Nocturne by Syrie James

Author: Syrie James

Genre: Paranormal Romance

Published: Jan 2011

Goodreads

When Nicole Whitcomb’s car runs off a Colorado mountain road during a blinding snowstorm, she is saved from death by a handsome, fascinating, and enigmatic stranger.

 

Snowbound with him for days in his beautiful home high in the Rockies, she finds herself powerfully attracted to him and soon comes to realize that the feeling is mutual. But there are things about him that mystify her, filling her with apprehension—and Nicole can’t shake the feeling that he doesn’t want her there.

 

Who is Michael Tyler? Why does he live alone in such a secluded spot and guard his private life so carefully? What secret—or secrets—is he hiding?

 

Nicole has secrets of her own and a past she is running from—but Michael understands her better than anyone she has ever known. Soon, she is falling as deeply in love with him as he is with her.

But as the sexual tension between them builds, the clues mount up. When Nicole learns the terrifying truth—that her host is an ages-old vampire who is torn between his love for her and his desire for her blood—there’s nowhere for her to run but into the blizzard raging outside, and he’s the only one who can save her life.

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**Review contains possible spoilers**

Oh dear. I'm afraid I have very little good to say about this book. I was into about the fifth chapter and I already knew that this book was a waste of my time. Now I'm questioning why I even spent the time to finish reading it. I suppose it's like watching a train wreck in progress: it's so horrific and surprising, and there's nothing you can do to stop it. You just stand there with your jaw hanging open, waiting for impact. I wouldn't say Nocturne was horrific, but it was definitely not enjoyable.

First of all, the book spans a four day time period. How on earth can we get to know the characters well and understand them when that's all the time we're given? The romance was completely unbelievable. And I mean, on the second day unbelievable. I'm all about love at first sight, but there has to be some time to develop the relationship after the initial meet-cute. And then, horror of all horrors, there wasn't even a happily ever after! The characters could never figure out how to make it work, and so she drives off into the sunset, not ever planning to come back again. If I want to spend my time with relationships that don't end well, I'll watch the news.

I will give it to Ms. James, I actually liked the hero in this story. Michael was equal parts good/bad boy, and it was fascinating to read about his internal battles. I wish that the story would have been longer, so we could have spent more time with him.

Truthfully, this book wasn't for me. You are welcome to give it a try, but I wouldn't recommend it.

Clockwork Angel by Cassandra Clare





Author: Cassandra Clare

Series: The Infernal Devices #1

Genre: Young Adult / Historical / Steampunk

Published: Aug 2010

Goodreads

Magic is dangerous--but love is more dangerous still.

When sixteen-year-old Tessa Gray crosses the ocean to find her brother, her destination is England, the time is the reign of Queen Victoria, and something terrifying is waiting for her in London's Downworld, where vampires, warlocks and other supernatural folk stalk the gaslit streets. Only the Shadowhunters, warriors dedicated to ridding the world of demons, keep order amidst the chaos.

Kidnapped by the mysterious Dark Sisters, members of a secret organization called The Pandemonium Club, Tessa soon learns that she herself is a Downworlder with a rare ability: the power to transform, at will, into another person. What's more, the Magister, the shadowy figure who runs the Club, will stop at nothing to claim Tessa's power for his own.

Friendless and hunted, Tessa takes refuge with the Shadowhunters of the London Institute, who swear to find her brother if she will use her power to help them. She soon finds herself fascinated by--and torn between--two best friends: James, whose fragile beauty hides a deadly secret, and blue-eyed Will, whose caustic wit and volatile moods keep everyone in his life at arm's length...everyone, that is, but Tessa. As their search draws them deep into the heart of an arcane plot that threatens to destroy the Shadowhunters, Tessa realizes that she may need to choose between saving her brother and helping her new friends save the world...and that love may be the most dangerous magic of all.

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I fell in love with Cassandra Clare's Mortal Instrument series, and was ecstatic upon learning she had a new book out. It took me awhile to get to it, but I fully admit I get easily distracted when it comes to books. The Infernal Devices series is a prequel to the Mortal Instrument series. So not only is Ms. Clary continuing to write books in the Mortal Instrument series, she'll be adding books to the Infernal Devices series as well. I wonder if she ever loses her place, and gets her characters mixed up? Especially since they're essentially from the same world, with the Clockwork Angel just in a different time period. I'm glad I don't have to keep it all straight, I can just sit back and enjoy everything!
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 In Clockwork Angel we have basic elements of the main characters that were in the Mortal Instrument series. They deviate in slight ways, but for the most part I felt like I was reading Clary and Jace's story all over again, just 100 some-odd years in the past. Although, I will hand it to Tessa, she didn't nearly annoy me as much as Clary. Clary had what I call the "Bella complex": she had absolutely no skills or ability to defend herself or anyone else, but felt compelled to jump in the fray. Oh, that quality in a heroine bugs. It's one thing if they have the skills to back it up, but don't they know if they just stayed out of it it would make everyone else's life so much easier? Ga. Anyway. I digress. I felt like Tessa was young and naive, but not so willing to sacrifice herself unecessarily. Which, I must admit, was refreshing.

Will was mysterious and enigmatic, and we learn absolutely nothing about him in this book. Even if I didn't enjoy Clockwork Angel, I would continue reading just to learn Will's story. For the most part, I liked the book, but if I had to choose one itsy bitsy thing to critique, it would be the love story. Truthfully, I didn't see the attraction. Tessa and Will's romance made no sense to me. Will was a complete jerk throughout the whole novel (I'm sure once we find out why, it will be for a very good reason), and we get no view point from him whatsoever. Why does he fall in love with Tessa? Why does he bust his butt to race back to the church to save her at the end of the novel? What is the attraction between the two? I don't even feel like they had enough interaction in the novel to warrant such a speedy, and apparently intense, romance. The relationship didn't have any meat to it, and I wanted, no, craved, substance. Perhaps it will get better in the next novel? Maybe? Hopefully?

Clockwork Angel is a good read. Despite my teeny tiny problem, I was hooked in by the writing, the setting and I actually stayed up way too late trying to finish it. I since have discovered that I'm not in college anymore, and these old bones don't do well with no sleep. But I definitely don't regret it. This was my first foray into the Steampunk genre, and I really enjoyed the mechanical Victorian England. I'm sure that's an incredibly horrible way to describe it, but that's what the genre is to me.

So what I'm really trying to to do is conclude this review by saying read Clockwork Angel, it's wonderful and delightful. Definite hit and I can't wait for the next novel in the series!

Bloodlines Cover Reveal!!

Richelle Mead (one of my fave authors of all time!) has completed the Vampire Academy series (boo!), but is writing a spin off series for all of the side characters. Her first book, Bloodlines, is about Sydney the alchemist, and it looks. so. good.

Bloodlines is due to come out Aug 23. I feel like I spend my life waiting for Ms. Mead's books to come out. Here I am.. waiting again!

Anna and the French Kiss by Stephanie Perkins

Author: Stephanie Perkins

Genre: Contemporary YA

Published: Dec 2010

Goodreads

Anna is looking forward to her senior year in Atlanta, where she has a great job, a loyal best friend, and a crush on the verge of becoming more. Which is why she is less than thrilled about being shipped off to boarding school in Paris—until she meets Étienne St. Claire: perfect, Parisian (and English and American, which makes for a swoon-worthy accent), and utterly irresistible. The only problem is that he's taken, and Anna might be, too, if anything comes of her almost-relationship back home.

As winter melts into spring, will a year of romantic near-misses end with the French kiss Anna—and readers—have long awaited?

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Oh. my. gosh. Ohmygoshohmygoshohmygosh I LOVE this book!  I had seen it around the book blogger community and finally had an opportunity to read it. Anna and the French Kiss is so good in fact, that I've already read it twice. More specifically, I've read the book twice in the span of.. a day and a half. I know, I know, ridiculous. Or, you know, obsessive is probably more like it. If you've read the book, then I'm sure you understand and if you haven't, you're really missing out. And I mean, really.

Anna is one of the best well-written teenagers I've ever read. She's real, she's honest, she's goofy, quirky, and is beautiful on the inside and out. I honestly had trouble reminding myself at the end of the book that Anna was just a fictional character. And Etienne, *swoons*. Who wouldn't fall in love with a totally gorgeous guy that treats Anna like a queen (except when he's being stupid), and has an adorable British accent? I am seriously crushing on Etienne at the moment. I can't get enough! While they are both equally excellent characters on their own, together Etienne and Anna create a wonderful pair. The romance is both hot, sweet and completely unforgettable. I want to welcome Etienne and Anna to my Literary Couple Hall of Fame. You are among hereoes such as Cat & Bones, Kate & Curran, and Mac & Barrons. I'm sure you will fit right in! Well, minus the whole age difference and otherworldly aspect I guess.

I have never been to Paris, but have always wanted to go (if I can ever get hubs to agree!), and Ms. Perkins writes in such a way that I felt like I was there with Anna, experiencing everything she was. I even looked up pictures online of some of the places she visited, so I would have a better picture of what was going on. I love that Anna & Etienne's story began in the city known for love and romance. I also felt like she gave the right amount of details and description. I never once felt lost or bored. Again, I just couldn't get enough of Paris, the school and the whole story.

Thank you Ms. Perkins, for taking me out of my everyday, mundane life and taking me on a grand adventure. I adore your novel, and will be first in line when Lola and the Boy Next Door comes out. Anna and the French Kiss will proudly take it's place in my bookshelves, and if you were to check back in ten years, the copy will be well worn with use. I can't think of any greater compliment to give than that!

TBR Adds - Feb 6

This meme is a weekly summary of all the books I added to my TBR list this past week, based on recommendations by my fellow book bloggers. I would love it if you joined it, but would ask you to give credit/link back to me.

Sugarbeat's Books

The Madness of Lord Ian Mackenzie by Jennifer Ashley

Mission to Read

Paranormalcy by Kiersten White

Nocturne by Syrie James

Bloodshot by Cherie Priest

Books, Sweets and Other Treats

Darkness Becomes Her by Kelly Keaton

i swim for oceans

Hourglass by Myra McEntire

Susan Wiggs' The Charm School

Author: Susan Wiggs

Genre: Historical Romance

Published: May 2008

Goodreads

Isadora Peabody is the brilliant but socially inept sibling in an otherwise perfect family. And although she struggles to fit into Boston society, her awkwardness dooms her to repeated failure. Fate intervenes when she learns that a sea captain, Ryan Calhoun, is in need of an interpreter for his next voyage to Rio. And despite Ryan's adamant opposition to hiring a female interpreter, Isadora gains a berth on his ship, thanks to a little blackmail.

Life aboard ship and away from the strict confines of Boston society finds Isadora losing weight, gaining confidence, and blooming like a rose. She befriends the motley crew of rough sailors, and in turn, they become a charm school of sorts, tutoring her in gracefulness--which comes in handy when climbing the rope rigging--dancing, and friendship. Isadora's transformation fascinates Ryan, but he is determined to stay away from her for he has secretive, dangerous plans. Unaware of Ryan's interest, Isadora struggles with her growing attraction to the reckless sea captain. But before they can resolve their feelings, prior commitments surface and endanger their chance of finding a happy future together.

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I have read several books from Susan Wiggs, and this one is by far my favorite. This book had all the elements of a romance novel that I love. The Charm School is an excellent example of why I'm so attracted to this genre. Isadora and Ryan detest eachother at the beginning of the story, which absolutely delighted me. For some reason, I find the romance to be sweeter when it's not love at first sight. Not that I don't love those stories too, but there's just something special about love birds that despise eachother. Ryan and Isadora meet when they're at their absolute worst, and they manage to forgive and move on. Really, it's the perfect romance!

Isadora truly embodies the "ugly duckling" scenario. I have never felt so much sympathy for a heroine as I did for Isadora. Poor girl. Thankfully, she manages to gather enough courage to force her way on to Ryan's ship, where she transforms into a most beautiful swan. She was always the swan to begin with, she just had to figure it out for herself. I loved that Ryan could always see that, even if he didn't necessarily want to in the beginning. Isn't that what every girl dreams of? A man that loves her for her, no matter what she looks like on the outside.

It's a tale of adventure, swash buckling heroics and a love story at sea. The Charm School is beautiful, heart warming and will leave you with a smile on your face and warm fuzzies in your heart for days.

Read it. I know you'll love it.

Tidbits & Treasures - Feb 2

5. Scholastic gave Maggie Stiefvater permission to record a video of herself reading the first few chapters of Forever, the third book of the Wolves of Mercy Falls series due to come out in July. This is one of my all time favorite series, and I'm so there when Scholastic releases that video on Valentine's Day. Maggie posted a hilarious blooper video to tide us over in the meantime. Go here to view.

4. Parajunkee's View and Tynga's Reviews are hosting a major event this March. Judging by the authors that are already slotted to attend, it should be one heck of a month! Tons of giveaways, guest posts, author posts.. you name it, I'm sure it'll be there. Looking forward to it, and I hope I win something! 

 

 

3. Anna from Anna Reads did a wickedly creative review on Richelle Mead's Vampire Academy series. I loove, love, LOVE that series. Anna summed it up perfectly. Or rather, her stick figures did.

 

 

2. Check out this cover! I think it's the finest example of a male torso I've ever seen. It didn't get a raving review from Smexy Books, but I might have to get it anyway just to strategically place it around the house where the hubs will most likely see it try it out.

 

 

1. We've officially started house hunting. The real estate market here in TN is super cheap (compared to Utah, where we moved from) and we can't wait to be home owners. At least we think we can't. Perhaps when the first major house repair pops up and we have to pay for it ourselves, we might not be as excited about it. But it's time to become "real" adults and make the jump. Let the games begin!