**Jumble Your Genres Review ~ Love Rock'ollection Boxset ~ Michelle Mankin**

For this final Jumble Your Genres review of the year, y'all are getting a three 'fer!! The genre for the month was New Adult. I'm a huge Michelle Mankin fan so I'm hoping to tempt you to read her. :) I tried to keep my reviews short since there are 3 but know that I could have gushed and gushed.

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Love Rock'ollection

The Brutal Strength Rock Star Trilogy, Books 1-3

by Michelle Mankin

Genre: New Adult, Contemporary Romance
Release Date: November 6, 2014
Source: I received a complimentary copy in exchange for an honest review (*I own each of these books individually*)
Rating: 4.5 Bookworms Overall

Synopsis

Three full length rock star novels in one limited edition set.

Love Evolution is a rock star romance based on Shakespeare's Twelfth Night. 
After the death of her twin brother, nineteen year old guitar prodigy Avery Jones finds herself desperate, alone, and out of options. Hope arrives in the form of a job opening with Brutal Strength, one of the biggest rock bands out there. Only problem is temperamental lead singer Marcus Anthony doesn't want a woman in the group. So Avery and her manager Trevor come up with a plan involving a Bieber haircut and men's clothing. No one seems to be onto their little con. But what happens when Avery starts falling for Marcus? Will she be able to continue with the farce or will the whole thing come crashing down around her like a house of cards?
(Revised and additional content, including 2 new chapters and an epilogue)

Love Revolution is a rock star romance inspired by Shakespeare's Much Ado About Nothing.
The wheels of love are always turning at Black Cat Records. Things are just starting to settle down when two Texas sisters start to stir things up at the Vancouver record label. CEO Mary Timmons sets spirited country superstar Sara Daniels on a collision course with cocky rocker Chris Alex. Meanwhile, Brutal Strength's suave drummer, JR, has his head turned by pretty young intern, Samantha Daniels. Do all their highways lead to happiness or will the wheels fly off when the sisters' tragic past comes back to haunt them?

Love Resolution is a rock star romance inspired by Shakespeare's The Tempest.
To forgive or not to forgive...There's a storm brewing at Black Cat Records and lead singer Marcus Anthony and guitarist Avery Jones are at the center of it. Brutal Strength is leaving Vancouver and heading out on a big stadium tour with the reprobate rockers from Tempest as their opening act. Avery is forced to deal with a troubling figure from her past while being pursued by Tempest's tatted bad boy, Bryan "Bullet" Jackson. Meanwhile, Marcus must battle his own internal demons as well as this rival for Avery's affection. Can Avery and Marcus keep their fairy tale happily ever after together when the prevailing winds of the real world are against them?

Love Evolution

My current thoughts...
I almost didn't re-read this one since I'd previously read it 2 years ago. I'm really glad I did. Mankin added in some details and an epilogue - those details added to any already great story.

Love Evolution is inspired by Shakespeare's Twelfth Night. (If you're interested, you can read a quick synopsis here) That was originally part of the draw for me - I'm kind of a fan. :) Part of the premise from Shakespeare involves a girl posing as a boy. In this case, our girl is Avery Jones. She and her brother had been on the cusp of signing a record deal when he died. Her agent, however, gets her the chance to audition for Brutal Strength. The problem is, Marcus Anthony, the band's lead singer, thinks women guitarists are no-talent eye candy. To ensure Avery has the chance she deserves, her agent has her pose as a guy. 

From there, we get a front seat to all the action as Avery takes her spot in Brutal Strength while both she and Marcus fight their attraction to one another.

Love Evolution was an entertaining, compelling, and poignant tale.

My previous thoughts: (from my review originally posted 11/12)
This was a sweet little read.  It was fast...it was fun. I enjoyed the twist on Shakespeare. I thought Michelle Mankin rocked her modern adaptation. 

When we first meet Avery, who happens to be a guitar prodigy, she's grieving the loss of her twin brother. She and her brother had been on the verge of a record deal. But now, that dream is gone. When her agent gets her an audition with the rock band, Brutal Strength, it gives her a spark of life. However, she has to pose as a male in order to get into the audition. When she meets Marcus Anthony, they have an immediate connection. The story revolves around the continued growth of the relationship between Avery and Marcus and the impediment her charade imposes...particularly when Marcus begins to question himself over his growing attraction to a male. Lots of giggles when reading the thoughts of both Marcus and Avery regarding their attraction to one another.

