ARC Review Wednesday: Toward a Secret Sky by Heather Maclean

Amazon  Goodreads  Book Depository  Barnes and Noble

Standalone to date

Release Date: April 4th, 2017

Goodreads Blurb:

"Shortly after 17-year-old Maren Hamilton is orphaned and sent to live with grandparents she’s never met in Scotland, she receives an encrypted journal from her dead mother that makes her and everyone around her a target. It confirms that her parents were employed by a secret, international organization that’s now intent on recruiting her. As Maren works to unravel the clues left behind by her mother, a murderous madness sweeps through the local population, terrorizing her small town. Maren must decide if she’ll continue her parents’ fight or stay behind to save her friends.


With the help of Gavin, an otherworldly mercenary she’s not supposed to fall in love with, and Graham, a charming aristocrat who is entranced with her, Maren races against the clock and around the country from palatial estates with twisted labyrinths to famous cathedrals with booby-trapped subterranean crypts to stay ahead of the enemy and find a cure. Along the way, she discovers the great truth of love: that laying down your life for another isn’t as hard as watching them sacrifice everything for you."

R&R Review Sunday: Touched by Elisa S. Amore

Amazon  Goodreads  Book Depository  Barnes and Noble

Touched Saga #1

Goodreads Blurb:

"Based on a Norwegian legend
A Sealed Fate
An Angel of Death
A Forbidden Love

What are you willing to sacrifice when the only person who can save you is the same one who has to kill you?

After vampires and werewolves, after wizards and fallen angels, a new breed of Angels is here to usher you into their dark world. An ancient, deadly, inescapable race.
No one can see them. They’re shadows of destiny. They’re knights of death. They’re the Subterraneans and they’re here to claim our lives.
Commanded by a mysterious congregation called the Màsala, the Angels of Death ensure that each man’s destiny takes its due course on Earth.
But what happens when love intervenes?
Can an Angel of Death deny his own nature and challenge destiny?
Can love rebel against fate?

When Gemma’s eyes first meet the dark, piercing gaze of Evan James, an ominous shadow creeps into her life, ultimately leading her to face her destiny. She doesn't realize Evan is one of Death's soldiers and that Death is summoning her.
Her time is up: Gemma must die . . . and Evan has been sent to kill her.
But what if she’s the only one who can truly see him?

Against every rule. Against fate itself. Against everything and everyone. A story of forbidden love and star-crossed destinies.

Dark. Romantic. Dangerous.

Touched combines devastating passion and unconfessable secrets, heartrending decisions and deep emotions, giving life to a love story as intense as the feelings that unite Evan and Gemma, as inescapable as the destiny that looms over them . . ."

Mini Review Sunday: Sweet Temptation by Wendy Higgins

Amazon  Goodreads  Book Depository  Barnes and Noble

The Sweet Series #4

Goodreads Blurb:

"Bad boy Kaidan Rowe has never wanted for anything—money, popularity, musical talent…hot girls—but seducing them is part of his duty as a Nephilim, slave to the demon Dukes. As the son of the Duke of Lust, Kaidan has learned his father’s ways, becoming a master of passion, a manipulator of chemistry. Disobeying his father would mean certain death. Thankfully for Kaidan, he’s good at his job. And he enjoys it. 

Until he meets Anna Whitt—sweet, smart, feisty, and inexplicably good—the one girl seemingly immune to his charms. The daughter of a guardian angel and a fallen one, she has a certain power over him, one that makes him wish for more than he could ever deserve. 

Determined to save all the Neph from their dark lives as the influencers of sin, Anna joins forces with Kaidan to overcome the demons’ oppressive ways. In the light of her affections, Kaidan must undergo his toughest test of all, a battle of the heart.

Sensual and swoon worthy, this companion volume to the acclaimed Sweet Evil series from New York Times bestselling author Wendy Higgins, told from the perspective of the irresistibly sexy and mysterious Kaidan Rowe, gives readers revealing insights into his struggle, his intense connection to Anna, and most of all, the true emotions that drive him.


Author Note:
Sweet Temptation will encompass the entire trilogy in a condensed version, beginning with Kai's life before he met Anna, and taking readers through the epilogue of Sweet Reckoning. Sweet Temptation is a companion novel, not meant to be a stand alone story. It will definitely be a richer experience for those who have read the original trilogy."

