Chosen at Nightfall by C.C. Hunter

Book Summery (Via Goodreads): Don’t miss this magnificent final chapter in the breathtaking Shadow Falls series! Kylie’s epic journey is about to lead her exactly where she belongs...
When Kylie Galen entered Shadow Falls Camp, she left her old life behind forever and discovered a world more magical than she ever imagined. A place where you’re two best friends can be a witch and a vampire... and where love doesn’t happen the way you’d expect.
When Kylie’s most powerful enemy returns to destroy her once and for all, there’s only one way to stop him—to step into her full powers and make a stunning transformation that will amaze everyone around her. But her journey won’t be complete until she makes one final choice…which guy to love. Should she choose to the werewolf who broke her heart but will give anything to win her back, or the half-fae who ran from their attraction before they had a chance? Everything she’s learned at Shadow Falls has been preparing her for this moment - when her fate will be revealed and her heart claimed forever.

Book Review:
Ok, I'm just going to come out and say it...this is probably the weakest book in the series. I have really enjoyed the Shadow Falls series, but let's be honest, it's fluff...sexy, supernatural fluff. That's what I love about this series! I picked up this book with gusto, ready to get lost in a good paranormal romance story. However, what I got was a lot of introspection and chatty dialog. There was very little action (romantic or otherwise), and the pacing was a bit problematic. There's usually a good "showdown" towards the end of each book, and I was a little disappointed this time around. Like I mentioned, I read a lot about Kylie's thoughts, feelings, and insecurities. I would have rather been reading about steamy romances and supernatural showdowns. Also, the love triangle was very predictable. I did enjoy learning more about Kylie's supernatural abilities and the ghost story arc was really interesting. Ultimately, I was a bit underwhelmed. I noticed at the end of the book that Hunter is writing a spin off series based on one of the supporting characters from this series. I'd be interested in checking it out.

Favorite Quote:
“Oh, I brought you something." Her mom pulled a bag from her purse. "I know how you like T-shirts," she said.

Kylie couldn't help but think, My mom went to England and all I got was a T-shirt, but she smiled and pulled it out of the bag and then chuckled when she read the script across the front: My mom went to England and all I got was this T-shirt.

"Perfect," Kylie said.” 

Cover Art Commentary:
Quite possibly my favorite cover in the series! I love the colors and the water has significant meaning!

Rating:

Whispers at Moonrise (Shadow Falls #4) by C.C. Hunter

Book Summery (Via Goodreads): Even at a camp for supernatural teens, Kylie Galen has never been normal. Not only can she see ghosts, but she doesn’t seem to belong to any one species—she exhibits traits from them all. As Kylie struggles to unlock the secrets of her identity, she begins to worry that Lucas will never be able to accept her for what she is, and what she isn’t…a werewolf.  With his pack standing in their way, Kylie finds herself turning more and more to Derek, the only person in her life who’s willing to accept the impossible.

As if life isn’t hard enough, she starts getting visits from the ghost of Holiday, her closest confidante.  Trouble is, Holiday isn’t dead…not yet anyway.  Now Kylie must race to save one of her own from an unseen danger before it’s too late—all while trying to stop her relationship with Lucas from slipping away forever.   In a world of constant confusion, there’s only one thing Kylie knows for sure.  Change is inevitable and all things must come to an end…maybe even her time at Shadow Falls.

Book Review:
This series just keeps getting better and better! I remember when I picked up the first book in the series. The cover had caught my eye at the bookstore. I hadn't heard of the title, but decided to give it a try. I was pleasantly surprised, and Hunter just keeps on surprising me! I love learning more about Kylie's supernatural power. I think we'll learn even more in the next book. The Holiday twist was a real asset to the story. The love triangle is as hot as ever. Personally, I am rooting for Derek, but we'll see what happens. Sadly, I've learned that the next book in the series is the last. I am not anywhere near ready for this series to be over! 

Favorite Quote:
“You couldn't always control life, just your response to it.” 

Cover Art Commentary:
Gorgeous! Don't these covers just look fantastic altogether?!

Rating:

 

Taken at Dusk (Shadow Falls #3) by C.C. Hunter

Book Summery (Via Goodreads): Kylie Galen wants the truth so badly she can taste it. The truth about who her real family is, the truth about which boy she’s meant to be with—and the truth about what her emerging powers mean. But she’s about to discover that some secrets can change your life forever…and not always for the better.

Just when she and Lucas are finally getting close, she learns that his pack has forbidden them from being together. Was it a mistake to pick him over Derek? And it’s not just romance troubling Kylie. An amnesia-stricken ghost is haunting her, delivering the frightful warning, someone lives and someone dies. As Kylie races to unravel the mystery and protect those she loves, she finally unlocks the truth about her supernatural identity, which is far different—and more astonishing—than she ever imagined.

Book Review:
Ok, I'll be honest. I fell in love with the series from the first page of the first book. This book is no exception. In Taken at Dusk, we learn more about Kylie and her supernatural abilities. Also, things between her and Lucas heat up. I love that Hunter incorporates the supporting characters well into the story as well. I have grown found of them all. I felt like this book was more about self-discovery for Kiley. The interactions with the "evil" characters felt rushed and were rather brief. Other than that, I really enjoyed this installment of the Shadow Falls series.For some reason, I thought this was a trilogy. I am sooooo happy to discover that this is an on-going series. I can't find anything that says "there will be x number of books," but the series does not seem to stop in the next book that is due to be released. Ok, I'm a geek, I admit it. Anyways, I highly recommend this series, especially if you like paranormal YA. :)

Favorite Quote:

“Wow," Miranda said, "You'd better be careful Della. In the last few days, I think you've used up your vampire quota of apologies for the next ten years." 

