My TBR List Review *June* ~ Opposition ~ Jennifer L. Armentrout #MyTBRL #COYER #HW2018

My To-Be Read List is a meme hosted by Michelle @Because Reading. 

So sorry for the delay in my posting of this review. I didn't have time on Friday to get it typed up and I was driving back from Texas all day yesterday. =)

***

Opposition by Jennifer L. Armentrout
Lux Series #5
Release Date: August 5, 2014
Genre: YA Paranormal Romance
Source: Purchased paperback
Rating: 4.5 Bookworms
Challenges: #COYER, #HW2018, #ShelfLove, #TravelingtotheTerminus
Goodreads

Synopsis
Katy knows the world changed the night the Luxen came.

She can't believe Daemon welcomed his race or stood by as his kind threatened to obliterate every last human and hybrid on Earth. But the lines between good and bad have blurred, and love has become an emotion that could destroy her - could destroy them all.

Daemon will do anything to save those he loves, even if it means betrayal.

They must team with an unlikely enemy if there is any chance of surviving the invasion. But when it quickly becomes impossible to tell friend from foe, and the world is crumbling around them, they may lose everything - even what they cherish most - to ensure the survival of their friends...and mankind.

War has come to Earth. And no matter the outcome, the future will never be the same for those left standing...

Even though it took me an exorbitant amount of time to finish Opposition (to be fair, I wasn't dedicated-ly reading it all that time), Opposition was honestly the perfect ending to the Lux series. Here are the highlights:

• Plot
  Not only was I impressed with the plot threads central to this final installment but also the over-arching plot. They were all well done and all tied up nicely. I know it's been awhile in between Origin and Opposition - and a really long while between all the others - but I admit that JLA surprised me with some things. There were others that tied up a little bit too neatly but I still felt they worked well with the story overall. Also, I liked the parallels JLA drew between the prejudice and judgement going on between the Lux, The Arum, and humans and the way those same things we humans perpetrate against each other. So much could be resolved or even avoided if we only treated EVERYONE with respect.
• Katy & Daemon
  These two have been through so much and go through even more in Opposition. The growth and maturity they both exhibit, the resilience they display, and the strength of the bond only getting stronger in the face of adversity, prove them to be strong individuals and an even stronger couple.
• Romance
  Well, with Katy & Daemon it goes without saying. Their romance - their love - is something to behold. But I also enjoyed seeing romance blossom or continue to blossom between secondary characters as well.
• Secondary Characters
  JLA made sure I was equally as invested in the secondary characters as I was in Katy and Daemon throughout the series. Dawson & Beth, Dee, Archer, Luc, Hunter...yeah, JLA created a dynamic cast that gave the story depth and kept me that much more engaged.

In the end, there were things that shocked me, things that made me gasp, things that made me swoon, things that broke my heart, and things that restored my faith in humanity and I couldn't imagine a more fitting ending to this series.

Berk Reviews ~ Obsidian ~ Jennifer L. Armentrout

For those who may not know, Berk is my younger daughter. She agreed, if somewhat reluctantly, *wink* to review a few of her summer reads. And since my review of Opposition (last in the series) posts tomorrow, I thought it'd be fun for y'all to see what she thought of Obsidian (first in the series.) I hope y'all enjoy!

Obsidian by Jennifer L. Armentrout
Lux Series #1
Release Date: May 8, 2012
Genre: YA Paranormal Romance
Source: Borrowed paperback from my Mom
Rating: 4 Bookworms
Goodreads

Synopsis
Starting over sucks.

When we moved to West Virginia right before my senior year, I'd pretty much resigned myself to thick accents, dodgy internet access, and a while lot of boring... until I spotted my hot neighbor, with his looming height and eerie green eyes. Things were looking up.

And then he opened his mouth.

Daemon is infuriating. Arrogant. Stab-worthy. We do not get along. At all. But when a stranger attacks me and Daemon literally freezes time with a wave of his hand, well, something... unexpected happens.

The hot alien living next door marks me.