The cast of supporting characters were lots of fun as well. The relationship between Marcus and his brother, Dwight, added dimension and entertainment to the story. And I really liked Marcus' parents. And the deviousness of Mary (CEO of Black Cat records) was also entertaining. And the music aspect...I like how Avery was able to channel her emotions into the lyrics. And Love Evolution...what a love letter!

Love Revolution

Love Revolution was a heckava lot more intense due to its suspense element. Don't get me wrong - with a title like Love Revolution, it has plenty of romance. Inspired by Shakespeare's Much Ado About Nothing (summary here), Mankin does a fine job infusing the story with the personality and wit of Shakespeare. The romance revolves around two sisters from Texas - one jaded and one naive - and two rock stars, naturally. I quite enjoyed the snarky banter between Sara and Chris. Their romance bloomed around barbs being thrown. The romance between Sam and JR was more on the sweet side. One of the most enjoyable elements was seeing Sara's, Chris', and JR's views on love change - a revolution in thought. The suspense element, brought about through Sara and Sam's past, really enhanced the story. It created an edge that Love Evolution didn't have.

One thing I must note since I'm from Texas originally, is Mankin's descriptions of Dallas, Graham, and Billy Bob's, as well as how Texans would miss staples like Dr. Pepper and Blue Bell when living in a place where these things aren't readily available. That is something I could totally relate to.

Love Resolution

Oh, the feels, y'all!! Love Resolution was incredible! Inspired by Shakespeare's The Tempest (summary here), I once again impressed with Mankin's modern adaptation. We're back to following Avery and Marcus - watching the ups and downs a rock star relationship would experience. Mankin turns up the angst in this installment where not only does Avery have to deal with the bumps in the raod where she and Marcus are concerned, but also the feelings brought about when her estranged father returns. I really related to Avery on this point, as I also am estranged from my father. I appreciated the lessons Avery learned. She and Marcus learned a lot as well - about each other, life, and love. I liked that Marcus was flawed and that he sought help in dealing with those he could deal with. It made for a stronger foundation for his and Avery's relationship.

I enjoyed my view of the boys from Tempest as well. I know all their stories now - well, almost all of them - but I liked seeing them here...a little cocky and a little vulnerable.
One thing I'd like to note after finishing this installment is how Mankin incorporates what she refers to as "subtext" in all her stories. These subtexts range in scope from the treatment of the homeless and racial prejudices to suicide and drug abuse. I appreciate that she adds subtext to her stories - it enhances the character development as well as adding to social consciousness. 

**Jumble Your Genres Review ~ Lord Rakehell's Love ~ Donna Cummings**

This month's Jumble Your Genres genre was Historical Fiction. My pick was Historical Fiction/Romance. ;) 

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Lord Rakehell's Love

The Curse of True Love #1

Release Date: August 27, 2013

Genre: Historical Romance

Source: Purchased ecopy on Amazon

Rating: 4 Bookworms

Goodreads

Synopsis

Aphrodite, the Goddess of Love, is playing matchmaker in Regency London...only it seems she's placed a curse on the lovers instead.

~~He was late to his own wedding~~

Simon is known as Lord Rakehell, so any same woman would be wary of wedding a man of his reputation. He loves Georgiana, and is determined to prove it to her, but how can he overcome his wedding-day blunder?

~~She was heartbroken by the scandal~~

Georgiana knew the dangers of falling instantly in love with a celebrated rake, but even she had not expected him to show up for their nuptials with ladies-of-the-evening in tow. Now she must determine whether Simon's protestations of love are genuine, or if she is being led astray by the passion he continues to incite in her.

I one-clicked Lord Rakehell's Love (and Lord Wastrel) shortly after reading lovely reviews of it from Lexxie @Unconventional Book Views. I'm eager to get to the next installment as Lord Rakehell's Love was every bit the delight Lexxie promised it would be.

Aphrodite is bored and decides she wants to dabble in matchmaking, in Regency London no less. She and Ares set about it but decide there should be a little challenge in it. They decide their couple should be one seemingly ill-suited for one another...a rake and a wallflower.

