Review: Storm and Fury (The Harbinger #1) by Jennifer L. Armentrout

  Storm and Fury (The Harbinger #1) by Jennifer L. Armentrout

From the #1 New York Times, USA TODAY and internationally bestselling author of the fantastical Dark Elements and the Lux series comes a new novel set in a world of gargoyle protectors, rising demons and one girl with an explosive secret.
Eighteen-year-old Trinity Marrow may be going blind, but she can see and communicate with ghosts and spirits. Her unique gift is part of a secret so dangerous that she’s been in hiding for years in an isolated compound fiercely guarded by Wardens—gargoyle shape-shifters who protect humankind from demons. If the demons discover the truth about Trinity, they’ll devour her, flesh and bone, to enhance their own powers.
When Wardens from another clan arrive with disturbing reports that something out there is killing both demons and Wardens, Trinity’s safe world implodes. Not the least because one of the outsiders is the most annoying and fascinating person she’s ever met. Zayne has secrets of his own that will upend her world yet again—but working together becomes imperative once demons breach the compound and Trinity’s secret comes to light. To save her family and maybe the world, she’ll have to put her trust in Zayne. But all bets are off as a supernatural war is unleashed…

     I wanted to read this because she is one of me favorite authors and was glad to be approved on netgalley. This doesn't effect my review because I would have loved it just as hard regardless and will probably still buy on release day.
     I liked Trinity from the beginning, she's fierce, witty and it's good to be in her head. She has the sarcasm that we're used to in JLA's main characters but it feels fresh. She is also so resilient. She faces challenges from her eye sight but she just trains harder to be able to fight and protect herself.
    The cast of characters is well done and a great complement to a main character I enjoyed. It was great to see Zayne again, and it took me longer than it should have to remember the backstory (thought you could read this without having read his story, they eventually give the details.) I also liked her protector Misha and the bond they had.
    The world is supernatural but she gives us a good re-introduction. Its  interesting to see things from Trinity's POV because she is half like Layla, but half warden instead of half demon which has whole other implications but also means that she is on the outside of the community looking in.
      She also eased us into Trinity's disability. I knew some about retinitis pigmentosa, her type of blindness before reading but JLA let us understand as much as the sighted community could be able to understand what she's dealing with. She has wacky depth perception, a difference in her field of vision but she is not fully blind as most people imagine. At the end we also realize that this is a disease that Jennifer herself has and that shocked me, I don't know how I didn't know that.
     The end was a shocker to me, Jennifer always manages to surprise me and I will def continue in this series.

Review: If There's No Tomorrow by Jennifer L. Armentrout

 

If There's No Tomorrow by Jennifer L. Armentrout

Lena Wise is always looking forward to tomorrow, especially at the start of her senior year. She's ready to pack in as much friend time as possible, to finish college applications and to maybe let her childhood best friend Sebastian know how she really feels about him. For Lena, the upcoming year is going to be epic—one of opportunities and chances.
Until one choice, one moment, destroys everything.
Now Lena isn't looking forward to tomorrow. Not when friend time may never be the same. Not when college applications feel all but impossible. Not when Sebastian might never forgive her for what happened.
For what she let happen.
With the guilt growing each day, Lena knows that her only hope is to move on. But how can she move on when her and her friends' entire existences have been redefined? How can she move on when tomorrow isn't even guaranteed?

Emotional hard hitter. Enjoyed the characters and romance just like I do other JLA books. Def worth the time, though I will say that it was a lot of characters to hit me with at once. 

I connected with Lena on a personal note because of the way that she avoids confrontation and of course her love of reading. I totally feel her that sometimes a book can easily trump a party. 

I loved the romance between her and Sebastian. The friendship built into love over so much time. Its hard to see that they are both in denial, but it draws things out and it gets them closer.

This is a close look at guilt, grieving, realizing that every choice has a consequence, falling prey to the mindset that mistakes never catch up to you, and that sometimes even when you think that 

"it'll never happen to me" that bad things always happen to other people, that one bad choice, one time of not speaking up or listening to your gut instincts can effect much more than yourself. 

Bottom Line:

My question to you, my lovely readers:
Do you think its mostly young adults with the mindset of "it will never happen to me"?

Review: Fire in You by J. Lynn

Fire in You (Wait for You #6) by J. Lynn, Jennifer L. Armentrout

From the # 1 New York Times and International bestselling author, Jennifer L. Armentrout writing as J.Lynn, comes a richly moving story about heartbreak and guilt, second chances and hope. Full of familiar, fan-favorite characters and no two people more deserving of a happy ending, Fire In You will burn bright beyond the last page…
Jillian Lima’s whole world was destroyed in a span of a few hours. The same night her childhood love, Brock ‘the Beast’ Mitchell, broke her heart, her life was irrevocably altered by the hand of a stranger with a gun. It takes six years to slowly glue together the shattered pieces of her life, but Jillian is finally ready to stop existing in a past full of pain and regret. She takes a job at her father’s martial arts Academy and she’s going out on her first date since a failed relationship that was more yuck than yum. Jillian is determined to start living.
She just never expected Brock to be a part of her life again. But he’s firmly back in her life before she knows it, and not only is he older, he’s impossibly more handsome, more teasing and more everything. And when he sees Jillian, he’s no longer capable of thinking of her as the little girl who was his shadow growing up or the daughter of the man who gave him a second chance at life. He sees the woman who’d always been there for him, the one person who believed in him no matter what.Brock knows she’s the one he should’ve made his, and what begins as a tentative friendship quickly turns to red-hot chemistry that sparks a flame that burns brighter than lust. Falling for Brock again risks more than her heart, because when the past sorrow-filled and guilt-ridden past resurfaces, and a web of lies threatens to rip them apart, the fallout could lay waste to everything they’ve fought to build together, and destroy the dreams of those they care most about.

Publishes in US: November 28th 2016 by Jennifer L. Armentrout
Genre: adult/new adult contemp
Source: bought
 **   Audience alert: this is a new adult book. It does contain sex scenes that aren't fade to black, descriptions of violence and other adult situations. If you are under 18, get your parent's advice if this is a book for you.
Series? Yes Wait for You #6
My reviews;
#1 Wait for You
#1.5 Trust in Me
#2 Be with Me
#3 Stay with Me
#4 Fall with Me
#4.5 Dream of You
5: Forever with You


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I wanted to read Fire In You because I adore JL Armentrout/J Lynn. This is no exception, it has a great main character with flaws and insecurities that has a lot of growth emotionally and through hard times. Jillian has a scar on her face from a violent attack is what it seems like at first, but we don't get the whole story until later. She also has hearing loss in one ear, and its a challenge I haven't seen addressed a lot.

The romance is a second chance one, and although she faced a lot of hurt the first time around with Brock, they are thrown back into each other's lives and she can't deny neither the powerful attraction and chemistry nor the hurt she felt years ago.

I liked their conclusion and where they ended up in their relationship, with her family and career wise. I enjoyed getting an update on the other characters as well.




Bottom Line: Worth the read, good addition to the series.

My question to you, my lovely readers:
Have any visible scars?

Review: Torn by Jennifer L. Armentrout

Torn (A Wicked Saga #2) by Jennifer L. Armentrout

Torn between duty and survival, nothing can be the same.
Everything Ivy Morgan thought she knew has been turned on its head. After being betrayed and then nearly killed by the Prince of the Fae, she’s left bruised and devastated—and with an earth-shattering secret that she must keep at all costs. And if the Order finds out her secret, they’ll kill her.
Then there’s Ren Owens, the sexy, tattooed Elite member of the Order who has been sharing Ivy’s bed and claiming her heart. Their chemistry is smoking hot, but Ivy knows that Ren has always valued his duty to the Order above all else—he could never touch her if he knew the truth. That is, if he let her live at all. Yet how can she live with herself if she lies to him?
But as the Fae Prince begins to close in, intent on permanently opening the gates to the Otherworld, Ivy is running out of options. If she doesn’t figure out who she can trust—and fast—it’s not only her heart that will be torn apart, but civilization itself.

Publishes in US: July 19th 2016 by Jennifer L. Armentrout
Genre: NA paranormal
Source: bought
Series? Yes
my review of #1 Wicked

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     I wanted to read Torn because I love JLA, the author, and I also liked the first one in this series. 

     It does not disappoint, the main character was fiesty and determined. She is also keeping a secret about herself, and trying to ward off the prince of the fae who wants to impregnate her, and uses all sorts of trickery to try to make his goal of opening the gates and starting what Ivy calls the apocalypse. 

    The romance is hot too, I liked Ren in the last one and same is still true. They are good for each other, and their chemistry and sex life is certainly never boring or tamed down. 

