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Thomas Winship reviewed a book.

“"Hidden Wings" tells the story of Emma Wise, a seventeen year old who is suddenly orphaned and sent to live with an aunt she's never met. We're introduced to Emma as she's in the hospital, recovering from the accident that killed her parents. I was a bit disappointed that she wasn't as broken up...”

“"Hidden Wings" tells the story of Emma Wise, a seventeen year old who is suddenly orphaned and sent to live with an aunt she's never met. We're introduced to Emma as she's in the hospital, recovering from the accident that killed her parents. I was a bit disappointed that she wasn't as broken up about their deaths as I expected--in fact, she seemed to have a harder time over leaving her friends than losing her parents--nevertheless, she did have a mini-breakdown on the flight to Alaska (her new home), so I gave her a pass on that.

Emma is whisked off sans funerals, or anything resembling closure, but the justification becomes evident later. A pair of standard YA hunks accompanies her (a word of caution to YA authors: these guys are threatening to unionize! Something to do with unsafe work conditions, long hours, lack of health benefits, and lack of financial compensation, or so I hear. Of course, they want to retain the fringe benefits.).

Heck, before long, Emma's surrounded by a gaggle of gorgeous guys--it's like she stepped into the NYC firefighters calendar--but there's danger aplenty, as she deals with Watchers and Darkling and nephilim and fallen angels. They're not all bad, of course, and Renae provides plenty of fodder to spark questions over whether or not her next series will stray into racy territory:
- A sudden euphoric feeling; an unexplainable heat shot through every cell in my body. My pulse quickened, along with my breath, and tingles pricked my skin. A rush of adrenaline flooded my veins and my surroundings began to haze.
- He fluffed the two pillows and arranged them comfortably on his lap, and then patted them. "Come Emma. Lie down and get some rest."
- "By the way...nice PJ's."
- "Well, would you like some help... you know... getting to sleep?"
- I quickly grabbed handfuls of mud and rubbed it all over my face and body.
- "Guess who's cleaning my blade tonight?"
- "So how was babysitting?" Alexander asked Thomas with a laugh. "Not too bad. I actually got some action."
- Was it real? Was he really in my room last night? My heart began to race. I closed my eyes and pictured his gleaming eyes, inches from mine.

Innuendo and misinterpretation aside, Renae takes the reader on a wild ride that also features secret tunnels, a labyrinth, prophecies, a Hummer (see section above!), and even grenades (which I, for one, never leave home without!).

There's a Spock-like moment that demonstrates a power I'd kill to have ("I'm sorry to have to do this to you," he said in a calm voice, placing his hand on my forehead and speaking one word. "Sleep."), a Star Wars-esque confession that got me all misty-eyed ("Yes, Emma. I am your mother."), and a swipe at all that vampire fic that I couldn't help but take personally ("There are no such things as vampires, sweetheart.") LOL

As Emma said ... "Oh my God! My life is starting to feel like a cheap sci-fi flick."

All in all, Renae shows, as she did with last year's "In My Dreams," that she does YA right. "Hidden Wings" is the first book in the series (also titled "Hidden Wings"), with a sequel and prequel novella released last month, so go along for the ride!

Favorite LOL scene: "It was the bum guy that I'd met outside of Alaine's home. Emotion rushed over me and I fell limp into his arms." Because it happens to all of us at least once.

Favorite "Hell Yeah!" line: "They can't kill it. It's protected by all that heavy metal." `Nuff said.

Favorite WTF statement: "This girl was a talker." Uttered by one female about another female. Ironic, no?

I highly recommend "Hidden Wings" to YA and paranormal romance fans.”

Vincent Bivona rated a book.

• Rated 5 stars

Vincent Bivona rated a book.

• Rated 5 stars

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Vincent Bivona rated a book.

• Rated 4 stars

Vincent Bivona rated a book.

• Rated 4 stars

Vincent Bivona rated a book.

• Rated 5 stars

Marina rated a book.

• Rated 5 stars

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Ashley [ <3 ] reviewed a book.

“Why this book is not a best-seller is a mystery to me. It has a little bit of everything- a little mystery, magic, mystery, great characters, good setting, a brewing romance, and some plain old teen angst just for good measure. Yet, the plot is not over-whelming. Amazing.
Spirit White is a...”

“Why this book is not a best-seller is a mystery to me. It has a little bit of everything- a little mystery, magic, mystery, great characters, good setting, a brewing romance, and some plain old teen angst just for good measure. Yet, the plot is not over-whelming. Amazing.
Spirit White is a backdoor heroine. She lacks in confidence, being without magic and all, and doesn't have high hopes that she can save herself, much less her friends. Still, she proves at the end of the story that she can contribute, and her friends can depend on her. Also, the girl is stubborn, and I have to admire that. She isn't distracted from her goal and does everything in her power to ensure the safety of fellow students, especially her close friends.
I love the dynamic between Muirin and Addie. Muirin's sarcasm and biting remarks are well-balanced by Addie's kindness and reluctance to break the rules. Bottom line: Addie is best friend material and Muirin is the friend I'd love to get into trouble with.
As for the guys, Burke definitely scored points for me with Spirit. Helping her with her fighting so she didn't leave class bruised and bloody, asking her to dance TWICE. So sweet. Meanwhile Loch had some moments. Perhaps he's a bit more reluctant to make a move? Guess we'll find out.
The plot moved along nicely, and the Whatever was unexpected. As a team, the five main characters worked well together. I foresee a great group forming.”

Kristy McCaffrey reviewed a book.

“In "Love Proof", lawyer Sarah Henley must work opposite her former lover from college, Joe Burke. He broke her heart six years prior and never had the decency to tell her why. This premise may sound too simple, but in the hands of the talented Ms. Ruston a solid, compelling love story unfolds. I...”

“In "Love Proof", lawyer Sarah Henley must work opposite her former lover from college, Joe Burke. He broke her heart six years prior and never had the decency to tell her why. This premise may sound too simple, but in the hands of the talented Ms. Ruston a solid, compelling love story unfolds. I definitely lost sleep reading this while on vacation.

The romance is hot, the legal proceedings are entwined just enough to give context but not overwhelm the story, and the characters are likable and credible. But not perfect. When the romance is re-ignited, Sarah and Joe face an ethical issue, working on opposing sides of the same case. How that unfolds, as well as Sarah's own reservations about Joe, create the obstacles they must overcome. It's a reminder that despite mistakes made along the way, everyone has the power to become a better version of themselves.

Sit back, relax, and enjoy a great read. You won't be disappointed.”

Lori Meckley (gungirl007) rated a book.

• Rated 5 stars

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• Rated 5 stars

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