She tells all - Judah Lee Davis

Title - She tells all

Author - Judah Lee Davis

Genre -Chick lit

Date published - July 9th 2010

Publisher - Createspace

Format - Paperback

Pages - 230

Author's website - http://judahleedavis.wordpress.com/

Rating - 4 out of 5

Madison's life is just a series of failures! She's 29, soon to be 30 and a single mother to a three year old, but her life is a total mess! All she does is constantly changing partners (wonder if she ever heard of AIDS??) and seems she's always attracted to the wrong ones, guys that will just use her and dump her.

Madison is probably the craziest book character I've read about ever! What you're about to read in this book are not just her confessions and mistakes (and boy, she makes many mistakes in life), but her battle to finally overcome some things that keep bringing her at the very bottom. Life was definitely not easy for her, and though you will probably be amazed (or disgusted) by her slutty behavior in the beginning, she will grow on you, if you just give her a chance (at least that happened to me while reading the book).

By leading you in her past, the author will reveal the reasons for Madison's behavior and all the nasty things that damaged her personalty.
All Madison really wants is to be loved, simple as that. She needs attention and affection, don't we all? And though I really didn't approve her behavior and choices throughout the book, I must say I was cheering for her and hoping she will really make something out of her life.

This is a story of a girl who's in desperate need to reinvent herself, story about all the crazy stuff she did, all the pain she's to overcome. I did have few laughs and must say this is really an entertaining read, but though the primary intention of it may be to entertain us, maybe we should look for the message behind it. It's been few weeks now that I read the book, and I really needed to "digest" everything, however I will never forget Madison.
She's one of these book characters you either love or hate. Ok, if love and hate are strong words for you, better to say Madison is someone you will either like or dislike. In my case, it turned out I really like her, but not cause of her wild spirit, or the fact she seems she doesn't care what everyone thinks of her. No, I liked her because I felt the fragile, caring Madison who will unselfishly give everything to those she loves.

I know I'm not supposed to reveal a lot about the plot, especially the ending, but I will just say..GOD, the ending brought tears to my eyes! This is really an entertaining read, but also an emotional one (at least it was for me). I read it in just couple of hours, cover to cover, and definitely recommend it to all chick lit fans. However, there are some phrases and mentions of the "F bomb", so I wouldn't recommend it to readers under the age of 18. 

My rating

Tweet

Pyxis: The Discovery (Pyxis #1) - K. C. Neal

Title - Pyxis: The Discovery (Pyxis #1)

Author - K. C. Neal

Genre - Young Adult

Date published -   October 15th 2011

Publisher -  StoneHouse Ink

Format - ebook

Pages -

Author's website - http://kcneal.blogspot.com/

Rating - 4 out of 5

Seems EVERYONE has been talking about this book lately! SERIOUSLY! I really HAD to check it out and see WHY everyone seems to like it! Boy... all these bloggers that absolutely loved it ARE RIGHT! Pyxis is freakin' incredible book!

The story is very original and I found the characters pretty much realistic, normal, average teenagers any person could relate to. The story is centered around Corinne Finley, who discovers one day she has a strange family history. Under very strange circumstances she discovers her grandmother's little treasure, a wooden box with PYXIS engraved in old fashioned capital letters containing strange bottles of liquids. Are they food dyes? Because after all, her grandmother did like to bake. Now we come to the mystery part!
She starts having strange visions of her grandmother Doris telling her to use these liquids to cure her twin sister Dorothy, who had a stroke same day Doris died. Hmmm, are these weird stories about twins' connections real?
The story gets more complex as Corinne, Angeline and Mason (oh the cutest little thing ever) discover PYXIS is not just a wooden box!
Pyxis, Guardians and Shields...This story will blow your mind and make you read this book in one sitting!

I really loved this book! The story is very original, well written and the characters are well developed. The mystery/paranormal element just adds to the story and will keep you wanting to know what will happen at the end! Corinne is an amazing girl, a girl you would like to be your friend (or daughter), she's intelligent, brave and has a big heart. Her friend Ang is fantastic! She's her Guardian! As for Mason, he's simply adorable..very mature and uber cute! Now that I mention Guardians and Shields..what a fantastic symbolism!!! Our friends are really our Guardians and people we love (our partners) are really our Shields, protecting us form everyone and everything! ABSOLUTELY FANTASTIC BOOK you won't be able to put down! I highly recommend this to everyone that enjoys young adult! I'm really looking forward to reading the next installment! 

My rating

Tweet

Diary of a Mummy Misfit - Amanda Egan

Title - Diary of a Mummy Misfit

Author - Amanda Egan

Genre - Chick lit

Date published -  June 1st 2011

Publisher -  

Format - Kindle Edition

Pages -

Author's website - http://mummymisfit.blogspot.com/

Rating - 5 out of 5

All Libby ever wanted was for her son, Max to have the best education. She and her husband are not rich, but willing to sacrifice and invest in their son's future. Libby and Ned are on Cloud 9 when they find out their only child, Max is accepted at Manor House Prep School. But education at a prestigious school costs a lot, and Libby and Ned are starting to worry, and feel stressed, especially Libby.
But this charming and sweet mommy has more problems..Mainly the other women, mothers at the committee, new tasks, events to attend, not to mention the fact she has to put up with snobs and Gestapo mommies. But at least she has Fenella, who is rich but not a snob, so they create a lovely girly bond and a deep friendship.

I really enjoyed every page of this book! Wow, I think it helped me realize I LOVE British chick lit and British humor. I must admit I wasn't familiar with some of the phrases, and I had to check them online, but I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It's witty, original and I just loved Libby. It was pretty much easy for me to identify with her on many occasions, her fear for being in a completely new world where it seems she doesn't belong. But she is lovely, and I shall quote Lou (Libby's old friend) - Libby, they may have money, but you have class!
I absolutely love the friendship between Libby and Fenella, and the way they support each other, though they have different backgrounds. As for the humor, it's absolutely fantastic! Libby is a hilarious character, positive, sweet and absolutely someone you would want to be friends with.
This is one of those book that guarantees you hours of laughing and complete enjoyment. It will also get you hooked from the very first page! The sequel is now out (as kindle) and I am really really looking forward to reading it. Mrs Egan sure got me addicted to her writing style and the adventures of lovely Libby. 

My rating

Tweet

Mind Over Matter (ASI #1) - S.J. Clarke

Title - Mind Over Matter (ASI #1)

Author - S.J. Clarke

Genre - Thriller, Paranormal

Date published -  November 4th 2011

Publisher -  MuseItUp Publishing

Format - Paperback

Pages -180

Author's website - http://sjclarke.com/

Rating - 4 out of 5

I really had no expectations from this book since this is Mrs S.J. Clarke's debut novel. All I really knew was that the book contains paranormal elements. But, now after reading it, I have to say I'm impressed!
The book is actually mystery/thriller with a bit of paranormal and it's a very enjoyable fast paced read. The story follows Rebecca, who's daughter disappeared three years ago,but she is starting to have strong visions that will lead her to many discoveries. Dan Cooper, former FBI agent who worked on the case previously but gave up the search, is deciding to help her out again. This time, they are on to something!

A body of another girl is found..
Another one is missing...
Rebecca's daughter is older in her visions, could it mean she is actually alive?

I have to say I'm a character driven reader, I want to "feel" the characters and relate to them. Well, the author sure succeeded in creating an original story with well developed characters. Being a mother myself, I could totally understand Rebecca's pain and her struggle to find Sabrina, and I sympathized with her greatly.
This sure is one of those books that will get you hooked from the first page, suck you in the story completely and leave you sad when you're done reading... because you would want to read more!
There is an adult content, I have to warn you on this (especially the younger population), and I found myself blushing few times, but even the romance parts were well written and implemented in the story just perfectly.
Finally I would like to thank the author and the R2R Program from PNR&UFF group on Goodreads for generously offering me a copy of this book. I really enjoyed it and I am looking forward to the next installment. Since I got this one as an e-book I will most definitely buy the paperback as well because I know I would LOVE to reread it again and have it in my collection of books.

My rating

Tweet

Sleeping with Paris - Juliette Sobanet

  Title - Sleeping with Paris

Author - Juliette Sobanet

Genre - Chick lit

Date published -  October 7th 2011

Publisher - 

Format - Kindle Edition

Pages -

Author's website - http://www.juliettesobanet.com/

Rating - 5 out of 5

Ok, before writing down my review of this AMAZINGLY FUN book I want to have your attention and just briefly tell you what this book focuses on.

1. Paris a.k.a city of Light and Love

2. Chocolate 

3. Hot Parisian guy (but this is the most important part, right?;)

So, if you mix all these three you get a sweet romance story, placed in one of the most romantic cities in the world, Paris! Of course I have your attention now, but trust me..the story just gets better and better.

All her life, Charlotte Summers has been dreaming about two things - moving to Paris and having a faithful, loving, romantic partner. Finally, looks like her dream is about to come true, she is engaged to be married to Jeff Dillon, hot and successful lawyer and they are about to move to their own apartment to Paris! What else could a girl want?

Could life become THAT perfect?

Just two days before leaving, she finds out her loving Jeff has been cheating her for months, and even planned on continuing this "double" life once they settle in Paris!

So, charming Jeff turn out to be lowlife Jeff! Oh well, he sure isn't the only bastard she dated over the years. Actually, every guy she dated was cheating on her! Wow, now this is what I call epidemic! 

'So, with a plane ticket, an acceptance letter, $15,000 and a broken heart, she is on her way to Paris.'

Sweet and reasonable Charlotte becomes single, wild, adventurous Charlotte writing down her RULES on her blog, sharing her dreadful experience, reaching out to all the women in the world that have been hurt by men.

And so the rules are set - How to date like a man in the city of Love!

While trying to heal and pick up the pieces of her broken heart, Charlotte is going to find out what true love is and is about to have her "walls" down.

What a fun book! I absolutely love everything about it, from the colorful cover to the characters and charming French phrases! Charlotte is really sweet, and though after the Jeff situation she may seem to you like a man-hater (I say this to warn the male population that is going to read the book) she will grow on you from the first minute. Some say chick lit is predictable to some extent, but on few occasions I really couldn't see some things coming. Charlotte's friends are also very likeable characters, different but well developed and you can certainly feel the girly-bonding between them. As for the romance part, oh I am trying not to reveal much about the hot, sexy, charming Luc..the man every woman dreams about. Sweet Luc is going to melt your heart ladies! Ah, if only there were more man like him out there!

Seat yourself comfortably, grab some chocolate and enjoy this lovely modern romance story. Finally, I would like to thank Juliette for giving me a copy of this wonderful book! I am really looking forward to reading the sequel 'Kissed in Paris' and I hope the author won't let us wait on it for too long. Je t'aime Juliette et merci beaucoup pour le livre :)

My rating

Tweet

The Key - Felicia Rogers

Title - The Key

Author - Felicia Rogers

Genre - Paranormal, Young Adult

Date published  -    December 16th 2010

Publisher -  Solstice Publishing

Format - Kinde edition

Pages - 

Author's website - http://www.feliciarogersauthor.webs.com/

Rating - 3 out of 5

I want to thank the author and the R2R program for giving me a copy of this book.

Reviewing this book is really going to be hard for me. WHY?
If you check this book on Goodreads you will see it as part of a List BOOKS THAT GET YOU HOOKED. Well, I agree, this book got me hooked from the very first page, though I am not really sure why. Now don't go judging me, but I personally don't think the story is original, it did remind me a lot of TWILIGHT, and I did have some issues that bothered me a lot. But before explaining the WHY's for not thoroughly enjoying this book, let me say few words regarding the plot.

