March Wrap Up!

March Total Books Read YAY!

The Ruby Circle (Bloodline Bk 6)

Stars 4/5

The Ruby Circle (Bloodlines Bk 6) by Richelle Mead

This is the 6th and final book of the Bloodline series. I have to say that this book had lots of action and ended very well. Even though it would be amazing if later Richelle Mead would start a whole new series featuring Declan growing up and on a new adventure back to the Vampire Academy. I would LOVE that! Just an idea! This book brought together all the characters of the past except I would of liked to see more of Christian. I did like him. I would also love to revisit this world again. This series had it's issues but overall I very much enjoyed it. I loved to love the characters and I loved to hate some of the characters. I would recommend this series as well as The Vampire Academy.

Silver Shadows (Bloodlines Bk 5)

Stars 3/5

Silver Shadows (Bloodlines Bk 5) by Richelle Mead

This is the 5th book in the Bloodline series. It continues to follow Sydney and her endeavors with the Alchemists. I can not go into the story as to not spoil it but I have to say that Sydney really angers me when after Adrian has helped her by his magic, she makes a comment about him starting back on his meds to end his magic as she continues to have hers. Adrian deserved better. That is all I can say.

The Fiery Heart (Bloodlines Bk 4)

Stars 3/5

The Fiery Heart (Bloodlines Bk 4) by Richelle Mead

This is the 4th book in the Bloodlines series. The story continues with Sydney and the mission to protect Jill. Let me say that I am starting to really hate Sydney! She only shows love for Adrian after he starts taking meds to make him more human. Pffft Sydney doesn't deserve him. Also I knew that I hated Zoey and I was right. I don't want to go into the story more as to not spoil it but if it were not for Adrian I think I would of quit by now. Sorry to say but the females in this series are annoying. 

Autoboyography

Stars 4/5

Autoboyography by Christina Lauren

I really enjoyed this LGBTQ + M/M book! It tackled some very hard issues about coming out to not only yourself but to others. The story follows Tanner, an out of the closet to his family bi-sexual, that falls in love with his teacher's aide, Sabastian Brother - a Mormon son of the Bishop. This is a coming of age story that forces decisions to be made... religious obligations or love. I don't want to go into this story more as to not spoil it. I do recommend this everyone who loves M/M romances like me.

History Is All You Left Me

Stars 5/5

History Is All You Left Me by Adam Silvera

(note.. This book made it to my 2018 Favorites List)

I love Adam Silvera's books and I knew I would love this one as well and I did. This book in fact made it to my 2018 Favorites List. This story was so touching and so real. It was the most heart felt book I have read in a long time. It follows Griffin, a young boy in love with his best friend Theo and their relationship until Theo dies in a drowning accident. Each chapter alternates between then and now so you understand all the "whys" and "how did that happens". That is all I am going to say about this book. One because I don't want to cry again and Two because I do not want to spoil the raw emotion held within this book. I love LGBTQ + inspired books especially M/M and so I would recommend this to everyone.

The Afterlife Academy

Stars 4/5

The Afterlife Academy by Frank L. Cole

I really enjoyed this unique and creative story so I want to start off by mentioning why I gave it only 4 stars. I loved everything about this book including the characters and story line but I think the religious aspect didn't sit well with me and it would restrict the reading audience. I can see why the author went with the heaven and hell destinations but I think the story would of stood just as strong without even mentioning the areas at all. The story follows Walter and how he was struck by lightning and died. He found himself being fast tracked into the Afterlife Academy and sent back to earth to protect a horribly bullied boy named Charlie but he wasn't sent to protect him from bullies so much as demons. I don't want to go into the story more as to not spoil it and I would recommend it to others.

The Indigo Spell (Bloodlines Bk 3)

Stars 4/5

The Indigo Spell (Bloodline Bk 3) by Richelle Mead

This is the 3rd book in the Bloodlines series. So sweet and sexy Adrian! I really enjoyed this book. Lots of action and Sydney is starting to come to grips with who she is and her abilities. So glad to see covert missions and lots of magic. I don't want to go into the story more as not to spoil it but I have to say that I am not to sure about Zoey. I will definitely be continuing on with this series.

The Golden Lily (Bloodline Bk 2)

Stars 3/5

The Golden Lily (Bloodlines Bk 2) by Richelle Mead

This is the second book in the Bloodlines series. If it was not for Adrian, I think I would of stopped the series after this book. Sydney is really odd. For being so intelligent she is clueless about everything else. Honestly, I get sick of hearing her say NO to everything. Maybe it is her life growing up or maybe it is the lily on her face, either way she is not very likable. As for Angeline, a big NO! I really have no clue why Eddie is even there at the school, he rarely even sees Jill. Adrian... I am holding on reading these books for you! I really enjoy the story but so many characters and none of them are great, other than Adrian. 

