Book Expo America (2014) Young Adult Highlights: Thursday May 29th, 2014!

Book Expo America is just around the corner. BEA is my comic con. It's where a lot of publishers, authors, bloggers, and the like, get together to party!! Or, you know, our version of partying, which is totally geeking out and running around chasing after our favorite authors. That sounds like a party to me!

Here are some of the titles I am looking forward to seeing this upcoming Thursday:

Goodreads

9:30-10:3

Romnina Russell

Zodiac

Penguin

Booth 1521

Goodreads

9:30-10:3

Caragh O'Brien

The Vault Dreamers

Roaring Books

Table 5

Goodreads

10:00-11

Jeaniene Frost

The Beautiful Ashes

Harlequin

Booth 3038

2:00-3:00

Jeaniene Frost

The Beautiful Ashes

Table 6

Goodreads

10:30-11

Melissa De La Cruz

Vampires in Manhattan

Hyperion/Hachette

Table 19

Goodreads

2:00-3:00

Karen Bao

Dove Arising

Penguin

Booth 1521

Goodreads

3:00-4:00

Josephini Angelini

Trial by Fire

Feiwel & F

Table 07

Goodreads

3:00-4:00

Melissa de la Cruz

The Ring and the Crown

Disney

Table 10

Will we be meeting in line? If so please say hi! I will be giving out my business cards which will have a "code" on them which will give you extra entries on a contest I will be hosting for BEA week.

For my entire BEA schedule click here.

Review: The Winner's Curse by Marie Rutkoski (LOVE)

Title: The Winner's Curse
Author: Marie Rutkoski
Series: The Winner's Trilogy
Book #: 1
Pages: 355
Reading Level: YA
Book Rating:
Goodreads Rating: 4.09
Published: March 4th, 2014
Excerpt

Winning what you want may cost you everything you love

As a general’s daughter in a vast empire that revels in war and enslaves those it conquers, seventeen-year-old Kestrel has two choices: she can join the military or get married. But Kestrel has other intentions.

One day, she is startled to find a kindred spirit in a young slave up for auction. Arin’s eyes seem to defy everything and everyone. Following her instinct, Kestrel buys him—with unexpected consequences. It’s not long before she has to hide her growing love for Arin.

But he, too, has a secret, and Kestrel quickly learns that the price she paid for a fellow human is much higher than she ever could have imagined.

Set in a richly imagined new world, The Winner’s Curse by Marie Rutkoski is a story of deadly games where everything is at stake, and the gamble is whether you will keep your head or lose your heart.

Taschima's POV:

This one is one for the ages. I am in awe of the story. The characters captivated me, the setting left me wanting more. I NEED MORE. Give me the next title this instant I demand of you! The Winner's Curse was interesting and original and driven and an injection of so many great things the YA genre needed so badly.

Kestrel is the general's daughter, and her side of the conflict is currently winning the war. They have taken over almost every single part of the world that they have set their eyes to and enslaved their citizens. Arin is one of these slaves. He used to be a soldier, but not anymore. Now he is forced to follow the rules of his enemies. Kestrel is not satisfied with the choices she has in life, either join the army and battle alongside her father in a war she might not even believe in or marry young and be nothing more than a trophy wife. Somewhere her soul is itching for more answers. In a split second decision Kestrel decides to bid on Arin, not because she needs or even wants a slave but because she senses something in him that reminds her of her current predicament, not knowing that by buying Arin she set the wheels of an uprising in motion.

I loved Kestrel's character because she was so real. She was so conflicted throughout the novel, trying to do the right thing by her country, by her father, while still admitting that what they are doing to others is absolutely awful. She is caught between a blade and a hard place thinking that no matter what decision she makes she will end up hurting somebody, maybe even herself. Kestrel is strong and while she spends most of the novel trying to run away from her problems in the moment of truth she manages to scrape up enough courage and conviction to right the wrongs that came before her. Also, she plays wicked piano from what I read. Who doesn't love a strong willed artist?

Arin is also a man to swoon about. He is a soldier through and through stuck in the middle of an impossible war. He is strong and yet has a gentle soul. When the time comes to act he doesn't back down and let his emotions get the best of him, he acts. The relationship between Arin and Kestrel was extremely complicated and was handled in the best of taste. It is not rushed or unnatural. The author doesn't take the easy way out and let's the characters throw out their convictions in the name of love. Their love is a tortured one, a hard one, and that much more exquisite because of it.

The Winner's Curse is like a quiet storm. Everything lies in the details. The world created is one full of conflict. I liked some of the world's customs, like for example in their world the women are just as trained in combat as the men and even though Kestrel may only have those two choices at least she is not just MADE to marry someone right off the bat because she is a woman. I just didn't like how her country is so power hungry, but then again that is the point (and it really makes you think about our country and our gruesome beginnings). I want to learn more about this world and more about Arin's. The romance is real and enticing. I guess you will either love this title to pieces or you will hate it, there is no in between. I loved it, and cannot wait to read the next book in the series, specially with that ending...

For a sneak peak into The Winner's Curse click here.

Chapters Revealed: Atlantia (Ally Condie) and Young Elites (Marie Lu).

So what is the one thing that is better than a cover reveal? A Chapter Reveal. First chapter going online weeks if not months before their release date is crucial to readers like me. It lets me take a sample of the novel, get me familiarized with the world and characters, and more than likely might put me in a state of mind that urges me to "pre-order" the title instead of just waiting for it's release date.

Goodreads

Excerpt

After reading the Atlantia excerpt all I could think was "this sounds SO good". From what I can tell there are people who live in Atlantia. which is a city that is at the bottom of the ocean. They choose to live here because the world Above is polluted and people who live there have shorter live spans, cancer, etc. Basically it sucks to live above. But our protagonist has always wanted to live Above, that is until her mother dies. Rio has a twin sister that has always told her she wanted to live Below, and when their mother dies she begs Rio not to leave her behind. Rio accepts her faith, only to be stabed in the back by her twin sister in the deciding moment of their lives. It is basically really juicy, and already I can see myself being tantalized by this world that Ally Condie is creating. Her fantastic writing only helps. After the "so-so" ending the Matched series had I think this new Atlantia series will be a great change of space.I also like this cover, is very mysterious and yet simple. Now I really want this book.

Final Verdict: A MUST pre-order.

Goodreads

Excerpt

Some hate us, think us outlaws to hang at the gallows.
 Some fear us, think us demons to burn at the stake.
 Some worship us, think us children of the gods.
 But all know us.
 — Unknown source on the Young Elites

The cover seriously gives me a headache. I cannot get over the fact that the title should be on the top and the name of the author on the bottom and not just because "that's the way it is" but because this arrangement just looks plain awkward. But anyhow, Marie Lu called this one "the origin story of a villain" and that right there is reason enough to read it. Not to mention her Legend series was REALLY good and was perhaps one of the few series who didn't end in disappointment (the ending was one of the best actually). The excerpt for The Young Elites introduces us into a world that is part Victorian part Dystopian. The Dystopian part is kind of reminiscent of the Legend world. It has the rules that categorize the Victorian area (like girl's not being able to govern themselves and instead they are sold/traded for money, status, power, etc.) but in a world where a strange decease attacked humanity and either killed its recipients or left them scarred for life. Adelina is one of those scarred people, and because she is one of the Malfetto her father is planning to give her away to make his life easier. Adelina manages to escape the grasp of her father, but at a high price. It was a nice excerpt, I was just hoping for more action maybe. I wanted to meet the Young Elites, but I guess that comes later. But it IS Marie Lu, and she has proven herself with the Legend series so...


Final Verdict: High Hopes for this title, a definite pre-order!

Throwback Thursday (4): Welcome to Young Adult Sci-FI

I like Sci-Fi, you like Sci-fi, we ALL like sci-fi. YA Sci-Fi is my new hot button. There's just something about humans adapting to new unexpected circumstances that makes me giddy. Those big ships are just really confined spaces with no escape and once you get the blood flowing... well there's no turning back. I also like it when their set up is "humans returning to a desolate Earth years after some nuclear war fare" sci-fi with just a nice hint of dystopian. Like I said, it makes me giddy.

In this post, every Thursday, I showcase TWO titles of my own choosing. One will be a title I read, one will be a title that is currently seating on my TBR pile collecting e-dust. Every week I will have a different theme to this post. Mind you, after a while the themes might just repeat, but who cares as long as the titles stay fresh?

These Broken Stars
by Kaufman & Spooner
Goodreads Rating: 3.96
Published December 10th 2013, by Disney Hyperion

It's a night like any other on board the Icarus. Then, catastrophe strikes: the massive luxury spaceliner is yanked out of hyperspace and plummets into the nearest planet. Lilac LaRoux and Tarver Merendsen survive. And they seem to be alone. 

Lilac is the daughter of the richest man in the universe. Tarver comes from nothing, a young war hero who learned long ago that girls like Lilac are more trouble than they’re worth. But with only each other to rely on, Lilac and Tarver must work together, making a tortuous journey across the eerie, deserted terrain to seek help. 

Then, against all odds, Lilac and Tarver find a strange blessing in the tragedy that has thrown them into each other’s arms. Without the hope of a future together in their own world, they begin to wonder—would they be better off staying here forever?

Everything changes when they uncover the truth behind the chilling whispers that haunt their every step. Lilac and Tarver may find a way off this planet. But they won’t be the same people who landed on it.

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WHY I STILL want to read this title: I have to be honest, I started reading this title today. But up until a few days ago this title was collecting actual dust on my bookshelf. I had my boyfriend pick out which book I was to read (I couldn't do it, too many titles I want to read) and he randomly choose a cube of books (I have this huge bookshelf that is made out of cubes) from which I made my selection. I have to say, I may have him do this more often cause this one is turning out to be a gem! I have had to stop and "quote" many things already at Goodreads so the dialogue is definitely something to look forward too. Their situation is also very entertaining, think of it like the Titanic crashing only in space and Rose & Jack hate each others guts. Oh yeah, let the fun begin.

Insignia
by S. J. Kincaid
REVIEW here
Goodreads Rating: 4.16
Published July 10th 2012, by Katherine Tegen Books

The earth is in the middle of WWIII in Insignia, the first entry in S. J. Kincaid's fast-paced sci-fi adventure trilogy perfect for fans of Ender's Game.

The planet's natural resources are almost gone, and war is being fought to control the assets of the solar system. The enemy is winning. The salvation may be Tom Raines. Tom doesn't seem like a hero. He's a short fourteen-year-old with bad skin. But he has the virtual-reality gaming skills that make him a phenom behind the controls of the battle drones.

As a new member of the Intrasolar Forces, Tom's life completely changes. Suddenly, he's someone important. He has new opportunities, friends, and a shot at having a girlfriend. But there's a price to pay. . . .

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I read it, and I might even read it again: I don't know how many times I have to gush about Insignia before everybody takes me seriously and just PICKS UP THIS BOOK. It is so refreshing and entertaining and amazing... Seriously, after reading this one you will just want to read EVERYTHING else S J Kincaid can come up with. It's like Hogwarts in space, only there is no magic or Evil dudes without noses but it does have that spirit that the Harry Potter series is so famous for. Seriously pick it up.

Anyways, I hope I brushed off some dust from some of your titles that are in TBR status. Hopefully I made you remember of those that fell through the cracks, and if anything made you aware of some oldies that are still very much relevant and dying to be read. If you have any suggestions, recommendations, please leave them in the comments!

YA Review: Darkworld by Cara Lynn Shultz

Title: Darkworld
Author: Cara Lynn Shultz
Series: Dark World
Book #: 1
Pages: 384
Reading Level: YA
Book Rating: 
Goodreads Rating: 3.84
Published: May 27th, 2014

Paige Kelly is used to weird--in fact, she probably corners the market on weird, considering that her best friend, Dottie, has been dead since the 1950s. But when a fire demon attacks Paige in detention, she has to admit that things have gotten out of her league. Luckily, the cute new boy in school, Logan Bradley, is a practiced demon slayer-and he isn't fazed by Paige's propensity to chat with the dead. Suddenly, Paige is smack in the middle of a centuries-old battle between warlocks and demons, learning to fight with a magic sword so that she can defend herself. And if she makes one wrong move, she'll be pulled into the Dark World, an alternate version of our world that's overrun by demons-and she might never make it home.

Taschima's POV:

The Dark World tried to be, and do, so many things that sounded potentially cool but which ultimately were delivered without much style. At the end the novel felt kind of flat, very been-there-done-that. I guess Cara Lynn Shultz is just not my favorite author, I don't find her writing to be very strong or captivating. Interesting ideas but not very good delivery.

Paige is the "crazy" girl at school who turns out NOT be crazy after all. She can see ghosts, in fact her best friend is one of these ghosts (only the word "ghost" seems to tame a word for the background of these spirits). This is normal to Paige, what is not normal for Paige is getting almost burnt alive by a fire demon on school property. That draws the line for most people so I don't blame her. In comes Logan, shy quiet Logan who bothers Paige every day for a pencil or pen because this too-cool-to-come-prepared-for-school ass boy can't seem to buy himself some decent school materials. Guess that is his way of flirting (way to be passive aggressive). In the end Logan has his reasons for staying far away from Paige, good reasons in fact, so I don't blame him for wanting to keep his emotional distance. Anyways, I was talking about Paige. Paige is now in danger because everybody wants to use her connection to the Dark World to open passages from one side of the world to another, a process that might in fact kill Paige. Hence begins the saving, killing, training, flirting, and making out falling in love.

To me The Dark World felt like it tried to be the bastard love child of City of Bones & My Soul to Take. I felt like Logan was a distant cousin of Jace, trying very hard to be this awesome demon hunter who is cocky yet awkward at the right moments (he actually nails it, he is interesting though you wont really get to know how interesting he really is until well into the title). Paige was a lovely girl and she has some serious backbone but I just didn't see something that spoke to me and made her stand out from the large never-ending crowd of YA heroines. She can see "ghosts" that live inside the Dark World, she tries to learn how to fight from Logan, she immerses herself into this otherworld without giving it a second thought... All in all she is supposed to be the girl I root for, the girl I fall in love with, but it all seems kind of cooler on paper. I may just have a problem with the writing since it didn't seem to leave me much of an impression.

Another slight disappointment was the fact that we see so little of Dottie (the ghost best friend) after a while. She is an interesting character who has a lot of emotional baggage and is kind of hilarious to boot. But then both girls get entangled in their respective romances and there goes the alone talks full of hilarity in quiet corners of the bathroom. Sad that we don't get much of this after the relationships start to blossom.

I also had some problems with the building of this fantastical world. Some things you were just expected to take by faith. Like, for example, Logan's magical sword (and then Paige's). The sword just magically appears from THIN AIR, no explanations. It isn't invisible because if that was it then you would have to consider this while you move or at the very least sit down, which the characters do not. It doesn't seem likely that the sword is "transported" to the Dark World while they "put it away" in their, for a lack of a better word, invisible compartment because wouldn't the people in the other side get at least a little freaked out from seeing this magical sword floating around? It just doesn't make sense. Convenient yes, but really puts a damper on the whole world building. Also what kind of "magic" does Logan use? It is never really explained. Not even the language that he uses to make spells is ever clearly explained. He just does it, and take his word for it. What are the limitations? Are there any? Can he just do ANYTHING he wants? At one point Logan, for a lack of a better word because the title doesn't provide me with one, compels his teachers to give him and Paige As on their quizzes and school work because... well, because they needed to leave school early. WHAT?

The Dark World is a potentially exciting title, that is if you can look away from the things that make no sense and somehow manage to connect with it's main character. Alas, I did not and was actually more interested in seeing things from Logan's perspective. He is a conflicted character to put it mildly. For me it wasn't anything memorable as I doubt I'll be able to remember the main character's name a few weeks from now.

So I Started Reading The Immortal Crown (Age of X #2) by Richelle Mead...

... and while I may not be a huge fan of the continuation of the cover art (see original here) I do have to admit the story line is going fantastically. I enjoyed Gameboard of the Gods a lot and I do beliebe The Immortal Crown is doing a better job of further introducing us to this bizarre new world and all it's limitations. Plus we are getting to see better now the "end game" of these so called gods.

Goodreads

"What have you done?" he asked.
Her answer was preempted by the sound of pounding at the guesthouse's exterior door. "They're looking for me," she blurted out. "But only one actually saw me."
Justin sighed and pulled back the covers. "Take off your clothes and get over here."
Mae didn't hesitate. She shed everything in the corner and was in bed with him by the time she heard voices just outside their door. To her astonishment, he pulled her down in a kiss, his body covering hers as he rolled her onto her back. A surreal mix of feelings took hold of Mae as she instinctively wrapped her arms around him, her hands touching his bare flesh. Fear, of course, was her primary emotion. But her body was so on edge, so amped up with the churning of endorphins and other chemicals, that it also responded quickly to the feelins of desire being stirred up by having his body agaisnt hers. She entangled her legs with his and parted her lips, taking in more of his tongue and mouth. His hands gripped her tighter, and as her heart pounded like some caged animal seeking escape, she couldn't say if it was from panic of desire."

AAAHHHH! Get me a fan will you? This is one of the hottest scenes thus far in the novel. The sexual tension between Justin and Mae is intoxicating, better yet since they so clearly care for each other. I am enjoying this title immensely even more than I did Gameboard of the Gods and I can't wait to read what is in store for Mae and Justin in the next few pages (believe me, it's getting soo good). Onward!

Review: The Mark by Jen Nadol

Title: The Mark

Series: I don't know

Book #: 1

Author: Jen Nadol

Pages: 240

Reading Level: Young Adult

Rating: .7

Goodreads Rating: 3.50
Published: Jan. 19, 2009
by Bloomsbury USA Children's Books

"If you knew it was someone's last day, would you tell?"

Sixteen-year-old Cassandra Renfield has always seen the mark—a light glow reminiscent of candlelight. The only time she pointed it out taught her she shouldn’t do it again. For years, the mark has followed Cassie, its rare appearances odd, but insignificant. Until the day she watches a man die. As she revisits each occurrence of the mark, Cassie realizes she can see a person’s imminent death. Not how or where, only when: today.

Now armed with a slight understanding of the mark, Cassie begins to search for it. Even as she hides her secret, Cassie mines her philosophy class, her memories, and even her new boyfriend for answers about the faint glowing mark. But many questions remain. How does it work? Why her? And finally, the most important of all: If you know today is someone’s last, should you tell them?

Taschima:

While short on pages 'The Mark' can be quite a ride.

Cassie has had the mark since she was little, but only recently did she know what it truly meant. People with the mark die on the same day it appears. With all this pressure and questions that seem to have no answer, Cassie escapes from her life to the little town where she was born. She is there looking for answers, but will she only find more questions?

When I started the book I didn't know what to expect. I basically picked it up because it was short. Which is something that I still don't know if it worked to its advantage or not.

The main character, Cassie, is a very likable girl. Though confused at parts, I found myself agreeing with her on various points trough the novel. This is good. A likable character is something you want on your debut novel.

