LOTHAIRE by Kresley Cole {Book Review}

Publisher: Gallery Books (Imprint of Simon and Schuster)
Publication Date: January 10, 2012
Format: Hardback, 468pp
Age Range: Adult
Series: Immortals after Dark Series, #12
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Source: Bought from Premiere Collectibles.
Buy: Barnes and Noble | Amazon

ALL FEAR THE ENEMY OF OLD

Driven by his insatiable need for revenge, Lothaire, the Lore’s most ruthless vampire, plots to seize the Horde’s crown. But bloodlust and torture have left him on the brink of madness— until he finds Elizabeth Peirce, the key to his victory. He captures the unique young mortal, intending to offer up her very soul in exchange for power, yet Elizabeth soothes his tormented mind and awakens within him emotions Lothaire believed he could no longer experience.

A DEADLY FORCE DWELLS WITHIN HER

Growing up in desperate poverty, Ellie Peirce yearned for a better life, never imagining she’d be convicted of murder—or that an evil immortal would abduct her from death row. But Lothaire is no savior, as he himself plans to sacrifice Ellie in one month’s time. And yet the vampire seems to ache for her touch, showering her with wealth and sexual pleasure. In a bid to save her soul, Ellie surrenders her body to the wicked vampire, while vowing to protect her heart.

CENTURIES OF COLD INDIFFERENCE SHATTERED

Elizabeth tempts Lothaire beyond reason, as only his fated mate could. As the month draws to a close, he must choose between a millenniaold blood vendetta and his irresistible prisoner. Will Lothaire succumb to the miseries of his past . . . or risk everything for a future with her?

Lothaire, the book itself, was good. Not great. Not amazing. Just good. I feel like I'm betraying the series for saying that. Because I just thought this was going to be the best out of the whole IAD collection. The up-roar for this novel was tremendous in my opinion. I just knew it was going to be the badassery of the whole series. I mean...it was Lothaire. I think anyone who's read a KC IAD book, knows that it was a HUGE shocker for him to be the main hero. The book itself screams and stands out more than the rest of the IAD books. Because it's suppose to be awesome and kick-ass.

I was sort of disappointed with this one, and I was soooo revved up for this novel to come out. I had ordered the signed and numbered edition back in November. Yeah. I actually think this book wasn't worth the almost thirty dollars it cost me. But I'm not going to rip this book a new asshole, because I did actually like the book.

The reason being said, I felt like it dragged a lot in some places. Sometimes it would be like...nothing happened. Then bam! Lothaire traces everywhere and shit happens all at once. It's kinda hard to keep track for me.

Although, I do like the history in the prologue. That was hella unique and exciting to see part Lothaire's childhood. Because he's such a secluded character. And you know...vicious. Among other things... But he was hard to love. I thought I'd be going head-over-heels for him in this one. I just...couldn't. I guess it was because he's so superior and selfish. He decides a lot of shit for his own benefit with Ellie. I mean... Some of the threats were just funny and ridiculous. But then it was like...really? You're going to act like this now? But in the end of the book, I liked him a bit better. But not love, though. Ellie was definitely a cute girl. I can relate to her because of where we're both from: the South. ;P She's from Virginia and I'm from North Carolina. I think we'd get along pretty well. It funny to bring to complete opposites together for a love story.

And trust me. Lothaire and Ellie are totally and completely different. So different, I had started to wonder in a few parts how things were going to work out. If they'd work out. But that's just how Kresley is with her books. :3

It also ended quite different than most of Kresley's novels. This one sort of ended off like it was it's own, totally different series. Like there could be a Lothaire: Part 2 or something. If that were the case, then hell yeah. As Ellie would say, brangit. Maybe I'd like Lothaire even more. I want to so bad. <3333

But, this books was definitely good. I feel like I want to give it a lower rating, *dodges daggers*, because I just feel disappointed enough. But I don't because I actually did like it, deep down lol. And I love her IAD series...lots. Plus because of the sexy scenes. xD

Rating

In My Mailbox (#9)

I know I'm just scattering IMMs everywhere. But this one I just couldn't wait to put on the net. :3

I got two very special books in the last few days. 

When Copper Suns Fall by KaSonndra Leigh

Lothaire by Kresley Cole

Lothaire is signed and first collector's edition! And it's numbered. ;) (Mine is number 308, omfg.)

(Been waiting on this book for FOREVER.)

I was especially excited to get WCSF, because I had been talking to the author over Goodreads and Twitter mostly. She had given me an e-ARC a couple months ago, and I just couldn't pass that up. So--trying not to brag here--since I'm one of her first reviewers, she gave me a paperback copy! :D KL is such a sweet lady, I couldn't have asked for it to get an better. But it did, she signed it. And put my name in the dedication. (You bet I squealed loud enough for my dad to yell at me. ;P)

Here's the sentence from a page-long dedication: "To Sylvia, Whitney, and Adriana, my first official reviewers, for validating the last six years i spent on this story by giving me such heartfelt reviews."

