Ten years ago, Lorelei's parents disappeared without a trace. Raised by her grandparents and leaning on the support of her best friends, Lorelei is finally beginning to accept the fact that her parents are never coming home. For Lorelei, life goes on.
High school is not quite as painful as she thinks it will be, and things are as normal as they can be. Until the day the school's designated loner, Cameron Lusk, begins to stalk her, turning up where she least expects it, standing outside her house in the dark, night after night. Things get even more complicated when a new guy—terrifying, tough, sexy Jared Kovach—comes to school. Cameron and Jared instantly despise each other and Lorelei seems to be the reason for their animosity. What does Jared know about her parents? Why does Cameron tell Jared he can't have Lorelei? And what will any of them do when Death comes knocking for real? Thrilling, sassy, sexy, and inventive, Darynda Jones's first foray into the world of teens will leave readers eager for the next installment.
Okay, have you read Darynda Jones's adult book, First Grave on the Right? You have? SWEET! You will love this one. For me it was like that kind of story for the YA crowd. You haven't? What is wrong with you??? You need to go pick it up (well, if you are part of the YA crowd, you are excused... the adults... get moving!). Seriously, those that enjoy her adult series will love this one as well.
As her adult series, we also have some hot boys to contend and drool over. Stop right there. No, there is no love triangle (so those that are tired of those may cheer now...) but you may equally drool over each brooding hot boy. Yes, there is romance, but there is only one contender for Lorelei's heart. BTW, I just want to know where these boys were when I went to HS? Anyway...
As with Darynda's other books, there is plenty of humor within this book. Although Lorelei, our main heroine, does get in a few laughs and good quips, it really is the secondary characters, Brooklyn and Glitch. Those 2 will get you to smile even in the thick of things. We would all be so lucky to have true and loving friends as these. They really help make this book.
Hm... and now to the part I thought about including and thought maybe I shouldn't. I don't want to spoil anything, but I think it becomes clear what you are dealing with about 1/2 thorough the book. Well, maybe a bit earlier, but certainty exists then. There is the aspect that our friends are dealing with angels. Now I would suggest to those that have been less than thrilled about the angel books flooding our YA genre, to try this book. I think the fact that our angels have a dark side helps. I mean it is hard to write about a perfect being without any defects. Our angels may seem perfect, but are marred by that darkness and it lends them a bit more interest. Also, yes, there is a religious aspect to the book because of this, but it is not religious at all. It does not seem to conform to any one religion nor is it preachy in any way. Yes, there are "believers" but that is only to a specific aspect to a prophesy that holds to no specific religion. For example, her grandpa is considered a pastor, but it is to a more universal type of crowd not to one religion.
I give this book 4 1/2 stars! I really enjoyed this book. The ending felt abrupt to me and I really wanted it to either be longer or prepare me more for the end. It's not a cliffie nor a true abrupt ending, but I still felt like I wasn't quite ready to leave this world yet. That actually may be a good thing since I really want that next book! :D
I received this book from St. Martin's Griffin and no compensation for my review was given.
Oh and guess what??? St. Martin's Press is allowing me to give away one PB copy of this book! It's US only. To enter, just fill out the rafflecopter form below. Good luck!
A girl with an unknown destiny. A boy from a hidden world. When Celeste starts at a new school in a small, Kansas town, she hears whispering voices, has vivid nightmares, and swarms of blackbirds follow her every move. She is oddly drawn to aloof Rylan, the other new student who has his own secrets. The exact moment she turns seventeen, she wakes to a bedroom full of strange creatures, purple light emanating from her hands, and Rylan breaking in through her bedroom window.
He knows what she is...
First, can I say that I love this cover? Colors are so pretty! Okay, that off my chest, I have to say I did enjoy this fae tale. Many of the elements within the book did surprise me. First, other than the mean popular girl, there were some stereotypes that were turned on it's ear. I really enjoyed that, especially how Celeste's human family came about. I am so happy to see that, since I just love it when people play with perceptions like that. It also didn't expound upon this turning either. It just stated it and moved on. Another point to the author.
I did enjoy the characters. Celeste and Tink were my favorites. I just LOVED Tink. I loved how strong Tink was despite having to deal with prejudice in his past for being gay. Oh and he is such a sweet and loyal bestie, you wonder if he could be friends with you. I also loved Celeste and she complimented him pretty well.
