Paper Valentine by Brenna Yovanoff

Book Summery (Via Goodreads): The city of Ludlow is gripped by the hottest July on record. The asphalt is melting, the birds are dying, petty crime is on the rise, and someone in Hannah Wagnor’s peaceful suburban community is killing girls.
For Hannah, the summer is a complicated one. Her best friend Lillian died six months ago, and Hannah just wants her life to go back to normal. But how can things be normal when Lillian’s ghost is haunting her bedroom, pushing her to investigate the mysterious string of murders? Hannah’s just trying to understand why her friend self-destructed, and where she fits now that Lillian isn’t there to save her a place among the social elite. And she must stop thinking about Finny Boone, the big, enigmatic delinquent whose main hobbies seem to include petty larceny and surprising acts of kindness.
With the entire city in a panic, Hannah soon finds herself drawn into a world of ghost girls and horrifying secrets. She realizes that only by confronting the Valentine Killer will she be able move on with her life—and it’s up to her to put together the pieces before he strikes again.

Book Review:
I was really excited to read another book by Brenna Yovanoff. I have just adored her other books. However, this one fell a little flat in comparison. The premise is interesting and the plot is full of mystery and suspense. However, the character's were a bit bland and disconnected. I was initially interested in Hannah's relationship with ghost Lillian, but the relationship was a bit bizarre. I know, I know, I'm talking about a human being having a friendship with a ghost, but other books have been a bit more successful in making this a bit more engaging and believable. I did enjoy Hannah's relationship with her family, particularly her sister. Overall, an interesting read, but not quite up to par for Yovanoff. I still look forward to her next book!  

Favorite Quote:
“You can't keep acting like this," Lillian says, and for the first time in months, it's like she's actually trying to be nice. "Tragedy isn't this evil thing that came from outer space. It's just there, you know. Along with everything else.”

Cover Art Commentary:
As most of you know, I am sucker for a pretty cover. This beauty is no exception! I love the intricate designs and the color scheme. This cover caught my eye right away!

Rating:

The Space Between by Brenna Yovanoff

Book Summery (Via author's website):
Everything burns in Pandemonium, a city in Hell made of chrome and steel, where there is no future and life is an expanse of frozen time. That’s where Daphne lives.
The daughter of a demon and a fallen angel, she wonders what lies in store for her. Will she become a soulless demon like her sisters? Or follow in the footsteps of her brother Obie, whose life is devoted to saving lost souls on Earth? All she wants is to find a place where she belongs.
When Obie saves a bleeding, broken boy named Truman from the brink of death and then suddenly goes missing, Daphne runs away to Earth to find him. But on Earth, everything is colder and more terrifying, and Daphne struggles between her demon instincts and her growing—yet achingly unfamiliar—feelings for Truman. As Daphne and Truman search for Obie, they must navigate the jealousies and alliances of the violent archangels who stand in their way. But Daphne also discovers, unexpectedly, what it means to love and be human in a world where human is the hardest thing to be.

Book Review:
It may not seem like it per my review, but Yovanoff caught my attention with her debut novel The Replacement. It was dark and mysterious. I remember like it, but not loving it. However, she definitely stepped up her game with The Space Between. I inhaled this book like none other! The world building was amazing. For someone to describe Hell with such depth...I was truly in awe. If Yovanoff's writing was a bit choppy in her first book, she has definitely made some good strides. I found The Space Between smooth and seamless. I enjoyed the main character's voice. Daphnie, though a demon, is flawed and beautiful. Her love for her brother pushes her through difficult times. I really cannot say enough about this book. It's a wonderful tale with gothic elements and some paranormal touches. Really, really well done.

Favorite Quote:

“Once, my mother told a whole host of angels that she’d rather die than go back to a man she didn’t love.” 

Cover Art Commentary:
Hello gorgeous! I am totally in love with this cover! The colors are rich and the details are outstanding! Rather eye-catching! I didn't realize this before, but there is a detailed scene in the red background, behind the girl lying on the silver bench. I have a few ideas as to what it might be...but I can't say for sure.

Rating:

The Replacement by Brenna Yovanoff

Book Summery:

Mackie Doyle is not one of us. Though he lives in the small town of Gentry, he comes from a world of tunnels and black murky water, a world of living dead girls ruled by a little tattooed princess. He is a Replacement, left in the crib of a human baby sixteen years ago. Now, because of fatal allergies to iron, blood, and consecrated ground, Mackie is fighting to survive in the human world.

Mackie would give anything to live among us, to practice on his bass or spend time with his crush, Tate. But when Tate's baby sister goes missing, Mackie is drawn irrevocably into the underworld of Gentry, known as Mayhem. He must face the dark creatures of the Slag Heaps and find his rightful place, in our world, or theirs. -goodreads.com

Book Trailer:



Book Review:
When I first read a review of this book, I was intrigued. As more and more reviews came out, my interest grew. Until I finally had to read the story for myself, and let me tell you it's a hell of a good story. The town on Gentry is dark and mysterious. From page one, you can tell something isn't what it appears to be. The characters of this book really highlight the story. Mackie is an unusual main character. Apologetic for his very nature. He also has an air of mystery that surrounds him. The deeper Mackie delves into discovering his true nature, the more dangerous things get for the town. Emma, Mackie's sister, will literally do anything to keep him safe. Mackie's cast of friends are fiercely loyal as well as colorful. Rasputin, the town's most successful band holds an interesting link to Mackie. Last, but not least, Tate, who is sweet, tough and one-of-a-kind. Despite the wonderful cast of characters, what took my rating down to a 4/5 was Yovanoff's writing. Don't get me wrong, the tale is wonderful. However, Yovanoff's writing style seemed a bit dis-jointed, or choppy (if you will), to me. Some crucial elements were not fully explained or flushed out. This lead the reader to be confused at points. Despite this flaw, I was able to piece together the overall picture, which was a dark, creepy, but ultimately lovable tale.

Favorite Quote:

"The Morrigan was hugging herself, rocking back and forth. She leaned against me suddenly, resting her cheek on my arm. 'We love the town as best we can, and they love us back, although they don't always know they're doing it. But it isn't enough for my sister. She needs sacrifice. ' " (p. 119)

Cover Art Commentary:
I really love this cover. It's dark. It's mysterious. It's creepy. It sets the perfect tone for the overall story.

Overall Rating: