Book Review: Out For Blood

Title: Out For Blood
Series: The Drake Chronicles #3
Author: Alyxandra Harvey
Published: November 2010

Hunter Wild is the youngest in a long line of elite vampire hunters, a legacy that is both a blessing and a curse at the secret Helios-Ra Academy, where she excels at just about everything. Thanks to her friendship with Kieran Black, Hunter receives a special invitation to attend the coronation of Helena Drake, and for the first time, she sees the difference between vampires that must be hunted and vampires that can become friends—or even more.

When students at the academy fall victim to a mysterious illness, Hunter suspects they are under attack from within. She will need someone she can trust to help her save the future of Helios-Ra . . . help that shockingly comes in the form of Quinn Drake, a drop-dead gorgeous vampire. Who said senior year would be easy?

My Thoughts:
Out For Blood is the third book in the Drake Chronicles. And it is just as fun and charming and fast-paced as the previous books in the series!

Hunter Wild is the youngest in a long line of vampire hunters, and has always been told that vampires are up to no good. But since her friend Kieran is dating Solaigne Drake, the youngest in the royal Drake family, Hunter gets a chance to meet the Drake family and realizes that not all vampires are bad. In fact, they can be quite charming and good-looking!

When a mysterious drug causes death and sickness among the students at the Helios-Ra academy, Hunter is forced to find an unexpected ally in the flirty Quinn Drake.

Filled with flirty romance, kick-ass fighting, and more than one big mystery Out For Blood is a fun and unputdownable read!

Rating: 4.25 of 5

Previous books in this series:

1. Hearts At Stake

2. Blood Feud

Waiting on Wednesday (6/8)

Title: Sometimes It Happens
Author: Lauren Barnholdt
Release Date: July 12, 2011

On the last day of her junior year, Hannah's boyfriend Sebastian dumped her. Facing a summer of loneliness, Hannah turns to her best friend Ava for comfort. Ava does what BFFs do: she stays by Hannah's side...until it's time for Ava to head up to Maine for the summer. Also left behind is Ava's boyfriend, Noah, who's such a great guy he gets Hannah a job at the diner he waits tables at. Slowly, Hannah comes out of her funk thanks to Noah's good conversation and their fun times at the diner. But things get complicated when their friendship turns into attraction--and one night, into a passionate kiss.

The novel opens on the first day of senior year; the day Hannah is going to see Ava, Sebastian, and Noah all in one place. Over the course of the day secrets and betrayals are revealed, and alliances are broken and reformed. In the end, everyone is paired up once again, but not the way you might think...

Sounds like a good summer read!

In My Mailbox (week 22)

From the Library:

Succubus on Top - Richelle Mead
Georgina Kincaid's job sucks. Literally.
Love hurts, and no one knows it better than Georgina Kincaid. If she so much as kisses Seth Mortensen, the shy, sexy, incredibly gifted Seattle writer she's been dating, she'll drain his life force. Georgina is a succubus-a demon who draws her power from other men's pleasure. Admittedly, the shapeshifting and immortality perks are terrific, and yes, Georgina did choose to join the ranks of hell centuries ago. But it seems completely unfair that a she-demon whose purpose is seduction can't get hot and heavy with the one mortal who knows and accepts her for who she is.

It's not just her personal life that's in chaos. Doug, Georgina's co-worker at a local bookstore, has been exhibiting bizarre behavior, and Georgina suspects that something far more demonic than double espressos is at work. She could use help finding out, but Bastien, an irresistibly charming incubus and her best immortal friend, is preoccupied with corrupting an ultra-conservative talk radio star-and giving Georgina some highly distracting come-hither vibes. Georgina is going to have to work solo on this one-and fast because soon, Doug's life won't be the only one on the line.

Don't Judge a Girl By Her Cover - Ally Carter
When Cammie "The Chameleon" Morgan visits her roommate Macey in Boston, she thinks she's in for an exciting end to her summer break. After all, she's there to watch Macey's father accept the nomination for vice president of the United States. But when you go to the world's best school (for spies), "exciting" and "deadly" are never far apart. Cammie and Macey soon find themselves trapped in a kidnappers' plot, with only their espionage skills to save them.

As her junior year begins, Cammie can't shake the memory of what happened in Boston, and even the Gallagher Academy for Exceptional Young Women doesn't feel like the safe haven it once did. Shocking secrets and old flames seem to lurk around every one of the mansion's corners as Cammie and her friends struggle to answer the questions, Who is after Macey? And how can the Gallagher Girls keep her safe?

Soon Cammie is joining Bex and Liz as Macey's private security team on the campaign trail. The girls must use their spy training at every turn as the stakes are raised, and Cammie gets closer and closer to the shocking truth...

Only the Good Spy Young - Ally Carter
When Cammie Morgan enrolled at the Gallagher Academy, she knew she was preparing for the dangerous life of a spy. What she didn’t know was that the serious, real-life danger would start during her junior year of high school. But that’s exactly what happened two months ago when Cammie faced off against an ancient terrorist organization.
Now the danger follows her everywhere, and even Cammie “The Chameleon” can’t hide. When a terrifying encounter in London reveals that one of her most-trusted allies is actually a rogue double-agent, Cammie no longer knows if she can trust her classmates, her teachers—or even her own heart.

What did you get in your mailboxes?

Book Review: Nightshade

Title: Nightshade
Author: Andrea Cremer
Series: Nightshade #1
Published: 2010

Calla Tor has always known her destiny: After graduating from the Mountain School, she'll be the mate of sexy alpha wolf Ren Laroche and fight with him, side by side, ruling their pack and guarding sacred sites for the Keepers.

But when she violates her masters' laws by saving a beautiful human boy out for a hike, Calla begins to question her fate, her existence, and the very essence of the world she has known. By following her heart, she might lose everything— including her own life. Is forbidden love worth the ultimate sacrifice?

My Thoughts:

Nightshade is a 2010 debut novel that I have heard lots of great things about, so needless to say I was really excited to read it! (Or actually listen to it, since I borrowed is as an audio book). While the story didn't blow my mind, I rather enjoyed it.

Calla is a guardian - half human and half wolf - destined to protect sacred sites from Searchers (the enemy). Calla and the other werewolves are watched over by Watchers, humans who make sure the wolves are doing their job.

Calla had never thought about her lack of freedom or free will, not until she met the human Shay, who made her question everything she had been told since childhood.

Torn between the things Shay tell her, and the things she has known since childhood, and mostly torn between Shay - the human, and Ren - the alpha male she is destined to mate, Calla is more confused than ever. But know is not the time to be confused, not when her mating with Ren is only weeks away...

I thought the wolf aspects of the book was alright, and Cremer was brave not to make the guardians too human. There are in fact several scenes when Calla is in true wolf form and hunts down animals, only to devour their still warm blood and flesh afterwards.

The love triangle between Calla, Shay and Ren felt realistic as well. Calla instantly connected with Shay, and mostly saw Ren as a to-be mate - she didn't love him but she accepted him.

Yet, Calla defended Ren with hands and teeth when she talked with Shay, and when she talked with Ren she defended Shay, she just couldn't seem to make up her mind! I found it quite irritating, to tell you the truth. Calla wasn't my favorite character in the book.

I actually didn't like Shay very much either, he was too stubborn and selfish, and didn't think about how his actions would affect not only Calla, but her whole community.

Ren, on the other hand, was interesting! He was funny, kind and had great alpha qualities. While he sometimes came across as brutal, you could tell that he really cared about Calla. So definitely Team Ren here!

Another favorite character of mine was Calla's younger brother, Ansel. He was so funny and loved to tease Calla, and I found it so sweet when he got together with another pack member!

Overall, an enjoyable read. But the inside of the book isn't as beautiful as its cover!

Rating: 3.75 of 5

Read & Watched in May

Books:

1. Hereafter - Tara Hudson (Review)
2. Bleed You Dry - Melissa Tyndall (Review)
3. Out For Blood - Alyxandra Harvey (Review)
4. Between Here and Forever - Elizabeth Scott (Mini Review)
5. Buffy the Vampire Slayer: Season 8: Volume 1
6. Nightshade - Andrea Cremer (Review)
7. Strange Angels - Lili St. Crew (Review)
8. The Lost Saint - Bree Despain (Review)

Movies:

1. Sorority Wars
2. Because I Said So
3. Made - the Movie
4. The Devil Wears Prada
5. The Bourne Identity
6. 16 Wishes
7. Pride and Prejudice
8. Definitely, Maybe
9. Flashdance
10. No Strings Attatched
11. Daylight
12. Miss Congeniality 2: Armed and Fabulous