Mini Reviews: the Fourth in the Summer Catch Up Addition

The first three mini review posts can be found HERE and HERE and HERE.

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Partials by Dan Wells

Summary/Cover Image from Publisher's Website:

The human race is all but extinct after a war with Partials—engineered organic beings identical to humans—has decimated the population. Reduced to only tens of thousands by RM, a weaponized virus to which only a fraction of humanity is immune, the survivors in North America have huddled together on Long Island while the Partials have mysteriously retreated. The threat of the Partials is still imminent, but, worse, no baby has been born immune to RM in more than a decade. Our time is running out.

Kira, a sixteen-year-old medic-in-training, is on the front lines of this battle, seeing RM ravage the community while mandatory pregnancy laws have pushed what's left of humanity to the brink of civil war, and she's not content to stand by and watch. But as she makes a desperate decision to save the last of her race, she will find that the survival of humans and Partials alike rests in her attempts to uncover the connections between them—connections that humanity has forgotten, or perhaps never even knew were there.

Dan Wells, acclaimed author of I Am Not a Serial Killer, takes readers on a pulsepounding journey into a world where the very concept of what it means to be human is in question—one where our humanity is both our greatest liability and our only hope for survival.

Review:

I was initially hesitant to give Partials a try. I wasn't the biggest fan of the cover, and the premise seemed okay, but nothing I was really dying to read. However, after seeing great review after great review for this, I decided to give it a try, and I'm so glad I did, because Partials was simply spectacular! It took a while to really get going, but once it did I was hooked. That premise that I was so easy to dismiss turned out to be fascinating. The idea behind the partials was original, and I really enjoyed learning about their back history. I also liked seeing the constant struggle for power between them and the humans. It caused a lot of tension, tension that made me not want to stop reading. I also really enjoyed the main characters in this. Kara was someone who had a lot of drive and spunk, and it was always fun to see how she constantly pushed the boundaries surrounding her world as well as her heart. I also enjoyed the addition of Samm, the partial that Kara begins an alliance with in the book. He was not the typical character, as could be expected, and it was always interesting to get into his head. What I enjoyed most about this book, though, was how little romance it had, because while I am a huge fan of romance subplots, it was a refreshing change- one that I wouldn't mind seeing more often. Lastly, Dan Wells did a fabulous job of setting the world in this one up. In all, Partials by Dan Wells is a great Sci-Fi, Dystopian read, and I can't wait to read the sequel.

Partials (Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Goodreads) is now out!

Source: Publisher via Netgalley

Breaking Beautiful by Jennifer Shaw Wolf

Summary/Cover Image from Publisher's Website:

A gripping murder mystery and satisfying romance drive this powerful debut

Allie lost everything the night her boyfriend, Trip, died in a horrible car accident-including her memory of the event. She doesn't remember driving on the cliff road. She doesn't recall jumping from the truck just before Trip lost control. As their small town mourns his death, Allie is afraid to remember because doing so means delving into what she's kept hidden for so long, the horrible reality of their abusive relationship.

When the police reopen the investigation, it quickly turns on Allie and her best friend, Blake, especially as their budding romance raises eyebrows around town. As the threats begin and the survivor's guilt takes over, Allie knows she must tell the truth. Can she reach deep enough to remember that night so she can finally break free?

Fans of dark contemporary stories will feel right at home in the hands of debut writer Jennifer Shaw Wolf as she takes them on an emotional ride through the murky waters of love, shame, and ultimately, forgiveness.

Review:

Breaking Beautiful was a spectacular read to say the very least! From the first page, I was instantly hooked on Allie's story. Her voice was realistic and believable given the circumstances. I felt that Jennifer did a fabulous job of expressing the pain and guilt as well as relief Allie felt over the accident involving her boyfriend's death and the fact that she couldn't remember it. Allie herself was a character that had hit rock bottom, and through this book, she begins to find herself once again. Her journey was unforgettable, and I couldn't get enough of it to say the least. I also thought Jennifer did a great job with the fact that Tripp was abusive. She didn't cookie cut nor make it extremely unbearable...instead she presented the situation perfectly and in a way that I'm sure will help others going through the same situation. I loved the wide variety of secondary characters introduced such as her brother and his girlfriend as well as Blake, Allie's best friend and something more...The aspect that really had me hooked on this book, though, was the mystery behind it all. I was always racing through, dying to know what happened that fateful night...would Allie ever remember it? Was Tripp's accident planned? There were so many questions swirling around in my head to say the least! In all, Breaking Beautiful is amazing as well as perfect for fans of suspenseful YA.

