Book Review: Sweet Evil by Wendy Higgins Latest Young Adult Books on Kindle Top Ten Authors I’d Like To See on a Reality TV Show Book Expo America for Beginners Read.Breathe.Relax. Guest Posts on PBFingers Book Review: The Selection by Kiera Cass WordPress Book Plugins for Book Bloggers Top Ten Favorite Quotes From Books Know Your (Lord of the Rings) Meme Book Review: Bitterblue by Kristin Cashore
Book Review: Sweet Evil by Wendy Higgins Sweet Evil – there’s so much to say. It was another serious page-turner, but I had a few issues with the plot and back story. Book Review: Sweet Evil by Wendy Higgins GoodReads | Amazon | Author Website Title & Author: Sweet Evil by Wendy Higgins Genre: Young Adult Fiction – Fantasy (Angels & Demons) [...]
Latest Young Adult Books on Kindle Surfing Amazon for some young adult books on Kindle, I found some treasures! I love a good bargain. Latest Young Adult Books on Kindle The Frugal Fantasy Reader is a Read.Breathe.Relax. original feature that lists the latest fantasy and young adult Kindle book deals. Who says you can’t read good books on a budget? Find [...]
Top Ten Authors I’d Like To See on a Reality TV Show Seeing as how reality TV has taken over TV, it would be awesome to see people I actually like on the shows. This is gonna be fun… Top Ten Tuesdays are hosted by The Broke and the Bookish. Join the meme and link up on their site! Top Ten Authors I’d Like to See on [...]
Book Expo America for Beginners In the beginning of June, I will be attending Book Expo America and BEA Bloggers Conference (formerly Book Blogger Con)! I am SUPER pumped and cannot wait to meet authors, publishers and other bloggers! Because this is my first time attending this event, I have no idea what to expect. As the time gets closer, [...]
Read.Breathe.Relax. Guest Posts on PBFingers A few days ago, I guest posted on my friend Julie’s blog, – PBFingers! PBFingers is a healthy living blog, and Julie often features yummy recipes and hardcore workouts. PLUS, Julie’s readers really love YA Dystopian books. I think book bloggers and her fans need to be friends like YESTERDAY. You can check out my [...]
Book Review: The Selection by Kiera Cass Being completely honest, I didn’t have high hopes for The Selection. I’d read some negative reviews but still felt drawn to the storyline, which really intrigued me. Instead, The Selection totally surprised me… Book Review: The Selection by Kiera Cass GoodReads | Amazon | Author Website Title & Author: The Selection by Kiera Cass Genre: [...]
WordPress Book Plugins for Book Bloggers With a ton of book bloggers transitioning to WordPress (yay!), I thought a post about the best book plugins would be timely and helpful. I’ve been on WordPress since the start of my blog (March 2011-ish), and I think this platform is 1. SEO-friendly, 2. easy to use and 3. robust and sustainable. There’s a [...]
Top Ten Favorite Quotes From Books I really am inspired by so many fantastic writers out there, and I love this favorite quotes from books prompt from The Broke and the Bookish. People far wiser than me have said some truly fantastic things that have shaped me in one way or another. Top Ten Tuesdays are hosted by The Broke and [...]
Know Your (Lord of the Rings) Meme With only 8 short months (ugh) till The Hobbit movie premiere, I thought some Lord of the Rings memes could help us start to get (slowly) pumped. These books are awesome and have the very rare instance of being made into movies that are just as good. (I hope that isn’t blasphemy to you hard [...]
Book Review: Bitterblue by Kristin Cashore I feel like I’ve been waiting for Bitterblue to come out for a million years (

Book Review: Sweet Evil by Wendy Higgins

Sweet Evil – there’s so much to say. It was another serious page-turner, but I had a few issues with the plot and back story.

Book Review: Sweet Evil by Wendy Higgins

GoodReads | Amazon | Author Website

sweet evil by wendy higgins book review

Title & Author: Sweet Evil by Wendy Higgins

Genre: Young Adult Fiction – Fantasy (Angels & Demons)

Release Date: May 1, 2012

Series: 1st book in a trilogy

Publisher: HarperTeen

How I Got the Book: ARC via HarperTeen

Description:

“What if there were teens whose lives depended on being bad influences?
This is the reality for sons and daughters of fallen angels in Sweet Evil.

