Review: Cut & Run by Abigail Roux and Madeleine Urban

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Cut & Run
Series: Cut & Run #1
Author(s): Abigail Roux & Madeleine Urban
M/M Romance/Suspense

SUMMARY
(From Goodreads)

A series of murders in New York City has stymied the police and FBI alike, and they suspect the culprit is a single killer sending an indecipherable message. But when the two federal agents assigned to the investigation are taken out, the FBI takes a more personal interest in the case.

Special Agent Ty Grady is pulled out of undercover work after his case blows up in his face. He’s cocky, abrasive, and indisputably the best at what he does. But when he’s paired with Special Agent Zane Garrett, it’s hate at first sight. Garrett is the perfect image of an agent: serious, sober, and focused, which makes their partnership a classic clich: total opposites, good cop-bad cop, the odd couple. They both know immediately that their partnership will pose more of an obstacle than the lack of evidence left by the murderer.

Practically before their special assignment starts, the murderer strikes again this time at them. Now on the run, trying to track down a man who has focused on killing his pursuers, Grady and Garrett will have to figure out how to work together before they become two more notches in the murderer’s knife.

MY THOUGHTS

Somebody slap my upside the head please! Why have I waited so long for this series?

After hearing about this series throughout the entire year, I had added it to my wishlist in the hopes of starting it some day.  When the later books in the series appeared on numerous Top Reads of 2012, I moved it up in the count to get to sooner.  When I finally got to it and started reading it, I couldn’t stop!  I needed this fix as badly as Zane needed his.

I am having a hard time picking which character was the best.  Ty started out my clear favorite with his don’t-give-a-hell attitude and demeanor.  I loved his banter with fellow agents and his new partner at work.  Zane was more business in appearance, but slowly came around to be like Ty.  Then the roles would reverse in personality and my heart would flip the switch to being in love with Zane.  Just when I would fall for one, the authors would do something to tie me in knots for the other Alpha man.
Ty or Zane?
Zane or Ty?
I think I choose Ty.
No wait! Zane.
No, I changed my mind. Ty.
Yes, Ty.
For now.

Oh there was a mystery involved in this story as well.  I almost forgot since I was dreaming of Ty and Zane again.  The two are assigned to go undercover to solve numerous murders from a serial killer who is leaving a trail of tokens behind.  Several agents have been murdered already and Zane and Ty needs to figure it out if it is someone on the inside.  There is tons of action and nail biting scenes in this scene.  I thought I figured out who the murderer was early on, but I was wrong.  I am not a good person to have on your side when playing Clue.

This book is definitely one I loved.  I want to devour each book in the series now! I can’t wait to get my next fix of Ty and Zane!

MY RATING

Outstanding book that will stay on my bookshelf for rereading!

Review: Fall To Pieces by Vahini Naidoo

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Fall to Pieces
Author: Vahini Naidoo
ISBN: 9780761462170

SUMMARY
(From Goodeads)

When your best friend dies, you’re supposed to know what happened. You’re supposed to know why.

But Ella has no idea what happened the night Amy jumped to her death. She has no idea why Amy would want to die.

Ella’s other friends, Mark and Petal, are hiding something. Ella thinks they know exactly what happened that terrible night. But they’re not talking. Instead, Ella, Mark, and Petal play Pick Me Ups—a game in which they jump from dangerous heights. And every time Ella falls, she begins to remember pieces of that night. . . 

It’s still not enough. So Ella brings a mysterious new guy into the group, hoping he will help shake things up and unearth the truth. But Ella’s “Explosive Boy” has secrets of his own.

And there may be some secrets that Ella doesn’t want to face. The truth—the real truth—about Amy’s death might just be more than she can handle.

MY THOUGHTS

Four friends suddenly become three.  Ella, Mark, Petal, and Amy suddenly become Ella, Mark and Petal after Amy dies.  Ella is having a hard time remembering what happened.When Mark creates a game called Pick Me Ups, Ella starts getting flashbacks of the night Amy died.  Instead of an adrenaline rush, she is getting glimpses into the secrets that are locked within her head.  Then Ella brings Tristan into the fold but he has secrets of his own.

