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  But when he gets home, he finds his Mom has been replaced by Stepford Mom, his mother by looks but who is not acting like herself at all and won't take her sunglasses off.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.

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.

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. 

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.

The Marked (Delacroix Academy 2) by Inara Scott

The Marked continues the story of Dancia and her fellow students at the Delacroix Academy.  The book opens with Dancia pledging into THE PROGRAM.  Dancia has an earth talent which is rare and will begin her training early due to events that happened near the end of the first book, The Canidates.  On one hand, Dancia is relieved to be in on the secret at Delacroix but totally unprepared for how to keep the it from her friends.  Dancia is a very strong level 3 talent that works on the forces of gravity and begins to train in her focus classes.  Dancia and Cam can finally begin dating in public since Cam will no longer be her Watcher. 
Dancia thought things would get easier but instead keeping secrets is eating at her.  She had to hide her bruises and injuries from training.  She also finds that Delacroix hasn't given up all it's secrets yet.  Not only is there an opposing sect of talents called the Irin but the violence keeps escalating and so does her training. 
The Marked is a roller coaster ride of action and emotion.  Dancia is falling in love with Cam but still feels a certain loyality to Jack.  Jack stays in contact with her even though they are on opposing sides.  Dancia knows something is rotten in The Program but isn't sure to trust.  Cam is so embedded into the team that he won't believe anything is amiss. 
I love the Delacroix series.  From the very first word, I am drawn into the story and rooting for Dancia to uncover all the mysteries.  In Book 2, Dancia begins to understand and come into her own power.  It was nice to see her transform from the ackward young girl into a confident young woman.  She also develops a sense of her confidence in her decisions.  She works out her loyalties and stands on her own convictions.  I would highly recommend this to any fans of the paranormal YA Romance.

Accordance (Significance 2) by Shelly Crane

Do you know that feeling when you get a book and you just know you are in for an awesome story and can't wait another minute to start?  Accordance is that book.  I so thoroughly enjoyed this book that I couldn't put it down and didn't want the page count to dwindle.  This will definitely be on the keeper shelf and be re-read. 
Accordance continues the Significance series by Shelly Crane.  If you haven't read Significance, you need to stop right now and go read it.  This series is a beautiful love story between two soulmates, Maggie and Caleb.  Ms. Crane has a wonderful voice that describes the best love story since Bella and Edward.  Her writing weaves such a vivid romance that you can touch the love and your heart will flutter right along with Maggie and Caleb
Maggie and Caleb are hiding out at the beach house with their unwelcome chaperones, Bish and Kyle.  Bish is so protective of Maggie and knows that she and Caleb are hiding something from him.  He is like a bad penny always turning up with they don't need him and interupting at the worst possible moments.  Caleb and Maggie take their interuptions and chaperones in stride.  But while at the Beach, Maggie learns her purpose and role in the Jacobsen clan.  She begins to really understand her role as a seer and begins to have visions.  Some of her visions include answers to the imprinting struggles and how to get the Aces back to the proud race that they should be.  Caleb is her rock and her protector.  Together they will stand and fight the evil that threatens to choke the clans of their imprints and abilities.  This book is the perfect blend of action, obstacles, and heart pounding romance.
I can't express how wonderful Ms. Crane's books are and Significance is definitely my favorite book series now above Twilight, Harry Potter, Morganville Vampires, and Iron Fey.  I am a hopeless romantic at heart but Ms. Crane writes a hero that is so swoon-worthy that you can't help but fall in love with him yourself.  Her Heroine, Maggie, is easy to identify with and she writes Maggie in such a way that you can't help but put yourself in her place.  If you are a fan of any YA Romance you will absolutely love the Significane series by Shelly Crane.

