Book Review: Fifty Shades Darker by E.L. James (18+)

Publisher: The Writer's Coffee Shop Publishing House


Release Date: September 15, 2011


Buy: Amazon, B&N


Source: Bought






Goodreads Blurb: Daunted by the singular sexual tastes and dark secrets of the beautiful, tormented young entrepreneur Christian Grey, Anastasia Steele has broken off their relationship to start a new career with a Seattle publishing house. 

But desire for Christian still dominates her every waking thought, and when he proposes a new arrangement, Anastasia cannot resist. They rekindle their searing sensual affair, and Anastasia learns more about the harrowing past of her damaged, driven and demanding Fifty Shades.

While Christian wrestles with his inner demons, Anastasia must confront the anger and envy of the women who came before her, and make the most important decision of her life.

Well what can I say about book two that wasn’t said about book one? It started out with some pretty good potential. Ana is still fresh with grief over her break up with Christian, and has to deal with a move and starting a new job. Once you get into the middle of the book, it seems like our beloved author cut and paste the same sex scenes from book one. Yes, there is a little drama here and there, but all of the issues our lovebirds encounter are resolved in the matter of a chapter. We endure the crazy of one of our Mr. Grey’s ex lovers, and we have the infamous “Mrs. Robinson” that finally makes a cameo. Not to mention, we also see Ana being sexually harassed at the workplace by her new boss, oh and not to mention a helicopter crash (it sounds more exciting then it really is). Again, with all the issues that we encounter throughout the book, they do not last. The book felt like Ana’s day to day diary. There is so much rambling that you find yourself tuning out and thinking about what you are going to eat for dinner. We find the end of book two with Mrs. Robinson out of the picture and Christian and Ana engaged only after a few short months of knowing each other. I really hoped this book was going to excite and thrill but it just didn’t do it for me. I’m so exasperated with this novel it has been really hard to get excited about book three. We did end with a note of promise with some drama to come, but I’m sure like all the rest of the issues that will be resolved by chapter two. I must be glutton for punishment because I will now begin the journey to book three, stay tuned!

BTWF: 5/1/12

Book Review: The Forever Girl by Rebecca Hamilton

Publisher: Immortal Ink

Release Date: January 26, 2012

Buy: Amazon, B&N

Source: Received for review from author





Goodreads blurb: A Cult. A Murder. A Curse. 

Sophia's family has skeletons, but they aren't in their graves...

At 22, practicing Wiccan Sophia Parsons is scratching out a living waiting tables in her Rocky Mountain hometown, living under the shadow of her bi-polar mother, religious prejudice, and a cold murder. Sophia can imagine lots of ways her life could be better, but she'd settle for just getting rid of the buzzing noise in her head. The spell she casts goes wrong. The static turns into voices. Her personal demons get company, and the newcomers are dangerous.

One of them is a man named Charles, a centuries-old shape-shifter that Sophia falls for despite her better judgment. He has connections that can help her unveil the mystery surrounding her ancestor's hanging, but she gets more than she bargains for when she finally decides to trust him. Survival in his world, she learns, means not asking questions and staying out of the immortal council's way. It's a line she crossed long ago.

If Sophia wants to survive the council and save the people she loves, she must accept who she is, perform dark magic, and fight to the death for her freedom.

The Forever Girl is a full-length Paranormal Fantasy novel that will appeal to lovers of paranormal romance, urban fantasy, witches, vampires, ghosts, paranormal mystery, and paranormal horror.

I really enjoyed reading this book.  I've never really read anything that pertained to Wiccans, and this was a perfect book to start with.  It explained the purpose of the rituals and all that goes into them.  That's great for a reader like me, that wouldn't have known otherwise. 

Sophia is a character that believes she can take care of herself.  She finds it hard to trust others and ask for help.  Most of this has to do with her relationship with her mother.  My only complaint is that we didn't see more of her father.  I would have liked to see her interact with him.  But, wow, her mother is something else.  

