Catching the Fever - Kylee Gwartney

Description
All Brynn, Claudia, and Norah wanted was a normal sophomore year. You know, homecoming, photography class, watching Audrey Hepburn movies – that sort of thing. Well, it’s good they didn’t know what was coming because they would never have had the guts to show up. It’s pretty crazy what they went through to try to save the place - their school, that is. They can’t say they didn’t have fun ….even if they did have to steal a BMW. P.S. Justin Crew really is as hot as everyone says. They would know.
My Opinion

This book was a quick and easy read which I enjoyed over a few hours. The plot was simple and easy to follow but also made you want read on. The characters in this book where really well developed and seemed realistic. Their strong friendship was believable and the conversations they had used language that sounded like a bunch of teens, which was great as I have read all too many books with teenagers using words that just aren't appropriate for their age. I also loved the fact that not everything was revealed about the characters' back story straight away (e.g Brynn's mother), as it gave you something to anticipate.

There were a few things I didn't enjoy so much though. The initial concept/idea was good and I knew from the request that it would involve a star 'like' Justin Bieber. However what I didn't know was how alike the character would be and to be honest it was basically him. Everything about him, hair, dress, name, fans were related to Bieber and for me I would have liked maybe something a bit different. For me it didn't sound like there was much thought put into his character or imagination. I would have liked a different name at the least.

Also the other thing that I had a slight issue with was the constant switching of viewpoints; don't get me wrong, I love reading books told from different perspectives as you get a better insight, and I wouldn't have wanted the book just to be told from one point of view. However a few times I did get a little confused as to who I was reading about. It did clear up pretty quickly though so wasn't a major problem.

Overall this book was a simple, easy read. The characters keep your interest and they are easily to relate to as they are believable. I liked the idea but would have liked a few more differences between Bieber and Justin Crew but even though I had this problem it was still an enjoyable read and would recommend it.

The Birth of Vengeance - Paul Ross

Hi everyone! Sorry for not posting anything for awhile, I've been really busy with the start of college and everything. I have a few reviews still to write but for now here is my review of The Birth of Vengeance.

Description
Jonathan Harper is young, innocent, and bullied to utter despair. A chance encounter with a mysterious woman offers an opportunity to posses the powers of a vampire, without becoming a vampire.
My Opinion
I didn't think it was possible to come at the vampire genre from a new angle any more, what with the numerous books already out there. However Paul Ross has managed to do this and has created an interesting and intriguing story.

I liked the idea of the woman being the vampire lead for once and loved Thorn's strong characteristics. I also enjoyed the fact that the book approached the vampire theme from a new angle by using a science/experiment theme to link and introduce Jonathan and Thorn. As well as this, the action in this book was great! I love books that go into a lot of detail during fights and I could picture the scenes really easily.

For me the start was a bit slow and it took a while to get into the main storyline but I understand that it is necessary for explaining the reasons for Jonathan actions later on in the book. I would also have liked more insight and development of Jonathan's thoughts about his revenge, for example during build up to it, as it sometimes seemed to happen too quickly and the emotions didn't always seem right, or a bit toned down sometimes. That might just be me though as I like the darker side of stories. Also throughout the book there are a few typos but they a minor and do not detract from the story in anyway.

Overall I enjoyed reading this book. Although it was obviously going to be about revenge and some parts were quite predictable, I was not able to predict the ending, which was great. I liked the new take on the vampire theme and liked Thorn's personality. Like I said before though, I would have liked a bit more character development and insight into Jonathan thoughts about revenge as I believe it would just make engaging with the character slightly easier and interesting.

3.5

Deep Connections - Rebecca Graf

Description
Just as love appears, so does the darkness. With her heart reaching out for one man, Brenna finds herself the target of an unknown stalker. Who is he? What does he want? How far will he go for her? Death is an option. Brenna discovers more than she bargained for and learns that the stalker will kill for her. It all comes down to decisions, and no matter what she chooses it will demand sacrifice and someone's blood.
My Opinion

This book was hard to put down, the constant mystery and questions posed keeping me hooked. I'm a sucker for a romance novel, especially when they have paranormal/supernatural elements and this book didn't disappoint. The love triangle added another depth to the story and engaged me more as I found myself growing to like Slaton over Eaton.

I have read a lot of books in this genre and some of the story was slightly predictable at times but Graf brings an original style of writing and the story differs slightly from others I have read in this genre. There is always something going on and the fast paced action written from multiple perspectives helps give an insight into all the character's views.

The storyline in this book engages you easily and it is hard to stop reading, however there are a few problems. Throughout there are quite a few editing issues that cannot be overlooked. I can accept a few as I know it is hard to get rid of them all and I have even read professionally published books with typos, however in a few chapters these appeared quite often in the forms of grammar, punctuation and typos which became a little distracting.

Overall I really enjoyed this book. I have given it 3.5 because of the editing issues but with some more time in editing I would happily give it a 4 and recommend it to anyone interested in this genre. I am looking forward to reading the sequel!

3.5

Until I Die (Revenants #2) - Amy Plum

Description (Goodreads)

Kate and Vincent have overcome the odds and at last they are together in Paris, the city of lights and love.

As their romance deepens there’s one question they can’t ignore: How are they supposed to be together if Vincent can’t resist sacrificing himself to save others? Although Vincent promises that he’ll do whatever it takes to lead a normal life with Kate, will that mean letting innocent people die? When a new and surprising enemy reveals itself, Kate realizes that even more may be at stake—and that Vincent’s immortality is in jeopardy.

In Die for Me, Amy Plum created a captivating paranormal mythology with immortal revenants and a lush Paris setting. Until I Die is poised to thrill readers with more heart-pounding suspense, spellbinding romance, and a cliff-hanger ending that will leave them desperate for the third and final novel in the series.My Opinion
I couldn't wait to get my hands on a copy of this book. Not only did I love the cover once again but the main reason was I couldn't wait to find out what happened between Kate and Vincent next.

This book was slightly darker than the first and even though it had less action it was just as thrilling and hooking.  While reading I was pulled between humor and sadness and almost found myself crying at one point, which is strange as not many books have that effect on me. 

In this book we find out more about the Revenants history and life which was great as it answered some questions I had carried over from the first book. I also loved gaining more knowledge about the other Revenants, especially Jules and Ambrose.  Ambrose takes on a big brother/bodygaurd role while Jules continues to flirt with Kate. Both added humor and charm to the book while Vincent was elsewhere. I must admit I prefer it when Kate and Vincent are together and the parts of the book where Kate is off on her own searching for a way to help Vincent were a bit slow but the other Revenants helped keep the story going with interesting aspects and twists I did not expect.

By the end of this book I was starting to wish I hadn't read it so quickly. This was not because I wasn't enjoying it but due to the fact that I am going to have to wait a year for the third book! Seriously after the cliffhanger Amy Plum leaves you on I cannot wait that long for If I should Die! I need to know what happens now...

Overall this book was just as good as the first and I would highly recommend the series to any romance/paranormal lovers. There is a bit of everything in it and I just couldn't put it down. Now for the long wait to find out what happens in the third book...