Book Nerds Across America

Jacque's Review: (My first BN4Lent Challenge)

Love ties them together. Death can't tear them apart.
Well, sort of.
Like everyone born after the Shift, Aura can see and hear ghosts. This mysterious ability has always been annoying, and Aura had wanted nothing more than to figure out why the Shift happened so she can undo it. But not with Logan’s violet-hued spirit still hanging around. Because dead Logan is almost as real as ever. Almost.
It doesn't help that Aura’s new friend Zachary is so understanding—and so very alive. His support means more to Aura than she cares to admit.
As Aura's relationships with the dead and the living grow ever complicated, so do her feelings for Logan and Zachary. Each holds a piece of Aura's heart…and clues to the secret of the Shift. (Barnes and Noble Overview)

To borrow a quote from Logan..."WOW."  This book was AMAZING.  I have to thank Teri for recommending it.  The next time she recommends a book to me...I am on it ASAP.  None of this waiting for a BN4Lent challenge that prevents me from reading all of my existing mystery series.  Clearly, if she gives it 5* and tells me to read it...I should RUN to the bookstore or simply download it to my Nook.  I never should have waited this long to read Shade, but in a way, I'm kind of glad that I did.  I just bought Shift, the second book in the series.  By the time I finish it, I will have less than two months until I can get my hands on Shine (the third and final installment in the series), which is scheduled to be released May 1st.  I don't think I could have endured a year of waiting between each of these books.

Shade was an emotional roller coaster for me.  I have not connected with a book in this way since Twilight.  I absolutely fell in love with Edward and the Twilight Saga, as I'm sure many of you did, and he has been the measure of excellence ever since.  Several books have come close, but nothing has been able to capture me in that way...until now.  (Sorry to my DWTC BookNerds...not even the Hunger Games can compare.  I know I will catch A LOT of flack for that comment, but it is my post and my opinion...so there you have it.)

I am Team Zogan for the time being.  I absolutely loved Aura, Logan, and Zach.  Since Logan is dead, this is not your typical love triangle.  Aura is trying to come to terms with what has happened and Zachary is beyond sweet and supportive.  Any girl would be fortunate to find someone with half of his charm and compassion, so I was immediately drawn to him.  The fact that he has a Scottish accent and uses many British phrases/words just adds to his appeal.  To complicate things...Logan is still around.  He is still the cute, arrogant, immensely talented musician that Aura has known since childhood and loves.  Every time Logan would sing after his death...I was immediately brought to tears.  In fact...it is happening again now just thinking about Logan, so I need to bring this to a close. 

I can't say enough about this book.  Anything I could tell you would not measure up to the feelings I had while reading it and the sheer brilliance behind this story.  Jeri Smith-Ready is an outstanding author and I HIGHLY recommend reading this book.

Mary's Review

Teri made me read this book.  She kept going on and on about it until I finally agree. Well.........I will NEVER doubt her again!!! Talk about amazing!! We have all three BookNerds requirements;

1) Supernatural.  Check!! Logan is dead and is still in love with his girlfriend Aura. Plus there are other spirits walking around.
2) Love Triangle. Check!! We have Logan (dead but still in spirit), Zach (yummy!), and Aura (who likes both)
3) Series book.  Check!! Shift is already out and Jacque and I both cannot wait to read it.

I read this book in just a few days time.  Mainly because I could not put it down.  Not only was I sucked into Aura's world but I am thinking I am Team Zach! I still can see the benefits of Team Logan but I am still leaning towards Zach.  I could really feel the struggles that Aura, Logan and Zach went through.  I felt so bad for Logan and really was hoping that he could be helped (in some way).  Poor Aura, being in love with her boyfriend who died and became a ghost, constantly seeing him but not able to touch him in any form.  However, there was Zach, alive and she is able to feel and touch him.

I am dying to read book 2!!