Dream Chaser by Sherrilyn Kenyon

A bit about the book
Condemned by the gods to live out his existence without emotions, Xypher chose the pursuit of sensations, to feel again in the dreams of humans, only to find himself condemned to death. But he is given one last chance at a reprieve. Made human for a month, he must redeem himself within that time or Hades will return him to Tartarus and his torture.

Simone Dubois is a coroner who isn't scared by much, especially since she's psychic and can see and hear the people she's working on. When they wheel in another victim, she doesn't think much about it, until he gets up from her table and starts to leave.

Xypher doesn't have time to spend with this human woman and her questions. But it's bot long before mysterious attempts on Simone's life force Xypher to stand between the woman who is beginning to touch his heart and the danger that is threatening her life.

What I thought
Another great book from Sherrilyn Kenyon. This ones about Xypher and Simone.
Xypher is one cold person. He was spending rest of eternity being tortured in the underworld by Hades for a crime he did out of love, and the person he loved betrayed him so that would explain why he's so cold. All he wants is revenge, and personally, I can't fault him.
Simone is the woman that basically says 'I see dead people' lol. Ever since her parents died all she's had to keep her company his Jesse, her ghost companion. She's the kind of woman that moves forwards and doesn't dwell on the past.
I really enjoyed this book (shocker lol), and I will definitely cry when this series is over, hopefully that will be a while yet. One last thing, I just want to share this inscription what Xypher's got ingraved on his arm:

Hatred is a bitter, damaging emotion. It winds itself through the blood, infecting its host and driving it forward without any reason. Its view is jaundiced and it skews even the clearest of eyesights.
Sacrifice is noble and tender. It's the action of a host who values others above himself. Sacrifice is bought through love and decency. It is truly heroic.
Vengeance is an act of violence. It allows those who have been wronged to take back some of what was lost to them. Unlike sacrifice, it gives back to the one who practices it.
Love is deceitful and sublime. In its truest form, it brings out the best in all beings. At its worst, it's a tool used to manipulate and ruin anyone who is stupid enough to hold it.
Don't be stupid.
Sacrifice is for the weak. Hatred corrupts. Love destroys. Vengeance is the gift of the strong.
Move forward, not with hatred, not with love.
Move forward with purpose.
Take back what was stolen. Make those who laughed at your pain pay. Not with hatred, but with calm, cold rationale.
Hatred is your enemy. Vengeance is your friend. Hold it close and let it loose.
May the gods have mercy on those who have wronged me because I will have no mercy for them.

Books & Music - A Great Combination #2

Infinity (Chronicles of Nick) by Sherrilyn Kenyon - Closer to the Edge by 30 Seconds to Mars :-)

Books & Music - A Great Combination

This is a great idea (thanks to Emma at asamum booktopia). I always have to have my earbuds in when I'm reading so I can shut the world out and listen to the music I love. Also, through Emma I am following Pewter Wolf, which has got some great music videos to go to some great books. Thank you Emma!!! :-)

Evermore (The Immortals) by Alyson Noel - Illuminated by Hurts

   

Devil May Cry (A Dark-Hunter Novel) by Sherrilyn Kenyon

Ever since the moment his status as a god was revoked by Artemis, Sin has done nothing but plot his revenge on her. He kidnaps a woman he believes to be the goddess, but she is Artemis' servant, Katra. And instead of imprisoning her, Katra captures him and refuses to release him until her promises not to seek vengeance on her mistress. Despite himself, Sin finds himself intrigued by Katra, who is nothing like the goddess she serves. Granted she's fierce, but she's also compassionate and loyal. However, Sin is not the only enemy Artemis has and it quickly becomes apparent that he must help Katra save her mistress or the world as we know it will end.

Great book! I couldn't put it down. It is definitely one of my favourites.
Katra is a sarcastic, compassionate, sweet and loving person, I really liked her. She is definitely more like her father, Acheron, thank god, her emotions run high and she's willing to give anybody a chance. Her mother, Artemis, is cold and bitter, and thankfully Katra is not.
Sin used to be a Sumerian god and ever since Artemis took his powers from him all he's been bothered about his getting revenge. Personally, I think they should just let Simi eat her and do us all a favour lol. Sin's got big trust issues, he not let anybody into his life or his heart. But then he meets Katra, who, with her wit and charm, sets emotions running through him (and trust me mommie dearest wasn't too thrilled about that).
I really could go on all day about this book, it's got romance and violence, as same with the other books. Everyone should give these books ago, they've got a bit of everything in them to satisfy all fantasy readers.
Bring on the next book!!! :)

Upon the Midnight Clear (A Dream-Hunter Novel) by Sherrilyn Kenyon

A bit about the book
Ever think Scrooge had it right before the ghosts ruined his life? Meet Aidan O'Conner.
At one time he was a world-renowned celebrity who gave freely of himself and his money without wanting anything in return . . . until those around him took without asking. Now Aidan wants nothing of the world - or anyone who's a part of it.

When a stranger appears at his doorstep, Aidan knows he's seen her before . . . in his dreams.
Born on Olympus as a goddess, Leta knows nothing of the human world. But a ruthless enemy has driven her from the world of dreams and into the home of the only man who can help her: Aidan. Her immortal powers are derived from human emotions - and his anger is just the fuel she needs to defend herself . . .

One cold winter's night will change their lives forever . . .
Trapped together in a brutal winter storm, Aidan and Leta must turn to the only power capable of saving them - or destoying them both: trust.

What I thought
Aidan has definitely got some trust and anger issues! But I suppose with his family I can let him off lol. Again, I really enjoyed this book, it could have been longer as I finished it within a couple of hours. The gods in these books have got serious problems and tempers, they really enjoy fighting with each other A LOT!!! I must admit this book brought a tear to my eye, which I quickly wiped away before I got mocked by my family (it's ok, none of them are emotional like me so they get away with it hehe). What I must say is Leta is a lovely character, she's been through the wars and she needs a bit of love and comfort in her life, and the same with Aidan, his family are a bunch of muppets that need sorting out, and that's all I'm saying because I don't like to say to much and give the story away, people will just have to read it for themselves :-)

The Dream-Hunter by Sherrilyn Kenyon

A bit about the book
In the ethereal world of dreams there are champions who fight to protect the dreamer and there are demons who prey on them . . .

Arik is such a predator. Condemned by the gods to live for eternity without emotions, Arik can only feel when he's in the dreams of others. Now, after thousands of years, he's finally found a dreamer whose vivid mind can fill his emptiness.

Dr Megeara Kafieri made a reluctant promise to her dying father that she would salvage his reputation by proving his life-long belief that Atlantis is real. But frustration and bad luck dog her every step. Especially the day they find a stranger floating in the sea. His is a face she's seen many times . . . in her dreams.

What she doesn't know is that Arik has made a pact with the god Hades: in exchange for two weeks as a mortal man, he must return to Olympus with a human soul. Megeara's soul.

What I thought
So, I was on Amazon looking at some of the reviews of this book and, I must say, quite a few people had bad things to say about it. Yeah, I must admit, it's not as good as a Dark-Hunter novel, but it still had it's own twist, but to each their own I suppose. I must say if your a Sherrilyn Kenyon fan then you will like it, it had great characters (a few which tie in to the Dark-Hunter books) and I really enjoyed the storyline. I mean come on it's fantasy people, what girl wouldn't love a gorgeous man coming to them in their dreams and then he tips up in reality, in the sea, near your boat, you'd love it!!! :-)

The Dark-Hunter Creed

I must say I have been going Dark-Hunter mad this month. I've read about five books, four short stories and I've got three more books to read. I'm putting the creed on my blog because I love it and I love the Dark-Hunters and I want to share it with other people :-)
The Dark-Hunter Creed

We are Darkness. We are Shadow.
We are the Rulers of the Night.
We, alone, stand between mankind and those who
would see mankind destroyed.
We are the Guardians.
The Soulless Keepers.
Our souls were cast out so that we would not
foreworn the Daimons we pursue. By the time they
see us coming, it's too late.
The Daimons and Apollites know us.
They fear us.
We are death to all those who prey upon the humans.
Neither Human, nor Apollite, we exist beyond the realm
of the Living, beyond the realm of the Dead.
We are the Dark-Hunters.
And we are Eternal.

The Friday 56 - Lady & the Vamp

Lady & the Vamp by Michelle Rowen

"She licked her lips, and he found himself unable to look away from her mouth."


The Rules:




* Grab the book nearest you. Right now.

* Turn to page 56.

* Find the fifth sentence.

* Post that sentence (plus one or two others if you like) along with these instructions on your blog or (if you do not have your own blog) in the comments section of this blog.

* Post a link along with your post back to this blog.

* Don’t dig for your favorite book, the coolest, the most intellectual. Use the CLOSEST.
http://simpleloveofreading.blogspot.com/2010/08/friday-56changeling-20.html#comments

Novels that are coming soon!!!

Out for Blood - The Drake Chronicles
By Alyxandra Harvey
Due out November 2010

The Return: Midnight - Vampire Diaries
by L.J. Smith
Due out March 2011

The Hunt - A Dark Touch Novel
by Amy Meredith
Due out August 2010

The Lost Saint - A Dark Divine Novel
by Bree Despain
Due out December 2010

Entice - A Need Pixies Novel
by Carrie Jones
Due out December 2010

Misguided Angel - A Blue Bloods Novel
by Melissa de la Cruz
Due out October 2010

Ghost Town - The Morganville Vampires Series
by Rachel Caine
Due out November 2010

The Haunted - Hollow Trilogy
by Jessica Verday
Due out September 2010

Beautiful Darkness - Sequel to Beautiful Creatures
by Kami Garcia & Margaret Stohl
Due out October 2010

Awakened - A House of Night Novel
by P.C. & Kristin Cast
Due out January 2011

Night Star - The Immortals
by Alyson Noel
Due out November 2010

Crescendo - Sequel to Hush, Hush
by Becca Fitzpatrick
Due out October 2010

Torment - A Fallen Novel
by Lauren Kate
Due out September 2010

Countdown to Crescendo by Becca Fitzpatrick

After reading Hush, Hush by Becca Fitzpatrick (again), I got quite excited (again lol) for the arrival of Crescendo. So I decided to get the countdown widget for it which is on my sidebar if anybody wants it. It's a great widget and I love the background sound to it. The book cover is amazing and now I can't wait until the book comes out! :-)

 

Hush, Hush by Becca Fitzpatrick

What's on the back of the book
Falling for the fallen . . .

For Nora Grey, romance was not part of the plan. Not until Patch came along. With his easy smile and eyes that seem to see inside her, Nora is drawn to him against her better judgement.

But after a series of terrifying encounters, Nora's not sure who to trust. Patch seems to be everywhere and to know everything. She can't decide whether to fall into his arms or run and hide. And when she tries to seek some answers, she finds herself near a truth that is way more unsettling than anything Patch makes her feel.

For Nora is in the middle of a centuries-old battle between the immortal and those that have fallen - and, sooner or later, she's going to have to pick a side . . .

Dark Side of the Moon (A Dark-Hunter Novel) by Sherrilyn Kenyon

A bit about the book
'Ravyn Kontis is most definitely not human. He'd been born into the world of nocturnal predators who commanded the hidden magicks of the earth - who ruled its darker arts - and he had died as one of their toughest fighters . . .
Now he walks the earth as something else. Something soulless. Something ferocious and even deadlier than what he'd been before . . .'

Susan Michaels is a reporter on a mission to resurrect her professional reputation. And she only has to brave her cat allergy at a local animal shelter to follow the lead that could get her off the tabloid beat forever. But she gets more than she bargained for when she inadvertently adopts one of the cats . . .

As soon as she gets home the cat turns into a gorgeous naked man. Ravyn is entirely unique - a Were-Hunter who became a Dark-Hunter as well. Suddenly, Susan is pulled into Ravyn's mysterious world - one full of danger and magic. And, despite the way he makes her sneeze, despite the danger that swirls around him, she can't resist him . . .

Unleash the Night (A Dark-Hunter Novel) by Sherrilyn Kenyon

A bit about the book:
Wren Tigarian was taken to Sanctuary as an orphaned cub, where he grew to adulthood under the close scrutiny and mistrust of those around him. Many regard him as an abomination - a forbidden blend of two species - and he has become a bitter loner, shunning both Were and human company alike. Until, that is, Marguerite D'Aubert Goudeau walks into his life.

The daughter of a prominent US Senator, Marguerite hates the socialite life she's forced to live. Still, she has no choice except to try and conform to a world where she feels like an outsider.

The world of the rich and powerful humans is never to meet the world of the Were-Hunters who exist side by side with them, unseen, unknown, undetected. But in order to protect Marguerite, Wren will have to fight not just the humans who will never accept his animal nature, but the were-hunters who want him dead. It's a race against time in a world of magic without boundaries that could cost the two not just their lives, but their very souls . . .

Infinity (Chronicles of Nick) by Sherrilyn Kenyon

What's on the back of the book:
I say I control my destiny and my life.
No, nothing controls me.
Ever.

Nick Gautier thinks he knows everything. Streetwise, tough and savvy, his quick sarcasm is renowned. But his whole world is suddenly turned upside down on the night his best friends try to kill him.

Saved by a mysterious warrior, Nicked is sucked into the realm of the Dark-Hunters - immortal vampire-slayers who risk everything to save humanity - and he quickly learns that the human world is only a veil for a much larger and more dangerous one that's filled with all kinds of evil. Nick knows he's in real danger and he soon has a lot more to deal with than high school - all without getting grounded, suspended . . . or killed.

What I thought:
What an amazing book! I couldn't put it down. I was a bit unsure when I saw it in the teenage section in my local Waterstones because it was in a series all of it's own (and not a Dark-Hunter novel), but I had to give it a go because I honestly have to say, when reading about Nick in the Dark-Hunter books I definitely took a liking to his character. This book goes back to when he was 14-years-old when he was like, I suppose, most teenagers nowadays, sarcastic, witty, and can take on anything anybody throws at him. His sarcasm and his attitude had me laughing out loud, I thought I liked him before, but now I love this character.
I don't think I can actually say anything bad about this book, the characters are brilliant, and obviously there's some you will take a dislike to straight away and the storylines great.
Well, I do have one complaint. It wasn't long enough. Which, I suppose, a lot of people think that when they've read a brilliant book! :)

Sins of the Night (A Dark-Hunter Novel) by Sherrilyn Kenyon

A bit about the book:
In the realm of the Dark-Hunters there is a code of honour that even immortal bad boys must follow. No human can be harmed. Dark-Hunters are the protectors, the good guys. Yet every few centuries or so, there is always one who thinks himself above the Code. Even worse, there is always one who decides to convert others to his cause . . .

Alexion is the defender of the code that governs the immortals. He is judge, jury and executioner: if they step over the line it's his wrath they will face.

For centuries Alexion has survived alone. Isolated and haunted by his human past, he has learned to distance himself from his emotions and his role ensures that even his fellow Dark-Hunters give him a wide berth.

However, this time the rogue Dark-Hunter is an old friend. Alexion cannot destroy him without at least allowing him one last chance at redemption. But to do this he needs the help of a female Dark-Hunter who goes by the name Danger. And the last time Alexion ran into her, she tried to kill him . . .

Seize the Night (A Dark-Hunter Novel) by Sherrilyn Kenyon

A bit about the book:
Valerius isn't a popular Dark-Hunter - he's a Roman, which means that the largely Greek Hunters have a major grudge against him and his civilization for superceding them. To make things worse, he's very conscious of his aristocratic background and breeding. So it serves him right when he runs into Tabitha Devereaux. She's sassy, sexy, and completely unwilling to take him seriously. (Not to mention Tabitha is also the sister-in-law of Kyrian, a former Dark-Hunter and Val's mortal enemy.)

What Tabitha does take seriously is hunting and killing vampires, and soon she and Val have to grapple with the deadliest of all daimons - one who's managed to come back from the dead, and one who holds a serious grudge against both of them. To win against evil, Val will have to loosen up, learn to trust, and put everything on the line to protect a man he hates and a woman who drives him nuts.

Night Play (A Dark-Hunter Novel) by Sherrilyn Kenyon

A bit about the book:
Bride McTierney has just been dumped via FedEx. There's not much that could ease such a broken heart until Vane Kattalakis wanders into her shop and her life. Their whirlwind affair feels too good to be true.

Deadly and tortured, Vane isn't what he seems. Most women lament that their boyfriends are dogs. In Bride's case, hers is a wolf. A Were-Hunter wolf. Wanted dead by his enemies, Vane isn't looking for a mate. But the Fates have marked Bride as his. Now he has three weeks to either convince Bride that the supernatual is real or he will spend the rest of his life neutered - something no self-respecting wolf can accept . . .

But how does a wolf convince a human to trust him with her life when his enemies are out to end his? In the world of the Were-Hunters, it really is dog-eat-dog. And only one alpha male can win.

Kiss of the Night (A Dark-Hunter Novel) by Sherrilyn Kenyon

A bit about the book:
Dark-Hunter wulf is an ancient Viking warrior with a useful but extremely aggravating power - amnesia. No one who meets him in person can remember him five minutes later. It makes it easy to have one-night stands, but hard to have a meaningful relationship, and without true love he can never regain his soul. Then he meets Cassandra, the one woman who can remember him. However, as the princess of the cursed race Wulf is sworn to hunt, she is forbidden to him . . .

Dance With the Devil (A Dark-Hunter Novel) by Sherrilyn Kenyon

A bit about the book:
Zarek is the most dangerous of all the Dark-Hunters. He endured a lifetime as a Roman slave and centuries as a Dark-Hunter in exile. Zarek trusts no one. Because of his steadfast denial to follow any orders, he is kept in isolation in Alaska where his activity is seriously limited and closely monitored. There are many who fear he will one day unleash his powers against humans as well as vampires.

Have nine hundred years of exile made Zarek too vicious to be redeemed? The gods want Zarek dead but reluctantly agree to allow justice goddess Astrid to judge him.
Astrid has never yet judged a man innocent, and yet there is something about Zarek that tugs at her heart. He views even the smallest act of kindness with shock and suspicion. But while Astrid struggles to maintain her impartiality in the face of her growing attraction to Zarek, an executioner has already been dispatched . . .

Night Embrace (A Dark-Hunter Novel) by Sherrilyn Kenyon

A bit about the book:
Talon was once a Celt warrior cursed by his ancient gods. Following the murder of his sister, the dying Talon had made a deal with the goddess Artemis. He had been given one act of vengeance against the clan who betrayed him, in exchange for his soul and his eternal service as a Dark-Hunter.

Talon has sworn to fight Daimons and rescue the human souls they've captured. He has never had cause to regret this choice - until he meets Sunshine Runningwolf.

The unconventional Sunshine should be Talon's perfect woman. She is beautiful, sexy and isn't looking for a long-term commitment. But the more time Talon spends in her company the more he starts yearning for dreams of love and family that he buried centuries ago. But loving Sunshine would be dangerous for both of them. Talon is destined never to know peace or happiness while his enemies still seek to destroy him and everyone close to him . . .

Night Pleasures (A Dark-Hunter Novel) by Sherrilyn Kenyon

A bit about the book:
Dark-Hunter: an immortal warrior who has traded his soul to Artemis for one moment of vengeance on his enemies. In return, they swear to spend eternity protecting mankind from the daimons and vampires that prey on them.

Amanda Devereaux has a crazy family. Her mother and older siblings are witches and psychics, and her twin sister is a vampire hunter. All Amanda wants is a quiet, normal life. Only when she finds herself the target of an attack meant for her twin, she wakes to find herself handcuffed to a sexy, blonde stranger.

He is Kyrian of Thrace. And while Amanda's first thought is that this might be another of her sister's attempts at extreme match-making, it soon becomes clear that Kyrian is not boyfriend material.

He is a Dark-Hunter: an immortal warrior who has traded his soul for one moment of vengeance upon his enemies. Kyrian spends his eternal days hunting the vampires and daimons that prey upon mankind. He is currently on the hunt for a very old and deadly daimon named Desiderius who has deemed it sport to handcuff Kyrian to a human while he hunts him. Now Kyrian and Amanda must find a way to break their bond before they give into their dangerous attraction to one another. Or Desiderius kills them both . . .

Fantasy Lover (A Dark-Hunter Novel) by Sherrilyn Kenyon

A bit about the book:
It might sound like a man's favorite fantasy - to live forever, destined to be the lover of thousands of women. But for Julian of Macedon, it's a nightmare. Once he was a proud Spartan general, now he's a love-slave, his essence magically held captive in a book, cursed to spend all eternity pleasing women. Then, one day, Grace Alexander summons Julian to fulfil her passionate dreams - and sees beyond the fantasy to the man himself.

Long years as a sex therapist, listening to other people's bedroom problems, has taken a lot of the fun out of the physical side of love for Grace. She's remarkably understanding about Julian's situation - and that's disconcerting for all concerned. With or without sex, the rules of the enchantment cannot be changed. Julian is hers for the next month. And, as their time together slips by, Julian and Grace find more to share than sympathy and conversation - and they begin to wonder if love might be within their grasp. That leaves only one question. Is love enough to break a 2,000-year-old curse?

By Midnight by Mia James (book trailer)

I have actually put this book on my blog already, but it was so amazing I had to put the trailer on as well. I couldn't put this book down, I was walking around the house tidying up with it still in my hands lol. The characters were brilliant and strong, and the storyline, to me, was amazing. I read some reviews about it and some of them wasn't too thrilled about it. But that's okay, everybody's different. But all I can say is if you love your books to have mystery, murder, romance and vampires chucked in as well, then I would definitely say this book is for you. I will definitely be reading it again in the near future!!! :-)

Just thought I'd share this with you!!!

I am going to be putting some Dark-Hunter books by Sherrilyn Kenyon down on my blog, but I'm only going to be putting the sypnosis down off the back of the books because I don't actually have the first five books but at least you'll have an idea of what they're about. You can also visit www.sherrilynkenyon.com if you want to know more about the Dark-Hunter series, the site is brilliant, I go on it quite often because it has the pictures of each characters from her books so it's nice to know that you can put a face to the names in the books.

Linger by Maggie Stiefvater

What's on the back of the book:
I feel the weight of
the pack's gaze . . .

Grace and Sam must fight to be together. For Grace, this means defying her parents and keeping dangerous secrets. For Sam, it means grappling with his werewolf past . . . and figuring out a way to survive the future.

But just when they manage to find happiness, Grace realizes she's changing in ways she could never have expected . . .

A piece from the book:
This is the story of a boy who used to be a wolf and a girl who was becoming one.
Just a few months ago, it was Sam who was the mythical creature. His was the disease we couldn't cure. His was the goodbye that meant the most. He had the body that was a mystery, too strange and wonderful and terrifying to comprehend.
But now it is spring. With the heat, the remaining wolves will soon be falling out of their wolf pelts and back into their human bodies. Sam stays Sam, and Cole stays Cole, and it's only me who's not firmly in my own skin.
Last year, this was what I wanted. I had a lot of reasons to long to be part of the wolf pack that lives in the woods behind my house. But now, instead of me watching the wolves, waiting for one of them to come to me, they are the ones watching me, waiting for me to come to them.
Their eyes, human eyes in wolf skulls, remind me of water: the clear blue of water reflecting the spring sky, the brown of a brook churning with rainfall, the green of the lake in summer as the algae begins to bloom, the grey of a snow-choked river. It used to be only Sam's yellow eyes that watched me from between the rain-soaked birches, but now, I feel the weight of the entire pack's gaze. The weight of things known, things unsaid.
The wolves in the woods are strangers now that I know the secret of the pack. Beautiful, alluring - but strangers nonetheless. An unknown human past hides behind each pair of eyes; Sam is the only one I ever truly knew, and I have him beside me now. I want this, my hand in Sam's hand and his cheek resting against my neck.
But my body betrays me. Now I am the unknown, the unknowable.
This is a love story. I never knew there were so many kinds of love or that love could make people do so many different things.
I never knew there were so many different ways to say goodbye.

Shiver by Maggie Stiefvater

What's on the back of the book:
The pack circled around me,
tongues and teeth and growls.

When a local boy is killed by wolves, Grace's small town becomes a place of fear and suspicion. But Grace can't help being fascinated by the pack, and by one yellow-eyed wolf in particular. There's something about him - something almost human.

Then she meets a yellow-eyed boy whose familiarity takes her breath away . . .

A piece from the book:
I remember lying in the snow, a small red spot of warm going cold, surrounded by wolves. They were licking me, biting me, worrying at my body, pressing in. Their huddled bodies blocked what little heat the sun offered. Ice glistened on their ruffs and their breath made opaque shapes that hung in the air around us. The musky smell of their coats made me think of wet dog and burning leaves, pleasant and terrifying. Their tongues melted my skin; their careless teeth ripped at my sleeves and snagged through my hair, pushed against my collarbone, the pulse at my neck.
I could have screamed, but I didn't. I could have fought, but I didn't. I just lay there and let it happen, watching the winter-white sky go grey above me.
One wolf prodded his nose into my hand and against my cheek, casting a shadow across my face. His yellow eyes looked into mine while the other wolves jerked me this way and that.
I held on to those eyes for as long as I could. Yellow. And, up close, flecked brilliantly with every shade of gold and hazel. I didn't want him to look away, and he didn't. I wanted to reach out and grab ahold of his ruff, but my hands stayed curled to my chest, my arms frozen to my body.
I couldn't remember what it felt like to be warm.
Then he was gone, and without him, the other wolves closed in, too close, suffocating. Something seemed to flutter in my chest.
There was no sun; there was no light. I was dying. I couldn't remember what the sky looked like.
But I didn't die. I was lost to a sea of cold, and then I was reborn into a world of warmth.
I remember this: his yellow eyes.
I thought I'd never see them again.

The Dark Divine by Bree Despain

What's on the back of the book:

True love's first kill

Daniel looked up at me. His dark eyes searched my face. There was something different about those too-familiar eyes. Maybe it was the way the orange light from the streetlamp illuminated his pupils. Maybe it was the way he stared without blinking. His eyes made him look . . . hungry.

A piece from the book:

I stopped and stared at him. This guy more than pushed the limits of Holy Trinity's dress code in a holey Wolfsbane T-shirt and black, dingy jeans, shredded at the knees. His shaggy, dyed-black hair hid his face, and he held a large sheet of paper in his pale white hands. It was my charcoal drawing, and he was sitting in my seat.

I left the group of bystanders and strode up to the table. "Excuse me, you're in my spot."

"Then you must be Grace," he said without looking up. Something about his raspy voice made my arm hairs stand on end.

I stepped back. "How'd you know my name?"

He pointed at the masking tape name tag on the supply bucket I'd left out during lunch. "Grace Divine." He snorted. "Your parents must ahve some God complex. I bet your dad is a minister."

"Pastor. But that's none of your business."

He held my drawing in front of him. "Grace Divine. They muct expect great things from you."

"They do. Now move."

"This drawing is anything but great," he said. "You've got these branches all wrong, and that knot should be turned up, not down." He picked up one of my charcoals between his thin fingers and drew on the paper.

I was ticked off by his audacity, but what I couldn't believe was the ease with which he wove thick and thin black lines into striking charcoal branches. The same tree I'd been agonizing over all week came to life on the paper. He used the side of his pinky to smudge the coal on the trunk - a major "don't" in Barlow's class, but the rough blending had just the right effect for the tree's bark. I watched him shade along the bottom of the branches, but then he began to fix the knot in the lowest one. How could he have known what that knot was supposed to look like?

"Stop it," I said. "That's mine. Give it back." I grabbed at the paper but he pulled it away. "Hand it over!"

"Kiss me," he said.

I heard April yelp.

"What?" I asked.

He leaned over the drawing. His face was still obscured by his shaggy hair, but a black stone pendant slipped out of his shirt. "Kiss me, and I'll give it back."

I grabbed his hand that held the charcoal. "Who the hell do you think you are?"

"So you don't recognize me?" He looked up and pushed his hair out of his face. His cheeks were pale and hollow, but it was his eyes that made me gasp. The same dark eyes I used to call "mud pies."

"Daniel?" I let go of his hand. The charcoal pencil plinked onto the table. A million questions slammed against one another in my brain. "Does Jude know you're here?"

Daniel wrapped his fingers around the black pendant that hung from his neck. His lips parted as if to speak.

Mr. Barlow came up to us, his arms crossed in front of his barrel-like chest. "I told you to report to the counselors' office before joining this class," he said to Daniel. "If you cannot respect me, young man, then perhaps you do not belong here."

"I was just leaving." Daniel shoved back his chair and slumped past me, his dyed hair veiling his eyes. "See you later, Gracie."

I looked at the charcoal drawing he left behind. The black lines laced together into the silhouette of a lone, familiar tree. I brushed past Mr. Barlow and the group of students in the doorway. "Daniel!" I shouted. But the hallway was deserted.

Daniel was good at disappearing. It's what he did best.

By Midnight by Mia James

What's on the back of the book:
April Dunne is not impressed.

She's had to move from Edinburgh to Highgate, London, with her parents. She's left her friends - and her entire life - behind. She has to start at a new school and, worst of all, now she's stuck in a creepy old dump of a house which doesn't even have proper mobile phone reception.

Ravenwood is a prestigious academy for gifted (financially or academically) students - and the only school where her parents could find her a place in the middle of term, in the middle of London, on incredibly short notice. So she's stuck with the super-rich, and the super-smart . . . and trying to fit in, when the rest of the students seem to be more glamorous, smarter, or more talented than she is, is more than tough. It's intimidating and isolating, even when she finds a friend in the conspiracy-theorist Caro Jackson - and perhaps finds something more than friendship in the gorgeous, mysterious Gabriel Swift.

But there's more going on at Ravenwood than meets the eye. Practical jokes on new students are normal, but when Gabriel saves her from . . . something . . . in Highgate Cemetery, and then she discovers that a murder took place just yards away from where she had been standing, April has to wonder if something more sinister is going on.

. . . and whether or not she's going to live through it . . .

A piece from the book:
April was boiling with anger as she strode down the corridor. That witch! How dare she? Aren't teachers supposed to help you with problems, not take the mickey? I should report that smarmy cow.
'Hi, April.' She turned to see Sara Gold, a minor member of the Faces, the one Davina had supposedly seen enter a bathroom with Gabriel. She was standing with Layla and they both seemed to be highly amused about something.
'Oh, uh, hi,' said April distractedly as she hurried on.
'Have a good time at the party?' called Sara to sounds of laughter.
April stopped and turned to face them. 'Yes, it was fun,' she said.
'That's what we heard,' said Sara, a touch of spite in her voice. 'A lot of fun.'
'I'm sorry? What are you saying?' said April with creeping sense of dread.
'Oh, nothing. We just heard how you like to spread the love around.'
Sara cracked up laughing at this and April was disturbed to see that a crowd was gathering around them.
'I could say the same about you, Sara,' said April. 'I heard you spent a lot of time in the bathroom.'
The smile faded from Sara's face. 'Who told you that?'
The double doors to the refectory sprang open and Caro came bowling through. She grabbed April's arm and dragged her back the way she had come. 'We need to talk,' she said from the side of her mouth.
'What? What's going on?'
'No big deal,' said Caro. She hurried April down the corridor and out into the grounds. When they were a decent distance from the building, Caro stopped. 'Someone is spreading a rumour about you and a whole bunch of boys at the party.'
'WHAT?' cried April, horrified. 'You're joking! Tell me you're joking?'
Caro shook her head. 'No, I'm not. I wouldn't make something like that up.'
April could feel her heart hammering. God, I've only been at this horrible school a week and already everyone thinks I'm a slut, she thought in despair. I only wanted to fit in.

Shadowland (The Immortals) by Alyson Noel

What's on the back of the book:
Even if you're Immortal
Can true love really last
Forever

Ever and Damen have travelled through countless past lives in search of each other. But just when their destiny seems finally within reach, a powerful curse falls upon them. A single touch of their hands, a brush of their lips will mean death for Damen - cast into the darkness of the Shadowland.

Then Ever meets Jude, a mysterious green-eyed golden surfer boy who understands magyck - and Ever - better than she does herself. She thought Damen was her destiny - but what if fate has other plans?

A piece from the book:
I shift my body so it's covering his, conforming to the bend of his chest, the valley of his torso, the bulk near his hips. Hearts beating in perfect cadence, vaguely aware of the slim veil of energy pulsing between us as I lower my mouth to his - pressing and pushing and kneading together - weeks of longing rising to the surface - until all I want to do is infuse my body with his.
He moans, a low primal sound coming from deep within, hands clutched at my waist, bringing me closer 'til there's nothing between us but two sets of clothes that need to be shed.
I fumble at his fly as he pulls at my tee, breath meeting in short, ragged gasps as our fingers hurry as fast as they can, unable to complete their tasks quickly enough to satisfy our need.
And just as I've unbuttoned his jeans and start to slide them down, I realize we've gotten so close, the energy veil was pushed out.
"Damen!" I gasp, watching as he leaps from the bed, breath coming so heavy and fast, his words are clipped at the end.
"Ever - I'm - " He shakes his head. "I'm sorry - I thought it was safe - I didn't realize - "
I reach for my tee and cover myself, cheeks flushed, insides aflame, knowing he's right, we can't take the risk - can't afford to get caught up like that.
"I'm sorry too - I think - I think maybe I pushed it away and - " I bow my head, allowing my hair to fall into my face, feeling small and examined, sure I'm to blame.

Blue Moon (The Immortals) by Alyson Noel

What's on the back of the book:
Some things are meant to be gone
Forever.

Things have changed for Ever since she fell in love with Damen. But just as her powers are increasing, Damen seems to be weakening. Panicked at the thought of losing him, Ever finds a path to the in-between world of Summerland, where she learns the secrets of Damen's tortured past - and accidentally discovers a way to twist time. Now she can save her family from the accident that killed them. It's all she's ever wanted - but so is Damen.
And Ever must choose between them . . .

A piece from the book:
In English, it's even worse than I anticipated. And I'm not even halfway down the aisle before I notice that Damen is now sitting by Stacia.
And I'm talking hand-holding, note-passing, whispering distance from Stacia.
While I remain alone in the back like a complete and total reject.
I press my lips together as I make my way toward my desk, listening to all of my classmates hiss:
"Spaz! Watch out, Spaz! Don't fall, Spaz!"
The same words I've been hearing since the moment I got out of my car.
And even though I've no idea what it means, I can't say I'm all that bothered by it - until Damen joins in. Because the moment he starts laughing and sneering along with the rest, all I want to do is go back. Back to my car, back home where it's safe -
But I don't. I can't. I need to stay put. Assuring myself that it's temporary - that I'll soon get to the bottom of it - that there's no possible way that I've lost Damen for good.
And somehow, this helps me get through it. Well, that, and Mr. Robins telling everyone to shush. So when the bell finally rings, and everyone's filed out, I'm almost out the door when I hear:
"Ever? Can I speak to you for a moment?"
I grip the door handle, my fingers closed and ready to twist.
"I won't keep you long."
And I take a deep breath and surrender, my fingers cranking the sound on my iPod the second I see his face.

Wake (Wake Series) by Lisa McMann

What's on the back of the book:
Seventeen-year-old Janie is tired of being sucked into other people's dreams, especially the falling dreams and the standing-in-front-of-the-class-naked ones. Or the chilling nightmares like when she's in a strange house . . . in a dirty kitchen . . . and a sinister monster edges even closer.

But now, for the first time, Janie is not just a witness but a participant . . . she's outside in the dark, alone, behind a shed, listening to muffled voices, hoping that somebody's nightmare isn't about to explode through the walls, or from the bushes . . .

A piece from the book:
December 9, 2005, 12:55 p.m.
Janie Hannagan's math book slips from her fingers. She grips the edge of the table in the school library. Everything goes black and silent. She sighs and rests her head on the table. Tries to pull herself out of it, but fails miserably. She's too tired today. Too hungry. She really doesn't have time for this.
And then.

She's sitting in the bleachers in the football stadium, blinking under the lights, silent among the roars of the crowd.
She glances at the people sitting in the bleachers around her - fellow classmates, parents - trying to spot the dreamer. She can tell this dreamer is afraid, but where is he? Then she looks to the football field. Finds him. Rolls her eyes.
It's Luke Drake. No question about it. He is, after all, the only naked player on the field for the homecoming game.
Nobody seems to notice or care. Except him. The ball is snapped and the lines collide, but Luke is covering himself with his hands, hopping from one foot to the other. She can feel his panic increasing. Janie's fingers tingle and go numb.
Luke looks over at Janie, eyes pleading, as the football moves toward him, a bullet in slow motion. "Help," he says.
She thinks about helping him. Wonders what it would take to change the course of Luke's dream. She even considers that a boost of confidence to the star receiver the day before the big game could put Fieldridge High in the running for the Regional Class A Championship.
But Luke's really a jerk. He won't appreciate it. So she resigns herself to watching the debacle. She wonders if he'll choose pride or glory.

He's not as big as he thinks he is.
That's for damn sure.

The football nearly reaches Luke when the dream starts over again. Oh, get ON with it already, Janie thinks. She concentrates in her seat on the bleachers and slowly manages to stand. She tries to walk back under the bleachers for the rest of the dream so she doesn't have to watch, and surprisingly, this time, she is able.

That's a bonus.

Succubus Blues (Georgina Kincaid Series) by Richelle Mead

What's on the back of the book:
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 can 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, and she can't get 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 her hot charms and drop-dead one-liners won't help because Georgina's about to discover their are some creatures out there that both heaven and hell want to deny . . .

A piece from the book:
"Kill me, Doug. Just kill me now. Put me out of my misery."
My immortality notwithstanding, the sentiment was sincere.
"Christ, Kincaid, what did you say to him?" murmured Doug.
We stood off to the side of Seth Mortensen's audience, along with many others. All the seats had filled up, putting space and visibility at a premium. I was lucky to be with the staff in our reserved section, giving us a perfect view of Seth as he read from The Glasgow Pact. Not that I wanted to be in his line of sight. In fact, I really would have preferred that I never come face to face with him again.
"Well," I told Doug, keeping an eye on Paige so as not to draw attention to our whispering, "I ripped on his fans and on how long it takes for his books to come out."
Doug stared at me, his expectations exceeded.
"Then I said - not knowing who he was - that I'd be Seth Mortensen's love slave in exchange for advanced copies of his books."
I didn't elaborate on my impromptu flirting. To think, I'd imagined I was boosting a shy guy's ego! Good Lord. Seth Mortensen could probably bed a different groupie every night if he wanted.
Not like he seemed like the type. He'd demonstrated much of the same initial nervousness in front of the crowd as he had with me. He grew more comfortable once he started reading, however, warming to the material and letting his voice rise snd fall with intensity and wry humor.
"What kind of fan are you?" Doug asked. "Didn't you know what he looked like?"
"There are never pictures of him in his books. Besides, I thought he'd be older." I guessed now that Seth was in his mid-thirties, a bit older than I looked in this body, but younger than the forty-something writer I'd always imagined.
"Well, look on the bright side, Kincaid. You succeeded in your goal: you got him to notice you."
I stifled a groan, letting my head flop pathetically onto Doug's shoulder.

Evermore (The Immortals) by Alyson Noel

What's on the back of the book:
Sometimes love is eternal.
For good . . . for evil . . .
Forever

Sixteen-year-old Ever Bloom is the sole survivor of a car accident that killed her family. Exiled to sunny California, Ever is haunted by her little sister and by the ability to see people's auras, hear their thoughts and know their entire life story by touching them. She wants to hide from the world, but when a stunningly handsome new guy arrives at school, she can't seem to keep away. Falling in love with Damen is dangerous - he's not what he seems.
But if Damen is her destiny, how can Ever walk away?

A piece from the book:
Seconds before Mr. Robins walks in, I lower my hood, click off my iPod, and pretend I'm reading my book, not bothering to look up when he says, "Class, this is Damen Auguste. He just moved here from New Mexico. Okay Damen, you can take that empty seat in the back, right next to Ever. You'll have to share her book until you get your own copy."
Damen is gorgeous. I know this without once looking up. I just focus on my book as he makes his way toward me since I know way too much about my classmates already. So as far as I'm concerned, an extra moment of ignorance really is bliss.
But according to the innermost thoughts of Stacia Miller sitting just two rows before me - Damen Auguste is totally smoking hot.
Her best friend, Honor, completely agrees.
So does Honor's boyfriend, Craig, but that's a whole other story.
"Hey." Damen slides onto the seat next to mine, my backpack making a muffled thud as he drops it to the floor.
I nod, refusing to look any further than his sleek, black, motorcycle boots. The kind that are more GQ than Hells Angels. The kind that looks very out of place among the rows of multicolored flip-flops currently gracing the green-carpeted floor.
Mr. Robins asks us all to turn our books to page 133, prompting Damen to lean in and say, "Mind if I share?"
I hesitate, dreading the proximity, but slide my book all the way over until it's teetering off the edge of my desk. And when he moves his chair closer, bridging the small gap between us, I scoot to the farthest part of my seat and hide beneath my hood.
He laughs under his breath, but since I've yet to look at him, I have no idea what it means. All I know is that it sounded light and amused, but like it held something more.
I sink even lower, cheek on palm, eyes on the clock. Determined to ignore all the withering glances and critical comments directed my way. Stuff like: Poor hot, sexy, gorgeous new guy, having to sit next to that freak! That emanates from Stacia, Honor, Craig, and just about everyone else in the room.
Well, all except for Mr. Robins, who wants class to end almost as much as me.