Book Nerds Across America

Picture is from Quinn Loftis Website

Mary's Fictional Boyfriend:

How do I explain Decebel?  Tall, dark, handsome and a werewolf! What more could a girl ask for in a fictional boyfriend?

As much as Decebel is all those things, there is more to him.  When Quinn brought out Out Of the Dark I saw a whole different side of Decebel. I saw him truly confess his love to his mate, Jennifer.  I saw  him with true emotions such as: laughter, crying and true happiness.

Of course he has Jennifer and the complement each other so well, but that does not mean I cannot wish for a werewolf like him.  Let's not forget the whipped cream *wink*

Goodreads description:

In the fourth and final installment, everything is on the line. Merrick's life is in the balance and Lily is their only hope. Ellie and her new powers are miraculous, but also problematic; if she's with the bunker family, they won't be able to sense when the Lighters are there. There are many new members to the bunker and sparks will fly, and with the food shortage, they will all have plenty to deal with. Miguel is intrigued with Rylee, her past and her spunk. Ryan and Elli are barely scratching the surface of their relationship. Cain and Lillian will have to deal with Daniel, who has no qualms about showing his true feelings for her. And Sherry and Merrick…what will happen to this happenstance family who have worked so hard to come together? Can they all survive? Can they all withstand the new enemy that is right outside their door? Can they beat the Lighters, once and for all…

Mary's Review:

How is it possible to love a series of books when you know you are reading the last book?  Well, Shelly Crane is the master of it!  I was shocked and very surprised when I received this ARC from Shelly.  I want to thank Shelly Crane VERY MUCH!!

Best part:  I thought long and hard about this because it was just so tough to pick  my favorite part.  So, the best part of this book is the characters, ALL OF THEM!  Each is unique to the story, each has a special place in the series and you will never forget any of them nor their journeys through the series.  Could I pick a favorite and say they were the only one to make the story? I could not because with one there would not be the others.  Something that I do love in this series is Lily.  That little girl is so sweet!  Another is, Sherry and Merrick.  They are truly a perfect couple and I love their interactions.  Along with that, I have a soft place for those who protect their families.  I could go on and on about each one of the characters but what fun would that be when you read the series.

Not so great: The truly worst part of this book is ............ IT'S THE LAST BOOK! How am I going to be able to survive?!?!?!?!?! It is okay though, Shelly Crane has more books coming out soon!! On top of that, now that I have all the books I can reread the whole series whenever I want!

This series is an amazing roller coaster of emotions and worth every word of the page!


This book will be released in September 2012

Goodreads description:


Follow Anna from Keegan's Chronicles on her own adventure!

Seventeen-year-old Anna is an unskilled, natural witch still seeking a way to access her magick. When she moves to Seattle for college, she encounters two powerful witches who need her as much as she needs them. For the first time, Anna believes she's found someone who can help her explore her own magick. 

Her dream quickly turns into a nightmare. 

Creatures of the Light have gone missing, and the witches she admires so well are a part of the mystery.

Before she knows it, Anna is knee deep in the disappearances and trying to forge a relationship with a certain soldier named Tommy, all while trying to find her way. Will she have time to save the creatures of the light or will she become the next victim?

Mary's Review:

I would like to thank the author Julia Crane for giving me this book.  I loved all 3 of Keegan's Chronicles and was so happy that Julia told me that she had done a spin off of Anna.  Anna was Keegan's best friend and just happened to be a natural witch.

Best part of the book: I know Anna is the main point of the book but she really is the best part of the book.  I loved to see herself gain confidence in her abilities as a witch.  At first, she did not have any confidence in herself.  In fact it was kind of sad to read because she was kind of putting herself down.  One of my favorite parts was with her and Tommy.  Another thing that I love is that Anna cares very deeply for those that are disappearing and she does not even know them.

Not so great: I wish there was a little bit more of Tommy and Anna scenes.  I understood that the content of the story was not their personal relationship but it was nice when they were together.

I really enjoyed this book and look forward to reading more by Julia Crane.

I was involved in a discussion with some Twitter friends last night about Jennifer L. Armentrout's amazing book Onyx, when something was brought to me attention.

There is a scene in the book when Daemon gives Katy a note in their Trig class.  Sounds great; however, WE DO NOT KNOW WHAT IT SAYS!

I want to know and so do a lot of other people what was on that note.  Then I thought we (Lux Novel fans) could persuade Jennifer to release it.

So, I am going to start a Twitter Hashtag called #WhatDidItSay and I am hoping that you all can join in then maybe we will finally know what it said!

I am not sure if it will work but *fingers crossed* when will know soon!

Goodreads description:


Keegan has dealt with a lot over the last two years: Death, black magic and the loss of her bond to her chosen mate. But on her eighteenth birthday, the bond with Rourk returns.
Rourk longs to be by her side. Though he knows the distance between them causes Keegan physical pain, he wants to give her the time she needs. 
Now, Keegan faces her hardest decision. Tradition requires elves marry at eighteen. If she accepts the path laid out for her, she will be spared a lifetime of physical and emotional pain. But will that life ever really be her own?

Mary's Review:

Could Rourk and Keegan finally be together?  Oh I hoped for this the moment I opened it up on my Kindle

Best Part: You think I am going to say Rourk again, don't ya? HA...you are right!  Rourk did win his Chosen One, Keegan back.  I was so happy about this.  I loved Rourk so much more throughout this book because of everything that he did for Keegan.  I also loved that he stuck to the Elfin tradition. I liked that Julia Crane entwined the characters from the series in this book.

