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Chasing Magic - Stacia Kane 5*!!! PERFECTION!!!

I'm sorry. I can't write a proper review. This will mainly be me gushing and professing my undying love for this book, okay?

Argh! How do I even begin to list what I loved? Okay. Let’s start with this:

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My fears towards the end of [b:Sacrificial Magic|8786358|Sacrificial Magic (Downside Ghosts, #4)|Stacia Kane|http://d202m5krfqbpi5.cloudfront.net/books/1316601704s/8786358.jpg|13630390] were validated here. Lex has taken over Slobag's position, and he has major plans - plans that included recruiting Terrible. Terrible's loyalty to Bump and his obvious hatred for Lex makes it an easy decision, but his refusal meant that he's now high on Lex's hit list and Chess is unable to do anything about it.

In addition to the escalating tension between the two territories, Downside dealers and users are falling into zombie-like trances and brutally killing people around them. Their deaths are gruesome and all of it point to their consumption of dark-magic-tainted speed. Before Chess and Terrible could even make any progress in their investigation, more people are getting "infected" and are either dying or killing others. It's only a matter of time before Downside is turned into a literal ghost town.

This was, by far, the most intense, the most heart-racing, the most gut wrenching book of the series. It was fast-paced and action packed from page one, and Chess wasn't even bombarded with jobs left and right this time. Her only mission was to put a stop to the dark magic at work, and avoid getting herself or Terrible killed in the process. This proved to be challenging since dark magic affected Terrible because of his sigil, and we find out in this book what truly happens when he comes into contact with it. It was a heartbreaking scene to witness because not only was the revelation painful for Chess, her relationship with Elder Griffin was also put in jeopardy.

Chessie's feelings of low self-worth continue to permeate the entire book. And while I long for her to eventually stop viewing herself so negatively I understand that years of trauma and conditioning can't be healed overnight. It broke my heart to read her thoughts sometimes but at the same time I appreciated the realistic portrayal. She does slowly get used to being cared for even if she feels undeserving. And we see growth in her character, particularly confidence in her abilities as a Churchwitch. Her powers and creativity were stretched to the limits, and the things she did just blew my mind!

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Of course, what purpose does this gushfest serve if I can't talk about how awesome Terrible is? We get a lot of Terrible and Chess together-time here and I loved every second of it. You'd think that they would be super close by now but they still say things or give those looks that make each other blush. It was just so cute! I think Terrible now holds the standard to which I compare all other book boyfriends to. I mean, who needs Mr. Alpha Jackass when this... this strong, protective, kind, sweet, accepting, and chivalrous man exists? I loved how he always seems to know what Chess needs, be it a lit cigarette or holding her hair back while she pukes her guts out, or just saying things to lighten up an uncomfortable mood. And GAWD, he may think that he's not eloquent but he manages to punch the right buttons every. Single. Time. That whole exchange at the rooftop sent me into fits of hiccups and ugly sobs.
"Ain't so bad Chessie, causen you ain't be alone, dig? You ain't go there on your alones. An I figuring, I end up there maybe you come down see me. You can do that, bein a witch an all, aye?"

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

"An that's the only one matters, dig. Can deal with it on my alones, baby, causen you visit me. But the other way... you thinkin I let you stay there by youself? Thinkin I stay here iffen you ain't around no more?"

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

"I ain't... Don't know how to say it up right. Never - Fuck. Thought you was dead once before, you recall? Never felt so bad in my life, not ever. Then on the other day, thought you was gone an just... I ain't can do it, bein without you.

Don't want to. An even if I did, ain't can leave you down there on your alones. How I can do that one, aye? Leave my Chessiebomb there without me. 'Specially knowin you scared on it."

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

"Love you, Chessie," he murmured. "Ain't never... Fuckin love you, more'n anything."


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But while their partnership is solid, their relationship is constantly being put to the test. With both of them flawed and damaged, and Chess full of apprehensions, they struggle to maintain a functional relationship. And naturally, Lex continues to be Lex, always trying to get under everyone's skin (mine included) and there was one particular scene that made me want to murder him. But at the end of the book, I finally understood him better and *gag* even liked him for what he did.

This book was perfect to me and for me. I loved the feelings of rush I felt throughout my entire reading experience. It had the right amounts of suspense, drama, action, romance, steam (uh, that scene at Bump's? Nuff said), angst and humor. Bump never fails to make me laugh (mostly during inappropriate moments too), and those sardonic chapter openers always elicit a reaction from me, be it a smile or a sudden need to hurl something against the wall. I love the multi-faceted characters and their personal dilemnas. I loved the depression and the tenderness, the temporary lapses in judgement and the little victories. Chess and Terrible will always be in my list of characters-dearest-to-me, and for sure, this book will be sitting in my all-time-favourites shelf.
Untitled Downside Ghosts - Stacia Kane 5*!!! So much ♥♥♥♥♥!

I know this is cheesy and I'm really not one to assign "theme songs" to character OTPs I adore, but this song was made for Chess and Terrible! I know, I know. I can't picture them singing or even listening to this song for that matter, but it is just so perfect for them! I am sure that hardcore urban fantasy readers are snootily turning their noses up at me now and saying, "this is not a romance" in their haughty voices but whatevs.

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So what if I'm reading this mainly for Chess and Terrible's relationship? The ghost-hunting certainly didn't lure me in.

