Shatter Me

Shatter Me
by Tahereh Mafi

"You can't touch me," I whisper.
I'm lying, is what I don't tell him.
He can touch me, is what I'll never tell him.
But things happen when people touch me.
Strange things.
Bad things.

No one knows why Juliette's touch is fatal, but The Reestablishment has plans for her. Plans to use her as a weapon.

But Juliette has plans of her own.

After a lifetime without freedom, she's finally discovering a strength to fight back for the very first time—and to find a future with the one boy she thought she'd lost forever. (description from Amazon.com)

I had some very strong, yet hugely varied reactions to this book.

Likes:
I thought that Juliette was a very interesting character. I liked her ability and the moral dilemma that stemmed from having the government want to use her as an assassin.

I liked the way that the book finished...can't really tell you without getting spoilery, though I will say that it sets things up for an X-Men style series. Fun!

I thought that Juliette's captor, her direct adversary in this novel, was really intriguing. I want to learn more about his background.

Dislikes:
While I enjoyed reading the romantic element of this book, and could understand Juliette's reactions, in some ways it was highly unbelievable. Would she really have this connection to a boy she hasn't seen since her childhood?

My biggest problem, oddly enough, was the writing style. I almost put the book down after the first few chapters because I had such a visceral reaction to the way it was written. Though I appreciated the concept that it was written like a stream of consciousness, it really grated on my nerves. I'm glad I stuck with it though, because the second half of the book felt a lot better to read and I thought the story was worth it.

My overall thoughts: While it's not my favorite book ever, I think that it was a fun read and that I will pick up the second book for sure.

Darkest Mercy

Darkest Mercy
by Melissa Marr
Wicked Lovely, book five

The Summer King is missing; the Dark Court is bleeding; and a stranger walks the streets of Huntsdale, his presence signifying the deaths of powerful fey.

Aislinn tends to the Summer Court, searching for her absent king and yearning for Seth. Torn between his new queen and his old love, Keenan works from afar to strengthen his court against the coming war. Donia longs for fiery passion even as she coolly readies the Winter Court for battle. And Seth, sworn brother of the Dark King and heir to the High Queen, is about to make a mistake that could cost his life.

Love, despair, and betrayal ignite the Faery Courts, and in the final conflict, some will win . . . and some will lose everything. (description taken from Amazon.com)

To be totally honest, each of the books in this series has elicited a different reaction from me. I loved some, felt "eh" about one, was slightly confused in one...Darkest Mercy was somewhat confounding for me.

I had a really hard time getting into the final book in this series. I couldn't connect to the characters. I felt like there was too much going on ...things were too disparate. I almost put the book down without finishing it, but it's the final book in the series and I couldn't abandon it!

So, I stuck with it. A few chapters at a time...and then I hit the last third of the book and it was like the whole world shifted! There again was the Melissa Marr that I loved in the original Wicked Lovely. There again was the gorgeous writing, the complex characters, the rigid and unforgiving faerie society that I missed.

I am sooo glad that I stuck with it. The end of the book, and the series, was beautiful.

Full disclosure: ARC received as part of a Book It Forward Blog Tour

Black Wings

Black Wings
by Christina Henry

As an Agent of Death, Madeline Black is responsible for escorting the souls of the dearly departed to the afterlife. It's a 24/7 job with a lousy benefits package.

Maddy's position may come with magical powers and an impressive wingspan, but it doesn't pay the bills. And then there are her infuriating boss, tenant woes, and a cranky, popcorn-loving gargoyle to contend with.

Things start looking up, though, when tall, dark, and handsome Gabriel Angeloscuro agrees to rent the empty apartment in Maddy's building. It's probably just a coincidence that as soon as he moves in demons appear on the front lawn. But when an unholy monster is unleashed upon the streets of Chicago, Maddy discovers powers she never knew she possessed. Powers linked to a family legacy of tarnished halos.