Not so great part:  Some parts of the book seemed rushed.  I understand the purpose it but I wish there was more interaction with Donald, Rourk and Keegan.  However, even with that the book was great.

Goodreads description:


In the Elfin world, magic and destiny determine who will be together. "Chosen" pairs are fated to meet at the age of 18.

Keegan, however, is an anomaly. Having fallen in the battle between the Light and the Dark, she is only alive now due to Black Magic, and her bond with her Chosen is broken. She cannot remember Rourk at all.

For the first time, she feels like a normal teenager. She is dating Donald, her long-time crush, and everything seems perfect. But Rourk still feels their bond, and despairs for the woman he was always meant to love.

Keegan’s best friend Anna is determined to find a way to use her powers to return Keegan’s bond, no matter what it takes. The question is does Keegan even want it?

Mary's Review:

Uuuummmmm....what?!?! How could Julia Crane do this to me? Emotional.  Roller.  Coaster.  That is how I would describe this book.  This was a very quick read for me because I could not put it down.

Best Part: I have to say it again....Rourk!  I was #TeamRourk throughout this book.  After Keegan lost her memory, I felt so bad for Rourk and he did the one thing that he knew to do: FIGHT!  However, he did not fight the way that I thought he would.  Instead, he left, to join the human army.  He did this so that Keegan would have some time to herself before her 18th birthday and it was too hard to see her with Donald.  The other part that I loved was Anna and Thaddeus.  I loved that these two teams up to try and bring the bond back together for Keegan and Rourk.

Not so great part: I did not like to see Rourk suffering.  Julia Crane did an amazing job of really showing what Rourk was going through.  I really felt bad for him.

I really enjoyed Book 2.  I cannot wait for Book 3.

Holly Dayton is about to go way out of her comfort zone. . . Spending Christmas vacation on a cruise with her two cousins from hell isn't Holly's idea of a good time. And when in a moment of seasick-fueled desperation she lurches into an open suite--she's greeted with an eyeful of pepper spray. The culprit? A gorgeous guy calling himself Nick. But when Holly goes to make her exit, she gets the shock of her life: a corridor crammed with screaming teenage fans. Because Nick just happens to be Dominic Wyatt, drummer for ReadySet--one of the hottest bands in America. Suddenly rumors are swirling, and Holly's face is captured on countless phones and plastered all over the Internet. But the band can't risk a scandal destroying their family-friendly image, so Dominic convinces Holly to be his fake girlfriend--just for two weeks. How bad could it be to be fauxmantically involved with one of the cutest rockstars on the planet? Holly's about to find out. . . (from Goodreads)

Flo's Review
So, you may remember that I was lucky enough to get a random ARC (Advanced Reader Copy) of Marni Bates' book Awkward, which I read in one sitting and absolutely fell in love with. So when I had the opportunity to get Decked With Holly, I was on it like Buddy the Elf is on Christmas spirit.  But I'm not quite sure what I think of this book and exactly how to place it. So this review may be a little all over the place.

Okay, first -- I love that this is a holiday story and the main characters are named Holly and Nick. Cheesy, but cute. Especially since Nick is actually Dominic, and he was already a character from an earlier book! Did Marni already know she was going to do that, or did it just end up happening that way?! Hmm....we may have to have a guest interview with Marni on the blog and ask her. If you can think of any other questions, leave them in the comments. If we have enough, I'll ask her. 

But back to the review. The story took place over the holidays, but something was missing to give it the holiday feel. I know that Holly was not all about Christmas spirit and that it takes place on a cruise ship, but still. I kind of feel like if it's going to take place during the holiday season, I should get that holiday feeling from it. I also wasn't really into some the sweeping generalizations/stereotypes of different types of people. Nothing hateful, of course, and a lot were definitely taken to the extreme to be funny parodies, but still there were several instances in the story that kind of made me go, "Hmm..." And, on a minor note, I don't think Holly should have been a ReadySet fan. I think the way she reacted to Nick initially and afterward was not the way a fan would react to meeting a celebrity they knew and liked. I think it would have worked better if they were Jen's favorite band -- or even her cousins. Also, the hated and interactions between Holly and her cousins seemed a little too over the top. Again, I understand that they made her life miserable, but I don't think even that would make "showing them" first on the list of reasons to fake date a celebrity, ya know? With the "oh yeah, and my best friend and I will be popular" or "I'll be famous" factor to come in second. 

All that being said, I can't say I disliked the book. Once I picked it up, it was very hard for me to put down, and I read it in two sessions. Like Awkward, Marni Bates again had great transitions between chapters that compelled you to keep reading. And even though you knew what was going to happen between Holly and Nick, it was fun to keep reading with anticipation of the time when they both would finally realize their feelings.

Goodreads description:


Sixteen-year-old Keegan is struggling to keep her huge secret from her friends--she's an elf, descended from a long line of elves that live in secrecy alongside humans. In elfin society, mates are predetermined but not allowed to meet until they are eighteen. Against tradition, Keegan's brother Thaddeus told her Rourk's name because his visions warned him she'd need Rourk's protection, especially since Keegan will play a key role in the coming war between the dark and light elves. 

Rourk finds himself drawn to Keegan's side every time she thinks his name. He wants to talk to her but remains in the shadows, silently guarding her every time she mentally beckons him. A twist of fate thrusts the two of them together when Rourk is forced to step up his protection and make his presence known. An ancient prophecy deeply entwines Keegan's family and the future of their society. Somehow they must find a way to thwart fate and win the battle...without losing Keegan. With war brewing, and dark forces aligning, will Keegan and Rourk ever have the life together that they both desire?

Mary's Review:

I was unsure about this book when I first started it.  Elves?! Really!? I am not a big fan.  Well, unless it was Lord of the Rings (haha!).  However, I was glad that I did start reading it, this book was very enjoyable.

Best Part: Rourk is an amazing character of this book.  I love that he protects Keegan at any cost.  I also love how the Elfin society works for their "chosen".  I liked that Rourk and Keegan were able to spend time together before their 18th Birthday.  It made the story more enjoyable and loving.  Thaddeus, Keegan's little brother, is another character that I loved in this book.  I actually feel sorry for him at times throughout the story because he has to keep secrets and it does weigh on him a lot.  However, he is very important and he does not seem like a child.  His 'gift' has made him grow up very quickly.

Not great: THE ENDING!! Talk about a cliffhanger! Not only is Keegan and her family part of the prophecy, Keegan gets the blunt of the pain.  I cannot really say too much about it because it will spoil the ending, but I will say this ....... I AM READING BOOK 2 RIGHT NOW!!

Mary's Fictional Boyfriend:

Kiran Kendrick.  His name alone makes me *swoon*.  Although, this was not always the case.

Rachel Higginson is the ONLY AUTHOR that has made me love a character, hate that same character and then fall back in love with that character.  Kiran was that character.

In Reckless Magic, I fell in love with Kiran. It was not a love at first sentence.  Kiran was kind of a tease but then he officially declared his love to Eden and I was so happy.

Then came Hopeless Magic, I still loved him.  He showed more of a loving side for Eden (even though some of it was not public).  It was not till towards the end of the book that my hatred began for Kiran.

Next came Fearless Magic, my hatred for Kiran grew.  I could not stand him and it was almost to the point that I was not going to finish the series.  However, I stuck with it.

At last, Endless Magic, the beginning of the book I was still on my "Die Kiran Die" band wagon.  However, as the story continued I saw what was really happening and my love came back.  His love was still there; however, he just had a plan that we (as readers) did not see. (Very clever Rachel Higginson) 

By the end of the series I do not think I could have loved Kiran more!!  That is why he is this week's Fictional Boyfriend!

I am so excited that Shelly Crane has revealed another amazing book.  Along, with that she has released a blurb and excerpt of the book.  This book should be published in early 2013.

So, without further ado: Shelly Crane's Wide Awake:


    A girl.
                   A coma.
                             A life she can't remember.
          When Emma Walker wakes up in the hospital with no knowledge of how she got there, she learns that she's been in a coma for six months. Strangers show up and claim to be her parents, but she can't remember them. She can't remember anyone. Not her friends, not even her boyfriend. Even though she can't remember, everyone wants her to just pick up where she left off, but what she learns about the 'old her' makes her start to wish she'd never woken up. Her boyfriend breaks up with the new girl he's dating to be with her, her parents want her to start planning for college, her friends want their leader back, and her physical therapist with the hazel eyes keeps his distance to save his position at the hospital.
          Will she ever feel like she recognizes the girl in the mirror?
                                                                        Expected Publication : Early 2013

Excerpt:


One
                Someone was speaking. No, he was yelling. It sounded angry, but my body refused to cooperate with my commands to open my eyes and be nosy. I tried to move my arms and again, there was no help from my limbs. It didn't strike me as odd until then.

          I heard, "All I'm saying is that you need to be on time from now on." Then a slammed door startled me. I felt my lungs suck in breath that burned and hissed unlike anything I'd ever felt before. It was as if my lungs no longer performed that function and were protesting.

          Then I heard a noise, a gaspy sound, and my cheek was touched by warm fingers. "Emma?" I tried to pry my eyes and felt the glue that seemed to hold them hostage begin to let go. "Emma?"

          Who was Emma? I felt the first sliver of light and tried to lift my arm to shield myself, but it wouldn't budge. Whoever was in the room with me must've seen me squint, because the light was doused almost immediately to a soft glow. My eyelids fluttered without strength. I tried to focus on the boy before me. Or maybe he was a man. He was somewhere in between. I didn't know who he was, but he seemed shocked that I was looking up at him.

          "Emma, just hold on. I'm your physical therapist and you're in the hospital. Your…" he looked back toward the door, "parents aren't here right now, but we'll call them. Don't worry."

          I looked quizzically at him. What was he was going on and on about? That was when I saw the tubes on my chest connecting my face to the monitors. The beeping felt like a knife through my brain. I looked at the stranger's hazel eyes and pleaded with him to explain.

          He licked his lips and said softly, "Emma, you were in an accident. You've been in a coma. They weren't sure if…you'd wake up or not."

          Of everything he just said, the only thing I could think was, 'Who's Emma?'

It was a great surprise tonight when Quinn Loftis tweeted that Chapter 2 was going to be released on her site.

I was so excited, along with some other great fans!!

Quickly, quickly run over to Quinn's site and read more about the most amazing characters: Jacque, Jen, Sally, Fane, Decebel and Costin!

Goodreads Description:


Getting drunk homecoming night your senior year is never a good idea, but Jake Hayes never expected it all to end with a car crash and a t-post embedded in his throat. 

His biggest regret about it all? What he never said to Samantha Shay. He's been in love with her for years and never had the guts to tell her. Now it's too late. Because after that night, Jake will never be able to talk again.

When Jake returns to his small island home, population 5,000, he'll have to learn how to deal with being mute. He also finds that his family isn't limited to his six brothers and sisters, that sometimes an entire island is watching out for you. And when he gets the chance to spend more time with Samantha, she'll help him learn that not being able to talk isn’t the worst thing that could ever happen to you. Maybe, if she'll let him, Jake will finally tell her what he didn't say before, even if he can't actually say it.

Mary's Review:

I need to thank @JennNun for this recommendation.  Although I wish she would have warned me that I needed tissues for all the tears.  That is ok, she still is an outstanding person!

Best part of the book:  This book was so good!! You all know that I have read a lot of books but this was by far one of the most touching books I have read in a long time.  Jake and Samantha really make this book.  I cannot imagine what Jake went through after the accident and no longer able to speak.  I am so glad that Samantha was there for him.

Not so great about this book:  The tears that I shed was the worst part of the book.  Between Jake's accident and Samantha's family problems the tears just flowed.  I did not think that I could cry anymore then I turned the page and cried more.

Why read this book:  This is just a good book that gives you hope for those that have lost a lot.  At the same time, you truly feel connected to the characters and I love that!

Goodreads Description:

I hang my head in sorrow for just a moment when I know I am truly alone. I feel like I’m going to my execution, just as he had said. Then I move forward again. I hop a fence of fieldstone and cross a field dotted with Queen Anne’s lace. Goose bumps rise on my arms as I pass the cluster of windmills that I have seen in a dream. The scent is sweet in the field though, not the scent of heat, like it had been when it was forced upon me in visions. I gaze down the hill, beyond the small, whitewashed house that I knew would be there. The church looms dark and grim with its rough-hewn, timber façade, capped by tall, oblong spires reaching to the sky. Black, ominous clouds have collected above the roofline, as if Heaven is showing me the way.

Mary's Review:

Ok, I have no clue how to put this review into words!  I am serious! I was on an emotional roller coaster with this book.  I am going to try and do my best (without spoilers).

Best part of the book: Oh, I do not think I can even make this choice!  However, I would say that it was Evie, again.  The sacrifice that she made was the best thing anyone could have done.  I would even say that Brennus made this book too.  I am saying that because of the things that he did for Evie.    With that being said, Amy Bartol gives us some MAJOR twist and turns in this book that I LOVED!

Not so great about the book: NOTHING!!! This book was perfect.  Between the twist, turns and the characters there would be nothing that I would change!  Amy created a perfect book!

I cannot wait for Book 4!

Goodreads description:

I don’t open my eyes so I can’t see him, but I can smell him. He thickens the air I breathe, choking me with his scent…his aroma. I shiver. I have to resist. If I’m not strong, then I will be relegated to the same fate as this predator whose sickness infects me even now. But now, I crave him and he knows that; he has been counting on my need to end the gnawing pain. How he would savor my surrender. I’m alive, but how much longer will it take until I beg him not to be?

Mary's Review:

Is it possible that Amy could have created a better book than book 1: Inescapable?  OH YES!!

Best part of the book: Evie.  In Inescapable she was just starting to really understand what was happening (as best she could) to her.  I knew that she would do anything to protect Reed and in this book she did! She did the one thing that I never thought she would do.  I loved that she really stood up for herself and her "family".

Not so great part of the book: The fact that Amy made me cry.  I am trying to not spoil it for everyone who has not read this but Evie does something to protect Reed and her friends and it made me cry! A LOT!

It is now unto Book 3: Indebted

"Curses and cons. Magic and the mob.In Cassel Sharpe's world, they go together. Cassel always thought he was an ordinary guy, until he realized his memories were being manipulated by his brothers. Now he knows the truth — he’s the most powerful curse worker around. A touch of his hand can transform anything — or anyone — into something else. That was how Lila, the girl he loved, became a white cat. Cassel was tricked into thinking he killed her, when actually he tried to save her. Now that she’s human again, he should be overjoyed. Trouble is, Lila’s been cursed to love him, a little gift from his emotion-worker mom. And if Lila’s love is as phony as Cassel’s made-up memories, then he can’t believe anything she says or does. When Cassel’s oldest brother is murdered, the Feds recruit Cassel to help make sense of the only clue — crime-scene images of a woman in red gloves. But the mob is after Cassel too — they know how valuable he could be to them. Cassel is going to have to stay one step ahead of both sides just to survive. But where can he turn when he can’t trust anyone — least of all, himself? Love is a curse and the con is the only answer in a game too dangerous to lose." (from Goodreads)

Flo's Review
Wow. It's only every once in a while that you discover a book world that is soo completely crazy and immersive. You are appalled and impressed all at the same time. It grabs you, and you want to stay there. This is the world of Holly Black's Curse Workers. Such a creative and crazy concept. So sleazy. So clever. I love seeing how Cassel out smarts everyone who is trying to get him in the end. It's because in this crazy world where people using people and murder are just facts of life, Cassel Sharpe is trying to figure out how to be good -- when it would be easy, natural and expected for him to choose the bad lifestyle. I love that he let himself open up to Sam and Daneca more in this book. We felt how hard it was for him to do that, to trust people and have friends, so every time he let them in a little more I silently cheered. I was also proud of myself for figuring out who the killer was when Cassel did -- I never do that! #GoldStarForMe The end hurt my heart, and I am so so curious to see what Cassel's actions will mean for him and his family and friends in the next book. 

Ironically, I got both of these Greek mythology based books from giveaway wins in the same week! The Goddess Legacy is courtesy of author Aimee Carter, and I'm excited to attack it! I had thought it was a novella, but it's a full-out novel. Good times.

Sweet Shadows is an ARC I won from fiktshun, whose blog you should check out because she has a lot of awesome giveaways!

Do I spy another Greek Week in the near future?!

What are your favorite books based on Greek myths? I love them, and BookNerd Jacque asked me for some opinions the other day, so we would both love to hear some you have read!

