Thrilling/exciting heartbreaking young love
925189
Emma and Evan and group are trying to figure out life and love. Emma learns about her mom. Evan learns about Emma and Sara watches them both try to work out love a mysteries. I can't wait to see the end. I highly recommended this series.
4309770
Awakened is the first book in The Guardian Legacy by Ednah Walters. When Lil turns 16, she comes into her powers - powers she had no idea she would ever have. Her whole life has been a lie, but she is strong and resilient. Once she accepts what she is, nothing can stop her from fulfilling her destiny.

She meets Bran - a boy who is very mysterious, but she is very drawn to. Nobody trusts him, but Lil can't help but fall for him. It's a sweet relationship with a lot of sexual tension - nothing out of line though for a teenage book. I think you could feel at ease having your teenage daughter read this book.

I really enjoyed the paranormal aspects of this book. The book has a lot of excitement and moves at a fairly quick pace. There are some "edge-of-your-seat" moments where you cannot put the book down. Honestly, the only thing that bothered me about this book was Bran's name. Every time I read it, I either thought of a girl (short for Brandi) - or I thought about Bran Flakes, lol... I guess something that was a little hard to remember was the introduction to all these characters in a short amount of time. That part was a little overwhelming. As a whole though, this was a great young adult paranormal book and I will be reading the next one very soon!
1952482
Author, Monica LaPorta captures the essence of young love and all its joy and pain.  I can remember my first high school crush and how I dreamed of a senior boy named Fred.  I was heart broken when I sent him a Valentine and he laughed.  I never did try to date a boy in high school after that painful rebuke.  I was a geek and had my head in a book all the time.

This book may remind older readers of their first love.  There are several to choose from in this story.  Ms. LaPorta knows how to keep you guessing about each relationship and different teenage problem and the adolescent hormones that make teenagers into something no one understands.  Just ask any parent of a teenager, scary.

This book is appropriate for all ages and any age will enjoy the read.  This book stems from "The Immortal" series and you will meet kids that belong to the parents of that series.  The book has action, adventure, danger, young love, mystery, good guys and bad guys and plots within plots.  If you haven't read "The Immortals" series by LaPorta, start with the 7 books in that series, you will enjoy the paranormal world Ms. LaPorta has created and you will get more from each book if read in order.

I can gladly recommend this book to readers of all ages.  You should start with "The Lost Centurion" which is the first book of this entire story.  If you are a Kindle Unlimited reader, several of the books are free to read.  Start today, you will be glad you did.

KUDOS Ms. LaPorta on a tale well told.
4538045
THE SOUL AND THE SEED (Book One of The Kyrennei) by Arie Farnam

I received a free ebook version of this title from the author in exchange for a fair and honest review.

'The Soul and the Seed' is a captivating and thrilling read.

Aranka is a typical teenager. She's not a loser, but she's not part of the "In" crowd either. Basically, she just wants to survive high school and get on with her life.

Yanked out of school and told that she and about a dozen other teenagers from her high-school have been infected with a Ebola-like virus, Arenka is scared. They are taken to the local hospital and their cell phones are confiscated, supposedly to be disinfected.

Days pass in a medicated and pain-filled blur. When Arenka awakes, her entire body aching and weak, she realizes that she is no longer in her hospital bed. She is in some type of cage. When she assesses her surroundings, her terror reaches new heights. What the heck is going on? Who are these doctors? Where is she? And why is she in a cage?

Aranka starts to experience strange dreams. In fact, they seem more like nightmares. Over time she comes to realize that her dreams are actually a source of information.

She is being held by The Addin. They are a group that controls the entire United States, as well as many other countries. They have the ability to subvert people's hearts and turn them against their friends and families. They have been around for centuries and the only people they were not able to control were the Kyrennei. However, the Kyrennei died out many generations ago.

As more details are revealed to the reader, an amazingly detailed alternate earth's history is revealed. Hidden races, shadow societies, secret control of the government, strange religions, ancient prophecies and magical hand symbols are just a small part of the Meikan and Kyrennei cultures.

