Category: Book Review

Book Review, die for me

Book Review: Die For Me by Amy Plum

Kathryn Cooper

Title: Die For Me
Author: Amy Plum
Publisher: HarperTeen
Release Date: May 2011
Pages: 341
Series: Revenants #1
Source: library
4 Stars: I Really Liked It

In the City of Lights, two star-crossed lovers battle a fate that is destined to tear them apart again and again for eternity.

When Kate Mercier’s parents die in a tragic car accident, she leaves her life–and memories–behind to live with her grandparents in Paris. For Kate, the only way to survive her pain is escaping into the world of books and Parisian art. Until she meets Vincent.

Mysterious, charming, and devastatingly handsome, Vincent threatens to melt the ice around Kate’s guarded heart with just his smile. As she begins to fall in love with Vincent, Kate discovers that he’s a revenant–an undead being whose fate forces him to sacrifice himself over and over again to save the lives of others. Vincent and those like him are bound in a centuries-old war against a group of evil revenants who exist only to murder and betray. Kate soon realizes that if she follows her heart, she may never be safe again.

My Thoughts:
This book was exciting and so romantic! Paris!! Ooo la la! I’m one of those romantics that thinks it would be dreamy to visit Paris one day.

Kate was sixteen, almost seventeen, and her sister Georgia was almost eighteen. Their parents died, and they moved from Brooklyn to live with their grandparents in Paris, France! Luckily, from summers of visiting Paris, they already knew French and the area. Plus, outgoing Georgia already had tons of friends. I enjoyed the sister dynamic. It was real. Kate and Georgia loved each other even though they fought sometimes and were complete opposites. I loved how they were always there for each other. Georgia was cute and spunky, a fun side character.

Vincent was nineteen and completely charming. I also liked his guy friends Ambrose and Jules. They were fun and entertaining to have around. Charlotte was a sweetheart, and I hope to see her more in the next book.

Revenants was a unique idea. I really enjoyed finding out all the rules to the revenant world. A revenant was basically someone who could die for others and come back to life. There’s more to it of course so you’ll have to read to find out. I highly recommend you check this book out. It was great!

This was not a squeaky clean read so be sure to see my content ratings below.

Content Ratings: highlight between ( ) to view details
Sexual Content: moderate ( mention of lust, nude paintings/statue, scantily clad woman for art model, kissing, brief friend mentions he’s homosexual, mention of rape, boy and girl alone in bedroom, boy and girl change clothes in bedroom while turned away, necking )
Language: mild/ moderate ( God-21, h***-5, d***-4, b****-1, a**-1 )
Violence: moderate ( deaths, blood, limb loss, murder, injuries )

Buy it!

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Reviewed by Kathryn Cooper
Creator of Clean Teen Fiction

Book Review, donna hatch, queen in exile

Book Review: Queen In Exile by Donna Hatch

Kathryn Cooper

Title: Queen In Exile
Author: Donna Hatch
Publisher: Walnut Springs Press
Release Date: March 2010
Pages: 373
Series: none
Source: publisher
5 Stars: I Loved It!

Rumors of War hang over Princess Jeniah’s peaceful country of Arden, a land that shuns both magic and warfare. Following a lifelong dream, Jeniah forms a telepahtic bond with a revered creature called a chayim, who is prophesied to save her kingdom. But when a Darborian knight comes upon Jeniah with her chayim, he sees only a vicious monster about to devour a maiden, and he slays the beast.
Devastated by the loss of her chayim, and fearing that her own magic is evil, Jeniah doubts her destiny. When an enemy invades Arden City, they slaughter the people, storm the castle, and execute the entire royal family except the princess. Rescued by the knight who slew her chayim, Jeniah is now heir to the throne of Arden and the only hope for freeing her people from tyranny.
On the run and hunted by enemy soldiers, Jeniah must place her life and the fate of her kingdom in the hands of this trained killer. Torn between embracing her destiny as queen af Arden, and her love for a mere knight, she must ultimately rely on her magic to save herself and her people from death and tyranny.

My Thoughts:
This book is a new favorite! Writing this review makes me want to go back and read it again. It was so great! I’m gushing now.

This could be Young Adult or Adult. It’s borderline. Jeniah was 18 at the start but nineteen for the majority of the book and twenty at the end. The boy interest was definitely not a little boy. Kai was twenty-six and a powerful warrior brought from an ally country to Jeniah’s country to train their troops. One little detail of Kai’s character I loved was the way he treated his young squire. His kindness made me think highly of him.

I wasn’t sure I would like this book at the beginning. The chayim thing was weird to me at first, but I quickly grew to love the scenery, characters, plot . . . everything! I’m pretty sure I went through every emotion possible during this read. I laughed, sighed, and cried. I was terrified, relieved, and excited. It was as if I lived that year of Jeniah’s life crammed into the two days it took me to read it. I love books that can take me on that journey of emotions.

I recommend Queen In Exile to everyone! It has action AND romance. It doesn’t get better than that.

Content Ratings: highlight between ( ) to view details
Sexual Content: mild/moderate ( kissing, desirous thoughts, threat of rape, 1 country has high moral standards while another country doesn’t think it necessary to wait until marriage for intimacy )
Language: none
Violence: moderate ( war battles, blood, death, torture, mention of rape then murder of woman during a battle )

*I received a review copy of the book from Walnut Springs Press. Thank you! I am not paid for my reviews. My reviews are solely my opinion.*

Buy it!

review 1
Reviewed by Kathryn Cooper
Creator of Clean Adult Fiction

Book Review, marie higgins, secrets after dark

Book Review: Secrets After Dark by Marie Higgins

Kathryn Cooper

Title: Secrets After Dark
Author: Marie Higgins
Publisher: Walnut Springs Press
Release Date: January 2012
Pages: 258
Series: none
Source: publisher
4 Stars: I Really Liked It

Residing at Thornton Manor under the premise of courting Jonathan Thornton, Hannah Forester intends to find out who murdered her father—and why. After all, Jonathan’s brother Morgan was the last person to visit Peter Forester before his demise. But upon her arrival at Thornton Manor, Hannah is informed that Morgan perished the previous year in a house fire. She soon learns the manor is full of secrets: a ghost haunting the East Wing, a white wolf that roams the grounds by night, and the story of a curse-protected treasure on the neighboring island. Most disturbingly, Hannah discovers that numerous young women have visited the manor only to vanish without a trace.
When a hooded, deep-voiced man visits Hannah’s bedroom late at night, warning her to leave the manor for her own safety, she realizes he must be Morgan Thornton. But why does he hide in the East Wing, and why does his family insist he is but a ghost? As Hannah falls in love with the handsome older brother, she must continue to court Jonathan in order to remain at the estate. Can she convince Morgan where her true loyalties lie? And will she uncover the Thorntons’ secrets quickly enough to solve her father’s murder before she loses her own life?

My Thoughts:
I didn’t realize this was a retelling of Beauty and The Beast until I started reading it. A beautiful girl in a mysterious Manor with a man in hiding who changes into beast form. There are so many additional characters with twists and turns in this story though. So at the same time it wasn’t like a retelling at all.

Hannah was brave and smart, and Morgan was mysterious and heroic. The ending bothered me slightly. I like happy endings, but it was a bit too perfect for me. That’s out of character for me to say, but I had come to grips with how I thought things would turn out in the end.

I really enjoyed this book. It had suspense, mystery, and of course romance. It was a beautiful love story of overcoming obstacles to be with the person you love.

Content Ratings: highlight between ( ) to view details
Sexual Content: mild ( lots of kissing )
Language: none
Violence: mild ( fighting, blood, death )

*I received a review copy of the book from Walnut Springs Press. Thank you! I am not paid for my reviews. My reviews are solely my opinion.*
Buy it!