Ok remain calm! Just remain calm!

I need to relax and take a breath! *sigh* It has come to my attention that Supa Gurl site revealed the cover of Quinn Loftis' 5th Book: Beyond the Veil.  When I saw it I thought I was going to faint because that means the book will be out soon.

I am so excited about this! Quinn Loftis' Grey Wolves Series is one of my most favorite series!

So without further ado here is the cover of Beyond The Veil:

Goodreads description:


My name is Evie Claremont and this was to be the making of me--my freshman year of college. I had been hoping that once I had arrived on Crestwood's campus, the nightmare that I've been having would go away. It hasn't.

I may be an inexperienced seventeen-year-old, but I'm grounded...sane. Since meeting sophomore Reed Wellington, however, nothing makes any sense. Whenever he is near, I feel an attraction to him--a magnetic kind of force pulling me towards him. I know what you're thinking...that sounds fairly awesome. Yeah, it would--if he liked me, but Reed acts as if I'm the worst thing that's ever happened to Crestwood...or him. But, get this, for some reason every time I turn around he's there, barging into my life.

What is the secret he is keeping from me? I'm hoping that it is anything but what I expect: that he is not exactly normal...and neither am I. So maybe Crestwood won't be the making of me, but it could be the breaking of me. I have been left to wonder if the dark future my dream is foretelling is...inescapable.

Mary's Review:

I need to thank my Twitter friend and AMAZING AUTHOR @AuthorTiffany (aka Tiffany King) for this book recommendation.

When I started this book, I was a little unsure that I would like it.  It took me a few chapters to get into it.  However, once I got into it, I could not put it down!

Best part of the book: Where do I begin!? Let me start with Reed and Russell.  I was unsure of which "team" I was going to be on because I cared for both of these characters.  In the end, Reed won!  Even though I am Team Reed, Russell is just as amazing.  Both love Evie more than anything and will do anything to protect her.  The problem is, the girl is a magnet for trouble.  The best quality about Evie is that she would do anything for Reed, Russel and her friendsl.  Then there is Buns and Brownie.  I know, I know crazy names but trust me after reading these character simple names would not fit them.  On top of that, there are some awesome twist and turns in this book! I did not even see a few of them coming!!

Not so great about the book:  The book as a whole is AWESOME! Like I said before the first few chapters were a little slow for me, but you might feel the same! Other than that, there is not a bad thing about this book! Amy pulls you into an amazing world!

Why read this book:  This is a very different series.  Once you get into you will not put it down!!

I am already reading Book 2 Intuition

Goodreads description:


Being connected to Daemon Black sucks…

Thanks to his alien mojo, Daemon’s determined to prove what he feels for me is more than a product of our bizarro connection. So I’ve sworn him off, even though he’s running more hot than cold these days. But we’ve got bigger problems.

Something worse than the Arum has come to town…

The Department of Defense are here. If they ever find out what Daemon can do and that we're linked, I’m a goner. So is he. And there's this new boy in school who’s got a secret of his own. He knows what’s happened to me and he can help, but to do so, I have to lie to Daemon and stay away from him. Like that's possible. Against all common sense, I'm falling for Daemon. Hard.

But then everything changes…

I’ve seen someone who shouldn’t be alive. And I have to tell Daemon, even though I know he’s never going to stop searching until he gets the truth. What happened to his brother? Who betrayed him? And what does the DOD want from them—from me?

No one is who they seem. And not everyone will survive the lies…

Mary's Review:

OK if you remember correctly I am new to this series BUT I AM SO GLAD THAT I AM ON THE BAND WAGON!!!!!! I just read Obsidian (Lux #1) last month and loved it.  Once I was finished I wanted Book 2 SO BADLY!!  Sadly I had to wait until release day. Oh, it was worth the wait.

Best part of the book:  Need I say it again?!?!  Well, I will....DAEMON!!!! He is the best part of this book.  I guess it has something to do with the fact that he is an alien. OH and he is H-O-T!!!  However, in this book there is more to Daemon that we did not see in the last book.  He is a little bit more direct about his feelings towards to Katy (aka Kitten).  We see just how far he will go to protect his family and those he loves.  Another part that I love about this book (that made me laugh a lot) was that Daemon would not call Blake by his name.  He would call him Brad, Brian etc etc.

Not so great about the book:  The only that turns me off from this book is when Katy knows that she is so in love with Daemon but never says it.  I just want to reach through my Kindle and shake her!  But I guess I can understand why she was doing it but it was making me upset! Also, the ending of the book is a huge cliffhanger and that is one thing that I do not like (well, I like it but it frustrates me)

Why read this book:  2 words....HOT....ALIEN.  That is why you should read this book, (HAHA)  Seriously though, this book contains a lot of twist and turns that I did not even see.  I like that Jennifer keeps us on the edge!


Bonus:  There is a scene in the book which I am calling the "Cookie Scene".  Jennifer release a small video of it with Daemon.  I am not responsible for anyone if they pass out from watching this video.  Watch at your own risk!

"One last chance...
For Max, Fang, Angel, Iggy, Nudge, and Gazzy.
Before it all ends.

Are you ready for the final chapter? Are you ready for the ultimate flight? Because THIS IS IT. One last incredible, explosive adventure with an astonishing ending that no one could have seen coming." (from Goodreads)

Flo's Review

And so I say goodbye to another beloved series. I flew through (pun intended) all eight of these books, and in true fashion I was done with Nevermore in a few hours. I just didn't want to put it down. The actions, the questions, the emotions kept me trapped in Max's world (or end-of-the-world, if you will) and wouldn't let me go. 

