REVIEW: The Law of Moses (The Law of Moses #1) by Amy Harmon

Title: The Law of Moses
Series: The Law of Moses #1
Author: Amy Harmon
Publisher: Amy Harmon
Published: November 27th 2014
Format: eBook | Pages: 333
Genres: New Adult, Contemporary, Romance (with Paranormal elements)
Source: Amazon

Amy Harmon | Twitter | Facebook | Goodreads

If I tell you right up front, right in the beginning that I lost him, it will be easier for you to bear. You will know it’s coming, and it will hurt. But you’ll be able to prepare.

Someone found him in a laundry basket at the Quick Wash, wrapped in a towel, a few hours old and close to death. They called him Baby Moses when they shared his story on the ten o’clock news – the little baby left in a basket at a dingy Laundromat, born to a crack addict and expected to have all sorts of problems. I imagined the crack baby, Moses, having a giant crack that ran down his body, like he’d been broken at birth. I knew that wasn’t what the term meant, but the image stuck in my mind. Maybe the fact that he was broken drew me to him from the start.

It all happened before I was born, and by the time I met Moses and my mom told me all about him, the story was old news and nobody wanted anything to do with him. People love babies, even sick babies. Even crack babies. But babies grow up to be kids, and kids grow up to be teenagers. Nobody wants a messed up teenager.

And Moses was messed up. Moses was a law unto himself. But he was also strange and exotic and beautiful. To be with him would change my life in ways I could never have imagined. Maybe I should have stayed away. Maybe I should have listened. My mother warned me. Even Moses warned me. But I didn’t stay away.

And so begins a story of pain and promise, of heartache and healing, of life and death. A story of before and after, of new beginnings and never-endings. But most of all...a love story.

The first few words of every story are always the hardest. It's almost as if pulling them out, speaking them into existence, commits you to seeing it all the way through. As if once you start, you are required to finish.

Sigh.

There's hardly a moment in any given day that I don't want to pick up a book. But there are times that not just any book will do. I sometimes feel a need, almost a desperation, to be emotionally destroyed by a book. To be pulled so deep into the brink of sorrow and heartache that I'm practically drowning in it. So far down that I'm not at all sure it'll be possible for me to reach the surface again.

I'm always surprised when someone, an author, is able to evoke those kinds of feelings, emotions within me. When I started feeling that craving coming on recently I instantly knew that Amy Harmon and The Law of Moses were going to fill that need for me. I'd previously read her book Making Faces which did all of those things for me while also sprinkling in bits of warmth and happiness, so I was feeling pretty confident. If anything, The Law of Moses probably even made me feel a tiny bit more.

It was really hard for me to put a label on this book when it comes to genre, because at it's heart it's Contemporary, except there was this huge part of one of the characters, and who they were, that was heavily influenced with the Paranormal and/or Supernatural. So I guess you could kind of view it either way. No matter what label you throw on it though the one thing that matters is that Amy Harmon is a brilliant author. She strings together all these words that paint these beautiful images in your mind. Images of tragedy and loss and breaking, of love and mending.  

Whatever it was, when Moses came to Levan, he was like water—cold, deep, unpredictable, and, like the pond up the canyon, dangerous, because you could never see what was beneath the surface. And just like I'd done all my life, I jumped in head first, even though I'd been forbidden. But this time, I drowned.

Just like Georgia, I found myself quickly drowning in Moses. I seem to gravitate towards the broken and Moses could not have been more so. I found myself completely fascinated by his character and constantly wanting more of him. Every time we got to be in his point of view would end up pulling me deeper into his character. The only downside to that was that it could be so heartbreaking at times. Knowing exactly from his own mind how deeply he viewed himself as nothing or worthless or...I don't know. It's really hard to put into words. He made my heart heavy and I just wanted to hug him, convince him he was wrong.

"I'm a very ordinary girl, Moses. I know that I am. And I always will be. I can't paint. I don't know who Vermeer is, or Manet for that matter. But if you think ordinary can be beautiful, that gives  me hope. And maybe sometime you'll think about me when you need an escape from the hurt in your head."

My love for Georgia was right up there with my love for Moses. I loved her small town, country girl attitude. I loved her heart and compassion. I loved her tenacity, her complete and total stubbornness. I think what made me love her the most was the fact that she saw something beautiful and worth knowing in Moses. Something that goes beyond the pretty yet intimidating outer package. When everyone else was afraid of him and automatically assumed the worst, Georgia believed in him and ran towards him instead of away, hard as he tried to push her away himself.

Like I said there was a paranormal aspect to Moses's character that was a complete surprise to me. Normally surprises like that, going in expecting one thing and getting another, end up irritating me but it had the complete opposite effect in this case. It added so much more to this story and added this deeper emotional element that, in my opinion, it wouldn't have had without it. I feel so cryptic with not telling you what was so special about Moses but I really think it's one of those you need to read to find out things.

The Law of Moses was everything I was needing and expecting from an emotional read. It also surprised me at every turn. The characters are complex and complicated in all the best ways. I found it impossible to put down and found myself dreading the final chapter. I wish I could've stayed in this world and with these characters for just a little bit longer. If you love a book that will turn you upside down and inside out then I highly recommend this one.

REVIEW: Ugly Love by Colleen Hoover

Title: Ugly Love
Author: Colleen Hoover
Publisher: Atria Books
Published: August 5th 2014
Format: eBook | Pages: 337
Genres: New Adult, Contemporary, Romance
Source: Amazon

Colleen Hoover | Twitter | Facebook | Goodreads

When Tate Collins meets airline pilot Miles Archer, she knows it isn’t love at first sight. They wouldn’t even go so far as to consider themselves friends. The only thing Tate and Miles have in common is an undeniable mutual attraction. Once their desires are out in the open, they realize they have the perfect set-up. He doesn’t want love, she doesn’t have time for love, so that just leaves the sex. Their arrangement could be surprisingly seamless, as long as Tate can stick to the only two rules Miles has for her.

Never ask about the past.

Don’t expect a future.

They think they can handle it, but realize almost immediately they can’t handle it at all.

Hearts get infiltrated.

Promises get broken.

Rules get shattered.

Love gets ugly.

Why, Colleen Hoover? Why? Why do you constantly insist on pulverizing my feelings?

Sigh.

It's okay. I still love you.

I always think that I'm emotionally ready to pick up one of her books. Yet every time I do she proves to me how wrong I was. I thought I had some idea where things were going to go with Ugly Love and for the second time in this paragraph, I admit that I was very wrong. Maybe the lesson here is I need to just stop thinking altogether.

Even though I'm a person who believes that the whole "friends with benefits" thing, or I guess in the case of Tate and Miles acquaintances with benefits, will never, ever work, I absolutely love reading a book with this trope. They always seem to prove my point that for at least one person in a relationship of this type, feelings will inevitably be impossible to avoid. You can tell yourself that you won't get your heart involved but I always feel like it's an impossible mission. I don't know, maybe I'm just not a cold enough person and I'm too much heart. But regardless on how you view the FWB game...I'm addicted to reading about them.

Loved both Tate and Miles. Granted, I had moments of pure and utter frustration with both of them from time to time as I made my way through their story. In the case of Miles it was his constant mixed signals. He would preach one thing but his actions would say something completely different. Had I ever at any point felt like he was doing this on purpose I would be writing a totally different review all together. However, it's practically impossible not to love Miles, especially as the story goes on and you learn his deep dark secrets. Then that practically slips away and it's just inevitable. Miles's story completely ripped my heart to pieces. It was dust. Like, I am surprised there was anything left of it to put back together. He is my new favorite Colleen Hoover book boy!

Tate was also a really great character. Tate was essentially every single girl who's met a great guy and walked into a situation with her eyes wide open, knowing all the rules...and couldn't help but break every single one of them. Which I guess is why at times she could be so frustrating. She did stupid things because of a boy she lost her heart to and sure at times the relationship was pretty unhealthy but I respect every direction her character went in. Why? Because it was so damn real. She saw something in Miles that was worth all the heartache, tears and pain and we do crazy things when we're in love. Therefore, I loved Tate and how real she was.

I really don't know where else to go from here. So I guess it's time to just go ahead and wrap this one up!

There is something so addicting about picking up a Colleen Hoover book. You know it's bad for you (emotionally), you know it's going to hurt you. It's not going to be fluffy and puppies and rainbows. Yet like every addict out there, getting your hands on that next fix is so satisfying and you can't wait to lose yourself in the moment and ride the high it gives you. Ugly Love toyed with my emotions and I can't even hate it for that. It was beautiful and heartbreaking and heartwarming all at the same time. And I loved every single emotion and feeling it pulled me through. I'm already ready for my next CoHo fix.

SERIES REVIEW: The Grisha by Leigh Bardugo

Series: The Grisha
Books in Series: Shadow and Bone, Siege and Storm, Ruin and Rising
Author: Leigh Bardugo
Genres: Young Adult, Fantasy, Romance
Source(s): Amazon & BookOutlet

Leigh Bardugo | Twitter | Facebook | Goodreads

Shadow and Bone Summary:

Alina Starkov doesn't expect much from life. Orphaned by the Border Wars, she is sure of only one thing: her best friend, Mal--and her inconvenient crush on him. Until the day their army regiment enters the Fold, a swath of unnatural darkness crawling with monsters. When their convoy is attacked and Mal is brutally injured, Alina reveals a dormant power not even she knew existed.

Ripped from everything she knows, Alina is taken to the royal court to be trained as a member of the Grisha, the magical elite led by the mysterious Darkling. With Alina's extraordinary power in his arsenal, he believes they can finally destroy the Fold. Now Alina must find a way to master her untamed gift and somehow fit into her new life without Mal by her side. But nothing in this lavish world is what it seems. As the threat to the kingdom mounts and her dangerous attraction to the Darkling grows, Alina will uncover a secret that could tear her heart--and her country--in two.

I had read Shadow and Bone once before back in April of 2015. I loved it. I loved the world, I loved the characters, it was all pretty perfect. For whatever reason though I couldn't quite move on to Siege and Storm. I did try and probably made it through the first couple chapters but then I just put it aside and didn't pick it back up again until a couple weeks ago. I think a huge part of it is the fact that Fantasy books can be so very emotionally draining. I mean, when you pick up a Contemporary 99% of the time you're dealing with just emotions and the "will they, won't they" aspect of a story. With Fantasy, or at least the best ones in my opinion, the romance takes a backseat to everything else. There's wars, there's revolutions, there's betrayals, there's death...there's just so much and they can twist and pull at your heart, as The Grisha did with mine, that sometimes I'm just not ready for all of that.

Oh cheese and rice am I glad that I made this trilogy my Series a Month pick for March this year. There were so many highs and lows, I'm pretty sure I even texted a friend and all capsed the heck out of her when things would seem like they'd never be happy again. I also think I used the F word a lot. So, yeah. It really threw me for an emotional loop but oh man was it worth it.

Alina kicks so much ass. I think her imperfections are what made her so freaking perfect in my eyes. She was so consistently selfless throughout most of the book, but she also had her moments where you could see temptations really grab hold of her in kind of that manic way that some temptations do and I worried constantly if she would remain the Alina I loved so much, who was fierce and strong and wanted to do so much good, all the way to the end. It was pretty nerve wracking!

Mal was just...amazing. Like I am so far beyond the smitten kitten it's ridiculous. He really tugged at my heart so often. The way he always felt out of place or on the outside. I think there was only one moment where he truly disappointed me and made me pretty angry even. I'm sure if you've read this series you know exactly the moment I speak of. Oh, Mal. I think what kept my love for him so strong though was, even when he wasn't exactly happy with her, he was always protecting Alina and willing to help her even if he disagreed.

The Darkling is one of the most perfect antagonists, in my opinion. He not only inspired my hatred for most of the book, but there were moments, even though they were fleeting, where he tapped into my compassionate side. I always want to believe that people aren't born evil and that environment plays a huge role in how they come to be. Though maybe I'm just giving him more credit than he deserves. I'm not afraid to admit that I did shed a few tears for him at one point. What can I say I'm a huge sap!

I could honestly sit here for hours and talk about this series. The things I loved, the things I hated. The things I figured out early on, the things that completely took me by surprise. The characters who I wanted to hate so very much but they made me love them anyway (*gives Nikolai the look*). This series systematically ripped my heart to shreds from Shadow and Bone all the way to Ruin and Rising before finally swooping in at the end to stitch it back together again. Brilliant YA Fantasy!

SERIES REVIEW: The Infernal Devices by Cassandra Clare

Series: The Infernal Devices
Books in Series: Clockwork Angel, Clockwork Prince, Clockwork Princess
Author: Cassandra Clare
Genres: Young Adult, Historical, Fantasy, Steampunk, Paranormal, Supernatural, Romance
Source: Amazon & BookOutlet

Cassandra Clare | Twitter | Facebook | Goodreads

Clockwork Angel Summary:

In a time when Shadowhunters are barely winning the fight against the forces of darkness, one battle will change the course of history forever. Welcome to the Infernal Devices trilogy, a stunning and dangerous prequel to the New York Times bestselling Mortal Instruments series.

The year is 1878. Tessa Gray descends into London’s dark supernatural underworld in search of her missing brother. She soon discovers that her only allies are the demon-slaying Shadowhunters—including Will and Jem, the mysterious boys she is attracted to. Soon they find themselves up against the Pandemonium Club, a secret organization of vampires, demons, warlocks, and humans. Equipped with a magical army of unstoppable clockwork creatures, the Club is out to rule the British Empire, and only Tessa and her allies can stop them...