You heard me. Alien. Turns out Daemon and his sister have a galaxy of enemies wanting to steal their abilities, and Daemon's touch has me lit up like the Vegas Strip. The only way I'm getting out of this alive is by sticking close to Daemon until my alien mojo fades.

If I don't kill him first, that is.

**BERK'S REVIEW**

What I Liked:

• The thoroughly developed characters
• No love triangle
• How "real" the aliens were - how there weren't big reaches in believeability
• Date rape awareness in a high school setting
• Relatable sass of Katy

What I Liked Less:

• The constant lusting after Daemon. It may seem like all teenage girls are constantly pining after guys but that's not true and it got annoying because it seemed to be central to the premise when it shouldn't have been.
• There wasn't enough action. The bit there was good, it just felt like it was lacking.

Overall, I really liked the world building and the story line. I'm just not a fan of excessive romance. However, I have started Onyx.

My TBR List *June* ~ And the Winner Is... #MyTBRL

My To-Be Read List is a meme hosted by Michelle @Because Reading. I think it's a fabulous idea because it gets y'all in the game and it helps me knock off some of the many, many books on my TBR list. You're more than welcome to join in the fun! I've included the basic rules below but you can click on the graphic above to hop over to Michelle's site where you can find all the details. 

***

And the Winner Is:

(by an overwhelming margin...)


Opposition
Lux #5

Synopsis
Katy knows the world changed the night the Luxen came.

She can't believe Daemon welcomes his race or stood by as his kind threatened to obliterate every last human and hybrid on Earth. But the lines between good and bad have blurred, and love has become an emotion that could destroy her - could destroy them all.

Daemon will do anything to save those he loves, even if it means betrayal.

They must team with an unlikely enemy if there is any chance of surviving the invasion. But when it quickly becomes impossible to tell friend from foe, and the world is crumbling around them, they may lose everything - even what they cherish most - to ensure the survival of their friends...and mankind.

War has come to Earth. And no matter the outcome, the future will never be the same for those left standing...



Y'all be sure to check back on June 30th so I can gush all about Daemon! *wink*

My TBR List *June* ~ Polling is Open! #MyTBRL

My To-Be Read List is a meme hosted by Michelle @Because Reading. I think it's a fabulous idea because it gets y'all in the game and it helps me knock off some of the many, many books on my TBR list. You're more than welcome to join in the fun! I've included the basic rules below but you can click on the graphic above to hop over to Michelle's site where you can find all the details. 

Here's how it works:
On the first Saturday of each month, I will make a post with three books from my TBR List (these books can be already on your ereader or bookshelf OR books you might want to purchase) and add your link on the linky that will be provided on Michelle's post. Y'ALL will help me choose which book I will read next. The following Saturday, I will announce which book won. Then the last Saturday of the month, I'll post my review.

Fun, right?!?

***

In 2018, I'm once again working at catching up on series and y'all get to decide which series I'm going to read each month! :D

This month, I'm letting y'all choose from series that I only lack ONE book finishing! :)


Your Choices Are:


Opposition
Lux #5

Synopsis
Katy knows the world changed the night the Luxen came.

She can't believe Daemon welcomes his race or stood by as his kind threatened to obliterate every last human and hybrid on Earth. But the lines between good and bad have blurred, and love has become an emotion that could destroy her - could destroy them all.

Daemon will do anything to save those he loves, even if it means betrayal.

They must team with an unlikely enemy if there is any chance of surviving the invasion. But when it quickly becomes impossible to tell friend from foe, and the world is crumbling around them, they may lose everything - even what they cherish most - to ensure the survival of their friends...and mankind.

War has come to Earth. And no matter the outcome, the future will never be the same for those left standing...



Struck from the Record
Record #4

Synopsis
Clay Maxwell is a smart, quick witted, sex-driven, manwhore with the good looks to match. Plenty of women have shared his bed, but only one has ever been constant, Andrea.

Their rules were simple. When they're together, it's just the two of them. When they're apart, anything is fair game. And it worked. For ten years.

But one of them has changed the game...

Clay must decide if his player ways are worth losing the one girl who has always been there.




Jet
Marked Men #2

Synopsis
found.
With his tight leather pants and a sharp edge that makes him dangerous, Jet Keller is every girl's rock and roll fantasy. But Ayden Cross is done walking on the wild side with bad boys. She doesn't want to give in to the heat she sees in Jet's dark, haunted eyes. She's afraid of getting burned from the sparks of their spontaneous combustion, even as his touch sets her on fire.

Jet can't resist the Southern Belle with mile-long legs in cowboy boots who defies his every expectation. Yet the closer he feels to Ayden, the less he seems to know her. While he's tempted to get under her skin and undo her in every way, he knows firsthand what happens to two people with very different ideas about relationships.

Will the blaze burn into an enduring love...or will it consume their dreams and turn them to ashes?



Okay, now vote! And thanks! :D


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My TBR List Review ~ Origin ~ Jennifer L. Armentrout

My To-Be Read List is a meme hosted by Michelle @Because Reading. I think it's a fabulous idea because it gets y'all in the game and it helps me knock off some of the many, many books on my TBR list. You're more than welcome to join in the fun! I've included the basic rules below but you can click on the graphic above to hop over to Michelle's site where you can find all the details. 

Here's how it works:
On the first Saturday of each month, I will make a post with three books from my TBR List (these books can be already on your ereader or bookshelf OR books you might want to purchase) and add your link on the linky that will be provided on Michelle's post. Y'ALL will help me choose which book I will read next. The following Saturday, I will announce which book won. Then the last Saturday of the month, I'll post my review.

Fun, right?!?

***

Origin by Jennifer L. Armentrout
Lux Series #4
Release Date: August 27, 2013
Genre: YA Paranormal Romance
Source: Purchased paperback
Rating: 5 Bookworms
Goodreads

Synopsis
Daemon will do anything to get Katy back.

After the successful but disastrous raid on Mount Weather, he's facing the impossible. Katy is gone. Taken. Everything becomes about finding her. Taking out anyone who stands in his way? Done. Burning down the whole world to save her? Gladly. Exposing his alien race to the world? With pleasure.

All Katy can do is survive.

Surrounded by enemies, the only way she can come out of this is to adapt. After all, there are sides of Daedalus that don't seem entirely crazy, but the group's goals are frightening and the truths they speak even more disturbing. Who are the real bad guys? Daedalus? Mankind? Or the Luxen?

Together, they can face anything.

But the most dangerous foe has been there all along, and when the truths are exposed and the lies come crumbling down, which side will Daemon and Katy be standing on?

And will they even be together?

Holy glowing aliens! I could never have guessed at the events that occurred in Origin or the direction those events would take Katy and Daemon. Y'all told me Origin was epic. It absolutely was! And I'm beyond anxious to see where this firestorm will lead Katy, Daemon, and company.

Origin begins with Katy a captive of Daedelus and y'all, I could not believe the things Katy endured at their hands. Thank goodness Katy is so strong - I'm not sure I could bounce back from some of that stuff even if I had Daemon to help. Daemon's rescue plans were pretty genius, honestly. But I worried how he'd deal with finding out all Katy had experienced. I liked the introduction of Archer, a soldier of Daedelus and an unlikely ally, as well as the other plot twists (more like explosions) JLA threw at us.

The complexities of everything Daedelus - their plans, their technology - and how it all affects Katy, Daemon, and his family and friends proved JLA's prowess in crafting a riveting story. I couldn't help but notice the relevance of Daedulus' end-game goals and the similarities to some scientific issues facing the world today. JLA wove that in with everything else delivering an action-packed, suspenseful, socially relevant romance. Seriously. Awesome.

The appearance of some characters was heartwarming and some others was devastating. Gah! The secrets revealed, the battle fought, the lines drawn...and that ending! There was so much epicness packed into Origin. And I just know it's all eading up to and ending the greatness of which I can't fathom. So, so happy Opposition is already waiting on my shelf!

My TBR List ~ December ~ And the Winner Is...

