Little Miss Sunshine

“I, for one, am ready for a lot more adventure and a lot less nothing.”


If I could give this more than 5 stars, I totally would! I don't even know where to start with this review. I'm surprised by how much I loved this book. It was my first Time Travel book I've ever read and I'm quite blown away by the impact it had on me. I've watched those types of movies and they are great. But I didn't think they would be this amazing to read.

Well, it was. I saw this going around on my newsfeed from friends that I check reviews daily, and when I saw their reviews for this book, and the high rating, I knew I'd love it just as much. And I so did.

Bennett and Anna are not supposed to meet.

But they do.

They're not supposed to fall in love.

But they did.

And now, they must face a difficult life. Anna is 16, in her life. She's in the year 1995 in Illinois. Bennett is 17, in his life. He's in the year 2012 in San Francisco, California. He's a time traveler. He's on a mission to find his sister, Brooke who he lost while they were time traveling and at a Pearl Jam concert. But when he comes to Evanston, Illinois to search for her, he meets Anna. He doesn't ever go anywhere for a long period of time, he doesn't ever stay.

“I don’t stay anywhere. I visit. I observe. I leave. I don’t ever stay.”

But just like real life, things don't always go as planned. And Bennett ends up staying at Evanston longer, going to school and taking care of his grandmother. But really, he's just there because of Anna. He doesn't want to leave.

I...You're...You're amazing, Anna. And I love your passion to travel the world, but I have to admit, I don't completely get it. When I look around at this 'normal' life you're so eager to leave, I don't see boring or predictable-I see friends who love you and a family that would make any sacrifice for your happiness. I see the kind of security I've never had and always wanted. I may have given you access to the world I know best, but you and your family have given me a world that doesn't exist on a map."

When Anna finds out about Bennett and what he can do, she doesn't freak out. Not really. She finds it amazing, spectacular. It's been a dream to travel the world and see places she can only read about. Bennett makes some of her dreams come true.

I start to say yes. But then I stop. I look around at the water, at the rocks and the cliffs and the mountains that serve as a backdrop. And suddenly I don't want to be in Paris. I don't want to be anywhere else but here.

But things are complicated. He's playing with fate. He can time travel. But he can also erase an event and change it completely. It might be for a good cause, but it might not be a good thing later on. He's changed little things, and eventually, it leads to changing big things. He's not supposed to be anywhere for long. And he can be sent back to his time without warning.

But Anna and Bennett are determined to defy it all. Their love is sweet and innocent and beautiful and strong enough that it could work. They just have to remember that they're not strangers, for the next time they meet. And they do meet. Again. And again. And each time, they remember. During the time they're together, they make memories. They keep mementos, and it's SO sweet and heart-melting. Their love is pure and genuine and really perfect.

Can they defy fate? Can they keep their love alive, even when they're from two different times?

I would recommend this series to anyone. Honestly, I was worried at first. It was a little confusing in the beginning and I wasn't sure if I would get it. But I did. It got unconfusing quick and it was very enjoyable.

I loved Anna and Bennett! They were amazing characters. Both together and on their own. Bennett was such a sweet and amazing soul. He was caring and romantic and heart-melting. I loved his speeches. I loved how he let her into his world, and how he trusted her. Of course, it took a while and he was hesitant. But when he let her in and saw that she wasn't put off by what he can do, he was perfect. His little mishap with the car made me bust out in hysterics...but then when her parents made fun of him, I felt bad for him.

"It's okay. We like that around here, Bennett." Dad says. "Now we have something we'll never let you live down."

He was a trooper though. I could feel his love for Anna and the way he was determined to take her to places she's always wanted to go. It was pretty awesome! Anna was a great heroine. She's innocent and young, and maybe a little naive. But then again, she's only 16. We're all naive at that age. Still, she was so excited about Bennett's ability and loved being apart of that world with him. Although, at one point, I was a little ticked off at her. I felt she was being selfish when she asked him to do something that was very risky. And I'm still worried, it'll backfire in Time After Time. I guess I'll have to wait and see. But other than that deal, I was very happy with Anna. She was a great character, with so much passion and heart. Together they made a great couple, one that you can't help but root for a good ending. And towards the end, I was heartbroken for them both and worried and couldn't help but fear for what would happen.

Thankfully, it worked out. I loved the ending. It was so bittersweet. I cried happy and relieved tears. And tears for the fact that Bennett is so swoony and amazing! He's definitely a favorite book boyfriend. I loved Anna's parents. And Emma...and her British accent. Even Justin was great...except for that small scene at the end, I was a little irritated with him. But I guess, it worked out okay. Bennett's grandmother, Maggie was great too. I hope to see her more in the next book. She's a great lady, and even though, she doesn't know what's going on around her, she's cool.

Overall, this book was fantastic and a fun adventure! I'm so glad I took a chance on it. I'm glad I bought the book in paperback, even though it's also on my kindle. But those covers are gorgeous. They deserve a spot on my already cluttered favorites shelf. I hope more people read this lovely YA series. It won't disappoint.

**Updated Review**

So I've had more time to process this book...and the worst cliffhanger ending in the history of cliffhangers. 

I loved it! I really did. I still wished I'd waited. I can't take it back. But it was still as awesome and heart-pounding as Unbecoming. But I'm left with more questions than answers and that sucks. I hate that we have to wait. For 8 months. But I'm lucky I picked this up now, as opposed to last year when it first released...since those readers will have had to wait almost 2 years for the ending. Gah! Still. It sucks either way! 

Now. If you don't mind cliffhangers that make you wish you could cut your eyes out, by all means, pick this book up and suffer. But if you're like me, and can't deal with cliffies...for longer than a couple months, DO NOT READ THIS BOOK!!!! 

Seriously. Wait. Until. Right before the next book is out. 

Now, like I said, this book was awesome. So fucking intense, I felt I was in a mental hospital. So much shit happens. So many new theories arise. So many more questions go unanswered. But the characters are still awesome.
I love Daniel. He's such an amazing big brother. It's funny, because I have an older brother named Daniel( he goes by Danny) and he's always been my protector, best friend. So I loved seeing his love for Mara. He's funny and sarcastic. And one scene in particular, he had me crying ugly tears. His heart is gold. Ah! I love him!!! 
Jamie was really kickass too. I've always enjoyed his wit and asshole tendencies. He's much more angry in this book. And with reason too. After the shit that went down in Unbecoming, I can understand it. But we learn more about him...and his sister too.
I love Mara's parents and little brother. I feel bad they have to see their daughter so troubled. They don't believe her in ways, and I get it. But it still breaks my heart for them that they have to make tough choices regarding her well-being. It's every parents nightmare.
I loved Mara. She really faces a lot of bull shit. But she faces fears and tries to fight. To protect those she loves. I'd hate to be in her shoes. But damn did I wanna shake her at times. She was too scared when it came to her and Noah. That made me crazy. Still, I understood her. I only hope she fucks shit up in the last book and gets her revenge...
Noah. Oh. I can't even. No. I have no words. No. Words. Only tears. He was more than perfect in Evolution. Fuck! He was. He really was. God. I love that boy. Son of a bitch. I'll shut up. 

I won't even talk about who I hate. 

Anyway, this book was great...minus the end. But I still wish I never bought it yet. I can't give this book less than 5 stars...it was too awesome...mind-fuckery. But amazing nonetheless.

GOD. DAMMIT.

Well, at this point, I'm pretty sick. I sobbed my eye balls out and then threw up. I can't even...I don't know what to think. I finally stopped crying and stopped my nails from digging into my palms and drawing blood. I stopped shaking. But inside I'm still pretty much dying...no dead. I'm dead inside.

I can't rate or properly review this book. I've never...no, not since Bloodrose, have I been so infuriated with a book. I know this is not the end which is why I won't rate or review this book because things may be different once the end is concluded. And god damn it to hell I hope it is, because otherwise...I don't even know.

Until that last chapter, I loved the book pretty fiercely. My heart was up in my throat through the entire thing. But yeah, I can't. I'm about to go total mind-fucking crazy right now. It was brutal. And it was intense. And damn does this author have incredible writing. Every emotion known to human-kind surfaced. But I was feeling them all at the same time in every scene. And they were simultaneous.

I wish I could unread this book. I want to cut my eyes out and feed them to my cat. I want new unseeing eyes...until Retribution of Mara Dyer is out. But I have to wait until JUNE of 2014.
FUCK ME.

I'm out.

What. The. Actual. Fuck.?????

I'm gonna say that ending somehow did not surprise me. I was getting small hints but I kept second-guessing myself. I thought I was right and then I thought I was wrong. Then I thought maybe I was right all along. Then it didn't make sense. Then...then...then... Lather. Rinse. Repeat. Through the whole damn book.

Holy. Shit. 

I was right. I wished I was wrong because now I'm pissed. I can't believe that . Gah!!!

This book was so fucking awesome! I started it yesterday afternoon and by the time I went to bed I was at 90%. I couldn't put this bitch down. I didn't want to. It was so damn addicting. The story was crazy mind-fuckery but I felt compelled to unravel the mystery behind who Mara Dyer was. I loved it! It was a puzzle that needed solving. Damn was my mind racing with so much junk, I couldn't quite decipher what was true. Ah! Brilliant.

Let me just talk about Noah Shaw. Holy sexual magnetism that boy produced. He was such an arrogant asshat in the beginning, but I still loved him. His witty, quirky, banter he'd throw out...it was hilarious. Some thought he was a manwhore. Yeah well, he was that too. I don't care. I don't fucking care. He was awesome!! He was kind. He was charming. He was understanding. He'd felt pain and loss in his life. But he changed once he met and spent more time with Mara. They were so good together. She made him good. So therefore, I. Don't. Care. He's reached one of my top fave YA boys. Yep. Oh boy, just his name makes my insides turn to jello. Noah. Shaw. Yummy yum!! 

I loved Daniel. Mara's sweet and loving older brother. He rocked! He was always there for her. He covered for her when she would skip school or when she first started going out with Noah. He was just badass. Everyone wants an older brother that would take the blame first to protect you from getting in trouble. There was already so much Mara was dealing with, I was glad she had him. Yeah, he rocked. Joseph was adorable too. 

And now...now I need the sequel. This sucks! I still can't believe that ending. Gah! My head hurts. Seriously. I've got the worst migraine ever and it was due to lack of sleep. But that's not unusual. Still. It sucks. But what the fuck ever. For Noah, I'll suffer!!!!

Seriously, I'm kicking myself for putting this book off for so long. I've wanted to read it since last year but hesitated. Why? Who the fuck knows. I was dumb. If you have doubts...go against them. This book is worth it. Read it. It needs more attention. Amazing!!!

My Review

So, Mara Dyer is a 16 year old who just survived an accident where her 3 friends died from a building of an asylum (in which they've spent hours trying to record some supernatural occurrences) have collapsed on them. But Mara wakes up in the hospital and she can't remember what happened. Her parents move them to a new town in Florida, away from her old life in Rhode Island. She hopes to move on with her life, start over at a new school, make new friends. 

But her life is nothing if not complicated from then on. She has hallucinations, sees things that aren't there, has panic attacks in the middle of school, in public, and soon her life begins to unravel. Especially when she sees the ghosts of her dead friends.

When she goes to the doctor and therapy, she is prescribed medicine to keep her hallucinations away. And it works. For a little while. But things only get worse. Far worse. And I don't envy her a bit. Her life sucks ass. It's scary and dangerous. Well, when she meets Noah Shaw who is different than he appears, I might be envious. Just a bit. But who isn't?! He's hot, funny, sarcastic, arrogant, assholish...at least at first. But soon, he changes. When he and Mara get closer, things start to get all fucked up. He has secrets of his own that might rival Mara's. Or it tie with it. Hell I don't know. Lets just say, they have a lot in common. And they learn they need each other. Noah knows about her secrets, dark and disturbing secrets, yet he still wants to be with her. He wants to help her. But can she be helped?!