The way the end of the book played out totally surprised me. At first I was annoyed. Then I understood Max's decision. Then, when I read further, I liked the way it ended up. Yes, a few small things felt like loose ends to me, but I suppose it's hard and unnecessary to wrap every little thing up without leaving some things for the reader imagination.

So, overall I am very happy with the way this series ended. I love all of the flock and have truly enjoyed the time I've spent in their crazy life.

Have any of you read these series? What did you think of how it all ended?

Some of my past Maximum Ride reviews:

The Angel Experiment
School's Out -- Forever

Goodreads description: 


A new family has just arrived in the isolated mountain town of Telluride, Colorado. Welcome the Johnstons - Jason (a doctor), Rachel (a designer), and their niece Emily (a current High School Senior).

Emily has lived the life of a quiet loner in the past, trying to go unnoticed. But with Telluride being such a small and welcoming town, she finds a group of friends at school almost immediately. When Emily meets Link (another new transplant in town) her world turns upside down. She doesn't understand why she feels a magnetic pull toward him, or why she unknowingly lets her guard down around him. Link is just as confused by his own need to be with her.

Emily knows she is playing with fire. She should be doing whatever she can to keep herself isolated, to keep Link from getting too close. Danger has a way of finding Emily's family - that is what keeps them on the move. They arrive in a new town every few years - it is safer that way.

Because... Emily isn't really Emily... her real name is Charity - and Charity has an even bigger secret. Charity and her family are not like other people, they have "skills" that mere mortals cannot begin to comprehend.

Before long, Charity is struggling with the reality that her two lives are coming closer to each other with each passing day. Soon Link will find himself wrapped in a supernatural world that he never knew existed - and discover that mortals are not the only beings that walk this earth.

Mary's Review:

Like so many other books, this had been sitting on my Kindle (untouched) for a while.  I keep getting other books and push other books to the side.  I am such a bad Book Nerd!

Best Part of the Book: Link aka Lincoln Knight.  He is truly the best part of this book.  I think that because he is always putting Charity ahead of himself.  This even included when he found out everything about Emily ... ugh Charity.  I guess there are still some good guys out there (even if they are in books ... haha).  The other thing that I liked about this book was Charity's family and extended family.  They are amazing, funny and protective of each other.

Not so great about the book:  Well, the book was good over all but when it came to explaining Charity's immortally .. well .. there really is not an explanation.  It just is!  I find that strange.  There are other books in this series so it might be explained more later but, as for book 1 there really is not.  Also, the way Link and Charity's past are entwined is weird to me.  But, I still like that they have "somewhat" of an connection.

Why read this book: It is a good book and a quick read.  However, I felt that was lacking something. I will read book 2: My Link In Time just to see if it "picks-up" what was lacking in this book.

Mary's Fictional Boyfriend of the Week

Caleb Jacobson is this weeks fictional boyfriend.  Caleb is from Shelly Crane's Significance Series.

I am not even sure where to start to explain Caleb?! But, I will try my best.


Caleb is caring, compassionate and would do anything for his soul mate, Maggie.  I have loved Caleb since the moment Maggie saved his life.  He is always thinking of Maggie and his family first.  I love how Caleb was so sweet with Maggie at first and did not push her into anything too fast.  He is always telling Maggie how wonderful she is or how amazing she is and you know that he means it.

I think that Caleb is an amazing character and if want to know more about him then you can go to Shelly Crane's site and read Caleb's point-of-view of the story.  Shelly pick one chapter from the first three books of the series and did them in Caleb's POV.  Click here if you want to read them.

Can you believe it's almost Fall already?! I sure can't! Hey, want to win a SIGNED copy of Summer Rental by Mary Kay Andrews OR a $10 Amazon gift card? Then enter or giveaway! Thanks for stopping by!


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Be sure to check out the other stops on the Hop:

Flo's Review

This was a great story. So let me talk about what I didn't like first and get it out of the way so I can end this review with the good stuff. Having heard lots of great things about Sarah Dessen, any and all of her books sat on my TBR for awhile -- to the point that whenever I found a good deal on one, I bought it. Hence, I own at least 4 and had never read one. For our BookNerd Lent Challenge, I finally picked up The Truth About Forever. And I didn't like it -- mainly because the majority of the part of the story that I made it through was spent in flashbacks and not forward motion. Unfortunately, I discovered with Lock and Key that this is Sarah Dessen's writing style. I do not know what she has against chronological order. But Lock and Key skipped around SO much. It was present, then it last week, then it was present, then it was this earlier morning, then it was two days ago, then it was when Ruby was a kid, then it was present again. Seriously?!?! Please explain to me the need to write a scene happening in the present and then flashback to a  time period that was earlier that morning?!?! I don't understand! Can you not just start the story in the morning and carry on with the day?!?! As you can tell, this lack of chronological order annoyed the CRAP out of me. But I came to love these characters. Each and every one of them. Ruby. Cora. Jamie -- how can you NOT love Jamie?!. Nate. Olivia. Gervais. Like Jamie, I was pleasantly surprised with how well Ruby transformed. But she wasn't the only one -- Cora, Gervais, Nate. I liked the themes in the book, how it discussed the idea of family and how the idea of the key was woven into Ruby's journey. I finished this book with a smile on my face, so happy that all these characters who I now loved were going to live out happy endings. So, will I read another Sarah Dessen book? Maybe. But honestly -- I don't know.

