Book Nerds Across America

When received the email from Shelly Crane that she has set the date for Independence I thought I would faint.

I have been waiting on this release date since I finished Defiance (Significance #3).  I love Maggie and Caleb's story so much.  It is by far my favorite series.

Though I have to say that I am sad to see it end. *tear* However, the bright side to that would be that I will have all the books and I would be able to read them over and over again.

Be sure to follow Shelly Crane's site for updates and (possible) teasers.  I will keep everyone informed if I know anything, also.

*Side note* I already put in for a "sick" day at work for the release day.  A Book Nerds just has to weight their priories for book releases!

Goodreads description:

Passion as hot as midnight in the South and love as wild as the horses they tame.

Camille “Cami” Hines is the darling daughter of the South’s champion thoroughbred breeder, Jack Hines. She has a pedigree that rivals some of her father’s best horses. Other than feeling a little suffocated at times, Cami thought she was pretty happy with her boyfriend, her life and her future.

But that was before she met Patrick Henley.

“Trick” blurs the lines between what Cami wants and what is expected of her. He’s considered the “help,” which is forbidden fruit as far as her father is concerned, not to mention that Trick would be fired if he ever laid a hand on her. And Trick needs his job. Desperately. His family depends on him.

The heart wants what the heart wants, though, and Trick and Cami are drawn to each other despite the obstacles. At least the ones they know of.

When Trick stumbles upon a note from his father, it triggers a series of revelations that could ruin what he and Cami have worked so hard to overcome. It turns out there’s more to Trick’s presence at the ranch than either of them knew, secrets that could tear them apart.

Mary's Review:

This is the second book that I have read that has a cowboy in it, this week!  What is wrong with me??? Oh, I can tell you ....... its the HOT Cowboys!

When I read M. Leighton's Madly series I thought it was the most unique reads.  When I began talking with Leighton on Twitter she informed me of this book.  I read the description and I thought, "Sound interesting".  Usually I read YA and supernatural, but a girl can change her mind. Right?!

Well, I am so glad that I read this! Talk about H-O-T! Trick (who's name is Patrick) meets Cami in a local bar.  It was an instant attraction.  However, a few problems are in their way: Cami has a boyfriend, Cami's dad, Jack is very strict and does not want Trick and Cami to hang out.  Trick works for Cami's father and has to keep his job.  Trick dropped out of college to come home and take care of his mother and little sister.

However, can you really stop true love? I have to say I was worried because M. Leighton through a HUGE twist into the story and I was unsure if their love could survive.

This is a GREAT STORY! I would recommend everyone go to Amazon and order it. 

Goodreads description:


Briar Thompson had it all. The right clothes, the right friends, the right car. Being popular was all that mattered. Her parents were rich and treated like royalty throughout the community. She thought her senior year of high school was going perfectly, until the night her drink was spiked at a party by one of her so called friends. 


That was the night she met Chase McCree. 


Chase wanted to go back to Montana. To the ranch and the wild, wide blue sky that went on forever. He wanted nothing to do with flashy cars or spoiled rich kids. But he found himself head over boots for the quirky cheerleader who turned her back on her social status. She befriended him when no one else would. 


Shunned and hurt by the people who were once her friends, Briar flees with Chase to his family ranch in Montana. There she discovers another world, and apart of herself she never knew. 


The cowboy wasn’t like anyone she’d ever met. The cheerleader wasn’t like anyone he’d ever met. Apart their lives didn’t seem to make sense, but together, they were chasing forever.


Mary's Review:


I was a little unsure about this book when @JennNun recommended it to me.  But, Jenn has never stirred me wrong before, so I bought it.  I was afraid that it was going to be a cheesy book because I am not really into "cowboys" a whole lot.  But I WAS WRONG!

It was very good!  Chase is just a "good-ole" boy from Montana but goes to live with his mother in Florida.  One night when he was out with his horse (I Know Right!) he saw Briar, a perfect cheerleader type, drunk and in serious need of help.

Chase was there for her when she needed him.  Her friends only cared about labels of clothes and their status in the school.  Briar's family does not really pay a lot of attention to her unless it helps them out.  Chase is the opposite, his family and friends in Montana are very close and he counts on them like they count on him.

On thing leads to another (and it is great to see their relationship bloom) then Briar is on her way to Montana with Chase.  It is there that Briar really finds herself and grows up beyond the labels and status of her family.

There are some twist and turns throughout the book which makes this book very interesting.  I would recommended to everyone.

Goodreads description:


Kassandra Cole has it all—a stable home with great parents, popularity and all the friends she could ever need. She is used to a lifestyle where everything comes easy to her, from good grades to being captain of the cheerleading squad.


Her entire world is shaken to the core when a fatal accident takes her father, causing Kassandra to re-examine the course her life was on. The actions of one individual forever changes her life, leaving her to pick up the pieces of her broken family. Kassandra begins to question everything she once cherished and the people she disappointed along the way.


Maddon Johnson’s life is as different from Kassandra’s as night and day. Abandoned by his mother at a young age, he is left to deal with his abusive, alcoholic father on his own. He has one goal: lay low and get the heck out of dodge as soon as he is legally old enough.


Everything changes when his father’s tragic actions send Maddon crashing into Kassandra’s world. Suddenly, getting away is the last thing he wants as he discovers it is possible to believe in love after all.


Mary's Review:


Just when I thought I could not love Tiffany King more, she goes and writes another outstanding book.

Here is a back story of me: This one hits a little close to home, because I lost my dad about the same age as Kassandra.  My mother went through the same depression as Kassandra.  I did rebel like Kassandra, too.  The only difference was I did not have a sibling to take care of.  

There was some serious tears that I shed while reading the book.  Tiffany King really knows how to tug at the heart strings.  Kassandra's dad is killed in a car accident because of Maddon's father's road rage.  Kassandra and Maddon are night and day: she is a cheerleader and very popular and he is in a band and is not that popular.  However, their worlds are now entwined and Kassandra sees that Maddon is nothing like his father.

