Shine by Jeri Smith-Ready

For Review: Simon & Schuster
Published: 7 June 2012

From Goodreads: In this dramatic conclusion to the Shade trilogy, Aura and Zachary’s relationship sizzles as the secrets of the Shift are revealed.

Life can change in an instant, and no one understands that better than Aura. It’s been almost a year since her boyfriend tragically died. She’s finally letting go of Logan’s violet-hued ghost, but not her search to uncover the truth about her past.

As the first in a generation that can see ghosts, Aura is convinced she has a connection to the Shift. She’s trusted Zachary, ever patient and ever by her side, with all that she knows. But when the government threatens his life in an attempt to learn Aura’s secrets, she will stop at nothing to protect herself and the one she loves...even if that means betraying her own heart.

Having really enjoyed the first two books in this series I was really looking forward to finding out how it would all end. And I have to say I think the author did a brilliant job in concluding the story.

One thing I will say is Jeri Smith-Ready sure knows how to panic a reader! But despite causing my heart to stop during the first few chapters, I picked myself up off the floor, and really enjoyed the rest of the story. There was definitely a more serious tone to this one and I wasn't at all convinced there would be a happy ending for Zach and Aura.

I really did miss Logan in this one but at the same time I think it gave room for the relationship between Zach and Aura to really develop. I adore Zach, absolutely love him and the gentle way he treats Aura. I was really worried for him in this one too - he has some real demons to deal with this time!  Aura grows in this one too and becomes even stronger.  I loved the way she was really willing to fight for Zach, and how she was able to still love Logan, but also able to move on and let him go.

I also like the way things concluded! As much as I am saddened to leave Aura and Zach, the ending felt like a true resolution to the series. And a really good one too!

I can't wait to read Jeri Smith-Ready's next YA novel. In the meantime I might have to check out some of her adult novels.

Shift by Jeri Smith-Ready

For Review: Simon & Schuster
Published: 9 June 2011

From Goodreads   Aura's life is anything but easy. Her boyfriend, Logan, died, and his slides between ghost and shade have left her reeling. Aura knows he needs her now more than ever. She loves Logan, but she can't deny her connection with the totally supportive, totally gorgeous Zachary. And she's not sure that she wants to.

Logan and Zachary will fight to be the one by her side, but Aura needs them both to uncover the mystery of her past—the mystery of the Shift.

As Aura's search uncovers new truths, she must decide whom to trust with her secrets…and her heart.

I officially love this series! It's fun, addictive and something a bit different in the paranormal romance genre.

Shift continues straight on from the end of Shade - where Logan and Aura get a little more than they bargained for! Not sure what it all means and how it fits in with the mystery surrounding the Shift, Aura continues her quest to find answers. But with Logan and Zachery competing for her affections,  Aura has to decide where her heart truly lies...

I still really liked Aura - even though some of her actions were a bit questionable - you can understand how complicated her life must be. I like how determined she is to find out about the Shift and how she is connected to it. Logan has grown in this one and I liked him much more - there is something about him that makes him likeable even when he does the wrong thing! I adore Zachery though - and yes I think the accent helps! He does a few questionable things in this one as well but his life has gotten seriously complicated too so I had to give him some leeway for that.  And the chemistry between him and Aura is seriously good!

The mystery surrounding the Shift continues to intrigue. I must admit I had worked out a few things, including one of the revelations concerning Aura's parentage, but there were many surprises that had me on the edge of my seat.  I love Jeri Smith-Ready's writing - and I can't wait for the third installment in this series. I am really looking forward to getting answers and finding out what happens to these characters.

Shade by Jeri Smith-Ready

From Goodreads: Best. Birthday. Ever. At least, it was supposed to be. With Logan's band playing a critical gig and Aura's plans for an intimate after-party, Aura knows it will be the most memorable night of her boyfriend's life. She never thought it would be his last.

Logan's sudden death leaves Aura devastated. He's gone.

Well, sort of.

Like everyone born after the Shift, Aura can see and hear ghosts. This mysterious ability has always been annoying, and Aura had wanted nothing more than to figure out why the Shift happened so she can undo it. But not with Logan's violet-hued spirit still hanging around. Because dead Logan is almost as real as ever. Almost.

It doesn't help that Aura's new friend Zachary is so understanding--and so very alive. His support means more to Aura than she cares to admit.

As Aura's relationships with the dead and the living grow ever complicated, so do her feelings for Logan and Zachary. Each holds a piece of Aura's heart...and clues to the secret of the Shift.

I really, really enjoyed this one!

Along with everyone born after the Shift, Aura is able to see and hear ghosts. Not an ability she particularly enjoys. She wants to find out what caused the Shift to see if she can change it. But when her boyfriend suddenly dies she is devastated. But since she can see and hear ghosts she still has Logan in her life. And things only get more complicated Especially when new boy Zachary comes into the picture...

Aura is a great character. I really liked her and enjoyed her narration. Logan is fun and I could see why Aura would be with him. But he does have a bit of an annoying side and sometimes comes across as selfish. I really liked Zach, and I loved that he was Scottish! I could really imagine that accent! He seemed sweet and I thought him and Aura had a lot in common. Perhaps more than her and Logan.

The aftermath of Logan's death was handled really well - the way the characters who could see him grieved in a different way from those who couldn't - felt very realistic. I found this gave the book an emotional grounding which really appealed to me.

I also really liked the idea behind the Shift. There is a mystery to it - one that we discover pieces of alongside Aura. I'm looking forward to unravelling more of the puzzle in future installments of the series. I'm glad I have my copy of Shift to hand because with that ending? I so need to read it right now!