ARC Review: The Fine Line by Alicia Kobishop

The Fine Line

Author: Alicia Kobishop

Publication Date: December 6, 2013

Genre: Young Adult Contemporary

Source: eARC via Author

~Synopsis~

High school senior Liv Evans has one rule: No attachments. She’s lost enough in her life and has vowed to do whatever it takes to make sure she never again feels the emptiness of losing someone she loves. Boys are a fun distraction, but a serious relationship is something she’d rather live without. Her determination for a future free of pain and heartbreak is put to the test when she meets–and quickly forms an unexpected bond–with Logan Tanner.

Logan has always been a free spirit, but ever since a life-changing event took place, which left him doubting the integrity of those who are closest to him, he’s taken that term to a whole new dangerous level. Learning the hard way that life is too short for worries or work–and that women can’t be trusted–Logan has exchanged steady work for street racing. When Liv walks into his world, everything he thought he knew about life and women is challenged.

In The Fine Line, Liv and Logan will discover if it’s possible for true love to have a future, or if history is destined to repeat itself.

~Review~

When Alicia emailed me and asked if I would be interested in reading The Fine Line I was immediately intrigued by the synopsis. I wasn’t sure if I had the time to take on another review book but I knew I needed to give this one a shot. I’m really glad I said yes. This was such a wonderfully written book and I was thoroughly impressed, especially since it was a debut novel. I had just come off of a couple really bad books when I started this one and I was instantly immersed. I spent an entire Sunday reading this one and it was such an emotional journey.

Liv has spent her whole life being let down, especially by the men in her life and this has forced her to build walls that are practically impenetrable by the time she hits 18. She doesn’t allow many people to get close and she doesn’t do relationships. When she meets Logan, she feels this instant connection and despite her rules for getting close to people, she can’t help but let him in. They build this really beautiful friendship and they can’t help falling for each other. However, Liv is too afraid to lose Logan to really open up to him but in the end, her inability to let him fully in may  cause her to lose him in the end.

Liv definitely frustrated me a time or two, I won’t lie about that. However, I totally understood her fears. She has legit abandonment issues and she truly believes that Logan will eventually leave her like everyone else has. Each time she almost lets him in, her fears get the best of her and she pushes Logan away. My biggest frustration with Liv was her back and forth with Logan and the hot and cold. I felt like she led him on and gave him hope for a relationship and then would shut him out and push him away. However, I think this made her more real because a girl her age with her issues would most likely act this way when they’re that confused. She made a lot of poor decisions and really hurt Logan but I liked her growth because she learned to open up and take chances and in the end she took the biggest chance of them all.

I really liked Logan. I liked how understanding and sweet he was with Liv. He wanted to be with her and he wanted her to love him back. However, if friends was all he could get then he would take that too. He was always there for Liv and proved himself time and time again. However, he pulled some dick moves trying to make her jealous and I lost a little respect for him when he did that. He did exactly what Liv was afraid he would do and that didn’t win him any points. However, I loved the way he cared for Liv and the sweet things that he did for her on her birthday and when she was sick.

The push and pull and back and forth with Liv and Logan was an emotional rollercoaster. It was obvious how much they cared and loved each other and I wanted Logan to take a chance and put it out there. To TELL and SHOW Liv how much he loved her and that he would never leave her. I wanted Liv to let go of her insecurities and be honest with herself because it was so clear she loved Logan but she wouldn’t allow herself to admit it. There was a lot of tension here as Logan pushed her a bit to open up to him and Liv desperately fought her feelings. Each one of them made some poor decisions that really hurt the other and I wanted to pull my hair out and scream “What are you doing?!” Despite the emotional damage that they did to each other, Logan never gave up on Liv and I loved that he fought for her. I liked seeing Liv open up to her mom about her fears and I think that conversation was a revelation for her and it was exactly what she needed to open herself to love and Logan. It’s always long, painful, emotional journey to a happy ending.

Overall, I really enjoyed this book. It was well written, flowed nicely and had an interesting and exciting plot. I liked the side characters and I found Logan and Liv to be well developed. I found myself frustrated one minute and giddy with excitement the next. A book that can provoke that kind of range of emotions is the kind of book I love to read.

