Pawn (The Blackcoat Rebellion #1) by Aimee Carter

Title: Pawn  (The Blackcoat Rebellion #1)
Author: Aimee Carter
Publisher: Harlequin Teen
Release Date: November 26, 2013
Received From: Publisher via Netgalley  

Synopsis: YOU CAN BE A VII. IF YOU GIVE UP EVERYTHING. 
For Kitty Doe, it seems like an easy choice. She can either spend her life as a III in misery, looked down upon by the higher ranks and forced to leave the people she loves, or she can become a VII and join the most powerful family in the country. 
If she says yes, Kitty will be Masked—surgically transformed into Lila Hart, the Prime Minister's niece, who died under mysterious circumstances. As a member of the Hart family, she will be famous. She will be adored. And for the first time, she will matter. 
There's only one catch. She must also stop the rebellion that Lila secretly fostered, the same one that got her killed …and one Kitty believes in. Faced with threats, conspiracies and a life that's not her own, she must decide which path to choose—and learn how to become more than a pawn in a twisted game she's only beginning to understand.

Review:
I love Aimee Carter's Goddess Test series so I was super excited to read Pawn.  I know a lot of people are burnt out on dystopian but I think Pawn has elements that are different enough to entice even the most cynical of dystopian readers.

The world that Carter has created is so rich and detailed. I really liked getting to know the world as Kitty got to know and understand the intimate details of how it is run. Every good dystopian novel needs an evil leader and Pawn definitely has its fair share of corrupt leadership. I was severely creeped out by some of the things the Harts did.

I never knew who to trust while I was reading Pawn. There were so many twists and turns to the plot that I was completely surprised by some of the events that transpired.

While I really liked Kitty and thought she was a strong but flawed protagonist, I think the secondary characters really shone. Whether it was one of the scheming Harts or Kitty's boyfriend Benji they all added so much variety and spice to the plot!

Pawn is one of the best dystopian books I have read in a while. It was unexpected, creepy, and even had a little teeny bit of romance thrown in. I cannot wait for the next book to see what happens to Kitty and the Harts!

Definitely pick this one up today!

Romance Review: Wicked in Your Arms: Forgotten Princesses #1 by Sophie Jordan

Title: Wicked in Your Arms: Forgotten Princesses
Author: Sophie Jordan
Publisher: Avon
Release Date: July 26, 2011
Received From: Library

Synopsis: One of the most notoriously eligible bachelors in Europe is finally ready to marry . . .

For fiercely independent Grier Hadley, being the illegitimate daughter of one of London's most unsavory characters has only one advantage: an enormous, ill-gotten dowry.

Prince Sevastian Maksimi knows where his duty lies: he must find a well-bred young lady—one with a considerable fortune to her name—wed her promptly, and get to the business of producing an heir.

The last thing Grier needs is some unattainable prince curling her toes with his smoldering glances and wicked suggestions. As far as Sev is concerned, she lacks the breeding to become a princess. And yet one kiss from this arresting female is all it takes for him to realize that anyone else in his arms would be unthinkable . . .

Review:
Wicked in Your Arms was the first of Sophie Jordan's adult books I had read. I had read her Firelight (YA) series and really enjoyed it so I decided to give her historical romances a try. I am so glad I did I loved this book and Grier was a fabulous heroine.

I read this book in ebook format and I am glad I did. There were so many passages that I highlighted because they were fantastic and hilarious. Also because I wanted to choose one to share with you so you could get a peek into the banter between Grier and Savastian. I think this passage will convince you to read this book much more than anything I could say.

 "Not that it's any of your concern, but I'm eight and twenty."
He blinked. "You're a bit long in the tooth, aren't you?"
She gasped. "For what? Being alive?"
"For being yet unclaimed."
"Unclaimed? As in unclaimed by a man?"
He nodded once.
"A little archaic, aren't you? I've been busy... haven't gotten around to a man... claiming me yet."
"I see," he murmured, either missing her sarcasm or deliberately ignoring it.
Propping her hands on her hips, she demanded, "And how old are you?"
"It doesn't matter how old I am. I'm a man."
"No, you're a jackass!" she retorted. (58)

 Isn't that dialogue awesome? You want to know what happens next don't you? Wicked in Your Arms is chock full of dialogue just like that. As well as stolen kisses and political intrigue.

One of the main reasons I liked this book so much, besides the dialogue, is Grier herself. She has all these secrets that the reader and Sevastian both have to figure out. She is strong willed and independent and very different from many typical historical romance heroines. Also Sev is sexy.

I think anyone who is a fan of historical romance or who wants to get into reading historical romance should definitely pick up Wicked in Your Arms. It is a real treat!