R&R Review Monday: Our Souls To Keep by Gary Caruso

Amazon  Goodreads  Book Depository  Barnes and Noble

Our Souls to Keep #1

Goodreads Blurb:

"After seventeen-year-old Wake Reynolds agrees to trade his life to prevent the damaged soul of his suicidal mother from the fiery tortures of Hell, Satan strips him of his humanity and forces him to become a demonic collector of souls. With no memory of his human existence, Wake preys on defenseless teenagers until they willingly end their own lives.

After many years of loyal service, something inside Wake is changing. Images of a forgotten life, lost human emotions begin to emerge. As Wake struggles to keep these new sensations hidden, Satan orders him to corrupt the soul of a pregnant girl, Annemarie. Beautiful, gentle Annemarie. From the moment Wake sees her, she brings lightness to his blackened heart. If he chooses to defy Satan and spare the lives of Annemarie and her unborn child, his mother’s soul will writhe in Hell’s deepest pit for eternity. Annemarie or his mother? It’s a choice no one should have to make. "

R&R Review Friday: Bonds of Fate by Jason Crawford

Amazon  Goodreads  Barnes and Noble

Goodreads Blurb:

"Two years after saving the Archangel Gabriel, Sam Buckland is feeling the pressure of a world plagued by evil. When the Angels Fall and Heaven is attacked by an ancient Egyptian sorcerer, however, he must put aside his weariness and muster all his powers and those of unlikely allies to turn aside this new threat."

Review Friday: A Beautiful Dark by Jocelyn Davies

Amazon  Goodreads  Book Depository  Barnes and Noble

Goodreads Blurb:

"On the night of Skye’s seventeenth birthday, she meets two enigmatic strangers. Complete opposites—like fire and ice—Asher is dark and wild, while Devin is fair and aloof. Their sudden appearance sends Skye’s life into a tailspin. She has no idea what they want, or why they seem to follow her every move—only that their presence coincides with a flurry of strange events. Soon she begins to doubt not just the identity of the two boys, but also the truth about her own past.

In the dead of a bitingly cold Colorado winter, Skye finds herself coming to terms with the impossible secret that threatens to shatter her world. Torn between Asher, who she can’t help falling for, and Devin, who she can’t stay away from, the consequences of Skye’s choice will reach further than the three of them could ever imagine.

A Beautiful Dark is the first book in a captivating trilogy by debut author Jocelyn Davies."

R&R Interview and Review Sunday: Chains of Prophecy by Jason P. Crawford

Amazon  Goodreads  Book Depository  Barnes and Noble

Goodreads Blurb:

"Samuel Buckland is a young man who has it all and is planning for the future. Gregory Caitlin is a businessman and politician. He has designs to bring hope back to a world in need...and he'll be damned if anyone gets in his way! 

When the two cross paths, even the angels tremble. 

An ancient magic has been rediscovered. Sam must overcome his lack of faith and accept his destiny, or the world he knows will suffer the consequences. 
. 
A skeptic who must harness the powers of demons and genies. A zealot who has begun to walk a darker path. Bound together by a stolen secret. 

Can any of them escape the Chains of Prophecy?"

Review Friday: Empower by Jessica Shirvington

Amazon  Goodreads  Book Depository  Barnes and Noble

Goodreads Blurb:

"It has been two years since Violet Eden walked away from the city, her friends, her future and - most importantly - her soulmate, Lincoln. Part angel, part human, Violet is determined to stand by the promises she made to save the one she loves.

Living in the perpetual coldness of a broken soul she survives day to day as a Rogue Grigori in London.

But when an unexpected visitor shows up at her door, the news he bears about someone she swore to protect leaves Violet with no choice.

Even worse, she fears that this might all lead back to the night she tries hardest to forget. And what was taken without her permission.

Violet is going back to New York ... and she knows exactly who is going to be there.

With Phoenix in her dreams and Lincoln in her heart she knows it is only a matter of time before the final choice must be made."

Book Review Friday: City of Heavenly Fire by Cassandra Clare

Amazon  Goodreads  Book Depository  Barnes and Noble

Goodreads Blurb:

"In this dazzling and long-awaited conclusion to the acclaimed Mortal Instruments series, Clary and her friends fight the greatest evil they have ever faced: Clary's own brother.

Sebastian Morgenstern is on the move, systematically turning Shadowhunter against Shadowhunter. Bearing the Infernal Cup, he transforms Shadowhunters into creatures out of nightmare, tearing apart families and lovers as the ranks of his Endarkened army swell.

The embattled Shadowhunters withdraw to Idris - but not even the famed demon towers of Alicante can keep Sebastian at bay. And with the Nephilim trapped in Idris, who will guard the world against demons?

When one of the greatest betrayals the Nephilim have ever known is revealed, Clary, Jace, Isabelle, Simon, and Alec must flee - even if their journey takes them deep into the demon realms, where no Shadowhunter has set foot before, and from which no human being has ever returned...

Love will be sacrificed and lives lost in the terrible battle for the fate of the word in the thrilling final installment of the classic urban fantasy series The Mortal Instruments!"

Book Review Wednesday: Finale by Becca Fitzpatrick

Amazon  Goodreads  Book Depository  Barnes and Noble

Goodreads Blurb:

"Will love conquer all?

Nora and Patch thought their troubles were behind them. Hank is gone and they should be able to put his ugly vendetta to rest. But in Hank's absence, Nora has become the unwitting head of the Nephilim and must finish what Hank began. Which ultimately means destroying the fallen angels - destroying Patch.

Nora will never let that happen, so she and Patch make a plan: lead everyone to believe they have broken up, and work the system from the inside. Nora will convince the Nephilim that they are making a mistake in fighting the fallen angels, and Patch will find out everything he can from the opposing side. They will end this war before it can even begin.

But the best-laid plans often go awry. Nora is put through the paces in her new role and finds herself drawn to an addictive power she never anticipated.

As the battle lines are drawn, Nora and Patch must confront the differences that have always been between them and either choose to ignore them or let them destroy the love they have always fought for."

Review Monday: Dreams of Gods and Monsters by Laini Taylor

Amazon  Goodreads  Book Depository  Barnes and Noble

Goodreads Blurb:

"By way of a staggering deception, Karou has taken control of the chimaera rebellion and is intent on steering its course away from dead-end vengeance. The future rests on her, if there can even be a future for the chimaera in war-ravaged Eretz.

Common enemy, common cause.

When Jael's brutal seraph army trespasses into the human world, the unthinkable becomes essential, and Karou and Akiva must ally their enemy armies against the threat. It is a twisted version of their long-ago dream, and they begin to hope that it might forge a way forward for their people.

And, perhaps, for themselves. Toward a new way of living, and maybe even love.

But there are bigger threats than Jael in the offing. A vicious queen is hunting Akiva, and, in the skies of Eretz ... something is happening. Massive stains are spreading like bruises from horizon to horizon; the great winged stormhunters are gathering as if summoned, ceaselessly circling, and a deep sense of wrong pervades the world.

What power can bruise the sky?

From the streets of Rome to the caves of the Kirin and beyond, humans, chimaera and seraphim will fight, strive, love, and die in an epic theater that transcends good and evil, right and wrong, friend and enemy. 

At the very barriers of space and time, what do gods and monsters dream of? And does anything else matter?"

Book Review Monday: City of Lost Souls by Cassandra Clare

Amazon  Goodreads  Book Depository  Barnes and Noble

Goodreads Blurb:

"The New York Times bestselling Mortal Instruments continues—and so do the thrills and danger for Jace, Clary, and Simon.

What price is too high to pay, even for love? When Jace and Clary meet again, Clary is horrified to discover that the demon Lilith’s magic has bound her beloved Jace together with her evil brother Sebastian, and that Jace has become a servant of evil. The Clave is out to destroy Sebastian, but there is no way to harm one boy without destroying the other. As Alec, Magnus, Simon, and Isabelle wheedle and bargain with Seelies, demons, and the merciless Iron Sisters to try to save Jace, Clary plays a dangerous game of her own. The price of losing is not just her own life, but Jace’s soul. She’s willing to do anything for Jace, but can she still trust him? Or is he truly lost?

Love. Blood. Betrayal. Revenge. Darkness threatens to claim the Shadowhunters in the harrowing fifth book of the Mortal Instruments series."

Book Review Friday: Silence by Becca Fitzpatrick

Amazon  Goodreads  Book Depository  Barnes and Noble

Goodreads Blurb:

"WHEN SILENCE IS ALL THAT'S LEFT, CAN THE TRUTH FINALLY BE HEARD?

Nora Grey can't remember the past five months of her life. After the initial shock of waking up in a cemetery and being told that she has been missing for weeks - with no one knowing where she was or who she was with - she tried to get her life back on track. Go to school, hang out with her best friend, Vee, and dodge mom's creepy new boyfriend.

But there is this voice in the back of her head, an idea that she can almost reach out and touch. Visions of angel wings and unearthly creatures that have nothing to do with the life she knows.

