Haze

Haze by Paula Weston (The Rephaim Book 2

* NOTE* You must read Book 1 before Book 2. 

Synopsis

"But what if we can’t find Jude?" 
He leans closer. His breath is warm on my ear. "We will."
"How can you be so sure?" I want to believe him so badly, but this is Rafa. The guy who’s all action and no plan. His smile is tired, knowing. An echo of a shared past I don’t remember. 
"Because I’m not smart enough to give up, and you don’t know how to." 
Gaby Winters’ nightmares have stopped but she still can’t remember her old life. Still can’t quite believe she is one of the Rephaim—the wingless half-angels who can shift from place to place, country to country, in the blink of an eye. That she was once the Rephaim’s best fighter. That demons exist. That Rafa has stayed. 
But most of all, she can’t quite believe that her twin brother, Jude, might be alive. 

And Gaby can’t explain the hesitancy that sidetracks the search for him, infuriates Rafa, and sends them, again, into the darkest danger.

*I received a copy from net galley in exchange for an honest review. 

Overall: Action and Sci-Fi - Angels and Demons 
Characters:  Rafa, Gaby, Maggie, Jason and so many more 
Page Turner: Yes
Series Cont.? Yes
Recommend if You Like…Angelfall
Book Boyfriend: Rafa 
Genre:  Sci-Fi / Angels  
Sex Scenes: No

Overall - AMAZING. I am SOOOOO upset I have to wait to read the other two books!! No wonder I originally had this book on my "read when entire series is out" shelf! This s one of those books you fall in love with, hard, and can't put it down no matter how hard you try! It was one of the most well written, beautiful intriguing mysterious and amazing books I've read. Much like angel fall, you cannot but fall in love with the characters in this book.  The characters are all swoon worthy and awesome, the dialogue is point on and the plot continues to twist and turn in all the right places. I could not have asked for a better book, a better 2nd book in a series, a better, anything!! I absolutely loved this fantastic book/series! It is a MUST read. 

Haze picks up right where Shadow leaves off, and not a moment later. And instantly you are brought right back into this world!  This book is full of more plots twists and revelations.  Weston really brings to life all the different locations that the characters go to, as well as the characters themselves! 

Rafa- AH- *deep breath* Rafa is swoon worthy, he is sexy, smoldering, dangerous, but completely and wonderfully charming.  Throughout Haze, Weston, brings little pieces of Rafa out, layer by layer, piece by piece showing readers a bit more of his soul. These glimpses of compassion and love, really bring an extra level of "warmth" to the relationship he has started with Gaby. 

I love Gaby and Rafa, their mysterious history, which is referenced throughout the books, and remains a mystery really brings this hot & cold relationship even further. I love everything about them, their ease with one another, their slow burn, its evident that Rafa cares much more than he lets on while Gaby, though confused, knows there is more to him than meets the eye (though thats not saying much). Their sexual tension is tantalizing, sizzling and HOT.

Gaby is a great character. She is so sure and yet unsure of herself all the same. Weston really wrote her quite amazingly. Gaby has depth, more so than many of the characters I read out there. She is strong and determined, but she is also untrusting and unsure of herself in her own skin. She is fearful even though she tries to show no fear.  She is constantly questioning those around her, and the acts of everyone.  Like the readers, Gaby keeps guessing with whom she can trust and whom she needs to be careful around, especially with the added issue of  not know her own history or where anyone's loyalties lie. 

This story focuses on trying to find out Gaby's past and finding Jude, her brother. The idea that he could still be alive, is terrifying but provides hope to all those who lost him. Gaby and Rafa are most vulnerable here.  and this storyline is truly interesting. 

There were a few things I didnt like. Specifically, I wish Gaby would have worked on her shifting, this seems so incredibly important but its as if she doesn't think about it at all, this is certainly something I would constantly think about if I were her. And trying to figure out the scar on my neck!  

Im most definitely intrigued as to the rest of the mystery that surrounds Gaby, will she get her memories back, or find out what happened 1 year ago, will she and Rafa be together, get back together, will she learn to shift (can she shift!), will they talk more to Dani, hows Jason really fit in....so many questions so few answers....but thats okay, Paula Westons writing is beautiful and amazing and I cannot wait to keep reading her books! 

Also, *minor spoiler** at one of the meetings with the demon Bel, he mentions Nathaniel to Gaby as being at the accident, potentially saving her... If I were Gaby, granted a demons word means little, but I would certainly have mentioned this to Rafa and really question some of these facts, next time I saw Nathaniel. I noticed of few of these moments. 

Loving Your Lies

Loving Your Lies by Piper Shelly - 2 STARS 

Synopsis-Julian is drop-dead gorgeous, annoyingly provocative, and he's fast becoming her best friend. But he also has a secret that makes the little hairs on her arms stand on end...
My name is Jona Montiniere, and that’s pretty much the only good thing to say about me. 
I’m seventeen, I’m snarky, and I’m a crap-load of trouble. Or so they say. But what did they expect from me really, when they dumped me in an orphanage at age five? That I’d grow up to become the new first lady? Nah, I think it’s much more fun to raid Camden Market in London with my friend, Debby. She’s cool. She lives on the street. I learned so much from her. 
The only thing she missed to teach me was how to tend to a vineyard. And yeah, that’s what I’m going to do for the next 6 weeks, courtesy to this darn judge, who sent me off to France after I was caught stealing again. Fair enough, the vineyards are okay, and so are my aunt and uncle, who I haven’t met up ‘til now. What isn’t okay, and I mean it, is that I have to live in the same house with my mother, that god-awful dragon, who spurned when I was only a child. And now she wants me back? Demands my forgiveness? Why, because she’s about to die of cancer? Uh-uh. Sorry, but that’s not gonna happen. I want no contact with that woman, thanks. 
But what’s Julian got to do with all of this? About my age, he’s too young to be my mother’s lover. So why doesn’t he leave her side? Ever. He’s different, as in the paranormal kind of different, but he’s sa-woon-worthy gorgeous. He obviously has secrets, but he’s also get-under-my-skin charming. In short, he’s a riddle to me. But he likes me, and that’s scaring the shit out of me. I sure won’t let anyone come too close. 
So now I'm wondering only two things: How did he manage to hold me in his arms after only three days? And how the hell do you keep an angel earth bound?(less)
Overall-
The plot of this story seemed very intriguing, and mysterious. Im a big fan of angels. But unfortunately I feel really let down after this one. I loved Jona and her voice, as I could relate to her. Her background made me understand her and gave her reasoning for acting so intolerable. However, her attitude was overblown, and over dramatic for too much of the story.  I would have liked to see her open up a bit more and really change as a "person." I enjoyed Julian's character however I never once felt connected to him or that he was connected with Jona, not really.  In the end I have a lot more dislikes than I do likes, which is why I gave it a two, I REALLY wanted to like this, I just couldnt. 

I think the general story was actually pretty good. But, the end result missed the mark a little. 

First, the book was WAY too descriptive given the nature of the book (i.e. its a mature young adult novel set in france current time, not some other universe or world). I ended up skimming a lot of the details because they seemed so irrelevant to the story. 
Second, Jona's antics got old, and so did her negative nancy tone. I could only read so much over dramatic angst. Dont get me wrong I love angst (see other postings) but at some point there needs to be a reprieve where I see the softer side and I see the characters change because of their affections for one another etc...that just didnt happen here. I didnt really feel anything between the characters. I saw Jona fall for Julian but didnt understand their love at all. 


Third, I dont understand what Julian sees in Jona and its NEVER explained. I honestly dont understand why or how Julian fell for Jona. None of their interactions make a whole lot of sense to me. I get that Julian wants to help Jona make amends with her mother, but thats where it ends for me. I didnt really FEEL their love or their chemistry. 


It took a lot of energy out of me to read this book, and I dont say that lightly. I will say though, Im glad I finished. I think the ending is what made up for some of the other lack luster moments in this novel. I really enjoyed that part. 

FINAL VERDICT- NOT FOR ME. 

Collide by Shelly Crane

Collide by Shelly Crane (1st in Series) 2.5 STARS

Synopsis-Sherry has always known there was something out there. She's eighteen, works for a tabloid newspaper in Chicago and has a brother, Danny who is a lazy mooch. They live a pretty normal dull life with hippie parents and a normal existence. Then the moon dissapears and people start to go missing only to reappear later, but different. Sherry has an abusive ex-boyfriend who shows up and claims to be one of these beings that have been showing up around the world. He's no longer the same person in that body. He tells her he has come to protect her and her brother and takes her underground, against her will to save her, where they meet others like them. She begins to unravel the truth about Merrick, about what he's really doing here, about the way he looks at her, about the crazy dangerous world they live in. Can he convince her that he's here to help? Will she like what she finds when she opens up to the truth? Will he be the one to love her when everyone else has failed her? Will he be able to protect her?

Cover- intriguing
Rating: PG - 13
Overall: Eh, decent read 
Characters:  Danny, Celeste, Sherry, Merrick 
Page Turner: Sometimes
Series Cont.? Yes
Recommend if You Like...
Book Boyfriend: Merrick
Genre: New Adult /Science Fiction/ Dystopian
Sex Scenes: Yes
Setting - America?


Overall--The general idea of this book is really gripping and interesting, which is what kept me reading and finishing this book. First off, the book was really slow. Unbearably so at times. I understand that sometimes the mundane needs to occur to move a book along but at times I found certain scenes to be utterly pointless. I kept with this book though because the author had rave reviews and the book had good reviews from people I follow. But maybe it was just me, I just wasn't that into this book, and honestly have no interest in continuing the read. The book was LONG. And considering I wasn't completely enthralled in this one, I cut my losses.

On the good side. I LOVED Merrick. I think he was the saving grace. And really, I actually really liked the plot (though after reading the covers for the other books it seems I may not like the others…). I think this was a new and different point of view on the whole "alien" thing. I even liked the world building, and mystery that the author wove into the story. I think at the end of the day, my issue with the book was that for as long as it was, not enough happened in action. It felt too slow and the relationship tension felt awkward at times. (I don't get why every guy has to like Sherry?) I was hoping for more, and I think thats what got me. I wanted Sherry to be special. I wanted more Danny and Celeste, and I wanted to know more. But by the end of the book I felt a little cheated, I spent a lot of time reading this very long book yet I wasn't satisfied with it (which reminds me of Beautiful Creatures.) I will read more Shelly Crane, because I think she has a really unique take on stories, giving old plots new twists, and hopefully they will be better than this one.

Plot-
The plot is really what kept me interested in this one. I was fascinated with the storyline. And honestly still am. I think its REALLY interesting. Which is why I really really wanted to like this book. But I just didn't. The plot felt like it was moving so incredibly slowly. I feel like I could have skipped several chapters and still not have missed anything. I wanted more action too. I felt that there was plenty of mystery but not much action or adventure. It reminded me of the M. Night Shyamalan's movies. I think the movement that did occur, and the development was interesting, don't get me wrong I liked it, but it was just too slow. I also liked the development of Sherry and her role, though I wish she would have been more important. One of the biggest downsides for me, was that at times I felt there were too many characters introduced so frequently that I couldn't remember who was who anymore. I actually stopped trying/caring after a while.
Okay, now that Im done ranting, I want to mention that the author did some really creative and imaginative things in this book to take it to the next level. I was really impressed with the "angel"/"alien" story and the idea of "the following" I liked that we started off in a normal today world and we got to witness the beginning of the end. I liked the different ways in which the group found a way to hide and protect themselves and I thought the bad guys and their ways were different, intriguing. So there were a lot of good things in there too! The romance in this book is what seemed to drive this book though. And I felt their romance continue to play on repeat. Their tension and chemistry was already interesting, I think at times the author took it too far, and could have left it where things were at times (for instance the jealousy issues between Merrick and Sherry, every guy wanting to be with Sherry…)

Characters--

Sherry - Emmy Rossum

Sherry- I like Sherry, but I also found her to be annoying. Considering she was the main character I should have really liked her and been rooting for her, but sometimes I just wanted her to shut up. I felt like she didn't deserve Merrick most of the time. He was so good to her, but I couldn't figure out why she deserved him, what did she ever do? In general though she was likable. I just had some issues with her, as a character. For instance, the lying thing, whats with that? And why do all the guys seem to fall in love with her? But most specifically, what is her purpose in the book aside from a love interest for Merrick. It felt like this book was about Merrick but from Sherrys point of view. I frequently felt out of the loop and confused, much like Sherry. I just wanted more from her and her role in the book.

