be able to fit in.  Then there is Isabelle's witchy older sister who is all about impressions and thinks Romero isn't good enough for Izzy.  Between trying to fit in and her meddling older sister, Romero has his work cut out for him.  But Romero is his own worst enemy who lets his rage and short fuse get the best of him. 
I love these books and have given 5 stars to all of them.  I highly recommend these books to any fan of romance.  They have all made my keeper shelf.

Sweet Sofie (Moreno Brothers 3) by Elizabeth Reyes

One of the best Moreno Brothers books yet.  Sweet Sofie allows the reader to see the growth of Eric and Sofia's relationship over time.  This books starts in childhood and follows the couple through several emotional growing pains.  Eric such a sweet guy who has loved Sofie since childhood.  He treats her so well and is slightly less possessive than the Moreno Brothers.  Sofie tends to be the Fiery tempered one in the relationship.  Eric does get over-emotional when Sofie kisses a childhood acquaintence. He feels hurt and unsure of whether he can get over the feelings of betrayal.  Sofia is slightly naive but loves Eric deeply.
I loved the sweet romantic relationship between Eric and Sofia.  It was so much fun to see all of the Moreno family throughout childhood as they grew up.  This book again takes place along side of Forever Mine.  Ms. Reyes does an excellent job of keeping the story consistant and yet more insightful into the couples.  The brothers try to keep Sofia protected and away from boys and sex.  But Sofia has other plans, she has always felt drawn to Eric. 
I highly recommend this series for anyone who enjoys romance.  This books is slightly explicit. 

Always Been Mine (Moreno Brothers 2) by Elizabeth Reyes

The Moreno Brothers is a highly addictive YA romance series.  I can't put them down and I am so glad there is another one to move onto immediately.  It is so much fun to read the story of different characters and continue to visit previous couples.  As a reader, I feel included as part of the Moreno family.
Always Been Mine is the story of Valerie and Alex who met in the first book and began dating.  This book takes place several years after most of the Moreno's are out of college and Angel and Sarah are getting married.  Valerie is the maid of honor and is required to participate in all wedding activities.  At the first wedding shower, Alex and Valerie meet again and share a hot kiss stirring all the feelings that both thought they buried.  But Alex and Valerie have never been commited to each other and Valerie thinks that Alex was completely a player.  Alex's only problem was being to proud to tell Valerie that he needed tutoring and the extra time to study. 
Besides the rocky relationship, Valerie has a co-worker, Luke whom she began to date hoping to get over her feeling for Alex.  Valerie is afraid to give Alex another chance.  Valerie hasn't had any luck dating during their break-up.  In fact, Valerie is in danger from a previous guy she dated.  Alex has her followed for protection and ends up finding out things he shouldn't.  Alex and the other Moreno Brothers are Alpha male and his protectiveness does walk a fine line of posession.  I love Alex and was celebrating the fact that he continued to protect Valerie because of the danger.  I would have been shouting at the book if he had backed down so the Alpha Male was just right for me.
Pick up a Moreno Brothers book and I can assure you a great romantic read.  This book is a little more on the adult romance side than the first book.  Valerie and Alex have a hot explosive chemistry that lights the story up.  You will be pulling for their relationship.

Forever Mine (Moreno Brothers 1) by Elizabeth Reyes

I picked up Forever Mine after being in a bit of a reading rut for paranormal romance.  It was just what I needed.  I was immediately drawn into the world of Sarah moving in with her aunt because her Mom has to go to jail.  Sarah was easy to identify with and I really enjoyed the fact that she wasn't necessarily outcast or picked on.  Sarah easily found her niche and although vulnerable, she seems to be sweet and strong.  Angel is a bit of the perfect boyfriend.  His is definitely crush worthy.  The story line was natural and realistic for me.  I enjoyed being able to gain insight into both Sarah and Angel's feelings through an alternating POV.
After Sarah has to move in with an Aunt's family while her mother serves time in jail, she meets Angel at a high school party.  Angel is struck by her beautiful green eyes and immediately wants to get to know her.  As soon as they begin talking, the chemistry is instant and the romance builds.  Angel immediately asks to see Sarah the next day.  Sarah and Angel's romance begins to build into a sweet exclusive deep first love.  Angel is protective and slightly Alpha Male when it comes to Sarah.  Previously reviews have pointed out the posessive nature as being borderline abusive.  However, I feel the author does a great job of explaining the fine line of difference between protectiveness and posessiveness.  I really feel Angel doesn't take it too far. 
I highly recommend this book for any romance fans!  I loved Angel and Sarah and sure this will book I revisit in the future.