Georgiana Kirkwood is a wallflower but a beautiful, clever, and witty one. Simon Blakely, Lord of Winbourne, is better known as Lord Rakehell among the ton. He is dashing and a complete rogue. But it's his roguish ways that attract Georgiana in the first place. After a whirlwind courtship, their wedding day has arrived...but the groom has not. Following the fallout, I liked seeing the softer side of Simon. The side of him that is beside himself for the mistake he made. He was desperate to win Georgiana back. Georgiana wants to forgive Simon. But she's worried the risk may cause her even more heartache. I liked seeing her sensible side. She's not going to accept Simon back so easily.

The banter between Georgiana and Simon is so playful and witty. The chemistry between them is clear and it was easy to see the attraction between them was solid. This is a short, sweet read and I was pretty satisfied with the story. Although I always enjoy lots of character development and would have enjoyed more here, I didn't find the story lacking. The humor in it all made it delightful. And I enjoyed meeting Lord Wastrel, Simon's friend, as well as Felicia, Georgiana's friend and confidante. The next book involves them. I'm keen to see what Aphrodite has in store for them.

**Jumble Your Genres Review ~ Exposed: Just One Night Part 2 ~ Kyra Davis**

This month's Jumble Your Genres genre was Romance. Gosh, I never read romance. ;) 

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Exposed

Just One Night #2

Release Date: March 18, 2013

Genre: Adult, Contemporary Romance

Source: Purchased ecopy on Amazon

Rating: 4.5 Bookworms

Goodreads

Synopsis

Part 2 of the Just One Night series. One passionate night with a stranger turned Kasie's world upside down, and just when she thought she was getting the hang of things, her fiance finds out...

You should sleep with a stranger - those words whispered in her ear by her best friend became a challenge Kasie took to heart. Suddenly, the man who gave her the most shocking pleasure in that upscale Vegas hotel - a man whose name she never bothered to find out - is her company's biggest client.

As this unknown man becomes Mr. Dade at the office, and Mr. Dade becomes Robert in the bedroom, Kasie's passion won't let her deny him anything he wants. But when her fiance, Dave, finds out, there's no telling what he will do to keep her, or what Robert will do to steal her away once and for all.

I read the first installment of Just One Night a year and a half ago and it has really stuck with me. You can read my review here. All this time later, Kasie and Robert's story was still in my head. I can't believe I waited so long to continue the story. On the bright side, the entire series is now available. :)

Exposed picks up where The Stranger left off - with Kasie dealing with the consequences of her betrayal. Dave, Kasie's fiance, is determined to have her revenge - and if I hadn't already despised him, he definitely would have sealed that perception with his behavior in Exposed. Robert, of course, is set on protecting Kasie - no matter what it takes. But Kasie is strong and insists on taking care of things her way.

When Robert crosses the line and takes care of a problem, Kasie is left wondering if she traded one controlling situation for another. Of course, with Robert, she can't seem to stay away.

I enjoyed this second portion of the story every bit as much as the first. Kasie meeting Robert awakened parts of her that she didn't know were there. Although it's terrifying for her, because of her sister's descent and death, Kasie has never felt so alive. And seeing her explore these new found parts of herself was heartening. And Robert *sigh* he could make me melt. I think he's found something in Kasie he didn't realize he was looking for. All because of just one night...

**#COYER & Jumble Your Genres Review ~ Six Moon Summer ~ SM Reine**

This month's Jumble Your Genres genre was Paranormal. I jumped on the chance to read a book that was not only a paranormal, but one that's been on my ereader for quite awhile. Score!

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Six Moon Summer by SM Reine
Seasons of the Moon #1
Release Date: April 29, 2011
Genre: Young Adult, Paranormal
Source: I purchased an ebook via B&N
Rating: 3.5 Bookworms

Synopsis
Rylie's been bitten.

She's changing.

And now she has three months to find a cure before becoming a werewolf...forever.

Rylie Gresham hates everything about summer camp: the food, the fresh air, the dumb activities, and the other girls in her cabin. But the worst part is probably being bitten by a werewolf. Being a teenager is hard enough, but now she's craving raw flesh and struggles with uncontrollable anger. If she doesn't figure out a way to stop the transformation, then at the end of summer, her life is worse than ever. She'll be a monster.

