Review: Secrets and Lies by Ella Monroe

Name of book: Secrets and Lies (Capital Girls #2)
Author: Ella Monroe
Publication: November 13th 2012 by St. Martin's Griffin
Genre: YA Contemporary
Source: Provided by the kind publisher..
Goodreads

Jealousy, rivalry, and dark secrets threaten to tear the girls apart in this sizzling follow-up to Capital Girls

It’s the start of senior year, and Excelsior Prep is on Code 3 lockdown. Secret Service agents swarm the halls searching for the First Son’s girlfriend, Jackie Whitman. Outside a SWAT team hunts for the man who’s been threatening the First Family for weeks. Only this time he’s singled out Jackie, leaving a menacing message on the school’s voicemail. Jackie's safe for now, but for the Capital Girls—three privileged kids who live in a political fishbowl in the nation’s capital—every day is filled with tension and thrills. Though, even for them, a raid on the school by AK-47-toting marksmen is a standout.
And a stalker isn't Jackie's only problem.  Still shattered by the shocking news that Andrew cheated on her with Taylor the night Taylor died, Jackie's whole world has fallen apart.  Not only did the love of her life betray her, so did her best friend and idol.  What made Taylor do it? Who was she really?  On top of it all, Whiteny Remick is plotting to take Taylor's place, and Jackie will do anything to stop her.

1. -- My Rating --

-- My Thoughts --

     I am very sorry that I haven't read the first book in the series; I didn't even know that this was a series! But when I started reading this one, I didn't feel confused. Just a few times. But this was a great read, throughout.

    Jackie, Laura-Beth, and Lettie are the Capital Girls. They are fun, they are beautiful, but their lives are far from perfect. Jackie can't escape the rumors surrounding her, and her boyfriend, Andrew, and their off-and-on relationships. But Jackie has a very good reason to avoid him. Lettie misses her brother, he was her anchor, and now, there is nothing left in the US and her family might go home. Laura-Beth is delighted that her relationship with Sol is getting more serious, but he is keeping secrets from her. And he is not the only one. Because these three girls are multi-layered with secrets. Secrets which threaten to ruin their friendship.

     What will happen to the three glamorous girls in the ever so-glamorous D.C.? Will Jackie end her relationship? Will Lettie leave the US? Will Laura-Beth find out Sol's dirty little secret? Will they find out each other’s darkly-kept secrets? Secrets and Lies, is a darkly-realistic tale of what it's like when secrets are the cake and lies are the icing.

     I liked this novel a lot. I find out that I like these contemporary novels about celebrity lives. I liked Ella Monroe's writing. Her pacing is flawless. Her main characters are superb. Well, I didn't like them at first, because they seem like the typical mean girls and queen bees, but as the story progresses, I felt for them and they grew on me. But I have to say that some of the secondary characters were very little developed, they were one dimensional, but I didn't mind that. Because the spotlight was on the "main" characters.

     If you want an enjoyable, light contemporary read, that deals with the ups and downs of being famous and popular, and then this one is for you! It's light, realistic, and exhilarating! But I HIGHLY recommend that you read the first book first.

Review: Prelude and Fugue by Laura Haley-McNeil

Name of book: Prelude and Fugue
Author: Laura Haley-McNeil
Publication: May 11th 2012 
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Source: Won from a giveaway!
Goodreads

The Prelude-Olivia St. Claire wanted to be good at something. What better way than to start studying piano again? And what better teacher than former concert pianist Liam Wallace? She found him attractive, beyond attractive, but her heart was safe. He was married and he showed no interest in her. If he wouldn’t love her, she would make sure he loved the way she played.

The Fugue-But her heart couldn’t be controlled. She now had the opportunity to perform with him. And that’s when everything fell apart. When she heard the music, she couldn’t control what she might say or do. She wanted to be good at something. And when that happened, she lost more than her heart. She lost a chance to capture something that meant more to her than anything she’d ever dreamed.

-- My Rating --

-- My Thoughts --

     I have never said this, but I am a HUGE fan of music. I listen to anything musical, and I play the piano. I love playing the piano. So, I was really excited to read this one. The author knew how to play the chords of this novel!
     Olivia, is a pretty, forty-something woman, who is living with her parents. Her past, unsuccessful relationships had led her to lose her belief in love. So, she decides to embark on her college dream; continue learing the piano. But when she meets her piano teacher, Liam, she is captivated. Liam is sweet, kind, handsome, and .... married.
     Between playing scales and practicing compositions, Olivia's feelings for Liam grow. But is it a one-sided feeling? Olivia's life is in a state of turmoil, and nothing can prepare her for what is to come. Will she ever tell Liam how she feels? What will happen to Olivia's love of piano and hate of performing? Find out more when you read this heart-wrenching tale, Prelude and Fugue, a tale that says it's never too late to embark on your dream...
     I liked this book. There were a couple of good things, and a few bad ones. First, I really liked the references to music made in the novel. When Olivia has her music lessons, she learns the piano more and more. So, I loved watching her do that. Second, I liked the authors' writing. She is expressing exactly what Olivia feels, it was very nice to be in her head.
     The first thing that irked me, is the quick-pace, I felt as if someone was rushing me through some queue, and I didn't like that. I wanted the book to explore the characters' feelings more, and I wanted it to slow down a bit. Second, I didn't really like Olivia. I know that she is forty-something, but I feel like the author should have changed that. She doesn't really act like a forty-year-old woman, more like in her late twenties. But this was pass-able and I didn't mind it that much.
     This book was a nice diversion from my other reads, although it was too typically contemporary,  it was a very quick read, I finished it in one setting. If you want a nice break from serious stuff, or a light romantic read, or a quick-paced book, then Prelude and Fugue has the right pace and a far-fetched plot! ( a very nice one, at that)

ARC Five-Star Review: The Mad Scientist's Daughter by Cassandra Rose Clarke

Name of book: The Mad Scientist's Daughter
Author: Cassandra Rose Clarke
Publication: January 29th 2013 by Angry Robot
Genre: Adult Paranormal Fantasy
Source: Provided by the kind publisher...
Goodreads

The Mad Scientist’s Daughter is the heartbreaking story of the journey from childhood to adulthood, with an intriguing science fictional twist.

There’s never been anyone - or anything - quite like Finn.

He looks, and acts human, though he has no desire to be. He was programmed to assist his owners, and performs his duties to perfection. A billion-dollar construct, his primary task is to tutor Cat.

When the government grants rights to the ever-increasing robot population, however, Finn struggles to find his place in the world.

-- My Rating --

-- My Thoughts --

     I have been tracking Cassandra Rose Clarke's writing ever since I have read her "The Assassin's Curse", which I absolutely adored. I love the complexity of her characters and her superb world-building. This book didn't disappoint.

     Cat, is a little girl when her father brings Finn home. When she first sees him, she thinks he is a ghost. But as years pass by, she realizes that Finn is one-of-a-kind robot, a complex mix of machines that is supposed to be her tutor. And as she grows up, she can't help her growing attraction to him.

     But robots don't feel, they are programmed, and Cat goes on with her life. But forgetting Finn is something Cat's mind was never programmed to do. What is the story behind Finn? Who created him? Will Cat's life be whatever she hoped for. The Mad Scientist's Daughter will leave you enchanted, heartbroken, and perfectly happy.

     Cassandra Rose Clarke never disappoints. As I was reading her second book, I realized some things. First, her "The Assassin's Curse" had a lot of world-building but this one, was more of a character-driven story. Second, she tends to write complex, slow-developing romances. But she makes them truly believable. Third, just like her romance aspect, Cassandra makes up characters that you feel for, feel with, and fall in love with. Complex and multi-layered, her characters are strangely realistic, even in such a not-so-ordinary world!

     I absolutely adored this novel. it made me laugh. It made me cry. It made me think about the true meaning of love. True love, not something cutout of cardboard and taped together with lies. This is recommended to anyone who enjoys a very powerful, realistic, character-driven story!

Review: The Rising by Temple Mathews

Name of book: The Rising (The New Kid #2)
Author: Temple Mathews
Publication: 2012 by Teen Libris (first published 2010)
Genre: YA Paranormal
Source: Provided by the kind publisher..

Will Hunter’s had a rough few months. He just survived the battle of his life. He learned the devil was his father. And his newly demonic best friend Rudy is trapped under glass until Will can find a way to bring him back from the dark side. All Will wants is to lay low for a while with Natalie, the girl he loves, and focus on saving his friend.

But Will never seems to get what he wants.

In Seattle, Will encounters a dangerous new breed of female demon, faster and more deadly than anything he’s ever faced, and a mysterious, striking girl who arrives just in time to save his life. Natalie doesn’t trust her, but Will is drawn to her in a way he doesn’t fully understand. Is she a powerful new ally? Or will her secrets destroy him and everything he cares about?

As the devil’s minions work to reassemble their leader’s body piece by piece, Will must once again become the New Kid to prevent the Dark Lord from rising—this time for good.

-- My Rating --

-- My Thoughts --

     I fell in love with this series immediately after I read the first book. I loved the uniqueness and the author's style. I couldn't wait to start reading this, but because of my HUGE TBR list, it took me a long time. I am disappointed that I didn't read it sooner.

Warning. minor spoilers if you have not read The New Kid, the first book in the series (my review here).

     Will, has fought of demons, demonteens, and the Devil himself. But winning a battle does not mean that you'll win the war. And as Will finds out, the devil's body has been cut into pieces by the explosion, and his slaves are trying to collect them. But Will has to get there first, or darkness will engulf the world?

     Will loves Natalie, but he can't let her get hurt. So, he slips further away, while she is left confused and hurt. Going into a new high school, Will is attracted to a mysterious girl like he has never been before. Who is she? Will Will find the body of the Dark Lord? Will he and Natalie grow back into an item? Find out more when you read The Rising, a heart-stopping, action-packed thrill ride.

     I love this novel. I think that I have grown tired of the same stories done over and over again. This novel is a unique one, I love the author's writing style. In the first book, I thought it was a little middle-gradey , but in this one, it fit the pace and the story perfectly. Pacing is something Temple Mathews is a pro at. He knows the exact same pace that the story should be written in, when and were.

     I am in love with Will. His pride, his confidence, his protectiveness, and his unconditional love. He is a boy that I wish the best of the best for. Natalie definitely suits him with her shy attitude and vulnerability. This book left with a CLIFFHANGER (shouty capitals to ensure you!), I CANNOT wait to start the third book in this breathtaking series. Recommended to you, fantasy lover, and you, paranormal fan, and you, too, romance geek!

Review: Lunatic Revenge by Sharon Sala

Name of book: Lunatic Revenge (Lunatic Life Series #3)
Author: Sharon Sala
Publication: October 5th 2012 by Bell Bridge Books
Genre: YA Paranormal
Source: Provided by kind publisher...
Goodeads

Do Tara and Flynn stand a ghost of a chance?

The bad guys are after a hidden fortune that belongs to Flynn O’Mara’s dying father—they think Tara can use her psychic powers to find it for them. She’ll need plenty of help from her spirit friends if she and Flynn are going to get out of this trouble alive. 

“Look out!” Tara screamed, as the sports car spun toward them. 
The car hit them twice—first on the driver’s side fender, then as Flynn’s car started to spin, again on the back bumper.
“Hold on!” Flynn yelled, as their car flipped once, then went airborne, over the guard rail, and into Boomer Lake.
Tara came to as the car was sinking nose first into the water and quickly unbuckled her seat belt. If they were going to survive, they would have to get themselves out.
“Flynn! Unbuckle your seatbelt. I’m going to roll down the windows so we can swim out.”
Then she saw Flynn, unconscious and slumped over the steering wheel. Frantically, she unbuckled his belt and tried to pull him toward her, but the steering wheel was too tight against his chest. 
“I can’t breathe,” he groaned. “Help me, Tara, help me.”
Tara began screaming at Flynn, begging him to move as the water rushed up to their chests—then their necks. She was holding Flynn’s face out of the water, pushing him as far up as she could until their heads were touching the roof of the car. She couldn’t believe this was happening. It was just like her dream. They were going to die. Where was her backup when she needed them? 
“Millicent! Henry! Uncle Pat! Someone! Anyone! Help! Help!”
Seconds later, the water was over their heads.

-- My Rating --

-- My Thoughts --

     I have had this book for a while, but I had to read the first two in the series, so it took me sometime to get to it, and I am SO glad I did!

Minor spoilers if you have not read My Lunatic Life and Lunatic Detective (see my reviews of first and second)

     Tara Luna is done being a psychic for a lifetime. She has fought off crazy stalker, found a missing girl, and found a dead body. But it seems like the universe is definitely not on her side. Flynn is slipping further away, and Tara can't help but have a bad feeling about it. What's more? Everyone wants a piece of her. Tara is tired, famished, and ready to give up.

     What is Flynn hiding? What will jump on Tara's road this time? Will she be able to keep her life intact? Find out more when you read this absolutely heart-wrenching, realistic account (kinda!) of how hard a teenage life can be in Lunatic Revenge.

     I absolutely love this series. I liked the first book, really liked the second, and I LOVE the third one. Sharon Sala's writing keeps improving and improving until, I am pretty sure, it will be perfect at the fourth book. I have grown used to Tara's powers, and they are really useful to her, at times. But still, I love Tara's bravery and her will, I wish she was my friend to comfort. Flynn, oh Flynn, is such a sweet, sensitive guy. I adore him. Sharon Sala's characters are superb. And her pacing is flawless.

     It's pretty strange. When you hate a book, you can write a 2000-word essay about its bad side. But when you love when, you are left speechless "wierd facial expression". I just want to tell you that this series is definitely worth your time!