YA Review: Don't Look Back By Jennifer L. Armentrout

Young Adult Suspense 

Rating: 5 Stars - Amazing  

Series: Stand Alone

Publisher: Disney-Hyperion

Publication Date: April 15, 2014 

Format: Kindle

Pages: 384

Source: Bought

Amazon / Goodreads

Synopsis By Goodreads

Samantha is a stranger in her own life. Until the night she disappeared with her best friend, Cassie, everyone said Sam had it all - popularity, wealth, and a dream boyfriend.

Sam has resurfaced, but she has no recollection of who she was or what happened to her that night. As she tries to piece together her life from before, she realizes it's one she no longer wants any part of. The old Sam took "mean girl" to a whole new level, and it's clear she and Cassie were more like best enemies. Sam is pretty sure that losing her memories is like winning the lottery. She's getting a second chance at being a better daughter, sister, and friend, and she's falling hard for Carson Ortiz, a boy who has always looked out for her-even if the old Sam treated him like trash.

But Cassie is still missing, and the truth about what happened to her that night isn't just buried deep inside of Sam's memory - someone else knows, someone who wants to make sure Sam stays quiet. All Sam wants is the truth, and if she can unlock her clouded memories of that fateful night, she can finally move on. But what if not remembering is the only thing keeping Sam alive?

YA Review: Pushing The Limits by Katie McGarry

Pushing the Limits (Pushing The Limits #1)

by Katie McGarry

 

"I won't tell anyone, Echo. I promise." Noah tucked a curl behind my ear. It had been so long since someone touched me like he did. Why did it have to be Noah Hutchins? His dark brown eyes shifted to my covered arms. "You didn't do that-did you? It was done to you?" No one ever asked that question. They stared. They whispered. They laughed. But they never asked.

So wrong for each other...and yet so right.

No one knows what happened the night Echo Emerson went from popular girl with jock boyfriend to gossiped-about outsider with "freaky" scars on her arms. Even Echo can't remember the whole truth of that horrible night. All she knows is that she wants everything to go back to normal. 

 

But when Noah Hutchins, the smoking-hot, girl-using loner in the black leather jacket, explodes into her life with his tough attitude and surprising understanding, Echo's world shifts in ways she could never have imagined. They should have nothing in common. And with the secrets they both keep, being together is pretty much impossible.

 

Yet the crazy attraction between them refuses to go away. And Echo has to ask herself just how far they can push the limits and what she'll risk for the one guy who might teach her how to love again. 

ARC Review (YA): Secret by Brigid Kemmerer

Secret (Elemental #4)

by Brigid Kemmerer

Publisher: Kensington Books

Source: Publisher at NetGalley

Purchase Links: Amazon  Barnes & Noble

 

Blurb by Goodreads

 

EARTH. FIRE. AIR. WATER.

Nick Merrick is stretched to breaking point. He's trying to keep his grades sky-high or he won't get in to college. He's trying to keep his brother's business afloat or the Merricks will be out on the street. He's trying to keep the secret of where he's going in the evenings from his twin brother Gabriel - or he fears he'll lose his family. And he's trying to keep his mind off the hot, self-assured dancer who is his 'girlfriend's' partner.

And then Quinn takes to hanging around his sworn enemy, and an Elemental Guide is counting the hours until he can try again to kill the Merrick brothers. Storms are brewing. On all sides.

SECRETS IN THE WIND. DANGER IN THE AIR.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Spoil Free Review:

 

Brigid Kemmerer knocked it out of the ball bark with Secret. A page turner and unpredictable.

 

I was excited and curious to see how Brigid Kemmerer wrote a m/m relationship especially with Nick  not sure about his sexuality and coming out. Then with Adam who is opened about his sexuality. Brigid Kemmerer writing skills shined in the m/m department. I felt every emotion between Nick and Adam as individuals and as a couple. Each new novel in the Elemental series is getting hotter and hotter. There were a few times I was anxious but at the same time eager  to swipe my kindle, because I had no idea how far Brigid was going to go in the bedroom department. Nick and Adams chemistry was off the charts hot and sweet. The caressing, the kissing was well written and loved every minute of it. I was a bit shocked after reading Breathless (Elemental 2.5) that in Secret Adam was not as aggressive, but considering his past I understand. Who would of thought Nick would be the aggressive one.

I am finding with each new novel the brothers are more intense and distant with each other. I am loving this direction  and fits great with each brothers story but I will admit I am missing the fun banter between all brothers. I loved how all brothers found out about Nick sexuality and how they all reacted. Their finding out was nicely paced through out the novel.

I liked Quinn in the beginning but then she started to annoy me. But once her storyline took a different route she was not as bad. I get she has a terrible home life with her mom and brother but her reactions towards Becca her best friend was uncalled for. I felt she took it over the top.

Aside from loving Nick and Adam storyline I was so flipping nervous about Tyler having some serious book time. I thought his side story added so much to the novel and flowed in with the plot, never  taking away from Nick and Adam. Brigid Kemmerer for sure had me on the edge of my seat with his scenes that I could not wait to read more about him, because I had no clue how is storyline would play out. Is he the bad Tyler from earlier novels or a good guy after all? Loved the layers with his character because at one point readers finally find out if he is bad or good.  No worries will not spoil it for you. I think it is best to not know what is going on with him going into Secret.  

Secret to date is my favorite Elemental novel. Now I am ready for Michaels story in Sacrifice (Elemental #5) coming  September 2014.

ARC provided by publisher, Kensington Books at NetGalley for an honest review.

I had a blast as always buddy reading with TBQ's Book Palace. Love ya babe and loving more that we are still on the same page when it comes to our Merrick brothers.  Curious on her thoughts of Secret check out her review.

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ARC Review YA: Spirit by Brigid Kemmerer

Spirit (Elemental #3)

by Brigid Kemmerer

Publisher:  Kensington Books

Purchase Links: Amazon  Barnes & Noble

Blurb by Goodreads

With power comes enemies. Lots of them.

Hunter Garrity just wants to be left alone. He's learned the hard way that his unusual abilities come at a price. And he can't seem to afford any allies.

He's up to his neck in hostiles. His grandfather, spoiling for a fight. The Merrick brothers, who think he ratted them out. Calla, the scheming psycho who wants to use him as bait.

Then there's Kate Sullivan, the new girl at school. She's not hostile. She's bold. Funny. Hot. But she's got an agenda, too.

With supposedly secret powers rippling to the surface everywhere around him, Hunter knows something ugly is about to go down. But finding out what means he'll have to find someone he can trust.

 

 

 

 

 

My poor Hunter, I wanted to crawl inside the novel and let him know everything will be OK. He has so much guilt for his father and uncle’s death. There was a nice surprise about his father I did not see coming. He pushes everybody away that tries to get close. He finally lets someone in a little and he does not know if he really can trust her. He does not know where he stands with the Merrick brothers, are they really helping him out with an incident that happened with his grandfather or do they still see him as the enemy and trying to keep their enemy closer.

 

With each new novel I am falling more for Michael. I loved what he did for Hunter and he treats him like one of his brothers. He has no problem keeping him in line.

 

Hunter and Gabriel have been my favorite since the beginning of the Elemental series. They began a friendship in Spark (Gabriel’s story) but then there was a incident that left their friendship on the rocks. In Spirit they have a love/hate friendship. These two are a hoot together.

 

There is a heart broken incident that I did not see coming and could not believe it happened. But that is what makes The Elemental series great, I never know where it is going at. Brigid Kemmerer is a master story teller that is always surprising me with each new novel.

 

ARC provided by publisher, Kensington Books at NetGalley for an honest review.

 

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YA Review: Opal by Jennifer L. Armentrout

Opal (Lux #3)

by Jennifer L. Armentrout

Purchase Links: Amazon  Barnes & Noble

 

Blurb by Goodreads

 

 

No one is like Daemon Black.

When he set out to prove his feelings for me, he wasn’t fooling around. Doubting him isn’t something I’ll do again, and now that we’ve made it through the rough patches, well... There’s a lot of spontaneous combustion going on.

But even he can’t protect his family from the danger of trying to free those they love.

After everything, I’m no longer the same Katy. I’m different... And I’m not sure what that will mean in the end. When each step we take in discovering the truth puts us in the path of the secret organization responsible for torturing and testing hybrids, the more I realize there is no end to what I’m capable of. The death of someone close still lingers, help comes from the most unlikely source, and friends will become the deadliest of enemies, but we won’t turn back. Even if the outcome will shatter our worlds forever.

Together we’re stronger... and they know it.

 



 

 

 

First off I am a huge fan of Daemon and the Lux Series. Obsidian and Onyx blew me away. It breaks my heart that I do not feel the same way about Opal.

I love where the story line is going with Dawson back home with his family and trying to rescue Bethany. He is not the same since he has been taken away. He was always the fun, spirited sibling, but now back home he is brooding and fits his character well since he needs to get Bethany back. He is having a hard time connecting with his siblings. I loved that he is able to connect with Katy and open up to her. He has a connection with her since she was held captive and had similar stuff done to her in Onyx. She can relate to him.

 

Daemon and Katy are a couple now and was not feeling any tension between them. The spark was missing and even the little hissy fits were resolved too fast and did not leave me saying OMG and have to turn my e-reader fast enough to see if they would be ok. Daemon was still swoon worthy letting Katy know that she has made him want to be different and a better person. So since that is the case was missing his smart mouth attitude. Got a little here and there but not like the old Daemon. His character felt a little off in the beginning as it seems his new favorite word was Awesome.

Was not big on some scenes like Twilight. The Car scene when Daemon and Katy touched hands at the radio was a Twilight Flashback for me. For some reason when they all had to learn to run fast reminded me of Twilight books as well.

 

Overall I did enjoy reading Opal and was hoping at some point it would of got better for me to at least rate it 4 stars - Loved it, but never happened for me. The ending was left in a cliffhanger but did feel like it was already done in one of the other Lux novel and nothing new. It was very predictable. I am still curious how the storyline will play out with the cliffhanger though and look forward to reading Origin (Lux #4)
 

 

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YA Review: Pure by Jennifer L. Armentrout

Pure (Covenant #2)

by Jennifer L. Armentrout

Purchase Links: Amazon  Barnes & Noble

 

Blurb by Goodreads

 

There is need. And then there is Fate...

Being destined to become some kind of supernatural electrical outlet isn’t exactly awesome—especially when Alexandria’s "other half" is everywhere she goes. Seth’s in her training room, outside her classes, and keeps showing up in her bedroom—so not cool. Their connection does have some benefits, like staving off her nightmares of the tragic showdown with her mother, but it has no effect on what Alex feels for the forbidden, pure-blooded Aiden. Or what he will do—and sacrifice—for her.

When daimons infiltrate the Covenants and attack students, the gods send furies—lesser gods determined to eradicate any threat to the Covenants and to the gods, and that includes the Apollyon... and Alex. And if that and hordes of aether-sucking monsters didn’t blow bad enough, a mysterious threat seems willing to do anything to neutralize Seth, even if that means forcing Alex into servitude... or killing her.

When the gods are involved, some decisions can never, ever be undone.

 

Team Seth Fans you will not want to miss Pure. Seth in Half-Blood caught my curiosity. Pure started off great and was enjoying Seth’s character. He is very over protective but at the same time showed a gentle, sweet and caring side. But at some point he started to annoy me. He had a smart mouth before and loved that about him but at times in Pure he became obnoxious and his lines were a bit cheesy for me. There are a lot of swoon moments for Seth Fans and if not a Seth Fan before might become one now. As for me I do not know if I like his character or not.

Pure for me lacked the bickering between Aiden, Alex and Seth. There were a few good moments when they go head to head but nothing like Half-Blood. I felt it was too much Seth and not enough Aiden. I really wanted a good mixture of the two. I was annoyed many times when I thought Aiden and Alex would get some book time but nope Seth always seems to pop up and ruin it.

 

There was a bad incident that happens that broke my heart. It was a sad moment I did not see coming. The Council part of the novel for me was drawn out and I got bored easy. It was a lot of politics that I did not mind but wish it was cut back just a little.

 

Alex once again has gotten herself in a mess towards the end. Aiden does something unthinkable that I loved and showed how much he does care for Alex. What he does makes him more swoon worthy than before. I look forward to see how this all plays out in Deity (Covenant #3).

 

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ARC Review YA: Breathless by Brigid Kemmerer

Breathless (Elemental #2.5)

by Brigid Kemmerer

Publisher:  Kensington Books

Purchase Links: Amazon Barnes & Noble

 

Blurb by Goodreads

 

Too many secrets. Not enough time.Nick Merrick is supposed to be the level-headed one. The peacemaker. Since it’s just him and his three hotheaded brothers against the world, that’s a survival tactic.

But now he’s got problems even his brothers can’t help him survive.

His so-called girlfriend, Quinn, is going quick as mercury from daring to crazy. Meanwhile, Quinn’s dancer friend Adam is throwing Nick off balance, forcing him to recognize a truth he’d rather shove back into the dark.

He can feel it—-the atmosphere is sizzling. Danger is on the way. But whatever happens next, Nick is starting to find out that sometimes nothing you do can keep the peace.

 

One of the things I love about Brigid Kemmerer Elemental series is that she writes about characters with everyday real life issues. Kudos and a huge Thank You to Brigid Kemmerer for having a teen hero dealing with his sexuality.

 

Nick has never had a problem getting a girlfriend and is quite the ladies man, but the spark is not there when he kisses or touches a girl. He meets his girlfriends dance partner Adam who pushes him over the edge with dealing with his sexuality which he thought he had buried.

 

Adam knows what he wants and it is Nick. Loved Adams character and thought he is a perfect match for Nick. He is pushy and that is what Nick needed to bring out his sexuality. They have great chemistry and their kiss will get your heart pounding and stomach all tingly.

 

Quinn has serious family issues. Her mother is mean to her and makes is clear she favors Quinn’s older brother. Her brother is just as mean always making comments about her weight. The only way she knows to deal with her anger is getting mouthy with others and she finds comfort with food. She never thinks before she does anything which can lead her in a bad situation.

 

Brigid Kemmerer fans you are not going to want to miss this addition in the Elemental series. Breathless was a nice little set up for what is in store for Nick’s story in Secret (Elemental #4), Jan. 28, 2014. I have a feeling it is going to be an intense read with Nick trying to hide his sexuality from his brothers and Quinn doing crazy stuff before thinking. I can not wait to see how it all plays out.

 

ARC provided by publisher, Kensington Books at NetGalley for an honest review.

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YA Review: Spark by Brigid Kemmerer

Spark (Elemental #2)

by Brigid Kemmerer

Purchase Links: Amazon Barnes & Noble

 

Blurb by Goodreads

 

Gabriel Merrick plays with fire. Literally. Sometimes he can even control it. And sometimes he can't. Gabriel has always had his brothers to rely on, especially his twin, Nick. But when an arsonist starts wreaking havoc on their town, all the signs point to Gabriel. Only he's not doing it. And no one seems to believe him. Except a shy sophomore named Layne, a brainiac who dresses in turtlenecks and jeans and keeps him totally off balance. Because Layne has a few secrets of her own...

 

 

 

 

Gabriel had me crushing on him in Storm (Elemental #1) with his smart mouth. Fell head over heals for him in his story Spark. He had me eating at the palms of his hands the first time he stepped in to protect Layne’s younger brother Simon who is deaf and was getting picked on by some class mates. He instantly became a swoon worthy hero in my eyes. Gabriel has built this wall and anytime anybody gets close to figuring him out he becomes a smart mouth which leads to some bumpy times with him, Michael his older brother and Layne. Gabriel is having issues with his brothers, school and his element. He has always been close and able to talk to his twin Nick, but lately they are at each others throat. Wow does this leave for some intense moments. He is well known in school but realizes he really does not have any true friends. The one person he never thought he would become friends with is Hunter. He also never thought he would end up being friends with Layne.

 

Layne is the quiet type in school but she has got some spunk. She never backs down when someone is being mean to her brother, she has no problem going head to head with Gabriel especially when he is being a smart mouth. She is also having issues with her family. Her mom left them and when she tries to be a part of Layne’s life she is an ungrateful woman. Her father I could not stand in the beginning especially when he refuses to use ASL with Simon. Loved him towards the end as he redeems himself.

 

Loved Layne and Gabriel friendship turn into a relationship and she sees the good in him. When they start falling for each other sparks are flying. Love how he becomes protective of her. Gabriel has no problem kicking some butt or telling anyone off when it comes to Layne, even her father. Some of the smart mouth remarks he makes to her dad left me in shock just as much as it left Layne in shock. The basketball scene with Layne, Simon, Gabriel and Michael was the best. OMG I was on the edge of my seat. Between Michael and Gabriel, I did not know if and who was going to kick her dads butt. Loved how Michael became a protective parent.

 

Loved seeing more of Michael and hearing him open up to Gabriel about his feelings on their parents death, what he went through mentally with having the responsibility to raise his brothers. Trying to keep them out of trouble so social services do not take them away from him. Loved how Michael might be getting a HEA. Hope he will eventually get his own story. If the brothers do not cool it, poor Michael is going to have a heart attack. Love how they get him so riled up.

 

What I love most about the Elemental series is that the characters deal with real life issues, with a mix of Paranormal. The characters feel so real that you feel their pain and happiness. Spark had a nice twist I never seen coming. It does not end in a cliffhanger but with the little surprise thrown in there that has me itching to read Hunter’s story in Spirit.

 

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YA Review: Half Blood by Jennifer L. Armentrout

Half-Blood (Covenant #1)

by Jennifer L. Armentrout

Purchase Links: Amazon   Barnes & Noble

 

Blurb by Goodreads

 

The Hematoi descend from the unions of gods and mortals, and the children of two Hematoi—pure-bloods—have godlike powers. Children of Hematoi and mortals—well, not so much. Half-bloods only have two options: become trained Sentinels who hunt and kill daimons or become servants in the homes of the pures.

Seventeen-year-old Alexandria would rather risk her life fighting than waste it scrubbing toilets, but she may end up slumming it anyway. There are several rules that students at the Covenant must follow. Alex has problems with them all, but especially rule #1:

Relationships between pures and halfs are forbidden.

Unfortunately, she’s crushing hard on the totally hot pure-blood Aiden. But falling for Aiden isn’t her biggest problem—staying alive long enough to graduate the Covenant and become a Sentinel is. If she fails in her duty, she faces a future worse than death or slavery: being turned into a daimon, and being hunted by Aiden. And that would kind of suck.

 

 

Huge fan of YA novels with Academies and private schools. Excited that Jennifer L. Armentrout has a series with this.

 

Other thing I love to read is forbidden love. Alex has a had crush on Aiden before she left the school. Now she is back and still has feelings for him. Alex is a Half Bood and Aiden is a Pure Blood. Half Boods are not allowed to have any type of romantic relationship with Pure Bloods. I love the tension between Alex and Aiden. Love it when Aiden who is always buy the book with rules try to fight his attraction toward Alex.

 

I loved Alex strong will character and my heart broke for her with having to deal with the issue of her mother. Love her smart mouth and it tends to get her in more trouble. Loved how her character has backbone but it is not over the top. She still has feelings and sometimes does break down like anybody would in her situation.

 

Aiden is for sure a swoon worthy hero. Always there to comfort Alex and get her back on her feet. I love how he is protective of her.

 

The secondary characters Seth, Caleb and Deacon are fun and add so much to the story. Love the best friend relationship with Caleb and Alex. Deacon who is Aiden’s younger brother I adore and hope to see more of him in future novels.

 

Half Blood had an awesome twist I did not see coming. It was nice that it was halfway through. The ending was not a cliffhanger but it broke my heart a little and at the same time put a smile on my face. I look forward to continuing the series and see how everything will play out.

 

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ARC YA Review: Death and the Girl Next Door by Darynda Jones

Death and the girl next door  (Darklight #1)

by Darynda Jones

Publisher: St. Martin's Griffin 

E-book 305 pages

Purchase Links: Amazon Barnes & Noble

 

Goodreads

 

Blurb:

Darynda Jones, author of The New York Times bestselling series that began with First Grave on the Right, brings us Death and the Girl Next Door, a thrilling Young Adult novel garnering high praise and early buzz from major authors

Ten years ago, Lorelei's parents disappeared without a trace.  Raised by her grandparents and leaning on the support of her best friends, Lorelei is finally beginning to accept the fact that her parents are never coming home.  For Lorelei, life goes on.

High school is not quite as painful as she thinks it will be, and things are as normal as they can be.  Until the day the school's designated loner, Cameron Lusk, begins to stalk her, turning up where she least expects it,  standing outside her house in the dark, night after night.  Things get even more complicated when a new guy—terrifying, tough, sexy Jared Kovach—comes to school.  Cameron and Jared instantly despise each other and Lorelei seems to be the reason for their animosity.  What does Jared know about her parents?  Why does Cameron tell Jared he can't have Lorelei?  And what will any of them do when Death comes knocking for real?  Thrilling, sassy, sexy, and inventive, Darynda Jones's first foray into the world of teens will leave readers eager for the next installment.

 

 

Death and The Girl Next Door starts out good but then falls short, then gets good then falls short. It is like this through out the book. It was very hard for me to decide if it is 2 or 3 stars. I went with 3 stars because overall I liked the book more then not.

 

What I did not like and left me confused at times there was too much thrown at you with Angels, Demons, Prophets, Ghost and Nephilim. They are not introduce all at once but through out the book. I just felt like too much was going on with all this and really would of liked maybe a few introduce and then later new things added in other books considering this is book 1 in a series. Because of this it leads to a back story which some are better than others and some drag out the book.

 

There is a lack of romance in this book. It starts off sounding and leading to a love triangle with Cameron and Jared both protecting and fighting over Lorelei, but really it has nothing to do with their feelings towards her. It does for Jared but not for Cameron. His fighting over her, has to do something with Jared and his past. The fighting and snide remarks between Cameron and Jared are some of the best parts I loved in this book. Kudos to Darynda Jones for writing some intense and kick butt fight scenes. I loved all the snide remarks and bickering between Jared and Cameron. There is something that makes him dislike Jared. Darynda Jones does a great job at giving you just a little at time through out the book. Wow was I surprised when I found out.

 

I loved Jared and Lorelei together, but for me Jared did not get my heart pounding or my stomach tingly. I enjoy his character but the writing in the romance department was flat.

 

I was hoping for a love triangle but was okay it did not turn out that way. Somewhere through out the book it seemed like Cameron and Brooklyn might have feelings for each other. It is a hard to tell with their bickering moments. Sometimes they seemed to be flirting with each other. I looked forward to their moments together, never knew what they were going to say to each other.

 

All the characters have the same witty and fun personality that I really enjoyed. Usually I love characters more that have their own personality but Darynda Jones does a great job at keeping their bickering moments fun that it worked for me. Oh my goodness there are definitely some LOL moments when Lorelei, Brooklyn, Glitch, Cameron and Jared are together.

 

I was hoping Death and The Girl Next Door ended in a cliffhanger, where I would be so excited and can not wait for book 2, but did not get that. I will continue this series as I loved the friendship between Lorelei, Brooklyn, Glitch and now the added friendship they have with Cameron and Jared. I hope within the series Cameron and Brooklyn will be a couple and look forward to fun times reading all the characters bickering.

 

ARC provided by NetGalley for an honest review

 



YA Review: Fearless by Brigid Kemmerer

Fearless (Elemental #1.5)

by Brigid Kemmerer

Purchase links: Amazon Barnes & Noble

 

Blurb by Goodreads

 

Being a force of nature doesn’t keep you safe.

Hunter Garrity is used to watching his back. The kids at school sense something different about him. And they’re right.

Hunter has powers that have nothing to do with how hard he can throw a punch.

Maybe that’s what Clare Kasten is picking up. She’s shy, quiet, and intense, but she’s sought him out. There’s no telling what she wants from him.

But Hunter knows enough to sense a secret when it’s close. And getting close to Clare is a danger he’s ready to face…

 

I am a fan of the sexy mysterious Hunter in Storm (Elemental #1). Fearless is a super short, easy to read in no time novel about how Hunter became the way he is and what led him to The Merrick brothers in Storm (Elemental #1). He is younger in Fearless and clueless about girls. It was a treat to see him before he became the sexy, mysterious, tattoo, piercing and Goth, Punk, New age style hero who I fell head over heals for in Storm. Even though he is not the main hero in Storm he was for sure the one that got my heart pounding with his flirting with Becca. I enjoyed the moments with his dad, uncle and of course Casper his uncle cop dog.
 

 

YA Review: Onyx by Jennifer L. Armentrout

Onyx (Lux #2)

by Jennifer L. Armentrout

Purchase Links: Amazon Barnes & Noble

E-book 416 pages

Goodreads

Blurb:

Being connected to Daemon Black sucks…

Thanks to his alien mojo, Daemon’s determined to prove what he feels for me is more than a product of our bizarro connection. So I’ve sworn him off, even though he’s running more hot than cold these days. But we’ve got bigger problems.

Something worse than the Arum has come to town…

The Department of Defense are here. If they ever find out what Daemon can do and that we're linked, I’m a goner. So is he. And there's this new boy in school who’s got a secret of his own. He knows what’s happened to me and he can help, but to do so, I have to lie to Daemon and stay away from him. Like that's possible. Against all common sense, I'm falling for Daemon. Hard.

But then everything changes…

I’ve seen someone who shouldn’t be alive. And I have to tell Daemon, even though I know he’s never going to stop searching until he gets the truth. What happened to his brother? Who betrayed him? And what does the DOD want from them—from me?

No one is who they seem. And not everyone will survive the lies…

 

 

Kudos to Jennifer L. Armentrout dedicating Onyx to book lovers and book bloggers. I love reading authors dedications and acknowledgements. Jennifer thanked book lovers and bloggers. She also gives thanks to Liz Pelletier, the editor behind the Lux series. Thanking her, because she is the one who demanded that Jennifer put more Daemon into Onyx. Thank you. Thank You. Thank you to Liz for demanding more Daemon in Onyx.

I loved Obsidian, but Jennifer L. Armentrout out did her self with Onyx. Onyx has distrust, betrayal, sadness, happiness, edge of your seat action, jealousy, a lot of surprises, and it is more steamy.

Things between Daemon and Katy are a bit different. She has strong feelings for Daemon as he does for her. But she does not know if his feelings for her are real, because of the way he treated her badly when they first met and then he saved her in Obsidian and now she does not know if it is the connection between them that he is feeling or is it his true feelings. Now there is a new kid, Blake in school and is paying attention to Katy. She wants to put all the alien mojo behind her as much as she can and wants to be normal and date a normal guy. But things are not what they all seemed to be.

Daemon is still just Daemon. I loved how he finds out all Katy wants is to be wooed liked a normal girl. He definitely woos her and of course he loves a challenge. He makes it his mission to show her his feelings for her are real and not because of the connection they have now. You definetly see a jealous and over protective side of him when  Blake starts paying attention to Katy.

There are tons of fun, cute and steamy scenes that are highlighted worthy. Daemon does and I mean does make it his mission to woo Katy. Loved how he brought her a rose too school...*Sigh*. Of course loving the Reindeer Sock and book video scene. All the scenes with Blake are definitely fun. Daemon is still the smartass and even funnier when jealous. Oh boy Daemon knows how to kick ass when any harm is done to Katy. Loved how he would never call him Blake, every other name that starts with a *B* but not Blake. In Obsidian I loved how he was always poking Katy in the back with his pen in class, yeah still got some of those adorable scenes.

I was missing Dee and her friendship with Katy. I love Dee’s character but she is not in as much as in Obsidian.

Enjoyed how Onyx is showing more and more on The DOD and Arums. They are creepier and just evil.

Towards the end is intense and a nail biter. Things happen that I was not sure if ever can be fixed. At one point I was afraid to turn my kindle. I was not sure if it was going to end a cliffhanger, but to my surprise the story kept going and got to see a different side of Daemon. Daemon is still swoon worthy and more in Onyx.

I love good cliffhangers but did not get it in Onyx and I was fine with that because Jennifer L. Armentrout has a way of ending her novels that you still want more now. Kudos to Jennifer for not making us wait a year for Opal (Lux #3). Still have to wait till December but hey I will take that than like some authors who can take up to a year before the next in a series is released. I look forward to see where Jennifer takes us in Opal. The Lux series is a keeper for me as one day would love to read it from the beginning and back to back.

If you have not read Shadow yet it is a must to really get a better feel on Onyx. There are things that happen in Onyx that will be so much better if read Shadow before it. In my opinion I would read Obsidian, Shadows then Onyx. Save a day of just reading when read Onyx. It is hard to put down and you will forget everything and everyone.

 

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