Fire and Ice

Giving away an author signed copy to readers ages 18 and older here http://fireandicephoto.blogspot.com/2010/12/book-review-human-blend-by-lori.html

3.5 stars

I have really mixed feelings about this book. From the beginning the relationships seemed WAY too rushed until you find out a little tidbit of info. near the end. However, there were several points during my read that I almost put the book away and didn't finish due to content. I really wouldn't want my teen reading this book. While pitched as YA fiction with 18 year old main characters, I think it is written more as adult romance. The flashbacks to Laney's previous life I skimmed right past and didn't read because of how violent they were. I understand her past was hard and she is on the run but do why the need to elaborate so much?

That being said, Human Blend does have a very interesting storyline that kept me intrigued enough that I did finish the book. Lori's writing felt a bit choppy at times but the basic premise of the plot and the personalities of the characters are a winning combination. She takes a new slant on two paranormal creatures that come into contact with each other when Laney takes a volunteer position in a hospital. It has your love triangle going on but the relationships were complex and the author keeps you guessing through the whole book. I felt connected to the people and liked the new mythology introduced. Sometimes I wish that books came with filters like TV and movies do, because I genuinely would have loved this one without the sex and violence. This is a trilogy, so I am hoping the next two books are age appropriate. I can only give it 3.5 stars since I bordered between liking it and hating it all at the same time.