Ambrosia by Erin Noelle

Ambrosia by Erin Noelle --3.5 STARS

Synopsis:
After coming to terms with the tragedy that rocked her world, Scarlett MacGregor has returned to try to pick up the pieces of the broken relationships that she left behind.
Ash and Mason were left devastated and heartbroken following Scarlett’s sudden, unannounced departure. They are both ready and willing to forgive her and welcome her back into their lives with open arms. However, a lot can happen in 8 months… 
Scarlett must learn to overcome the obstacles thrown in her path to prevent the past from repeating itself. Can she learn to fly with her own wings and discover the secret to eternal love?

Overall- While generally liked the book, I was a bit annoyed with this one. I liked the ending and I recognized that the plot is still moving forward, but I was also annoyed with some of the events that occured. Not to give anything away but I felt that some of the choices that Scarlett made were unreal, then again, I also realize that I may have acted the same way at her age...I will of course keep reading, but this book reminded me A LOT of the book Torn/Twisted, with the ending, however I really like Scarlett, and will certainly continue reading her adventures. Though I must say, the authors decisions in this book sometimes annoy me...

Plot- so during the first half of the book I was confused as to where the book was going, honestly I could have done without some of it, and considering the book was on the shorter side (in my opinion...) I was disappointed more drama didnt occur. Though the drama that did occur was quite amazing! Scarlett continue to go through her phases of maturity, one minute she was mature the next she was making bad decisions, and I guess thats how the college years really do play out so I completely understand this perspective and plot point.

I liked how Scarlett allowed herself to make relationships with Max and Mina, and the development of her relationship with Mason was interesting, and reminded me of how relationships at that age always seem to move so quickly. When Ash finally entered the picture I was excited! I think the events that brought them together was rather interesting and somewhat hard to believe, but nonetheless, the end result of their union was perfect, and his reaction, ugh amazing. Its exactly why I love him. After that I started loving the book again! I loved the way things played out after that. Because communication at 20 is so different than communication at 25 or 30 and its amazing how much can be affected with the simplest of things! I know Ive had those calls, or lack thereof, and those moments, those texts, etc. where things get jumbled and I misunderstand but Im too afraid to understand the truth, emotions are so difficult to understand themselves! Needless to say, as I ramble, I am totally on-board by 50% with this book and I fell in love with the characters and the author all over again. By the end of the book though, Im wondering what just happened. I understand the plot points and the decisions that need to be made, and I even understand what Scarlett did. But I also ask myself WHY?! Which is how I know I liked the book. Ha- I know thats weird, but the truth is, because of this ending, I yearn for more, more of Scarlett, more Ash, more Mason. I am intrigued by the triangle, but annoyed and I love it!

I also enjoyed the music and references that the author makes throughout the book. While in some ways it will date the book, I dont think that in this instance it will be problematic, and adds a little something extra that readers can relate to!

Definition --Alis volat propriis - She flies with her own wings 

“Sure, relationships like that didn’t exist in the real world, at least not in my world, but that was the great thing about fictional books ~ they were meant to be an escape from reality.”

Characters--
Scarlett- What to say about sweet, sexy scarlett. One thing that annoys me is that all the guys seem to want her. But I must admit. If I looked like Scarlett I might be wanted my all men too. What I like about Scarlett is that she seems to make a decision and stick with it. Now I know some people will completely disagree with me (1 considering her ways in the first book to which I agree, and 2 the ending, okay I also agree) but generally speaking, during the particular book, she sticks to her guns on who she is going to be with, even though it did change at one point- due to circumstances...kinda. Ha. I know I dont make sense. This one is hard to judge though. The roller-coaster of emotions that she goes through is still there, and Im along for the ride, and while she makes poor decisions, she also begins to see who she is and what she needs, even if those things change over time she is starting to listen to herself. Hopefully in the next book (which I also hope is the last book) she will make up her mind...once and for all!

Mason

Mason- Mason let me down in a lot of ways in the book. Now Ill be honest. Im TEAM ASH all the way, so I MIGHT (okay i am) a little biased. So I will do my best to be non-biased in my review. HEHE. Mason has all the bells and whistles at first. But what I dont like, and I think everyone could agree with, is that it seems like Mason is a little unstable and completely dependent on Scarlett. Which is scary in and of itself. Since Scarletts not quite stable! The issue with Mason, is I feel like he doesnt deserve Scarlett, hes the guy you date before you find the one. And Im all for them being together for now, just not forever. Whether or not Ill get my ending is yet to be seen. Who knows what will happen in the next book! What I can appreciate with Mason is that he has always known that Scarlett is too good for him and as such, he treats her as his queen. I respect that and consider it sweet. But is it a losing battle?? Masons later battles are much worse and Im VERY happy with the outcome, and I completely understand the reason for the authors choice to do all this. Overall though I am interested in seeing where we go with Mason (and Scarlet)

Ash

“Aristotle once said ‘Love is composed of a single soul inhabiting two bodies.’”

Ash- Ah. Ash. I love you. Okay. I absolutely love the transformation Ash went through. His patience alone is amazing. And he is so sweet and caring and sexy and I could continue. What I love most about Ash is that he doesnt try to win Scarlet back, but instead allows her to grow and become a woman on her own. He gives her space and peace, yet letting her know, if and when, he'll be there, ready, waiting and willing in every way possible. The best part of Ash and Scarlet is that their love comes from their passion, an indescribable feeling you get just by being near someone and thinking about them. Whereas I feel like with Mason, she's only with him due to the convenience and ease of the relationship. I admit, a relationship shouldnt be difficult like it was with Ash in book 1, but it shouldnt be a convenience either like Mason. But will it work with Ash, will it be easy. Who knows?! Ash has grown so much though since the last book, he's matured and he knows what he wants. He fights for Scarlet in a different way, a way thats far more respectful and beautiful and I hope that in the end they are together!!!

Quarantine by James Phelan

Quarantine by James Phelan 2.5 STARS

Synopsis: In a dangerous, devastated New York, one 16-year-old Australian boy finds himself alone…
It's now or maybe never sixteen year old Jesse has spent eighteen days in post-apocalyse New York, waiting for help that never comes. He owes it to his new friends, Rachel and Felicity, to go beyond their temporary refuge to find other survivors who may hold the key to escape. Could the collective at Chelsea Piers have the answers or prove to be just another distraction in his quest? Meanwhile, Jesse is burdened with guilt and sadness at the fate of his other friend, Caleb, who has fallen prey to the virus and become a Chaser. So when it emerges that a cure-all serum may be available, Jesse determines to secure it to save his friend. At any cost perhaps even his own future.
* I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review by netgalley. I dont typically provide a full review for a book rated less than 3 stars, but since this is a netgalley review it will be a bit longer.

Overall- So Ill be honest, I started this book without reading the others. I didnt even realize there were others. However, that said, it wasnt essential that I read the others. The author did a good job of reminding the reader of who everyone was and what had happened previously in the other books, which I found helpful. I was able to follow allow completely. Which I was surprised by. I thought the author did an excellent job of world building and describing everyone and everything. I could actually feel as though I was there watching as Jesse ventured into the city.

There were some things I didnt like though, obviously given the rating I gave. First, the ending was awful, not only a let down but a completely anti climatic moment. UGH! I want to scream at this!!! But even without the awful ending, the book missed the mark for me. While the world building and plot point was excellent, the characters were not, and I felt as though these people were completely unrelate able. Even though the author did a good job of ensuring that not everyone got along and that there were differences in leadership, etc all things that people forget about, the main characters were off the mark. (HOWEVER, in truth, I dont know if Felicity and Rachel are bad characters because I didnt read the prior books, so I will skip them in my review) Overall, it was a pleasant Sunday Afternoon read, but Im not sure Id chose to read it.

Plot- I really liked this plot, and I felt the natural progression of events. The plot point is very interesting too. It was not the strictly zombie like book that I thought it was going to be. I was pleasantly surprised throughout the book UNTIL the ending. The ending was completely off. It was not only a let down, but made absolutely no sense to me, so unless I missed something in the first two books then it just didnt make sense. It didnt even flow with the theme of the book! I was just starting to think wow, this book wasnt so bad, but the ending really ruined the book for me. Seems like this is happening a lot lately.


Characters--
Jesse- I didnt mind Jesse as the main character, I found him for the most part to be interesting, and I was able to follow him with his thoughts and plans fairly well. That is, aside from the Anna/Paige thing. I get that I didnt read about Anna but I understood the connection and could see his concerns and issues. I think for the most part, aside from Paige and the ending, the character made sense, he was quite the survivor, but not without his weaknesses or his defeats, which makes for a well written character.

