Pretty Little Liars by Sara Shepard

Everyone has something to hide - especially high school juniors Spencer, Aria, Emily, and Hanna.

Spencer covets her sister's boyfriend. Aria's fantasizing about her English teacher. Emily's crushing on the new girl at school. Hanna uses some ugly tricks to stay beautiful.

But they've all kept an even bigger secret since their friend Alison vanished.

How do I know? Because I know everything about the bad girls they were, the naughty girls they are, and all the dirty secrets they've kept. And guess what? I'm telling.

I've had the first three books in this series for quite some time, I've just never gotten around to reading them. There just always seemed to be something else in my reading pile that I was anxious to get to right away. I finally started it when I wanted a break from the paranormal stories that I normally devour. I saw Brandi from Life After Twilight review it on her YouTube channel. After hearing her positive thoughts on the series I thought it was time that I get to it.

What a fun book! It was a suspenseful, guilty pleasure type read. It's full of betrayal, friendship, gossip, high school rivalries, romance, with a murder mystery as it's central storyline. The 'who done it' premise is great, and will keep you turning the pages wondering which secret will be revealed next. Pretty Little Liars is the first book (there are currently 7 in publication) and sets up the mystery that will play out in future novels. It all begins in seventh grade when Alison disappears during a slumber party. A few years go by and the rest of the girls have drifted apart, continuing life by going their separate ways. Suddenly, each of the girls begins to get messages that reveal deep secrets from the past - secrets only Alison could know. Here's where the mystery begins. Throw in some romance, family issues, and personal struggles - and you get a pretty enjoyable read!

If you're looking for a series with great "depth" or "meaning", this may not be the best choice for you. However, if you're looking for an easy read that's just plain entertaining - look no further!

The Dark Divine by Bree Despain

Grace Divine, daughter of the local pastor, always knew something terrible happened the night Daniel Kalbi disappeared--the night she found her brother Jude collapsed on the porch, covered in his own blood--but she has no idea what a truly monstrous secret that night held.

The memories her family has tried to bury resurface when Daniel returns, three years later, and enrolls in Grace and Jude's high school. Despite promising Jude she'll stay away, Grace cannot deny her attraction to Daniel's shocking artistic abilities, his way of getting her to look at the world from new angles, and the strange, hungry glint in his eyes.

The closer Grace gets to Daniel, the more she jeopardizes her life, as her actions stir resentment in Jude and drive him to embrace the ancient evil Daniel unleashed that horrific night. Grace must discover the truth behind the boy's dark secret...and the cure that can save the ones she loves. But she may have to lay down the ultimate sacrifice to do it--her soul.

Another highly anticipated read for me, and WOW did it live up to my expectations. Such an enticing, thrilling, fun read! The writing was exceptional and made for an amazing debut. The story and characters seemed to leap off the page and kept me reading until I reached the final page.

The story is primarily a mystery, and Despain pulled it off wonderfully. It wasn't the least bit predictable. The author kept me guessing until the very last minute when each element of the storyline was revealed to me. I had a great time watching the story unfold, and was more thrilled with each chapter I read.

Not surprisingly for me, I also loved the romantic aspect of the story. The chemistry between Grace and Daniel was electric. All of their interactions were HOT, and left me wanting more.

I absolutely loved this book! To anyone who hasn't read it yet, I highly suggest you do so, asap!

Hunger Games Book 3: Cover and Title Revealed!!

For more info on the release, click here.

Thoughts? I know I'm excited! August 24th seems much too far away.

My Favorite Authors - Juliet Marillier

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