Waiting on Wednesday: My Life Next Door

This is a weekly meme hosted by Jill from Breaking the Spine.  "Waiting on Wednesday" spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.

My Life Next Door by Huntley Fitzpatrick

Pub. Date: June 14, 2012

Goodreads says, "The Garretts are everything the Reeds are not. Loud, numerous, messy. And every day from her balcony perch, seventeen year old Samantha wishes she was one of them… until the day Jase Garrett climbs her terrace and changes everything.  Jase can sense that his beautiful neighbor is missing something in her sterile home, and as the two fall fiercely in love, his family makes her one of their own.  But when the bottom drops out of Sam's world, which perfect family will save her–and will her perfect love survive?  Set among the haves and have-nots of a coastal New England town, My LIFE NEXT DOOR captures the angst, the heartache, and the raw-nerve emotions of first time love—and biting loss."

*I love the sound of this one, especially a boy next door romance.  This is definitely going on my to-read list for the summertime. 

Book Review: Catching Jordan by Miranda Kenneally

Pages: 288

Genre: YA Realistic Fiction

Pub. Date: December 2, 2011

Source: From publisher for review

My Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars

Goodreads says, "What girl doesn't want to be surrounded by gorgeous jocks day in and day out? Jordan Woods isn't just surrounded by hot guys, though - she leads them as the captain and quarterback on her high school football team. They all see her as one of the guys, and that's just fine. As long as she gets her athletic scholarship to a powerhouse university. But now there's a new guy in town who threatens her starring position on the team... and has her suddenly wishing to be seen as more than just a teammate."

Jordan Woods, daughter of the famous NFL quarterback, Donovan Woods, is one of Tennessee's best quarterbacks, even though she is a female in the male dominated sport of football.  She appears to have it all---- wealth, a football team that supports her, a loyal best friend and her eye on the prize which is the upcoming State Championship game and playing for University of Alabama.  She won't let anything deter her from her goals, that is until Ty, a new student and talented quarterback, joins her team and ends up as competition for her spot.   Plus, she actually likes him, which proves to be a big problem.  Catching Jordan, a debut by Miranda Kenneally, is a dazzling contemporary read that mixes two of my favorites:  romance and football.

Catching Jordan is so much more than a sports book.  It examines relationships, first love, expectations, sexism, loyalty, and family.  I really liked the character of Jordan and she grows as a person throughout the book.  At first, she hates other girls (especially cheerleaders), only hangs with the team, and has never kissed a boy. However, throughout the course of the book, she transforms into a more balanced person and learns a little bit more about life and relationships.

Her best friend, Henry, was one of my favorite characters in Catching Jordan. He was definitely swoon-worthy and I immediately imagined Tim Riggins from Friday Night Lights as I was visualizing this character. I definitely had crush on Henry and haven't felt that way since St. Clair or Dimitri.    On the other hand, I really disliked her father, the professional quarterback.  Thankfully, he, like Jordan, evolves throughout the book, but for the first half of the book, he was a complete disappointment.  Lastly, Ty is definitely the stereotypical cute quarterback, but he had too many issues for me to really like him. I didn't like how controlling he was, but there's no doubt he was easy on the eyes. His relationship with Jordan was a bit too insta-love for me.

It's no secret that I am a HUGE fan of football, so I loved all the descriptions of the game, the players, and even practice.  Kenneally is a talented writer and I enjoyed how she wove a sports story and a romance together expertly.  I can't wait for the companion to Catching Jordan, which is The Girl I Used To Be and it comes out next fall.

*Pre-order Catching Jordan

*Read an excerpt

*Watch the book trailer

Happy Thanksgiving!

I wish you and your family a wonderful Thanksgiving! 

There is so much to be thankful for this holiday season.  I don't know about you, but I am looking forward to resting, watching football and eating some good food. 

(Picture from thinknice.com)

Happy Thanksgiving!

Waiting on Wednesday: The Summer My Life Began

This is a weekly meme hosted by Jill from Breaking the Spine.  "Waiting on Wednesday" spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.