And this unshakable feeling that a part of her is missing.

Then Nora crosses paths with a sexy stranger, whom she feels a mesmerizing connection to. He seems to hold all the answers...and her heart. Every minute she spends with him grows more and more intense until she realizes she could be falling in love. Again."

Review:

Ho hum... how to go about this...  I'm not actually sure how I feel about this book.  It was kind of surreal actually reading it which is weird because there's absolutely no reason it should be surreal.  But anyway, while I was reading, I just wasn't concentrating at all.  Luckily, I still managed to scrounge up some general notes about the book!

So the enjoyable things...
I really liked the complex angel and Neph problems going on.  They kept the entire book from being a 'love with triumph' sort of book.  I also loved all the new information on fallen angels and Nephilium.  The author is really doing a good job of keeping their roles and information consistent.  There aren't any confusing sections where I wanted to say 'how did THAT' just happen??  I also loved the villain.  It was totally unexpected (well maybe a little...) and they did an excellent job of doing the villain.

And the not so enjoyable things...
I was so frustrated by Patch and Nora's relationship.  I felt like it wasn't real at all in the first place.  And the amnesia at the beginning, they just felt fabricated.  Like a fake plot point to keep the book going because the author couldn't think of anything else to put.  Also, while I was reading, I felt like it was written in a hurry.  Key details were left out that didn't seem intentional at all.  Things were just... missing.

The Final Verdict:
I loved all the complexity and new information regarding the fallen angels and Nephilium and the villain was amazing.  However, Patch and Nora frustrated me all throughout the book and I just wanted to slap them and say 'just get on with it!'.  Important details pertaining to the plot were also left out.
3.5 stars


Quotes:
“Angel... I don't think you understand the lengths I would go to if it means keeping you here with me."


“I love you.” His voice was straightforward, affectionate. “You make me remember who I used to be. You make me want to be that man again. Right now, holding you, I feel like we have a shot at beating all odds and making it together. I’m yours, if you’ll have me.” 


“You're mine, Angel. And I'm yours. Nothing can change that.” 


“Since we're keeping it primal, you smell good," he observed. 
"It's called a shower...," I began automatically, then trailed off. My memory snagged, taken aback by a compelling and forceful sense of undue familiarity. "Soap, shampoo, hot water," I added, almost as an afterthought. 
"Naked. I know the drill," Jev said, something unreadeble passing over his eyes.”


“If I lose you, I lose everything” 

Book Review Sunday: Days of Blood and Starlight by Laini Taylor

Amazon  Goodreads  Book Depository  Barnes and Noble

Goodreads Blurb:

"Once upon a time, an angel and a devil fell in love and dared to imagine a world free of bloodshed and war.

This is not that world.

Art student and monster's apprentice Karou finally has the answers she has always sought. She knows who she is—and what she is. But with this knowledge comes another truth she would give anything to undo: She loved the enemy and he betrayed her, and a world suffered for it.

In this stunning sequel to the highly acclaimed Daughter of Smoke & Bone, Karou must decide how far she'll go to avenge her people. Filled with heartbreak and beauty, secrets and impossible choices, Days of Blood & Starlight finds Karou and Akiva on opposing sides as an age-old war stirs back to life.

While Karou and her allies build a monstrous army in a land of dust and starlight, Akiva wages a different sort of battle: a battle for redemption. For hope.

But can any hope be salvaged from the ashes of their broken dream?"

Book Review Monday: Crescendo by Becca Fitzpatrick

Amazon  Goodreads  Book Depository  Barnes and Noble

Goodreads Blurb:

"Nora Grey's life is still far from perfect. Surviving an attempt on her life wasn't pleasant, but at least she got a guardian angel out of it. A mysterious, magnetic, gorgeous guardian angel. But despite his role in her life, Patch has been acting anything but angelic. He's more elusive than ever (if that's possible) and what's worse, he seems to be spending time with Nora's archenemy, Marcie Millar.

Nora would have hardly noticed Scott Parnell, an old family friend who has moved back to town, if Patch hadn't been acting so distant. Even with Scott's totally infuriating attitude, Nora finds herself drawn to him - despite her lingering feelings that he is hiding something.

If that weren't enough, Nora is haunted by images of her murdered father, and comes to question whether her Nephilim bloodline has anything to do with his death. Desperate to figure out what happened, she puts herself in increasingly dangerous situations to get the answer. But maybe some things are better left buried, because the truth could destroy everything - and everyone - she trusts."

