The Burning Sky by Sherry Thomas

Title: The Burning Sky
Author: Sherry Thomas
Format I Read: Kindle
Pages: 464
Genres: Fantasy, Romance
Release Date: September 17, 2013
Stars: 5
Goodreads Link

Okay, this book was freaking splendid. Absolutely fantastic. I devoured it. I'm basically drowning in work and stress (with the mental breakdowns to prove it), but I couldn't put this book down. I've been meaning to read it ever since people started going gaga over the third book (The Immortal Heights). And now I finally got around to it. God, it did not disappoint.

To those who aren't familiar:

It all began with a ruined elixir and a bolt of lightning.
Iolanthe Seabourne is the greatest elemental mage of her generation—or so she's been told. The one prophesied for years to be the savior of The Realm. It is her duty and destiny to face and defeat the Bane, the most powerful tyrant and mage the world has ever known. This would be a suicide task for anyone, let alone a reluctant sixteen-year-old girl with no training.
Guided by his mother's visions and committed to avenging his family, Prince Titus has sworn to protect Iolanthe even as he prepares her for their battle with the Bane. But he makes the terrifying mistake of falling in love with the girl who should have been only a means to an end. Now, with the servants of the tyrant closing in, Titus must choose between his mission—and her life.

Just a heads up that this review is going to be absolutely wretched for two reasons:

1) I haven't written a review in 108432 years because college life is freaking hard.

2) I'm giddy over this book.

Guys!!!! This book!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I'm going to have to break it down into parts to review it because otherwise I'm just going to be gushing and crying over it.

Characters:

The characters were absolutely perfect. Titus and Iolanthe had such amazing chemistry. They were so real and believable. Even when Iolanthe was being a silly, shallow little girl (focusing on jealousy instead of the life-or-death situation at hand), she completely acknowledged it. It made it endearing and heartwarming instead of annoying and frustrating. I honestly can't find a single flaw in their portrayal. Of course, they did have flaws (as the best characters do), but that made them all the more captivating. They were perfect, charming leads. I honestly couldn't have asked for better main characters. And the romance was gradual and seamless. It was utterly realistic. Thomas perfectly captured the slow and painful development of their relationship, the ups and downs of the partnership. It was fantastic.

Worldbuilding:

If I could scrounge up a complaint about this book, this is where it would be. Honestly, I can't really explain the world to you. I know that there are elemental mages and Atlantis is the enemy. Other than that, the details are pretty vague. I don't know if it's because I was so eager to find out what happened next that I didn't pay enough attention or if it's because the world really wasn't explained enough. Also, one of the big reasons I may not have understood it as well as I should have might have been because I read it on the Kindle. Sherry Thomas included a ton of amazing notes in the back of the book that you could flip to as you read. They seem to be super relevant to the story: an awesome resource for worldbuilding. So if you read a physical copy of the book, your experience with the worldbuilding should be much better than mine! But even in my case, it didn't detract from the story itself at all.

I loved the world! I feel like Thomas could make five million prequels and still have more to talk about. There was so much depth to the world and so many facets to it. I want to read more about everything mentioned, from the January Uprising to the potion books. With that, the Crucible was utterly fascinating and one of my favorite parts of the book. It was literally captivating. I want a copy right now. The Crucible itself was like a whole other world in and of itself. I also loved the jumps between the mage world and nonmage world. It was super interesting to see the contrast there, and I really enjoyed the way Thomas toyed with that.

Writing:

Do words count as an element? Because if so, Sherry Thomas is a word mage. Or a mind mage of storytelling?? Are these things??? Because they should be. And Sherry Thomas deserves those titles. The writing was amazing. However, there does need to be a disclaimer here since I literally sucked this book down. Which means that I didn't get to fully embrace the writing. I have every intention of rereading this baby later and relishing in every single word, don't worry.

Plot:

The plot was flawlessly developed. It was simultaneously simple and complex. It was complex in that it was multi-layered with twists and turns. But it was simple in that it wasn't too overwhelming. I felt that I could, if necessary, boil the story down to one core plot. The relative straight-forwardness of this main plot balanced out the disorientation of the worldbuilding. It made it easier to follow the story and jump into the world, since we had that core to latch onto. It did wonders for the story. Not to mention how creative the plot was. Thomas put such a unique twist on something that can be so monotonous and overdone (elemental magic).

With the logistics: a 4.5 rounded up to a 5!

In conclusion: please go read this book right this second because you will not regret it and it was so cute but also so exciting and so action-packed. I gasped multiple times and my heart stopped a couple times too. But then I aww'd and hugged the book to my chest a couple times. And also laughed a couple times because THE CANARY. And basically, yes to this book. A million times yes.

Someone go buy me the next two books please?

(And seriously more apologies for the poor quality of this review. I haven't written a review since summer because college is literally so overwhelming and exhausting. But I had to write one for this book.)

Where the Road Takes Me by Jay McLean

Title: Where the Road Takes Me
Author: Jay McLean
Format I Read: Kindle
Pages: 315
Genres: Romance, Contemporary
Release Date: February 10, 2015
Stars: 3
Goodreads Link

Because I was abroad when I read this book, I read it in a few disjointed sessions. This threw me off a bit because, honestly, Where the Road Takes Me could probably be three different books in and of itself. At the beginning of the novel, I was slightly turned off. The romance was too fast-paced and the characters weren’t doing much for me. However, as time went on, the book grew on me and ended up earning 4 stars.

For those who have never heard of Where the Road Takes Me:

Chloe has one plan for the future, and one plan only: the road. She’s made a promise to herself: don’t let anyone in, and don’t let anyone love her. She’s learned the hard way what happens if she breaks her rules. So she’s focused on being invisible and waiting until she can set out on the road—her dream of freedom, at least for a little while.

Blake Hunter is a basketball star who has it all—everything about him looks perfect to those on the other side of his protective walls. He can’t let anyone see the shattered pieces behind the flawless facade or else all his hopes and dreams will disappear.

One dark night throws Chloe and Blake together, changing everything for Blake. For Chloe, nothing changes: she has the road, and she’s focused on it. But when the so-called perfect boy starts to notice the invisible girl, they discover that sometimes with love, no one knows where the road may lead.

I actually ended up enjoying a lot of the characters! Mary, Chloe’s foster mom, and the rest of Chloe’s foster family were fantastic. I also loved the scenes with Blake’s mom. The cast was just so well done. I loved how each person could’ve had their own spinoff. Clayton, Chloe’s former foster brother, had so much depth and really moved me. I would love to read a novel dedicated to his story. Josh, Blake’s best friend, is a teen dad whose family and friends abandoned him. Yet he’s still a fantastic role model and person; I would really love a book just for him, too! The characters were just generally very likable.