Maddie just moved to a new town to live with her grand-mother. She is a senior attending the local High School, and of course, she feels like an outcast. Everyone out there seems to belong to a group, or already has a lot of friends. Two months after her arrival, Chase Donovan, also a senior starts attending the same school. He seems to like her from the very first day, though he is not quite sure why. Dougal Lachlan is the weirdo, the creep that is constantly stalking Maddie, staring at her for hours and making her feel very uncomfortable. From the very first day he arrives at the school, Chase becomes Maddie's protector, getting even into a fight with the weird Dougal guy.
Why does he feel so over protective over a girl he'd just met?
Well sure, it could be love..but it could also be the fact that Maddie is THE KEY.
Gryphons, mythological creatures, nightmares, shifters and of course, romance..this book has it all.

And now I come to the part "why I rated this book 3/5?"
First thing that bothered me was the plot resemblance with some other paranormal books. I don't know, it just didn't feel the story was original (though there were Gryphons involved).
But what bothered me the most were the dialogues between Chase and Maddie, and some of the other reviewers seem to "see" this as a problem as well. Well, Chase and Maddie are supposed to be 18, but somehow I felt them as they were grown ups. What I love the most in YA books is the teenage spirit, behavior, problems, way they act when in love..well, in this book it seems like the characters were not developed in the right direction. They surely don't seem like teenagers to me (or am I just old fashioned? Hmmm) .
Despite the flows I think the book has, I did enjoy it, especially the first half of the book. The second part I found a bit slow paced.
So, do I recommend this book? Well...YES.
Would I read the sequel 'Mara's Secret'? Oh absolutely! 

My rating

Tweet

Coexist (Keegan's Chronicles #1) - Julia Crane

Title - Coexist (Keegan's Chronicles #1)

Author - Julia Crane

Genre - Paranormal

Date published  - June 19th 2011

Publisher -   Valknut Press

Format - Paperback

Pages -210

Author's website - http://juliacraneauthor.com/

Rating - 2 out of 5

"There has to be something more in this world than what the average eye sees!"

Keegan is a sixtien years old elf! Now I know you will start thinking of Santa and Christmas, but it's not that kind of elf. These elves are more human-like elves, maybe a bit shorter than an average human and with a bit sharpened ears, but overall very similar to humans.
Keegan is gifted, her mother is a healer, her brother is a seer, and her father is the chosen one, the one that will lead elves in the great battle that is supposed to come.
Keegan's brother Thaddeus, saw that Keegan will be married to Rourk and he is mighty good in predicting! But Keegan's life is suddenly shaken by finding out there's a great war going, and she must find out how to use and control her gift.
A war is been going on since the beginning of time, but this has been shield from the eyes of humans"

Ok, I must admit this sounds amazing and even poetic, so even got me thinking of the symbolism..a war is indeed going on, evil and good fight every day since the beginning of time. Evil and good in the human nature!

However, I experienced some difficulties reading this book. Don't get me wrong, I am not saying it's a bad book, however I must say it's not actually my cup of tea. It was challenging I admit, so far in my "history" of reading I have never came up with elves (except the ones in Santa's stories), so I really didn't know what to expect. Though I guess, this may disappoint the author if she reads my review, but I have to stay honest, book about elves is just not my kind of read.
But, before judging me (I hope you won't) I really gave this book a fair chance, yet I didn't like it that much.
So you see, besides "my" problem with elves, whom I found really less interesting than vampires lets say, I had some major problem with understand the main character Keegan. I really didn't like her, I simply couldn't get into her "psychology" and understand her. She's a modern elf, with a Facebook and Tumblr account, ok I get that..but I really didn't "feel" her personality.
There's a war going, yet I didn't feel the dynamics. I loved the fact that there are lots of dialogues, and the book is really easy to read, however, I am giving it 2 diamonds, and truly hope I will enjoy the sequel more.
My deepest gratitude to R2R from PNR&UFF group on Goodreads and the author for generously giving me a copy of this book. 

My rating

 

Tweet

Therian (The Bloody Crescent, #1) - Roxanne Kade

Title - Therian (The Bloody Crescent #1)

Author - Roxanne Kade

Genre - Paranormal

Date published  - October 9th 2011

Publisher -  48fourteen

Format - e-book

Pages -280

Author's website - http://roxykade.blogspot.com/

Rating - 4 out of 5

"Every couple of years the crescent moon turns a deep crimson color. It stays that way for three full days. It's the best time for spells to be cast and for the positive energy to be drawn to yourself"

Now, how's the sound of that!

Amberlyn Darksky is everything but normal. Living with her overprotective dad while not actually knowing her mother, makes her more miserable and sad every day. Lorena, her lovely mother, died while giving birth to her, and Amber is not only living with this cruel fact but also with her gift (or shall I say CURSE!)

She has the ability to "see and feel" other people's memories, their joy, happiness, but also pain and sadness they have ever experienced in their lives. Too much for a 18 year old girl who never got the chance to really live, have friends, go out.

Though her father Carmine strongly forbids her to apply for college, she feels the urge to breakthrough his "shelter" and discover what normal life is.

But can a person that is not "normal" actually experience normal life? Despite her dad's disapproval, she is off to Minnesota and the Cyprus Falls University. But instead of finally having a normal life, enjoying college, making friends, partying like every other, she is about to encounter her Destiny!

Vampires, paranormal creatures, mystery and romance..be aware, this book will have you totally sucked in from it's first page.

What I truly admire the author for, now that I read the book, is her talent to describe events so vividly! Look out for the prologue and the moment Lorena is giving birth to Amber! Honestly, I could almost feel the pain she was going through, could smell the blood and experience the horror Carmine (her husband) is going through after receiving the news.

Occasionally I could feel certain "holes" in the plot, but this didn't influence the pleasure of reading this book! Roxanne surely is a talented writer, building up her own unique style of writing and I will watch out carefully for the next installment!

Thank you R2R group on Goodreads and Roxanne for generously giving me a copy of this book.

My rating

Tweet

Sophie's Turn - Nicky Wells

Title - Sophie's Turn

Author - Nicky Wells

Genre - Chick Lit, Romance

Date published  - July 9th 2011

Publisher -  Nicky Wells

Format - Kindle Edition

Pages -

Author's website - http://nickywellsklippert.wordpress.com/

Rating - 4 out of 5

Before starting my review on this amazing book, I have two things to confess: First I am a sucker for chick-lit books and second, I just love music and rockstars! So what happens when I see these two combined! THE INEVITABLE - I LOVE THE BOOK!

Sophie Penhalligan is a journalist working for the Read London. She has a steady relationship for two years with Tim, and is waiting for him to propose. Tim is everything a girl would possible want and life with him would be safe, secure, cozy. Wait a minute..is that what she really wants?

Oh, there were times when she felt live and wild, times when she ended up following "Tusk" on their Tour. And Dan..the-yummy-wan't-to-die-for Dan! She still remembers him, even after ten years!

But what happens when she sees him again? Is her comfortable relationship with Tim in danger? Could it be she still has feelings for Dan "The wild thing"?

I thoroughly enjoyed this book! Through flash backs and virtuous past-present switching, Nicky Wells is going to entertain you and make you love her characters! Though this is her debut, I have to say Nicky did a great job in creating a funny, witty, warm modern romance story, full of twists and turns.

I confess, I didn't like Sophie at the beginning but by the end of the book I felt I could understand her and her confusion, and actually imagine myself in her shoes. I loved her best friend Rachel and the relationship she has with her. As for my favorite character, it would definitely be DAN! Yummy, wild but warm..I really want to read about this rockstar more. And speaking of more, I overheard Nicky is working on the sequel, so keep your fingers crossed guys! Let's hope we will see more of Dan, I promise you, you will love him!

This surely is a very amusing and interesting book, and I highly recommend it to everyone!

Oh wild thing, you make my heart sing!