~IPOD Picks~

“Let Me Down” by Kelly Clarkson

“Broken Angel” by Boyce Avenue

“We Found Love” by Rihanna

PURCHASE LINKS:

AMAZON

The Fine Line is on sale for $.99 until January 22nd so pick up your copy now!

**************************

Thanks for stopping by! Come back tomorrow for my review of Tick to the Tock by Matthew Turner.

ARC Review: Into the Still Blue by Veronica Rossi

Into the Still Blue

(Under the Never Sky #3)

Author: Veronica Rossi

Publisher: HarperCollins

Publication Date: January 28, 2014

Genre: YA Dystopian/Fantasy

Source: eARC from HarperCollins via Edelwiess

~Synopsis~

The earth-shattering conclusion to Veronica Rossi's "masterpiece" Under the Never Sky trilogy and sequel to the New York Timesbestselling Through the Ever Night (Examiner.com).

Their love and their leadership have been tested. Now it's time for Perry and Aria to unite the Dwellers and the Outsiders in one last desperate attempt to bring balance to their world.

The race to the Still Blue has reached a stalemate. Aria and Perry are determined to find this last safe-haven from the Aether storms before Sable and Hess do-and they are just as determined to stay together.

Meanwhile, time is running out to rescue Cinder, who was abducted by Hess and Sable for his unique abilities. And when Roar returns to camp, he is so furious with Perry that he won't even look at him, and Perry begins to feel like they have already lost.

Out of options, Perry and Aria assemble a team to mount an impossible rescue mission-because Cinder isn't just the key to unlocking the Still Blue and their only hope for survival, he's also their friend. And in a dying world, the bonds between people are what matter most.

In this final book in her stunning Under the Never Sky trilogy, Veronica Rossi raises the stakes to their absolute limit and brings her epic love story to an unforgettable close.

~Review~

I absolutely love this trilogy and Into the Still Blue didn’t disappoint me. I was sad when it ended because I just wasn’t ready to say goodbye. Generally the final book in a series will either leave you extremely satisfied or extremely disappointed. I am happy to say that I was left extremely satisfied with the end of this one.

Into the Still Blue picks up where Through the Ever Night left off and I will admit, it took me a few chapters to get back into it. This was mostly due to the fact that it had been so long since I’d read the last book that I kind of forgot what happened and who a few people were. I highly recommend a re-read or at list skim through of the last book before you start if you haven’t read it in a while. Once I got my bearings and everything started to come back, I was quickly immersed in the events that unfolded. Things are getting worse outside as the storms become stronger and more deadly and Aria and Perry are under a lot of pressure to find a way out before for their people before it’s too late.

I absolutely love Perry, I always have. He is strong and determined and an excellent leader. He truly cares about his people and he wants to protect them and lead them to safety. More than that, he truly cares about Aria. His love and need for her consumes him and I think that scares him a little and makes him hold himself back a bit. He also doesn’t allow himself to “feel” because he is afraid it will make him weak in front of his people. This definitely causes a few problems between him and Aria as well as him and Roar. I also really love his relationship with Cinder. He treats him like a little brother and the way he takes care of him and looks out for him is so sweet and one of my favorite things about him. He is fiercely loyal and honorable.

Aria is one of my favorite heroines. She is smart, caring, loyal and also a good leader. She and Perry are so much alike and that’s what makes them perfect for one another. They understand one another and together, they are strong and powerful. Aria has no doubts about her love for Perry and she will do anything to protect him. She has proven that time and again and it only makes me like her even more. She has been through a lot throughout the series and she is tested even more during Into the Still Blue. Her determination and fierceness to protect the ones she loves is one of the reasons she is one of my favorites.

There is a lot of tension between Aria and Perry that has carried over from events in the previous book and it worried me a little at times because I love them together so much and I hate to see them fight with one another and doubt each other’s feelings. However, that didn’t last long and they both proved their love and devotion. I loved their sweet moments together and I only wish that they could have had a few more. So much has happened to these two and they have come a long way from the savage and dweller that they were when they first met. Who would have ever thought that they would fall in love considering the way it all started.