Breaking Beautiful (Amazon/ Barnes and Noble/ Goodreads) is now out!

Source: Publisher via Netgalley

Supergirl Mixtapes by Meagan Brothers

Summary/Cover Image from Publisher's Website:

After years of boredom in her rural South Carolina town, Maria is thrilled when her father finally allows her to visit her estranged artist mother in New York City. She’s ready for adventure, and she soon finds herself immersed in a world of rock music and busy streets, where new people and ideas lie around every concrete corner. This is the freedom she’s always longed for—and she pushes for as much as she can get, skipping school to roam the streets, visit fancy museums, and flirt with the cute clerk at a downtown record store.

But just like her beloved New York City, Maria’s life has a darker side. Behind her mother’s carefree existence are shadowy secrets, and Maria must decide just where—and with whom—her loyalty lies.

Review:

I really don't have that much to say about Supergirl Mixtapes. It was an okay read overall. I found the story to be interesting enough, and I easily read it in one period. However, it wasn't exactly a favorite of mine. I don't know why exactly. I found the main characters to be interesting and likable enough. It was always fun to see Maria's life begin in New York City as well as to see her evolve as a person because of it. Her relationship with her mom brought a lot of tension, which always made the plot move in a rapid pace. The setting was always interesting. It took place in the '90s which I wasn't expecting. However, there was just something about this one that seemed off to me. Maybe it was because it wasn't what I was expecting, or maybe because I felt that certain parts of it were one hot mess, especially the rushed ending. In all, Supergirl Mixtapes wasn't my read, but I still suggest you give it a try if it seems like your speed. Hopefully, you'll end up liking it much more than I did.

Supergirl Mixtapes (Amazon/ Barnes and Noble/ Goodreads) is now out!

Source: Publisher via Netgalley

Stunning (Pretty Little Liars, #11) by Sara Shepard

Summary/Cover Image from Publisher's Website:

In Rosewood, Pennsylvania, four stunningly beautiful girls are haunted by a very ugly past. Spencer, Aria, Hanna, and Emily want nothing more than to forget Alison DiLaurentis, their former best friend who tried to ruin their lives. But someone refuses to let her memory die. A is still out there, lurking in the shadows and digging up the pretty little liars' newest secrets.

Emily's reconnecting with an old flame, one baby step at a time. But is she headed toward true love or another bundle of heartache? Spencer's learning about the highs and lows of campus life on a trip to Princeton. Aria's seeing a whole new side to Noel's dad—and it could drive a wedge between her and Noel. And, for better or worse, Hanna's getting in touch with her inner A.

Secret by secret, lie by lie, the girls get tangled in A's dangerous web. A knows about everything, from their tiniest transgressions to the awful incident in Jamaica. Soon A will have enough ammunition to pull the trigger and end the pretty little liars, once and for all. . . .

Review:

If you've been a reader of my blog for any length of time, you will probably by now that I absolutely adore the Pretty Little Liars series. They are without a doubt my guilty pleasure reads. I can't get enough of the scandal, the secrets, and the forbidden romances, and with Stunning, that statement remained the same. I loved seeing the new trouble the girl's faced...such as Aria's worry and guilt over telling Noel what she saw, Spencer's eventful trip to Princeton, Hannah's insecurities with Mike moving on, and Emily's drama from the past as well as a visit from an old flame. Everything was super juicy, and had me finishing this book in one sitting. I can't wait to read the next one, and while somedays I feel like this series is a neverending loop, I still love it.

Stunning (Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Goodreads) is now out!

Source: Publisher- thanks HarperTeen!

Mini Reviews: the Third in the Summer Catch Up Addition

You can find the previous additons HERE and HERE.

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The Savage Grace (The Dark Divine, #3) by Bree Despain

Summary/Cover Image from Publisher's Website: 

Grace's life is a mess. Daniel is still a werewolf, Talbot can't be trusted, and Caleb is still out there. With Sirhan's impending death, war seems imminent. Will Grace give in to the wolf to save her family? What will happen to Daniel . . . and can their love survive one last test?

Review:

I've been following this trilogy from the very beginning. I loved The Dark Divine, the first book in the series, and I adored The Lost Saint even more. With every book, it seemed the series got better and better, and luckily, this trend continued with The Savage Grace. I do admit I shed a tear or two, but it was all worth it in the end, because The Savage Grace was an incredible finale, one that fans of the series will love even if it means this is truly the end. I loved once again being thrown into the world of Grace and Daniel. It was just as thrilling and exciting ever, and the problems that arouse in this one always managed to have me hooked as I flipped through the pages, dying to know what would happen next. The ending, though, was what surprised me the most. I wasn't expecting a cookie cutter happy ending, but I never expected it to be so bittersweet. However, it caught me off guard, and that's always a very good thing. In all, The Savage Grace is an incredible last book. I can't wait to see what Despain comes up with next, and to those of you haven't started this series yet, shame on you. I demand you change that asap. ;)

The Savage Grace (Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Goodreads) is now out!

Source: Publisher via Netgalley

Something Like Normal by Trish Doller

Summary/Cover Image from Publisher's Website:

A powerful debut novel about a young Marine's return home from Afghanistan and the new life and love he finds while fending off flashbacks

When Travis returns home from Afghanistan, his parents are splitting up, his brother's stolen his girlfriend and car, and the nightmares of his best friend getting killed keep him completely spooked. But when he runs into Harper, a girl who despises him for rumors Travis started back in middle school, life actually starts looking up. And as he and Harper see more of each other, he falls deeper in love with her and begins to find his way through the family meltdown, the post-traumatic stress and the possibility of a interesting future. His sense of humor, sense of his own strength and incredible sense of honor make Travis an irresistible and eminently lovable hero in this fantastic and timely debut novel.

Review:

Going into Something Like Normal, I had some pretty high expectations. My fellow bloggers couldn't stop raving about it. The premise sounded amazing. Trish Doller is someone whose book recommendations I always look forward to seeing on Goodreads. Luckily, Something Like Normal was just as spectacular, knock-me-off-my-feet amazing as I thought it would be. From the first page, I was glued to this book. I seriously wouldn't, no couldn't, put my Nook down into I reached the final page, even though I had so many other things to do at the time. I was just that hooked on Travis's story, because of one key point: it seemed so real. Travis seemed like someone I could've went to high school with, someone who lived in my town, and that went for basically every character in this one. Plus it didn't hurt that I found his voice to be refreshingly honest and spot on, and I loved the variety of emotions Trish had flying off the pages in this...I could feel Travis's guilt about his time spent in war, his mixed feelings about Harper, and the lack of control he felt over his family come flying off the page and to life. What I loved most about this book, though, was the relationship between Travis and Harper. It seemed so realistic and their interactions always brought a smile to my face. I could go on and on about this book, but I don't want to spoil anything so I will leave you all with this...YOU MUST READ THIS BOOK. It's amazing. It will have you wanting more. Trish Dollar is an incredible debut author, and I can't wait to see what she comes up with next, because when I say it's sure to be spectacular, I speak nothing but the truth.

Something Like Normal (Amazon/ Barnes and Noble/ Goodreads) is now out!

Source: Publisher via Netgalley

Pretty Crooked by Elisa Ludwig

Summary/Cover Image from Publisher's Website:

Willa's secret plan seems all too simple.

Take from the rich kids at valley prep and give to the poor ones.

Yet Willa's turn as Robin Hood at her new high school is anything but. Bilking her "friends"—known to everyone as the Glitterati—without them suspecting a thing is far from easy. Learning how to break into lockers and Beemers is as hard as she'd thought it would be. Delivering care packages to the scholarship girls, who are bullied just for being different, is more fun than she'd expected.

The complication Willa didn't expect, though, is Aidan Murphy, VP's most notorious ace-degenerate. His mere existence is distracting Willa from what matters most to her—evening the social playing field between the haves and have-nots. There's no time for flirting, especially with conceited trust-funders like Aidan. But when the cops start investigating the string of thefts at Valley Prep and the Glitterati begin to seek revenge, could Aidan wind up being the person that Willa trusts most?

Elisa Ludwig's Pretty Crooked is the first book in an adventurous teen caper series filled with mystery, humor, and heart.

Review:

First, I have to admit how much I love the cover of this one! The model's outfit (especially the shoes!) is awesome and I love the use of the colors. Anyhow, I had high hopes for this one as well, and luckily, Pretty Crooked by Elisa Ludwig managed to live up to them. Pretty Crooked has a pretty amazing premise: a modern day Robin Hood. I mean, what's not to love about that? The execution of the said idea was even better I expected. From the start, I was enchanted by Willa's story as well as curious to see how everything would play out...would she be caught by her friends? What would happen if she was? Plus, I loved the other wide variety of characters in this! My favorite, though, would have to be Aidan. He was the definition of swoon worthy, and I just loved seeing him interact with Willa. Ludwig's writing was also great. I felt she captured the voice of a teenage girl, and I really liked the little twist she threw in at the end...it has me DYING to read the next book now. In all, if you like sleuthing, funny main characters, and infuriating yet charming boy characters, Pretty Crooked is the book for you!

Pretty Crooked (Amazon/ Barnes and Noble/ Goodreads) is now out!

Source: Publisher via Netgalley

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Check back for more mini reviews soon!

Mini Reviews: the Second in the Summer Catch Up Addition

See the first post HERE.

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Goddess Interrupted (Goddess Test #2) by Aimee Carter

Summary/Cover Image from Publisher's Website:

Kate Winters has won immortality. But if she wants a life with Henry in the Underworld, she'll have to fight for it.

Becoming immortal wasn't supposed to be the easy part. Though Kate is about to be crowned Queen of the Underworld, she's as isolated as ever. And despite her growing love for Henry, ruler of the Underworld, he's becoming ever more distant and secretive. Then, in the midst of Kate's coronation, Henry is abducted by the only being powerful enough to kill him: the King of the Titans.

As the other gods prepare for a war that could end them all, it is up to Kate to save Henry from the depths of Tartarus. But in order to navigate the endless caverns of the Underworld, Kate must enlist the help of the one person who is the greatest threat to her future.

Henry's first wife, Persephone.

Review:

After reading and loving the first book in this series (The Goddess Test), I couldn't wait to dive in for more! Luckily, Goddess Interrupted was everything I had been hoping it would be and much, much more. To say the very least, I absolutely loved this one, and can't wait to read the next one! From the first page, I was instantly enchanted by Henry and Kate's world, as I got to see them face the new challenges that lead ahead of them in their relationship, the ones between just them as well as the ones between them and the whole Underworld. This book had the return of the scary villains introduced in book one, and because of this, I couldn't flip the pages fast enough, because I was dying to know what would occur next. The one character I loved seeing the most again, though, was James, who I have to admit I'm still rooting for. In all, Goddess Interrupted was another fun addition to the series, and I can't wait to read the next one!

Goddess Interrupted (Amazon/ Barnes and Noble/ Goodreads) is now out!

Source: Netgalley

Shooting Stars by Allison Rushby

Summary/Cover Image from Publisher's Website:

Beneath the flashing lights, behind the screaming fans, the camera reveals all . . . even lov

Everyone agrees that the paparazzi are the scourge of the earth. They're low. They're despicable. They'll do anything for that perfect shot. And yet…how long could you go without your Us Weekly fix?

Meet Josephine Foster, or 'Zo Jo as she's called in the biz. The best pint-sized photographer of them all, Jo knows that the public-and the stars-have a symbiotic relationship with the paparazzi. She doesn't mind doing what it takes to get that perfect shot, until she's sent on a major undercover assignment to shoot Ned Hartnett-teen superstar and the only celebrity who's ever been kind to her-at an exclusive rehabilitation retreat. The money will be enough to pay for Jo's dream: fine portrait photography classes, and maybe even quitting her 'zo gig for good.

Everyone at the retreat wants to know: what Ned's in for? But Jo certainly doesn't know what she's in for: falling in love with Ned was never supposed to be part of her assignment . . .

Review:

Prior to starting this one, I had heard countless good things about it...it was adorable, it was sweet, the list went on and on. Luckily, Shooting Stars was everything people said it was and much, much more. To be honest, I was a bit unsure about this one when I heard it would be about a teenage member of the paparazzi, but it ended up being such a great idea and the execution of it was done perfectly. It was interesting seeing the behind the look into the profession as well as how much hot trouble it can get somebody into. What I loved most about this one, though, was the main character Zo Jo. I loved her voice from the start. She was sassy and full of spunk but vulnerable and timid all at the same time. The progress in her character throughout this was great, and I especially loved seeing her relationship with the mysterious and alluring Ned, especially when a little twist and forbidden-ness was thrown in here and there. In all, Shooting Stars is a charming little read, perfect for the beach and/or pool! I can't wait to read Ms. Rushby's next book!