It's hard to say. But he'll do anything to help her. Because he loves her. Gah! He's so caring and sweet. And the sexual tension and heat between them is explosive. There wasn't any sex in this book...barely any romance really. But I didn't care. It was amazing anyway. Because the story itself was enough to make up for it. And of course Noah. He alone made this book worth reading. I get what the hype around him was about. And I fell into the "I love Noah fucking Shaw" group. Oh yeah. Sue me. He came off as douchy but he wasn't. Not to me. It's what's on theinside that matters...not the outside. Haha okay, that sounded cliche. But what the fuck ever. You get my point.

I do wanna say...I HATE Anna and Aiden. Those mother fuckers should suffer for what they did. I liked Jamie, he was the only friend, besides Noah, that Mara made at her new school. He was sweet and a great distraction for her. And those bitches ruined it. Gah! I hope they get their asses handed to them in the sequel. Seriously. 

Okay, so I just had to add a little to this all-over-the-place review. I loved this book and so glad I finally read it!!! It was definitely worth the lack of sleep.

~5 Aether Shining Stars~

I can't believe how good this was. My heart was pounding during so many scenes. My mind was screaming in terror or suspense for Roar, Aria and Perry. It was such an intense journey, that I felt torn between both Aria and Perry most of the time. My heart broke for Roar and Liv. I wanted to strangle Hess and Sable. I wanted to leap into the book and comfort Roar and Perry both equally. Both of those boys really captured my heart just as immensely in this book as they did in Under the Never Sky and Talon and Cinder both had me in awe of their young innocence, and their hold they both have on Perry. 

This was a stunning sequel to a spectacular Dystopian series. I thought I'd love this just as much, but I reallyloved this book So. Much. More. The world building was just as enticing and intriguing as it was vivid and captivating. I have so much love for this world and the characters even moreso.

Through the Ever Night picks up right where Under the Never Sky left off. With Aria and Perry reunited after months of separation. It was a beautiful reunion.

Perry held her against him. "I missed you," he whispered in her ear. He couldn't hold her close enough. "I should never have let you go. I missed you so much." 

But it was short lived. With Perry now as the Blood Lord of his newfound tribe, taking Vale's place, his people are not happy that Perry's taken in a Dweller. A mole. They argue and gossip behind her back, making her feel out of place, like she doesn't belong there. Even though she's half Outsider too, they don't care. Nothing will change how they feel about her being there. Perry has a tight ship to run, and these are his people. He's never considered how difficult life as the Blood Lord would be, considering everyone listened to Vale without question. Even when Vale showed his lack of consideration for his people, sacrificing for the wrong reasons. Perry always had everyone's best interest at heart. The only other one who's happy to see Aria is Roar.

A second later, Roar blew into the house in a dark flash. "Finally!" he bellowed. He wrapped Aria into a hug, lifting her off the ground. "What took you two so long? Don't answer that." He glanced at Perry. "I think I know." He set her down and then clasped Perry's hand. "Good you're back, Per." 

Roar and Aria have such a wonderful connection in this book. They grow closer, a fond closeness that both of them need throughout the book. Eventually, circumstance calls for Aria to once again leave Perry's side when an incident happens. She leaves with Roar to set off on the hunt for Liv since they know where she is. Both of them missing Perry, but she knows it's for the best. He has a tribe to run, people who don't want her there. She's on the search for the Still Blue, to help bring Talon back to him. Roar and Aria have a lot in common and really connect in ways that both warms and breaks your heart. He's miserable without Liv, she's miserable without Perry. Their bond is tight and unbreakable, as strong as a friendship should be without bordering on a love triangle. I was so glad that Rossi didn't go that route. I love Roar so much, but they needed each other as best friends, rather than a romance. I enjoyed watching their interactions and banter. Roar always makes you laugh with his witty charm. But he can also make you cry with his inner deep emotions he doesn't often let show, except when it comes to Liv. I was so emotional when we realized what Liv was doing and on her way to doing. It tore Roar's heart in two. I admit, I hated her for a moment because of it. But once she explained things, her reasoning for doing them, I couldn't help but feel sadness for her. She was doing it to help her brother, Perry. But still, it sucked for Roar. And then....yeah, that happened and I just lost it. Roar goes through so much only to have that happen. I felt his turmoil and anguish. But I was thankful that Aria was there to help him through it. They both shared a lot of heartache. Her chapters had me in tears and I loved her interactions with Talon while she was in the Realms. I seriously wanna picture what her Smarteye looks like. And I can't help but wonder how it looks to go from one Realm to the next. It's fascinating. Aria is such a bad ass heroine. I love her loyalty to Perry, and how she'd do anything to get his nephew back and her sacrifices she makes without pause. She's tough and brave and beautiful and I can't help but love her. Rossi really did a tremendous job with her character.


But then Perry's chapters had me smiling and teary-eyed and wishing that he was with Aria. Even though the romance was subtle and not the main focus (which was a really good thing actually), you could feel his love for her. See it in his eyes and the way he would think about her constantly. It broke my heart. Even though I knew why she left and he didn't, I never once felt that she did it to hurt him. But being in her position, I could see why she did leave without telling him. And then, I could also understand his hurt and constant blame that he was the reason she left. Ugh, it was so hard to read and experience. I hated seeing Perry blame himself. He had so much going on, so much he had to deal with. It's hard knowing what the right choices were when everything was going horribly wrong no matter what way you turned. He had a lot on his shoulders, responsibilities he never considered in his status. But one thing I always loved witnessing was his interaction toward Cinder. He's such an amazing guy, and his love for children shines through so beautifully. It made me all teary when he had his talk with Cinder. 

Cinder's eyes filled with tears. "She knows what I am."
"You think she cares that you're different? You saved her life, Cinder. You saved the Tides. Right now, I think she likes you better than Flea."
Cinder blinked. Tears rolled down his face, seeping into the pillow. "She'll see me this way."
"I don't think she gives a damn what you look like. I know I don't. I won't force you, but I think you should come. Marron has a special place set up for you, and Willow needs her friend back." He grinned. "She's driving everyone crazy." 

Tenderness and love was such a big part of this tight knit family. Even though they drove Aria away, they eventually stuck by Perry during the most crucial times. The Aether storms that hit over and over again, destroying the compound, the tribe of people who were starving. It made me realize how realistic it all is. Things like that could one day be our world, and it makes it so much more believable. I loved how loyal Reef was to Perry. No matter the decisions Per made, even if Reef didn't always agree, he stuck by him. He was probably one of my favorite secondary characters. Although he could be considered a main character in this book. You meet him in UtNS and he becomes such a solid asset to the Tribe and Perry. Their friendship grows and they learn to trust each other fully. I was glad in the midst of what Perry was facing, whether it was emotional breakdown from Aria leaving or doubts about the Tide's well-being, or just anything, Reef was there to help pick up the pieces, give advice. He was just awesome. I still didn't like Brooke, especially in the beginning. Her attitude toward Aria had me cringing and wanting to strangle her neck. And then there was Kirra. Oh hell no bitch! He doesn't want you, betraying little shit! What she did in the end really had me screaming for blood. I didn't trust her since she came into the picture, but that? Damn, that was a low blow! I'm interested where that will lead in the next book. 


Overall, this book surpassed my expectations, every one of them. I felt every emotion I felt in the first book and then some. But since I had an understanding of the world Rossi created, I enjoyed this more. The world building was still up to par and the character development was outstanding. That is probably my favorite part of it all. The whole series actually. I like Reverie, the Tides, the Realms, but even with their worlds being so completely different and vivid, I love the characters the most. They make this series real to me. I love their bonds, relationships, closeness and loyalty. It's truly captivating and significant. I really can't say enough good things about this series. I can gush all day long about how much I love it. But I know that at some point, I'd become repetitive, which can get boring. So I'll just say, I recommend all Dystopian lovers to pick up Under the Never Sky and try it out. I don't doubt that it'll suck you in from the start and have you dying for more. I'm in need ofInto the Still Blue I can see that book being as epic as the other two, if not more. But then again, I'm okay with the wait since it'll prolong the conclusion to this amazing story of Aria and Perry and the rest of the awesome characters. Seriously, try it. You won't regret a single thing and you'll be glad you listened to me.

Favorite Quotes

"Does this still bother you?" she asked, tracing the scars with her fingers.
"No. It reminds me of you...of when you bandaged it." He lowered his head bringing his cheek next to hers. "That was the first time tou touched me without hating it." 

"It was my idea. It's the safest way, but it's strange pretending to be something different. It's like there's a glass wall between us. Like I can't touch him or...reach him. I don't like the way it feels."
Roar wiggled his knee, upsetting her sand pile. "Does his voice still sound like smoke and fire?"
Aria rolled her eyes. "I don't know why I told you that."
He tipped his head to the side in a gesture that was pure Perry, putting a hand over his heart, which wasn't. "Aria, your scent...it's like a blooming flower." He modulated his voice perfectly to sound like Perry's deep drawl. "Come here, my sweet rose." 

"You know glass is pretty easy to break, Aria." Roar was watching her, his gaze thoughtful.
"You're right. You've convinced me. I'm going to break the glass, Roar." Next chance I get."
"Good. Shatter it." 

"You broke me in half when you left," he whispered. 

Soren grinned. "That's right, I do. I saw everything Sable and my father talked about. But I'm not saying a word in front of the Savage."
Perry's arms tensed around her. "Call me that again, Dweller, and it'll be the last thing you ever say." He shifted his back, relaxing again. 

He brought a sense of rightness. She felt it every moment she spent with him. Even the wrong ones. Even the painful ones, like now. Perry's hands stilled. He looked up, and his gaze told her everything. He felt it too. 

The moment Aria had taken his hand in the roof at Marron's, she'd changed everything. No matter what happened, she'd always be the one.

I have no idea where to begin with this review, my emotions are still very raw since I turned the last page of this book. But I will begin with the cover.....I LOVE THIS FREAKIN COVER. There are two different versions of this book. I got the hardback book the day it came out. OMG, as soon as it came out I was there. I called up my B&N and asked them to put this book on hold for me cause I was halling ass up there to get it! I feel like there was a wave of de ja vu. When I had this book in my hands, I clutched it to my chest and breathed in the book. Silly I know. But seriously, those two on the cover resemble very closely Noah and Echo. The other version is on ereader and I don't like that one as much. I am happy with the cover I've got. I mean look at them. First of all, the guy is smokin HOT and his position practically thrusting her up against the locker. Come on, that says enough right there. Oh yeah, I love it. And she's all leaning into him with her foot on the locker, supporting her. If I was her, I wouldn't be able to keep from collapsing with him that close. Damn! Anyway, you get the point, I love the book cover.

When I first heard of this book, I was all over it. I looked up reviews and so many reviews raved about this book. I also noticed ALOT of comparison to Simone Elkles' Perfect Chemistry. And if you know me well enough, you know how much I devoured that book. SO it was a safe bet that I would love this book just as much. But guess what? I love this book even MORE!!! I'll always love my Alex Fuentes....but my heart has now found Noah Hutchins and I can't help but say, HOLY SHIT! He will rock your world, I promise!

So now to get on with my review. 

Echo Emerson lost everything the night her brother died in Afghanistan and she woke up in the hospital with no recollection of what happened to her...except the scars on her arms now her mom has a restraining order against her. She walks the halls like a zombie and is scared to be hersef around her friends that were there for her before the incident. Now they turn their back on her because she is different. They treat her like an outsider. She was dating popular boy Luke and when it got to be too much for her, she broke it off and quit going to school.
Her dad wanted her to get help. So she starts seeing social worker Mrs. Collins who tries everything she can to help Echo remember what happened that night that tore her family apart. Once she remembers, she might feel better and can finally sleep in peace for the first time in 2 years. In the mean time, she tutors a boy for chemistry, who is not much different than her....

Noah lost everything the night of the house fire 2 years earlier, which claimed his parents. His brothers were taken away and he was bouncing from foster family to foster family. Until Mrs. Collins became his social worker, claiming she could help him get his life back on track. Getting tutored by Echo was the last thing he expected...but maybe it was the best thing that ever happened to him. Together they worked to get answers about their past, that might help them both heal and face a future that is unknown. But can they do it together or will it shatter their world even more?

WOW, when I finished this book last night, I felt numb. I'm not saying there wasn't an HEA and I'm not saying there is. I'm saying from the moment I opened the book and started the first page, I felt every emotion from giddy, happy, funny, angry, sad, confused, back to angry, sad and everything inbetween. There were so many emotions going through me at once that it became hard to distinguish which emotion I was actually going through. The fact that both characters were facing such tough choices in their lives, it made my heart ache for them so badly. They started off kind of hostile toward each other. Noah felt that Echo was just this selfish, princess bitch that always got her way. And Echo assumed that Noah was this pot smoking, drinker asshole bad boy that everyone made him out to be. Their relationship grew slowly and intense once they realized that they were so much alike. They were both struggling with demons of their own, but trying to be themselves in the process. Noah was the sweetest, most wonderful guy Echo could have ever met. He supported her and even when he saw her ugly scars that covered her arms, he never turned away. Not once. And he even told her she was still beautiful. No one ever treated her the way Noah did. It was so beaituful to see their relationship blossom and intensify as time went on. I cried, laughed,smiled, cursed, pulled my hair, yelled at Noah, told some of them off throughout the book. There were some unexpected twists and dammit if I wasn't already distraught. Katie threw in some really crazy and sad shit in there. For giggles? I don't know, but I wasn't laughing. I cried so hard, I had to stop a few times to collect myself cause I couldn't see the pages. I understood their pain, losing a parent is never easy. My heart ached the whole way through with Noah. I wanted to hug him. Then at one point he tries getting custody of his 2 younger brothers once he graduates high school. OMG, that whole situation with that was hard to deal with. I had a hard time breathing, seeing the pain Noah went through. All he wanted was his brothers together again, their family minus their parents. And when you learn the truth about what happened that night, you're just even more broken up about it! It is truly sad!

I loved all of the secondary characters. Noah's best friends Beth and Isaiah were amazing! They were such good friends and support for Noah. They really looked after him and stuck by him, even when they were unsure about Echo. Beth kinda ticked me off at times. But I realized it was only to protect Noah's heart. I grew to love her.
I only liked Lila, Echo's best friend. Even though at first she pissed me off, she turned her shit around and showed her better side.I hate Grace and Luke and all the rest that were so judgmental and hateful. Little bastards! I punch their faces in! I loved when Noah and Luke fought at the dance. OMG, I was rooting for him to beat the shit out of Luke. Yeah, I'm volitile. Oh well.
I liked Echo's dad and her step mom, eventhough there was alot of drama with that. But OMG I wanted to kill her fucking mom!!!! I felt bad for her. I really did. But when I found out the truth, HOLY FUCKING SHIT, I wanted to slap myself for feeling sorry for that horrible bitch! I loved Noah's little brothers. OMG, my heart hurt for them. Their foster parents really warmed my heart but I still felt a stab of sadness for Noah because he wanted to adopt them so badly. But in the end, things worked out for the best. And my favorite character in this, Mrs. Collins...she was the glue to the whole thing. She was amazing! She never gave up on either of them. She showed them that to trust and put faith first, things will aways work out. I loved her so much for everything she did for them! Ugh, its bringing on the waterworks again! Just thinking about this book, makes me want to sob all over again. It was a beautiful story about love, friendship, trust, starting over, healing, and moving on. 

The end. Oh my the ending was AMAZING! I loved it so much! Seriously, this book brought out so many raw emotions from me. I highly recommend this book to all romance lovers. Trust me, this book will consume you. And you'll be left thinking about it long after you turn the last page!! So all you PC fans, prepare for a story that will rock you, sock you, knock you on your ass! It's truly SPECTACULAR!!!! I am definitely reading more from this author!! Fantastic debut Mrs. McGarry!!!!

Okay, since I read this book a couple of days ago it's time to post my review before I forget anything. It seems lately I have been reading nothing but contemporary romances that tear your heart out and make you wish you were dead. Well, maybe not that drastic but close enough. This book not only rip my heart out, it made me relive some of my past experiences which only made me more emotional. I gotta say, I love this cover! So pretty and the little girl is just adorable. It goes well with the story.

Take This Regret is about a young college couple in New York who are finishing Law school and have their future looking bright and sunny, at some point wanting to settle down and get married and whatnot once their careers are in place. But everything changes the day Elizabeth tells Christian she's pregnant. And he's not ready. He gives her an ultimatum...."Me or the baby", selfish right?

Well, she leaves him. And he's left to wallow in his regret and self pity because even though he wasn't ready to be a father, he never thought the day would come when he had to move on without the love of his life. He loved Elizabeth with all his heart, but somewhere along the way, he loses sight of what is more important....money or love. But he is finishing school to one day manage his father's law firm in New York. And that begins the day of his regret and a life of emptiness and grief.

Elizabeth is left alone to deal with her pregnancy and the grief and pain she goes through from the loss of her one and only Christian is so raw and unbearable, it puts her in the hospital. Thank goodness her long time friend Matthew is there to help her and take care of her, something that Christian should have done in the first place. But as you read more, you understand as well. So as she has her beautiful baby girl, she prepares for a life on her own.

About 5 years later, Christian is finished with college and is the head of his father's law firm in San Diego. Although it's what he's always worked toward, but something is missing. He's not as happy as he thought he would be. He has lived his years without Elizabeth in a fog, just working and sleeping and going through life not caring about anything.....until the day he sees his little girl at the grocery store and his whole life is altered....

Elizabeth eventually moves back to her hometown of San Diego, California and works as a banker, to provide for Lizzy. She's unhappy, but there's nothing she can do. She has to do what is best for her sweet little girl. Christian left and is never coming back. He took a piece of her heart and crushed it and now she's left trying to pick up the pieces. She soon builds a wall where her emotions are closed off and no one can enter. As far as she's concerned, Christian is dead to her. And all men are scum. Thankfully she has her cousin and best friend Matthew to help her through it. But one day, out of the blue...Christian is on her doorstep and back in their lives. He is determined to win her back and become the father and man he should have been all along.

But can she just forget that he just pushed her away at the moment she needed him most?

Ahhhh, I gotta say I knew this book was going to be a sob fest but damn, I wasn't expecting to be crying my eyes out every chapter. First of all, I loved this story. It was captivating from the first page. Amy did so well developing the plot and making it flow throughout the whole book. It was a fast paced read and I was turning the pages so quickly. It never bored me or made me want to put it down. I seriously wanted to be inside this book and live and a part of me felt like I was. I could feel everything they felt. I laughed, I cried, I cursed, I smiled and of course every scene with little Lizzy was absolutely wonderful! She was an adorable little girl and she reminded me of my daughters, very bright and inquisitive. One part that totally broke my heart was when Lizzy asked about her dad and why she doesn't have one but everyone else does. Oh my God, I lost it at that moment. I know what Elizabeth must have felt because I am in a similar situation. Its so hard to explain to your kids why their dad is not with them and especially when its the father's fault and when they're the assholes. Although Christian deals with his wrong doings and you really feel heartbroken for him. He is determined to do whatever it takes to prove to Elizabeth that he's a changed man.

I loved this book so much! I really felt connected to both Christian and Elizabeth and I loved the fact that it was in alternating perspectives. I was able to experience how both of them were feeling during every scene and some parts I was ecstatic and jumping for joy and then some I was in full on sobs. I loved both of them and rooted for their love to mend and for them to heal as they rehash the past and go through so many obstacles and put their family back together. It was beautiful, captivating, heartbreaking, powerful and so many other things. This book moved me and made me feel that love can conquer all. It gave me hope and broke my heart at the same time. Christian went through alot of grief with other things as well. He faced a family death and it was so heartwrenching, even though that person was one I despised and was the reason Christian had betrayed his family. But the pain and turmoil that he faced is what made me cry for him. I ached when he ached. I cried when he cried. It was as if I was there with him, going through the same thing. Because in reality, I did go through the same thing. I can relate to him in alot of ways. He deals with guilt, regret, despair and I went through all of those things in my life as well. I think that's why I connected with him so well on a personal level. I loved the man he became.

One of my favorite things I loved was the relationship between Christian and Lizzy. It was on instinct that when they met, they were in love. He knew she was his daughter without saying a word to her, even from afar. And she knew he was her daddy. They were instantly drawn to each other, it was mesmerizing. I couldn't help but grin. Their relationship was so sweet and enchanting and I couldn't get enough of it. Christian was absolutely the most wonderful father to her. He cherished her and spent as much time with her as he could. He always called her at the same time every night to ask about her day. They had picnics, date nights, walks on the beach or at the park. His time with her was never anything more than important to him. He was the ultimate daddy and it made him more appealing in Elizabeth's eyes. Eventually she saw how much he cared for her and she couldn't help but fall in love with him all over again. But with the protective wall that she built made it hard for her to trust him again with her heart. It made her more weary of his intentions and even though the readers knew they were always good and he was sincere about his feelings and actions, she had to protect herself from the man that broke her to pieces.

God, I can go on and on about how much I loved this book. And clearly, it's obvious how much it effected me. I loved Amy's writing. Its so poetic and flowed smoothly. I wanted more by the end. I wasn't ready to say goodbye to these characters. I spent my nights crying and laughing and wishing they were real and I wasn't ready to let go of them. Amy did an amazing job on the resolutions. I loved Christian's mother and my heart broke for her and all she went through. She was a wonderful woman and it showed how great her relationship and the closeness that she and Christian shared. I loved it!

Also, I loved Natalie and Matthew. They were such a big support for Elizabeth and a great influence too. And Natalie's feelings toward Christian early on in the story made me feel like not everyone will be against him. She gave him hope and the mutual respect between them was great! I loved that Amy had everything resolved toward the end and not early on. It really showed the trials and hardships they had to face and deal with before they could begin to repair what was broken. BUT I have to say THANK YOU AMY FOR THE HOT HOT HOT scenes in there. My oh my, it was wonderful!! It made me love Christian that much more cause he was YUMMY!! I wanted him to myself. LOL

All in all, this was a fantastic story with alot of twists but an unforgettable ending! I can't wait to read more and more from this terrific, awesome author!!! I recommend this book to everyone that has ever lost hope, faith or that just wants to believe in second chances and love. It will make you happy, sad, excited, angry, surprised and just totally in love.

Awwwwwwwwww that was beautiful. The ending was perfect....and I just loved this book so much!!!! Ella, Micha, Lila and Ethan were all great characters. I can not wait to continue with the next book!!! It truly had my heart soaring with joy, love and a lot of heart pounding....holy crap-the sexual tension was Hot hot hot!!!!!! 

"Suddenly, I get a little nervous. This is the first time I've ever been with someone I've cared about and it's going to be different." -Micha


First of all, I love that cover. Wow, just the cover makes me swoon! And I never really found lip piercings to be that sexy-but Micha changes my mind completely. So aside from the cover-which is screaming to be read, I found myself really enjoying this ride.

Ella and Micha were best friends for a very long time. They went through so much together. But one night-8 months ago, Ella up and leaves. Leaving her past-and Micha behind to attend college in Las Vegas without so much as a goodbye. Ella is trying to reinvent herself, she was not happy with who she was and tries to go for the good girl persona instead of the "I don't take shit from anyone" attitude that makes her so darn irresistable to Micha. That version was also the one that made him fall in love her. But when she comes back for the summer having nowhere else to, she is forced to relive her past where her mother killed herself, her dad is an alcohlic and estranged brother gets engaged without telling anyone since he lives away from home and loses contact with the family. It's also where she has to confront her feelings for Micha once and for all.

