Review: White Hot Kiss by Jennifer L. Armentrout

White Hot Kiss (Dark Elements #1)
By Jennifer L. Armentrout

Kindle Edition, 400 pages

Published February 25th 2014 by Harlequin Teen
Average Rating: 4.30

One kiss could be the last.

Seventeen-year-old Layla just wants to be normal. But with a kiss that kills anything with a soul, she’s anything but normal. Half demon, half gargoyle, Layla has abilities no one else possesses.

Raised among the Wardens—a race of gargoyles tasked with hunting demons and keeping humanity safe—Layla tries to fit in, but that means hiding her own dark side from those she loves the most. Especially Zayne, the swoon-worthy, incredibly gorgeous and completely off-limits Warden she’s crushed on since forever.

Then she meets Roth—a tattooed, sinfully hot demon who claims to know all her secrets. Layla knows she should stay away, but she’s not sure she wants to—especially when that whole no-kissing thing isn’t an issue, considering Roth has no soul.

But when Layla discovers she’s the reason for the violent demon uprising, trusting Roth could not only ruin her chances with Zayne… it could brand her a traitor to her family. Worse yet, it could become a one-way ticket to the end of the world.

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Disclaimer: This review may be extremely biased and positive. NO HATE HERE. ONLY LOVE.

I love Jennifer Armentrout and it is really hard for me to complain about her books!! With that being said, all these reviews will be written with the knowledge of the other books. I’ll try to write these reviews as if I haven’t read the others, that way the reviews would be more accurate. (I pretty much read all her books up to date.) Hopefully, I won’t be repeating myself too much. 🙂

First things first, the covers. These covers are gorgeous!!! I love the old ones better than the new ones though. I think the others are too plain and simple. White Hot Kiss‘ cover is steamy and sexy as hell. And Roth is on this one. *heart eyes* (That is such a pet peeve as well!! When I buy books I want them all to look the same. Do not go and change the covers on me in the middle of the series!!)

I don’t know why, but it seems every single series that I love, I rejected before I decided to give them a chance and I end up loving them to bits once I finally read them. This book was no different. I came across this novel on my Recommendations on Goodreads and ignored it. The book’s story didn’t appeal to me then, but now? NOW I want to punch myself in the face for not reading it sooner!! The novel, this series is the epitome of YA novels!!

“When people inexplicably disappear into thin air, it was usually because they had a new zip code. Something like 666.”

Layla has a deadly kiss. She can suck the souls out of humans with one harmless kiss, and boy, does that make things interesting. Layla is a character I can very much relate to. She’s kind, smart, sarcastic, quirky, stubborn and the best heroine ever. Her spunk makes for a very amusing read. I literally have all her sarcastic, sassy comments highlighted in my book. Not to mention that some were random as hell! Layla is hilarious! She’s one of my literary best friends. Have I mention she can also kick some butt? She’s fiercely loyal to the Wardens but she never felt like she fit in with the them either. When Roth, a demon who oozes sexy and charm, appears in her life, she starts to question who she is, and the Wardens. And that pretty much sums up Book 1.

Now, Roth. Oh my goodness, ROTH. He is absolutely swoon-worthy! *heart eyes* He is the bad boy in the form of a very powerful demon. He’s sarcastic, playful, and loves to piss Layla off! Layla and Roth are the dynamic duo that makes this book so much fun to read. I laughed, and I cried when these two were together. Also, the chemistry between Roth and Layla was sizzling hot! Let the shipping commence! I love JLA for giving us some extras in Roth’s POV. I reread them over and over again. *heart eyes* (Seriously, WordPress needs a smilie or emoji for that. I’m going to be using it soo much in this review ) ANOTHER THING. His familiars!! They are the best thing to be ever made!! Three kittens, one snake, and a dragon. All tattoos. Animated. They come to life and destroy you. Best. Thing. Ever. I’m sure I’ll be fawning over them in my review of Book 2, Stone Cold Touch. 😛

“Don’t be scared of Bambi,” the demon said. “She’s only curious and maybe a little bit hungry.” The thing was called Bambi? Oh my god, the thing stared at me like it wanted to eat me.“

Zayne, oh Zayne. I’m so sorry that I’m on Team Roth (no, not really…) but I still like you all the same. Zayne is the “boy next door” type of character. He’s sweet, caring and honest. Zayne is the complete opposite of Roth. He wasn’t that important in Book 1, but in Book 2, we really see the love triangle. *stabs myself in chest* *swears at the heavens* (Seriously, I know. THAT’S how much I love the series if I can (kinda) ignore the whole love triangle bit) Zayne is rather oblivious in this novel, and blindly trusts the Wardens. I mean he happens to be one, so I guess it was more blindly devoted to duty than to reason. I didn’t hate him nor love him like I did Roth, but he was a good addition to White Hot Kiss. I really did love the best friend vibe Layla and him had. I’ll always want that guy best friend that will always stay platonic. (So sorry to the Layla/Zayne shippers out there…)

With some amazing characters, the plot didn’t go unnoticed. Simply, Layla is the one that is going to save the world from destruction that this really evil demon called Lilith is planning to cause. The plot paced rather well, it wasn’t too slow or too fast. The action never ceased to stop, so there was continuous interest throughout the novel. Lots of snarky, quirky and laugh-out-loud moments as well. I remember reading this book for the first time in one night. I also had to immediately get the next one the very next day. THE CLIFF-HANGER WAS AGONIZING.

Speaking about cliff-hangers, the plot twists in this book were jaw-dropping. I’m pretty sure there is one specific scene where I started to shout, “No. No, no, no. Nonononononono!!” Ah, JLA is brilliant at inducing the feels and the emotions. This is why she is probably one of my favourite YA authors out there!

I recommend this book to everyone! Seriously, if you haven’t read this book yet, you should get it RIGHT NOW. Anything JLA, you should read immediately!

Keep calm and read on,

Note: Another old review of mine from the previous blog. Again, I can see the noticeable different between my reviews then and now. *cringe*

Review: Possession by Elana Johnson

Possession (Possession #1)
By Elana Johnson

Hardcover, 416 pages

Published June 7th 2011 by Simon & Schuster
Average Rating: 3.60

Vi knows the Rule: Girls don’t walk with boys, and they never even think about kissing them. But no one makes Vi want to break the Rules more than Zenn…and since the Thinkers have chosen him as Vi’s future match, how much trouble can one kiss cause? The Thinkers may have brainwashed the rest of the population, but Vi is determined to think for herself.

But the Thinkers are unusually persuasive, and they’re set on convincing Vi to become one of them…starting by brainwashing Zenn. Vi can’t leave Zenn in the Thinkers’ hands, but she’s wary of joining the rebellion, especially since that means teaming up with Jag. Jag is egotistical, charismatic, and dangerous–everything Zenn’s not. Vi can’t quite trust Jag and can’t quite resist him, but she also can’t give up on Zenn.

This is a game of control or be controlled. And Vi has no choice but to play.

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This is an interesting book. Originality as its best, the concept and plot are unique, and the characters are amazing!

Review: Throne of Glass by Sarah J. Maas

Throne of Glass (Throne of Glass #1)
By Sarah J. Maas

Hardcover, 404 pages

Published August 7th 2012 by Bloomsbury USA Children’s

Average Rating: 4.22

In a land without magic, where the king rules with an iron hand, an assassin is summoned to the castle. She comes not to kill the king, but to win her freedom. If she defeats twenty-three killers, thieves, and warriors in a competition, she is released from prison to serve as the king’s champion. Her name is Celaena Sardothien.

The Crown Prince will provoke her. The Captain of the Guard will protect her. But something evil dwells in the castle of glass–and it’s there to kill. When her competitors start dying one by one, Celaena’s fight for freedom becomes a fight for survival, and a desperate quest to root out the evil before it destroys her world.

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Holy Mother of God. This book, this series, is my OBSESSION. Calling this one of my favourite books is an understatement. I have researched fan art and fanfiction, (mostly fan art ’cause they are phenomenal) it’s just–I LOVE THEM SO MUCH.

Review: Dark Triumph by Robin LaFevers

Dark Triumph (His Fair Assassin #2)
By Robin LaFevers

Paperback, 400 pages

Published April 1st 2014 by HMH Books for Young Readers
Average Rating: 4.17

The convent views Sybella, naturally skilled in the arts of both death and seduction, as one of their most dangerous weapons. But those assassin’s skills are little comfort when the convent returns her home to the life that nearly drove her mad. And while Sybella is a weapon of justice wrought by the god of death himself, he must give her a reason to live. When she discovers an unexpected ally imprisoned in the dungeons, will a daughter of Death find something other than vengeance to live for?

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I didn’t think I would even pick up this book, now look at me, I’m rating this five stars.

I’m so surprised! I’m probably going to say that a lot throughout this review, but I am! I never thought I would read this, I thought this journey ended with Grave Mercy (GM). Alas it didn’t because I finished the trilogy!

Review: Rook by Sharon Cameron

Rook
By Sharon Cameron

Hardcover, 456 pages

Published April 28th 2015 by Scholastic Press

Average Rating: 3.76

History has a way of repeating itself. In the Sunken City that was once Paris, all who oppose the new revolution are being put to the blade. Except for those who disappear from their prison cells, a red-tipped rook feather left in their place. Is the mysterious Red Rook a savior of the innocent or a criminal?

Meanwhile, across the sea in the Commonwealth, Sophia Bellamy’s arranged marriage to the wealthy René Hasard is the last chance to save her family from ruin. But when the search for the Red Rook comes straight to her doorstep, Sophia discovers that her fiancé is not all he seems. Which is only fair, because neither is she.

As the Red Rook grows bolder and the stakes grow higher, Sophia and René find themselves locked in a tantalizing game of cat and mouse.

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Review: Conspiracy Girl by Sarah Alderson

Conspiracy Girl
By Sarah Alderson

Paperback, 320 pages

Published February 12th 2015 by Simon & Schuster

Average Rating: 4.03

Everybody knows about the Cooper Killings – the Bel Air home invasion that rocked the nation.
There was only one survivor – a sixteen year-old girl.
And though the killers were caught they walked free.

Now eighteen, Nic Preston – the girl who survived – is trying hard to rebuild her life. She’s security conscious to the point of paranoia and her only friend is a French Mastiff bulldog, but she’s making progress. She’s started college in New York and has even begun dating.

But then one night her apartment is broken into and the life Nic’s worked so hard to create is shattered in an instant.

Finn Carter – hacker, rule breaker, player – is the last person Nic ever wants to see again. He’s the reason her mother’s killers walked free from court. But as the people hunting her close in, Nic has to accept that her best and possibly only chance of staying alive is by keeping close to Finn and learning to trust the person she’s sworn to hate.

Fleeing across a snowbound New England, frantically trying to uncover the motive behind the murders, Nic and Finn come to realize the conspiracy is bigger than they could ever have suspected. But the closer they get to the truth and the closer they get to each other, the greater the danger becomes.

To survive she has to stay close to him.
To keep her safe he has to keep his distance.

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THIS IS SOO GOOD! I LOVE THIS BOOK. I’ve read it twice in one day ’cause I couldn’t get enough of it!

If any of you read Alderson’s Hunting Lila books, YOU WILL LOVE THIS. It was very similar to Hunting Lila in some aspects, in others not so much.

First, the story line. Beautiful. Mysterious. Captivating. Romantic. This is a dual POV novel, alternating between Nic Preston and Finn Carter.

Review: An Ember In The Ashes By Sabaa Tahir

An Ember In The Ashes (An Ember In The Ashes #1)
By Sabaa Tahir

Paperback, 464 pages

Published February 9th 2016 by Razorbill
Average Rating: 4.30

Laia is a slave. Elias is a soldier. Neither is free.

Under the Martial Empire, defiance is met with death. Those who do not vow their blood and bodies to the Emperor risk the execution of their loved ones and the destruction of all they hold dear.

It is in this brutal world, inspired by ancient Rome, that Laia lives with her grandparents and older brother. The family ekes out an existence in the Empire’s impoverished backstreets. They do not challenge the Empire. They’ve seen what happens to those who do.

But when Laia’s brother is arrested for treason, Laia is forced to make a decision. In exchange for help from rebels who promise to rescue her brother, she will risk her life to spy for them from within the Empire’s greatest military academy.

There, Laia meets Elias, the school’s finest soldier—and secretly, its most unwilling. Elias wants only to be free of the tyranny he’s being trained to enforce. He and Laia will soon realize that their destinies are intertwined—and that their choices will change the fate of the Empire itself.

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March 2016: Most Anticipated Releases

Hello March!! It’s the beginning of a new month and you know what that means? More book releases!! I think March is a pretty good month for me. I got lots of books waiting to be read. Let’s find out what my top upcoming beauties are.

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5.

The Great Hunt
By Wendy Higgins

RELEASE DATE: MARCH 8TH

Kill the beast. Win the girl.

A strange beast stirs fear in the kingdom of Lochlanach, terrorizing towns with its brutality and hunger. In an act of desperation, a proclamation is sent to all of Eurona—kill the creature and win the ultimate prize: the daughter of King Lochson’s hand in marriage.

Princess Aerity understands her duty to the kingdom though it pains her to imagine marrying a stranger. It would be foolish to set her sights on any particular man in the great hunt, but when a brooding local hunter, Paxton Seabolt, catches her attention, there’s no denying the unspoken lure between them…or his mysterious resentment.

Paxton is not keen on marriage. Nor does he care much for spoiled royals and their arcane laws. He’s determined to keep his focus on the task at hand—ridding the kingdom of the beast and protecting his family—yet Princess Aerity continues to challenge his notions with her unpredictability and charm. But as past secrets collide with present desires, dire choices threaten everything Paxton holds dear.

I’ve read and reread Wendy Higgin’s Sweet Evil Trilogy and I’m definitely looking forward to see what else she can bring to the table with this new fantasy/adventure novel. I’m seeing the potential of a strong heroine and some unexpected romance. My question is: Will this book live up the Sweet Evil? EIGHT MORE DAYS AND I’LL LET YOU KNOW!

4.

Review: Grave Mercy by Robin LaFevers (His Fair Assassin #1)

Grave Mercy (His Fair Assassin #1)
By Robin LaFevers

Hardcover, 549 pages

Published April 3rd 2012 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt

Average Rating: 3.94

Why be the sheep, when you can be the wolf?

Seventeen-year-old Ismae escapes from the brutality of an arranged marriage into the sanctuary of the convent of St. Mortain, where the sisters still serve the gods of old. Here she learns that the god of Death Himself has blessed her with dangerous gifts—and a violent destiny. If she chooses to stay at the convent, she will be trained as an assassin and serve as a handmaiden to Death. To claim her new life, she must destroy the lives of others.

Ismae’s most important assignment takes her straight into the high court of Brittany—where she finds herself woefully under prepared—not only for the deadly games of intrigue and treason, but for the impossible choices she must make. For how can she deliver Death’s vengeance upon a target who, against her will, has stolen her heart?

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After reading the Throne of Glass series by Sarah J. Maas, I guess I have a thing for assassins. This novel is all about assassins. Badass female ones.