    There were good twists, and turns that I didn't see coming, and had me on the edge of my seat wanting to know what would happen next and how Ivy would overcome. 

   I liked the ending and how characters came together and really fought for one another and it gave a unity to them and I will be following this series, and happy with this book. 

Bottom Line: Good second book, love the author and romance.

My question to you, my lovely readers:
Ever been to New Orleans?

Review: The Problem with Forever by Jennifer L. Armentrout

The Problem with Forever by Jennifer L. Armentrout

For some people, silence is a weapon. For Mallory “Mouse” Dodge, it’s a shield. Growing up, she learned that the best way to survive was to say nothing. And even though it’s been four years since her nightmare ended, she’s beginning to worry that the fear that holds her back will last a lifetime.
Now, after years of homeschooling with loving adoptive parents, Mallory must face a new milestone—spending her senior year at public high school. But of all the terrifying and exhilarating scenarios she’s imagined, there’s one she never dreamed of—that she’d run into Rider Stark, the friend and protector she hasn’t seen since childhood, on her very first day.
It doesn’t take long for Mallory to realize that the connection she shared with Rider never really faded. Yet the deeper their bond grows, the more it becomes apparent that she’s not the only one grappling with the lingering scars from the past. And as she watches Rider’s life spiral out of control, Mallory faces a choice between staying silent and speaking out—for the people she loves, the life she wants, and the truths that need to be heard.

Publishes in US: May 17th 2016 by Harlequin Teen
Genre: ya contemp
Source: bought
Disclaimer: I received this book as an ARC (advanced review copy). I am not paid for this review, and my opinions in this review are mine, and are not effected by the book being free.
Series? no?

My reviews of Jennifer's other books

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    The problem with forever is everything that I've come to expect from JLA, it has great characters and a steamy romance. It made me laugh it made me sympathize with the character and feel their pain.

I like how this story really took two people who came from a similar background and showed how they could overcome things in their own ways and that they had just different struggles and different way of dealing with everything.

I really felt for her because she had grown up pretty much conditioned that noise and speaking is bad so she's very quiet and it comes across as shy.  it's hard for her to talk to new people or to make new friends but she is starting public school for the first time in a long time and she's put face-to-face with a bunch of these insecurities.

On top of all of that a boy from her past someone she thought she'd never see again is also going to her school. I love seeing them reconnect and he was very protective of her in their group home and saved her from a lot of physical pain and protected her emotionally as best as he could. they had to find a unique balance of him still wanting to protect her and how much she cares about her and also how much she's growing up as a person and doesn't really need all the sheltering and does need to learn to use her voice and found the right way to communicate with other people.

I like the family dynamics in this one. of course we get to see the very rough side of the foster system in the way that she and Ryder grew up. but we also get to see her taken into a very loving home and how much they provided for her and helped her daughter through therapy and is still supporting her. Though they did have to learn how to let go and let her make her own decisions and trust in those especially as she is interacting with Ryder because he hangs out with a rougher crowd. even though he's in a home with the woman who really cares about her and has two brother like figures he's gotten into some trouble and one of his foster brothers the woman's actual grandson is in some trouble.

I liked the ending and how things wrapped up for them. She learned to stand up for herself, to use her voice, and she helped Ryder see the potential in himself and make steps towards his future, and letting himself believe that he's worthy. 

Bottom Line: Loved it, all I love about the author.

Review: The Power by Jennifer L. Armentrout

The Power (Titan #2) by Jennifer L. Armentrout

With any great change, there is always strife, and the Covenant University has become the frontline between pure-bloods who want the Breed Order reinstated and the half-bloods who want the right to control their own destinies.
Fate has other plans.
The violence is escalating and war between the races seems inevitable, and it couldn’t come at a worse time. Hyperion may be out of commission, but Josie and Seth know they have only earned a reprieve. Seth must get Josie fully prepared, which means controlling her newfound abilities, and they need to find the other demigods before the Titans do.
But the gods are sensing a greater threat.
Only one thing is more dangerous than a bunch of starved Titans, and that’s an out-of-control Apollyon. The aether in Josie is drawing Seth in deeper, and when lust mixes with love and gives way to power, he knows being close to her is not only dangerous to her, but to everyone around them, but letting her go requires a level of selflessness that just isn’t Seth’s style.
The paths taken in the past are becoming the roads of the future.
Just as chaos breaks out, familiar faces from the past return, complicating the already strained bond between Josie and Seth, and when the danger from the Titans erupts with devastating consequences, the dark allure of power calls to Seth again, but this time Josie might not be able to pull him back.
And when the struggle between power and love becomes the deadliest battleground, there may be no salvation.

