Why was this book ever published? 
 It was terrible, it was absolutely horrific. 
 Honestly, it was just eye-rolling, tacky-romance, flimsy-character, terrible-writing, terrible. Like, who even authorized this book? 
 First of all, it was like insta-romance. "Omg, a DARKLING! Must resist!" 
 I couldn't even FINISH it. What I read sums up to this: 
 Ash: I don't deserve to be loved. I am super broody and really hostile and a total jerk. But I've got my reasons. 
 Natalie: This boy intrigues me. What is this feeling that I am feeling? Why am I so attracted to him? 
 Ash: I can't get her out of my head ... she is so different. She is so strange. 
 Natalie: *touches Ash* 
 Ash: *heart starts to flutter* *can't stop thinking about Natalie* 
 Natalie: *barely knows him* Hm, you're so handsome and dark. It's totally forbidden... but it's true love, so it must be right. 
 Ash: OMG she made my heart beat. That must mean ... 
 Natalie: I have a crush of Ash... he's so mysterious but also totally sweet under that dark mask. 
 Ash: You are ... *dramatic, because he's so in love* my BloodMate 
 Natalie: OMG I knew all along in my heart, I love you so much! 
 Ash: It was so meant to be. You are my heart, I love you so much. 
 (Me: WTF?) 
 Natalie: *is forced to make decision between best friend and guy she just met* 
 Ash: ... 
 Natalie: I CHOOSE ASH BECAUSE I LOVE HIM *ignores the 'but it's forbidden' protests* I DON'T CARE IF IT'S IMPOSSIBLE! 
 Ash: Oh, Natalie, I love 'oo so much ... you're so sweet ... 
 Natalie: *smiles* 
 (Me: WTF?) 
 Then I slammed the book shut. And I thought, What kind of world are we living in -- or rather, are Natalie and Ash living in?