Review ~ The Glittering Court ~ Richelle Mead

The Glittering Court by Richelle Mead
The Glittering Court #1
Release Date: April 5, 2016
Genre: YA Fantasy, Historical, Romance
Source: Purchased Hardcover
Rating: 4.5 Bookworms
Challenges: #2016NewRelease
Goodreads

Synopsis
Big and sweeping, spanning from the refined palaces of Osfrid to the gold dust and untamed forests of Adoria, The Glittering Court tells the story of Adelaide, an Osfridian countess who poses as her servant to escape an arranged marriage and start a new life in Adoria, the New World. But to do that, she must join the Glittering Court.

Both a school and a business venture, the Glittering Court is designed to transform impoverished girls into upper-class ladies who appear destined for powerful and wealthy marriages in the New World. Adelaide naturally excels in her training, and even makes a few friends: the fiery former laundress Tamsin and the beautiful Sirminican refugee Mire. She manages to keep her true identity hidden from all but one: the intriguing Cedric Thorn, son of the wealthy proprietor of the Glittering Court.

When Adelaide discovers that Cedric is hiding a dangerous secret of his own, together they hatch a scheme to make the best of Adelaide's deception. Complications soon arise--first as they cross the treacherous seas from Osfrid to Adoria, and then when Adelaide catches the attention of a powerful governor.

But no complications will prove quite as daunting as the potent attraction simmering between Adelaide and Cedric. An attraction that, if acted on, would scandalize the Glittering Court and make them both outcasts in wild, vastly uncharted lands...

I've not read anything from Mead that I didn't love. I may not have been completely won over with Bloodlines but I ended up adoring that series. *sigh*Adrian*sigh* The Glittering Court won me over in the same way Vampire Academy did. I was immediately immersed in this new world - both historical and fantastical in origin. And Mead also had me entirely invested in Adelaide's life, as well as the other characters. desperate to know what was going to happen and whether everything would work out. 

A few other things that made The Glittering Court a pleasure to read:

• The parallels between Mead's fictional world of Osfrid and historical England as well as current geographical climes.
• The parallels between the class divisions in Osfird and those of today.
• The parallels between the religious persecution being suffered in Osfrid and the persecution suffered by many today, whether religious or otherwise.

The world building was glorious. From the regency-era feel of Osfrid to the frontier feel of Adoria to the gritty, desolate feel of a mining camp, I was able to see it all, feel it all in my mind. Mead took on quite the endeavor when creating this fantasy world set in the past, and she managed with aplomb. Even the idea of training lower class girls to step into marriage in the world of the nouveau riche was clever.

At about 2/3 through, I realized there was a familiar feel where the religion was concerned but that didn't affect my enjoyment. There were also a few things that were predictable but they didn't detract from the story either.

In the end, I was simply impressed with the story and Mead's ability to weave together all these threads and elements to convey a brilliant story. I'm eager for more!

Review ~ Play With Me ~ Anna Katmore

Play With Me by Anna Katmore
Grover Beach Team #1
Release Date: December 8, 2013
Genre: YA Contemporary Romance
Source: Kindle Freebie
Rating: 4 Bookworms
Challenges: #COYER B2B, #ShelfLove, #TakeControlTBR
Goodreads

Synopsis
What is you had to do the one thing you hated most to get the guy you loved to notice you?

Ryan Hunter's parties are legend. And tonight she's going to be there.

Lisa Matthews anticipates the return of her best friend and only love since kindergarten from soccer camp. But when Tony finally shows up, his mind is more focused on another girl. And worse, she's a soccer player. Fighting for the attention Lisa craves, she's just a hairbreadth away from making a very stupid decision. But when extraordinary measures, she's prepared to play ball to get her man.

The tryouts are hell, the first match ends bloody, and the morning after the selection party she wakes up in the worst place possible--in the arms of the captain of the soccer team. The hottest guy in school...Ryan Hunter.

I grabbed Play With Me after reading Naomi's review of it, and since it was a freebie. I've been reading some pretty heavy things lately and this light and sweet YA contemporary was the perfect palate cleanser.