Howl (Howl 1) by Jayme Morse and Jody Morse

Fifteen-year-old Samara McKinley is not your average teenager. Unlike her best friend, Emma Taylor, Samara’s life does not revolve around partying and trying to fit in at school. In between playing the peacekeeper for her troubled family and crushing on the cute new boy at school, Samara sets out to stay to true to herself. Luke finally asks her out after a game of beer pong at one of Emma's party.  At first, Luke and Sam have great chemistry and Luke plans a romantic stargazing date. But that all changes when she is bitten by a wolf. Samara begins living a double life – human by day, wolf by night.
Samara is finally approached by the wolf that bit her who mysteriously explains that he is her Alpha but can't tell her exactly why he bit her yet, who he really is or who is in the rest of her pack. Her Alpha can speak in her mind both as a wolf and human and no one else can do this but her Alpha and her Mate.  Soon another Alpha approaches her and reveals that she should be on their pack because of her bloodline but because she got bit she could be on either pack.  Sam will have to choose between packs, friends, and potential mates.
As Samara watches her relationships with those closest to her fall apart, she finds refuge in the mysterious wolf that bit her. Determined to keep her alter-ego secret from her family and friends, Samara soon discovers that her family has a few secrets of their own – secrets that could turn her life upside down forever.
I enjoyed the Briar Creek Vampire Series from the Morse Sisters and automatically wanted to read this new shifter series.  I wasn't disappointed!  The story is easy to lose yourself in and a great story that you won't want to put down trying to figure out who the mysterious Alpha and pack members are.  The world the Morse Sisters have developed is compelling and I can't wait to read more.  This book is a steal at this price being well written and edited.

Malevolence (Kilkenney 2) by Devyn Dawson

Malevolence is the continuing story of Abel Casey, a phophesied "Great Wolf".  Abel is growing into his role as Alpha of the Phelan pack.  Dolly has taken over the pack after the General's death while Abel is learning about his powers.  Dolly and Pru have taken off to track down the General's killer while Oakley and Abel are dealing with a sudden increase of "bitten" new werewolves near the Farm.  Abel and Oakley find a girl with amnesia who was left in a field with some cans of soup and a note for her to go to the Phelan Farm.  She doesn't know who bit her or who she is and Abel has to explain to her that not only do Werewolves exsist but she is now one of them.  Bitten werewolves have difficulty not going feral and with shifting back to human.  They will soon have to decide wether these werewolves are able to be saved or must be destroyed. 
Dolly and Pru are hunting down leads to the General's murderer when they stumble upon Allie, Abel's Sister and the self professed King of the Vampire's Pascale in Paris.  Pru calls the Pack for back-up when the vampires threaten to expose their secret exsistence to the world and a hit is placed on her mother. Abel and Oakley fly over and are joined by members from the Kilkenny and Maine Packs. 
Malevolence is a great follow up to 'The Legend of Kilkenney'.  Abel's journey to become the great wolf continues as he gets used to his new powers and sense of commanding the pack.  Abel is a natural for the Alpha.  Abel is such a cool and sexy character.  I would have loved to see more romance for Abel.  *hint, hint*  There are a few scenes between him and Crissy his girlfriend but I am a sucker for romance and want MORE :).  Oakley and Pru don't disappoint in the romance department but Pru has a new sexy bodygaurd, Gus and the chemistry between him and Pru cause some ripples in Pru and Oakley relationship.  The best part of the whole novel is the end when Abel literally becomes a kick ass Wolf.  It will have you cheering like any awesome action movie.  I can't wait to see what will happen next in this series.