So this IMM was special to me in one way or the other. <3 (I think you can still order a copy of Lothaire that's signed, first collector's edition, numbered, and comes in a leather box. I didn't get the leather box, obviously. Wish I had've. :/ Go to premierecollectables.com)

"In My Mailbox" is a weekly meme hosted by Jill, at her blog The Story Siren. :)

THE FAERIE RING by Kiki Hamilton {Book Review}

Rating: ★★★★★
Publisher: Doherty, Tom Associates, LLC
Publication Date: September 27, 2011
Format: Hardback, 352pp
Age Range: 13 - 18 Years
Series: The Faerie Ring series, #1
Genre: Fantasy
Source: Bought at B&N
Buy: Barnes and Noble | Amazon

Debut novelist Kiki Hamilton takes readers from the gritty slums and glittering ballrooms of Victorian London to the beguiling but menacing Otherworld of the Fey in this spellbinding tale of romance, suspense, and danger.

The year is 1871, and Tiki has been making a home for herself and her family of orphans in a deserted hideaway adjoining Charing Cross Station in central London. Their only means of survival is by picking pockets. One December night, Tiki steals a ring, and sets off a chain of events that could lead to all-out war with the Fey. For the ring belongs to Queen Victoria, and it binds the rulers of England and the realm of Faerie to peace. With the ring missing, a rebel group of faeries hopes to break the treaty with dark magic and blood—Tiki’s blood.

Unbeknownst to Tiki, she is being watched—and protected—by Rieker, a fellow thief who suspects she is involved in the disappearance of the ring. Rieker has secrets of his own, and Tiki is not all that she appears to be. Her very existence haunts Prince Leopold, the Queen’s son, who is driven to know more about the mysterious mark that encircles her wrist.

Prince, pauper, and thief—all must work together to secure the treaty…

How I love books set back in the good ole days. ;) When I say "good ole days", I really mean the days where you can tell someone you've seen a faerie and not get put in a mental ward. At least, in books.... :D

*Awkward cough*

The thing about this book, is it's set back in the 1800's. You don't find many faerie books like that, unless it's in the medieval times. Hardly even that. But still, it's a great twist on the world of the Fey. Totally something I would read again. (If you've noticed, since The Iron Fey series, I've grown onto faerie books overtime. x3)

There's not much romance in this, but when there is, you can totally feel the tension. I was like, OH MY GOD. KISS ALREADY. JEEZ. DO SOMETHING. I like that about books, because it keeps me reading. :)

For the characters, I loved Reiker/William. Who wouldn't? He's just...unf in the Victorian era. But I actually thought that Tiki would like--or fall in love with--Prince Leo. From the inside flap of the hardback, I thought there'd be a love-triangle of the sort. But I think in the second book, there might be something in there between them. ;) The way The Faerie Ring ended, how Leo acted, I think so. WHO DOESN'T LOVE A LOVE TRIANGLE?!?! :D To dwindle it down; I absolutely adored Toots. I felt sorry for Shamus. I thought Fiona was cute as hell. Clara; I just want to squeeze the shit out of her if she weren't already sick. D: I was okay with Leo, but he can be someone pushy and too determined. And for some odd reason, I liked Larkin. Don't ask why, because I don't know either. o.O

I do hope we get to see more of the Otherworld in the next books. It seems like that one scene just wasn't enough. Hell, they didn't even go anywhere in the Otherworld...except for that one pop up and that's it. D: I so wanted Marcus to snatch them and take them for Donegal or something.

In a nutshell, this was a fantastic book! Definitely going to read the next one!

View all my reviews

ANGELFALL by Susan Ee {Book Review}

Rating: ★★★★★
Publisher: Feral Dream
Publication Date: June 14, 2011
Format: eBook
Age Range: Recommended for ages 16 and up.
Series: Penryn & the End of Days Series, #1
Source: Bought at Barnes and Noble.
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Buy: Barnes and Noble | Amazon

It's been six weeks since angels of the apocalypse descended to demolish the modern world. Street gangs rule the day while fear and superstition rule the night. When warrior angels fly away with a helpless little girl, her seventeen-year-old sister Penryn will do anything to get her back.

Anything, including making a deal with an enemy angel.

Raffe is a warrior who lies broken and wingless on the street. After eons of fighting his own battles, he finds himself being rescued from a desperate situation by a half-starved teenage girl.

Traveling through a dark and twisted Northern California, they have only each other to rely on for survival. Together, they journey toward the angels' stronghold in San Francisco where she'll risk everything to rescue her sister and he'll put himself at the mercy of his greatest enemies for the chance to be made whole again.

Oh my God. This book. Asdfghjkl; BEST BOOK I'VE READ SO FAR...IN 2012.



So much badassness in one book. So much emotion. So much...everythinggggg.

This book was totally and completely incredible. By far, the best book I've read in a long while. This story isn't for the faint at heart. BUT IS SO GOOD. UGH.

Oh, how I wish the second book was already out. GOOD GOD. Thank you Fauzy for making me read this. xD

I wish, now, that I had read this is 2011, so I could call it one of my top three best books of 2011. But, oh well. Maybe it'll be the top five in 2012. :D

The thing that I loved the most about this, is that Raffe--the main hero--doesn't show any emotion towards Penryn...basically at all. Until at the end. But I don't want to give too much away. ;) This book isn't like other angel books. It's got a dystopian twist, which I love. Penryn is an okay character, she's not like most heroines--weak. She does stand up for herself, and she fights for the ones she loves. This book proved that much.

