Tuesday, June 5, 2012

The Secret Place by Melodie Starkey

Emma only knows love from her older brother Trey. Her father ignores her and her mother hates her. Trey has always treated her like his own daughter. When their parents die in a car accident, Trey takes on the parental role even more giving his all to take care of Emma. When Trey marries, his new wife makes life miserable for fifteen year old Emma.

Two years later, Emma meets Jeremy. He is the great grandson of "The Witch" in Hutcherson, Oregon. Jeremy thinks he sees an angel when he sees Emma. Emma sees someone she can trust and be friends with. She also falls in love with his Gran, who treats her like family. Emma feels safe in Gran's home. But what will happen when Emma's secret comes out?

I couldn't put this book down. I read it in about eleven hours. I loved Emma. She has the best attitude. So spunky and bright. Jeremy is so loving and sweet. Gran is a spitfire and Trey gives you mixed emotions. I will definitely be reading this book again. The story was so compelling and vivid. If you're looking for a sweet romance then this isn't the book for you. It's a slightly dark story involving rape and incest. Jeremy is the light at the end of the tunnel.

Stars- 5
Passion- 2
Length- 278 pages

Saturday, June 2, 2012

First Love (Now & Forever) by Melissa Johns

Emily has just moved to Buffalo, New York to be closer to her mom. When she starts her senior year of high school she catches the eye of Eric, the star quarterback. Emily's never had a boyfriend and Eric's not really allowed to have a girlfriend. His football career is too important to his dad. Now, these two grow closer and closer and have to figure out a way to make this work.

First, very cute story. I'll probably read the sequel when it's released. Second, this book needs an editor to not just edit but send it up in flames. There were so many punctuation, grammatical, and even tense errors that it was extremely annoying. Also, they're called contractions. Use them. It's okay to sometimes throw out the "I will" or "you are" in your sentences, but no one speaks like that all the time. Last, there was lots and lots and LOTS of smirking going on in this book. Pick a different expression. There are smiles, frowns, quirked lips, not just smirks.

I know it seems I have just slammed the hell out of this book. I did. BUT that doesn't mean I didn't still enjoy the book. Like I said earlier, I'm pretty sure I'll be reading the sequel just because I do like the story of Emily and Eric and I want to know what's going to happen. I just hope the next book will have been edited.


Stars- 2
Passion- 2
Length- 126 pages