Book Review: Tiger's Voyage by Colleen Houck

Book: Tiger’s Voyage (Book 3 Tiger’s Curse)
Author: Colleen Houck
Publisher: Splinter (Sterling)
Genre: Young Adult/Adventure/Romance 

ARC from Publisher
Rating:  ♥♥♥♥

“In the third installment of the Tiger series, Kelsey Hayes pushes through the pain of lost love and strengthens her friendship with Kishan. Despite his strong feelings for her, Kishan has agreed to be her ally in helping her reunite with the man she still loves. Together, they seek to help Ren regain his memory and begin the search for the third magical gift—an object of power that will help break the curse that causes them to live part of their lives as tigers. 

They board a luxury yacht and seek Durga's aid once again, who supplies them with her golden weapons. With Nilima, Mr. Kadam, Ren, and Kishan at her side, she soon learns that the task ahead will be even more difficult than the others. Confronting a dark magician, multiple dragons, and terrifying denizens of the deep seems easy when compared to facing the daunting task of stitching up her heart. Just when she thinks she's ready to set her feet on a new path, she is yanked back with a jolt to the one she's determined to leave behind. 

The jarring tug-of-war that ensues for Kelsey's heart leaves her anxious and confused. Combined with the stress of almost being killed every other day, it would appear that saving the tigers is almost more than she can handle. Still, she presses on, knowing that a choice is looming on the horizon. One she cannot put off making for long. 

Tiger's Voyage is an irresistible romance with a barrage of action on the high seas, where a reader will find a treasure chest full of dragons, sea monsters, knights in shining armor, fabled weapons, and enduring love. The tropic waters of India create the backdrop for the latest installment in the tiger series. This novel, a multicultural take on the classic Beauty and the Beast tale, delves into the complex emotional turmoil and pressure associated with not only making the best choice for a nation but also the best choice for yourself.” {Goodreads}

I absolutely loved Tiger’s Curse and Tiger’s Quest, but Tiger’s Voyage really had me on the fence of my emotions. This love triangle between Kelsey and her two dashing tigers is starting to wear thin on my patience. Don’t get me wrong, I thoroughly enjoyed the most recent adventure (dragons, awesome), but something needs to give. Both Ren and Kishan are fine matches for our leading lady… pick one already. After reading this I have made my prediction on who she will spend her happily ever after with. In Tiger’s Voyage, we journey with the Tiger Crew on the next installment of breaking the Tiger’s Curse.  The folklore presented in this book is beautifully retold. I think this was part of the reason I enjoyed this book so much, especially considering your heart is breaking with this love triangle and I needed something else to focus on.

I am eagerly awaiting the last two books in this series and hope Kelsey gets this torture over with and chooses Ren so Kishan can move on and find another lady to love.

I give this 4 stars merely because this love triangle is getting ridiculous. Other than that, another epic adventure from Ms. Colleen Houck.

♥♥♥♥

Book Review: Dangerously Placed

Book: Dangerously Placed
Author: Nansi Kunze
Publisher: Random House Australia
Genre: Young Adult/Thriller/Mystery
Rating:  ♥♥♥♥

Dangerously Placed is fast paced and thrilling adventure in the world of virtual reality. Meet Alex, a virtual reality savvy chick who is determined and motivated to do well at her new internship at a prestigious Simulcorp.

Dangerously Placed features a young girl who ends up being the prime suspect in the murder of her boss. Of course, Alex, will not take this sitting down. She and her friends are determined to unravel the mysteries of Simulcorp and discover who is behind the murder. This book has solid writing and a cast of fabulously unique characters. I definitely was left guessing at some of the plot twist and turns. If you enjoy thrillers, engaging characters and swoon worthy boys, you will not be disappointed in Dangerously Placed.  

Review: Bloodlines by Richelle Mead

Bloodlines (Bloodlines 1)
Author: Richelle Mead
Format: Hardback (purchased Amazon)
Pages: 421
Publisher: Razorbill
Release Date: August 23, 2011
Genre: YA/Paranormal, Romance, Adventure
Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥


The first book in Richelle Mead's brand-new teen fiction series - set in the same world as Vampire Academy.

When alchemist Sydney is ordered into hiding to protect the life of Moroi princess Jill Dragomir, the last place she expects to be sent is a human private school in Palm Springs, California. But at their new school, the drama is only just beginning.

Populated with new faces as well as familiar ones, Bloodlines explores all the friendship, romance, battles and betrayals that made the #1 New York Times bestselling Vampire Academy series so addictive - this time in a part-vampire, part-human setting where the stakes are even higher and everyone's out for blood. {Goodreads}

Like many of you, I was worried that the Richelle Mead’s spin off series, Bloodlines wasn’t going to be able to capture my heart and soul like her mesmerizing series, Vampire Academy.  If for some unfortunate reason you are unfamiliar with her Vampire Academy series or have not yet read it, SHAME ON YOU. J And you must not get out much because this author is everywhere.