The Meikans have spent 1400 years awaiting the return of The Kyrennei. So much time has passed that most Meikans no longer believe the Kyrennei will return, and many doubt that they ever existed at all.

What can Aranka do? She can barely protect herself, how is she supposed to help take down the Addin? It seems a lot of hope to pin on the shoulders of one young girl. Especially since she has no idea what is happening to her or why.

This book is exceedingly well written and the history is well thought out and extremely interesting. I love that the Meikans have their own unique religion and that somehow you can be Meikan and be from any ethnic background. They are not limited to one skin color or one geographic region, but instead are found worldwide. This twist in the plot explains why the Addin have not just simply wiped out all Meikans from existence.

Dictionary.com defines the word "epic" as "noting or pertaining to a long poetic composition, usually centered upon a hero, in which a series of great achievements or events is narrated in elevated style." This word is often overused or improperly used. However, 'The Soul and the Seed' is a true epic novel. Aranka has the potential to become the 'epic' savior of her race. She may be an unlikely hero, but she is enchanting and magnetic.

This story contains a long lost race of people who had their own language and distinctive culture. To imagine an entirely new race, complete with it's own history and religion is a monumental task. To have this race's existence seem entirely possible in today's world is a rare feat which the author has fully accomplished.

THE SOUL AND THE SEED is a terrific read. In my opinion, this series will be unique and compelling. I am hooked. I can't wait to see what happens next. There are two more books in this series currently available and I am eager to read them as soon as possible.

I give this book a rating of 5 out of 5 stars.

You can view more of my reviews online at http://amiesbookreviews.wordpress.com
4960630
I was surprised to find this to be such an exciting read.  Beautiful Ink was a captivating story from the very first sentence through to the end.  While there is a very strong MC storyline throughout, this is more the story of Keller escaping that lifestyle and trying to really live fully, freely, without fear, and using tattooing as a balm for her damaged soul.  Having been on the run from the Hells Highwayman MC for 4 years, Keller was a strong and experienced character, despite her 21 years.  Much of the earlier years were effectively visited through flashbacks, to her early teens, focusing on her s***ty family life and friendship and changing relationship with Holden, son of the HHMCs President.  So much happens between these two best friends, setting the stage for Kellers complete disdain for the MC life and ultimately love/hate for Holden.  Holden, however, holds Keller as the love of his life and it is his love for her that drives so much of the heartbreak here.  It really is heartbreaking to read.  Their relationship was both beautiful and brutal, very much like Holden himself.  It is surprisingly difficult to hate him completely for who he is because his actions speak so much louder than his words.

Flash forward to present day and we find Keller having found her place, making friends and meeting a man who makes her break all of her rules on the run, a connection she hadnt allowed herself before.  Vin was the ultimate prize  smart, gorgeous, hard worker.  While I didn't feel their instant connection, it did not take long for me to want to see them together, wanting some kind of happiness for Keller since she had so little in her life.  Unfortunately here is where the book failed me just a bit.  So much was focused on the flashbacks  the background/history instead of the present day, that the description of Kellers present day life and relationships suffered.  I just didn't get enough of Vin and Kellers growing relationship, even though some of this was likely intentional.  I still liked them together, especially as Kellers past caught up with her and everything started to unravel.  But I needed more.  The end was a rush of emotion and drama and I did not really peg the twists at the end, which I loved.  For how much happened as this book unfolded, I felt the end wrapped up way too quickly.  Again I would have loved more or at least an epilogue.  Still though, very enjoyable read.
4102118
Great YA second chance romance filled with angst, heart break and healing... oh yeah, and sex. There are a few humorous moments, but this is not a rom com. A girl with a crush on her brother's best friend, which is bad enough, but add their age difference (she's just 14 and he's 18,) and she's heading into heartbreak of epic proportions. He tried resisting her, knowing how wrong it was, but he allowed himself a kiss... and that kiss nearly cost him his life.

It's well written and filled with lots of action. It's pretty fast paced. The characters come to life, are fun, real and believable. Of course there's the mean girl/guy to balance everything out. Reads easily. Hard to put down. You'll want to have some Kleenex handy, because there are a few scenes that you will need them. There is a small amount of violence involved, but nothing off putting (but it does add to the story.) I just really loved this angsty love story and all the emotions it brought.

Due to the sexual content (and even though the female lead was only 17,) I would recommend this for 18+ readers.
2650377
I bought this book yesterday and read it in under 5 hours.  I couldn't put it down.  It was exciting and emotional and kept me on the edge of my seat the whole time.  Even when I thought I knew what was going on, I was quickly shown otherwise.  This is the perfect book for teens and adults alike.  Another great edition to the paranormal teen genre and I can't wait for the sequel to come out in October of this year.  Patch is an awesome character that will make any woman fall in love with him, despite his many quirks and flaws. (Edward Cullen he's not.) And Nora is a fun, likeable, and unique girl that every girl will want to emulate.  If you're looking for something other than vampires and werewolves(or even if you're not) this is the perfect book.  I highly recommend it for everyone.
1860585
Readers of young adult romance will not want to miss this emotional story of coping with loss before learning how to love again.  The interesting unique twist to this novel is that it's actually about two separate tales, but it is discovering how they intersect, that actually becomes the ground breaking necessary precursor to moving forward.

Nikki Fallon has had a lonely upbringing.  Growing up way before her time, she in essence becomes her own mother's caretaker as her mother struggles between bouts with diabetes and bipolar mental disease.  Although Nikki is a good student, she is unsure of where the future will lead given that they have almost no money and are barely getting by living in a trailer.  It's been so bad that she has been in and out of fosters homes from time to time.  Then her mother passes away and other than her best friend, Ashley, Nikki is totally alone.  When her social worker comes to take her away to yet another foster home shortly after her mother's death, Nikki's world is turned upside down when her mother's deathbed confession is revealed.  A secret her mother kept so hidden that she only bares having it finally revealed following her death in a letter.

Zack Martin has been in love with Emily since he was 9 years old and she moved next door.  Now at 17, he's the quarterback of the high school football team and Emily is the captain of the cheerleader squad.  From the outside looking in, everything seems picture perfect for this star couple.  But as Emily has aged, she's become more like her mother, obsessed with appearances and social standing.  Zack feels like she is no longer the girl who became his best friend and who he has loved all these years.  It is this change that ultimately leads to actions that will forever haunt Zack.

I wish I could give you more incite into this emotional romance, but it is the suspense of learning how these two stories intersect which the real gem of this book.  Anymore and you will piece it together too quickly, losing it's intended effect.  I will say that I guessed the connection fairly early on, so in some respects, I wish the suspense and mystery had been less predictable.  All that said, I found the process and journey toward this discovery, and the related characters' self-discovery, to be touching and enlightening.

This romance deals with some rather deep subjects, particularly for a young adult title, including grief and coping with the loss of a loved one. I enjoyed the realistic look at how such difficult subjects can affect one's ability to trust and love again; and greatly enjoyed the sweet budding romance and coming of age story weaved together within them in Left Behind.

Source:  ARC provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.
1612724
I am a huge fan of Suzanne Youngs so when I first heard about THE PROGRAM, I couldn't contain my excitement. Another wild adventure to go on that would take me to places and to characters that I wouldn't want to leave. I was delighted to receive an early copy, and I didn't waste any time diving into the book. Upon finishing, I was in utter shock. This book is good. Suzanne will take readers to all new depths that you don't want to go but also secretly crave to be. The subject of suicide is one of those subjects that few writers dare to venture into, but Suzanne exceeds with it in THE PROGRAM. I'm not going to lie-it's heart wrenching and sometimes depressing in certain places. But all of that heartache serves to make readers fall even more in love with Suzanne's words and the flawed yet charming characters she has created.

Sloane had me from page one. This girls life is far from perfect, yet the absolute love and adoration she feels for her boyfriend James is undeniable. These two were made for each other. If soul mates do exist, these two fit the description to a tee. However, love is no match for the deep depression that threatens to consume the teens at all times, especially when tragedy once again strikes close to them. The Program will find those who show any signs of depression; it's just a matter of when they will bite. My heart ached for Sloane and how lost she felt throughout most of the book. Sloane is a fighter though, and she won't let The Program take her down. If anyone is going to best them, it's Sloane.