All except for Chloe, that is. I’m not saying I hated her… I just hated a lot of her decisions. (This may be a mild spoiler, so tread carefully) I’m sorry, but does she not understand how cancer works? It’s not undefeatable. If you catch it early, you have a greater chance of treating it and conquering it. Especially breast cancer! If your mom and your aunt died from breast cancer and you know that there’s a 50% chance that you have the gene to develop it… then you’re at an advantage! You know to keep your eyes open and watch your body. Yes, you have a 50% chance of getting the cancer, but you have a much higher chance of surviving it, because you know what to look for and what to expect. Yet she just pushed people away and prepared herself for inevitable death. I felt that that was unnecessary and plain dumb, if I’m completely honest. It was selfish and idiotic. I disliked that part of the book.

Fortunately, like I said, the book had so many different elements that it could honestly be almost three different books! There was the road trip aspect toward the last third of the book, which was really cute. You didn’t get to see too much travel or development, but they did go to a few different stops along the way, which was fun. So though I wouldn’t call this a “road trip novel,” it definitely had a nice road trip element. There was the cancer element, which added another layer of seriousness and a level of passion to the book. It helped deliver the theme that life is too short to worry about pushing people away. You need to just embrace the world. There was also the foster family aspect and Chloe’s struggle with letting her mom go. That was really moving and a very subtle development and undertone. I really liked watching the relationships change!

Overall, I wouldn’t say this was a wow book, but it was thoroughly enjoyable! I liked the mish-mash and variety of the novel. It’s probably around 3.5 stars, though I think I'd have to round down to a 3. I definitely recommend this if you’re not quite sure what you want to read and want a little bit of everything! A good book to read if you’re on a long car ride or on the beach.

Abby Road by Ophelia London

Title: Abby Road
Author: Ophelia London
Format I Read: Kindle
Pages: 400
Genres: Romance, Contemporary, New Adult
Release Date: March 2013
Stars: 3
Goodreads Link

Let me start this off with a warning: Abby Road is not what you expect. It’s a whirlwind of topics, a hurricane of emotions, and a tornado of character development. It’s a wild rollercoaster, from start to finish. It offered a fantastic sense of catharsis that pulls you in.

For those who aren’t familiar with Abby Road:

Fame can't buy her love...

It’s been exactly one day since rock star Abigail Kelly fled her chaotic life in L.A. to her sister’s home in Florida. One day without her demanding manager, paparazzi, ridiculous tour schedules, and recording sessions. For the first time in five years, she has the summer off. To be anonymous. A summer to not think about losing her brother...or that her once-normal life has turned into a mess of panic and heartbreak.

But all it takes is one twist of fate—to enter a stranger's surf shop while trying to dodge some fans—for everything to change.

Because the shop owner happens to be a really cute guy with an amazing laugh. With Todd, an ex-Marine sniper turned surfer, she feels things she hasn’t felt for a long time. Possibly never. But when the real world comes crashing back in, Abby is caught between the superstar she’s become...and the painfully real human being she longs to be.

Honestly, I’m still a little confused about what I just read. Don’t get me wrong: Abby Road was a great read that sucked me in and trapped me in London’s world from start to finish. However, it was a mish-mash of just about a million different stories. When I first read the synopsis, I thought it would be a breezy summer romance. Abby would fall for Todd in this small beachside town and it’ll be a refreshing reprieve from her crazy celebrity life. Surprise! That was just the tip of the iceberg.

London weaves a tale that includes a handful of major plotlines and ideas. First, there’s the summer romance mentioned about. Second, there’s Abby’s struggle to accept her brother’s death and free herself from the haunting guilt of that night. Third, there’s the difficulty of Abby and Todd’s relationship surviving her L.A. rock star life. Fourth, there’s the battle for Abby to finally stand up to her manager and take control of her own life, to be a happy and healthy person.

Surprisingly, I didn’t hate this wild mix of plotlines. At first, if I’m completely honest, I didn’t like it. By the end of the book, it grew on me. This book was a really refreshing story of redemption and personal development. It explored a young woman’s ability to be her own savior. I found that to be an astoundingly redeeming quality.

I really enjoyed the characters. Todd was definitely swoon-worthy and I liked his backstory. His romance with Abby was lovely. It felt very real and heart-warming. They had so much chemistry. I wish we could’ve seen more of the development of their relationship! Unfortunately, London skipped the three months that they got together and skipped right to the move back to L.A. I also loved the minor characters: Hal, Molly, Lindsey, etc. They were fantastic additions and I loved the scenes with them. In particular, I ended up really loving Lindsey. She was such a fantastic sister and she really grew on me! Abby herself was a little frustrating. She wasn’t the most likable main character, though I didn’t hate her either. Fortunately, her character development made up for any complaints I had about her throughout the novel!

One complaint I did have was the chapter transitions. London would skip entire weeks and months without any real indication. Within the first few pages of the chapter, she would clarify, of course. But it was definitely disorienting and threw me off. I would’ve liked to see some smoother transitions.

The writing was also a mix of good and bad. Though I liked the tone and style that London used, the dialogue and transitions could fall a little flat. Sometimes I had to reread paragraphs to find out what just happened or if I missed something. The characters were often very obscure in how they spoke; I sometimes felt like London cut scenes out but didn’t compensate in later scenes. It was a little disorienting. Fortunately, it didn’t detract too much from the story; it was just a little off-putting.

Overall, I’d give Abby Road 3.5 stars. It was a cathartic story that really had me invested. For those who like summer beach romances (the first third), glitzy celebrity romances (the second third), and/or personal discovery and redemption stories (the last third), definitely try out Abby Road!

Ten by Gretchen McNeil

Title: Ten
Author: Gretchen McNeil
Format I Read: Kindle
Pages: 296
Genres: Mystery, Thriller
Release Date: September 18, 2012
Stars: 4
Goodreads Link

For those of you who enjoy mysteries reminiscent of Agatha Christie, but like a little taste of YA, Ten is definitely a book you need to pick up. McNeil eloquently and expertly wove a tale that adapted And Then There Were None in our day and age, with a cast of teenagers who are somehow all connected.

I’m not one to normally read the mystery and thriller genre. My genre is typically romance with a side of paranormal, mystery, thriller, etc. However, above all, Ten was a mystery novel. It had a side of romance, but the main focus was the murder and the suspense. This was a really refreshing change of pace for me! I really adored this novel and couldn’t put it down.

In case you haven’t heard of Ten:

SHHHH!
Don't spread the word!
Three-day weekend. Party at White Rock House on Henry Island.
You do NOT want to miss it.

It was supposed to be the weekend of their lives—an exclusive house party on Henry Island. Best friends Meg and Minnie each have their reasons for being there (which involve T.J., the school’s most eligible bachelor) and look forward to three glorious days of boys, booze and fun-filled luxury.

But what they expect is definitely not what they get, and what starts out as fun turns dark and twisted after the discovery of a DVD with a sinister message: Vengeance is mine.

Suddenly people are dying, and with a storm raging, the teens are cut off from the outside world. No electricity, no phones, no internet, and a ferry that isn’t scheduled to return for two days. As the deaths become more violent and the teens turn on each other, can Meg find the killer before more people die? Or is the killer closer to her than she could ever imagine?

McNeil created a fantastic puzzle that kept the reader guessing. I spent the whole novel trying to figure out who the murderer was; I even fell for McNeil’s trap and guessed the wrong person, just like some of the other characters. In the end, I wasn’t disappointed. The murderer had such an intricate plan and the puzzle fit together perfectly. Everyone’s role made sense and it all just worked.

I also really loved the homage to And Then There Were None. It was cool how McNeil even included a dead fakeout, like Christie does in the novel. In Christie’s mystery, the deaths follow a nursery rhyme about ten little Indians. In McNeil’s story, the deaths follow a different pattern, though every single murder has a meaning. I thought that was a really cool addition to the puzzle! And, of course, the base of the story was the same. A mysteriously absent host invites the characters to a party on an abandoned island with no exit routes.

McNeil also added some cool aspects to make the story realistic. The characters were invited through Facebook. The storm prevented them from getting off the island. It definitely felt more believable. It’s easy to say, “There’s no way they’d be stuck on an island in the 21st century. They have so much technology!” However, McNeil makes sure to cover all of her bases and make it completely plausible that the characters are stranded.

I also really enjoyed the characters. McNeil adds a fantastic layer of casual diversity. There’s a girl with anxiety and other disorders who needs to take medication. There’s a black football star. There’s an Asian singer. It was really refreshing to see such a diverse cast of characters! I also loved all of their backstories, especially the friendship between Meg and Minnie. They had a really complex and interesting history.

Overall, I’d probably give Ten 4.5 stars. It was an interesting, pull-me-in, edge-of-your-seat novel that I ate right up. I’m going to round down to 4 stars, just because it wasn’t a wow book. However, I had no complaints. I’d definitely recommend to anyone looking for a taste of suspense in their TBR!

Hopeless by Colleen Hoover

Title: Hopeless
Author: Colleen Hoover
Format I Read: Kindle
Pages: 410
Genres: Romance, Contemporary
Release Date: December 19, 2012
Stars: 4
Goodreads Link

Wow, that was a wild ride. I’ve recently been introduced to Colleen Hoover’s absolute mastery when it comes to novels; I read Confess a few weeks ago and am still reeling. Hoover possesses such a fantastic talent, the ability to create a puzzle that leaves you guessing until the very last chapter, the very last page.

Though the beginnings of her novels are often disorienting and discouraging, the ending makes up for the beginning of the book tenfold. Yes, I didn’t love the beginning. Holder just wasn’t a likable character and I didn’t understand his motivations. He was too back-and-forth, which Sky constantly comments on. I was just overwhelmed by the whiplash I got from his mood swings and his actions. But, by the end, I understood why he did what he did. Everything comes together in such an amazing, astounding way. I feel like I’m always whispering, “What just happened? How did she even think of all this?!” after her books. It’s truly an art. I aspire to be able to be such a fantastic story-weaver someday.

For those who don’t know what Hopeless is about:

Sometimes discovering the truth can leave you more hopeless than believing the lies…

That’s what seventeen-year-old Sky realizes after she meets Dean Holder. A guy with a reputation that rivals her own and an uncanny ability to invoke feelings in her she’s never had before. He terrifies her and captivates her all in the span of just one encounter, and something about the way he makes her feel sparks buried memories from a past that she wishes could just stay buried.

Sky struggles to keep him at a distance knowing he’s nothing but trouble, but Holder insists on learning everything about her. After finally caving to his unwavering pursuit, Sky soon finds that Holder isn’t at all who he’s been claiming to be. When the secrets he’s been keeping are finally revealed, every single facet of Sky’s life will change forever.

I really won’t go into much detail in this review because I’m scared that it’ll be riddled with spoilers. Like I said earlier, Hoover’s books are a puzzle. She utilizes the fact that the reader only knows what she reveals, what she wants them to know. This means that she can blindside you just about twenty times in each book. Because of this, I’m going to tread very carefully and speak very generally.

First of all: honestly, the puzzle! Guys, I know I’m talking about this puzzle a lot, but I’m honestly amazed. I just went on a twenty minute rant (to my mom) about how awing and shocking and disorienting and amazing these puzzles are. I’m shocked at every turn. I feel like every other chapter contains a plot twist that slowly helps you figure out what the big reveal is. This makes the ending so completely and utterly satisfying. It’s like the feeling when you finally finish a 1,000-piece puzzle: that indescribable feeling of accomplishment. Everything finally makes sense at the end of Hoover’s books. That’s the only word to describe it: satisfying.

Second of all: the content. I love that Hoover tackled this subject. I won’t mention what it is because spoilers, but it was really well done. Hoover approached it in an interesting way, enough so that it had an impact but didn’t feel like a book only about that topic. It was truly the perfect mix. I also loved Sky’s reactions to the situation at the end. She’s just such a strong, brave, and inspiring character. I really loved her by the end of the book.

Overall, Hopeless did not disappoint! It was true to Hoover’s M.O., in that it got a little bland and chaotic in the middle but really paid off in the end. A fantastically satisfying read that will leave you itching for more books by Colleen Hoover!

At First Sight by Patrice Wilton

Title: At First Sight
Author: Patrice Wilton
Format I Read: Kindle
Pages: 344
Genres: Contemporary, Romance, Thriller
Release Date: November 5, 2013
Stars: 2
Goodreads Link

If I’m completely honest, this book felt like a cheap knockoff of Safe Haven, the book by Nicholas Sparks and the movie with Julianne Hough and Josh Duhamel. It was an underdeveloped, fast-paced, unrealistic, and unbelievable attempt to recreate virtually the same plot. I hate to say it, but I found this novel utterly disappointing and am only giving it 2 stars—which is being generous.

For those who are unfamiliar with At First Sight:

War veteran Brent Harrington, a helicopter pilot who lost his sight when he was shot down in Afghanistan, is now back home in the US and struggling to come to terms with the fact that his sight may never return. Natalie Connors, a beautiful young woman fleeing an abusive relationship and looking for a fresh start, is hired by Brent’s best buddy, another war veteran, as a home health care aide to help Brent adapt to his newly darkened world. Thrown together by fate, they take the first tentative steps toward love…

But when Natalie’s vicious ex tracks her down, can the passion and tenderness she and Brent share protect her?

At First Sight is a highly emotional story about two damaged people and the healing they must go through before they can commit and find their happily-ever-after.

First, the writing. The writing was completely bland. It felt childish. The dog spoke. It spoke. Instead of just saying “Sam barked,” Wilton actually wrote “Woof woof.” In quotation marks. I felt like I was reading a children’s book! It just seemed so silly. I couldn’t get into the writing style at all.

Second, the characters. The characters made no sense. They had no depth. Brent went back and forth so many times that I got whiplash. He wasn’t even remotely believable. I understand the struggle he was going through and I understand how frustrated he must feel. But his emotions and his actions made no sense. As with Natalie! She gave me whiplash, too, with how many times she switched between, “I want to stay, I love him,” and “I need to grow, I can’t stay.” God, make a decision already! And the minor characters were no better. They were completely flat and boring.

