The Power of Six (Lorien Legacies #2) by Pittacus Lore

The Power of Six by Pittacus Lore
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

OMG, I am loving this Lorien series and the narrators are just the BEST!!! John Smith, Friend Sam and their supernatural dog, Bernie Kosar (who can take any kind of animal shape and protects the teens) when they meet the sixth Lorien and she has many VAST & GREAT powers (I love her invisibility best), bands together with John and Sam as they try to keep away from the Mogadorians, find the other teens so they can band together. Marina is the other point of view/chosen Lorien located in Spain, frustrated by her Sapon, Adelina, who has embraced religion and rejected Marina, Marina befriends a new orphan, Ella and follows John Smith's stories on the internet convinced he is just like her and needs her help. I was transfixed with the psychological, physical, and supernatural aspects of each Lorien teen. I can't wait for the next book in the series---I will be listening!!!

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Seized By Seduction (The Protectors #2) by Brenda Jackson

Seized by Seduction by Brenda Jackson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

The story of Quasar and Dr Randi Fuller was awesome, I loved the 1st book in The Protectors series and this 2nd book was even better---now I can't WAIT to get the 3rd book in the series!!! Quasar and Randi met in Forged in Desire and meet once again in this book -- the instant attraction is overwhelming. Even better, Randi's psychic grandmother has foretold Randi and Quasar will have a future together. With the underhanded dealings of Quasar's family, protecting Randi on a case, and a romance that rocks both of them to the core, I could not put this book down.

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Sweep:The Story of a Girl and Her Monster by Jonathan Auxier

Sweep: The Story of a Girl and Her Monster by Jonathan Auxier
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is my 2nd book read for the 2019 HUB Reading Challenge and receiving the Sydney Taylor Book Award Gold Medal cemented for this reader just how special this book, its characters, and the historical significance of Victorian London as the horror is exposed of the dreadful life of chimney sweeps and their abusive masters and the conditions they endured. Thankfully, the fantasy element of the "char" (piece of charcoal) as it warms Nan Sparrow daily & becomes even more special with creation of the soot monster (golem) Charlie who protects Nan allows love and friendship to flourish while so much loss happens all around. Nan Sparrow is a strong, tough girl who is only six years old when her beloved Sweep leaves her alone. She becomes indentured to another evil sweep, Wilkie Crudd. Auxier's research of chimney sweeps is thorough and I learned so much about their harsh life and rooted for the teacher, Miss Bloom, and friend, Toby to help Nan. A must read!

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Lu (Track #4) by Jason Reynolds

Lu by Jason Reynolds
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is my 1st book read in the 2019 HUB Reading Challenge! I have read and loved all Reynolds' books in the Track series, and Lu is an amazing character---he is an albino African American (so he deals with taunts and bullying) but he has his parent's rock solid marriage as role models and a close knit set of friends on the track team---but Lu is a hurdler and how his coach helps him is awesome when Lu begins to avoid the hurdles. This must read garnered Amazing Audiobook and Quick Pick awards! Everyone will enjoy this final book in the Track series-- middle school kids enjoying the various aspects of being on a track team as well as personal and family drama.

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Slow Ride (Road to Love #2) by Lori Foster

Slow Ride by Lori Foster
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Thank you to NetGalley, Harlequin and HQN Books for providing an advance copy of Slow Ride by Lori Foster in exchange for an honest review. This is the 2nd book in Foster’s, Road to Love series and just as exciting, scintillating, and filled with action-packed romance. I could not put Slow Ride down; loved the immediate slow burn attraction between Jack and Ronnie as Jack is hired and strives to do his job as Ronnie’s driver/protector as he falls for her feisty, difficult personality hiding her scary past. I always enjoy when Lori Foster adds a mystery component to her romances and boy is this one I could not put down! Not one to accept help easily from anyone, not enjoying close family ties; Ronnie will reach out to the pets; Howler is a rescue who is such a baby but fierce in his protection abilities; when abused kitten, Peanut, is rescued, Howler and Peanut become family and bring out Ronnie’s soft side. The pacing was perfect in this romance and the sexual tension, drama, and action move this lush story of mystery and romance forward. Highly recommended.

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Courting Darkness (Courting Darkness #1) by Robin LaFevers

Courting Darkness by Robin LaFevers
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Since I could not put down His Fair Assassins series, I knew this continuation of Sybella's story with the history involving her queen and also the convent goings on with Mortain was heart stopping, gripping and totally suspenseful. With alternating viewpoints (Sybella and Genevieve) the worldbuilding continues with Sybella and the many sinister forces plotting the queen's downfall, Sybella's sisters continue to be threatened and a new plotline with Genevieve. The characters were rich strong, fearful and fearless----I could not put this book down and can't wait for the next in this duology---read it you will not be disappointed! Highly recommended!

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Forged in Desire (The Protectors #1) by Brenda Jackson

Forged in Desire by Brenda Jackson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I loved this first book in the series! I found out about Brenda Jackson's awesome romances from Lori Foster's romance that included Jackson's Riding the Storm and now I am a fan! Striker is what is known as a Protector and is hired by Margo's Uncle who also knows Striker's boss, Roland. Margo is a 26 year old who has no money problems, lost her parents when she was young and loves her business of designing wedding dresses. Everything in her life comes to a halt when a crazy felon decides to kill everyone in the courtroom the day he was sentenced. Margo does not want a bodyguard but the minute she looks into the door peephole, she is VERY attracted to Striker. The same thing with Striker when he meets Margo. I could not stop turning the pages as their relationship progresses, the mystery intensifies, and the killings continue. I am definitely going to read this series; I loved this first book!!!

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Spin by Lamar Giles

Spin by Lamar Giles
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Teens will love the music, DJ, and the ins and out of the music world as they are plunged into another thriller from Lamar Giles. Paris (known as DJ ParSec is found murdered by two of her friends; Kya and Fuse have no love for each other than their history with Paris. What was really freaky was the fandom known as ParSec Nation; I could not put this latest book down! I Love Lamar Giles mysteries and this book took it to the next level with the many motives and suspects; high school drama, family drama and friend drama. Teens will be grabbing for this psychological thriller; the mystery and the detective angles are taut with suspense!

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King of Scars (Nikolai Duology #1) by Leigh Bardugo

King of Scars by Leigh Bardugo
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Oh did I love the lst in the Nikolai Lantsov Duology, Awesomely narrated by: Lauren Fortgang and what a Series it will be with the Grisha returning (I LOVE them!!!) battling for a place in the world rather than being hunted down. I loved the return to world of Ravka and Fjerda; ached for Nina as she mourned Mathias (don't know why he had to die- I need to get over it I suppose) hope Nikolai can rid himself of the Darkling, but I loved Nikolai's outlook, humor and ability to truly be a king to his people, no matter happens. I can't wait for the 2nd and final book! Highly recommended!

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Fake ID by Lamar Giles

Fake ID by Lamar Giles
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

To think this was Giles debut YA book! I loved this thriller; Nick is a teen in Witness Protection and he is on his 4th relocation; I loved the way his mind worked- he was always on guard but had a side that was so sensitive but only the reader and maybe for a very short time, Reya would see. The sick dilemma that is going on in "Whispertown" is one Nick does not want to be a part of...he was really getting into helping Eli(his new friend, only friend) publish the school newspaper but that is cut short with his suicide (is it really or is it murder). As Nick tries to find the truth he questions everything-himself, his father, and he must lie to protect his witness protection status. I could not put this book down and am jumping immediately to his latest book, Spin, for my #yearofya twitter chat this month---books by African American authors, join us in what is always a great discussion!

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West (East #2) by Edith Pattou

West by Edith Pattou
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I compulsively read this book in 2 days thanks to Jennifer Hubert's awesome review on her Reading Rants blog of recommended YA! As a high school librarian East was a book I never found the time to read...when Hubert's review came out for West, I quickly got East from the library and from page 1 I was hooked! West continues the romance/love story of Rose and Charles--adventure, evil, daring all abound as Rose searches for Charles after he is reported missing and DEAD from an accident at sea...immediately Rose does not FEEL her love is dead and there the scintillating drama takes hold of the reader and does not let go. Edith Pattou has a gift for beautiful in-depth description with her world building (the ice castle, troll characters, lore, Rose's coats & loom and magic) and her characters are just so awesome---except for the Troll Queen and her henchman, Urda is back and the awful plans the Troll Queen has planned for Charles, Rose and their bairn is sickening and will affect the world. I rooted for Rose; she is such a strong, beautiful woman that all but the trolls love (well she does have some troll supporters too) and will risk helping her in every conceivable situation. Adults and teens will love this series; it is definitely a cross over and special fantasy that will thrill readers; highly recommended!

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28 Days: Moments in Black History That Changed the World by Chalres R. Smith, Jr.

28 Days: Moments in Black History that Changed the World by Charles R. Smith Jr.
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I read this as part of the #yearofya twitter chat (African American Authors) and loved the moments and heroes that changed the history of America and the world. Told in 28 days with beautiful words and illustrations such as American doctor, Daniel Hale Williams performing the 1st heart operation, Madame CJ Walker, Bessie Coleman, etc. A very essential and memorable book that will teach all who read it about civil rights and equality. Highly recommended!

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Black Enough edited by Ibi Zoboi

Black Enough: Stories of Being Young & Black in America by Ibi Zoboi
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I read this book as part of the #yearofya twitter chat (books written by African American authors) and the short stories were awesome and covered pain, humor, dreams, friendship and romance while being black in America. From inside the cover "Black is urban and rural, wealthy and poor, mixed race, immigrants and more---because there are countless ways to be Black Enough." I enjoyed so many of my favorite authors stories; teens will revel and see themselves in these short stories. Highly recommended!

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Grenade by Alan Gratz

Grenade by Alan Gratz
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Ray is a new, young American soldier just arrived in Okinawa in 1945 and Hideki is a young student who lives on Okinawa and has been conscripted to fight in the Blood and Iron Corps while his sister has been sent to a hospital as a nurse. As both young men fight in the war, the reader learns how ruthless the Japanese are, how awful war is and how the devastation of an island reaches deep into all who are defending it...Gratz's Notes at the end were very enlightening and sobering. War brings out the worst in some people and the best in others. Seeing Okinawa from Hideki's eyes was revealing as he traverses the island; readers will be gripped with Hideki's sadness and fear. Highly recommended.

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Checked by Cynthia Kadohata

Checked by Cynthia Kadohata
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I loved this story of ice hockey expert, Conor and his father (divorced) and his beloved dog, Sinbad. Day in and day out, Conor is ferried by his father to ice hockey rinks from early morning to night; he loves ice hockey, is really good at it, takes special care of his pet, Sinbad and life is good. Until it is not, what will life hold for him as he worries about his father and his dog. Cynthia Kadohata has written an engrossing story middle grade students will love.

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Dry by Neal Shusterman and Jarrod Shusterman

Dry by Neal Shusterman
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Oh wow, what a listen- it was really tough, narrators were excellent, and really gives one much thought for the future. I loved the narrators- they did such an awesome job with a tough subject: Neal Shusterman, Jarrod Schusterman, Jenni Barber, Michael Crouch, Noah Galvin, Kivlighan de Montebello, Candace Thaxton. So get ready for a sickening wild ride...Alyssa, her brother, Jacqui and Kelton must face so many fears as they battle to find water during the TAP Out in their home town located in California.

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