Cursed By Jennifer L. Armentrout

Dying sucks-- and high school senior Ember McWilliams knows firsthand. After a fatal car accident, her gifted little sister brought her back. Now anything Ember touches dies. And that, well, really blows.

Ember operates on a no-touch policy with all living things--including boys. When Hayden Cromwell shows up, quoting Oscar Wilde and claiming her curse is a gift, she thinks he's a crazed cutie. But when he tells her he can help control it, she's more than interested. There's just one catch: Ember has to trust Hayden's adopted father, a man she's sure has sinister reasons for collecting children whose abilities even weird her out.

However, she's willing to do anything to hold her sister's hand again. And hell, she'd also like to be able to kiss Hayden. Who wouldn't? But when Ember learns the accident that turned her into a freak may not have been an accident at all, she's not sure who to trust. Someone wanted her dead, and the closer she gets to the truth, the closer she is to losing not only her heart, but her life. For real this time.

Holly's Review:

I have definitely found another must read author in Jennifer Armentrout! What a magnificent story teller!

Cursed it the story of Ember, a seventeen year old girl who has the power to kill with a single touch! She did not ask for this gift, or curse as she refers to it, but she has it now none the less.

Two years ago she was in a horrible car accident with her parents and younger sister. Unbeknownst to Ember, her sister Olivia has the power to bring things back to life. This is exactly what she did when she touched her big sister. Unable to reach her father, he died in the crash. Now two years later, Ember is the freak of the school, with her clear blue eyes, scars and the inability to touch anyone or anything without constantly wearing gloves. Also, due to the fact that her mother has basically mentally checked out, Ember is pretty much sole guardian of Olivia. I know, a lot to heap on a 17 year old, right?

Ok then, que the hot mysterious stranger.... Oh yeah, you knew there would be one, right? Ember has noticed this guy a couple of times watching her and it creeps her out a little, if he wasn’t so beautiful I mean! =)

Hayden has a gift like Embers, well sort of like hers and HOLY CRAP! He can touch her without dying, if only for a moment. Hayden’s ‘father’ takes her and her mother and sister and basically uproots them to West Virginia where he houses a group of gifted kids. Oh, and is the mayor of the town. Now, this part had a little Xavier and the X-men feel to it but that’s ok, it was still really cool.

Now, as not to give too much away here I am going to stop with the detail, other than there is more going on here than meets the eye and Ember knows it! She is determined that someone in Hayden’s family is out to get her because the basically all want her gone. All except Hayden of course! Hayden and Ember and watching their love unfold was the highlight of the book for me, but that is just because I am a hopeless romantic. This book has it all though, seriously, love, hate, super powers, villains, suspense, wow you name it and it was in there!

I really, really enjoyed this story! So much so that I devoured it in one day!

 

Tempting the Player (Gamble Brothers #2) by J. Lynn

Chad Gamble, all-star pitcher for the Nationals, is one of the best players on—and off—the field. And right now, the notorious bad boy wants Bridget Rodgers. But with her lush curves and snappy comebacks, the feisty redhead is the kind of woman a man wants to settle down with…and that’s the last thing Chad needs.

When the paparazzi catch them in a compromising position, Chad’s manager issues an ultimatum: clean up his act or kiss his multi-million dollar contract goodbye. To save his career, his meddling publicist says he'll have to convince everyone Bridget isn’t just his flavor of the week, but his girlfriend.

Being blackmailed into a fake relationship with Chad Gamble isn’t easy, especially when the sizzling physical attraction between them is undeniable. With a month to go on their arranged pretense, it's going to take every ounce of willpower they have not to fall into bed together...or in love.

Thessa's Review

4.5 Stars

“There isn’t a ‘but’ in this.” He cupped her cheek, tilting her head back. When he spoke, his lips brushed hers. “I want you. Bad. Right now. Against the wall. On my bed. The floor and maybe in the bathroom later. I have a shower stall and a Jacuzzi we could put to really good use. I know you’d like it.”

Well hello there, Chad Gamble. It’s a pleasure to meet you. Oh, Jennifer Armentrout…umm…err…I mean Ms. J. Lynn, you never cease to amaze me. Each time this author comes out with something new, it’s a must read for me. This was no different. I love JLA, but when she writes as J. Lynn, I know I’m in for a hot and sexy ride. Gahh!! I just LOVE the Gamble brothers! Chad & Bridget’s story is predictable, but I still love it. It’s fun and sexy and I enjoyed every minute of it. 

“Are you sure that’s what you want, Bridget? Because once I start, I won’t stop again. I will take you – take you so hard that every breath afterward is only going to remind you of me.” 

Chad is a ridiculously hot and sexy All-Star Baseball player for the Nationals. He’s also a player on and off the field. His reputation with the ladies and for his partying ways is well known and well publicized. Unfortunately his reputation is getting in the way of his career. The Nationals wants him to clean up his act or risk his contract from being renewed. Chad does not want to leave his city. His family, friends and his life is in this city. He wants his contract renewed more than anything, even putting up with the Nationals’ Publicist, Alana Gore, who was hired to help clean up Chad’s act. Ms. Gore’s suggestion: Form a fake relationship with Chad’s latest desire, Bridget Rodgers.

Bridget does not consider herself beautiful. Although she’s a beautiful soul and as sweet as can be, she doesn’t seem to think too highly of herself. However, Chad sees differently. She’s a classic beauty and has curves in all the right places. Chad was immediately smitten with her. Bridget can’t understand why Chad is so interested in her. She’s not skin and bones, like all his other previous conquests. No. She won’t be like one of Chad’s other girls. She’s stronger than that and refuses to fall at his feet. However when Ms. Gore practically blackmails her into seeing Chad again, she has no choice but to pretend this chemistry between them is fake. It is all fake, right? 

There were no surprises in this story, although the way it was written, I wouldn’t have known it was written by JLA. To me, it was different from her previous work. It didn’t have as much laughs and playful times as her previous J. Lynn story, but it did have more steam and sexual tension, which was fine by me. I loved Bridget & Chad’s relationship. They were hot together and I just love stories where the mighty, sexy player falls, especially when the heroine is lovable like Bridget. I love J. Lynn's stories and I love this series. I can’t wait to read the next Gamble brother story, which I’m going to assume will involve Chad and Ms. Gore. Just call it a hunch, but these two had something cooking. Can’t wait for the next installment. Loved this!

Onyx (#2) By Jennifer L. Armentrout

Being connected to Daemon Black sucks…

Daemon’s determined to prove what he feels for me is more than a product of our bizarre connection. I’ve sworn him off even though he’s running more hot than cold these days. But against all common sense, I’m falling for him. Hard.

Our relationship issues aren’t out biggest problem…

The Department of Defense is here. If they ever find out what Daemon can do and that we’re linked, I’m a goner. So is he. And when a new boy shows up a school with a secret of his own, things get complicated fast. I need to choose between my own instincts and Daemon’s.

But then everything changes…

I’ve seen someone who shouldn’t be alive. Daemon’s never going to stop searching until gets the truth. What happened to his brother? Who betrayed him? And what does the DOD want from them—from me?

No one is who they seem. And not everyone will survive the lies.

Thessa's Review:


Five++ Big Huge Enormous Stars :)

Resistance is futile, Kitten

Before I begin, I have to thank Rachael for loaning me her beloved copy of this awesome story. I don’t think I could’ve survived waiting until August. No worries, your book is safe and sound. You rock! ♥♥♥

♥♥♥ Daemon was a total babe, but he was stab-worthy, which at times, zeroed out the babe part. ♥♥♥

Daemon is still Daemon and, God, did I miss him. I loved him in Obsidian, but man, he was even more swoon-worthy in this one. There were several moments of utterly sweet Daemon that made me melt. I literally closed the book, sighed heavily and just hugged the book. Take the following for example…

His throat worked slowly. “Can I…?” There was a pause and my heart stuttered. “Can I just hold you? That’s all…that’s all I want.”
A knot formed in my throat and my chest tightened, cutting off my voice. I didn’t want him to leave, so I nodded.
Relief flickered across his stoic face, softening the hard lines, and then he walked around to his side, kicked off his shoes, and slid into bed beside me. He moved closer, extending an arm, and I went, curling against his body, my head nestled in the space between his shoulder and chest.
“I kind of like being your body pillow,” he admitted, a smile in his voice. “Even if you drool on me.”

