On Dublin Street

Wow. This is probably one of the best books I've read so far. It was a great and refreshing story that just felt new and creative.

Jocelyn Butler had the perfect family. She had the perfect mom, dad, and little sister. But suddenly life took them all away. She was sitting in her class when the cops suddenly came and told her about the car accident that took her family. Joss has never been the same since. Now, it's been eight years since her family died. She has been keeping them locked away in the back of her mind and everything was "fine". That is until Braden Carmichael came barreling into her life.

Joss now lives in Scotland and after searching for a new place to stay at, she stumbles upon an apartment on Dublin Street. It was a little more expensive than the other places she had ever rented or wanted to rent, but she just couldn't resist. She meets her new roommate Ellie Carmichael who is just the sweetest, nicest person she had ever met. Things were going great until Braden comes into the apartment and confesses that he is Ellie's brother (funny scene). 

I think what made this book great was that you could really understand what Joss was going through. She went through a really tough time in her life when her family passed away and she spent a couple of years in her life partying hard and just not caring what happened to herself. My favorite part of the book was when Joss says that she was broken and that Braden should stop trying to fix her. That line just keeps popping up in my head. There was also another reason why Joss thinks she's a curse and why her relationship with Braden seemed impossible.

The book is in first person POV but even though you as a reader knows what Joss is thinking, you still don't know what happened to her family and those few years that she was in a foster home. However, the book wasn't sad all the time. The book also had soooo many funny scenes. My head was literally reeling because one moment I'm sad and depressed, and the next I'm laughing my head off because of Braden, Ellie, or Joss herself. 

Braden was this rich, hot guy that Joss first meets on her way to see the apartment on Dublin street. He's a playboy, but he keeps the girls in "arrangements" before breaking up with them and moving on with someone else. He's actually Ellie's half brother, and his story will make you cry. I think he really fits Joss because he understands her and doesn't judge her because of how she deals with her past. We all deal with our pasts/baggages in different ways. Oh, and did I mention he was hot?

Anyways, the book was a really good read. I didn't know what to expect when I first started reading it because I didn't know much about the author and the summary was pretty short. Joss was a really cool character and Braden was just Braden. Every character in the book just either made you love them or hated them. 

My suggestion: just read the book! :)

There's a second book to this series, Down London Road, which doesn't release until May 7!

Oh, and there's a little Christmas scene that the author wrote about Joss and Braden! It's at: http://smexybooks.com/2012/12/an-on-dublin-street-christmas-by-samantha-young.html

1/15/13 First Teaser of 2013!

The Collector by Victoria Scott

Four years ago, I was just your average seventeen-year-old guy. That’s a lie. I’ve never been average. I look like a movie star, think like a scientist, and move like an athlete. That didn’t change when I kicked the bucket.

         It’s okay to be jealous, to covet me. It’s a delicious sin—tastes like chicken.

        But don’t envy my success as a collector. I earned it. Like Michael Jordan, I shot until I never missed. If there’s a bad soul anywhere on planet earth, I can smell him out and turn him in. Bag-and-tag.

        Boss Man runs the underworld, and I’m his number one guy. I’m so good, in fact, that I train the other five collectors on how to be more awesome. It doesn’t take a genius to understand the game: collect souls that are sealed.

        Seals are our friends. I say it slowly, because patronizing people is fun.

       It’s an easy gig. So easy, I’ve been bored lately. Maybe that’s why my numbers have slipped. But don’t fret. I got this. I’ve never met a hurdle I didn’t like.

      Stumbling toward me is a herd of business-suit clad men way too old to be this wasted. What are they even doing on New Orleans’ Bourbon Street? Being creepers, that’s what. A guy with Dumbo-sized ears breaks away from the pack and heads toward a girl half his age. His arms swing in great big circles, and yellow liquid splashes from his plastic yardstick drink.

      Way to bring your ‘A’ game.

      The girl turns toward her friend in an obvious attempt to avoid eye contact with Drunk Ogre Man. But no matter. He spins her around, presents his colorful beads, and attempts to pull up her shirt. That’s the deal, right? Beads for boobs? Not this time. Homegirl slaps him and storms off, her heels click-clacking down the paved road.

    Ogre stares after her and his friends howl with laughter. His red-rimmed eyes go big for a second, then he starts laughing, too. He got off pretty easy, all things considered. But we’re not done yet. Or better yet, I’m not done.

     I look at the guy in a way only I can. A warm yellow light crawls over his skin and flickers. It almost looks like his body is on fire. This light is his soul, and I can see the small rectangles called seals that partially obscure it. Seals come from being bad, or as I like to say, exciting. If I could come back from the dead, the things I would do. I’d go out with a bang. Rock enough seals to make Al Capone look like a saint. But I can’t. So I just keep punching the clock and doing what I do best.