Lisa Matthews has been in love with her best friend, Tony Mitchell, since forever. She's just biding her time until he figures out he feels the same. But when Tony returns from summer soccer camp, something has changed. Determined to draw his eye, Lisa goes out for the soccer team and in the process, realizes maybe she didn't know what she wanted.

This was a quick read but Ms. Katmore was able to flesh out the characters really well and I adored the storyline. Lisa figuring out a few things about herself was a pleasure. They friendship between her and Tony felt genuine and even if Tony's actions and reactions to certain events made me want to smack him, they were realistic for a teenage boy. Ryan Hunter - the misunderstood captain of the soccer team - was awesome and totally swoon-worthy! He saw an opportunity to achieve his own goal and he took it. Gotta admire that! ;) I enjoyed getting to know him as Lisa did. And I really enjoyed how everything concluded. I will absolutely be continuing this series.

Review ~ Hope(less) ~ Melissa Haag

Hope(less) by Melissa Haag
Judgement of the Six #1
Release Date: November 18, 2013
Genre: YA/NA Paranormal Romance
Source: Kindle Freebie
Rating: 4 Bookworms
Challenges: #ShelfLove, #TakingControlTBR
Goodreads

Synopsis
Gabby's brain is like a human fish finder. It comes in handy when she wants to avoid people. Mostly men. They seem to like her a bit too much. It's lonely being different, but she's adapted to it. Really. She just wishes she knew why she is different, though.

In her search for answers, she discovers a hidden community of werewolves. She immerses herself in their culture, learning about their world until she meets Clay. He's unkempt, prone to mood swings, intense without saying a word, and he thinks Gabby is his.

It's going to take every trick she knows to convince Clay to go away, and every bit of willpower not to fall for him when she discovers the man beneath the rough exterior.

Judgement has begun...

Hope(less) started off a little slowly for me but about a quarter of the way in, I was fully invested and loving it. I think the slow start came from the world building - there were questions Gabby had about herself and then questions from me, created during her introduction into her new world - that of werewolves. The first part played into the mystery of the story and by the end, Gabby was beginning to get some of the answers she was looking for. The second part, I believe, plays into the overall story plotline and I am eager to see how it plays out.

Gabby has always known she was different. She has what she refers to as a 'second sight', where she can see the 'light' of people - not an aura - she can locate a person by their light like a sonar can locate a fish. She also has what she refers to as her 'pull' whereby males are oddly drawn to her. And now she's been made aware she's different in a whole new way, in relation to werewolves.

When she meets Sam, it's at a time when she's going to be needing to leave her foster home anyway, so Sam becomes her guardian - like a grandpa to Gabby - and initiates her into the world of werewolves. As part of learning to live in the world of werewolves, Gabby makes a deal with Sam in regards to finding a Mate. When her deal with Sam is about to expire, she meets Clay.

Clay is one clever wolf! I enjoyed getting to know him right along with Gabby. He's fiercely loyal, protective, and smart. He seemed to have known the way into Gabby's heart from the start. Gabby, for her part, took awhile warming up to Clay. At first, I didn't get it. But then, I realized that with her 'pull' what she most desired was having a choice in how her love life was determined. When males have always been drawn to you, the Mate pull would feel similar. But with Clay and his approach to Gabby, she finally found someone with whom she could confide in and be her true self around.

There was some tension and conflict via rules Gabby wasn't aware of, breach of trust, and the mystery surrounding Gabby's 'second sight'. It all meshed together well to create a compelling story. The only pacing issue was at the beginning and by the end, I was wishing I already had #2 downloaded. I'll return to this series soon as I'm eager to have all the answers promised and to see Gabby and Clay through to the end of their story.

My TBR List ~ November ~ 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. There are a few series where I'm only 1 or 2 books behind. And y'all are going to help decide which one of these I catch up on in November! This month is YA-themed. Here are the choices:


Taken by Storm
Raised by Wolves #3

Synopsis
Bryn knows first-hand that being the alpha of a werewolf pack means making hard decisions, and that being human makes things a thousand times worse. She's prepared to give up her humanity, but the wolf who promised to Change her is waiting - though for what, Bryn doesn't know. Still human, she must take her place in the werewolf Senate, the precarious democracy that rules the North American packs. Standing side by side with werewolves who were ancient long before she was ever born is enough of a challenge, but Bryn soon learns that the Senate has been called to deal with a problem: the kind of problem that involved human bodies, a Rabid werewolf, and memories that Bryn, Chase, and the rest of their pack would rather forget. With bodies stacking up and political pressure closing in from all sides, Bryn and her pack are going to have to turn to old enemies and even older friends for help - especially when it starts to look like this time, the monster might be one of their own.

