Truly, Madly by Heather Webber

Genre: Mystery

Publication Date: February 2010

One Word Review: Enjoyable

Author Website: www.heatherwebber.com

First Line: “There comes a time in every girl’s life when she realizes her father isn’t perfect.”

Synopsis: Meet Lucy Valentine; sassy, fabulously original…and psychic. Lucy hails from a long line of matchmakers known as Valentine INC. According to family legend, the Valentines have been blessed by Cupid with the ability to help couples find true love. Trouble is Lucy’s powers were zapped away by an electrical surge and now all she can find are lost objects. But what good is that in the matchmaking world? Lucy is about to find out when she tries to solve a murder and winds up falling into a romance of her own. --GoodReads

Kathy’s Review: This is my first Heather Webber book and I have to say after reading “Truly, Madly” I will be checking out her other series. I really enjoyed the story and characters. I liked that it took place in charming Boston, and had just a touch of magic. I liked the history of Cupid and the family matchmaking business, with a mix of mystery. Lucy was a fun character; she’s pretty easy going and quick witted. I liked her “ability” to find lost things, and I think it will be a great set-up for future books. I also liked that there were a couple different mysteries going on at the same time, which kept me guessing until the end. I liked the love interest; I think they’ll be a good match. I guess there is a touch of the “romance novel” in here, in that it seems a little more like lust at first site, but I think they will take things slow and hopefully build a good relationship. This was a fun romantic mystery to read during February!

Bookworm Rating: 4

Tuesday's Teaser

Teaser Tuesday is a weekly meme hosted by Should Be Reading. It is open to anyone and is a fun way to get a taste of different books. The rules are simple and everyone is welcome to participate.

1. Grab your current read.
2. Open to a random page.
3. Share two “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page.
4. Be careful NOT to include spoilers (you don’t want to ruin the book for others.)
5. Share the title and author so that other TT participants can add the book to the TBR lists if they like your teaser.
6. After completing your post, return to Should Be Reading and add a link in their “comment” section.

Jessica's Guide to Dating on the Dark Side
by Beth Fantaskey
Page 128

“Catch her," Lucius insisted through clenched teeth, trying to roll over, gesturing toward the horse, which stood, flanks heaving, scared but still wary. "You can do it. Before she--"

I have to ask myself….why is Lucius having a hard time rolling over? I can’t wait to find out.

Jessica's Guide to Dating on the Dark Side by Beth Fantaskey

Genre: YA-Fantasy

Author Site: www.bethfantaskey.com

First Line: “The first time I saw him, a heavy, gray fog clung to the cornfields, tails of mist slithering between the dying stalks.”

One Word Review: Emotional

Summary: “The undead can really screw up your senior year . . . Marrying a vampire definitely doesn't fit into Jessica Packwood's senior year "get-a-life" plan. But then a bizarre (and incredibly hot) new exchange student named Lucius Vladescu shows up, claiming that Jessica is a Romanian vampire princess by birth—and he's her long-lost fiancé. Armed with newfound confidence and a copy of Growing Up Undead: A Teen Vampire's Guide to Dating, Health, and Emotions, Jessica makes a dramatic transition from average American teenager to glam European vampire princess. But when a devious cheerleader sets her sights on Lucius, Jess finds herself fighting to win back her wayward prince, stop a global vampire war—and save Lucius's soul from eternal destruction.” –GoodReads

My Review: Loved it! I’m actually a little speechless about this one, or at least I don’t know quite where to start. I thought this was very well written, you could literally feel all of Jessica/Antanasia’s emotions as you follow her along this amazing journey. When Lucius first arrives you can’t help but hate him. He is SO arrogant, possessive, creepy and talks very formal. As the story progresses his character really develops, and not always in the best way. I loved that when they first meet Jessica isn’t totally overwhelmed by his amazing looks. She actually keeps her head about her and doesn’t give her heart away so easily. We are able to go along with Jessica as she slowly falls in love with Lucius, but is it all a little too late? While she has been pushing him away he has found comfort in the arms of another girl! I admit, this part of the story was very well done, I could feel Jessica’s confusion and pain and I can’t say any more without giving away spoilers. Anatanasia and Lucius have great chemistry together; both are strong-willed and push each other like no one else has. I liked when Anatanasia finally comes into her own and accepts her history.

I was worried this was going to be too much like Twilight, and if you’re worried don’t be. The story is different. Jessica is definitely not Bella and Lucius really gives Edward a run for his money! The book ended pretty well. I wish there had been an epilogue, mainly because I just didn’t want the story to end. It’s one of those books when you’re not even halfway through you're already hoping it doesn’t end. If you're looking for a light read, this isn't it. If you're looking for suspense, passion, drama, suspense, humor, and did I mention suspense? Then this is the book for you!

I’m off to email the author to request a sequel!

Other Reviews:
Karin’s Book Nook
Okbo Lover
The Story Siren**

Okay, I had to get a few things off my chest so I added a "spoiler" section in the comment area. I probably give a lot away, so read at your own risk.