Shadows by Jennifer L. Armentrout

Shadows (Lux #0.5) by Jennifer L. Armentrout ☆☆☆☆☆

So, apparently I thought Obsidian came first and that this was a prequel novel for it. But looking at the published dates, apparently this one came first. Regardless, I'm glad I read this one second. Some of the things that Daemon said in this one had me rolling with laughter because I knew what was going to happen and how far away from his promises to himself that he was going to go.
 
One thing I have to say is that I'm a little over the insta-love thing in stories overall. Especially when the characters are sixteen. I consider it highly naive. Not just because I was married right out of high school and it didn't last, but also because the kind of love-at-sight that's presented here was highly unrealistic. But I was still sucked in and completely pleased for it.


I really loved meeting Dawson and he was a great guy. There were so many differences between him and Daemon, but their love for each other was completely evident. They had a strong family bond. And I have to say my favorite part of this was the family, even though it centered around Bethany and was mostly from her point-of-view. I loved the arguments Dawson and Daemon were having telepathically, showing just how snarky they could both be. I love that they were both man-whores, but refused to let Dee even think of doing anything, telling her she'll be a virgin for life if they have any say. And most especially, I loved how Dee was too involved in anything. They're constantly stopping her in the middle of a sentence and telling her not to finish that sentence because it's too much information between family members. It made me love all of them that much more. And it made me highlight large portions of this book.

Obsidian by Jennifer L. Armentrout

Obsidian (Lux #1) by Jennifer L. Armentrout ☆☆☆☆☆

Welcome back to my life, Jennifer! I had heard so much about Daemon and his snark, and I was already reading her other works so I finally gave in. Technically, I had given in and grabbed a copy far earlier, but I was putting it off because it was about aliens.

So, of course, I read it because I need an arrogant, snarky jerk. That's always my favorite love interest no matter what I read. And a synopsis of a hot boy next door that's great until he opens his mouth was a great way to lure me in. Add to that everyone talking about it and I couldn't resist.

Yes, I did put it off because of the alien thing. The only other alien series I've read is the Lorien Legacies. I'm not a huge alien fan. And in YA books as a romantic interest I was not anticipating the best. I was sorely mistaken. The most ironic part of this is that Katy is a huge reader and blogger and makes a comment that she really doesn't do alien books because they're not that interesting to her. Oh, the irony. Now if only my hot alien full of arrogance and snark would show up and prove me wrong too.

As I told my best friend when recommending this to her: "Daemon is the epic bad boy. The bad boy that puts all our favorite bad boys to shame. Jace, Will, anyone else you can think of...yeah, his snark is greater than them all."

I also love that Katy's a heavy reader as well as a blogger. It really ties in that side of us bloggers that isn't usually seen. It's even better in how serious she is about blogging. She does every In My Mailbox and Waiting of Wednesday. Things that drew me in to the blogs I was following. I sadly don't have the time for those. I barely keep up with this as is. I do miss my Top-Ten Tuesdays though. One day I'll have more time to put into my blog and can join in on all of those. Anyway, back on topic. It really made Katy a real character for so many of us, if not those that are blogging, but those that follow blog religiously as well. And I can totally relate to her in having books all over the house to read. She's a character that is one of us and so we root for her above all. Even when's she being an idiot and denying the undeniable.

....yep, my own personal Daemon has still not shown up to prove me wrong. Oh well...

The Transfer by Veronica Roth

The Transfer (Divergent #0.1) by Veronica Roth ☆☆☆☆☆

I've been looking forward to reading this since I heard it was coming out. Hell, since it was rumored that it was coming out. Four has always been my favorite, not only in this series, but over all. This series changed the way I look at writing and really inspired me. I was immediately jealous that someone so much younger than me could hit is so big with such a great book. And that jealousy has pushed me to keep going.

I love reading things from Four's point-of-view. Reading the knife scene in Free Four was really amazing. What made this ebook most interesting was the subject matter. We weren't looking at a scene we already saw from a different perspective. Instead we were seeing what Four's life was like growing up, the kind of monster his dad was behind closed doors (behind what we could see in his fear landscape). We also got to see the movements in his head that lead to his decisions for faction, how he was unaware of what he was going to choose up until he chose it. And we got to see what initiation was like for him, how it changed him and how he got his name. Most especially we got to see what initiation was like before it changed to what initiation became when it was Tris's turn.