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Reviewed by Kathryn Cooper
Creator of Clean Adult Fiction

Book Review, DAC 2012, falling

Book Review: Falling by L.C. Smith

Kathryn Cooper

Title: Falling
Author: L.C. Smith
Publisher: L.C. Smith
Release Date: January 2012
Pages: eBook only
Series: none
Source: author
3 Stars: I liked it

Love is a funny thing; there’s the kind that’s like you’re five and you’re looking up at your Mum’s face as she reads you a bedtime story.
Then there’s the kind that makes you nervous and twists in your stomach.
Then there’s the kind that makes you feel like you’re holding everything of worth in your hands.
After the death of her parents in a car accident when Reid was eleven years old she gained the ability to jump into peoples bodies. Not a single person knows her secret, not her only friend Sara and especially not Keller. The problem is, every time she looks into his eyes, she starts falling into him.

My Thoughts:
Falling was a good read. The whole idea of falling or jumping into someone’s body was so unique and interesting to me. I kept reading to find out how Reid would deal with this really strange ability.

Reid, an orphan from age 11, was a senior at an all girl boarding school. I didn’t know how to feel about her sometimes. I liked her, but then I couldn’t relate to some of her choices which made me frustrated and unconnected to her. Like when Reid would choose to jump into someone’s body, instead of forced by her power. I couldn’t fathom why she would choose to invade someone’s privacy like that. Sometimes it was funny or interesting, but other times it bothered me. I also felt the writing was a bit confusing at times and had to go back and re-read something to follow what was happening.

Reid’s best friend Sara was fun; I wish there was a little more of her. I really liked Keller, the boy interest. The chemistry between Reid and Keller was great. I really enjoyed their scenes together. They were super cute! The ending was great and made everything all better. I liked Reid at the end and was glad to see her develop as a character.

Content Ratings: highlight between ( ) to view details
Sexual Content: mild ( kissing, boy and girl alone in bedroom )
Language: mild ( d***-5, h***-1 )
Violence: none
Other: a few drunk people

*I received an eBook review copy of the book from the author. Thank you! I am not paid for my reviews. My reviews are solely my opinion.*

Buy it!
[ Amazon ]

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Reviewed by Kathryn Cooper
Creator of Clean Teen Fiction

This is book #2 of my 2012 Debut Author Challenge, hosted by The Story Siren.

Book Review, ghosts, hearts through time, marie higgins, romance

Book Review: Hearts Through Time by Marie Higgins

Kathryn Cooper

Title: Hearts Through Time
Author: Marie Higgins
Publisher: Walnut Springs Press
Release Date: March 2011
Pages: 280
Series: none
Source: publisher
5 Stars: I Loved It!

When a woman claiming to be a ghost from 1912 appears in Nick Marshal’s office and begs for help in solving her murder, he thinks he has lost his mind. A scandal that rocked Hollywood almost destroyed his law practice, so he doesn’t need any more fireworks as he rebuilds his life. Still, he is intrigued by Abigail Carlisle’s plea, and he needs clients, even if this one insists she’s dead. The more secrets Nick uncovers, the deeper he falls for the beautiful ghost.

Abigail believes Nick is her heart’s true desire, but how can happily-ever-after happen when she’s already dead? The more time she spends with him, the more real she becomes, until Nick can finally touch her.

In a strange turn of events, Nick is suddenly whisked back to 1912, two weeks before Abby’s murder, but she doesn’t remember him. When he attempts to win her over so he can save her from a tragic destiny, Abby thinks Nick is courting her for her inheritance. But even if he can rescue her and make her trust him again, how can they be together forever?

My Thoughts:
I loved this book! The romance was beautiful. The chemistry between Nick and Abbie was great. I loved all the twists and turns the plot took. This was contemporary meets historical fiction. I love both genres so it was right up my alley.

The story was told from both characters’ perspectives which is always fun. I enjoyed learning both of their thoughts through this way of story telling. The author took me on a wonderful journey of a love story that was worth fighting for.

Content: highlight between ( ) for details
mild ( kissing, reference to drinking, reference to sleeping around )

*I received a review copy of the book from Walnut Springs Press. Thank you! I am not paid for my reviews. My reviews are solely my opinion.*

Buy it!

review 1
Reviewed by Kathryn Cooper
Creator of Clean Adult Fiction

Book Review, shooting stars

Book Review: Shooting Stars by Allison Rushby

Kathryn Cooper

Title: Shooting Stars
Author: Allison Rushby
Publisher: Walker Childrens
Release Date: February 2012
Pages: 272
Series: none
4 STARS: I Really Liked It

Meet Josephine Foster, or Zo Jo as she’s called in the biz. The best pint-sized photographer of them all, Jo doesn’t mind doing what it takes to get that perfect shot, until she’s sent on an undercover assignment to shoot Ned Hartnett—teen superstar and the only celebrity who’s ever been kind to her—at an exclusive rehabilitation retreat in Boston. The money will be enough to pay for Jo’s dream: real photography classes, and maybe even quitting her paparazzi gig for good. Everyone wants to know what Ned’s in for. But Jo certainly doesn’t know what she’s in for: falling in love with Ned was never supposed to be part of her assignment.

My Thoughts:
This book was a fun read. It turned out to be more than I expected. I thought it would be mostly light, but it touched on some tough subjects like mental health.

Jo was a paparazzo at the young age of sixteen. Being short and small, she could sneak into places the older paps couldn’t get into. It was a fun behind-the-scenes of the paparazzi life. I assumed all paparazzi were pushy and greedy, but this showed another side of their story.

I really liked Jo. Her ethical struggles and life story were so interesting. I loved the little romance going on. I wish I could tell you about my favorite scene, but I don’t want to give anything away! It may have something to do with swimming laps in a pool, that’s all I’m going to say.

A quick, fun, thought-provoking read.

Content Ratings: highlight between ( ) to view details
Sexual Content: mild ( kissing )
Language: mild ( d***-2, h***-3, God-1 )
Violence: none

Buy it!

review 1
Reviewed by Kathryn Cooper
Creator of Clean Teen Fiction

Book Review, hereafter

Book Review: Hereafter by Tara Hudson

Kathryn Cooper

Title: Hereafter
Author: Tara Hudson
Publisher: Harper Collins
Release Date: June 2011
Pages: 404
Series: Hereafter #1
4 STARS: I Really Liked It

Can there truly be love after death?
Drifting in the dark waters of a mysterious river, the only thing Amelia knows for sure is that she’s dead. With no recollection of her past life–or her actual death–she’s trapped alone in a nightmarish existence. All of this changes when she tries to rescue a boy, Joshua, from drowning in her river. As a ghost, she can do nothing but “will” him to live. Yet in an unforgettable moment of connection, she helps him survive.
Amelia and Joshua grow ever closer as they begin to uncover the strange circumstances of her death and the secrets of the dark river that held her captive for so long. But even while they struggle to keep their bond hidden from the living world, a frightening spirit named Eli is doing everything in his power to destroy their newfound happiness and drag Amelia back into the ghost world . . . forever.
Thrilling and evocative, with moments of pure pleasure, “Hereafter” is a sensation you won’t want to miss.

My Thoughts:
The main character in this book is Amelia, and she’s dead. So if you don’t want to read a story with a ghost protagonist then this book isn’t for you. On the other hand, I don’t really consider this a “ghost story.” Amelia is not spooky or scary. She’s a girl trying to figure out what happened to her. I read this like fiction, just like I would a story with wizards, vampires, or talking animals.

I was enthrolled with the story line at the very beginning; it’s so unique. The writing is beautiful. Amelia is 18 “living” near an Oklahoma river she drowned in and has been in a mental haze since her death. Then one day she helps rescue a boy named Joshua from drowning in the same river. Her life gains some meaning. Joshua can see and touch Amelia. The love story is so great. Joshua is so charming and sweet. He could have run away screaming that he saw a ghost, but instead he builds a beautifully unique friendship.

The bad guy in the book is so intriguing, but he is also extremely creepy and scary. There aren’t a lot of other side characters since no one else can see, hear, or touch Amelia. The focus of the book is the romance. There was some profanity in this book, see my content ratings for details.

I really enjoyed Hereafter. I’m looking forward to the release of book two in the series! Arise is expected to be released on June 5th, 2012.