Powers that place her directly between the light of Heaven and the fires of Hell... (description from Amazon.com)

I really enjoyed this urban fantasy. It's the start of a new series and I'm already looking forward to Black Night, which comes out on July 26th. Christina Henry's writing was fast-paced, funny, engaging, and the world building was very well done.

Maddy was a great heroine. She had strength, she had faults, she made me laugh, and she made me cry. Her bewilderment was not so overwhelming that I felt like strangling her...unlike some other female protagonists *cough, cough...Bella...COUGH* that shall not be brought forth as examples. Her sidekick, the lovable gargoyle, Beezle, is one of my new favorites. His love for popcorn made me snort and all I could think of was what it would be like if my dogs could talk. :)

I will say that I am curious to see how all of the romantic entanglements play out in the next few books of the series. Poor Maddy's in love with one guy, engaged to another, and has another hottie (my personal fave) panting at her heels. I'm anxious to see how this all plays out. What's great about this book, though, is that the romance is important, but it is definitely NOT the only plot-line...in fact, it could even be called a sub-plot. Maddy's discovery of who she truly is, how it endangers her, and how it will affect the rest of her life are the true focus of the book.

I tore through this book! If you like urban fantasy, I urge you to pick this one up soon.

Monster High

Monster High
by Lisi Harrison

The monster community has kept a low profile at the local high school, but when two new girls enroll, the town will never be the same. Created just fifteen days ago, Frankie Stein is psyched to trade her father's formaldehyde-smelling basement lab for parties and prom.

But with a student body totally freaked out by rumors of monsters stalking the halls, Frankie learns that high school can be rough for a chic freak like her. She thinks she finds a friend in fellow new student Melody Carver-but can a "normie" be trusted with her big secret?
(description taken from Amazon.com)

This was an interesting start to a new series. I love the concept of the original movie "monsters" having been real people that reproduced and now their descendants are attending high school and trying to conceal their secret identities! Frankie is a hilarious newly created teen that exemplifies all the worst behaviors a spoiled fifteen year old girl can have...yet, couples it with a courage and sense of self-worth that is undeniable and makes her a character well worth emulating.

Melody, the "normi," is another fantastic character. Not perfect, by any means, yet very honest about relationships and more open to others than a lot of people out there. The other "monsters" that are introduced are all different and all tons of fun. I can't wait to see what they get up to later in the series.

My only major complaint - the book ends on such a cliffhanger! It was honestly all just a set-up for the series...could almost be considered a prequel to whatever the next book is...that should be book one really.

It was fun to read, though. I actually listened to it on audio and got to hear snippets of the "Monster High" theme song and there were additional sound effects that gave a cinematic feel. More fun. I highly recommend the audio version of this one!

Full disclosure: Received audio version to review for SLJ.

Raised by Wolves

Raised by Wolves
by Jennifer Lynn Barnes

Adopted by the Alpha of a werewolf pack after a rogue wolf brutally killed her parents right before her eyes, fifteen-year-old Bryn knows only pack life, and the rigid social hierarchy that controls it. That doesn't mean that she's averse to breaking a rule or two.

But when her curiosity gets the better of her and she discovers Chase, a new teen locked in a cage in her guardian's basement, and witnesses him turn into a wolf before her eyes, the horrific memories of her parents' murders return. Bryn becomes obsessed with getting her questions answered, and Chase is the only one who can provide the information she needs.

But in her drive to find the truth, will Bryn push too far beyond the constraints of the pack, forcing her to leave behind her friends, her family, and the identity that she's shaped?

This book restored my faith in YA paranormal fiction. Don't get me wrong...I love fantasy, paranormal romance, and if you couldn't tell...I'm addicted to YA books! Lately, though, everything seems to be fitting this genre...published just to get money from the Twilight addicts, I'm sure. Raised by Wolves, though is a great, really, really outstanding addition to this genre.

For as long as I can remember, I have loved books about werewolves. Vampires used to give me nightmares, but I always imagined cozying up (and not in a gross way!!) with a wolf that would later be able to talk to me...so cool! Post-Twilight it seems as if everyone jumped on the vampire/werewolf bandwagon and lots of...let's say, not stellar, books came out.