I am so excited there are three more of these coming! I'm extremely excited that Allegiant is almost here! And most especially excited for the movie coming out for my birthday! So much love for this series :D

Secrets 3 by H.M. Ward

Secrets 3 (Secrets series) by H.M. Ward ☆☆☆☆☆

Oh, 60 pages. This should have just been added to the other parts. For a series that only has 5 parts as is barely over 350 pages so far, this really could have been published as one big book, or at least two, rather than five. This is exactly the reason that people gave up on buying the Arrangement series. The sections were too short to be charging readers so much so many different times. Again, I'm glad I'm borrowing these, otherwise, I don't think I could justify the investment, no matter how much I love it.

That being said, I'm still very much in love with this series. This one in particular, although short, had me screaming at the characters like I do so love to do.

1. Sottero is a bitch. She wants control over everything, including suing Cole for everything he's worth. So I scream at her character like she can hear me tell her off. Though on the contrast, Jesse is an amazing character and I'm growing to love him even more. Anna is going to break his heart though.

2. Anna is so clueless. I know...know...who is stalking her and who ratted her out to the Dean. It seems so obvious. And I'm not sure if she really doesn't know, is really that clueless about it all, or if she subconsciously just doesn't want to believe it so she won't accept that she knows.

3. There is only one paragraph that I highlighted in this segment. I highlighted because I love the way it is written out for the scene itself, and also because just imagining the way Cole say it is great. For anyone that reads this segment of the series, it's where Anna admits to Cole that the vanilla-kinky analogy she told him previously was actually the other way around and he nearly loses control with the idea. Great moment in Cole history.

Secrets 2 by H.M. Ward

Secrets 2 (Secrets series) by H.M. Ward ☆☆☆☆☆

I really wish Ward would give these books actual titles. It would make reviewing them so much easier. Regardless, I do enjoy that this part surpassed the previous part's 97 pages with a total of 200 pages. Still short, but still loving it.

A broken A/C created a perfect situation in this segment of the series. Everything became acutely charged and the tension was incredible. It was going great places in my imagination. And then the repair guy arrives. I was equally upset and glad. While I would have loved to see the scene continue, it's also much better when the tension is dragged out.

Cole alternates fluidly between the boss and mentor to something much more electric that both know shouldn't be there. As much as they try to just work and to focus on the job and internship, that electricity is always hanging in the air between them. When she chooses to model for a sense of the model's role in her own photography, things just take control.

Cole really tries to be a good guy. It's clear he's damaged and there is something else entirely going on, but he does try. I sometimes wondered how she could be so confused by his actions, especially when she knows the consequences. Her character itself is all over the place though so it works. And with Cole's final words in this, I know I have to go directly into the next segment.

Secrets by H.M. Ward

Secrets (Secrets series) by H.M. Ward ☆☆☆☆☆

97 short pages. That's it. But I loved it.

I read a lot of YA lit, as evidenced by this blog alone, so being single, I tend to be more attracted to younger guys. This story though, reminded me that older guys are well worth the look too. Anna is in her 20s and Cole is near 40. One thing I hate about this story though is that she keeps telling him he's so old and thinking there couldn't be anything there. I'm less than a year away from 30 and that just becomes so aggravating as I'm reading this.

One really cool thing about reading this is that I learn a lot about photography. It's always been something I've loved, but I never got into it past an amateur level, so I know absolutely nothing about cameras, shutter speeds, and textures. I take pictures with my smart phone and have fun in an editing program to tweak colors and shading, that's it. But it was nice seeing that other angle to it all.

I really loved Cole in this. He's the cocky jerk that I fall for in every story. And it's full of sexual tension, both imagined and real between them. There is no doubt that I wanted him to be real so I could meet him. He has an amazing take on photography and the description of the things he can do with it made me want to watch and not just imagine from a description.

As much as I love May-December relationships, I was putting off reading this one. Something about the description just wasn't drawing me in immediately. But I gave it a shot and blew through it, loving every minute. Going to pick up the next part now.

The Arrangement 8 by H.M. Ward

The Arrangement 8 (Arrangement series) by H.M. Ward ☆☆☆☆☆

Immediately reading this, I found a discontinuity with the scene presented and the one presented in Damaged 2. That is, trying to figure out who said, "Do whatever you want." In Damaged 2 it seemed like Avery said it, but this segment begins with her ranting over Sean saying it. That was immediate confusion for me.

I'm wondering with this series how many times I can say "Oh, Sean." Men are so thick-headed. Aside from that, I don't know that I would have given into to that. I would have held my anger and walked away. Guess everyone is different. And sometimes I forget that it's what the character wants, not what we want. Even if we're the ones writing the character.

I love Gabe even more in this one. He's one BAMF when he needs to be and sticks up for his girl. Never imagined things would go that way though. Girl can't catch a break.

When did Peter get so cocky? I know he had some witty snark with Sidney in the Damaged series, but that boy definitely knows how to get what he wants. A true Ferro. And I'm surprised he'd even find her after Sean tried to buy off Sidney and lying to him. Hmmm...

Damn these cliffhangers! Where did he get the money?!

Glad 9 is already out, but going to dread its inevitable cliffhanger...

The Arrangement 7 by H.M. Ward

The Arrangement 7 (Arrangement series) by H.M. Ward ☆☆☆☆☆

Sometimes I think this series reminds me a lot of my past. No, I was never a hooker. It's just some of the things Avery says. She's really naive and I will say that repeatedly because sometimes it pisses me off, but at the same time I can't always blame her.

I get the position Avery was in at the beginning of the segment. I think I once even told an ex that I would stay even if he had killed someone. I regret that now. But for some reason I'm proud of Avery and agree with her. Maybe it's because they're fictional characters so there is no real investment. Maybe it's because I see Sean as a redeemable character, and that just doesn't happen in real life.

This segment was scary and exciting, horrifying and hot. In the middle of the action I had a good idea what was going on before he revealed it. Bastard taking away trust in herself. I don't know I'd agree with him at the end. I'd probably say no and climb in the shower to sit there before he explained it himself. I wouldn't watch.

I effing hate Ms. Black. I couldn't blame her position previously, but now I totally can. I wish Avery would just tell Sean before it gets even worse. I get her wanting to make her own money, but her situation just got worse.

I was waiting until we caught back up with Damaged 2. It was great seeing a different perspective in how the scene started. Hate where it ended, but I get it. After quickly checking the first lines of segment 8, I knew I had to go back and read that entire scene in Damaged 2 first. So glad I did. Onward segment 8...

The Arrangement 6 by H.M. Ward

The Arrangement 6 (Arrangement series) by H.M. Ward ☆☆☆☆☆

So many feels with this segment! I cried, smiled, was shocked, and even yelled at characters. That's how I know when the characters have really won me over: When I think yelling at them will do any good. It's like yelling at the girl in a horror movie not to go upstairs.

-  I cried with Avery when she broke down. I totally would have done the same (and I think I have at some point).
-  Sean's staircase trick was awesome!
-  If Marty would stop ignoring the gay jokes maybe they'd all catch on. Even if the obviousness they're clueless. But if being thought of as gay gets you in a lingerie dressing room...
-  Oh, Avery, way to kill a mood. And oh, Sean, way to make it worse.

Onward with this addictive drug! Next...

The Arrangement 5 by H.M. Ward

The Arrangement 5 (Arrangement series) by H.M. Ward ☆☆☆☆☆

So before, I was reading them so fast I could only do the 2 at a time reviews because honestly, it's one big book broken down. But I'm reviewing this one now, and writing notes as I read them to make sure I know which is which.

1. What the hell, Sean?!
There is so much push and pull in this segment. He's hot and cold equally. He wants to be "besties," but apparently doesn't know there's a line to not cross. Oh, Sean, I love you and hate you equally.

2. Glad Black only things he's stalking Avery. But I'm also curious of her knowing that much.

3. I really love Gabe. He's one hell of a guy. Avery needs someone to look out for her, especially with her friends flipping out.

4. Henry is so darn cute with his shyness. I don't think I'd be able to resist his accent though.

5. Marty at the hospital, how did she not get that? He tensed at her moan. Seriously?!

After the way this segment ended I'm jumping into the next immediately too! These short books/segments are addictive!

The Arrangement [3-4] by H.M. Ward

The Arrangement [3-4] (Arrangement series) by H.M. Ward ☆☆☆☆☆

You know these books/segments are short when I read both of these in one day.

First and foremost, I hate Ms. Black. That's all I need to say about her. Hate. I get her position, I just don't like her. She has no time for being nice. At the same time, Avery can be so stupid. She didn't have to admit what she did with the money as long as she admitted where the money was, but she didn't do that.

So in these two parts, we're back to Sean not knowing what the hell is going through his head. And Avery going through an emotional whiplash between dealing with him and dealing with her own. She's rattled and rightfully so, but everyone warned her.
 

Sean pushes her away, but when he sees her again he can't help but draw her back. It's like he never realizes what he's missing until she walks off. Which completely explains their interactions in Damaged 2 when he met Peter and Sidney in the restaurant with Avery there. At least there Avery is a little more carefree though. In this segments she's still desperately trying to find that part of herself.

The only problem I have with these sections are problems with point-of-view. This series is in the point-of-view of Avery, yet it says things like "I didn't see the look in his eye." Well then how did she know it was there? She couldn't have. And then it's also set in present tense, so when a chapter ends with, "I didn't know how wrong I was," I get confused and forget it's in present tense suddenly. Not to mention, it's unnecessary, first because it sets up what's going to happen before you can even get there and be surprised, and second because I already suspect without that reminder. As big as New York is they're drawn to each other like freaking magnets. I think Mel was right when she said there are some days she wonders about fate.

And lastly, I'm just going to add that when my mom saw the covers of this series in the carousel of my Kindle she stole it away to ogle them and said she'd read them too if she had the time and a Kindle. Oh, my poor mom.

The Arrangement [1-2] by H.M. Ward

The Arrangement [1-2] (Arrangement series) by H.M. Ward ☆☆☆☆☆

So here's the thing you need to know if you read this series: Don't spend your money. These aren't necessarily books, but more like one big book split into mini books. Each "book" or segment flows straight into the next. While this is great while reading, the problem becomes the purchase. Each of these less than 20,000 word segments costs $2.99. So again, I got my copies for free. But it was well worth reading.

So in terms of these first two parts of the Sean Ferro story... 5 stars to both.

I really love reading about Avery. At first I was a little upset that I couldn't see inside Sean's head and see his point-of-view, but it is well worth not seeing it. It's nice seeing only that one side, feeling that one side. She can still see the changes in mood that flash through his eyes, cold or haunted or warm with joy. Sean has all sides to him.

He is a great guy from the first time she meets him thanks to her crappy car. And when life throws her a loop and puts her in a situation she never believed she do in her desperation, she thinks Sean will be the savior she needs. Not so much.

These two have too many issues going on with them. And it creates a push and pull of it's own between the two. Much different that the push and pull between Sidney and Peter in the first Ferro brothers series. Avery is trying to deal with the two sides of Sean that she knows, while Sean is trying to deal with the two sides of himself on his own and failing miserably. I see this toppling down for everyone.

Frigid by Jennifer L. Armentrout

Frigid (Frigid #1) by Jennifer L. Armentrout (J. Lynn) ☆☆☆☆☆

Another hit by Armentrout! After loving the Gamble Brothers series so much I decided to try out another one of her books. I loved this one even more, as evidenced by the 5 star rating.

This book has the classic best friends not admitting their love to themselves or each other, found in the Gamble Brothers series, but it also has some great things. For one, there are a little less typos and a lot less use of the erotica words I can't stand, as mentioned in my Tempting the Best Man post. But most especially, this is the first time in reading all these books back to back that the male character doesn't have stunning blue eyes. He's got warm brown eyes. Swoon. Blue eyes get a little repetitive and unrealistic after awhile.

