Review: Crave (The Clann #1) by Melissa Darnell

Hi!

Crave (The Clann #1)
by Melissa Darnell

Release Date: October 25th 2011 
by Harlequin Teen 
Paperback, 416 pages
Goodreads:

Savannah Colbert has never known why she's so hated by the kids of the Clann. Nor can she deny her instinct to get close to Clann golden boy Tristan Coleman. Especially when she recovers from a strange illness and the attraction becomes nearly irresistible. It's as if he's a magnet, pulling her gaze, her thoughts, even her dreams. Her family has warned her to have nothing to do with him, or any members of the Clann. But when Tristan is suddenly everywhere she goes, Savannah fears she's destined to fail.

For years, Tristan has been forbidden to even speak to Savannah Colbert. Then Savannah disappears from school for a week and comes back…different, and suddenly he can't stay away. Boys seem intoxicated just from looking at her. His own family becomes stricter than ever. And Tristan has to fight his own urge to protect her, to be near her no matter the consequences….

My thoughts: (spoiler free)

Told from both Savannah and Tristan’s POVs, Crave is a beautiful story of forbidden love, strong magic, games of power, painful loss and unimaginable danger.

Savannah and Tristan have always been drawn to each other. When they were kids, they used to be best friends and to spend all the time together. But one day, the Clann (formed from the town’s founding families who were rumored to have witchy powers) asked Tristan and all their other kids to stay away from Savannah for ever. None of them understood why, but they had to comply. Savannah never got the chance to find out why all her friends were avoiding her, so feeling hurt and betrayed, she never talked to Tristan again. But that didn’t mean she didn’t still feel his presence every time he was around her or that her feelings for him just disappeared – on the contrary. So every other day at her high school was a nightmare and the fact that she was shy, quiet and clumsy didn’t make it feel any better. Especially not when all the Clann’s kids seemed to hate her and made a routine from messing with her.

 But all of a sudden, everything changed. Savannah went sick and after a few confusing, painful days of staying at home, when she went back to school, everything was different. She was different. She felt better, stronger, she even looked prettier - and suddenly she was the center of attention. Tristan noticed too, because her presence was affecting him like it never did before. She was constantly on his mind and it even made him act weird. The pull between them became stronger and almost impossible to ignore. And though they knew better than to give in to the powerful attraction that drew them to each other and to ignore the danger their being together represented for everyone, they started to see each other and spend more and more time together. But the Clann and an even more dominant, evil, merciless force was lurking around, always watching, always testing and they were not happy with the turn of events, because Sav and Tristan seeing each other could start a war and the consequences could be disastrous. The two have to support the repercussions of their acts and of neglecting the rules - and things don't go well.

 There’s not a lot of action in this novel, but the suspense, the unpredictability, the twists and turns, the constant presence of danger and evil forces, the hidden truths, the perpetual changes, the annoying hold their powerful families had on Sav and Tristan, their strong feelings for each other and the way they affected them and everyone around them made of this book a very enjoyable, engaging read. Of course, Melissa’s beautiful and compelling writing had a lot  to do with it; the story was intense and flowed easily.

 Despite everything, Sav and Tristan are so adorable together! I love Tristan, he’s strong, snarky, protective and oh, so charming; reading from his POV was a delight! There was a lot of pain and difficult changes in Sav’s life, so her side of the story was a bit darker; it was grim and sad, yet understandable. She had a few moments when I just wanted to shake her, but… I got over it quickly. :)) She grew on me and became a more likeable character with every chapter, with every new development of the story.

 All in all, I really, really liked this book. There are some elements in it that I've always loved and I've always wanted to see combined (can't tell you what exactly I'm talking about, it would be spoilery) so THANK YOU  Melissa Darnell for making it happen! *hugs*

 Of course, the ending left me craving for the sequel – I can’t wait to see where Savannah and Tristan’s story goes and I wouldn’t mind a little more action in the next books in the series, those super bad ass powers should be put to work!:))

***Review copy provided by the publisher Harlequin Teen and NetGalley in exchange for my honest opinion. Thank you guys!

P.S. Isn't that cover gorgeous?<3


xoxo

Review: Crave (The Clann #1) by Melissa Darnell

Hi!