This book totally stood out from the pack, though. *wink, wink*

Bryn is a strong heroine...which I LOVE. She stubbornly refuses to give in...ever. What she considers hers, she will defend to the death. Even when she is totally outclassed by a bunch of supernaturals! Her connection to Chase was very sudden, but very believable, as they had been hurt in the same ways. Though Bryn isn't technically pack, she was raised to think like a wolf. This gives her insight into the ways that they think and react...and lets them react to her almost as if she could change in an instant.

Her relationship with Callum was so intriguing. I kept being drawn in by his almost fatherly attitude towards her...even when he's keeping enormous secrets from her. His concern for her welfare was always utmost, even when she couldn't see it, and I'm dying to see how things evolve there in Trial by Fire.

This plot twists, excellent characters, and just general shapeshifting fun in this book just really, truly reminded me why I LOVE werewolves and will defend them as a paranormal character over vampires any day!!!

Full disclosure: Purchased and read on my Nook!

Firelight

Firelight
by Sophie Jordan

A hidden truth.
Mortal enemies.
Doomed love.

Marked as special at an early age, Jacinda knows her every move is watched. But she longs for freedom to make her own choices. When she breaks the most sacred tenet among her kind, she nearly pays with her life. Until a beautiful stranger saves her. A stranger who was sent to hunt those like her. For Jacinda is a draki—a descendant of dragons whose greatest defense is her secret ability to shift into human form.

Forced to flee into the mortal world with her family, Jacinda struggles to adapt to her new surroundings. The only bright light is Will. Gorgeous, elusive Will who stirs her inner draki to life. Although she is irresistibly drawn to him, Jacinda knows Will's dark secret: He and his family are hunters. She should avoid him at all costs. But her inner draki is slowly slipping away—if it dies she will be left as a human forever. She'll do anything to prevent that. Even if it means getting closer to her most dangerous enemy.
(description taken from Amazon.com)

OMG! This book is SMOKIN' hot! I want book two...NOW!

Whew. I love Sophie Jordan's steamy adult romances, too. It's funny...when I first got this book, I was stoked. The cover is GORGEOUS. The main character is a red-head...and descended from dragons. Awesome, right? Then, I saw that this was Sophie Jordan's YA debut and I was absolutely blown away with excitement!

GO TEAM DRAKI.

Well. Actually reading it...finally...totally lived up to the hype, I am very pleased to say! These draki are really cool characters. Not quite human, not quite dragon, but all around bad-ass. Jacinda is no exception. I love that not only is she the first fire-breather in hundreds of years, but she is also a faster flyer than any other Draki in her pride. Love, love, love a girl who can outdo the boys!

Ahhh...the pride. My only complaint about this book...and it's not so much a complaint as a need to read more...IMMEDIATELY... :) ...is that you don't get to see too much about the actual pride's homeland in this book. I am stoked to read book two and hopefully get to see a lot more of Draki in their actual habitats.

Meanwhile, as Jacinda is thrown to the wolves, oh wait, in this case, humans...she meets Will.
*POTENTIAL SPOILERS* A reluctant hunter, Will is drawn to Jacinda, just as she cannot seem to stay away from him. He brings out the Draki in her. Without Will, her Draki may just die...killing the part of her that feels most alive.

Whew. Talk about sizzling romance in YA? This book is it. Every scene where these two are just kissing...and I mean, just kissing...practically scorches the pages. Fantastically hot romance. *le sigh. This is how to do tortured, Romeo and Juliet-esque love.

Want a book to heat up your fall as the temperature drops? Pick this one up!