As you can see, his arrogant side didn’t go very far, but more often he came off just charming and hilarious. There’s a scene where he joins Katy while she films her VLOG that will have you smiling from ear to ear. Lots of good times to be had. He was just amazing in this book. His relationship with Katy takes on a whole new level. The constant pen poking during class and the obvious flirting is beyond HOT. At the same time, he wants nothing more than to protect her. He deeply cares for her and her safety. Katy accuses him of stalking, but he just denies it and claims that he was just "looking out for her." Uh huh. Sure. However, we soon find out additional reasons, aside from the obvious ones, why he’s so overbearing. Something about Katy is changing.

I did not understand boys – especially alien boys.

Ah, Katy. Where do I begin with you? I love you, you know that. You are one lucky chick to gain Daemon’s affections. However, what I couldn’t understand is why you were so stubborn, especially in regards to his reasoning for him wanting to be with you. He saved your life for crying out loud. Isn’t that good enough? Ugh! Some of your actions and decisions just baffled me, but I’m glad you finally came around.

I’m not really going to delve too deeply regarding the plot. There were so many things going on, too many surprises, and new characters to figure out, particularly involving Blake (or was it Bartholomew, or Bilbo, or Bob? I forget). Anyway, I wouldn’t even know where to begin when it comes to describing the chaos that is going on in the story. Just know that this was another brilliant installment of a series that I come to just LOVE. Jennifer Armentrout's writing is pure genius. There’s just something about her storytelling that has you utterly captivated and enthralled. This was an excellent and brilliant sequel. To say that I’m looking forward to Opal (Lux #3) is an understatement. I would be willing to give up my first child to have that book in my hands now. Okay, so that was a tad much, but when you read this, trust me, you’ll understand why I made that statement. I truly loved this!!

 

Obsidian (#1) By Jennifer L. Armentrout

Starting over sucks.

When we moved to West Virginia right before my senior year, I'd pretty much resigned myself to thick accents, dodgy internet access, and a whole lot of boring.... until I spotted my hot neighbor, with his looming height and eerie green eyes. Things were looking up.

And then he opened his mouth.

Daemon is infuriating. Arrogant. Stab-worthy. We do not get along. At all. But when a stranger attacks me and Daemon literally freezes time with a wave of his hand, well, something...unexpected happens.

The hot alien living next door marks me.

You heard me. Alien. Turns out Daemon and his sister have a galaxy of enemies wanting to steal their abilities, and Daemon's touch has me lit up like the Vegas Strip. The only way I'm getting out of this alive is by sticking close to Daemon until my alien mojo fades.

If I don't kill him first, that is.

Sam's Review:


I have never heard of this author, but I can tell you now that this will be a name on everyone’s lips very soon. I have officially fallen in love with Jennifer. L. Armentrout and her LUX series. This is a brilliant author and I'm so glad that I picked this book up (after hesitations I might add) because I was absolutely floored by this book and its awesomeness’.

For a first novel in a series, OBSIDIAN is fantastic, brilliant and completely thrilling with so much promise of what is to come in this science fiction series. I don’t really know what I was expecting when I picked up OBSIDIAN, considering this was technically my first Alien novel I was a little bit apprehensive but this book just did everything right. It kept me turning and turning and getting on the edge of my seat, losing sleep because I didn’t want to do anything but keep reading.

So why was this YA about Aliens so bloody fantastic? Well firstly the heroine is a blogger! How cool is that?! A true book nerd being the center of this book just makes my inner book work glow with joy. Katy’s character was just really easy to love. She wasn’t unrealistic, she had her head screwed on straight and she was easily relatable.

Then we move on to the new man in my life – Daemon. This is a hero to make you swoon like an 18th century light weight. When you read the book, you are going to think ‘’ Sam, what the hell! This guy is an asswipe!” and o-m-g he comes off as the biggest dick in the world, but as you read you will see that all his jerkwadness is all for a reason. But at the same time he is flirty and sexy and does this thing will his eyes that in my head makes me crumble.

As for the Alien aspect of the novel, I was really enthralled by this. I don’t usually go for the sci fi books out there. Aliens just don’t interest me at all. But this wasn’t freak out crazy alien mumbo jumbo. What there was of alien talk was good but not over the top. You only get to learn a little about the Lux and where there from etc. There are the bad guys too (The Arum) which adds a little fear to the novel which make is that more engaging to read. There are a few fighting/action scenes that were written in really well and not to lengthy which I find in some novels.

I cannot wait for the second book to be released and thankfully I only have to wait another two weeks. I don’t recommend books to everyone all the time but this is one YA that I will promote to the death. So please read this book and give them cute, kick ass Aliens a go!