Book Review: ALIBI Volumes I-IV by Annie Miles, Isabel Eckersley, John Byrne and Sorrel Provola

The blurb as seen on Goodreads:

Release Date: March 1, 2012

Publisher: Twist Literary

241 Pages

Abigail Shelton is dead. 

Spring Valley's golden girl is found floating face-down in her boyfriend’s pool, hands bound behind her back, head bleeding, drugs and alcohol in her system. Her friends are the only suspects – and they all have reasons to want her dead. Everyone has an alibi, but no one is innocent.

ALIBI is a 4-part young adult e-book series. Each one-hundred page installment reveals the perspective of a different character: the secret love, the nemesis, the boyfriend, the best friend. As their tales unfold, we learn that Abby is not as perfect as everyone believes, but she’s not the only one with secrets to hide. This page-turning tale of suspense, betrayal, murder, and lust will keep fans of Gossip Girl and Pretty Little Liars up and reading well past curfew.

VISIT THE AUTHORS:

Annie Miles - Goodreads

Isabel Eckersley - Goodreads

John Byrne - N/A

Sorrel Provola - Goodreads

FIND THE BOOK:

Goodreads.Amazon.Barnes & Noble

Review:

The ALIBI series is a series of novellas. The four parts of this book are titled after the character the story centers around: Charles, Palmer, Mason and Rowan. Each story is written by a different author. When I was first asked to review this, I was a bit nervous. I have never read a series like this. Different authors made me wary. My doubts were unjust. I ended up sincerely enjoying this story. And being sad when I had finished. This series was legitimately crazy. It was a heck of a ride that will leave you desperate for more! I couldn't put the book down once I started it. ALIBI is full of twists and turns that hit you before you see them coming!

Each of these characters play a huge role in the deceased's life. Reading from each point-of-view gives you more insight into Abby's life and into these young men and women's lives. Throughout the book, I was struck by the intensity. I couldn't believe half the things that went down because the way these people live is so shocking!

First up, Charles. Charles point-of-view is written by Annie Miles. She begins the series excellently. Charles's perspective was intriguing. Once I finished, I was confused as hell and didn't know what was true or what was a lie. It drove me crazy to put the book down for the night. Charles's book was so good. It had everything a good mystery needs: intensity, lies, scandal and romance. Charles isn't an innocent guy, but I found myself falling for him and his charm. He's had a rough life, and the reader can't help but feel bad for him. I thought I liked Abby when I began this, but no. No, I totally changed my mind through it.

Book two was about Palmer. My first thought was that the series was getting crazier and crazier! It drove me to the brink of insanity! I really liked Palmer. I felt that she was the most innocent of all of the characters. I really loved Palmer's strength. She wasn't perfect, but she was doing her hardest to get there. She wanted to be more than what people expected of her. I felt horrible for Palmer. She may have had the toughest life of them all. And a lot happens to her, not only in this book, but in the entire series. The author of this story, Isabel Eckersley, ties it in very well to the first part.

Mason's story is the third volume in this series. The author is John Byrne. In the beginning, I really didn't like Mason "Ace." He seemed like your typical rich guy. Reading for his point-of-view changed that. I saw him in a completely different light once I finished his story. He was just another piece in a game. He was used by everyone and I couldn't help, but want to hug him. He may have been a jerk sometimes, but you come to realize that he's just a human. He's trying to live up to the standards that others have placed upon him. He really wasn't a bad guy and I loved reading his story.

Rowan… what to say about Rowan. I hate her. I hated her from the first story. She's completely psychotic. She reminded me very much of a mad scientist. Everything she thinks, every action she partakes in is all as an experiment. Rowan's perspective is written by Sorrel Provola. The author pulls of the bitter, angry girl so well. I've never read a character like Rowan. A character that I completely hated on sight, even in her own story. 

The major twist in this story was not immediately obvious to me, but as the story continued, my suspicions grew. It was nice to not know one-hundred percent who the real killer was. The mystery in the novel was wonderful and kept my interest until the very end. I'm so disappointed that it ended where it did, because it ends on somewhat of a cliffhanger. I want to know what happens to the characters after ALIBI is finished!

My only complaint is that there were a few descriptions that don't match up for the others. Each story seemed to have a bit of a different idea of the characteristics of the characters. Maybe it was just eat character's perception? I'm not sure, but that and a few other minor issues with set-up of the ebook. There were placement problems and some strange font issues. Other than that, I really loved this series.

I can't wait to see what these authors and Twist Literary will produce next! I'm sure we won't be disappointed!

I received this book from Twist Literary for my honest opinion.

Stacking the Shelves (4)

Stacking the Shelves is a weekly meme hosted by Tynga's Reviews!

Emily's Stack For the Shelves:

From Netgalley:

Rogues (Brook Street #3) by Ava March

Release Date: May 7, 2012

For Review:

Crazy Dangerous by Andrew Klavan

Release Date: May 1, 2012

Blog Tour Stop: June 16, 2012

Won:

Thou Shalt Not Road Trip by Antony John

Release Date: April 12, 2012

Thank you to the lovely Jessica from Confessions of a Bookaholic and Antony John!

I didn't realize that it was going to be signed and personalized, but it was and my poor mother freaked when I made a huge squee noise after opening the package!

Edwin Didn't Get Anything To Put On His Shelves This Week

On My Wishlist (15)

On My Wishlist is a weekly meme hosted by Cosy Books!

On Emily's Wishlist:

I Hunt Killers (Jasper Dent #1) by Barry Lyga

The blurb as seen on Goodreads:
Release Date: April 3, 2012
Publisher: Little, Brown Books for Young Readers
359 Pages


What if the world's worst serial killer...was your dad?

Jasper (Jazz) Dent is a likable teenager. A charmer, one might say.

But he's also the son of the world's most infamous serial killer, and for Dear Old Dad, Take Your Son to Work Day was year-round. Jazz has witnessed crime scenes the way cops wish they could--from the criminal's point of view.

And now bodies are piling up in Lobo's Nod.

In an effort to clear his name, Jazz joins the police in a hunt for a new serial killer. But Jazz has a secret--could he be more like his father than anyone knows?

This sounds so good! I've had my eye on it for months, but still haven't had the chance to get it. Bummer. :(

On Edwin's Wishlist:

Alien (1979)

A mining ship, investigating a suspected SOS, lands on a distant planet. The crew discovers some strange creatures and investigates.

I want to own this because it's a classic sci-fi movie and Sigourney Weaver's big break.

Follow Friday (15)

Feature & Follow Friday is hosted by Alison Can Read and Parajunkee's View!

Q. Activity! Dream cast your current read.

A. I'm currently reading The Book Thief. I'm not very far in. Liesel is still very young, but this is what I'm seeing:

Chloe Mortez as Liesel

Michael Fassbender as Death

Jeremy Irons as Hans Hubermann

Julie Walters as Rosa Hubermann

What's your dream cast for your current read?

Don't forget to enter to win signed copies of Divergent and Insurgent! (INT)

Book Review: Fortune Hunter (Brook Street #2) by Ava March

The blurb as seen on Goodreads:
Release Date:
Publisher: Carina Press
125 Pages

London, 1822 .... Impoverished Julian Parker returns to London with one goal: marry an heiress. He'll do whatever it takes, even if it means denying his desire for men. After all, with a fortune comes happiness and social acceptance—which have eluded Julian his entire life.

The only things a vast fortune has brought Oscar Woodhaven are greedy relatives and loneliness. At twenty-one years of age, he has everything a man could possibly want—except someone to love him. When he meets devastatingly handsome Julian Parker, he believes his luck has turned.

Between Oscar's lavish gifts and their searing hot nights, Julian is caught between what he thinks he needs and what his heart truly desires. But when a betrayal threatens to tear them apart, Julian discovers he'll do whatever it takes to convince Oscar the greatest fortune of all is love.

WARNING: THIS BOOK CONTAINS MATERIAL UNSUITABLE FOR CHILDREN UNDER THE AGE OF 18. 

VISIT THE AUTHOR:

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FIND THE BOOK:

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Review:

Brook Street: Fortune Hunter is a cute story that fits in well as a sequel in the Brook Street series.

Oscar Woodhaven has money. And he has a lot of it. That's all his family sees in him. He lives alone after his father and mother died, leaving him without siblings. Julian Parker has just returned from America to find a wealthy wife. He's ashamed of being poor. Julian also has no family, but in his case, he received no wealth only a bad reputation.

I love these characters! They are so sweet. Oscar is definitely my favorite. He's not only sweet, but shy and sincere. I want to snuggle him and then put him in my pocket. Oscar is seriously so adorable. He brings out the best in Julian and really only wants to take care of him. Julian is a bit selfish, but with the way the author writes him and his backstory, you can understand why he is being selfish. He wants to prove that he can be somebody by marrying a rich woman. It may not officially be his money, but it will prove that he is not his father or his grandfather. It's very sad.

The minor characters in this book are frustrating. I didn't like Anderson, or Radcliffe. In fact, I kind of loathed them. Especially Radcliffe. It was cool that the author included character from the last book though. I missed Benjamin and Cavin, and it was nice seeing the little we did of them in this book. 

The novel moves at a quick, but steady pace. It's a very easy book to read. I read it in one sitting. It's simple and has a new plot line that I haven't read before. That made it all the more enjoyable.

The plot is interesting. It was able to keep my attention until the very end. Plus, it has some angst, which I love. Love isn't easy or perfect and novels like this put that into perspective, because while they aren't easy or perfect, they are worth it for the outcome. I was rooting for the two men in this story from the very beginning though. All you want is for them to be happy together.

It wasn't a perfect story, but it was really enjoyable. The gay men are somewhat typical for their time, but I was happy that there wasn't immediate love between the two. When they meet at a ball, they find each other attractive, but no deep feelings are mentioned. It's a relief after the last Gay & Lesbian novel that I read.

This is one of the most well-written Gay & Lesbian romances that I've read in the past two months. I've been disappointed repeatedly and this book made me realize why I love this genre! I can't wait to read book three. I'm sure it'll be just as wonderful as the first two.

I received and e-copy of this novel from the publisher through Netgalley for my honest opinion and review.

Book Review: A Little Night Magic by Lucy March

The blurb as seen on Goodreads:

Release Date: January 31. 2012
Publisher: St. Martin's Press
320 Pages

In New York Times bestselling author Lucy March's new novel, Olivia Kiskey needs a change. She’s been working at the same Nodaway Falls, New York, waffle house since she was a teenager; not a lot of upward mobility there. She’s been in love with Tobias, the cook, for the last four years; he’s never made a move. Every Saturday night, she gathers with her three best friends—Peach, Millie, and Stacy—and drinks the same margaritas while listening to the same old stories. Intent on shaking things up, she puts her house on the market, buys a one-way ticket to Europe, and announces her plans to her friends . . . but then she meets Davina Granville, a strange and mystical Southern woman who shows Olivia that there is more to her life than she ever dreamed. As Liv’s latent magical powers come to the surface, she discovers that having an interesting life is maybe not all it’s cracked up to be. The dark side of someone else’s magic is taking over good people in town, and changing them into vessels of malevolence. Unwilling to cede her home to darkness, she battles the demons of her familial past and her magical present, with those she loves at her side . . . and in the cross fire. Can the most important things in life—friendship, love, magic, and waffles—get her through the worst that the universe can throw at her?

WARNING: THIS BOOK CONTAINS MATERIAL UNSUITABLE FOR CHILDREN UNDER THE AGE OF 18. 

VISIT THE AUTHOR:

Goodreads.Twitter.Website.Facebook

FIND THE BOOK:

Goodreads.Amazon.Barnes & Noble

Review:

This book was a gift from my good friend and blogging partner, Edwin. He's probably mad that I waited to start this until yesterday since he bought it for me close to three months ago… But THANK YOU, EDWIN! Besties for life! Back to the book - I saw it during one of our infamous Target runs and fell immediately in love with the cover. It's so intriguing and dare I say… magical? I didn't really expect what happens in the book. I honestly thought that Liv's trip to Europe would play a part in the story and while she does leave for Europe at the end of the novel, it doesn't have as large of a role as I thought it would. Overall, I seriously enjoyed the story.

Olivia "Liv" Kiskey has lived in the same town and had the same three friends since she was a child. She spends her days working at the Crazy Cousin Betty Waffle House and being hopeless in unrequited love with the cook, Tobias. Reading from Liv's perspective was so fun! She is a sassy, smart and independent woman. When Liv learns secrets of her family and the magic they posses, she unwillingly halts her plans to leave town, move to Europe and change her life. She does so to learn more about her past from a woman who sweeps into town and calls herself Liv's friend. The woman's name is Davina.

The minor characters in this novel are great, too. Tobias is a very cool guy. I loved him because even Liv knows he's not perfect, but he is perfect for her. Most men in stories are perfect in what feels like every way and that is all the woman sees. It's tiring after awhile. Liv is also one part of a great foursome of friends. Millie, Peach and Stacy all love Liv and each other very much. While there is drama, resentment and angst between them, you can tell that even in the end, that love still exists. Betty and the other townies only add to the magic of the novel. Lucy March writes a great cast of characters!