But I don't want to give false hope to hardcore romance readers either, because you might be disappointed. This will never be shelved in the romance section of the bookstore. If you're looking for steam, well, the entire series probably has the steam equivalent of one-half of a BDB book. If you're looking for a fearless, likeable heroine, you probably wouldn't find that in Chess. If you want a handsome alpha hero then the ugly and often insecure and clueless Terrible is not your man. There is no sidekick that will provide the ocassional comic relief. There are more stumped moments than witty comebacks. There's no happily-ever-after AFTER the I-love-yous. There's nothing perfect, easy or assured about Downside and that is why I'm rooting for the happiness of the characters so much!

The ending of [b:City of Ghosts|7243411|City of Ghosts (Downside Ghosts, #3)|Stacia Kane|http://d202m5krfqbpi5.cloudfront.net/books/1359346563s/7243411.jpg|6912417] was epic, yes, and I could've stopped there for a satisfying ending but I just couldn't get enough of Chess and Terrible! I went for a weekend camping trip and thought that the lighter read I brought with me would be more appropriate for some R&R but I ended up thinking about this book the entire time. Lesson learned: Do not force self to stop reading what the heart wants to read. However, my reasons for delaying the inevitable relationship drama were grounded. I barely made it past 10% and I was already worrying about two things: Bump's charred pipe rooms and Chessie's new assignment which brought her right in the middle of enemy territory.

The assignment isn't supposed to be a tough one. It was just an investigation of a haunting in a high school. But the residents of the area aren't exactly Church fans and the students refuse to help by default. Fortunately for her, Lex shows up one afternoon and shows the entire school that she's associated with him, which in turn earned the respect and co-operation of the students. While this worked in favor of her case, it was a detail she wasn't looking forward to explaining to Terrible. She believed that he still didn't trust her, and this thing would just cause him to be even more suspicious of her.

The fights were tough to read about, but Chessie's inner struggles were the most heartbreaking. It hurt to find out how her addiction started, and even when that was brought to light she still blamed herself for choosing to be dependent on drugs later on. I mean, I may not know much about addiction, but I know a thing or two about abuse and depression. The belief that she was worthless and undeserving made my heart ache. There was so much self-doubt, so much self-loathing. She was cautious, too cautious, around Terrible, because she believed that saying the wrong thing or making the wrong move would send him running in the opposite direction.

"Please tell me what I did. I didn't mean to, whatever it was I didn't mean to, okay? Tell me, please?"

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

But the words in her head were a reminder, one she didn't need. A reminder that she was failing, that she was fucking up, that it wasn't a question of when she would spoil everything but of how long he would put up with the way she was spoiling everything.

Normally I would be frustrated with this much drama, but like every other time with Chess it only made me want to hug her more.

Terrible wasn't the most reassuring boyfriend either. Neither one of them were experienced in the relationship department so they fumbled around and messed up communicating their actual feelings. There was even a point where so much hurtful words were exchanged that I thought that maybe getting together wasn't the best idea, but the nagging voice at the back of my head insisted, "no, they are meant for each other. They'll work it out." And gawd, Terrible may be a man of a few words but when he does speak his mind he says the best things ever.
"Aw, naw, ain't sayin that. You do what you need an ain't try telling you no, but... takin you to bed, want you there, not just your body. An want you knowin it's me. Love you, Chess. Dig?"

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

"Love you, too, Chess... You got that, aye? Ain't you know it? Love you right, till it hurts. Ain't goin nowhere, don't need to cry, 'sall right up."


The last 10% of the book had me wired with so much emotions. I was sobbing for a moment there when I thought that Chessie's memory was lost. And Stacia, why do this to me now that I like Lex? And even Beulah! And even if I don't understand him half the time I do like Bump. What's going to happen to Terrible? And to Chess? And Chess and Lex? Is it too much to want them all to just be friends? My ideal ending would be one wherein a greater power would seek to destroy humanity and both sides would end up working together for the good of mankind. How about that, Stacia?
Meant to Be - Lauren Morrill This had all the ingredients for the light and fluffy read I was looking for:

☑ foreign location (London-town!)
☑ enemies-turned-sweethearts
☑ ginger hero
☑ cute cover

Sadly, it failed short of my expectations. *sigh* I must admit, I'm partly to blame. I was still in the middle of a fantastic series when I started this, but I convinced myself that I wouldn't be able to handle an emotionally exhausting read during a weekend that's supposed to be about getting some rest and relaxation. This seemed like the perfect fit, but I ended up thinking about that other book the entire time.

In addition to the distracted mind, I was also comparing this to an all-time favourite of mine. Maybe the similarities ended with the foreign country and the OCD heroine, but reviews of this book often likened the two and THAT book was full of cute and adorbs while this one was... not.

The premise was promising. Julia is a rule-follower who believes in having an MTB, a meant-to-be person who's the perfect guy for her. She thinks it's Mark, her childhood crush whom she "married" when she was five, but ever since Mark moved away and came back last year, she's been invisible girl. Presently, she's on the trip of her dreams, a school excursion to London, where her parents (the ultimate MTBs) went for their honeymoon. She's got her pocket Shakespeare in her bag and a luggageful of guidebooks ready. Her itinerary is set and she's determined to have the best nine days in the city of her dreams. However, her plans fall through when she is assigned to be trip buddies with Jason, the obnoxious class troublemaker. He's everything Mark is not - immature, idiotic and a complete rule-breaker.

The plot was predictable, but I was hoping that the location, the narration and the characters' personalities would still deliver an entertaining read. Unfortunately, I couldn't get past Julia's holier-than-thou attitude and Jason's childish antics. I tried to be patient and forgiving since they're kids but their constant bickering made them seem more like 12-year-olds than the 16-year-olds they were. Jason was the slightly better character of the two and he described Julia best when he said this to her:
"Haven't you spent most of this trip thinking that all your classmates are shallow horndogs who couldn't appreciate the history and literature of London if it kicked them in the teeth?"

So you know how it ends. Boy teaches girl to lighten up. Girl teaches flirty boy about love and they end up falling for each other. The transition from extreme dislike to sudden love was also choppy and unrealistic. The only thing that kept me from completely hating this was the surprise twist at the end and the few swoontastic moves by Jason. Other than that it was just okay for me. But as I've said, maybe it was just poor timing. I've seen other readers say they couldn't stop smiling the moment they began this so maybe it's just me. *shrug*
The Last Hour - Charles Sheehan-Miles $3.99 $0.99 ($1.05 CDN) on Amazon right now. One-click, one-click!
http://www.amazon.com/Last-Hour-Thompson-Sisters-ebook/dp/B00CEYHW6U/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1373549345&sr=1-1&keywords=the+last+hour

Can't wait to read this. I haven't reached my quota of emotionally distressing books for the month yet.
Home (Downside Ghosts): A HeroesandHeartbreakers.com Original - Stacia Kane I'm on a Chessible high that no amount of Cepts, Dreams, or Nips can ever achieve!

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This novella was the perfect gift to romance-hungry readers like me. While the story was short, it provided a glimpse of a happy Chess which we don't normally see. Alas, this was but a honeymoon period, and I could already foresee the relationship drama to come. It'll be interesting to see how Chess will handle (or resist) having another person look after her. Shit will hit the fan in [b:Sacrificial Magic|8786358|Sacrificial Magic (Downside Ghosts, #4)|Stacia Kane|http://d202m5krfqbpi5.cloudfront.net/books/1316601704s/8786358.jpg|13630390], won't it? GAHHH!!!
City of Ghosts (Downside Ghosts, Book 3) - Stacia Kane 5 Chessiebomb stars!!!
Only through penitence and pain is forgiveness possible.
- The Book of Truth, Veraxis, Article 72
For Chess Putnam, that's exactly the motto to live by while Terrible continues to hold a grudge for her betrayal. But she can't exactly wallow in her depression and sing, "I'm lying alone with my head on the phone, thinking of you 'til it hurts" to her heart's content. No, she has to work. Body parts are showing up all over Downside. The Lamaru are back and who knows what they're plotting against the Church. For this specific mission, Chess has to be Bound, a ritual performed on her to ensure strict confidentiality about anything relating to the case. She also has to work with Lauren, a member of the Black Squad - the Church's law enforcers. This presents a problem for the ever stubborn and private Chess since Lauren's position means she could boss her around and dictate a schedule.

Naturally, Bump insists on being kept informed while the Black Squad makes its rounds in his territory. But since Chess can't exactly report to him due to her Bind marks, he sends her on an assignment with Terrible to do their own little investigation.

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Chess wants to take this opportunity to make things right with Terrible but he wants nothing to do with her. All her attempts to explain are met with a cold or insulting response but she continues to work for his forgiveness. I loved that Terrible showed his hurt and anger openly instead of pretending that he wasn't affected. Their fighting wasn't overly melodramatic or frustrating. On the other hand, I certainly warmed up to Lex now that his status in Chess' personal life is defined. I feel that he's a better friend and ally to her than a bed buddy but I'm sure this won't be the last we hear from him.

This book was definitely more action-packed and faster-paced than the previous two. I have no idea if her Cepts really enable her to work without rest. I was the one who felt exhausted after all the running around and her trying to get by another day without being killed! Plus, it's not just the Lamaru who's after her.

I've been informed that the end of this book is a good stopping point and I can see why. None of Ms. Kane's books seem to end on a cliffhanger (except maybe Unholy Magic) but I can't wait to get to the next book! I still can't pinpoint why I am loving this series as much as I do but so far it's been a gripping and exciting ride! I know this isn't romance but the scenes with Chess and Terrible still make me feel giddy and happy. I mean, why aren't my eyes rolling at the mention of Chessiebomb? Instead my cheeks hurt from smiling and my heart feels like it's about to pop out of my chest. In fact, there are many other things that I should find corny but don't. Like, the names Chess and Terrible for instance. Or having Snoop Dog Bump as the unspoken lord of Downside. Or the disjointed, massacred semblance of the English language. I should be bothered that it has a deceitful, drug-dependent, emotionally-unavailable dreg of society as a heroine. But I'm not. True thing, Chessie ain't easy to like. But she real, aye? I loved how she struggled with letting herself feel emotions. I loved her character growth. She still has her personal battles and her relationship with Terrible to work on but at least she made it through the day again. For now. I can't wait to see what tension and trouble the next book brings!
Unholy Magic - Stacia Kane 4.5 stars!

Do I have Terrible fever? Am I completely sucked in? Do you have eyes? I thought so.