Bloodlines (Bloodlines Bk 1)

Stars 4/5

Bloodlines (Bloodlines Bk 1) by Richelle Mead

Oh how I love being back in this world. This is the spin off series from Vampire Academy and I am so glad to be spending time with Adrian again! I think he is my new book boyfriend! This is told in Sydney Sage's POV and how she is again working with the Moroi vampires to protect Jill from assassination. I have to say that in the last series Sydney was not as odd around vampires and I found myself rolling my eyes a bit in this book with her reactions and her religion but I understand that it must be as a result of her interrogation from the last series. I recommend this book and the series to everyone who loves contemporary vamps.

Daughter Of The Siren Queen

Stars 4/5

Daughter Of The Siren Queen by Tricia Levenseller

I have to be honest and say that I liked the first book better and this is why... I really love the powerful female character of Alosa but there is one scene that really disturbs me. Riden's leg is already injured from her from the first book and in this book she throws a temper tantrum in her room and takes it out physically on Riden by sweeping his legs out from him and causing him to fall. I really feel like being a Captain, she should of had more control and not just an emotional mess like many female characters are stereotyped with. I think this book would of been much better without the physical abuse. On a more positive note, I did enjoy the story line and it was a story that kept me glued to the book. 

MICE

Stars 5/5

MICE by Gordon Reece

(note.. This book made it to my 2018 Favorites List)

WoW! This is an amazing book. I really enjoyed the story and it's unique creativity. I know my short review is not going to give it justice. You must trust me when I say it is a wonderfully odd kind of thriller. The story follows Shelley and her Mother. Shelley was violently bullied in school so much so that they had to leave the area. They settle in a remote area at Honeysuckle Cottage and that is all I am going to say about the story as not to spoil it. This is a thriller so it is not for the squeamish at heart but I highly recommend it to everyone who loves a little fright. This book did make it to my 2018 Favorites List.

We Are Okay

Stars 4/5

We Are Okay by Nina LaCour

I went into this book blind, not knowing what it was about and I really enjoyed the story. It follows Marin, alone in her college dorm awaiting Mabel's arrival after not seeing or talking to her in a long time. A story dealing with grief, mental illness, friendship and love, and overcoming change. This was a very fast read but deals with lots of diverse issues. A very deep coming of age book. I would recommend it to everyone. 

The Wedding Date

Stars 4/5

The Wedding Date by Jasmine Guillory

Donuts and Sex! What a fun book to read. I was smiling and laughing throughout this story. It follows Alexa, a Chief of Staff for the Mayor and Drew, a Pediatrician and how they met by getting stuck in an elevator. Drew asks Alexa if she would go to a wedding he had to attend while in town and that is when the story takes off. I don't want to go into this story more as not to spoil it but I do recommend this for all new adult novel lovers. 

Down and Across

Stars 5/5

Down and Across by Arvin Ahmadi

First I really need to say... I hope there will be another book! Oh I really loved these characters. I know there was an epilogue about what happens to them but I seriously need more! I went into the book pretty much clueless about the story line. I love puzzles and needed to give this a read. It follows Scott, a runaway high school student, that didn't want to work an internship that his father arranged instead he jumped on a bus to Washington D.C. to meet a professor that he needed to meet to get the "grit" to be successful. While he is there he meets lots of interesting people, escapes on bicycle, almost gets beat up or killed by a green haired man and finds out who he is. I don't want to say more about this story to not spoil it but this is a coming of age book that I recommend to everyone.

A Kiss In The Dark

Stars 5/5

A Kiss In The Dark by Gina Ciocca

What a fun book! I am so glad I finally got to read this book from Gina Ciocca. I loved her other book Busted so I was sure I would also love this one and I was right. The story follows Macy and her friends from school. One night at a football game, the lights go out and some guy kisses her and she thinks it is Joel, a former star football player but when the lights come back on there is no one around her. I am not going to go into the story more as not to spoil it but I highly recommend it if you love a romantic contemporary with a little "who done it?"

Long Way Down

Stars 5/5

Long Way Down by Jason Reynolds

For such a short book, it is a very powerful book. I don't want to go into the story much because it is a very short read and I do not want to spoil it but it follows a boy named Will and his brother was just shot and killed. They live by 3 rules... No crying, No snitching and Get Revenge. So Will sets off with a gun to find and kill his brother's killer and while riding down the elevator he meets ghosts of his past. I would recommend this book to everyone. It is a story that makes you wonder what happens next.

Immortal Hearts (Vampire Kisses Bk 9)

Stars 2/5

Immortal Hearts (Vampire Kisses Bk 9) by Ellen Schreiber

This is the 9th and final book in the Vampire Kisses series. I have to say that I wished the series would of ended on a good note but then there was Raven. I hate to leave things unfinished so I read all the books in the series but I must say that I will be glad not to hear from Raven ever again. This book continued to follow Raven and her friends as Alexander's little sister came to visit. Halloween comes and goes again. Raven and Alexander have known each other for a year. I don't want to spoil the series if you are reading it but I will say this... It is all about Raven and she has no respect for anyone else. What she wants is all she thinks about and will press the issue until even the reader is sick of hearing it.

Cryptic Cravings (Vampire Kisses Bk 8)

Stars 4/5

Cryptic Cravings (Vampire Kisses Bk 8) by Ellen Schreiber

This is the 8th book in the Vampire Kisses series. It continues following Raven and her friends and their plans to open a new club called the Crypt in Dullsville. I enjoyed this book. Raven did not act like a child or throw her tantrums which was great to read. Jagger and his sister Luna are back and opening the club. I don't want to spoil the story but it was refreshing to read this book after a few down sliding books in the series.

Love Bites (Vampire Kisses Bk 7)

Stars 2/5

Love Bites (Vampire Kisses Bk 7) by Ellen Schreiber

This is the 7th book in the Vampire Kisses series. Alexander's best friend, Sabastian, comes to visit and yet again Raven ruins the story. She gets upset because Sabastian falls for her friend Becky and can't stand the thought that he could change Becky to be a vampire and not her. Also Raven makes odd comments about him not falling for her. All the guys in this series have to tell Raven how beautiful and perfect she is ... Alexander, Trevor and now Sabastian. It is kinda icky. This is not how a 16 yr old acts. I will finish the series because there is only 2 books left and hope they get better. The series started out so fun to read but this is a major down slide. 

Royal Blood (Vampire Kisses Bk 6)

Stars 3/5

Royal Blood (Vampire Kisses Bk 6) by Ellen Schreiber

This is the 6th book in the Vampire Kisses series. It continues to follow Raven, her vampire boyfriend Alexander and her friends from school. Alexander's parents come home from their extended trip to Romania and come between Raven and him a bit. I don't want to go into this short book more as to not spoil the story but Alexander does get recognized again as an amazing artist. Books 1-4 were fun reads for me but I have to say that 5 and 6 rubbed me the wrong way. Raven is getting horrible and every thing has to be about her. Sad to see this happening. For me it is ruining the series.

The Coffin Club (Vampire Kisses Bk 5)

Stars 2/5

The Coffin Club (Vampire Kisses Bk 5) by Ellen Schreiber

This is the 5th book in the Vampire Kisses series and I have to say it definitely was not my favorite. I was a bit disappointed with the main character Raven and her childish ways as well as her total disregard for people that she claims to love. I would say that it is because of her age but I don't even believe 14 yr olds act like she did. I don't want to go into the story anymore to not spoil this book but I have to say I was really let down and hope the series gets better and this is not a down slide.

Dance With A Vampire (Vampire Kisses Bk 4)

Stars 4/5

Dance With A Vampire (Vampire Kisses Bk 4) by Ellen Schreiber

This is the 4th book in the Vampire Kisses series and it continues the adventure with Raven, her vampire boyfriend Alexander and friends. In this book, there is another pale stranger running around town and he is much younger and has now befriended Raven's little brother. Lots of mystery, twists and turns, and even a Prom. I don't want to go into the story more as not to spoil it but I do recommend this book and series to all vampire lovers.

Vampireville (Vampire Kisses Bk 3)

Stars 4/5

Vampireville (Vampire Kisses Bk 3) by Ellen Schreiber

The adventure continues in this 3rd book of the Vampire Kisses series. It follows Raven, her vampire boyfriend Alexander and friends as they find a couple of new very pale people hanging around town. Lots of twists and turns in this book and even some cemetery fun. I don't want to give away more of the story line to not spoil the books. I highly recommend if you love coming of age, romance and vampires!