My To-Be Read List is a meme hosted by Michelle @Because Reading. I think it's a fabulous idea because it gets y'all in the game and it helps me knock off some of the many, many books on my TBR list. You're more than welcome to join in the fun! I've included the basic rules below but you can click on the graphic above to hop over to Michelle's site where you can find all the details. 

Here's how it works:
On the first Saturday of each month, I will make a post with three books from my TBR List (these books can be already on your ereader or bookshelf OR books you might want to purchase) and add your link on the linky that will be provided on Michelle's post. Y'ALL will help me choose which book I will read next. The following Saturday, I will announce which book won. Then the last Saturday of the month, I'll post my review.

Fun, right?!?

***

Thanks so much for voting y'all! The winner this month is by an overwhelming margin. ;) Mmm, I get to spend some time with...

Origin
Lux Series #4

Synopsis
Daemon will do anything to get Katy back.

After the successful but disastrous raid on Mount Weather, he's facing the impossible. Katy is gone. Taken. Everything becomes about finding her. Taking out anyone who stands in his way? Done. Burning down the whole world to save her? Gladly. Exposing his alien race to the world? With pleasure.

All Katy can do is survive.

Surrounded by enemies, the only way she can come out of this is to adapt. After all, there are sides of Daedalus that don't seem entirely crazy, but the group's goals are frightening and the truths they speak even more disturbing. Who are the real bad guys? Daedalus? Mankind? Or the Luxen?

Together, they can face anything.

But the most dangerous foe has been there all along, and when the truths are exposed and the lies come crumbling down, which side will Daemon and Katy be standing on?

And will they even be together?


Check back on December 26th for my review of Origin. I can't wait to see what happens next with Daemon and Katy!

And for those of you who voted for Twist or Edge of Oblivion, have no fear. I plan to read those ASAP. :D

My TBR List ~ December ~ Let's Vote

My To-Be Read List is a meme hosted by Michelle @Because Reading. I think it's a fabulous idea because it gets y'all in the game and it helps me knock off some of the many, many books on my TBR list. You're more than welcome to join in the fun! I've included the basic rules below but you can click on the graphic above to hop over to Michelle's site where you can find all the details. 

Here's how it works:
On the first Saturday of each month, I will make a post with three books from my TBR List (these books can be already on your ereader or bookshelf OR books you might want to purchase) and add your link on the linky that will be provided on Michelle's post. Y'ALL will help me choose which book I will read next. The following Saturday, I will announce which book won. Then the last Saturday of the month, I'll post my review.

Fun, right?!?

***

As you may or may not know, I've dedicated the months of November and December to doing series catch up - Traveling to the Terminus. This month's choices are all paranormal romance in theme. I do lack more than one to complete these series but getting one read puts me that much closer, right? Here are the choices:


Twist
Mageri Series #2

Synopsis
Months after moving to the mysterious city of Cognito, Silver is developing her gifts as a Mage and learning how to live under new laws. She is forced to give up her old life and live in secret among the humans. There is finally hope of leading an ordinary life...

Until Logan Cross walks into it.

Their chance meeting leads her close to discovering the identity of the nameless Mage who once stole her light and discovered the unique power she possesses. That knowledge poses an unimaginable threat to Silver, fueling the search to find out who he is before he finds her.

Lives are at stake. Truths are revealed. And an unexpected passion ignites.

"An outspoken woman makes the world a livable place. You have fire in you, and I would never put that out."

Origin
Lux Series #4

Synopsis
Daemon will do anything to get Katy back.

After the successful but disastrous raid on Mount Weather, he's facing the impossible. Katy is gone. Taken. Everything becomes about finding her. Taking out anyone who stands in his way? Done. Burning down the whole world to save her? Gladly. Exposing his alien race to the world? With pleasure.

All Katy can do is survive.

Surrounded by enemies, the only way she can come out of this is to adapt. After all, there are sides of Daedalus that don't seem entirely crazy, but the group's goals are frightening and the truths they speak even more disturbing. Who are the real bad guys? Daedalus? Mankind? Or the Luxen?

Together, they can face anything.

