WAITING ON WEDNESDAY: SINNER BY MAGGIE STIEFVATER (#3)

Title: Sinner
Series: The Wolves Of Mercy Falls
Author: Maggie Stiefvater
Genre: YA/PNR

Summary

A standalone companion book to the internationally bestselling Shiver Trilogy. 

Sinner follows Cole St. Clair, a pivotal character from the #1 New York Times bestselling Shiver Trilogy. Everybody thinks they know Cole's story. Stardom. Addiction. Downfall. Disappearance. But only a few people know Cole's darkest secret -- his ability to shift into a wolf. One of these people is Isabel. At one point, they may have even loved each other. But that feels like a lifetime ago. Now Cole is back. Back in the spotlight. Back in the danger zone. Back in Isabel's life. Can this sinner be saved?






What feels like years ago( maybe it was years, i do not know) i read about Grace and Sam and their cute story, i think i still need to read Forever actually.. anywhooo... Cole St. Clare was my favorite character throughout this series, he shined brighter than Grace and Sam put together, through out reading Grace and Sam's story i always wanted more of Cole, i just wanted Cole! Now, i'm gonna get what i wanted and i CANNOT freakin' WAIT!! I favored Cole and Isabel so much more over Grace and Sam so i really cannot wait to read more of their story! 

The Gamble by Kristen Ashley

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

"Bottom line, you didn't take care of what was your's. Now as Nina has explained, you've lost it, i found it an it's mine."

Sweet Jesus, ladies and gents i think i just struck fuckin' gold! Having never before read a Kristen Ashley book (The Gamble poppin' my KA cherry.) I am just so seriously excited at the amount of books of hers i've got to read, by from what i can tell will become one of my number one authors. (I've now read two more ga her books Sweet Dreams and Lady Luck and starting Breathe shorty i can say she's well up at the top of my list.)

Okay so.. The Gamble, honestly i was totally freakin' speechless when i finished this book. I sat there staring at my Kindle thinking Hell no! I was in now way shape or form any where near done with Nina & Max's story & that nutty bunch of people in Gnaw Bone. I wanted more i just couldn't get enough! (Not that i think myself or anyone else in their right mind would everrrr be dont with Holden Maxwell ;) )

I felt my heart rip a little i was so caught up in these two, i just didnt want it to end. I know a few people found this book to be a bit too long and a bit too crammed. But i gotta say, i fuckin' loved it! Each character had their own individual story and quirks, not one of them was under developed. As for the town, Gnaw Bone, i can actually picture it in my head with such a fine clearness as if i just walked the streets yesterday! (HUGE hi five on this KA made it even more extra special and enjoyable!)

When i really get into a book i find myself never wanting it to end. I get totally absorbed into the world and connect with the characters like we've been life-long friends.This is what a good story is meant to be, an escape. Kristen you gave me my escape and i didn't wanna come home!!

“Not one fuckin’ thing gentlemanly about protecting what’s yours. Looks like you’re gonna lose it, you do everything you can to stop that from happening.” Max looked back to Niles. “And you didn’t do that. She was a week away from me, she walked into a room I was in holdin’ another man’s hand, I’d lose my fuckin’ mind. Not at her. Wonderin’ where I lost my way and I’d talk to her about how to find my way back.”

Lord, i don't know where to start. Max & Nina, Nina & Max. Oh my lovelies i frinkin' adore you two! Nina was so well real, so connectable. Nina's thirty-six, which meant no teenage girl's bitchin', whinging, moaning, self pitying bullshit. Which is a rather popular case. Nope Neen's was a strong feisty strong independent mature woman. which was so megaly refreshing. (Yeah i'm only 20 but even i get sick of reading about girls my own age that are just soo super annoying!) Nina knew how to handle people who had been through some seriously tragic and upsetting event and she knew how to bring love, hope and positivity into these situations helping with the person suffering which its just incredible. PLUS she's a fan of Criminal Minds... HUUUGE bonus for me i just loved all the little bits slipped in there about the show made me grin like a loon. Yes me mega-fan.

"Yes. He. Was. Just. Here. Spreading his goodwill and love to all around Max's entryway. It's a wonder there aren't cherubs flying around sprinkling rose petals and rainbows erupting through the windows, an aftermath of his delightful visit."

Max.. He's just soo perfect. ALPHA ALERT!! Damnnn i sure do love me a alpha-tastic-male, this guy had me weak the the knees! So Lush, sweet amazingly sweet actually, honest... basically he was every good decent quality you could ever ask for in a man with a splash of dominance. Just 100 fuckin' percent of pure alpha male perfection. He's so protective and i just love that in a man, think it shows they truly care. i could sit here and gush about him for a week... but this is looking to be one long ass review as it is!

“I was your man, you were halfway around the world from me, honey, I’d fuckin’ phone you.”
…
“You on a timeout?”
“What?”
“If you told me you needed a timeout, first I wouldn’t fuckin’ let you have one, second, I wouldn’t give you a reason to fuckin’ want one, last, you took off anyway, I’d fuckin’ phone.”

i'm not gonna go into the plot cause i went in not really knowing what to expect and i enjoyed it a helluva lot more. All i'll say is strap on your seat belts and keep your arms inside the vehicle at all times. Roller-coaster? Hell yes! Not just an emotional one either somethings constantly happening. It's insane one minute i'm on the edge of my seat clinging onto my Kindle for dear life cause the suspense is just about killin' me off here then the next im all steamed up cause things are gettin' HOTT or i'm in stitches grinnin' my ass off like the fuckin' Cheshire cat. I'll hold my hands up and admit that i got a few sideways glances off my grandparents especially when i burst out laughing like a freakin' loon, to them for no aparent reason cause they're watching some frickin' murder program where someones just been slaughtered and is NOT a laughing matter.

“You’re being domineering again,” I informed him.
I felt his mouth grin under mine and watched his eyes do it.
“Yeah, baby, fair warnin’, when we’re naked, you better get used to that.”
I gasped at his words then he kissed me.”

Duchess & Macho-mountain-man... Gahh this shit could only happen in fiction... but we can dream girlies!!

This book was such a refreshing thrilling pleasure, i loved ever moment. The characters AND the plot were divine. Such an enjoyable read. I honestly could not get enough.

Well i finished the third in this series not long ago and i'm planning on starting the fourth in the morning. I'm wading my way through KA's collection like a mad woman. (Think iv'e developed an addiction to these too hot for reality males!)

Having only recently discovered my love for romance books and never hearing of Kristen before but seeing her books pop up left right n freakin' center all over my Good reads. I decided to give her a whirl, and she did NOT disappoint. So once again can i just say Thank-you Good reads for bringing this incredible talented author to my notice. Once again i'm in debt to you bringing one more awesome story into my life.

Can i just add how i LOVED Nina's & Charlie's conversations. So fuckin' beautiful.

“He put the knuckles of his fist to the table, leaned toward Niles and spoke quietly, cuttingly, in his rough, gravelly voice.

“Fucked her last night, man, and this morning. Five times. Five. It was like she hadn’t been touched in a decade. So fuckin’ sweet. Damn,” he taunted, his eyes locked on Niles. “You’ve had her, you gotta know, not enough money in the world’s worth that.”

**Review Edit..**
Can i just say i read this book like two/three weeks ago and it is STILL stuck in my head.. i'm itching to read it again. This is definatly the best of the series so far!



View all my reviews

REVIEW: TASTE OF DARKNESS BY MARIA V. SNYDER

Title: Taste Of Darkness
Series: Healer/ Avry of Kazan
Author: Maria V. Snyder
Genre: Fantasy/ Romance

Summary.

She's fought death and won. But how can she fight her fears?

Avry knows hardship and trouble. She fought the plague and survived. She took on King Tohon and defeated him. But now her heart-mate, Kerrick, is missing, and Avry fears he's gone forever.

But there's a more immediate threat: The Skeleton King plots to claim the Fifteen Realms for his own. With armies in disarray and the dead not staying down, Avry's healing powers are needed now more than ever.

Torn between love and loyalty, Avry must choose her path carefully. For the future of her world depends on her decision.

My Review! 

Five Stars!!

Taste of Darkness is the third and final installment of the Avry of Kazan/ Healer series. As a final book in a series it does not disappoint. 

