Hopeless by Colleen Hoover

This review originally published on: www.examiner.com

Hopeless by Colleen Hoover is a rare story that stays with you long after you finish reading. When I read Hopeless I was just coming off of reading Ms. Hoover's Slammed and Point of Retreat . I expected a similar formula. A bit of angst, tension, maybe a little bit of tears mixed in and wrapped in a beautiful bundle of romance. What I wasn't expecting was a beautifully written, heartfelt story of a horrible childhood trauma and how incredibly difficult coping with something so horrific can be. I wasn't expecting how much it would affect me. Honestly, when I finished reading it I needed time to process what I read. I needed time with the story and the characters before I was capable of writing about it. 

Hopeless is the kind of story that has a profound effect on the reader. Some can sadly relate to having been repeatedly violated as a child by someone who you trusted more than anyone. Or as in my case, can't imagine how horrible something like that can be, reading about it leaves you a bit shell shocked. Whatever the case, Hopeless will leave a lasting impression. 

When the story began, I found myself so immersed in the sweet beginnings of the love story between Holder and Sky that I allowed myself to be swept away by the characters and their romance. I didn't catch the careful almost tentative way in which they explored their relationship, foreshadowing plot points that I normally would have picked up on immediately. Because of this, when the magnitude of the trauma suffered by Sky and Holder is really explored it destroyed me. I, uncharacteristically for me (at least while reading a book), cried. 

As much as I understand that some readers would rather shy away from this kind of story, I can only suggest that you push your doubts and misgivings aside and read it. The story leaves the reader with the exact opposite feelings suggested by its title. Hopeless is a stand out for me, not because of the trauma depicted in its pages, but because of the underlying theme of love and survival, hope and acceptance that permeates it.

Recommended for readers 17+.

Iron Fey Series a fresh take on fairies

My latest Examiner.com review on an excellent highly recommended YA book series.  The Iron Fey Series, by Julie Kagawa delves deep into tolerance and the fear of change than one would expect.  A must read.

Iron Fey Series a fresh take on fairies

The statistical probability of a teen romance done right

I can only imagine the dreamy look in a 15 year old readers eyes as they pick up this gem of a book by Jennifer E. Smith. Genuine, sweet, and oh so romantic. This book frequently reminded me of Judy Blume's Forever. While the stories are completely different the innocence and wistfulness of first love is captured brilliantly by both. 

Hadley, our heroine, is traveling to London for the much dreaded wedding of her father to the woman he left his family for. In her dad's search to find happiness, he shatters Hadley and her mother's life and she carries that hurt and bitterness with her. While waiting at the airport for her plane she meets Oliver who is returning to London to visit his family. While Oliver's reasons for his return home is kept hidden until the story develops more you are immediately drawn in by his easy going sweetness and tenderness towards Hadley.  

Oliver and Hadley have an instant connection and even though the plot is slow to unravel every page is a treat.  I especially enjoyed their interactions while on their overnight transatlantic flight and found myself wishing that on my many solo flights I would have had an Oliver to keep me company.   Before I give away too much of the story I will just say that reading this book for me was a kin to being wrapped up in a warm blanket. 

This is the perfect book for anyone who wants to indulge in a great little book minus the drama. Appropriate for all ages, and a perfect gift for the girl or lady in your life who dreams of falling in love.

This review was originally published on: Examiner.com

Wallbanger a witty bit of lady porn

Wallbanger by Alice Clayton

I have long been a proud reader of "Lady Porn" the oh so delicate title my sister and I gave to romance novels almost a decade ago.  Unlike many ladies of my acquaintance who would rather die than admit to picking one up from time to time, I wave it loud and proud, I am a voracious lady porn reader.  In all honesty I would have to say for every one Young Adult  or Fiction book I read I read two Romance novels.  And I am okay with that.

Being such an aficionado of the genre, I definitely have my preferences.  For instance, I am not ok with cowboy stories.  I don't know why, I just have no interest.  And my mother has often tried to convince me to pick one up.  Never gonna happen.  As many of my friends did when I heard the hype behind Fifty Shades of Grey by E.L. James I immediately downloaded them.  The first book was enjoyable, the second a bit tedious, and honestly I never even read book three.  It seems even I have standards when it comes to what I will and won't read.  Who knew.

I think because of the Fifty Shades of Grey nonsense when the steady buzz started surrounding Wallbanger written by Alice Clayton, I just wasn't having it.  I don't know what made me do it, but one day I just gave in.  I had read that it was funny, actually the exact words used were laugh out loud funny, I didn't buy it.

I quickly, and I mean within the first few chapters quickly, changed my mind.  The book was hilarious. Witty, charming, had a steamy slow burn between the main characters the aforementioned Wallbanger and his love interest, Pink Nightie Girl.  PNG's cat, Clive, was a revelation.  Having a sister who is thoroughly obsessed with her cat it was so familiar to read about a main character who acted the same way with hers.  I think my favorite thing about the Clive-PNG relationship was how she would call him an a-hole every time he did something that merited the title.  Because let's be real, cats can be a-holes.

Alice Clayton does a great job of making her characters realistic, funny and relatable.  And of course the piece de resistance, the sex scenes do not disappoint   If you are an instant gratification kind of reader who wants the story to start with a quick roll in the hay, this is not your book.  But if you are willing to let the tension and story build the payout is definitely worth it.

A Journey to the Tunnels - Everbound an Everneath Novel

Released on January 22, 2013

The hardest part of reading a series is waiting for the next book to be released. Especially when the world is complex and an extended parting and excessive reading makes it difficult to keep it fresh in your mind. As much as I detest picking up a second or third book in a series and re-reading all the major plot points of the first, I must say for once, I was grateful.

Brodi Ashton revisited her first story Everneath just enough to fill in the gaps of what my memory had long misplaced. Once the story began in earnest it was as gripping, maybe a bit more so, than the first book. Based on a completely new interpretation of hell but heavily borrowing from Greek mythology (and not just the Persephone/Hades myth) Brodi Ashton fills in the gaps of the wide brush strokes she painted of the Everneath in part one. Not only does Becks, the main character, finally get to visit the Everneath, she spends a chunk of the book there giving the reader a wonderfully vivid picture of this other world.

One of the complaints I had about the first book was that I didn't necessarily believe the love triangle. How can it be a triangle when only two people were actually in love? A majority of this story was dedicated to making you understand how Cole, the anti-hero, makes you feel about Becks. Having said that, it must be noted that readers should pick up Neverfall, the novella written in between books 1 and 2. It really fleshes out Cole in a way that didn't exist in Book 1. It definitely helps the reader understand him.

Overall, the book was an enjoyable read. The story is dark and filled with unexpected turns. 

Recommended for teens 15+.

Review originally published on: Examiner.com 

Most Anticipated 2013 Young Adult Lit. Sequels

If you are like most Young Adult literature readers then you are most likely always in the middle of one or two amazing series. Series are so intertwined with this genre of books that in many cases it's a bigger surprise to pick up a book without a second or third part than to find a book that is a self contained story.

Many readers enjoy that about YA lit, they like to be able to live with the characters that they love and reading a three or six part series gives them ample time to get through the story. It is much like the difference between a two hour movie and a four season tv show. The movie while excellent, cannot compete with the character development of a show that dedicates years to fleshing out their leads.

View slideshow: 2013 YA Series releases

2013 is a big year for follow ups to some of our favorite YA series.

Of Triton by Anna Banks release date May 28, 2013 

Book 2 in the Of Poseidon series

Awaken by Meg Cabot release date May 7, 2013 

Book 3 in the Abandon Series

Requiem by Lauren Oliver release date March 5, 2013 

Book 3 in the Delirium Series

Boundless by Cynthia Hand release date January 22, 2013 

Book 3 in the Unearthly Series

Through the Ever Night by Veronica Rossi release date January 8, 2013

Book 2 in Under the Never Sky Series

Sever by Lauren DeStefano release date February 12, 2013 

Book 3 in the Chemical Garden Series

Gates of Paradise by Melissa De La Cruz release date January 15, 2013 

Book 7 in the Blue Bloods Series

Rise by Anna Carey release date April 2, 2013 

Book 3 in the Eve series

Clockwork Princess by Cassandra Clare release date March 19, 2013 

Book 3 in the Infernal Devices Series

Goddess Inheritance by Aimee Carter release date February 26, 2013 

Book 3 in the Goddess Test Series

The Indigo Spell by Richelle Mead release date February 12, 2013 

Book 3 in the Bloodlines Series

Everbound by Brodi Ashton release date January 22, 2013 

Book 2 in the Everneath Series

This article originally published on:  Examiner.com 

Gift ideas for the teen who loves to series read

As the holiday's approach, I get prodded more and more by eager parents and family members for suggestions on the perfect book to give the young adult in ones life. The answer that is usually given is there is no perfect book.

