Category: Book Review

Book Review, bridget zinn, poison

Book Review: Poison by Bridget Zinn

Kathryn Cooper

Title: Poison
Author: Bridget Zinn
Publisher: Disney Hyperion
Release Date: March 2013
Pages: 288
Series: none
4 Stars: I Really Liked It

Sixteen-year-old Kyra, a highly-skilled potions master, is the only one who knows her kingdom is on the verge of destruction—which means she’s the only one who can save it. Faced with no other choice, Kyra decides to do what she does best: poison the kingdom’s future ruler, who also happens to be her former best friend.

But, for the first time ever, her poisoned dart . . . misses.

Now a fugitive instead of a hero, Kyra is caught in a game of hide-and-seek with the king’s army and her potioner ex-boyfriend, Hal. At least she’s not alone. She’s armed with her vital potions, a too-cute pig, and Fred, the charming adventurer she can’t stop thinking about. Kyra is determined to get herself a second chance (at murder), but will she be able to find and defeat the princess before Hal and the army find her?

Kyra is not your typical murderer, and she’s certainly no damsel-in-distress—she’s the lovable and quick-witted hero of this romantic novel that has all the right ingredients to make teen girls swoon.

My Thoughts:
Poison was such a fun book! Don’t you love the cover?! Kyra looks like the totally fierce potioner she is, and look you can even see the little pig Rosie peeking her head out.

Kyra was 16 years old and kind of a loner. Well it’s hard to know at first if she was a loner by personality or situation since she was a fugitive for trying to murder the princess, aka her best friend. I loved how the story started out right in the midst of the action not giving the reader a ton of background for the main character. Kyra was a bit of a mystery, but then the author started putting in flashbacks to fill us in on what had happened to get Kyra to where she currently was. I loved the flashbacks; they were perfect.

Fred was a ton of fun. The BEST part of the book was when he met Kyra while crossing a river. Let’s just say it was a little awkward for Kyra and a little too much fun for Fred. LOL so great. I loved the spark of life Fred brought to the story. Ari was spunky and fun too.

Poison was full of fun, adventure, mystery, and romance. You’ll really enjoy it!

Content Ratings: highlight between ( ) to view details
Sexual Content: mild ( boy saw girl cross river in only underwear, kissing )
Language: very mild ( d***-4, h***-1, God-6 )
Violence: mild ( scuffles, pet injured, soldiers fighting )

I received the book from Disney Hyperion via NetGalley. Thank you! I am not paid for my reviews. My reviews are solely my opinion.

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Reviewed by Kathryn Cooper
Creator of Clean Teen Fiction

Book Review, edenbrooke, julianne donaldson

Book Review: Edenbrooke by Julianne Donaldson

Kathryn Cooper

Title: Edenbrooke
Author: Julianne Donaldson
Publisher: Shadow Mountain
Release Date: March 2012
Pages: 264
Series: none
5 STARS: I LOVED IT!!!

Marianne Daventry will do anything to escape the boredom of Bath and the amorous attentions of an unwanted suitor. So when an invitation arrives from her twin sister, Cecily, to join her at a sprawling country estate, she jumps at the chance. Thinking she’ll be able to relax and enjoy her beloved English countryside while her sister snags the handsome heir of Edenbrooke, Marianne finds that even the best laid plans can go awry.

From a terrifying run-in with a highwayman to a seemingly harmless flirtation, Marianne finds herself embroiled in an unexpected adventure filled with enough romance and intrigue to keep her mind racing. Will she be able to rein in her traitorous heart, or will a mysterious stranger sweep her off her feet? Fate had something other than a relaxing summer in mind when it sent Marianne to Edenbrooke.

My Thoughts:
Oh my this book was AMAZING!!! I loved it!! This is a book I would recommend to everyone who loves a good romance, a little excitement, mystery, and a lot of laughs.