Crave (The Clann #1)
by Melissa Darnell

Release Date: October 25th 2011 
by Harlequin Teen 
Paperback, 416 pages
Goodreads:

Savannah Colbert has never known why she's so hated by the kids of the Clann. Nor can she deny her instinct to get close to Clann golden boy Tristan Coleman. Especially when she recovers from a strange illness and the attraction becomes nearly irresistible. It's as if he's a magnet, pulling her gaze, her thoughts, even her dreams. Her family has warned her to have nothing to do with him, or any members of the Clann. But when Tristan is suddenly everywhere she goes, Savannah fears she's destined to fail.

For years, Tristan has been forbidden to even speak to Savannah Colbert. Then Savannah disappears from school for a week and comes back…different, and suddenly he can't stay away. Boys seem intoxicated just from looking at her. His own family becomes stricter than ever. And Tristan has to fight his own urge to protect her, to be near her no matter the consequences….

My thoughts: (spoiler free)

Told from both Savannah and Tristan’s POVs, Crave is a beautiful story of forbidden love, strong magic, games of power, painful loss and unimaginable danger.

Savannah and Tristan have always been drawn to each other. When they were kids, they used to be best friends and to spend all the time together. But one day, the Clann (formed from the town’s founding families who were rumored to have witchy powers) asked Tristan and all their other kids to stay away from Savannah for ever. None of them understood why, but they had to comply. Savannah never got the chance to find out why all her friends were avoiding her, so feeling hurt and betrayed, she never talked to Tristan again. But that didn’t mean she didn’t still feel his presence every time he was around her or that her feelings for him just disappeared – on the contrary. So every other day at her high school was a nightmare and the fact that she was shy, quiet and clumsy didn’t make it feel any better. Especially not when all the Clann’s kids seemed to hate her and made a routine from messing with her.

 But all of a sudden, everything changed. Savannah went sick and after a few confusing, painful days of staying at home, when she went back to school, everything was different. She was different. She felt better, stronger, she even looked prettier - and suddenly she was the center of attention. Tristan noticed too, because her presence was affecting him like it never did before. She was constantly on his mind and it even made him act weird. The pull between them became stronger and almost impossible to ignore. And though they knew better than to give in to the powerful attraction that drew them to each other and to ignore the danger their being together represented for everyone, they started to see each other and spend more and more time together. But the Clann and an even more dominant, evil, merciless force was lurking around, always watching, always testing and they were not happy with the turn of events, because Sav and Tristan seeing each other could start a war and the consequences could be disastrous. The two have to support the repercussions of their acts and of neglecting the rules - and things don't go well.

 There’s not a lot of action in this novel, but the suspense, the unpredictability, the twists and turns, the constant presence of danger and evil forces, the hidden truths, the perpetual changes, the annoying hold their powerful families had on Sav and Tristan, their strong feelings for each other and the way they affected them and everyone around them made of this book a very enjoyable, engaging read. Of course, Melissa’s beautiful and compelling writing had a lot  to do with it; the story was intense and flowed easily.

 Despite everything, Sav and Tristan are so adorable together! I love Tristan, he’s strong, snarky, protective and oh, so charming; reading from his POV was a delight! There was a lot of pain and difficult changes in Sav’s life, so her side of the story was a bit darker; it was grim and sad, yet understandable. She had a few moments when I just wanted to shake her, but… I got over it quickly. :)) She grew on me and became a more likeable character with every chapter, with every new development of the story.

 All in all, I really, really liked this book. There are some elements in it that I've always loved and I've always wanted to see combined (can't tell you what exactly I'm talking about, it would be spoilery) so THANK YOU  Melissa Darnell for making it happen! *hugs*

 Of course, the ending left me craving for the sequel – I can’t wait to see where Savannah and Tristan’s story goes and I wouldn’t mind a little more action in the next books in the series, those super bad ass powers should be put to work!:))

***Review copy provided by the publisher Harlequin Teen and NetGalley in exchange for my honest opinion. Thank you guys!

P.S. Isn't that cover gorgeous?<3


xoxo

Waiting on Wednesday 10/26

Hey!

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly event hosted by Jill @ Breaking the Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.