Full disclosure: ARC received at BEA 2010

The Strangely Beautiful Tale of Miss Percy Parker

The Strangely Beautiful Tale of Miss Percy Parker
by Leanna Renee Hieber

Six young men and women are called to protect the living world from the dead in Hieber's Gothic romance debut. Mysterious powers give Alexi and his peers the mission of keeping the restless dead in line and seeking a prophesied seventh guardian. Miss Percy Parker, an albino orphan with a talent for languages, fills none of their expectations, but Alexi is drawn to her all the same. Hieber draws Victorian London as beautiful and grim, with depictions of Jack the Ripper as a nightmarish many-headed hound alongside charming descriptions of the Athens Academy, Percy's boarding school, and Greek mythology that smartly draws together various elements of the story. (description taken from Publisher's Weekly)

I picked this book up after reading a blog review about it and becoming intrigued. It sounded like a fantastic, almost steampunkish paranormal romance.

It was well written. I like Hieber's style; It's fluid and lyrical. Percy Parker is a great character, as is her love interest Alexi. My favorite characters, though, actually turned out to be two of the secondary characters who were exceedingly well drawn. Though this book didn't really turn out to be what I'd expected, it has a very novel mythology.

*Spoiler Alert* Percy is the reincarnation of the Roman goddess Persephone, parted from her love when Hades takes her, attempting again to find him...and save the world. The Ripper was an awesome hell-hound type demon that terrorized London.

It was an awesome blend of history and mythology. The fantasy is light, but thoroughly entertaining. This was not my favorite book, but it was good.

Dead is Just a Rumor

Dead is Just a Rumor
by Marlene Perez
Dead is series, book four

As the creepy little town of Nightshade prepares to celebrate its 200th anniversary - on Halloween, of course - many of its paranormal residents are receiving mysterious blackmail letters. Psychic teen Daisy Giordano and her sisters set out to find out who is behind the threats. But launching an investigation isn't easy for Daisy with her overprotective father watching her every move. Though she's happy to have him back after the years he spent being held captive by an anti-paranormal group called the Scourge, Dad is having a difficult time adjusting to home life - and the fact that his little girl is now a senior in high school. He even disapproves of Daisy's boyfriend, Ryan. Can their relationship take the strain? And Daisy's got even more on her plate: A talented amateur chef, she has won cooking lessons with celebrity chef Circe Silvertongue. After nosing around (with a little help from Circe's pet pig), Daisy begins to suspect the temperamental chef's secrets aren't only in her ingredients...
(description taken from Amazon.com)

I love this series. They are fun, quick to read paranormal mysteries. This newest one involves blackmail, ghostly writings, a pet pig, and an awesome semi-alive jukebox. Not only is each mystery fun in itself, but in every book a little more of the history of Nightshade is revealed. It was really cool to see more come out about the town while they were preparing for the anniversary party.

Daisy is a fun character. She is funny, nice, smart, and yet believable...because she's also somewhat short-tempered and hasn't quite learned to control her temper (and thus her telekenesis) yet. Her best friend, Samantha, her boyfriend, Ryan, and each of her family members are also great characters.

All in all, these are books that I can't wait to get my hands on. When does book five come out??

Full disclosure: egalley received from publisher via netgalley.

"Girls Who Could Definitely Kick My Butt" ARC Giveaway

I love books with strong female protagonists. My reviews will prove that over and over...and over. Yet, what's even better is a girl who's tough and flawed. Someone real. No cyborgs, please!

So in honor of my love for kick-butt heroines, I've decided to do a "Girls Who Could Definitely Kick My Butt" ARC Giveaway. I have three awesome books to make up this package deal.


Paranormalcy by Kiersten White
Evie's always thought of herself as a normal teenager, even though she works for the International Paranormal Containment Agency, her ex-boyfriend is a faerie, she's falling for a shape-shifter, and she's the only person who can see through paranormals' glamours.
But Evie's about to realize that she may very well be at the center of a dark faerie prophecy promising destruction to all paranormal creatures. So much for normal.
(see my review here)