I am proud to be an Associate Reader of Mrs Wells at loveahappyending.com and I am truly grateful for the copy of this book I received. To find out more about Mrs Wells, visit her PAGE

My rating 

  

Tweet

Beg for Mercy (Cambion #1) - Shannon Dermott

Title - Beg for Mercy (Cambion #1

Author - Shannon Dermott

Genre - Young adult, Paranormal

Date published -   October 19th 2011

Publisher -  CreateSpace

Format - Paperback

Pages - 472

Author's website - http://www.shannondermott.com/

Rating - 5 out of 5

Mercy is a teenager, but she doesn't have the problems most teenagers have. Sure, she is "obsessed" with boys, but that's pretty much normal at her age. The "only" problem there is she's not allowed to kiss one, because she is a succubus.

"I wish I was a vampire if such things existed instead of a succubus. Based on the folklore, they were just as deadly but possessed the power to not harm anyone if they chose"

Now you see..She is really not allowed to have an intimate contact with a human, because she really doesn't know how to control her powers. The first time she tried to kiss a boy (Paul), ended up in almost killing him. Now, with Luke in the picture she really has to be careful. Not to mention Flynn, that awesome guy everyone loves, and Paul, her best friend, who I must say is my favorite of them all.

I really loved this book! It's a young adult with paranormal elements, and though there could have been more paranormal to suit "paranormal lovers" demands, I thoroughly enjoyed it.

What I really loved is the fact that it was such an easy read that holds your interest until it's last page. It's well written and enjoyable read. Perfect even for those that are not much into paranormal books.

I love Mercy, and though at times she seems confused, not knowing which guy to chose or what she really feels, I could totally understand her! The book sucked me in from the first page and I am really thankful to my buddies from R2R and the author for generously offering me a copy of this book! I am looking forward to reading the next installment!

My rating

Tweet

Bound by Blood (The Garner Witch #1) - P.A. Lupton

Title -Bound by Blood (The Garner Witch #1)

Author -  P.A. Lupton

Genre - Paranormal, Mystery, Suspense

Date published -  July 21st 2011

Publisher -  P.A. Lupton

Format - Paperback

Pages - 360

Author's website - http://www.palupton.com/

Rating - 5 out of 5

First off, I would like to thank the PNR&UFF group on Goodreads and the author for giving me a copy of this book! I am thrilled I found out about P.A. Lupton and may I say I am looking forward to reading more from her.

GOSH!!!

I really didn't expect this book to be so GOOD!

Brianna Reece is an FBI agent and just moved from Chicago to Denver to work on a case. She is part of the VICAP, FBI's Violent Criminal Apprehension Program, specialized in solving unexplained and unusual crimes. A killer is on the loose and he has already gotten away with three murders, all young girls, and the Denver PD has no clue who it could be. Looks like they have some unpleasant business with a cruel and professional person, neat in his crime, not leaving any traces behind. All of the victims are drained their blood, and there is no evidence or a sign pointing on how the killer did that.

But Brianna is not only an agent, she is a psychic. Actually she's an Empath and has the ability to sense and channel people's emotions. She is about to find out she has even greater powers!

I really enjoyed thoroughly each page of this book! I loved the suspense and the fact it kept my attention while reading. What I also loved was the very easy-to-read-and-understand style P.A. Lupton used, there were no unnecessary descriptions or dialogues. Everything was in it's place, perfectly tied in a captivating paranormal mystery story.

The characters were well developed and I loved Agent Reece, confident, strong female character. She sure is one of the best book characters I came across in my life.

I loved the romance scenes in this book, they were written well and tasteful.

This sure is an amazing read and I recommend it to EVERYONE.

My rating

 

Tweet

Her Dark Destiny (Hunters of the Dark, #1) - Dave Ferraro

Title - Her Dark Destiny (Hunters of the Dark, #1

Author - Dave Ferraro

Genre -Urban Fantasy

Date published -  April 9th 2011

Publisher -  Dave Ferraro

Format - e-book

Pages - 380

Author's website - http://ferrarofiction.blogspot.com/

Rating - 2 out of 5

I was hesitating about writing a review for this book, mainly because of the poor rating I am giving it. In my short history of blogging and visiting other people's blogs I see that some people would rather skip reviewing a book they didn't like much, than giving a negative review. Well, not my way of doing things. First, because I want to write down my thoughts and opinion on a book, good or bad, and second because I believe an honest review is what the authors are after.