Micha is your amazing tongue pierced, sexy bad boy who spent the last 8 months searching for the one that got away. He's loved her for years and the night he tells her is the night she leaves him. He's heartbroken and miserable without his best friend. Determined to find her when she shows up at home-next door I might add. When he meets the new Ella-he's not pleased. He wants his old Ella back-the one that made his body do crazy things. The one that screamed sexy things in his mind and lose himself in her. He meets Ella's college roommate Lila, which both of them know 2 very different versions of the same person. Can he bring back the old Ella without destroying her? 


I loved this book-to pieces. It was really a beautiful story of friendship, love, pain, grief, loss and healing. Both characters are dealing with pasts that haunt them. But together, they are stronger people than they realize and in order to face their demons, they have to come face to face with their feelings for each other.

I didn't cry with this book. But it was emotional at times. However, every scene with Micha made my body do crazy things. He was just amazing and sexy and very swoony. 


“when it all comes down to it, it’s just me and her against the world. Always has been.”-Micha

I loved reading this book from Micha's POV. His voice was sweet yet entrancing. I really felt his pain when he felt he lost his best friend. Or when he was going through that brief encounter with his dad. My heart ached for him. But he was a tough guy and eventhough you could tell through his facade, he was also an emotional sweet guy. I loved that he wasn't completely macho. It's always nice to see emotions peek through when it comes to guys. But every chapter with his voice I was giddy. I can never say enough-I'M A SUCKER FOR THE MALE'S POV!! And his did not disappoint. I heart you Micha Scott! *swoon*

Ella was a great character. She was not annoying and once her resolve broke and crumpled to the ground-I liked her even more. I know she had been through alot and was scared about her feelings for Micha, but it was obvious how much she loved him. It pissed me off though when she would tell him she didn't want him with any other girl yet she wouldn't tell him why. I wanted to hit her. But once her words were out there, I felt better and less inclined to smack a bitch up, which was good though because I really liked Ella.

I loved Ethan and Lila. Both were great secondary characters. Although in the beginning, I was skeptical of Lila. She seemed too prim and proper and I was wondering how she would really fit in with Ella's life. But eventually she warmed up to me and I even feel like there is more to her than meets the eye. I liked her and Ethan's chemistry. There seems to be something there and I can't wait to read the third book in this trilogy-which is Ethan and Lila's story. YAY!!!!

Overall, this was a wonderful read through and through. I was glad I picked it up. It did not disappoint-which makes me happy because holy bloody fucking hell, that cover is GORGEOUS!!!!! So go get this book and read it. It's really worth the read! Also, it's a little quicker than I would have liked so hopefully the sequel is longer because I want more Ella and Micha. And definitely want more steam because their sexual tension is UHHHH-MAZING!!!!! I seriously wanted a cold shower after a few scenes. Sheeeesh! LOVE!!! 

Amazing 5 star read! 

5 UNBELIEVABLE*FANTASTIC*SUPERB*EMOTIONAL*BITTERSWEET*PHENOMENAL* STARS!!!!!!

Okay, well I've put off writing my review long enough. It seems when it comes to this series, my emotions will never be the same. These books are just too incredible for words, it's hard to think about them without shedding so many tears. Tears of joy for the outcome of this beautiful story. Tears of heartache for all these beautiful characters had to endure. Tears of sadness for the very fact that this series is over, no more Clay and Maggie. Oh how I'll miss them so much. So. Damn. Much. 

I loved Find You in the Dark. Like LOVED it. I raved about it. I knew it was dark and disturbing when I picked it up. I knew it wouldn't be a fluff or fairy tale kind of story. But as I started it, I was so immersed in the story I didn't care. Clay was such a sick boy, he needed to be saved. And Maggie comes along and falls for him just as the rest of us had. He was mentally sick, yes. But underneath the illness and unstable behavior, he was just a boy trying to fit into the world. His parents didn't show him love, they were ashamed of him because of his illness. Let me talk about that for a minute....

What the fuck kind of parent tells their only child that they're an embarrassment and should be locked away so it doesn't have an effect on how THEY look to the public?? OH MY FUCKING GOD! It's no wonder Clay was ashamed of himself and so fucked up. He had no support from the people who are supposed to love him unconditionally. They made him feel like he was worthless, a fuck up. Well, let me tell you....he was far from a fuck up because in my eyes, he was strong and perfect. It wasn't his fault that he sick. Fucking A those assholes wanted to send him away so they wouldn't have to deal with their son's mental instability. GAH, I'm furious. Just thinking about them makes me want to vomit and then gauge their eyes out.

That said, I won't go into FYitD because if you've read it, you know what happens. I don't have to go into that....though, I will say this book picks up where FYitD left off. Yes, there was a cliffhanger and I was DYING, DYING for the next one. And thanks to Walters and Kim for sending me an ARC of this amazing conclusion. I was so thrilled to get my hands on this gem. It was like a dream come true. I got into it right away and was again, immersed into the whirlwind rollercoaster of Clay and Maggie. It was worth every heartache and tear I shed, and believe me, I shed A LOT of tears. This book met every expectation I had and then some.

The prologue. Oh god, that prologue had me in tears. It was amazing.

"Forgive. Such a small word. Only seven letters but they carried the weight of the world. Seven letters between me and the one thing I wanted most in my life."

*wipes tears*

So Clay is in Florida at the Center getting help. He's been there for almost 3 months. And almost 3 months ago he tried to end his life. Maggie saved him but she had to let him go. He needed more help than she could give him. So now she's at home in Virginia trying to pick up the pieces of her crazy life and move on.

Only one problem....she can't. She loves the only boy who made her life worth living. He showed her how to live, even though he was so sick. When they were together and doing good, they were REALLY GOOD. But things took a turn quickly and it started to become too much for her. After all, she's only 17. How does one handle such a monumental circumstance? She did the best she could and she loved this boy with all her heart and soul, which is why she had to set him free. But she's struggling to let go completely. Deep down she knows they belong together.

"My love for this beautifully broken, yet slowly healing boy, made me strong.... My soul belonged with him, was so entangled in him that I was no longer a single being." -Maggie Mae Young

Tragedy strikes, sending Clay back to Davidson for a funeral. Ah, my heart. My heart was crying for these people. Clay. Ruby. Lisa. So sad.

Clay and Maggie see each other. 

"It was like every time we were together. Our bodies orbited around each other as if pulled by an invisible force that we had no control over. I wanted this. And I wanted to run from it. I wanted to pull her in and never let go. And I wanted to push her away."-Clay

"Seeing him again had only confirmed what my subconscious already knew. I would never move on from Clay. My soul belonged with him, was so entangled in him that I was no longer a single being." -Maggie

The two of them, together again, it was like nothing had changed. Yet everything had changed. But it was beautiful and heartbreaking. Real and hopeful. The whole time, I kept thinking, they have to be together. They have to be. But how are they going to make it work? I had so many fears for them. I was nervous, happy, scared and overjoyed at their reunion. The circumstance which brought them back together was so hard to see. I cried the whole time. Clay had suffered so much yet more shit piled on top and I was so scared he'd relapse. But god, he was so strong compared to FYitD. I was so proud of him. Not to mention, he had a great support...Dr Todd was fantastic in helping with his progress. 

"There’s nothing weak in acknowledging when things are greater than you.” -Dr Todd

There were times he'd have a panic attack and had to calm himself, fight his demons because he so badly wanted to give in and give up, and cut himself so he wouldn't feel the pain anymore. But with the steps he remembered from treatment, he overcame the urge to give in. I was sooooo proud of him. His struggles were so real and heartbreaking. I felt everything he went through. I loved that we got his POV. Thank you Walters for writing it that way. I don't think I would have felt his heartache and emotions so clearly if we didn't have his POV, and to be honest, I wouldn't have felt so connected to him either. I actually don't think it would have worked at all without it. Some books are mandatory for both MC's POV and this was one of them. I cried when he cried, I felt happiness when he did, I felt his fears, sorrow, guilt, love, loss and grief so deeply that I couldn't concentrate on anything else while I was reading it. This book both shattered my heart yet healed my soul. 

I loved Daniel and Rachel so much in this book. At first they pissed me off when they kept urging Maggie to move on and get over Clay. I wanted to punch them in the face a few times. But I also understood they were just looking out for their best friend. They saw what she went through the first time. Hell, they went through it with her. I admire them for being such amazing best friends. But once things with Clay and Maggie started up again, they backed off. And then....Daniel made me cry.

“Look, man. I know I haven’t been the most… uh… supportive of you and Maggie. And I’m still not sure how I feel seeing the two of you all up in each other’s asses again. But, I know you’re a decent guy. So for now, I’m reserving judgment." 
“Okay, so that sounded way assier than I meant it to. What I’m trying to say, is I know you’re dealing with shit. A lot of shit by the looks of it. And for Maggie’s sake… well… and yours too, I won’t be the speed bump on your road to the candy castle or whatever.” -Daniel Lowe

He really tried to be friends and give Clay the benefit of the doubt. I loved him for that. It made my heart happy to see them getting along. Things between Maggie and Clay couldn't have been more rockier or intense. But when they were together, it was the most beautiful thing I'd ever seen. Maggie was so supportive and the fact that she agreed to go to therapy with Clay just made me cry with happiness for them. They wanted to really make it work this time. Clay went to great lengths to change and be the man he felt she deserved. Maggie went to great lengths to show the boy she loved with everything she has that she would support him no matter what. And she really grew in this one. She didn't stand down when he occasionally lashed out at her or cower to him. She stood up and made him see she wasn't going anywhere this time. It was just...perfect. Beautiful. God, I love them so much. These two endured so much yet they overcame it and came out stronger in the end. My heart is so full of emotion when I think about these books. Walters portrayed such a tough subject so real and raw, you could feel the realism in your bones. It was as if you were experiencing it yourself, which in a way you were. Walters has an amazing gift. 

I'll never forget this story as long as I live. Clay and Maggie will FOREVER live in my heart and I will take them with me to my grave and never forget them. I love them so much. I cried for over 30 minutes when I finished reading this book. I was glad to have read it and experience it, but was so sad to say goodbye to my favorite fictional couple.

The ending. Oh god, that ending had me in a weepy mess. So amazing and wonderful and bittersweet. Oh Clay, how I love the fuck out of you.



“Over six years ago I met a girl who saved me. I didn't realize at the time, mostly because her attitude pissed me off, that she would become the most important thing in my life. But then I got to know her and when I was drowning, she became my air. In the cold, she became my warmth. In the dark, she became my light,”-Clayton Reed

Oh Clay, I'll never, ever forget you. You've ruined all other fictional boys for me. You'll forever be in my heart and I'll love you for all eternity. *wipes tears*

"For a guy who struggled with finding his place in the world, standing next to Maggie, I understood one thing on a very fundamental level. Wherever she went, whatever she did, that is where I belonged." 

If you haven't read these books, you really need to. These books are phenomenal and it shows that love is above all the most important thing in life. Thank you Walters for writing such an extraordinary series that will forever live in my heart. 

I got to interview Mrs. Walters so it will be on my blog for the blog tour. 

"They say you cannot love two people equally at once, " she said. "And perhaps for others that is so. But you and Will-you are not like two ordinary people, two people who might have been jealous of each other, or who would have imagined my love for one of them diminished by my love for the other. You merged your souls when you were both children. I could not have love Will so much if I had not loved you as well. And I could not love you as I do if I had not loved Will as I did."

I'm not sure when I'll review this book. I have to really think about it and my thoughts. My emotions are so warped and battling each other. I mean this book was EPIC! In every way possible. Until the end. I just...I don't know. My heart is sad. My soul is lost. 

What a masterpiece yet a heartbreaking end to a spectacular series! One I'll never forget! 

