Written in Red

Written in Red by Anne Bishop
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

It is difficult to find a shifter book that I like, but when I do its always awesome! This one is so unique in its world building. The terra indigene are the world's oldest inhabitants. No one really knows how they came to be, but everyone knows to stay away. There are many theories on the terra indigene, but no outsider knows the truth. Some say that the terra indigene evolved so that they could have a human form, but their animal forms are always right beneath the surface ready to pounce.

The terra indigene aren't animals who turn into humans or humans who turn into animals. They really are something unknown that learned to change into a human shape because it studied them. They gained something from the human form, whether it was standing upright or having the convenience of fingers and thumbs, just like they gained something from the animal forms they absorbed.

Shifters, Vampires, Elementals, and the Unknown; all of which have no ounce of empathy for the humans. These are not you storybook shapeshifters. These shifters are more inclined to their animal side. They are nowhere near human. No, these creatures eat humans for breakfast. Literally. After all, Humans are just meat. That is until Meg Corbyn comes into their lives and even the terra indigene don't know what to make of this odd woman.

The POV changes, but not for very long periods of time that it is irksome. Surprisingly, I enjoyed the changing POC, which is something you will seldom hear me say. But I think the side characters are what really made this book. I just loved the characters so much! There's Meg, Simon, Sam, Jester, Tessa, Winter, Henry, Vlad, Nathan, Erebus, Jake, Blair, Jenni, Monty, the list goes on! I have formed emotional attachments to all, so I will be deeply crushed if any die within the next books :/

I will say that Tessa is probably my favorite character. You know she's a badass, but you never really know her level of badass... She's such a mystery, yet we slowly learn more about her and her rare, unknown abilities.

I also loved the side story with Sam. He's so flipping cute! I could just image him in his little Pup form prancing around the Liaison's office. Puppies are clearly my weakness.

This book has all of my ingredients for a great book. Its mature, funny, and gory! I just love this world and the characters in it. They learn to tolerate humans and love Meg. There are so many funny scenes but here's a preview of one of my favorites:

Simon walked into the front office of the Liaison's Office and stared at the Wolf curled up on...
"What is that?" he asked, stomping snow off his boots as he stepped toward Nathan.
Mine, Nathan relied.
"How did it get to be yours?"
I am guarding, so it is mine. Giving Simon a smug look, Nathan added, I got cookies too.

View all my reviews

2015 in Review

2015 on Goodreads by Various
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I'm a bit late posting on my blog, but this has been on my Goodreads page since January.

Average rating: 3.52 stars

In 2014, I realized I had lost my reading-vibe. With college starting in fall, I thought reading would
have to be pushed aside in order to keep up with the demands of classes. Let’s just say that semester has been my worst since… i have come to realize reading is my stress reliever and relaxant. My 2015 New Year’s resolution was to read more, and I exceed my goal ten fold. I am currently reading my 200th book of the year, and hope to finish before the year is through. Since that dreaded first semester, I have gotten straight A’s and I don’t plan on changing a single thing. Thanks to Goodreads i have been able to connect with people like me, and I am grateful for all the friends I have acquired this past year. My love for reading is stronger than ever; I have Goodreads to thank!

Here’s a brief summary of this reading year!<

I have about a 10% success rate with ARCs. I received about 30 but only had five 4&5 star reads, but a lot of lower ratings :(


On the bright side, I won my first giveaway!


On the sad side, a few series came to an end unfortunately. They came to an end, but will stay forever in our hearts.


Here are a bunch of my favorite 5 stars of the year!


Phew. That was a lot! I found some awesome books this year and thanks to everyone who gave recommendations! It's crazy to look back at those books I read in the early part of the year and think 'That was this year?!' I already want to reread the Shatter Me series and the Ruthless People series. Maybe I should make it an annual thing?

In keeping with my resolution, next year my goal is to read 201 books (one more than this year)

View all my reviews

The Air He Breathes

The Air He Breathes by Brittainy C. Cherry
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

They all warned me about Tristan, begging me to stay away. ‘He’s an asshole, he’s wild, and he’s broken, Liz,’ they would say. ‘He’s nothing but the ugly scars of his yesterdays,’ they swore. But what they didn’t see, what they chose to ignore was the fact that I was also a little wild, a bit crazy, and completely shattered too.

Wow. Just wow. This book was so emotionally raw. I don't think I have ever experienced such real emotions while reading. Not that I never cry while reading, but this was different. I would find myself crying one moment, and laughing the very next. And when I cried it was either gut wrenchingly sad moments or ones so happy that they make you heart hurt.

I love that the author hit every point on people being judgmental. Everyone does it. But you shouldn’t judge someone based on their appearance. I hate gossipers, and those like the group of women who think they are living life perfectly. Newsflash: not one life is the same, and you have no way of knowing the truth of another’s life unless you crawl inside their’s. Clearly Tristan was an asshole to everyone, but that was just his way of pushing people away and staying alone. But when a kindred spirit brushes yours, you can’t help but feel drawn to them. Because finally someone shares your pain.

”Everyone in this town is afraid of me. Do I scare you Elizabeth?” He whispered, his breaths brushing against my lips.
“No.”
“Why not?”
“Because I see you.”

This author is quickly becoming one of my new favorites. I did’t realize this was the same author as Loving Mr Daniels, which has been sitting on my tar shelf for quote some time after the recommendation from Ash. I will definitely be picking that book up soon, as I have come to love Ms. Cherry’s writing style. Her writing has a way that hits your soul. Who knew I would cry over someone cutting their grass? And she made their real first time seem like the first time they were together. Seriously, there are SO many beautiful quote in this book I want to frame and hang on my quote wall, which is still a work in progress. I didn’t want to give too many quotes away because I like to find them as I read and not beforehand. If you are interested in reading more check out the quote I liked from my review page below!