This series has become a favorite of mine, from the thrilling adventure to the wide cast of some of the most fabulous and lovable characters, a swooning romance and a world to get lost in. Keeping with the tone of the last two books this one keeps the pace of adventure and romance moving swiftly. 

Avry, Kerrick and the rest of their merry gang are put through their paces throughout this entire series and that doesn't let up in this book. Kerrick is now limited to staying in the forest, his connection as a forest mage has now become so strong he cannot leave the forest without it sapping all of his strength. But Avry keeps strong and positive. Hit after hit, with each turn the guys are hit with betrayals, battles but they keep going. With new enemy's and old threats returning the gang stay loyal to one another and over come every new terror and fight that is thrown at them 

From battle planning in the mines, a breakout in a convent, battles with the undead, and coming face to face with cannibals. This story is full of shocking revelations and captivating twists. 

Avry and Kerrick will always be one of my most favorite couples, everything about their relationship is incredibly refreshing, their love and respect for each other is really quite new in YA, neither are overly dependent nor smothering, they know that their are things going on that are bigger than the two of them and they realize that though they might not like it they will put whatevers necessary before them selves. 

Avry is a fantastic female protagonist, she's incredibly selfless, brave, intelligent, kind and witty. Like a breath of fresh Air she is strong willed and quick witted. I have really enjoyed seeing Avry grow over this series, no longer is she on the run hiding  healing the odd child then having to run, now she is a highly respected healer. No longer on her own she has a group of loving friends that are a lot more like family and Kerrick, which is all more than she had ever wished for. 

New characters and old light up this story, some you wish you could just hug and take home with you and some you just love to hate! Seeing how each character has grown and developed over the process of this series is really a joy in it's self and makes you feel like part of the crew! 

I have really enjoyed this series and recommend highly. Every aspect of this series is played perfectly, though this book does start of with a slight recap i would recommend that if you're going to read this series do so within a close time scale, i read all three books within a week. Obviously you don't have to read them within a week but i would say you should read them close together because with the wide range of characters and with such a complex plot and world it's best to keep it all fresh in your mind so you can really appreciate every part within out forgetting any key points from the previous books. 

The Acvy of Kazan series gave me a week filled with enjoyment, adventure, suspense and love. If your looking for a new series of fantasy and romance i suggest you pick this one up, you wont regret it. Promise. 

"Oh no," Quain said. "I recognize that look. It means trouble"

"It means she has a plan," Loren corrected.

"Same difference," Quian muttered. 

WAITING ON WEDNESDAY: THE MERCILESS BY DANIELLE VEGA (#2)

Title: The Merciless
Series: NA
Author: Danielle Vega
Genre: Horror/ YA

Summary

Forgive us, Father, for we have sinned

Brooklyn Stevens sits in a pool of her own blood, tied up and gagged. No one outside of these dank basement walls knows she’s here. No one can hear her scream.

Sofia Flores knows she shouldn’t have gotten involved. When she befriended Riley, Grace, and Alexis on her first day at school, she admired them, with their perfect hair and their good-girl ways. They said they wanted to save Brooklyn. They wanted to help her. Sofia didn’t realize they believed Brooklyn was possessed.

Now, Riley and the girls are performing an exorcism on Brooklyn—but their idea of an exorcism is closer to torture than salvation. All Sofia wants is to get out of this house. But there is no way out. Sofia can’t go against the other girls . . . unless she wants to be next. . . .

In this chilling debut, Danielle Vega delivers blood-curdling suspense and terror on every page. By the shockingly twisted end, readers will be faced with the most haunting question of all: Is there evil in all of us?


I  mean how freakin' awesome does this sound? I'll admit it i'm total chicken shit, i make my sister walk me to the loo when we've watched a scary movie because i jump at my own shadow and she tortures me by singing the song from Nightmare on Elm Street out side my door at about three in the morning in a creepy kiddy voice.. you know the one..
1,2 freddie's coming for you
3.4 better lock your door
5,6 grab a crucifix 
7,8 gonna stay up late
9,10 never sleep again... 

At least that's now i think it goes, i mean i'm always half asleep and half traumatized so i can't really be blamed for getting the words wrong now can i? Haha any this is SO not the point of this post i guess what i'm trying to say is i am a chicken, i'm the girl that watched the Woman In Black through her fingers in the cinema and nearly fell off her chair. But i am still incredibly excited for this book! Honestly i cannot freakin' wait! It sounds bloody scary and freaky and gross and ten different kinds of awesome!!  Even if it is likely to give me sleepless nights i really don't care that's how much i want this book!

REVIEW: SCENT OF MAGIC BY MARIA V SNYDER

Title: Scent Of Magic
Series: Healer/ Avry of Kazan
Author: Maria V. Snyder
Genre: Fantasy/ Romance

Summary.

Hunted, Killed—Survived?

As the last Healer in the Fifteen Realms, Avry of Kazan is in a unique position: in the minds of her friends and foes alike, she no longer exists. Despite her need to prevent the megalomanical King Tohon from winning control of the Realms, Avry is also determined to find her sister and repair their estrangement. And she must do it alone, as Kerrick, her partner and sole confident, returns to Alga to summon his country into battle.

Though she should be in hiding, Avry will do whatever she can to support Tohon’s opponents. Including infiltrating a holy army, evading magic sniffers, teaching forest skills to soldiers and figuring out how to stop Tohon’s most horrible creations yet; an army of the walking dead—human and animal alike and nearly impossible to defeat.

War is coming and Avry is alone. Unless she figures out how to do the impossible ... again

My Review.

Four Stars!

Welcome back to the second installment into the many adventures of Avry of Kazan! This book picks up near enough straight after the first one ended, it starts with Kerrick and Avry going their separate ways. Not really going to go into it because if you haven't read the first one i really don't want to spoil it for you, it's better to just go with the flow and ride each twist through your own experience. So with Avry and Kerrick going separate ways we welcome Kerrivs POV into the mix! The first one was all Avry's but with so much happening and with the two spending so much time apart it was crucial for it to be split.  It helped fill out the story, allowing a lot more to happen and Snyder was able to add a lot more into the plotline.

War is coming.

When the two split ways the plan is  Kerrick is going to join up with Prince Ryne and the rest of the crew, and plan their move in the fight against Tohon, Avry is going to infiltrate Estrid's holy army under a disguise and help teach her soldiers how to move silent through the forest , like Kerrick taught her and the rest of the gang, what feels like many moons ago! From dead ufas, the tribes and one deadly ex girlfriend, not to mention one power crazy, overly obsessed Life Magician, Kerrick and Avry have their work set out just to survive never mind figure out the mystery of the Death Lily's and just how their supposed to win a war against an enemy that can't be killed! 

New characters, to love and to hate are added into the mix! Some well loved are lost and some are gained. Like the first book there are a lot of twists and  the action scenes are epic!  And i still love Tohon, even though we now see just how far he will go in his quest for power, i still kinda fancy him! I guess that just says something about my taste in men more than anything.. hmm. 

The only reason that this book is my least favorite, well there are two reasons really. First is that Avry and Kerrick are hardly together throughout this book, a few pages at the beginning and end that's all, which i hated because i loved them together! Second Kerrick's POV was a lot more boring than Avry's, i mean plenty happened on his side of things i just enjoyed Avry's a lot more. I love Avry she is possibly one of my most favorite female leads. Strong, selfless, kind, and witty, her POV definitely rained supreme in this book! 

More mystery, heartache, laughs and whip lash causing twists will keep you enthralled though this epic tale of friends, love, betrayal and war. Oh yeah and there's a brutal cliffhanger.. it really is a slap to the face, and it's left pretty open so you really have no clue which way it's going to turn. Lucky for me i already had the third book downloaded and ready to go!  

REVIEW: A TOUCH OF POWER BY MARIA V SNYDER

Title: Touch Of Power
Series: Healer/ Avry Of Kazan
Author: Maria V Snyder
Genre: Fantasy/ Romance(slight)

Summary
Laying hands upon the injured and dying, Avry of Kazan assumes their wounds and diseases into herself. But rather than being honoured for her skills, she is hunted. Healers like Avry are accused of spreading the plague that has decimated the Territories, leaving the survivors in a state of chaos.

Stressed and tired from hiding, Avry is abducted by a band of rogues who, shockingly, value her gift above the golden bounty offered for her capture. Their leader an enigmatic captor-protector with powers of his own is unequivocal in his demands: Avry must heal a plague-stricken prince, the leader of a campaign against her people.

As they traverse the daunting Nine Mountains, beset by mercenaries and magical dangers, Avry must decide who is worth healing and what is worth dying for. 

(Blurb from Goodreads.)

My Review.

Five Stars!

"Don't worry," I said. "These men are good. They're going to save the world."

After YEARS of hearing the most amazing things about Snyder and the books she writes, the worlds she creates and the characters she breathes life into, i finally got myself one of her books! And i am kicking myself very hard for not doing so sooner! 

Avry is on the run, she is a healer. Her touch has the power to heal the injured and the ill. You would have though that the power of healing would have the healers being worshiped and loved amongst the people. Instead they are hated and hunted, blamed for spreading the plague that wiped out thousands leaving the survivors in a state of fear and chaos. 

Avry is rescued/kidnapped by a gang of rebels, they need her power to heal their leader. The problem with that is, he has the plague. For a healer to heal someone of the plague would mean their death. When a healer uses their power to heal someone they take the persons ailment into their own body, healer's bodies heal much quicker and are able to survive things that normal people wouldn't be able to, except from the plague. They can cure someone of it but they cannot recover from it. So Avry is torn, knowing that the plague will kill her and the gang's need to have their leader healed leaves Avry with a lot to think about..

The gang really are a lovable bunch! Kerrick, Balen, Loren, Quain and Flea. Avry quickly develops friendships with all bar Kerrick, the leader of the group. Him and Avry constantly but heads and it's brilliant! The two constantly snark at each other and argue and it really is a highlight of this book! The characters in this book are so entertaining! I loved them all and found myself really caring about what happened to them, laughing along with their jokes and getting sucked into all their antics! 

Throughout this book their all constantly on the move, trekking over the nine mountains trying to reach their friend. But a price has been put on Avery's head and the gang have mercenaries chomping at their heels and magical dangers, dark and repulsive are waiting round every corner. Not only do they have to face with danger, kidnapping, the undead, they will have to face themselves and the choices they make and the effects they have. They will trust the wrong people, fall in love, have the most hilarious antics, forged friendships where strangers become family and face a ton of danger! Avry will come to realize that sometimes those who share blood cannot always be trusted. 

Now i'd like to take a moment to appreciate all that is Tohon. I know, i know he's the bad guy! But he's a hot, swoony badguy who makes darkness seem much more appealing.  Honestly he reminded me so much of the Darkling, and he is just another example where evil is a pant dropper. I loved his character, he really made a brilliant villain. He was unpredictable, you never knew what he was up to or what his next move would be. Even if he was psychotic everybody's got to have one flaw right? 

I didn't want to go into the plot in my review because there are so many unexpected twists and  turns throughout the plot that it will most definitely keep you flipping them pages and have you falling deeper and more in love with the story with every chapter. Snyder is a fabulous creator, from the world building to the characters to the high impact action scene this is a book not to be missed by fans of fantasy! 

This is my favorite book of the series and the only one that is Avry's sole POV, the following two in the series are dual POV. You'll only be hurting youself by missing out on this series, fans of fantasy get ready to join a thrilling adventure that will leave you with a thirst for more..  

REVIEW: CRANE BY STACEY ROURKE

Four Headless Stars!

Dark grows near, sense the fear

Cloak of night, brings Horseman's plight.

His pricey toll, will be a soul.

Run and hide before his ride.

Or the dead,

Shall claim ye head! 

Can i just kick off this review with saying how much i LOVE the cover for Crane? It's gorgeous and perfectly fitting for the story! Hats off to the designer! 

Crane is an retelling of the epic legend of The Headless Horseman of Sleepy Hollow. Now i am a huge fan of the Jonny Depp film, i must have seen it fifty times. I just love the legend so when i saw that Crane was a retelling i had to read it! 

They had both stared death in the face this very night. It having stalked them from the shadows, revealing momentary glimpses of the meaning of true horror. 