Charles is such an interesting character.  Half the time I didn't know if I wanted to slap him or kiss him. I did secretly love his arrogance. Nothing is sexier than confidence. Just sayin. I also love the fact that he is so protective of Sophie regardless of whether he thinks he should be.  He takes an interest in keeping her safe.  

There were a ton of twists that I never saw coming.  People I thought they weren't who they turned out to be.  It also explains why Sophie has such a hard time trusting others.  

Forever Girl is a book for those between YA and adult urban fantasy.  It's not raunchy or anything like that.  There's just a few cuss words, and creative writing when it came to overwhelming feelings. ;)

This is such a unique look into the world of vampires, shifters, and witches.  It's not what I expected, and I'm extremely happy about that.  The book was creative and the perfect length.  I can't wait for the next installment. 

Feature & Follow #4

This is a meme hosted by Parajunkee of Parajunkee's View and Alison of Alison Can Read.  It's a blog hop to help expand your readership.  

For more information or to join just click the button above.

Q: Have you had a character that disappointed you? One that you fell in love with and then “broke up” with later on in either the series or a stand-alone book? Tell us about him or her.

Katrina's

I have two.  

Nash from Soul Screamers by Rachel Vincent is one person I absolutely loved when I began the series.  After a few books I began to see him as arrogant and very selfish.  Qualities I don't really care for.  He made a couple of mistakes that could have been forgiven has he handled them better.  I'm hoping he can redeem himself throughout the rest of the series, but it's going to be hard. 

The other one I can no longer stand is Bill Compton from The Southern Vampire Series by Charlaine Harris.  In the beginning he seemed so loyal and sweet, only to find out he has other intentions.  He may have really loved Sookie, but I lost all respect for him.  

Stacking the Shelves #1

Stacking the Shelves is a meme to show what we received during the week.  It's hosted by Tynga's Reviews.   I will be doing this in lieu of IMM.

Bought: 

NetGalley:

Book Review: Divergent by Veronica Roth

Publisher: Katherine Tegan Books

Release Date: May 3, 2011

Buy: Amazon, B&N

Source: Bought






Goodreads Blurb: In a future Chicago, 16-year-old Beatrice Prior must choose among five predetermined factions to define her identity for the rest of her life, a decision made more difficult when she discovers that she is an anomaly who does not fit into any one group, and that the society she lives in is not perfect after all.

Holy wow!!! I loved this book!!!  It is now one of my favorite dystopian reads. 


It took me a bit to get the factions down.  It would be hard to choose a faction to be a part of for the rest of your life.  I think I would choose either Erudite or Dauntless. 


Here are the factions:
Candor - The Honest
Abnegation - The Selfless
Dauntless - The Brave
Amity - The Peaceful
Erudite - The Intelligent


I was captured by this story from the very beginning.  It only took me two days to read this book.  Let's just say absolutely nothing got done, and I had very little sleep.  But I could not stop reading!


Veronica Roth does a great job of creation a place that is easy to visualize.  Her writing is straightforward and simple.  Despite all the action there is still quite a bit of humor.  I loved this in her writing because it made the story become more real.  


Tris is a strong female character that any 16 year old girl could relate too.  (Even us older gals can relate to her.)  Even though she faces the possibility of being facitonless, she is able to act like a normal teenager and joke around with her friends.  She faces so many challenges, and is mature enough to handle them properly...most of the time.  She has extremely admirable characteristics.  


And there is Four.  He's completely swoon-worthy.  I'll leave it at that and you can decide how you feel about him for yourself.  


The second book in the trilogy, InsurgentI, comes out May 1st.  You should run to the bookstore and and pick this up.  


Here are a couple of quotes I loved:


Four:  "'I didn't think it would affect you this way.' Then he looks down and shrugs. 'Sometimes I forget that I can hurt you. That you are capable of being hurt." Pg. 366


Tris: "He told me once to be brave, and though I have stood still while knives spun toward my face and jumped off a roof, I never thought I would need bravery in the small moments of life. I do." Pg. 373




Divergent Book Trailer:

DLS #6

Dirty Little Secret is a weekly meme hosted by us at Under the Covers. Every Thursday we get to know other bloggers and our readers more intimately by asking them a question hoping to reveal their dirty little secrets. We hope that you will all join us!

This week's question:

Who is your favorite flawed hero and/or heroine and why do you still love them despite their faults?

I know it's a day late. I'm sorry guys, we've been pretty busy lately. 

Nessa's Answer

I'm going to kick it back to my favorite series in the world and give props to Professor Severus Snape as my favorite flawed character. He is completely bound by the love of the lovely Lilly Potter, only to disappointed when it is not returned. Professor Snape, is the teacher you love to hate, but as the series comes to a close you see what a selfless man he really was. He is rough around the edges, but has a heart of gold. He risked his life to protect those around him, and accepted the hate that was so often dispersed on him. He never faltered when it really mattered and even now, when the books have come to a close, I still have a soft spot for the tyrant who always gave Harry Potter and his gang a hard time. 

Katrina's Answer

My flawed hero & heroine are both from The Hollows by Kim Harrison.

Trent has a lot of issues.  He has no problem doing what is needed, by any means necessary, to get what he wants.  I think he's just misunderstood, and can be a pretty good guy.  You just have to get to know him first.  

The other is Ivy, a living vampire.  She has a dark past that she is constantly trying to work her way out of.  She doesn't believe in herself or that she is capable of love.  She proves time and time again how selfless she is.  Ivy is a tortured soul that is slowly rebuilding herself for the better.  

Top Ten Tuesday #5

Top Ten Tuesday is a meme created by The Broke & The Bookish.  To join in the fun just click on the button above.  I mean, who doesn't love a list, right???

This week's top ten is all time favorite characters in books. 

Here are mine in no particular order. 

1. Hermoine from Harry Potter - She's a strong female character that doesn't get offended at the fact that she's intelligent.  She's not ashamed of it. 

2. Trent Kalamak from The Hollows - Like I've said before hotness in a bottle.  He's very business-like, but also has a fun side.  You just don't get to see that side of him often. 

3. Mr. Darcy from Pride & Prejudice - For some reason I've always loved him.  He seems like such a jerk, when in fact he doesn't know what to do with infatuation. 

4. Jace Wayland from The Mortal Instruments - A total hottie with bad boy written all over him. 

5. Eric Northman from The Southern Vampire Series - Really... do I need to explain this one??? 

6. Callie from Starters - She's loyal and very caring.  Both are qualities I love in a character. 

7.  Allison Sekemoto from The Blood of Eden Series - My new favorite heroine.  She's at war with herself, and others.  But she finds the strength to fight her way through many obstacles. 

8. Beck "Backwoods Boy" from The Demon Trappers Series - He's a caring guy.  He thinks he has to take care of Riley all the time and treat her like a child.  But he's got many layers under his tough guy persona. 

9. Jenks from The Hollows - Seriously the most bad ass pixie ever.  He's protective and insanely loyal, even when a certain someone always seems to get him in to crazy situations. 

10. Tristan Archer from The Archers of Avalon Series - Hottie...  He's constantly in turmoil in order to try to make things right. Love him. 

Nessa's choices:

10. Christian Grey - 50 Shaded of Grey - Although he can be a bit of a jerk, Christian really does seem like he wants to be a normal he just can't escape his ghosts. What girl wouldn't want to try and fix the yummy damaged millionaire?????

 9. Professor Dumbledore - Harry Potter Series - he's like your favorite grandpa who can do magic! He is so wise and mysterious who can help but love him? Just when you think he'll disappoint, he had a plan all along!  

 8. Miranda Preistly - sassy, sassy, sassy! She is the ultimate horror of a boss, but I love a woman who knows what she wants and goes for it!  

 7. Hermione Granger - Harry Potter Series- This girl has it all. Brains, beauty, and the the best friends a girl can ask for. Any girl who can get Harry Potter out of pickles deserves kudos in my book. 

6. Jacob Jankowski - Water For Elephants - Can we swoon now? Who wouldn't want to be in an avid love affair with this man? His character is selfless and genuinely kind. Sign me up!  

 5. Katniss Everdeen, The Hunger Games Trilogy - Do I really have to explain? Anyone who can win the Hunger Games is a hero in my eyes!  

 4. Scarlett O' Hara - Gone With the Wind - She is such a tragic character. She loves one, ends up with another, then ends up alone. You can't help but admire her spirit.  

 3. Elphaba - Wicked - So misunderstood yet she has the best of intentions. Your favorite villain with the wicked green skin is not actually what she seems.  

 2. Michael Berg - The Reader - the story is so tragic. Michael falls in love with a woman who only leaves him with heartache. You can't help but want to mend his broken heart. 
 

1. Lisbeth Salander - The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo Trilogy - The ultimate definition of girl power!!! Her character is so disturbed, but she is so powerful in her own way you have to give the girl get props!

BTWF: 4/24/12

Book Review: 50 Shades of Grey (18+)

Author: E. L. James

Publisher: Vintage

Release Date: April 3, 2012

Buy: Amazon, B&N

Source: Bought



Goodreads Blurb: When literature student Anastasia Steele goes to interview young entrepreneur Christian Grey, she encounters a man who is beautiful, brilliant, and intimidating. The unworldly, innocent Ana is startled to realize she wants this man and, despite his enigmatic reserve, finds she is desperate to get close to him. Unable to resist Ana’s quiet beauty, wit, and independent spirit, Grey admits he wants her, too—but on his own terms.

Shocked yet thrilled by Grey’s singular erotic tastes, Ana hesitates. For all the trappings of success—his multinational businesses, his vast wealth, his loving family—Grey is a man tormented by demons and consumed by the need to control. When the couple embarks on a daring, passionately physical affair, Ana discovers Christian Grey’s secrets and explores her own dark desires.

Erotic, amusing, and deeply moving, the Fifty Shades Trilogy is a tale that will obsess you, possess you, and stay with you forever.

50 Shades of Grey is an erotic thrilling romance that will keep you at the edge of your seat, yet will annoy you to your core. The story is set with a modern, wealthy, powerful man who has many dark secrets. He falls for our heroine Anastasia Steele who is by all means the definition of innocent and naive. Christian Grey falls for Anastasia when she first stumbles into his office for an interview her roommate was not able to host herself. Right from the start we see the sparks fly between Ana and Christian. It is so overpowering James has you reading with your heart pounding and swooning at our bad boy Christian Grey’s every word. Although Christian warns off Ana, telling her he is no good for her, Christian can’t seem to leave well enough alone. He takes Ana, who is a virgin I might add, down a dark path of sexual desire Ana never thought she had. We can tell right from the start of the novel that these two are head-over-heels for each other. James does well to express the views of both characters. After about half way through the book we do get a bit bored and annoyed by the repetitiveness of Ana’s “oh my’s” and the discussions she has with her “inner goddess” which is phrased this way throughout the book. I have such mixed emotions about this story that it is hard to tell whether I liked it or hated it. I can see why people do get frustrated quickly with our author, but there is still something that keeps you sucked in. If you are in the mood for a bit of twisted romance and erotica, then this is the novel for you. Christian Grey is so up and so down and Ana gets back lashed and so confused throughout the story I can’t help to feel confused as well. There are times you want to shake the book and scream at her for her foolishness, but I think all of us ladies have been there done that will some male at some point. You can somewhat relate to her, but then again, how many of us have had wealthy and powerful men take us from place to place on his private helicopter? This is a book that you have to be in the mood for. It has its flaws, but when the going gets good it gets really good. I would give this book 3 out of 5 stars.

Giveaway Winners

The winner of the Trylle Trilogy by Amanda Hocking is:

Carolyn Marie!!!


The winner of the Lauren Conrad prize pack is:

Bridget Howard!!!



Congrats to you both.  I have sent emails to you.

Book Review: Shayla Witherwood A Half-Faerie Tale

Author: Tamra Torero

Publisher: Cedar Fort

Release Date: May 8, 2012

Buy: Amazon, B&N

Source: NetGalley



Goodreads Blurb: A brief moment of disappointment washed over me as I approached Jace’s lifeless body. Here I was, about to kiss a boy on the lips for the very first time, and he was completely comatose—possibly paralyzed—and would never even know or remember the experience. This was not how I’d envisioned my first kiss—me invisible, him unconscious.

Shayla Witherwood is not exactly normal. First of all, she’s spent her entire life being homeschooled, traveling in an RV around the country with her grandparents. And second, there’s the kind of inescapable fact that her mom was a genuine faerie.

But now that she’s starting a real life in a regular high school, Shayla desperately needs to stay out of trouble in both worlds because even her faerie powers might not be enough to protect her from what’s coming.

In her latest novel, Tamra Torero spins a magical tale filled with laugh-out-loud sarcasm, surprising twists, and spell-binding romance. Perfect for fairytale fans of all ages, this is one story you won’t want to miss!

This book was cute.  It's something I feel would make a good Disney Channel movie.  I would recommend this for ages 11/12 & up.  


The story was kind of slow, and drug out.  I still enjoyed this book, but felt like it took too long to reach the crisis/peak of action.  I like that you don't have a clear definition of who the bad guy is until later on.  


I liked the characters.  Daniel and Jace were my favorites.  Daniel is nice and has a dry sense of humor which I love.  Jace is just incredibly sweet.  Josi, she's out there.  She believes in the unbelievable, and doesn't have a spazz attack about being friends with a half-fairy.  Every time Bree Zimmer came into the story I wanted to smack.  She's the typical mean girl who thinks she's everything.  


This is perfect for those tweens out there.  It's not about impossible love or anything like that.  It's about becoming yourself and having friends that are there for you.  It's got some romance, but it's very PG; which I think parent's of young girl readers will be happy about.  

Book Review: The Peculiars by Maureen Doyle McQuerry

Author: Maureen Doyle McQuerry

Publisher: Amulet Books

Release Date: May 1, 2012

Buy: Amazon, B&N

Source: NetGalley



Goodreads Blurb: This dark and thrilling adventure, with an unforgettable heroine, will captivate fans of steampunk, fantasy, and romance. On her 18th birthday, Lena Mattacascar decides to search for her father, who disappeared into the northern wilderness of Scree when Lena was young. Scree is inhabited by Peculiars, people whose unusual characteristics make them unacceptable to modern society. Lena wonders if her father is the source of her own extraordinary characteristics and if she, too, is Peculiar. On the train she meets a young librarian, Jimson Quiggley, who is traveling to a town on the edge of Scree to work in the home and library of the inventor Mr. Beasley. The train is stopped by men being chased by the handsome young marshal Thomas Saltre. When Saltre learns who Lena’s father is, he convinces her to spy on Mr. Beasley and the strange folk who disappear into his home, Zephyr House. A daring escape in an aerocopter leads Lena into the wilds of Scree to confront her deepest fears.

This is a great book to try if you've never read steampunk.  I loved it. 


Lena is trying to find out who she is, or rather, what she might possibly be.   She goes on a journey to try to find her father, who left when she was 5.  She doesn't really appeal to me as a strong female character.  She whines a lot, and takes everything at face value without questioning anything.  This definitely gets her in a few messes.   Jimson is a scientific person.  He doesn't have any spiritual beliefs, and becomes a great friend for Lena.  Mr. Beasley is probably my favorite character.  He's a retired doctor, but is very into science.  He's always looking for a way to make things better without using up all the resources, such as coal.  He's always so understanding, and tries to see the good in things.  


The plot didn't take off until halfway through the book.  That doesn't mean the story was lacking.  The first half was imperative to get to know Lena and her thought process.  You spend a lot of time wondering who you can trust: Thomas Saltre or Mr. Beasley.  The author is able to create a great world that's easy to visualize.  You feel like you're riding in the train with Lena and Jimson.  You can also navigate the streets of Knob Knobster fairly easy.  It's a dreary town on the edge of a wild expanse.