Soul Mates: Scent By Elizabeth A. Lance

The title attacted me to this book--I am a sucker for soulmates and fate.  I found the book easy to read and was immediately drawn into the story.  It was a change to read a book from the hero/male POV.  Max was also an all-american boy quarterback who is dating the head cheerleader, Jenny.  It was different to have a popular normal hero.  So often the hero/heroine is odd, dark and mysterious but not Max.  The shifters in this novel are born from a gift bestowed on them from the goddess Diana. 
Max notices a dark haired beauty watching him and feels drawn to her.  It begins to cause fights between him and Jenny as the green eyed monster takes over.  When she shows up at school, Max is thrown for a loop and not only seems to forget about Jenny but can hear Anna in his mind.  Max confronts his mother about his history and finds he is a shifter, a jaguar and Anna is most likely his soulmate.  As long as Max shifts before his 18th birthday, he can become a felidae or feline shifters.  There is a Lion shifter, Fredrick who want  to marry Anna to get a spot on the ruling council. To marry Anna, Fredrick will kill anyone in his way i.e. Max. 
Max takes to shifting quickly and begins to show even new abilities that expose his other birthright, a fae prince.  Max is highly talented and begins to train in the fairie mound at Auberon's invitation. 
I enjoyed to the building of this world and it's characters.  It was a fun romance with mindtalk and soulmates--two things that although cheesy--I love.  Max is awesome and grows into his own man with great powers that demand respect.  Anna is sensitive and loving as a supportive mate to Max.  Anna had the potential of being a real witch but I felt the author did a good job making her sensitive to Jenny.  Tony is a great friend and side character who can see fae and becomes a great confidant to Max.
I would recommend this for those who loved Jessica's Guide to Dating On the Dark Side by Beth Fantasky and Prince of Wolves by Quinn Loftis.  Both have the fated love and mind talk that is present here too.  I hope there is a continuing story.  There are so many possibilities as the Unseelie fae are after Max, His baby sister is set to be a fae heir and of course any children Max and Anna have.

Guardians of the Cross by T. R. Graves (Warriors of the Cross 2)

Guardians of the Cross is the follow up to Warriors of the Cross by T. R. Graves, an epic series of good versus evil that defies placement in any genre.  Guardians is full of plot twists and a roller coaster of emotions that will have you unable to put the book down.  The paranormal/religous battle between good vs. evil reminds me of the blockbuster movie/book The DaVinci Code.  There are secret societies both dedicated to their belief's of good and evil.  At the center of the storm, Allison La Crosse has begun to embrace her role as the the Warrior Priestress and her ability to heal the most gravely injuried through the Salvedere.  Allison's relationships are also central to the plot.  She is bonded to those she has rescued in a way that defies logic.  They share emotions, symtoms and sometimes thoughts.  Clark the first person, Allison saved in utero, is bonded to her and her most fierce defender.  Brody, the Warrior Priest, is Allison's true love and ready to take their relationship into a lifelong commitment.  Allison is torn trying to keep everyone happy and safe and follow her heart.  She is also trying to prevent prophesies that have foretold of the suffering of those around her. 
Gaurdians further explains the inter-workings of the Disciples of the Cross and begins to explore the prophesies behind their mythology.  More history into the lives of Brody, Julia, and James are revealed.  There are so many layers to this series it is impossible to explain and put into a category.  This second installment explores more of the secrets of the Disciples by revealing Julia's most inner thoughts through her journals and diary.  Allison must learn who to trust and rely on without endangering those closest to her heart. 
Devin DeMorte is back as the leader of The Sect after the horrible assualt on Allison at the end of Warriors.  Allison believes that Darryl, Devin's deceased twin was forced into Devin's comatose body by his mother Angela's Satanic prayers.  As a result, Allison is bonded to Devin from her previous Salvedere to save him.  However, Devin is traped and being held mental hostage by Darryl.  Darryl has many evil plans to get Allison to bend to his will.  He will use or kill anyone who stands in his way, especially those Allison loves.
This series is a MUST read for anyone who loves paranormal romance.  It is fresh and unique and the plot twists will keep you reading long into the night.  There is so much going on in these books that they are best read in order.