I haven't read a book like this in a LONG-ASS time. It feels good to start off the new year with a kick-ass story. :) I highly recommend anyone ages sixteen and up to read this. (Like I said, it isn't for the faint of heart.)

If this comes out in paperback or hardback, damn skippy I'm getting it. C:

View all my reviews

BLOODROSE by Andrea Cremer {Book Review}

Rating:★★★
Publisher: Penguin Group (USA)
Publication Date: January 3, 2012
Format: Hardback, 416pp
Age Range: 14 - 17 Years
Series: Nightshade Series, #3
Source: Bought at Barnes and Noble.
Genre: Urban Fantasy, Young Adult
Buy: Barnes and Noble | Amazon

The third and final installment of the international bestselling Nightshade trilogy!

Calla has always welcomed war. But now that the final battle is upon her, there's more at stake than fighting. There's saving Ren, even if it incurs Shay's wrath. There's keeping Ansel safe, even if he's been branded a traitor. There's proving herself as the pack's alpha, facing unnamable horrors, and ridding the world of the Keepers' magic once and for all. And then there's deciding what to do when the war ends. If Calla makes it out alive, that is. In this remarkable final installment of the Nightshade trilogy, international bestselling author Andrea Cremer crafts a dynamic novel with twists and turns that will keep you breathless until its final pages.

Are. You. Fucking. Kidding. Me.

That ending. The last few chapters. Oh my God. My heart. It's broken. Ren. Oh, my poor Ren. I can't even.






I cannot believe that happened. How could an author be THAT cruel. I seriously can't fathom how brokenhearted I am. When I read that part, I couldn't stop crying. Holy shit. Thanks for breaking my heart and stomping on the pieces, Cremer. No really, thank you. See what you do to me? I can't even write a decent review.



Just...let me go wallow in my tears...in a ditch. I was not expecting this book to be this cruelly disappointing. Ugh.

I apologize for this crappy review. But...I just don't really see the point in it now.

View all my reviews

In My Mailbox (#8)

"In My Mailbox" is a weekly meme hosted by Jill, at her blog The Story Siren. :)

Tempest by Julie Cross

Angel Fire by L.A. Weatherly

I didn't get much at all this week. But I did get two books that I've been waiting on! :3 And I'm actually surprised that Walmart had these two, specially Angel Fire. That was a pleasant surprise!

Waiting On Wednesday (#8)

"Waiting On Wednesday" is a weekly meme hosted by Jill over at Breaking The Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.

My pick for this week is Last Rite by Lisa Desrochers

Release Date: May 8, 2012

Publisher: Doherty, Tom Associates, LLC
Series: Personal Demons, #3

Age Group: 13 - 17 years

Format: Paperback, 368pp

Buy: Barnes and Noble | Amazon

In this final installment of the thrilling, edgy Personal Demons series, the battle between Heaven and Hell has become critical, and Frannie Cavanaugh is right at the center of it.

With the help of the powerful angel Gabe and demon-turned-mortal Luc, Frannie has been able to stay one step ahead of the forces of Hell. But when the demons killed Frannie's best friend and destroyed her brother, they raised the stakes. If Frannie wants to keep her family and friends safe, she knows she has no choice but to go on the run.

Their best defense is the power Frannie has been struggling to master, but her attempts to hone her skill go horribly awry. If Frannie doesn't learn fast, the consequences could be devastating--even apocalyptic.

What happens when you can't outrun Hell...or trust the ones you love?

Books In This Series 

Waiting On Wednesday (#7)

"Waiting On Wednesday" is a weekly meme hosted by Jill over at Breaking The Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.

My pick for this week's anticipated upcoming release is Angel Fire by L. A. Weatherly.

Publication Date: January 24, 2012
Publisher: Candlewick Press
Age Range: 14 - 17 Years
Series: Angel Series, #2
Buy: Barnes and Noble | Amazon

In the wake of the Second Wave, the angel menace has exploded, and Alex and Willow are on the lam. Willow's prophetic dream points them to Mexico City, where they connect with a fledgling group of angel killers led by the exotically beautiful Kara, an Angel Killer from Alex's past. But the team remains suspicious of Willow, even after the more-experienced Alex takes over as leader, training them hard for a rush attack on the Seraphic Council, or "The Twelve." This elite group of all-powerful angels is also under the scrutiny of Willow's angel-father, Raziel, who has his own sinister plan to defeat them.

What Willow hasn't told Alex is that there was also a mysterious boy in her dream, one she felt overpoweringly attracted to. When brooding, gorgeous Seb shows up in the flesh, he turns out to be another - possibly the world's only other - half angel. He's been searching for Willow all his life, and when Alex enlists this rival to help keep Willow safe, he can't predict what chemistry will pass between them . . . or how far Willow might go to keep Alex safe. Will their love endure or spell doomsday for the human race?

My review of Angel Burn. :)