BAD BLOOD (A BLOOD COVEN VAMPIRE NOVEL #4)
MARI MANCUSI
Paranormal YA
Berkley Jam
ISBN# 9780425232644
230 Pages
$9.99
Trade—Available Now
Rating: 4.5 Enchantments
Seventeen year old Sunny McDonald is ready to take a big step forward with her thousand year old vampire boyfriend and coven leader Magnus, until she finds out the Blood Coven has decided upon a Blood Mate for him—Jane, who isn't what she seems. But Magnus won't listen to Sunny's claims, playing it off like she's just jealous...but when Sunny enlists the help of her twin sister, Rayne, to help discover the truth, the two set off for Vegas and find a lot more than they bargained for.
BAD BLOOD is the fourth book in the 'A Blood Coven Vampire' series, but it's first book in the series I've read and I have to say it wasn't hard to get pulled into the story. Things were well laid out so I could slip easily into the story, and didn't feel like I'd missed a ton having not read the previous books. I have to say I really liked Sunny and Rayne and their relationship. Sunny's determination to prove to her boyfriend that she's right about Jane was great and her trek through Las Vegas in search of info that proves her right is both fun and entertaing. It's a path that leads her to a small theatre inside an old hotel and casino that's seen better days, but when she realizes the truth, Magnus isn't exactly easy to convince.
This was one book that once I started I couldn't put down and finished it in an afternoon. Ms. Mancusi does an excellent job keeping the reader in the story, unable to wait to discover what's really going on with Jane, and how she got past the supposed background check of the Coven. Sunny's way of tracking her down is a little more tame than Rayne's ideas, but nonetheless, work. My favorite scenes are when Sunny is at the rehearsal's for the Sun Hotel's production of 'Bram Stoker's Dracula'. You're just waiting for Sunny to get more info, and nervous that she's about to be discovered by the bad guys. The sisters' get an added complication with their staying arrangements, instead of being in one of the hotels, they're staying with their step-mother and the half-sister they never knew about, which causes some animosity between Sunny and Rayne, with Sunny at least attempting to be nice.
Filled with twists and turns, fun characters and a shocking ending that leaves readers demanding the next in the series, BAD BLOOD is a great paranormal read, perfect for summer.
Visit Mari Mancusi online at www.marimancusi.com and on myspace at www.myspace.com/marimancusi
Lisa
Enchanting Reviews
May 2010
Showing posts with label Berkley Jam. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Berkley Jam. Show all posts
Sunday, July 11, 2010
Wednesday, March 4, 2009
Enchanting Review: In Too Deep
IN TOO DEEP
JENNIFER BANASH
Contemporary Young Adult
Berkley Jam
ISBN# 978-0-425-22353-6
256 pages
$9.99
Trade—Available Now
Rating: 5 Enchantments
One of the best new YA series out there, ‘The Elite series’ continues with IN TOO DEEP which picks up a short while after the first book ends. Casey is still struggling to fit in at her new exclusive Upper East Side high school and deal with Madison, Sophie and Phoebe, the ultimate definition of frenemies. Especially dear sweet Madison, who in probably the best example of the term, decides to ‘treat’ Casey to a trip to her hairstylist after a trip to Casey’s grandmother’s salon goes awry. I have to say Madison is great at the whole keep your friends close and your enemies closer line of thought. She’s truly the epitome of the character you love to hate.
There was so much I liked about this book. Madison, Sophie, Phoebe, and Casey all have their own separate intriguing storylines: Madison’s modeling, the upcoming appearance of Sophie’s birth mother, Phoebe’s secret crush and Casey still trying to fit in and deal with her new life and her relationship with Drew. I have to say what surprised me most—other than the ending—was Madison actually really grew on me with this book and you can sorta see why she acts the way she does, especially toward Casey and Drew. But that’s not the only thing going on, the alternating chapters told by the girls all shed light on explosive secrets that once they come out are going to be pretty shocking.
One of my favorite scenes is when Sophie is trying on one of her outfits for her super sweet sixteen party. When the truth comes out, not only about her being adopted, but her real birth mother—and the kicker, that she confided all this in someone not Madison—things get heated between the girls.
With a shocking ending that leaves the reader demanding to know what happens next, IN TOO DEEP is one book that keeps you riveted from start to finish. Look for the third book in this great series, SIMPLY IRRESISTIBLE, due out summer 2009.
Jennifer Banash knows firsthand the life and times of Manhattan teenagers—she was born and raised in New York City. She ghost wrote for a New York Times bestselling YA series; and she is the co-founder of Impetus Press, an independent press dedicated to publishing serious literary fiction with a pop edge. Jennifer now resides in Los Angeles.
Lisa
Enchanting Reviews
January 2009
Enchanting Review: In Too Deep
IN TOO DEEP
JENNIFER BANASH
Contemporary Young Adult
Berkley Jam
ISBN# 978-0-425-22353-6
256 pages
$9.99
Trade—Available Now
Rating: 5 Enchantments
One of the best new YA series out there, ‘The Elite series’ continues with IN TOO DEEP which picks up a short while after the first book ends. Casey is still struggling to fit in at her new exclusive Upper East Side high school and deal with Madison, Sophie and Phoebe, the ultimate definition of frenemies. Especially dear sweet Madison, who in probably the best example of the term, decides to ‘treat’ Casey to a trip to her hairstylist after a trip to Casey’s grandmother’s salon goes awry. I have to say Madison is great at the whole keep your friends close and your enemies closer line of thought. She’s truly the epitome of the character you love to hate.
There was so much I liked about this book. Madison, Sophie, Phoebe, and Casey all have their own separate intriguing storylines: Madison’s modeling, the upcoming appearance of Sophie’s birth mother, Phoebe’s secret crush and Casey still trying to fit in and deal with her new life and her relationship with Drew. I have to say what surprised me most—other than the ending—was Madison actually really grew on me with this book and you can sorta see why she acts the way she does, especially toward Casey and Drew. But that’s not the only thing going on, the alternating chapters told by the girls all shed light on explosive secrets that once they come out are going to be pretty shocking.
One of my favorite scenes is when Sophie is trying on one of her outfits for her super sweet sixteen party. When the truth comes out, not only about her being adopted, but her real birth mother—and the kicker, that she confided all this in someone not Madison—things get heated between the girls.
With a shocking ending that leaves the reader demanding to know what happens next, IN TOO DEEP is one book that keeps you riveted from start to finish. Look for the third book in this great series, SIMPLY IRRESISTIBLE, due out summer 2009.
Jennifer Banash knows firsthand the life and times of Manhattan teenagers—she was born and raised in New York City. She ghost wrote for a New York Times bestselling YA series; and she is the co-founder of Impetus Press, an independent press dedicated to publishing serious literary fiction with a pop edge. Jennifer now resides in Los Angeles.
Lisa
Enchanting Reviews
January 2009
Monday, June 30, 2008
Enchanting Review: How I Found The Perfect Dress
HOW I FOUND THE PERFECT DRESS
MARYROSE WOOD
Magical Fantasy YA
Berkley Jam Trade
ISBN 978-0-425-21939-3
231 Pages
$9.99
Trade – Available Now
Rating: 5 Enchantments
HOW I FOUND THE PERFECT DRESS is one of my absolute favorite books of the year. I'm anxious to track down the first book, WHY I LET MY HAIR GROW OUT to see how everything started for Morgan/Morganne and the adorable Colin.
In HOW I FOUND THE PERFECT DRESS, Morgan's crush from Ireland is coming to visit for two weeks, while taking part in a program at UCONN. But from the moment he arrives, Morgan knows there's something wrong with the hottie, Colin. He's absolutely exhausted and he confides in her about these weird little notes he finds in his pockets when he wakes up every morning. Morgan makes it her mission to find out what's going on and does everything in her power, including playing matchmaker to a leprechaun to put a stop to it.
Ms. Wood creates a wonderful world, populated with truly great characters. From Morgan and Colin, to Morgan's younger sister, the gnomes, the leprechaun and everyone in between, I really enjoyed them all. They were all so unique, so lifelike, I found myself believing they could all actually exist.
One of my favorite scenes takes place after Morgan finds out she needs to find a leprechaun a date in order to help break the curse on poor Colin. Outside in the dark in the middle of the night, she finds herself wondering if there's more to the plastic and ceramic gardening gnomes her father's collecting than meets the eye.
If you're looking for a fun, hilarious fantasy read I can't recommend this book highly enough.
Ms. Wood's first novel for young adults, SEX KITTENS AND HORN DAWGS FALL IN LOVE, was published in 2006 and hailed as "an uproariously funny debut" (Booklist), "irresistible" (Cleveland Plain Dealer), and "an effervescent delight" (Common Sense Media). You can visit her online at www.maryrosewood.com
Lisa
Enchanting Reviews
June 2008
Tuesday, May 27, 2008
Enchanting Review: The Elite
THE ELITE
JENNIFER BANASH
Contemporary Young Adult
Berkley Jam Trade
ISBN 0425221571
256 Pages
$9.99
Trade Paperback - Available June 3, 2008
Rating: 4 Enchantments
Casey McCloy has just moved from Normal, Illinois, to the Bramford, one of the most exclusive and pretentious apartment buildings on the Upper East Side to live with her grandmother and attend the prestigious Meadowlark academy. But adjusting to her new life is easier said than done, especially with a frenemy like Madison Macallister, who isn't exactly welcoming after her on-again, off-again boyfriend starts paying more attention to Casey than to her.
Even from her first meeting with Madison, Phoebe and Sophie, moments after first arriving at the Bramford, Casey can tell she's definitely going to have issues fitting in with the 'in crowd'. The girls are perfectly made up in their designer gear ready to cross the street and lay out in the sun in their bikinis while Casey's standing there exhausted from traveling and not exactly wearing this season's hottest names as she's subjected to the serious once-overs from Mad and her two closest friends. Surprisingly, Casey somehow passes inspection, if only in pity, and wrangles an invitation to join the girls in the park.
Each chapter highlights a different character and we get to know Casey, Madison, Phoebe, Sophie and surprisingly even Drew, the hottie, better. That was one thing I really liked about this book, the chapters from Drew's point of view. It was nice to see what he really thought about Madison and Casey as the story progressed.
Anyone who's been the new kid at school can easily identify with Casey and her struggles to fit in with the new crowd. The scene between her and Drew in French class on the first day of school is both cringe-worthy and amusing. Following Madison's advice, will she actually scare Drew away for good?
THE ELITE lays the groundwork for what should be an exciting new series. Casey, Madison, Phoebe and Sophie are all vibrant, interesting characters.
Lisa
Enchanting Reviews
May 2008
JENNIFER BANASH
Contemporary Young Adult
Berkley Jam Trade
ISBN 0425221571
256 Pages
$9.99
Trade Paperback - Available June 3, 2008
Rating: 4 Enchantments
Casey McCloy has just moved from Normal, Illinois, to the Bramford, one of the most exclusive and pretentious apartment buildings on the Upper East Side to live with her grandmother and attend the prestigious Meadowlark academy. But adjusting to her new life is easier said than done, especially with a frenemy like Madison Macallister, who isn't exactly welcoming after her on-again, off-again boyfriend starts paying more attention to Casey than to her.
Even from her first meeting with Madison, Phoebe and Sophie, moments after first arriving at the Bramford, Casey can tell she's definitely going to have issues fitting in with the 'in crowd'. The girls are perfectly made up in their designer gear ready to cross the street and lay out in the sun in their bikinis while Casey's standing there exhausted from traveling and not exactly wearing this season's hottest names as she's subjected to the serious once-overs from Mad and her two closest friends. Surprisingly, Casey somehow passes inspection, if only in pity, and wrangles an invitation to join the girls in the park.
Each chapter highlights a different character and we get to know Casey, Madison, Phoebe, Sophie and surprisingly even Drew, the hottie, better. That was one thing I really liked about this book, the chapters from Drew's point of view. It was nice to see what he really thought about Madison and Casey as the story progressed.
Anyone who's been the new kid at school can easily identify with Casey and her struggles to fit in with the new crowd. The scene between her and Drew in French class on the first day of school is both cringe-worthy and amusing. Following Madison's advice, will she actually scare Drew away for good?
THE ELITE lays the groundwork for what should be an exciting new series. Casey, Madison, Phoebe and Sophie are all vibrant, interesting characters.
Lisa
Enchanting Reviews
May 2008
Wednesday, April 2, 2008
Enchanting Review: Violet By Design
VIOLET BY DESIGN
MELISSA WALKER
Contemporary Young Adult
Berkley Jam
ISBN 978-0-425-24940-9
205 Pages
$9.99
Trade Paperback – Available Now
Rating: 4.5 Enchantments
Welcome back, Violet Greenfield.
VIOLET BY DESIGN picks up a few short months after book one left off. Violet’s preparing to say goodbye to her college-bound best friends, Julie and Roger, and head off to Brazil for the upcoming fashion show there. With any luck, the Brazil shows will lead to the fall shows in Paris and then, who knows?
Violet grows up a lot during the course of this book and we get a deeper glimpse of the relationships she has with those closest to her. I especially liked the growing attraction between her and Roger, even with the unexpected complications as she realizes he’s had feelings for her for so long.
VIOLET BY DESIGN is a great second book in Ms. Walker’s VIOLET series. This one delves deeper into the fashion world, with Violet being on the receiving end of some rather harsh criticism about her weight; her potential relationship with Paulo, the hot young Brazilian designer, and her recent choices, including blogging about issues a lot of people would prefer she kept quiet. Most of the characters from Book One make a return appearance for Book Two. I was especially glad to see Veronica return in this one and look forward to seeing where Ms. Walker takes the Double Vs in the third book in the series.
Lisa
YA Director
Enchanting Reviews
March 2008
Tuesday, April 1, 2008
Enchanting Review: Violet On The Runway
VIOLET ON THE RUNWAY
MELISSA WALKER
Contemporary YA
Berkley Jam
ISBN-13: 978-0-425-21704-7
228 pages
$9.99
Trade paperback - Available now
Rating: 5 Enchantments
After being discovered by a high profile modeling agent at her after-school job at her local movie theatre, Violet Greenfield finds herself thrust into the New York modeling scene as the next hot ’it’ girl.
Violet’s new model status elevates her popularity--especially at school where her height had earned her the nickname ’green giant’--and the girls she always wanted to hang out with suddenly think she’s cool. So who can blame her for testing out everything her new life has to offer? Its not like she’s planning on ignoring her two lifelong best friends forever…she just wants to test the new waters she’s suddenly found admission into.
Violet finds herself immersed in an entirely new world in NYC where her life in North Carolina seems so far away, especially her two best friends, Julie and Roger. When a new Violet starts to emerge, one who’s confidant and more popular than she could have ever imagined, can Violet resist the temptation to let go of the ’old’ Violet?
Violet is a vibrant character who comes to life on the pages. I loved the scenes where Violet has her first go-sees and her newfound agent Angela tags along with her to one, and then basically throws her to wolves to fend for herself for the rest of the day.
VIOLET ON THE RUNWAY is an addicting debut novel by Ms. Walker. I was hooked from page one and look forward to reading more about Violet.
Lisa
YA Director
Enchanting Reviews
March 2008
MELISSA WALKER
Contemporary YA
Berkley Jam
ISBN-13: 978-0-425-21704-7
228 pages
$9.99
Trade paperback - Available now
Rating: 5 Enchantments
After being discovered by a high profile modeling agent at her after-school job at her local movie theatre, Violet Greenfield finds herself thrust into the New York modeling scene as the next hot ’it’ girl.
Violet’s new model status elevates her popularity--especially at school where her height had earned her the nickname ’green giant’--and the girls she always wanted to hang out with suddenly think she’s cool. So who can blame her for testing out everything her new life has to offer? Its not like she’s planning on ignoring her two lifelong best friends forever…she just wants to test the new waters she’s suddenly found admission into.
Violet finds herself immersed in an entirely new world in NYC where her life in North Carolina seems so far away, especially her two best friends, Julie and Roger. When a new Violet starts to emerge, one who’s confidant and more popular than she could have ever imagined, can Violet resist the temptation to let go of the ’old’ Violet?
Violet is a vibrant character who comes to life on the pages. I loved the scenes where Violet has her first go-sees and her newfound agent Angela tags along with her to one, and then basically throws her to wolves to fend for herself for the rest of the day.
VIOLET ON THE RUNWAY is an addicting debut novel by Ms. Walker. I was hooked from page one and look forward to reading more about Violet.
Lisa
YA Director
Enchanting Reviews
March 2008
Friday, January 18, 2008
Enchanting Review: Queen Geeks In Love
QUEEN GEEKS IN LOVE
LAURA PREBLE
Berkley JAM
Trade
ISBN-13: 978-0425217177
$9.99
Rating: 3.5 Enchantments
Shelby Chapelle is back. And life this summer is anything but easy for this Queen Geek. Between her boyfriend Fletcher, and her best friend Becca, not too mention her involvement in QUEEN GEEKS, Shelby's summer is teetering on the brink of complicated.
First of all, Shelby isn't sure she wants to be as exclusive as Fletcher would like to be. In fact, she wants to run screaming the other way when he turns too much into a boyfriend. Becca has HUGE plans for the Queen Geeks this summer and Shelby gets pulled in along for the ride, even if she thinks Becca's plans are a wee bit impossible. And when Becca finds herself in a mini-love triangle involving of all things, a guy in a giant rabbit costume who writes poetry, it seems like it's up to Shelby to keep things running smoothly for both the Geeks and their friendship.
Can the Queen Geeks survive Becca's almost impossible-to-succeed plans for the club? And will guys be the reason the Queen Geeks finally split apart?
I really enjoyed this book. Shelby's a fun character and I liked her immediately from the first page. One of my favorite scenes is when the Queen Geeks decide to hit Comic-con in full costume and end up shadowed by the guy dressed as a giant rabbit. Truly a laugh out loud moment. Overall, a fun second book in the QUEEN GEEKS series. I look forward to reading more!
Lisa
YA Director
Enchanting Reviews
LAURA PREBLE
Berkley JAM
Trade
ISBN-13: 978-0425217177
$9.99
Rating: 3.5 Enchantments
Shelby Chapelle is back. And life this summer is anything but easy for this Queen Geek. Between her boyfriend Fletcher, and her best friend Becca, not too mention her involvement in QUEEN GEEKS, Shelby's summer is teetering on the brink of complicated.
First of all, Shelby isn't sure she wants to be as exclusive as Fletcher would like to be. In fact, she wants to run screaming the other way when he turns too much into a boyfriend. Becca has HUGE plans for the Queen Geeks this summer and Shelby gets pulled in along for the ride, even if she thinks Becca's plans are a wee bit impossible. And when Becca finds herself in a mini-love triangle involving of all things, a guy in a giant rabbit costume who writes poetry, it seems like it's up to Shelby to keep things running smoothly for both the Geeks and their friendship.
Can the Queen Geeks survive Becca's almost impossible-to-succeed plans for the club? And will guys be the reason the Queen Geeks finally split apart?
I really enjoyed this book. Shelby's a fun character and I liked her immediately from the first page. One of my favorite scenes is when the Queen Geeks decide to hit Comic-con in full costume and end up shadowed by the guy dressed as a giant rabbit. Truly a laugh out loud moment. Overall, a fun second book in the QUEEN GEEKS series. I look forward to reading more!
Lisa
YA Director
Enchanting Reviews
Monday, December 31, 2007
Enchanting Review: Revenge Of The Homecoming Queen
REVENGE OF THE HOMECOMING QUEEN
STEPHANIE HALE
Contemporary YA
Berkley Jam Trade
Trade Paperback
ISBN# 10 0425216152
Price: $9.99
Rating: 4.5 enchantments
Aspen Brooks has spent her entire life waiting to be named Homecoming Queen. But when the envelope is ripped open in front of the entire school, it’s not her name that's read. Instead, Comfort High's Homecoming Queen is Angel Ives, Aspen's sworn rival. And even weirder, the school geek Rand Bachrach is named Homecoming King, an announcement made possible by Aspen's 'supposed' boyfriend. What kind of boyfriend sabotages his chance at being Homecoming King?
That's only the start of the weirdness. Between the vicious lipstick messages about Aspen scrawled on the mirror in the girl's bathroom, her tires being slashed and then Angel mysteriously -- or as Aspen sees it, conveniently - disappearing, things are getting plain weird. Not to mention the fact Rand keeps coming to her rescue, and horror of horrors, he's not all that geeky. In fact, he's kinda cool. And he's making her feel things she never thought possible. When Aspen's mom suddenly goes missing and all signs are pointing that Aspen's next to disappear, she decides to turn detective and find out who’s behind all the disappearances.
This was such a fun book to read, a great combination of humor, romance and mystery that wraps up with a surprising twist to the mystery that made it hard to put down. Debut author Stephanie Hale sets up her Aspen series in a winning way. Can't wait to read what happens to Aspen next.
Lisa
YA Director
Enchanting Reviews
STEPHANIE HALE
Contemporary YA
Berkley Jam Trade
Trade Paperback
ISBN# 10 0425216152
Price: $9.99
Rating: 4.5 enchantments
Aspen Brooks has spent her entire life waiting to be named Homecoming Queen. But when the envelope is ripped open in front of the entire school, it’s not her name that's read. Instead, Comfort High's Homecoming Queen is Angel Ives, Aspen's sworn rival. And even weirder, the school geek Rand Bachrach is named Homecoming King, an announcement made possible by Aspen's 'supposed' boyfriend. What kind of boyfriend sabotages his chance at being Homecoming King?
That's only the start of the weirdness. Between the vicious lipstick messages about Aspen scrawled on the mirror in the girl's bathroom, her tires being slashed and then Angel mysteriously -- or as Aspen sees it, conveniently - disappearing, things are getting plain weird. Not to mention the fact Rand keeps coming to her rescue, and horror of horrors, he's not all that geeky. In fact, he's kinda cool. And he's making her feel things she never thought possible. When Aspen's mom suddenly goes missing and all signs are pointing that Aspen's next to disappear, she decides to turn detective and find out who’s behind all the disappearances.
This was such a fun book to read, a great combination of humor, romance and mystery that wraps up with a surprising twist to the mystery that made it hard to put down. Debut author Stephanie Hale sets up her Aspen series in a winning way. Can't wait to read what happens to Aspen next.
Lisa
YA Director
Enchanting Reviews
Saturday, October 6, 2007
Enchanting Review: Revenge Of The Homecoming Queen
REVENGE OF THE HOMECOMING QUEEN
STEPHANIE HALE
Contemporary YA
Berkley Jam Trade
Trade Paperback
ISBN 10 0425216152
Price: $9.99
Rating: 4.5 enchantments
Aspen Brooks has spent her entire life waiting to be named Homecoming Queen. But when the
envelope is ripped open in front of the entire school, it's not her name that's read. Instead,
Comfort High's Homecoming Queen is Angel Ives, Aspen's sworn rival. And even weirder, the
school geek Rand Bachrach is named Homecoming King, an announcement made possible by
Aspen's 'supposed' boyfriend. What kind of boyfriend sabotages his chance at being
Homecoming King?
That's only the start of the weirdness. Between the vicious lipstick messages about Aspen
scrawled on the mirror in the girl's bathroom, her tires being slashed and then Angel
mysteriously -- or as Aspen sees it, conveniently - disappearing, things are getting plain weird.
Not to mention the fact Rand keeps coming to her rescue, and horror of horrors, he's not all
that geeky. In fact, he's kinda cool. And he's making her feel things she never thought possible.
When Aspen's mom suddenly goes missing and all signs are pointing that Aspen's next to
disappear, she decides to turn detective and find out who's behind all the disappearances.
This was such a fun book to read, a great combination of humor, romance and mystery that
wraps up with a surprising twist to the mystery that made it hard to put down. Debut author
Stephanie Hale sets up her Aspen series in a winning way. Can't wait to read what happens to
Aspen next.
Lisa
Enchanting Reviews
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