Tastes differ and for every taste there is a flavor to indulge it with. With that being said, I thought the best suggestion of "perfect" books would be a list of several, I am including the major themes in the book to help you make the right selection based on the interests of the young adult or young adult lit aficionado that you are shopping for.

View slideshow: Gift Ideas for YA Book Series Lovers

I think most who follow my posts know that I am a huge fan of book series, especially in the YA genre. It's hard not to love a story that continues past the initial 300 plus pages and fleshes out the characters. It is this writers opinions that some of the best YA lit today fits into this category. The best of the bunch are:

The Goddess Test Series - A modern twist on beloved mythology, takes a fresh look at Hades and his epic love story with Persephone. Definitely a love story, but not one that I would recommend for readers under 13 due to some minor sexual situations. This series includes a couple of books and novellas with the final book due this coming year.

If you are looking for another mythology series try: The Abandon Trilogy

The Mortal Instruments/The Infernal Devices Series - I have personally written quite a bit about my love/hate relationship with these beloved characters by Cassandra Clare. A dark fantasy set in a world much like our own but with a darker and more dangerous underbelly this is a series for older readers. Getting involved in these stories is a heavy commitment as TMI currently stands at five (5) book with a sixth and (supposed) final book coming out within the next two years and TID currently at two (2) books with the third and final book coming out next year. The author has also planned a spin off to TMI featuring all new characters which will be another three (3) part series. The long anticipated movie is due out this summer, so make sure that they get through at least the first book in time for the August release. I believe this rich story appeals to both boys and girls, but as most YA books do can skew a bit girly at times.

If you are looking for another dark fantasy series try: The Spellbound Series

The Iron Fey Series - This is my most recent series read and what started as a difficult first book to get through became my absolute favorite Fey series. Based on a world ruled by some of Shakespeare's better known characters and filled with the most fantastical supporting players this is a series that your YA will not want to put down. The series finished off with four (4) books and three (3) e-novellas and has now been spun off into a new series The Iron Prince. As you can imagine by the title of the series the stories kind of played at The Matrix meets A Midsummer Nights Dream, but what an interesting and full series it is.

If you are looking for another fey series try: The Wicked Lovely Series

Princess Series - Reading this series is like wrapping yourself in a warm blanket only to find out that the wool that you had come to expect has turned into silk. Jessica Day George takes the most beloved fairytales from childhood and updates them in an exciting page turning way. The series consist of three (3) books and tell the story of the 12 Dancing Princesses, Cinderella and Little Red Riding Hood. A series that any young girl in love with princesses and all that entails will enjoy.

If you are looking for another princess series try: The Princess Diaries

The Vampire Academy/Bloodlines Series - By far and away my favorite vampire series of recent years and my absolute favorite YA vampire series. This six (6) book TVA series and currently two (2) book soon to be three (3) book Bloodlines series tells an intricate story that starts off in an out of the way high school and ends up mired in the intrigue and politics of a royal court. Recommended for older YA readers due to sexual situations, violence and overall scary themes these series will become a hard to put down favorite for your YA reader.

If you are looking for another vampire series try: The Tantalize Series

Matched Series - Set in a dystopian society where one is matched by a computer to their perfect mate this story is a great follow up series to someone who loved The Hunger Games. The third (3) and final book was released a few weeks ago and hopes to put a tight red bow and an story of a young girl who chooses to the fight the system that she was born into.

If you are looking for another dystopian tale try: The Divergent Series.

Tempest Series - A young girl finds out she is the daughter of a mermaid and that she may be the key to winning a long and hard fought war raging under the ocean. For any reader who loves mermaid stories this gives you an excellent look into a gorgeous underwater world and all the turmoil that resides within.

If you are looking for another mermaid series try: Of Poseidon Series

In case you have a voracious reader on your hands here are a few more excellent YA series:

• Midnighters Series by Scott Westerfeld
• The Mysterious Benedict Society Series by Trenton Lee Stewart
• A Beautiful Dark Series by Jocelyn Davies
• Firelight Series by Sophie Jordan
• Everneath Series by Brodie Ashton
• Gemma Doyle Series by Libba Bray

This article originally published on:  Examiner.com