Deviation (Clone Chronicles #2) by Heather Hildenbrand

I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. 

 

Honestly, I have mixed feelings about this installment of the Clone Chronicles.  There were parts that were excellent and full of action.  And there were parts that didn't make a lot of sense, story-wise, and were overflowing with cheese-tastic dialog, characters that had been dynamic suddenly falling flat, and a sense of being rushed through the reading.

Ven really irritated me this time around.  She was whiny, irrational, and not herself.  Which sounds odd to say about a fictional person, but it felt almost as if the book were narrated by someone else posing as Ven.  Several scenes seem to be just tossed in for the sake of inclusion rather than any actual pertinence to the story line. 

Regardless, Deviation is still the second part of this series and I feel it necessary to read if only because you'll miss a few important things and might be confused during the third installment.  You might not be a fan of this one individually, but to get a sense of the encompassing plot of the entire set. 

Deviation (Clone Chronicles #2) by Heather Hildenbrand: A must if you're going to read the series.  Otherwise mass chaos and confusion will ensue.  Available from libraries and booksellers now.

Zoey and the Nice Guy (Big Girl Panties #1) by Carter Ashby

 

I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. 

Just to get the negative out of the way, Zoey and the Nice Guy presented some issues for me, as far as character development.  Her regression from independent, self-sufficient chick who takes care of those she loves to stark-raving lunatic at a certain plot point was annoying.  She went from being a character I could applaud to one I wanted to push down a flight of stairs.  I am a fan of stories where I don't always admire the characters, though, so I kept on with her tale.

For fans of modern romance this is a good choice.  It's quick, it's got a decent plot, and it has some excellent characters.  Zoey is fiercely loyal to her friends, her friends are not spineless twits, and Kellen is a good counterpoint to Zoey.  I would recommend it for its happy ending. 

Zoey and the Nice Guy (Big Girl Panties #1) by Carter Ashby: If you're not a fan of the romance genre, skip it.  Otherwise, you'll probably like it.  Available now from libraries and booksellers. 

Fall with Me Madness!

Anyone else really excited to read Fall with Me by J. Lynn?  Other than me, I mean.  I can't wait!   Until then...

A Kiss by the Book by Christy Hayes

I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

A Kiss by the Book is a rather predictable, bland story of first love.  Zach and Jenna are written well as the stereotypical jock with a heart of gold and the brainiac who helps with his grades (and then pretends to be his girlfriend to save face in front of his brother and his ex).

All the plot points are hit on pace, there is actual chemistry and character development between the protagonists, and the writing style is good.  It was a cute story with cute characters and a cute outcome.  I will recommend it to others, but for me it was a little flat.  A feel-good read that goes quickly, has one or two obligatory obstacles that are easily overcome, and a solid happy ending. 

While I wouldn't have minded a little more depth to the story, Hayes is leaps and bounds ahead of some writers in the new adult genre.  Nothing feels robotic, none of the characters feel like they're out of place, and the romance is genuine. There is good banter between Zach and Jenna, and a few humorous moments throughout. I will definitely read more of Hayes' work, and be satisfied that at least I will have a solid story with a happy ending, if not a little more punch.

A Kiss by the Book by Christy Hayes: A quick read that delivers a happy ending, with a solid romance in between.  You can hardly go wrong with this one.  Available from booksellers and libraries now.

Killer Instinct (Naturals #2) by Jennifer Lynn Barnes

A witty, suspenseful story that will keep you turning pages no matter what else needs to be done.  Cassie is an excellent narrator, giving readers an idea what it's really like to get inside the mind of a crazed killer.  The rest of the cast is just as good, even though the first-person narration prevents you from really knowing them.  Each person is unique and easy to relate to, making this a group you'll want to join for more than one book.

I missed the first book in this series, but Barnes is a great writer with unforeseen plot twists.  Although this is the second book in the series, it didn't lag anywhere as others tend to do.  I really enjoyed Killer Instinct, and I look forward to reading more mysteries involving this group of characters in future books.

Killer Instinct (Naturals #2) by Jennifer Lynn Barnes: 4 out of 5 stars.