WILL I'll always love you. I'll never forget you, EVER! You were the true hero in this series. My heart will forever mourn you. I wish this wasn't the last book. I'll miss you more than you'll ever know. I can't say much more before I start sobbing again. Just know, no one can compare to you...Jace comes close. But you're one of a kind. Always will be. *blows kisses*

Edit Review: 

Okay, I've had plenty of time to stew over this book, this ending, this series as a whole. I can honestly say that, I'm still gutted by the ending, the epilogue. If Clare had ended the series with the last chapter, I would have been ONE HUNDRED percent perfectly happy and giddy and emotional that it's over, but I wouldn't be so torn, so devastated, so sad. I mean, I get it..she wanted to make both teams happy. She wanted to make both Jem and Will get their wishes and happy endings, and of course our lovely Tessa. She deserved to be happy. But it still hurts how things happened.

The rest of the book was EPIC beyond EPIC. I mean I was experiencing every emotion known to man. Hell, I think I was going through several at one time and it was a like a giant high rollercoaster that kept ascending and then descended so fast, my head snapped every which way. I was thoroughly and mentally and emotionally beyond EXHAUSTED by the end. I had no more tears coming out of my eyes because I'd cried so much throughout the book. But this was amazing. I love the shadowhunter world, in every form. Clare paints such a vivid and fascinating universe and it was so much fun to ride the ride, in spite of all the emotions. I really loved it!

I loved every character...even the bad ones because without conflict, well that'd be boring. So we gotta have the villains. I felt bad for Jessamine, but it was nice to see her in the end. I loved Gideon and Sophie! I was so happy with their ending as well. I warmed up to Gabriel and was happy for him and Cecily. She's such a great gal, perfect for him. She brought out the vulnerable side that he hid for so long. I thank her for showing up, because I really couldn't stand him in CP. He's such an ass. But then again, after what he experienced, I guess I would have hardened into a shell myself. So I should've given him some credit. But thankfully Cecy came to his rescue for being on my shit list. So thank you Cecy. 

I LOVED Charlotte and Henry in this book. At the end of CP, I was crying tears when we learned their awesome secret. How exciting! Also their love for each other really shined after their misunderstanding was cleared up. I mean, I knew they loved each other but it seemed like they were putting on a show. Henry was always busy with his inventions that failed to work half the time, which I won't blame him for because he at least tried. I couldn't pull off half the shit he did. Kudos to you, Henry. But once we discover that they really loved each other and Henry realizes how he misinterpret Charlotte's love for him, it's all a glorious love-fest from their. And honestly, they're one of my favorite couples. I love their love for each other and I also love their love for the institute...well more like the people they take in. Charlotte was such a Mother Hen to me. She loved Jem and Will and even Tessa...of course Jessamine too, even though she was such an ungrateful biatch. But she was so protective, and loving and selfless. Her priority was always keeping her "children" safe. She'd done anything for them. Above herself. I loved that about her. Henry was just as great-clueless about most things-but great nonetheless.

Magnus. Magnus fucking Bane, what can I say about you?? *sigh* I loved him loads in CP, but he really turned my insides to mush in this book. OMG, I wanted to kiss him and hug him and lick him. I always wondered why he was so cold and distant to Jace in TMI. That always bothered me. But he was just so loving and caring and compassionate with Will. I'm still not sure why that is. I'm not complaining though. Because he really took care of my sweet and miserable and lost Will. So all I can do is thank him for that. He truly stood out in this book. He was probably my favorite character in this series (tossing Will aside, of course). I'm really intrigued by his character and I think I love him more in TID than TMI. But either way, Magnus is the shit! I just love him so much!!!

Favorite Magnus Quotes:

“Pointless, needless suffering and pain? I don’t suppose it would help if I told you that was the way life is. The good suffer, the evil flourish, and all that is mortal passes away,” Magnus said.

“You asked me how I, being immortal, survive so many deaths. There is no great secret. You endure what is unbearable, and you bear it. That is all.” 

“I can tell you that the end of a life is the sum of the love that was lived in it.”

Now before I get into the whole Will-Jem-Tessa love triangle thing, let me just say this is how I was during the last half of the book....



















Yeah, I went through such torture in this final installment. It was ridiculous. I was happy, I was laughing, I was stunned, my heart was racing from suspense, my heart was skipping beats and jumping out of my chest, and then I was hysterical in tears and grabbing my head from a migraine, and then I was screaming in fury, in pain, in rage, in fear, in physical pain, I wanted to die. OMG, I can't name everything I went through. It was just too much! But I still loved it! My heart has to go through some crazy torture, it makes no sense that I keep going back to those books. 

Jem. I couldn't believe the shit we find out, the shit he goes through. My heart palpitated at a few scenes. I was shocked, and for a moment I was satisfied with it. I mean, it made sense. But my heart still hurt for him. At least it was better than death, right? Maybe Jem fans would disagree. But either way, I loved Jem. I really did. He was a sweetheart and I hated seeing him so sick, so helpless, so torn and in love with the same woman his best friend is. That sucked. Putting myself in his shoes, I guess it would be a sacrifice and a difficult one. I loved his loyalty to not only Tess but to Will. He wanted both of them happy. He loved them both enough to sacrifice his own happiness. I truly felt so bad for him. But in the end, I didn't have to. *sniff sniff*

Moving on...

Tessa became quite the heroine in this book. Maybe even the hero. I loved the things she had to do and the way she took responsibility like a man. She owned up to her destiny and she did it well. Her ability to surprise me was refreshing. And I don't envy her one bit, because having to choose one over the other had to be a harder task than being what she is. No matter what she did, there was always one she would hurt. But I knew, as well as everyone else who read this series, that her heart was given to Will first. She loved him first. She loved him more. Though, she loved them both in different ways, she still loved Will first. And I can't blame her. Will is just too damn irresistible and amazing! Even when he's an ass, it's hard not to love him and want to jump his bones. Believe me, Tessa...I'd want to do more than that too. *fanning self* Anyway, I really enjoyed Tessa's character more in CP2. I admired her strength and bravery and the way she faced Mortmain and didn't back down or kick his ass or cower like a scared dog. Way to go Tess! 

And now...now....we have Will. Oh my dear amazing Will. I love thee too much for words. So much I can't really type without my tears spilling out of my eyes because I'm such a weak sappy bitch. I truly loved Will in this entire series. From the moment he speaks in Clockwork Angel, until the very end of CP2. And even after that. I can still remember the tears and distress of that ending. I can still taste the salt on my lips and feel the knots in my stomach and the ache in my throat, and the gutted heart that was a bloody heap on the floor. Oh how I should stop it before I get carried away and wake my sleeping child. You should never wake a sleeping child. Oh, I'm sorry...I got off track. Let's get back on, shall we? Will Heronadale made me weak in the knees with his amazing voice and words and dark hair and gorgeous mysterious eyes. I hated saying goodbye to everyone in this series, but to say goodbye to Will was really difficult. He made me swoon like no other (besides his descendant, Jace) and he made me bawl like a bitch. His heartfelt confessions and love for Tessa was just heartmelting. And not only that, but his heart-to-heart with Jem. OMG.

Which leads me to my next point. The Parabatai. Dear God, this has been the best part of the whole series. I loved the scenes between Will and Jem since the beginning. Their connection, their friendship, their bond, their loyalty...it's beyond amazing. It's incredible. I can't even describe what it is. I felt their love for each other. It broke my heart, BROKE. MY. HEART when they had their last conversation. Holy shit, that last scene...can I cry any harder? Every scene between them is more sentimental, tear-jerking, poignant etc etc than any Will-Tessa scene or Jem-Tessa scene. I loved how Clare captured the Parabatai feeling, the connection. I really adore and love both boys so much, it was hard to see either one hurt. Jem suffered so much yet he was always sacrificial when it came to Will. He'd done anything for him, and vice versa. I can't feel that way about Jace and Alec. I didn't *feel* so strong a connection between them. I still love them and I guess TMI doesn't focus so much on the Parabatai like TID does. And I guess that's okay because it makes both series special that way. Maybe she purposely wrote it that way, for TID to focus more on the love of a Parabatai and TMI on the love between Jace and Clary. That's my guess. Either way, I should stop comparing the two because to me, Will and Jem will always be more special to me. Of course TMI comes close, or possibly just as close. I love both series so much, I can't freaking compare. And this is why I waited so long to read TID. I knew I'd be comparing them. Ahhhhh, Clare has done my head in with this unique and captivating companion series. But honestly, I just have to say, I wasn't this emotional while reading TMI. I hated certain aspects of it and got upset or sad and cried. But not full on snotty nose and hyperventilating type of cry. THIS. SERIES. WAS. EMOTIONAAAAAAAAL. Still, I love all things shadowhunter!

The conclusion. The end. Ummmm, I can't really discuss the end. I can say I loved the chapter before the epilogue. I loved seeing Will interact with Gabriel in a brotherly way, but more for Cecy's sake. It was so sweet. I was smiling like a fool, which was a relief from all the crying I'd just done. Oh but it didn't last long. Why? Why didn't I just stop at that chapter? Why did I HAVE to finish and torture my heart some more? Dear sweet Jesus, I probably cried more in that one small few pages, than I did in the whole book...and we all know how much I was crying throughout, before the end. So that was a lot. A lot of tears, a major headache and a punctured whole in my soul. We all know how it ended. So I don't need to keep kicking a dead horse in the mouth. (or whatever that saying is). I am however, looking forward to seeing how things develop in CoHF with you know who and so and so. 

To wrap up this long monotonous review....I loved this series so much! I loved the world, the setting, the characters, the action, the suspense, the romance and Parabatai. Cassandra Clare really knows how to grip her readers and put everyone (characters and readers included) through the wringer over and over. I can't wait for the other series coming out in the future and I need to get on the Bane Chronicles. Love my sexy Warlock.

5 DANGEROUSLY, DELICIOUSLY, SEXY I LOVE DANIEL COLTON STARS!!!!!


Wow, what a fucking amazing book!!! I have no words to do this book justice right now. My mind is in a fog, mostly of lust and crazy emotions from this journey I was taken on with Daniel and Lis. This book ROCKED the shit out of what I'd expected. So not what I thought this book would be. It was SO MUCH MORE! I need to sleep on it though before I attempt my review, otherwise I'll sound like a freakin' moron.


*************SPOILERS AHEAD************

Okay, so after a lot of contemplating on reading this book after seeing a lot of mixed reviews, I was told from the lovely Britney Brown that this book was really good. I loved The Education of Sebastian, and even though I haven't read the Education of Caroline yet, I decided to give this one a shot! NEVER in my wildest dreams did I expect to LOVE this book so whole-heartedly!!! BUT I was blown away, right out of the water. This book pulled out SO many emotions, I didn't know which I was experiencing at the time. Seriously, I know a lot of people didn't care for this story, but I could relate to Daniel in more ways than I ever anticipated, and I felt like I was reliving parts of my childhood again. I was so engrossed in this story, I never wanted it to end. The characters were awesome and so realistic. The amount of cursing and sexual tension..or just sex was off the charts. Everything about this book was raw and emotional and at times it felt like I was watching a movie, not reading a book. I'm so happy I read it. I hadn't read anything like it before and it was a change, fresh and gripping.

First, I didn't really think I'd like the third person POV part of the story, but it worked for it. I prefer first person POV, however, it was a nice change from everything else I'd read.

We have Daniel Colton, 




who by the way has become one of my top book boyfriends. Okay, so Daniel starts college and is living with his drug using asshole brother, Zef. Their parents died 2 years ago and he's trying to move on with his life, and make something of himself. He's majoring in Economics and Business(which is the same thing my brother got his degree in-totally love that concept) with a minor in Math (which my other brother majored in). He's very stand-offish, very assholish, very tattooed and pierced...in ALL the right places. He's also very deaf. It started when he was 14, he started to lose his hearing and he was getting into fights and getting kicked out of school. He had to go to a private school, specifically for deaf people, to learn how to communicate. It's such a sad reality for him. He had no idea what was happening, but sounds were distant. He had a virus which is what caused it, but they didn't know why. Life was totally sucking for poor Daniel. It just got worse after his parents died.