The plot was solid. I liked it. The author really makes you think, she puts you right into Cassie's shoes. I often went back and forward on my opinions in the whole thing. It would be so awful if it really were me. Knowing the ones close to you are about to die? Should you or should you not help them? Is it fate that this should happen? Do you choose fate or free will?

Romantically I am happy with the outcome. It isn't like other YA novels, were the girl falls in love with the guy and they live happily ever after This is also a sad part of the story, that there isn't a strong relationship that can help our girl on tough times. Oh and her family. I like Nan, but didn't like her aunt. I specially didn't like how she could be an aunt sometimes and sometimes she wasn't.

There were some holes in the story, things that could have been better in the outer and inner structure. Like something related to Cassie's 'age'. But I don't want to give it out. And well, when often the character referred to the past I found myself completely lost. I didn't know if we were on the past or present. To say confusing was a given.

I gave this book a 3.7 rating because even though confusing at times and with the holes, I thought the plot and the character have a future. I hope the writer continues with this story, because there is plenty of material to explore.

Exciting New Covers Revealed; Claudia Gray's New Book, Maggie Stiefvater, Amie Kaufman and Jay Kristoff's ENDSINGER!

Holy cow, these covers keep getting better and better every year! I cannot wait for this new Claudia Gray title, A Thousand Pieces of You, and if I am completely honest it is mostly because of it's BEAUTIFUL cover. Sometimes some summaries can sound somewhat similar, and the covers are what make the books really stand out (that is, until the reviews start coming in...)

Goodreads

"Chasing a killer through different universes."

That is basically the gist of this new series. I like the prospect of different universes that make the author come up with a lot of different (perhaps even exciting) settings and characters. I liked Claudia Gray's Evernight series, I just hope this one title fares better than Fateful. 

Goodreads

"The second installment in our epic Starbound trilogy introduces a new pair of star-crossed lovers on two sides of a bloody war."

All I have to say is that I really want to read These Broken Stars, which I currently have but haven't had the pleasure/time to pick up. I really do like the covers for this series though. I like the blend of color, and I think I like the cover for This Shattered World even more than These Broken Stars.

Starbound Series Covers:

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Goodreads

This is my FAVORITE cover of this series! I love the title and the green colors and the face with the flowers and the hair of the character... it's just such an awesome cover. I read The Raven Boys, and REALLY liked it, have The Dream Thieves on my TBR shelf as well... but I might just wait for Blue Lily, Lily Blue to drop before continuing to read the series.

The Raven Cycle Series Covers:

 

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Goodreads

This cover was up for like a minute at Goodreads and then it was pulled down. I am 95% sure that it's legit (I mean, look at that art work!). I still have to pick up this series, and I sort of tried to start it a few times but always ended up putting it down again. I really just have to get past those first beginning chapters... everybody seems to love it so I shall give it another try,

The Lotus War Series covers:

 

Rating of covers:

1. 

2. 

3. 

4. 

They are all very lovely, but A Thousand Pieces of You takes the cake.

So I Started Reading The Killer by S. E. Green...

And let me tell you I am only a few pages in (maybe 3 tops) and I'm already contemplating not going to bed until I finish it completely.

The Weasel will rape again. Of this I'm sure.
If it is my destiny to be a killer, I'm going to need a type. And today decides what my type will be criminals—specifically, those who have managed to avoid punishment.
I turn seventeen next week. The Weasel will be my birthday present to myself. I think I've just found my first victim.

The very first few pages have me engrossed in the crisp mind of this seventeen year old girl who reminds me of a Sherlock Holmes who decides to go vigilante and take the law into her own hands. I would say a girl Batman, but she doesn't seem to care much for the outfits, nor is she super rich. She is just very twisted, likes details, and is sure as hell that she is destined one day to kill somebody. Will she get punished? Will she actually kill, or just figure out who did it and turn them in? I really think she will just kill the criminals...

Greatest Movie Ever

It's called Post Grad. The actress's name is Alexis Bledel, the girl from Gilmore Girls. I love Gilmore Girls, it's so much fun.

Anyways Ryden Malby, the main character, had the perfect plan. Do good in high school so she can get a good scholarship, then graduate from college and find a great job at the city's best publishing house. Basically the same plan almost every blogger has. At least me... But then her nemesis steals her job so she has to move on back home. Now she is all confused and feels trapped because she doesn't know what to do.

I so want to watch this movie. In fact I'm renting it tomorrow!

Now how many of you people are thinking along the same lines? How many of you want to work for a good publishing house and live for the rest of your life reading and doing everything that is required for the job?

Review: Succubus Blues by Richelle Mead

Title: Succubus Blues

Author: Richelle Mead

Series: Georgina Kincaid Novel
Pages: 343
Publisher: Kensington Fiction
Reading Level: Adult

Publish Date: March 31, 2007.

Rating: .5

Succubus (n.) An alluring, shape-shifting demon who seduces and pleasures mortal men.

Pathetic (adj.) A succubus with great shoes and no social life. See: Georgina Kincaid.

When it comes to jobs in hell, being a succubus seems pretty glamorous. A girl can be anything she wants, the wardrobe is killer, and mortal men will do anything just for a touch. Granted, they often pay with their souls, but why get technical?

But Seattle succubus Georgina Kincaid's life is far less exotic. Her boss is a middle-management demon with a thing for John Cusack movies. Her immortal best friends haven't stopped teasing her about the time she shape-shifted into the Demon Goddess getup complete with whip and wings. And she can't have a decent date without sucking away part of the guy's life. At least there's her day job at a local bookstore-free books; all the white chocolate mochas she can drink; and easy access to bestselling, sexy writer, Seth Mortensen, aka He Whom She Would Give Anything to Touch but Can't.

But dreaming about Seth will have to wait. Something wicked is at work in Seattle's demon underground. And for once, all of her hot charms and drop-dead one-liners won't help because Georgina's about to discover there are some creatures out there that both heaven and hell want to deny...

Taschima's POV:

I picked up this book because it is written by Richelle Mead, author of Vampire Academy, one of my favorite YA authors; although after finishing her debut novel, Succubus Blues, I now understand that she has long been an amazing author, even before Vampire Academy, and is slowly but surely creeping into my Top 10 Adult authors.

Georgina that young woman who when entering a room captures the attention of all the male species, she is strong and a smart ass, always has a quick response under her sleeve, and is beautiful without comparison; though under all the charm hides a unhappy woman who just wants a way out.

She reminds me a bit of Rose Hathaway; reminds me but it is not Rose, you know how people can be alike but are not the same? Kind of like that. Our relationship has started as being a cautious flirtation, but I know that if I keep getting to know her I will fall in love with her persona.

Georgina is a Succubus, a force of evil, enticing males and making them hand over their souls is her job. But she is a rebel. She doesn't play her part to her full potential, instead choosing the life of normal human being. She works at a bookstore, has a cat, lives her life. Everything was going according to plan until the killings start happening. The first victim is a vampire. She wasn't his biggest fan, but a million questions now run through her mind. How could this happen? No one is suppose to be able to kill an immortal, right?

Attach this mystery along with the prospect of love and you have a winner. This book was entertaining and never boring. The first part of the novel can be slow because you are starting to get familiar with this new person, but the novel really picks up its stride a little closer to the middle. Here is where you will be at the edge of you seat, just dying to know what will happen next.

Some of the things I caught pretty early on, but this didn't deter my liking of the book. It has it's charm, and I believe it can only get better. One of the things that I loved about this book was that the lines between good and bad were blurred, nothing is what it seems, and rules that would apply in other installments have been banished. Also a friendly warning, it is an adult novel, so it has adult content. Don't say I never warned you.

Will be picking up the second book as soon as I possibly can! This is Richelle's debut novel, and even in this early stage the author has managed to capture my heart.