Jacque's Review:

Lock and Key is a stand alone contemporary YA novel.  That sentence alone should tell you this is not your typical YA book.  The protagonist, Ruby, is a 17 year old girl who is a senior in high school.  She has been living alone for ten years with her mother who is divorced, has a substance abuse problem, and is clearly not a good role model.  She attends school all day and helps her mother work in the evenings just to meet their basic needs.  Living under these circumstances has left her very guarded and suspicious of others. 

Goodreads description:


Ridley Heller thought her life would be perfect and trouble-free once she had Bo back. Unfortunately, she couldn’t have been more wrong. Learning Bo’s true identity has left them with their most difficult decision yet. They have two options. One, they can run away together and spend eternity looking over their shoulder, hiding from both God and Sebastian. Or, two, they can find a way to kill Sebastian. Ridley feels like there’s really only one choice, but killing Sebastian has a major down side for her—it will leave Bo mortal and her a vampire. She’ll be doomed to walk the earth alone for all eternity.

What will they choose? And who will have to die in order to see their goal accomplished? Find out in the exciting conclusion of the Blood Like Poison series, To Kill An Angel.

Mary's Review:

Let me sum this book up in one word: SPEECHLESS! I say "speechless" because I do not know if I can put my emotions into words of what this book did to me!

Best part of the book:  Ridley and Bo.  I know, I know I keep saying they are the best in each review.  But it is TRUE!  Once Ridley and Bo figure out their destinies the book takes a completely different twist! (This is not a spoiler its in the books description) Ridley becomes a vampire and if Bo kills Sebastian then he will be mortal!  CRAZY!!

Not so great part of the book:  The tears that I cried at the end of the book!  I blamed M. Leighton for my headache that night.  The fight scene between Ridley, Bo and Sebastian was so detailed that all I could do was cry.  Bo's emotions for Ridley and the sacrifices that they made just made me cry!

Why read this book:  You need to read this whole series because it will be one that you will not forget!  M. Leighton is an amazing, talented author and she makes you love/cheer/cry for these characters!

There will be a book 4 but at this time there is no release date for it yet (as far as I know)

Goodreads description:


Ridley Heller thought that all her problems would be over if she could have Bo back—back from the dead. But what Ridley didn’t know was that her wish would come at a price. 

Bo survived a condition that would have killed a lesser vampire, or any vampire for that matter. The only reason he didn’t die is because of who he is, someone Ridley doesn’t know at all. Someone Bo himself doesn’t know at all.

As Ridley gets closer to finding out Bo’s true identity, she discovers that loving him could also come at a price, a price much higher than she ever could have imagined. The question is: is there any such thing as a price too high to pay for Bo? For his love, for his safety, for eternity in his arms?

Mary's Reviews:

WHAT!?!?! OMG!!!! I thought book 1 was an emotional roller coaster this was just as bad! M. Leighton knows how to make a girl want more.

Best part of the book:  Bo and Ridley. At the end of Book 1 I was a mess!  I assumed that Bo was dead and Ridley would have to go on without him.  But, thank the stars, that M. Leighton did not do that to me!  However, they are not able to run off into the sunset just yet!  Bo has to fulfill his destiny before he can be with Ridley forever and the question is: "Will he survive? Will Ridley survive?"

Not so great part of the book: M. Leighton is the not so great part of this book.  Let me explain:  she put me through an obscene amount of emotions and she is a tease! Ok, so that really is not a bad thing because she wants to leave the reader wanting more, but it was still hard for me!  Right when I think that Ridley and Bo would get some "alone" time she pulls the rug out and they have to go fight more vampires or something else.  Then when I think they are finally able to have a moment of calm she does it again.  I was very frustrated but, at the same time, I was on the edge of my seat to see if Ridley and Bo would be able to survive.

Why read this book:  I will say it again this book is not like any other Vampire / Human Girl story.  M. Leighton is extremely talented and this was better than Book 1.

Goodreads description:


Ridley Heller thought that all her problems would be over if she could have Bo back; back from the dead. But what Ridley didn't know was that her wish would come at a price. 

Bo survived a condition that would have killed a lesser vampire, or any vampire for that matter. The only reason he didn't die is because of who he is, someone Ridley doesn't know at all. Someone Bo himself doesn't know at all.

As Ridley gets closer to finding out Bo's true identity, she discovers that loving him could also come at a price, a price much higher than she ever could have imagined. The question is: is there any such thing as a price too high to pay for Bo? For his love, for his safety, for eternity in his arms?

Mary's Review:

I have become the biggest M. Leighton fan! Between the Madly series, The Wild Ones and now this series I cannot believe how much I am loving M. Leighton' stories!  She is an author that knows how to keep you on the edge of your seat.  More than once in this book was I given a #BookNerdHeartAttack !

Best part of book: BO! Bo is the best part of this book.  Hot, young and caring vampire is how I would describe Bo.  Oh, did I forget to mention he is HOT! Well, he is!  On top of that, he has very, very strong feelings for Ridley.  At first, Ridley kind of got on my nerves and here is why: she was a follower.  She did everything her friends wanted her to do and she saw right through them.  However, she never stood up to them.  Then one day she did and it was GREAT!  See, Ridley has had a rough past few years and it was not until Bo came into her life that she began to see things differently.  She was immediately pulled to Bo.  (Um, hello! Hot vampire!)  But it was more than that.  Bo was there for Ridley more than once to save her and he would sacrifice anything for her! I do mean ANYTHING!

Not so great about the book: THE ENDING! Talk about a cliffhanger.  I was on the verge of throwing my Kindle across the room because I was so hurt/upset/mad (all rolled into one) at the ending of this book!  But, after I tweeted M. Leighton she told me it would be ok and read book 2.

Why read this book: Ok, I know what you are thinking: hot vampire and a girl - been there, done that.  WRONG! This has a lot more "story" to it then just love.  Do not get me wrong there is love but the back stories and the character are much different than other Vampire/Human Girl stories!

Mary's Fictional Boyfriend

If any of you follow me on Twitter or Facebook you know that I have a MAJOR obsession with Haymitch.  He is actually my fictional husband (that is what my real-life husband told me that).

Usually people think I love Haymitch because he likes to drink as much as I do.  Well, even though that is a perk to our "relationship" that is not the real reason for my love. In all honesty it upsets me when people only think of Haymitch as the "drunk mentor" of the Hunger Games.  He is so much more.

Let me explain!  Haymitch is so much more than a "drinker". If you have read all of the Hunger Games trilogy then you can see that there was so much more to Haymitch.  He truly, truly cared for Peeta and Katniss.  He loved his district.  Drinking was just a way for him to not deal with all of his feelings that went along with his time in the Quarter Quell and having to watch children (that he probably knew) go into the Hunger Games and watch them killed.  I do not think I could handle that myself.  However, even through all that he was still there for Peeta and Katniss.  If you can remember in Catching Fire and Mockingjay, Haymitch was a big part of the rebellion.

I love Haymitch's compassion, conviction and love for District 12.  I love that he helps stand up against the Capitol and he knows the consequences.  Haymitch will always be my number one fictional boyfriend (husband)!

Flo, Jacque, Teri and I are truly Book Nerds. We love our books.  However, we really love our BOYS in our books!

We each have our own Book Loves (aka Fictional Boyfriends) and we want to share them with you. So each Friday, we're going to feature -- okay, and fangirl -- over one of them. You might agree with us or you might not. Heck, sometimes we don't agree amongst ourselves! But none the less, we would love to hear your takes on our featured Fictional Boyfriend each week.

FYI: we can be territorial about them, too! Consider yourself warned.

Last night I was just sitting around working on posts, reading and watching Twitter.  When out of nowhere this tweet came up and changed my night:

Goodreads description:


Their first year of college isn’t what they expected. Emily is still struggling with the loss of her baby, while Jake seems to have no trouble with it at all. Emily is so conflicted about how to deal with the miscarriage. On top of that, she’s having nightmares.

Can Jake help his Sweetness? Will she allow him? Their relationship is suffering and Jake is determined to do whatever Emily asks of him. But when Emily makes a suggestion that she feels will help with her grief, could it tear the couple apart forever?

Mary's Review:

This review is going to be a bit short.  I liked the book but there was some parts that were really rushed through.  I really felt so bad for Jake and Emily in the beginning.  They both were dealing with a lot of stress.  First the baby, then college, and the stress of working their relationship becomes very fragile.

Well, here comes the difficult part, there was a twist in the book that I did not like.  It is just my opinion!  I felt that Jake and Emily were dealing with enough when this twist developed.  On top of that, it was really rushed until the end.

Even though I felt that about the book, I will be reading Book 4 when ever it comes out.

Goodreads Description:


After the incident with Claire, Emily encounters more problems. Conrad is back with explanations and hope. Emily wants to give him a chance to explain himself. She can't help but wonder why he left. However, Jake isn't comfortable with Emily going out to eat with an old lover.

Will things be too much for Emily to handle? Will Emily do the one thing she knows best and withdraw? Will Emily and Jake's love for one another keep them from shattering?

Mary's Review:

Best part of book: Like Book 1, I enjoyed all the different points of view.  I love that Jake's and Emily's relationship has grown so much.  It was rocky in the beginning of the book because Emily's ex-boyfriend came back into the picture.  Jake was going to have to figure out if Emily really wanted him or Conrad.  The twist that came towards the end of the book was the unforeseen (by me anyway).

Not so great part of the book: Like Book 1, I thought it was rushed.  I would have like to see some thing played out a little more.  However, this book was only a little over 100 pages so I do understand the rush.

Why read this book:  It is a wonderful love story.  It is great to see two people play off of each others strengths, kindness and watch their relationship blossom.

Onto Book 3!!

Goodreads Description:


Emily wished she was invisible. But after moving to a new town with her dad, a charming boy makes it impossible for her to disappear. Despite her feelings of unworthiness, Emily soon finds herself drawn to the safety of Jake's world.

Good looking and the star of the hockey team, Jake has a lot going for him. What most people don't see is the difficult life he has at home. When quiet Emily steals his heart, Jake vows to help her discover she is worthy of love. 

Just when the two of them realize the sweetness of their relationship, they are put to the test. Only together can they overcome their haunted pasts to fight for a future together.

Mary's Review:


My twitter friend and amazing blogger @TwiMom101 had read this book a long time ago and gave it great review.  I had it but never got around to it.  I know....I know.....Bad Book Nerd!! So, let us move past the fact that I am a bad Book Nerd and go to the review of this book.

Poor Emily! She is currently living with her father because she was verbally abused by her mother.  Emily's main purpose in life is to stay out of every one's way.  Then one day in class Jake partners up with Emily.  From there they begin to build an relationship.  It is slow to start because Emily just wants to be invisible but Jake wears her down.

Best part of book: Lindsay Paige does not limit the book to just the point of view of Emily.  We are also graced with the point of view of Jake.  I like that because you get the full effect of the story.

Not so great part of the book:  I felt that it was kind of rushed.  I am not sure if that was just me but  as soon as I started the book it was over.  However, that just might be me!

Why read this book?  Lindsay Paige puts a wonderful story together of two people in love.  I love that we can see Jake and his techniques to wear Emily down.

Onto Book 2!