I’m not in the business of giving things away or spoiling plots for others and this is definitely a plot driven book. If you’ve read the first two, you know where this book is headed. Just like the first 2, there will be deaths and there will be surprises and there will be villains to overcome. I was very happy with the turn of events that this book took and I loved the mix of action and romance. This book was another reminder of why I love the Young Adult genre so much. If I had one complaint, it would be that I felt like the ending was rushed just a little bit. However, this was only a minor issue and I was still very pleased with the book as a whole. Veronica definitely did a great job of giving me all the feels. My emotions ranged from joy to anticipation to nervousness and to heartbreak. It really ended up being everything I hoped it would be.

PRE-ORDER LINKS:

AMAZON | BARNES & NOBLE

Jumble Your Genres Reading Challenge 2014 ~ January: Young Adult

So this year Readers Live A Thousand Lives, Corrie The Book Crazed Girl, and Lovin' Los Libros have teamed up to host the Jumble Your Genres Reading Challenge! For this challenge, the goal is to mix up the genres/categories we read. We have all had those times when we have gotten stuck in the genre/category we are currently reading and read nothing else for a while. The goal here is to mix that up! Each month we will feature a different genre/category and the goal is to read and review one book or more in that genre/category during that month. This month we are focusing on Young Adult. If you want to find out more and join in, go sign up here.

~My Favorites~

  

 I spent a most of the last half of last year reading New Adult/Contemporary novels so I am super excited to get back into YA this year. I am doing my own YA Series challenge this year so I'm excited that January is Young Adult month for the Jumble Your Genres challenge.

~What I Plan to Read~

I have heard AWESOME things about this series so I am so excited to read it. So far, I am loving it!

Review: Origin by Jennifer L. Armentrout

Origin

(Lux #4)

Author: Jennifer L. Armentrout

Publisher: Entangled Publishing

Publication Date: August 27, 2013

Genre: Young Adult/Paranormal

Source: Purchased

~Synopsis~

Daemon will do anything to get Katy back.

After the successful but disastrous raid on Mount Weather, he’s facing the impossible. Katy is gone. Taken. Everything becomes about finding her. Taking out anyone who stands in his way? Done. Burning down the whole world to save her? Gladly. Exposing his alien race to the world? With pleasure.

All Katy can do is survive.

Surrounded by enemies, the only way she can come out of this is to adapt. After all, there are sides of Daedalus that don’t seem entirely crazy, but the group’s goals are frightening and the truths they speak even more disturbing. Who are the real bad guys? Daedalus? Mankind? Or the Luxen?

Together, they can face anything. 

But the most dangerous foe has been there all along, and when the truths are exposed and the lies come crumbling down, which side will Daemon and Katy be standing on? 

And will they even be together?

~Review~

Oh Daemon Black. Is it possible to fall even more in love with this guy? I didn’t think it was and then I read Origin. This is the fourth installment in the Lux Series and shit is getting real people.  If you haven’t read the first 3 books, there may be some spoilers but there are no Origin spoilers in this review.

The ending to Opal was insane and I was chomping at the bit to start Origin because the ending scene between Katy and Daemon was heart-wrenching. Katy is put through some serious stuff and it’s a lot to handle mentally. Daemon will do ANYTHING to protect her and get her back. I love his devotion and he has come a long way from the dick he was in the beginning. He knows Daedalus wants him and Katy together and he gives himself up to see her again. This is Daemon so you know he’s got a plan and he won’t go down without a fight. He just needs to get to Kat first. When Daemon gets to Kat, they are put through the ringer and learn firsthand what Dawson and Bethany suffered. Why is Daedalus so concerned about having Kat and Daemon together? It’s a doosy and you won’t believe what kind of plans they have cooked up. Let’s just say that the title, Origin has a significant meaning to this book.

“Daemon Black could be as prickly as a hedgehog having a really bad day, but underneath all that spindly armor, he was sweet, protective, and incredibly selfless.”

Luc, Paris, Dee, Ash, Andrew, Dawson, Bethany and Matthew are back and they won’t let Daemon take on Daedalus by himself. A new character, Archer, is also introduced and he becomes a pertinent ally to the team. He is definitely a mystery but one I would very much like to get to know a little better. I think Dee feels the same way.  Anyways, I’m getting sidetracked by his awesomeness. I have never really been a big fan of Ash and Andrew but they are starting to grow on me and I think Ash really respects Kat despite her prickly attitude towards her. The fact that they are willing to risk their lives says a lot about her and Andrew.

