Review: Fairest by Marissa Meyer

Series: The Lunar Chronicles

Hardcover: 272 pages

Publisher: Feiwel and Friends

Genre: Fairy Tale | Sci-Fi

Date of Publication: January 27, 2015

My Rating: 5 out of 5

Synopsis: 

Pure evil has a name, hides behind a mask of deceit, and uses her "glamour" to gain power. But who is Queen Levana? Long before she crossed paths with Cinder, Scarlet, and Cress in The Lunar Chronicles, Levana lived a very different story--a story that has never been told...until now. 

New York Times--bestselling author Marissa Meyer reveals the story behind her fascinating villain in Fairest, an unforgettable tale about love and war, deceit and death. This extraordinary book includes a special full-color image of Levana's castle and an excerpt from Winter, the exciting conclusion to The Lunar Chronicles.

Review: 

As if we didn't know before... 

Queen Levana is CRAZY!

At first I had a pinch of sympathy for the unloved, verbally abused young Levana, but then she unleashed a whole bundle of psycho and I changed my mind. Watching Levana become consumed by her own manipulation added such depth to the villain's character. 

In Fairest, we find that Levana's parents have been killed and she must now bare the brunt of her sister's abuse alone. After seeing how horribly her family treated each other and their subjects, it is no surprise that Levana grew up to become a deceitful, selfish, manipulative witch determined to let nothing stand in the way of her gaining power. 

With every book Marissa Meyer releases, I become more and more impressed with her story telling ability and her unique writing style. She has become one of my favorite authors. I am anxiously looking forward to finishing Winter, the final book in The Lunar Chronicles series. 

Amazon | Twitter | Author | Goodreads

The Lunar Chronicles Series:

Cinder (January 2012)

Scarlet (February 2013)

Cress (February 2014)

Fairest: Levana's Story (February 2015)

Winter (Coming November 2015)

Review: Cress by Marissa Meyer

Series: The Lunar Chronicles (Book 3)

Hardcover: 560 pages

Publisher: Feiwel and Friends

Genre: Fairy Tale | Sci-Fi

Date of Publication: February 4, 2014

My Rating: 5 out of 5

Synopsis:

In the third book in the Lunar Chronicles, Cinder and Captain Thorne are fugitives on the run, now with Scarlet and Wolf in tow. Together, they're plotting to overthrow Queen Levana and her army.

Their best hope lies with Cress, a girl imprisoned on a satellite since childhood who's only ever had her netscreens as company. All that screen time has made Cress an excellent hacker. Unfortunately, she has just received orders from Levana to track down Cinder and her handsome accomplice.

When a daring rescue of Cress goes awry, the group is separated. Cress finally has her freedom, but it comes at a high price. Meanwhile, Queen Levana will let nothing prevent her marriage to Emperor Kai. Cress, Scarlet, and Cinder may not have signed up to save the world, but they may be the only hope the world has.

Review:

I could not put this one down. Cress blew Cinder and Scarlet out the water. It was fast paced and kept me on my toes. Though I am usually able to predict what is going to happen, I was pleasantly surprised at how many times I was proven wrong. I love it when an author can surprise me with plot twists. 

I was crushed for Wolf when the team was separated and they lost Scarlet. We was truly a sad puppy without his mate. 

Cress joins the narrative and is able to give us insight on Levana's mission. Her naivete is endearing and she is adorable. When Cress first meets Thorne, she is so in love with the idea of him from seeing him on her netscreen, that she ignores his flaws. This builds and builds as they have to work together to survive. There is heartbreak, jealousy, and insecurity. Haven't we all been there? (Apart from having to cross a desert at risk of death.)

By the end, I had experienced an emotional roller coaster and I was metaphorically out of breath. I can't wait to pick up Fairest and finish the series with Winter. The Lunar Chronicles series is by far one of my absolute favorites.

Nook | Kindle | Twitter | Author | Goodreads

The Lunar Chronicles Series:

Cinder (January 2012)

Scarlet (February 2013)

Cress (February 2014)

Fairest: Levana's Story (February 2015)

Winter (Coming November 2015)

Review: Scarlet by Marissa Meyer

Series: The Lunar Chronicles (Book 2)

Hardcover: 452 pages

Publisher: Feiwel and Friends

Genre: Fairy Tale | Sci-Fi

Date of Publication: February 5, 2013

My Rating: 5 out of 5

Synopsis:

Cinder, the cyborg mechanic, returns in the second thrilling installment of the bestselling Lunar Chronicles. She's trying to break out of prison--even though if she succeeds, she'll be the Commonwealth's most wanted fugitive.

Halfway around the world, Scarlet Benoit's grandmother is missing. It turned out there are many things Scarlet doesn't know about her grandmother, or the grave danger she has lived in her whole life. When Scarlet encounters Wolf, a street fighter who may have information as to her grandmother's whereabouts, she is loath to trust this stranger, but is inexplicably drawn to him, and he to her. As Scarlet and Wolf unravel one mystery, they encounter another when they meet Cinder. Now, all of them must stay one step ahead of the vicious Lunar Queen Levana, who will do anything for the handsome Prince Kai to become her husband, her king, her prisoner.

Review:

Wolf is so attentive to his alpha female.

I love Scarlet and Wolf. It doesn't take him long to fall completely for her. He is a big teddy bear that just needs a hug for all he has been through. Ugh! I swooned so many times because of these two.

Heartthrob Thorne joins Cinder when she breaks out of jail. He is the comedic sidekick that the story needed. Thorne is amazing! He is charming, hilarious, and absolutely full of himself--in an endearing way.

Though Cinder is amazing, I am delighted to say that the story gets better and better. I can't say that I like Scarlet better, but I would say I like it just as much because of the characters. The great thing about Meyer's writing, is that she has found a way to seamlessly stitch together the happenings of people all over the world into the same story. It flows so smoothly. The reader is not left wondering what is happening to people in other cities. The story follows Cinder, Scarlet, Prince Kai, and Levana. Marissa Meyer is brilliant!

Nook | Kindle | Twitter | Author | Goodreads

The Lunar Chronicles Series:

Cinder (January 2012)

Scarlet (February 2013)

Cress (February 2014)

Fairest: Levana's Story (February 2015)

Winter (Coming November 2015)

Trailer:



Review: The Elite by Kiera Cass

Series: The Selection (Book 2)

Hardcover: 336 pages

Publisher: HarperTeen

Genre: Dystopian | Teen Romance

Date of Publication: April 23, 2013

Synopsis:

The selection began with 35 girls. Now, with the group narrowed down to the Elite, the competition to win Prince Maxon's love is fiercer than ever. The closer America gets to the crown, the more she struggles to figure out where her heart truly lies. Each moment she spends with Maxon is like a fairy tale, filled with breathless, glittering romance. But whenever she sees her first love, Aspen, standing guard, she's swept up in a longing for the life they'd planned to share.

America is desperate for more time. But while she's torn between her two futures, the rest of the Elite know exactly what they want--and America's chance to choose is about to slip away.

Just when America is sure she's made her choice, a devastating loss makes her question everything again. And while she's struggling to imagine her future, the violent rebels that are determined to overthrow the monarchy are growing stronger and their plans could destroy her chance at any kind of happy ending.

Review:

Why did Maxon have to go and ruin it?

If you read my review of The Selection, you know that I thoroughly enjoyed the first novel in the Selection series. Maxon was sweet and naive and head over heels for America.

Well think again, because every aspect of The Bachelor TV show that I despise showed up in The Elite. I'm disappointed in both America and Maxon. America was upfront with Maxon at the beginning of the series in letting him know that she had feelings for someone else. I commend her for that. But Maxon grows impatient and starts flirting with all the other girls, while still claiming to be in love with America. Even though America was stupid and let her past feelings for Aspen cloud her judgment, at least she was clear with Maxon on her feelings.