My heart broke for this boy. He was so lost and lonely, keeping everyone at arm's length because if they all knew he was deaf, they'd judge him or pity him. He didn't want pity, but he also didn't want to be different. He hated that he was deaf. Especially since music was a HUGE part of his life and now...he couldn't hear it. He even wrote songs and sang and played guitar. But it all changed and he had to live without it. So instead of making friends, he appeared to be an asshole to everyone around him....but he was a HOT asshole. And he rode a motorcycle....

Meet Sirona....




I loved how he talked about "her" and how "she" was his baby. I love motorcycles, and what's hotter than a guy who drives a Harley, has tats and piercings and acts like an asshole? Ummmm, can't get better than that!


Then we meet Lisanne, a sweet good girl, so innocent and VERY inexperienced. 








When she first meets Daniel, she automatically assumes he's an asshole because he ignores everyone and doesn't take notes in class. Well, being that he's deaf, he has to lip read his professors and then he takes notes later. Well, of course Lis doesn't know that. But when both Lis and Daniel get paired up for an assignment, she learns there's more than meets the eye with his hot bod and cold exterior. She gets to see into his sad and lonely life during an incident at the library.


"You have to walk a mile in another man's shoes before you judge him."


He's afraid to tell her his secret because he doesn't want her judging him like everyone else does. He just wants to be normal...





But when they get to know one another and spend more time together, they realize that there is a certain spark there. They're hot for each other and boy do they elicit some major fireworks....





But he's soon realizing her innocence and she's a virgin. He's had sex all over the place but she has had none....BUT then, things get even more difficult when he finds out she's a music major, his passion. Can he really be involved with someone who shares his love of music? And even worse, someone who's been chosen as the band 32 Degrees North's lead singer? How can he accept that? 





Things between these two heat up, when she decides she wants him to be her first. Their chemistry heats up the pages, and HOLY FUCK, IT WAS HOT!!!!!!!!!!




I was seriously getting hot and bothered every time they were near each other. Daniel just drips with sex appeal, and being that he's so experienced, he teaches Lis to open up and explore her own sexuality and satisfy her desires. It's so hilarious to see these two get involved as they're being intimate. She was so clueless about a lot, or everything involving sex. But Daniel really opened her up.


But things go south for them, due to his home life. His brother is a drug dealing jerk that got into some shit and now the cops are determined to bring him down, and even if that means getting to him through Daniel. He's stayed away from that shit since he started college. He drinks and smokes but he doesn't do drugs anymore. That doesn't make a difference though, he gets stopped numerous time because he's Zef's brother so he must be doing that shit too. 


I hated that people judged him, even though they didn't know the truth about him. Of course, once they knew people would judge him anyway. Only a handful of people know the real truth, including Lis. I loved that she never judged him. I love that she still wanted to be with him in spite of his disability(I hate using that word, but it's what it is). She was so giving and patient and understanding. Her heart was so kind and full of love. She's so strong and brave and accepting. She eventually fell in love with him. But who wouldn't? Daniel is the ultimate book boyfriend! And together, these two were heaven.....







Daniel finds out that there's an implant that may help gain some of his hearing back...does he do it? Does he ever get his hearing back? Will he ever be able to hear his girlfriend's voice when she sings? Do they overcome everything in spite of all the shit they go through??? READ IT!!! You will not regret it!!!


Honestly, this book moved me so hard. I didn't expect to be sucked in so quickly. I've never read a book that involved a deaf hot bad boy. But holy shit, I loved it! First of all, I could relate to Daniel. I lost 60% of my hearing when I was young. I had to sit at the front of my classes so I could hear what was going on. I didn't tell people because I didn't want to be different. I hated being judged for something I couldn't control. I had an operation on both ears and had to do all kinds of tests, it sucked balls. So there were many times I cried for Daniel, to hear and live his pain. It was horrible. I spent most of the book crying, envisioning what he was going through. Music is a HUGE part of my life, always has been. So the fact that he'd lost all that was the worst thing to ever imagine. I would go INSANE! But he was strong, admirable. Even though he hadn't accepted it for such a long time, he was still so strong in the way he lived. He still went to school and lived his life. Yeah, he hated life at times and it was even worse when he met Lis. But it actually was the best thing that'd happened to him. I was happy he found happiness and love. He deserved it so much. I love this guy. Jesus, my heart just broke but yet it healed too.

The epilogue will make you cry. It was so touching and emotional. I love his mouth. That boy has the dirtiest mouth...just my kind of guy! *SWOON*

I loved Lis. She was amazing. She accepted him for who he was and did not let his illness define him and their relationship. Instead, she showed him that there's someone out there that will complete him. She's the opposite of him in every way and she really challenges him. I love her innocence. Overtime, she gets better with understanding his condition and how to cope with it and how to help Daniel accept it as well.








I could go on and on about this book but really, it's better to just buy it and read it. It's AMAZING!!! I love all the characters, for the most part. Grayson can jump off a bridge. Rodney is bad ass! Love that boy! Kristy grew on me and Vin was an amazing friend for Daniel. Lis' parents and brother Harry were AWESOME!!!!!! I LOVED THEM! They really came through for Daniel and Lis when it counted most. Even though at first, things were very strained and intense. Pops was a great character too. Basically, most of these characters shined through in this book. There was never a dull moment and the journey I experienced was worth all the tears and heartache. READ IT! Seriously, it's FANTASTIC!! I definitely love Jane's writing and stories. I need to finish the Education books.








P.S., thank you Britney for making me read it. I probably would have skipped it had it not been for you! I LOVED THIS BOOK! :)

So I first read this book about 2 years ago. I was so skeptical on the subject matter. Like I'm sure most people are. However, this book opened my eyes to the wrongness that society teaches us about how we should feel. What we should do, what's right, what's wrong, what's sick and who we should love. God my beliefs were changed, not that I condone incest, like I said in my initial review. But to look before you judge, to place ourselves in other people's shoes. What would we do in that situation?! This book is NOT an HEA. In fact while reading this a second time, I hoped and prayed for a changed ending...I know stupid right?! But I did, I did. I desperately clung to some hope that a new ending magically appeared by the time I was done. I mean WHY? Why did it have to end like that? WHY?! Why did I have to love this book so much that I felt inclined to read it again, knowing the pain I'd be putting my already fragile heart through, my soul. The pain was no better than the first time I read it. I remembered every detail and every emotion I suffered: anger, despair, shock, confusion, love, joy, laughter, shock, happiness, despair, gut wrenching sorrow, and so much more. I felt it ten times more this go-round. Jesus. If there was ever a book to read that made you question your beliefs, this was it. I'll always hold a special place in my heart for Lochie and Maya and in my fantasy, they get an HEA. Because God dammit they deserve it. They went through so much shit and...oh yeah, in my fantasy, their mother dies a horrible death, leaving them a lot of money to finally live in a better house with some materialistic stuff they've always wanted and Kit is the sweetest 13 year old to ever walk the face of the earth and he approves of their relationship. And when the kids grow up, Maya and Lochie change their names and move away and live HEA. The end. 


Well, I can't review much more without bawling, realizing it was just a fantasy and that the ending was so not the way it is in my head. That my heart is on the floor in bloody pieces, that Lochie,the selfless amazing sweet boy, didn't get his chance. That all he cared about was saving Maya and the kids from getting split up because his family means the world to him, even more than his own life. *takes ragged breaths* 

I can't. 



Review Update: August 16, 2013. 


“You can close your eyes to the things you do not want to see, but you cannot close your heart to the things you do not want to feel.” 


As I sit here trying to conjure up words to write my review, tears still running down my face like a waterfall, I realize....I can't. I.....just....can't. No words could possibly describe the despair and anguish I felt all the while thinking "This isn't happening. No, it just can't. No, no, no, no, no, no, oh God, why???!!!" I am left speechless. All I think about is "what just happened"? As I gather my thoughts just long enough to form words, I can barely see the screen. I feel like I've just woken up from a terrifying nightmare and now my thoughts are all jumbled inside my head crushing all of my senses. I am literally and utterly sickened, disturbed, baffled, perturbed and speechless at the events that have unfolded in front of my very watery, stinging eyes. It's all I can do to not tear this paper up and toss it in the trash like it never happened. Like I never read this book. Like I was never affected by this heart breaking story. And I wouldn't be able to share with everyone what a MUST READ this book really is. So, I don't do anything but get on with my review before my head explodes.



This story is set in London. A family of 5 siblings: Willa(5), Tiffin(8), Kit(13), Maya(16) and Lochan(17). Abandoned by their father years before with a raging absentee alcoholic mother, left to pick up the pieces of by themselves of their broken life. Together, it is a struggle to keep the peace. Lochan, a very lonely lost boy trying to juggle being a teenager and also carrying the burden of being a step-in parent to his younger siblings. He has no friends, hates school and doesn't like speaking to anyone or participating in class. Yet his grades are top notch and he is getting ready to apply for universities and possibly get away from his home life. But that all changes when his mother decides to act like a damn teenager and spend nights away with her boyfriend and come home drunk as Hell. It takes a toll on Lochan, having to keep up with school AND parental responsibility. But he is not alone. Maya, a very strong 16 year old also helps him with the household chores and getting the kids to and from school. It is hard for them when you have a smart ass 13 year old brother who is in a gang and blames all the family problems on Lochan. He is a selfish little brat and makes the situation that much harder to bare. Poor little Willa, only 5 years old and doesn't understand what is really going on. Kit, is the rudest, most disrespectful child on the planet. But Maya and Lochan try their hardest to keep a brave face. They share the household chores and parental responsibilities. Lochan loves his family and they are his priority. It's not until Maya comforts him in his time of grief that he realizes that there is someone who understands him, wholeheartedly. But the problem is...they are siblings-brother and sister. They've always felt more than that though. They were the only two people in the world who could count on each other. Though their relationship takes a twisted turn, when it turns to love. And not the brotherly-sisterly kind of love. It's a deep, meaningful kind of love. But one that is forbidden. The struggles they face when they realize how wrong it is. But they can't hide their feelings anymore yet they can't really act on them unless they are alone.



I was rooting for them to have a happy ending. To be able to move away once the kids were on their own as adults and live almost like a normal couple and not be ostracized or ridiculed for how they felt. For goodness sakes, what other choice did they have? They didn't have the proper role models, so how do they know if what they feel is right or wrong? The society plays dirty tricks on us and damn them for making them feel guilty for their love they found in each other. I am not saying by any means that I condone consensual incest. However, if we were to put ourselves in their shoes we might just find that their situation is harmless. They weren't hurting anyone, they kept their love discreet around the children. It's sad. It's just really, really....really sad. I still can't get over this book. It haunts me. And being a mother myself, I can only imagine how they would feel if I left them to fend for themselves and didn't ever visit or show them I loved them. I just can't imagine what each of those kids went through, or how they felt abandoned and unloved. What kind of a mother could do that? I can see the father running off, that's not a cliche. But wait, their mother did say she never wanted them in the first place. She told Lochan she blames him for everything, for ruining her life(apparently she can't keep from spreading her legs if she has FOUR more kids). Wow, what a mother. It's no wonder he's messed up! Ugh, it's just sickens me!!! 