First off I have to say how much I enjoyed reading this story from the POV of Sydney. She is a fire cracker but instead of rushing into things without fully thinking it through (like another strong female we know), Sydney plots and bides her time until all her ducks are in a row and the she kicks some major ass.

We start off with a mission, a very top secret and undercover job that is offered to Sydney against the wishes of her father (jack ass) and her superior on the case. Sydney has been assigned the hush, hush case of rooming and protecting the Dragomir Princess, Jill aka Jailbait. The setting is the most unlikely location for a vampire… Palm Springs, CA. Here the girls and Eddie enroll in a normal prep. School… or is it? Soon everyone find themselves caught up some big bad and it’s up to Sydney to sort it all out and save her friends.

Bloodlines, is a fast paced (but not rushed) story of unlikely friendships and of ourse some major butt kicking. When I finished it I thought, “ok, that was good”, next morning I found myself still pondering the book and decided that it was truly awesome. Richelle Mead whips up such a tale of romance, adventure and friendship. I give this book 5 stars and would recommend it to anyone who enjoys YA and adventure romance.

Early Review: Iron Knight by Julie Kagawa

Iron Knight (Book 4 in Iron Fey Series)
Author: Julie Kagawa
Format: NetGalley
Pages: 386
Publisher: Harlequin
Publisher Date: October 25, 2011
Genre: YA/Paranormal, Adventure, Romance
Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥

I was thrilled when I heard there was going to be a fourth book in the Iron Fey Series. I was even more thrilled when it was disclosed the final book would  show case the POV from the ever swoon-worthy ex-Prince of the Winter Court, Ash.

In Julie Kagawa’s fourth and final installment of the Iron Fey series we embark on a treacherous journey to the edges of the Neverever, to the banks and wilds of The River of Dreams and the end of it all at the very edge of the world, where the Testing Grounds lay.

This story isn’t just a physical test of strength and endurance. This is the ultimate test of character, trust and pain.  Iron Queen ended with Meghan becoming the Queen of the Iron Realm where are handsome Ash is unable to venture. Ash is determined to see his vow to always be there for Meghan to the limit, he is going to get a soul or die trying. Along with the ever determined and zesty Puck, Ash and he set out to find Grimalkin and along the way they pick up two very unsuspecting characters from Ash’s past that most definitely put things on edge for everyone involved in this adventure.

This journey really opens up Ash is a harsh and brutal manner.  We delve into his past transgressions and his past love. If you thought you saw a different side of Ash is Iron Queen, be prepared. The story of Ash is one of love, heart-ache and some incredibly tough choices. 

For those Team Puck fans out there, he really plays a pivotal role in this journey.  Not only is he the comic relief, we really get to see the more serious side of Puck. We witness some very tender and crucial moments between Ash and Puck. I wish Puck would get his own story to find true love. I think Julie did an awesome job of opening and expanding on these two charming and dynamic characters.

We can’t forget Grimalkin.  He of course pops in and out like magic either when things start to get dangerous or when someone needs to learn a lesson, lol. Julie also introduces two other companions into this mix. I can’t really go into really into any detail because it would ruin the surprises, but these two characters add much to the story.

The Iron Knight was a truly inspired and daring story of love and forgiveness. Julie really out did herself with the final book. I am sad that it is over but all I can say is, I do love happily ever afters and Julie didn’t disappoint.

Thank you Harlequin and Net Galley for allowing me to read and review this book early. Now I can’t wait for its release date because I have to own it otherwise my series will be lacking my favorite story of the bunch.

Book Review: The Girl in the Steel Corset by Kady Cross

Hardcover: The Girl in the Steel Corset
Author: Kady Cross

Pages: 480
Publisher: Harlequin

Release Date: May 24, 2011
Genre: Young Adult/Steampunk
Rating:  ♥♥♥♥♥

In 1897 England, sixteen-year-old Finley Jayne has no one except the "thing" inside her. 

When a young lord tries to take advantage of Finley, she fights back. And wins. But no normal Victorian girl has a darker side that makes her capable of knocking out a full-grown man with one punch... 

Only Griffin King sees the magical darkness inside her that says she's special, says she's one of them. The orphaned duke takes her in from the gaslit streets against the wishes of his band of misfits. Emily, who has her own special abilities and an unrequited love for Sam, who is part robot; and Jasper, an American cowboy with a shadowy secret. 

Griffin's investigating a criminal called The Machinist, the mastermind behind several recent crimes by automatons. Finley thinks she can help-and finally be a part of something, finally fit in. 

But The Machinist wants to tear Griff's little company of strays apart, and it isn't long before trust is tested on all sides. At least Finley knows whose side she's on, even if it seems no one believes her. {goodreads}

This book has it all. Steampunk. Check. Victorian Set England. Check. Crafty storyline. Check. Handsome Hero. Check. Bad ass Heroine. Check. And a cast of great supporting detail. Check

I think I read this in two days. Lol. So awesome. Finley Jane is one torn girl. She knows that as long as she doesn’t get provoked or scared her “other half” will stay in check. Unfortunately, for Finely. She is attacked but in her attempt to flee she intercepted by the most unlikely but fortunate man, Griffin King.  He takes in Finley and immediately realizes there is more to this pint-sized beauty than meets his lovely eyes.