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On my way down, kill the lights now
Gimme calcium and put me in the lost and found
I don't care, throw me anywhere
I'm cool man, possibly beyond repair

This is the best, this is the best
My head is such a f*cking mess
This is the best, crack house arrest,
My head's a mess

Well I woke up on a Monday
I've been feeling pretty wired
I've been wide awake since Wednesday
I was feeling so inspired
By the state of my own execution
Drop me 'cause I can't let go.
- This is the Best, USS


*sigh* Oh, Chessie. No amount of destructive behaviour can make me hate this girl.

You know what fascinates me about Chess? She may have a bad attitude but she doesn't have attitude. She's not a self-proclaimed badass with a let's-take-these-mother*uckers-down mentality. She's not abnormally fearless and altruistic. She knows her weaknesses and willingly gives in to them. She's tough as nails yet she's a cryer. She makes stupid decisions which make you want to slap her but you end up wanting to hug her instead. I mean, I may not relate to her directly but I understand her thought process.

In this installment, Chess is as busy as ever. Her latest assignment involves a high profile celebrity whose house is supposedly being haunted. Aside from her full-time job as a Debunker for the Church she continues to work gigs on the side (not entirely out of her own will), the latest of which is to put a stop to the mysterious killings of hookers in Downside and the neighboring community, which happens to be her bed buddy Lex's territory. Will there ever be a time for her to stop being taken advantage of? Somehow she gets deeper and deeper in trouble with just about everyone.

This was a thrilling and emotional sequel to [b:Unholy Ghosts|6261189|Unholy Ghosts (Downside Ghosts, #1)|Stacia Kane|http://d202m5krfqbpi5.cloudfront.net/books/1359346082s/6261189.jpg|6444397]. Despite the Downside speak that I have yet to get used to (plus Bump referring to himself in the third person) I found this easier to read and harder to put down. I know this series is primarily about Chessie's missions but my heart leaps every time there's a scene with her and Terrible. Their partnership is strong and their friendship genuine.
"Naw, no need. Nothin show up we ain't handle, aye? You an me."
But Chess is still hiding some important things from Terrible, most notably the sleeping-with-the-enemy tidbit, and I felt so nervous anticipating the moment when the truth finally comes out.

The mood of the book is still dark and gritty, although not without dark humor scattered here and there. That scene with the Downside hookers with their nail files and cheap purses as weapons facing off with tough Cantonese gang members is still an image that I can't picture without laughing. Or the subtle threats in the excerpts from Church-approved texts that appear at the beginning of every chapter.
The penalty for summoning the dead back to earth is death; if the summoned spirit does not kill its summoner, be assured the Church will.
-The Book of Truth, Laws, Article 3

Secrets are eventually revealed and they are not without harrowing moments. That scene at the rooftop? Can we please take a moment to just bask in the awesomeness of the speech to end all speeches and slow clap it out?
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"Shit. I want you, Chess. Make no mistake on that one, dig? Want you bad. So bad I ain't even can think of any else sometimes, 'cept getting you under me. Ain't give a fuck what pills you swallow get you through the day or what happens you ain't got em, aye? Still want you."

*insert ugly sob here*

"But I ain't... ain't think I can take it, wakin up next to you on the morn, have you fake like nothing happened. Or tell me you made yourself a mistake. Or say, aye, thanks, maybe try that again on the sometime. I know how you run it, keepin it cool and no repeats, and I dig it, aye? Got your reasons. So I figure..."

*insert hiccups here*

"I figure you really wanted me you'd say. Like now, maybe, if you dig. I'll fuckin carry you down your place on a run, you tell me aye, get you on your back afore the next word comes out your mouth. But you oughta have yourself certain, causen I ain't lookin for charity, an I ain't lettin you go after. Once... once ain't enough for me, dig?"

*insert more ugly sobs here*


At the time of this review I have just finished the third book in the series and I just want to make one thing clear. I haven't read many UF, especially non-YA ones, but I've often seen this being compared to Fever. Considering that I obsess over that series, I'd say that Downside is a worthy competition, if not better. There's no frilly, pink heroine to make fun of here, no omnipotent jackass to fawn over, and no plot centrally fueled by innuendos to tide your interest over to the next book (not to slam that series or anything because those are the things I loved about it.) There's nothing pretty about Downside, no seemingly perfect characters, and that's exactly what I love about it. I am hoping the series continues to deliver, but so far it's turning out to be a personal favourite.
Unholy Ghosts - Stacia Kane It looks like I have a new UF series to obsess over!

If you know me you know how I gravitate toward flawed characters. So I am pleased that the main character, Chess, is one. She's a Debunker by day - a Church witch who banishes ghosts for a living and a woman with a hidden agenda at night. When work is done, she peruses the Downside Market for unusual objects of interest and deals with Bump, her supplier. Yep. Chess is a junkie. And not the recreational kind.

I've heard of readers who were put off by this fact and honestly, this doesn't bother me at all. She doesn't have a lot of pathetic, drug-dependent characteristics (yet) and from what little I've learned of her past, let's just say that I'd be inclined to use too.

I was also surprised to find out that this was dystopian too. The governing institute here is the Church, which is not a religious body by any means. It's presently the only law-making, law-enforcing, ghost-protecting institute out there.
"Thus the Church made a covenant with humanity, to protect it from the malevolence of the dead; and if the Church fails, it will make amends."