I really liked Bob and Daniel, I found them to be the most interesting, but I was confused by Audrey, and I didnt like Tom( which is how its supposed to be! so thats okay). My biggest problem with the book, is the Paige and Jesse relationship. It irked me and bothered my A LOT. To the point where I skipped sections with them because it felt weird. Not even awkward just wrong. Their interactions didnt feel normal but contrived, his emotions towards her seemed strange, and her immediate obsession with Jesse made me uncomfortable. That alone hurt the book for me a lot. I was hoping for a slight love story and instead I got awkward teen lust but poorly executed.  (sorry to the author, I know its hard, and unfortunately you cant please everyone!)

Lucid by PT Michelle

Lucid by PT Michelle 3.5 STARS

Synopsis:
Once Nara combines her prophetic ability with Ethan’s power to outsmart Fate at his own deadly cat-and-mouse game, she’s more determined than ever to help Ethan learn the meaning behind the raven sword tattoo that suddenly appeared on his back after their confrontation with Fate. During her quest to uncover the tattoo’s secrets, Nara enlists the help of some new friends and discovers her own surprising connection to Ethan.
While Nara digs deeper into the mystery, her desire for answers leads her down a dangerous path full of powerful and ruthless enemies. Swept into an age-old battle, Nara quickly learns that keeping one’s enemies close can be a necessary evil, making an intangible enemy she can control far more preferable to the human enemies she can’t.

Overall- Generally I enjoyed the book. But I didnt love it. And honestly, I was somewhat disappointed and let down. The plot and characters just didnt develop enough for me in the 2nd installment. But I nonetheless enjoyed the overall plot and goal of the book and look forward to the next installment. 

Cover: Pretty 
Rating: PG
Overall: Intriguing
Characters: Nara and Ethan and Drystan and  Matt and Lainey
Page Turner: At times 
Series Cont.? Yes
Recommend: If already reading the series 
Book Boyfriend: Ethan
Genre: Paranormal Young adult 
Sex Scenes: Nope
Setting: High School in VA

Ethan Logan Lerman

Plot--The plot in the book didnt excite me as much as the 1st book, looking back part of the problem is that i didnt really know what the plot was for half the book! This book felt like it was long and dragged on for too long. I was confused as to where Ethan was, and what he was doing, it constantly felt like something was missing from that part of the story.  Mainly this story was about looking for anything that has to do with Ravens to help explain the tattoo on Ethan, except I didnt feel like I was learning anything or that progress was being made. I enjoyed the introduction of Drystan, but I didnt like Harper, I thought her placement and role was awkward, and didnt feel normal. By the end of the book Im intrigued again and interested, wanting to devour the book, but that wasnt until about 70 percent of the way through. As a follow up novel I was disappointed, too much plot building not enough movement. But overall, by the end of the book I was interested and wanted more. It just took me a while to get there. 

Characters--

Nara Ashley Benson

I like Nara. I think she is an interesting character, her devotion and loyalty to those she loves is really   beautiful. I think her curiosity and naivety can get the best of her at times, but that seems typical of a 16 year old! I think her relationship with Lainey, Aunt Sage, Drystan and her mother all develop well in this installment. However her relationship with Ethan seemed more than stagnant and she didnt seem to really grow as a character. Though she was willing to accept a bit more, and she was questioning, it also seemed like she was missing a bit of that in her own personal life. Such as "what was happening with her dad"; "who is this harper person and why is she everywhere..." and "why does drystan want to help me?" By the end of the book, Im relieved that things have come to a head as they did, and intrigued intensely with what will happen in the next book. 

Ethan

Ethan- I didnt like Ethan in this book. Maybe its because he wasnt in it that much. I felt like there was so much missing from his point. I would have liked this book in dual pov's. Ethan and Naras so that we could learn about him. Seeing as this book dragged, it probably would have helped develop his character, his relationship with Nara and his purpose overall. Im happy with the way things ended with him (kinda) but still perplexed at some of his "activities." Oh Well. 

Drystan

Drystan- I liked Drystan a lot. He was sweet, kind, flirty, and endearing. He was always looking out for Nara. What I didnt understand was why. What was his "connection" to her. It felt like they had this immediate un-explainable connection, and I kept waiting for them to figure out more, and it didnt happen. I like that he was so caring without expecting anything. Not that normal for a young guy but still I like him!

Lainey Bella Thompson

Lainey- She was so much more of a front runner in this book and I enjoyed getting to know her. She was sweet and friendly and her character definitely developed. I didnt like that she wasnt that interested in figuring out the issues with Nara (pressing her for what was really going on) she frequently just accepted the weird things. But she also maintained her friendship on a bigger level. She was always concerned and interested in Nara life and well being and for that I think she did a good job at being a friend.