The question becomes will they be able to have a relationship?  Considering all that has happen to them it would be extremely hard.  Maddon is nothing like his father, though everyone assumes he is.  Kassandra now has all these new responsibilities and still just be a high school student.

I think Tiffany did an wonderful job on this book and would recommended it to anyone and everyone!

Goodreads description:

Paige should have never agreed to do her best friend’s project. Reading to a boy in a coma is just plain creepy, but her English teacher somehow thinks her acting skills make it the perfect community service match.But when she finds the boy’s journal hidden among his books, things turn from creepy to interesting.

Mary's Review:


This book is very SHORT.  It was about 60 pages or so.  However, it was a really great read.  Zach is in a coma and Paige reads to him as part of her punishment for cheating.  Paige was going through his books, to figure out what to read next, and found his journal.  She began to read that to him and she growing to really care about him.

It was not until one dad that Zach's mom talks to her that something happens between Zach and her's "relationship".

This was really cute and quick read.  I actually wish it was longer just to see more of their relationship.

Katie Ellison is not a liar. But she can't exactly tell the truth, either—not when she's juggling two boyfriends, secretly hating the high school football team everyone else worships, and trying to have the best summer ever. At least Katie has it all under control (sort of). Her biggest secret, what really happened the night Tommy Sullivan is a freak was spray-painted on the junior high gymnasium wall, is safe. That is, until Tommy comes back to town. Katie is sure he's going to ruin all her plans, and she'll do anything to hang on to her perfect existence. Even if it means telling more lies. Even if, now that Tommy's around, she's actually—truthfully—having the time of her life. (from Goodreads)

Flo's Review

Ok, I think I've figured out my relationship with Meg Cabot. I either love her books, or I'm really not a fan. I am pretty sure it was just earlier this month that I was raving over Teen Idol. I also loved All-American Girl. But I really did not like, and couldn't even finish, the sequel Ready or Not. And while I also could not make it through Abandon, I own the sequel Underworld and am excited to give it a read.

Pants on Fire has been on my radar for awhile, as it is always in the bargain book sale bin at the library. So one day, I caved and bought it. Then, last time I was at the library, fresh off of finishing Teen Idol, I saw that the Pants on Fire audiobook was available and decided to give it a try. My main problem was the Katie Ellison. I just didn't like her. I think what I love about Meg Cabot's characters (the ones I do like) are that they are just your typical teenagers -- yes, they can be petty and flighty, and thus hard to read -- but that's what makes them teenagers. At the end of the day, you are rooting for them because they are basically good girls who are just reacting to and navigating their situations. Katie Ellison is a dishonest and way too boy crazy. Even though she kept explaining to us how everyone in the town generally liked her, and she was top of her class and friendly to everyone and so forth -- I didn't. I didn't like her. So, in order to redeem the book, I would have need to find another character to like or relate to on some level. Nope. The elusive Tommy Sullivan was just too elusive. Katie's best friend didn't have a distinct personalities. Katie's boyfriend was vanilla. And the other boyfriend, even though he was supposed to be swoonworthy, was just, "Eh" to me. In the end, I just decided to move on. No hard feelings. I know I'll pick up another Meg Cabot book in the future -- and then it will be another 50/50 gamble on whether I like it or not. 

Do you have any authors you do this with? Love some of their stuff, but dislike a lot of their other stuff? 

A threat from the past could destroy the future. And the clock is ticking... Kaleb Ballard's relentless flirting is interrupted when Jack Landers, the man who tried to murder his father, timeslips in and attacks before disappearing just as quickly. But Kaleb has never before been able to see time travelers, unlike many of his friends associated with the mysterious Hourglass organization. Are Kaleb's powers expanding, or is something very wrong? Then the Hourglass is issued an ultimatum. Either they find Jack and the research he's stolen on the time gene, or time will be altered with devastating results. Now Kaleb, Emerson, Michael, and the other Hourglass recruits have no choice but to use their unusual powers to find Jack. But where do they even start? And when? And even if they succeed, it may not be enough... The follow-up to Hourglass, Timepiece blends the paranormal, science fiction, mystery, and suspense genres into a nonstop thrill ride where every second counts. (from Goodreads)

Flo's Review
It's happened again! I like the second book better than the first! Don't get me know -- I enjoyed Hourglass. The BookNerds read it last year for one of monthly reads and Mary and I even dedicated an episode of Haymitch Happy Hour to it. On Haymitch Happy Hour, Mary and I spent a bit of time gushing over our favorite character...Kaleb. So how excited was I to find that Kaleb would be narrating Timepiece? Turns out, the excitement was warranted. Kaleb's narration was one of my favorite parts about this book. Kaleb has the ability to sense other people's emotion, so it was really neat to see his interactions with everyone though his eyes as he sensed their emotions and then listened to their words. It made me want to have that ability! Also, it was interesting to me to see Michael through his eyes. I definitely loved the development of Lily in the center of the action in this story. There were a few times when all the technicalities of the time travel -- the how, the who can do what, who did do what before and why -- confused me or I failed to remember the how or why. But the story was so entertaining that I just shrugged it off and kept reading, and I don't feel like my enjoyment of it was hindered in any way. And I really liked how it ended! All the subordinate issues were brought to happy endings and we were left with a delicious tease for Infinityglass, the last book of the trilogy. 

Goodreads Description:

With the mystery of Chansey Leclaire and Curry Brennan’s connection solved, they are free to explore their newfound love for one another. Or so they thought...

When Marsala uses a witch and black magic to discover Curry’s whereabouts, he and Chansey are left with no choice. The newly engaged couple is forced to relocate away from their families at the new compound in Savannah, which causes some major changes in the plans for their upcoming wedding.

Relocating to Savannah might have saved Curry and Chansey from being discovered by Marsala, but it doesn’t stop her attempts to reach Curry or her efforts to harm Chansey through the use of black magic. As Marsala closes in, Curry faces the decision he never wanted to make. Will he keep Chansey human or condemn her to eternity as the thing he hates most?