Kissing Coffins (Vampire Kisses Bk2)

Stars 4/5

Kissing Coffins (Vampire Kisses Bk 2) by Ellen Schreiber

This is the 2nd book in the Vampire Kisses series and I am addicted. This is such a fun and mysterious story that continues to follow Raven and her search for her vampire love after he disappears from town. Raven goes off to visit her aunt in a neighboring town and sleuths around looking for Alexander but finds other things she may not be ready to handle on her own. I don't want to spoil the book or the series. I recommend it and can't wait to read more.

Vampire Kisses

Stars 4/5

Vampire Kisses by Ellen Schreiber

What a cute story! This book is a very fast and short read but hooks you from the first page. It is fun and exciting. I really loved the twists and turns as well as the predictable romantic read. The story follows Raven, a gothic girl in a very small town and her friend Becky. Raven loves all things that go bump in the night especially vampires and is really curious to find out who moved into the old haunted mansion on Benson Hill. I don't want to go into the story more as to not spoil it but I highly recommend it to everyone who loves a paranormal romantic contemporary. I will definitely be finishing this series. 

Adrian's Lost Chapter (Bloodlines 0.5)

Stars 5/5

Adrian's Lost Chapter (Bloodlines 0.5) by Richelle Mead

Anything Adrian is 5 stars even if he was sad. This is the prequel book to the Bloodlines series which I hope to start very soon. This short chapter follows Adrian and what happens after the Vampire Academy series. It is told in POV but I heard the series is told in Sydney's POV. All I hope is that Adrian is in the new Bloodlines series! Can't wait to get back to this world asap.

Busted

Stars 5/5

Busted by Gina Ciocca

I had to give this book 5 stars because it is adorable and I loved all the characters! What a fun read. I read this book in one sitting because it was fast and lots of things were going on to hold my interest. The story follows Marisa, a high school girl who wants to be a journalist. One day she caught her best friend's boyfriend cheating and that is when the adventures begin. This is a coming of age story with lots of friendships, love interests, mystery solving and even crafting. I would highly recommend this book to everyone who love contemporary stories with a little "who done it?"

Last Sacrifice

Stars 4/5

Last Sacrifice (Vampire Academy Bk 6) by Richelle Mead

I finished the series and I have to say that it was a fun adventure but of course this wouldn't be an honest review if I didn't say what bothered me as well as what was great about this book and the whole series so here it goes... I loved all the characters except Rose, sad to say but true. Her childish tantrums were annoying and for a person trained in discipline and battle, she would of been a disgrace. Also I got a bit sick from listening to everyone in the book complimenting her all the time and every guy thinking she was beautiful. I think the series would definitely been a 5 star read if Rose would of been more mature and not needing to be the center of everyone's world. Other than that, I really adored all the other characters and the story line. I would recommend this book and the series to everyone especially if you love to hate some characters. *note.. not sure who the girl is on the covers of these books but it doesn't fit the description of Rose.

Spirit Bound (Vampire Academy Bk 5)

Stars 4/5

Spirit Bound (Vampire Academy Bk 5) by Richelle Mead

It never fails something new happening all the time. I really enjoyed this book. This is the 5th book in the Vampire Academy series and it continues to follow Rose and her friends. Lots of twists and turns that makes this book hard to put down. Things are setting up for the last book in the series and I have to say I will be sad to finish. I highly recommend this book and the series.

Blood Promise (Vampire Academy Bk 4)

Stars 4/5

Blood Promise (Vampire Academy Bk 4) by Richelle Mead

What an emotional roller coaster book! OMG tears for sadness and tears for happiness. My nose has been stuck in a tissue! This is the 4th book in the Vampire Academy series and what a great read. It continues following Rose and her friends. Rose goes on a hunt for Dimitri and the adventure will have you glued to the pages. I don't want to spoil this book or the series so I am going to have to stay hush hush about the contents but let me say ... Get Busy Reading This Series!

Here Comes Peter Cottontail

Stars 5/5

Here Comes Peter Cottontail by Mary Man-Kong & Rankin Bass

This book is so cute. I just love Rankin Bass! The story is a summarized version of the TV show with Peter and Irontail in a competition to become the Chief Easter Bunny. The book also contains over 50 stickers and colored egg holders that you can pop out and use. This book is great for all ages and I highly recommend it. I found my copy at the Dollar Tree and it will have a place on my forever shelf.