Review:

So I admit, it's been a while since I've read Hush, hush I was was more than a bit confused at what on earth was happening with all of the fallen angel and Nephilium stuff.  However, I do think some parts were just plain confusing on their own and could be straightened out (the whole Black Hand business got a little screwy).

So the person who turned out to be the 'bad guy' in this particular book made sense... in this book.  I just didn't accept how Patch took it so well.  I know he has like a heart of ice but still!  It was a bit of a drastic change which leads me to wonder exactly how much of this book was planned out.  And for that matter, the series.

  

I also didn't like Patch in this one.  And not just because of the whole breaking up with Nora thing    He just let it happen!  And then he didn't do anything to defend himself or really, anything at all but protect Nora and act like he's sacrificing something (which he is but you know what I mean).

Even with all of that, it was still an addicting read (I finished it in 2 nights) and I loved the writing style.  So I don't know... I guess a more thorough evaluation when the series ends and I know where this is all going.

The Final Verdict

I haven't read Hush, hush in a while so I was confused in a lot of parts although some spaces were confusing all by themselves.  Also, the villain and Patch irked me.  However, the writing style is still really good and it was a really addicting read.  So just... ideas.

3.5 stars

Quotes:

“Being with you never felt wrong. It's the one thing I did right. You're the one thing I did right.” 

“You're a psychopath."
"I prefer creative.” 

“I love you more than I think I should.” 

“The only thing a boyfriend was good for was a shattered heart.” 

“Any happiness, no matter how brief, seemed better than the long, simmering torture of waking up day after day, knowing I could never have him.” 

“Whoa, who peed in your Cheerios?” 

“He's got the whole bad-boy-in-need-of-redemption thing going on, but the catch is, most bad boys don't want redemption. They like being bad. They like the power they get from striking fear and panic into the hearts of mothers everywhere” 

“Did I really want to stay on this road longer, knowing it was only going to end in devastation?” 

Giveaway and Book Review: The Guardian by Lydia Rodriguez-Clement

Amazon  Goodreads  Book Depository  Barnes and Noble

Goodreads Blurb:

"THE GUARDIAN is a story about how Sarah's spiritual beliefs are reaffirmed when the existence of Angels and Demons are horrifically revealed. Never had she dreamt that her mundane life would be caught in not only a struggle to stay alive in this clash of worlds, but also in a sadistic plan by the Dark Angels to lure Jacob, her own Guardian, to fall."

Review:

Thank you to the author Lydia Rodriguez-Clement for gifting me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review!

Hmmmm... where to start...  I suppose I'll start off by saying that there were pretty much equally good things and things to work on in this book for me.  Let's start off with the good shall we?

Sarah's character development.  I was actually laughing at her character in the beginning and how sheltered she was and just how... young she was.  But by the end, I was impressed with the way her character improved and grew.

I also really liked how Sarah and Jacob didn't push their physical relationship.  It wasn't the most important thing to them.  You don't see that a whole lot anymore in... well in a lot of genres now I guess.  That was really a breath of fresh air!

Additionally, the way the whole guardian angel's thing was set up was very original.  I especially loved the Captain's bit and their part in the hierarchy.  I do wish there would have been more on the supernatural side of things but I suppose you can only fit so much into a stand-alone book.  However, if the author so chose to, I think this would make a wonderful series.

I had two main problems with The Guardian that pretty much balance out all that good stuff up yonder.

1.  Word choice - specifically the words 'stated' and 'casually'.  'Stated' really doesn't convey much emotion and 'casually' was used in some iffy circumstances.  Those were also some of the most used words used to describe the way dialogue is said in The Guardian.

2.  Jacob and Sarah's romance seemed like a whirlwind romance that was also accepted without much of a fight on the angelic side of things.  I won't say anymore to avoid spoilers but I think there could have been a bit more tension in that area of the book.

The Final Verdict

Overall, a very decent book.  Sarah's character development as well as her relationship with Jacob really impressed me although their romance was a bit quick and met with little resistance on the paranormal side of things.  Also, the word choice could use some work.  The idea behind the book is excellent in addition to the structure of the guardian and Captain system.

3.5 stars

The Ultimate Quote in the book:

"'When I'm flying up into the sky and Heaven separates the clouds to embrace me; that is how good your arms feel around me.  When the sun's warmth caresses my face; that is how your smile makes me feel.  When I'm soaring down the side of a mountain, and the wind whips through my sings; that exhilaration is how you make my spirit feel every time I see you.  That is how I know I love you.  So don't tell me I don't know what love is.'"