Coexist by Julia Crane

Coexist is about Elves but not the short toy-making kind but human looking elves that blend seamlessly into our own society.  Keegan is a bubbly high school girl who is hiding the fact that she and her family are elves.  Elves also have special abilities that allow them to use magic.  Keegan can turn invisible and her brother Thaddeus is already a strong warrior and seer.  Thaddeus tells Keegan her Chosen's name so that she can call to him in a time of need.  Elves are given their chosen at birth but cannot meet them or know of them until a special ceremony at the age of 18.  Rourk, Keegan' chosen, is a skilled warrior who is drawn to her every time she thinks of him. Rourk watches her from afar to protect her.  Rourk already loves her and the magic of the chosen makes them halfs of the same whole. 
Thaddeus forsees a great battle between the light and dark elves in Ireland around Keegan's 17th birthday.  He also sees Keegan's death.  As a result, Rourk is put on full time watch to protect Keegan and she begins training to learn to fight with Thaddeus.  Rourk and Keegan meet at a get together for the warriors and their families.  They are instantly drawn together like magnets.  Richard, Keegan's father and leader of the light elves, decides to give them a weekend together and then after the great battle when Keegan is 17, they can be together. 
Keegan and Rourk are adorable together.  Rourk is a sexy warrior who is only concerned with Keegan's happiness.  However, during the big battle, Keegan rushes into save her friends and Thaddeus' prophey comes true.  The book ends with Keegan not knowing Rourk or feeling the chosen magic.  Rourk, however, still does and is miserable.  Keegan finds that she isn't the only supernatural among her friends and is also attracted to another boy at school.  I am sure book 2 will address Rourk trying to win Keegan back the "human" way and Donald trying to court her also.  I hated that Keegan can't remember Rourk.  I loved Rourk and didn't want them to end;.  I hope he can win her back. 

Fire and Shadow by Imogene Howson

Fire and Shadow was a fantasy that I wasn't expecting.  I originally thought going in that this was about a fire starter in real life but it turned out to be a fantasy world.  Shadows are evil creeping phantoms that are killing and taking villagers away.  No one is sure if they die or are absorbed.  Just a single touch from a shadow will freeze and seemingly kill whatever part of the body it touches.  All of the land is being affected and anywhere light cannot permeate isn't safe.  The swamps and dense forest are all enought to bring the shadows out in day light.  Light must be kept on at all times to keep people safe from them.  Children are growing up in fear of the dark. 
Some develop special abilities during adolesence which can be uncontrollable at first. 
Fern is a late bloomer and develops firestarter capabilities on her 18th birthday and makes the journey to a special house where the gifted can work on controlling their powers.  As the sun sets and the shadows chase Fern and her brother up the hill to the house, she meets Nik who rescues them and escorts them into the house.  Nik is older than most of the kids and works on inventions and solving patterns to fight against the shadows.  He instinctively realizes that Fern's power is the one thing that can kill the shadows and heal those who have been touched by the shadows.  Nik begins to work daily with Fern on her ability.  At first, Nik and Fern can't stand each other as Nik knows her powers are provoked through anger, but soon Fern's feelings change. 
This was a great story but the romance felt a little rushed.  It was only about 102 pages on ebook and I felt that the author could have expanded on the interactions between Fern and Nik.  A couple of more scenes would have done a world of good for the story.  I did enjoy this read and most who enjoy fantasy blended with paranormal romance will like the story.  The story is creative and fresh and worth the read for the price.

