Misguided Angel (Blue Bloods #5) by Melissa de la Cruz

Title: Misguided Angel

Author: Melissa de la Cruz

Series: 5th in Blue Bloods

Pages: 256

Published: Available now from Hyperion

ISBN: 9781423121282

Source: Library 

Description: After inheriting the dark Van Alen Legacy, Schuyler fled to Florence with her forbidden love, Jack. Now the two of them must embark on the mission Schuyler was destined to complete: to find and protect the five remaining gates that guard the earth from Lucifer, lord of the Silver Bloods. Back in New York, Mimi has been elected Regent of a crumbling coven. Struggling with her heartache over the loss of Kingsley and with her overwhelming desire to destroy Jack, she must focus all of her energy on a perilous new threat. Vampires are being abducted and their captors are planning to burn them alive online…for all the world to see. Help arrives in the form of Deming Chen, a Venator from Shanghai, who must untangle the web of deceptions before the killers strike again. As the young vampires struggle for the survival of the coven, they uncover a deadly secret, a truth first discovered by Schuyler’s mother during the Renaissance but kept buried for centuries. And as the Blue Blood enclave weakens yet further, fate leads Schuyler to a terrible choice that will ultimately map the destiny of her heart.

I Give This ...

  

I sadly found myself slightly indifferent to this book.  I was expecting something more fast paced considering the events of the last book.

I was surprised at the lack of Schuyler and Jack, which was probably a good thing, because I was bored with what was there.  For being on the run, they seemed to be nonchalant about the whole thing.  And when did they get all lovey-dovey?  They seemed out of character.

I was surprised that the coven choose Mimi to lead them.  But, maybe she's just what they need.  When her part of the story finally picked up, I was surprised I actually enjoyed it.  She's got a side of her that comes out at the oddest times and make me feel like she's not the villain here.  She really cares about keeping the coven together.  I also enjoyed the new friendship she seems to be developing with Oliver.  It's not an aspect of the story I saw coming. I also really enjoyed the addition of Deming.  Her story was interesting.  I did miss Bliss though.  

So, while it wasn't the best addition to the Blue Bloods series, we learn some new things.  I will read the next one of course.  Still on the fence about Bloody Valenting, and I have yet to read Keys to the Repository.   

First Grave on the Right (Charley Davidson #1) by Darynda Jones

Title: First Grave on the Right

Author: Darynda Jones

Series: 1st in Charley Davidson

Pages: 320

Published: Available now from St. Martins

ISBN: 9780312662752

Source: PTA Review Rewards

Description: Charley sees dead people. That’s right, she sees dead people. And it’s her job to convince them to “go into the light.” But when these very dead people have died under less than ideal circumstances (i.e. murder), sometimes they want Charley to bring the bad guys to justice. Complicating matters are the intensely hot dreams she’s been having about an Entity who has been following her all her life...and it turns out he might not be dead after all. In fact, he might be something else entirely. 

I Give This ...

 

You know, I really like adult paranormal novels.  I should read more of them.  I'm extremely pleased I got the chance to review this debute book.  It was lots of fun and I think will become a new favorite series for lots of those who enjoy the genre.


I absolutely loved Charley.  She's so sassy and sarcastic.  It's not really a trait that I want, but sometimes wish I didn't bite my tongue as much.  So, I really love a character that holds nothing back.  I loved the fact that she's the grim reaper and dead people are attracted to her like moths to a light.  I also enjoyed that fact that her family accepts this as fact and use it to their advantage (note the difference...they do not really take advantage).  I also really enjoyed how casually Charley views it all.  It's such a part of her life than it all comes across as normal through the story.


I LOVED the humor in the book.  There are so many little things going on that can make you chuckle.  My favorites were the sign on the bathroom door Charley leaves for any ghosts (but particularly the one that lives down the hall), Mr. Wong in the corner, Aunt Lily, and the "hell spawn" child in the back of a police car.  There are just two many moments and lines that had me going.


I also really enjoyed the sexual tension throughout the book.  Charley has some dreams that can really suck you in.  I liked how that relationship builds up throughout the novel and who it really is.  I also liked her relationship with Garrett.  It's not as upfront as the other relationship, but you can tell that it's building.  I think it will make for some interesting scenes in future books.


This was really close to a 5 butterfly for me.  Something that might have been different if the editing is a little different in a finished copy.  There were times, I had to to make sure I understood what was going on.  The story would change locations abruptly, which would throw me.  I also had to make sure that I realized Charley was chatting with people other's couldn't see.  So really she would be holding two conversations at once, which was hard to follow.  


Overall, just a fun read!  I will be reading the sequel!!

Cryer's Cross by Lisa McMann

Title: Cryer's Cross

Author: Lisa McMann

Series: Stand Alone

Pages: 240

Published: Available now from Simon Pulse

ISBN: 9781416994817

Source: e-galley from publisher

Description: The community of Cryer’s Cross, Montana (population 212) is distraught when high school freshman Tiffany disappears without a trace. Already off-balance due to her OCD, 16-year-old Kendall is freaked out seeing Tiffany’s empty desk in the one-room school house, but somehow life goes on... until Kendall's boyfriend Nico also disappears, and also without a trace. Now the town is in a panic. Alone in her depression and with her OCD at an all-time high, Kendall notices something that connects Nico and Tiffany: they both sat at the same desk. She knows it's crazy, but Kendall finds herself drawn to the desk, dreaming of Nico and wondering if maybe she, too, will disappear...and whether that would be so bad. Then she begins receiving graffiti messages on the desk from someone who can only be Nico. Can he possibly be alive somewhere? Where is he? And how can Kendall help him? The only person who believes her is Jacian, the new guy she finds irritating...and attractive. As Kendall and Jacian grow closer, Kendall digs deeper into Nico's mysterious disappearance only to stumble upon some ugly—and deadly—local history. Kendall is about to find out just how far the townspeople will go to keep their secrets buried.

I Give This ...

 

I haven't managed to read McMann's other series yet, so I really had no expectations going into this one.  I ended up enjoying this dark and creepy story far more than I expected.

I was surprised at how much I enjoyed Kendall's character.  I think it's the psychology background in me.  I was fascinated with her OCD rituals.  They really defined her as a person.  While I didn't enjoy watching her break down, it was a defining part of the story.  Having her best friend disappear effects her in ways one can't even imagine.  I also really liked Jacian.  He was cold and standoffish at first.  But, I think he tried really hard to help and understand Kendall without putting to much pressure on her.

The mystery is the story was done really well.  It really plays with your head how the two teens just disappeared.  And as Kendall starts to discover clues, the story just gets more creepy.  I liked how what was really happening was so deeply seeded in the town's history.  

I really enjoyed this book and will definitely be reading McMann's other books, hopefully sooner rather than later!

It's Monday! What Are You Reading?

What Are You Reading, is where we gather to share what we have read this past week and what we plan to read this week.  It is a great way to network with other bloggers, see some wonderful blogs, and put new titles on your reading list.  Click on the picture to be taken to Sheila at One Person's Journey Through A World of Books!

 

I wanted to give an update for those who read my post last week.  My grandma is doing ok.  She had a TIA, which is like a mini-stroke.  She's home though and the expect her to fully recover.  My aunt's are also doing well.  Lois, who was the kidney donor was able to go home on Friday.  She was in more pain than the thought she would be, but I'm sure she thinks it was worth it. Toni, who was the recipient, was able to go home yesterday.  The kidney started functioning right away which is wonderful.  She'll have scheduled check-ups for the next year (I think) to make sure everything is going as it should.

Read Last Week: 

• Tempest Rising by Nicole Peeler
• The Flash of a Firefly by Amber Riley
• Water Wars by Cameron Stracher
• Angelfire by Courtney Allison Mouton

Currently Reading:

• Darkness Becomes Her by Kelly Keaton

Up This Week:

• Illegal by Bettina Restrepo
• Haven by Kristi Cook
• Red-headed Stepchild by Jaye Wells

In My Mailbox!

In My Mailbox is hosted by Kristi from The Story Siren and she was inspired by Alea of Pop Culture Junkie!  I also want to mention that all my cover pictures link to Goodreads!

For Review:

• Summer (Beautiful Dead, #3) by Eden Maguire
• The Human Obsession by Heath Sommer

Purchased: 

• Devil's Kiss by Sarwat Chadda
• Nothing by Ghosts by Beth Kephart 
• The King's Rose by Alisa M. Libby 
• Early to Death, Early to Rise by Kim Harrison

Hexbound (Dark Elite #2) by Chloe Neill

Title: Hexbound

Author: Chloe Neill

Series: 2nd in Dark Elite

Pages: 224

Published: Available now from Signet Books

ISBN: 9780451230799

Source: Around The World Tours

Description: Lily Parker is new to St. Sophia’s School for Girls, but she’s already learned that magic can be your best friend…or your worst enemy.
They say absolute power corrupts absolutely. Turns out, even a little magic can turn you to the dark side. That’s why Lily has to learn how to control her newly discovered paranormal abilities, on top of avoiding the snobs who think they run her school, nursing a crush on a cute sophomore with a big, werewolf-y secret, and fighting the good fight with her best friend Scout as they take on Chicago’s nastiest nightlife—including the tainted magic users known as Reapers. Then Lily’s invited to a private meeting with Sebastian. He’s hot, powerful, and offering to help her harness the magic flowing in her veins in a way no one else can. He’s also a Reaper. Lily can’t hide her suspicions. But she’ll soon find out that the line between good and evil isn’t always clear…

I Give This ...

The bad thing about reading a book on tour is the deadline.  Since you have to read it an pass it on in a certain time frame, it obviously needs to be read right away.  Which, may or may not be the best time to read it "mood" wise.  

I'm not really a mood reader, I usually can pick up anything and read.  I think that might not have been the case with this one.  It took me awhile to get into it, and I just wasn't really invested in the story.  Which was disappointing because I really liked the first in the series.  I didn't feel like Lily really did much as a character.  She still doesn't really understand her powers and it seems like everyone is tiptoeing around her.  I think she should be demanding more answers from everyone, starting with her parents.  I also got a little annoyed with Scout and Lily at times.  I can see that they are really good friends, but at times they are very juvenile.  

The parts of the story that I really did like seemed really short.  I liked the dealing with the two vampire covens.  I liked that they were in a turf war and didn't seem to really like the adepts.  There seems like there's more of a history there that I want to know more of.  I also wanted more of Sebastian.  I know he fits the classic bad boy mold, but there's a lot going on there that I don't think we know about.  

I will read the next one because this really wasn't enough to turn me off the series.  There's a lot left unanswered and I'm still willing to read what the author does next!

My Soul to Save (Soul Screamers #2) by Rachel Vincent

Title: My Soul To Save

Author: Rachel Vincent

Series: 2nd in Soul Screamers

Pages: 279

Published: Available now from Harlequin Teen

ISBN: 9780373210046

Source: Personal Copy

Description: When Kaylee Cavanaugh screams, someone dies. So when teen pop star Eden croaks onstage and Kaylee doesn't wail, she knows something is dead wrong. She can't cry for someone who has no soul. The last thing Kaylee needs right now is to be skipping school, breaking her dad's ironclad curfew and putting her too-hot-to-be-real boyfriend's loyalty to the test. But starry-eyed teens are trading their souls: a flickering lifetime of fame and fortune in exchange for eternity in the Netherworld—a consequence they can't possibly understand. Kaylee can't let that happen, even if trying to save their souls means putting her own at risk….

I Give This ...

I have mixed feeling on this addition to the series.  Kaylee really annoyed me but I enjoyed the story.  Go figure!

I'm still really enjoying the Bean Sidhe elements of this story.  I liked learning about Demon's Breathe and how people can trade their soul.  It was also interesting how demon's can get away with not fully explaining the contract's humans are signing.  I liked the explaining of the otherworld and how it's the same and different from the one we live in.  I also really liked Libby and the character she represents.  So, basically if it dealt with the supernatural in this story, I loved it.

But, the actual characters really grated on me for some reason this time.  I wanted to smack Kaylee.  I didn't like her attitude towards her dad.  In my eyes she hadn't done anything to earn the freedom she felt like she deserved.  I also disliked the talk of how Nash was 18 and didn't have to follow any rules because he was an adult and that Kaylee was looking forward to the same.  Didn't work like that when I turned 18 and it certainly won't when my kids do.  I also got really tired of the sexual tension between Nash and Kaylee.  The author kept making it seem like that if Kaylee doesn't give in soon, Nash is going to walk out the door.  I don't agree with that storyline.

So, basically, I will be continuing this series.  I really love the supernatural elements the storyline has.  I'm hoping the characters grow up a little in the next one though.  Sometimes parents really aren't out to get you!