Wither by Lauren DeStefano
****

Lauren DeStefano can really pen words to page, and do it so very eloquently. I thought this was an interesting attempt at a different kind of dystopian society. In this dystopian girls live until they are 20 and the boys live until 25 years of age. It hasn't always been like this. Science with all its good, somewhere made a big disaster in the human race causing all future children to get a genetic virus that kills them at these early ages. Because of these early deaths people do drastic and crazy things like kidnap young girls and force them into polygamous marriages, prostitution, or kill just kill them. Rhine is one of these young girls who gets abducted by the Gatherers. She is a strong and smart girl, who does what she needs to to survive and her relationship with Linden is interesting. I find it interesting, the human will to survive and what we are capable of thinking and contemplating while living in a crisis mode. Rhine is lucky in a sense at least she has been sold to a wealthy husband, Linden, for her fate could have been much worse than him. Linden is okay handsome but frail, he is kind, naive, and in time really does come to love and care for Rhine. Since this is a polygamous marriage Rhine also has sister wives. Cecily who is 13yrs who is just so naive and eager to please. Her part in this story was the hardest for me to take. Her character I think was one that develops the most in this story, she turns out to be pretty amazing. Then there is Jenna who is 19, she is smart, strong, and witty, she becomes Rhine's confident. I enjoyed the bond the sister wives shared with one another, it was strained at times, but you could tell they genuinely cared for one another and helped each other. Rhine misses her brother and her freedom and wants to escape this life which appears to have it all husband, money, gorgeous home and grounds. However it lacks the two things most important family and ones freedom. Rhine meets Gabriel who is a servant in her new home they develop a quick connection and come up with a way to escape. This part of the story seems a little under developed, and maybe it is suppose to be. I just didn't always feel they were so connected or if the situation was different would they have chosen each other. There isn't a lot of background given to Gabriel either, at least for my liking. Hopefully in book two my concerns will be taken care of. I did enjoy this story I thought it was a unique take on a dystopian society, and I look forward to book two.

couple of language issues
clean romance, but deals with polygamous marriages at very young ages, sex behind closed doors no detail, forced marriages.

Tris & Izzie by Mette Ivie Harrison
***

I have to say this story definitely peeked my interest to find more stories about Tristan and Isolde. This story is about Izzie who is in love with Mark who, is an amazing guy by the way. Izzie has a best friend Branna who really wants to be in love or is she? Izzie's mom is a witch, so she decides to concoct a love potion from the Internet which goes completely wrong, so she steals some of her moms. Tristan a new guy at school who is very handsome,and has his eye on Izzie. Izzie however tries to ignore the fact that she is a little attracted to his good looks. She decides without consulting any of the parties involved that Branna and Tristan would make the perfect couple. She decides to slip the potion in their drinks, but something goes drastically wrong and Izzie and Tristan end up drinking the potion. The premise of this story is cute, but I was often annoyed with Izzie, she was whinny and mean to Mark, and stubborn to a fault in her, I refuse the love potion to work on me attitude. Everything seemed a little loose not a lot of depth and it had a hard time coming together. However the last quarter of the book, I found to be much more enjoyable, and interesting. There are lots of things that Izzie and Tristan find out about themselves and one another. The ending had lots of action and was my favorite part.
I have to say this is a gorgeouse cover!
clean romance

Reviewed for Netgalley

Wolfsbane by Andrea Cremer
***

Ugh, my original review was lost. So here goes.
This story picks up about a week after Nightshade ends. Calla and Shay are in the hands of the Seekers,who offer to help them out. Calla is desperate to make sure her pack is well and safe, which they most likely are not. She is also conflicted with her feelings toward Shay and Ren. Usually the love triangle doesn't bother me but in this case it started to grate a little on my nerves. There was lots of twists and turns to the plot that kept it interesting, even though it was somewhat predictable. there are a few new characters that we get to meet some interesting and some just annoying. I did like Monroe, he was very strong, confident and interesting. I also liked Ariadne, she is a weaver which is a pretty interesting concept of transporting. All in all an interesting read, just not my favorite.

romance was more detailed than need be for a teen read, vulgar talk, and a same sex couple.

Warlord by Elizabeth Vaughan
****

Once again this story takes off were Worsworn left off. Keir and Lara are headed to the heart of the plains, where all the tribes congregate for the summer. Lara must meet the Elders of the plains and be found acceptable before them, before she can be officially the Warprize and be Keir's bonded. This story was full of mystery, adventure, and intrigue. I love Mrs. Vaughan's world building it was so captivating to me. I love Keir and Lara's relationship and how it continues to grow. All my favorite characters were back in this book as well. One of my favorites is Marcus, he has an injury that has left him disfigured and because of this he is considered to be less than a human,and offensive to the gods. He is such an amazing friend to both Keir and Lara. He really watches over them, especially Lara. He helps her to learn and understand their ways,and protects her. Really a great cast of characters. I love how Lara stands up for herself and is so willing to give freely of her healing methods. This story has a lot of things that take place and was really well done.

no language
not a clean romance once again just goes over the line into explicit, I had to skip pages, sad once again good story.
adult read