So why did Maxon run off to "make out" with the other girls? Because he's a douche bag, that why. He was such a jerk. I have read reviews of The One, but I have no desire to read the rest of the books in the series. I hate it when people cheat on each other in real life, so why would I enjoy reading about it? Not gonna happen. You don't tell someone you love them and then go be intimate with a bunch of other girls. 

LIES! 

In terms of the plot, there was some good development. I really like how America truly wants to help the people, not just show off for them. Cass has some great potential political discord going on that I enjoyed, but I wished there had been a little bit more emphasis. I think it would have helped the story for the better. 

I feel conflicted. When Maxon explained his poor behavior, I could understand it. When America finally realizes how much she really cares for Maxon, I rolled my eyes and scoffed. In theory, I liked the development of the sub-plot, but I just kept getting distracted by how badly all the characters were acting. Ugh! Why can't you just be honest with each other and love each other and get married and live happily ever after? I understand the need for drama to draw the reader in, but this was ridiculous.

I'm giving The Elite 3 out of 5 owls simply because I saw so much potential. The reviews I read confirm that Maxon and America get together in the end, but I'm too mad at the both of them to want to finish the series. My friend who finished the series loves it, so you should at least give it a read. The situation didn't suit my tastes, but there was nothing at all wrong with the writing style.



Rating: 3 out of 5 owls



Links:

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Review: The Selection by Kiera Cass

Series: The Selection (Book 1)

Hardcover: 336 pages

Publisher: HarperTeen

Genre: Dystopian | Teen Romance

Date of Publication: April 24, 2012

Synopsis:

For thirty-five girls, the Selection is the chance of a lifetime. The opportunity to escape the life laid out for them since birth. To be swept up in a world of glittering gowns and priceless jewels. To live in a palace and compete for the heart of gorgeous Prince Maxon.

But for America Singer, being Selected is a nightmare. It means turning her back on her secret love with Aspen, who is a caste below her. Leaving her home to enter a fierce competition for a crown she doesn't want. Living in a palace that is constantly threatened by violent rebel attacks.

Then America meets Prince Maxon. Gradually, she starts to question all the plans she's made for herself--and realizes that the life she's always dreamed of may not compare to a future she never imagined.

Review:

I picked this book up because of the cover. It's gorgeous! I'm a sucker for a great cover, and this one takes the cake. In fact, every cover in this series is beautiful. It was also the super pretty, super girly cover that made me put it back on the shelf. I have learned over the years that you can usually judge a book by it's cover. This one made me hesitate. Some time later, I came back to this book because of my friend. She highly recommended it, and, being the trusting friend that I am, I read it.

And liked it.

I will be the first to say that I hate The Bachelor TV show with the passion of a thousand burning suns. I hate The Bachelorette even more. So, I was surprised by how much I liked this book. Maybe it was the fact that it was no secret that these girls wanted Maxon for money, power, and social status. And don't forget the food. I loved the jealous back biting and the vindictive character of some of the girls. I was charmed at how some of the girls became very close friends.

I felt bad for the handsome prince who was so overwhelmed by suddenly having so many beautiful girls all vying for his affection (did you catch my sarcasm?) when he had never been around women before. I was happy when America suggested that they be friends. What a mature decision! How about marry a friend that you will like for life, and not some fake plastic Barbie with horns and a pitchfork? I loved it. I knew, of course, that they would fall in love. Maxon makes it obvious. He became so endearing with how he sought America out and made sure that she knew where he stood in regards to her.

The only down side--which I knew based on the summary there would be one--is the love triangle. I guess I've just gotten bored with them. Why can't we just have two people who fall in love, and the speed bumps that try to separate them aren't other lovers? Wishful thinking.

This series has great potential, so I'm giving it a 4 out of 5. I look forward to reading the rest of the series.

Rating: 4 out of 5 owls

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Book Trailer:

Review: Promises by Amber Garr

Genre: Fantasy | Mermaids

Synopsis:

Sometimes following your heart can end up destroying the ones you love. When seventeen-year-old Eviana Dumahl is faced with the responsibility of an arranged marriage and clan leadership, she is forced to choose between the life required of a mermaid and one of a teenage girl simply infatuated with the wrong guy. 