I really liked the idea of getting stuck in a cabin in a freak snowstorm. Not only does it force them to be together, but it reinforces the title of the book. Syd frequently mentions that a guy once called her frigid and now they're stuck in frigid temperatures. Even more interesting is that this book has a mystery plot going on, someone is attacking their cabin and making their lives hell.

I have some great things highlighted and bookmarked in this book. One being how he woke her up in the morning by the fireplace. You'll have to read the book. And the other most hilarious part is Syd walking into a mailbox while drunk and blaming the mailbox. This was especially funny because her "I'm watching you" chastising of the mailbox reflects the one my best friend and I had while playing pool and getting in an argument with the 7 ball because it refused to go in for either of us.

Great book! I wish my bestie could read it, but she doesn't have a Kindle....yet.

The Indigo Spell by Richelle Mead

The Indigo Spell (Bloodlines #3) by Richelle Mead ☆☆☆☆☆

Oh, Adrian. Richelle Mead definitely knows how to write her boys. I was madly in love with Dimitri in Vampire Academy and couldn't imagine a better guy to love. Especially in comparison to Adrian in that series. But within this series, Adrian is the only one to love. He is snarky like so many of the male characters I love to read, but his snark is good-intentioned and funny. He never seeks out to make anyone feel bad. And as Sydney says in the book, he's the only one that never asks for anything in the form of a demand. He's all heart. And it's part of his artistic side.

I wish I had the never to highlight my books (it's one of my favorite things about a Kindle), because I would have highlighted so many sections of this book. Lines I wanted to remember forever I transcribed into a notebook by my bed. But there were several places that weren't about lines, places that were about emotion or inside jokes. On my second night of reading there were several places that I busted out laughing, loud in my little apartment. At least two of those sections I was laughing so hard I had to catch my breath to keep on reading.

The end came much too soon and I was craving more and more Adrian (especially after the table and silverware, not explaining why). I can't wait to read the next book. I need more Adrian. Oh, how I wish these boys were real!

My only complaint with this book, aside from the ending coming too soon, was that you forgot they were vampires because they never fed. Throughout the entire book there was no mention of the Moroi going over to Clarence's to feed. Very strange. I think that reminder would have been helpful.

Alex by Lauren Oliver

Alex (Delirium #3.5) by Lauren Oliver ☆☆☆☆☆

This short story published at the end of Requiem was a welcome surprise. It only slightly took the sting out of the ending of the book.

This short story explores what Alex went through in the Crypts, things he never spoke out loud. It also explores the journey that brought him to the warehouse at the end of Pandemonium.

I've always been a big supporter of Alex. He's been my favorite since the beginning. He's the reason I cried the entire way through Pandemonium. So seeing his point-of-view and how he thought was a treasure. But it was also a great experience to see how those thoughts carried him through the events of his life.

I love that boy. Forever.

City of Fallen Angels by Cassandra Clare

City of Fallen Angels (Mortal Instruments #4) by Cassandra Clare ☆☆☆☆☆

I can't believe I put this book off for so long! I had read the first two chapters before my Spring semester started and because of school I put it down. I should have found a way to squeeze it in. I forgot just how much I missed Jace.

Jace is so turmoiled in this book that it can't help but break your heart. Simon has his own problems, but he really steps up and grows into himself despite his romantic struggles. And there was no way not to be happy for Joclyn and Luke!

It was nice seeing how her Infernal Devices series inspired her to add three more books to the Mortal Instruments series rather than end it at three. Magnus Bane already had his role in Infernal Devices, but Camille finally had her own role in Mortal Instruments and we're able to see her in unexpected predicaments as well.

This novel seemed mostly set within romantic strain. Clary and Jace. Simon and Isabelle. Simon and Maia. Maia and [spoiler]. Magnus and Alec. And even in a way Maryse and her husband. Despite the theme, the stories were connected very well and really set the story overall.

I can't wait to read the next one. But I'll have to. I have a big TBR list to get through and a couple other books are before it.