Warsworn by Elizabeth Vaughan
****

This is the 2nd book in the Warlands series, and for me it was just about as good as Warprize. I really like the way Mrs. Vaughan can tell a story. I felt like I was right there with the people of the Plains. I enjoyed learning more about the Plains people and their customs. This story picks up were Warprize left off so if you haven't read it read it first. I love how Lara goes after what she wants, and how she does it so gracefully and courageously. I have enjoyed watching Lara and Keir's relationship grow, they have such a gentle and kind relationship, however there are some definite trust and honesty issues that are addressed as this story unfolds. Kier, Lara and his warriors stumble upon a village that they think is being hostile. When come to find out they are all sick and dying from an unknown plague. Lara, in her duty as a healer wants/demands that she helps these people. I have to say what was she thinking?? Plague usually means stay away, chances are you will get it too. Sure enough she and many of The Worriors with Kier end up sick and dieing. This does not set well with these people of the plains they are not use to this unseen enemy known as illness that kills. There are many ramifications for Kier and Lara over this illness that is amongst their people. I loved how it all played out, I love Kier, Lara and many of the other characters in this story. It was completely enjoyable to be back in this world.

no language
not a clean romance just tips over the edge into explicit. Which made me very sad, because the story is really good.
adult read

Cinders by Michelle Davidson Argyle
*

I do not give one stars lightly, but this was just impossible to get through. Maybe it gets better but I just couldn't stand it any longer. The story in all fairness may have been good, but the execution was sorely lacking. There was no depth to characters, no real world building, I can't say if there was a well done plot or not, because I quit. It felt like reading random nothingness. I was so irritated with a scene on page one about a red powder that she puts on. Then two paragraphs later she is made up again this time by servants and they put on her rouge again (the mysterious red powder). I don't get it, is it the same ball she is getting ready for or a different one? This is not my type of fairy tale. So disappointed!

Shackles of Honor by Marcia Lynn McClure
*****

Shackles of Honor is one of my favorite Marcia books, it has everything: romance,mystery,intrigue,great story and amazing characters. Cassidy is a bright and strong willed young women who's life is opened to many possibilities. She has a loving family who deeply care for one another. However Cassidy feels that there is something amiss, but she can't quite put her finger on it. Then one day this brooding stranger shows up and completely rocks her world.
I loved this story and all its twist and turns. I had an idea as to what would happen, but only Marcia can write it so beautifully and put her little flare to make it great. The romance, is sweet, and intense! The lead male is, okay I will just say it, soooo swoon worthy. He is awesome, awesome. I know I am not giving much away but I don't want to spoil one blissful word/moment for you. As always the kissing scenes are amazing, and I loved the bracelet concept, oh what a guy!


no language
clean romance

The Reluctant Outlaw by Karen Kirst
****

This is one of those stories you want to get comfy and curl up on the couch and enjoy every minute of it. This story is about Evan Harrison, who is quite handsome, chivalrous, revengeful and has quit the heavy heart. Juliana happens upon a situation that puts her in the care of Evan. Evan is part of a deadly gang who, rob and kill to get what they want, if need be. Juliana is taken in by Evan and notices that there is something different about him. He doesn't seem as crude as the rest of the gang he even seems educated. He goes out of his way to help her and keep her safe. So who is Evan, and can he break down the walls he has around his heart to love another? Such a fun story I loved the the banter between Evan and Juliana. She is quite a spitfire, stubborn, sweet, and in love. Juliana is very concerned as to who this man is and why God has directed her path in such away as to fall in love with a criminal. Evan and Juliana have quite the adventures as they grow to trust each other and their hearts.


no language
clean romance

Tiger's Quest by Colleen Houck
*****

LOVED this book, it was soooo goood! Everything I had hoped for and more, wrapped up in a beautiful, well done package. Tiger's Quest picks up were we left off. Kelsey is back in the states and off to college, and completely heartbroken over leaving Ren. Which she should be what was she thinking. I see her reasoning, but still... I am not going to be able to tell much of the plot in this story for fear of ruining it for you. Sufficed to say that once again Mrs. Houck takes us on an amazing journey full of adventure, intrigue, romance, and HEARTACH. The language of the book flowed with ease. I was so caught up in it and didn't wish to put it down. I had to find out what happend to my favorite characters. I have to say Mrs. Houck has made me so invested in these characters. I was laughing, crying, and shaking my head.(especially at the ending). I love Kelsey's desire to do what she think is best for herself and others, whether that is the case or not, she is courageous, kind, a little lost at times, flawed, sweet,endearing and in love. Ren is well perfect, right? He makes the most perfect boyfriend out there, I think, he is sooooo in love with Kelsey, sacrifices(and in a huge way in this story, oh my), full of chilvary, brilliant, sweet, and knows how to treat the women he loves. Kishan *swoon* he is all that his brother is only with a dose of edginess to him, which makes him all the more desirable. I feel for him because he is in love with Kelsey too, and he knows her heart is with Ren. Mr Kadam is the best he is there for his family, and wants to see all of them happy. He is one of the best examples of a best friend, he has sacrificed, and given much to/for Ren and Kishan. I love his character in this story.
I have to talk about the ending, without talking about it because it was just so so so, how do I put it, took my breath away, broke my heart poor Ren, Kishan and Kelsey. What are they going to do now/next?All I can say is that I wish November was yesterday so I could be reading Tiger's Voyage right NOW!! Great series if you haven't read it, I highly recommend it.


Clean language
Clean romance