Kain, her devoted fiance, would make a wonderful husband except that she's been in love with Brendan, a shape-shifting selkie, ever since they were kids. Choosing to abandon her family, her clan, and her life with Kain will have dire consequences far beyond anything she could have imagined. 

A war is brewing amongst the clans and Eviana unwittingly becomes a pawn in the intricate schemes of a twisted mastermind. With Brendan's life on the line, she has no choice but to involve those she once considered friends. Amidst encountering senseless tragedies and immense loss, Eviana discovers that she is more valuable as a clan leader than anyone ever suspected. Her survival is not only dependent upon the loyalty of her friends, but also on her acceptance of a life she so adamantly tried to escape. Promises is the first book of The Syrenka Series trilogy following Eviana and her friends through the perils of growing up in a discrete world that inherently threatens human society.

Review:

This novel is jam-packed with teenage angst and drama. Eviana is smitten with her childhood friend, Brendan, a handsome and smooth-talking selkie. Despite how determined Eviana is to be with Brendan, I couldn't help but hope that she would change her mind and fall for Kain. 

The selkies were probably the most exciting aspect of the novel. Every so often I will come across a novel that mentions them, but Promises really explores the mythology and makes selkies the stars. 

I enjoyed the plot, but had some issues with the characterization. Eviana is extremely immature for a seventeen-year-old. Maybe Garr did this to really emphasize how much she has to develop when leadership is thrust on her; however, her personality made her very unrealistic. She acted like she was thirteen, not a noble with an immense amount of responsibility.

Overall, I enjoyed Promises. It was a very quick read. I think it's worth checking out.

Rating: 3 out of 5 owls

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Book Trailer:

Review: Goddess Legacy by M. W. Muse

Genre: Mythology

Synopsis:

Legacy Kore is an average seventeen year old with your basic insane crush on the hottest guy in school...rather Adin Shepard was the hottest guy in school before he graduated a couple of weeks ago. Now it's summer vacation and she's not sure when she'll get to see him again. Until he shows up at her surprise seventeenth birthday party. Cue saliva glands-it's time to drool.

But her giddiness is cut short when her guardian delivers an emotional blow, telling Legacy her mother hadn't died when she was a baby, but that she'd left for Legacy's protection all those years ago. After the initial shock, she expects some story about how her mother was in the Witness Protection Program or something else just as crazy, but when she is told that her mother is a Greek Goddess and that Legacy is changing into one too, she thinks her guardian needs a trip to a mental hospital.

While trying to make sense out of something that was impossible to believe, Adin asks Legacy out on a date. She is thrilled that her fantasy might become a reality, but when she meets the new guy in town, River, she discovers everything isn't always as it seems, and the legacy she wants just might not be the legacy she is destined to have.

Review:

Muse presents an original interpretation and experimentation  of classical Greek mythology. I greatly enjoyed the concept of the gods being "reborn" and able to rewrite their destinies. Legacy is the heroine that we see time and time again--the teenage girl that is smitten with the hottest guy in school. In typical fashion this handsome stud falls for her and does everything he can to be with her. Adin is the adoring boyfriend who doesn't want to rush things, is very protective of his lady love, and is willing to put himself in harm's way to protect her. Include deceit and omission of details about his love's identity to that list of eligible qualities.

What bothered me was that the entire time Legacy was explaining her identity and River's role in her life to Adin, he already knew all of it. Yes, I understand that it was a plot device to throw in a twist at the very end; however, when I realized that Legacy could have avoided a great deal of heartache if he would have come forward at the beginning, I became frustrated. Instead of throwing out more drama in the end, Muse could have had some major event happen--Legacy getting herself hurt doesn't count. I was not biting my nails over that. By having Adin withhold the information from Legacy, Muse not only discredited her characters, but it squashed a great climax into nothing. There was no peak of action in the plot of this book. It was an overload of information that was repeated several times, yet left me wondering where the author was taking the plot. Based on the information in the first book, the next will be the same--an encyclopedia of cryptic information that does essentially nothing to progress the plot.

Here is what happens--Legacy gets a boyfriend, finds out she's a goddess, is courted by a new guy she is destined to be with, ends up getting herself hurt, and finds out her boyfriend has been lying to her from the beginning and her mother still wants nothing to do with her. Nothing "big" happens.

The saving grace for this book was the focus on Legacy developing her powers. It isn't just a love story. The characters are affected by her powers and her reactions are somewhat realistic. Overall, I believe Goddess Legacy is more suited for a younger (teen) audience. Muse has a great idea going for her and I hope the next books develop more that the first.

If you enjoy Greek Mythology I would recommend you to at least check out Goddess Legacy. You may find it worthwhile.



Rating: 3 out of 5 owls



Nook | Kindle | Author

Review: Switched by Amanda Hocking

Genre: Fantasy

Synopsis:

When Wendy Everly was six years old, her mother was convinced she was a monster and tried to kill her. Eleven years later, Wendy discovers her mother might have been right. She's not the person she'd always believed herself to be, and her whole life begins to unravel--all because of Finn Holmes. 

Finn is a mysterious guy who always seems to be watching her. Every encounter leaves her deeply shaken...though it has more to do with her fierce attraction to him than she'd ever admit. But it isn't long before he reveals the truth: Wendy is a changeling who was switched at birth--and he's come to take her home. 

Now Wendy's about to journey to a magical world she never knew existed, one that's both beautiful and frightening. And where she must leave her old life behind to discover who she's meant to become...

Review:

I will start this one off with by expressing my appreciation for Amanda's creative spin on troll legends. The "tryll" are not the gastly beasts of the common fairy tales we have all grown to love. These trolls are insanely beautiful, talented in magic, and tres chic when it comes to fashion and parties. 

I really like that Wendy came from a very tragic past. Her human mother tried to kill her when she was a child. Add that bit of drama to the fact that (like every other teenager on the planet) she cannot get past her negative self-image and low self-esteem, Wendy is definitely one angsty teen. 

After the handsome Finn comes into the picture and reveals that she is actually a changeling and must return to take over the tryll throne, Wendy's world is rocked in a way that no teen's should be. She shifts from having one mother who tried to kill her to a super rich and gorgeous mother who has no emotional attachment to her whatsoever and merely wishes to use Wendy for her own personal gain. 

Talk about some family love. I thought that given the situation Wendy handled the cards life dealt her with as much gumption and determination as possible for a teenage girl. 

My only hang up is the writing style. I wasn't too fond of it, though there were definitely quote-worthy moments. As a genre it's not what I usually read (this was my first novel about trolls), but I bought a used copy of the Torn to see what happens next. 

I've been on the fence about the rating for this one, so I'm going to give the novel a chance and give it a 4 out of 5. I'm hoping my reservations are there simply because I'm new to this sub-genre.

Rating--4 out of 5 owls

Trailer:

Review: Savor by Megan Duncan

Genre: Supernatural | Vampires

Synopsis:

When Claire Miller turned eighteen all she wanted to do was celebrate her birthday, but after a night on the town with her best friend she awakes to a visitor she never expected. The rulers of her region, a vampire royal family, have chosen her to be turned as their new heir and vampire princess. in a world fueled by the power of blood, Claire quickly discovers the vampire royal family is not what they seem and that she has secrets in her past she never knew existed. 

Review:

This is a page turner for sure. Megan Duncan has created a world run by warring vampires. Claire has her world and everything she has ever known turned upside down overnight. Talk about a happy birthday.

Robin, who reminds me of that spunky optimistic friend that every girl has, acts as Claire's rock in this new environment. Ana and Luka are clearly the antagonists--I mean, c'mon, Claire takes the throne from them. I'd be angry too. Dmitry and Arrick are wonderful. Sexy hunks of man flesh. I love a drool-worthy love interest and she gave me two.