TO LOCHIE AND MAYA'S MOM:




Okay, I will stop there. I know what y'all (except the ones that read this already) are thinking. "Ew, ew, ew, ew, ew, ew, ew, gross!!!! They are related, that's incest!! OMG, how sick and deluded are they....bla bla bla bla." I get it, trust me! I thought the same thing before I read it. I was so reluctant to read it, it goes against everything I believe. But I saw so many raves about this book, that I felt I had to give it a chance. A true honest shot, just to see if it was bearable. This book called to me when I was at the bookstore a few nights ago. I chose this over Clockwork Prince which I had in my hand ready to check out. I love Cassandra Clare!! This cover is not that exciting or creative, yet it says everything!!!! It spoke to me, I froze thinking..."Do I really want to read it??" This book was definitely a damn good read. So heartfelt, sad, heartbreaking and it left you breathless at the end. I guess the end was predictable but still the descriptive writing was far more compelling. It is not really a book for teens under 16. It is believable(not the love part exactly but the struggles for all the kids). The language is a bit much for younger readers. There is quite a bit of cursing but that never bothered me. There is some sexual scenes too. But it was never porn-ish. It was tastefully written and described. And it never felt gross.....or wrong. Not the reaction I expected myself to have. Yet I found myself enthralled in their love story. Forbidden is told from both Lochan and Maya's perspective which I loved!! We got to see both of their sides as they are falling in love and how they felt and the choices they had to make and so forth. It made it that much more intense and hearwrenching. I grew to love Lochan for the person he was and my heart ached so badly for him. I have 2 older brothers, and have never, ever, I mean EVER looked at either of them with more than adoration and love (or spite in some cases) as a sister usually does. It's repulsive to even think about it any other way. But I've also never suffered exactly the way these two kids have. They went through Hell and had a horrible childhood, having to grow up so fast at the age of 11 and 12 taking care of their brothers and sisters. They had no one to turn to but each other for comfort, during their grief, loss, lonliness and pain in their life. I will never forget these characters for as long as I live. They sucked me into their world and I couldn't escape. I didn't want to either. Oh Lochan, his story shattered my heart to pieces and I wished I could have jumped into the book and pick up the pieces of his broken soul and tell him it would be alright. *crying profusely* I will be saddened by this horror for a long time to come. I recommend this book to mature teens that can handle such circumstances and of course to adults with open minds of the possibility that this can happen in real life. Just have boxes of tissues handy.







 







The ending will leave you gasping for breath and bracing for something to hold on to. You should be sitting down to read this. Five stars doesn't do justice for this book. I would give it TWENTY STARS or more!!!!!

AH! Amazing!!! I loved this book! I devoured it, not as quickly as I wanted to, damn life getting in the way. But I love angel books, they're my favorite in the PNR genre!!! And this case was no different. Seriously, this book sucked me in when I didn't expect it to. I bought it with the intention of starting it after a couple other books and when I read the first chapter, I wanted more.
Then more.
Then I couldn't put the bloody book down. 
It was very fast paced and very entertaining. 
I loved Penryn. She's such s strong heroine. I admire her for being so fearless. She kicked ass and took names!! Hell yeah!
And Raffe. Well hell, what can I say about this sweet and mysterious angel? I loved him, even when he was being difficult or sarcastic, or closed-off. Each glimpse of his sensitivity and vulnerability made me love him all the more. Especially at the end. He was fierce and protective and amazing! Gah! Love love love him!!!!
I want more. Damn, I should've waited for the sequel. But at least it's not too far. And I know many or most have waited almost 2 years. I feel your pain...
Thanks to my awesome girl, Chelsea for convincing me to read it. It was her review that made me want it even though I'd been eyeing this book for at least a year now. Yay! Our chats via text or GR message were awesome!! Love chatting/gushing over books with my buddies while reading! 
I need to read the excerpt for World After! I'm so anxious for it now! And I'm so excited to buddy read with my buddies! 
If you like angel books, this book is for you. Not only is it PNR, but it's also post-apocalyptic with a tinge of romance. I think there'll be much more of that in the sequel(crossing fingers, toes, eyes and every other body part). But even though there wasn't much in this one, I still enjoyed it! There's so much action and suspense that it doesn't matter. It kicked ass!!! I highly recommend it!!

All I can say is...EPIC! This was one hell of a conclusion, a rollercoaster in which I'm still pretty dizzy from. Full review to come after I'm done weeping and can get my emotions together. 

I LOVED IT!!!!

I loved this book. I loved it, I loved it, I loved it!! Upon reading this, I read some reviews and some were negative and some were positive. Of course, those that were negative were from people that didn't really like the series from the first book. I just ignored all the bashing and complaints of how Jordan ended it. So, I was expecting to be wary, but still felt it would end in a way she felt it should. And well, it was everything I was hoping for and more. MUCH MORE! I couldn't think of a better ending for these characters whom I've come to really adore. Yeah, they got on my nerves. Yeah, I wanted to shake some sense into them at times. But after all the bumpy, cracks and roads they had to roll through, I found that I was really rooting for them, scared for them, happy for them, fearful for them. I just plain old loved them and wanted a happy ending for them all.

So it starts off where Vanish left off. Jacinda has to enter enemy territory to save Miram who's now in the hands of the enkros. But with Will, Cassian and Tamra by her side, it should be fairly easy, right? WRONG! Even though they expected danger every step of the way, they never expected it like this. Nothing but death and destruction are waiting for them on the other side. But when one gets captured, it's only right to fight and save each other. Even when I couldn't stand her. She was a real little brat, very mean to Jacinda. And I blamed her for them getting captured in the first place, if she hadn't been spying on Jace and let her be it wouldn't have come to this.

Then, the unthinkable happens, and my anger and animosity towards her vanished. It was such a shock. The revelations, secrets, deception, confusion, heartbreak, anger towards someone else. Holy crap! I never saw that coming! How could that happen? I felt sick to my stomach. I felt sorrow and hatred. I felt all the emotions that not only Jacinda felt but that Cassian and the rest of the pride felt too.

Then other shit happened and I was scared for all of them. It was like one giant clusterfuck of a warzone right in the middle of the forest and I didn't know what was happening. New characters were introduced and I was wary of them at first. Especially Deghan. No, not wary....hatred and fear. That's what I felt. He caused my heart to collapse a couple times. It was never a standstill moment for the group. Never a moment of reprieve, or relief. I was constantly trying to breathe while focusing on everything going on. 

The characters. I grew to love them all. Tamra showed a lot of growth in this book. I was proud of what she'd become and what she was able to do. Her powers were amazing. She was amazing. I love how her relationship with Jacinda shined. She risked so much. But wait, hadn't they all?? She was awesome. And I was SO surprised and happy with the events of her ending. It was great. I felt such a big surge of gratitude towards her. She deserved everything she got. It couldn't have ended more perfect for her.

Cassian. Okay, so I owe you a big "I'm sorry" for being so quick to judge you. You were an alright guy. No, you're better than alright. Cassian grew the most in this book, I think. He really changed and made me see such a refreshing side of him. I only didn't like him because of what happened in the end of Vanish and how he was all up in Jacinda's biz every time you turned around. I know he loves her but he's not for her. No, it's not that he's not good for her. He's just not meant for her. Their love was never real. Sure, as a good friend maybe. But nothing more. So I let my love for Will get in the way of my feelings for Cassian and didn't see his good side, his true side. My mistake. However, I am happy with how things turned out for him. A little bittersweet, maybe. A little sad in a way, maybe. But still, it was how it needed to end for him. But at least I don't hate him anymore, and maybe even truly cared for him. He set aside his anger and feelings for Will to help them. Even though it hurt him, and that part sucked. Where he could feel all of Jacinda's love for Will. I can only imagine that had to be like a knife to his heart. And for that I felt torn.

Jacinda. Oh I how I was so irritated with you the last two books. But. I grew to love you just as much. She really made choices she felt was right. Through half of Hidden, I really felt nothing but heartbreak for her. She's having to choose between her pride and her hunter. She's having to make decisions that would impact and change her life. But she did what she felt in her heart were the right choices and for that I can't feel anything but sympathy and admiration. She put so much at risk and yet the whole way through, she lost so much. So much pain, so much death, so much destruction. Even finding answers about her dad didn't ease any pain. It only made it worse. Facing the fact that who she thought was trustworthy turned out to be nothing but evil and deceitful to all she's known. I can't imagine how she felt. I understood the need for vengeance and justice. Believe me, I do. And she handled everything with grace and dignity. Her emotions and love for Cassian was utterly touching and agonizing at the same time. She's known him all her life but she knew what needed to be done. Still, it was hard to witness. I cried. I did. For both of them. I felt Jacinda was such a strong and courageous heroine. I love her Draki. I loved every single second those wings came out and she was flying, whether it was to save the ones she cared about or just for the sake of flying. My how I never saw dragons as beautiful as I did when she manifested. It was such a glorious sight. I was happy to be on this journey with her. The pain, heartbreak, tears, all of it was worth it. I'll never forget this trilogy, and the characters that will live on in my heart. I was happy with the outcome of her decision. Happy with the end, and what happened with her mom. It was the way it should be.

Will. Will Rutledge. It's so hard to see the end, and leave you behind. I truly loved this guy from the first page he showed up. My love never faltered, never wavered. If anything, it only grew by a thousand with this book. He's a true hero. The things he did. The sacrifices he made for the girl he loves. It was touching and captivating. He went through hell and back, and then to hell and back again. But he never blinked an eye. Sure, he was doubtful things would work out in the end. I was too. He may have gotten a little discouraged, a little frustrated. But really, he did better than most would have done. There was so much going on and it was nervewracking to see him suffer so much. His pain was palpable. As a hunter, he turned on the one thing he's known his whole life, against his family. The people he grew up with, the only people he'd known. Just for a Draki girl and her family. That's true love right there. He risked everything to be with her. Even almost getting killed several times. Gah! I can't...I can't even. I just. I love Will so much, he was such a brave and caring and loving guy. The peril of this book was unreal. I felt like I was in the middle of the battle, witnessing the cluster fuck happening. I'll miss Will as I say goodbye to everyone. *wipes eyes* But I'll definitely revisit this trilogy again. And experience this journey once more. I couldn't be happier with the outcome of this book. This long rollercoaster ride. 

It was brilliant. Really. I'm not sure why some people hated it. I'd hated it if the ending was different. I'm so glad everyone got answers, and what they deserved. A lot of blood shed and deaths, but it happens. It's real life. I kinda wish dragons were real now. Maybe in another life. Honestly, I recommend this series. I was skeptical at first. I mean, dragons? My brother has always been a fan of dragons. Obsessed with them since we were kids. Not me. But damn, I am kind of rethinking that now. I should buy some collectible dragons and name one Jacinda. Ha ha. Okay, now I'm talking crazy. I'm just emotional. It happens when I finish a really good book and there's nothing left to look forward to. Boo. I get really insane as a reader, passionate is what I call it. Especially when it comes to amazing paranormal series. These worlds, the authors create. It's astounding. I wish I could live in those worlds, instead of the plain old mundane worlds. How boring. Really. I'm just glad I gave this series a chance. And so should you. You'd be surprised. Awwww, I'm getting frickin' emotional again. Dammit Will, get out of my head so I can stop boo-hooing. 

FIVE dragon hunting stars from me. I wish I could give it more.

4.5 I-love-Will stars

Finished in 12 hours.

WOW!! This was...frustrating...nail-bitingly nervewracking....intense...heartbreakingly beautiful. It was a perfect continuation of Jacinda's fight for freedom. From the pride where her life is laid before her. Where she's hunted upon the Draki hunters who killed her dad and those of her kind.

Since returning to the Pride, her home where she's able to be her glorious dragon-self, her heart is still broken, yearning for Will. The hunter who saved her from his cold, evil hunting family many times. The hunter who fell in love with his prey. He stopped at nothing to keep his father from collecting her rare fire-breathing Draki skin from hanging on his walls. In turn, she had to leave him behind. It was a hard adjustment for her, to go back to a place where she once felt at home but treated like an outsider, a traitor of her kind. 

In the mean time, new things happen for Tamra. Adjusting to her new life as a rare Shader dragon, the Pride leader, Severin has taken new interest in her. She's practically a prisoner too. He's got plans for both Jacinda and Tamra and he'll make sure no one escapes the walls that line their Pride home.

However, when Will somehow shows up looking for Jacinda, finding her...pleading with her to run away with him, she has to make a decision that not only will change her life, but also puts her kind in danger. Again. It's a choice she must make once and for all, to finally put the Pride and Cassian, who's she supposed to bond with, behind her or to stay there and be miserable forever.

Holy hell, this book killed me. I was cursing so much at the book, at Jacinda, at Cassian...even at Will. They were all frustrating me all to hell. They were giving me whiplash. I seriously wanted to bitch slap them a bunch of times. But then I also wanted to hug them too. I wanted to protect them from all the dangers they faced. And they faced a lot.