Sisters Red by Jackson Pearce
Scarlett March lives to hunt the Fenris- the werewolves that took her eye when she was defending her sister Rosie from a brutal attack. Armed with a razor-sharp hatchet and blood-red cloak, Scarlett is an expert at luring and slaying the wolves. She's determined to protect other young girls from a grisly death, and her raging heart will not rest until every single wolf is dead.
Rosie March once felt her bond with her sister was unbreakable. Owing Scarlett her life, Rosie hunts ferociously alongside her. But even as more girls' bodies pile up in the city and the Fenris seem to be gaining power, Rosie dreams of a life beyond the wolves. She finds herself drawn to Silas, a young woodsman who is deadly with an ax and Scarlett's only friend - but does loving him mean betraying her sister and all that they've worked for?
(see my review here)


Devil's Kiss by Sarwat Chadda
There is nothing to fear but fear itself...and Billi SanGreal.
As the youngest and only female member of the Knights Templar, Bilquis SanGreal grew up knowing she wasn't normal. Instead of hanging out at the mall or going on dates, she spends her free time training as a soldier in her order's ancient battle agianst the Unholy.
Billi's cloistered life is blasted apart when her childhood friend, Kay, returns from Jerusalem, gorgeous and with a dangerous chip on his shoulder. He's ready to reclaim his place in Billi's life, but she's met someone new: amber-eyed Michael, who seems to understand her like no one else, effortlessly claiming a stake in her heart.
But the Templars are called to duty before Billi can enjoy the pleasant new twist to her life. One of the order's ancient enemies has resurfaced, searching for a treasure that the Templars have protected for hundreds of years - a cursed mirror powerful enough to kill all London's firstborn. To save her city from catastrophe, Billi will have to put her heart aside and make sacrifices greater than any of the Templars could have imagined.
(see my review here)

The women that lead the stories in each of these books are brave, strong, self-confident...well, mostly, and in general just kick butt!! In the spirit of rockin' sisterhood, I want to pass these along to inspire other readers.

To enter the ARC giveaway, just leave a comment on this post stating which of the three you want to read the most (though the lucky winner will get all three!) with your email address by Thursday, August 5th. You must live in the United States so that I can ship the books to you. You will get one extra entry if you are a follower of my blog. I will randomly draw one winner on Friday, August 6th and email you directly to get your address for shipping. Good Luck!!

Insatiable

Insatiable
by Meg Cabot

Sick of hearing about vampires? So is Meena Harper.

But her bosses are making her write about them anyway, even though Meena doesn't believe in them. Not that Meena isn't familiar with the supernatural. See, Meena knows how you're going to die. (Not that you're going to believe her. No one ever does.)

But not even Meena's precognition can prepare her for what happens when she meets - then makes the mistake of falling in love with - Lucien Antonescu, a modern-day prince with a bit of a dark side. It's a dark side a lot of people, like an ancient society of vampire hunters, would prefer to see him dead for.

The problem is, Lucien's already dead. Maybe that's why he's the first guy Meena's ever met whom she could see herself having a future with. See, while Meena's always been able to see everyone else's future, she's never been able to look into her own. And while Lucien seems like everything Meena has ever dreamed of in a boyfriend, he might turn out to be more like a nightmare.

Now might be a good time for Meena to start learning to predict her own future...If she even has one.
(description taken from Amazon.com)

I really enjoyed the tongue in cheek humor in this book. With all the "Team Edward," "Bite Me!," and more vampire hoopla going on in YA lit right now, I was almost dreading another vampire book. However...Meg Cabot. I had to check it out!

I was glad I did. For all that, yes, this was a vampire romance, it was also a little snarky and funny and well-worth the read! Meena almost jumped off the page at me, and though Lucien wasn't exactly what I would have fallen for, his vampire hunter counterpart...oh, yes, I'll take me one of those, please! Both men, (and even Meena's brother) were some smoldering hot examples of hunkiness.

The star-crossed lovers, the epic battle between two rival factions (hmmm...more than one actually - vamps vs. vamps and vamps vs. vamp hunters), and the psychic abilities of the heroine are all familiar territory, but Cabot delivers them with a new veneer. A certain epic panash that made me immediately want another book.

I would love to see where it all goes from here.