I was a little disappointed that Claire's new 'parents' did not put forth more effort to get to know her before acting like they just had nothing but unconditional love for her. I didn't buy it. Claire kept having the feeling that she was being used, but her longing for parents who loved her clouded her judgment. In the end she was right. 

What I loved: Claire gets the (second) shock of her life when she realizes that she doesn't actually know who she is. The ending really is terrific. Congrats to Megan for keeping her audience on their toes. The big ending made all the fake cliches make sense and it added a whole new dimension to the drama. Loved it.

Oh, and the cover is gorgeous. Enough said.

Rating: 4 out of 5 owls

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Review: Divergent by Veronica Roth

Genre: Dystopian | Teen Romance

Synopsis:

In Beatrice Prior's dystopian Chicago world, society is divided into five factions, each dedicated to the cultivation of a particular virtue--Candor (the honest), Abnegation (the selfless), Dauntless (the brave), Amity (the peaceful), and Erudite (the intelligent). On an appointed day of every year, all sixteen-year-olds must select the faction to which they will devote the rest of their lives. For Beatrice, the decision is between staying with her family and being who she really is--she can't have both. So she makes a choice that surprises everyone, including herself.

During the highly competitive initiation that follows, Beatrice renames herself Tris and struggles alongside her fellow initiates to live out the choice they have made. Together they must undergo extreme physical tests of endurance and intense psychological simulations, some with devastating consequences. As initiation transforms them all, Tris must determine who her friends really are--and where, exactly, a romance with a sometimes fascinating, sometimes exasperating boy fits into the life she's chosen. But Tris also has a secret, one she's kept hidden from everyone because she's been warned it can mean death. And as she discovers unrest and growing conflict that threaten to unravel her seemingly perfect society, she also learns that her secret might help her save those she loves . . . or it might destroy her.

Review:

Oh my goodness, why did it take me so long to read this book?! Apparently I've been really into science fiction sub-genres lately. Maybe I just have a thing for reading about dystopian societies. Whatever the case, I couldn't put Divergent down. I was thrilled with Tris as the heroine. She was grew to become strong, yet she was always very aware of her weaknesses. It was her determination and perseverance that made her endearing. I also appreciated that she didn't rush into a relationship and she didn't fall in love quickly. For a fictional relationship, Tris and Four fell in love in a more realistic way. They have made my favorite couples list.

The structure of the government and factions is still a little foggy to me, but I expect I will understand more once I read Insurgence. The only complaint I have is the timing of the event that I can't name because it would be a total spoiler. There were some timing issues that made the climax seem a little rushed.

Despite that, the descriptions of the simulations were beautifully horrific. Divergent is full of surprises that will keep you on your toes. I felt the full spectrum of emotions while reading it and the characters made their way into my heart with ease. I can't wait to read Insurgence.

Rating: 5 out of 5

Trailer:

This is a fan-made trailer for a movie, but it works for the book as well.

The Wildflower Blog Tour and Giveaway

Love can be tragic.

17th Century America:

A Shaman's daughter falls in love with an Englishman, 

only her hand has been promised to a warrior. 

Tears falls. 

Promises are broken. 

Rage is unleashed.

Souls are bound or shattered.

Present Day:

Laney Stillwater dreams about a boy she has never met,

but she longs for the attention of the ever popular and gorgeous Jordan Stone.

Time tempts change. 

Destined souls awaken.

Love gets a second chance.

Souls are bound or shattered. 

What will destiny offer this time?

Reconciliation or more despair?

Review:

When I first heard about Amy's novel Wildflower, I was very enthusiastic to see what kind of approach she would take in regard to the culture and beliefs of the Wampanoag tribe. After reading her novel, all I can say is that Wildflower is beautifully written. I love how the syntax changes between time periods, and the problems translate beyond the past. I also really appreciated that the couples fell in love without knowledge of their past lives. They aren't together just because they were in past.

Soulmates Laney and Joshua have been reincarnated and now have the chance to love one another again after their tragic parting in the past. The flashbacks/dreams of the past are full of emotion and give enough detail to explain how the characters are feeling in the present. Tossing Jordan in the mix heightens the tension. He wants to be with Laney so badly, but his efforts are thwarted at every turn. The reader can really feel the desperation each character feels to just move past the blockades and be with their one true love. But scorned lovers and bitter jealousy just can't let that happen.

Wildflower has all the drama, angst, and romantic language every YA reader craves in a sweet love story. What I liked most was the realization at the end that everything is not as it seems. Wildflower is truly a delight.

Rating: 5 out of 5 owls

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Make sure to stop by all of the other blogs on the tour:

Nov 13- Globug and Hootie Need a Book and Books Complete Me

Nov 14- A Diary of a Book Addict

Nov 16- Britt Reads Indie

Nov 19-  I Read Indie

Nov 20- The Autumn Review

Nov 21- Live to Read

Nov 22- My Pathway to Books 

Nov 23- Wrathsqueen's Books

Nov 26- An Owl's Book Nook &  Literati Literature Lovers

Nov 27- Fantasy Book Chic

Nov 28- Kimberly's Cozy Korner

Nov 29- Intoxicated by Books & Insane About Books

Nov 30- Amy Jones Young Adult Fantasy Fiction

Book Release: Flutter By Melissa Andrea

I know they say you shouldn't judge a book by it's cover, but my goodness this one is pretty. I recently caught wind of Flutter through a couple of friends online, and I have to say I am definitely looking forward to reading it. Flutter  is scheduled for release on October 30--tomorrow. Apart from the lovely cover, I'm intrigued by the mystery of the synopsis. It alludes to a fantasy/paranormal world, but maintains a nice level of mystery. Which fantasy world is it? I'm hoping faeries. The leaf/wing imprint in the model's makeup on the front would make it seem so. Whatever the case, I can't wait to pick this one up. Look for the review soon. 

Synopsis:

Sara

Sara's life is forever changed-

Waking up, buried & hidden deeply in the last place anyone would want to be, will do that. She is determined to find out how she ended up there and why, but when the only person who can help her continuously lies to her, she finds herself forced to suffer alone. She can't ignore the strange things that begin to happen to her, nor can she hide from the nightmares that haunt her sleep. And when her world collides with Adan--the mysterious boy whom she can't seem to stay away from, literally--she is consumed bu the familiar flutter that sparks whenever he is around, and she is desperate to discover the reason why. But the biggest discovery will come from the secret of what she is...

Adan

Adan's mission to find Sara has finally approached. 

It seemed simple to bring her back to the enchanted world that lives, breathes, and survives because of her, but he quickly finds himself faced with an entirely new challenge. Immediately, Adan realizes that staying unknown to Sara is a task he will fail before even attempting. The pull to her is far too strong to refuse, and being with her will defy the very reason he existed. he was the key to her survival and loving her was not part of the plan that he had been born to follow. Can he find it in himself to resist the urge to be with her and follow through with their destiny or will he destroy everything that had been left to Sara to protect and defend. 

And the kingdom she is unaware she rules...

Flutter

Sara and Adan struggle to overcome their own separate battles, there is a far more determined evil that is stalking the shadows and waiting to annihilate them both. Sara will figure out that not everything is what it seems and knowing what she can and cannot trust will be the key to finding out the truth to what happened to her, the reason why she had been buried alive and who she really is...

Sara and Adan will discover the hidden meaning to why she was the reason he existed and why he would be the reason she survived, and together they will fight to change the rules and rewrite their fate. 

Nook | Kindle

Monday Mania--Masquerade

Remembrance by Michelle Madow

Aurelia by Anne Osterlu

Vengeance by Michelle Madow

Daughter of Smoke and Bone by Laini Taylor

Carnival of Souls by Melissa Marr

Transcend by Christine Fonseca

Monday Mania--Lovely Dresses

Princess of the Midnight Ball
Jessica Day George

Snow
Tracy Lynn

The Lady of Bolton Hill
Elizabeth Camden

The LuxeAnna Godbersen

A Lasting Impression
Tamera Alexander

Endlessly
Kiersten White