Review: Thumped -Megan McCafferty

Author: Megan McCafferty
Series: Bumped #2
Pages: 304
Publisher: Blazer & Bray
Release Date: 4/24/12
ISBN-10: 0061962767

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It's been thirty-five weeks since twin sisters Harmony and Melody went their separate ways. Since then, their story has become irresistible to legions of girls: twins separated at birth and living different lives, each due to deliver sets of twins . . . on the same day! In a future where only teens can "bump," or give birth, babies mean money, status, and freedom.

Married to Ram and living in religious Goodside, Harmony spends her time trying to fit back into the community she once loved and believed in. But she can't seem to forget about Jondoe, the guy she fell in love with under the strangest of circumstances.

To her adoring fans, Melody has achieved everything she always wanted: a big, fat contract and a coupling with Jondoe, the hottest bump prospect around. But this image is costing her the one guy she really wants.

Cursed by their own popularity, the girls are obsessively tracked by their millions of fans, who have been eagerly counting down the days to their "Double Double Due Date." Without a doubt, they are two of the most powerful teen girls on the planet, and there's only one thing they could do that would make them more famous than they already are:

Tell the truth.

I loved bumped and couldn't wait to get my hands on thumped! I had to know what would happen to the girls.  There was not a moment during this story that I was bored or that felt slow. It flowed and while it wasn't a terrifying nail biter it makes you think. What would our world be like if this happened? Could you live in a society like that? I think Mrs McCafferty bravely tackled a topic in our society that has many up in arms, and I feel that she did it very well.

Melody and harmony came a long way from the start of bumped. They grew closer and truly cared for each other. I also liked the changes we saw in Johndoe. I'm a little sad to be saying god bye to this story and it's characters. But they got an ending that was touching, heartfelt, and which wrapped up this story in a great way. 

I don't want to discuss the meat of this story because I think it should be experienced as you read the book, but I can say that I hope all of you who have enjoyed Bumped carve out some time to give this a read, and any of you who have been weary to read this series I truly hope you change your minds and give it a try.  I give this one 5 starts and strongly recommend this one to all of you!

Bumped Review

Review: The Goddess Hunt - Aimee Carter

File Size: 256 KB
Print Length: 75 pages
Publisher: Harlequin Teen (March 1, 2012)

A vacation in Greece sounds like the perfect way for Kate Winters to spend her first sabbatical away from the Underworld...until she gets caught up in an immortal feud going back millennia. Castor and Pollux have been on the run from Zeus and Hades' wrath for centuries, hiding from the gods who hunt them. The last person they trust is Kate, the new Queen of the Underworld. Nevertheless, she is determined to help their cause. But when it comes to dealing with immortals, Kate still has a lot to learn....

This was a pretty great novella, it was nice to ease back into Kate's world after being away. I also enjoyed getting to meet new people Castor and Pollux was a story that I always felt close to since I am a Gemini. So getting to see a bit more of there story was great. It was also nice to see Kate missing Henry. I was worried that maybe the 6 months away would wear on there new and fragile relationship. It was also fun to see some of the other gods, Ella and Ava are two of my more favorite Greek goddesses and the way the gods all interact kinda makes me chuckle. I enjoyed this story and the quick peek into Kate's world. I look forward to starting goddess interrupted soon. I give this novella 5 stars.

Review: Monstrous beauty -Elizabeth Fama

Age Range: 12 and up
Hardcover: 304 pages
Publisher: Farrar, Straus and Giroux (BYR) (September 4, 2012)
ISBN-10: 0374373663

Fierce, seductive mermaid Syrenka falls in love with Ezra, a young naturalist. When she abandons her life underwater for a chance at happiness on land, she is unaware that this decision comes with horrific and deadly consequences.

Almost one hundred forty years later, seventeen-year-old Hester meets a mysterious stranger named Ezra and feels overwhelmingly, inexplicably drawn to him. For generations, love has resulted in death for the women in her family. Is it an undiagnosed genetic defect . . . or a curse? With Ezra’s help, Hester investigates her family’s strange, sad history. The answers she seeks are waiting in the graveyard, the crypt, and at the bottom of the ocean—but powerful forces will do anything to keep her from uncovering her connection to Syrenka and to the tragedy of so long ago.

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This wasn't your typical mermaid story, but yet it was an amazing story. The story of Syrenka and Ezra will wrap itself around you and hold you close until the end. This wasn't a happy tale, it was a tale of love, betrayal, heartbreak and loss. Yet with all this sadness it was beautiful. 

Syrenka and Ezra had a rough time of it, he was a human and she was a mermaid. Through unhappy circumstance Syrenka became a human and for a while they were happy. When her past catches up with her tragedy strikes and sets in motion a curse that will last for generations.

Hester lives a kind of lonely life she has friends but will never get closer. She doesn't want to fall in love or have children, for if she does she fears she will die a few days later like her mother and grandmother and so on. There is so much that goes into this that to say much more might spoil something. Just know that this is a beautifully written tale that will suck you in. 

I would recommend this to everyone even if you don't like mermaids, for this isn't your typical mermaid tale. I give this one 5 stars!

Review: The Statistical Probability of Love at First Sight - Jennifer Smith

Release Date: January 2, 2012
Publisher: Poppy/Little Brown
Page Length: 236 Pages
Rated: YA 14+

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Who would have guessed that four minutes could change everything?

Today should be one of the worst days of seventeen-year-old Hadley Sullivan's life. Having missed her flight, she's stuck at JFK airport and late to her father's second wedding, which is taking place in London and involves a soon-to-be stepmother Hadley's never even met. Then she meets the perfect boy in the airport's cramped waiting area. His name is Oliver, he's British, and he's sitting in her row.

A long night on the plane passes in the blink of an eye, and Hadley and Oliver lose track of each other in the airport chaos upon arrival. Can fate intervene to bring them together once more?

Quirks of timing play out in this romantic and cinematic novel about family connections, second chances, and first loves. Set over a twenty-four-hour-period, Hadley and Oliver's story will make you believe that true love finds you when you're least expecting it.

I saw everyone rave about this book,but still sat here saying "that just isn't for me". But I still bought it and it say on my shelf glaring at me. So when Angela from Reading Angel started her page count contest, and posted her April TBR list I formed my own list and this book made it. As I followed my list and approached this book I seriously thought about skipping over it, but I decided just to try to get thought it. Low and behold 4 pages in and I couldn't put this book down. 

Hadley reminded me a lot of myself when it came to her feelings on her father so it was easy for me to relate to her desire to be any where but where she was, doing anything but what she was about to do. As she goes on remembering things about her old life while trying to come to terms with the changes she faces I felt for her. It's not easy to have your whole world changed and at times you can feel so helpless. 

Then we meet Oliver, and the ease at which the two start talking and eat dinner together although they are perfect strangers can't help but make you smile. There banter throughout the flight and the silly things like the duck on the napkin just warm your heart. They make it all look so effortless. When the time come for them to go there separate ways at the airport my heart broke a little.

Once Hadley makes it to her fathers wedding you can again feel her reluctance, she isn't sure she belongs here, and she is just so angry at her father for so many reasons. Slowly though as you go through the ceremony, to the pictures you can see how her conversations with Oliver on the plane make her think that maybe it isn't so bad.

When Hadley realizes why Oliver is really in London she does something so fantastic yet unusual that you can't help but hope it works out for her. In the end of that I feel that I did, although it is clear that Hadley doesn't. But I think this was an important part in Hadley opening up to her father and letting him back in.

I just about balled as Hadley made peace with her father and for her new life. I was so relieved, I wanted her to be happy, and while she no longer has the traditional family she can still be happy. She let go of her anger and started to understand why her father made the choices he made. Watching them clear the air and find a place of love, happiness, and acceptance.

When Oliver made and equally as crazy move as Hadley did earlier I was so excited. The only thing missing from her happily ever after was him. I am not even sure I have the words to describe how I felt in the last few pages of this book. This was an emotional ride that I enjoyed so much. I give this book 5 huge stars, and beg anyone who hasn't read this yet to please do so.

Review: Grave Mercy - R.L. LaFevers

Release Date: April 3, 2012
Publisher: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt
Series: His Fair Assassin, Book 1
Rated: YA 14+
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Why be the sheep, when you can be the wolf?

Seventeen-year-old Ismae escapes from the brutality of an arranged marriage into the sanctuary of the convent of St. Mortain, where the sisters still serve the gods of old. Here she learns that the god of Death Himself has blessed her with dangerous gifts—and a violent destiny. If she chooses to stay at the convent, she will be trained as an assassin and serve as a handmaiden to Death. To claim her new life, she must destroy the lives of others.

Ismae’s most important assignment takes her straight into the high court of Brittany—where she finds herself woefully under prepared—not only for the deadly games of intrigue and treason, but for the impossible choices she must make. For how can she deliver Death’s vengeance upon a target who, against her will, has stolen her heart?

I have read so many good reviews for this that I knew I just had to get my hands on it. I was not lead astray by my fellow bloggers! Once I started this book I had so much trouble putting it down, I was quickly emerged into a time of Lords and Lady's. At one time I would have been put off by the thought of a historical fiction read but now I crave them. There are few things better than Knights, and court intrigue. 

This book did not fail to give me any of that, there was betrayal at every turn. I went through this story questioning everyone. Who could be trusted when it seemed everyone had there own motives and plans. As the story went on and we fall deeper into the court and the political games I was amazed at how well woven the story was. 

Our characters didn't disappoint me either Ismae was wonderful, and I think I loved her from the start. Watching her start out the way she did, and grow at the convent, to end up the woman we end with was a great journey. She never stopped questioning things even when maybe she shouldn't. She also learned how to walk her own path and be happy with herself. The fact that she is a kick butt assassin makes her kinda awesome too! 

The rest of the characters weather they were main or secondary all had a breath of life in them. I was truly enchanted by all of them, and their story. I can't wait to see what the future hold for them, and where the next leg of this journey will take us. I give this one 5 stars and beg any of you who haven't yet read this to go give it a try, I am sure that it won't disappoint!

Review: Pandemonium - Lauren Oliver

Publisher: HarperCollins ebooks (February 28, 2012)
Pint Length: 337 pages
Language: English

After falling in love, Lena and Alex flee their oppressive society where love is outlawed and everyone must receive the "cure" - an operation that makes them immune to the delirium of love - but Lena alone manages to find her way to a community of resistance fighters. Although she is bereft without the boy she loves, her struggles seem to be leading her toward a new love.

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I feel compelled to start this by saying Lauren Oliver is evil! I was hooked by Delirium, it grabbed me a wouldn't let me go, I thought there is no way pandemonium could be any better, if I'm lucky it might be just as good. Well let me tell you I don't know how she did it but, wow! Just pure simple wow! 

Lena was totally kick ass in this book. Like the reference between old Lena and new Lena, you could definitely see the difference. While there were times where he was scared she faced it all down head on. She fought like crazy for her life and for the ones she cared about. I also loved that at times she didn't just do what others told her to she followed her heart and her gut and did what she felt was right. 

The one thing I thought I was going to hate was how things with Alex were handled. I fell in love with him in Delirium, and didn't thing I would enjoy a book that didn't have tons and tons of Alex. Again...I was wrong, there was enough action with Lena to make up for it. I also kind of maybe fell in love with Jillian. He really surprised me, there were times where I thought that things would end badly, but he surprised me and captured my heart. 

There was so much going on in this book. We got to meet the scavengers, the resistance, and we got an awesome look at Lena's life in the wilds. There was action, suspense, and betrayal. This book had everything that you could possibly ask for and then some. I have no clue how I am going to wait for the next book to come out because that ending was killer! I'm giving this one 5 stars and strongly urge anyone who hasn't read this series yet to go and do so very quickly!

Review: Incarnate by Jodi Meadows

Reading level: Ages 13 and up
Hardcover: 384 pages
Publisher: Katherine Tegen Books; First Edition edition (January 31, 2012)

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New soul
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.

No soul
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?

     This doesn't seem like my typical read. Reincarnation always seemed like a very religious topic and that really isn't something I enjoy reading about. And while there was religion in this book, but it was completely unique to the book and its world. 

Now the characters and story...Anna isn't like everyone else in her world, she is surrounded by people who have known each other for 5,000 years.  She is the first new soul to be born in all that time.  The unfortunate thing is that when she was born one of the 5,000 souls truly died, never to be reincarnated.  Anna is always treated like an outsider, and like she is less of a person than the others.  They refer to her as a no soul.  She is treated horribly by her mother. When she is finally old enough to leave she does but runs into trouble and is rescued by Sam.  From the start Sam treats her as an equal.  Through out the res of the story Anna and Sam get to know each other, and Sam teaches her about the way of life in the main town of the reincarnated souls.  She meets new people and while some still fear and hate her others become friendly with her. 

I really didn't feel that the true excitement of this story happened until the last 1/4th of the book. But that isn't a bad thing. There were all different elements at play here.  This was a very touching book, it kept me thinking about it for days after I finished it.  The author managed to weave together a story that touched me, excited me, and made me smile.  I truly enjoyed the journey this book took me on.  I really look forward to the next addition to this story. 

Review: Shadow Heir - Richelle Mead

Paperback: 320 pages
Publisher: Bantam (February 1, 2012)
Language: English

 Shaman-for-hire Eugenie Markham strives to keep the mortal realm safe from trespassing entities. But as the Thorn Land's prophecy-haunted queen, there's no refuge for her and her soon-to-be-born-children when a mysterious blight begins to devastate the Otherworld...
The spell-driven source of the blight isn't the only challenge to Eugenie's instincts. Fairy king Dorian is sacrificing everything to help, but Eugenie can't trust the synergy drawing them back together. The uneasy truce between her and her shape shifter ex-lover Kiyo is endangered by secrets he can't--or won't--reveal. And as a formidable force rises to also threaten the human world, Eugenie must use her own cursed fate as a weapon--and risk the ultimate sacrifice.

I never tried to hid the fact that I am a huge Mead fangirl. I can't get enough of her books. And his was always my favorite series. Eugenie seemed to just have impossible situations continually thrust in front of her. I did enjoy seeing he pregnancy unfold, and how she kept herself safe. Watching her make the decision to go to the otherworld to save her people from the blight that is plaguing only certain areas of the otherworld. he whole situation broke my heart. The journey through the otherworld bothered me no because the action or adventure weren't there but because everyday was another day away from the twins. I will say that the ending of this book has me on the fence. I loved this book, and I was mostly happy with the ending because it gave me hope that one day she might write more, maybe not about Eugenie, maybe about the twins either is fine with me. But even if she doesn't ever come back to this series I am still happy with the ending it wasn't all tied up, but it was wrapped up enough to give me closure. I give this book and this series 5 stars!

Review: The Daughter of Smoke and Bone - Lani Taylor

R

Reading level: Ages 15 and up
Hardcover: 432 pages
Publisher: Little, Brown and Company; 1st edition (September 27, 2011)

 Around the world, black handprints are appearing on doorways, scorched there by winged strangers who have crept through a slit in the sky.
In a dark and dusty shop, a devil's supply of human teeth grown dangerously low.
And in the tangled lanes of Prague, a young art student is about to be caught up in a brutal otherwordly war.
Meet Karou. She fills her sketchbooks with monsters that may or may not be real; she's prone to disappearing on mysterious "errands"; she speaks many languages—not all of them human; and her bright blue hair actually grows out of her head that color. Who is she? That is the question that haunts her, and she's about to find out.
When one of the strangers—beautiful, haunted Akiva—fixes his fire-colored eyes on her in an alley in Marrakesh, the result is blood and starlight, secrets unveiled, and a star-crossed love whose roots drink deep of a violent past. But will Karou live to regret learning the truth about herself?

There was quite a bit of hype for this book, and I was anxious to get my hands on it. When I finally got it in my hott little hands I devoured it. I adored Karou, and how she knew her life wasn't normal, but she was happy anyway. I love her monster family! As she is running an errand for her "father" she encounters Akiva, he is beautiful, dangerous, and deadly. They fight, she runs, and he chases, he finds her a little later and somehow they get to know each other. This sparks off Karou learning who she really is. Now this is the part where some people say they lost interest. But I for one loved the second half just as much if not more than the first. I loved finding out the truth about Karou and her family. I also loved the releationship between Akiva and Karou. I want the next book now please. I want to know what happens to Karou and her family, and what will happen with her and Akiva. Now on a side not I really enjoyed learning why her "father" collected teeth. It think it was original and pretty cool. I give this one 5 stars!

Review: Clockwork Prince - Cassandra Clare

Reading level: Ages 14 and up
Hardcover: 528 pages
Publisher: Margaret K. McElderry Books; 1ST edition (December 6, 2011)

In the magical underworld of Victorian London, Tessa Gray has at last found safety with the Shadowhunters. But that safety proves fleeting when rogue forces in the Clave plot to see her protector, Charlotte, replaced as head of the Institute. If Charlotte loses her position, Tessa will be out on the street and easy prey for the mysterious Magister, who wants to use Tessa's powers for his own dark ends.
With the help of the handsome, self-destructive Will and the fiercely devoted Jem, Tessa discovers that the Magister's war on the Shadowhunters is deeply personal. He blames them for a long-ago tragedy that shattered his life. To unravel the secrets of the past, the trio journeys from mist-shrouded Yorkshire to a manor house that holds untold horrors, from the slums of London to an enchanted ballroom where Tessa discovers that the truth of her parentage is more sinister than she had imagined. When they encounter a clockwork demon bearing a warning for Will, they realize that the Magister himself knows their every move and that one of their own has betrayed them.
Tessa finds her heart drawn more and more to Jem, though her longing for Will, despite his dark moods, continues to unsettle her. But something is changing in Will; the wall he has built around himself is crumbling. Could finding the Magister free Will from his secrets and give Tessa the answers about who she is and what she was born to do?
As their dangerous search for the Magister and the truth leads the friends into peril, Tessa learns that when love and lies are mixed, they can corrupt even the purest heart.

I wasn't sure that this book could hold up to the first book, but wow it blew it away. There was so much to this story. I loved Will's story line and how it involoved Mangus was great, seeing all that cleared up some of the things said between Camille and Mangus in CoFA. I also loved every second that we spent with Jem!

Tessa is still trying to figure out what she is and I think we found out, and hopefully I'm right and Cassie will explain it in book 3. Now I for one was shocked yet not shocked by the betrayals in this book. And while Charolette's decisions must have been hard I am glad they were what they were. 

Cassie made me swoon, laugh, smile, and angry at Tessa. I am totally team Jem and if Tessa chooses will in the end I will gladly take Jem! I really can't wait for the next book I am so anxious to see how all of this wraps up! Will or Jem, What is Tessa? What happens to the bad guys?!? Ahhhhh....I need to know! I give this one 5 stars! And it might just have been my favorite book of 2011!

Review: City of Fallen Angels - Cassandra Clare

Reading level: Ages 14 and up
Hardcover: 432 pages
Publisher: Margaret K. McElderry Books; 1st ptg edition (April 5, 2011)

The Mortal War is over, and Clary Fray is back home in New York, excited about all the possibilities before her. She's training to become a Shadowhunter and to use her unique power. Her mother is getting married to the love of her life. Downworlders and Shadowhunters are at peace at last. And—most important of all—Clary can finally call Jace her boyfriend.
But nothing comes without a price.
Someone is murdering the Shadowhunters who used to be in Valentine’s Circle, provoking tensions between Downworlders and Shadowhunters that could lead to a second bloody war. Clary’s best friend, Simon, can’t help her. His mother just found out he’s a vampire and now he’s homeless. Everywhere he turns, someone wants him on their side—along with the power of the curse wrecking his life. And they’re willing to do anything to get what they want. At the same time he’s dating two beautiful, dangerous girls—neither of whom knows about the other.
When Jace begins to pull away from Clary without explaining why, she is forced to delve into the heart of a mystery whose solution reveals her worst nightmare: She herself has set in motion a terrible chain of events that could lead to her losing everything she loves. Even Jace.
Love. Blood. Betrayal. Revenge. The stakes are higher than ever in City of Fallen Angels.

This another book I put off reading. Although I only put this one off becuase I wanted to read Clockwork Angel first to get the full effect of these books. I am a huge TMI fan the first 3 books were amazing and this was no different. 

I must start by saying I <3 Simon! There is so much sarcasim, and witty banter and most of it involoves Simon. I also kinda feel sorry for Clary and Jace, they never catch a break, it can never just be easy for them. There was so much going on in this book, there was Simon and Izzy drama, Jace and Clary drama, and Alex and Mangus drama. We also got to see Camille again! 

One of the best parts of these books is just when I think I know what is going on everything changes! I liked the alternating prespectives which I also think added some tension towards the end. Speaking of the end! how could you do that to us Cassie!?! That ending was killer and I need more now!! 

I give this one 5 stars and am totally shouting from the rooftops "read these books if you haven't already"

Review: Clockwork Angel - Cassandra Clare

Reading level: Ages 14 and up
Hardcover: 496 pages
Publisher: Margaret K. McElderry Books; First Edition edition (August 31, 2010)

Magic is dangerous--but love is more dangerous still.
When sixteen-year-old Tessa Gray crosses the ocean to find her brother, her destination is England, the time is the reign of Queen Victoria, and something terrifying is waiting for her in London's Downworld, where vampires, warlocks and other supernatural folk stalk the gaslit streets. Only the Shadowhunters, warriors dedicated to ridding the world of demons, keep order amidst the chaos.
Kidnapped by the mysterious Dark Sisters, members of a secret organization called The Pandemonium Club, Tessa soon learns that she herself is a Downworlder with a rare ability: the power to transform, at will, into another person. What's more, the Magister, the shadowy figure who runs the Club, will stop at nothing to claim Tessa's power for his own.
Friendless and hunted, Tessa takes refuge with the Shadowhunters of the London Institute, who swear to find her brother if she will use her power to help them. She soon finds herself fascinated by--and torn between--two best friends: James, whose fragile beauty hides a deadly secret, and blue-eyed Will, whose caustic wit and volatile moods keep everyone in his life at arm's length...everyone, that is, but Tessa. As their search draws them deep into the heart of an arcane plot that threatens to destroy the Shadowhunters, Tessa realizes that she may need to choose between saving her brother and helping her new friends save the world...and that love may be the most dangerous magic of all.

Ok, so this book laid around for a long time because I wasn't sure I would like the steampunk aspect of this story. (I'm still exploring steampunk and my feelings on the genre) But after some convincing by some girls on goodreads I gave this book a shot and I have to say that I think I like this series better than TMI. The characters are so full of life and the plot just sucks you in. Tessa was a great main character. She learned some things about herself that scared her but when push came to shove she used her new found power to help the people around her. 

Will you are cute, cocky, and try too hard to be a jerk. will reminds me a lot of Jace (but Jace is winning that swoon race hehe) Jem, you melt my heart, you seem so tough, yet fragile and I could love you forever! Now the part I thought would kill this book for me was actually awesome! The clock work stuff going on was one of the coolest things I've read in a while. 