But the most dangerous foe has been there all along, and when the truths are exposed and the lies come crumbling down, which side will Daemon and Katy be standing on?

And will they even be together?




Edge of Oblivion
Night Prowler Series #2

Synopsis
There exists a world beyond our own. It is a world of ancient magic and well-guarded secrets, a world of strict laws and harsh punishments for those who betray them, a world inhabited by the Ikati, a race of gifted people who are so much more than they first appear. Brought together by fate in this world of danger and beauty, two people with dark pasts will meet.

Morgan is beautiful, smart, sexy...and about to die. Convicted of treason against her shape-shifting kin, she is given one last chance at redemption; discover the hidden lair of the enemy intent on destroying every one of her kind, or forfeit her life.

Xander is ruthless, heartless, cold-blooded...and assigned to kill her if she fails in her task. Expecting to feel nothing but contempt for the traitor under his watch, the assassin accompanies Morgan on her search, but as the two race through the heart of Italy while the clock winds down to zero hour, he finds himself drawn into a dangerous web of desire as powerful as it is forbidden. Their passion will test everything they believe in, and endanger the future of the tribe itself.




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#2015HW, #ShelfLove Review ~ Opal ~ Jennifer L. Armentrout

Opal
Lux Series #3
Release Date: December 11, 2012
Genre: YA Fantasy, Paranormal Romance
Source: Purchased Paperback
Rating: 4 Bookworms

Goodreads

Synopsis
After everything, I'm no longer the same Katy. I'm different... And I'm not sure what that will mean in the end. When each step we take in discovering the truth puts us in the path of the secret organization responsible for torturing and testing hybrids, the more I realize there is not end to what I'm capable of. The death of someone close still lingers, help comes from the most unlikely source, and friends will become the deadliest of enemies, but we won't turn back. Even if the outcome will shatter our worlds forever.

Together we're stronger...and they know it.

Dang it! That was quite the nail-biter. It's been awhile since I read Onyx but JLA pulled me right back into Katy and Daemon's world...a world fraught with danger, not knowing who is friend and who is foe. A world where they having to live every moment and hold tight to the precious good.

Things have changed dramatically for Katy, Daemon, and Dee. With the return of some characters and some events causing Dee to pull away from Katy, there's quite a bit of tension on all sides. One character's reappearance makes things look like they'll go from bad to worse. However, he has a deal to make with Katy and the Luxen. He can help them. But are they making a deal with the devil?

Opal was an exciting read, even if it felt maybe a little slow moving. JLA is a master at creating witty banter laced with sexual tension - and it's one of the things I adore most about Katy and Daemon. The suspense was also intense - woundering if and how things are going to work out. And that ending! Holy wow! I can tell you one thing - it won't be long before I'm reading #4!

When Life's Kickin' Your Butt, How About a Theme Song ~ March

Once again, my pal, Robyn, over @robgirlbooks, has us creating a soundtrack for our lives. This challenge is all about sharing the music you listen to when you need motivation, or to celebrate, or when you're happy or sad, or when you're cleaning, etc. Sounds fun, yeah? Here's how it works... Robyn gives us a theme every month and we post songs that fulfill that theme as it applies to us. Then at the end of the year, we'll have a playlist!

The playlist for 2014 can be found here (youtube link) if you're interested. I enjoyed sharing my family's musical tastes with y'all and I enjoyed being introduced to some new music. I'm looking forward to doing it again for 2015!

***

This month's theme is... the perfect song for that book.  So I asked my family which song makes them think of that book. Here are our choices:

My Picks
This was hard for me. Although I love music, I'm not really a person who thinks of a particular song while immersed in a story. I'm more of a person who hears a song that reminds me of a book. But I can never remember those. So I've gone with the obvious - but this song always makes me think of Katy and Daemon from Jennifer L. Armentrout's Lux Series.!

James' Pick
Okay, he picked a song by the author of the book...Fall in Love Again by Sammy Hagar makes him think of Sammy's autobiography, Red.

Sky's Pick
Sky says My Songs Know What You Did In The Dark makes her think of Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury. 

Berk's Pick
All-Star makes Berk think of Notes from an Accidental Band Geek by Erin Dionne. 

Jax's Pick
This song makes Jax think of Beyonders by Brandon Mull.

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My TBR List Review ~ January ~ Half-Blood ~ Jennifer L. Armentrout

My To-Be Read List is a monthly meme hosted by Michelle @Because Reading. 

***

Half-Blood
Covenant #1
Release Date: October 18, 2011
Genre: YA, Fantasy, Mythology
Source: Purchased on Nook
Rating: 4 Bookworms
Goodreads

SynopsisThe Hematoi descend from the unions of gods and mortals, and the children of two Hematoi pure bloods have godlike powers. Children of Hematoi and mortals -- well, not so much. Half-bloods only have two options: become trained Sentinels who hunt and kill daimons or become servants in the homes of the pures. Seventeen-year-old Alexandria would rather risk her life fighting than waste it scrubbing toilets, but she may end up slumming it anyway. There are several rules that students at the Covenant must follow. Alex has problems with them all, but especially rule #1: Relationships between pures and halfs are forbidden. Unfortunately, she's crushing hard on the totally hot pure-blood Aiden. But falling for Aiden isn't her biggest problem--staying alive long enough to graduate the Covenant and become a Sentinel is. If she fails in her duty, she faces a future worse than death or slavery: being turned into a daimon, and being hunted by Aiden. And that would kind of suck.

I adored Half-Blood - but I'm really torn...
I can't decide if I'm going to be Team Aiden or Team Seth!! ;)

Okay, seriously though, I'm so happy I finally dove into this series. I can't believe I waited so long. I know I'm one of the few who haven't read it - but better late than never. I don't want to repeat all you've said or read about Half-Blood, so I'm just going to tell you why I adored it.

• JLA did an excellent job of taking Greek mythology and making it her own. The concept of the Pures and the Halfs was unique. I really liked how she set up this world.
• I was riveted needing to know where all the clues about Alex were going to go.
• The sexual tension between Alex and Aiden was palpable. This is something JLA does well.
• The tension and snarky banter between Alex and Seth was fun and it was a nice break from the serious tone of the book.
• Alex is a great heroine - I liked her more and more as the story moved along. She didn't always make smart decisions, which amp'ed up the angst, but I understood her logic (?). She's very much "foolishly brave", as Aiden describes her. She's also very strong, emotionally. She's endured very difficult things in her short life and persevered. 
• I liked the friendship between Alex and Caleb, the antagonism between Alex and Lea, and the familial struggle between Alex and her step-father Lucien, as well as her uncle, Marcus.
• I felt JLA did an excellent job of realistically portraying a teenage girl facing many difficult events and decisions. 
• Aiden         Oh, you want more? I liked how supportive of Alex he is - both professionally and emotionally. He was there when Alex needed him. And I'm impressed with his selfless decision regarding her. I'm sure it won't stick, but it's the thought, right??
• Seth - yeah, he was kinda arrogant when he came on to the scene. Alex couldn't figure him out but she had some ideas once certain revelations were made and I tended to agree with her. And then, after certain other events, he shows a different side of himself and I see a lot of potential in him.
• JLA set up the rest of the series nicely with the ending. I can't wait to get on into the rest of the series.

I'll get back to y'all on Team Aiden or Team Seth. ;)

#COYER Review ~ Daimon ~ Jennifer L. Armentrout

Daimon
Covenant Series #0.5
Release Date:
Genre:
Source:
Rating:

Synopsis
"Love in my world usually ended up with someone hearing 'I smite thee!' as she was cursed to be some lame flower for the rest of her life." For three years, Alexandria has lived among mortals--pretending to be like them and trying to forget the duty she'd been trained to fulfill as a child of a mortal and a demigod. At seventeen, she's pretty much accepted that she's a freak by mortal standards... and that she'll never be prepared for that duty. According to her mother, that's a good thing. But as every descendant of the gods knows, Fate has a way of rearing her ugly head. A horrifying attack forces Alex to flee Miami and try to find her way tack to the very place her mother had warned her she should never return-the Covenant. Every step that brings her closer to safety is one more step toward death... because she's being hunted by the very creatures she'd once trained to kill. The daimons have found her.