As Curry waits for his hand to be forced, a newly turned vampire arrives at the Savannah compound in need of help. Not only is she a fledgeling in transition, she brings reports of escaping from a vampire cult still in possession of her sister, a human. Any attempt to save the captive human from a cult of vampires puts everyone in jeopardy. Can they risk entering a large cult to save one human being? And is so, how could they possibly do it successfully?

Love will grow. New mysteries will arise. A battle will ensue. A Blood Jewel will be found.

Mary's Review:

WHAT?!?! How could Georgia Cates leave us on such a cliffhanger!?!?!?!

I am going to try and calm myself because I just finished this book and I am still dealing with all that has happened!  Curry and Chansey's lives are in full swing.  However, Marsala is hot on their heels!  That chick is never going to let Curry (and I can understand why.  Hot Vampires are hard to come by). 

Now Curry has to deal with turning Chansey.  But, can he do it? Marsala is determined to kill Chansey!  On top of everything else we have 2 new characters.  Avery and Jennifer are sisters.  Jennifer has been turned and Avery is being called a Blood Jewel.  No one has yet explained what that means. 

There is a HUGE development in the middle of the book that throws everything into a whirl wind because it is something no one has dealt with before.

Now, I am going to have sit and count the days until Book 3 comes out for everything to be explained.  *hangs head* 

Goodreads description:

The Ascended is the final installment of The Saving Angels Trilogy. With Krista's life in turmoil, she is now struggling with the responsibilities that have been passed down to her. With the help of Haniel and her friends, Krista risks everything, including her soul, to march into the den of the Dark Angel. Their only chance for survival is for Krista to find the courage to accept the new role that fate has bestowed upon her, even if it means losing her loved ones forever.

Mary's Review:

I really did not want this series to end, but every good thing must come to an end.  Well, Tiffany King definitely knows how to end a story!

The twist and turns in this book were incredible.  I was on the edge of my seat almost the whole time.  Krista is an amazing character and her journey from being an Guide to Ascending is one that I will not forget anytime soon.  Haniel is by far one of my favorite character in this book.  He truly cares about the Guides and Proctors.  Sam and Shawn are a perfect pair.  Of course there is Mark.  He was bad in book 2 and I was unsure of how this was going to play out in Book 3.  Well, I am not going to spoil it for you! You will have to read it.

And after you read this amazing series be sure to check out Tiffany King's other books.  She is a true talent!

It is very hard to limit my favorite authors to 10 but I did and I am so happy to be sharing the list with you all. I am going to go backwards that way I can keep you in suspense.

10. M. Leighton – I have read so many books in my life but I have never read a story line like M. Leighton’s books.  Her Madly Series is a combination of mermaids and famous fairy tales.  You think that would be a confusing book but it is not.  She uses her mind-boggling talent to create a smooth and understandable story that will stick with you.

9. Tiffany King – I have just recently fallen in love with this author.  I first read her book “Wishing for Someday Soon” and cried through most of it because she made you feel for the characters like no other.  I just finished her Saving Angels series and it was just as excellent.  Tiffany knows how to keep you on the edge and keeps you wanting more.

8. Nicole Williams – I found Nicole’s Eternal Eden series by pure accident.  I was just bored and looking through Amazon when I came across her books.  Loving the Eternal Eden series is an understatement.  They truly are the most astounding books.  Then she wrote the Patrick Chronicles and I fell in love even more.  Nicole has recently written and amazing (non-supernatural) book called Crash and I think everyone should read it!  Her talent is staggering!

7. Elizabeth Hunter – I never thought that any author could make me love a vampire more than Stephanie Meyers’ Edward Cullen.  Well, I was WRONG!  After reading the Elemental Mysteries series I can say with all my heart that I love Giovanni Vecchio more than Edward Cullen.  Elizabeth took the vampire world and put an incredible, suspenseful, and unique twist on it.  I think she has a better grasp of the supernatural world than anyone.

6. Elizabeth Reyes – Moreno Brothers, need I say anything else!  I could say so much about the Moreno Brothers but I am trying to keep it rated PG.  There are 5 books in this series and each is just as good as the next!  I cannot say enough how talented Elizabeth Reyes is! You can tell in her stories that she loves her character very much.

5. Quinn Loftis – Werewolves?! I never thought I would see the day that I was in love with werewolves!  However, Quinn has me in love with them.  Her series The Grey Wolves is incredible!  Her character, Jennifer Adams, is the funniest character I have EVER read! Decebel and Fane are pretty hot, too!  I cheered, laughed, and cried with these characters and cannot wait for what is in store in their next book.  


4. Rachel Higginson – Rachel is the ONLY author who has EVER made me fall in love with a character, then hate that same character, and then fall back in love with that character.  Her Star-Crossed series is astounding.  The twist and turns that she puts through are like an emotional roller coaster but is worth every single word.

3. Suzanne Collins – Hunger Games trilogy hold a place in my heart that no one can remove.  Suzanne wrote the best trilogy ever! I will forever love Haymitch, Katniss, and Peeta with all my heart!  The story will live far beyond anyone else on this Earth.  When she wrote these characters I do not think she realized what an impacted they would have on everyone’s lives, including mine.  I truly could read these everyday and never get bored of them.


2. Shelly Crane – If I said it once I have said it a million times: “SHELLY CRANE IS THE BEST!”  I will argue that point with anyone and everyone.  Her Significance series is the greatest series ever.  Caleb and Maggie will be two characters that I will never forget.  Their love and will to protect their family is marvelous.  She also writes some other great series: Collide, Devoured, and Stealing Grace.  I have yet to read something of hers that I have not LOVED.

1. Jane Austen – Mr. Darcy was my first true fictional love.  I have read and reread every book of Jane Austen’s at least a million times.  Those books have been a huge part of my life and when I first bought my Kindle they were the first that I purchased.  I own at least 5 different Pride and Prejudice because I wore them out from reading them so much.  Jane Austen will always be number 1 to me!