Ignite Me
Shatter Me #3

Synopsis
With Omega Point destroyed, Juliette doesn't know if the rebels, her friends, or even Adam are alive. But that won't keep her from trying to take down The Reestablishment once and for all. Now she must rely on Warner, the handsome commander of Sector 45. The one person she never thought she could trust. The same person who saved her life. He promises to help Juliette master her powers and save their dying world...but that's not all he wants with her.






Sinner
Wolves of Mercy Falls #4

Synopsis
found.
Cole St. Clair has come to California for one reason: to get Isabel Culpeper back. She fled from his damaged, drained life, and damaged and drained it even more. He doesn't just want her. He needs her.

lost.
Isabel is trying to build herself a life in Los Angeles. It's not really working. She can play the game as well as all the other fakes...but what's the point? What is there to win?

sinner.
Cole and Isabel share a past that never seemed to have a future. They have the power to save each other and the power to tear each other apart. The only thing for certain is that they cannot let go.




Okay, now vote!

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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!

Review ~ Paradise City ~ CJ Duggan

Paradise City
Paradise #1
Release Date: April 28, 2015
Genre: YA/NA Contemporary Romance
Source: I received a complimentary copy from the publisher, via Netgalley, in exchange for an honest review.
Rating: 4 Bookworms
Goodreads

Synopsis
There's bound to be trouble in Paradise...

When her parents decide a change will be good for her, seventeen-year-old Lexie Atkinson never expected they'd send her all the way to Paradise City. Coming from a predictable life of home schooling on a rural Australian property, she's sure that Paradise will be amazing. But when she's thrust into a public school without a friendly face in sight, and forced to share a room with her insipid, hateful cousin Amanda, Lexie's not so sure.

Hanging out with the self-proclaimed beach bums of the city, sneaking out, late night parties and parking with boys are all things Lexie's never experienced, but all that's about to change. It's new, terrifying...and exciting. But when she meets Luke Ballantine, exciting doesn't even come close to describing her new life. Trouble with a capital T, Luke is impulsive, charming and answers to no one. The resident bad-boy leader of the group, he's sexier than any boy Lexie has ever known.

Amidst the stolen moments of knowing looks and heated touches, Lexie can't help but wonder if Luke is going to be good for her...or very, very bad?

I'm a big fan of Duggan's Summer series so I jumped at the chance to read a new series from her. While Paradise City started out a bit slowly for me, I ended up delighted with this new set of characters and my introduction to their life in Paradise.

As a home-schooled girl from a tiny town, Lexie was a bit sheltered. But she always dreamed of living her cousin's life - a life of sun, ocean, and boys - in Paradise. So she's thrilled when she learns her good grades earned her a spot to complete her education in a public school. And bonus - she'll be living with her cousin, whom she was once very close to. Unfortunately, Lexie learns Paradise isn't all she dreamed it would be.

Lexie made me laugh. Her life in Paradise was a comedy of errors. This "good girl" was constantly getting into trouble - usually completely innocently. Her cousin has become a "mean girl" and doesn't have much to do with Lexie. However, Lexie does attract the attention of the "it" boy - a gorgeous surfer, Luke Ballantine. Several misunderstandings and Lexie tripping up, more than once, seem to have the odds stacked up against them though. 

Duggan has created another fun cast of characters that I'm completely invested in and wrapped a compelling story around them. I'm dying to know what's going to happen next between Lexie and Ballantine following yet another blunder by Lexie...an innocent one. And I'm anxious for answers about certain members of her family as well. I don't want to wish my summer away, but I'm looking forward to August. ;)

Review ~ Silver Shadows ~ Richelle Mead

Silver Shadows
Bloodlines #5
Release Date: July 29, 2014
Genre: YA Paranormal Romance
Source: Purchased Hardcover
Rating: 4.5 Bookworms
Goodreads

Synopsis
Sydney Sage is an Alchemist, one of a group of humans who dabble in magic and serve to bridge the worlds of humans and vampires. They protect vampire secrets--and human lives.

In The Fiery Heart, Sydney risked everything to follow her gut, walking a dangerous line to keep her feelings hidden from the Alchemists.

Now in the aftermath of an event that ripped their world apart, Sydney and Adrian struggle to pick up the pieces and find their way back to each other. But first, they have to survive.

For Sydney, trapped and surrounded by adversaries, life becomes a daily struggle to hold on to her identity and the memories of those she loves. Meanwhile, Adrian clings to hope in the face of those who tell him Sydney is a lost cause, but the battle proves daunting as old demons and new temptations begin to seize hold of him...

Their worst fears now a chilling reality, Sydney and Adrian face their darkest hour in this heart-pounding fifth installment in the New York Times bestselling Bloodlines series, where all bets are off.

Silver Shadows was an intense read. With Sydney suffering at the hands of the Alchemists and Adrian suffering at the hands of Spirit, I spent much of the book on edge. There is so much going on and so many unanswered questions. Why do the Alchemists have to be so bigoted in their beliefs? What's going going on in Adrian's head? Is there a conspiracy between certain factions?

I spent the first half of Silver Shadows on pins and needles wondering how Sydney was going to survive her situation. The Alchemists are rather ruthless in their methods and Sydney broke a cardinal rule. But she is nothing if not resourceful. I shouldn't have been surprised by her logic and cunning. I also spent half the book wanting to punch Adrian in the throat. I've been enchanted by him from the beginning but his behavior was over-the-top selfish and made me steaming mad.

Then, naturally, Adrian redeems himself in a grand way. *sigh* Oh, there's still much intrigue afoot and he and Sydney are far from being out of danger, but at least I was back to wanting to hug him rather than throttle him.

It was exciting to have Marcus back in the mix and I also enjoyed seeing Lissa, Rose, and Dimitri - although it was far too short a time. I have a feeling they'll play a greater role in the final installment as things come to a head and everything is illuminated.

One thing I really enjoyed was how Mead pulled in elements from previous installments - things that seemed innocuous or that made me wonder why they'd been included. These elements were made relevant and useful.

I'm anxious to see how it's all going to play out - to have all my questions answered and to see the final image as the last brush strokes are laid. Mead certainly knows how to create excitement and suspense. It's a good thing I have The Ruby Circle lined up. ;)

Teaser Tuesdays ~ #67

Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme, hosted by MizB of Should Be Reading. Anyone can play along! Just do the following:

• Grab your current read
• Open to a random page
• Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page
• BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!)
• Share the title & author, too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers!

***

The Ruby Circle
Bloodlines #6

THEY WILL BE TESTED

Sydney Sage is an Alchemist, one of a group of humans who dabble in magic and serve to bridge the worlds of humans and vampires. They protect vampire secrets - and human lives.

Their forbidden romance exposed, Sydney and Adrian find themselves facing the wrath of both the Alchemists and the Moroi in this electrifying conclusion to Richelle Mead's bestselling Bloodlines series.

When the life of someone they both love is put on the line, Sydney risks everything to hunt down a deadly former nemesis. Meanwhile, she and Adrian becomes enmeshed in a puzzle that could hold the key to a shocking secret about spirit magic, a secret that could shake the entire Moroi world and alter their lives forever.

Don't miss their unforgettable final chapter...

LOVE WILL CONQUER ALL

***Teaser***

"The two of them made a striking combo, one dark and one golden, both utterly fearless in the face of danger. They were beautiful in the deadliness."

Teaser Tuesdays ~ #66

Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme, hosted by MizB of Should Be Reading. Anyone can play along! Just do the following:

• Grab your current read
• Open to a random page
• Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page
• BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!)
• Share the title & author, too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers!

***

Silver Shadows
Bloodlines #5

Sydney Sage is an Alchemist, one of a group of humans who dabble in magic and serve to bridge the worlds of humans and vampires. They protect vampire secrets--and human lives.