Six Moon Summer was a nice introduction to the Seasons of the Moon series. The plot was a little predictable, and it is written for the younger end of YA, but I liked the characters and the execution.

Rylie has been shipped off to summer camp. Her parents are in the middle of a contentious divorce and wanted her out of the line of fire. Rylie is feeling like her life couldn't get any worse. But it does - when she's attacked by a werewolf.

A bright spot in Rylie's life is Seth. Seth shows up at just the right time. He seems to know a lot about what Rylie is undergoing and what's coming. And he's with her every step of the way. But Seth's hiding something - and it's something that may be devastating effects for Rylie.

Rylie is a 15 year old and acts as such most of the time. However, she showed resilience and strength in the face of what she was experiencing. And she exuded a fair amount of maturity when things came to a head. 

Although we don't learn much about Seth, I liked him. He showed compassion to Rylie when she needed it. And even fought his instincts where she was concerned, despite the possible consequences.

Six Moon Summer, despite its predictability, was an enjoyable start to this series. I'm eager to see what the future holds for both Rylie and Seth.

**#Jumble Your Genres Review ~ Unravel Me ~ Tahereh Mafi**

The genre for May was Dystopian. I chose to read Unravel Me by Tahereh Mafi. Obviously, my review is late. :)

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Unravel Me by Taherah Mafi
Shatter Me #2
Release Date: Genre: YA Dystopian/Fantasy
Source: I purchased a paperback
Rating: 5 Bookworms

Synopsis
ticktick

tick

tick

tick

it's almost

time for war.

Juliette has escaped to Omega Point. It is a place for people like her - people with gifts - and it is also the headquarters of the rebel restistance.

She's finally free from The Reestablishment, free from their plan to use her as a weapon, and free to love Adam. But Juliette will never be free from her lethal touch.

Or from Warner, who wants Juliette more than she ever thought possible.

In this exhilarating sequel to Shatter Me, Juliette has to make life-changing decisions between what she wants and what she thinks is right. Decisions that might involve choosing between her heart - and Adam's life.

Wow! Unravel Me was an excellent followup to Shatter Me. It has a slightly different feel - mainly because we aren't reading Juliette's journal - but the story is even more exciting and is told in Mafi's exquisite prose.

In Unravel Me, we see Juliette working with Omega Point - training and trying to learn more about and how to control her gift. Along the way, Juliette's relationship with Adam evolves in unexpected ways. We see her begin to make attempts at friendship with others. And she's still thinking of Warner. (*swoon*)

What makes this story amazing is that Mafi creates this stark world - a world heading toward war, with characters set in their belief that their way is the right way - this suspenseful, exciting fantasy/dystopian story, and wraps it around very important lessons. It's incredible that Mafi weaves lessons on learning to love and accept yourself...that it's our differences that make us special. And lessons on not judging others based on preconceived notions. Juliette suffered horribly because of people judging her and then she did the same thing to Warner.

I was so offended and upset on Juliette's behalf. The people of Omega Point treated her no differently than anyone ever has. And Castle - he tells her she's selfish - not trying to make friends or fit in. I couldn't wrap my head around his not understanding that she's had 17 years of no love, no friends, no compassion, no touching. How would she even know how to go about making friends?

It was an incredibly awe-inspiring thing to witness Juliette mature - accept herself and decide to use her gift in a way she chooses. She had to endure even more pain but she made some decisions on her own, stood up for herself. Good stuff!

Mafi also throws in some twists and turns in the plot that were very unexpected and yet made things so clear. I don't what to say much about Adam and Warner to avoid being spoilery. Y'all know I have a thing for Warner and my feelings grew even deeper in this installment.