Daimon was a nice introduction to Alex and her life outside the Covenant. We find out she's living in the mortal world, how things have been for her and background information on the world she left. We also get the details of the events that lead her back to the Covenant in Half-Blood.

FYI, I'm writing this review after having finished Half-Blood. While I enjoyed the extra details Daimon added to Alex's story, it isn't absolutely necessary to read it. However, it will really whet your appetite for the story - as it did for me. And it was nice to know a little more about things - the finer details - when reading Half-Blood. I immediately dove into Half-Blood upon finishing Daimon.

**My TBR List ~ January ~ The Mythology Winner Is...**

My To-Be Read List is a new meme hosted by Michelle @Because Reading. Michelle has been doing this for awhile and recently decided to extend the fun for us all. I thought it was a fabulous idea because it gets y'all in the game and it helps me knock off some of the many, many books on my TBR list. You're more than welcome to join in the fun! I've included the basic rules below but you can click on the graphic above to hop over to Michelle's site where you can find all the details. 

Here's how it works:
On the first Saturday of each month, I will make a post with three books from my TBR List (these books can be already on your ereader or bookshelf OR books you might want to purchase) and add your link on the linky that will be provided on Michelle's post. Y'ALL will help me choose which book I will read next. The following Saturday, I will announce which book won. Then the last Saturday of the month, I'll post my review.

Fun, right?!?

***

Wow ~ I had a lot of voters this month! Thanks for that. And apparently, quite a few of y'all are JLA fans. ;) 

The winner is:

Half-Blood
Covenant #1

The Hematoi descend from the unions of gods and mortals, and the children of two Hematoi pure bloods have godlike powers. Children of Hematoi and mortals -- well, not so much. Half-bloods only have two options: become trained Sentinels who hunt and kill daimons or become servants in the homes of the pures. Seventeen-year-old Alexandria would rather risk her life fighting than waste it scrubbing toilets, but she may end up slumming it anyway. There are several rules that students at the Covenant must follow. Alex has problems with them all, but especially rule #1: Relationships between pures and halfs are forbidden. Unfortunately, she's crushing hard on the totally hot pure-blood Aiden. But falling for Aiden isn't her biggest problem--staying alive long enough to graduate the Covenant and become a Sentinel is. If she fails in her duty, she faces a future worse than death or slavery: being turned into a daimon, and being hunted by Aiden. And that would kind of suck.



Thanks for voting, y'all. And don't worry. I'll be reading both The Scorpio Races and Troy High at some point this year. :)

**My TBR List ~ January ~ Mythology**

My To-Be Read List is a new meme hosted by Michelle @Because Reading. Michelle has been doing this for awhile and recently decided to extend the fun for us all. I thought it was a fabulous idea because it gets y'all in the game and it helps me knock off some of the many, many books on my TBR list. You're more than welcome to join in the fun! I've included the basic rules below but you can click on the graphic above to hop over to Michelle's site where you can find all the details. 

Here's how it works:
On the first Saturday of each month, I will make a post with three books from my TBR List (these books can be already on your ereader or bookshelf OR books you might want to purchase) and add your link on the linky that will be provided on Michelle's post. Y'ALL will help me choose which book I will read next. The following Saturday, I will announce which book won. Then the last Saturday of the month, I'll post my review.

Fun, right?!?

***

Okay, y'all know I'm participating in the Mythology Reading Challenge this year - where I plan to read 1-2 mythology-themed books per month. So I thought this month, I'd let y'all choose which book I read!

Here are the choices:



Half-Blood
Covenant #1

The Hematoi descend from the unions of gods and mortals, and the children of two Hematoi pure bloods have godlike powers. Children of Hematoi and mortals -- well, not so much. Half-bloods only have two options: become trained Sentinels who hunt and kill daimons or become servants in the homes of the pures. Seventeen-year-old Alexandria would rather risk her life fighting than waste it scrubbing toilets, but she may end up slumming it anyway. There are several rules that students at the Covenant must follow. Alex has problems with them all, but especially rule #1: Relationships between pures and halfs are forbidden. Unfortunately, she's crushing hard on the totally hot pure-blood Aiden. But falling for Aiden isn't her biggest problem--staying alive long enough to graduate the Covenant and become a Sentinel is. If she fails in her duty, she faces a future worse than death or slavery: being turned into a daimon, and being hunted by Aiden. And that would kind of suck.

*****

The Scorpio Races

It happens at the start of every November: the Scorpio Races. Riders attempt to keep hold of their water horses long enough to make it to the finish line. Some riders live. Others die.

At age nineteen, Sean Kendrick is the returning champion. He is a young man of few words, and if he has any fears, he keeps them buried deep, where no one else can see them.

Puck Connolly is different. She never meant to ride in the Scorpio Races. But fate hasn't given her much of a chance. So she enters the competition - the first girl ever to do so. She is in no way prepared for what is going to happen.

*****

Troy High

Homer's Iliad, the classic tale of love and revenge, is shrewdly retold for teens in Troy High.

Narrated by Cassie, a shy outsider who fears that an epic high school rivalry is about to go up in flames, the story follows the Trojans and Spartans as they declare war on the football field. After the beautiful Elena - who used to be the captain of the Spartan cheerleaders - transfers to Try High and falls madly in love with Cassie's brother Perry, the Spartans vow that the annual homecoming game will never be forgotten.

The Trojans and Spartans pull wicked pranks on each other as homecoming approaches. And the Spartans' wildcard football star, Ackley, promises to take down the Trojans' offensive line. But the stakes are raised when Cassie is forced to choose between the boy she loves (a Spartan) and loyalty to her family and school. Troy High will seduce readers with its incendiary cast of mythic proportions.




Okay, now vote!

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**Sidekick Showcase #32 ~ Book Boyfriends**

Sidekick Showcase (previously known as Sidekick Saturday) is a weekly bookish meme, hosted by Jaclyn at JC's Book Haven. There are many secondary characters that are as great as the primaries. In some cases, the sidekicks actually steal the show and you like them better than the heroine or hero. Maybe they didn't have enough page time for how great they were. Anyone can play along! Just do the following:

• Choose a sidekick *or someone other than the hero or heroine* that you would like to put in the spotlight that fits in this week's type
• Share a picture (if possible) and information about the character
• Give the title and author of a book the character can be found in
• Please don't include too many spoilers when describing why the character is such a great sidekick
• Put your link in the Linky thing and comment

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For this month of LOVE, our sidekicks will be of the romantic persuasion...or just plain HOT! Yep, that's right. I'm gonna share my book boyfriends this month. Enjoy it because I don't really like to share. *grins*

My first pick is
Daemon Black
from Jennifer L. Armentrout's Lux Series

I think Katy described Daemon best when she said 

"Daemon is infuriating. Arrogant. Stab-worthy."

He IS all those things. He is also H.O.T. with the brilliant green eyes and beautiful body. He also has a sensitive side, which, of course, is what I really love about him. ;) He is loyal and protective and so very snarky and witty! And Katy and Daemon together equals LOTS of sexual tension and snarky banter. :)

***

Daemon arched a brow. "Are you feeling my up, Kat? I'm liking where this is heading." -Obsidian

"Why are you such an ass?" The words came out before I could think twice.

"Everyone has to excel at something, right?"

"Well, you're doing a great job." -Katy & Daemon, Obsidian

"I always liked you. From the moment you first flipped me off." -Daemon to Katy, Onyx

"Not in this lifetime, buddy," I said finally.

"Resistance is futile, Kitten."
"So is your charm."

"We'll see."

-Katy & Daemon, Onyx

Daemon pressed his forehead to mine. "Oh, I still want to strangle you. But I'm insane. You're crazy. Maybe that's why. We just make crazy together."

-Daemon to Katy, Onyx