Tenderhearted Southern girl, Anna Whitt, was born with the sixth sense to see and feel emotions of other people. She’s aware of a struggle within herself, an inexplicable pull toward danger, but it isn’t until she turns sixteen and meets the alluring Kaidan Rowe that she discovers her terrifying heritage, and her will-power is put to the test. He’s the boy your daddy warned you about. If only someone had warned Anna.

Forced to face her destiny, will Anna embrace her halo or her horns?”

Angel Book Coming Atcha

If I just think about the story of Sweet Evil as a whole and really consider how I felt when I finished the book, I would use these words to describe the book as a whole: highly engaging, seductive and strangely spiritual.

Starting with the strangely spiritual part, you may know how I feel about books with religion that is borrowed from actual faiths practiced currently, but Sweet Evil came at things with a very different approach.

In the book, demons roam the Earth trying to tempt humans in any way they can, and the demons have specialities – substance abuse, lust, etc. When Anna meets Kaiden (pronounced ky-den), she knows something is off about him. It’s partly because she can read people’s emotions (in an interesting color-associated way) and she sees his essence is black.

Fast forward to Anna realizing she’s part demon and part angel, and here’s where things get dicey. Demons are essentially evil and aren’t supposed to have a conscious. Yet, there are times throughout Sweet Evil that both Kaiden and the other demons actively fight their nature of tempting and hurting humans. This confused me so much, but I just went with it.

Also, Anna is basically the biggest goody-goody in the world, so there are a TON of cringe-worthy moments and cheesy inner-dialogue. Like, when Anna refuses to lie and takes it to the extreme by offering up uncomfortable truths in awkward situations.

Sweetly Sinful

On to seductive and engaging: The overall idea of the book is really, really interesting – demons battling it out every day to bring humanity down and one girl who’s fighting her base nature to be truly angelic. Most of the spiritual things mentioned in the book seem theologically sound, and as that’s my usual gripe, I came away giving that aspect of the book a nod of approval.

When Anna meets Kaiden, she has no idea that his demonic specialty is lust. …I’m sure you can only imagine how their natural attraction to each other is intensified by THAT little complication. And, I appreciated that Higgins didn’t make anything raunchy or over-the-top.

Anna was a fairly well-rounded character, but I had trouble connecting with her and understanding her at times. But I gotta give her props: Kaiden pull an Edward on her at one point and she handles it infinitely better than Bella ever did.

Other notes:

  • The cover is crazy: What is Kaiden doing? Why is Anna wearing that insane dress? It doesn’t make any sense
  • The conclusion ends at a really awkward part, in my opinion
  • There’s one relationship in the book that I really love but cannot share because it’s a spoiler!
  • Kaiden has a British accent and I’m def a fan

OVERALL:

What a toss up. I was both intrigued and annoyed with Sweet Evil. It had be burning through its pages at warp speed but left me feeing confused and frustrated at times. If you dislike angel-type books, I don’t know how much you would like Sweet Evil, but if you’re up for a fast read that will keep you interested definitely give it a try.

 

Latest Young Adult Books on Kindle

Surfing Amazon for some young adult books on Kindle, I found some treasures! I love a good bargain. :)

Latest Young Adult Books on Kindle

FrugalFantasyReader

The Frugal Fantasy Reader is a Read.Breathe.Relax. original feature that lists the latest fantasy and young adult Kindle book deals. Who says you can’t read good books on a budget?

Find other great Kindle ebook deals on the Features page.


Young Adult Books on Kindle

1. Starcrossed with Bonus Material by Josephine Angelini (Loved it!)

starcrossed by josephine angelini

Price: $0.99

Description: “Set on the island of Nantucket, STARCROSSED tells the tale of Helen Hamilton, a young woman whose destiny is forever altered when she meets Lucas Delos and tries to kill him in front of her entire high school. Which is terribly inconvenient, not only because Lucas is the most beautiful boy on the island, but also because Helen is so achingly shy she suffers physical pain whenever she is given too much attention.

Making matters worse, Helen is beginning to suspect she’s going crazy. Whenever she’s near Lucas or any member of his family she sees the ghostly apparitions of three women weeping bloody tears, and suffers the burden of an intense and irrational hate. She soon learns that she and Lucas are destined to play the leading roles in a Greek tragedy that the Three Fates insist on repeating over and over again throughout history. Like her namesake, Helen of Troy, she’s destined to start a war by falling in love. But even though Lucas and Helen can see their own star-crossed destiny, they’re still powerfully attracted to each other. Will they give up their personal happiness for the greater good, or risk it all to be together?”


2. Hidden by Shalini Bolnd

hidden by shalini boland young adult books on kindle

Price: $0.99

Description: “A paranormal romance that spans the centuries from modern England to 19th century Paris and ancient Cappadocia.

Madison Greene is in foster care until one day she inherits a fortune, she inherits a house, she inherits a cellar full of danger.

Alexandre Chevalier lives in 19th century Paris. On an archaeological expedition, he discovers a lost underground city where his life changes forever.

Their lives entwine, but this is only the beginning…”


3. Vampire Kisses by Ellie Schrieber

vampire kisses by ellen schreiber young adult books on kindle

Price: $2.99

Description: “In her small town, dubbed “Dullsville,” sixteen-year-old Raven — a vampire-crazed goth-girl — is an outcast. But not for long…

The intriguing and rumored-to-be haunted mansion on top of Benson Hill has stood vacant and boarded-up for years. That is, until its mysteriously strange new occupants move in. Who are these creepy people — especially the handsome, dark, and elusive Alexander Sterling? Or rather, what are they? Could the town prattle actually ring true? Are they vampires? Raven, who secretly covets a vampire kiss, both at the risk of her own mortality and Alexander’s loving trust, is dying to uncover the truth.

Ellen Schreiber’s spooky and stirring romance tells the story of two outsiders who fall in love in a town where conformity reigns, and ends with a shocking surprise.”

4. Hana by Lauren Oliver

hana by lauren oliver

Price: $2.99

Description: “The summer before they’re supposed to be cured of the ability to love, best friends Lena and Hana begin to drift apart. While Lena shies away from underground music and parties with boys, Hana jumps at her last chance to experience the forbidden. For her, the summer is full of wild music, dancing—and even her first kiss.

But on the surface, Hana must be a model of perfect behavior. She meets her approved match, Fred Hargrove, and glimpses the safe, comfortable life she’ll have with him once they marry. As the date for her cure draws ever closer, Hana desperately misses Lena, wonders how it feels to truly be in love, and is simultaneously terrified of rebelling and of falling into line.

In this digital story that will appeal to fans of Delirium and welcome new admirers to its world, readers will come to understand scenes from Delirium through Hana’s perspective. Hana is a touching and revealing look at a life-changing and tumultuous summer.”


5. The Demon Trapper’s Daughter: A Demon Trappers Novel by Jana Oliver

the demon trappers daughter young adult books on kindle

Price: $2.99

Description: “Riley Blackthorne just needs a chance to prove herself – and that’s exactly what the demons are counting on…

Seventeen-year-old Riley, the only daughter of legendary Demon Trapper, Paul Blackthorne, has always dreamed of following in her father’s footsteps. The good news is, with human society seriously disrupted by economic upheaval and Lucifer increasing the number of demons in all major cities, Atlanta’s local Trappers’ Guild needs all the help they can get – even from a girl. When she’s not keeping up with her homework or trying to manage her growing crush on fellow apprentice, Simon, Riley’s out saving distressed citizens from foul-mouthed little devils – Grade One Hellspawn only, of course, per the strict rules of the Guild. Life’s about as normal as can be for the average demon-trapping teen.”


6. A Posse of Princesses by Sherwood Smith

a possee of princesses sherwood smith

Price: $2.99

Description: “Rhis, princess of a small kingdom, is invited along with all the other princesses in her part of the world to the coming of age party of the Crown Prince of Vesarja, which is the central and most important kingdom. When Iardith, the prettiest and most perfect of all the princesses, is abducted, Rhis and her friends go to the rescue.

What happens to Rhis and her posse has unexpected results not only for the princesses, but for the princes who chase after them. Everyone learns a lot about friendship and hate, politics and laughter, romantic ballads and sleeping in the dirt with nothing but a sword for company. But most of all they learn about the many meanings of love.”