The Summer My Life Began by Shannon Greenland

Pub. Date: May 10, 2012

Goodreads says, "Elizabeth Margaret—better known as Em—has always known what life would contain: an internship at her father’s firm, a degree from Harvard and a career as a lawyer. The only problem is that it’s not what she wants. When she gets the opportunity to get away from it all and spend a month with the aunt she never knew, she jumps at the chance. While there, Em pursues her secret dream of being a chef, and she also learns that her family has kept some significant secrets from her, too. And then there’s Cade, the laid-back local surfer boy who seems to be everything Em isn't. Naturally, she can’t resist him, and as their romance blossoms, Em feels she is living on her own terms for the first time."

*This book is so me. I am already imagining reading it with the sand beneath my toes, the ocean waves crashing in the background, and the summer sun on my face. *Sigh* Is this the perfect beach read or what?

Book Review: Becoming Marie Antoinette by Juliet Grey

Pages: 453

Genre: Adult Historical Fiction

Pub. Date: August 9, 2011

Source: Netgalley

My Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

Goodreads says, "Raised alongside her numerous brothers and sisters by the formidable empress of Austria, ten-year-old Maria Antonia knew that her idyllic existence would one day be sacrificed to her mother’s political ambitions. What she never anticipated was that the day in question would come so soon. Before she can journey from sunlit picnics with her sisters in Vienna to the glitter, glamour, and gossip of Versailles, Antonia must change everything about herself in order to be accepted as dauphine of France and the wife of the awkward teenage boy who will one day be Louis XVI. Yet nothing can prepare her for the ingenuity and influence it will take to become queen. Filled with smart history, treacherous rivalries, lavish clothes, and sparkling jewels, Becoming Marie Antoinette will utterly captivate fiction and history lovers alike."

Readers meet Maria Antonia as a spunky child in Austria.  Her mother, forever scheming and desperately ambitious, has high hopes for her daughter.  Maria Antonia always knew that she would one day wed Louis XVI of France and she would end up as the Queen of France.  The story follows Marie as she learns about what it takes to be "worthy" for Louis and it's shocking to learn about the many things she had ti endure.  Once she finally is wedded to Louis, the story follows the many obstacles she had to face as a young girl in an intense and gossip filled court.  Becoming Marie Antoinette will please fans of historical fiction as it is smart, yet extremely engaging.


I was immediately interested in Marie Antoinette and really enjoyed following her transformation. Yes, I knew about her from history class, but I've never read a book focusing on her and I found this time period to be just as captivating as Tudor England.  The dresses, the ornate jewelry, the hairstyles, the gossip, the food, and the gambling were all very entertaining.  Plus, readers are witnessing this all from a young teenager's eyes and that made it all the more interesting as Marie is just learning her way about court in Becoming Marie Antoinette.


Her mother, on the other hand, was a hard women to feel empathy for. She was so ambitious; it was difficult for readers to see that she even cared about her daughter's wellbeing.  She was definitely not my favorite character.  Also, Louis XVI was a peculiar sort of boy. At times I was completely frustrated with him, but then I just felt badly for him.  He's definitely a little boy in a man's body and was very wimpy.  


My only grip with this book is the lack of dialogue. I would have loved a bit more.  It felt like there were a ton of descriptions and not enough dialogue, but that is my only issue with Becoming Marie Antoinette.  


This story stops around Marie Antoinette's eighteenth birthday and I was left with so many questions.  I was very happy to hear that Becoming Marie Antoinette is part of a trilogy and the second book in this series, Days of Splendor, Days of Sorrow, will come out this summer.  I can only imagine what antics Marie Antoinette is up to in that book!  I have a feeling things are going to get very unruly and in a good way.  I will definitely be picking up the second book as I loved being lost in Marie's enchanting world.

Buy Becoming Marie Antoinette 

Watch the book trailer

In My Mailbox #69

Illuminate by Aimee Agresti
*Thanks to NetGalley and Rachel at Houghton Mifflin Harcourt for sending me this egalley. Not too long ago I featured this book as my WoW pick; I am definitely excited to read it.