A Game of Thrones by George R. R. Martin

A Game of Thrones (A Song of Ice and Fire #1) by George R. R. Martin ☆☆☆☆☆

With heavy encouragement from several of my friends and the Kindle version finally available from my library I gave it a shot. I never anticipated that it would take me nearly two months to finish this book. It has put me extremely behind on my reading list for the summer vacation (including working on my MFA thesis). But in the end, if I could give it more than five stars I would. Honestly, if I gave it five stars for each of the character point-of-views it would be well over what I wish I could give it.

I'm not a big fan of fantasy. The extent of my experience in it is problem reading Pierce's Alana books that my middle school teacher encouraged on our class. I have a hard time being set in a new place with things that don't exist. Don't get me wrong, I love dragons and the supernatural. But seasons that last for years? That was a hard suspension of disbelief for me. When I read to be set in a new place it's either a dystopian apocalypse of Earth, or a space ship because Earth was described. However, I really loved this exploration into fantasy. I have always liked the Middle Ages and those hints of it were appreciated (as well as he dragons). I was also watching the Merlin series shortly before reading this book so that put me in the mindset as well (since I always loved the Arthur tales).

I started watching the HBO series at the same time. When I was about half way through the book I started the first four episodes. I really loved them as well. I fell deeply in love with Jon Snow (which makes it difficult to keep reading when he's only 14 in the book haha). I also loved the see a lot of the things that happen behind the scenes in the book and none of the point-of-views that we see show, such as the talks between Petyr and Varys. My favorite scenes of course involved Renly, who I initially thought was not portrayed handsome enough from the book, but who had some of the most intriguing back stories of all.

I'm a Stark. (One of the friends that got me to read the book claims herself a Lannister, but bah!)
And I definitely want my own direwolf pup! :)

Raven by Lauren Oliver

Raven (Delirium #2.5) by Lauren Oliver ☆☆☆☆☆

It was really interesting to see Raven's point of view on the Julian rescue situation. Above all though it was shocking to learn about secrets Raven was hiding from everyone. That really changed to way I went into reading Requiem and made the events of that last novel have a strong impact on me. While I would have liked for Raven's secret to be revealed to at least one of the other characters, maybe it is better than none of them knew. It's still a twist I'm not sure I can accept overall, based on emotion. I don't want to believe it. But I guess the same could be said about the ending of the Hana short. I didn't want to believe it, but it was right there. At least Hana's secret became exposed in Requiem, especially for those that don't read the shorts.

Annabel by Lauren Oliver

Annabel (Delirium #1.2) by Lauren Oliver ☆☆☆☆☆

I was desperately looking forward to this short. Even more so when I was able to buy Delirium Stories to share with my friend (as she complained about borrowing my Kindle to read Hana with me). It was more than I could have hoped for. I expected a short tale of what Annabel has done since the end of Pandemonium, yet instead it is a telling of when she was a teenager and met Lena's dad as well as her time in the Crypts and what it took to finally escape. We're able to see sides of Annabel we would never see otherwise. Loved it!

Clockwork Angel by Cassandra Clare

Clockwork Angel (Infernal Devices #1) by Cassandra Clare ☆☆☆☆☆

This is the first steampunk novel I have ever read and I have to say I love it! London is enough to love on its own (it's one of my destination dreams), but that time period is romantic and classic. Sometimes I wish I lived in that era, but I don't think I could live without electricity and indoor plumbing.

What I loved most about Tessa is her passion for reading. It definitely isn't a trait that many women of the time have, or admit to, when they feel their purpose is to serve their future husbands and children. She learns a lot about herself in this book and what it means to be who she is, inside and out. The contradictions she finds in herself and carefully balanced between the stark contrasts of the other characters of the novel. It's a lost of "lost boys" set up, with all the orphan children, and they look to each other for support, whether consciously or unconsciously. And the differences between them, and the dark secrets them keep, are what set them apart from each other while also tying them all together.

I am extremely excited that I decided to read this series! I wasn't sure I was going to. But after finishing City of Glass, I noted that her website said she started Clockwork Angel before moving onto the originally unplanned fourth book in the Mortal Instruments series. On her website, she encouraged new readers to read in the order of publication, which is what I decided to do. So I'll be flipping back to Mortal Instruments next before I approach Clockwork Prince. Can't wait for more steampunk and Shadowhunters!