I did have a few minor problems with this book. One was the mean girl. I get how she fit into the story, but the section where she was bulling Celeste just didn't fit in with the story as a whole. I mean I just couldn't feel that intimidated by her when Celeste is fearing fae that could destroy her. You could lift that section out, and I would have liked it more. Also, although in this case I didn't mind the insta-attraction Celeste and Rylan felt for each other (in some ways it made sense), I just didn't feel like I totally trusted him. So, his behavior in the later part of the book gave me pause. Nothing serious, but I would have liked to perhaps really get to know him before I felt our heroine was safe to fall for him.
I give this book 3 stars. It ends with a twist I think you'll like. Even though I thought it could still use a bit of tightening up with editing, it still reads very smoothly and your time goes fast. It's fun read and I do want to know what comes next for Celeste and her friends.
I received this book for the book tour and no compensation for my review was given.
Bloggy note:
Don't forget you can still enter for the PB copy of this book and some great swag! Just go HERE to enter. US only.
Thank you, Melissa, for letting me visit Books and Things! I’m so excited to be here, celebrating the release of PHANTOM SHADOWS, the third book in my Immortal Guardians paranormal romance series! Bastien and Melanie’s story was so much fun to write! I thought today I would give you a glimpse into their characters through a character interview.
In case you’re new to my Immortal Guardians, I’ll just take a moment to explain that the vampires and immortals in my series are both infected with a rare symbiotic virus that produces the increased speed, strength, and regenerative properties, as well as the photosensitivity and need for blood, that both possess. Vampires are humans who have been infected with the virus. They suffer brain damage that causes them to rapidly descend into madness. Immortals are gifted ones, men and women born with advanced DNA, who have been infected with the virus. Their advanced DNA protects them from the madness and bestows upon them special abilities that help them as they hunt the maddened vampires who prey upon humans.
An extensive network of humans aids the immortals, including Seconds (personal guards). Today a Second by the name of Sheldon will be interviewing Melanie and Bastien.
Sheldon: Thanks for sitting down with me for an interview, guys.
Melanie: Thank you for agreeing to do it. I know Chris Reordon often conducts interviews and didn’t think he would be able to . . . get past . . .
Sheldon: The deep-seated hatred he feels for Bastien?
Melanie: Yes.
Sheldon: His desire to kill him?
Melanie: Yes.
Sheldon: His–
Bastien: We get it. First question.
Sheldon: *clears his throat* Right. So. Melanie, how do you like working with vampires on a daily basis? You’re the first mortal to do so for this length of time.
Melanie: It’s been an amazing experience. And a heartbreaking one, too. The vampires surrendered during Bastien’s uprising and were provided with apartments down at network headquarters.
Sheldon: Right across from your office.
Melanie: Yes. It was a difficult adjustment for them, but they’ve settled in nicely and have really advanced our understanding of the virus and the madness it causes.
Sheldon: Were you scared?
Melanie: I was nervous at first. Who wouldn’t be? But, working with them every day, getting to know them . . . They’re friends now. Family. It kills me that I haven’t been able to help them.
Bastien: You HAVE helped them.
Melanie: I haven’t found a cure. And, even if I did and managed to destroy the virus, they would be left with no viable immune system.
Bastien: You’ve helped them, Melanie. In dozens of ways. And, if anyone can find a solution to this, you can.
Sheldon: *nods* That’s what everyone is saying.
Melanie: That’s a lot of pressure.
Bastien: But you’re handling it beautifully.
Sheldon: *smiles* They say that, too. So, what do your colleagues think of your working hands-on with vampires?
Melanie: I don’t really think about that.
Bastien: *snorts* The men are total wusses and make snide comments because they’re too cowardly to do it themselves.
Melanie: You know about that?
Bastien: Yes.
Melanie: How?
Bastien: The walls at the network aren’t soundproof. The vampires hear EVERYTHING that goes on there and passed it along.
Melanie: *nibbles her lower lip* You didn’t . . . do anything . . . did you? To remedy it, I mean? Because there haven’t been any snide comments of late and I’ve been wondering why.
Bastien: I may have held a conversation with Dr. Whetsman and his cronies.
Melanie: *groans* Bastien, what did you do?
Bastien: *innocent look* Nothing . . . *sly smile* . . . that they didn’t deserve.
Sheldon: *laughs as Melanie groans again* You’d better hope Chris Reordon doesn’t find out. He already wants your head on a platter.
Bastien: I’m pretty sure they won’t tell anyone.
Sheldon: I bet they won’t. Now, Bastien, you seem to spend an awful lot of time at the network visiting the, uh, vampires.
Bastien: They’re like brothers to me.
Sheldon: And it’s purely a coincidence that you usually visit during times they’re working with Dr. Lipton?