Meant to Be by Tiffany King

Meant to Be was an interesting read.  There is a soulmate thread to the romance that makes Meant to Be passionate story.  Krista moves to Santa Cruz after her Mom decides they need a new start after the death of her adoptive Dad.  One of the most interesting things is that Krista knows she was adopted after being abandoned at a rest stop at the age of 2.  She also has and oversensitivity to others emotions and often gets sick from being overwhelmed.  On the first day of class in her new private school, Krista meets a teaching intern who is literally the man of her dreams.  Mark immediately recognizes her and tries to meet her but Krista is spooked until the following night where Mark reveals his face to her in the dream.
Sam is Krista's first real friend and feels the energy from Krista.  They are drawn together and find they suffer the same emotional turmoil.  Sam has been dating Shawn who is like Mark and the four of them share so many similarities that they start investigating to find out the common thread.  The couples share dreams that all take place on the beach outside of the Santa Cruz Boardwalk. 
Most of the first half of the book was about the couples finding each and their relationships and doubts.  Many theories are posed about all the similarities and paranormal aspects of the quartet.  The only thing that annoyed me a little was I felt the couples showed off PDA in juvenille ways sometimes but it is YA.  The second half of the book was non-stop action.  Just as Krista is finding out about her mother who was seriously injured in a hit and run accident, She and Mark are kidnapped from the hospital parking lot.  They are taking to a lab facility and experimented on by some people who want to make Mark stronger and Krista weaker.  The truth behind all the mysteries were shocking and totally unique.  I was really glad I stuck with it because the ending makes the book.

Collide by Shelly Crane

Collide is one of those books that takes you on a wonderful journey.  There is so much to this book that I don't know how to do it justice.  Collide is a apocolyptic book that weaves a story that tests courage and family.  Sherry has always felt there was something more and someone watching over her.  When the Moon disappears from the night sky, strange things come to earth.  People start to disappear only to return later acting differently.  Danny, her little brother has had to move in and sleep on her couch since her hippie parents have packed up to stand with others to welcome the aliens to our planet.  Sherry also has to dodge her abusive, egotistical ex-boyfriend Matt.  Matt has been coming by drunk and pounding down her door until she is afraid to death of him.
Sherry's journey begins as a normal day when she is confronted by Matt on her way home in the parking lot of her apartment.  Except Matt says he isn't Matt but a Keeper and she and Danny need to come with him right away if they want to live.  Sherry thinks that not only is Matt abusive but he has gone crazy.  So Matt drugs her with a special drug that keeps her aware but unable to move or communicate.  Matt puts her in the car and then she hears him return with Danny.  Matt drives them to an underground bunker where she wakes to him in room without Danny.  Matt tells her that his name is really Merrick and he is a Keeper sent to watch over Danny because he is a Special and must be saved so that he can complete his a task for the good of the human race.  Sherry believes him because his mannerisms and eye color have changed.  None of Matt's swagger or cockiness are present in Merrick.  Together they convince Danny of Merrick's change.  Merrick also tells Sherry and Danny that Lighters have come to take over the earth and they are responsible for the disappearance of the moon.  However, Lighters are using complusion through the news to blame Keepers as a means to track down Specials and kill them.  If the Lighters manage to kill Specials, they will be able to take over the earth because society will no longer advance and they will be in control.  They will use fear to rule.
A ragtag bunch of Specials and Keepers soon assembles in the underground bunker.  Sherry notices that Merrick is very uncomfortable with her and misinterpets this as dislike.  Sherry and Merrick are drawn to each other but Keepers are only supposed to be here for a short period of time and are more pure than humans.  Merrick is sure that someone as good as Sherry couldn't love anyone like him who isn't even human.  Sherry doesn't care that Merrick isn't human but enjoys the way he is always there for her and knows everything about her.  Merrick and Sherry's love story is epic and draws the reader into the book.  Love manages to win even at the end of the world.
I highly recommend this for anyone who enjoys romance with dystopian or paranormal twists.  The Action is really good as the group has to run from Lighters and Markers.  Warning you will want to read the next book Uprising almost immediately.  I believe Ms. Crane is an author to watch and feel so "special" to have discovered her talent so early in what will surely be a long career.