Soulless

Soulless
by Gail Carriger
The Parasol Protectorate, book one

Alexia Tarabotti is laboring under a great many social tribulations. First, she has no soul. Second, she's a spinster whose father is both Italian and dead. Third, she was rudely attacked by a vampire, breaking all standards of social ettiquette.

Where to go from there? From bad to worse apparently, for Alexia accidentally kills the vampire - and then the appalling Lord Maccon (loud, messy, gorgeous, and werewolf) is sent by Queen Victoria to investigate.

With unexpected vampires appearing and expected vampires disappearing, everyone seems to believe Alexia is responsible. Can she figure out what is actually happening to London's high society? Will her soulless ability to negate supernatural powers prove useful or just plain embarassing? Finally, who is the real enemy, and do they have treacle tart? (taken from back jacket copy)

This is paranormal romance at its finest. This is steampunk at its finest. This is the best combination of the two that I have come across yet! I LOVED the start of this new series and kicked myself that I did not read this book sooner.

Alexia is my favorite kind of heroine. Determined, intelligent, independent, resourceful, yet still vulnerable. I love that she carries a specially ordered parasol for protection. I love that she can be snarky with the head London Werewolf. You have to love that chutzpah!!

Lord Maccon, Conall, is one sexy beast...and yes, I do mean that almost literally. He is an Alpha Werewolf and he wants nothing more than to have Alexia for his own. His second, Professor Lyall, cracked me up...balancing propriety with scientific advancement and practicality to assist his Alpha in all aspects of pack life.

What made this great steampunk is the setting and descriptions. Alexia and the others are in Victorian London, complete with hackney carriages, strolls in Hyde Park, going to routs, etc., but they also have dirigibles, exsanguination machines, and many other more advanced scientific machinations. The delicate balance between Alexia's manners, dress, and societal expectations with her bluestocking nature and interest in all the advancements around her pulls readers right into a world that feels natural.

Add to that mix a sprinkling of vampires, werewolves, ghosts, automatons, and more! Ahh, I was in heaven. I cannot wait to read Changeless and Blameless!!

Twice Bitten

Twice Bitten
by Chloe Neill
Chicagoland Vampires, book three

Shapeshifters from across the country are convening in the Windy City, and as a gesture of peace, Master Vampire Ethan Sullivan has offered their leader a very special bodyguard: Merit, Chicago's newest vampire. Merit is supposed to protect the Alpha, Gabriel Keene - and to spy for the vamps while she's at it. Oh, and luckily Ethan's offering some steamy, one-on-one combat training sessions to help her prepare for the mission.

Unfortunately, someone is gunning for Gabriel, and Merit soon finds herself in the line of fire. She'll need all the help she can get to track down the would-be assassin, but everywhere she turns, there are rising tensions between supernaturals - not least between her and a certain green-eyed, centuries old master vampire.
(description taken from Amazon.com)

Let me just say I was stoked, no, beyond stoked to find this on the shelf at my local Borders, since it doesn't officially come out until Tuesday. What a stroke of luck. I rushed home, opened it, and steadily devoured every word! I love this series and every book keeps getting better.

Merit still kicks some major butt and with a great, snarky attitude that I am absolutely 100% behind! Woot. Without giving spoilers, I'll tell you that we get to see a LOT more of the shapeshifters in this one. I especially loved getting to see more Jeff, who happens to be my favorite of ALL the guys. Yes, even including Ethan. I am Team Jeff all the way.

However, I will admit that chapter eight...oh chapter eight...is very, very steamy and well worth reading. No more on that right now...you'll have to read for yourself.

Here there is betrayal, family loyalties that are divided, lust, revenge, jealousy...all the elements that make me flip a page almost faster than I can actually read it! I am so ready for book four to come out...like tomorrow!!

Paranormalcy

Paranormalcy
by Kiersten White


Evie's always thought of herself as a normal teenager, despite the fact that she works for the International Paranormal Containment Agency, her ex-boyfriend is a faerie, she's falling for a shape-shifter, and she's the only person who can see through paranormals' glamours.

But Evie's about to realize that she may very well be at the center of a dark faerie prophecy promising destruction to all paranormal creatures.

So much for normal.
(back cover copy)



I literally jumped up and down and squealed like a little girl when this book came in the mail...you can ask my co-workers! I made a total fool of myself. *Sigh* Oh well...it was TOTALLY worth the humiliation!!


This book was amazing! Sucked me in from the first page. Evie is the new "Buffy," and I love, love, love her! Any girl who carries a pink, bedazzled taser nicknamed "Tasey" totally rocks. Evie is the perfect blend of girly teenager and kick-butt superhero. Oh yeah, and did I mention the "victim" vulnerability that gets added to the mix? This is a fully faceted, intriguing, awe-insipiring character that I would love to see featured in more books.


Her love interest, Lend, the cool water elemental shape-shifter is another great character. Heck, even her ex, Reth, that I hated through most of the book, turned out to be a very, very interesting character...

There were some hot and steamy moments in this book, balanced out by sweet, and scary moments. White wrote a book that I just did not want to put down!


Really all I can say without giving it all away is a.I want to see the awesome golden flames and b. Can I have more PLEASE????


Full disclosure: ARC received from Publisher (Thank you, thank you, thank you!!)

The Body Finder

The Body Finder
by Kimberly Derting

Violet Ambrose is grappling with two major issues: Jay Heaton and her morbid secret ability. While the sixteen-year-old is confused by her new feelings for her best friend since childhood, she is more disturbed by her "power" to sense dead bodies - or at least those that have been murdered. Since she was a little girl, she has felt the echoes the dead leave behind in the world...and the imprints that attach to their killers.

Violet has never considered her strange talent to be a gift; it mostly just led her to find dead birds her cat left for her. But now that a serial killer is terrorizing her small town, and the echoes of the local girls he's claimed haunt her daily, Violet realizes she might be the only person who can stop him.

Despite his fierce protectiveness over her, Jay reluctantly agrees to help Violet find the murderer - and Violet is unnerved by her hope that Jay's intentions are much more than friendly. But even as she's falling intensely in love, Violet is getting closer and closer to discovering a killer...and becoming his prey herself.

I really liked the supernatural twist on this serial killer story. The echoes that Violet gets are really cool because they can be visions, smells, or even sounds. No echo is alike and Derting really changed it up with the different types of echoes that Violet came across.

I love the developing relationship between Jay and Violet. Their crushes on each other are so cute, yet passionate. He is so protective and caring and sweet. Ahhh...a little bit crushworthy!

Though there wasn't a ton of actual traditional mystery/detection going on in the story, since Violet really only relies on her supernatural sense, there were a couple of really good twists and Derting does an excellent job building suspense throughout the story.

Shadow of the Moon

Shadow of the Moon
by Rachel Hawthorne
The Dark Guardians, book 4

I can feel every shifter's emotions except Daniel's - the only one whose heart I long to know.

Hayden was born a werewolf, a Dark Guardian. But her ability to sense the feelings of fellow werewolves has made her life unbearable. She runs away, only to be tracked by charming, mysterious Daniel, a newcomer to the pack and the one Shifter immune to her powers. As she reluctantly follows him home, Hayden feels herself falling dangerously in love...

But even as her feelings for Daniel deepen, Hayden begins to wonder if he is who he claims to be. Where did he come from and why has no one ever seen him transform? When they stumble upon the body of a Shifter still in wolf form, her worries grow. Someone is killing her kind. Is her handsome tracker really a hunter? And is Hayden now his prey?

I love this series. I really, really do...they are short, sweet, and even though somewhat predictable, they are fantastic to fall into!

So far, honestly, this is my favorite of the series. I really loved the first, Moonlight, but this newest book has not only the wonderful Dark Guardian werewolves, but other shifters, secrets, and one steamy romance!!

If you haven't read this series yet, you should run out right now and grab book 1. Seriously!