I give this one 5 stars and do yourself a favor, if you haven't read this already go start it now, you won't regret it!

Review: Ghost Story - Jim Butcher

Reading level: Ages 18 and up
Hardcover: 496 pages
Publisher: Roc Hardcover; First Edition edition (July 26, 2011)

When we last left the mighty wizard detective Harry Dresden, he wasn't doing well. In fact, he had been murdered by an unknown assassin.
But being dead doesn't stop him when his friends are in danger. Except now he has nobody, and no magic to help him. And there are also several dark spirits roaming the Chicago shadows who owe Harry some payback of their own.
To save his friends-and his own soul-Harry will have to pull off the ultimate trick without any magic...

Reading this was like coming home after a long vacation and seeing all your old friends. I LOVE Harry and the crew! I was a bit apprehensive about how this book was going to play out, but it was very enjoyable. Actually I think this book gave the secondary characters a chance to really come into there own. I also loved how Harry never hesitates even if it puts him in danger. If he thinks he can save someone he just jumps in head first. Harry being dead gives a new perspective on things and Harry. I really was engrossed in this story and thought I had it all figured out, and bam a twist sent me spinning into the wall. I was very pleased with the ending and am looking forward to the nenxt instalment. I give this one 5 stars and strongly suggest this series to all of you. 

On a side note my very wonderful soon to be husband told me he wanted to watch The Dresden files tv show on Netflix, and now that we have finished it I think I have him sold on listing to the audio books! Yay!

Review: Explosive Eighteen - Janet Evanovich

Hardcover: 320 pages
Publisher: Bantam; 1 edition (November 22, 2011)
Language: English

Before Stephanie can even step foot off Flight 127 from Hawaii to Newark, she’s knee deep in trouble. Her dream vacation turned into a nightmare, she’s flying back to New Jersey solo, and someone who sounds like Sasquatch is snoring in row 22. Worse still, her seatmate never returned to the plane after the L.A. layover. Now he’s dead, in a garbage can, waiting for curbside pickup. His killer could be anyone. The FBI, the fake FBI, and guns-for-hire are all looking for a photograph the dead man was supposed to be carrying.

Only one other person has seen the missing photograph—Stephanie Plum. Now she’s the target, and she doesn’t intend to end up in a garbage can. With the help of an FBI sketch artist Stephanie re-creates the person in the photo. Unfortunately the first sketch turns out to look like Tom Cruise, and the second sketch like Ashton Kutcher. Until Stephanie can improve her descriptive skills, she’ll need to watch her back.

Over at the Bail Bonds Agency it’s business as usual—until the bonds bus serving as Vinnie’s temporary HQ goes up in smoke, Stephanie’s wheelman, Lula, falls in love with their “largest” FTA yet, lifetime arch nemesis Joyce Barnhardt moves into Stephanie’s apartment, and everyone wants to know what happened in Hawaii?!

Morelli, Trenton’s hottest cop, isn’t talking about Hawaii. Ranger, the man of mystery, isn’t talking about Hawaii.  And all Stephanie is willing to say about her Hawaiian vacation is . . . It’s complicated.

These books provide me with an endless source of entertainment. Reading a new Plum novel is like hanging out with old friends that I haven't seen in a while. Lula, Grandma Mazur, Connie and Vinnie never fail to make me laugh. Ranger and Morelli never fail to make me drool. The best thing is Stephanie never gets any better at her job which keeps things very entertaining. This addition to the series involoved FBI, some fake FBI, dead people and a car full of horse poop. I know some people are getting sick of this series or think that Stephanie should could use some character growth, or at least make a choice between Morelli and Ranger. I on the other hand disagree. This series is perfect, I would love to just keep reading them and enjoying a nice light funny read. This one get 5 stars and huge laughs from me.