But an unspoken law governs a certain neighborhood - Downside. This is where suspicious looking characters abound, where anything illegal can be procured, and where gangs roam the streets. Bump is all of the above. Now that Chess owes him a huge sum of money, he offers her a job on the side that'll clear her debt.

Terrible is the other fascinating and flawed character I fell absolutely in love with. He is supposedly ugly, what with his Elvis-like pompadour hair, sideburns, crooked nose, eyebrows sticking out up to there, and a weird affixation to bowling shirts. I can't picture him yet but regardless of what he looks like I find him hella attractive! He's one of Bump's, making him tough and badass, but when he's with Chess, he's sweet and nice. He listens to her, protects her and he opens doors ya'll! He may seem like a half-witted fellow at first but once you get past the disjointed Downside speak you'll find that he's actually the smartest person here. I kid you not.

They haven't done the nasty yet, but I just loooove a sexual-tension filled book, you know? The warm skin, the tingle upon contact, the blushing, the awkwardness... I love them all! So looking forward to the development of their relationship.

Overall, I liked the world Ms. Kane created. We get a pimp in full regalia, a Cantonese rival gang, an easily creeped witch, and an unimaginably ugly hero. Chess was not an easy character to like but I sense a promise of a potentially great character development. It was definitely interesting and exciting, albeit a bit verbose at times and had parts that lost my attention momentarily. There were times when I had to go back and read a part again to understand what was going on. Then again, this may just be due to my lack of experience in reading UF. Other than that, I had no major issues with it. Loved the Downside world! Onto book # 2!
This Man Confessed (This Man, #3) - Jodi Ellen Malpas image

Welp, my feelings for this book can't be better explained than that.

I have overlooked the first-person-present-tense POV, the numerous spelling, grammar and typo flubs. I've forgiven Jesse for his four-day fuckfest (appropriately coined by Diana). I have ignored Ava's annoying ways since the moment she stepped foot in The Manor.

BUT

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Because when I read a series, I expect improvement in the character development department. Ava's winning moment in BTM was, unfortunately, short-lived. She has reverted back to her childish, petulant ways and I am just sick of her immaturity. Yes, she may have redeemed herself towards the end but it was too late for me because I've given up on trying to like her.

Issue #1: Running away at the first sight of trouble.
God, Ava! You married the guy! For better or for worst, right? So why run and act like an innocent victim the moment he confessed to taking your pills? So you're pregnant. What, it was an immaculate conception? I don't recall you putting your foot down about using protection nor did you abstain. It takes two to make a baby, you idiot.

Issue #2: Immaturity I can ignore, but irresponsible behaviour I can't. I don't understand the need to be sulky and argumentative when Jesse was only trying to take care of her. Fine, she may have gotten drunk only because she was going to have an abortion anyway, but even when she decided to keep it, she hasn't made any effort to take care of herself AND her baby. Uhh, first step. Why not go to the doctor? Jesse had to rely on a pregnancy manual and get tips from Carol regarding nausea-control. She was so stubborn and selfish that she'd even risk eating food that may cause harm to her pregnancy. Granted, I haven't been in that position yet so I don't know what's safe and what isn't but neither did she. Yet, she chose to be ignorant and have her own way anyway.

Issue #3: The games. That club scene in particular. Jesse was at fault too, although he did say that he thought he wasn't gonna have her back anyway. But stooping to low levels by kissing another guy to get a rise from Jesse was just, UUUUGGGGHHHHH!!!!

So bottom line is, Ava's a whiny, selfish cow who just wants constant, wild sex from Jesse.

The plot development wasn't any better. There were too many bomb-drops done too late in the story. For one, Mikael buying the company to win Ava had no effect on me whatsoever. Stalker behaviour can only go so far. Two, Ruth makes a lame protagonist. She's obviously mental, but apart from that last scene in Lusso I didn't feel the danger vibes from her at all. Lastly, the presence of Jesse's family was just WEIRD. Like, one moment they're made to be the bad guys in our eyes and next they're all up on Jesse's case and calling Sarah a vindicative bitch. Whoa, Jesse's mom! I did appreciate that other angle we got about Sarah though. I hated her with a passion and no sorry story can excuse her past behaviour, but now I sorta understand her, and I'm glad that there's some good underneath all that evil.

*sigh*

I would've totally hurled this book against the wall had I not remembered how I feel about Jesse. Yes, he also had his moments of immaturity in this installment and I hate how he constantly lied to Ava about so many things but I instantly forget my grievances every time I remember that HE'S JESSE, you know? That man who dances to JT, who snowboards and rides expensive bikes, who turns mushy and builds Ava shrines, who gifts Rolexes and Range Rovers, who scoffs at riding public transport and flying commercial. I know it's kinda double standard but I'll forgive that man for just about anything. If it wasn't for the cuteness of Clive and Carol, Ava's spiderman blowjob, the few heart-tugging scenes, and that awesome epilogue I probably wouldn't have liked this book as much. Maybe it's also because I read this too soon after another series ender, and that one was just amazing. Still, if you've loved This Man and This Man Confessed, don't miss out on reading this. After all, it's Jesse, and that's reason enough.
Redeeming Love - Francine Rivers image

Finally got my first edition copy today! $1 for the book, $16 for shipping costs. I hope it's worth it!
Siege and Storm - Leigh Bardugo
Is it 2014 yet? I need book #3 now!