     The seals are different colors, and already this guy looks like Rainbow Bright. Now he’ll have one more to add to his collection. I flick a finger and a sizzling red seal—no bigger than a stamp—attaches to his light. He didn’t feel a thing, but he certainly deserved it. His soul light dims just a little more than before. Once his light is completely covered, it’s over. Finis! We’ll collect his soul and bring it downstairs.

     I form my hands into guns and fire them off in his direction. “Pow!”

    Another one bites the dust.

Crash

Okay, so I was just browsing Goodreads.com for some good books to read over the weekend (Thanks to those who made those awesome lists of books that make it easier to find awesome books). So, I stumbled upon this series. At first, I admit that I did judge a book by its cover, especially since I'm a sports fan but not a ballet one. Anyways, I forced myself to read Crash because so many people had awesome reviews and comments about the series.

Amazingly, it turned out that I didn't have to force myself to read these books. They made me want to read them; I wanted to read about their lives, read about their fights, read about the ending, etc. I loved the characters in the story even though there were many times when I wanted to slam both their heads against a wall or door. 

I really liked the whole idea of the story. Girl meets boy. Boy turns out to be a bad boy. Girl doesn't care. Boy wants the girl to leave and forget about him. Girl still doesn't care and she loves ballet. Boy turns out to be the sweetest guy ever. Girl falls for the bad boy. BUT of course things aren't going to be that easy. My summary of it makes the story seem cheesy and predictable, but it actually wasn't. In the second book I wasn't even sure if things were ever going to be okay anymore.

But I'll just tell you guys about the characters. 

Lucy is your typical heroine. She's pretty, a bit insecure, she loves ballet/dancing, and she has family problems. Her brother was killed 5 years ago, and she still hasn't forgiven herself. Her parents haven't been the same since. Life hasn't been easy on her. Then there's Jude (Hey Jude). Jude is your typical bad boy hero. He has no one. He lives in the boys' home and he lives with boys who are prone to violence. He is also a playboy who doesn't date nor has he ever had a girlfriend. His mother abandoned him and his father is in jail. The series just shows that not all relationships have it easy. You have the good times and the bad times, and you just have to take both in stride. Even if you feel like giving up, just know that someone is there who loves you with all of his/her heart and would take you back in a second, and also know that no matter what life throws at you, you just have to keep going because you never know where life might take you. The person who you think is the least likely to be the one meant to be your forever, might just be the one person you need. 

My review really doesn't do it justice. I mean, I'm really picky with the books I read (sometimes) so I think this series was awesome. I also thought that the second book was the last one, but I guess the author decided to add another one which doesn't release until August 23, 2013! 

Ecstasy in Darkness & Dark Taste of Rapture

Okay, I'm a huge fan of Gena Showalters' Lords of the Underworld series, Intertwined series, Angels of the Dark series, and Atlantis series, so I decided to try out the other books in her Alien Huntress series (I read Seduce the Darkness, which is the 4th book in the series)!!!

Ecstasy in Darkness (#5) & Dark Taste of Rapture (#6) are freakin' awesome books! There's only been a handful of books that had heroines that I really loved and worshipped, so when I met Ava and Noelle I was like jfshgkfhj. They're hilarious, awesome, tough, and they're best friends forever. At first, I was really hesitant to read about either girl because they were only trainees when Ecstasy in Darkness began so I thought they were going to be whiny and annoying. Wow, they proved me wrong. Ava and Noelle look out for one another, and even though they came from different sides of the town, Ava came from a poor neighborhood which was pretty much the worst side of town and Noelle came from a rich family, richer than God, they both understand one another and have each other's backs. Their interactions with one another are so funny and I couldn't help but laugh out loud each time. Many people don't understand their relationship because they're so honest with one another and they pretty much insult one another whenever they can. I also liked the fact that their books came right after one another so we really felt sad when Noelle's book started and she was happy for Ava but sad for herself. 

The men in their lives were also awesome! McKell, the ex-leader of the vampire army who was engaged to Bride for a looooong time, turned out to be a real sweetheart, well only to Ava anyways. He's possessive, strong, and adorable. I really loved the romance between McKell and Ava and they are really perfect for one another. McKell, who hates humans, couldn't help but fall in love with human Ava. It was fun seeing the "mighty vampire" fall hard and change his ways just for Ava. He also finds out more about his parents and his abilities. Then, there's Hector Dean. He's not usually the type Noelle goes for, but ever since she first saw him at her training, sparks were definitely flying. He's cold, tattooed, and he's a walking deadly weapon, but he's also the perfect man to catch Noelle. He comes from the same side of town as Ava, so he believes that he doesn't deserve Noelle, but Noelle could care less if he was rich or poor. All she cares about is his love for her and that he won't try and change her. 