Bastien: Yes.
Sheldon: Dude, come on. I saw you kiss her.
Bastien: No, you didn’t.
Sheldon: Yes, I–
Bastien: *eyes flash bright amber*
Sheldon: *swallows* No, I didn’t.
Bastien: *nods, eyes returning to their customary warm brown*
Sheldon: Okay, off the record, I did. Note I said OFF THE RECORD, so you don’t have to hurt me.
Bastien: And?
Sheldon: And she didn’t try to stake you, so she must have been willing. Melanie, when did you first realize you had a crush on Satan?
Melanie: *laughs* You love to live dangerously, don’t you? I was intrigued by Bastien before I even met him. The vampires talked about him often in their early days here. Still do, in fact. And I liked what I heard. Once I met him, *sends Bastien a flirtatious glance* I liked what I saw just as much.
Sheldon: Gag. Bastien, when did you first realize you had feelings for Melanie?
Bastien: None of your business.
Sheldon: Good enough.
Melanie: *laughs again* He isn’t what you think he is, Sheldon.
Sheldon: Right.
Melanie: Bastien is a good man, not the monster so many believe him.
Sheldon: He raised an army of psychotic vampires with the intention of destroying all Immortal Guardians.
Melanie: That was just a misunderstanding.
Sheldon: Uh huh. You’re not going to convince me, so I’ll just change the subject. Melanie, rumor has it you can kick some serious ass.
Melanie: *blushes* Not really.
Bastien; Yes, she can. I’ve seen her in action. Melanie can hold her own against vampires, an amazing feat for a mortal.
Sheldon: Really? I thought only Ami could do that.
Melanie: I’m not nearly as good as Ami.
Bastien: Melanie is a superlative warrior.
Sheldon: But, how is that possible? You’re a doctor, not a Second.
Melanie: Chris wouldn’t allow me to work with the vampires unless I could defend myself with as much skill as possible. I underwent extensive training in weapons and martial arts.
Sheldon: That. Is. Hot.
Bastien: Yes, it is.
Sheldon: I love strong women.
Bastien: As do I.
Melanie: *leans into Bastien’s side*
Bastien: *eyes flash a brilliant amber once more*
Sheldon: What just happened?
Melanie: Bastien can feel the emotions of anyone who touches him and is . . . reacting to something he felt when I leaned into him.
Sheldon. Oh. Ohhhhh. Gross. He’s turned on, isn’t he?
Bastien: Interview’s over.
Sheldon: Hell, yes. Melanie, it was nice to see you again. I have the name of a good psychiatrist if you ever want to have your head examined and find out why you like this guy so much.
Bastien: If you don’t want to get an eyeful of my naked ass, I suggest you leave now.
Sheldon: I’m out.
Bastien: And remember, this was off the record.
Sheldon: Far off the record. So far off the record that the record can’t even be–
Bastien: Sheldon.
Sheldon: Right. *hustles out the door*
Bastien: *caresses Melanie’s face* I still don’t know what you see in me.
Melanie: *catches his hand and presses a kiss to his palm* Don’t worry. You will someday.
Phantom Shadows
Dr. Melanie Lipton is no stranger to the supernatural. She knows immortals better than they know themselves, right down to their stubborn little genes. So although a handsome rogue immortal seems suspicious to her colleagues, Sebastien Newcombe intrigues Melanie. His history is checkered, his scars are impressive, and his ideas are daring. But it's not his ideas that have Melanie fighting off surges of desire. . .
Bastien is used to being the bad guy. In fact, he can't remember the last time he had an ally he could trust. But Melanie is different--and under her calm, professional exterior he senses a passion beyond anything in his centuries of experience. Giving in to temptation is out of the question--he can't put her in danger. But she isn't asking him...
Kindle Contest
Don’t miss my big kindle contest! In addition to the giveaway here at Books and Things, I’m giving away THREE Kindles (or Kindle Gift Cards if you already have one) to celebrate the release of PHANTOM SHADOWS. See my website for details.
I hope you’ll enjoy Bastien and Melanie’s story! Thank you for joining us!
Dianne Duvall
Giveaway!
Oh now I hope you see why I enjoyed this one so much. And guess what? Dianne has offered one lucky winner the choice of any Immortal Guardian book! So if you need the first, second or third you can get the one you need! Oh and guess what? It's INTERNATIONAL! Sweet, right? To enter just fill out the rafflecopter form below. Good luck!
