White Hot Kiss by Jennifer Armentrout

White Hot Kiss by Jennifer Armentrout

Release Date: February 25, 2014

Publisher: Harlequin Teen
Age Group: Young Adult
Pages: 400

Summary: One kiss could be the last

Seventeen-year-old Layla just wants to be normal. But with a kiss that kills anything with a soul, she's anything but normal. Half demon, half gargoyle, Layla has abilities no one else possesses.

Raised among the Wardens—a race of gargoyles tasked with hunting demons and keeping humanity safe—Layla tries to fit in, but that means hiding her own dark side from those she loves the most. Especially Zayne, the swoon-worthy, incredibly gorgeous and completely off-limits Warden she's crushed on since forever.

Then she meets Roth—a tattooed, sinfully hot demon who claims to know all her secrets. Layla knows she should stay away, but she's not sure she wants to—especially when that whole no-kissing thing isn't an issue, considering Roth has no soul.

But when Layla discovers she's the reason for the violent demon uprising, trusting Roth could not only ruin her chances with Zayne…it could brand her a traitor to her family. Worse yet, it could become a one-way ticket to the end of the world.

My Thoughts:  I love Armentrout’s novels so I hoped I’d like this one once I started, and I did!

We are introduced to Layla and Zayne. They are like brother and sister, in a way. Layla came to live with his family when she was pretty young. If you read Bitter Sweet Love, you remember Layla and Zayne from that little preview with them. Layla is a nice girl but she’s feared and also basically made fun of because she’s half warden and half demon. She can also suck the souls out of people. Not fun, especially when you're a teenager and you want to have your first kiss.

Layla goes to school, hangs out with Zayne, and hunts demons on the side. This is how she was raised; to not trust demons. When a new guy shows up named Roth, Layla gets more than she bargained for. Roth is not your usual kind of guy and this is what scares Layla most. She knows she must stay away from him even if he is good looking! And, I loved his backstory.

Layla has a lot of personal struggles she must face. She’s torn between her family and Roth. She has so many decisions to make and she doesn’t always make the best ones. And not everyone is who they seem to be.

I don’t want to say much about the plot of this one or what exactly happens because its one you need to read yourself! If you enjoy paranormal or you’ve read Armentrout’s previous novels, you will probably like this one.

I loved Roth’s tattoos. I loved the descriptions of them, and I loved how they came off his body! So Cool!!! The plot and characters= awesome!

Overall: I really enjoyed this one. Not only did it have a great setup into this world, everything was pretty neat. I loved the world, I loved how the characters evolved, and I loved how Layla started to grow into her skin.  And Roth, yum! But now I need the next one, after that cliffhanger! I can’t wait to see more of Roth and Layla!

Cover: Like it! Even though its not very colorful, its very romantic and is very appealing.

What I’d Give It:

Faking Normal by Courtney C. Stevens

Faking Normal by Courtney C. Stevens

Release Date: February 25, 2013

Publisher: HarperTeen

Age Group: Young Adult

Pages: 336

Summary: An edgy, realistic, and utterly captivating novel from an exciting new voice in teen fiction.

Alexi Littrell hasn't told anyone what happened to her over the summer. Ashamed and embarrassed, she hides in her closet and compulsively scratches the back of her neck, trying to make the outside hurt more than the inside does.

When Bodee Lennox, the quiet and awkward boy next door, comes to live with the Littrells, Alexi discovers an unlikely friend in "the Kool-Aid Kid," who has secrets of his own. As they lean on each other for support, Alexi gives him the strength to deal with his past, and Bodee helps her find the courage to finally face the truth.

A searing, poignant book, Faking Normal is the extraordinary debut novel from an exciting new author-Courtney C. Stevens.  

My Thoughts: I wasn’t sure what to think of this one as I started. It did feel a little bit young. I’m not sure if it was the writing or what. But I did enjoy it a lot.

We are introduced to Alexi who lives with her parents. She also has an older sister and is close with her future brother in law.

Lex has been through a lot. After getting sexually harassed by someone she knows, she’s shut herself off to the world and tries to stay to herself except a few friends. And they don’t even know the real truth. Her neighbor Bodee ends up going through his own dilemma and after his father kills his mother, he starts living with Lex’s family. I loved his nickname; the kool-aid kid. I had no idea where that nickname came from but once I found out, it made it even cuter!