Goodreads says, "Haven Terra is a brainy, shy high school outcast. But everything begins to change when she turns sixteen. Along with her best friend Dante and their quiet and brilliant classmate Lance, she is awarded a prestigious internship in the big city— Chicago—and is sent to live and work at a swanky and stylish hotel under the watchful eyes of a group of gorgeous and shockingly young-looking strangers: powerful and alluring hotel owner Aurelia Brown; her second-in-command, the dashing Lucian Grove; and their stunning but aloof staff of glamazons called The Outfit. As Haven begins falling for Lucian, she discovers that these beautiful people are not quite what they seem. With the help of a mysterious book, she uncovers a network of secret passageways from the hotel’s jazz-age past that leads her to the heart of the evil agenda of Aurelia and company: they’re in the business of buying souls. Will they succeed in wooing Haven to join them in their recruitment efforts, or will she be able to thwart this devilish set’s plans to take the souls of her classmates on prom night at the hotel?"

Born Wicked by Jessica Spotswood
*Thanks to Librarything for sending me this exciting ARC. I love the premise and that cover is to-die-for.

Goodreads says, "Everybody knows Cate Cahill and her sisters are eccentric. Too pretty, too reclusive, and far too educated for their own good. But the truth is even worse: they're witches. And if their secret is discovered by the priests of the Brotherhood, it would mean an asylum, a prison ship—or an early grave.  Before her mother died, Cate promised to protect her sisters. But with only six months left to choose between marriage and the Sisterhood, she might not be able to keep her word . . . especially after she finds her mother's diary, uncovering a secret that could spell her family's destruction. Desperate to find alternatives to their fate, Cate starts scouring banned books and questioning rebellious new friends, all while juggling tea parties, shocking marriage proposals, and a forbidden romance with the completely unsuitable Finn Belastra.  If what her mother wrote is true, the Cahill girls aren't safe. Not from the Brotherhood, the Sisterhood—not even from each other."

What did you get in your mailbox? Have you read any of these books? Let me know what you think.   This meme is hosted by The Story Siren.     

It's Not You, It's Me (1)

"It's not you, it's me. I just want to be friends." I'm sure some of us have heard those dreaded words uttered before and the same saying can be applied to books.  Some books just don't work for me, whereas other readers may have really enjoyed them.  This new feature will be showcasing books that I never finished or reviewed.


Sharks & Boys by Kristen Tracy

Goodreads says, "When 15-year-old Enid Calhoun follows her boyfriend Wick to Maryland for a party, fearful that he might be intending to cheat on her, she finds herself sneaking on board a houseboat where Wick and his friends plan to have a wild night. But before the boys discover their stowaway, a hurricane strikes, and the teenagers are carried miles from the shore and shipwrecked. What follows is a harrowing, yet heartwarming, story of survival, as the teens battle hypothermia, dehydration, man-eating sharks--and along the way, confront their own deepest secrets, including their catalytic roles in the disaster."

*I just couldn't handle the main character Enid. She drove me nuts and every time I read her name, I immediately thought of the Enid in Sweet Valley High, who also drove me nuts.  However, I brought this book to my classroom and a few students, including boys, read it and liked it. 

Awakened (House of Night #8) by P.C. Cast and Kristin Cast

Goodreads says, "Exonerated by the Vampyre High Council and returned to her position of High Priestess at Tulsa’s House of Night, Neferet has sworn vengeance on Zoey.  Dominion over Kalona is only one of the weapons she plans to use against Z.  But Zoey has found sanctuary on the Isle of Skye and is being groomed by Queen Sgiach to take over for her there.  Being Queen would be cool, wouldn’t it?  Why should she return to Tulsa? After losing her human consort, Heath, she will never be the same – and her relationship with her super-hot-warrior, Stark, may never be the same either… And what about Stevie Rae and Rephaim?  The Raven Mocker refuses to be used against Stevie Rae, but what choice does he have when no one in the entire world, including Zoey, would be okay with their relationship?  Does he betray his father or his heart? In the pulse-pounding 8th book in the bestselling House of Night series, how far will the bonds of friendship stretch and how strong are the ties that bind one girl’s heart?"