Shadow Kiss (Vampire Academy Bk 3)

Stars 4/5

Shadow Kiss (Vampire Academy Bk 3) by Richelle Mead

Why Why Why? OMG this book! This is the third book in the Vampire Academy series and it continues to follow Rose and her friends and their adventures with the Strigoi. I just want to scream out NO NO NO! This book had me on the edge of my seat and my nose in tissues. I won't go into the story anymore as not to spoil it but OMG I highly recommend it to everyone especially vampire lovers like me.

Frostbite (Vampire Academy Bk 2)

Stars 4/5

Frostbite (Vampire Academy Bk 2) by Richelle Mead

Holy Moly! What an amazing book! I just love Adrian and his sly ways. This continues on with the story that follows Rose and Lissa and their back to the academy adventures. The Strigoi are getting more vicious and no one is safe. I do not want to go into the story more as to not spoil it but I do highly recommend this to everyone. I will be continuing on with the series. 

Zootopia: The Official Handbook

Stars 5/5

Zootopia: The Official Handbook by Suzanne Francis

Oh how I love Zootopia! This is such a cute little Zootopia City Guide. It goes into the different areas where the animals live, restaurants, places and people of interest plus it has the cutest little ads throughout the book to make it seem oh so real. I really love Judy Hopps and am a huge fan of the actress that does her voice... Ginnifer Goodwin. I highly recommend this book to everyone who loves Zootopia and Disney. Just a note... I was lucky and found this book at the Dollar Tree.

If There's No Tomorrow

Stars 5/5

If There's No Tomorrow by Jennifer L. Armentrout

Wow! What a wonderful and powerful book addressing such serious issues. I just loved it. Very fast read. Gripping you from the first page. The story follows Lena and her high school life. Friends, loves, college applications, sports and of course parties. Lena has been in love with her best friend and neighbor Sabastian since they were kids but never told him until something disastrous happens. I do not want to go into anymore of the story as not to spoil it but highly recommend it. I would really love another book with these characters just to see how they are and what is up in their lives. 

Half Way!

YAY! Half Way! YAY! 75 Books Read!

Vampire Academy Bk 1

Stars 4/5

Vampire Academy by Richelle Mead

Vampires are always great! I have been wanting to read this series for quite a while now and so glad I decided to read it now. This story follows Rose and her friend Lissa and their time at and away from the Academy. Lissa is a Moroi Princess and Rose is not only her best friend but will be her guardian after graduation. This is a coming of age story with friendships, love interests, adventures and everything that happens in High School. I really enjoyed this fist book in the series and plan on reading them all. I would recommend this to everyone.

The Night Gardener

Stars 5/5

The Night Gardener by Jonathan Auxier

I just love Hester Kettle and I really hope that one day the author continues on with this story (with her in it of course) or does other books of her life. What an amazing character. This book was an amazing read. Very creative and unique. Definitely a classic that I highly recommend. The story follows Molly and Kip, sister and brother, who came to England from Ireland to find a job at the Windsors estate. Along the way they meet Hester Kettle, an old storyteller/junk collector, and they make a promise to her that if she tells them where to find the Windsors estate that they will come back and tell her a story. Once at the estate, lots of things start to go bump in the night and that is when the adventure really begins. I do not want to go into the book more as to not spoil it but let me say... what a fantastic story they have to tell.

You Know Me Well

Stars 4/5

You Know Me Well by Nina LaCour & David Levithan

Many things can happen during Pride Week. This is an adorable contemporary romance story that follows Mark and Kate and how they come together becoming fast friends. Kate is a talented artist searching to meet a girl that she has fallen in love with and Mark is a student that loves his best friend but the feelings are not returned. I don't want to go into the story more to not spoil it but I do recommend it. I would love another book following these characters. What will happen next in their lives?

Serafina and The Splintered Heart

Stars 4/5

Serafina and The Splintered Heart by Robert Beatty

This is the third book in the Serafina series and I heard there will be more and I am happy. I really liked this series with Serafina and all her friends. Their adventures in fighting sorcery and evil is fun and full of twists and turns. I would recommend this book and the series to everyone. Just because it is middle grade doesn't mean adults won't enjoy it. I must also mention that Robert Beatty is releasing a new series called Willa of the Wood coming in July 2018 and I can not wait!

Seraphina and The Twisted Staff

Stars 4/5

Serafina and The Twisted Staff by Robert Beatty

The Adventures continue with this second book in the Serafina series. I am really enjoying these books. The characters are very likable and I just love their friendships. Seraphina and her friends are faced with a new threat to the Biltmore estate and everyone who lives there. Working together to face the evil and succeed. This series is great for all ages and I do recommend it.