The Trouble with Flirting by Rachel Morgan (Review)

Amazon Description:

Labelled a nerd for most of high school, Livi sees her first year of university as a chance to redefine herself. She can finally enter the popular crowd and maybe even land herself a super hot boyfriend. But Livi’s about to discover that the in-crowd isn’t what she’s always believed it to be, and that maybe what—and who—she wants most has always been right in front of her.

 

 

My Review:

What I liked:

The main thing that I liked about this book is the message. It is of self-acceptance and figuring out who you are, regardless of anyone else’s opinion. It  speaks of bullying and it’s part in every individual.  There is not a lot of content about bullying per se in the book but enough to bring questions. I liked that the characters are your everyday teens. Kids that you can easily find in any school, in any part of the world. I really enjoyed the relationship that Livi and Adam have. It is something that most people aspire to have. A relationship like theirs is uncommon. Another important aspect is peer pressure. Livi was able to say No and be firm in her beliefs. A message I believe that is meant to empower more girls.

 

What I didn’t like:

The pace was a bit slow. There were characters that serve no point but were just temporarily there to fill gaps. Which is ok I guess but I just didn’t like it. Like Lucas, I thought he was going to be one of the main characters. Well, he wasn’t. He was kept on the sidelines, well not even there. He was constantly on the back of my mind while reading the book. Sarah was too. Actually, I am still wondering what ever happened to Lucas. -_-

 

Overall

The author did a good job portraying the most important issues that young people face and how to handle them maturely.  The content is supposed to be empowering if you actually read and apply it. It was a bit long I believe due to the author wanting to cover all of these issues. Mainly because it slowed the pace. Other than that, the book was good. I read it in one whole day. This book does not have bad language or sexual scenes, maybe mildly suggestive but nothing that will corrupt innocence.

Runes by Ednah Walters (Immortal Series)

Seventeen-year-old Raine Cooper has enough on her plate dealing with her father’s disappearance, her mother’s erratic behavior and the possibility of her boyfriend relocating. The last thing she needs is Torin St. James—a mysterious new neighbor with a wicked smile and uncanny way of reading her.

Raine is drawn to Torin’s dark sexiness against her better judgment, until he saves her life with weird marks and she realizes he is different. But by healing her, Torin changes something inside Raine. Now she can’t stop thinking about him. Half the time, she’s not sure whether to fall into his arms or run.

Scared, she sets out to find out what Torin is. But the closer she gets to the truth the more she uncovers something sinister about Torin. What Torin is goes back to an ancient mythology and Raine is somehow part of it. Not only are she and her friends in danger, she must choose a side, but the wrong choice will cost Raine her life  

My Review

Raine is your typical girl next door, in love (or so she thinks) with her best friend. She’s known Eric all her life, they’re perfect for each other. Until Torin shows up on her doorstep. He gets under her skin, in every possible way and makes her doubt her feelings for Eric. Strange things start happening whenever Torin and his friends around. Strange as in deadly. Raine must now face a threat and figure out whether Torin is a friend or a foe. Does she really belong with Eric? And what about her father’s strange disappearance? Her mother’s abnormal behavior?

To say that I enjoyed reading Runes is an understatement. I loved it. I loved Torin’s character. The bad boy who wants to turn a new a leaf. He’s everything a girl wants and needs, well maybe a bit more. The novel had a good pace to it. It was funny and it had a couple of scenes that had my heart racing. The author does a good job at keeping you on your toes. It is something that I was starting to miss from the other books so I was grateful that this one had a good build up.

I recommend this book. It is an awesome read. Refreshing and of course, it has Torin.

Raven: The Chronicles of Steele by Pauline Creeden

Human life has value.
The poor living in the gutter are as valuable as the rich living in a manor.
The scoundrel is no less valuable than the saint.
Because of this, every life a reaper takes must be redeemed.

Raven has lived by this first tenet since she was trained by her father to become a reaper. But since his death, she’s been spending years redeeming the lives she’s taken. By her count, she’s even and it’s time for that life to end. If she settles down and becomes a wife, she might just feel human again. But on the way to the life she thinks she wants, the baron of New Haven asks her to complete a task which she cannot ignore… Just when Raven decides to give up on her life as an assassin, she’s pulled right back in.  

My Review:


The Chronicles of Raven Steele. I enjoyed reading this book mainly because the main character is a (excuse my language) bad ass assassin. She is tough and smart. Unlike most female main characters that need constant saving (yawn). I like that she is not only tough but also womenly. She has a maternal instint and that shows well in the book.

What I didnt enjoy about the book is that the pace was a bit slow. I feel that there wasn't enough action to keep the story line interesting. Once I start a book I finish the book. Unless it is something that I really just cannot read. Which this wasn't the case.

I would recomend this book for young adult, specially under 17. There is no bad lamguage, no sexual scenes. Very little romance. Which to me was a bit disappointing. Although there is hope. Which is what will propel me to read the next book.

Dark Before Dawn by Stacy Juba ------ Review

Dark Before Dawn [Kindle Edition]
Stacy Juba (Author)
4.4 out of 5 stars See all reviews
Print List Price: $10.99
Kindle Price: $2.99 You Save: $8.00 (73%)

Book Description from amazon.com 

Publication Date: September 24, 2011 | Age Level: 12 - 18 | Grade Level: 6 - 12 If you could control minds...would you? A chilling teen supernatural thriller from the bestselling author of Twenty-Five Years Ago Today, Sink or Swim and Face-Off. It's hard enough for Dawn hiding that she's psychic from her new classmates and new step-family, but things gets even worse after she learns that E-S-P spells D-A-N-G-E-R. Dawn has been psychic since she was seven years old and has always considered herself an outcast. Even her own mother discourages her talent, so Dawn has kept her abilities quiet and feared a lifetime of loneliness. When she gets involved with a fortuneteller mentor and two girls who share her mysterious perception, Dawn finally belongs to a group. As her intuition strengthens, so does Dawn's self esteem. However, when she discovers her new friends may be tied to freak "accidents" in their Maine beach town, Dawn has an impossible choice to make - continue developing the talent that makes her special or challenge the only people who have ever accepted her. This blend of suspenseful psychic novel and New England mystery is aimed at young adults and at adults who enjoy supernatural YA. The Audible edition is performed by Cassandra Morris, who has also narrated books in the Gossip Girl and Pretty Little Liars series.

My Review: 

Dawn is a teenager whose mother just got remarried, so guess what? Dawn gets relocated to a new home, with a new brother, new step-father and, the best part, a new high school. If that isn’t stressful enough, Dawn is also psychic. Yep, as in she can tell what team will win with what score. Awesome right? Not to Dawn, mainly because most of her premonitions are about which classmate is next on the reaper’s list. Dawn faces a new challenge: warn those w/ an impending death and obliterate any chance she has in having a normal life OR walk away and live w/ the guilt. Of course Dawn, chooses the former and in doing so she makes new friends. Friends that have a lot more in common w/ her, friends that help Dawn understand her psychic powers. As the story progresses, Dawn learns to control her powers, she becomes stronger and she also learns about her family history. What I liked about this novel: Dawn is your typical teenager (sans the psychic powers), with typical parental problems. This is good because the readers can relate more with the characters situation. Also, the message that the author is portraying, at least the message that I got, is to follow your intuition even when your brain is screaming the opposite. After all, the heart/soul knows more than the brain. Also, that it is better to know the truth because in doing so you will be better prepared to handle whatever comes your way. Parents want to protect their children by hiding the truth from them. This doesn’t always work (like never). We find out, we get mad, go do stupid things, trust those that shouldn’t be trusted. Why? Because the truth is a powerful ally and an even more powerful weapon. Read the book, so you can understand me. :)

What I didn’t like about this book: 

The pace is a bit slow for me. It didn’t have enough movement, for lack of a better word. It was building up to the ending of course but it seemed like Dawn just took way, WAY, too long in figuring out what we already knew halfway through the book. There were a lot of unexpected twists, which is what propelled me to continue reading. Oh…Why was the cute, nice, potential-boyfriend murdered? This was not cool. Let Dawn have a love life!
Overall:

It’s a good novel. I am sure that BOOK #2 will be better. I recommend this book for teens, there is no mature content so parents, your kids will not be corrupted. I look forward to reading the next installment. The ending, as in the last page, pretty much sold itself for me.

Hello fellow readers,

I have been gone for a while, very busy in the world of reality. Not as much fun as literary worlds I'll tell you! I am however trying to get back on track and post some more revirews, giveaways (which I just posted on a few days ago on my FB page-please follow), and maybe a book tour some authour giveaways...so on. Let me know if there is a book out there that calls to you yet you are not sure about reading. I will make the jump for you. Authors same to you. I have about 4 reviews waiting and need to post them up so it may take few weeks. Thanks guys for following my blog and dont forget to like Bookworms and Coffee on facebook!

Forbidden Forest by Tenaya Jayne (Book Review)

Book Description (amazon.com)

Born in shame. Cast from society. Shape Shifter/Elf hybrid, Forest must fight for any respect she can get. Targeted in her youth by a vampire noble who placed an illegal slave mark on her, she is forced to obey him, no matter what.

Slipping the grip of her master and abandoning the prejudice of Regia, her native world, Forest takes a job on Earth, guarding the portal, using her skills as a warrior to enforce Regia's laws. Now, called home for a black ops mission, Forest must put aside her own prejudice to transport the vampire prince, Syrus, through enemy territory in a time of war.

Prince Syrus, mage and master of the Blood Kata, wants Forest more than he's ever wanted anything. In spite of their mutual mistrust, their attraction cannot be denied. Through the danger of their mission, and the secrets they both keep, it doesn't matter what they feel. Forest is forbidden.

