Of Triton by Anna Banks

      About the book: Someone I love is lying to me.
      Emma has just learned that her mother is a long-lost Poseidon princess, and now struggles with an identity crisis: As a Half-Breed, she's a freak in the human world and an abomination in the Syrena realm. Syrena law states all Half-Breeds should be put to death. 
      As if that's not bad enough, her mother's reappearance in the Syrena world turns the two kingdoms--Poseidon and Triton--against one another. Which leaves Emma with a decision to make: Should she comply with Galen's request to keep herself safe and just hope for the best? Or should she risk it all and reveal herself--and her Gift--to save a people she's never known?

      Quote of the Book: "Did you hear what I said? She's ex-Mob. Her gun probably eats guns like that for breakfast." -Emma McIntosh.

      My thoughts and opinion: I waited waaay too long to read this book. Therefore, I had to read Of Poseidon again and then Of Triton. 
      And oh my coffee beans, this book was AMAZING!
      First of all, I really like how Banks dug deeper into the Syrena world. I loved reading about all the laws and class structure. It was nice to get to experience the life down under the sea. I thought all the action in this book was awesome; there was still romance and chemistry and attraction though which I loved because there was a nice balance. 
      One thing that strangely annoyed me was Emma's reaction to her mother, Nalia, reuniting with Grom. While I understood that Emma loved her father and thought her mother could at least show some love and respect towards his memory, I also thought Nalia should be able to be happy with Grom. If Emma could be with Galen, why couldn't her mother be with Grom? I just thought it was absurd that Emma didn't want Nalia to be happy and in love. However, I still liked Emma because she's not totally bad.
      Totally bad and evil would be Jagen. I also hated how he was able to convince so many people so easily. Everyone was so quick to eat up his lies and conspiracies. I especially hated him when he attacked Toraf. Emma and Toraf were trying to rescue him like the good Syrena people they are and he repays them by almost killing Toraf. I thought Jagen was just really ruthless. 
      I really liked the couples a lot. First it was Emma and Galen. Then it was Rayna and Toraf. Now it's Nalia and Grom. Banks is really good at this relationship romance writing. There could have been a Rachel and Dr. Milligan, too. If only something didn't happen. But it seriously did NOT need to happen! I was really emotionally emotional at that part. 
      All in all, I loved this book and every single chapter, page, word in it. That cover is pretty darn cool too. :-)

Honeysuckle Summer by Sherryl Woods

      About the book: Her devastating marriage behind her, Raylene Hammond is truly thankful for her best friends, the Sweet Magnolias. They've taken her in, shielding her from the world. Then she meets sheriff's deputy Carter Rollins, and suddenly Raylene's haven no longer feels quite so safe.
      Carter understands why Raylene is trapped inside. He's even taken to bringing the outside world to her. But with two kid sisters to raise, just how much time can he devote to this woman who's stolen his heart?              Raylene knows Carter is a man worth loving, but she may never be strong enough to accept what he's offering. How long can she ask him to wait? Maybe they'll never have more than this one sweet summer.

      Quote of the Book: "So if you need time, you've got it, because I know with every fiber of my being that you're worth it." -Carter Rollins. 

      My thoughts and opinion: Yay, I picked up another Sherryl Woods book! And isn't that cover just lovely? I thought the title was fitting for these months. I do hope I get to read all the Sweet Magnolia books but for now, I'll settle with Honeysuckle Summer. 
      At first glance or read, I did not like Carter that much. I hated his first impression of Raylene because how could he judge someone he didn't know? Carter had no idea what this stranger was going through and he already wanted to report her. However, Carter turned out to be a pretty nice guy and all the things that he did for her like planting the garden in the backyard were sweet and thoughtful of him. After spending time with Raylene, Carter obviously cared a lot about Raylene and he even visited her regularly which I thought was the nicest thing. He never gave up hope that Raylene would conquer her agoraphobia and that they could have a future together. 
      Raylene was such a strong woman and it was really great to read and follow her journey to recovery. I really loved the part when she fought off Paul; it was so courageous and inspirational. I wanted to jump up and cheer for her if it wasn't two in the morning. I thought it was extremely foolish of her to keep pushing away Carter though. Raylene knew what her heart wanted but she kept distancing herself from Carter in an attempt to be selfless. I'm glad that Carter was persistent and tried again and again to win Raylene over. 
     This book had some memorable and awesome parts like when Raylene stood up to Paul and when Carter helped Raylene with the salad. I thought this book was cute and funny like a baby pygmy goat. I also loved how the Sweet Magnolias looked out for Raylene and it makes me wish I grew up in a small Southern town. 
      Overall, I adored this book and all its lovey dovey parts. Honeysuckle Summer was a very beautiful and enjoyable read.