Bloodlines (Bloodlines #1)

Title: Bloodlines (Bloodlines #1)
Author: Richelle Mead
Rating: 4.2/5
Summary: When alchemist Sydney is ordered into hiding to protect the life of Moroi princess Jill Dragomir, the last place she expects to be sent is a human private school in Palm Springs, California. But at their new school, the drama is only just beginning. 

Populated with new faces as well as familiar ones, Bloodlines explores all the friendship, romance, battles and betrayals that made the #1 New York Times bestselling Vampire Academy series so addictive - this time in a part-vampire, part-human setting where the stakes are even higher and everyone's out for blood.My Thoughts: For all the fans of the Vampire Academy this is a must-read! I was so heartbroken after finishing The Vampire Academy especially since I fall in love with Adrian. This troubled, eccentric boy who is constantly smoking or drinking and doesn't care a bit what someone else thinks about him. Seeing Rose broke his heart, broke my heart and I couldn't be so happy for this ending of the Vampire Academy. 

Strong awesome and deeply developed characters that seem so real and that easily find a way into your heart... The story is told from Sidney's POV, the alchimist that appeared before and helped to rescue Rose. She's a strong girl and such a different voice when compared to Rose. Sydney is a thinker, a smart intelectual girl that struggles with how she was raised and how she begins to feel. Full of suspense, danger, drama, and even a little forbidden love thrown in, Bloodlines was everything I have come to expect from a Richelle Mead novel. This book will satisfy even the worst cravings that Vampire Academy fans have had since the final installment. Of course, that satisfaction is only for a short time, as it wouldn't be one of Richelle's books without an ending that leaves you reeling and desperate for more. While Bloodlines had one of the more mild cliffhanger endings compared to others, I still cannot wait until The Golden Lily is released to see what happens next. Several things were placed into play and I can only imagine where those twists will lead. A round of applause to Richelle Mead for pulling off yet another fantastic start to a great new series.

Anna and the French Kiss

Title: Anna and the French Kiss
Author: Stephanie Perkins
Rating: 4.5/5
Summary: Anna is looking forward to her senior year in Atlanta, where she has a great job, a loyal best friend, and a crush on the verge of becoming more. Which is why she is less than thrilled about being shipped off to boarding school in Paris - until she meets Etienne St. Clair: perfect, Parisian (and English and American, which makes for a swoon-worthy accent), and utterly irresistible. The only problem is that he's taken, and Anna might be, too, if anything comes of her almost-relationship back home.

As winter melts into spring, will a year of romantic near - misses end with the French kiss Anna - and readers - have long awaited?

My Thoughts: Anna and the French Kiss is literary nitrogen oxide. Stephanie Perkins has such a refreshing, invigorating prose and it seems so effortless. Like she just woke up one day and thought, "I'm going to write a book about the awesomest protag and the dreamiest British dude ever. Yes, I think I will." Anna's voice is so relatable and enjoyable. I love how she respected the fact that St. Clair had a girlfriend (for the most part.) But I had to throw her a bone... It's ETIENNE ST. CLAIR we're talking about. I just loved being inside Anna's head, period. She was delightful. And what to say about St. Clair. He was so adorably...ordinary. There was no fierce, murderous staring and evasiveness. He's just a happy guy with a British accent who loves people, who's actually kind of French and American, too. Sure, that sounds plain enough, but Perkins is obviously magical and transforms St. Clair into one steaming helping of (insert food of you choice :D). I cannot put my finger on what it is I love so much about him. You'll just have to read and find out.I was so worried this wouldn't live up to the hype. It did, you guys. I'm still thinking about it days later. I want to re-read it sooo bad. I cannot wait for Stephanie Perkins' next novel.

Trial by Fire (Raised by Wolves #2)

Title: Trial by Fire (Raised by Wolves #2)
Author: Jennifer Lynn Barnes
Rating: 4/5
Summary: There can only be one alpha. 

Bryn is finally settling into her position as alpha of the Cedar Ridge Pack—or at least, her own version of what it means to be alpha when you’re a human leading a band of werewolves. Then she finds a teenage boy bleeding on her front porch. Before collapsing, he tells her his name is Lucas, he’s a Were, and Bryn’s protection is his only hope.

But Lucas isn’t part of Bryn’s pack, and she has no right to claim another alpha’s Were.  With threats—old and new—looming, and danger closing in from all sides, Bryn will have to accept what her guardian Callum knew all along. To be alpha, she will have to give in to her own animal instincts and become less human. And, she’s going to have to do it alone.

Bryn faces both the costs, and the rewards, of love and loyalty, in this thrilling sequel to Raised by Wolves.

My Thoughts: "Trial by Fire" is an excellent sequel to the 'Raised by Wolves' series. This time Byrn is adjusting to her new role as Alpha of her pack. No sooner that she is out of school for Thanksgiving her first real challenge drops right into her backyard. Lucas a runaway were who was beaten nearly to death by his Alpha has come to Byrn seeking assylum. Unfortunately, she cannot grant it without the were's Alpha's permission and since that Alpha happens to be Byrn's nemesis, Shay; that option is not going to happen. So, Byrn informs Shay that she would not be returning his runnaway were until she investigates the reason he has trespassed on her land. This buys her a little time. 

Additionally, as if the situation with Lucas is not enough, there is a coven of psychics whose members have varying degrees of mental capabilities who have targeted Byrn unless she hands over Lucas as well. 

Byrn's former guardian and protector, Cullen, cannot assist her with her new found problems but sends her cryptic messages. There are plenty of twists and turns, surprises, humor, and emotional crisis. That is what makes this book such a great read. . 

Jennifer Lynn Barnes once again proves her writing excellence with this sequel. She is straight forward in her approach and has a flare for building with pazzazz the climax of storyline. My only criticism is that at times, considering the shelter background of Byrn it was hard to believe the maturity she often showed in this book. However, it did not deter from enjoyment of the read.