I was floored with the romance between Kat and Daemon in this one and it just keeps getting  swoonier. The love that Daemon has for Kat is so palpable and vice versa. There were so many sweet and tender moments and I have to say that if Daemon loves you, you’re one lucky person because he will fight to the end of the earth for you. He proves this not only with Kat but also with his friends and family. There were some significant moments between Kat and Daemon and I think readers will be very happy.

“His kisses really did have the power to change lives.”

I actually thought this book started out a bit slow but then per JLA style, absolute chaos and awesomeness ensued. So many unbelievable things happen and I was left reeling more than a time or two. The close it got to the end, the more I kept saying, “What? Wait, WHAT?!” The ending left me on my knees begging JLA and the publishers to get Opposition out NOW because, HOLY CRAP, I need to know what is going to happen. Also, dual POV? Heck yeah! Enough said.

PURCHASE LINKS:

AMAZON | BARNES & NOBLE

~IPOD Picks~

“Broken” by Seether ft. Amy Lee

“Iridescent” by Linkin Park

“Between the Raindrops” by Lifehouse ft. Natasha Bedingfield

ARC Review: Storm Warning by E. Lee & C. Quinn

Storm Warning

(Broken Heartland #1)

Authors: Elizabeth Lee & Caisey Quinn

Publisher: Self-published

Publication Date: December 12, 2013

Genre: Young Adult

Source: eARC from authors via Inkslinger PR

 ~Synopsis~

Sometimes you can’t see the storm coming until it’s too late...

Severe Storm Warning Tip #1:
Be alert to changing weather conditions. Look for approaching storms.

Severe Storm Warning Tip #2:
If you see approaching storms or any of the danger signs, be prepared to take shelter immediately.

Severe Storm Warning Tip #3:
They may strike quickly, with little or no warning.

Situated just outside of Oklahoma City, Calumet County is divided into two drastically different communities: Hope’s Grove and Summit Bluffs. One is the small backward town where dirt roads lead the way to field parties and railroad tracks. And the other, a sprawling suburb where paved drives lead to the landscaped lawns of the wealthy and over privileged.

For five teenagers smack in the middle of Tornado Alley, summer is heating up fast. The winds of change are blurring the invisible line that divides the rich and the rural.

One has a secret. 
One has a crush.
One has been lying. 
One will get caught.
And one might not make it out alive.

They’re from two different worlds…but one summer is about to change everything.

~Review~

Storm Warning was such an emotional, heart-warming and fantastic young adult novel. I love Elizabeth Lee and Caisey Quinn's new adult novels so seeing them collaborate together for a young adult series is amazing. The thing I loved the most about this book was how character-centric it is. The book is really all about these five teenagers and the summer that changed their lives. There is first love, new love, family drama and a storm to end all storms. Hang on because it's one wild ride.

This book revolves around summer break for 5 teenagers; Kyle, Cooper (Coop), Ella Jane (EJ), Hayden and Cameron (Cami). Kyle, Coop, and EJ live in the small farm town of Hope Springs, OK and Hayden and Cami live in the wealthy suburb of Summit Bluffs. While these group of kids live on the opposite side of the tracks, their lives become intertwined for one unforgettable summer. Kyle and Cami enter a whirlwind romance that makes them both see things in a new light. EJ falls for Hayden while nursing a broken heart over Cooper, who doesn't have enough guts to tell her that he loves her. I think EJ and Hayden are my favorite and I really connected with these two characters the most. Go #TeamHayden!

EJ is a real country girl and she is smart, beautiful, and feisty. She isn't afraid to speak her mind and she doesn't fawn all over Hayden like most girls. Of course she's attracted to him and she ogles him from afar but she really knows how to keep her cool around him and not show how much she's affected. This girl kicks ass! I absolutely LOVED Hayden's growth and I think he was the best developed character of them all. He really changes over the course of the summer and he doesn't want to be that same selfish jack ass he was before. Spending time with his grandparents and getting to know EJ has really opened his eyes and as he falls in love with her, he becomes a better version of himself. Gods, I love him so much!

Before EJ meets Hayden, she was seriously lusting after Brantley Cooper, or Coop as everyone calls him. He is Kyle's best friend and she had been in love with him for like ever. The thing is, Coop is in love with her too but he has been afraid to cross that line because of Kyle. I liked Coop well enough and he is really good guy. He looks out for EJ, is protective of her and would do anything to make her happy. However, he needs some serious balls because he's so afraid of Kyle that he ends up breaking EJ's heart and pushing her right into Hayden's arms. I really liked Coop's loyalty to his family and the fact he would do anything to help them out as they struggle with their farm. I liked Coop but I need a man who will take charge and go after what he wants. When it comes to EJ, he falls short in that category.

I connected the least with Kyle and Cami and I wasn't as invested in their summer romance as I was in the love triangle going down in Hope Springs. Cami was my least favorite character, as she is a bit conceived and shallow. Seeing the way her parents are towards her and each other, it's understandable that she wouldn't know how to be any other way. I do think there is a sweet and kind girl in there but she allows the shallow, rich girl side to rear it's ugly head one too many times. I liked that she didn't care where Kyle was from or how much money he had. However, the fact that he was headed off to college to play football was a plus for her and when Kyle questions his decisions for the future, her reaction is both immature and upsetting. I really liked that Kyle is a family guy and his devotion to EJ and his mother was admirable. They are clearly important to him and I loved that. However, I think he sometimes treats EJ like a little girl and interferes with her life a little too much. I also felt like he was a bit hypocritical when it came to Cooper because he really discouraged Coop away from EJ but openly gave Hayden his blessing. While I'm 100% Team Hayden, I was a bit surprised by this seeing as how Coop is seemingly the better man.

While the characters are the core to this story, the plot was just as fantastic. My heart fluttered from the romance that built between EJ and Hayden and taking the journey with them as they got to know each other and fell in love was beautiful. From their first kiss, I was fully on board with their growing relationship. Hayden discovers a lot about himself and his family and the moments with his grandparents were really sweet. They really help him put his life into perspective. EJ and Kyle are also facing a family crisis and EJ is really fragile right now. Being with Hayden really helps her deal with all of the pain and turmoil that she is suffering. Kyle is forced to question his future and whether or not college and football is the right decision considering everything going on with his family. I feel bad for him because he is so young and he shouldn't have to give up his dreams. As the summer comes to a close, there are a lot of misunderstandings that take place and when a life threatening storm hits Hope Springs, someone may not have the chance to make things right.

Wow! The ending and the epilogue to this book definitely left my heart-beating. It was quite the cliffhanger and I am desperate for the story to continue. I have become invested in these characters lives and so much was left hanging in the balance. The writing, of course, was incredible and it all flowed so well together. Sometimes having so many characters and POV's can be a little overwhelming but I felt like the authors did a beautiful job and I had no problems with the multiple characters and plot lines. The Broken Heartland series is an incredible new Young Adult series and if you're a fan of YA contemporary novels, this is a must-read. 

~IPOD Picks~

“Catch My Breath” by Kelly Clarkson

“Story of My Life” by One Direction

“Everything Has Changed” by Taylor Swift/Ed Sheeran

PURCHASE LINKS:

AMAZON | BARNES & NOBLE

ARC Review: Pawn by Aimee Carter

Pawn

(The Blackcoat Rebellion #1)

Author: Aimee Carter

Publisher: Harlequin Teen

Publication Date: November 26, 2013

Genre: Young Adult/Dystopian

Source: eARC from publisher via NetGalley

~Synopsis~

YOU CAN BE A VII. IF YOU GIVE UP EVERYTHING. 

For Kitty Doe, it seems like an easy choice. She can either spend her life as a III in misery, looked down upon by the higher ranks and forced to leave the people she loves, or she can become a VII and join the most powerful family in the country. 

If she says yes, Kitty will be Masked—surgically transformed into Lila Hart, the Prime Minister's niece, who died under mysterious circumstances. As a member of the Hart family, she will be famous. She will be adored. And for the first time, she will matter. 

There's only one catch. She must also stop the rebellion that Lila secretly fostered, the same one that got her killed …and one Kitty believes in. Faced with threats, conspiracies and a life that's not her own, she must decide which path to choose—and learn how to become more than a pawn in a twisted game she's only beginning to understand.

~Review~

 It has been quite a while since I’ve read a dystopian novel and Pawn was the perfect book to remind me why I love the genre so much. It was intriguing, suspenseful and chalked full of action. I really enjoyed the character development and idea behind the plot.

I really liked Kitty and found her to be a very strong heroine. In the beginning, I found her a bit self-deprecating and maybe a little whiny but she really came around and showed how strong she is. Above all else, the people she loves are most important to her and she never wavers on that, even when it comes to her own life. She is being pulled from two different sides, each trying to use her for their cause. I liked that she wouldn’t be manipulated and she didn’t take kindly to threats.

Benjy is Kitty’s best friend and it is obvious he really loves her and would do anything for her. He has always protected Kitty and I admired that about him. Knox is Lila’s fiancé and I was definitely questioning his loyalties and motives at the beginning. However, I ended up really liking Knox and I loved the way he helped and protected Kitty. Considering his upbringing and status in society, he could’ve been a real douche but he seems to be a genuinely nice and caring guy. I’m super interested to see where Kitty’s relationship will go with him and if this will end up turning into a love triangle. I kind of hope it does because I’m rooting for Knox right now. Celia, Lila’s mother, is totally batshit crazy but I think she has good intentions in mind. She hates her family and she wants to see changes that will better benefit all members of society. Daxton, the Prime Minister and Lila’s uncle, is truly an evil dude. Lila’s death would only further fuel the rebellion and he knows it so he needs Kitty to help him diffuse it but he uses threats and bullying, which is the wrong way to convince her.

I really enjoyed the plot in this book and I was riveted to the end. I found it to be a bit slow in the beginning but that didn’t last long. Once Kitty is transformed into Lila, I felt like it really picked up and flowed at a much better pace. This was when Kitty’s true personality and character started to shine through and I could see the tough girl there. As she settles into Lila’s life, she learns a lot of things about the government and the system she has always known and believed in. I think these revelations fuel her desire to make her own choices with regards to the rebellion and not allow any one to use her as a “pawn” in their games. Despite what Lila was fighting for, Kitty actually understands what the people have to endure because she was not on the top of the food chain in her previous life. Becoming Lila has its risks but Kitty understands the good and the changes she can make with the rebellion.

This book had several plot twists and turns that I didn’t see coming and Aimee really kept me on the edge of my seat. Just when I thought I had it all figured out, she took me by surprise and threw a curve ball right at me. I would have liked a little more world building because I felt it was lacking just a little bit. I found the character development to be well done but I would have liked to know a little more about society as a whole. Overall, a very successful start to a dystopian series that has a lot of potential and I can’t wait to see where the author takes it.

~IPOD Picks~

“Love the Way You Lie” by Eminem & Rihanna

“Brave” by Sara Bareilles

“If I Lose Myself” by One Repbulic

PURCHASE LINKS:

AMAZON | BARNES & NOBLE

*An eARC was provided to me by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for a fair and honest review.*

Review: Sentinel by Jennifer Armentrout

Sentinel

(Covenant #5)

Author: Jennifer L. Armentrout

Publisher: Spencer Hill Press

Publication Date: November 2, 2013

Genre: Young Adult/Fantasy

Source: eBook purchased

~Synopsis~

It's a beautiful day for a war.

As the mortal world slowly slips into chaos of the godly kind, Alexandria Andros must overcome a stunning defeat that has left her shaken and in doubt of their ability to end this war once and for all.

And with all the obstacles between Alex and her happily-ever-after with the swoonworthy Aiden St. Delphi, they must now trust a deadly foe as they travel deep into the Underworld to release one of the most dangerous gods of all time.

In the stunning, action-packed climax to the bestselling Covenant series, Alex must face a terrible choice: the destruction of everything and everyone she holds dear… or the end of herself.

~Review~

This is a hard review for me to write. I had so many FEELS when I finished this book and I was sitting in bed sobbing when I finished. I usually don't like to discuss what happens in a book when I do my reviews because I don't want to spoil it for others so I try and talk more about how it made me feel and what I loved about the characters. Because this is a five book series, that may be a little harder in this one but I'm going to give it my best shot. There may be a few minor spoilers when it comes to the romance if you haven't read the previous books.

This book starts up where Apollyon left off and SO many things have happened that have led them to this point. The world is in chaos and things are looking bleak for our gang, now calling themselves the "Army of Awesome" or AOA for short. Knowing what they are up against, I was definitely nervous for how this was all going to play out. As is pure JLA style, there were some serious "WTF"ery moments in this book that left me either skeptical, shocked, or breathless. There is no way that I could ever predict the twists and turns that the plot took and I loved that I was constantly left on my toes.

Alex is still, well, Alex. She is strong, determined, feisty and a bit reckless at times. I think she has really grown since the beginning and her maturity really shined through in this book. She was thinking more strategically and a lot less impulsive. She has finally understood the impact of her actions and she would do anything to protect the ones she cares about. The evolution of Alex as a character is one of my favorite things from the series.

“For him I’d do anything. Fight a horde of half-blood daimons? There. Tangle with ticked-off furies? Sign me up. Break a dozen or so rules for one forbidden kiss? Done.”

I have loved Aiden from the moment I met him in Half-Blood and even though there were moments when I wanted to junk punch him, he has always been the guy for me. He is strong, smart, loyal and an impeccable warrior. He has ALWAYS loved Alex and every decision he has made, right or wrong, was to protect her and keep her best interests at heart. I really saw the man that Aiden is in Sentinel and I could never doubt his love or faithfulness to Alex. He is so sweet and tender with her and he makes her feel alive and whole when nothing else can after all she has been through.

Seth, oh dear sweet, charming, cunning Seth. ALOT has happened with Seth over the course of this series and his motives and actions are always in question. No matter what happens, I can never fully trust him but I do believe he truly cares for Alex and the love he has for her is the one thing I never questioned. I don't want to say too much about Seth so as not to give anything away but I will say that he continually surprises me. I can't wait for his own series to come out! 2015? Really?

Along with Seth, Aiden and Alex, we've got Marcus, Solos, Dean, Olivia, Deacon and Luke along for the ride and they are all fabulous side characters. I love the unwavering support and dedication that each of them has and they are really great friends. Deacon is Aiden's little brother and he is 100% the comic relief. He's always there to give a good laugh when it's needed; and there some an intense moments that need a little break with humor. I really liked the development of Alex's relationship with her uncle, Marcus, too. This has spanned the entire series and despite his demeanor (it's just the way he is), you can tell he truly cares for Alex and would do anything to ensure her happiness. I love how fatherly he is with her when it comes to her relationship with Aiden. Lastly, we can't forget Apollo. Gods, I love Apollo. He is always popping in at the most in opportune times (especially the bedroom, wink, wink) and he loves scaring the crap out of everyone. He is a God and like the rest, arrogant and shifty but he cares about Alex and he wants to help her and protect her. He's definitely one of the good ones.

There was so much swooning in this book and I loved the moments between Alex and Aiden. They were sweet, tender and passionate. There was never a question for me on who Alex should be with. I never saw this as a love triangle because Alex truly, madly, deeply only loves ONE man. Does she love Seth? Of course, but Aiden holds her heart and he has from the moment he showed up in Half-Blood. Aiden and Alex have been through so much and their relationship has been through the ringer a time or two with obstacles to overcome on so many different levels. I adored every breathtaking moment between them in Sentinel.

“Only Aiden could look so sexily sleep-ruffled.”

Overall, I could not be happier with this book and the way the series ended. JLA spent 4 books building up to the final moments of Sentinel and it was played out perfectly. I loved the action, the romance, the storyline, and the plot. It help my attention from the beginning to the end and I really, truly wasn't ready to let go. This really impresses me because sometimes when a series goes for too long, it feels stretched out and I can lose interest. This never once happened in the Covenant series.

I could not have asked for a more perfect ending. It was bittersweet to see the end because it was so perfect and beautiful but also sad to say goodbye to these characters. I spent the final 10% of this book with tears running down my face and when it was all over I felt this overwhelming sense of satisfaction. Whew, sorry for the long review but I had to gush over this book so I could say my own proper goodbye!

Adios Alex, Aiden, Marcus, Luke, Olivia, Solos and Deacon! You will be missed. Seth & Apollo? We'll be seeing you again!

~IPOD Picks~

“Angel with a Shotgun” by The Cab

“Never Say Never” by  The Fray

“Living Louder” by The Cab

PURCHASE LINKS:

AMAZON | BARNES & NOBLE

Covenant Series Reading Order:

(Daimon is a prequel novella to Half-Blood and Elixir is a prequel novella to Apollyon)