Third, the plot. It was all just so messy. Both the “suspense” plotline with Carl and the romantic plotline with Brent were disappointing. The big confrontation with Carl was a complete flop. It didn’t live up to the buildup at all. The romantic plotline, like I said earlier, was just too wishy-washy. The characters went back and forth every second. The romance also just had no development. One second, Natalie was blunt and closed off. Next second, she was making out with him. One second, Brent resented Natalie’s presence. Next second, he was risking his life by crossing the street alone just to get her her morning coffee. It was unbelievable.

I did like some things. I really liked how Brent had a psychosomatic disorder. It was cool that Wilton touched on that because I feel like it’s very unknown. It also has such a stigma on it, just like mental illnesses: the whole “why don’t you just get better if it’s all in your head?” It was interesting to see that come in play. I also liked that Natalie was focusing on herself and her self-confidence and development. That was encouraging. If only she stuck to it and didn’t want to back out for a boy every other minute!

Though this book had a lot of potential, it didn’t live up to my expectations at all. For those who like fast-paced romances with a cheap suspense subplot, go for it. It should be a nice, mindless summer read for those who are looking for something to snack on at the beach. But this definitely isn’t a wow book that you’ll devour.

Breathe, Annie, Breathe by Miranda Kenneally

Title: Breathe, Annie, Breathe
Author: Miranda Kenneally
Format I Read: Kindle
Pages: 306
Genres: Contemporary, Romance
Release Date: July 15, 2014
Stars: 3
Goodreads Link

You have no idea how much it pains me to say this… but this book was a bit of a disappointment. For the last few weeks, all I’ve heard about this book is gushing—gushing about the romance, the chemistry, the steam, the beauty of this book. Maybe I had high expectations. Maybe this book just wasn’t for me. Either way, it only earned 3 stars.

It was entertaining, sure. I didn’t get bored or feel that it dragged on. It just had no spark. It wasn’t a wow book.

For those who don’t know what Breathe, Annie, Breathe is about:

Annie hates running. No matter how far she jogs, she can’t escape the guilt that if she hadn’t broken up with Kyle, he might still be alive. So to honor his memory, she starts preparing for the marathon he intended to race.

But the training is even more grueling than Annie could have imagined. Despite her coaching, she’s at war with her body, her mind—and her heart. With every mile that athletic Jeremiah cheers her on, she grows more conflicted. She wants to run into his arms…and sprint in the opposite direction. For Annie, opening up to love again may be even more of a challenge than crossing the finish line.

It was a great concept. I personally don’t run, but I admire people who use exercise as an escape. I loved that this book was exploring that, exploring the therapy behind running. And I loved how the book tracked her progress as she approached the big day, her marathon. I also enjoyed how the physical progress reflected her mental and emotional healing. That was really interesting to see! It was also really cool how Kenneally included Annie’s workout calendar at the end of every few chapters. That was a cool way to track the timeline and it really made the book more cohesive. I thoroughly enjoyed the running aspect of the book!

Unfortunately, it was the romance that didn’t quite live up to my expectations. It just didn’t click with me. I liked Jeremiah and Annie’s scenes together, but I didn’t feel any undeniable chemistry or any steamy sexual tension. Sure, I aww’d a few times. Don’t get me wrong, they had cute scenes. I liked their relationship. But I didn’t feel the electric charge, the sparks that I was promised. There wasn't enough development for me to get totally invested in their relationship. It was just too sudden and too forced to me.

Also… can we talk about their hookup? (This may be a mild spoiler, though it happens early on in the book. Tread carefully) They hookup on one of Annie’s early runs in her training. Out of nowhere. He takes her to the shade of some trees to cool down, they end up by a river, and suddenly their clothes are flying off. It literally had no foundation, no lead-up. I actually had to double back and reread the last few pages to see if I missed something. I felt like Kenneally just pressed the jump-start button to get the romance rolling; it just wasn’t natural.

Overall, Breathe, Annie, Breathe just didn’t strike a chord with me. It was a nice, light read that went by quickly, but nothing to write home about. Nonetheless, I recommend it for anyone looking for a relaxing read on the beach this summer!

Nowhere But Here by Katie McGarry

Title: Nowhere But Here
Author: Katie McGarry
Format I Read: Kindle
Pages: 496
Genres: Realistic Fiction, Romance
Release Date: May 26, 2015
Stars: 5
Goodreads Link

Because I read most of Katie McGarry's books before I started blogging, some of you may not know about my undying love for her work. Well... now you know. I'm mildly obsessed.

Katie McGarry is a master of words. Nowhere But Here is the first book in her new Thunder Road series, which I'm so excited for!

The book revolves around Emily and Oz. Emily lives a sheltered life with her mom and her adoptive father in Florida. However, her biological father lives in Kentucky and belongs to a motorcycle club. When Emily's family gets news that her biological grandmother has died, they head to Kentucky to attend the funeral in Snowflake, Kentucky. Unfortunately, what starts as a misunderstanding quickly spirals out of control. Emily is suddenly threatened by a rival motorcycle club. The rival motorcycle club, the Riot, deals in illegal business, while the Reign of Terror (Emily's father, Eli's club) is completely legit. Emily's initial interpretations of the club are quickly turned on their head. She begins to spend time with Eli, Oz, and the family she never knew she had. Oz is a young man who desperately wants to join the Reign of Terror, to officially join the family he's grown up around. His final assignment before he can become a prospect? Protect Emily. However, he has to avoid telling her the truth about her past--why Emily and her mother fled Snowflake.

As always, Katie McGarry flawlessly constructs her characters. The people in her novels have as much depth as the Mariana Trench. Every character has so many layers; it's amazing. There are no simple stock characters in McGarry's books. They're all complex, as are their relationships.

I loved Emily and Oz's developing relationship. It was so natural how it started as a simple attraction and slowly transformed into a deeper connection. It was completely believable. Everything was believable. I loved Emily and Eli's relationship; how it slowly developed from "I see you once every year, you don't belong in my life" to "wow, you're my father." Emily's struggle between Eli and Jeff (her adoptive father) was also charmingly realistic. Emily wants to connect with Eli, but feels that she's betraying Jeff, the father who raised her. This was precious and completely understandable! I also adored Emily's blossoming relationship with Olivia, her biological grandmother who is dying of cancer. Basically, I loved everything that had to do with the characters in this book. Everything just felt so real.

I don't really know what else to say. Whenever I read McGarry's books, I feel like I'm sitting there with the characters. I feel like I could run into Emily, Oz, Olivia, Eli, Chevy, or Violet on the street. I feel like they're real people. That is no simple feat. Katie McGarry is honestly a magician with characters!

Not to mention, she expertly weaves together an amazing plot twist! I never guessed the truth that everyone was hiding from Emily. I was left with my mouth wide open, whispering "what?!" It was fantastically done--an awesome puzzle!

In summary--another 5 star novel from Katie McGarry, an amazing start to what is sure to be an amazing new series! Congratulations on the great new story, Ms. McGarry!

The Wrath and the Dawn by Renee Ahdieh

Title: The Wrath and the Dawn
Author: Renee Ahdieh
Format I Read: Kindle
Pages: 396
Genres: Fantasy, Fiction
Release Date: May 12, 2015
Stars: 4
Goodreads Link

One word: finally. I feel like I've been waiting for this book forever, even though I've really only known about it for about two months. But those two months have been the most agonizing wait.

Alas, the wait was well worth it. I honestly just sat down and read all 396 pages in one four-hour sitting. Renee Ahdieh is a magician; her words are truly magical. That's the only way to describe it. I can't think of the last time I read a book with such captivating writing. But before I get too far into the review, I should probably explain what the book is about (for those of you who live under a rock).

I'm currently out of town so I'm just going to use the Goodreads synopsis:

Every dawn brings horror to a different family in a land ruled by a killer. Khalid, the eighteen-year-old Caliph of Khorasan, takes a new bride each night only to have her executed at sunrise. So it is a suspicious surprise when sixteen-year-old Shahrzad volunteers to marry Khalid. But she does so with a clever plan to stay alive and exact revenge on the Caliph for the murder of her best friend and countless other girls. Shazi's wit and will, indeed, get her through to the dawn that no others have seen, but with a catch . . . she’s falling in love with the very boy who killed her dearest friend.

She discovers that the murderous boy-king is not all that he seems and neither are the deaths of so many girls. Shazi is determined to uncover the reason for the murders and to break the cycle once and for all.

First topic up for discussion: the characters! Wow, did Ms. Ahdieh nail it with the characters. All of the characters had such astounding levels of depth. Everyone had genuine motivations and explanations for their actions. The prime examples are Shazi and Khalid. Their past really played into their present and their future and we got to see that. Fantastically well done. Beyond their depth, almost all of the characters experienced development. Even the minor characters were dynamic. It was amazing. Again, the prime examples are Shazi and Khalid. All of this just made them all the more real. I honestly felt like the characters were real people. So well done. [[And now is also probably a good time to announce my insane love for Despina. She was such an awesome character and I completely fell in love with her and Shazi's banter!]] Oh, and Khalid is completely swoonworthy.

Second topic up for discussion: the retelling aspect! I've never actually read A Thousand and One Nights, but I'm obviously familiar with the story of Aladdin (though that's the extent of my knowledge). But The Wrath and the Dawn managed to be a retelling without being a retelling. Ahdieh expanded on the story in so many new ways and took so many creative liberties; she really only used the bones of the original. This made for a really fascinating and unique story that completely sucked me in!

Third topic of discussion: real books! I read this book on the Kindle, which I felt didn't give me the whole experience. I definitely recommend buying the real book. First of all, it's beautiful. Second of all, there's a glossary in the back. You can't access this as well on an ebook. And the setting and culture are so foreign and new that it can be a little overwhelming and confusing at first. I think that easy access to the glossary would make the transition into Shazi's world a lot more seamless. Third of all, you're going to want to mark quotes. It's inevitable. Ahdieh's writing makes you want to coat the book in highlighter (this is coming from someone who is completely anti-writing-in-books). Her writing is that good. I've found it's easier to mark fantastic quotes with a sticky in a real book than highlighting on an ebook.

Fourth topic of discussion: my complaints! I have very few complaints, and they didn't really have a big impact (considering I still gave it 4 stars). Like I said above, the content can be pretty overwhelming. There's a lot going on and there's a lot that the reader has to juggle. However, it all came together in the end and it was a really awesome puzzle! At times, I just felt like there were too many plot lines and conflicts going on at once. But Ahdieh tied them all together at the end. My only other complaint is the love triangle! Tariq got a little annoying, simply because he was an obstacle for Shazi and Khalid. Which was frustrating because I really liked Tariq, outside of the complications he caused. Those are my only complaints though, neither of which had a huge impact on my opinion of the book.

Fifth topic of discussion: similarities! This book had very similar bones to lots of other books (which is not a bad thing at all)! I just wanted to include this to help some people with recommendations. Shazi's relationship with Tariq (and Khalid) reminded me a lot of Fire by Kristin Cashore and Red Queen by Victoria Aveyard. The whole "leaving a boy back home only to fall for a royal/noble/important guy in this new place" was definitely repeated. The Wrath and the Dawn was also very similar to those two novels in terms of genre. So fans of Kristin Cashore and Victoria Aveyard: buy this book as soon as possible!

In conclusion: I was not disappointed by this book. The wait was well worth it and I have fallen in love with the world that Renee Ahdieh created. The characters, the setting, the diversity, the culture, the writing... it was all exquisite. Now I'm just crying as I wait for the next book (tentatively titled The Rose and the Dagger) because that ending, wow.

Congratulations, Ms. Ahdieh, on a fantastic debut!

Inspire by Cora Carmack

Title: Inspire
Author: Cora Carmack
Format I Read: Kindle
Pages: 284
Genres: Romance, Fantasy, New Adult
Release Date: December 15, 2014
Stars: 3
Goodreads Link

I'd have to say that Inspire fell in the middle of the pack for Ms. Carmack this time. I love the Rusk University novels. Losing It and Faking It were meh for me. Inspire was just about in the middle.

I loved the concept. Kalli, the main character, is really Kalliope, the muse. She needs to inspire to survive. If she doesn't assist artists by bleeding out her inspiration, she will go mad. She struggles to live a normal life. And then she meets Wilder. She believes him to be a rational business man, someone who won't be endangered by her inspiration. Because too much inspiration can lead some people to insanity. Greatness is dangerous, which she had to learn the hard way. Kalli struggles to juggle her life without dropping any of the pieces. But is it possible for a muse to be normal?

The mythology was super fascinating. Ms. Carmack definitely did her research! The plot was impressive. Nonetheless, the book fell a little flat. Kalli was just a little too much for me. Her struggle and her insanity at times were a bit too overwhelming. Wilder was all things smolder and kind. He was the bad boy under the good boy facade. As much as I loved Kalli, I felt like Wilder who was the character who shined. He had more depth and complexity, in my opinion. I loved his character, though he did get a bit wishy-washy at the end.

Which brings me to the end. I didn't like it, but I kind of did at the same time. It was very abrupt and ended as a huge cliffhanger. I felt like the entire novel built up to something, some resolution, and suddenly "JUST KIDDING. BAM." It was disarming, to say the least. But I'm still interested, so I guess that says something.

So I'm torn with this novel. I'll definitely read the next installment because I'm dying of suspense. But the plot was just a little spotty and it kept tugging me back and forth. Kalli was a little too on edge for me. However, I'm still impressed. Ms. Carmack strikes again!

Maybe Someday by Colleen Hoover

Title: Maybe Someday
Author: Colleen Hoover
Format I Read: Kindle
Pages: 385
Genres: Romance, Realistic Fiction, New Adult
Release Date:  March 18, 2014
Stars: 3
Goodreads Link

This book definitely caught me off guard. I found myself simultaneously pulling away and being drawn back in.