I cannot wait to read Adam's novella and Ignite Me! I need to know how it all turns out. I only wish I could read them NOW! :)

**#Jumble Your Genres Review ~ The Total Tragedy of a Girl Named Hamlet~ Erin Dionne**

The Total Tragedy of a Girl Named Hamlet by Erin Dionne

Release Date: January 7, 2010

Genre: Middle Grade
Source: Purchased paperback
Rating: 4.5 Bookworms

Synopsis

Hamlet Kennedy just wants to be your average, happy, vanilla eighth grader. But with Shakespearean scholar parents who dress in Elizabethan regalia and generally go about in public as if it were the sixteenth century, that's not terribly easy. It gets worse when they decide that Hamlet's genius seven year-old sister will attend middle school with her - and even worse when the Shakespeare project is announced and her sister is named the new math tutor. By the time an in-class recitation reveals that our heroine is an extraordinary Shakespearean actress, Hamlet can no longer hide from the fact that she - like her family - is anything but average. In a novel every bit as funny as her debut, Erin Dionne has created another eighth grader whose situation is utterly unique - but whose foibles and farces will resound with every girl currently suffering through middle school.

"All's not fair in life and middle school..."

No truer words have been spoken. And while I think it would be cool having parents who are Shakespearean scholars that dress in Elizabethan-era clothing - in public - and serve dinners from an Elizabethan-era cookbook, I can see how that might cause a few problems for a middle schooler. Add to that a genius 7 year old sister, who is matriculating in the same grade as you because she needs the art credit for her college courses as well as the socialization, and well, you have a tale of woe for one Hamlet Kennedy.

I initially purchased this book for my younger daughter. I hoped it would give her some perspective and something to laugh at as she was/is dealing with a similar situation. (no, I don't dress in Shakespearean regalia.) She didn't get far into the book because she felt it was a bit too close to her real life but now that I've finished it, I'm going to encourage her to give it another chance.

Ms. Dionne did an excellent job of describing the pitfalls and problems facing middle schoolers. She also provided options for navigating these tricky waters. From mean girls, friend issues, academic struggles, and parental embarrassment, Hamlet proved nothing is insurmountable. Ms. Dionne also seems to be sending a few messages about following your passion, not worrying about what others think, being true to yourself, and having fun. Hamlet had been surviving by trying to be invisible, not standing out...but she learned that having a talent - being seen - isn't all that bad.

I truly enjoyed Hamlet's story. It jarred some memories for me as well as gave me some insight into the world my two youngest children inhabit. And although I intended Hamlet's story to maybe soothe my daughter's feelings about her situation with her younger brother, I realized my son may have a few things to work through having entered middle school a few years before his time.

I probably got more out of this story than a middle schooler will - particularly since my circumstances are similar, but I think it's a great read for any middle schooler. It's a chance to see their problems are normal and maybe aren't so bad...plus it offers examples of ways to deal with those problems. And it provides lots of laughs along the way.

**#COYER & #Jumble Your Genres Review ~ Silver Shark ~ Ilona Andrews**

Yep, I'm killing two birds with one stone. :) BUT not only did a clean off a book that's been on my ereader forever AND read an urban fantasy, I also got to read Ilona Andrews...and it's been far, far too long! :)

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Silver Shark by Ilona Andrews

Kinsmen #2

Release Date: September 16, 2011

Genre: Urban Fantasy/Science Fiction

Source: Free download EONS AGO! :)

Rating: 4.5 Bookworms

Synopsis
Claire Shannon is a Kinsman, a woman gifted with enhanced mental capabilities. Her skills and her life were taken over by the military to fight in war that has raged on her home planet for decades. But as the war ends, she is forced to hide her abilities in order to make a new life for herself as a civilian. It's a new persona, a new planet and a new job that has her crossing paths with the powerful and alluring Venturo Escana. Is she strong enough to hide her true nature from her perceptive new boss? And as they grow closer, will she even still want to try?

It's been quite awhile since I immersed myself in an incredible world created by the Andrews. It was so satisfying to be back. :)

Silver Shark is the second in the Andrews' Kinsmen series but can be read as standalone. It provides extra background into psychers, which are one branch of the Kinsmen.

In Silver Shark, we get the story of Claire Shannon, a native to the plant Uley. She's been involved in a war between two rival corporations for the past eight years, as a high-ranking psycher. When the war abruptly ends, she finds herself making a new life on the planet Rada. 

Venturo Escana, Claire's new boss, is a psycher almost as powerful as she is. Unfortunately, she must hide her abilities from him. Venturo is from a powerful Rada family and takes a unique interest in Claire.