Significance by Shelly Crane

Significance is the perfect paranormal romance.  The chemistry and descriptions are create a beautiful love story between Maggie and Caleb.  Maggie has been having a really sucky life.  Her mother abandoned her family but not before she took all their money with her.  Her Dad is practically catatonic and she had to start working to help pay for things around the house.  Her academic year is shot and she isn't sure she could get into a good college if she tried.  Maggie used to have friends but has pulled away from them because of her family troubles.  She has been hiding her life from everyone.  Her High School sweetheart Chad, breaks up with her three days after her Mom leaves with everything.  She is devastated and withdrawals from everything she has known. 
Significance begins at Maggie's graduation where she is sitting among her peers but still just going through the motions.  Kyle turns around and asks her to hang out and for some reason after turning him down several times over the past year, Maggie says Yes.  After graduation, Maggie's Dad behaves like a complete jerk and she ends up just escaping out of her house for a walk.  As she begins to walk around she is waiting to cross the road when she notices a cute tan guy with headphones in his ears.  She ends up saving him from being run over by jerking back from the curb at the last minute.  She feels attracted to him from the start but finds out he is Kyle's cousin Caleb who is actually in town celebrating Kyle's graduation.  They walk to Kyle's together.  Kyle isn't thrilled when he sees them together thinking Caleb is encroching his girl.  Just as Maggie goes to leave on her date with Kyle, she shakes Caleb's hand and then the magic starts.  She starts to change and she and Caleb imprint with each which means they are soulmates. 
Maggie finds herself the center of a large paranormal family with amazing abilities and the perfect guy in Caleb.  This book is pure magic and romance.  Many times I read a book and feel like the just as the couple gets together it ends and you miss all the good stuff.  Well, Significance is all "good stuff"!  Caleb is sweet, protective, and HOT!  I would bet Caleb could beat Edward and Jacob in a best boyfriend contest hands down.  Although they are dependent on each other, I feel this just adds to the mystical connection between them.  Maggie and Caleb compliment each other as so many of the significants do in the story.  Significance is not all romance but has some rival clans, a kidnapping and soulmate withdrawals that Maggie and Caleb must get through. 
I hope that more people will read this 5-star romance.  I would recommend this for YA Romance lovers who like paranormal.  I will definitely be picking up Ms. Crane's other books and cannot wait for Accordance to continue Maggie and Caleb's story.  For me this book was better than Twilight which I read over and over.  I am sure this is the first of many readings for signifance that are in my future!

Warriors of the Cross by T.R. Graves

If you are looking for a fresh paranormal romance thriller, Warriors of the Cross delivers.  I found the summary of this book to be intriquing.  Allison La Crosse is a resident doctor who was born and raised in a big family full of love in LA.  She gets her residency at a University Hospital in Galveston, TX and moves there by finding a room to rent sight unseen.  When she arrives she meets Clark her landlord who is a medical malpractice lawyer and has an instant connection with him.  Clark makes Allie feel as though she has known him her whole life and they fall into an instant friendship. At her residency, she has the stereotypical mean girls and one very hot chief resident, Brody.  Allie met Brody as he stormed out of Clark's just as she arrived in Galveston.  Brody is extremely attractive and sets Allie afire with intense looks and alternatingly avoiding her. 
Besides the Romance, there are many layers to this intriguing plot.  It takes place in a hospital and there are medical patients and cases coming and going like a really good episode of ER.  The descriptions are both realistic and enthralling.  It really reads well and I didn't want to put it down.  When I wasn't reading it, I was thinking about the characters and plot.  There begins to be a mysteriousness surrounding Allie's dreams and strange healing abilities.  She seems to take on the patient's symtoms and therefore suffers with each healing.  Brody helps her through and Clark is the ever present friend.  There are several clues about the real struggle than is the underlying plot of good and evil going on such as shadows, pulsing bright radiant light, and ornate crosses.  This books is so good I refuse to ruin it with any other spoilers about the plots.  For me this is one of those books that once your find out the secrets it is so illuminating that you want to go back and re-read the book to see it from an enlightened prospective.  I can wait to read the next book.  I can only hope it won't be too long of a wait.  For a limited time, this is a free book on Kindle and definitely worth putting on your to read list.  You will not be disappointed.