After I first finished The Mortal Instruments I didn't think there'd be any way possible for any other books set in this world to touch that feeling that they left me with. I knew everyone would always say that The Infernal Devices is so much better, it's their favorite, etc. But I felt so strongly over the fact that this wouldn't be the case with me. I mean I was on such a Shadowhunter high after I got done with City of Heavenly Fire it just seemed impossible.

I'm not afraid to admit when I'm wrong. (That was me admitting it...)

First off, let me just say, the emotional turmoil that I suffered throughout this series, most especially through Clockwork Princess, was just unreal. I can honestly say that I have never cried so much over a book as I did with that one. Do you think I can get Cassandra Clare to foot the bill for therapy? No? 

I love how this series was not only set in a different country but also it's a step back in time. Getting to see some of the history of these strong Shadowhunter families and how they've been entwined together over a century. Connecting events or people or objects from both the past and the present. Seeing family heirlooms from where they originated and the deeper meanings behind them. I found myself, well, giddy for lack of a better word whenever connections were made.

While I was completely obsessed with all the characters from TMI series, the ones in TID were just that much more for me. And I'm not just talking about the holy trinity that is Tessa, Will and Jem. I mean all of them. The ones who made me hate them and absolutely insane with rage. The ones who made me love them and experience their highs and lows with them. 

Of course I had my one character who stood out from the rest and I know that most people are very much Team Will, Team Herondale but...now I loved Will I truly, truly did...but I fell irrevocably and completely in love with Jem. Sigh. It was instant and unstoppable. I honestly see the appeal everyone has for Will because I truly felt that either direction that Tessa's heart went, had it been Will or had it been Jem, I would never have been too upset about it. Okay maybe just a little. But I would've been at peace either way.

The whole sort of steampunk aspect to this book was just the coolest. I loved the mix of clockwork things in a historical London setting. Plus it made for some truly "how in the heck are they gonna get out of this?" types of situations. I was on the edge of my seat...a lot.

It was also interesting, yet completely horrifying, to see or at least understand better a little bit of the history between the Shadowhunter world and the downworlders. To really understand where this hate and mistrust comes from between the different groups of supernaturals and the nephilim. Some of the stories made me absolutely sick and then hate some of the old school Shadowhunter generation myself!

I am thoroughly obsessed with the Shadowhunter world and this series has brought my obsession to a whole new level. I know there may be some people who will disagree with me but I do not want Cassandra Clare to ever stop putting out books set in this world. I feel like I'll probably go through a major bout of depression when she's finally done for good. Though thankfully that seems like it's not going to be for a while yet.

I loved this jump back in history. I loved the steampunk influence. I loved all of the connections between both series. Most of all I loved this new bunch of characters. And finally...Jem is everything. Your arguments mean nothing. :)

REVIEW: Simon vs. The Homo Sapiens Agenda by Becky Albertalli

Title: Simon vs. The Homo Sapiens Agenda
Author: Becky Albertalli
Publisher: Blazer + Bray
Published: April 7th 2015
Format: Hardcover | Pages: 303
Genres: Young Adult, Contemporary, M/M Romance, LGBT
Source: Amazon

Becky Albertalli | Twitter | tumblr | Goodreads

Sixteen-year-old and not-so-openly gay Simon Spier prefers to save his drama for the school musical. But when an email falls into the wrong hands, his secret is at risk of being thrust into the spotlight. Now Simon is actually being blackmailed: if he doesn’t play wingman for class clown Martin, his sexual identity will become everyone’s business. Worse, the privacy of Blue, the pen name of the boy he’s been emailing, will be compromised.

With some messy dynamics emerging in his once tight-knit group of friends, and his email correspondence with Blue growing more flirtatious every day, Simon’s junior year has suddenly gotten all kinds of complicated. Now, change-averse Simon has to find a way to step out of his comfort zone before he’s pushed out—without alienating his friends, compromising himself, or fumbling a shot at happiness with the most confusing, adorable guy he’s never met.

After finishing Simon vs. The Homo Sapiens Agenda I felt like I had finally found my book. You know how we all have that book, or series, where even if we aren't much of a book pusher we wished we had like a million copies of this one book so that we could just hand them out to every person we come across and just be like, "you have to read this!" Plus I was already willing to proclaim this, in February mind you, that this will be my favorite contemporary of 2016. What can I say, when I fall in love with something I fall hard.

Simon was just a really fun character and I absolutely adored him. He had me feeling all sorts of things for him. I was either grinning at his quirkiness, getting angry in a stabby kind of way on his behalf, and he even made me cry a couple of times. I was impressed with how authentic that Simon's character felt. As a mama of a teenage boy I felt like he could've easily fit into his circle of friends and actually been real. Becky Albertalli did such a wonderful job with not just a teenage voice but a male teenage voice. I don't often feel like many authors pull this off in such a way that makes you really believe them. But I unequivocally say that in my opinion she's nailed it.

I often found myself giggling as I read this, not just because the story was pleasing me so much but also because I found myself in a constant argument in my head with Simon. Yeah, I don't normally have conversations in my head with characters, I'm not crazy haha! Anyway. His idea with who Blue actually was and who I thought he was were totally different. Oh by the way, Simon? I told you so... He was just so adorably clueless sometimes and it would crack me up. Although Becky did do a good job of having me doubt how sure I was about him. Sometimes I felt like maybe I was projecting who I desperately wanted it to be and I was going to be disappointed. Thankfully that wasn't the case!

Once again I've found a book with such an amazing cast of supporting characters. And the diversity of the characters just added to it's appeal. From his circle of friends and acquaintances to his family I found myself loving each and every one. Especially one of his best friends Abby. Like I legit want to put her in my pocket and carry her around everywhere she's that much fun. There was only one who I truly loathed which I guess you're really supposed to because through much of the book he's basically a prick. He would be the person who made me want to get stabby as I mentioned above.

I loved how gradual this relationship between Simon and Blue happens. It seems like when we first start it's just like this really strong friendship. They're kind of the only two people who can really understand each other. Plus the mystery of it all is fun. I mean, we know who Simon is but the guessing game of trying to figure out who is behind the screen name Blue. I also loved how there would be entire chapters just dedicated to their email exchanges. The friendly banter which evolves to tentative flirting. The struggles of wanting to just be open and honest and true with everyone but the fear of the "what ifs" of actually doing it. The angst was just enough. Not overwhelming but also not light enough to feel unnatural.

It's just that perfect amount of Young Adult romance. Sometimes I forget how much I miss them when I've gone through a huge binge of Adult or New Adult books. Sometimes it's nice to have everything sweet and light and have it leave you feeling just as much as if you were to read something more graphic. Ahh! So many warm and fuzzies right now.

I loved this book. I loved it! I want everyone in the world to read it so we can feel all the warm and fuzzies and talk about all the things. I wanted it to last forever and couldn't accept the fact that it was over when I read the last words. This is a book that I will, without a doubt, be reading again and again because it's one of those books that will guarantee my happiness and a huge smile. I loved it! (Just in case I hadn't stressed it enough at this point!)

REVIEW: Every Last Breath (The Dark Elements #3) by Jennifer L. Armentrout

Title: Every Last Breath
Series: The Dark Elements #3
Author: Jennifer L. Armentrout
Publisher: Harlequin Teen
Published: July 28th 2015
Format: Paperback | Pages: 378
Genres: Young Adult, Paranormal, Urban Fantasy, Romance
Source: Amazon

Jennifer L. Armentrout | Twitter | Facebook | Goodreads

Some loves will last ’til your dying breath

Every choice has consequences—but seventeen-year-old Layla faces tougher choices than most. Light or darkness. Wickedly sexy demon prince Roth, or Zayne, the gorgeous, protective Warden she never thought could be hers. Hardest of all, Layla has to decide which side of herself to trust.

Layla has a new problem, too. A Lilin—the deadliest of demons—has been unleashed, wreaking havoc on those around her…including her best friend. To keep Sam from a fate much, much worse than death, Layla must strike a deal with the enemy while saving her city—and her race—from destruction.

Torn between two worlds and two different boys, Layla has no certainties, least of all survival, especially when an old bargain comes back to haunt them all. But sometimes, when secrets are everywhere and the truth seems unknowable, you have to listen to your heart, pick a side—and then fight like hell…

I have to make a confession. I feel like I have committed a huge, bookish cardinal sin. Maybe I should explain the reason before I just blurt it out. See this book has been weighing on me. The whole Roth versus Zayne thing has had me more freaked out than normal to finish a series. I love a good love triangle but this one is so different because I was not putting my trust in the author to make a decision on how this would turn out, I was putting it in my peers. That's a tough pill to swallow! And if I'm being honest...had I known that before I ever read the first book...I might have never started this series in the first place which sucks to even think about. This whole thing is the reason that, even though I pre-ordered Every Last Breath and received it on release day, I waited until now to finally stop procrastinating and just finish the series.

I was only about 15-20 pages in but I just couldn't put my heart into it. It wasn't holding my attention. My brain just kept going Zayne? Roth? Zayne? Roth? Zayne? Roth? It just wouldn't stop! I needed to know so I could quiet my head and embrace this book fully. I knew deep down that either way it went, no matter what would happen with my ship I would be able to finish the book in peace if only I knew.

Sigh.

I stopped where I was...and read the last page before I went on.

I know! I feel so wrong saying it! Unclean. But you know what? It worked.

Okay. Enough of being silly. I really won't be able to say a whole lot about this book since it's the final book in a series so it's hard to come up with a lot to say that wouldn't be spoiler-ish in any way. Even though on the inside my heart is screaming all of the things that it wants me to talk about.

Once I finally got into it this book was really hard to put down. It's been a while since I finished the previous books so I was worried going in that I'd feel a bit lost without going back and rereading. But it didn't take long before I fell back into this world easily and everything came rushing back.

What I love about JLA's books is that she knows how to write a really strong and ass kicking heroine. Layla is no exception. I feel like this final book is where I loved her character the most. She had so much weighing on her throughout the entire book and I loved how even though she was scared on the inside, outwardly she rarely let that show and she had her head on straight when I feel like the average person would crack under everything that was on her shoulders and in her mind.

The other thing I love about her books is her boys. She writes the boys that you instantly fall for, the ones who even when they're being cocky as all hell make you want to smile and sigh and make you fall even harder. Roth and Zayne are both perfect examples. They both have such good qualities to them that deep down I knew that however it went I could've been happy. Though I did have my hopes set a wee bit higher on one side before going in. But that's all I'm going to say about that.

It's difficult to really try to think of anything else to say. I mean there's a million things I'd love to go on and on and on about but this review would end up way too long and...you people who haven't read this one yet would end up hating me for saying to much. So I'll just leave it at this.

This book, heck this whole series, had everything I've come to expect from Jennifer L. Armentrout. An ass kicking, badass heroine. Swoon worthy guys you'll lose your heart over. Hilarious banter and laugh out loud moments. It filled me up with so many different emotions. One minute I'd be laughing so hard and the next my heart's being ripped out of my chest. You really feel everything when you step into one of her worlds and I couldn't have asked for a better conclusion.

REVIEW: Just Listen by Sarah Dessen

Title: Just Listen
Author: Sarah Dessen
Publisher: Speak
Published: April 6th 2006
Format: Paperback | Pages: 371
Genres: Young Adult, Contemporary, Romance
Source: BookOutlet

Sarah Dessen | Twitter | Facebook | Goodreads

To find the truth, you've got to be willing to hear it.

When she's modeling, Annabel is the picture of perfection.

But her real life is far from perfect.

Fortunately, she's got Owen. He's intense, music-obsessed, and dedicated to always telling the truth.

And most of all, he's determined to make Annabel happy... 

I will admit that I was pretty intimidated and worried before starting Just Listen. I feel like if you're a huge reader and most especially a part of this community, and let's face it if you're here and reading this you obviously are since my blog isn't exactly a huge thing, then you know the name Sara Dessen. I mean, look at that cover up there. The book title is just kind of there small and tiny and the thing that really pops out at you is her name all big and bold. I could probably barely count on one hand the number of bad things that I've heard about any of her books and even then it would be a struggle to think of something.

So much hype but in my case it's all in the name. Until finishing this I couldn't have told you a single one of her book titles off the top of my head or what they were about except for the fact that she writes good contemporary romances and possibly they were YA or at least some of them were. That's a lot of pressure going in! I knew I always wanted to read one of her books though and so one day when I found a few of them on BookOutlet I thought why not?

Sticking with the whole honesty route, things were just kind of average in the beginning. I wasn't immediately feeling anything special. I was enjoying it but it was just a plain old contemporary for me. And if you asked me I couldn't put a finger on the moment when that changed for me. When something inside of me clicked, all I know is all of a sudden I just...got it.

I don't think I've ever identified more with a character or felt that deep connection with one as I did the more I go to know Annabel. Well, except for the fact that she's a model which I obviously wouldn't connect with and this one traumatic event she goes through. But that aside, the more I read the more I thought this was me in high school, eerily so. I had my own Sophie and I lost my own Clarke because of my Sophie. Which I realize how vague that sounds unless you've read it so I apologize. But besides that it's the way that she can't deal with confrontations or how most of the time she won't always say exactly what's on her mind to avoid the possibility of hurting someone or someone being angry with her. So many things. I only wish I would've had my own Owen to help me work through it all. Sigh. Annabel 1, Sheri 0.

I had assumed before starting this book that her books would just be light, fluffy fun. And while it had it's moments there was also a whole lot of heavy that I was not expecting. And the way she dealt with it all and the way that all of her characters grew and changed felt so extremely natural and real. 

I guess I should point out while talking about the heavy that there is a big trigger warning with this book in the form of attempted rape. And I hate putting it out there because it's less of a surprise but since that could be a trigger for some people I feel it's better to not go in and be surprised. Plus, honestly, it's not hard to guess the event will eventually come out. There's a sentence 24 pages in that completely gives it away in my opinion. If it's not something you couldn't figure out on your own based off that sentence, well then...I wish I lived in your happy bubble of a world where that type of thing wouldn't cross my mind. I'm not being snarky I do truly wish rape wouldn't be a thing my mind would jump to.

Just Listen took me completely by surprise. I went in expecting an average light hearted contemporary young adult book. What I got was a story full of heart and complex characters. A story that delved into both family dynamics and those between friends. It touched on a form of mental health and other traumatic situations and dealt with them respectfully and in my opinion accurately. It's relatable and real. I loved it.

Was the hype warranted? Well I've only read one book right now so I guess I'll just say that so far I'm impressed and I'm more excited to give the other 2 books of hers I own a shot!

SERIES REVIEW: The Mortal Instruments by Cassandra Clare

Series: The Mortal Instruments
Books in Series: City of Bones, City of Ashes, City of Glass, City of Fallen Angels, City of Lost Souls, City of Heavenly Fire
Author: Cassandra Clare
Genres: Young Adult, Fantasy, Urban Fantasy, Paranormal, Romance
Source: Amazon & BookOutlet

★★★★★ (5/5) Stars!!!

Cassandra Clare | Twitter | Facebook | Goodreads

City of Bones Summary:

When fifteen-year-old Clary Fray heads out to the Pandemonium Club in New York City, she hardly expects to witness a murder― much less a murder committed by three teenagers covered with strange tattoos and brandishing bizarre weapons. Then the body disappears into thin air. It's hard to call the police when the murderers are invisible to everyone else and when there is nothing―not even a smear of blood―to show that a boy has died. Or was he a boy?

This is Clary's first meeting with the Shadowhunters, warriors dedicated to ridding the earth of demons. It's also her first encounter with Jace, a Shadowhunter who looks a little like an angel and acts a lot like a jerk. Within twenty-four hours Clary is pulled into Jace's world with a vengeance, when her mother disappears and Clary herself is attacked by a demon. But why would demons be interested in ordinary mundanes like Clary and her mother? And how did Clary suddenly get the Sight? The Shadowhunters would like to know... 

Exotic and gritty, exhilarating and utterly gripping, Cassandra Clare's ferociously entertaining fantasy takes readers on a wild ride that they will never want to end.

I'm not even sure where to begin with reviewing this series. The Mortal Instruments quickly became my all time favorite series this January when I finally sat down and binged the entire thing. The world building, the characters (both those loved and hated), the storyline, the danger, the intensity, the keep you on the edge of your seat situations, just everything. It was all just so perfect. I feel like this is definitely one of those series where people are generally very firmly in one camp or the other. They're either completely in love with it, or can't stand it. As you can tell, I'm obviously in the former. I've given each book a 5 star rating and I can guarantee that it'll be a series I reread hopefully often.

I am usually, more so than the world or storyline, hugely drawn in by characters. Characters can really make or break a book for me. You can write the most beautiful story, the story to beat all other stories, but if I don't like your characters, there are no words in the world that will make up that difference or make me like your book. This series has that perfect blend of characters that I loved or that I loved how much Cassandra Clare made me hate them. Hating a character isn't always a negative thing. Especially in this case.

Does that mean I liked every single character from the very beginning? No. In fact the first time I read City of Bones way back in 2012 and once again this past month I found Simon, Isabelle and Alec all to be absolutely annoying. I know! I'm sorry! Don't hate on me! But I did and now I look at my past self and wonder what on earth I was thinking. That's the thing though, it just goes to show the incredible growth and changes, the evolution of all of these characters from the series start to the series end.

(If I had to pick a favorite character from the series? Easy. Magnus Bane. With Jace and Alec nipping closely at his heels.)

What I really loved was how on edge this series kept me. Every time I would stop and think that things couldn't possibly get any worse Cassandra Clare would show me just exactly how wrong I was. These books constantly kept me guessing or second guessing the story. Any time a new character would make an appearance I was filled with dread because sometimes the evilest of intentions would hide behind a charming smile. But I loved that. I loved that my feelings were in a constant state of chaos that had me doubting my first, second and even third impressions of people.

I loved how even though the romances, yes that is plural, were huge parts of the story they were done so that it didn't overshadow everything else that was going on. On that same note what I also loved was how there was this incredibly intensity to the way all these characters felt towards one another and how so often love was used as a weapon against them, whether it was a romantic love of more of a familial love. It made for some very messed up situations and times when I had to wonder how on earth can everything turn out okay in the end and still allow me to have everyone I love still alive. How is that even going to be possible?

I really feel like I should probably stop here and just leave this review as is. I mean there are like a bunch of little things that I'd love to gush and talk about but sometimes even the smallest of things would or could spoil something for someone so I'm not exactly sure where to go from here. I'm obsessed with the Shadowhunter world and I'm ready to read every spin-off/prequel/what have you both that's already out there in the world now or to come in the future.

Yep. I'm a total fangirl and I'm not ashamed to admit it. And now I'm off to keep myself immersed in Shadowhunter land and start on The Infernal Devices! Eeep!

REVIEW: Sleeping with the Boss (Anderson Brothers #1) by Marissa Clarke

Title: Sleeping with the Boss
Series: Anderson Brothers #1
Author: Marissa Clarke
Publisher: Entangled Lovestruck
Published: August 11th 2014
Format: eBook | Pages: 250
Genres: Adult, Contemporary, Romance
Source: Amazon
★★★★★ (5/5) Stars!!

Marissa Clarke | Twitter | Facebook | Goodreads

A satisfying category romance from Entangled’s brand new Lovestruck imprint…

Seducing the enemy has never been so tempting…

For the last five years, bookish Claire Williams has been living for the dying. Now that her stint as caretaker is over, she’s off to see the world. She needs quick cash first, so a temp job at Anderson Auctions seems perfect, especially with the unexpected benefits, including the hottest man she’s ever laid eyes—or hands—on. 

Former Marine William Anderson has been burned one time too many. His military training makes him the perfect man to flush out the spy undercutting his family business, but no amount of training can prepare him for the kind of undercover work he’ll have to do when the sexy new temp is implicated. Desire lands them in bed…but duty may cost him his heart.

So I'd been sitting here in a bit of a Anderson Brother's withdrawal of sorts after finishing the final book in the series, Chance of a Lifetime, the other week. I was both bummed because it was over and also beyond delighted that Marissa Clarke ended the series with such a bang. Yet I still wanted more. So as I was, quite literally, swiping through the titles on my Kindle rather quickly and with a rather ho-hum state of mind, all of a sudden Sleeping with the Boss jumped out at me! It was quite a forehead smacking moment because all I could think was "you complete dolt, you bought that months ago and never read it!" Of course then I had a moment where I did a little jig in my chair because...I HAD ONE MORE MOMENT WITH THE ANDERSON BOYS!

Sigh.

I always seem to fall hardest for books or series where you have a family or a group of friends that have really fun dynamics, and this series definitely falls into that category. I feel like not every author can quite do a good enough job separating the personalities in their characters and making them unique from each other. One of the things that makes these Anderson boys so lovable is how different they are from one another. Michael, book two, is the oldest. He's all business, suit and tie, very rigid, schedule everything and everything is precisely in it's place and neat and orderly. Then you have William, this book, in the middle. Will is more of the laid back type. He is serious and analytical in a sense, but also very playful and charming. He's really good with people and knows how to read them. He's a good problem solver which makes him perfect for his security gig. Then there's Chance, book three, the baby. He's definitely the wild one out of the bunch. He's the thrill seeker type, real adrenaline junkie, but he's also incredibly sweet and kind of perfect.

The three of them could not be more different from one another and yet they have this beautiful bond and are really good at leveling each other out. It's beyond hilarious watching them push each other's buttons and tease and get on each other's cases in a loving and good natured sort of way. But they also look out for one another and have each other's backs and have this amazing blind faith in each other's word. They're a very heartwarming bunch.

And the women they all lose their hearts too are just as great as the guys are! I freaking adored Claire to pieces! She's one of those characters where, if there's the slightest possibility that something could go wrong, when Claire is involved it most definitely will go wrong! That girl had me cracking up so much with all the bumbles and moments that probably would've had me horrified and locking myself in my room for the rest of my life with embarrassment if they were to happen to me. But Claire is just kinda shrugs it off and rolls with the punches. She was such an interesting and extremely fun character.

I will say that even though I did have the whole company spy thing figured out instantly, it didn't take away a single bit of enjoyment in the slightest. I still really enjoyed the storyline.

Oh swooniest of swoons, the romance! Will and Claire have this instant heat that was just so delicious. They easily fall into adorable bouts of banter that would leave me grinning ear to ear...and also in desperate need of some cooling off! They were the perfect blend of steamy and sweet.

The bottom line is, if you love funny, witty and sweet contemporary romances filled with the types off characters you wish you could pull out of the book and hang out with in real life, you absolutely need to give this series a try. Each one you read ends up being better than the last. They're quick and easy reads that were impossible for me to put down! I'm looking forward to see what Marissa Clarke has coming in the future because this series has added her to my list of authors I will buy and read anything from!