Sydney finds herself with no place to go after she catches her best friend and her boyfriend in their lie. They've been cheating together, and Sydney's left angry and confused. Luckily, the man in the apartment across the way is willing to take her in. Deaf, yet musically gifted, Ridge is an enigma. He's been stuck with writer's block, but Sydney inspires him. They make a deal that he'll let her stay in his apartment if she helps him write songs. Together, they're fantastic. But it's not that easy... Especially when Ridge already has his perfect match, Maggie.

I really loved the chemistry between Sydney and Ridge. I loved how eager Sydney was to make Ridge feel normal and her willingness to fit in to his deaf lifestyle. The whole dynamic was really cool. I really loved the book until Maggie came along. She kind of ruined it for me. She was so sweet and I loved her character, but she shattered my hopes.

I felt myself rooting for Sydney and Ridge, but also fighting against them because Sydney was becoming the cheater. The push and pull kept me from enjoying the book fully. However, I did like how the book ended. It had a good ending and everything tied up.

There was nothing inherently wrong with the book. The character development seemed steady. The characters themselves were good, though Ridge made me a little angry. I'm just not a girl who likes reading drama like this. It physically hurt, the pain everyone was going through. From Sydney's pain that Ridge is choosing Maggie, to Maggie's pain at knowing Ridge loves Sydney, to Ridge's pain at being put in his position, I hurt. I stuck through and the book redeemed itself, but it hurt nonetheless. Because of that, I had to give it 3 stars. However, it would be a high 3!

If you like music or new adult, this is definitely for you. Especially if you like drama! Well done, just not quite my style.

Hollowland by Amanda Hocking

Title: Hollowland
Author: Amanda Hocking
Format I Read: Kindle
Pages: 312
Genres: Supernatural, Romance, Adventure
Release Date: October 6, 2010
Stars: 3
Goodreads Link

The zombie apocalypse. I know it's overdone. Walking Dead, World War Z, and even iZombie (what even) have built an entire new genre of pop culture. Yet Hollowland manages to pave its own path with its plot.

Remy escapes after her quarantine is overrun by zombies. Supposedly, her younger brother Max left protected by soldiers. But he was in the infirmary... why would they protect a sick kid? That's the question on everyone's minds as Remy collects a rag tag group on her venture across America. Her rescue team includes Harlow, Lazlo, Blue, Ripley, and more. Harlow is a weak, whiny young girl from the quarantine. Lazlo is a rock star from before the apocalypse. Blue is a doctor, or at least he would have been. And Ripley is a lion--yes, a lion.

Throughout this trek, Remy encounters the countless possible reactions to the apocalypse. She experiences the quarantines that she initially stayed in. She meets a cult, who believe that their "father" is basically the messiah. She runs from a group of Marauders, violent looters who thrive on murder. She is assisted by a peaceful refugee camp underground. And finally--she visits a carefully structured and regulated military quarantine. It was fascinating that Hocking included so many possibilities. She showed how many different ways a person can react to the apocalypse, both good and bad.

In general, the book was well done. I was interested by the plot and the conflict. Like I said, I also liked the series of conflicts brought up by the various groups. The end really caught me too. I thought the plot was captivating enough for 4 stars.

Unfortunately, the characters did fall flat for me. Harlow grated on my nerves. Remy honestly didn't always seem realistic. Lazlo just didn't sit right. Remy's relationships felt too fake and forced. I didn't feel like any of the characters had depth, and I didn't connect with them at all. Even when they did evolve or grow, I felt like it wasn't quite believable. Because of this, I'd have to bump it down to 3 stars.

For people who like zombies and adventure, this is a great book. For people who like character-driven novels, maybe take a pass. Nevertheless, well done to Ms. Hocking!

This Is Falling by Ginger Scott

Title: This Is Falling
Author: Ginger Scott
Format I Read: Kindle
Pages: 281
Genres: Romance, Realistic Fiction
Release Date: August 29, 2014
Stars: 4
Goodreads Link

So I read this book over Christmas break, so it's not too fresh in my mind. I apologize in advance for any mess-ups in this review!

Rowe meets Nate, a baseball player, when she enters college. Rowe is plagued by a past, a big secret that we don't know. It's bad enough that she struggles for happiness. With Nate's help, she starts on her way to recovery.

I felt like it was an interesting concept.  I could understand Rowe's pain and could completely understand her suffering. Based on her past, I felt it was justified.

I liked the characters. Rowe's roommate was sweet and fun. Her other roommate, Paige, was pretty bitchy, but we learn the reason why later on in the novel. So she did redeem herself and she was more than Rowe's initial stereotype of her. I liked that. The characters definitely had depth. I also really enjoyed Nate's brother and the rest of the cast. Everyone was great.

The romance was wonderful. Nate and Rowe had amazing chemistry and I really felt for them. Even when plagued by the shadow of Josh, Rowe's ex boyfriend, Nate was adorable and caring. I thought they worked well together.

One thing I didn't like, or think really fit the story, was Rowe's sudden cure. Nate helps her break out of her shell and cross over to happiness, and suddenly she's so comfortable that she's just chilling with another guy after she fights with Nate? If Nate was really the catalyst, I would think that her progress would be slightly more limited to her interactions with Nate.

However, props to Ms. Scott for taking the plunge and writing about such a topic. I felt that the psychological impact was very interesting and realistic. The romance was well done. Overall, a pretty good read, and I'd probably give it 3.5 stars (rounding up to 4).


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The Rising by Terra Harmony

Title: The Rising
Author: Terra Harmony
Format I Read: Kindle
Pages: 271
Genres: Fantasy
Release Date: November 7, 2013
Stars: 3
Goodreads Link

I wouldn't say I hated this book, but I definitely didn't love it. It was an interesting concept, sure. Who would've thought to put mermaids and werewolves together? But it just fell a little flat to me.

Basically, Serena is part of the Undine (mermaid) community. In order for her species to reproduce, they need to go onto the beach to mate like humans and later give birth on the beach. However, the werewolves, who used to protect them on shore, revolted in a massacre during a mass birthing. Serena was the only survivor of that massacre. She constantly sneaks out of the water, which is against the rules. As punishment, she becomes the Werewolf Liaison. This brings her to Liam, a werewolf, where the truth behind the revolt unfolds.

The book lacked a solid romance, which hurt for me because I'm a huge romance girl. The (mild spoiler) battle at the end just suddenly killed off a ton of people for what felt like no reason. I just felt like that was completely unnecessary.

However, one thing I will say about this book: the backstory and the setting were amazing. The creation of the werewolves and the relationship between them and the mermaids (or the Undine) were so well thought out and fascinating. I loved the world that Ms. Harmony created. It was a very interesting take on the mythology, which I give mad props for. I just didn't feel any connection to the characters or the plot really.