Publishes in US: February 23rd 2016 by Spencer Hill Press
Genre: NA paranormal
Source: bought
Disclaimer: I received this book as an ARC (advanced review copy). I am not paid for this review, and my opinions in this review are mine, and are not effected by the book being free.
Series? Titan #2

My review of #1 The Return

  The Struggle (Titan, #3) Expected publication: 2017 by Spencer Hill Press

Spin-off of Covenant series:
My reviews:
1st Half Blood 2nd Pure, 3rd Deity, 4th Apollyon and the 5th Sentinel

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    I wanted to read this one because I love pretty much everything that jennifer writes, and especially this NA series that is a spin off of the covenant series that introduced me to the amazingness that is JLA writing. She writes fleshed out characters that I love to read about, stories that consume me, humor that is right up my alley, and romances that make me swoon.

    We start off in one of the two characters pint of view, Josie. She was raised line a mortal and she still sometimes thinks she is crazy,, she grew up with mom with mental health and always feeling paranoid that people were watching her and scared she would live a life like that. So many things were explained when she met Seth and learned about the world of gods, titans, hematoi (children of gods), half bloods, sentinels (protectors) and daimons who wanted their blood.

    I love seeing the character growth in this one. she is learning how to fight and kick butt and also we get to see a softer side to him and see how much he's fighting for the half bloods when the purebloods are doing some pretty horrible stuff around campus. their faced with a lot more challenges in this one though and Seth makes some mistakes and he is really not happy with himself. And while it's understandable from a reader point of view considering who he is and the call of the powers it still was hard to watch. Then he also did some things in their personal life that I wanted to punch him in the manly region for. Though I can understand again, seeing how he has been distanced from people and having someone love him, or even getting used to Deacon and Luke as friends is totally new to him.

    Speaking of one of my fave side characters even in covenant series, Deacon and Luke are awesome in this too. They are good friends to Josie even when the stuff goes down and Seth is, well, being Seth. And of course, with the rising tension with the titans and demigods, and pissed of gods, and daimons, when their 6 months is up we get an appearance from Alex and Aidan. They are there to help fight but also to thank Seth, but Seth still has a hard time with guilt and he can't hear it. Oh, and there was a new very annoying but still amusing somehow character. Herc anyone?

    There are some pretty steamy moments in this one but of course most of them end up getting interrupted much to my disappointment. Makes me want to punch something right now it especially when Apollo decides he wants to pop in at the most inopportune moments and its like can i throat punch you now? Thank you!

     Love the action and readability. The ending made me want to strangle someone even though I understood the reasoning on both sides. It was actually not that cliffie-ish for JLA, but I would cut a person to get my hands on the next one now, and not happy about waiting.

Bottom Line: Loved it even though there was much turmoil but evened out with steam, action, and humor.

My question to you, my lovely readers:
Would you be want to make a choice to be in underworld half of the time if it meant that you could be above the other half?

Review: Oblivion by Jennifer L. Armentrout

Oblivion (Lux #1.5) by Jennifer L. Armentrout

Experience the epic love story of OBSIDIAN as told by its hero, Daemon Black…
I knew the moment Katy Swartz moved in next door, there was going to be trouble. Lots of it.
And trouble’s the last thing I need, since I’m not exactly from around here. My people arrived on Earth from Lux, a planet thirteen billion light years away. Plus, if there’s one thing I know, it’s that humans can’t be trusted. We scare them. We can do things they only dream about, and honestly, we make them look weak as hell. ‘Cuz they are.
But Kat is getting to me in ways no one else has, and I can't stop myself from wanting her—or wanting to use my powers to protect her. She makes me weak, and I’m the strongest of our kind, tasked with protecting us all. So this one simple girl…she can mean the end for us. Because the Luxen have an even bigger enemy—the Arum, and I need to stay on my game.
Falling for Katy—a human—won't just place her in danger. It could get us all killed, and that’s one thing I’ll never let happen...

Publishes in US: December 1st 2015 by Entangled Teen
Genre: ya paranormal
Source: netgalley
Disclaimer: I received this book as an ARC (advanced review copy). I am not paid for this review, and my opinions in this review are mine, and are not effected by the book being free.
Series? Yes Lux #1.5

My series reviews:
#1 Obsidian 
#2 Onyx 
#3 Opal
#4 Origin 
#5 Opposition

My reviews of Jennifer's other books

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    I wanted to read Oblivion because I love Jennifer Armentrout and I have adored this series, so of course I would jump at a chance to read from the perspective of the hero, sexy, charming, frustrating Daemon. 

    I really enjoyed getting inside Damon's head it was interesting to see what his first impressions of Kat really were. and learning about his motivations and his complete back and forth and see the obvious attraction between the two to begin with that physical chemistry they had.

    I also like that it wasn't scene to scene repeat of the first book. there were some of the most important ones and the ones that were like oh we need to know what he's thinking in that moment. but there's also some other scenes that weren't in the first book and we also get to see more of his relationship with Dee behind closed doors and the sense of responsibility that really he really had on his shoulders and the guilt about his brother and the worry that further interactions with Kat could endanger his family and he never really wanted her hurt either.

    I enjoyed it, and there is bonus content of more from Daemon's point of view, and I will def check it out when I have time. Enjoyable, hot, and I loved their banter as with the first book from Kat's point of view.

Bottom Line: Enjoyable to get into his head and get some new scenes.

My question to you, my lovely readers:
Do you read books rewritten in a different point of view? What book would you like to read from another POV, even if it doesn't actually exist?

Review: Forever with You (Wait for You #5) by Jennifer L. Armentrout

Forever with You by Jennifer L. Armentrout

In the irresistibly sexy series from #1 New York Times bestselling author Jennifer L. Armentrout, two free spirits find their lives changed by a one-night stand…
Some things you just believe in, even if you've never experienced them. For Stephanie, that list includes love. It's out there. Somewhere. Eventually. Meanwhile she's got her job at the mixed martial arts training center and hot flings with gorgeous, temporary guys like Nick. Then a secret brings them closer, opening Steph's eyes to a future she never knew she wanted—until tragedy rips it away.
Nick's self-assured surface shields a past no one needs to know about. His mind-blowing connection with Steph changes all that. As fast as he's knocking down the walls that have kept him commitment-free, she's building them up again, determined to keep the hurt—and Nick—out. But he can't walk away. Not when she's the only one who's ever made him wish for forever . . .

Publishes in US:
Genre: NA contemp
Source: bought
Disclaimer: I received this book as an ARC (advanced review copy). I am not paid for this review, and my opinions in this review are mine, and are not effected by the book being free.
Series? Wait for You #5
Fire in You (Wait for You, #6) Expected publication: 2016

My series reviews:
#1 Wait for You
#1.5 Trust in Me
#2 Be with Me
#3 Stay with Me

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    I wanted to read Forever with You because I have enjoyed the Wait for You series as well as the other JLA books that I have read. I love her characters, the romance, the fast paced plot, and surprises she throws in.

   The main characters Stephanie and Nick had automatic chemistry, and although they were both expecting just a fling, it of course developed into more for them. 

I can't say a lot about this one without spoilers but I will say this: I loved it, and was so glad to see some of the topics explored and talked about.

This was one emotional book... I am not a crier but man, I had tears in my eyes at one point.

I loved their chemistry and connection and I am glad that it explored if their relationship would have deepened to the point it did without their complications and surprising issues. They were both people who didn't do commitments.

It was nice to get updates on the previous book characters and see how they have progressed.

Bottom Line: Exactly what I love from Jennifer.

My question to you, my lovely readers:
Were you ever unconvinced (or are you now) of love forever?

Review: Fall with Me (Wait for You #4) by J. Lynn

Fall with Me (Wait for You #4) by J. Lynn

Eleven months ago, bartender and weird-shirt-wearing extraordinaire Roxy and Officer Reece Anders had a one night stand. Well, kind of. She’s been in love with him since she was fifteen, and he wishes that night they shared never happened. She’s sworn him off forever, but the past and future collide, forcing her to rely on the one man who broke her heart not once, but twice.
Her best friend since birth has been in a long-term care facility since he became a victim of a hate crime years ago, and the person who put him in there is out of prison and wanting to make amends with him and Roxy. She’s not sure she has room for forgiveness in her and when she begins to receive frightening messages and is on the receiving end of escalating violence, she thinks she knows who is to blame. The man who already destroyed one life already.
But Reece isn’t convinced. The threats are too personal, and even if Roxy doesn’t believe him, he’s not willing to let anyone hurt her. Including himself. He’s already messed up more than once when it comes to Roxy and he’s not going to let history repeat itself.

Publishes in US: March 31st 2015 by Avon
Genre: NA contemp
Source: bought
Series? Wait for You #4

My series reviews:
#1 Wait for You
#1.5 Trust in Me
#2 Be with Me
#3 Stay with Me

Upcoming:
Forever with You (Wait for You, #5) Expected publication: September 29th 2015

Fire in You (Wait for You, #6) Expected publication: 2016

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    I wanted to read Fall With me because I have enjoyed the Wait for You series as well as the other JLA books that I have read. I love her characters, the romance, the fast paced plot, and surprises she throws in.

    I liked Roxy in this one and she is a strong girl, but she is hiding a lot from the guy she is crushing on. The longer stuff like what she has goes unsaid, the harder it is to say it. So of course, I knew there would be room for character growth because Lynn / Armentrout writes characters that are realistically and beautifully flawed in some ways and strong and fierce in others. I love seeing how it comes out in different ways in the female main characters she crafts, because they, like in  real life, are all different in some ways, and also have similarities to others. 

   Roxy's mom especially is present in this one. Her parents are the type that are involved in the good way, but not to the point of suffocating or over-bearing. They support her but they also let her know that she has some place to fall back on always. She is an artist and loves to paint, but she is bar tending and taking computer classes to make a living, but her mom offers occasionally that if she wants to try to make it as an artist, she is welcome to live with them if she wants. 

    The plot line with Charlie, her best friend who has been in a long term care facility and is just a shell of his former self is another unique aspect to the plot line. Roxy is faithful to visit him, talk about life outside the walls, read to him, and bring him paintings. She does feel a guilt for what happened to him but that is hazy at the beginning because it is also clear that there was another party involved, someone that just got out of prison and is apparently wanting to make amends. Its unclear besides the synopsis telling us it was a hate crime for a bit, but the plot reveals details in own time. 

    Okay, so the chemistry between Reese and Roxy is undeniable. There are some smoking hot scenes, and I love how attentive he is and also honest. He has a thing about lies, and while I can see Roxy lying by omission because of hurt feelings for a week or two, it was a little ridiculous to me how long she kept the truth from him. But it certainly adds tension within her and causes some growth for her. And makes her realistic-- I mean we all do things for no reason, and I know that I have been caught in a series of lies, all to maintain that first lie. 

   There is also the weird things going on in her apartment as well as the missing girls that adds layers to the plot. I have a few ideas of who it was but I am usually wrong about these types of things. One of my four suspects actually did turn out to be the culprit, but he was last on my list. 

   I enjoyed the character growth in Roxy, and how open Reece was about what he was struggling with. He challenges Roxy and I love that about their relationship. 

Bottom Line: Another great and steamy one by one of my fave authors.

My question to you, my lovely readers:
Do you have any since birth friends? Are they still in your life regularly?

Review: Every Last Breath (The Dark Elements #3) by Jennifer L. Armentrout

Every Last Breath by Jennifer L. Armentrout

Some loves will last ’til your dying breath
Every choice has consequences—but seventeen-year-old Layla faces tougher choices than most. Light or darkness. Wickedly sexy demon prince Roth, or Zayne, the gorgeous, protective Warden she never thought could be hers. Hardest of all, Layla has to decide which side of herself to trust.
Layla has a new problem, too. A Lilin—the deadliest of demons—has been unleashed, wreaking havoc on those around her…including her best friend. To keep Sam from a fate much, much worse than death, Layla must strike a deal with the enemy while saving her city—and her race—from destruction.
Torn between two worlds and two different boys, Layla has no certainties, least of all survival, especially when an old bargain comes back to haunt them all. But sometimes, when secrets are everywhere and the truth seems unknowable, you have to listen to your heart, pick a side—and then fight like hell…

Publishes in US: July 28th 2015 by Harlequin Teen
Genre: ya paranormal
Source: bought
Series? Yes. The Dark Elements #3

My series reviews:

#.5 Bitter Sweet Love
#1 White Hot Kiss
#2 Stone Cold Touch

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     I wanted to read Every Last Breath because I adore Jennifer's writing. I love her snarky sense of humor, the ability to draw me into her worlds, connect with the main characters, fall in love with her swoony guys, and always want more. I read the first ones and the novella and love her take on gargoyles, as well as really connecting and feeling for the spot that Layla the main character in this one. She lives in a world of Wardens (the full gargoyles) and Roth, who is an upper level demon, but yet he is so attentive and protective of her and even sacrificed himself for her. Then there is Zayne, who she has always been close to and had a crush on, and it's past time for her to make the choice between them. Layla discovers a lot about herself in this one and begins questioning her label as a hybrid-- half warden and half demon.

    Layla of course had to make her choice between the two boys in her life, that she loves, and realizes loves her back. I was nervous of which one it was going to be, and her reasoning. I really liked them both, they cared for her, and risked their own life and standings with their respective species/bosses. Each are right for her in their own ways, but for me there was one that stood ahead, but I was determined to support her either way. 

   It did give the other guy a real glimpse of possibilities of moving on and being happy, accepting Layla's decision in good graces and not ostracizing her. But I think the the choice she made was for good reasons, and I love seeing that develop even more. Into really steamy levels that made me sigh. 

    On top of the boy situation, Layla also had to deal with the Lillin, and the fall out from who the Lillin stole a soul from, and how much that hurt her and Stacey. There was a lot of grief for a friend lost as well as part of his family that got caught in the cross fire. It became even more complicated than I could have imagined, but it added depth. 

   I liked the overall resolution including the little glimpse of the beginning of their HEA in the 6 months later. It was neat to see how far all of the characters have come from the start of the series. Layla learned so much about herself, and realized that the labels defining good and evil wasn't black and white. She saw some of the greatest acts of compassion from demons, and some that were on the side of good be intolerant and cruel. 

Bottom Line: Great conclusion with all the things I've come to expect and love from Jennifer.

My question to you, my lovely readers:
Could you pick a demon as your love?

Review: Dream of You (Wait for You #4.5) by J. Lynn, Jennifer L. Armentrout

Dream of You by J. Lynn

Abby Erickson isn't looking for a one-night stand, a relationship, or anything that involves any one-on-one time, but when she witnesses a shocking crime, she's thrust into the hands of the sexiest man she's ever seen - Colton Anders. His job is to protect her, but with every look, every touch, and every simmering kiss, she's in danger of not only losing her life but her heart also.

Publishes in US: June 23rd 2015 by Evil Eye Concepts, Incorporated
Genre: na contemp
Source: bought
Disclaimer: I received this book as an ARC (advanced review copy). I am not paid for this review, and my opinions in this review are mine, and are not effected by the book being free
Series?

My series reviews:
#1 Wait for You
#1.5 Trust in Me
#2 Be with Me
#3 Stay with Me
#4 Fall with Me

Upcoming:
Forever with You (Wait for You, #5) Expected publication: September 29th 2015

Fire in You (Wait for You, #6) Expected publication: 2016

Buy it: Amazon

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    I wanted to read Dream of You because I love the Wait for You series as well as everything that Jennifer writes. I love her romance, characterization and wit/humor. 

  I liked Abby, and I could definitely connect with her and feel her on the slightly overweight think and how she loved cupcakes more than sit-ups. I adored the fact that Colton found her sexy just as she was, and actually had always wanted to talk to her, but he didn't want to come between her and her husband. Abby is now a widow though, she lost him in a car accident. She's had some disastrous dates but the chemistry with her and Colton has awakened something inside her, and wants that attraction and physical pull and emotional bond. 

  Colton is one of the detectives that is working the case that Abby saw. She witnessed a murder, and the murderer saw her face just like she saw his. This sets up the tension in the story and was the catalyst for the two meeting once again. 

   The emotions were well done. Abby had closed the chapter on the loss of her husband. She still thinks fondly of their time together and feels some transient pain. The horror of her witnessed murder is what has her in turmoil. Along with the attraction and yearning and flirtation between her and Colton kept things going and me entangled in the book. 

   I appreciated that it showed Abby as someone who had some doubts about her body. She isn't perfect, she sees herself as an average girl. I liked that it wasn't some huge drama in the past and that she doesn't have the best confidence. I know that reading you want an escape to read about strong females, but also I want a character that is relatable, and that is def something that I can relate to. 

   I liked the theme of the second chance romance. They both noticed each other in high school, but she was with someone. So now they have a chance to explore that attraction and see where it goes years later. 

  I liked how it wrapped up. It was a well paced and steamy romance. It was a novella but it was still over a hundred pages. Def worth my time.

Bottom Line: Relatable main character and hot romance.

My question to you, my lovely readers:
Have you ever been to police station?