About the Author

Lydia Rodriguez-Clement, a native Texan, grew up in the beautiful city of San Antonio where this story takes place, and where she attended a local college and university. It was in high school, however, where she was told she had a flare for writing, and decided many years later to persue this noble art. She has been married for 19 years, and has five children and two dogs. Her family life keeps her very busy, but after surviving Leukemia, with the help of God, family and friends, she followed her life long dream to continue writing.

Connect:

Goodreads:  https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4146637.Lydia_Rodriguez_Clement

Facebook:  http://www.facebook.com/LydiaGuardian

Twitter:  lydiaclement6

Giveaway
Your information will not be used other than to contact and to get the prize to you.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Book Review Sunday: Halo by Alexandra Adornetto

Amazon  Goodreads  Book Depository  Barnes and Noble

Goodreads Blurb:

"An angel is sent to Earth on a mission.

But falling in love is not part of the plan.

Three angels – Gabriel, the warrior; Ivy, the healer; and Bethany, the youngest and most human – are sent by Heaven to bring good to a world falling under the influence of darkness. They work hard to conceal their luminous glow, superhuman powers, and, most dangerous of all, their wings, all the while avoiding all human attachments.

Then Bethany meets Xavier Woods, and neither of them is able to resist the attraction between them. Gabriel and Ivy do everything in their power to intervene, but the bond between Xavier and Bethany seems too strong.

The angel’s mission is urgent, and dark forces are threatening. Will love ruin Bethany or save her?"

Review:

First off.  The cover is gorgeous.  I mean really!  Beautiful.

Second.  This is like the bajillionth angel book I've read and it somehow was a bit different.  Impressive.

Third.  This is quite an impressive feat for such a young author (on the book jacket it said Miss Adornetto is 18).  She has some potential for the world of writing.

There were a couple things that irked me starting with how the plot seemed to come in little bumps.  It seemed like there could only be one problem at a time.  So first, Beth and Xavier have to confirm their love with their families.  Then, they have to conquer the demon.  It just seemed very... disconnected.  Don't get me wrong, Beth and Xavier's relationship was adorable and I loved how they didn't push the physical side of their relationship.  It seems like that's the norm now in YA and NA.  However, sometimes their relationship got a bit too adorable.  So many things in their relationship seemed fake.

All of the characters were amazing but I especially liked Gabriel and Ivy.  Their characters were pretty complex and I can't wait to see more of their identities.

I also liked how Beth was taken in by the 'popular' crowd.  It seems like in every book where the main character is in a new school, they are taken in by the wallflowers and outcasts.  It was a nice change.

The largest problem I had but just that it didn't compel me to read it.  I picked it merely because I needed to finish it before I would let myself read the next book in TMI series.

Final Verdict:

Halo wasn't a particulary compelling book for me personally but it did manage to put a different spin on the whole angel idea (connecting it more closely with Heaven and God).  The cover is gorgeous and the characters are fabulous.  The plot did seem to come in bumps instead of one continuous buildup of different problems.

3 stars

Quotes:

“A man in love can do extraordinary things, I don’t care if you’re an angel, you’re my angel, and I won’t let you go.” 

“One of the most frustrating words in the human language, as far as I could tell, was love.
So much meaning attached to this one little word. People bandied it about freely, using it to
describe their attachments to possessions, pets, vacation destinations, and favorite foods. In the
same breath they then applied this word to the person they considered most important in their
lives. Wasn’t that insulting? Shouldn’t there be some other term to describe deeper emotion?” 

“Did I mention I've finally decided on a nickname for you?"
"I didn't know you were looking."
Well, I've given the matter some serious thought."
"And what have you come up with?"
"Cookie," I anounced proudly.
Xavier scrunched up his face. "No way."
"You don't like it? What about Bumblebee?"
"Worse."
"Snookie-Wookie?"
"Do you have any cyanide?"
"Well, some of us are just a bit hard to please.” 

“She had the face of an angel
I saw mirrors in her eyes
We were the same, she and I
Both bound by potent lies.

In him I saw my future
In him I saw my friend
In him I saw my destiny
Both my beginning and my end.” 

“Without complexity, there's no intensity.” 

“That was one of the saddest things about people--their most important thoughts and feelings often went unspoken and barely understood.” 

“Sometimes it's better to stop trying to make sense of things. Life isn't clear cut, there are always gray areas.”