Beg for Mercy - Review

Beg for Mercy (Cambion, # 1)

By: Shannon Dermott

Published: August 7th 2011 by Wicked Truth Pubishing

473 pages

Source: Borrowed from my SNL, Holly @ Words Fueled by Love

( Goodreads | Amazon )

Goodreads description--Everyone dreams of that first kiss. Of that magic moment when your lips finally meet those of that special person you’ve waited your whole life for. A little awkward, a little scary, a little hot and every bit amazing. We speculate that the whole world will shake and time will just stop. No one, however, ever imagines that kiss to bring Death himself knocking.

Sixteen year old Mercy Moore's life just got more complicated. The kiss that originally could have meant she would finally have a boyfriend now was the kiss that could have very nearly ended his life. A small detail her mother conveniently never told her will take her life for an abrupt u-turn. Dating, no love, was now completely and utterly impossible. And the boy well, that boy would never be the same.

But life, however cruel, goes on. Far too soon for her taste, Mercy finds herself at a senior party with the elite students of her school and her best friend. And of all things, playing a stupid game that could very well mean the death of someone in that small room. If it were not for her best friend, the hottest guys in school, and a small need to fit in, she may have been able to escape the disaster that was to come. Her worst nightmare, her personal curse, her very life, only gets dangerously worse.

This is a young adult paranormal romance novel.

I can't say I exactly blew through Beg for Mercy, but I did read it pretty quickly. People complain about getting sick of love triangles, HA! Beg for Mercy was more like a love octagon. There are 4 main guys vying for Mercy's attention and affection but several others make an appearance even if only momentarily.

First, let me back up. As the Goodreads description says, Mercy has no idea that she's not normal. And a few years back she goes in for her first kiss. The problem is, Mercy's a succubus and kissing steals the life-force from the person she's kissing. And thus she almost kills Paul, the guy she's got a huge crush on.

Fast forward two years and Mercy has sworn off dating and Paul is pretty much her best friend. Again as the description says, Mercy finds herself at a senior party playing spin the bottle no less, (why she thought that was a good idea at all blows my mind) and she find herself winning the attention of two other guys, Flynn and Luke--who just happen to be best friends. Enter the love square.

I don't want to give the whole story away, but as I said above, there's at least one other guy that makes for a regular love pentagon. And truthfully I found myself unsure of which guy I'm rooting for to actually be with Mercy. There was probably two that I was leaning toward. One of which hasn't stepped up the way I really need him to in order to fill that position, and the other we find out is truly forbidden above all else. And quite frankly I feel like the forbidden love that finds a way is a bit overdone. What about forbidden love that stays forbidden?

As far as the book itself is concerned, I did find some typos and errors and in general some sentences that never made sense no matter how many times I read them. I find myself trying not to be too critical because I know grammar isn't my strong suit and I'm sure my blog is filled with typos and errors, but these people have editors (or they should). And more than the author, I guess it's the editors that I really do blame for letting this stuff through. Though we are all human and make mistakes.

I found Beg for Mercy to be a fun read that I didn't want to put down. It had moments of hotness and some small moments of frustration. But overall, I'm giving Beg for Mercy 4 Stars. Have you read Beg for Mercy? What did you think? Let me know!

Waiting on Dark Triumph

"Waiting On" Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted by Breaking the Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.

Dark Triumph (His Fair Assassin, # 2)

By: Robin LaFevers

Expected Publication: April 2nd 2013 by Houghton Mifflin Books for Children

400 pages

( Goodreads | Amazon )

Goodreads description--Sybella arrives at the convent’s doorstep half mad with grief and despair. Those that serve Death are only too happy to offer her refuge—but at a price. Naturally skilled in both the arts of death and seduction, the convent views Sybella as one of their most dangerous weapons.

But those assassin’s skills are little comfort when the convent returns her to a life that nearly drove her mad. Her father’s rage and brutality are terrifying, and her brother’s love is equally monstrous. And while Sybella is a weapon of justice wrought by the god of Death himself, He must give her a reason to live. When she discovers an unexpected ally imprisoned in the dungeons, will a daughter of Death find something other than vengeance to live for?

This heart-pounding sequel to Grave Mercy serves betrayal, treachery, and danger in equal measure, bringing readers back to fifteenth century Brittany and will keep them on the edge of their seats.

I just finished Grave Mercy this past weekend and I'm so excited to get my hands on a copy of Dark Triumph! Although I must say, the cover of Grave Mercy is so much better. What are you waiting on this week? Let me know!

Top 10 Series I Want to Start

Top 10 Tuesday is a post hosted by The Broke and the Bookish and this week's topic is Top Ten Series I Want to Start.

1) Hex Hall by Rachel Hawkins- Because I joined the Witches & Witchcraft Challenge for 2013 and I've only read 1 book that qualifies so far. There have been mixed reviews on this series though, so I'm a little wary.

2) Delirium by Lauren Oliver- I've seen quite a few people really excited about this series and I want to join the bandwagon.

3) Morganville Vampires by Rachel Caine- From what I hear, this series is pretty humorous as well. I love a book that can make me laugh out loud. Talk about being far behind though...

4) Paranormalcy by Keirsten White- I feel so behind. Seen mixed reviews about this one too.

5) Zombie Fallout by Mark Tufo

6) Matched by Ally Condie- Also seen mixed reviews about. Need to judge for myself.

7) Maze Runner by James Dashner - Actually have this in my possession, borrowed from the library so hopefully I'll get to mark it off my list soon.

8) Birthmarked by Caragh M O'Brien- Haven't really heard too much about this series, which is one of the reasons why I want to check it out.

9) Anna Dressed in Blood by Kendare Blake- So many people rated this one as a top of 2012, but I didn't get around to it.

10) Everneath by Brodi Ashton

11) If I Stay by Gayle Forman- Need more contemporary and I've heard good things.

12) Newsflesh by Mira Grant- ZOMBIES!!!!!!!!!!!

What do you guys think? Any of these ones I need to pick up today??? What series do you want to start? Let me know!

Notorious Nineteen - Review

Notorious Nineteen (Stephanie Plum, # 19)  

By: Janet Evanovich  

Published: November 20th 2012 by Headline Book Publishing

302 pages  

Source: Borrowed from my sister  

( Goodreads | Amazon )

Goodreads description--#1 bestselling author Janet Evanovich’s Stephanie Plum novels are: “irresistible” (Houston Chronicle), “stunning” (Booklist), “outrageous” (Publishers Weekly), “brilliantly evocative” (The Denver Post), and “making trouble and winning hearts” (USA Today).

New Jersey bounty hunter Stephanie Plum is certain of three truths: People don’t just vanish into thin air. Never anger old people. And don’t do what Tiki tells you to do.

After a slow summer of chasing low-level skips for her cousin Vinnie’s bail bonds agency, Stephanie Plum finally lands an assignment that could put her checkbook back in the black. Geoffrey Cubbin, facing trial for embezzling millions from Trenton’s premier assisted-living facility, has mysteriously vanished from the hospital after an emergency appendectomy. Now it’s on Stephanie to track down the con man. Unfortunately, Cubbin has disappeared without a trace, a witness, or his money-hungry wife. Rumors are stirring that he must have had help with the daring escape . . . or that maybe he never made it out of his room alive. Since the hospital staff’s lips seem to be tighter than the security, and it’s hard for Stephanie to blend in to assisted living, Stephanie’s Grandma Mazur goes in undercover. But when a second felon goes missing from the same hospital, Stephanie is forced into working side by side with Trenton’s hottest cop, Joe Morelli, in order to crack the case.

The real problem is, no Cubbin also means no way to pay the rent. Desperate for money—or maybe just desperate—Stephanie accepts a secondary job guarding her secretive and mouthwatering mentor Ranger from a deadly Special Forces adversary. While Stephanie is notorious for finding trouble, she may have found a little more than she bargained for this time around. Then again—a little food poisoning, some threatening notes, and a bridesmaid’s dress with an excess of taffeta never killed anyone . . . or did they? If Stephanie Plum wants to bring in a paycheck, she’ll have to remember: No guts, no glory. . . .

Let's see. First off, I don't expect too much out of these novels. They're fun and playful. And typically, really quick reads. But there are a few things that I've come to expect from them, and the main thing I expect is laughing out loud. I was slightly disappointed with Explosive Eighteen, and still left wanting with Notorious Nineteen. There were a few moments at the very tale-end of Notorious Nineteen that had me smiling because they were funny, but not giggling or chuckling and definitely not belly laughing that I've gotten from Janet Evanovich before. So that was a minor let down.

I will say that modern day references in a book is a slight pet peeve of mine. One is okay, but almost any more than that and it just becomes too much. In this case, I loved the GOT reference, but when she moved into Pinterest and Biggest Loser references, it just became too much.

Also, as anyone who reads these books knows, there isn't much advance in the storyline that spans all of the books--the relationship Stephanie has with these two incredibly hot guys, Ranger and Morelli. So that's always a bit disappointing. Whenever there is movement, I jump for joy. Notorious Nineteen, and the last two other books at least, held promise of movement and change ahead, but have yet to deliver on this promise.

At this point, I truly think I'd be satisfied with Stephanie choosing either guy. The point is, and I think most everyone feels this way, just finally choose one. PLEASE! I completely understand the tactic of denying the audience what they want in order to maintain interest, but twenty-ish books is a lot of dangling the prize in front of our faces. And at some point, too much of a good thing is no longer a good thing.

Don't get me wrong, I'm not fed up with these books exactly, but the frustration is starting to build some. Too much more of the indecision, and I will be fed up though.

Because I can't help but share some of my favorite quotes from Lula...(*these are probably paraphrases since I listen to the audiobook, it's not like I have a transcript).

"I've got peep toe shoes on and my big toe could look like a snack."

Stephanie - "He's a little gassy. "Lula - "Yeah, we all relate to that."

"I might even be getting diarrhea too."

(Ok...so you need to know the context for most of these to be funny, but trust me, they were.)

Notorious Nineteen gets 3 stars from me. Have you read Notorious Nineteen? If so, what did you think? Let me know!

Sunday Post - 35 & Stacking the Shelves - 8

The Sunday Post is a weekly meme hosted by Kimba @ The Caffeinated Book Reviewer ~this meme was inspired in part by ~ In My Mailbox~ It's a chance to share News. A post to recap the past week, showcase books and things we have received and share news about what is coming up for the week on our blog.

Not much to add...this week has neither been overly good nor overly bad. It's just kind of been...normal.

THIS PAST WEEK:

Monday: Review of The Iron Daughter (The Iron Fey, # 2) by Julie Kagawa

Tuesday: Top 10 Authors on My Auto-Buy List

Wednesday: Waiting on The Fiery Heart

Thursday: Review of Ten by Gretchen McNeil (3.5 Stars)

UPCOMING THIS WEEK:

Monday: Review of Notorious Nineteen (Stephanie Plum, # 19) by Janet Evanovich

Tuesday: Top 10 Tuesday: Top 10 Series I Want to Start

Wednesday: Waiting on Wednesday

Thursday: Review of Beg for Mercy (Cambion, # 1) by Shannon Dermott

Friday: Lunar Love Hop Giveaway (Ends 3/13)

Stacking the Shelves is hosted by Tynga's Reviews.

The Immortal Rules (Blood of Eden, # 1)

By: Julie Kagawa

Published: April 24th 2012 by Harlequin Teen

485 pages

Source: Publisher via NetGalley (Thank you!!!!)

( Goodreads | Amazon )

Goodreads description--To survive in a ruined world, she must embrace the darkness…

Allison Sekemoto survives in the Fringe, the outermost circle of a walled-in city. By day, she and her crew scavenge for food. By night, any one of them could be eaten. Some days, all that drives Allie is her hatred of them—the vampires who keep humans as blood cattle. Until the night Allie herself dies and becomes one of the monsters.

Forced to flee her city, Allie must pass for human as she joins a ragged group of pilgrims seeking a legend—a place that might have a cure for the disease that killed off most of civilization and created the rabids, the bloodthirsty creatures who threaten human and vampire alike. And soon Allie will have to decide what�andwho�is worth dying for…again.

Enter Julie Kagawa's dark and twisted world as an unforgettable journey begins.

The Eternity Cure (Blood of Eden, # 2)

By: Julie Kagawa

Expected Publication: April 23rd 2013 by Harlequin Teen

446 pages

Source: Publisher via NetGalley (Thank you!!!!!)

( Goodreads | Amazon )

Goodreads description--Allison Sekemoto has vowed to rescue her creator, Kanin, who is being held hostage and tortured by the psychotic vampire Sarren. The call of blood leads her back to the beginning—New Covington and the Fringe, and a vampire prince who wants her dead yet may become her wary ally.

Even as Allie faces shocking revelations and heartbreak like she’s never known, a new strain of the Red Lung virus that decimated humanity is rising to threaten human and vampire alike.

The Maze Runner

By: James Dashner

Published: October 6th 2009 by Delacorte Books for Young Readers

374 pages

Source: Borrowed from my local library

( Goodreads | Amazon )

Goodreads description--When Thomas wakes up in the lift, the only thing he can remember is his first name. His memory is blank. But he’s not alone. When the lift’s doors open, Thomas finds himself surrounded by kids who welcome him to the Glade—a large, open expanse surrounded by stone walls.

Just like Thomas, the Gladers don’t know why or how they got to the Glade. All they know is that every morning the stone doors to the maze that surrounds them have opened. Every night they’ve closed tight. And every thirty days a new boy has been delivered in the lift.

Thomas was expected. But the next day, a girl is sent up—the first girl to ever arrive in the Glade. And more surprising yet is the message she delivers.

Thomas might be more important than he could ever guess. If only he could unlock the dark secrets buried within his mind.

That's it for my shelves and recaps of my past and upcoming week. What did you add to your shelves this week? Any bookish news you want to talk about? Let me know!