Boy by Blake Nelson

Boy by Blake Nelson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Gavin Meeks is such a believable teen; he is cute, plays tennis, has friends, and life feels pretty good. This book takes place during Gavin's sophomore, junior and senior year. I liked Gavin's thoughts, his conversations - he was a good kid who finds are pretty easy, but one day he meets Antionette after her brother has killed himself and Gavin's life changes. Because he is tall, Blond and is popular, he never wants for girl friends, but Antoinette keeps hammering away that Gavin's friends are not "real" people. Gavin's fall from grace when he kisses his best friend's girlfriend has him questioning what he wants to do in life, so he picks up a camera, becomes friends with Richie a sometime photographer and starts to hang out with Antoinette and Kai. As a librarian my students loved Blake Nelson books - they speak to teens of life and high school and this book is perfect for teens! With lots of mistakes, drama, and soul searching, Gavin's 3 years of high school will resonate with teens.

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Now I Rise (The Conqueror's Saga #2) by Kiersten White

Now I Rise by Kiersten White
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I loved this 2nd audiobook in Kiersten White's The Conqueror Saga! Fiona Hardingham's narration of men, women and children in epic historical fiction saga is thrilling as the narrative pits Lada Dracul against the world once again. Other than her loyal soldiers - her brother Radu has chosen to stay with Sultan Mehmed even though Radu's piercing love for Mehmed will never be returned, no one but Lada will herlp her become Wallachia’s prince and oh what a brutal path she weaves to achieve her kingdom. I can't say I really like any of these 3 main characters, they are very flawed - Mehmed and Lada are both egotistical and Radu was just such a pitiful character. The only 3 deep characters are Nasira and Fatima, a strong lesbian couple; Nasira marries Radu and she totally supports Radu and is completely honest with him about Mehmed even though Radu does not listen. The 3rd authentic character is Cyprian from Constantinople and Radu is just really disappointing with his constant choice of Mehmed over everyone. The siege for Constantinople changes the spying Radu but his choice of Mehmed even after is unbelievable and tragic. I loved the historical research that made this book one I could not stop listening to, and I can't wait for the next book!!!

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Her Final Breath (Tracy Crosswhite #2) by Robert Dugoni

Her Final Breath by Robert Dugoni
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I so enjoy this series and Robert Dugoni's detective mystery. His writing keeps me turning the pages; the characters, tough Tracy, partner Kins, jerk boss Nolasco, and lawyer boyfriend Dan & his dogs captivated me in this 2nd book- already have the 3rd book on hold! Tracy and her team are investigating prostitute murders by a perp called The Cowboy since he uses rope to hog tie his victims. The plot is slick, chilling and Tracy goes above and beyond (no matter what) to prove who the murderer is; there is danger all around-- all mystery lovers will enjoy and keep on wanting more of Dugoni's thrillers.

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Under Rose-Tainted Skies by Louise Gornall

Under Rose-Tainted Skies by Louise Gornall
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I ached for Norah and her OCD and agoraphobia; she really is a prisoner in her home and her mind, until the day Luke moves next door!!! Gornall's book was especially poignant when I read the Author Notes and she writes what she knows because she lives with mental health struggles. Norah's inner voice, her anguish, depression, crushed me. As she tries to fight/overcomemove forward with her sickness, I rooted for her (also Luke was such a sweet, supportive teen who "got" Norah) and you will too. This is a must read for teens!

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Strange the Dreamer by Laini Taylor

Strange the Dreamer by Laini Taylor
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

This was a 5 star book for me until the last 2 1/2 pages. The book was beautiful in its world building (Lazlo's time with the monks, Weep in Lazlo's mind and the real Weep), characters (Hated Minya, loved Lazlo and Sarai and so many more) and the magic, fantasy, gods, and ghosts. Now back to my 3 star rating...this book was tantalizing (some in a good way but also some in a bad way) and since Lazlo's life was tough but as a dreamer he always searched for the good in everything...hence the ending completely undid me and since the story was steeped in the darkness of the Godslayer and the daily world of the blue gods and goddesses and Lazlo's early life, there were quite a few ways to make the ending more redemptive than it was. Especially when you wait for another book in the series, it is nice to have a cliff hanger with a positive spin. The characters and the readers did not deserve this ending, I know it says "to be continued" but I will be waiting in dread and it would have been nice to tweek the ending just a little to have me waiting with a smile on my face. Those of you who know me as a reader and reviewer, I rate most books 4 & 5 so when I have to give a book a 3, it really hurts me, just like this ending did. I hope Laini Taylor can give a better ending to Book 2 and 3 if there will be more in this series. Again I loved the story, the characters, just would have liked a better ending (it could have been easily written that way, for Lazlo, Sarai and the reader).

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Death and Night (Star-Touched Queen series) by Roshani Chokshi

Death and Night by Roshani Chokshi
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I loved this treat, a novella at the end of Crown of Wishes! Once again, Priya Ayyar awesomely narrated the chance meeting of Death & Night (both destined to be alone) and their attraction to each other despite what the future has foretold. I loved the fact that Gupta re-appeared in this lovely little tale.

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Back in Black (SBC Fighters #5) by Lori Foster

Back in Black by Lori Foster
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Another great Lori Foster romance with an irreverent male, Drew who needs his image cleaned up if he is to remain the head of the SBC. Gillian has been hired to reshape Drew and she has her work cut out for her! Also a subplot about another aspiring fighter meeting Audrey who is involved in a group trying to clean up violent sports.

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