There is also another guy in Lex’s life. His name is Captain Lyric. He leaves lyrics on her desk and she has no idea who he is. They write back and forth and Lex finds herself falling for him. But she also kinda likes Bodee. But, he’s more of a friend than anything else. Bodee and Lex comfort each other and help one another heal. Captain Lyric is just a cool guy, but a nice distraction for Lex. He gives her hope.

I loved seeing Lex and Bodee help heal each other. They both had real problems and once I found out who hurt Lex, I wanted to punch him so hard! It surprised me even though I should have seen it coming sooner.

Faking Normal was a beautiful debut and I can’t wait to read more by this author.

Overall: I actually really enjoyed this one and raced through it. Even though it was heartbreaking, it had some funny moments and a few smile worthy moments. The kind where you grin ear to ear. I really liked this one. This is one that you should surely add to your debut list this year!

Cover: Like it! I love how normal the girl looks, with her freckles and all. I really like this cover even though it is kind of ordinary. 

What I'd Give It:

Asunder (Newsoul #2) by Jodi Meadows

Asunder (Newsoul #2) by Jodi Meadows

Release Date: January 29, 2013

Publisher: Katherine Tegen Books
Age Group: Young Adult
Pages: 416

Summary: DARKSOULS

Ana has always been the only one. Asunder. Apart. But after Templedark, when many residents of Heart were lost forever, some hold Ana responsible for the darksouls–and the newsouls who may be born in their place.

SHADOWS

Many are afraid of Ana’s presence, a constant reminder of unstoppable changes and the unknown. When sylph begin behaving differently toward her and people turn violent, Ana must learn to stand up not only for herself but for those who cannot stand up for themselves.

LOVE

Ana was told that nosouls can’t love. But newsouls? More than anything, she wants to live and love as an equal among the citizens of Heart, but even when Sam professes his deepest feelings, it seems impossible to overcome a lifetime of rejection.

In this second book in the Newsoul trilogy, Ana discovers the truth about reincarnation and will have to find a way to embrace love and make her young life meaningful. Once again, Jodi Meadows explores the extraordinary beauty and shadowed depths of the soul in a story equal parts epic romance and captivating fantasy.

My Thoughts: We are back with Ana and Sam. I liked this one, probably a bit more than the first one but I still just couldn’t really connect to the story and the characters.

Ana is still trying to find out more about herself and the newsouls. The town still isn’t too fond of her. She has a few friends and Sam of course. Also, we meet a new character named Cris. I really liked him.

Ana is still learning lots of new things. She’s taking lessons. Oh, and another newsoul is brought into the world.

Someone is out to get newsouls and are doing some pretty awful things.

I did really like the setting. I loved hearing about the snow, probably because it is also snowing here and the moment. I always felt like I was right there with Ana.

I also really love Sam. He is just so sweet and caring. He really cares about Ana and people in general and is a good guy.

We also find out more about the creatures in this story and I loved that. I loved knowing more about them.

At times, I really liked this one but I just felt like it dragged on a little bit just like Incarnate. I think its a good story, I’m just not really that into reincarnation stories. Awesome characters and interesting plot though.

Overall: I liked it. I find myself not really relating to the story or the characters very much even though I like them. I like them, I just can’t really connect to any of them on a deep level. I still enjoyed this one, just not as much as I wanted too. Probably more of a 3.5 rating for me, just like Incarnate. I will be finishing the series though. I have to know what happens.

Cover: Love it! These covers are so beautiful and they catch your eye. 

What I'd Give It:

Crossing The Line (Pushing The Limits #1.5) by Katie McGarry

Crossing The Line (Pushing The Limits #1.5) by Katie McGarry

Release Date: April 1, 2013

Publisher: Harlequin Teen

Age Group: Young Adult
Pages: 67

Summary: Katie McGarry captivated readers with her “riveting, emotional”* Young Adult debut, Pushing the Limits. In this gripping novella, she tells the story of Lila and Lincoln, who discover that sometimes it’s worth crossing the line for love…

Lila McCormick, Echo's best friend from Pushing the Limits, first met Lincoln Turner when tragedy struck both their lives. But she never expected their surprise encounter would lead to two years of exchanging letters—or that she’d fall for the boy she’s only seen once. Their relationship is a secret, but Lila feels closer to Lincoln than anyone else. Until she finds out that he lied to her about the one thing she depended on him for the most.

Hurting Lila is the last thing Lincoln wanted. For two years, her letters have been the only thing getting him through the day. Admitting his feelings would cross a line he’s never dared breach before. But Lincoln will do whatever it takes to fix his mistakes, earn Lila’s forgiveness—and finally win a chance to be with the girl he loves.

My Thoughts: This cute little novella is about Echo’s friend Lila and a boy named Lincoln. Lincoln and Lila have been writing back and forth for a while, and Lincoln ends up making a mistake and he comes and visits Lila.

We basically get to see into the world of Lila and Lincoln. This was a very short novella but it was definitely cute. I felt like we got to know Lila a bit more and Lincoln was very swoon worthy but now I want more of him.

This was soooo short.  I just felt like I needed more and it didn’t really go into very much detail. I felt we got to know the characters to an extent but I just wanted more.

Overall:I liked it and its a good novella between books but I just felt like it wasn't long enough even for a novella. Neat though. Probably more of a 3.5 rating for me.

Cover: Like it! I love how she is in his arms and kissing him!

What I’d Give It:

Maybe One Day by Melissa Kantor

Maybe One Day by Melissa Kantor

Release Date: February 18, 2014

Publisher: HarperTeen
Age Group: Young Adult
Pages: 400

Summary: Critically acclaimed author Melissa Kantor masterfully captures the joy of friendship, the agony of loss, and the unique experience of being a teenager in this poignant new novel about a girl grappling with her best friend's life-threatening illness.

Zoe and her best friend, Olivia, have always had big plans for the future, none of which included Olivia getting sick. Still, Zoe is determined to put on a brave face and be positive for her friend.

Even when she isn't sure what to say.

Even when Olivia misses months of school.

Even when Zoe starts falling for Calvin, Olivia's crush.

The one thing that keeps Zoe moving forward is knowing that Olivia will beat this, and everything will go back to the way it was before. It has to. Because the alternative is too terrifying for her to even imagine.

In this incandescent page-turner, which follows in the tradition of The Fault in Our Stars, Melissa Kantor artfully explores the idea that the worst thing to happen to you might not be something that is actually happening to you. Raw, irreverent, and honest, Zoe's unforgettable voice and story will stay with readers long after the last page is turned.

My Thoughts: I had a feeling going into this one, it would be emotional. And, it was!

We are introduced to Zoe and Olivia who both have been dancers most of their lives. They are best friends and they have done everything together over the years. They have grown up together and spent most of their days together. Until their lives change drastically. They get cut from dancing and they both have to find new paths.

But the paths don’t go exactly as planned. Zoe has tried a few things but nothing really sticks. Nothing can really replace dance and she won’t even do it on the side now. Its basically cut from her life. Olivia still teaches a dance class and she hasn’t cut it completely. I also liked some of the secondary characters. I liked Olivia’s brother and her brother’s best friend Calvin. They were both such cute characters.

Calvin was awesome! He wasn’t in very much of the novel but the scenes with him, I adored. I loved his personality and I loved how he could make me both laugh and swoon. Even though Zoe thought he was a jerk, I loved him!

Well, things take a turn in Zoe and Olivia’s life and one of them gets sick. Its horrible. She has cancer and her whole life changes but it also changes everyone around her. I had such a hard time watching everyone struggle. I wanted to cry so many times throughout the novel and a few times I did tear up. Maybe One Day is cut into segments so we see how things are going in the summer, winter, etc. Days pass by, months fly by, and things happen so quickly.

I was devastated by this novel. Its a wonderful novel, but its so freaking emotional. And I just wanted to throw it a few times instead of cry! It was sooo hard for me!

I loved the characters in this one. I did like the plot even though it was sad and hard to read about it.

Overall: I loved this one, despite how rough it was. I enjoyed the characters and their personalities. I loved Calvin. I loved how things happened with Calvin.

Even though this one was very emotional, I think its a must read for everyone!

Cover: Love it! Its just perfect. I love the people on front and I love all the colors. Its great for this one!! 

What I'd Give It:

Infinite (Newsoul #3) by Jodi Meadows

Infinite (Newsoul #3) by Jodi Meadows

Release Date: January 28, 2014

Publisher: Katherine Tegen Books

Age Group:  Young Adult

Pages: 432

Summary: DESTRUCTION

The Year of Souls begins with an earthquake—an alarming rumble from deep within the earth—and it’s only the first of greater dangers to come. The Range caldera is preparing to erupt. Ana knows that as Soul Night approaches, everything near Heart will be at risk.

FLIGHT

Ana’s exile is frightening, but it may also be fortuitous, especially if she can convince her friends to flee Heart and Range with her. They’ll go north, seeking answers and allies to stop Janan’s ascension. And with any luck, the newsouls will be safe from harm’s reach.

CHOICE

The oldsouls might have forgotten the choice they made to give themselves limitless lifetimes, but Ana knows the true cost of reincarnation. What she doesn’t know is whether she’ll have the chance to finish this one sweet life with Sam, especially if she returns to Heart to stop Janan once and for all.

With gorgeous romance and thrilling action, the final book in the Incarnate trilogy offers a brilliant conclusion to the compelling questions of this fascinating world, where one new girl is the key to the lives of millions.

My Thoughts: I’m glad I finished this series. Infinite was a nice wrap up for me. I just didn’t love this series as much as I wanted too but I think Infinite ended the way it was supposed too.

We are back with Ana and her friends and again Sam. Oh how I still love Sam. He is what the makes the books for me. I really enjoyed him. Well, Ana and her friends (well some of them) flee Heart and are out to stop Janan from ascending and to stop him for good.

They run into so many obstacles along the way and once everyone finds out they won’t be reincarnated over and over, its a little depressing.

I feel like I just can’t say much about this one or I will give everything away and I don’t want to do that. I know how many people are looking forward to reading this finale so I don’t want to say much.

I liked this one more than the others. I, however still didn’t fall in love with the series. Like I said in my previous reviews, I just had a hard time connecting with things. But that is ok. I am glad I read this series, and I’m glad with the way things ended.

Overall:  I liked it enough. I just never really connected with Ana or many of the characters. I did like Sam and I think this one was faster paced than the others. I thought it was a great ending. Probably more of a 3.5 cupcake rating for me!

Cover:  These covers are beautiful! All three of them are so eye catching!

What I’d Give It:

Incarnate (Newsoul #1) by Jodi Meadows

Incarnate (Newsoul #1) by Jodi Meadows

Release Date: January 31, 2012

Publisher: Katherine Tegen Books

Age Group: Young Adult

Pages:  384

Summary:  NEWSOUL

Ana is new. For thousands of years in Range, a million souls have been reincarnated over and over, keeping their memories and experiences from previous lifetimes. When Ana was born, another soul vanished, and no one knows why.

NOSOUL

Even Ana's own mother thinks she's a nosoul, an omen of worse things to come, and has kept her away from society. To escape her seclusion and learn whether she'll be reincarnated, Ana travels to the city of Heart, but its citizens are afraid of what her presence means. When dragons and sylph attack the city, is Ana to blame?

HEART

Sam believes Ana's new soul is good and worthwhile. When he stands up for her, their relationship blooms. But can he love someone who may live only once, and will Ana's enemies—human and creature alike—let them be together? Ana needs to uncover the mistake that gave her someone else's life, but will her quest threaten the peace of Heart and destroy the promise of reincarnation for all?

Jodi Meadows expertly weaves soul-deep romance, fantasy, and danger into an extraordinary tale of new life.

My Thoughts: This one started a little weird for me. To be honest, the few reincarnation books I have read, well I wasn't really that interested in them. For some reason, I have a hard time really connecting with them.

We are introduced to Ana who is a newsoul. I wasn't sure what this meant at first but more or less it means that she is reborn but she doesn’t have the previous persons soul. When people get reborn, they keep having the same soul. Weird, right? Well Ana is a newsoul, basically a clean slate. Ana is raised by a women for the past 18 years and Ana leaves to find out more about herself and travels to a nearby city called Heart.  Ana bumps into a guy named Sam on her way. He basically saves her life.

Sam and Ana form a friendship and even though everyone looks at Ana as a horrible thing, Sam sees the real her. He likes her for her.

As Ana gets closer to the truth, she finds out a lot of information that could harm her and everyone else. She finds out why she was born without a soul and she realizes the truth.

I liked this one, but I just didn’t love it. I felt like the middle got kind of slow and I had trouble to keep going. But I did, and I’m glad I finished. I got some of the answers I was wondering about, and I’ll be reading the next book soon.

Overall:  I really liked both Ana and Sam. I loved Sam’s personality and I loved how stubborn Ana was. I liked that she didn’t give up. I had a hard time connecting with the reincarnation aspect of this one, but that is ok. I just have trouble following sometimes, I think. This one is probably more of a 3.5 for me.

Cover:  Like it! Its pretty and fun!

What I’d Give It: