WoW - I need this book in my hands today....

To be Published by Harlequin in October 2011

Summary: I think everyone knows what this one's about.........

I'm a bit late to the game on this series, but it's my new love. I can't stop thinking or talking about it. I know Iron Knight is available on net galley but I just really need to have the hard copy in my hands.

What are you waiting for?

Wicked Lovely by Melissa Marr

Wicked Lovely by Melissa Marr

Published by HarperTeen 2007

328 pages

Reviewed from library copy

Summary from goodreads

All teenagers have problems, but few of them can match those of Aislinn, who has the power to see faeries. Quite understandably, she wishes that she could share her friends' obliviousness and tries hard to avoid these invisible intruders. But one faery in particular refuses to leave her alone. Keenan the Summer King is convinced beyond all reasoning that Aislinn is the queen he has been seeking for nine centuries. What's a 21st-century girl to do when she's stalked by a suitor nobody else can see?

   I know that many bloggers have already read this one, and I don't know what took me so long to pick it up. For those that haven't read Wicked Lovely, prepare yourselves as I'm about to gush.
    I loved the story line, even though I have read a number of Faery books, I though Marr's approach was refreshing. I was completely transported and totally could have stayed there.
    The chemistry between Seth and Ash was incredibly well written, it was intense and I think my heart beat faster any time I saw Seth's name in print.(still does)
    The book has everything going for it. An amazing lead character, swoon worthy love interest, evil to overcome, hearts to change, challenges to meet and it's all balanced so well. Highly Recommended.

Chime by Franny Billinglsey

Chime by Franny Billingsley

Published March 2011 by Dial Books (Penguin)

Hardcover 361 pages

reviewed from library copy

Summary from GoodReads

Before Briony's stepmother died, she made sure Briony blamed herself for all the family's hardships. Now Briony has worn her guilt for so long it's become a second skin. She often escapes to the swamp, where she tells stories to the Old Ones, the spirits who haunt the marshes. But only witches can see the Old Ones, and in her village, witches are sentenced to death. Briony lives in fear her secret will be found out, even as she believes she deserves the worst kind of punishment.

Then Eldric comes along with his golden lion eyes and mane of tawny hair. He's as natural as the sun, and treats her as if she's extraordinary. And everything starts to change. As many secrets as Briony has been holding, there are secrets even she doesn't know.

   I don't think the description above does this story justice especially since it gives no mention of Rose (Briony's twin) who is an integral character in the book (one of the most important in my opinion) Rose, a few minutes older than Briony was injured as a child and suffers emotional and mental challenges. Briony has always been tied to her and feels responsible for her care and well being. She has an inner struggle in looking after Rose and I think though she tries not to, resents her. Rose and Briony's father is the Minister in their village and  is absent from their daily activities. They're basically on the their own except when they are called upon to be "good" examples of a Ministers daughters.

    This is one powerful read. The book told through Briony opens with her statements of self hatred and wishing to be hung. She believes she is evil and deserves to be punished. We, the readers aren't sure as to where the guilt and hatred she clings to so tightly comes from, but of course as the story moves along we discover why. I adored Briony. I felt so badly for her, but I think her feelings about herself will resonate with many. A cycle of negative thinking, sometimes even "planted" by an outsider can do damage if we let it, and it's so easy for it to happen. I loved that underlying thread through out the book. It's not necessarily an uplifting read, and it might not appeal to everyone but I think readers will enjoy the familiar fairytale feel with swamp monsters, faeries and witches and root for Briony to ask for the help she needs. The writing was beautiful, and left me thinking about it. Recommended.