So, what's this book about?

Name: Shanna Hunt

Age: 18 

Previous job: Part-time waitress

Current job: Demon-hunter at "The Agency"

Shanna Hunt lost her parents seven years ago, when they were killed by Demons. Since then, though she is trying to lead a normal life she is after those that killed her family and the evil that threatens Humans. One day she is called to work for The Agency together with people who fight werewolves, vampires, witches, shape-shifters. Together they work as a team hunting down every thread and risking their own lives.

Yes, seems like there's a lot of meat to the story. I must say I did have big expectations because I loved the beginning. The story seems to contain lots of genre elements, from paranormal to action, though I would personally enjoy it more if it were more romance elements included. However, the lack of romance isn't the main reason why I didn't enjoy this book so much. 

Though I do love Paranormal and Urban Fantasy books, I really had a hard time coping with so many characters and creatures, vampires, demons, witches, shape-shifters. This seemed a LOT for me to digest.

Shanna hunts Demons.

Jordan hunts werewolves.

Cameroon hunts shape-shifters.

Amelia hunts witches.

Believe me, I needed to write all this down, so I wouldn't be confused and could understand the plot.

Also, I think some of the dialogue and the descriptions in the book were irrelevant to the story, and made it seem (at least to me) boring at times.

Having in mind that this is the first book in the series to come, I would really like to read the sequel and see on which characters the author is going to concentrate. I really liked Shanna and her energy and I would love to read more about her.

My rating

Tweet

Elemental: The First - Alexandra May

Title - Elemental: The First

Author - Alexandra May

Genre -Young adult, Paranormal

Date published - July 22nd 2011

Publisher - Pauma Publishing

Format - Paperback

Pages - 280

Author's website - http://www.alexandramay.co.uk/author/

Rating - 4 out of 5

I would like to thank the PNR&UFF group on Goodreads and the author for giving me a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
This is Alexandra May's debut and I am glad I found another new and talented author. I really didn't know what to expect from it. I was pretty much sure about one thing though - I love the cover. However I am not the type of person that judges a book by the cover, yet I must admit a good cover always seems to catch my eye.
The plot is centered around Rose Frost, who has just been told the news that she is about to spend her summer with her grandmother whom she really doesn't know well and haven't seen for years. The reason behind this is her dad's work. He is a geologist working for the government traveling around the world looking for rare metals, so they move a lot.
Rose is on her way to Wiltshire, England feeling her life would never be the same again. Though the town seems friendly and she enjoys seeing her friends again, some things are about to shatter the life she was used to. Illusions, lies, romance, mystery and action - this book has it all.
While reading the synopsis on Goodreads before actually reading this book I imagined Rose as a strong person who doesn't give her trust to people easily. However, my impressions after reading this book were contrary to this, I have the feeling Rose is a fragile girl, afraid to use her powers and gift to heal and a bit confused. Indecisive at moments, especially when speaking of Morgan and Aiden, two boys she likes and feels strongly attracted to. Morgan and Aiden are just like water and oil, can't mix 'em. They hate each other, but by the end of the book you will see the reason behind this. And I must say, there is a BIG reason.
This is the part that intrigued me the most. I liked Morgan because he was gentle and really sweet, but Aiden with that "bad boy" written on his face and bad reputation in his town was just a tiny bit more intriguing to me.But who will she trust?I didn't mind Rose's hesitation, I've seen this in many YA books and it's something I would pretty much assign to teenage years, but the end of the book surprised me and even disappointed me a bit.
Still, knowing that this book is the first one in the series to come I look forward to Alexandra's explanations and to the sequel. I really loved how she managed to create a story with so many different genre elements, paranormal, romance, mystery and yet make it so enjoyable to read.

My rating:

Tweet