Although we spend little time on Uley, the differences described between its landscape and that of Rada, as seen through Claire's eyes, are remarkable. The Andrews created a vivid world where I was able to picture all the colors and buildings shaped as flowers. I enjoyed the details on the abilities of psychers as well. The things they can do with their minds are astounding. I also appreciated the character development of Claire and Ven - so well done in so few pages. We get to see that both Claire and Ven are talented, powerful, and extremely loyal people. They also happen to be hot for one another! ;)

The excitement and tension provided through Claire hiding herself, seeing Rada via Claire, and her attempts at repaying a debt to a fellow refugee was all I could have hoped for. The description of the inner - and outer - workings of a psychers mind was fascinating. And, of course, the sexual tension between Claire and Ven was quite fun.

I so enjoyed my return to Ilona Andrews. And I am anxious to finish this series as well as pick back up with their other series as well.

**Jumble Your Genres Review ~ Captured Again ~ L.L. Akers**

I'm on a roll! I've completed my second month of this challenge, with an incredible contemporary read! To celebrate, I'm going to GIVEAWAY a copy of both Let Me Go and Captured Again to one lucky commenter. To enter, leave a comment about this review. The winner will be chosen randomly and I will announce the winner on Sunday, March 2. 

Captured Again by L.L. Akers

Let Me Go #2

Genre: New Adult, Contemporary Fiction

Release Date: January 31, 2014

Source: I received an ecopy from the author in exchange for an honest review.

Rating: 5 Bookworms

Synopsis

Ink doesn't fade, but bad memories do. Gabby, Olivia and Emma have stumbled through the ashes of their past. They've happily moved on when disaster strikes again, and one heart breaks when another stops beating--forever. Olivia must help her twin sister, Gabby, keep her tentative grip on reality when the happily ever after she and Jake fought so hard for is threatened.

And Emma's all grown up these days. Now that she's a junior in college, she's determined to hide her old ink and write a new story. Anyone who remembers that girl she used to be is where they belong--in her past. However, after a rough night, she's detoured by Dusty... he's almost too good to be true. He's hot. He's sexy. But the smoldering gray eyes don't hide the fact he's not Emma's typical bad boy. He's a cop. One who's always colored between the lines--until the day he arrests Emma, the troubled girl from long-ago with the dragonfly tattoo. But she's not a girl anymore. Dusty falls hard for her fiery blue eyes and spitfire personality. For her, he's willing to risk getting burnt.

In hot pursuit of Emma, Dusty enters a dangerous game of hide and seek. Emma's stubbornness and refusal to surrender may just get one of them killed, before he's able to capture her heart.
Fiction: New Adult, Romantic Suspense. Age 17+

L.L. Akers has once again delivered a powerfully emotional and riveting story with twists that left me gasping and/or bawling! If you missed my review of Let Me Go, the first book in this series, you can read it here. Let Me Go dealt with the difficult subject of abuse. In Captured Again, Ms. Akers takes on the equally difficult subject of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder or PTSD. My review of Captured Again will be somewhat vague as I don't want to ruin the experience of reading this book. I will say that it is incredible the lengths the mind will go to in order to protect you. 

Captured Again takes place ~5 years after the end of Let Me Go. It once again revolves around the three sisters but focuses mainly on Emma and Gabby. Just as in Let Me Go, I found myself questioning. I questioned whether or not you can ever shake loose of the perceptions and opinions of you, even if you truly change. I questioned the mysteries of the mind and whether you can heal completely after suffering great trauma.

Gabby is suffering - deeply. Not being able to let go of the paranoia that has haunted her since being abused by her boss, she experiences panic attacks. One night, her panic attack caused an accident that lost her everything. Six weeks later, she's barely functioning and her sisters are keeping a vigilant eye on her as they wait for her to be able to deal with all that has occurred.

Emma is working her way through college. She's working hard to make something of herself so she can finally close the door on 'that girl' she used to be and focus on being 'this girl' she has become. A night of drinking lands her a night in jail and a spot on Dusty's radar. This encounter may prove to be the best thing to happen to them both.

Olivia's presence wasn't as dominant in this book, but she was there to support her sisters. She's worked hard to put her past behind her. Yet she's also using her experience and knowledge working as a social worker to help children. (sidenote: I was thrilled to see in the notes that she'll be getting her book next.) 

