Review: For the Love of a Vampire (Blood Like Poison #1)

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Title: For the Love of a Vampire

Author: M. Leighton

Series: Blood Like Poison, #1

Age Group: Young Adult

Format: Ebook

Pages: 268

Release Date: April 20, 2011

Publisher: Indie

Source: author for review(thank you!)

My Rating: * * * * (4 stars)

Ridley Heller thought that all her problems would be over if she could have Bo back;back from the dead. But what Ridley didn't know was that her wish would come at a price. Bo survived a condition that would have killed a lesser vampire, or any vampire for that matter. The only reason he didn't die is because of who he is, someone Ridley doesn't know at all. Someone Bo himself doesn't know at all. As Ridley gets closer to finding out Bo's true identity, she discovers that loving him could also come at a price, a price much higher than she ever could have imagined. The question is: is there any such thing as a price too high to pay for Bo? For his love, for his safety, for eternity in his arms?

The Cover:
Honestly, the cover does not particularly appeal to me. I don't hate it, but I don't love it. In a way, I guess I'm indifferent towards it. Cover Rating 3/5


Review:
Now, For the Love of a Vampire was an entirely different matter. At first, when I began, I couldn't help but compare it to Twilight. This made me put the books down and step away from it. But then I convinced myself to keep reading, and I am glad I did. After a few pages, everything changed. For the better.


Bo's name didn't appeal to me. When I think of the name Bo, I think of a country boy, honestly. But, I got used to his name and his sweet personality towards Ridley. In the end, they made a cute couple!


Ridley was a humdrum character for me. But, then she got better. I will admit though, I kind of liked her better when she was the one of the "mean girls". The only thing that bothered me about her was how quickly she left her normal life just to be with Bo. She abandoned her whole life for him.


The cliffhanger! Once I got to the last page, I was craving for more, and I got cut off. I going to have to get the second book soon.


What's my verdict, you're asking? Well, I definitely recommend this book. Just remember this warning. Don't stop after the first few chapters. Persevere and you'll like this book. The beginning can be a little monotonous, but afterwards, I promise it gets better.


The Author:

I was born and raised in the United States, and I’ve lived in several of the fabulous fifty. Though I currently live in the deep South, I spent much of my childhood up North and hope to return there one day. A few other things about me: I believe that sometimes you have to look really, REALLY hard to find the good in people, but it's there. I believe that I'm shrinking (I swear five years ago I was two inches taller). I believe my husband is quite possibly one of the most amazing men in the entire world (I can't be sure because I haven't met all of them). I believe coffee and chocolate, when combined, could be the basis for world peace. I believe that Jesus rocks and communism doesn’t. I believe that white makes me look fat and black collects lint. I believe summer's too hot, winter's too cold and fall was made for football. I like dogs better than cats and the first movie in a trilogy is invariably the best. But most of all, I believe that love conquers all.

Review: The Van Alen Legacy (Blue Bloods #4)

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Title: The Van Alen Legacy

Author: Melissa de la Cruz

Series: Blue Bloods, #4

Age Group: Young Adult

Format: Hardback

Pages: 384

Release Date: October 5, 2009

Publisher: Hyperion

ISBN: 978-142310226-7

Source: Local Library

My Rating: * * * * * (5 stars)

With the stunning revelation surrounding Bliss's true identity comes the growing threat of the sinister Silver Bloods. Once left to live the glamarous life in New York City, the Blue Bloods now find themselves in an epic battle for survival. Not to worry, love is still in the air for the young vampires of the Upper East Side. Or is it? Jack and Schuyler are over. Oliver's brokenhearted. And only fabulous Mimi seems to be happily engaged. Young, fanged, and fabulous, Melissa de la Cruz's vampires unite in this highly anticipated fourth installment of the Blue Bloods series.

The Cover:
If I'm correct, I think the girl on the cover of The Van Alen Legacy is Mim. The veil signifies her bonding dress. I like the cover, it looks beautiful, especially with the Eiffel Tower in the black part, signifying Schuyler's adventure(you'll see). Cover Rating 5/5


Review:
There is absolutely nothing wrong with The Van Alen Legacy! I was hooked from beginning to end! Although, part of my addition to this series is because Melisssa de la Cruz ends each chapter with a cliffhanger. 


I did get a little frustrated because it was told from three different points of view. At times I wanted to rip my hair out, because I almost only wanted to hear Schuyler's point of view. It almost came to the point where I threatened to skip Mimi's and Bliss's parts. But, those parts got really good, and I simply couldn't bring myself to skip around.


It's strange to see Lucifer in this book. I mean, he's THE Lucifer, like Lucifer-vs.-God Luficer. It felt...awkward to say the least. But, I admire Cruz for deciding to takes on this challenge to portray the most notorious villian ever from her point of view.


Oh, and we finally get some depth from Mimi. I was beginning to think she was just a rich, spoiled airhead. But, her and Kingsley were oddly sweet together. By the end, I actually felt pity for Mimi.


I already have my hands on the next book in the series, Misguided Angel. I can't wait to begin reading!


The Author:

Melissa de la Cruz is the author of many best-selling books for teens, including Blue Bloods, Masquerade, the Au Pairs series, the Ashleys series, and Angels on Sunset Boulevard. She lives in Los Angeles with her husband and daughter and is hard at work on the next book in the Blue Bloods saga. While Melissa is not a Blue Blood, she knows people who are.

Review: Revelations (Blue Bloods #3)

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Author: Melissa de la Cruz

Series: Blue Bloods, #3

Age Group: Young Adult

Format: Hardback

Pages: 264

Release Date: October 28, 2008

Publisher: Hyperion

Original Price(U.S.): $15.99

ISBN: 978-142310228-1

Source: Local Library

My Rating: * * * * * (5 stars)

SCHUYLER VAN ALEN'S blood legacy has just been called into question: is the young vampire in fact a Blue Blood, or is it the sinister Silver Blood that runs through her veins? As controversy swirls, Schuyler is left stranded in the Force household, trapped under the same roof as her cunning nemesis, Mimi Force, and her forbidden crush, Jack Force.
When an ancient place of power is threatened in Rio de Janeiro, however, the Blue Bloods need Schuyler on their side. The stakes are high, the battle is bloody; and through it all Schuyler is torn between duty and passion, love and freedom.
Romance, glamour, and vampire lore collide in the highly anticipated third book in best-selling author Melissa de la Cruz's Blue Blood series.

The Cover:

This time I am really satisfied with the cover. It portrays the exact theme that runs through the book. Maybe you're wondering who the girl on the cover is, but you'll have to wonder until the end, when it is finally revealed(hence the title Revelations). But, I'm not giving the cover five stars because I like exotic and unique covers, and this one lacked a little. Cover rating 4/5

Review:

One word to describe this book. Bittersweet. Another way would be to call it a love-hate book, at least for me. There wasn't one moment when I did not hate every single character. Then I loved theme. And the cycle continued, it was a complete roller coaster. And I loved it!

Schuyler and Jack's affair made me think of Schuyler as weak. If you know you can't have the guy, why keep trying in vain? Jack frustrated me so much. Pick a girl! Don't just play with Schuyler! First Jack is completely romantic and sweet with Schuyler(which I love), and then he's the same with Mimi(which I hate). And the end!

The weak point for Schuyler was definitely her affair. But at the end, I admired her strength and quick decisions. She did not show weakness at the end, which is the kind of heroine I like.

Overall, this was an amazing ride that I would recommend to all vampire fans. And watch Bliss, because you will find she is not what is expected(hint).

The Author:

Melissa de la Cruz is the author of many best-selling books for teens, including Blue Bloods, Masquerade, the Au Pairs series, the Ashleys series, and Angels on Sunset Boulevard. She lives in Los Angeles with her husband and daughter and is hard at work on the next book in the Blue Bloods saga. While Melissa is not a Blue Blood, she knows people who are.

Masquerade (Blue Bloods #2)

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Author: Melissa de la Cruz

Series: Blue Bloods, #2

Age Group: Young Adult

Format: Hardback

Pages: 304

Release Date: May 1, 2007

Publisher: Hyperion

Original Price: $15.99

ISBN: 978-0-7868-3893-6

My Rating: * * * * * (5 stars)

SCHUYLER VAN ALEN WANTS an explanation for the mysterious deaths of young vampires. With her best friend, Oliver, Schuyler travels to Italy in the hope of finding the one man who can help--her grandfather. Meanwhile, back in New York, preparations are feverishly under way for the Four Hundred Ball, an exclusive gala hosted by the city's wealthy, powerful, and unhuman--a true Blue Blood affair.
But it's at the after-party, a masquerade ball thrown by the cunning Mimi Force, that the real danger lurks. Hidden behind the masks is a revelation that will forever change the course of a young vampire's destiny.
Rich with glamour, attitude, and vampire lore, this second installment in the Blue Bloods saga will leave readers thirsting for more.

The Cover:
I'm actually disappointed in the cover. I know Schuyler bought a mask in Venice, but in the book in Venice, the mask sounded beautiful, with the gold lining and everything. It sounded vintage. Now, the mask on the cover looks like something you would buy a Walmart. I love the idea of the masquerade, but I think a lot more could have been done with the cover. Cover Rating 2/5


The Review:
Now, off of that negative note, the book itself was SUPERB. There was a cliffhanger that had you begging for more. It was just perfect! I love how Melissa de la Cruz wove Lucifer and angels and everything with vampires. It does not fail to amaze me. For this reason, I am probably going to rate every book five stars.


Now, here are some character I just want to kick in the butt(they pertain specifically to the Force family). Mimi Force. She is really frustrating me! I know that's the point of her being in the books, but really, I wish Schuyler wouldn't have done what she did at the end. Mimi deserved what was going to happen!


The other Force that frustrates me is Charles. In his whole life he has never been interested in Schuyler. Now he wants to adopt her?! What the heck! I wanted to punch him! Schuyler was so happy with her grandfather!


Lastly, I have one more thing that I want to rant about. And forgive me because this review was more of a rant. Jack vs. Oliver. Obviously I like Jack better. He's hotter, stronger, and just more likable. When I think of Oliver, I think of a forlorn puppy. Sad and moping. I just don't like him.


Read this book! Read the series! You won't regret it.


The Author:

Melissa de la Cruz is the author of many books for teens, including Blue Bloods, The Au Pair series, Angels  on Sunset Boulevard, and the upcoming The Ashley Files. Her books for adults include Cat's Meow and the anthology she credited with Tom Dolby, Girls Who Like Boys Who Like Boys. She began her career as a magazine and newspaper journalist, covering the New York City style and social scene, and now writes novels full-time. Melissa divides her time between New York and Los Angeles, where she lives with her husband and daughter. While Melissa is not a Blue Blood, she knows people who are...

Review: Blue Bloods (Blue Bloods #1)

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Author: Melissa de la Cruz

Series: Blue Bloods, #1

Age Group: Young Adult

Format: Paperback

Pages: 302

Release Date: April 25, 2006

Publisher: Hyperion Paperbacks

Original Price: $8.99

ISBN: 978-1-4231-0126-0

Source: Local Library

My Rating: * * * * * (5 stars)

Schuyler Van Alen has never fit in at Duchesne, her prestigious New York City private school. She prefers baggy, vintage clothes to the Prada and pearls worn by her classmates. But when she turns fifteen, Schuyler's life changes dramatically. The death of a popular schoolmate haunts her in unexpected ways. And strangest of all, Jack Force, the most popular boy in school, is showing a sudden interest in her.
Once an outcast, Schuyler is thrust into Manhattan's most exclusive social circle. Its members are the powerful, the wealthy, and--as Schuyler soon discovers--the unhuman. They are Blue Bloods, an ancient group of vampires, and for centuries they've been invincible. Now something is preying on the elite group, and Schuyler wants to find out the truth. But is she the most vulnerable of them all?

The Cover:
I like the simplicity of the cover. The bit marks on the side of Schuyer's neck(I'm assuming it's Schuyler on the cover) obviously show that this book will be about vampire. The only thing that seems out of place is the pearl necklace, which isn't something that Schuyler would normally wear.


The Review:
I will admit, this is my second time reading the book. The first time(about 2 years ago) I was rushing to finish it, first because I couldn't get enough, and second, I had borrow it from a friend and did not want to keep it too long.


This time, I found a few points that bothered me. There were too many references to brands. My problem with this is that in the future, when another person picks up this book, let's say in 2020(if we're still alive), most of them will not know about the brands. I want ALL young adult books to be known in the future too, and books with brands make it harder. If a book has just a few brands, then it's fine, but too many can be overwhelming.


My other problem was the whole drinking, making out, sex thing. I get it, it's a young adult book full of teenagers. But, there was WAY to much drinking in Blue Bloods.


So far I've only been saying negative things about this book. So, here's the big question, "Why did you rate it five stars?" Well, I did that because I normally try not to judge so much on literary terms and grammar. I judge on plot. And, the Blue Bloods plot is amazing! It kept me hooked for the most part, and it's my second time reading it! This is why I've rated it five stars. You should read this book(unless you don't like vampires, but that's another issue grouped with Bella and Edward)!


The Author:

Melissa de la Cruz is the author of Masquerade: A Blue Bloods Novel; the best-selling The Au Pair novels for teens; and coauthor of the popular adult title The Fashionista Files: Adventure in Four-Inch Heels and Faux Pas. Melissa has appeared as an expert on style, friends, and fame for Glamour, Marie Claire, Teen Vogue, Cosmopolitan, and The New York Times. She grew up in Manila, San Francisco, and New York, and now lives in Los Angeles with her husband. While Melissa is not a Blue Blood, she knows people who are.

The Demon Trapper's Daughter (The Demon Trappers #1)

Author: Jana Oliver
Series: The Demon Trappers, #1
Age Group: Young Adult
Challenge: None
Format: Paperback
Pages: 355
Published: 2/1/2011
Publisher: St. Martin's Griffin
Source: Local Library
My Rating: * * * * *

RILEY BLACKTHORNE JUST NEEDS A CHANCE TO PROVE HERSELF--AND THAT'S EXACTLY WHAT THE DEMONS ARE COUNTING ON...


Seventeen-year-old Riley, the only daughter of legendary demon trapper Paul Blackthorne, has always dreamed of following in her father's footsteps. The good news is, with human society seriously disrupted by economic upheaval and Lucifer increasing the number of demons in all major cities, Atlanta's local Trappers Guild needs all the help it can get--even from a girl. When she's not keeping up with her homework or trying to manage her growing crush on fellow apprentice Simon, Riley's out saving distressed citizens from foul-mouthed little devils--Grade One Hellspawn only, of course, per the strict rules of the Guild. Life's about as normal as can be from the average demon-trapping teen.


But then a Grade Five Geo-Fiend crashes Riley's routine assignment at a library, jeopardizing her life and her chosen livelihood. And as if that wasn't bad enough, sudden tragedy strikes the Trappers Guild, spinning Riley down a more dangerous path than she ever could have imagined. As her whole world crashes down around her, who can Riley trust with her heard--and her life?

First, let's start off with the love interests. This was more of a square than a triangle. Different, right?  Beck--aka Backwoods Boy. I detested him. From his drawn which made him sound ridiculous to his annoying way of being overprotective of Riley. Was that supposed to be sweet? I've crossed him off my checklist.


Then, there's Simon. He looks like an angel, no joking. Blue eyes and blond hair. Catholic boy who is very religious. Pretty much a saint. In fact, his master, Harper, even calls him Saint. I found him sweet and cute. I don't know if he and Riley make a good couple, but I'm definitely rooting for them.


Lastly, there's Ori. LOVED HIM!! He was this kind of knight in shining armor. He always rescued Riley, and was drop dead gorgeous. Plus in one scene he had a sword with him. Yummm!!! He was absolutely my favorite of all three, but portrayed the least. I just can't resist a mysterious guy!


There was cussing in this book. A porn store, and all types of creepy demons. But, there was this really cute demon, a Klepto demon. He was so darn cute! They love sparkly things, and are adorable!


This was one of the rare books that I actually couldn't put down, and was a welcome entertainment during this hectic week. I loved it and would recommend it. So what are you waiting for, go and get it!


About the Author:

Jana Oliver is an American author. Her books cross many genres, including romance/fantasy and historical mystery. An Iowa native, she currently lives in Atlanta, Georgia.