Mini Review: Succubus On Top by Richelle Mead

Succubus on Top (Georgina Kincaid #2)
Author: Richelle Mead
Release Date: January 1, 2008
Publisher: Kensington
Format: ebook
Source: Personal Copy
Review by: Jenn

Georgina Kincaid's job sucks. Literally.

Love hurts, and no one knows it better than Georgina Kincaid. If she so much as kisses her new boyfriend, she’ll drain his life force. Georgina is a succubus—a demon who draws her power from other men’s pleasure. Admittedly, the shapeshifting and immortality perks are terrific, and yes, Georgina did choose to join the ranks of hell centuries ago. But it seems completely unfair that a she-demon whose purpose is seduction can’t get hot and heavy with the one mortal who knows and accepts her for who she is.

It’s not just her personal life that’s in chaos. Doug, Georgina’s co-worker at a local bookstore, has been exhibiting bizarre behavior, and Georgina suspects that something far more demonic than double espressos is at work. She could use help finding out, but Bastien, an irresistibly charming incubus and her best immortal friend, is preoccupied in the suburbs with corrupting an ultra-conservative talk radio star—and giving Georgina some highly distracting come-hither vibes. Georgina is going to have to work solo on this one—and fast because soon, Doug’s life won’t be the only one on the line…

3 stars out of 5 stars

• I liked Succubus on Top but not as much as Succubus Blues. It felt a little long and drawn out. I wouldn't have minded if certain parts were cut. 
• I found the way Georgina and Seth tried to create intimacy so sweet and perfect for them. Seth is just the sweetest with the way he tries to make up for the lack of sex easier on Georgina. Which is why when she does something that betrays him, I was upset at her and how she just kind got away with it. Seth is much too good for her, sometimes. 
• All the moments with her friends and the Mortensens are my favorite. I love Georgina's relationship and interactions with everyone.
• I wasn't really in love with this book so I'm not rushing to pick up the next book. However, I do love the way Richelle's writes so I will continue with the series, eventually.

Mini Review: Succubus Blues by Richelle Mead

Succubus Blues (Georgina Kincaid #1)
Author: Richelle Mead
Release Date: February 27, 2007
Publisher: Kensington Books
Format: ebooks
Source: Personal Copy
Review by: Jenn

Succubus (n) - An alluring, shape-shifting demon who seduces and pleasures mortal men.

Pathetic (adj.) - A succubus with great shoes and no social life. See: Georgina Kincaid.

When it comes to jobs in hell, being a succubus seems pretty glamorous. A girl can be anything she wants. The wardrobe is killer, and mortal men will do anything just for a touch. Granted, they often pay with their souls, but why get technical?

But Seattle succubus Georgina Kincaid’s life is far less exotic. Her boss is a middle-management demon with a thing for John Cusack movies. Her immortal best friends haven’t stopped teasing her about the time she shape-shifted into the Demon Goddess get-up complete with whip and wings. And she can’t have a decent date without sucking away part of the guy’s life. At least there’s her day job at a local bookstore—free books, all the white chocolate mochas she can drink, and easy access to bestselling, sexy writer, Seth Mortensen, aka He Whom She Would Give Anything to Touch but Can’t.

But dreaming about Seth will have to wait. Something wicked is at work in Seattle’s demon underground. And for once, all of her hot charms and drop-dead one-liners won’t help because Georgina’s about to discover there are some creatures out there that both heaven and hell want to deny…

3.5 stars out of 5 stars

1- As my first adult book from Richelle Mead, I really enjoyed Succubus Blues. There were some definite LOL moments.

2- I love the fact the Georgina is a fellow book nerd. It was hilarious reading Georgina's first conversation with Seth, AKA her favorite author.

3- I like the fantasy aspects of the books. All the different kind of species and how they all interact with each other. I haven't read anything like it so I was a bit hesitant about it but since it Richelle, I knew I could give it a shot.

4- I did feel like the book was a little long. It felt there was some unnecessary information. I did enjoy the book, though. I can't wait to continue with the series.

Review: Boundless by Cynthia Hand

Boundless (Unearthly #3) 
By Cynthia Hand
Release Date: January 22, 2013
Publisher: HarperTeen
Source: Personal Copy
Links: Amazon / Barnes & Noble / Goodreads / IndieBound

My rating: 4.5 stars out of 5 stars

Goodreads Summary:
The past few years have held more surprises than part-angel Clara Gardner could ever have anticipated. Yet from the dizzying highs of first love, to the agonizing low of losing someone close to her, the one thing she can no longer deny is that she was never meant to live a normal life.

Since discovering the special role she plays among the other angel-bloods, Clara has been determined to protect Tucker Avery from the evil that follows her...even if it means breaking both their hearts. Leaving town seems like the best option, so she's headed back to California - and so is Christian Prescott, the irresistible boy from the vision that started her on this journey in the first place.

As Clara makes her way in a world that is frighteningly new, she discovers that the fallen angel who attacked her is watching her every move. And he's not the only one... With the battle against the Black Wings looming, Clara knows she must finally fulfill her destiny. But it won't come without sacrifices and betrayal.

In the riveting finale of the Unearthly series, Clara must decide her fate once and for all.

           When I finally got this book, it felt completely bittersweet. Ever since I read Hallowed, I've been anticipating this release but once the day finally got here, I became hesitant. I wasn't ready to say goodbye to Clara, Tucker, Angela, and even Christian, so I took a moment to prepare myself for the end. Now, let it be said that I started reading Boundless in ebook version, then after work I headed to Barnes & Noble to purchase the hardcover only to find out that they didn't have it stock. I even called my local indie bookstore and they didn't have it. Cue freakout. So I tried calming down, went home, ordered it online since it had to be mailed out to Stacee because she was going to a signing Cynthia Hand was a part of and continued reading it on my Nook. 

I feel like I can't say much about this book without giving away spoilers, and even though the book has been out for since January, I won't go into a lot of details. Boundless picks up a few months after Hallowed when Clara is off to Stanford. There we see Clara, Angela and Christian getting accustomed to college life and trying to figure out who they are outside of being angels and following their purpose. 

Now, I'm going to be very vague for a bit so forgive my fangirling. But OHMAHGAH! That whole thing with Angela? I NEVER thoughts it would happened. I'm sorry, let me reiterate, I NEVER thought it would ACTUALLY happen, because I totally saw it coming but still. Surprising! And with Jeffrey?! NOOOO! Nope, did NOT see that happening. And can I just say that I sort of felt a little bit of sympathy for Samjeeza? Because I totally did. Cynthia Hand managed to create villain, that you obviously are not "supposed" to like but she managed to make him so complex that you understand where he is coming from and so you end up feeling bad for him.

Now for the whole triangle bit, you all know that I'm a big Tucker Avery fan, right? If not, let me send you to this post. See? Tucker Avery fan here. But(!) I do have to admit that Christian is no longer on my shit list and he's really a nice guy and I hate that ended up liking him. He totally proved himself to me and Clara that he doesn't just like her because their purpose are entwined together; he really proves to her (and to readers like me) how much he likes her for her all throughout Boundless. And while I still love Tucker, I can see that Christian would be good for Clara. Cynthia Hand managed to sway me in a love triangle which has never happened before. I was even conflicted and didn't know whether or not I minded if Clara picked Christian. Ok, I would have but let's pretend I'm not that indecisive.

There's just something about Cynthia Hand's writing that I just love. She has such a simplistic, and elegant writing style that I become completely immersed in. I finished Boundless at 3am and I was completely drained. Who cared if I had to be up at 6am? I felt as I was emotionally beaten and I didn't know what to do with myself. I had finished a series that I loved and I'm sad I won't be able to read new material on it. At least I'll be able to reread whenever I want. 

The only reason I'm not giving Boundless a solid five stars is because of the ending. For me, it just wrapped up too nicely and conveniently and I don't really like that.

Mini Review: Radiant by Cynthia Hand

Radiant (Unearthly #2.5) by Cynthia Hand
Release Date: December 4, 2012
Publisher: HarperTeen Impulse
Source: Personal Copy
Links: Amazon / Barnes & Noble / Goodreads / HarperTeen

My rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars

Goodreads Summary: From New York Times bestselling author Cynthia Hand comes a riveting original novella (available only as an ebook) set in the world of the Unearthly series.

Clara is desperate to get away - from the memories that haunt her in Wyoming and the visions of a future she isn't ready to face - and spending the summer in Italy with her best friend Angela, should be the perfect escape...

For as long as she can remember, Angela has been told that love is dangerous, that she must always guard her heart. But when she met a mysterious guy in Italy two years ago she determined to be with him, no matter the costs. Now she must decide whether she can trust Clara with her secret, or it telling her the truth will risk everything she cares about.

Alternating between Angela and Clara's perspective, Radiant chronicles the unforgettable summer that will test the bounds of their friendship and change their lives forever.

          Radiant was a quick read and it got me even more excited Boundless' release for today. It satisfied my missing Unearthly-world as well as piqued my curiosity about Angela.

I was never a big fan of Angela since I never fully trusted her and was always wary when Clara would share personal information with her. I was always suspicious of Angela and feared what she may do with that information. And after learning what happens in Italy, I just don't trust her at all.

Angela always preached that there be no secrets between Clara and her, and in Angel Club as well. She was always focused on learning everything about everyone but never once volunteering information about herself.

Now, I'm off to start Boundless. I'm super sad to see the series come to an end but I can't wait to see how everything plays out. (And maybe see some sort of happy ending for Tucker? I'm a sucker punishment, I know.)

Review: Hallowed by Cynthia Hand

Hallowed by Cynthia Hand
Released Date: January 17, 2012
Publisher: HarperTeen

My Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

Summary from Goodreads: "For months part-angel Clara Gardner trained to face the raging forest fire from her visions and rescue the alluring and mysterious Christian Prescott from the blaze. But nothing could prepare her for the fateful decisions she would be forced to make that day, or the startling revelation that her purpose - the task she was put on Earth to accomplish - is not as straightforward as she thought.

Now, torn between her increasingly complicated feelings for Christian and her love for her boyfriend, Tucker, Clara struggles to make sense of what she supposed to do the day of the fire. And, as she is drawn further into the world of part angels and the growing conflict between White Wings and Black Wings, Clara learns of the terrifying new reality that she must face: Someone close to her will die in a matter of months. With her future uncertain, the only thing Clara knows for sure is that the fire was just the beginning."

I feel the need for a disclaimer, so here it is: *Be prepared for some flails. There will be some lots of them. Oh, and some spoilers. *

First off, I'm the biggest Tucker Avery supporter. I have been on his team since day one and I will admit to being petty while discussing him and Christian with my friends; I just don't want to get hurt. I will gladly take him off Clara's hand if she is too busy. *grabby hands* Team Tucker up in here.

I'm Team Edward, too, yo.

Upcoming Releases part 2

As I was preparing and researching for this post, I realized that there is only five books that are releasing in 2012. The list I originally had, included those for 2013 and 2014  and since I just wanted to discuss the one for 2012, here is the short version of that list.

    Insurgent by Veronica Roth. Now ever since Divergent came out last year, its popularity has grown rapidly so I don't feel the need to try to explain why I love Divergent and why I think you should go out and run (run, not walk) to your nearest bookstore and purchase it, as well as pre-order Insurgent. So I'll just say one word and be done with it: F O U R.  There. I think Four may be one of my favorite male characters ever. The swoons, ZOMG, loved. It wasn't all about Four and the swoons but that one of the reasons I loved Divergent. It is not the main thing in the book. And I know I'm not alone in this. I even got my best friend into the series and now she is currently anxiously waiting for Insurgent's release with me. (I needed more company, you see. Sorry, friend.)  I need to know what will happen next. What will happen to Tris and Four and everyone else and the factions?

    Next on the list is Being Friends with Boys by Terra Elan McVoy. Now, I have not read any of McVoy's other novels, so I can't really say anything about it. But having read the book's synopsis, it's definitely something right up my alley. Also, there seems to be a lot of good reviews for the novel and I'm looking forward to reading this book. 

*Side note: Both Insurgent and Being Friends with Boys comes out the first of May.*

Upcoming releases in 2012

* This post will be two parts, first part for the books that already been released and the second for those that are yet come out.*

2012 is an exciting year for new releases for me. I spent most of 2011 catching up on new-for-me books that many people had already read, since before 2011 I was in school which left little-to-no time to read for fun. So I played catch up and now I can join the rest of the publishing world in excitement for new releases that just came out or are releasing this year.
    I have three books that came out earlier this year that I am super excited about. I own two of them but haven't had the chance to read them yet. They are:
Hallowed by Cynthia Hand and Pandemonium by Lauren Oliver. Can I just squeal over here for just a second? *jumps around clapping and squealing* 'Kay. I'm good.