Ripple

Well, that was a fun little book. Wasn't crazy about it, but I enjoyed reading it all the same.

The relationship between Cole and Lexi was good, and considering this is a romance novel, that's probably a good thing. I think Hubbard did a good job showcasing Lexi's guilt and uncertainty after our antagonistic rival Erik was introduced, and I spent a good amount of time wondering how Lexi was going to get back together with Cole--which meant I was rooting for the protags. Always a plus in my book. I also rather enjoyed how Lexi's relationship with Sienna developed, and how it ended. Kudos for taking the sad, but realistic route with having Sienna refuse to forgive Lexi for killing her brother.

The book lost me a little bit during the down time scenes. There were a lot of moments were nothing much really happened as the book explored regular high school activities and tried to build up relationships. It wasn't bad, but it did get a tiny bit tedious dealing with all the high school shenanigans when Lexi was supposed to be worrying about whether or not she'd slip up and murder Cole.

It picked up a lot though when Erik was introduced, and we got our first paranormal related plot twist. I won't spoil it for you, but I can say the book picked up a lot after the conflict got a little more complicated.

Overall though, I liked it. Quick, nice read about a siren who doesn't want to be a siren, and the guy she fell in love with. I may not have adored it, but maybe you will. I definitely suggest giving it a shot if it sounds like your kind of book.

Full review on Reader's Dialogue: readersdialogue.blogspot.com/2011/10/ripple.html

The premise of this book is really great. The problem I had with it is the way that premise is executed. I didn't like the pacing of the book. It felt way too slow at times, and then with a rush everything happens at once, and then it's back to a lulling pace. There are really only two major plot points, when most good stories have three big turning points.

Besides, the relationship between Lexi and Erik seems off way before Lexi starts to notice anything, and it made me somewhat unsympathetic to Lexi as a result. Cole is great, and the relationship there is portrayed nicely - which is the point, I know, but did Lexi and Erik have to be together for so many lifeless pages before something happened?

So basically, not a book I'm likely to read again. A shame, because as I said, the premise is really great, and the ending tugs at the heartstrings, but it's too little too late.