Choke (The Breathless, #2) by S.R. Johannes

December 31, 2014! :)

A YA, SF Novelette...

Eria's journey starts as she makes her way through the desolate wasteland. Or is it uninhabitable? As she runs for her life from the unknown things that are after her, she realizes that her father had been right, and the Biome leaders had been lying. But, why?... Before she's able to reach the mysterious Refuge camp that her father told her she had to go to, the story ends with an abrupt bang, so extreme, that your left wondering if Eria's mission just came to an abrupt end, too. Yikes...

P.S. I don't have a good feeling about Sanders... :/

4 out of 5! :)

No Brainer (The Darcy Walker Series, #2) by A.J. Lape

December 27, 2014

In book two, No Brainer, the mystery plot becomes more complicated. But, there is nothing to fear. Darcy will help :). In this story, Darcy not only becomes involved in the disappearance case of a little boy named Cisco Medina, but she also helps Dylan's grandfather Lincoln with a mobster case. And, because she needs all the help that she can get, she recruits more people into her brotherhood, and one of those persons is Kyd, a rival of Dylan for Darcy's affection. This book has lots of humor, and the mystery is so good that it ends with a cliffhanger... What I really like about this mystery series is that the heroine, Darcy, is quite smart and strong, and she's always trying to help, no matter who the people are. :)

P.S. I'm sorry, but what's wrong with Dylan? He's so possessive for such a young age. And, the way he talks... I just can't get it through me that he's only sixteen and not in his late twenties. Also, what's up with the way he gets all mad if a guy pays attention to Darcy, but he has not only kissed, but has dated other girls in the past. It's really not fair, when you see that Darcy, even though she's not sure that she's ready to date anybody yet, wants to wait for Dylan until she's ready. She's waiting, why can't he, if he loves her? I'm so sorry, but again, I don't know, I'm just not feeling the whole Darcy+Dylan, right now. :/

*pg-13 level

3 out of 5! :)

Grade A Stupid (The Darcy Walker Series, #1) by A.J. Lape

December 26, 2014

Loved the mystery found in this book. It was quite good, and the way it ended took me by surprise. Darcy reminded me of both Nancy Drew and Veronica Mars. Due that she is somewhat hyperactive, most things don't keep her interested for that long. However, when she stumbles upon a dead body in the dumpster, her inner investigative voice tells her to take action. And, she won't say no, she's a verb (Totally loved that word :). From there on, nothing or nobody, not even her best friend Dylan, can stop her from uncovering the truth behind the bodies popping up around the city (One thing that was a little extreme for me was the way Dylan treated her. Yes, I know that he loves her a lot, but sometimes he seemed quite possessive and forceful with her, and it made me kind of cringe when I was reading those parts. Normally, I'm all about true love, but sometimes during the story I was like dude give her some space, she's just fifteen. Also, he sounds and acts much older than sixteen, but who knows, the sixteen year olds I know must just be ordinary, and he's just one of a kind). Finally, I really liked how Darcy was not easily scared off, and was quite the strong character. And, how she was the one that took the lead throughout the story up until the end. Go Darcy! For readers who love to read YA mysteries, The Darcy Walker Series Book 1 is full of mystery and witty humor. :)

*pg-13 level

3 out of 5! :)

Stung (Stung, #1) by Bethany Wiggins

December 24, 2014

A Somewhat Dark YA Dystopian Novel...

The first pages definitely hold your attention and make you keep reading until the last page. The story starts with the heroine, Fiona, suddenly waking up and becoming dazed and confused of her surroundings and of herself. As the story progresses, she comes to understand what has occurred to the world and to her family, especially to her twin brother Jonah, whom she loves dearly. The relationship between them, throughout the story, was so heartbreaking, that I literally did not want to read the last few chapters so I wouldn't find out about Jonah's fate. Also, Fiona's journey towards the "wall" was full of action sequences that were quite suspenseful (The little girl/boy, Arrin, was kind of creepy to me from the beginning). Finally, Bowen's love for Fiona was O.M.G cute. They were totally made for each other. I'm definitely reading book two to find out what happens next in this dystopian world in which the cure for a honeybee pandemic instead of helping, has turned the people into psychotic beings. Yikes!

*pg-13 level

4 out of 5 stars! :)

With Zombies (Assured Destruction #3) by Michael F. Stewart

December 21, 2014

Lies And Secrets Are Finally Revealed... Uh-oh!

Wow, wow, and wow! There were many twists in this book, some of which really took me by surprise. Jan was going through so much coming into book three that I was kind of scared for her, and then it just happened... This book, With Zombies, is definitely full of mystery and suspense, and of course, humor (Mr. Stewart has quite an original sense of humor :). Throughout the book, as Jan came closer to finding out the truth behind her father's death, she was also coming to realize what type of hacker she truly wanted to be. And, what I loved most about this book was the way her perspective in life changed as she became friends with people she would have never considered friends before, and how her family and true friends were there with her when she needed them most. I hope Mr. Stewart writes at least one more book with Jan/#Shadownet. I totally recommend the Assured Destruction series for anyone who likes to read YA thrillers. :)

*pg-13 level

5 out of 5! :)

Script Kiddie (Assured Destruction #2) by Michael F. Stewart

December 18, 2014

Jan/#Shadownet is back! In book two, Janus has become part of the tech crime unit of a police department. However, she soon realizes that it's not as fun and easy as it looks when she not only has to solve a credit card fraud case, but has to profile a murderer using her hacker skills. On top of that, she has to deal with serious issues at home regarding her family's financially unstable business, her mother's health, not trusting Peter -her mother's new boyfriend, school, trying to have a steady relationship with Jonny, and finally trying to protect her friend Hannah from a dangerous stalker. Suspense, mystery, and humor... Great YA thriller! Book three, woohoo! :)

*pg-13 level

4 out of 5 stars! :)

Assured Destruction (Assured Destruction #1) by Michael F. Stewart

December 16, 2014

Wow! Even though I don't have extensive computer knowledge, I thought this was such a cool and original story. Jan/JanusFlyTrap, the heroine, is a true techie who is very dependent on her imaginary online friends that she created based on real people. To escape from her many family problems that surround her, she is literally always online through Shadownet, and it seems that her secret is safe until the day she gets attacked online. And, when she starts to investigate, the mystery is not as simple as it seems, and it quickly becomes personal. This story is not only a light cyber thriller, but it's quite suspenseful until the end. Loved the high school and family business settings. The characters were great. Especially, Jan's mom and friends. Book two, yay!

*pg-13 level

4 out of 5 stars! :)

Saving Lord Avingdale by Lisa Kumar

December 10, 2014

Maryanne to the rescue! Love in Time, Book 2...

In Saving Lord Avingdale a new heroine was introduced. I thought Maryanne was quite an original and interesting character to read about. Even though sometimes she got very uncomfortable/shy around people, she was still determined to accomplish her time traveling mission. Lord Avingdale was the perfect guy for her. I loved how they interacted with each other, they were so funny together. I hope their story continues to find out what happened to them after the mystery was solved... A great time traveling, plus mystery, plus sweet romance story!

*pg-13 level

4 out of 5 stars! :)

Also Known As by Robin Benway

October 3, 2014

A Funny and Entertaining YA Espionage Book! Loved it! Maggie, her family, and friends are all great characters. I can't wait to read book two! :)

*pg-13 level

5 out of 5! :)

Anything by Rachel Opbroek

September 7, 2014

Anything is a story about a young mom who loves her daughter so much, and how she tries to make the best of her situation in both her day to day and love life as a single parent. Loved the main characters, particularly, Reagan, Corinne, and Kaleb (Go Kaleb!) However, her parents, wow, they have some issues. This light-read book is not only a drama/romance story, but it also includes many funny moments, especially with Corinne, and a surprising twist. An original, sweet story. :)

*PG-13 level

3 out of 5 stars! :)

Swamp Team 3 (A Miss Fortune Mystery Book 4) by Jana DeLeon

August 3, 2014

Another Awesome MISSION for Swamp Team 3!

And the hilarious moments continue in Book 4! I really don't know how Fortune, Gertie, and Ida Belle are still alive. The things they do and go through are sometimes so close to death, that I'm like, this is their last story. But, oh no, they will never give up. :) In this book, Ally's house is set on fire and at the same time, it seems that someone has started to stalk her. Fortune, who has become friends with Ally, starts to investigate. Deputy Carter, tells the trio to stay out of it, but no, that will never happen, not in a million years. They have to protect their dear friend. This book has it all. Mystery, a little romance (Deputy Carter is really trying to be more than friends with Fortune), delicious food, great characters, and above all, the great funny situations the team is always getting into (but, of course, they always come out of it okay :). Go Fortune, go Swamp Team 3! I can't wait to read book five!

*High pg-13 level*

5 out of 5! :)

Swamp Sniper (A Miss Fortune Mystery Book 3) by Jana DeLeon

August 3, 2014

Fortune and friends are back in Swamp Sniper! Woo-hoo! This time she has to figure out who killed Ted, a man who was running against Ida Belle for mayor. It's a very suspicious death. The case is not as simple as it seems. What's up with Ted? And, on top of that, his widow Paulette is making things complicated for Fortune as she searches for Ted's dirty secrets. And, what secrets they were! Once again, anybody who likes light mystery books with strong/funny heroines will love reading this series. I'm not kidding, please believe me. :) Book 4 here I come!

*High pg-13 level* I read this book thanks to my public library e-book system. :)

5 out of 5! :)

Lethal Bayou Beauty (A Miss Fortune Mystery Book 2) by Jana DeLeon

August 3, 2014

Another GREAT, bayou murder mystery with Fortune!

Fortune, for the moment an off-grid CIA assassin, is back to solve another mystery! Yay! However, this time she is the prime suspect in the death of Pansy Arceneaux, an aspiring actress. She has to solve the crime before she is arrested and her cover is blown. Yikes! But, not to worry, she has Gertie and Ida Belle to help her out. Oh, oh! :) The mystery in this story had quite a few surprising twists, especially, at the end. Again, so, so many humorous moments in this book. I just love this new, funny mystery series!

*High pg-13 level* Read this book thanks to my public library e-book system. :)

5 out of 5! :)

Louisiana Longshot (A Miss Fortune Mystery Book 1) by Jana DeLeon

August 3, 2014

A totally HILARIOUS light, murder mystery book!

I'm not kidding! It's definitely the most funny mystery book I've read so far. The characters were all superb, even the bad guys. Fortune/Sandy-Sue, a CIA assassin, has arrived to Sinful, Louisiana to hide and what an adventure she will have from the beginning. Especially, when she becomes acquainted with Gertie and Ida Belle from The Sinful Ladies Society. Anybody who loves light, mystery books with tons of fun/laugh out loud moments, will love this book. Enjoy! :)

*High pg-13 level*

5 out of 5! :)

Unstoppable (Nature of Grace Book 3) by S.R. Johannes

July 21, 2014

Definitely An Unstoppable Adventure...

Grace's story starts in a positive way. She now lives with her grandmother Birdee in the Everglades and finally has friends that share her same passion for protecting animals, Dylan and Sadie. However, the story quickly takes a turn for the worse, when, unaware of the danger lurking close by, they rescue a panther, who soon after runs away. Grace, who became close with the injured animal, chases after the panther, and her friends follow her. That's when their dangerous adventure starts. Uncle Bob, the owner of the deplorable roadside zoo where the panther had escaped from, kidnaps them and starts playing with them a twisted game of hunting with his Liger. Yes, a Liger! And things go from bad to worse when an old enemy appears. This is definitely an unstoppable adventure worth reading!

P.S. There are many heart stopping moments throughout the story... :/

4 out of 5 points! :)

The Agency 3: The Traitor in the Tunnel by Y.S. Lee

June 30, 2014

Theft, murder, and maybe even treason! What is going on?!

Who doesn't like a mystery that not only has a historical setting, but includes romance and drama?! :) Another great Mary Quinn mystery book! This is the third book in the Agency series featuring the smart and strong heroine Mary Quinn as a secret spy in the mid 1800's, set in England.

In The Traitor in the Tunnel, Mary is assigned to work undercover as a maid in Buckingham Palace, where she has to solve what supposedly will be a simple case. However, unexpectedly, her one case becomes three mysteries! In one case, she has to deal once more with the ever so charming Octavius Jones, the very sneaky journalist from book two (I think he has a crush on her. Oh my!). In another case, she has to work with James, who seems, that this time, is determined not to let her get away from him (Oh my, again!). And lastly, she stumbles upon a mystery that might finally make her confront fully her past. She finds out that her long lost/allegedly deceased father might not be dead at all, and instead, is being held as a prisoner in the infamous Tower of London on the charge of murder of an aristocrat!

Wow, what a book! The mysteries found inside this book were quite complex. And even though, I felt that some questions were still left unanswered regarding her family, even when it came to James, after a few comments made about his trip to India, overall, it was a solid mystery book!

*Pg-13 level*

P.S. I was able to read this book thanks to my town's public library.

4 out 5 points! :)

The Body at the Tower (The Agency, #2) by Y.S. Lee

June 25, 2014

A man has fallen to his death from the St. Stephen's Tower where he was employed as a laborer. Murder?... This is how the second book starts, and Mary Quinn is back to solve the case, once again, as a spy for The Agency.

Even though the mystery was not that hard to figure out, it was still a very good story from beginning to end. Especially, as we learned more about Mary and how she was trying to deal with her new conflicting emotions regarding her past, particularly when she came face to face (disguised as a young boy) with James, aka, Mr. Easton. Oh, oh!

Once again, a great YA mystery, with a hint of romance. Loved it! :)

*P.S. I was able to read this book thanks to my town's public library.*

4 out of 5 points! :)

Suffocate (#1, "Breathless" science fiction novelettes) by S.R. Johannes

June 4, 2014

This novelette is fast paced since the beginning. It goes from a big celebration, to a shocking revelation, and then, Eria's story ends in an O.M.G cliffhanger. I can't wait to read book 2, Choke!

4 out of 5 points! :)

Adrenaline Rush by Cindy M. Hogan

May 26, 2014

Loved that Christy was back in action! And, her mission, wow, totally imaginative. Once kidnapped, it seemed as if she was in a dystopian setting. Seriously! That's how crazy her surroundings were, especially, the man controlling it all. Yes, the adrenaline rush of her adventure was there, but sometimes Christy's story was kind of slow. Specifically, at the beginning of the book. Also, there was some romance, but the guy, throughout the story, just gave me the creeps even though we were to understand that he was somewhat damaged. He was "too much" of a bad boy for me. However, overall, Adrenaline Rush was quite an original, adventurous story.

*PG-13 level*

3 out of 5 points! :)

Graduation for Two (The Lexie and Rhett Chronicles, Short Story 2) by Marcy Blesy

April 15, 2014

In part 2 of Lexie's story, not only is she dealing with new challenges just before her high school graduation, but also afterwards, that Lexie starts to question her relationship with Rhett, who is soon going away to basic training. Is their love too good to be true?

This was a short story, but Ms. Blesy wrote it in such a way that it felt like I had read an entire book due to how cohesive the story was from beginning to end. I can't wait to read how their story ends in Test for Three.

*PG-13 level*

4 out of 5 points! :)

Sunset Rising by S.M. McEachern

February 22, 2014

Sunset Rising is an entertaining and original book to read! Sunny's adventure inside the "Dome" from the beginning is not only suspenseful, but also mysterious as she starts to comprehend the horror that she and the rest of the people in the Pit are living in, and that it does not have to be that way at all as she starts to learn more about the history of the "Dome." Jack's character was interesting to read at first. He was quite snobby at the beginning. And so, I really liked how the two main characters, did not like each other from the start, and that their relationship progressed slowly as they came to understand each other's positions. Also, Leisel Holt's character was somewhat scary to read. Literally, she seemed to have two personalities, and very opposite from each other at that. In all the parts that she appeared in the book, I couldn't figure out if she was being sincere or not. Finally, the ending took me by surprise! I can't wait to read book two! Go Sunny!

*Pg-13 level*

4 out of 5 points! :)

An Earl In Time by Lisa Kumar

January 18, 2014

This is not only a time travel love story, it also includes a small mystery that needs to be solved by Julia. I hope Julia and James' story/adventure continues in a second book. Humor+Mystery+Time Travel+A LOVE STORY... O.M.G!!! :)

4 out of 5 points! :)