* I broke up with this series after Burned, but like any bad relationship, I went back for more even though I knew it wasn't going to be good.  Well, I was right. I got about 50 pages in and the little annoying things (teen speak and ridiculous love triangles) about this series crept right back up again.  I think I am done with this series for good.

What do you guys think? 

Waiting on Wednesday: The Wild Queen

This is a weekly meme hosted by Jill from Breaking the Spine.  "Waiting on Wednesday" spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.

The Wild Queen: The Days and Nights of Mary Queen of Scots by Carolyn Meyer

Pub. Date: June 19, 2012

Goodreads says, "Mary is only six days old when she is crowned after the death of her father, five years old when she is sent to France to be raised alongside her future husband. Surrounded by friends and beloved by the royal family, Mary absorbs the culture, becoming more French than Scot. But when her frail young husband dies, Mary, now eighteen, is stripped of her title as Queen of France and set adrift in the harsh world, alone.  Determined to reign over what is rightfully hers, as well as to claim the throne of England to which she believes she is entitled, Mary returns to Scotland. The fiery young queen must sometimes go to brutal lengths to establish her sovereignty. And she is just as willful when it comes to her love life. Hoping that a husband will help her secure the coveted English throne, Mary marries again, but the love and security she longs for elude her. Instead, she finds herself embroiled in a murder scandal that could cost her the crown. And her attempts to bargain with her formidable "sister queen," Elizabeth I of England, could cost her her very life.

*I've been meaning to read more of Carolyn Meyer, especially her Young Royals series since I am a fan of historical fiction. This one caught my eye, because Mary Queen of Scots is such a captivating person in history.  I can't wait to get my hands on a copy!

Book Review: Little Women and Me by Lauren Baratz-Logsted

Pages: 336

Genre: YA Historical Fiction

Pub. Date: November 8, 2011

Source: ARC from Teen Book Scene and The Book Butterfly

My Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

Goodreads says, "Emily is sick and tired of being a middle sister. So when she gets an assignment to describe what she'd change about a classic novel, Emily pounces on Little Women. After all, if she can't change things in her own family, maybe she can bring a little justice to the March sisters. (Kill off Beth? Have cute Laurie wind up with Amy instead of Jo? What was Louisa May Alcott thinking?!) But when Emily gets mysteriously transported into the world of the book, she discovers that righting fictional wrongs won't be easy. And after being immersed in a time and place so different from her own, it may be Emily-not the four March sisters-who undergoes the most surprising change of all. Lauren Baratz-Logsted's winning confection will appeal to fans of Little Women as well as anyone who enjoys a modern twist on an old favorite."

Emily is the dreaded middle sister within her family and she is often overlooked.  One day at school, her English teacher gives her an assignment in which she has to change a classic novel by rewriting part of it that the students didn't really like.  Emily immediately thinks of Louisa May Alcott's Little Women and thinks of changing the part where Beth dies and the fact that Laurie doesn't end up with Jo.  As Emily is planning her rewrite, she is sucked into the world of Little Women and finds herself living as one of the March sisters.  Lauren Baratz-Logsted's Little Women and Me is a twist on the beloved story and a delightful read that will inspire young readers to read the classic.

Emily is a charming character that I feel many middle grade students will be able to relate to her.  She is completely a fish out of water living in Little Women. There's no cell phones, Facebook, or Internet and it takes Emily some time to adapt.  Readers will revisit many memorable scenes from the classic and in turn, Emily will learn about family and sisterly love.  I liked that aspect of the book, especially its message.

The character of Jo really came to life for me in Little Women and Me. I remember adoring Jo when I first encountered her in the classic and this book brought back many of my fond memories.  It was fun to read about Emily competing with her favorite literary character, Jo, as they are very alike and would vie for attention.

Although Little Women and Me isn't action packed, it's heartwarming.  Plus, it's extremely fun to imagine waking up one day in your favorite story and changing the parts that you didn't necessarily agree with.  I mean, who hasn't ever fantasized about ending up in their favorite novel?!?  I'm still waiting for Mr. Darcy to get the memo. ;)

*Buy Little Women and Me 

Book Review: The Pledge by Kimberly Derting

Pages: 320

Genre: Science Fiction

Pub. Date: November 15, 2011

Source: S&S Galley Grab

My Rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars

Goodreads says, "In the violent country of Ludania, the classes are strictly divided by the language they speak. The smallest transgression, like looking a member of a higher class in the eye while they are speaking their native tongue, results in immediate execution. Seventeen-year-old Charlaina has always been able to understand the languages of all classes, and she's spent her life trying to hide her secret. The only place she can really be free is the drug-fueled underground clubs where people go to shake off the oppressive rules of the world they live in. It's there that she meets a beautiful and mysterious boy named Max who speaks a language she's never heard before . . . and her secret is almost exposed.  Charlie is intensely attracted to Max, even though she can't be sure where his real loyalties lie. As the emergency drills give way to real crisis and the violence escalates, it becomes clear that Charlie is the key to something much bigger: her country's only chance for freedom from the terrible power of a deadly regime."

Charlaina (Charlie) lives in Ludania, a dystopia where there's a caste system in place, which is further divided by various languages.  If someone from a lower class makes eye contact with someone in the upper class while speaking, the punishment is extreme, perhaps even death.  Charlie's world is a scary place with many limitations and rules, especially since she is from the merchant class.  She has a secret though.  She can understand the castes' languages, even though she shouldn't be able to and this is a secret she must guard with her life. To have some fun, Charlie and her best friend, Brooklynn, spend a lot of their time at underground clubs where rules don't apply.  While there, she meets a mysterious guy named Max.  Instantly, she feels an attraction to Max, but doesn't know much about him other than the language he speaks she hasn't heard spoken in Ludania before.  As The Pledge progresses, Charlie learns the truth about her family, Max and the fate of her country.  Kimberly Derting's The Pledge is the start to a new series that unfortunately left me feeling indifferent.

There were many things that I loved about The Pledge. The world that Derting created was brilliant. I love the idea of a corrupt monarch and the caste system was intriguing.  The setting only added to the suspense, which increased tremendously after I read the second half of the book.  Derting, one of my favorite authors as I loved The Body Finder, really knows how to write suspense and for me, that was evident towards the end of the book.

In my opinion, the problem with The Pledge lied within the characters. I had a hard time relating to Charlie and at times, she fell a bit flat.  Her love interest, Max, was also no Jay (The Body Finder) and I found that to be disappointing; he lacked that extra charisma and appeal.  The characters were a bit one dimensional and, in turn, I wasn't 100% invested in the story.  On the other hand, I loved the antagonist in The Pledge, which is the amoral Queen.  It was like she was out of a Grimm's fairy tale; she was incredibly evil!  I really thought Derting did a good job with her; she was unique and very memorable.  

When I first encountered The Pledge, I thought it was mostly going to have sci-fi elements, but there were a lot of fantasy elements in this novel, too.  For example, the Queen, when she is old and near death, needs a female (royal) host body in order for her essence to be transferred to a younger body, so she can take over that body and continue to rule. Fans of fantasy may appreciate this and I found that part of the story to be captivating.

While I am a HUGE fan of Kimberly Derting, I think I will be sticking with her paranormal tales; however, I am slightly intrigued as to where she is going to take Charlie's story, which, as of now, will have two more books in The Pledge series.  

*Buy The Pledge

*Read an excerpt

In My Mailbox #68

If you want to learn more about the books listed below, click on the titles. I linked it to their Goodreads' page.  

For Review:

Catching Jordan by Miranda Kenneally

*Thanks to NetGalley and Sourcebooks for this egalley. I am a huge fan of football and can't wait to read this.

Hallowed by Cynthia Hand

*A BIG thank you to Netgalley for this one. I loved Unearthly; in fact it was one of my favorite angels reads. ever. 