Also… HOLY HOT COVER, BATMAN!! I mean hot damn!

View all my reviews

Half-Blood

Half-Blood by Jennifer L. Armentrout
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

3.5 stars

Now that I've read both this and Vampire Academy, I can see the resemblance between the two series. I hate comparing books because every one is different from the other in some shape or form, but the first 30% of the book was exactly like VA! However, it did evolve into its own story. I can't quite decide with series is better because I didn't really start to like the VA series until about book 3, but I think Covenant was a better first book. It was more fast pace, and of course it had the classic JLA writing that made it sexy and fun.

Unlike VA, where I had an instant love for Dimitri, I haven't decided between Seth and Aiden. Aiden has the whole warrior-teacher-Dimitri thing going on. The relationship seemed very sudden because the book moved so fast, but its got the forbidden love factor. But Seth, he's a bit more mysterious and unconventional. He's very intriguing and blunt, which I like for him. It makes him a different character. His role and connection to Alex should lead to an interesting continuation of this series. Right now, I like I'm leaning more towards Seth, but I have a feeling by the end of this series Seth's going to end up broken hearted. Just like Adrian.

View all my reviews

Demons in Disguise

Demons in Disguise by A&E Kirk
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Nex, Thugs, and Dead Souls Roll

I see what you did there...

4.5 stars

I loved the new characters. Horus was a hilarious addition and Cristiano was quite yummy. Ayden better watch out because I sense some competitive vibes coming from Armani. Shoot me, but I think Cristiano is way more badass, sexy, and mysterious (it must be the assassin thing).

"Romeo and Juliet?"Cristiano frowned. "Not one of my favorites."
"That's surprising." I gave him a mocking glance. "Considering it's an Italian story and sell of lies, betrayal, murder, and mayhem, I would've though it was right up your alley."

I still wish we would have gotten a few questions answered! Where was Gloria this whole book? Who the hell is the Bellator?! But I do have some thoughts...

P.S. I finally decided my favorite Hex Boys are Jayden and Blake! It will probably change again though lol

"It's just Jayden," she said and kept walking down the hall.
"In our daughter's bed? Half-naked!"
"But it's just Jayden," Mom said. "It doesn't count."
"Thank you, Mrs. Lahey," Jayden said. "I appreciate your vote of confidence in my lack of coitus with your daughter."
Dad's face went slack. "Oh. My. God."
Jayden smiled. "And Mr Lahey, I am also appreciative of your confidence my virility of carnal pursuits with your daughter. Wrong as your conclusion may be, your accusations provide an illogical yet robust appeal to my masculine ego."

Hopefully we find out the approximate time book 4 comes out because I need answers and more Cristiano! <3


View all my reviews

King

King by T.M. Frazier
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

GAWD DAMN that is how you end a book!

This book hit all the marks for me: Sexy, suspenseful, dark, gritty, funny, sweet. Apparently it is possible to have of those rolled into one good book! And by funny I mean laugh out loud! I was reading between classes and got some weird looks. I was just like "Sorry, but Preppy really gets to me!"

Speaking of my Preppy... I have a thing for books with male characters that aren't a love interest. Kind of like Kenji in Shatter Me, Roar in Under the Never Sky, or Aedion Queen of Shadows to make a few. Sorry thats my YA plug for today... But seriously I love that in a book and it is just hard to find in these types or "more adult" books.

My only complaint would be that I predicted some important events of the story.[Preppy's death (they always seem to kill off the funny guys...) & the trade (even though it didn't technically go down) (hide spoiler)]

Also, what kind of people don't look for a loved one when they go missing? That's just fucked up. Book two should be interesting, especially with the damn cliffy. I mean, WTF?!?! Not sure how I feel about that....

This book is packed with great quotes brought to you by the one and only, Preppy.

View all my reviews

December and January Preview!

Happy December! 

I will be combining both my December and January posts in this one. I look forward to catching up on my tar shelf, November did not turn out as well as I had hoped reading-wise. I have so many books sitting on my book shelf just calling my name and yearning to be read. (Seriously, those 20% off Barnes and Noble coupons get me every time, not to mention the awesome deals on Black Friday and Cyber Monday!) I have many unread ebooks, but for winter break I plan to binge on my physical books. There is nothing like cracking open a good book with a nice lit candle, snow falling outside, my puppy curled up next to me, and a hot cup of tea steaming on the side table. Here is the line up for this holiday season:






The Fifth Wave #2





The Iron Fey #4


The Shadow Campaigns #1








Covenant #1


White Rabbit Chronicles #1

December Releases

December 17

Don't judge me. I am not what you see. I am the opposite. -Nadia's lipstick note on Bo's mirror. Indie-rocker Bo Lindgren is worshipped for his looks and musical genius. It's been lonely at the top since his ex left. Bo will never take a girlfriend again though, because he doesn't have the chops to love. He knows he's poison, a heartbreak waiting to happen for anyone he allows too close--like his ex. Bo screws his way through the fangirls until he's sick of it all. Until the dark gaze of Nadia Vidal appears in the door to his dressing room. Saved from an arranged marriage by Jude, the love of her life, Nadia eloped and got married at nineteen. But now, two years later, life is wilted, dead, and not what anyone should have to endure. Nadia, with her secret-keeper eyes and instant understanding of who Bo is, attracts and fascinates him without even trying. The ring gleaming on her finger should keep them apart, but morals can't always resist destiny. When brokenhearted meets heartbreaker, whose heart is really at stake?