Dr. Melanie Lipton is no stranger to the supernatural.She knows immortals better than they know themselves, right down to their stubborn little genes. So although a handsome rogue immortal seems suspicious to her colleagues, Sebastien Newcombe intrigues Melanie. His history is checkered, his scars are impressive, and his ideas are daring. But it’s not his ideas that have Melanie fighting off surges of desire... Bastien is used to being the bad guy. In fact, he can’t remember the last time he had an ally he could trust. But Melanie is different – and under her calm, professional exterior he senses a passion beyond anything in his centuries of experience. Giving in to temptation is out of the question – he can’t put her in danger. But she isn’t asking him...
Oh yes! One of my favorite vampire series is back! This time we get the story of Bastien. I really wanted this story. I mean it's the most annoying, cynical, obnoxious immortal of the bunch! How could I resist? I know wanting to alternately kick the guy's arse and simultaneously aww at his reluctant romance will get to you as well. Plus, Bastien has probably the biggest soft sides of all of them. He constantly worries about the ones he loves having problems because of their association with him. Can I get an awwww? ;)
Not only do we have the romance of Melanie and Bastien, but we also have a lot of action to keep us interested. In fact, these mercenaries they are up against might be human, but they are quite evil. They don't care who or what they have to destroy to obtain their goal. Even in the end I have to question the completeness of that evil. I suspect we will see the ramifications of the immortals fight with these humans in other sinister ways.
I give this book 4 1/2 stars. It's a series I suggest you read in order. It is best that way to get a feel for all the characters. And while this book is complete, several threads remain open including one that I hope gets a happy ending! We also get introduced to a few new characters and I'm anxious about how they will fit in the scheme of things. Oh yea... I want the next ASAP! :D So, if you like romance, action and obnoxious vampires do pick up this series. I think you will enjoy it. I received this ARC from the author and no compensation for my review was given.
Bloggy note:
Do come back tomorrow for a blog post and giveaway from the author!!
Jane Eliot wears an iron mask. It’s the only way to contain the fey curse that scars her cheek. The Great War is five years gone, but its scattered victims remain—the ironskin. When a carefully worded listing appears for a governess to assist with a "delicate situation"—a child born during the Great War—Jane is certain the child is fey-cursed, and that she can help. Teaching the unruly Dorie to suppress her curse is hard enough; she certainly didn’t expect to fall for the girl’s father, the enigmatic artist Edward Rochart. But her blossoming crush is stifled by her own scars, and by his parade of women. Ugly women, who enter his closed studio...and come out as beautiful as the fey. Jane knows Rochart cannot love her, just as she knows that she must wear iron for the rest of her life. But what if neither of these things is true? Step by step Jane unlocks the secrets of her new life—and discovers just how far she will go to become whole again.
This is a retelling of Jane Eyre. I usually enjoy those and found myself having fun putting together the people of the classic book to the one's in this book. The characters do have similarities, but there are major differences. In this book, there was a war with the Fae and our Jane is not plain, but injured in a fae attack. One that disfigured her face and gave her a curse from the fae. She tries to deflect both with an iron mask. Like the other Jane, it is her preoccupation with her beauty (or lack of it) that dominates some of her internal strife although it is much more pronounced in this book. However, it is her internal strength of spirit that endures all types of hardship that also stays the same and gives us our heroine.
The slight changes in the characters, especially Edward, I enjoyed. I admittedly never did understand why Jane fell so hard for someone who treated her so oddly, but there was a bit more explanation of Edward's behavior as to why he treated her thusly. Still, there were times when I thought Jane should wash her hands of Edward because he also inspired her weakness within this tale. In the end I was glad that Edward captured her heart and I hope he earns it in the next book in this series in a more earnest way.
I had some problems within this book. One was that the fae had to take over bodies to exist in this realm. I didn't quite get how that would work if they were killed by iron and we have iron in our blood. It would negate some of the ways to kill the fae while in our bodies. Apart from that, I have to also say that I was disappointed in the ending. One that I will not reveal, but my disappointment comes from the philosophy of masks we wear and who we are despite our outer coverings. A philosophy that could have fully been realized but was weakened by the ending. There were also other philosophical directions it could have gone, but the work decidedly didn't stray far from the shallows.
I give this book 3 1/2 stars. I enjoyed this retelling of Jane Eyre and I'm curious as to where this series will go next. I may be disappointed in failed philosophy, but I fully admit that is personal and does not fully deflect from my enjoyment of the whole book as entertainment. It ended up being quite entertaining to me.
I received this eARC from NetGalley and Tor and no compensation for my review was given.