From the beginning I was attached to Marianne. The poor girl had been shipped off to the city after the death of her mother. Her father had sent her to family in one place and sent her twin sister to another. Separated from her family and the beautiful countryside she felt lost. She left to meet up with her sister at Edenbrooke as soon as the invitation came.

The scenery was breathtaking and made me want to visit the English countryside. Sigh. Maybe one day. I loved the humor that came with some embarrassing moments for Marianne especially in front of handsome men. Just thinking about it makes me want to go re-read this book today.

I’d heard so many good things about Edenbrooke. I don’t know why it took me so long to finally read it! If you want a beautiful, relaxing, romantic read go get this book now! You’ll enjoy it.

Content Ratings: highlight between ( ) to view details
Sexual Content: very mild ( kissing )
Language: none
Violence: mild ( gun injuries, kidnapping )

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Reviewed by Kathryn Cooper
Creator of Clean Adult Fiction

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Book Review, tristi pinkston, turning pages

Book Review: Turning Pages by Tristi Pinkston

Kathryn Cooper

Title: Turning Pages
Author: Tristi Pinkston
Publisher: Inkberry Press
Release Date: August 2012
Pages: 240
Series: none
4 STARS: I Really Liked It

With his pride and her prejudice, what could possibly go wrong?

When the arrogant Blake Hansen steals Addie Preston’s promotion at the library, he pretty much rubs her nose in it. But Addie, who dreams of being a full-fledged librarian, decides to stick it out. She loves surrounding herself with books and keeping her father’s memory alive in the building where they spent so much time together.

Soon, Addie learns that her beloved library will be torn down to make room for a larger facility, and she has to make a choice. Fight, or let go?

To complicate things, she finds herself attracted to Blake, who is engaged to someone else. Will Blake and Addie ever resolve their differences?

My Thoughts:
This book was a fun and light read. Like many of you I’m a book lover so it was nice to have the main character be a librarian and obsessed with the library and books. When they met, Addie thought her new boss, Blake, was more into business than enjoying the library. Let’s just say they didn’t hit it off at the start. Plus Blake was engaged.

Poor Addie just couldn’t let go of her library. I see why she was attached, but it still annoyed me at times since I’m the opposite of a pack-rat. I feel freedom from throwing things away, but Addie really didn’t want the old library with all her father’s memories replaced.

Blake and Addie had great chemistry. I loved their scenes together, laughing and cringing along with them. Turning Pages was a fun read, perfect for any library lover.

Content Ratings: highlight between ( ) to view details
Sexual Content: mild ( kissing )
Language: none
Violence: none

I received the book from Inkberry Press. Thank you! I am not paid for my reviews. My reviews are solely my opinion.

review 1
Reviewed by Kathryn Cooper
Creator of Clean Adult Fiction

Buy it!

More Books By Tristi Pinkston (click cover to view on Amazon)

Book Review, grave consequences, lisa t bergren

Book Review: Grave Consequences by Lisa T. Bergren

Kathryn Cooper
THIS IS BOOK 2 IN THE SERIES!
Book 1- Glamorous Illusions- MY REVIEW

Title: Grave Consequences
Author: Lisa T. Bergren
Publisher: David C. Cook
Release Date: March 2013
Pages: 448
Series: Grand Tour Series #2
4 STARS: I Really Liked It

For Cora Kensington, the journey of a lifetime takes unexpected twists. And her future—her very life—depends on the decisions she’ll make at each crossroad. As her European tour with her newfound family takes her through Austria, France, and Italy, an unseen enemy trails close behind. Meanwhile, a forbidden love continues to claim her heart, putting everyone’s plans in danger.

And as Cora stays one step ahead of it all, what might need the most protection is her own heart, torn between the dramatic pursuit of a dashing Frenchman and a man who has been quietly staking claim to her affections all along. Love has dangers all its own. She must escape the bonds of the past and discover the faith to make the right choices, as each one has grave consequences.

My Thoughts:
This series really took me on a beautiful guide of Europe, making me want to visit! Next time I’ll have to read it with a map of Europe nearby because I wished I understood the references better. That was a little frustrating.

Cora not only traveled through Europe, but she traveled through love. She had to make decisions on whether she would pursue one or both of the men looking for her attention, Pierre and Will. Pierre was so charming and extremely rich, and Will was so lovable. Pierre was the man her family approved of, and Will was strictly forbidden as a guide on their tour and not rich.

There was mystery and a few tense moments to add to the enjoyment. Overall I loved the story and the characters. Let me say, Hugh was always good for a laugh. Some of the scenery descriptions felt a little long at times, but overall I really enjoyed this read. I look forward to reading book 3 when it comes out in October!

Content Ratings: highlight between ( ) to view details
Sexual Content: mild ( kissing )
Language: none
Violence: mild ( injury, kidnapping, bullfighting, abuse )

I received the eARC from David C. Cook via NetGalley. Thank you! I am not paid for my reviews. My reviews are solely my opinion.

review 1
Reviewed by Kathryn Cooper
Creator of Clean Adult Fiction

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More Books By Lisa T. Bergren (click to view on Amazon)

Book Review, janette rallison, masquerade

Book Review: Masquerade by Janette Rallison

Kathryn Cooper

Title: Masquerade
Author: Janette Rallison
Publisher: self
Release Date: November 2012
Pages: eBook only
Series: none
5 STARS: I LOVED IT!!!

When Clarissa takes a much needed job under slightly false pretenses, she doesn’t think it will be such a big deal. She may have told her movie-star boss that she was married, but that shouldn’t matter. After all, she doesn’t want anything to do with men for a long, long time.

It’s hard for a woman to keep up the masquerade when her boss is as handsome as Slade Jacobson and the job takes her to Hawaii with him. In between handling his whirlwind four-year-old daughter and dealing with a whole cast of Hollywood personalities, Clarissa has to keep a tight hold on her heart.

My Thoughts:
I loved this book! Clarissa was a single mom with a critical and disinterested ex-husband. She needed a job and found an old friend of her ex’s at a temp agency. He thought she was still married and sent her over to Slade the movie star’s house for a nanny interview. The guy told her Slade preferred the nanny to be married so she wouldn’t be another girl trying to get his attention instead of nannying his daughter. Slade thinking Clarissa was married was not the most promising start to a romance, but it got interesting. Then there was Landon, Slade’s movie star friend she met in Hawaii, who either didn’t believe she was married or didn’t care.

Told from both Clarissa and Slade’s POV made it even more fun and frustrating. The poor guy thought she was married for crying out loud. I enjoyed the parts with Clarissa and her daughter and Slade and his daughter, very sweet. Slade’s daughter was a handful making for some pretty funny/embarrassing scenes. Like I’ve said before, Janette Rallison writes the most cringe worthy and hilarious embarrassing moments.

Masquerade was a light-hearted, entertaining, clean adult romance. I recommend it to any romance lover.

Content Ratings: highlight between ( ) to view details
Sexual Content: mild ( kissing )
Language: none
Violence: none

review 1
Reviewed by Kathryn Cooper
Creator of Clean Adult Fiction

Buy it!
[ Amazon ]

Some Other Books By Janette Rallison  (click the cover to view on Amazon)

Book Review, emmalee, jane austen diaries, jenni james

Book Review: Emmalee by Jenni James

Kathryn Cooper

THIS IS BOOK #4 IN THE SERIES! (#4 to be published but not actually 4th in series)
The author’s note found at the beginning of Emmalee explains that the books were published slightly out of order. It’s not a huge deal since each book has different main characters. The chronological order is Pride & Popularity, Persuaded, Emmalee, Mansfield Ranch (not yet published), Northanger Alibi, and Sense & Sensational (not yet published).
Published Order:
Book 1- Pride & Popularity- MY REVIEW
Book 2- Northanger Alibi- MY REVIEW
Book 3- Persuaded- MY REVIEW

Title: Emmalee
Author: Jenni James
Publisher: Inkberry Press
Release Date: December 2012
Pages: 230
Series: The Jane Austen Diaries #4
5 STARS: I LOVED IT!!!

Sometimes love is blind.

Emmalee Bradford thinks she’s an expert at matchmaking, and she won’t rest until all her friends are as happy as she is. Especially Hannah, the girl she’s decided to make popular. Everyone loves Emmalee’s advice–everyone, that is, except her annoying neighbor Chase Anderson, who has taken it upon himself to “fix” her.

This modern version of Jane Austen’s Emma is the hilarious journey of a girl who believes she knows all about love. But when it comes to recognizing the perfect guy for her, Emmalee is absolutely clueless.

My Thoughts:
I have to admit that Emma is not one of my favorite characters in the Jane Austen version, but I loved Emmalee in this book! She was so great. Funny when she didn’t even mean to be. Emma had a lot to learn and came across a bit shallow at times, but she really was thoughtful and a loving friend.

And how could you not fall in love with Knightly in the Jane Austen version? Well Chase was just as wonderful in this book, even better. Chase was so charming, cute, thoughtful, and romantic! He was Emma’s knight in shining armor . . . literally. 😉

It was so easy to enjoy reading Emmalee with great characters like Emmalee and Chase. Their chemistry was won-der-full! I loved it!

Content Ratings: highlight between ( ) to view details
Sexual Content: very mild ( kissing )
Language: none
Violence: none

I received the book from Inkberry Press. Thank you! I am not paid for my reviews. My reviews are solely my opinion.

review 1
Reviewed by Kathryn Cooper
Creator of Clean Teen Fiction

More Books By Jenni James (Click cover to view on Amazon)

Book Review, jane austen diaries, jenni james, persuaded

Book Review: Persuaded by Jenni James

Kathryn Cooper

THIS IS BOOK #3 IN THE SERIES! (#3 to be published but not actually 3rd in series)
The author’s note found at the beginning of the book Emmalee explains that the books were published slightly out of order. It’s not a huge deal since each book has different main characters. The chronological order is Pride & Popularity, Persuaded, Emmalee, Mansfield Ranch (not yet published), Northanger Alibi, and Sense & Sensational (not yet published).
Published Order:
Book 1- Pride & Popularity- MY REVIEW
Book 2- Northanger Alibi- MY REVIEW

Title: Persuaded
Author: Jenni James
Publisher: Inkberry Press
Release Date: July 2012
Pages: 230
Series: The Jane Austen Diaries #3
4 Stars: I Really Liked It

Will he take her back, or fling her aside like she deserves?

Three years ago Amanda made the biggest mistake of her life when she let her friends persuade her to reject the guy she loved. They were convinced he was a loser and wasn’t good enough for her.

Now Gregory’s back in Farmington . . . taller, stronger, hotter than ever, and worth millions. Those gorgeous girls who snubbed him before are now falling at his feet and he’s enjoying every moment of it.

Can he see past the pain Amanda caused him and give her a second chance? Or will she forever regret losing the only guy who truly loved her?

My Thoughts:
Jane Austen’s Persuasion was my favorite of her books so it was really fun to read this modern retelling. Like I always say, I LOVE retellings.

Amanda, the main character, was very true to the personality of Jane Austen’s character. She was belittled and unappreciated by her family and friends which made her reserved and unsure of herself. It seemed more sad in a modern setting for some reason. I really felt for Amanda, but sometimes I just wanted to yell, “stand up for yourself girl!”

The romantic story line was so intriguing and frustrating. Gregory moved back 3 years after Amanda turned him down because her friends thought he was a ‘nerd’ or something. Now he was a hottie and her friends didn’t even recognize him as the same guy. There was lots of denial and hidden feelings happening throughout the story, but it was all so entertaining. I really enjoyed it!

The Jane Austen Diaries are fun and romantic reads! I can’t wait for them all to come out, and then I’ll read them all over again.

Content Ratings: highlight between ( ) to view details
Sexual Content: very mild ( kissing )
Language: none
Violence: none

I received the book from Inkberry Press. Thank you! I am not paid for my reviews. My reviews are solely my opinion.

review 1
Reviewed by Kathryn Cooper
Creator of Clean Teen Fiction

Buy it!
[ Amazon ]

More Books By Jenni James (Click cover to view on Amazon)

Book Review, jessica day george, princess of the silver woods

Book Review: Princess of the Silver Woods by Jessica Day George

Kathryn Cooper

THIS IS BOOK 3 IN THE SERIES!
Book 1- Princess of the Midnight Ball- MY REVIEW
Book 2- Princess of Glass- MY REVIEW

Title: Princess of the Silver Woods
Author: Jessica Day George
Publisher: Bloomsbury USA Children’s Books
Release Date: December 2012
Pages: 336
Series: Princess #3
5 Stars: I LOVED IT!!!

When Petunia, the youngest of King Gregor’s twelve dancing daughters, is invited to visit an elderly friend in the neighboring country of Westfalin, she welcomes the change of scenery. But in order to reach Westfalin, Petunia must pass through a forest where strange two-legged wolves are rumored to exist. Wolves intent on redistributing the wealth of the noble citizens who have entered their territory. But the bandit-wolves prove more rakishly handsome than truly dangerous, and it’s not until Petunia reaches her destination that she realizes the kindly grandmother she has been summoned to visit is really an enemy bent on restoring an age-old curse. The stories of Red Riding Hood and Robin Hood get a twist as Petunia and her many sisters take on bandits, grannies, and the new King Under Stone to end their family curse once and for all.

My Thoughts:
This story took place 9 years after the end of book 1, Princess of the Midnight Ball. The youngest of the 12 sisters, Petunia, had been 7 years old. Now she’s 16 and venturing out in the world. Petunia was fun to get to know. She wasn’t always the loudest in a group like Poppy (love her), but she definitely had spunk. The best part of the book was when Petunia met Oliver a “wolf,” so funny.

I loved hearing Oliver’s POV. He was sweet, caring, a good leader, and loyal. He really was a favorite of mine. The bad guys are back with a vengeance, but the girls are not going to be taken back to the King Under Stone world without a fight.

Exciting, funny, and romantic! Princess of the Silver Woods was the perfect end to a great series.

Content Ratings: highlight between ( ) to view details
Sexual Content: very mild ( kissing )
Language: mild ( d***-2, h***-2, God-2, bast***-3 )
Violence: mild ( shooting, death )
review 1
Reviewed by Kathryn Cooper
Creator of Clean Teen Fiction

More Books By Jessica Day George (Click cover to view on Amazon)

ally carter, Book Review, heist society, perfect scoundrels

Book Review: Perfect Scoundrels by Ally Carter

Kathryn Cooper
THIS IS BOOK 3 OF THE SERIES!
Book 1- Heist Society- MY REVIEW
Book 2- Uncommon Criminals- MY REVIEW

Title: Perfect Scoundrels
Author: Ally Carter
Publisher: Disney Hyperion
Release Date: February 2013
Pages: 328
Series: Heist Society #3
4 Stars: I Really Liked It

Katarina Bishop and W.W. Hale the fifth were born to lead completely different lives: Kat comes from a long, proud line of loveable criminal masterminds, while Hale is the scion of one of the most seemingly perfect dynasties in the world. If their families have one thing in common, it’s that they both know how to stay under the radar while getting-or stealing-whatever they want. No matter the risk, the Bishops can always be counted on, but in Hale’s family, all bets are off when money is on the line. When Hale unexpectedly inherits his grandmother’s billion dollar corporation, he quickly learns that there’s no place for Kat and their old heists in his new role. But Kat won’t let him go that easily, especially after she gets tipped off that his grandmother’s will might have been altered in an elaborate con to steal the company’s fortune. So instead of being the heir-this time, Hale might be the mark. Forced to keep a level head as she and her crew fight for one of their own, Kat comes up with an ambitious and far-reaching plan that only the Bishop family would dare attempt. To pull it off, Kat is prepared to do the impossible, but first, she has to decide if she’s willing to save her boyfriend’s company if it means losing the boy.

My Thoughts:
The best part about this book was all the information we learned about Hale. He had been Kat’s mysterious and cute friend in the past books, but this time I got to delve into his family and world. It was great to get to know his crazy family like we’ve gotten to know Kat’s.

I didn’t have to read this story every second of the day. I wasn’t hooked or attached to Kat or the side characters, except for Hale. At the start of the series Kat changed from being a thief to a Robin Hood, still a thief just for a better reason. Most of the side characters are thieves though, and I just don’t relate or feel attached to them. I still gave this book 4 stars because it was well written and an entertaining story.

There was a lot of excitement and a little more romance this time which I loved. If you loved Heist Society and Uncommon Criminals then you’ll love this final installment in the series. At least I think it’s the final book. It came to a nice and complete ending anyway. Enjoy!

Content Ratings: highlight between ( ) to view details
Sexual Content: very mild ( kissing )
Language: none
Violence: very mild ( threat by holding her throat, possible murder )
Other: mild ( Hale at 16yo and a girl show up drunk to an event )

review 1
Reviewed by Kathryn Cooper
Creator of Clean Teen Fiction

Some Other Books By Ally Carter  (Click cover to view on Amazon)

Book Review, marissa meyer, scarlet

Book Review: Scarlet by Marissa Meyer

Kathryn Cooper

THIS IS BOOK 2 IN A SERIES
Book 1- Cinder ( my review )

Title: Scarlet
Author: Marissa Meyer
Publisher: Feiwel and Friends
Release Date: February 2013
Pages: 452
Series: Lunar Chronicles #2
5 STARS: I LOVED IT!!!

Cinder returns in the second thrilling installment of the New York Times-bestselling Lunar Chronicles. She’s trying to break out of prison—even though if she succeeds, she’ll be the Commonwealth’s most wanted fugitive.

Halfway around the world, Scarlet Benoit’s grandmother is missing. It turns out there are many things Scarlet doesn’t know about her grandmother and the grave danger she has lived in her whole life. When Scarlet encounters Wolf, a street fighter who may have information as to her grandmother’s whereabouts, she has no choice but to trust him, though he clearly has a few dark secrets of his own.

As Scarlet and Wolf work to unravel one mystery, they find another when they cross paths with Cinder. Together, they must stay one step ahead of the vicious Lunar Queen who will do anything to make Prince Kai her husband, her king, her prisoner.

My Thoughts:
I LOVE THIS SERIES!!! If you haven’t read Cinder you need to because this is an epic series.

Now that we’re in to book 2 there was a lot more action. It was nonstop! Scarlet (red riding hood) was looking for her grandmother who’d gone missing. The authorities had given up the search claiming a suicide/runaway, but Scarlet couldn’t believe that. She found a guy named Wolf that could possibly help her. They went on a wild adventure trying to keep from getting caught or killed as they searched for answers to the disappearance. Scarlet was feisty with a temper and stood up for others, a great addition to the cast.

Don’t worry, there was plenty of Cinder and Kai in the story too. The Point of View switched between Scarlet, Cinder, Kai, and sometimes Wolf and Thorne. Thorne was pretty hilarious by the way. I won’t tell you about him so you can find out for yourself. I didn’t get bored when the POV switched because I loved all the characters and want to know what was going on with each of them.

Scarlet was an intense read full of run-for-your-life adventure and romance. I can’t wait to read book 3!

Content Ratings: highlight between ( ) to view details
Sexual Content: mild ( mention of escorts, few crude jokes, mention of prisoner entertained by porn, kissing )
Language: very mild ( h***-1 )
Violence: moderate ( fist fights, torture, war with death and animal attacks )
review 1
Reviewed by Kathryn Cooper
Creator of Clean Teen Fiction

Books By Marissa Meyer (Click cover to view on Amazon)