My Review:

  

   Tenaya Jayne created a magnificent and enchanting world in her paranormal romance novel Forbidden Forest. The novel revolves around Forest, a Halfling (half-elf/half-shifter); an outcast of her home world Regia because of her mixed parentage. Forest has been living on Earth working as a traffic controller for the portal between Earth and Regia. Until she is called to Regia for a top security mission; she is to protect a blind vampire prince, Syrus, while they travel to see a wizard that is believed to be able to restore the prince’s sight. There are no other creatures Forest hates more than vampires. Now she must travel, and protect one, without killing him herself. Throughout the journey Forest learns that Syrus is her destined life mate, the one person (creature?) she is to spend the rest of her life with, the only one that can see her true form. But Forest has a secret, a secret that makes her want to run away from Syrus, even though it will cause her pain. Syrus wants nothing more than to be able to see Forest with his own eyes. He has never met anyone else as infuriating as her, at the same time he has never wanted anyone more. Of course there is more but you have to read it! 

     What I love about this novel: I admire the way the main characters fought and overcame their “disadvantages”. Forest has worked to gain respect and rank in a society where people like her are considered basically worthless. Syrus has learned to not allow his sight impairment to cripple him. I think that the morale of the story is that, it doesn’t matter what disadvantage you have, you are strong enough to overcome it. All you have to do is work on it and not lose confidence in yourself, regardless of what people may or may not say.

      I really like that Jayne took time to not only create good characters but their world as well. It is detailed, creative and enchanting. The chemistry between Forest and Syrus is palpable and you can’t help but be pulled into every scene. The bantering and fighting between them gives the novel an interesting and funny twist. Jayne did a great job creating the characters, each character is well defined, each with his/her own qualities and flaws. I loved that Forest is a warrior, unlike most “heroines” who are embarrassingly in need of protection; As well as Syrus, a badass vampire (and insanely gorgeous) with a kind heart. She jumps from character to character giving the reader more insight on the plot, adding more questions; therefore enticing the reader into continuing to read. This I liked because a novel that has you asking questions and wanting answers, is a novel worth reading.

     What I didn't like so much: Like I mentioned, she switches from one character to another. Sometimes the switch is so subtle that you have to backtrack in order to know whose point of view you’re reading from. This doesn't happen often, but it does happen enough to be noticed. Also, although I love Syrus, and found his enthusiasm throughout the novel endearing, it was a little overwhelming at times. I was a little disappointed with the ending, but that’s because I wanted a happier ending. But it’s not an ending at all, so I guess that’s just me being greedy.

      Overall: I really, really, REALLY enjoyed this novel. It is funny, romantic, sexy and a little sadistic (some of the characters eekk) but it all comes together beautifully. I recommend this novel, mainly to adults, 17+ maybe, because it has mature content. This is a “read twice or more” novel. Read it! You’ll fall in love with Forest and Syrus too. 

**Note: I was given this novel in exchange of an honest review.**

The Secret of Ella and Micha by Jessica Sorensen

Book Description

Publication Date: October 2, 2012

Ella and Micha have been best friends since they were kids. But one tragic night shatters their friendship and their lives forever.

Ella used to be a rule-breaker with fiery attitude who wore her heart on her sleeve. But she left everything behind when she went to college and transformed into someone that follows the rules, keeps everything together, and hides all her problems. But now it's summer break and she has nowhere else to go but home.

Ella fears everything she worked so hard to bury might resurface, especially with Micha living right next door. If Micha tries to tempt the old her back, she knows that it will be hard to resist.

Micha is sexy, smart, confident, and can get under Ella’s skin like no one else can. He knows everything about her, including her darkest secrets. And he’s determined to bring his best friend, and the girl he loves back, no matter what it takes.

My Review:

     The Secret of Ella and Micha is an Adult Contemporary novel by Jessica Sorensen. The novel is about Ella Daniels, a young woman who disappears from the small town she grew up in an attempt to change who she is and who she might become. Leaving everything behind, including her real personality. Ella changes from a girl with a strong attitude to someone who is detached from the world, she pretends to be the total opposite of who she truly is. However, she has to return to her hometown for summer break and in doing so she must answer to those who she left behind.  Micha is Ella’s best friend, the one and only person Ella ever truly felt comfortable with and whom she shared all her secrets too (and he to her). However, the boundaries of their friendship were blurring just before she left. During her stay Ella must try to remain detached from everyone she ever knew and must not allow her feelings for Micha to resurface. Doing otherwise could jeopardize all she worked for. This novel is rated mature for sexual content.

Sorensen did an amazing job portraying a situation that a lot of people go through, young and old. This novel to me is about self-fulfillment, of finding yourself, accepting who you are and not allowing the environment in which you grew up in to define you.  It is about love (romantic, steamy love) and friendship. Ella is part of a broken family and through the novel she learns to cope and work on making it better. I like this novel because of its deeper meaning.  It tells that broken families are not just for the poor. I also love the relationship between Ella and Micha. Their friendship and, later, their love for each other, give the novel an added bonus. It has great character depth, every character was well portrayed. I

Overall, I truly enjoyed this novel. I really recommend it. It does have sexual scenes so it is not suitable for minors. However, if it were not because of this I would recommend it to everyone. It has a great message. Sorensen outdid herself with this novel. Her writing continues to get better with each novel she writes. If you want a good story get this book. You will not be disappointed.