Bought:

 The Unbecoming of Mara Dyer by Michelle Hodkin

*I had a coupon from B&N, so I couldn't resist picking up this one since I read so many glowing reviews.

The Death Cure by James Dashner

My husband is obsessed with this series and bought this book immediately.  Thankfully, he donated it to my classroom when he was done and the students already snatched it up!

Last Breath by Rachel Caine

*I got a signed copy of this one! I couldn't resist.

Won:

Water for Elephants by Sara Gruen

*Thanks to Caribou's Mom, I won this book and the newly released DVD of the movie. Thank you!

11/22/63 by Stephen King

*Thanks to Leanna, from Daisy Chain Book Reviews, for sharing this egalley with me.  I just featured this book as my WoW pick and can't wait to read it!

What did you get in your mailbox? Have you read any of these books? Let me know what you think.   This meme is hosted by The Story Siren.    

Sara Shepard Book Signing

I had the pleasure of going to Sara Shepard's book signing at my local independent bookstore. She was discussing as well as signing her latest adult novel, Everything We Ever Wanted and her successful young adult series, namely Pretty Little Liars. I got a few signed books and a copy for my classroom, too. I have many students that are OBSESSED with the show! 


It was really interesting to hear Sara speak about her success and how she got to this point. I had no idea that she initially started off as a ghost writer for one of the Gossip Girl books.  Also, I really captivated, because Sara is a local author and her PLL series is set in the fictional town of Rosewood, which was inspired by the neighborhood I grew up in and surrounding areas.  


Many people asked her about her experience with the PLL TV show, which is on ABC Family as well as The Lying Game.  Sara reported that she loves the PLL show, has met the actors and actresses, and even has had a guest spot.  Did anyone catch that episode? She discussed the many differences between her series and the TV show, but she has embraced the changes that ABC Family has made. 

Image from ABC Family

By the way, I had no idea that there were so many books in the PLL series and shockingly, Sara has plans to write more as per publisher's request! She even reported that she is able to write a book in two months, which I find to be impressive. The tenth book in the PLL series comes out this December and the eleventh comes out this summer. That's a prolific writing schedule!  I hope she comes back to my local independent bookstore for another signing, because I really enjoyed listening to her talk; I just wish I had my camera with me!


I don't know about you, but I am a fan of the PLL TV show and I hate to admit that I've watched the TV show before I read the books, but it's so darn addicting!  I am a few episodes behind though and need to get caught up before it comes back on in January.  Anyone else a fan?

Waiting on Wednesday: Jersey Angel

This is a weekly meme hosted by Jill from Breaking the Spine.  "Waiting on Wednesday" spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.

Jersey Angel by Beth Ann Bauman

Pub. Date: May 8, 2012

Goodreads says, "It's the summer before senior year and the alluring Angel is ready to have fun. She's not like her best friend, Inggy, who has a steady boyfriend, good grades, and college plans. Angel isn't sure what she wants to do yet, but she has confidence and experience beyond her years. Still, her summer doesn't start out as planned. Her good friend Joey doesn't want to fool around anymore, he wants to be her boyfriend, while Angel doesn't want to be tied down. As Joey pulls away, and Inggy tours colleges, Angel finds herself  spending more time with Inggy's boyfriend, Cork. With its cast of vivid and memorable characters, this tale from the Jersey shore is sure to make some waves.

*I've spent many a summer at the Jersey shore (FYI- My "shore" is not to be confused with fist-pumping, big hair, and excessive spray tanning) and this book's synopsis immediately brought back some memories.  I loved my summers at the Jersey shore--drama and all--and they have provided much inspiration for a young adult novel.   In fact, I don't think  I've read any novels that are set at this location, other than my work-in-progress for NaNoWriMo.  Let's just say, you had me at Jersey. ;)

Guest Post: Interview with Julie Kagawa

I am very excited to have Julie Kagawa, the New York Times bestselling author of The Iron Fey series, on the blog today. She's kind enough to answer a few questions about the latest installment in the series, The Iron Knight.  It just came out October 25th, so be sure to pick up a copy!

Was the Gauntlet as much fun to write about as it was to read? How did you come up with the different tasks that Ash would have to complete?  

Ah, this is where my gamer geekiness comes out.  Almost every platform game or RPG has some sort of dungeon/castle/cave you have to get through, filled with traps and riddles and other nasty surprises.  Would it be horribly nerdy to say I imagined Ash and company as a video game while writing The Gauntlet?  It would?  Oh well. 

Do you keep a glossary of characters so you don't get confused with all of the monsters and creatures of Nevernever? 

Not really.  They sort of all live up in my head, and wow, that sounded schizophrenic.  Little known fact about authors?  We listen to the voices in our heads. ;-) 

Is Puck going to get his own book? Are you going to do any spin offs of other characters now that Ash and Meghan are together? Any chance for a novella of Ash and Meghan's new life together in the Iron Kingdom?  

There is a spin off series in the works.  This time it's Ethan Chase, Meghan's younger brother, as the protagonist, and I'm sure there will be many a cameo, including the original four.  But that's all I can reveal at this time.  

Thanks for visiting, Julie! I will keep my eye out for this new spin-off series; it sounds awesome!  If you want to learn more about the Iron Fey series, check out Julie's website.  You can also follow her blog here.  Lastly, a big thank you to Harlequin and Media Muscle for allowing me to be a part of this blog tour.

Book Review: Passion by Lauren Kate

Pages: 420

Genre: YA Fantasy/Paranormal

Pub. Date: June 14, 2011

Source: Personal copy

Other Books in Series: Fallen and Torment

My Rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars

Goodreads says, "Luce would die for Daniel. And she has. Over and over again. Throughout time, Luce and Daniel have found each other, only to be painfully torn apart: Luce dead, Daniel left broken and alone. But perhaps it doesn’t need to be that way. . . . Luce is certain that something—or someone—in a past life can help her in her present one. So she begins the most important journey of this lifetime . . . going back eternities to witness firsthand her romances with Daniel . . . and finally unlock the key to making their love last. Cam and the legions of angels and Outcasts are desperate to catch Luce, but none are as frantic as Daniel. He chases Luce through their shared pasts, terrified of what might happen if she rewrites history. Because their romance for the ages could go up in flames . . . forever."

Luce goes back in time in order to see what her past lives have been like with Daniel as she is not one hundred percent sure about their love based on the ending in book two (Torment).  Luce is trying to figure out how to break the curse, except this isn't a leisurely trip down memory lane as Cam, the Outcasts, Daniel, and other angels are hot on her trail.  The problem with time travel is the fact that if Luce makes any changes to her past lives, it could have serious consequences in the future, like a ripple effect.  This is what worries Daniel the most as a small change could impact their futures greatly. Passion, Lauren Kate's third book in the Fallen series is an edge of your seat adventure into Luce's past.


Luce is taking things into her own hands (finally!) in Passion, which I really liked. She was trying to figure things out on her own without relying on Daniel or Miles or any one else.  She travels back and witnesses her former lives which take place all over the world and throughout many points in time.  I especially liked this part since I am big fan of time travel and historical fiction. I found this aspect of the book to be extremely fascinating as well as the idea of reincarnation.  However, while I liked this part of the book, after a while I felt the time travel got to be monotonous as this was the main focus of the novel.  I think it had to be done this way though in order for readers to fully comprehend Luce and Daniel's relationship; however, I wanted a little more of present day.


There's a new character, Bill, whom Luce meets while traveling back to her past lives.  At first he was a strange new addition to the plot, but his secrets will be fully revealed as Passion progresses.  Readers can count on many new secrets being uncovered and a few plot twists while learning more about Luce and Daniel's eternal love.


The final book in the series, Rapture, comes out in 2012.  Passion felt like a middle of the road book that is hopefully setting readers up for an epic ending.  Word on the street is that Disney snatched up the movie rights to all four books in this series.  Daniel on the big screen? Yes, please!

*Buy Passion

*Watch the book trailer

*Read an excerpt