Captured Again has many twists and Ms. Akers once again offers the reader a mystery to try to solve. I can honestly say I never knew what was coming. It made for dramatic reading. Captured Again also opens a discussion on the effects of PTSD, both for the sufferer and those who love them. I don't know much about PTSD, my only experience being in books. I found the ways in which the mind works fascinating in this instance. 

Gabby, Olivia, and Emma prove yet again they are survivors. These girls, who've been through so much, have the uncanny ability to pick themselves up, dust off, and move on. It's very admirable and inspiring. They embody the characteristics of the dragonflies that adore their bodies (as tattoos) - beautiful, graceful, always in motion - you can't keep them down. Captured Again showcases these sisters' resilience and strength. They're remarkable.

Captured Again is well-written, well-paced, and kept me guessing. It was also able to evoke such powerful emotions in me. At one point, I literally put my ereader down and bawled. I also appreciate Ms. Akers' ability to take on touchy subjects with such aplomb, and to weave such thought-provoking and compelling stories around them.

**Jumble Your Genres Review ~ Shatter Me ~ Tahereh Mafi**

Yay! I completed my first book as part of this challenge! And I finally...yes, finally read the awesomeness that is Shatter Me.

***

Shatter Me by Tahereh Mafi

Shatter Me #1

Release Date: November 15, 2011

Genre: YA Dystopian

Rating: 5 Bookworms!

Synopsis

"You can't touch me," I whisper.

I'm lying, is what I don't tell him.

He can touch me, is what I'll never tell him.

But things happen when people touch me.

Strange things.

Bad things.

No one knows why Juliette's touch is fatal, but The Reestablishment has plans for her. Plans to use her as a weapon.

But Juliette has plans of her own.

After a lifetime without freedom, she's finally discovering a strength to fight back for the very first time—and to find a future with the one boy she thought she'd lost forever.

I can't believe I've held onto this book for 3 years!! I had such greatness just sitting there unread. I now understand what everyone has been saying about this book. Whoa!

What if the very thing you crave is the one thing you can never have?

Juliette Ferrars is cursed to never touch another human, or to be touched. For the past 3 years, she's been in an asylum for accidentally breaking that rule. She's spent her whole life a prisoner of her curse. No one has ever cared for Juliette - least of all her parents. And her deepest desire is for a friend. Then she gets a roommate. A boy with familiar blue eyes. And Juliette's life changes. After counting endless seconds, wishing for something, it all changes at break-neck speed.

Adam Kent...*sigh* Adam seems to want to befriend Juliette from the start. He's kind and attempts to draw her out. Once things start to change, Juliette isn't sure she can trust him. But Adam makes a gesture of compassion which assures her he is trustworthy, not to mention swoon-worthy. The more time Adam and Juliette and the more revelations that are made, the stronger the bond between them. Adam is integral in Juliette finding the strength within herself.

Warner is the guy in charge of Sector 45. He's been researching and seeking out Juliette because of what he considers her gift. Of course, he wants to use it to his advantage. He's admittedly a bad guy - he lies, he kills - but there's something underneath that powerful persona - some redeeming quality. I feel for him. 

Shatter Me was exactly what it was billed as - riveting, tense, mysterious, exciting - I couldn't put it down! (Luckily, my hubby was home and able to shuttle the kids around.) The setting is a dystopian society and although we don't spend much time outside the asylum or Sector 45's compound, Ms. Mafi did a tremendous job creating the bleak world the characters inhabit. This stark landscape where the sky is always gray, birds no longer fly, where the landscape is always a dead brown, is a result of humans having destroyed it. The Reestablishment says it's attempting to restore order but it must first eradicate everything that it believes caused the problems in the first place. Ms. Mafi built a world that brilliantly conveyed the dark devastation and fear that prevailed.

The writing is poetic perfection. It's fresh, it's lyrical, and it's gorgeous. Ms. Mafi uniquely expressed a commonality among all humans...the need to belong. I could wax poetic for days about all the reasons you should read Shatter Me. Instead, I'll say if you have not yet read it, rectify the situation immediately! But make sure you have some time to dedicate to it because you won't want to put it down until your finished.