Kady Cross really created a steam-riffic, lol, world with this book. I am looking forward to book two, The Girl in the Clockwork Collar.

♥♥♥♥

Book Review: Beauty Queens by Libba Bray

Paperback: Beauty Queens
Author: Libba Bray

Pages: 400
Publisher: Scholastic Press

Release Date: May 24, 2011
Genre: Young Adult/Contemporary, Comedy
Rating:  ♥♥♥♥♥

The fifty contestants in the Miss Teen Dream pageant thought this was going to be a fun trip to the beach, where they could parade in their state-appropriate costumes and compete in front of the cameras. But sadly, their airplane had another idea crashing on a desert island and leaving the survivors stranded with little food, little water, and practically no eyeliner. 

What's a beauty queen to do? Continue to practice for the talent portion of the program--or wrestle snakes to the ground? Get a perfect tan--or learn to run wild? And what should happen when the sexy pirates show up? 

Welcome to the heart of non-exfoliated darkness. Your tour guide? None other than Libba Bray, the hilarious, sensational, Printz Award-winning author of A Great and Terrible Beauty and Going Bovine. The result is a novel that will make you laugh, make you think, and make you never see beauty the same way again. {Goodreads}

Libba Bray. You. Crack.Me. Up. Simple. J Beauty Queens had it all. Flaming batons, sequin accessories to hormonal pills. Yep. I would actually enjoy if this were made into a movie or heck, even a mini-series on HBO, lol.

Just imagine being stranded on a freaky, Lost-like island without any adults and only your friendly completion in the Miss Teen Beauty Pageant. You better believe that cha0s does ensue. I really appreciate the spotlight each girl revived I this book. We really do get to see the other side of the mirror of these girls who at first glance are shallow and very predictable. 

I want to say that everyone got what they needed out of this book. Acceptance, love, friendship and definitely a sense of worth. It was beautiful. I recommend this book YA and adults alike. I think it’s always a good reminder that we work better as a team than individually when we are trying to survive and that everyone needs friends. Very funny.

♥♥♥♥

Book Review: Demonglass by Rachel Hawkins

Hard Back: Demonglass
Author: Rachel Hawkins

Pages: 368
Publisher: Hyperion Book CH

Release Date: March 1, 2011
Genre: Young Adult/Paranormal Romance
Rating:  ♥♥♥♥♥

Sophie Mercer thought she was a witch. 

That was the whole reason she was sent to Hex Hall, a reform school for delinquent Prodigium (aka witches, shapeshifters, and fairies). But that was before she discovered the family secret, and that her hot crush, Archer Cross, is an agent for The Eye, a group bent on wiping Prodigium off the face of the earth. 

Turns out, Sophie’s a demon, one of only two in the world—the other being her father. What’s worse, she has powers that threaten the lives of everyone she loves. Which is precisely why Sophie decides she must go to London for the Removal, a dangerous procedure that will destroy her powers. 

But once Sophie arrives she makes a shocking discovery. Her new friends? They’re demons too. Meaning someone is raising them in secret with creepy plans to use their powers, and probably not for good. Meanwhile, The Eye is set on hunting Sophie down, and they’re using Archer to do it. But it’s not like she has feelings for him anymore. Does she? {Goodreads}

Oh Rachel Hawkins you sure know how to keep my heart racing. How could you just end this book in the manner that you did? You are starting down the path of another fave YA author of mine with your cliff hangers, ahem, Cassandra Clare. You are breaking my heart. Lol. Okay, let’s get to it.

FANCYTASTIC… Oh man. First off, one complaint. Not enough Archer. Other than that, no real complaints. We pick up in Demonglass with a nice little focus on the lovely and mysterious warlock, Cal. Yum. I really enjoy that Rachel just doesn’t hold back and you are thrown a few curve balls in the early chapters of the book.  We know that Sophie is determined to get over to London to go through the removal process, that should probably be capitalized. Oh well. Jenna is allowed to spend the summer with her, including … yep you guessed  correctly, the studly Cal is present on this trip as well. When the four arrive at their destination Sophie realizes there is some major shiz going down. She is introduced to two other demon children. My first instinct was Addams Family, Wednesday Addams more appropriately. To make matters worth, Archer is supposedly is being cited in London and did I mention we have one super charged love triangle. Is anyone else torn between Cal and Archer? I know I am. To sum up this book it was action packed and I just can’t get enough of Sophie’s sense of humor. Spell Bound is sure to be a HUGE success. I cannot wait to see where this story is going to go. Thank you Rachel for writing this one of a kind series.

♥♥♥♥♥