Nerd Girl by Sue Lee

  Their relationship started with a bang. Literally.
  As Julia Hayes makes her way across the street to her job interview in the beautiful city of Seattle, she is hit by a car driven by Ryan McGraw. Thankfully the only thing that suffers from the crash is Julia's laptop, and now her heart from being struck by Cupid's arrow. From that moment, Julia and Ryan have been bumping into each other (fortunately without anybody being hit by a car) repeatedly, until they decide to make a date out of it.
  Meanwhile, Julia has just landed herself a dream job. But there's a minor problem with the VP...it's Ryan.
  Nerd Girl was hilarious, precious, and it had the most charming qualities a romantic comedy like this could have. It was just so adorable, I looked forward to it every time I picked it up. Sue Lee's writing is incredibly  intelligent and is extremely addicting.
  Actually, once I hit the 50% mark on my Kindle, I literally could not stop. I was hooked- there was a certain point in the book where the spit hit the fan, and things were going down.
  Which brings me to my next point in this review...there was a seriousness in the plot that sky-rocketed this book out of the "romantic comedy" genre, and into a love story with all of the fixins.
  At one point I almost cried.
  The emotional balance is this book is just perfection. The comedy, the romance, the terror of a broken heart, the sadness, and most of all, the feel-good sense that emanates from the story is irresistible.
  Not to mention, Julia makes several Harry Potter references throughout the book making the inner geek in me (which is a huge part of my personality) VERY happy.
  Nerd Girl is a lovely novel that will warm your heart and tickle your funny bone.

Book                                 ebook

          

How He Really Feels by Lisa Suzanne

  How He Really Feels is the story of Julianne Becker, and her imminent relationship with her new boss, Nick Matthews. Well, let's rewind a little bit.
  Julianne Becker has been goggling over her completely gorgeous and sexy boss Nick Matthews for a whole year now, and with the New Year approaching, Jules has made it her goal to make over her life, and her love life. But little does she know that Nick has been keeping a close eye on her as well.
  Things start to heat up in the workplace, but of course with great love and lust comes great responsibility. (Did I just make that up?)
  How He Really Feels starts off slowly, and this is for the best. During this time you get the chance to actually meet Jules and understand her character, while at the same time feeling out the relationship that's about to blossom. It's quite genius really, to begin a romance like this. While introducing us to Jules and her history, Lisa Suzanne adds a dash of irresistible humor to the mix, making her heroine one lovable character.
  If there are aspects of a romance that completely turn me off (ha-ha), they are overly detailed sex scenes, couples that "fall in love" too quickly, and an over-use of sweetness. I'm thrilled to say that Lisa Suzanne's How He Really Feels had none of these undesirable qualities. Ms Suzanne's story added a tasteful amount of each ingredient to the story without overdoing it and going overboard.
  How He Really Feels is a very sweet read. I have What He Really Feels (book two in the trilogy) already added to my Kindle, and I'm just waiting to sink my teeth into it. Although...with the way How He Really Feels ended, I fear that Lisa Suzanne has some tricks up her sleeve. Tricks just like the ones that had my heart pounding in book one...

Book                                ebook

          

Wolf Sirens: Forbidden: Discover The Legend by Tina Smith

  When I was first approached to read the Wolf Sirens series by author Tina Smith, I was excited about it, like all of my soon-to-be book reviews. It was a new series, a new author, a new experience, and overall, a new adventure. The plot was enticing, but I didn't want to jump the gun and say that I was too in love with the idea of this story. So, I dove into Tina Smith's book, Wolf Sirens: Forbidden, and began my adventure in this series...
  Like every exciting YA book, Forbidden started with a new girl, in a new town, beginning a new life in a new school. But that's where the similarities ended. Tina Smith's writing is so intelligent and sophisticated, it instantly broke the YA, stereotypical mold. Lila Crain unwillingly moves to Shade with her constantly absent mother, and she's immediately and abnormally accepted into the "cool kids" group.
  Lila knows something's up; no cool group would ever accept a chubby new girl this quickly. Dashing Reid and stunning Sky are also attracted to Lila, but in a more romantic way which just solidifies Lila's speculations that something's amiss.
  Shortly into the story, oddball Cresida shows Lila that these "teens" may not be as human as they seem...but that's silly. There's no such thing as werewolves...is there?
  While doing some research on the Wolf Sirens series (as I always do when I'm approached to read a book) I found a not-so-very nice review of the first book, Forbidden, and I was appalled. Beyond appalled, I was gob-smacked. I kept tallies on their criticisms as I read on in the book, and I will honestly tell you, my readers, that I did not find ANY of the imperfections that this blogger pointed out.
  Forbidden is amazing. And not just in a, "Oh, this is great." way, The Wolf Sirens series is fantastic, and that's that. I cannot wait to read on.

Book                                 ebook

           

Devlin's Descendant by Felicia Tatum

  I've just finished Devlin's Descendant, the third book in the White Aura series!
  This series is so action packed, there is not a dull moment, not even in one chapter. Instead, Olivia and Scott are racing against the clock to find and kill Devlin's Descendant in order to break the family curse. But it may be even more difficult than they thought...Devlin's Descendant may not be who they think it is.
  I've got a confession to make about this series. As I read on, I found myself wanting to read more about Aiden, Sadie and Anna, as well as Olivia and Scott. Scott and Olivia are the main characters, and they're who the story is based around, but I just...I want more! I want more plot, I want more books, and I want more Aiden and Sadie.
  I've heard from Felicia Tatum herself, that another White Aura book will be coming out this year, and it may in fact be the last one...
  No! I can only hope that Felicia continues to write Olivia, Scott, Aiden, and Sadie's story in novellas. And perhaps, maybe a reunion novella in the future. That's the thing about Felicia Tatum's writing; she always leaves the reader wanting MORE.
  The White Aura series is truly such a sweet series. It's a lot of fun to get into, and once you're in you cannot stop. You'll start the adventure of sorcery, love, friendship, and intrigue, and not stop until you've reached the last page of Devlin's Descendant. (Until, of course, book four comes out.)
  If you're looking for something short, sweet, and (when the right moment hits) incredibly sexy (I've had to fan my flushed face many times!), pick up the White Aura series by Felicia Tatum.

Book                                 ebook

          

The Shining by Stephen King

  After years and years of watching the movie, and promising that I'll read Stephen King's The Shining, I finally sat down and read the book from cover to cover. Now, I know this is a no-brainer, but especially when it comes to Stephen King books, the movies do not compare to the books whatsoever. And I loved Stanley Kubrick's The Shining. But now that I've started and finished the actual book, I don't think I can ever watch the movie again. The older movie (because I also know that there's a miniseries) is not even close to being as creepy and spine tingling as the book.
  I'm sure we all know the story of The Shining, but just in case, I'll run the plot by for you all...
  Jack Torrance is just about at the end of his rope. He had a rough childhood, his adulthood has taken several wrong paths, he's recovering from several rough years of being an alcoholic, and he's currently jobless after being fired from his previous occupation. But thanks to a close friend, Jack has found a new job. He, his wife Wendy, and their troubled and unique son Danny, are now the winter inhabitants of the Overlook Hotel- they're there to make sure everything is A-OK throughout the off season. But after only a few weeks of taking care of the Overlook, Jack has found some dark and disturbing secrets that the Overlook has hidden away; some violent, dark, and terrifying secrets.
  Soon the family becomes snow-bound, stuck in the Overlook, and are being accompanied by the ghosts inhabiting the many rooms of the mysterious and eerie hotel.
  The beginning of The Shining is quite slow. The introduction, the background, the set-up, or whatever you call it, drags a bit. Stephen King took his time introducing his readers to the characters and the story, which may lose some readers, but if you stick with it, it'll be worth it. The slow start is incredibly beneficial to the plot progression and story line.
  Do not, I repeat, DO NOT read this book at night, by yourself, when no one else is awake. You will regret it and end up crawling into someone else's bed so that you're not alone. Now this I would know firsthand.
  The Shining is my second Stephen King book, and now that I've delved into his writing more, I can say that I am now a Stephen King fan, and I probably should have started with something like The Shining instead of Carrie. I don't think Carrie is Mr. King's typical writing style, so I probably should have listened to my mom and started with The Stand...I guess that's next! Or perhaps...the sequel to The Shining, Doctor Sleep.

  The Shining truly is a wonderful story. It's surprisingly very emotional for such a haunting book. I see many more Stephen King novels in my future. Perhaps sooner than I think.

Book                                 ebook

           

The Vessel by Felicia Tatum

  The Vessel by Felicia Tatum is a continuation, as well as the second book in the White Aura series, the story of Olivia and Scott. Olivia has just met Scott, a sorcerer, in the book The White Aura, and in The Vessel, Olivia is taken from Scott and his and her family, and is held in captivity by an unseen foe. Meanwhile, Olivia is discovering powers of her own...
  The anxiety and anticipation in this series is never ending. The Vessel is just as fast-paced, just as fun, and just as sweet as The White Aura.
  Although, as we get further into the series, more and more problems arise, and everyone may not be as safe as they seem...in fact, some characters also may not be who they seem. Felicia Tatum has me turning around in circles and second guessing every character and every safe-zone.
  The plot is very quick, and The White Aura books are very short, with dull moments being non-existent. Now, some readers may not enjoy Felicia Tatum's writing style, which I can understand. Some readers may enjoy more details and less "goings on," and they may crave a longer story. I understand, but I personally quite enjoy The White Aura series. It has me highly entertained and occupied! I want a longer story for curiosity's sake, not because I think it's a flaw.
  The White Aura series reminds me a lot of L.J. Smith's Vampire Diaries series, and her Secret Circle series. They're entirely different and unique in their own ways, but for some reason they seem very similar to me. I think it's the "Oh my gosh, this series is so much fun! You need to read it so we can talk about it" factor that makes it similar. Because that's how I'm currently feeling.
  If you're looking for a good light, fun, and exciting read (and also a series to devour in no time), check out The White Aura series. I'm currently on Devlin's Descendant (book three, following The Vessel) and I couldn't be happier to be back with Olivia. Especially after The Vessel's ending...you will not want to wait to pick up book three.

Book                                 ebook

          

My Top Five (Six) Favorite Books of 2013

Ready for my top five (well, six) favorite books of 2013??

Drumroll please...

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

My #1 favorite is...

.

.

.

.

#1

The Cleansing by Sam Kates

This book had me positively BEGGING for more. I loved this book so much, I just had to make it my favorite of the year.

Book                                ebook

          

Here is a recap of my top five favorite books of 2013!

#2

Ordinary by Lindy Zart

Book                                ebook

          

#3

The Hunted One by Meg Collett

Book                                 ebook

           

#4

Blade of Amber by A.M. Justice

ebook

And because I couldn't JUST pick five...

#5s

Another Shot at Love by Niecey Roy...

Book                                ebook

          

...and Camelia by Dianna Dann

Book                                ebook

          

That pretty much wraps it up! This year I was able to read 112 books, so unfortunately not all of them were able to make it to my Top Five Favorites list, but as I've said before, I love every single book in my library, whether it's my e-library, or paper library. I'll be looking forward to reading more new and amazing books in 2014! Happy Reading, Happy New Year, and big hugs from The Literary Connoisseur!! <3