This was a book that led me into the trap of ‘just one more chapter’ before setting it down.  I wanted to know what would happen next and I wanted to learn more about the way Amy died.  I thought the book did great in the time line and gave the reader just enough with each chapter to make you want to keep reading.  So the pace was done okay.  The characters were okay, but they all stood out about the same for me for some reason.  While I enjoyed the book, it was just a mediocre read for me.  I will also mention that the language is high in profanity in case this is a no-no in books that you want to read.  Be warned.  To me it wasn’t a big issue, but to others it can be.  I also just couldn’t connect with the characters in the way the author was wanting.

Not bad for a quick read, but one that does need to be warned of the profanity mentioned above.  Don’t go into it blind.  Like I said earlier, just an okay read for me and one I won’t be thinking about afterwards for long.

MY RATING

If the library doesn’t have it, don’t worry about reading it!

Review: Lexi, Baby by Lynda LeeAnne

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Lexi, Baby
Series: This Can’t Be Happening #1
Author: Lynda LeeAnne

SUMMARY
(From Goodreads)

Alexis Sky Martine thinks of herself as the average girl-next-door that does what she has to do to get by, have fun and enjoy life. 
She is madly in love with her sexy, drop-your-panties-at-first-sight, hottie boyfriend who is equally in love with her; more like downright obsessed. He treats her like she is his heart; like he needs her to exist; like he would do anything in his power to make her happy.
Lexi knows Landyn James loves her just as much as she loves him, if not more. Deep down, she also knows high school sweethearts aren’t expected to last, but their relationship is different. They are soul mates. Their connection is unbreakable.

What could possibly go wrong when you have love like that…?
Everything.
What will the future hold…?
Only time will tell.

MY THOUGHTS

Let me warn readers of one thing before reading this book:  CRACK.  You can’t help but keep reading the book even with the cliches and grammar errors.  Throw in a drool worthy cover and I was a goner from page one. I honestly didn’t know if I should give this book a rating of a three or a four.  I wanted to give it the four for the rating, but predictability and cliches tampered the rating down.

Landyn, Landyn, Landyn.  Sex-on-a stick is the best way to describe him.  He is hot, has money, and possessive as hell. He makes a huge mistake that costs him so much.  While I can see the reasoning of Lexi dropping him like an old hat after this mistake, I won’t support her in the decision she makes involving Layla.  I can understand Landyn being mad as hell for this secret.

Ryan felt like an after thought for this plot.  It was like the author needed another cliche or black spot in the dynamics of the drama.  While I found this to be almost too much,  it still kept me reading just to find out what would happen to him.  That boy needs some help and I did notice on the authors website that he will be getting his own book.  After this story though, the author is going to have to bring me a miracle in redeeming this man.

Trish was the typical best friend that was a tad too protective. On the other hand, where was this type of friend when I was younger and needing a leaning post?  I will over look this though and go with the flow. Like, I said — book crack. Must. Keep. Reading.

Also be prepared for the prologue and epilogue to be more like a chapter a piece.  In my opinion, they should have been chapters due to the length of them being quite long.  While this didn’t really bother me, others might have a quirk about this.

The ending leaves the reader on a cliffhanger and ready for another fix. While I couldn’t make a real connection with Tony in this book — mainly because we never really get to read/interact with him except in mentioning — I am anxious to read what happens to him and Trish.  Supposedly, the next book features them both.

While this book won’t be everyone’s cup of tea, I can guarantee that this series and author is going to be addictive to others.  I will be in the group looking for more and hoping for the quick release of more!

MY RATING

Okay book, but it left me wanting more!

JAN 2013 -YA Reading Challenge LINK UP

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JANUARY 2013  YA LINK UP PAGE
Hi all!  This is the post that you can link up your reviews for the Young Adult Reading Challenge for JAN 2013.  Each month there will be a new link up page and I will be listing each months main link below the challenge button on my bottom right sidebar.  I look forward to reading everyone’s reviews and the books you choose!
* This is for your REVIEWS posted in  YA JAN 2013 only! *

JAN 2013 Link Up – 150+ Challenge

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JANUARY 2013 LINK UP PAGE
Hi all!  This is the post that you can link up your reviews for the 150+ Challenge for JAN 2013.  Each month there will be a new link up page and I will be listing each months main link below the challenge button on my bottom right sidebar.  I look forward to reading everyone’s reviews and the books you choose!
* This is for your REVIEWS posted in JAN 2013 only! *