Goodreads Description:


Any chance Krista Miller had at a normal teenage life is now gone. Less than a year ago she lived under the radar, avoiding any relationships that would send her emotional sensitivities out of control. Little did she know that her life was destined for something more. Something that will test her very soul.


After facing certain death at the hands of the man responsible for their mysterious past, Krista and her friends learn the truth behind their origins and the purpose for their newly discovered abilities. Now, they must band together to fulfill their inherited, sacred duty. As Guides and Protectors, they must save Mankind's Forgotten Souls before they are lost forever.


Mary's Review:


At this very moment I cannot form a sentence!  The reason I am saying this is because I just finished Forgotten Souls. JUST FINISHED IT and I am still on an emotional roller coaster.  I cannot believe it!

*breathe* Let's start at the beginning:

Krista and Mark are safe from their ordeal with Victor.  Well, as safe as they can be.  Shawn and Krista have figured out that they are brother/sister,  Robert and Lynn have official joined their band and lets not forget Sam is still around making everyone laugh.  Now, they just need some training and who better than an archangel, Haniel.  It seems that things are progressing well until Haniel brings in another band to help with a fight that is getting ready to take place.

Not long after that all hell breaks lose (pun intended) and I am pretty sure Tiffany King is trying to kill me with the ending of this book for 2 reasons.  1) I cried my eyes out and 2) she left us with a HUGE cliffhanger.  Sometime free will is more powerful than love (just saying)!

I am onto book 3!

Goodreads Description:


Krista Miller feels like she has lived her entire life in a glass box with her every emotion on display. She can’t help feeling like a defect as her sensitivities have made her socially inept and without any real friends; the one exception being the boy that visits her each night in her dreams. 


Krista’s emotions are put to the test when a move to California triggers a devastating change to her fantasy world. The nightly comfort that the boy provides has now become a recurring nightmare as he is taken from her by an unseen force.


Struggling to appear normal, Krista enrolls in a new school and finds it to be nothing like she thought. Her new life is sent spiraling out of control from a strange connection with a boy, Mark, who claims to know all her secrets. 


As Krista begins to explore the emotions that Mark evokes in her, secrets about their mysterious past and their predestined purpose threatens to separate them just when they have found each other.


Mary's Review:


This book has been sitting on my Kindle for a while.  You know that my "to-read" list is never ending.  Shortly after I read Tiffany King's Wishing For Somebody Soon, I knew had to read more of her books.  However, I was caught up with some other series and was just now able to get to it.

I am so glad that I did.  This was a unique and quick read.

Krista and her mother move to Santa Cruz.  It is there that she starts a new private school.  She usually stays out of everyone's way because her emotions control her most of the time.  On top of that, Krista has been having dreams of a boy --- ALL HER LIFE.  Then on her first day of school she becomes instant friends with, Sam, who has a lot in common with Krista.  In fact, Sam also has dreams of a boy whom she has met named, Shawn.  Then Krista sees him, the boy in her dreams, MARK!  They are so drawn to each other that they can hardly stand to be separated.

Of course, Tiffany King could not leave it so simple.  Mark, Krista, Sam and Shawn have to try and figure why they are so connected to each other and are there more like them?  There is a serious twist in the book that involves Mark's dad and there were some serious emotions from me on some of those parts.  I do not want to spoil it!

Tiffany King did leave us on a "cliffhanger" so it is onto Book 2!

Goodreads Description:


How deep does love run? Deeper than the ocean? Deeper than memory? Deeper than magic?


Following their plan to save Atlas, Madly and Jackson return the spirit of Wolfhardt to his prison beneath the sea. But even the best laid plans couldn’t account for the surprises they find. This time, Lore aren’t their only challenges. 


Madly is special in ways no one could have guessed and dark forces seek to control her. They want her power, but first they must weaken her. They need her beaten. Vulnerable. Near death. And alone. But that task isn’t an easy one with Jackson at her side. The strongest of their kind, the only way to separate Jackson from Madly is to destroy his love for her, to erase it from his mind. And his heart. 


Is it possible to steal Jackson’s love from Madly? Or is their love the only truly unbreakable thing?


Mary's Review:


This is how I sum up this book......WHAT!? This book was crazy! (In a very good way)

M. Leighton gives us another twist by using the Jackal and Hyde tale while Madly tries to still save Atlas, her family, and her people.  Let's not forget her feelings for Jackson are still grow stronger and now there are more dark forces that are trying to drag her down.

In this part of the series I felt so bad for Madly.  As much as she leans on Jackson, she is really starting to feel the struggles of all that is happening around her.  The dark forces are really dragging her down.

The one part that I loved was a couple scenes between Jackson and Madly, but then their love fades (slightly).  Of course the one thing that M. Leighton is good at is leaving us on a cliffhanger!

It's hard to put into words how great this story/series is because I do not want to give away the full plot or have any spoilers.  TRUST ME, READ IT!

Now I have to wait until Book 4!

Goodreads Description:


Madly is your average nearly-eighteen year old girl—for a princess, that is.


Madly James is thoroughly enjoying her internship in the small town of Slumber when the unthinkable happens—there’s a prison break in Atlas, the magically-protected home of Madly’s race. A traitor has set free eight Lore, the spirits of what humans know as fairy tales, and they are making their way to Slumber to awaken their descendants. 


The first spirit to arrive is that of Ulrich Wolfhardt, a man that was once obsessed with wolves and a young maiden he would follow through the woods. After a bite from a wolf, Wolfhardt’s obsession with the girl became an unnatural hunger and the young maiden’s grandmother cursed him with a fate worse than death. And now he’s back…with a vengeance and a bite that can infect others as well.


Madly must learn the identity of Wolfhardt’s descendant and stop him before he kills again and spreads his curse across the earth. But the only person strong enough to help Madly is Jackson, the Sentinel who vowed to protect her and the one person capable of breaking her heart. Can Madly resist forbidden love long enough to save the world from Wolfhardt? Or will she have to sacrifice her heart and her destiny to save the ones she loves?


Mary's Review:


M. Leighton keeps the twist and turns coming with book 2.  I love how M. Leighton can intertwine mermaids and fairy tales together.

Madly and Jackson have to figure out where the "big-bad wolf" is and how to capture him.  First, they need to figure out who the descendant and try to save her.  On top of that, Madly and Jackson's feeling are growing stronger. Oh and let's not forget Madly has to save her family and save Atlas.

In this book M. Leighton twisted Little Red Riding Hood into the story and I loved how she did it.  It is somewhat hard to explain because I do not want give away any of the details BUT its so easy to read.  M. Leighton is amazing on how she twisted these into an amazing story.  The one thing that I did like it is how M. Leighton leaves the story on a cliffhanger.

Onto Book 3!

Goodreads Description:


Madly is your average nearly-eighteen year old girl—for a princess, that is.


Madly James is thoroughly enjoying her internship in the small town of Slumber when the unthinkable happens—there’s a prison break in Atlas, the magically-protected home of Madly’s race. A traitor has set free eight Lore, the spirits of what humans know as fairy tales, and they are making their way to Slumber to awaken their descendants. 


In order to save her home, the lives of her family, and all of humanity, Madly must learn to wield her exceptional powers and recapture the Lore before it’s too late and all is lost. But Madly’s only help are her two best friends and the Sentinel, Jackson Hamilton, that threatens both her heart and her destiny. Madly has loved Jackson as long as she can remember, but he is the one thing even a princess can’t have. Can she resist love to become the queen she was fated to be? Or can she find a way to have both?


This novelette introduces you to Madly and prepares you for the quest of a lifetime


Mary's Review:


I love the supernatural world but I can honestly say this is the first time I have ever read a book about mermaids and M. Leighton has sucked me into this world.  This is such a different story line because not only do you have mermaids but M. Leighton puts a very neat twist into the book by using all-time favorite fairy tales.

This is the just a short novella to get your "feet wet" in the life of Madly James, Princess of Atlas.  It takes you into this world very quickly.  We learn that 8 Lore, which are the evil spirits and also part of the fairy tales have escaped and Atlas has been capture.

Madly, Aiden (her intended husband) and Jersey (her best friend) are currently going school on the dry land.  When Madly figures out is going on she heads to the headquarters to figure out what is going on.  It is there that she meets up with Jackson, who will now be her bodyguard, and the man that she loves.  The problem is that they cannot be together.

On top of that, Madly's main problem is that she is the only that can save Atlas.  Plus, there is a traitor. Let's not forget she has to capture the Lore, too!

This was a very quick read! But it leaves you wanting more.

Goodreads Description: 


"I was tantalized by the mystery of her. The leech inside me came out to find prey, but found none in this enigmatic girl. The close proximity of her essence didn’t entice the monster within, so what did that make her? I had more questions than answers, but one thing was unmistakable; although she released me from her embrace, her hold on me remained."


Cruel circumstances turned Curry Brennan into the wretched monster he hates and refuses to accept, but when an expected turn of events releases him from the bond of his obsessive maker, he returns to the home he knew 161 years earlier and finds the return of happiness and joy in something he didn’t know existed. Puzzled by his growing attraction to Chansey Leclaire, a human, he is unable to resist the captivating relationship that threatens to reveal his existence as a vampire. He eventually discovers the reason he was destined to find what he didn’t know he searched for and is faced with the cruel realization that the living and the immortal undead will always be separated by one thing. Eternity.


Mary's Review:


I hadthis book on my to-read list since I read Georgia Cate's Going Under.  I thought the book sounded interesting and it was not going to be the typical vampire meets human girl story.

Curry Brennan was held captive by his maker, Marsala, for over 130 years.  Then on the night of the Eclipse he was ready to meet the "True Death" but instead was released through a strange event (you have to read it to believe it).  During his escape he was helped by another vampire, Solomon. who became Curry's "Mentor".

After numerous years, Curry decided to return to his home that he left over 160 years ago.  It is now occupied by an older husband and wife and their granddaughter, Chansey.  Right off the bat, Chansey and Curry have a connection.  They both cannot deny it, either.  After Solomon discovers that Curry and Chansey are becoming so close they call for Sebastian (a very old and wise vampire) to help with this situation.

When Sebastian, Solomon, and Curry figure out the issue Curry has to decide what to do.  He has to think about Chansey's safety and the one thing he does not want to do is turn her into a vampire.  But, what does she want? And who is still lurking in the shadows?

This is just book 1 and I cannot wait to read book 2 - Blood of Jewel.

Be sure to check the book trailer:

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Goodreads Description:


Southpointe High is the last place Lucy wanted to wind up her senior year of school. Right up until she stumbles into Jude Ryder, a guy whose name has become its own verb, and synonymous with trouble. He's got a rap sheet that runs longer than a senior thesis, has had his name sighed, shouted, and cursed by more women than Lucy dares to ask, and lives at the local boys home where disturbed seems to be the status quo for the residents. Lucy had a stable at best, quirky at worst, upbringing. She lives for wearing the satin down on her ballet shoes, has her sights set on Juilliard, and has been careful to keep trouble out of her life. Up until now. 


Jude's everything she needs to stay away from if she wants to separate her past from her future. Staying away, she's about to find out, is the only thing she's incapable of. 


For Lucy Larson and Jude Ryder, love's about to become the thing that tears them apart.


Mary's Review:


I love Nicole Williams.  She actually wrote the Eternal Eden series and Patrick Chronicles series.  I love them all!

I did not realize that she was writing another book until I saw one of my twitter friends and fellow blogger, The Autumn Review tweet it.  I rushed to Amazon and purchased it and started reading it! I am so glad that I did.  Nicole Williams did not disappoint!

Lucy and her family moved to their cabin because they were having some financial issues.  Right before her senior year was to begin she met, Jude Ryder.  According to the town rumors, if you looked in the dictionary under "bad-boy" you would see Jude's picture.  However, there was something about him that Lucy could not help.  Enter Sawyer: the town rich kid, killer looks, and all around boy next door.  He is also trying to win over Lucy from Jude.  On top of that, there is a secret in Lucy's past that she is still dealing with.

I was wishy-washy about which team I wanted to be on.  Jude the bad-boy or Sawyer the boy next door.  It was until the end that I was 100% TEAM JUDE! Nicole Williams sure knows how to keep a Book Nerd on edge!! There was TWO HUGE TWIST in this book that I NEVER SAW COMING!

It was a quick and amazing read.  I would recommend to everyone!

Goodreads Description:


Starting over sucks.
When we moved to West Virginia right before my senior year, I'd pretty much resigned myself to thick accents, dodgy internet access, and a whole lot of boring.... until I spotted my hot neighbor, with his looming height and eerie green eyes. Things were looking up.
And then he opened his mouth.
Daemon is infuriating. Arrogant. Stab-worthy. We do not get along. At all. But when a stranger attacks me and Daemon literally freezes time with a wave of his hand, well, something...unexpected happens. 
The hot alien living next door marks me.
You heard me. Alien. Turns out Daemon and his sister have a galaxy of enemies wanting to steal their abilities, and Daemon's touch has me lit up like the Vegas Strip. The only way I'm getting out of this alive is by sticking close to Daemon until my alien mojo fades. 
If I don't kill him first, that is


Mary's Review:


There is a little bit of a back story to how I came across this book.  I met Jennifer Armentrout through her Twitter account and I did not realize that she was an author.  I thought she was just another West Virginia blogger, like me *hangs head*. Then after a conversation I realized, "OOPPS!  She is an author!"  Then I found out that she was going to be at the RT Convention in Chicago.  It was there that I (finally) met her in person and she was so kind and sweet.  However, I still had not read any of her books.  (Yes, I am a bad Book Nerd) .  

However, I finally found time to read one and I am a fool that I did not read it sooner!  Talk about amazing! Now, I love supernatural boys and Daemon is definitely on that list!

Katy (or Kitten, which Daemon calls her) just moved to West Virginia and Daemon and his twin sister, Dee live next door.  Daemon and Katy DO NOT get along but Katy becomes close friends with Dee.  Daemon does not like this at all but eventually tells Katy the truth.  They are aliens! Katy seems to handle it well.  The problem is the Arum (bad guys) and they want Daemon and Dee's abilities. It just seems like Katy seems to be the weakness. 


There are some awesome twist and turns in this book.  I cannot wait for book 2, Onyx, that comes out in August 2012.




 Be sure to check out the trailer:

Amazon summary:


Crossport, Idaho is a small town with a big secret. For many centuries the secluded city has been guarded by a group of werewolves who are sworn to keep humans safe. The job of a werewolf is never done. As long as evil exists it is up to the good guys to keep the world out of danger. The supernatural world is crawling with threatening beings with no regard for human life.

Cassie Hill and her rambunctious family are faced with a new threat and a brewing war. Cassie attempts to deal with old foes returning, a long distance relationship, and new challenges that push the Lupos to their limits. The beginning of an epic battle between good and evil has the odds stacked against them, but they refuse to give up.

In an action packed world of vampires, werewolves, witches, and hybrids the Lupos waver through their troubles like any other family. By sticking together. Throughout their tedious duties they still find a way to enjoy life, whether it’s having philosophical conversations or putting out accidental fires caused by smiley face pancakes.

All of your favorite characters return in the third installment of the Barking Mad Werewolves series in which the pack begins to grow up in their own right. It is a tale with a little bit of Romeo and Juliet, a smidgen of Star Wars, and a ton of barking mad werewolves.

this picture of the book also came from Amazon.com


Mary's review:


OK, I need to calm myself down before I write this review because in this book 3 I cried, laughed, yelled, and now dislike Jackson ... A LOT!

On the plus side of this book I saw Cassie really grow up.  Oh and I am TEAM CONNER now!  The Lupos thought Devon was taken care of ... wrong! Now, we have the witch Macy involved to bring down the Lexiv Guard and to help with Devon.  The Guard want Devon's ring that Cassie is still guarding and let's not forget that Devon wants it back too.

I was a mess after reading this book. I did not think I could handle anymore stress while reading this.  The twist and turns of this series keeps a reader on the edge of their seat.

The one thing that I did not like .... is that Book 4 will not be out until later this year......

UGH! I do not know if I can wait that long .................

Amazon summary:


The tale of the barking mad werewolf is far from over. Cassie Hill is trying to balance her duties as a werewolf, going to school, and maintaining a budding romance with her mysterious but loving new boyfriend, Jackson. As the walls between the two lovers come crashing down, they start to uncover the truth about one another. 


In a tale of Romeo and Juliet with fur, she finds herself caught in the crossfire of feuding families, but when a powerful enemy threatens everyone she loves she gathers her courage and tries to pull those in her world together to unite to overcome a common adversary to save their town.


Being a wolf isn’t all fun and games, but with the help of her pack, her family, and a few unexpected friends Cassie discovers the true meaning of life, love, and what it means to be a werewolf.


No one is perfect, especially not the supernatural, but imperfection can be hilarious. With her pack providing her with a combination of maturity, innocence, optimism, focus, loyalty, and humor, Cassie wades through the trials in her life with enough sense to not let it get her down.


Mary's Review


What can I say about Book 2? ARE YOU KIDDING ME? I thought book 1 was good this book put me on  an emotional roller coaster!

Cassie and her pack are trying to protect the town from the evil supernatural world.  On top of that, she is trying to figure out if Jackson (her boyfriend) is part of the supernatural world.  Let us not forget that she still has school and her adopted parents are already pushing college.  Oh yea, Devon is still trying to kill her!

Poor girl!  However, there is one thing that I love about Cassie.  Her positive outlook on life.  But sometimes there is too much thrown onto ones plate and her outlook sometimes wavers.  The only thing that Cassie can count on is her pack and her love for Jackson.

What I did love about this book was Conner because he is usually so quiet he comes out of his shell (just a little bit). I love how Sean and Rob are always so funny and Kat is ... well ... Kat!  Let's not forget Finn and Zach, this pack is so perfect together.

There are some serious twist and turns in this book and Katella makes sure we get every detail.  So, the question is: does evil win or does good prevail?

Onto book 3.....................

I have read so many books in my life, but only a few have truly become my favorites.  Rachel Higginson series "The Star-Cross" is in my top 5 of all time series.  She is truly the only author that has ever made me fall in love with a character, than hate that same character, and then love them again.  Her series was amazing and had a different twist than others and that is very refreshing.

It was not too long ago when I reviewed the book The Vincent Brothers.  I loved that book and the series as a whole.

They are quick and fantastic reads with memorable characters.  I was very sad to read the end of The Vincent Brothers because I knew that there was not going to be anymore of Beau and Sawyer's crazy life.

When Abbi Glines announced that she would do bonus scenes of Beau and Ash's wedding and Sawyer and Lana's wedding I WAS THRILLED!!

So, without further ado, click on the links and you can get the bonus endings of The Vincent Brothers series.

Beau and Ash: Click Here

Sawyer and Lana: Click Here

Do not forget to check out Abbi Glines other series: Sea Breeze Series and Existence Series.

Me and Meg Cabot last year. Aren't we adorable?!

"High school junior Jenny Greenley is so good at keeping secrets that she's the school newspaper's anonymous advice columnist. She's so good at it that, when hotter-than-hot Hollywood star Luke Striker comes to her small town to research a role, Jenny is the one in charge of keeping his identity under wraps. But Luke doesn't make it easy, and soon everyone—the town, the paparazzi, and the tabloids alike—know his secret...and Jenny is caught right in the middle of all the chaos." (from Goodreads)

Flo's Summary:
This book was so adorable! Really, that is the best way I can describe it. I know I'm late to the party, but I really love these types of stories from Meg Cabot. (Another example is All-American Girl which I also just loved to bits.) Seriously, it's like chick lit at its best. I loved the idea of Jenny sitting on the porch just chatting away with a big movie star. I loved all the scenes about the Troubadours and poor Jenny's uncoordinated dancing. And really -- what's not to love about Scott Bennett? He's a writer AND he cooks?! I'm in! Not to mention the idea of affecting social change at your high school? Win. 

Short summary -- Craving a light, fun read? Pick up Teen Idol.

Amazon summary: 


Wise cracking werewolves, non-sparkling vampires, a dash of romance, and a journey of self discovery. Being a teenager is hard. It's even harder when you're part wolf. Cassie Hill has always had trouble fitting in. She's not smart enough to be in the book club, not emo enough to be in the goth club, and not glamorous enough to be in the girls with 'tudes club. But when she starts waking up in the middle of the woods with little memory of how she got there she learns she belongs to a club many people don’t know about.


She discovers a world filled with secrets, corruption, and a wacky pack of werewolves who spend their time playing dare or dare, placing ridiculous bets, and fighting crime. But she also discovers that being a werewolf isn't all fun and games. In between the laughter and fun she and her family stay busy protecting the town and investigating suspicious murders. Just when Cassie thinks she has her life balanced a new guy moves to town to throw her completely off her game. She is instantly smitten with him, but when she gets to know him she finds out he is harboring secrets of his own. She wants to believe the best in him, so the internal battle between her intuition and her heart clash. She digs for answers about him, but the more she digs the more she discovers about her past. It is only a matter of time before the lies in her life start to unravel. Nothing in her world is as it seems. Can she find the courage to follow her heart?


Mary's Review:

Between reading Quinn Loftis' Grey Wolves Series and starting this series I think I am falling in love with werewolves.....Flo would be so proud! Or maybe something is wrong with me.........hhhhmmmm....


I have to say that this is an awesome set of characters.  Each are unique to the story.  Cassie just finds out that she is a werewolf and becomes part of this awesome pack:  Zach (the Alpha), Rob and Kat (husband and wife), Finn and Sean (brothers and so FUNNY), and Conner (emo and reserved).  

Cassie deals with all this change as best as she can but then there is a new guy in town, Jackson.  He is different but no one can figure him out.  However, Cassie is drawn to him.  She wants to have a normal life but at the same time she knows that she is still a wolf.

However, there is bad guy, Devon, who wants Cassie and her ring! This just adds more to her stress levels because she does not want to put Jackson in harms way.


What is a girl to do?  That is why there is a Book 2!


This book series was recommended to me by @JennNun.  She truly becoming my book "pimp". (ha! ha!) 

Goodreads Summary:


Graham Douglas doesn’t do romantic relationships, but he was knocked for a loop when he met Emma Pierce on the set of his last film. As they grew closer, he did everything in his power to keep from falling for a girl being pursued by superstar Reid Alexander. Now home in New York, his life is once again under control, until Emma appears and shows him how not over her he is.


Emma Pierce is forsaking an up-and-coming Hollywood career to embark on a life she’s only dreamed of—the life of a regular girl. After spending months burying her feelings for the two night-and-day guys who vied for her heart while filming her last movie, a twist of fate puts her in a coffee shop in the middle of Manhattan with the one she still misses.


Brooke Cameron was a fresh-faced Texas girl when she arrived in LA. Now she’s a beach sitcom star turned conceited heiress on the big screen. Having just survived three months on location with her ex—Hollywood’s reigning golden boy—she’s older and wiser and has set her sights on her close friend Graham. The only thing standing in her way is the girl he can’t forget.


Reid Alexander can sum up his life in one word: boring. Between film projects, there’s little going on outside of interviews, photo shoots, and the premiere of the film he finished last fall. The next-to-last thing he expects is to get a second chance with Emma, the girl who rejected him. The last thing he expects is for his still-bitter-ex to be the one to offer it to him on a platter.


Author Recommendation: Mature Young Adults (language, drinking, sexual situations)


Mary's Review:


Reid and Emma are back in book 2.  The film is done and they are ready to go out and promote it.  Reid is still trying to get Emma but Emma and Graham are together now (which makes me happy).  This does not make Brooke happy, since Graham and her are such good friends.

So, Brooke talks Reid into helping her get Graham.  This is turn would get Reid to have Emma.  Brooke and Reid come up with this plan and go to work.

I am still TEAM GRAHAM! Even though I like Reid a little bit more now, Graham still has my heart.  Of course, Tammara Webber threw in another twist or two which kept me wanting more.

This was a great book 2 of the series and would recommend others to read it.

Goodreads Summary:


When Hollywood It Boy, Reid Alexander, arrives on location to shoot his next movie, his goals are the same as always—film another blockbuster hit and enjoy his celebrity status to the fullest while doing so. His costar is a virtual unknown with whom he had blazing hot chemistry during her auditions. The universe is lining up nicely to grant whatever he wants, as usual, until he’s confronted with unexpected obstacles on location like a bitter ex-girlfriend and a rival for the first girl to spark his genuine interest in years.


Emma Pierce just got her big break after more than a decade of filming commercials for grape juice, department stores and tampons, and more recently, bit parts in made-for-TV movies. Nailing the lead role in a wide-release film sent her agent, father and stepmother into raptures, and should have done the same for her. The Problem? Emma is experiencing a building desire to be normal, and starring in a silly, modernized adaptation of one of her favorite novels—opposite the very hot Reid Alexander—isn’t going to advance that aspiration.


Graham Douglas doesn’t fear playing the part of a nerdy dimwit; when it comes to choosing film roles, if it pays, he’ll do it. Besides, his friend Brooke Cameron snatched up the role of the bitchy hot girl and could use his help as a buffer, because her ex is the star. Graham has no problem keeping a handle on the situation, until he finds himself attracted to Reid’s costar, Emma, the girl Reid is pursuing full-throttle with his standard arsenal of charm, good looks and arrogance.


Author recommendation: Mature teens+ (language/drinking/sexual situations)


Mary's Review:


I was first introduced to Tammara Webber when I read her book Easy. I loved that story and then I saw that she wrote this series and I thought that I would give it a chance.

I loved this story. It is much different story line.  Reid is a "Hollywood It Boy" and is a huge celebrity.  He knows that he is a celebrity too!  He lands the lead role of a Jane Austen modern adaption of Pride and Prejudice.  The cast includes: his bitter ex-girlfriend, a couple of his friends, and his co-star is unknown.

Enter Emma, the unknown co-star.  I loved Emma.  I loved her innocence, her trust, and how she can see the good in all.  Then there is Graham *sigh* (I LOVE Graham!)  He was a little bit mysterious but he treated Emma great and was a good friend.  As for Reid, he cared for Emma but he was more of a "player-type".

As the filming continued you can see Reid pursue Emma more, Emma liking Graham, and a twist I did not see at all!  All the characters are great.  Tammara writes them so well together!

It is a great read and would recommend for others.

Goodreads Summary:


Courtesy of watching his mom’s relationships, Sebastian Hawkins knows what girls need to do to get a guy. He has what he considers a PHD in hooking up. When he needs extra cash for a car, Sebastian starts up an online venture as The Hook-up Doctor, to anonymously help girls land the guy of their dreams. Of course, his services don’t offer a happily-ever-after guarantee. He’s seen firsthand getting together never means staying together.

And then he falls in love…

With the last girl he would expect…

Totally not in his game plan.

Suddenly, Sebastian finds himself muddled in the game he’s always prided himself on. He can’t even pick up girls at parties anymore! Why would anyone want to be in love when it turns you into a stuttering, screwed-up, mess with really lame stalker tendencies? Stalking? Totally not his gig.

But the Hook-up Doctor won’t let himself go down easily. He’s always known how to give a girl what she wants and now it’s time to figure out what a boy wants… and he definitely plans on getting it.

Mary's Review:


Need to thank @JennNun for the recommendation.  This is such a cute story.  I really liked it.  It was kind of predictable, but still good.


Sebastian is The Hook-up Doctor.  When he gets a request for help from PA.  He collects is money and begins to dole out his advice.  Slight problem though, the Hook-up Doctor is falling in love.  On top of that, it is a good friend of his.


The part that I love about this book was how much Sebastian truly cares for his mom and friends.  I love that!  I had a lot of laughs when he was unable to pick up girls anymore and when he "try" to hard to get the attention of the girl.  


Overall, good book and would recommend to others to read.

Goodreads Summary:

A Novella to follow Stealing Grace ~ Amy was taken, right along with Elena, from her life. Roger is harsh to her. He barely speaks to her except to tell her to do things around the house. He barely looks at her, as if he doesn't know what to do with her. She was afraid. Afraid that he would make her his wife in every way against her will...but he hasn't, and she wonders why. She wonders what is it that Roger wants with her...after he stole her to be his wife.

MARY'S REVIEW:


You all know how much Shelly Crane.  She has become one of my most favorite authors.  So, when this novella was released I knew that I had to read it.  The problem was, I just could not find the time! Well, FINALLY, I did and it was worth it.

If you remember I read Stealing Grace, which was about human trafficking, and loved it.  This is a novella of two characters, Amy and Roger, who were in Stealing Grace.  I really enjoyed those two characters.

This was a short and quick read, but it was so good.  Shelly Crane gives us an amazing inside look (and different perceptive) of the world of human trafficking.  Amy and Roger's relationship starts off very rough, mainly because of Roger's upbringing.  However, Roger is not like his father, he is not even sure what to do with Amy.  Amy is so scared of everything that she is not sure really what to do. Nonetheless, they seem to grow to care for each other.

This is a really quick read and shows some more great talent from Shelly Crane.  I recommend this read.