7. Blue Bloods by Melissa De La Cruz

blue bloods melissa de la cruz young adult books on kindle

Price: $4.99

Description: “Schuyler Van Alen is confused about what is happening to her. Her veins are starting to turn blue, and she’s starting to crave raw meat. Soon, her world is thrust into an intricate maze of secret societies and bitter intrigue. Schuyler has never been a part of the trendy crowd at her prestigious New York private school. Now, all of a sudden, Jack Force, the most popular guy in school, is showing an interest in her. And when one of the popular girls is found dead, Schuyler and Jack are determined to get to the bottom of it. Schuyler wants to find out the secrets of the mysterious Blue Bloods. But is she putting herself in danger? Melissa de la Cruz’s vampire mythology, set against the glitzy backdrop of New York City, is a juicy and intoxicating read.”


8. The Book of a Thousand Days by Shannon Hale

the book of a thousand days shannon hale

Price:$5.69

Description: “Based on a classic Grimm’s fairy tale, this is the story told by Dashti, a maid from the steppes of a medieval land, who sacrifices her freedom to accompany her mistress into exile. Imprisoned in a remote tower after Lady Saren refuses to marry the man her father has chosen, the maid and the lady have almost nothing in common. But the loyalty that grows between the two, the man they love in different ways for different reasons, and the lies they tell because of and in spite of each other, combine to evoke the deepest bonds, transcend the loneliest landscapes, and erupt in a conclusion so romantic, so clever, and so right that no reader will be left dry-eyed.”


9. First Test: Book 1 of the Protector of the Small Quartet by Tamora Pierce

first test tamora pierce young adult books on kindle

Price: $6.99

Description: “When Alanna became the King’s Champion, it was decided that girls would henceforth be allowed to train for the knighthood. But ten years have passed, and no girls have come forward. Now, however, someone is about to change all that. Her name is Kel. In this first book in a new series from popular children’s fantasy writer Tamora Pierce, we are introduced to a strong, adventurous new heroine who will win the hearts and minds of fantasy fans.”


10. The Vampire Diaries: The Awakening by L.J. Smith

the vampire diaries by l.j. smith

Price: $6.99

Description: “JA deadly love triangle

Elena: beautiful and popular, the girl who can have any guy she wants.

Stefan: brooding and mysterious, desperately trying to resist his desire for Elena . . . for her own good.

Damon: sexy, dangerous, and driven by an urge for revenge against Stefan, the brother who betrayed him.

Elena finds herself drawn to both brothers . . . who will she choose?”



Young adult books on Kindle are a thing of beauty.

 

Top Ten Authors I’d Like To See on a Reality TV Show

Seeing as how reality TV has taken over TV, it would be awesome to see people I actually like on the shows. This is gonna be fun…

Top Ten Tuesdays are hosted by The Broke and the Bookish. Join the meme and link up on their site!

Top Ten Authors I’d Like to See on a Reality TVShow

lauren-oliver authors on reality tv shows

1Lauren Oliver on Doomsday Preppers – I dunno…I think she would have a lot of insight on this. I mean, she does talk about the Chicago area kinda gong through something similar…

2Veronica Roth on The Bacehlorette – Even though Veronica Roth is married, I’d love to see who she would choose on The Bachelorette. She is young and fun, and I’m sure she’d pick the one awesome guy on the show.

3Julie Kagawa on Wipe Out — After putting me in suspense so many times with the Iron Fey series, Julie had this coming. Haha, I seriously love this show.

4J.K. Rowling on Real Housewives of Beverly Hills – J.K. is probably WAY more loaded than any of these ladies and I totally think her wit and charm could reform them humble them. Also, I just want to see someone genuine on that show (I still love them!!).

5Lauren DeStefano on Jersey Shore – I love Lauren’s spunk and her hilarious tweets. I would also love to see her reaction to Snooki’s ridiculousness.

6Mary V. Snyder on Dancing with the Stars I’m so sure Maria can bust a move. Authors are all secretly agile, right??

7Suzanne Collins on Survivor — I would TOTALLY watch the creator of The Hunger Games on Survivor. It’s like her books in real life…well a pseudo “real” anyway.

8Stephanie Meyer on America’s Got Talent — I will refrain from any Twilight jokes and references to “talent”…but I wonder what weird secret talents Stephanie Meyer has – like crossing her eyes or origami or something.

9Kady Cross on Project Runway — I just pray that all her steampunk awesomness would be highlighted for Tim Gunn’s approval. I’m sure she would make it work…despite potentially being unable to sew.

10Sarah Dessen on Top Chef – Sarah’s a mom, I bet she has some fab recipes up her sleeve. Plus, I’m sure the judges would love hre funny, endearing personality.

What reality show would you like to see your favorite author?

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