Waiting on Wednesday

Welcome to my first Waiting on Wednesday post! Waiting on Wednesday was started by Jill at Breaking the Spine to give we read-a-holic bloggers some real estate to devote to books we're pining away for.

My first choice is a surprising one. When I decided to do Waiting on Wednesday, I figured I'd pick an obvious choice for me, like the next in the book in the Mortal Instruments series. But, many who know me know that the Vampire Academy series is my most favorite series EVAH. Because I love it so much, I was reluctant to read the spin-off series, Bloodlines. I didn't want to ruin a good thing, you know? But, in the end, I decided to give it a try anyway. Nothing could make the VA series bad - it is what it is already. And... I actually loved Bloodlines! So, this week, my Waiting on Wednesday book is...

The Golden Lily (Bloodlines #2). It's due out in mid-June, which is far too long of a wait for me. Bloodlines ended in kind of a big way. I want to know what happens next! Luckily, Richelle Mead just released the first chapter of The Golden Lily, and it was deliciously infuriating. It was really good! It was captivating right from the beginning. It was exciting. And, it had absolutely nothing to do with the cliffhanger at the end of Bloodlines! ARGH! I have to wait three more months to find out what happens, and then suffer through four more years while I wait for the last of the six planned books in this series to see how it all plays out. What I won't do for a good read.

Book #35 - Hush Hush (Hush Hush #1)

Hush Hush (Hush Hush #1), Becca Fitzpatrick
391 pages
paranormal romance, urban fantasy
Started 3/19/12
Finished 3/20/12
4.5 STARS

I know, I know. I said angel books weren't my thing. And, for the most part, that has been my experience. I supposed there are exceptions to every rule. I was initially drawn to Hush Hush by the gorgeous cover. Again - I know. Don't judge a book by it's cover. Literally. But, in this case, both the cover and the content were equally beautiful.

Brainiac Nora is focused on one thing - getting through high school with a 4.0 GPA so that she can get into an ivy league school and make something of herself. And then, Patch happens. They are forced to be lab partners, much to Nora's chagrin. Patch is abrasive, arrogant, infuriating and annoying. But, somehow Patch gets under her skin, despite displaying some alarming and scary behavior. It turns out Patch is a fallen angel who wants desperately to become human once again. And, he thinks that in order for that to happen, Nora must die. But, the fact that he's in love with her puts the kibosh on that plan.

Hush Hush had all the stuff that makes up a good book, in my very humble opinion. It has a strong and plucky heroine, a dark and flawed hero, a good mystery, some twists and turns, and a good ending. I loved it. There is so much more to Puck than meets the eye. He's a complex character with some serious depth underneath all the snark.

I was very happy to see the absence of a love triangle too. Honestly, sometimes the triangle is just exhausting and causes the story to drag. Are they really necessary? I realize it's an effective plot device - I mean, it must be. Authors use it all the time. Honestly, a good story with plot points that surprise me and characters that move me keep me engaged more than asking myself who she will end up with in the end. It's clear from the beginning that Nora and Patch are like star crossed lovers, destined to be together. There's a very slight hint early on at another love interest, but that is quickly quashed. It was so refreshing.

I think my only complaint in this book is Vee. Lordy, she was annoying. I could've done with a lot less Vee.

I loved Hush Hush so much, that before I was even done, I was putting a reserve on both Crescendo and Silence at the library. I can't wait to see what else awaits for Patch and Nora.

Book #34 - Grave Witch (Alex Craft #1)

Grave Witch (Alex Craft #1), Kalayna Price
325 pages
urban fantasy
Started 3/8/12
Finished 3/20/12
3 STARS

I listened to this book in the car on my morning and afternoon commutes, which is why it took me so long to finish it. I'm starting to wonder if audio books are just not my thing. This is my second one, and neither of the ones I've listened to have been good books. 


Alex Craft is a witch that can summon "shades," or souls, from dead people. She gets tangled up in a serial murder case and has a bit of an affair with the lead detective on the case. Oh, and Death also has the hots for her. Not that Alex cares. She only seems to care about one thing - her fugly dog, PC.

Don't get me wrong - overall, I liked Grave Witch, but found Alex way too cold (no pun intended) for my liking. She's never all that friendly to anyone. She finds Roy a nuisance, even after all the help he gave her. She never warmed up to Falin, even after he saved her life repeatedly and obviously cares a lot for her. She keeps Death at a distance, despite his help and (view spoiler)profession of love. And, she doesn't seem like a very good friend to any of her "friends" (Holly, Tamara, Caleb). It's REALLY hard to like a character who doesn't like anyone else. And, it's really hard to love a book when you don't like the main character.

The jury is still out on whether I'll bother trying the second book in the series.