Cover Art Commentary:
I wasn't a fan of the series' covers (pictured below) at first, but I have fallen in love with them. They all look gorgeous together don't they?

Rating:

Awake at Dawn by C. C. Hunter

 

Book Summer (Via Goodreads): Now that she’s settled in at Shadow Falls Camp, Kylie Galen’s determined to discover the extent of her supernatural abilities.  But with a ghost insisting someone Kylie loves is about die, a rogue vampire on a murdering rampage, and her sixth sense telling her someone is watching her, Kylie’s quest for answers is quickly put on hold. 
To make matters worse, just when she’s about to give her heart to Derek, a half-fairy, he starts pulling away.  When Lucas, a werewolf with whom Kylie shares a secret past, returns, Kylie’s feels more conflicted than ever. Her weekend with her mom should have been the just the break Kylie needs, but it turns out to be her breaking point.  Someone from the dark side of the supernatural world has plans for Kylie--and it'll take all her resources to get back to Shadow Falls alive...

Book Review:
Hunter has done it again! I first became enthralled in Kylie's world with Hunter's first book, Born at Midnight (my review here). Pleasantly surprised with the first installment of the series, I was just as infatuated with the followup, Awake at Dawn. This character driven novel delivers romance, mystery, and paranormal flair! Kylie and her friends are at it again...battling boys, ghosts, and sometimes each other, the trio really set a wonderful tone for the story. All of the characters are vivid and engaging. I love the variety of paranormal beings, it makes for such a colorful story! Kylie sets out to discover herself, with pronounced determination. I really don't want to give too much of the story away. This is a fun, fast read that all ages are sure to enjoy! If you are a YA paranormal romance fan, then this book is for you! :)

Favorite Quote:

“Life isn't supposed to be easy. Generally speaking, the harder something is the more rewarding the results will be.” 

Cover Art Commentary:
Love the colors of this cover. The waterfall has significance to the story. This cover matches nicely to the first book in the series, Born at Midnight.

Rating:

 

Born at Midnight by C. C. Hunter

Book Summery:
One night Kylie Galen finds herself at the wrong party, with the wrong people, and it changes her life forever. Her mother ships her off to Shadow Falls—a camp for troubled teens, and within hours of arriving, it becomes painfully clear that her fellow campers aren’t just “troubled.” Here at Shadow Falls, vampires, werewolves, shapshifters, witches and fairies train side by side—learning to harness their powers, control their magic and live in the normal world.
Kylie’s never felt normal, but surely she doesn’t belong here with a bunch of paranormal freaks either. Or does she? They insist Kylie is one of them, and that she was brought here for a reason. As if life wasn’t complicated enough, enter Derek and Lucas. Derek’s a half-fae who’s determined to be her boyfriend, and Lucas is a smokin’ hot werewolf with whom Kylie shares a secret past. Both Derek and Lucas couldn’t be more different, but they both have a powerful hold on her heart.
Even though Kylie feels deeply uncertain about everything, one thing is becoming painfully clear—Shadow Falls is exactly where she belongs…-goodreads.com

Book Review:
I was at Barnes and Noble the other night looking for a specific book (which turns out was out of stock). Amidst my quest, I stumbled upon Born at Midnight by C. C. Hunter. I had neither heard of the book or the author. I ended up adding it to the growing pile of books in my arms and proceeded to sit down and thumb through said pile. As per my usual, I skimmed through each book and set it in the to-buy pile or the re-shelf pile. I picked up Born at Midnight, and was immediately hooked. The characters were tangible and flawed, I could easily to them. I instantly became a part of Kylie's world, and craved to learn more about her and her impending journey. To say I was not disappointed is the understatement of the year. I inhaled this book in just little over a day. As I mentioned above, this story is character driven, which makes it multidimensional and engrossing. The use of various supernatural beings is also creative and entertaining. I loved that camp setting and was able to easily imagine the woods, water, campfires, etc... The only complaint I have is the love triangle. Now, I am always up for a good love triangle, but I consistently feel that the "good guy" always takes the backseat. I truly hope this isn't the case for this triangle, but only time will tell. Ms. Hunter, you have concocted a truly original and captivating tale. I await on the edge of my seat for Kylie's next story, Awake at Dawn, which comes available in October, 2011. For more information, the FREE down-loadable pre-story, and other tid-bits, check out Hunter's website here.

Favorite Quote:
"The door to Kylie's bedroom opened and Bennet stuck his head in. 'Are you going back up to the office?'
Holiday's expression changed into fake concern. she rested a hand on Kylie's shoulder. 'I'm afraid she needs me.'
Bennet wasn't fooled, that was apparent by his expression, but he didn't argue, either. Well, as long as one didn't call slamming the door an argument.
'Jerk.' Holiday muttered.
'I can hear you,' he retorted from the other side of the wall." (p. 347)

Cover Art Commentary:
I love the colors. However, I'm not really that found of the image. Perhaps the cover is laced with awesomeness, because despite the fact that I didn't particularly care for the cover, there was something about it that made me pick up the book. And boy, I am sure glad I did!

Overall Rating: