Don't Look Back

Author: Jennifer L. Armentrout

Series: Stand Alone

Genre: Contemporary, Romance, Mystery

Release Date: April 15, 2014

Summary: Samantha is a stranger in her own life. Until the night she disappeared with her best friend, Cassie, everyone said Sam had it all-popularity, wealth, and a dream boyfriend. Sam has resurfaced, but she has no recollection of who she was or what happened to her that night. As she tries to piece together her life from before, she realizes it's one she no longer wants any part of. The old Sam took "mean girl" to a whole new level, and it's clear she and Cassie were more like best enemies. Sam is pretty sure that losing her memories is like winning the lottery. She's getting a second chance at being a better daughter, sister, and friend, and she's falling hard for Carson Ortiz, a boy who has always looked out for her-even if the old Sam treated him like trash. But Cassie is still missing, and the facts about what happened to her that night isn't just buried deep inside of Sam's memory-someone else knows, someone who wants to make sure Sam stays quiet. All Sam wants is the truth, and if she can unlock her clouded memories of that fateful night, she can finally move on. But what if not remembering is the only thing keeping Sam alive?

Review: **NOTE: Don't Look Back does contain some minor sexually explicit scenes. May not be appropriate for younger YA readers.

HOLY SMOKES!!! Okay, so I was a tad bit reluctant to pick up this book. It's no secret that I basically adore every YA novel/series Armentrout has written. The only problem, is that since I have always been thoroughly pleased with her work, my expectations keep raising themselves. After reading the synopsis I was wary because it didn't sound anything like her other novels. To say that I'm a total dummy for not picking this up sooner would be an understatement! 

This novel tells the story of Sam, who has been missing for four days and happens to be found by the police with absolutely no recollection of anything. Plot twist! Sam's so-called best friend, Cassie, is  also nowhere to be found. As the novel continues, Sam slowly regains her memories (even though everyone thinks she is faking her amnesia), and rediscovers herself in the process. 

I really enjoyed Sam's character; it was cool to read about her past and to see how far she has come and how much better of a person she has become. I also love her brother! He is so awesome and is always there for Sam to help her when she needs it most.

Carson, Carson, Carson.... Let me just say that I wish I had a Carson in my life!! He was dreamy, but realistic! Loved his character and the relationship he had with Sam, before and after the accident! 

The only thing I really despised when it came to this book was Sam's mom. Gosh, she was just pure evil! I couldn't believe some of the things she was telling Sam to do and how to live her life. No wonder Sam was who she was before the accident. And sure, her mom tries to play it off as good intentions but we all know that she just didn't want her image ruined! *rant over*

Finally, let me clarify that I felt oh so smart because I was piecing everything together before it actually happened (which does not happen very often) and so I was feeling all high and mighty and on top of the world . . . UNTIL . . . well, you'll just have to read it and find out. 

Definitely one of my new favorites! 

Opposition (including a combined review of the entire Lux series)

Author: Jennifer L. Armentrout
Series: Lux #5 (Final)
Genre: Sci-Fi, Romance, Adventure
Release Date: August 5, 2014

Summary: Katy knows the world changed the night the Luxen came. She can't believe Daemon welcomed his race or stood by as his kind threatened to obliterate every last human and hybrid on Earth. But the lines between good and bad have blurred, and love has become an emotion that could destroy her—could destroy them all. Daemon will do anything to save those he loves, even if it means betrayal. They must team with an unlikely enemy if there is any chance of surviving the invasion. But when it quickly becomes impossible to tell friend from foe, and the world is crumbling around them, they may lose everything— even what they cherish most—to ensure the survival of their friends…and mankind. War has come to Earth. And no matter the outcome, the future will never be the same for those left standing.

Review: If you're wondering or confused, yes, this book is about aliens invading the earth. Now if you're like me, your first reaction when reading the summary for the first book in the series (Obsidian) was somewhere along the lines of, "what in the world could this possibly be about?" But then, out of curiosity you picked it up because you needed something new to read and you know that Armentrout rarely disappoints.

I found the first two books in the Lux series absolutely enthralling. The story was original and the writing was top notch. The third book (for me) was where the series started going down hill. I wasn't about to give up on this series though. So I read the fourth book, and didn't really enjoy where the story line was headed. Since it ends with a cliffhanger, I really had no choice but to finish out the series with Opposition. 

To say the least, I was disappointed with the writing of this book the most. This series is classified as 'young adult' so I didn't expect anything major when it comes to romance, language, etc. Wow, I was totally wrong. Within the first hundred pages there was already an incredibly sexual scene that I found myself skipping over. After that point, I found myself skimming a great majority of the rest of the book. I wanted to see how everything ended, but I didn't really want to subject myself to anymore of the goings-on of Katy and Daemon's relationship. 

Overall, I was mildly satisfied with this book, thus the three stars. The story, although original, failed to hold my interest. Unless your deeply into the sci-fi genre, I don't know if I would necessarily recommend this one.

White Hot Kiss

Author: Jennifer L. Armentrout
Series: The Dark Elements #1
Genre: Paranormal, Romance
Release Date: February 25, 2014

Summary: One kiss could be the last. Seventeen-year-old Layla just wants to be normal. But with a kiss that kills anything with a soul, she's anything but normal. Half demon, half gargoyle, Layla has abilities no one else possesses. Raised among the Wardens—a race of gargoyles tasked with hunting demons and keeping humanity safe—Layla tries to fit in, but that means hiding her own dark side from those she loves the most. Especially Zayne, the swoon-worthy, incredibly gorgeous and completely off-limits Warden she's crushed on since forever. Then she meets Roth—a tattooed, sinfully hot demon who claims to know all her secrets. Layla knows she should stay away, but she's not sure she wants to—especially when that whole no-kissing thing isn't an issue, considering Roth has no soul. But when Layla discovers she's the reason for the violent demon uprising, trusting Roth could not only ruin her chances with Zayne… it could brand her a traitor to her family. Worse yet, it could become a one-way ticket to the end of the world.

Review: Since I just put up my review of Stone Cold Touch I figured I'd better put up my review of White Hot Kiss. If you've read any other books by Jennifer L. Armentrout and enjoyed them, I think you will enjoy this fantastic read....or at least I hope you do. This book had everything; romance, adventure, gargoyles, demons, amazingly well written and developed characters; the complete package. I really enjoyed the story and I absolutely adored the main character, Layla. She was spunky, sarcastic, lovable, quick-minded, witty, and had some amazing one liners (including, but definitely not limited to: "Double crap on a cracker the size of my butt." hahahaha it get's me every time!!) We also have Zayne, the incredibly good looking, unattainable, overprotective, brotherly type Warden (gargoyle) that Layla's been crushing on since the beginning of forever. I liked Zayne, and then I didn't, and then I did, and then I didn't. I could never decide if I actually wanted something to happen between him and Layla or if I wanted them to keep their distance and their not-really-there relationship. Enter Roth! As Armentrout would describe someone of indescribable hotness in her other books, "holy daemon *pronounced demon* babies!!" Roth was amazing! Since he is first introduced (within the first 5 chapters) I secretly rooted for him . . . even though it took Layla some time to come over to my side. Ugh! And that ending!!! (I won't spoil it but it left me rooting for Roth even more than I already was as well as completely breathless, and desperately wanting Stone Cold Touch). This was an amazing read and one I have already come back to. Armentrout has an amazing way with words and I have yet to be disappointed with her writing. It's also a huge plus that she (Armentrout) can crank out books like nobody's buisness!!)

Stone Cold Touch

Author: Jennifer L. Armentrout
Series: The Dark Elements #2
Genre: Paranormal, Romance
Release Date: October 21, 2014

Summary: Layla Shaw is trying to pick up the pieces of her shattered life—no easy task for a seventeen-year-old who’s pretty sure things can’t get worse. Her impossibly gorgeous best friend, Zayne, is forever off-limits thanks to the mysterious powers of her soul-stealing kiss. The Warden clan that has always protected her is suddenly keeping dangerous secrets. And she can barely think about Roth, the wickedly hot demon prince who understood her in ways no one else could. But sometimes rock bottom is only the beginning. Because suddenly Layla’s powers begin to evolve, and she’s offered a tantalizing taste of what has always been forbidden. Then, when she least expects it, Roth returns, bringing news that could change her world forever. She’s finally getting what she always wanted, but with hell literally breaking loose and the body count adding up, the price may be higher than Layla is willing to pay…

Review: WOWZERS! Really though! If you haven't read the first novel in this trilogy White Hot Kiss, do so now!! Stone Cold Touch was such an amazing sequel! Armentrout never fails to disappoint in my eyes! The story picks up a couple weeks after the end of White Hot Kiss. **MINOR SPOILERS AHEAD** After coming back from Hell, Roth is a completely different person . . . or so it seems which for the most part, really annoyed me because I have always been rooting for Roth! BUT it was great to see Layla and Zayne’s relationship bloom and grow finally! Their constant banter was comedic and helped balance out the seriousness of other major plot points going on throughout the novel. It was also great to finally see Zayne and Layla’s actual bf/gf relationship. The development of their (Zayne and Layla) relationship actually really helped me solidify just who I wanted Layla to end up with. I had Zayne. He and Layla’s relationship was so sweet, and loving. Then I had Roth. He and Layla’s relationship is sexy and exciting. I, personally, like Roth and Layla together because I feel that they complimented and had more chemistry than Zayne. (If you've seen Gilmore Girls, just imagine when Rory and Dean are dating but then Luke's nephew (Jess) comes to town and him and Rory totally hit it off and have some great chemistry but she's still with Dean. . . sorry I'm on a Gilmore Girls kick and that's the best relation I can think of . . .) I just always felt that Zayne was just trying to do the best thing for Layla and his fellow Wardens and that sometimes got in the way. Honestly, I want him to end up with Danika. I think that’d be good for everyone.
The overall story and plot continued and developed nicely throughout Stone Cold Touch with much to be expected from the third and final book in the series, Every Last Breath. This was an AMAZING read! I finished its 400+ pages in just one day! . . .I'm pretty such that there was glue on the front and back cover that literally prevented me from putting it down until I finished but alas I have no proof . . . Stone Cold Touch was so captivating and full of surprises making it so I was never bored! If you enjoyed White Hot Kiss or any of Armentrout’s other YA series (Lux and Covenant), this novel is sure to please!