Month 5 Mini Challenge: Katrina's Review of Bloody Valentine

Published: December 28, 2010

Buy: Amazon, B&N

Source: Own

Blurb: The Blue Bloods have powers beyond human comprehension: strength that defies logic, speed that cannot be captured on film, the ability to shape-shift, and more. But in matters of the heart, no one, not even those immortal vampires, has total control. In Bloody Valentine, part of the best-selling Blue Bloods series, author Melissa de la Cruz offers three tantalizing stories that delve deep into the love lives of the all-powerful vamps (and their Red Blood friends) from New York's Upper East Side. Might a witchy new girl help cure Oliver's broken heart? How did Allegra fall in love with a human? Will Schuyler and Jack finally be bonded?

Romantic and sensual, Bloody Valentine reveals the undying love, the hope and devastation, and the lust and longing that have defined the Blue Bloods throughout history. Prepare to be swept off your feet.

I think the story I loved the most out of this novella was Oliver's.  The poor guy just wanted to be with his love.  We did get a glimpse into the witches from Witches of East End. I haven't read those books yet, but meeting Freya makes me want to.  Allegra's story is heart breaking.  I've never been one to figure out why you can't choose for love. I know the circumstances, but still.  Also, Schuyler still seems to annoy me.  She bugged me in Misguided Angel, and does so in this one.  Although, I appreciate the craftiness in making her dress.  That made my crafty side smile. :D Lost in Time is next, and was one of my faves, so I'll be happy to finally get to jump into it next weekend. 

Katrina's Review of Misguided Angel

Published: October 26, 2010

Buy: Amazon, B&N

Source: Own

Blurb:After inheriting the dark Van Alen Legacy, Schuyler fled to Florence with her forbidden love, Jack. Now the two of them must embark on the mission Schuyler was destined to complete: to find and protect the five remaining gates that guard the earth from Lucifer, lord of the Silver Bloods.

Back in New York, Mimi has been elected Regent of a crumbling coven. Struggling with her heartache over the loss of Kingsley and with her overwhelming desire to destroy Jack, she must focus all of her energy on a perilous new threat. Vampires are being abducted and their captors are planning to burn them alive online...for all the world to see. Help arrives in the form of Deming Chen, a Venator from Shanghai, who must untangle the web of deceptions before the killers strike again.

As the young vampires struggle for the survival of the coven, they uncover a deadly secret, a truth first discovered by Schuyler’s mother during the Renaissance but kept buried for centuries. And as the Blue Blood enclave weakens yet further, fate leads Schuyler to a terrible choice that will ultimately map the destiny of her heart.

I began to really like Mimi in this book.  She seems more "human."  She truly cares for the Coven, and it's members.  She also realizes that she doesn't really hate Oliver all the much.  

Oh, Deming.  She's a kick-ass Venator.  She does her job to the best of her abilities, and doesn't give up.  I completely forgot she was a key player in this book.  

Schuyler annoyed me.  I think it's because she is so needy when it comes to Jack.  I'm used to her being strong and self assured.  

We get a peek at Nephilim, and I had a ton of questions regarding possibilities with Bliss after I finished reading. 

It was great seeing a lot more of Mimi showing emotions that do not include snobbery.  I want to start Lost in Time NOW!  But I'll be a good girl, and wait until December 1st to start it.  

 

Month 5 Mini Challenge

This month's mini challenge will be to read and review Bloody Valentine.  It's the novella that comes between Misguided Angel and Lost in Time.

All you have to do is post a review on your blog, goodreads, or email us to post it on this blog. :D Doing this will provide you an extra entry for the grand prize!!!

Link up below to participate!

BBRAL Month 5 Reviews: Misguided Angel

Today begins the read-a-long of the fifth book in the Blue Bloods series by Melissa de la Cruz, Misguided Angel.  Join us as we enter Schuyler's world.  Liz and I will both post are reviews as we finish our read.  We can't wait to hear everyone's thoughts as we make our way through the series.

Don't forget to post your review to be eligible for the monthly drawing.  Also, if you do not have a blog, feel free to post the link for your review from goodreads.  You can also email either one of us to have your review posted on the site if you do not have a blog or goodreads account.

All reviews should be posted by midnight on November 30th.  Thank you all so much for reading along and sharing in the love we have for this series.

To post your reviews: simply add your information to the linky list below. :D

Month 4 Mini Challenge: Katrina's Review of Keys to the Repository

Book Review: Keys to the Repository by Melissa de la Cruz

Published: June 29, 2010

Buy: Amazon, B&N

Source: Own

Goodreads Blurb: Lavish parties. Passionate meetings in the night. Bone-chilling murders. Midterms. The day-to-day life of Schuyler Van Alen and her Blue Bloods friends (and enemies) is never boring. But there's oh-so-much more to know about these beautiful and powerful teens. Below the streets of Manhattan, within the walls of the Repository, exists a wealth of revealing information about the vampire elite that dates back before the Mayflower. In a series of short stories, journal entries, and never-before-seen letters, New York Times bestselling author Melissa de la Cruz gives her hungry fans the keys to the Repository and an even more in-depth look into the secret world of the Blue Bloods. Won't you come inside?

This novella read like a text book.  I know it's a kind of who's who among Blue Bloods, but it was kind of dry.  I did enjoy Kingsley's remarks in some areas. ;)  I was stoked about the short stories in here.  I know I've read the one with Dylan before, but it was great seeing the emotion of Jack on their last night at Perry Street.  I recommend this for those that want to know more about the characters.  Also, if you have a hard time with what the words in the Sacred Language mean, this book has a nifty little appendix with the definitions.

Katrina's Review of The Van Alen Legacy

Published:

Buy: Amazon, B&N

Source: Own

Goodreads Blurb: With the stunning revelation surrounding Bliss's true identity comes the growing threat of the sinister Silver Bloods. Once left to live the glamorous 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 the cunning Mimi seems to be happily engaged.

Young, fanged, and fabulous, Melissa de la Cruz's vampires unite in the fourth installment of the best-selling Blue Bloods series.

I forgot just how much comes to light in this book.  My heart actually aches for Mimi. She allows some of her walls to come down. And poor Bliss. She has to try so hard to be present in her own body. This is now my favorite so far. We have so many questions answered, even as we have more that have now come up. Oliver also proves how great of a friend he is to Schuyler, and how much he loves her. I'm anxious to see what happens in Misguided Angel. I don't really remember that book very well so it'll be a nice refresher.

Month 4 Mini Challenge

This month's mini challenge will be to read and review Keys to the Repository.  It's the novella that comes between The Van Alen Legacy and Misguided Angel.

All you have to do is post a review on your blog, goodreads, or email us to post it on this blog. :D Doing this will provide you an extra entry for the grand prize!!!

Link up below to participate!