In The Fiery Heart, Sydney risked everything to follow her gut, walking a dangerous line to keep her feelings hidden from the Alchemists.

Now in the aftermath of an event that ripped their world apart, Sydney and Adrian struggle to pick up the pieces and find their way back to each other. But first, they have to survive.

For Sydney, trapped and surrounded by adversaries, life becomes a daily struggle to hold on to her identity and the memories of those she loves. Meanwhile, Adrian clings to hope in the face of those who tell him Sydney is a lost cause, but the battle proves daunting as old demons and new temptations begin to seize hold of him...

Their worst fears now a chilling reality, Sydney and Adrian face their darkest hour in this heart-pounding fifth installment in the New York Times bestselling Bloodlines series, where all bets are off.

***Teaser***

"First of all, put both hands back on the wheel. Second, I'll give you credit for being a brooding vampire with phenomenal magical powers, but even you don't have that kind of sixth sense."

#2015 HW Review ~ Endure ~ Carrie Jones

Endure
Need Series #4
Release Date: May 8, 2012
Genre: YA, Paranormal, Romance
Source: Purchased Hardcover copy
Rating: 4.5 Bookworms

Synopsis
Zara is at the center of an impending apocalypse. True, she's successfully rescued Nick from Valhalla, but it simply isn't enough. Evil pixies are ravaging Bedford, and they need much more than one great warrior; they need an army. Zara isn't sure what her role is anymore. She's not just fighting for her friends; she's also a pixie queen. And to align her team of pixies with the humans she loves will be one of her greatest battles yet. Especially since she can't even reconcile her growing feelings for her pixie king...

Unexpected turns, surprising revelations, and one utterly satisfying romantic finale make Endure a thrilling end to this series of bestsellers.

I had waited quite awhile for this final installment to release but it was released in May of 2012 and I was moving at that time. I grabbed it on release day - but it's been sitting on my shelf, gathering dust, ever since. I'm so glad I finally read it because it was a very satisfying end.

All the events - all the pixie attacks, all the deaths - the small town of Bedford, Maine, has been experiencing have been leading up to this. Zara and her gang must figure out what the prophecy means and Zara's role in it. Zara has endured a lot in recent months - love, loss, transforming into a pixie - and she'll have to endure more before it's all over.

Zara is so courageous, selfless, and compassionate. She's always been a girl who'd rather fight for good with her words - but in the fight against evil pixies, she has to pick up a knife and/or sword.

Zara's friends, Devyn, Issie, Cassidy, and of course, Nick and Astley, have her back. Jones devised a great ensemble cast and I love them all. Nick continued in his behavior that was maddening to me for most of the book. He did eventually redeem himself in my eyes. Astley always puts Zara first, and that endeared him to me. (Yes, there is a love triangle in this series and I was firmly on Team Astley) 

Endure is really action-packed. Between trips to Iceland, training an army, and the actual 'big' battle, Jones created a lot of tension and adrenaline-pumping suspense. I'd forgotten that Norse mythology was such an important element in the series. I like how Jones wove together Loki, Hel, and Valhalla with the fae and shape-shifters.

Endure was an exciting and very satisfying end to a series that I greatly enjoyed. Jones constructed a unique story with well-developed characters. And her writing evoked vivid images as well as powerful emotions. I'm happy that I have more of her books already awaiting me on my shelves.

Release Day Blitz & Giveaway ~ Southern Perfection ~ Casey Peeler

NOW AVAILABLE

Southern Perfection by Casey Peeler!

Make sure to watch the book trailer & enter the GIVEAWAY below!

RELEASE DAY SALE $.99 (1/13/15 ONLY)

Life is full of choices: good, bad, and ones you can’t control.

Raegan strives to be perfect in every way. Varsity cheerleader, honor student, and proud granddaughter of Dover Lowery. By day, Raegan is an over-achieving high school student, but at three o’clock, her real work begins.

What happens when appearances are not what they seem? Will Raegan be able to hold on to her life as she knows it, or will she be left all alone?

All of these questions are answered with one night, one song, one story, and one boy.

Make sure to Add to your To Be Read List:

Check out the Book Trailer!

**EXCERPT**

When Emmett whispers in my ear that it’s time to go, goose bumps rise on my skin.  I bite my lip and nod in agreement as we make our way outside.  Our ride to the farm is filled with laughter and a desire to constantly touch each other.  I hear Dustin Lynch begin to play through the radio, and before I know what’s going on, Emmett has pulled the truck off the side of the highway with the engine running.  I stifle a laugh as he runs to open my door and squeal as he takes my hand and pulls me to the ground and into his perfectly rock solid body. We sing to each other while moving to the beat as random cars continue down the two-lane highway past us.

On the final beat of the music, Emmett takes my cheek in his hand, my mind races as he pulls my lips to his, and he kisses me like his life depends on it.  This has to be the best kiss of my life.  If I thought I saw stars at the field party, I just got caught in an entire constellation.  When I’m brought back to reality, I know that in this moment, this boy is going to change my life.

Casey Peeler grew up and still lives in North Carolina with her husband and daughter. Her first passion is teaching students with special needs. Over the years, she found her way to relax was in a good book.

Her perfect day consists of water, sand between her toes, a cold beverage, and a great book!

Website: www.authorcaseypeeler.weebly.com/

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**#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!

***

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.

**Promotional Event ~ Delicate Anniversary ~ Steph Campbell**

I'm thrilled to be a part of the celebration for the 2-Year Anniversary of Delicate by Steph Campbell. I have all the details for the book, a few teasers, and a giveaway for y'all today. If you've read Delicate, be sure to let me know your thoughts. :)

***

Delicate by Steph Campbell
Age: Mature YA
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Published: July 2012
Goodreads

Synopsis
Sydney Pierce has just met the guy of her dreams...just don’t tell her psycho boyfriend, Trevor.

With a gorgeous boyfriend, a thriving gymnastics career and a stellar academic record, anyone would assume that Sydney has it all. That's precisely what the seventeen-year-old perfectionist wants you to believe, and she works hard to keep up the pretense. Especially now that there are cameras following her for a documentary on Olympic hopefuls.

When Grant, the charming new student, disrupts her carefully crafted routine, the cracks beneath her perfect façade begin to rise to the surface and despite Trevor's objections to their friendship, she can't stay away from him.

As her connection to Grant pulls her closer to him, the once lighthearted relationship with Trevor takes an intense and dark turn, forcing her into a position in which not only her happiness, but her safety is at stake. Can Sydney learn to let go of everything she is clinging to in order to gain everything she has ever wanted, or will she realize her breaking point too late?

“Sydney,” he says tightly. 

“Grant,” I joke back, trying to mimic his serious tone. 

Still, I refuse to look up. I can’t. I don’t want to look into those eyes. 

“Syd, look at me,” he says. The way my name sounds coming from his lips is more than I can handle right now. 

I give nothing in response. I am frozen. 

He lets out an audible sigh and reaches out with a single finger and tilts my chin up so that he can see my face. I don’t flinch away, but I still avoid his eyes. 

“What the hell happened to you?” Grant demands. His voice is thoughtful but firm. 

“I tripped and fell down the stairs at my house,” I say with a light laugh. He’s quiet. 

Good. Let’s leave it at that. 

“I don’t believe you,” he finally says. 

“I tripped, drop it,” I say through my teeth. 

“Jesus Christ, just wait until I—” his voice is protective and full of anger. My eyes dart up at his threat. At the thought of him confronting Trevor. That would ruin everything. Forever. 

“I fell down the stairs. That’s it,” I say firmly. Tears form in my eyes. My nose and chin burn as I fight them off. I can’t cry. I’m determined to make Grant believe me. 

Grant stares back at me. I can tell by the look in his eyes that he still doesn’t buy it. 

“Please,” I say quietly. “Please. Let it go, for me.” My voice has become a tortured beg.

He finally breaks our stare and looks down at his hands. He nods his head once, then turns toward the front of the classroom. 

Not another word is spoken between Grant and me.

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Steph Campbell grew up in Southern California, but now calls Southwest Louisiana home. She has one husband, four children and a serious nail polish obsession.

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