Review: Truly, Madly, Deadly by Hannah Jayne

Truly, Madly, Deadly by Hannah Jayne

Publisher-Sorcebooks Fire

Release- July 16th 2013

Pre-Order-Amazon/ B & N/ Chapters

Sawyer Dodd has it all. She's a star track athlete, choir soloist, and A-student. And her boyfriend is the handsome all-star Kevin Anderson. But behind the medals, prom pictures, and perfect smiles, Sawyer finds herself trapped in a controlling, abusive relationship with Kevin. When he dies in a drunk-driving accident, Sawyer is secretly relieved. She's free. Until she opens her locker and finds a mysterious letter signed by "an admirer" and printed with two simple words: "You're welcome."

My Thoughts:

I don't usually like to read abusive-type books, but for some reason this one sounded really interesting. Turns out that I was right. Truly, Madly, Deadly is a dark and disturbing story about the depths in which a person would go to prove how much they care, but in the form of completely twisted. We begin our story with Sawyer Dodd at her boyfriend, Kevin Anderson's funeral, but Sawyer doesn't know how to feel. Sad that her boyfriend died in a car accident or relieved since he can no longer hurt her. Trying to move on from the lost, Sawyer goes back to school, but when she opens her locker there's a note inside that simply says; Your Welcome. 

Wow, I'm not even sure what to say about this one. I've read my share of whodunit mysteries, but I have to say that this one seemed to really focus on making the main character go through an endless amount of emotional turmoil. Sawyer's life is so out of control that I'm amazed that she's even sane enough to walk straight. It felt like everything was happening to this poor girl all at once and as the story moves on the mystery begins to build-up even more as people are getting hurt that are involved with Sawyer in one way or another. 

Hannah Jayne's writing is very strong. I love the way she moves this story along, giving us more then enough material and suspects to keep us guessing and on our toes throughout the entire book. At times some of the events did feel a little overwhelming since it was one thing after the other, after the other with really no breathing room in between, but I think it was intentional since the character was meant to feel the magnitude of the stalkers warped affections. I also think Jayne did a remarkable job getting into the mind of our obsessed-admirer. This person was truly unhinged, creepy and completely mad, doing things all in the name of love.

While reading, most of these characters seemed to earn a glaring suspicious eye from me almost right away. With a large enough cast of characters it was hard to guess who was behind all these strange events. 

I really enjoyed our main protag, Sawyer. I liked her voice. It was raw, real and heartfelt and I couldn't help feel invested with her from minute one. My heart really did go out to her but I was also a little frustrated with her at times and wish she would have told someone what was going on before it was to late. Chloe is a dedicated friend and made a huge impact in Sawyer's life. There is a very little romance in this one but what we did get was very sweet. Cooper is a good people and I'm glad that he was there for Sawyer when she needed someone. We did get a few flash-back memories with Kevin, but I wish we got a few more since I didn't feel completely connected to him and therefore couldn't sympathize with Sawyer the way I wanted to regarding him, but then again, the string of ill intentions paired with all the events that unfolded more then made up for that. 

All in all, I really enjoyed this book. Great writing and characters and the story-line has an incredible mix of thriller, mystery and even has a spark of romance. The ending and the stalker revelation had me completely shocked. I never saw that one coming and thought it was a brilliant move by Jayne. This is an author to look out for peeps. Well done!

Find the author:
Goodreads / Website

                                                                    4 Snowflakes

Reviews- Legacy by C.J. Daugherty & Giveaway-Night School!

Legacy by C.J. Daugherty

Publisher-Atom

Release- Jan 3rd 2013

Purchase- The Book Depository  / Fishpond

In the last year, Allie's survived three arrests, two breakups and one family breakdown. The only bright point has been her new life at Cimmeria Academy. It's the one place she's felt she belongs. And the fact that it's brought dark-eyed Carter West into her life hasn't hurt either. But far from being a safe haven, the cloistered walls of Cimmeria are proving more dangerous than Allie could have imagined. The students and faculty are under threat, and Allie's family - from her mysterious grandmother to her runaway brother - are at the centre of the storm. Allie is going to have to choose between protecting her family and trusting her friends. But secrets have a way of ripping even the strongest relationships apart...

Tina's Thoughts:

I quickly fell in love with C.J Daugherty debut novel, Night School. It has everything I adore in an escape; mystery, action, romance and thrilling characters. It also has this brilliant quality of being crazy consuming! I couldn't wait to see what Daugherty had in store for these characters next and I'm happy to say that Legacy turned out to be another favorite.

Legacy starts off with Allie on the run from men in suits who are chasing her through the London streets. Soon she finds refuge with Rachel's family and are back in Cimmeria Academy before term begins. The attack at the school left the academy in devastation and everyone works hard to rebuild the old gothic building before all the students come back. It's here that Isabelle tells Allie that she will be admitted into Night School, where she will learn how to protect herself from Nathaniel's men.

Only, Night School is a lot harder then Allie realized, physically, emotionally and morally. 

Rules and secrets have a way of trapping you but lies and betrayal have a mind of it's own and soon Allie will have to decide where her true loyalties belong, no matter who she may lose in the process.

First off, I want to take a minute and just gush about the excellent writing style! I'm not sure what it is about Daugherty's books that have this all absorbing quality to it, but if I would have to pick one word to describe it, I guess it would be realistic. These characters and everything that happens in this book just feels so dame real! Vividly detailed, Daugherty has an exquisite flavor when she writes. From lavish details about the school and it's grounds, to every expression on each of these faces, to the fight scenes and clever witty dialog and banter. Every little aspect is set to motion where I feel like I'm transported in these pages and I can see everything in all it's richness. Then we have this incredibly maddening mysterious plot, and when I say mysterious, I mean I'm still not exactly sure what Night School is all about. 

When you read a vampire book, you expect vampires to be in it. Same with werewolves, fairies and so on. But the beauty of this book is that it's like a label-less can. Daugherty doesn't give you all the answers, even in the second book, we're still not positively positive what's inside. This is both alluring as hell and aggravating, but funny enough it's not frustrating. In fact, I love not knowing, it only makes me want to read these books more!

I simply adore ever single one of these characters, even the bad dudes. They're all skillfully well developed. Allie felt so conflicted this year, with all that's happening at the academy plus all the vigorous training in Night School, not to mention her very daunting love life and all the family drama. Poor girl has had one helluva year. But Allie is such a resilient character. Solid and strong, she doesn't let things weigh her down long. She takes responsibility for things that she did wrong, learns from her mistakes and changes and grows because of them. She is definitely a character I can be proud of.

There really isn't any secondary characters in this book, or at least not for me. Everyone seems to have a very specific role and are quite involved with every aspect of the story, which I find fascinating and fun.

Jo, Rachel, Jules, Isabella, Lucas, Carter and Sylvain continue to bring in much entertainment as the story slowly starts to unfold. We even have a couple of new characters, Zoe Glass, our kickass zingy child-genius that is infectiously adorable and Nicole, who turned out to be a pleasant surprise.

There is a spy among us within the walls of Cimmeria Academy. It was fun to try to guess whodunit, but sadly, it will keep you guessing and leave you hanging till the next installment.

As for Allie's love life? Well, I wish I could be happy about that particular part of the story, but I'd be lying if I said I was. I'm the kind of reader who doesn't mind love triangles, but this one stabbed me in the heart. In all honestly, I don't think I would have minded so much if Carter stayed true to his character. In the first book, Carter West was hard to read and I couldn't quite get a fix on him, but he was still sweet, charming and a supportive friend and love interest. So it really shocked the hell out of me (and broke my heart) to see this overbearing, possessive, difficult and unreasonable Carter that unfortunately graced us in this book. He's still Carter, but he's...different, wrong somehow and I just didn't like it.

I'm all for giving second chances to characters who prove redeemable, and Sylvain has proven time and time again that he regrets what he did, but I'm not happy with this new romantic development. Sure, he may have been the better man this round, but I don't feel any chemistry when Allie and Sylvain are together. He had his chance in the first book and blew it. End of story, but hey, they can still be friends. 

So yes, I'm waving my 'Team Carter' flag proudly in hopes that he doesn't let me down and things play out differently in later books. 

Bottom line, I seriously couldn't love a series more. It's crazy addicting, outstanding writing and real heart and soul characters that have you invested at minute one. This is without a doubt one of the most intense and intriguing stories I ever read. It's grips you and doesn't let go till the very last page and even then it will consume your thoughts long after the story is done. The ending shattered my heart and there is still so much we don't know and so much we still need to learn, so I can't begin to express how badly I need the next book!

A must read for fans who enjoy mystery-suspense, thrilling action and an unstoppable romance. MORE!! 

                                                                   4.5 Snowflakes

Crystal's Thoughts:
Oh my brain hurts!  This second installment of the Night School series was beyond entertaining, but has left me with so many unanswered questions!  My head is spinning from everything we did learn and begging for more answers.

Legacy starts off with Allie being chased and let me tell you my heart was pounding!  She of course gets away and for her safety she goes to live with her friend Rachel until school starts.  When it does start things don't get any easier for Allie.  She is behind her Night School training, her friends aren't happy about this new addition to her schedule, there is a spy among her peers that she can't find, and Carter *sigh* I don't even know where to being with him.  My heart is broken  =(

This book isn't big on answers, but it is filled with action and while I love action I still need answers.  I feel like this book took a small step back and I am a little disappointed.  I had so many questions from the last book that I couldn't wait to have answered and the author doesn't even really touch on any of them.  Even her characters were getting fed up with the lack of information given.  So since this book wasn't filled with answers you want to know what to expect??  HEARTACHE!  Lots and lots of heartache.  I understand that Allie needed to breathe and I seriously wanted to kick Carter for his ultimatum, but these needed to TALK!  I can't believe the way their story ended in this one and I just don't know what to do.  I was always a Team Carter so Allies new relationship is not sitting well with me and I just hope the author rights this wrong early on in the next book and gives us some answers!  One of the things I liked about the first book was the secrets and smoke and mirror stuff, but I can only take so much of that before I start losing interest.  

There is one thing that happens that I can't actually talk about, but I am very upset about it and very confused.  I hope we also get closure in regards to this situation that happens at the end.  I want this something to have more meaning for the person involved.

Even though I have a headache and heartache I still did enjoy this installment.  Allie is feisty as ever and I still enjoyed reading her story.  I will say though that if the next book doesn't start explaining things I might have a different opinion.  

Find the author
Goodreads / Website

                                                                    3.5 Snowflakes

Would you like to join Night School? We are giving away a copy of Night School, the US edition  to one lucky winner! Good luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Review: Devil's Bargain by Rachel Caine

Devil's Bargain by Rachel Caine
Publisher-Harlequin UK Ltd
Release- Oct 5th 2012
Purchase-Amazon / B & N

Jazz Callender is an ex-cop struggling to prove her partner's innocence after he is sent to prison for murder, and she's willing to take whatever help comes along ... but she's about to make a bargain with the devil. Approached by a mysterious, attractive stranger with a check and a business offer, she finds herself plunged deep into a world where nothing is as it seems ... not James Borden, Attorney At Law, who fascinates her even as she doubts his honesty ... not Lucia Garza, her beautiful, brilliant new partner with hidden depths and secrets ... not The Cross Society, who seems to be able to know more about the cases she's being sent to investigate than Jazz does herself. With each new revelation, Jazz and Lucia uncover a world of psychic predictions and unseen forces, and find themselves playing not just for keeps, but for souls ... With lives at stake, Jazz finds that every choice she makes is dangerous ... even the one to fall in love.

My Thoughts:
I am such a Rachel Caine fan! True, I've only read one other adult book that she's written, which was the first book in her Weather Warden series, which I loved, but I'm the biggest Morganville fan evah!!
And it's that simply fact that I wanted to read this book. See, I'm not a big reader on detective type books and I'm still easing my way into adult reads, but I'll read anything Caine puts to pen.

Devil's Bargain starts off with ex-cop Jasmine Callender (Jazz) at a local bar trying to drown her worries away thinking about her ex-partner McCarthy in prison, when a guy comes strolling in and hands her a red envelope, changing her entire life. She's offered a lot of money to work with a non-profit organization that also sets her up with a new qualified partner. Jazz needs the money. Lucia needs the challenge. They're the perfect team. Only things aren't exactly what they seem and Jazz and Lucia play a bigger role then they could have possibly imagined.

This book is very different then what I thought it was going to be about. It has a little bit of everything. It's a detective novel, a mystery-thriller, part-paranormal and even has a touch of romance. 
I liked the story line. I found it a tad creepy with its dark background and the unsettled feeling of something bigger and unknown following the story around like a black cloud. But I have to admit it took a bit to wrap my head around the whole Actors/Chorus/Leads explanation and the complications and the consequences that surely follows. Yeah, I'm actually not gonna try to explain that. You'll see what I mean when you read the book.
Still, Caine brought a lot of unique and fresh ideas for this particular genre that fans will surly appreciate. While I may not have loved this the way I wanted to, I still found myself consumed from start to finish.

If there is one thing that Caine seems to nail in any book she's ever written is the remarkable way she develops her characters.
They all seem to have something in common. They are all instantly easy to connect with, likable and enjoyable to read about. The characters in this book are no different.
Jazz can seem like a giant pain. She comes fully loaded with pure attitude and sarcastic wit, she's a bit paranoid (okay a lot) but proves how truly bad-ass and capable she really is. She tends to question everything and while I usually would find lack of faith in a character to be annoying, in this case, Jazz was right on the money. The strangeness of it all is very hard to swallow.
I liked her and Lucia's banter and the way they look out for one another. They may have been two strangers thrown together for a bigger purpose but it was good to see them develop a kindred friendship. They really do make an excellent team.
As for the romance? There is some but not a huge amount. I found James and Jazz to be such a funny and unlikely pair. She's wild, careless and unpredictable while he's intelligent, educated and confident. And yet, it turned out to be this really sweet and inevitable thing. Oh! And the fruit basket scene? Adorable! 
One last character shout-out goes to Manny. He has a sad and horrible tale, but I really loved what he brought into this story.

All in all, this turned out to be a really good read. It's action packed, creatively cunning and has a mean punch. It's an interesting whodunit story with a twist of paranormal that only Caine can accomplish.
It may not be a favorite, but it was still quite the experience. Caine continues to amaze me and makes me curious enough to want to know what happens next in; Devil's Due!

Find the author:
Goodreads / Website
                                                                    3.5 snowflakes