This book is very different from what I've read before. It has angst, drama, scandal, lies, romance and mystery. I really enjoyed the book. It was a fast read, perfect for any time of the year. It was a guilty pleasure for me. A Little Night Magic is a somewhat cheesy, light-hearted romance, though the action can be pretty intense. The entire book was so interesting. I couldn't put it down and finished the entire book in one sitting.

There was a little Twilight mockery in it towards the end. It doesn't have much to do the story, but it made me laugh. It also shows there is comedy in the book even during the intense parts. (Going back to the part where I said Liv has a sassy perspective!)

The twists in this story were pretty easy to see coming. I really enjoyed it. Though as I've said before, I prefer a book full of twists, turns and surprises I don't see coming.

I will definitely be reading the sequel. I can't wait to see what happens next in Liv and Tobias's story! And though this is the beginning of a series, it could've done very well as a stand-alone novel as well. 

Giveaway Winner

Ed and I hosted a giveaway of Swipe (Swipe #1) by Evan Angler hosted by YA Bound.

The winner chosen by Rafflecopter via random.org was:

books4me!

Book Review: The Last Echo (The Body Finder #3) by Kimberly Derting

The blurb as seen on Goodreads:
Release Date: April 17, 2012
Publisher: HarperCollins
360 Pages

In the end, all that's left is an echo...
Violet kept her morbid ability to sense dead bodies a secret from everyone except her family and her childhood-best-friend-turned-boyfriend, Jay Heaton. That is until forensic psychologist Sara Priest discovered Violet's talent and invited her to use her gift to track down murderers. Now, as she works with an eclectic group of individuals—including mysterious and dangerously attractive Rafe—it's Violet's job to help those who have been murdered by bringing their killers to justice. When Violet discovers the body of a college girl killed by "the girlfriend collector" she is determined to solve the case. But now the serial killer is on the lookout for a new "relationship" and Violet may have caught his eye...

VISIT THE AUTHOR:

Goodreads.Twitter.Website.Facebook

FIND THE BOOK:

Goodreads.Amazon.Barnes & Noble

Review:

The Last Echo, which is book three in the Body Finder series is just as terrifying and mysterious as the first.

For the last one-hundred pages, I was on edge. My heart was pounding, my stomach was clenched and I could take my eyes off of the pages. The writing is so phenomenal. Kimberly Derting really knows what she's doing. Every one of her book has kept my interest and my heart until the word in the last sentence on the last page. Every book, including this one, has left me needing more because they were so good that you wish they'd last forever.

I love everything about this series… well, almost everything. There is one thing that I'm a little disgruntled over. There's a love triangle that's begun in this novel. It's not as severe as Bella, Edward and Jacob's, but it's there. One reason why I really loved the first two books in this series was because it was outside the norm of every other young adult novel out there. I swear, I can't pick up a book without there being a love triangle now-a-days.

The suspence in this book was the same as in the others. It's utterly riveting and you have no idea what's going to happen next, until before you know it… you've completed the book. You're left contemplating this wild ride that the author takes you on. 

Violet is still a great character. She is very uncertain, with her feelings and what's going on around her. She is a very realistic character - besides the fact that she can see the auras of murderers and their victims. In this book, she frustrated me, yes, but I still really love her perspective and her in general. Jay is my favorite ever. I say that about a lot of boys, but in young adult paranormal stories, he's got to be one of the best boyfriends of all time. Again, Violet's parents are great. We see a lot of parents who are uninvolved in their children's lives more often than not in young adult books. So to see a character with parents who care for her and protect her and love her so much, is great. They are one of the best parts about these books. You don't see as much of Violet's friends in this one.

By the end of this book, I was horrified and so sad for Violet. She has gone through so much in her young life and then they add on this. It's scary and terrifying and I'm so glad I'm not her.

I don't know how Kimberly makes it seem so real. You don't just read about Violet's life, it's almost as though you, yourself are a part of it. The reader feels horrible for this friend of hers, because that's what Violet becomes, who goes through all of these ordeals and traumas. You want to comfort her, but you know that you can't, because she's not real. Poor us and poor Violet.

This is one series you don't want to miss! Personally, I can't wait for book four. I adore this series and hope that Kimberly will make the next continuation as amazing as the ones that came before it.