Crane is told from a dual point of view but with a twist. The two main character's are Ireland Crane and Ichabod Crane. The two storys run parallel to each other, in Ireland's story she has just moved to sleepy hollow but after her arrival people are being beheaded and a new breath of life is breathed into the legend of the Hessian that the current day population thought was nothing more than a legend. In Ichabod's story he too has just moved to the town of Sleepy Hollow with his two brothers in arms Irving and Rip Van Winkle, the town live in hear of the Horseman with a curfew in place for the towns people they think they have a bargain with the Horseman until people's heads start being removed from their bodies. 

I really liked Ireland, she was incredibly witty and down to earth, honestly she has some of the best one liners ever! After a bad break up with the douche bag of an ex Brantley she moves to Sleepy Hollow in search for a new start, sworn off men and dating she get a new job as a guidance counselor at the local high school. Not long into her new life people are being beheaded and Ireland discovers a sleeping Rip in her cellar preserved by a spell so he could one day help the next Crane who came to town in breaking the curse that has befallen Ichabod Crane and his endless thirst for blood. So Ireland and Rip start to work on the curse of the Hessian and it soon becomes all too clear that Ireland is a lot more involved than she believed. With the Hessian wreaking havoc and Ireland living in fear of the curse time is swifly running out she and Rip need to find a way to control the Hessian before anymore people are killed. 

Small silver hooks had been fished through his upper and lower lids, forcing them open. Blood pooled in the corners of his eyes, trickling down his face in crimson slashes. 

Ichabod's story is based shortly after the Revolutionary War and is the telling of how he became the Hessian and all the events leading up to the dreaded moment when he'll loose his head but gain the curse. The Horseman is already feared in the town of Sleepy Hollow, the towns people believe that they are in a reprieve from his reign of mayhem and terror but soon after the arrival of the three friends he takes his first victims kicking of a trail of events leading to Ichabod's doom.

Even though she's sworn off men Ireland cant help wanting to spend time and get closer to her neighbor Noah, the two have a steady very slow building romance that is very sparse through out the story but it was brilliantly played. Noah is hot, muscled, blonde haired with hazel eyes he is totally swoon worthy but with Ireland swearing off men and an unexpected visit from her ex all between trying to figure out the curse their romance doesn't really kick off until the end of the story. Ichabod and Katrina's romance is another story, it was love at first sigh for Ichabod, he fell hard and fast for Katrina but knew that she could never be his due to her being daughter to one of the richest men in Sleepy Hollow and him being nothing but the towns schoolmaster. This however didn't stop the two from seeking time together, honestly it was bittersweet knowing where their story was leading but it really was the sweetest romance in the middle of such horrifying events. 

"So, is this the part where the noble citizen challenges the monster that ravaged the hapless town?" 

It took me a while to get into this story but i think that's just because i was in a bit of a slump and no fault of the book it's self, the best thing was probably the mystery and the characters. I mean all of them from Ichabod and Katrina to Ireland, Rip and Noah they were all instantly likable and this book held a lot of humor as well as terror. There really were some gruesome moments that created some pretty vile images in my mind but only helped make the book better!

"Now could you please focus on the road, or should i brace myself for further infantile tantrums?"
Blatant disrespect! Cut off his tongue and feed it to him!

Both Ichabod and Ireland were very different characters, but both were incredibly likable, Ichabod in his gentle heart and Ireland with her wit and quirkiness. You can't help feeling for the pain and all the trouble and anguish they went though. Seeing Ichabod's story though his eyes really was an incredible bonus to the story and fabulous insight to the man he was before the curse.  

"So, is this the part where the noble citizen challenges the monster that ravaged the hapless town?"  

Crane is an extremely enjoyable read, from the mystery of the legend to the humor. There were a lot of moments where i was laughing out loud at what the characters said or did and it definitely had the creep factor!! Entertaing and moreish this was an epic retelling of the legend and got better and better as the story went on, by thee time the book was ending i was loving it so much i dreaded hitting the last page. Oh and the times Ireland spoke to the Hessian had me in hysterics! I cannot wait to get my hands on Raven!! 

"How will the world remember Ichabod Crane?"