Merrick--LOVE LOVE LOVE!!! He is such a great guy. From the beginning it is easy to see the difference between Merrick and Sherry's ex. And I like that it doesn't take her long to figure it out too. I love their story. Their tension was real and the chemistry was palpable. Merrick is what really made this book for me. He was such a great guy. He reminded me of Daniel from Fallen.

Danny- Hunter Parrish

Danny- I would have loved to have seen more of Danny. He seemed like he was growing over time, but by the end of the book I don't think I got to see as much of him as we did in the beginning. I would have love to get to know him and see his relationship with Celeste grow. It was obvious that he and Sherry had an interesting relationship, but at times the focus was so much so on Merrick and Sherry that it seems we missed out on Danny (who's the actual charge that Merrick is supposed to protect!)


Celeste- I liked Celeste, even though I got to know her the least, I felt like I was able to see her begin to grow and develop over the novel. At the beginning she was naive and innocent, young, but by the end she was in love and showed her strength. She become more than a charge.

Scars and Songs by Christine Zolendz

Scars and Songs 5 stars 

Synopsis : Shane Maxton is front man for New York City’s popular rock band, Mad World. But he has secrets; he’s not what everybody thinks he is. He comes from an ancient world, from a different time, when angels walked among men. Read the story, through Shane’s eyes, of his forbidden love, his fall from grace and his inner turmoil from living with the irrational emotions of being human.

This is book 1 and 2 from Shanes point of view. 

Overall- IT ALL MAKES SO MUCH SENSE NOW! This book is just as amazing as the other two. I am astonished that I liked it as much as I did. Ive read other books like this and just didnt feel like I learned much from them, but in this instance, I felt like all the questions I have lingering from the first book were finally answered and revealed, and so much more. What an INTENSE and AMAZING book. I LOVED IT!!!


Cover: Pretty
Rating: R
Overall: FANTASTIC BOOK!
Characters: Grace, Shane, Lea, Conner ...
Page Turner: YES
Series Cont.? YES
Recommend: YES!!!
Book Boyfriend: Shane
Genre:  New Adult Romance, Paranormal
Sex Scenes: YES
Setting: New York City

Plot--Eternal love exists here. Grace and Shanes love story continues in Shanes POV and the author does not disappoint in any way. Even though its the same book, and youre re reading some of the events, it doesnt feel that way. The emotions are different, the outlook is different, the reasoning, its all so different. Seeing things through Shanes perspective is so interesting. Every question that felt as if it was unanswered in the other books was answered here. Theres no question now as to what happened. Its not just the questions were answered but that everything falls into place. The plot points that left the reader confused baffled or disappointed were completely revealed. The plot moves forward differently in this book too. Instead of Gabriel and his moments with Grace its Shane and his ambition to make life count, and Michael that propel this novel forward. As Shane learns to love again and to feel again, he opens up to Grace and the world, and the events tend to follow that route. A great way to end this series (or leave it slightly open for a future novel :) ) The epilogue in this novel certainly leaves open the possibility and shows us a little glimpse into Shanes future. 


Characters-- 

Shane

Shane- Oh baby. Once you get past the vulger thoughts and language (or if youre into that...) the book is quite amazing from Shanes POV. He is so much more intense that we realize from the other two books. And learning who he really is, is beautiful and a wonderful journey. Getting to know him all over again but in a new and enlightened fashion was so much fun! I fell in love all over again. This book was all about discovering Shane, who he was, who he became, who he left behind and so much more. Everything we missed out on in the other books was discovered here. I truly loved getting to know Shane and learning everything from his eyes. I didnt want it to end!!

Grace

Grace- Seeing things from Shanes point of view, made Grace appear different. If I hadnt read her perspective first, I would have been very lost and confused. I also dont think I would have liked her as much, I would have appreciated a little bit more into getting to know Grace, but realize that as the reader, Im expected to know Grace which is why I understand what he sees in her, and why he feels the way he does, her actions always make sense. Its so strange and yet intriguing and interesting and all the while I LOVED IT! They really are a match made in heaven! 

In the End-- I think this book is AWESOME! I am in awe of the authors ability to weave such a heart wrenching, sexually driven paranormal mystery! I only wish now, that she would publish the three books as one, weaving Shane and Graces POVs together. If it had been done the first time around it wouldnt have worked, but now that Ive read them all that is exactly how I want to re read it!