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What an exciting, thrilling sequel to Shadow and Bone! I have to admit, the middle part stretched out longer than I would've liked, although I do understand that it was necessary to go through the boring strategy meetings, the restlessness and the depressing moments for us to fully get the internal turmoil that Alina was going through.

So what did I love about this one?

1. Alina - She was a far more interesting character here than in the previous book. She is still insecure and hesitant, and understandably so, because now she's burdened with the responsibility of not only saving herself and Mal, but the entire Ravka. And in order to do that she must destroy the Darkling. To top it off she's under the watch of the king and any wrong move could mean the end for her and for Mal. But something changes in her and I won't spoil it for you because it happens near the beginning of the book. While she's growing stronger in power, her struggles are also increasing. I loved what I felt during every circumstance that she was miserable and feeling helpless, not because I find joy in other people's misery, but it's indicative of how much the writing and the story got to me. The angst, the torn loyalties, the heartbreak - I loved them all! So congrats, Ms. Bardugo. You certainly succeeded in evoking all the feels.

2. Mal - Finally, the boy shows weakness. I crave imperfection in characters and he's certainly won me over even though there was this one thing he did that absolutely made my blood boil. But again, I loved that he managed to get a rise out of me instead of me feeling indifference towards him like I did in the first book. I have a feeling that he'll play a bigger role in the third book and that excites me to pieces! I'm thinking that there's a meaning behind that jolt that Alina felt when Mal touched her in the woods. I wonder if he's more powerful than he looks. Hmmm?

3. Nikolai - Who is he? You'll find out! *mischievous grin* I knew that the younger prince would eventually make an appearance after he was briefly mentioned in S&B but nothing could've prepared me for that revelation at the beginning of the book! He's smart, charming and often infuriating but I don't doubt his intentions or decisions.

4. The Darkling - Alas, my initial continued hope for the Darkling to be one of the good guys doesn't look too promising. I've openly said that I wanted nothing more than to find out that he is just a powerful man controlled by the Apparat (I dunno, a spell or something) to be used as a pawn for his ulterior motives. In an alternate universe I would love to see him and Alina ride off in the Fold and have darling little Darklings while they rule among the volcra and the nichevo'ya but I don't know if that's likely to happen. Oh well. But seriously, the presence of the Darkling during that looong middle part of the book was the only thing that kept me riveted. His every appearance made my heart leap and I know, I know it's so wrong but I felt his pull just as Alina did.
"Do you think I could have come to you again and again, if you had been less alone? You called to me, and I answered."


And gawd, I know a lot of readers appreciate the fact that Ms. Bardugo doesn't end her books in unbearable cliffhangers but wouldn't it have been epic had it ended at around 97%? I mean, just let me bask in Alina and the Darkling's reunion for a little bit and let your imagination run riot until the next book. That was resolved quite a bit too soon for my liking. But I'm obviously biased and in the minority here so... whatevs.

Not too sure how I feel about Alina now leading the cult bourgeois. I'm still suspicious of the Apparat. But here's what I think. Now that Alina's power is gone I have a feeling that Mal will step up and finally get the chance to be an equal or take the reigns on the "power." We'll see how this plays out. I can't wait!

Overall, I'm pleased with the outcome of the book. I loved the desperation, the loneliness, the excitement and the determination of the characters. They definitely took center stage in this installment. LOVED THIS BOOK! 5*!!!
Little Penis:  A Finger Puppet Parody Book - Craig Yoe LMAO! Where can I get this?
Come Alive - Karina Halle WARNING! SPOILERS FOR BOOKS #1-6 AHEAD!

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- June 24 edit -

So I was in the middle of an awesome book yesterday when I saw that Come Alive finally went live on Amazon. I told myself I'd finish my current book first but I couldn't resist but sneak a peek. And I told myself, "Just one chapter! ONE CHAPTER!" Do you think I succeeded? When the first line of a book you've been anticipating for months goes like this --> "So fucking horny", how can you not drop everything else?

Come Alive takes place shortly after the Sasquatch disaster during Dex and Perry's llama expedition in the snowy mountains of Canada. They were interrogated by the Mounties (Canadians really ARE friendly, I swear!) due to Mitch's fatal "accident" and their footage was confiscated for evidence. With no show to produce, their jobs are on the line and their show is in danger of being axed. Fortunately, Jimmy offers them one last chance to shoot an episode and get sponsorship but this comes with deal-breaking condition: Maximus gets to tag along and direct orders during the entire thing.

However, Maximus is the least of their concerns right now. They're basically starting over, and Dex is determined not to mess things up. And while Perry still has her apprehensions, she agrees to move in with Dex while she figures things out. Which now brings us to my favourite moments in the book. This is the first time we're seeing them together without any girlfriend baggage and animosity between them. Can I just say that they're the cutest couple ever?! You'd think that after all the near-death encounters they've been through together and all the sex they've been having they'd have this closeness that supercedes any feelings of awkwardness. But nope. They're nervous and cautious and fumbly around each other. (Yeah, I know. That's not a word.) But they're also sweet, eternally protective of each other and just plain awesome. I think I speak on behalf EiT shippers when I say that Chapter 4 will go down in history as one of THE BEST scenes in the entire series. Take that, Jenn-bitch!

But of course, it's not always butterflies and orgasms between Derry. This book had me giddy and squealing with delight one moment then mad and throwing a tantrum the next. Who here saw red the moment Ambrosia was introduced? *raise hand* While I'm all about the sexy Dexy love, Perry, is, first and foremost, my baby (yes, I have these motherly feelings of protectiveness toward that girl) and I certainly had those moments (62% onwards, in particular) when I wanted to pluck Dex's facial hair one by one, follicle by follicle. I know he was under a spell when he openly disrespected Perry those times but honestly! Serves him right to be Muhammad Ali-fied!

It was also a relief to finally have some light shed on Maximus. Even though I now understand his reasons for doing what he did I still don't forgive him for being the douchecanoe that he was in ODW. But after knowing what his deal was with Rose and going rogue I guess he's off my shit list (for now).

And while it was fun and entertaining to be in Dex's head in this installment I can't wait to go back to Perry in book #8! I seriously missed her voice while reading this. One thing I wished that could've happened was for Perry to have rescued Dex all on her own and then commenced with a mega smackdown/catfight with Ambrosia. Wouldn't that have been epic? I know there's a queen-of-badass lurking underneath all those insecurities. I'm super stoked for Rebecca to get more "screen time" in the next book. I also hope that Perry's able to mend things with her parental units soon because I am missing little fifteen as well!

This has been an exciting rollercoaster ride and I can't wait to get on it again (and revisit Seattle, for that matter. That place needs to be my next U.S. destination!) I was worried that the sparks between Dex and Perry would fade now that the sexual tension is finally, and repeatedly, relieved but I didn't need to be because, forget sizzles, they were in flames! Definitely a 10 on the hotness scale! I have no worries that their chemistry will wane in the future. Karina knows how to keep the romance exciting! Mechanic analogy? *eyebrow waggle* And the ending! Gah!

I'm running out of positive adjectives to express my love for this book so I'll cap this review now with the song that Dex successfully planted in our head for the next little while.

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- Second edit June 24 -

In my excitement about Dex and Perry's personal lives I completely forgot to comment on the horror factor, which is, of course, central to the plot. ItH was so-so for me but we are definitely back in creepy central this time. That scene where Dex shuts his eyes for a second and finds his mom inches from his face as soon as he opens them again. Eeeeeeeeeek! As timing would have it my phone also beeped at the same time I read that so I literally jumped from fright then. Whew! Loved those bone-tingling moments though!


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- June 22 -

So I am spending almost seventy bucks for Come Alive - $4 for the actual book and $60 for a new PS3 game I got for the beau (which i hauled my ass to 3 stores to find because it was sold out EVERYWHERE) so he'd leave me alone with sexy Dexy for the next couple of days. He eyed the bribe gifts suspiciously and told me, "you know I'm going rowing tomorrow, right? You can go ahead and read. I'm keeping the game though." 0_o

Shadow and Bone - Leigh Bardugo There is something about stories of childhood best friends that I find utterly compelling no matter how used and abused they are by authors across genres. Maybe it's because I am almost always guaranteed themes of survival, dramatic separation, and romance - all of which were wonderfully executed in Shadow and Bone.

So what's this about? Alina and Mal were among the orphaned children taken in by the Duke of Keramzin in his estate where they were taught how to read, write, and learn a trade. Ten years later, they left the orphanage to join the First Army, the military unit in the land of Ravka. Their current mission was to head to the west coast to bring back home items and creatures unique to West Ravka. But to get there they must first cross the dreaded Unsea, otherwise known as The Shadow Fold, where people have been injured or killed in the dark haze, feasted on by dragon-like creatures known as the Volcra. In addition to their skills and weapons they are accompanied by the king's soldiers - the Grisha - gifted warriors who practice magic the Small Science. As luck would have it, a flock of Volcra attacked their boat as they were passing the Fold, leaving many injured and Mal almost getting killed, forcing Alina to summon a power inside her that she didn't know she had. As it turns out, Alina is a Grisha, albeit an untrained one. She's then taken away from Mal to join the Darkling, a mysterious and powerful man-boy who leads the Grisha.

As with other epic fantasies I've read in the past, I had a hard time getting into the story at first, which, I guess, is a typical reaction since so much world-building is going on at first. I had to pause my reading several times to look up several Russian-sounding words, only to find out that they were mostly made up so I just put two and two together from the context. Tsifil means syphilis, right? Kvas is, well, kvass. And kefta robes are, disappointingly, non-existent. For a good portion of the book I imagined Alina's power to look like this.
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But apart from the initial brain bleed I found myself going through the book smoothly.

The writing is good, the storytelling pulling, but my single gripe lies within the characters. I found Alina to be likeable, albeit a bit lackluster and emotionally weak. She did redeem herself in my eyes as the story progressed, what with her unwavering hope and determination to survive and rescue Mal. Mal reminded me of the stereotypical handsome and popular jock in high school who seemed to be good at everything he does. Don't get me wrong. There's absolutely nothing wrong with him. He's nice, he's sweet and he's protective of Alina, which really makes him too good to be true. The most enigmatic characters for me were the Darkling, that mysterious, handsome sonovawitch who, I am still hoping, will turn out be one of the good guys. GAH! Please let me close my eyes and open them again to find that he was just put under a spell! Please!. And then there's Genya, the beautiful tailor who provided me with giggles and comfort knowing Alina had a friend in her. And of course, there's the enchanting boarding school/palace setting which I pictured to be like the onion-domed structures, Kremlin-style.

Overall, I found this to be a page-turning read after I got over my initial hurdles. The plot was amazing, the story heart-racing. I honestly don't know why I don't read enough of this magical stuff!
The Mistress - Tiffany Reisz - July 2 edit -
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This is the review I've been dreading to write for weeks. I think writing my college thesis was less nerve-wracking. It's not because I fear tomatoes being thrown my way (look, I gave it 5 stars) but rather, I worry that I wouldn't be able to express my thoughts coherently without breaking down into a sobbing mess.

The Mistress picks up immediately where The Prince left off. Nora is held captive by an enemy who wants to play games. And in case you're wondering who it is, well, let's just say that your hunch after reading The Prince is right. She is used as a pawn to lure Kingsley and Soren - the two people this kidnapper wants to hurt the most. And while Nora waits for a chance to escape or be rescued she buys time by telling tales of her relationship with the most important men in her life.

Even though the book takes place in a span of a mere few days it is not even slightly uneventful. I thought that I knew all there is to know about our beloved characters through The Prince but I was proven wrong, because this book allowed me to know them more intimately than ever. It is not just Nora who's reliving her past through her stories though. While her loved ones wait in despair, they each recall memories of Nora and share how those memories relate to themselves in the present. The narration was brilliantly done, and every few pages I'd find myself wanting to hold them close while they're bathed in worry and sadness.

It is not a tortuous book by all means. After all, where Nora is involved one can expect humor and sass. But there is definitely a good amount of thrill and heart-stopping moments, as there are plenty of sob-inducing ones. I CANNOT say enough how much I love Ms. Reisz's characters. Each and every person stepped up to the plate and carried out their important roles. If you think that it is impossible to love who you love even more then prepare to be schooled because every previous feeling you've felt will only be magnified here. I've never hidden the fact that I am a book crier. Nostalgia is my favourite torture device, and when I've barely made it past 1% and the waterworks have begun, then I know that the book is a winner.
"There is nothing I wouldn't do to protect you, Eleanor. Nothing I wouldn't do to help you. And nothing I wouldn't do to save you. Nothing."

Lastly, I want to discuss what I felt about the ending. My initial reaction after finishing The Mistress was dumbstruck amazement. And while I sat there waiting for the one-month-before-release-date-mark so I could post my review I thought about certain events and analyzed them beyond dissection. I began to doubt my feelings for one specific part and even went as far as making up these ridiculous theories on how it couldn't be possibly true. Theory 1: They didn't. They engaged in breath-play and she passed out before anything could happen. Theory 2: They did, BUT, the baby isn't his. After all, only the origin of his name was revealed, and it didn't say that he actually had hair of THAT color. My vanilla brain couldn't accept the truth that was staring at me in the facebut after Ms. Reisz confirmed what I doubted at first, I felt that the balloon I was in burst. I wallowed for a couple of days, but then I looked over the passages I highlighted and the feelings I initially felt resurfaced. I reread the entire book yesterday and now I can say with utmost conviction that everything that has happened can only be viewed as a gift. How can I possibly see a wrong in something that is so right? Have I not always mentioned in my reviews that I only want for my characters to be happy and have no regrets? And truly, there are no regrets here. I am happy for all of them and I cannot wish for this book to have ended any other way. My current sadness only stems from the fact that the series, chronologically, stops here. This truly is one of the best series I have ever read - best stories, best characters, best written, most captivating, most touching, most seductive, plus all the other superlatives I can't think of at the moment. Eventually, I know I'd have to move on just as my Sinners have, but for certain, this will remain a favourite for all time.
"If it's love, it's infinite."

*This advanced copy was provided by Harlequin through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

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Squeeeeee!!!!!! ARC request approved! Can I call in sick for the rest of the week?
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The Prince (The Original Sinners) - Tiffany Reisz "You just wanted to prove there was one safe place, just one safe place where you could love him. You have not found that place yet. You have not made that place yet. You are here. You are here. You're still right here."
- Richard Siken


- June 14 edit -

How often do you find yourself speechless or unable to write a review after finishing an amazing book? I'm having that moment right now. Because it's been over a week and I still can't wrap my head around what just took place.

This might be my favourite out of the series even though it was the toughest to read. And it's mostly because of one powerful scene that had me crying buckets even though the object of my tears and heartache wasn't even there. You've read it? Then you know what scene I'm talking about. Gawd, I'm tearing up again just thinking about it.

I know that I sound like a broken record already but I can't say enough how enamoured I am with Tiffany's writing. How is it possible that I can feel so horrified, so thrilled from a simple touch, so heartbroken, and so in-love all at the same time? There were times when I'd feel the pain in my pancreas one moment (sorry, I just missed Paul all of a sudden) and then melt from the moving scenes the next. At this point I didn't care who ended up with whom anymore. I just wanted these characters to be happy, you know, whatever version of happy that might be.

I've heard of readers who've postponed reading this instalment because they were wary of the dark feel or the cliffhanger ending. Don't be, because you're missing out on a chance to truly and fully understand why our beloved characters are the way they are. It was overwhelming, disturbing even, but the feeling of being rewarded weighed more. Overall, I felt like I was beaten to a pulp. And then I was held and kissed.