Readers all over are going to be swooning for James. He is hot, sweet, and his fierce love and devotion to Sloane is so dreamy. His intense personality is all-consuming. And yet behind that perfect persona that Sloane sees is an intensely flawed guy who just wants to love and be loved. He is just as susceptible to the depression as anyone is, no matter what Sloane wants to believe. I have to say that if Sloane wasn't in the picture, I might have to take him for myself.  But not really. Because these two are so madly in love that nothing can stop them, not me, not even The Program.

THE PROGRAM is special in that Sloane and James are already madly in love and together at the start of the novel, but that doesn't mean that we have to miss out on some of their firsts that they had together. Suzanne lets us in on their love story bit by bit as the book progresses, showing us how their younger selves shaped who they have become by the time the book opens. Along with the revelations into their relationship, tidbits on The Program and the dark secrets it holds come to light. I was completely horrified at what I learned about it, just as Sloane was. On a lighter note, Suzanne introduces the light-hearted and hilarious Realm to bring some much-needed relief to the darkest moments. Realm definitely gives James a run for his money in the favorite character department. He's just as complex as James, if not more so. I need more Realm!

If you love Suzanne Young's books, THE PROGRAM may turn out to be your favorite of them all like it is for me. If you are new to Suzanne Young's books though, THE PROGRAM is as good as anywhere to start. You're going to fall completely in love with everything about this book. It's got yummy boys, an intense and disturbing plot, and a protagonist to root for. What more could you ask for?
4195070
Everything is perfect. Life had been great for teenager Eva. Her high school basketball team is on their way to the state championship game and the boy she has a crush on, Chad seems to like her too. However, that is all about to change when Eva talks her dad into taking the family to the state game. In Alaska, in the winter that is not an easy task. With a chain of events, in a moment, a blink of an eye an encounter with a moose and a truck her family is totally wiped out leaving Eva to pick up the pieces of a shattered life. She knows its her fault her parents and brothers are dead. Her life spirals out of control as the questions remain how could she survive and her family perish. The accident haunts her dreams as she tries to find out who is the man that stands in the shadows

What a rush! This story is amazing! My heart broke for Eva trying to fix her life now that shes a broken girl as her feelings mix believing she doesnt deserve happiness. The man in her dreams is he real or an angel along with the reality of her feelings for Chad and what is the spell the new girl Naomi seems to have over her. Jay writes an epic tale of real life tragedy twisted with sci-fi, fantasy, romance and even paranormal creating an outstanding YA novel that cant be put down. Dont misconstrue me thinking this is only for teens and young adults. With a writing style so captivating and a story so deep, even older adults will be enthralled. I personally cant wait to continue reading this remarkable series.
4491854
A wonderfully thrilling story weaved through the fast paced and passionate world of Polo.

Rocco was Frankie's first love/crush.  So much so the naughty teenager her jumped into his bed naked!  Of course it ended badly but enough memories were cast to make their reunion 10 years later one of

Rocco is the ultimate playboy and flies through life on the back of his beloved horses and attends all the important parties as a VIP.  Frankie in his words is unfinished business so Rocco pursues Frankie and now they're older, it's not long before the old memories are awoken an as adults they think a night is all they want, have time for and can do!

Rocco and Frankie are destined to have more than a night together! Together they are unstoppable but Rocco doesn't have time for this.  In-between his champion polo team and his consuming mission to search for the man who he hold responsible for killing his baby brother he wants the distraction but not the full time distraction exploring Frankie is becoming.  But the tap cant switch itself off as he thinks it can be.  Frankie has in impossible father and her brothers are estranged and rather than living the life she dreamed of with her beloved horses she's jetting around the world for her executive job in the cosmetics industry.  She has a spare 24 hours before she needs to leave the country and while she loves finally letting herself go, the last thing she wants to let go of is her heart.