I definitely recommend these books, and the series (So far I've only read books #4-6). Ava, Noelle, McKell, and Hector are definitely awesome characters that will make you laugh out loud, cry, and piss you off (in a good way). 

I'm not sure what the next book in the series will be titled or when it will be released, but the books #1-4 are: Awaken me Darkly (1st person), Enslave me Sweetly (1st person), Savor Me Slowly (3rd person), and Seduce the Darkness (3rd person). Hopefully the next book will be Dallas'!!

Serendipity series by Carly Phillips

Serendipity, Book #1:

Out of the three books in this series, I thought this one was the best. The plot had more things going on than just romance. It had Faith dealing with her parents, Ethan finding out more about his father than he'd like, and Faith and Ethan finding each other. This book also had this fresh, creative way of turning a teenage crush on a bad boy into something more stable and sweet. 

Ethan was the town's bad boy, riding his motorcycle, getting into all sorts of trouble, and attracting girls all over the place. However, when he was arrested, his parents were on their way to bail him out when they suddenly got into an accident that took their lives. Ethan was 18, which meant that he wasn't a minor and he could take care of his 2 younger brothers, Dare and Nash. Instead, Ethan chose the coward's way out and left town. Now, 10 years later, Ethan is finally back and the first thing he does is purchase Faith's old house. But Ethan can't escape the past. He's got two younger brothers who are now grown men who hates his guts. They want nothing to do with him. Plus, he's got another surprise coming. 

Faith was born into a wealthy family, that is, until her father was convicted for running a Ponzi scheme. Now, after returning to Serendipity, everyone looks at her and pities her because of her father. Then, Faith runs into the last person she thought she'd see, Ethan Barron, and she finds out that not only is Ethan back, he's also the person who purchased her childhood home. What a small world. And the funny thing is, Ethan doesn't need a big home because he's living all by himself. He doesn't even have the place furnished. Annnd Faith has this secret past with Ethan: He gave her a ride home on his motorcycle and they kissed, it could have led to more but he was denied. She was the "princess" that was too good for the "bad boy".

The romance between Faith and Ethan was pretty typical and predictable but Tess made it more interesting. She became both an obstacle and a great addition to the romance and the story itself. She was this troubled child who had no one to take care of her and love her except her sister Kelly, and so it was really great to see her and Ethan's interactions with one another. Ethan doesn't know anything about parenting nor about dealing with little girls, especially one who tested you at every turn, so Ethan's methods with dealing with Tess were really sweet and adorable. The brothers, Dare and Nash, were also great additions. They were placed in different foster homes because Ethan decided to leave town, so you'll definitely understand why they hate Ethan's guts. This confrontation with Ethan is long overdue. 

Karma, Book #3:

I accidentally read this before Destiny, so I'll post a review on this instead (Sorry about that). This is Dare's book and we finally get to see past the charm, kindness, and playfulness and see the real Dare.

Dare Barron is the youngest of the Barron brothers. He's also known as the easy-going, laid back of the three. But is he really? In this book we find out what is really going on behind the mask. He's got a past that he thinks he can never run away from, and he's also being eaten away by guilt. Guilt that he's had since he was 15. He's now a cop, but it doesn't help that the person who caused his guilt is the brother of the girl he's had a crush on since he was 15. And that person is also a regular in jail. 

Liza McKnight is born in a rich family, except that her parents only care about her brother. Her brother, the golden child who can do no wrong. Her parents blame her for everything and could care less about her. Liza continues to "enable" her brother by bailing him out all the time because she loves her brother and her brother was the only one there when she needed someone the most. This is the reason why Dare and Liza cannot have a relationship. Their pasts are too connected and Dare can't seem to get past the guilt. 

The story was great, but it was also really predictable and the ending for the series was too short. The characters were great but I thought that Dare and Liza needed to grow more as the story progressed because I felt like they didn't really overcome their pasts. There was this thing with Brian, Liza's brother, that was kind off over the top and it just ended too easily. However, the book was an okay read and I still prefer Serendipity.

The Serendipity trilogy has officially ended, but there is a spinoff series featuring the characters from Karma. The new series is called cops of Serendipity and the first book of the series will be Perfect Fit and it is out now!

Sinners On Tour #1 & #2 by Olivia Cunning

I stumbled upon this series the other day and I saw so many great reviews on each book that I decided to try them out. The plot of the series is very interesting. Five band members, all hot and famous, are single and enjoying their bachelor lifestyles. That is, until their destined women came along.