*Thanks Danny @  Bewitched Bookworms for the lovely button

My pick is a bit random, but you know that I'm a moody reader, and this is what I'd give anything to read at the moment:

Insurgent (Divergent #2)
by Veronica Roth

Release Date: May 28th 2012
by HarperCollins

Goodreads:

One choice can transform you—or it can destroy you. But every choice has consequences, and as unrest surges in the factions all around her, Tris Prior must continue trying to save those she loves—and herself—while grappling with haunting questions of grief and forgiveness, identity and loyalty, politics and love.

Tris's initiation day should have been marked by celebration and victory with her chosen faction; instead, the day ended with unspeakable horrors. War now looms as conflict between the factions and their ideologies grows. And in times of war, sides must be chosen, secrets will emerge, and choices will become even more irrevocable—and even more powerful. Transformed by her own decisions but also by haunting grief and guilt, radical new discoveries, and shifting relationships, Tris must fully embrace her Divergence, even if she does not know what she may lose by doing so.

New York Times bestselling author Veronica Roth's much-anticipated second book of the dystopian Divergent series is another intoxicating thrill ride of a story, rich with hallmark twists, heartbreaks, romance, and powerful insights about human nature.

I read Divergent just a few weeks ago and I still have everything fresh in my mind (and in my heart, I should add). It's a really great Dystopian novel and the ending was so heartbreaking! So of course I need the sequel NOW!

What are you waiting on this week?:)

xoxo

Waiting on Wednesday 10/26

Hey!

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly event hosted by Jill @ Breaking the Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.

*Thanks Danny @  Bewitched Bookworms for the lovely button

My pick is a bit random, but you know that I'm a moody reader, and this is what I'd give anything to read at the moment:

Insurgent (Divergent #2)
by Veronica Roth

Release Date: May 28th 2012
by HarperCollins

Goodreads:

One choice can transform you—or it can destroy you. But every choice has consequences, and as unrest surges in the factions all around her, Tris Prior must continue trying to save those she loves—and herself—while grappling with haunting questions of grief and forgiveness, identity and loyalty, politics and love.

Tris's initiation day should have been marked by celebration and victory with her chosen faction; instead, the day ended with unspeakable horrors. War now looms as conflict between the factions and their ideologies grows. And in times of war, sides must be chosen, secrets will emerge, and choices will become even more irrevocable—and even more powerful. Transformed by her own decisions but also by haunting grief and guilt, radical new discoveries, and shifting relationships, Tris must fully embrace her Divergence, even if she does not know what she may lose by doing so.

New York Times bestselling author Veronica Roth's much-anticipated second book of the dystopian Divergent series is another intoxicating thrill ride of a story, rich with hallmark twists, heartbreaks, romance, and powerful insights about human nature.

I read Divergent just a few weeks ago and I still have everything fresh in my mind (and in my heart, I should add). It's a really great Dystopian novel and the ending was so heartbreaking! So of course I need the sequel NOW!

What are you waiting on this week?:)

xoxo

Spotted: The Hollows Series by Kim Harrison to come on CW TV?!

Heya! 

Whoa, how did I miss this?! *hyperventilates*  

It's not official yet, but seems like the CW has bought the rights to Kim Harrison’s The Hollows series (and Cynthia Hand’s Unearthly series). Smallville’s Jordan Hawley has written the script for The Hollows, and serves as executive producer.

The Hollows (CW), based on the bestselling book series The Hollows by Kim Harrison:

Set in an urban fantasy world, Rachel Morgan, a PI witch, works with local law enforcement agencies to combat threats both mundane and supernatural.

 EP/W: Jordan Hawley

***More info at the sources: deadline.com & Heroes and Heartbreakers (Thanks Megan!) 

The Hollows is my second favorite series EVER (it's what introduced me to adult Urban Fantasy years ago so it will always be special to me) and I know that some of you ladies love it as well, so I wanted to hear your thoughts on this. What do you think about Rachel Morgan getting on the small screen?

When I first heard about it, I got super excited and I practically jumped up and down around the room. And THEN I realized what was happening and I got all nervous. OMG! We're talking Kim Harrison here! What if they mess with my beloved series? What if they do it all wrong? What if they add cheesy romance to it (because we know this series is more about the world, action, character development, world building, mystery, and stuff like that than romance). What if they miss the important stuff and add something unnecessary? What if they change things drastically (CW tends to do that quite a lot *caugh*The Vampire Diaries *caugh*). What if they pick the wrong actors (seriously, who could make any justice to Kisten? Or Trent?! *faints*) And then there's that tone, humour and story telling that's so unique and so Kim Harrison... Really hard to get it right. So, yeah... you get my point: I'm excited and worried at the same time. (Sorry, I tend to get all fangirly and over protective when it comes to my fav characters.LOL) 

Anyway, what do you guys think? ;)

P.S. Actually, I have the same feelings about the Fever series (Karen Marie Moning) being made into movies, but... Let's just not get there now. 

P.P.S. Speaking of The Hollows, did you get the Insider's guide today? I hear it glows in the dark and it has tons of awesome pictures and behind-the-scenes-like info! <3 

xoxo

 

Spotted: The Hollows Series by Kim Harrison to come on CW TV?!

Heya! 

Whoa, how did I miss this?! *hyperventilates*  

It's not official yet, but seems like the CW has bought the rights to Kim Harrison’s The Hollows series (and Cynthia Hand’s Unearthly series). Smallville’s Jordan Hawley has written the script for The Hollows, and serves as executive producer.

The Hollows (CW), based on the bestselling book series The Hollows by Kim Harrison:

Set in an urban fantasy world, Rachel Morgan, a PI witch, works with local law enforcement agencies to combat threats both mundane and supernatural.

 EP/W: Jordan Hawley

***More info at the sources: deadline.com & Heroes and Heartbreakers (Thanks Megan!) 

The Hollows is my second favorite series EVER (it's what introduced me to adult Urban Fantasy years ago so it will always be special to me) and I know that some of you ladies love it as well, so I wanted to hear your thoughts on this. What do you think about Rachel Morgan getting on the small screen?

When I first heard about it, I got super excited and I practically jumped up and down around the room. And THEN I realized what was happening and I got all nervous. OMG! We're talking Kim Harrison here! What if they mess with my beloved series? What if they do it all wrong? What if they add cheesy romance to it (because we know this series is more about the world, action, character development, world building, mystery, and stuff like that than romance). What if they miss the important stuff and add something unnecessary? What if they change things drastically (CW tends to do that quite a lot *caugh*The Vampire Diaries *caugh*). What if they pick the wrong actors (seriously, who could make any justice to Kisten? Or Trent?! *faints*) And then there's that tone, humour and story telling that's so unique and so Kim Harrison... Really hard to get it right. So, yeah... you get my point: I'm excited and worried at the same time. (Sorry, I tend to get all fangirly and over protective when it comes to my fav characters.LOL) 

Anyway, what do you guys think? ;)

P.S. Actually, I have the same feelings about the Fever series (Karen Marie Moning) being made into movies, but... Let's just not get there now. 

P.P.S. Speaking of The Hollows, did you get the Insider's guide today? I hear it glows in the dark and it has tons of awesome pictures and behind-the-scenes-like info! <3 

xoxo

 

Romanian Bookish Love #5

Hey guys!

I haven't posted this feature in a long time, but our lovely publishers spoiled us with a lot of amazing titles lately, so I thought I'd share some of them with you. I know you enjoy seeing International editions, so here are some of the books they have in store for us this fall:

Eve (Eve #1) by Anna Carey

US Edition	Romanian Edition

Fallen (Nine Lives of Chloe King #1) by Celia Thomson 

US Edition	Romanian Edition

Swoon (Swoon #1) by Nina Malkin 

US Edition	Romanian Edition

*Romanian editions courtesy to Leda Books Romania!

So, what do you guys think? Which cover do you prefer? Do you like the US or the Romanian covers better?:)

Have a great Sunday!

xoxo

Romanian Bookish Love #5

Hey guys!

I haven't posted this feature in a long time, but our lovely publishers spoiled us with a lot of amazing titles lately, so I thought I'd share some of them with you. I know you enjoy seeing International editions, so here are some of the books they have in store for us this fall:

Eve (Eve #1) by Anna Carey

US Edition	Romanian Edition

Fallen (Nine Lives of Chloe King #1) by Celia Thomson 

US Edition	Romanian Edition

Swoon (Swoon #1) by Nina Malkin 

US Edition	Romanian Edition

*Romanian editions courtesy to Leda Books Romania!

So, what do you guys think? Which cover do you prefer? Do you like the US or the Romanian covers better?:)

Have a great Sunday!

xoxo

Spotted: Until I Die by Amy Plum Cover!

Happy Sunday everyone!

Just a quickie post to show you the new cover of Until I Die (Revenants #2) by Amy Plum. It's so beautiful, I just had to share it with you all! <3

Out: May 3rd 2012

Previous book cover: 

Die for Me (Revenants #1) 

So, what do you think?

xoxo

Spotted: Until I Die by Amy Plum Cover!

Happy Sunday everyone!

Just a quickie post to show you the new cover of Until I Die (Revenants #2) by Amy Plum. It's so beautiful, I just had to share it with you all! <3

Out: May 3rd 2012

Previous book cover: 

Die for Me (Revenants #1) 

So, what do you think?

xoxo

My Bookish Pet Peeves

Hey!

I enjoy most of the books I read, because I (almost) always find something to like about them. Yes, I am a perfectionist and a moody reader, but when the story is good, the plot is interesting, the characters are like-able, the world building is very well done, I can overlook tiny flaws. But there are a few things that really tick me off. They make me grit my teeth, bang my head on the wall, roll my eyes, pull my hair and raise my hands up to sky in a "Oh, God, not again!" manner. (ok, I don't actually do those things, but you know the feeling.:)) I just drop a star or two from my final rating). Well, I'd like to complain talk about all this for a bit. 

But before I do that, let me say that I am aware that there are exceptions, sometimes these things are very well done, there are books that are so good and authors who are so talented, that if I find any of these things in their works, it doesn't even matter. Also, I don't want to be mean or disrespectful to any author, I'm just stating my personal opinion about things I don't like in general. That being said, here we go: 

   1.  The dumb, whiny heroine

We meet them mostly in YA novels, in the first book of the series.
 

Sometimes the heroines are so disoriented, stubborn, blind etc that they make me want to reach into the book, grab them by the shoulders and shake the hell out of them. They're wimpy, whiny and annoying, everyone figures things out before they do, they ask ridiculous questions, make stupid decisions etc. 

Ok, I get it: they are young, inexperienced, scared, confused, betrayed, hurt but THEY.ARE.NOT.STUPID. Or just some pathetic crybabies! Don’t get me wrong, I’m not saying they all have to be tough little cookies from the very start, I understand that they have to grow and develop as characters, they can't be perfect and all that. But seriously, there must be some kind of balance! Don’t underestimate them and don’t make them the dumbest girls on the block, exaggerating with their flaws, imperfections and insecurities is so not necessary!

   2. The Love Triangle

*sigh* I guess there's always been a little drama because of this subject around the blogosphere. I'll try to keep this short, but you're going to hate me anyway.;)

So... What I believe is that love triangles are annoying and as of lately, over used. (again, especially in YA novels). They kind of lost their appeal. Mostly, because they are so predictable. Just let me tell you a little story: Enters lead character A. She's a normal, nice girl with a normal life. Suddenly, she meets X. (Whoa!) He's all Mr. Tall Dark and Handsome, he's interesting,  mysterious, has a troubled past and a dangerous side. They fall in love, but something bad happens and then they realize that being together is very dangerous (for themselves or for someone/everyone else). They broke apart. But hey, never fear! Here comes boy Y to the rescue! He's the always caring, always nice bff who suddenly becomes good boyfriend material (wow, when did he become so handsome?) And then there's a lot of action and drama yada yada yada and A and X find each other again, cry, hug each other, swear eternal love and get their HEA. But what about Y? Oh, he was too nice to be happy anyway!*waves hand dismissively* It's not like he ever had a real chance to get A in the first place! But he's a good guy and after he gets over the heart wrenching refusal of A, he'll find someone nice to love him back. Hey, maybe even someone we met before in the story - someone veeery important!*snort* Sounds familiar? Well, this is the kind of dynamic that annoys me to no end. Again, I know love triangles can be very well done (honestly, some of my all times favorite series have love triangles) but... Yeah, there's always a big BUT when it comes to them. *weary*

   3. Insta-love/Insta-lust

Do I really need to say more here?
 

I understand when A and X being instantly drawn to each other is absolutely necessary for the main plot, but sometimes it happens way too fast! (I recently started reading a book where A and X find each other and obviously fall head over heels in love on the second page. Enough said.) Not to mention what comes next: the obsessive, stalker behavior.*thud* And if I can deal with that kind of thing in YA novels, I definitely can't be ok with it in Adult Paranormal Romance. You know, when people rip their clothes off from the very first page, no matter that the guy stalked her, broke into her apartment, seems to be very dangerous and she doesn't even know his name - or anything for that matter - about him. I mean, c'mon! Really?! *shudders*

   4. Clichés

I'm not talking about the big ones (like: new girl in town, all the boys from her new school fall for her and yet she never notices; or the perpetual family issues), but those tiny ones that show up here and there just to make you mad the story more dramatic and interesting. (X tells A under no circumstances to get out of the house because the Big Bad could be out there waiting for her, yet when he turns his back... Surprise, surprise, what does she do? Goes out and whoa! the Big Bad comes out of nowhere and grabs her! *groans* Or: when A finally musters the courage to walk up to X and talk to him/confront him/declare to him, he's talking to/kissing her enemy.) Sorry, maybe these are not the best examples, but I'm tired and I can't remember anything more specific right now. But I think you get what I mean - clichés are clichés after all!

So... that's what really bothers me in books. As I said, I understand there are ways around them and they can be exceptionally well done and good for the story, but... I'm very picky when it comes to books featuring them. And though I didn't want to give names in this post, I can't not mention a debut novel I read this summer that had none of these issues: NONE! Blood Magic by Tessa Gratton. In my humble opinion, this book was very, very good and perfectly balanced! Gratton is really awesome; she could write a 400 pages book with all kinds of elements in it: love, drama, tension, paranormal, action, twists, turns, mystery, secrets; she could be very original, keep my interest from the first page to the last AND avoid all those annoying things, so she has my eternal respect and gratitude! Ok, I'll stop fangirlying now (is that a word?), but I'd send her a big virtual hug and some home made special Romanian cookies (those wouldn't be virtual; give me her address and I'll send them.LOL) just for being fabulous. *bows*

Phew! That's a lot of ramble! But I really want to know your opinion: do you have bookish pet peeves? Is there anything that usually annoys you in books and makes you avoid them? Do you share some of mine? Let me know!

And now that I got that out of my chest, I can go back to reviewing the book that got this started! :))

xoxo

My Bookish Pet Peeves

Hey!

I enjoy most of the books I read, because I (almost) always find something to like about them. Yes, I am a perfectionist and a moody reader, but when the story is good, the plot is interesting, the characters are like-able, the world building is very well done, I can overlook tiny flaws. But there are a few things that really tick me off. They make me grit my teeth, bang my head on the wall, roll my eyes, pull my hair and raise my hands up to sky in a "Oh, God, not again!" manner. (ok, I don't actually do those things, but you know the feeling.:)) I just drop a star or two from my final rating). Well, I'd like to complain talk about all this for a bit. 

But before I do that, let me say that I am aware that there are exceptions, sometimes these things are very well done, there are books that are so good and authors who are so talented, that if I find any of these things in their works, it doesn't even matter. Also, I don't want to be mean or disrespectful to any author, I'm just stating my personal opinion about things I don't like in general. That being said, here we go: 

   1.  The dumb, whiny heroine

We meet them mostly in YA novels, in the first book of the series.
 

Sometimes the heroines are so disoriented, stubborn, blind etc that they make me want to reach into the book, grab them by the shoulders and shake the hell out of them. They're wimpy, whiny and annoying, everyone figures things out before they do, they ask ridiculous questions, make stupid decisions etc. 

Ok, I get it: they are young, inexperienced, scared, confused, betrayed, hurt but THEY.ARE.NOT.STUPID. Or just some pathetic crybabies! Don’t get me wrong, I’m not saying they all have to be tough little cookies from the very start, I understand that they have to grow and develop as characters, they can't be perfect and all that. But seriously, there must be some kind of balance! Don’t underestimate them and don’t make them the dumbest girls on the block, exaggerating with their flaws, imperfections and insecurities is so not necessary!

   2. The Love Triangle

*sigh* I guess there's always been a little drama because of this subject around the blogosphere. I'll try to keep this short, but you're going to hate me anyway.;)

So... What I believe is that love triangles are annoying and as of lately, over used. (again, especially in YA novels). They kind of lost their appeal. Mostly, because they are so predictable. Just let me tell you a little story: Enters lead character A. She's a normal, nice girl with a normal life. Suddenly, she meets X. (Whoa!) He's all Mr. Tall Dark and Handsome, he's interesting,  mysterious, has a troubled past and a dangerous side. They fall in love, but something bad happens and then they realize that being together is very dangerous (for themselves or for someone/everyone else). They broke apart. But hey, never fear! Here comes boy Y to the rescue! He's the always caring, always nice bff who suddenly becomes good boyfriend material (wow, when did he become so handsome?) And then there's a lot of action and drama yada yada yada and A and X find each other again, cry, hug each other, swear eternal love and get their HEA. But what about Y? Oh, he was too nice to be happy anyway!*waves hand dismissively* It's not like he ever had a real chance to get A in the first place! But he's a good guy and after he gets over the heart wrenching refusal of A, he'll find someone nice to love him back. Hey, maybe even someone we met before in the story - someone veeery important!*snort* Sounds familiar? Well, this is the kind of dynamic that annoys me to no end. Again, I know love triangles can be very well done (honestly, some of my all times favorite series have love triangles) but... Yeah, there's always a big BUT when it comes to them. *weary*

   3. Insta-love/Insta-lust

Do I really need to say more here?
 

I understand when A and X being instantly drawn to each other is absolutely necessary for the main plot, but sometimes it happens way too fast! (I recently started reading a book where A and X find each other and obviously fall head over heels in love on the second page. Enough said.) Not to mention what comes next: the obsessive, stalker behavior.*thud* And if I can deal with that kind of thing in YA novels, I definitely can't be ok with it in Adult Paranormal Romance. You know, when people rip their clothes off from the very first page, no matter that the guy stalked her, broke into her apartment, seems to be very dangerous and she doesn't even know his name - or anything for that matter - about him. I mean, c'mon! Really?! *shudders*

   4. Clichés

I'm not talking about the big ones (like: new girl in town, all the boys from her new school fall for her and yet she never notices; or the perpetual family issues), but those tiny ones that show up here and there just to make you mad the story more dramatic and interesting. (X tells A under no circumstances to get out of the house because the Big Bad could be out there waiting for her, yet when he turns his back... Surprise, surprise, what does she do? Goes out and whoa! the Big Bad comes out of nowhere and grabs her! *groans* Or: when A finally musters the courage to walk up to X and talk to him/confront him/declare to him, he's talking to/kissing her enemy.) Sorry, maybe these are not the best examples, but I'm tired and I can't remember anything more specific right now. But I think you get what I mean - clichés are clichés after all!

So... that's what really bothers me in books. As I said, I understand there are ways around them and they can be exceptionally well done and good for the story, but... I'm very picky when it comes to books featuring them. And though I didn't want to give names in this post, I can't not mention a debut novel I read this summer that had none of these issues: NONE! Blood Magic by Tessa Gratton. In my humble opinion, this book was very, very good and perfectly balanced! Gratton is really awesome; she could write a 400 pages book with all kinds of elements in it: love, drama, tension, paranormal, action, twists, turns, mystery, secrets; she could be very original, keep my interest from the first page to the last AND avoid all those annoying things, so she has my eternal respect and gratitude! Ok, I'll stop fangirlying now (is that a word?), but I'd send her a big virtual hug and some home made special Romanian cookies (those wouldn't be virtual; give me her address and I'll send them.LOL) just for being fabulous. *bows*

Phew! That's a lot of ramble! But I really want to know your opinion: do you have bookish pet peeves? Is there anything that usually annoys you in books and makes you avoid them? Do you share some of mine? Let me know!

And now that I got that out of my chest, I can go back to reviewing the book that got this started! :))

xoxo

Spotted: The Hollows by Kim Harrison New UK Covers!

Heya!

Kim Harrison just mentioned on her blog that UK is going to be reissuing the earlier titles in her The Hollows/Rachel Morgan series. Here are the first two covers: *jumps up and down in excitement*

Dead Witch Walking;  The Good, the Bad and the Undead (The Hollows #1,  #2)

** Source **

Well, they look very good and fierce IMO! ( Is that Ivy?:D) I think I'll get them as well, since I LOVE this series, but I'm not a big fan of the initial covers.



So, what do you think? If you haven't started this series already, here's you chance to pick it up! I know long series like this one can be scary, but they are worth it, believe me! ;)

xoxo