The Playboy of Argentina is a fabulous story exploring the lives of two very very interesting people who are made for each other but just need to find the path they can together travel.  As well as excitement and passion, there is a brilliantly written moving scene and for me it's one of the best scene's i've read. There is also enough involvement by both Rocco and Frankie's family there has to be more books :D

Read in one day because I was quite captured.  Looking forward to reading more from this author.
1729094
I knew immediately that I would love this book because I have been with my husband 25 years and I am 20 years younger than he is so I understand the age difference. For a young male author to approach this controversial subject with such depth and understanding was amazing. This is not a typical formula romance, it was heartbreaking and painful to read at times but so worth it in the end. Ryan has a brilliant style of writing that paints pictures with his words. I have spent a month on the west coast of Washington and I could so easily picture what he was portraying. It was hard to fathom that this phenomenal romance was written by a man because he understands the female psyche so well. Anyone lucky enough to read this novel will come away with a joyful opinion, at least I did. SPOILER I only wish Jane hadn't sold her lovely home that Caleb put so much work into and moved to Texas. And it made me even sadder that he didn't get the job after she gave him up so that he could pursue his dream of making music. I definitely want a sequel by this very talented young author so that we can see how Caleb and Jane are doing.
4637651
"A Changed Life" was a fabulous book about young love. I have to say I was hooked after reading the first page. It was a real page-turner for me. My genre of books are usually biography's, science etc. This book just held my interest and then some. Its filled with varied emotions and if you're a visual reader like I am, you'll be able to in vision the scenes well in your head. There are plenty of emotions and lots of twists and turns, so strap on your seatbelt reading this one! Personally speaking, I feel the author did a tremendous job keeping the reader interested and delivering all the elements to a beautiful love story.
2008807
"I just love that feeling when things are about to change. Like when you know that in a few seconds you're going to do something and become someone else." --Rosetta to Seth in Freefall

Mindi Scott's Freefall was such a surprise. I read it because it was included as part of The Contemps reading challenge (a challenge to read 21 books by young adult authors that deal with real life issues), and this was one of only two that have been released (most come out in 2011). The book description makes it sound like a simple young adult romance, but it really stands apart from the crowd in the YA contemporary world.

Freefall is the story of Seth and Rosetta, two young people who have experienced terrible losses and are dealing with their grief and feelings of guilt in different, but unhealthy ways. Seth is a wonderful narrator. He's flawed, makes bad decisions, but at his core is a likable, decent guy. He plays music, loves his mom and has made a lot of bad decisions. Rosetta, Seth's new friend and love interest, is equally interesting--she plays golf, moves in a popular social circle and has to lie to cover up her secret. Ultimately, they're ordinary enough kids whose stories are deeply compelling--and I think that's a lot of why I loved it so much.

Also, I have to say a bit about the secondary characters. So often, it feels like the secondary characters in novels, especial in YA, are just backdrop for the main characters' story-lines. However, in Freefall the secondary characters grow and become more intriguing throughout the novel. I really cared about Kendall, Seth's mom, his brother and his bandmates, and that's a credit to Scott's storytelling.

Freefall is beautiful a story about grief, fear, loss, love and finding yourself. I love this book as a 30 year old and would have loved it as a 16 year old as well, and read it in a single sitting. Highly, highly recommended.

(Note: This book does have some drug use, drinking and foul language. It is all in the context of the story and is rendered in a realistic manner. This doesn't bother me, but I know some people are sensitive about that type of thing--especially in titles geared toward teens. However, the main story of the book deals with the aftermath of a death resulting from binge drinking, so my feeling is that this makes it all the more important of a story for young people.)
4424399
I love when a book surprises me!  I knew this book was YA, but it was not at all what I expected!  The drama, heartbreak and suspense really grabbed me!  You get to watch Maddie grow and learn to trust someone, even after all the horrible things she has survived!  And who could be better to fall in love with than Jase... swoon worthy for sure!!!

In Her Love Ran Crimson you meet Maddie!  She has been through more than any person (much less a teenager) should have to live with!  Everyone in her town is rude and hates her because they all believe she is the reason her mother is dead... but that is not the whole story!  Now that her mother is gone, Maddie has given up and is just trying to survive until she turns 18 and can leave her step-father and never look back!  Her step-father is awful and can't even be called a parent!  He is the one who dragged her and her mother into this dangerous world and doesn't care if Maddie gets hurt or not.  I HATE HIM, it broke my heart for Maddie every time she had to run errands for him or just be in the same room as him!  But when Maddie goes to school and literally runs into Jase, her world begins to not make sense.

"I really need to get a grip and figure out how to go back to where I just existed and nobody else mattered, but my heart keeps telling me Jase does matter."

Jase just transferred to Roosevelt High.  He is a senior just like Maddie and looking to make some new friends!  And he wants to be friends with Maddie  But she doesn't want to believe him.  She thinks that he will be like everyone else once he finds out about her past.  Jase is of course gorgeous and wanted by every girl in school, but he only wants her attention!  Jase is so sweet and tender with Maddie, I instantly feel in love with him!  How could you not love someone who just wants to help you learn to love yourself!

"Do you want me to scream to the world how much you mean to me because I will?  I just need something from you.  Anything to show me that you care the slightest bit..."  "... just give me a chance to love you, Maddie!"

Maddie starts to slowly open up to him, but she is scared that she may also be putting  him in danger.  Plus she doesn't want to get attached because she knows she HAS to leave as soon as she graduates and turns 18... or she will end up just like her mother.  But it may be too late...

Don't pass up this book thinking it just a normal YA because it is so much more!  I can't wait for where Zoey Foster is going to take us in this series!  She writes beautifully and you become attached to her characters!  Congratulations on your debut novel... I know there will be many more amazing books in the future!

4 HEALING STARS!
1728775
Andrea Smith introduces the reader to Neely Evans, a fourteen year old girl whose world has been torn asunder and will never be the same again. Due to her father's job, the family has been uprooted from Tennessee to California - a change that Neely does not like. However she meets her one and only friend and soon things start to be a bit better. Then suddenly her world is torn apart through infidelity, alcohol and the fact that she must become the main carer for her mother.

Seth Drake is a year older than Neely, but he and his family soon become the only people that she can rely on. Seth and Neely start out as friends, but soon their teenage hormones start to change that situation - even though nothing more than innocent kisses are shared. Seth has become the one thing in her life that she knows she can rely on.

Once again Neely's world is shattered when she is forced to leave Seth behind and return to Tennessee with her ever demanding and alcoholic mother. The world that Neely has grown to exist in is no longer there. She must become the adult in the family.

Neely's middle teenage years are full of heartache and despair, with a little bit of light provided by Seth, It is heartbreaking to witness all that Neely must go through. Yes there were a few teary moments that had me reaching for my tissues. But all through this tumultuous time, the one thing that Neely has is an undeniable strength to get her through.

As the book concluded, awaiting for the second instalment, we are left wondering what isin store next for this young girl who is on the verge of becoming an adult.

A wonderful book by Ms Smith, one that I thoroughly enjoyed and could not put down. I read it in one non-stop session, it was that good!! I eagerly await the next instalment, to see how Neely will cope with further changes in her life.

A thoroughly deserved FIVE STARS from this reader.
1268283
**Spoiler Free**

Amelia is a badass teenager who's love for friends and family will take her places she never thought she'd go. Although she has challenges aplenty she handles it with as so much more grace than should be expected of her, she just doesn't want to let anyone down.

Amelia faces new challenges in dealing with her Sight and a shocking new ability that I never saw coming. I loved that the trio had new abilities erupt in this book, keeping things new and exciting.

Dorian, her brother, is completely supportive in everything that Amelia decides to do; well for the most part. And Kendrick, well we all know he's still in love even though she's fallen for Ty. There will be challenges in their new spirit bond that will test everyone's (each character's) patience and then some.

Caius is as evil as ever and the unlikely foursome needs to find a way to stop his plan of killing Amelia and taking her abilities.

There will be twists and turns that you won't see coming. The book is very fast paced and keeps you hooked turning page by page forgetting all about the world around you. I look forward to seeing the next installment of the Blood Bound Series.

-- This was provided to me as an advance reader copy, meaning I received my copy directly from the Author.