In Backstage Pass, we meet the lead guitarist, Brian Sinclair. He's a hopeless romantic. He's the only one in the band who has had relationships, but he's also the one that constantly gets heartbroken. One night, while Brian was getting drunk after dumping his girlfriend, the band meets a psychologist named Myrna Evans who steals their hearts. She different from all the girls who throw themselves at the guys, but she only has eyes for Brian.

Brian and Myrna are instantly attracted to one another and sparks definitely fly. The only negative thing about this series and book is that they keep going at it and they don't even care if other people see them naked... I mean Myrna does act as if she's embarrassed or that she wants to cover herself up... but she never does. Brian also gets "mad" if the other band members look at Myrna naked or touch her but he doesn't do anything...

Anyways, I thought the story was really creative and the plot was interesting. I haven't read many good books revolving around bands and music so this was refreshing and new. It was an easy and fun read so if you're bored or you need a good book (for adults) then you might want to try this one out!

Okay now on to the next book in the series. 

This book is now about Sed Lionheart, the lead singer, and Jessica Chase, his ex-fiancee. The first chapter shows the readers why Jessica left Sed in the first place, and I definitely supported Jessica's decision because Sed acted like such a ahdjfkjsg. 

Now, the only difference between Sed and Jessica vs. Myrna and Brian is that Sed and Jessica do it anywhere, even the openly public places. I thought that this book was just as entertaining as the first one, except it was annoying how Jessica kept saying one thing but doing another. However, the whole lawyer thing was a good addition to the plot because it makes sense when the scandal came into view. 

This book also showed greater perspective of the other band members such as Trey, Jace, and Eric. We see Trey suffer and find his redemption and we see the interactions between Eric and Jace. Near the end was also a great part of the book and I don't want to say anything because it might spoil it for you...

Anyways, this book was still a great, fun, and easy read and I definitely recommend it (to adults). I believe the book after this would be Trey's. BUT I'm more excited for Jace's book because we definitely know who his heroine is! Sadly, Jace's book won't be out 'til February 13!! (It's titled Hot Ticket)

Lothaire by Kresley Cole

This is the 12th book in Kresley Cole's popular series Immortals After Dark. I'm a huge fan of Kresley Cole and the Immortals After Dark series so I was definitely excited to read this book!

The book started out slow because Lothaire's past was being introduced and the readers also had to know about how Elizabeth ended up as the "host" for Lothaire's Bride (Vampires' mates are known as brides).

At first I had a hard time reading the book because the introduction was slow and a tad boring. However, once I finally got to know Lothaire and Elizabeth, the story became interesting and I couldn't stop myself from finding out what happens next.

We've seen glimpses of Lothaire throughout the series and I've always thought of him as a great character. Elizabeth definitely fits him perfectly because she defies Lothaire at every turn, a perfect trait for a queen. We find out how Lothaire got his red eyes and why he desperately wants to become king. We also realize that Lothaire isn't really a villain, he's a hero in his own ways too. 

I definitely recommend this book. It has humor, romance, action, mystery, and everything. The plot was predictable (with the whole Lothaire thinking Elizabeth wasn't his bride). At first, I hated Lothaire because of his actions, but then we see a real sweetheart after we get to know him better. 

The next book is titled MacRieve and I believe it releases on July 2, 2013.

HAPPY NEW YEAR EVERYONE!!!

Now a look ahead....

February 26:

Immortal Ever After by Lynsay Sands

Beauty Awakened by Gena Showalter

March 5:

Thrown by a Curve by Jaci Burton

March 11:

Silent Echoes by Aimee Laine

March 19:

Inferno by Sherrilyn Kenyon

Clockwork Princess by Cassandra Clare

March 26:

Wolf With Benefits by Shelly Laurenston

Rebel by Kristina Douglas

Lover At Last by J.R. Ward

Twice Tempted by Jeaniene Frost

Deadly Sting by Jennifer Estep

April 1:

Natural Born Angel by Scott Speer

April 2:

The Collector by Victoria Scott

April 16:

Walking Disaster by Jamie McGuire

April 30:

Born of Fury by Sherrilyn Kenyon

May 13:

Entwined With You by Sylvia Day

May 28:

Dare You to by Katie McGarry

June 1:

Darkness Avenged by Alexandra Ivy

One Sweet Ride by Jaci Burton

Sequel to Twisted by Gena Showalter

July 1:

Origin by Jennifer L. Armentrout

MacRieve by Kresley Cole

July 30:

The Darkest Craving by Gena Showalter

August 6:

Ritual Magic by Eileen Wilks

September 3:

Styxx by Sherrilyn Kenyon

October 29:

Guild Hunter #6 by Nalini Singh

November 1:

Striking Distance by Pamela Clare

(These are just a few great books releasing in 2013. Just letting you guys know :) )