Content Ratings: highlight between ( ) to view details
Sexual Content: mild/moderate ( kissing, in bedroom alone talking on bed then lay together while boy slept )
Language: moderate ( d***-6, God-20, Jesus-1, h***-5, a**-3 )
Violence: mild ( fight scenes )
Other: an instance of teen drinking
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Reviewed by Kathryn Cooper
Creator of Clean Teen Fiction

Book Review, Flashback Friday, twilight

Flashback Friday: Twilight by Stephenie Meyer

Kathryn Cooper

Happy Friday! Flashback Friday is where I review a book I loved but haven’t read in awhile.

Title: Twilight
Author: Stephenie Meyer
Publisher: Little, Brown and Company
Release Date: January 2005
Pages: 498
Series: Twilight #1
4 STARS: I Really Liked It

Bella Swan’s move to Forks, a small, perpetually rainy town in Washington, could have been the most boring move she ever made. But once she meets the mysterious and alluring Edward Cullen, Bella’s life takes a thrilling and terrifying turn. Up until now, Edward has managed to keep his vampire identity a secret in the small community he lives in, but now nobody is safe, especially Bella, the person Edward holds most dear.
Deeply romantic and extraordinarily suspenseful, Twilight captures the struggle between defying our instincts and satisfying our desires. This is a love story with bite.

My Thoughts:
Have you heard about a little book called Twilight? Well, it’s a wonderful love story. I remember reading it for the first time and falling in love with the romance and excitement. It was the first book I had ever read with vampires, and I’ve actually only read maybe one with main character vampires since. Good vampires?! Who’d ever heard of such a thing?

Edward was a true gentleman in a situation he didn’t ask for. It was fun to watch Bella figure out all his secrets and actually be okay with them. I loved Edward throughout the series because of the great guy he was even though I was Team Jacob by book two. 🙂

I know by book two I didn’t like Bella very much, but I can’t remember if I felt that way in Twilight. I think I still liked her in book one. Just in case you haven’t read the books I won’t spoil the read, but I’ll just say Bella bugged me in New Moon because of the way she reacted to something. I wanted to yell at her, “Move on with your life! You’re in high school! Hang out with your friends!”

The part that stands out in my memory the most is the ending scenes. I was terrified for Bella! Super scary, super exciting! It was such a great book that I really loved reading. Here’s what I wrote on my goodreads after reading it in December 2007, “I didn’t think I’d like a vampire book, but I could not put this down!”

Have you read Twilight? What did you love/ not love about it?

Content Ratings: highlight between ( ) to view details
Sexual Content: mild ( kissing, sexual tension )
Language: none I think
Violence: mild/moderate ( scary fighting vampires, blood, injuries )

Book Review, enchanted ivy

Book Review: Enchanted Ivy

Kathryn Cooper

Title: Enchanted Ivy
Author: Sarah Beth Durst
Publisher: Margaret K. McElderry Books
Release Date: October 2010
Pages: 310
Series: none
Source: library

What Lily Carter wants most in the world is to attend Princeton University just like her grandfather. When she finally visits the campus, Grandpa surprises her: She has been selected to take the top-secret Legacy Test. Passing means automatic acceptance to Princeton. Sweet!
Lily’s test is to find the Ivy Key. But what is she looking for? Where does she start? As she searches, Lily is joined by Tye, a cute college boy with orange and black hair who says he’s her guard. That’s weird. But things get seriously strange when a gargoyle talks to her. He tells her that there are two Princetons—the ordinary one and a magical one—and the Key opens the gate between them. But there are more secrets that surround Lily. Worse secrets.
When Lily enters the magical Princeton, she uncovers old betrayals and new dangers, and a chance at her dream becomes a fight for her life. Soon Lily is caught in a power struggle between two worlds, with her family at its center. In a place where Knights slay monsters, boys are were-tigers, and dragons might be out for blood, Lily will need all of her ingenuity and courage—and a little magic—to unite the worlds and unlock the secrets of her past and her future.

My Thoughts:
I have had this book on my to-read list for awhile, and I’m glad I finally read it. Lily thought she was a normal junior in high school looking to apply to her dream university, Princeton. She visited Princeton for alumni week with her mom and Princeton alumni grandpa. When her grandpa surprised her with the Legacy Test, a way for her to get an automatic acceptance letter, Lily’s world was turned upside down.

I liked Lily. It seemed like she had a pretty normal life except for her stress associated with her mom’s problem. Rose was loosing her memories. She didn’t even remember Lily’s father anymore who died when Lily was a baby. Lily had to constantly worry about her mother’s well-being, making sure she hadn’t wondered off or colored with permanent marker on the walls. Even though Lily’s mom had “brain hiccups” the two were a fun pair. I enjoyed the scenes with the two of them joking and having fun.

The romance in the book was perfect, not too much not too little. Tye was a mystery even to the end. I loved the parallel worlds of Princeton. The magical world was full of unicorns, dryads, talking animals, elves, etc. Lilly got caught up in a war between worlds. The action was great. I did feel slightly disconnected from the characters. I wished I could completely delve into them more. I can’t pinpoint a reason, just a general feeling at times.

Enchanted Ivy was a great read that I really enjoyed. It was exciting, romantic, and magical. I don’t think there’s a sequel, but if there is I’ll definitely read it.

There is more profanity in this book than I prefer, but not so much to make me stop reading. Details in my content ratings.

Content Ratings: highlight between ( ) to view details
Sexual Content: mild ( kissing )
Language: moderate ( God- 13, bast***- 1, s***- 3, h***- 7, d***- 4, a**- 2, God d***- 1 )
Violence: moderate ( fighting, blood, deaths )

This is book #1 for The Dusty Bookshelf Challenge 2012, hosted by Books: A True Story.


Book Review, dangerous favor

Book Review: Dangerous Favor

Kathryn Cooper

Title: Dangerous Favor
Author: Joyce DiPastena
Publisher: Walnut Springs Press
Release Date: January 2012
Pages: 367
Series: none
4 STARS: I Really Liked It

Her father has been accused of stealing from the king, an allegation that has reduced her family to poverty. She has one chance to find and marry a man who can help her prove her father’s innocence. Lord Therri, heir to a rich barony, has the wealth and connections Mathilde needs to delve into the mysteries of her father’s past. Furthermore, Therri embodies all her romantic dreams.
Etienne, the younger son of a disgraced family, has neither wealth nor connections, but is smitten with Mathilde at a glance. She finds the knight intriguing, but believes he is only out to seduce her. While she seeks for a way to win Therri’s attention, Etienne tricks her into granting him her favor, an embroidered white ribbon, for a tournament, setting in motion a dangerous chain reaction of events. Can Etienne save Mathilde from a nightmare from her past and prove himself the true hero of her dreams?
My Thoughts:
I really enjoyed this book! There were a few slow parts for me, but I loved the characters so much that it didn’t bother me too much.

There are two main characters, Mathilde and Etienne, and the story was told from both perspectives. It was great to hear from both sides of the story. It helped me like them more. Mathilde was a little star struck with a handsome man, Lord Therri, when she first came to the tournament with her brother. She even referred to him as The Vision. Silly, silly girl. She drove me a little crazy thinking Lord Therri, aka The Vision, was the perfect man when she didn’t even know him. I liked Etienne all throughout the book. He seemed kind, loyal, and fun to be around.

I loved how the story was wrapped around the tradition of giving favors to knights. Women chose their champion knight before the tournaments and gave them something they had on them like a handkerchief or ribbon from their hair. To see all that entailed and the consequences that came was very entertaining.

This is a wonderful love story that might appeal more to older teens and adults since their ages are: Mathilde, 18, and Etienne, 24.  

Content Ratings:highlight between ( ) to view details
Sexual Content: mild/moderate ( suggestive remarks, almost raped, dialog, kissing )
Language: none
Violence: mild/moderate ( knights tournament fighting, blood, murder )

*I received a copy of this book from Walnut Springs Press. I do not get paid for my reviews. My reviews are solely my opinion.*