For mermaid (or Undine) lovers, definitely check it out though. It's a really cool explanation! However, if you like romance, this may not be the book for you.

Rae of Sunshine by Micalea Smeltzer

Title: Rae of Sunshine
Author: Micalea Smeltzer
Format I Read: Kindle
Pages: 287
Genres: Romance, Realistic Fiction
Realistic Fiction: November 23, 2014
Stars: 3
Goodreads Link

So I read this book over Christmas break, so it's not too fresh in my mind. However, I do remember that this was closed to not being finished. I had to push through. Which speaks for itself.

Cade, a star on campus, takes a sudden interest in the quiet freshman Rae. Rae is hurt and struggling to fit in on her own. She struggles with various psychological difficulties every day.

I felt like it was an interesting concept.  I could understand Rae's pain and suffering. However, I didn't quite understand the romance. I didn't like how Cade was a sudden panacea for her psychological struggles. That's not quite how human mentality works.

I felt like it was too fast-paced. Yes, Cade is a good guy, but what star football player would take such an interest in a random freshman? I was a little skeptical. I was also a little unsure about how quickly Rae seemed to change. If she was really as pained as she was played out to be--so much so that she's plagued by panic attacks and such all the time--, how did she leave all that behind in such little time? She may be falling for Cade, but he wasn't a cure. That's not quite how it works. It just seemed too fast for me.

I did like how Cade's interest and the characters defied stereotypes. Thea, Rae's roommate and Cade's sister, was anything and everything pink (including her personality). However, we learn that she was really more than that. There was more to her than a happy-go-lucky girl. The same went for Cade.

The book was well done. It just didn't quite stick with me. It dragged on because it felt too unrealistic. So I'd have to go with 3 stars.

All Broke Down by Cora Carmack

Title: All Broke Down
Author: Cora Carmack
Format I Read: Kindle
Pages: 368
Genres: Romance, Realistic Fiction, New Adult
Release Date: October 28, 2014
Stars: 5
Goodreads Link

Ms. Carmack does it again. Absolutely nails it. This story, a standalone in the Rusk University saga, is similar to All Lined Up, but different. Yes, there's football. Yes, there's hot guys. Yes, there's steamy romance. But Silas definitely isn't Carson.

Silas, a football player from not-so-pleasant beginnings, feels doomed to fail. Dylan, a student who is just trying to make a difference in the world while still playing the perfect daughter, is tasked with "fixing him." After a few unfortunate events, Silas realizes that his dream and his life is about to slip out of his fingers. So he recruits Dylan to help. However, we soon realize that Silas can help Dylan just as much she can help him.

If you're ready to swoon every other page, then please dive right into this novel. Dylan and Silas have the kind of chemistry that can start a fire. The story has all of the best characteristics of romance. The good girl "tames" the bad boy, but not really. It has that typical feel, but Dylan isn't really a good girl and Silas isn't really a bad boy. They're both so much more than the stereotype. Not only that, but Dylan never truly tames Silas. That's not what this is about. Silas can't be tamed, and he'll always be the dirty, wild boy that he is. But Dylan makes him better, and they complement each other.

This book is definitely dirtier than All Lined Up, but that's fitting considering the differences between Silas and Carson. So yes, the two novels are different. But one thing they have in common?

They're both books that I've read numerous times and will continue to read again and again. Ms. Carmack strikes again, everyone!

Faking It by Cora Carmack

Title: Faking It
Author: Cora Carmack
Format I Read: Kindle
Pages: 304
Genres: Romance, Realistic Fiction, New Adult
Release Date: June 4, 2013
Stars: 4
Goodreads Link

Unlike Losing It, Faking It made a much better impression. Faking It is connected to its predecessor but still relatively standalone.

The aforementioned best friend who fell in love with Bliss in Losing It has moved to Philadelphia to try to start fresh and get over her. This quest to cure his heartbreak brings him into the arms of Max, a rebellious daughter who needs him to fake being her boyfriend. Max's family doesn't accept the tattooed and wild girl she is. They love their daughter Mackenzie, the blonde cheerleader from high school. A chance encounter leaves Cade with the role of Max's boyfriend, perfect for an actor trying to leave behind his heartbroken reality. However, sparks fly and the relationship may become more than just a sham.

In the first chapter, Max and Cade stole my heart in the way that Bliss and Garrick weren't capable of doing after an entire book. The banter, the clash, and the eventual love between the two characters made me melt. I felt as if the conflict was more legitimate here and I related to the characters much more. The character development and the progression was so natural. It wasn't love at first sight. Ms. Carmack made sure to convey that, yes, it was attraction at first sight, but not love. That made it more real for me.

Despite the "opposites attract" trope, Faking It was still wonderfully original. Cade was the Golden Boy and Max was the Angry Girl. But we learn that they aren't really opposites after all. Both are broken and both are in pain. Max lives in the shadow of her dead sister, and Cade is constantly being left behind. Both have issues to deal with and this gives them a common ground. The development was fantastic.

Overall, it was a cute (adorable) read that I ripped through. The characters, the plot, the conflict, the writing (hello, Cora Carmack) were all fantastic. Definitely recommended for someone looking for a nice New Adult romance!

Alienated by Melissa Landers

Title: Alienated
Author: Melissa Landers
Format I Read: Kindle
Pages: 344
Genres: Romance, Science Fiction
Release Date: February 4, 2014
Stars: 5
Goodreads Link

I think I'm in love I'm in love. I really am. Where can I sign up for the L'eihr exchange program? Seriously, Ms. Landers, I'm begging you.

I absolutely devoured this book. I started it yesterday and nearly stayed up until the wee hours of the morning to read it. Unfortunately, it's midterms week so I had to squeeze the end in today. But wow.

Alienated has everything you could ever think to ask for in an alien romance. It has a spunky, intelligent, compassionate, and independent heroine. It has a swoon worthy, coarse-but-then-sweet, cocky, and evolving love interest. It has an absolutely captivating conflict, in which the author combines politics, science fiction, and teen angst. I was truly fascinated.

I loved that the novel took place after the aliens "invaded" (but not really). There wasn't some crazy apocalyptic first contact with the aliens. We got to see the aftermath, which was filled with lots of cool politics and culture clashes. We also got to see both sides of the story: that of Cara and that of Aelyx. I loved the third person that alternated focus between Cara and Aelyx. It was perfect for the story.

Gosh, there are so many things about this book that I could gush about. It's truly impressive when an author manages to flood you with information and explain the complexities of the story without the reader even noticing. The plot, the setting, and basically everything about the L'eihr culture were foreign and complex, yet it was easy to understand. There was no single moment where I thought huh? There were even explanations of some of the L'eihr words, like Aelyx's name (A-licks)! The way this novel was written, I felt like I was living it.

I also just loved the blog posts. That was a fantastic touch and a nice tie-in with the title. Then again, I just loved everything about this book. The L'eihr were a beautiful creation and I fell in love with the world that Cara and Aelyx live in (though not so much with the HALO).

I give all the props in the world to Ms. Landers. You've captivated me and I can't wait to read Invaded!

Losing It by Cora Carmack

Title: Losing It
Author: Cora Carmack
Format I Read: Kindle
Pages: 189
Genres: Romance, Realistic Fiction, New Adult
Release Date: October 15, 2012
Stars: 2
Goodreads Link

This will be a quick review because I read it a while ago. However, it made an impression (not technically a good one). As much as I love Cora Carmack and the majority of her books, Losing It was a complete flop for me. Bliss was completely unlikable. I don't quite understand how she ensnared so many guys. Garrick was swoon worthy at the beginning, but became pretty drab as the time went on.

I felt like the whole novel was just a dirty soap opera. And then they went ahead and threw in the curve ball that Cade, one of Bliss's best friends, is in love with her too. Every time one problem was solved, a new one appeared.

I just felt like it wasn't realistic and it wasn't entertaining. There was too much insta-love and sappy woe-is-me fawning. I found myself wondering when the heck the happily ever after was going to come around so I could stop reading.

My English teacher described courtly love to us the other day. It's when the two people have nothing physical. It's just "ohmygosh did you see he just blinked, maybe it was a wink at me swoon" and "oh, how I wish we could be together." I felt like that was this book, especially during Bliss's classes with Garrick. It was just constant pining.

The only good thing about this book? It made a nice set up for Faking It (which I loved).

As much as I love you, Ms. Carmack, not one of your best.

Sleeping Tom by E.V. Fairfall

Title: Sleeping Tom
Author: E.V. Fairfall
Format I Read: Kindle
Pages: 343
Genres: Romance, Psychological
Release Date: February 14, 2015
Stars: 3
Goodreads Link

*I received this book from the author in exchange for an honest review*

Please read through the entire review!

After plowing through this novel, I have to say: it was alright. I wouldn't say it was amazing or earth-shattering. The concept was good. The execution was good. The writing was a bit better than good. The ending salvaged it a bit. However, I wasn't in love. The biggest appeal to a novel is the characters. And these characters just didn't do it for me.

I'll start with a quick synopsis for those who are still a little unfamiliar. Basically, Rebecca suffers from an abusive relationship. Her boyfriend abandons her at a bridge. Gabriel, a dark stranger, picks her up and lets her stay at his house. He's harsh and aggressive, completely unsympathetic to her situation. However, Rebecca (who has renamed herself Caden to try to shed her weak side) soon learns that Gabriel is more than just Gabriel. During the day, he is Gabriel. At night, he is Tom. Tom is a playful child inside a man's body. Caden must juggle these two personalities as she tries to discover the truth about Gabriel and the truth about herself.

I initially liked Caden's own struggle. I enjoyed her personal turmoil as she tried to figure out who she was: Caden, Rebecca, or both. Caden was strong and forceful, her own being. Rebecca was submissive and subservient, a people pleaser. The struggle was interesting. However, it soon became exhausting. At a particularly point in the book (around 70-80% maybe), every other sentence was "Rebecca this, Rebecca that." I started to consider that Caden had dissociative identity disorder. I felt as if Ms. Fairfall was trying to convey a theme that just wouldn't fit. She was trying to explain that your past and the events don't define you, but they do change who you are. It was a good concept, but it just became too forced. Again, the struggle was effective at first, and it made me immediately interested at the beginning of the book. It was a good hook. I just didn't feel like the follow up was successful. It was distracting and confusing.

Not only that, but I just didn't like Caden. I completely understand that she's a victim of abuse, and that has damaged her views of love and relationships. I understand that she's human and she isn't really supposed to be likable. She's supposed to be real. But when the main character is so unappealing that I considered closing the book? That's a little too much. She wasn't really likable at all, past the first quarter of the book. We learn how much she hates Angelica, yet we clearly see that Angelica isn't terrible. We see beyond the facade she puts on at parts, yet Caden is still aggressive and bitterly jealous. I felt that the slut shame and the hate toward Angelica was far too extensive.

Caden's actions with Tom Gabriel also left much to be desired in terms of likability. She thinks, Ugh, Gabriel is so aggressive and he broke a mug, he's such a jerk, but he's so manly. Aw, Tom is so adorable, but gosh I wish he was Gabriel. She likes Tom more than Gabriel for the first half of the book, yet suddenly flips and gets sick of Tom? Yet she still likes Tom more than Gabriel? But wait no, now she only wants Gabriel? I just felt that it was so back and forth that it had no reasoning behind the switches. It just seemed to add drama. Fortunately, she did seem to make a definitive choice in the end, just in time for (spoiler-DUNDUNDUN).

Beyond her relationship with Tom Gabriel, she was also terrible to her mother. There was a chunk in the middle of the book where Caden returns to her mother's house and gosh did I want to slap Caden every other page. The way that Caden was written, my sympathy for her decreased as I continued reading.

Caden was also a complete masochist. I don't have enough fingers for how many times I wanted to scream at her. She just kept torturing herself. Living with this constant back and forth between Gabriel and Tom was not healthy, yet she stayed. I understand that she felt like she had few options. But at a certain point, she just had to leave. She left one abusive relationship for another unhealthy relationship. Hadn't she learned her lesson? Again, I understand that those who suffer abuse usually get stuck in this cycle. I just felt like that wasn't explained enough for it to be a valid excuse.

However, I will say that there were redeeming qualities. I thought the concept was fascinating. It was very interesting how Gabriel was day and Tom was night, yet their personalities were better fitted for the opposite. As a psychology student, I also did a little fist pump when the librarian corrected Caden: it's now "dissociative identity disorder," rather than "multiple personality disorder."

I felt that the structure was helpful and effective; Ms. Fairfall labels the days and nights so that it's easier to understand when Tom is out to play and when Gabriel is out. I did find a few grammatical errors ("try and", rather than "try to"; "then" rather than "than").

I felt like the ending with Nikolai was kinda why? However, I did like the lead in to the sequel. I'm interested enough to want to read Waking Gabriel, which I guess speaks for itself. Hopefully, it'll be different now that Gabriel has changed and now that (insert spoiler).

I just don't quite know what to say. I truly did want to stop reading around the halfway mark. Fortunately, I pushed on and it did salvage itself. My advice though? Make your characters likable. Make them more than their past, just as the theme tried to convey. I want to know more about Rebecca (and Caden) than the fact that she wears black, was in an abusive relationship, and dyed a heart on her carpet. I just didn't get that. Again, I understand that that's the problem with abuse. It takes away someone's personality and makes them a shadow of herself/himself. But you have to pick: is this going to be a novel about abuse or a novel about psychological struggle? Is it going to be about Caden/Rebecca or about Gabriel/Tom? I felt that you had to just choose one in order to do it justice. The abuse was a huge distraction that made me constantly wonder what was going on.

Overall, I'd give it 3 stars. I am looking forward to the sequel though. The concept was interesting enough that I'll come back for more.

Best of luck with the release, Ms. Fairfall!

(Sorry I'm such a harsh critic. I love you, I promise.)