Jacinda kinda grated on my nerves. I knew she was torn between right and wrong, heart and head, love and want. But still, I just wanted her to WAKE UP! She knew all along what she needed to do. She put so many at risk and caused so much trouble but it was clear she wasn't happy there. Duh! You don't belong there anymore. I knew it. You knew it. But geez, the constant battle, back and forth, whining and complaining, it was just too much. She started to almost make me dislike her. But then, I felt sorry for her. I wanted her to be okay. Safe. Happy. She deserves it too. But by the middle to the end, I didn't want to kill her anymore. Not really. She grew a bit..and gave me hope that she'll rock it in the last and final journey in Hidden. think she'll be the heroine I liked in the first book. This book, she fell flat for me. I can only hope. And then I'll forgive her for the mistakes she made in this book. We can be friends again. 

Tamra. I grew to like her more. She was selfish and whiny at first, but I understood why. Its not easy being invisible, a shadow, a nobody, while your sister gets all the attention because she's special, rare among their species. And especially when the guy you've pined over for years won't give you a time of day. I can totally get why Tam was so jealous and cold. But even though she and her twin, Jacinda had their differences, when it came down to it, she was there for her. She had her back. She loved her sister no matter what, because that's what sisters did. They protected each other. I can't wait to see how she faces the obstacle in the final installment. I think she'll be awesome. I have hope.

Cassian. I'm sorry, but I don't see why readers fell for you. You did nothing for me. You pissed me off a lot. I was sick of your constant hovering and controlling. Sick. Of. It. Hopefully, I'll have more sympathy for you in the last book. But I doubt it. You had moments, I'll give you that. But it wasn't enough to make me fall for you. And now it won't happen. I may like you a little better, but love? Pray you get the girl? Yes, I pray you finally get your head outta your ass and make a go for Tamra. That'd be cool. But hope you win Jacinda over? Nope, ain't happenin. Not a chance. But that's just my opinion. 

Will. Oh Will. Be still my heart. Wait, where've I heard that before?! I fucking love you til the end. It was always you. You bring out the butterflies in my belly. You make my heart sing when you enter the scene. Your smile lights a fire in me so explosive. Your green eyes bore into my soul, just like Jacinda's. Your voice makes my chest flutter. Since the second you set foot in that cave in Firelight and touched Jacinda, knowing, feeling, seeing what she was, and then let her go, free, safe from your family, I knew you had a hold on my heart. I knew you were different. Not evil. Kind. Accepting. Gentle. Loving. AMAZING. And you haven't let me down yet. I can't wait to see how you help the gang save Miram from your disgusting family. A stranger to you. Risking everything for the girl you love and can't live without. I know you'll be everything Jacinda needs you to be. I have faith. And it'll be an epic albeit, bumpy road to the end. And I'll be sad it's over, to say goodbye, to leave you in my books. I hate leaving my boys in books. Especially all my Will's. Every Will has a permanent hold on my heart. And you're no exception.

Anyway, getting misty eyed here. I shall conclude with, this book was frustrating and wall punching-the-wall worthy, but I loved it nonetheless. Except that there wasn't enough Will in the first half. I was depressed, sad, grumpy. I kept waiting, holding my breath for him to make his appearance, to rescue his Draki, the love of his life from a lifetime of guilt and despair. But when he finally did, it was worth the wait. The last half made up for the first half. Will made this book for me. Great job Sophie. I look forward to the last book, one more night with this gang. It'll be epic. And it'll be sad. Even though I loved Firelight better, I'm in love with the world of Draki. It'll be sad to leave it behind.

AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!! I'm having the best of luck finding books that captivate me, and this was no exception. And it was so different from the normal YA PNR.

Hot damn! I read this in a day, 24 hours. Shit! I couldn't put it down. I reluctantly did only to sleep and occasionally pay attention to my kids. Otherwise I was sucked, immersed into this magical world and never wanted to leave.
Fucking amazing!
This book was one hell of an amazing journey! I loved every second of it. I love dragons. They're so amazing, beautiful creatures. It was such a refreshing story from all the other PNR books out there. 
It was also awesome to have the heroine, Jacinda be the creature, being among humans. Draki. That was fascinating, unique. I loved seeing her manifest into her purple and blue and green skin and her wings. Just amazing!

Jacinda



Will. I loved him from the start. He was the perfect hero, human and accepting from the get-go of what Jacinda was. But still wanting to be with her. The sexual tension between these two was electrifying, thick. But it was also a connection they shared, deeper than the physical. Will saved her over and over from his family. The people that hunt her kind. He saved her and kept her secret between them. I love this quote from Will, "A hunter in love with his prey." Gah, yes I love you too Will. Fuck, all these heroes named Will. I'm doomed. 

Will Rutledge.....*dreamy sigh*



But then shit got real. And it got real. So much was happening, I was pacing with my book in hand, nervous as fuck. I knew something was going down. OMG I was so pissed and scared, especially towards the end. Ugh. No!!! That ending! Damn you Cassian! You fuck face asshole! I hate you!! Go back to the pride and stay there!!! She doesn't love you, you controlling, jealous piece of shit!!!!! Ahhhhhhh!

Xander, you're an asshole too! I hope Will beats the living shit outta you! This is all your fault!!! And Tamra, you're such an immature selfish brat for hurting your sister!!! I hope you get better in the next book. I'm so pissed right now! I have to go to sleep with that ending on my mind! I'm too tired to start the next one that is sitting on my shelf begging me to pick up. UGH! God, I'm so pissed!!! 


Anyway, sorry I got carried away but I'm just so pissed right now. This book was amazeballs, awesomesauce! I loved every second of it!!! Every. Second. Go read it! READ IT!!!! GO!! 



Jacinda in her Draki form......Beautiful!

Well this book was a mighty awesome surprise! I had no idea what to expect when I started reading it. I've had it on my shelf since last year, and had wanted to read it so many times but something kept holding me back. I love werewolf books, love them. But for a year I'd been on a contemporary romance kick, and I'm happily off that train. For a while anyway. I couldn't have been happier with this book. It was so different, refreshing, fascinating take on weres. And not only that, it had a bit of a mystery in it. Mixed with a great romance, and yes, even a love triangle which I'd come to realize I was torn. 

In Hemlock, nothing is as it seems. No one is who they are. Lies. Murder. Werewolves. Friendships. So many things have you reeling at every turn when things are revealed and people are deceived and you don't know who you can trust.

Mackenzie Dobson is trying to put the pieces together after her best friend Amy is killed. It was a werewolf attack and the town is on lockdown. Trackers are in town to remove anyone infected with LS (Lupine Syndrome) and take them to the camps where they live a semi-normal life. But there are restrictions and not treated well. As more attacks occur 5 months later, Mac is on the search for the killer. The one responsible for Amy's death, along with 3 others. But at every turn, she's questioning herself and blaming herself for not being there that night that the wolf attacked Amy in the alley. Jason and Kyle, Mac's 2 best guy friends...and later on love interests, are keeping secrets. Even though they blame themselves for not answering the phone or letting her go out alone, something is not adding up. When Jason starts acting strange and getting into fights after being piss poor drunk on many occasions, Mac inlists in Kyle's help to find answers. Along the way, he confesses his feelings for her that have been brewing for a while. One thing after another, so many events and revelations come to the surface leaving Mac feeling alone, questioning whether she can trust Kyle or Jason. Or anyone for that matter. After one night, nothing in Hemlock is the same. Mac will have to make decisions that put her and her friends in danger. But she'll do anything to protect those she loves.

What really happened to Amy that night? 

Phew! This book threw me for a loop. I had no idea what kind of drama I was getting into when entering Hemlock but it seemed every page had my heart racing, my hand flying to my mouth as I gasped out loud. I would start to put things together...but then turn out I was wrong. I kept guessing, and it turned out off. And then I was trying to catch my breath, wiping my eyes, smiling, swooning, rinse, lather, repeat. Yes, I may have said that backwards, but what the hell. Y'all get it. I just mean, my head was spinning and I couldn't keep up with what was happening. It went so fast, I had to slow down and let my brain catch up with my eyes.

Let me say, this was one hell of a murder mystery. It was freakin' insane! I loved it but never expected this to be so addicting. I would put it down only to be thinking about it and what would happen next. These characters are amazing. I fell in love with each of them. Mac was a very fierce and strong heroine. She loved her friends and even those she didn't know them all that well, she wanted everyone safe. She went to great lengths to hide some ginormous truths that put her life in danger. Did she think twice about it? Hell no, it was instinct to her. She lost her best friend, and was damned if she'd lose anyone else. But on a hunt for the truth of what happened, there was a lot of pieces that didn't quite fit the puzzle. Once the truth was revealed, I was breathless...and speechless...and a bit repulsed. Some characters were so sick and vindictive, or repulsive. I couldn't believe what happened. It was sickening. But then it added up, and when shit hit the fan, IT HIT THE FAN and exploded. But it was one hell of a ride.

Peacock weaved a story of murder, paranormal, romance and suspense so well, it was like a movie was playing. It was a damn good one too. It was fast paced, and yet I had to stop and take a breath so I didn't finish it so fast. What an awesome book. I'm so eager to continue this adventure, or more like thriller with these guys.

The romance was perfect. I mean, I was not so happy about another love triangle, there's too many. But honestly, at first I loved both characters and felt torn. But now I know who I want to ship with Mac. I love both Kyle and Jason equally. They're both great for Mac and bring out the best in her. But my heart is set on Kyle. He was such a sweet guy. He's protective, kind, heroic, funny, very good looking (it's gotta be the dark hair) and he was a wonderful best friend. I could tell he loved her, even though he had to deal with a psycho ex girlfriend. I really hated her by the way. But his feelings for her were genuine and he cared about her enough to leave town to protect her for reasons I can't say. Jason on the other hand pissed me off. I love the tortured bad boys. But he really went too far at times. He was a drunk and reckless boy and was so not dependable. Unlike Kyle, Jason was hard to depend on for help when needed since he was the one always drinking and getting into fights. But then again, I guess anyone who saw their mangled girlfriend's body in the alley after a wolf attack would turn pretty fucked up too. I felt bad for him. Then he revealed secrets and his feelings for Mac too and I just lost it. I started leaning towards him. Really, I just wanted to fix him. He was so destroyed, and broken. He's the son of the most rich man in town so he got everything he ever wanted in life and didn't have to face too much punishment. But after that night, his life spiraled out of control. However, by the end, I was soley Kyle. He won me over. But I do love both boys, as did Mac. She cared about her friendships, which made it hard to make some of the decisions she had to make. But she'd do anything for both of them. It was always Mac, Amy, Kyle and Jason for years. Now that Amy was gone, she needed to save the remaining friendships. It just sucks that certain things happened. Her cousin Tess took her in 4 years ago after she lived with her dad who was not a fit father. Tess was a great friend for her. She was like the older sister she never had. Serena, Mac's best friend and her brother Trey, I loved as well. Their secret was a shocker too. But really, it made the story more interesting. Actually, I loved Trey about as much as I loved the boys. He was protective and sweet and very sexy when he got pissed. He always made sure Serena was safe, along with Mac. They all became a great team and even during some of the fights between the guys was entertaining. Guys can be such guys, competitive, it's quite comical. Except in their case, it wasn't really funny. Intense yes, funny, no. 
The end of the book had me sad, but not screaming for the next book. I mean, sure there's a cliffhanger, but it's not as bad as I expected it to be. But. I'm still aching to get my hands on the next book to see where it's headed from here. I know where it's going...but I'm eager to get back in the world of the wolves and great characters. I loved it! I definitely recommend this series if you're a fan of solving murder mysteries, woven with a delectable love triangle romance and werewolves. Since the next sequel just came out, I'm gonna wait a bit to get to it, so I don't read it and then have to wait too long for the 3rd book.