Shooting Stars (Amazon/ Barnes and Noble/ Goodreads) is now out in paperback!

Source: Publisher via Netgalley

The Juliet Spell by Douglas Rees

Summary/Cover Image from Publisher's Website:

I wanted the role of Juliet more than anything. I studied hard. I gave a great reading for it—even with Bobby checking me out the whole time. I deserved the part.


I didn't get it. So I decided to level the playing field, though I actually might have leveled the whole play. You see, since there aren't any Success in Getting to Be Juliet in Your High School Play spells, I thought I'd cast the next best—a Fame spell. Good idea, right?


Yeah. Instead of bringing me a little fame, it brought me someone a little famous. Shakespeare. Well, Edmund Shakespeare. William's younger brother.


Good thing he's sweet and enthusiastic about helping me with the play…and—ahem—maybe a little bit hot. But he's from the past. Way past. Cars amaze him—cars! And cell phones? Ugh.


Still, there's something about him that's making my eyes go star-crossed...

Review:

As soon as I first saw the cover for this one, I knew I had to read it, and after reading the summery, that thought was only supported more. Sadly enough, while containing an intriguing premise, The Juliet Spell was not a favorite of mine due to a few reasons. For one, I was never able to fully click with the main characters, especially Miranda. Miranda just always seemed to be very immature, more than a teen her age should be. Plus, her voice just got on my nerves after a while, and the others characters were okay, but there wasn't one I particularly adored. As mentioned before, the premise of this one is great, but the overall execution was severely lacking. I found the book to drag and drag as it continued, and the story was never as fresh and exciting as I thought it would be. I often saw the plot twists and turns from miles away. I do feel, though, that this one may appeal to younger teens/the upper middle grade crowd, so if you fit one of those groups, I do suggest you give it a try. It just wasn't the read for me.

The Juliet Spell (Amazon/ Barnes and Noble/ Goodreads) is now out in paperback!

Source: Publisher via Netgalley

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Check back soon for a third batch of mini reviews!

Mini Reviews: the First in the Summer Catch Up Addition

In order to do a review catch up, I've decided to share some mini thoughts about the books I've read in the last few months. Here's the first batch.

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Magic Under Stone by Jaclyn Dolamore

Summary/Cover Image from Publisher's Website:

The heart-pounding sequel to the acclaimed romantic fantasy

For star-crossed lovers Nimira and Erris, there can be no happily ever after until Erris is freed from the clockwork form in which his soul is trapped. And so they go in search of the sorcerer Ordoria Valdana, hoping he will know how to grant Erris real life again. When they learn that Valdana has mysteriously vanished, it's not long before Nimira decides to take matters into her own hands-and begins to study the sorcerer's spell books in secret. Yet even as she begins to understand the power and limitations of sorcery, it becomes clear that freeing Erris will bring danger-if not out-and-out war-as factions within the faerie world are prepared to stop at nothing to prevent him from regaining the throne.

Review:

It seems like with every one of Jaclyn Dolamore's books her talent as an author grows tremendously, and that was just the cause with Magic Under Stone, Dolamore's third book and the sequel to Magic Under Glass. From the first page, I was thrown back into the mysterious, deadly, and thrilling world of Nimiara and Erris, who are still on the search to find a way to free Erris from the clockwork. However, the trail is filled with twists, turns, and surprises that no one could have expected. I loved nearly every single moment of this one. Nimiara and Erris grew as characters, and I felt like they're bond as a couple was stronger and more magical than ever. Plus I enjoyed the vast set of secondary characters introduced in this one. The ending provided was extremely satisfactory, and even though everything seems to be warped up for good this time, I'm still hoping for a third book. In all, if you loved or even just liked Magic Under Glass, be sure to give Magic Under Stone a chance! Trust me...it's even better.

Magic Under Stone (Goodreads) is now out!

Source: Netgalley

Loss (Riders of the Apocalypse #3) by Jackie Morse Kessler  

Summary/Cover Image from Publisher's Website:

Fifteen-year-old Billy Ballard is the kid that everyone picks on. But things change drastically when Death tells Billy he must stand in as Pestilence, the White Rider of the Apocalypse. Now armed with a Bow that allows him to strike with disease from a distance, Billy lashes out at his tormentors...and accidentally causes an outbreak of meningitis. Horrified by his actions, Billy begs Death to take back the Bow. For that to happen, says Death, Billy must track down the real White Rider, and stop him from unleashing something awful on humanity—something that could make the Black Plague look like a summer cold. Does one bullied teenager have the strength to stand his ground—and the courage to save the world?

Review:

After completing both Hunger and Rage, the first two books in the Riders of the Apocalypse series, I've come to eagerly anticipate a new Kessler book every spring. I admire the way in which Jackie picks a tough issue or two and tackles them in every one of her books, because not only does she provide a realistic and believable story, but one that offers a leg of support and help to teens going through the same thing. This book in particular discussed the topics of Alzheimer’s in a family as well as bullying through Billy Ballard's life. At the start of the book, Billy is a sad and lonely teenager going through his grandfather's failing health as well as his own problems at school. Billy lacks the courage and strength to stand up for what he wants, but with the help of Death as well as the Horsemen of the Apocalypse, Billy begins to grow as a character tremendously as well as help solve a life or death situation. Furthermore, I really enjoyed Jackie's writing in this one. In all, Loss is yet anther intriguing addition to the series. I can't wait to see what's next!

Loss (Goodreads) is now out!

Source: Netgalley

Graffiti Moon by Cath Crowley

Summary/Cover Image from Publisher's Website:

Senior year is over, and Lucy has the perfect way to celebrate: tonight, she's going to find Shadow, the mysterious graffiti artist whose work appears all over the city. He's out there somewhere—spraying color, spraying birds and blue sky on the night—and Lucy knows a guy who paints like Shadow is someone she could fall for. Really fall for. Instead, Lucy's stuck at a party with Ed, the guy she's managed to avoid since the most awkward date of her life. But when Ed tells her he knows where to find Shadow, they're suddenly on an all-night search around the city. And what Lucy can't see is the one thing that's right before her eyes.

Review:

Despite hearing excellent thing after thing about Graffiti Moon as well as its author, it took me a while to give both a try, but now that I have, all I can say is "WHY DID I WAIT SO LONG?!" To say the very least, this book was spectacular! I adored the whole premise from the very start as well as the idea of the whole story taking place over one single night. It made everything move in a super fast pace, but one that never left me felt like I was missing anything. Quite the opposite, actually, because I felt this one was beautifully developed and executed. I really enjoyed the characters of Lucy and Ed, two teens who seem to fit the stereotypes they've been given, but don't...not at all actually. I also enjoyed the wide variety of other characters introduced. Each added perfect little sparks to the book to make it nothing short of perfect. Lastly, the conclusion? LOVED IT! In all, Graffiti Moon is certainly a book you can't miss this year!

Graffiti Moon (Goodreads) is now out!

Source: Netgalley

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Check back for some more mini-reviews tomorrow, as I continue to play catch up! :)

Mini Reviews: The House of Tomorrow, Hooked, and Gil Marsh

Summary/Cover Image from Publisher's Website:

Sebastian Prendergast lives with his eccentric grandmother in a geodesic dome. His homeschooling has taught him much-but he's learned little about girls, junk food, or loud, angry music.

Then fate casts Sebastian out of the dome, and he finds a different kind of tutor in Jared Whitcomb: a chain-smoking sixteen-year-old heart transplant recipient who teaches him the ways of rebellion. Together they form a punk band and plan to take the local church talent show by storm. But when his grandmother calls him back to the futurist life she has planned for him, he must decide whether to answer the call-or start a future of his own.

Review:

Have you ever read a book that you just ADORED but you don't have that much to say about? Well, that's what happened with me and The House of Tomorrow. Going into this book, I didn't expect to love it nearly as much as I did, but by the end, I wanted nothing but for it to go on and on forever simply because it was just THAT good. I can't exactly put my finger on what made this book so good, but I'd probably say it had something to do with the characters (amazing!), world building (ditto!), and writing (superb!). Before I start rambling and can't stop, all I have to say is this: you need to read this book ASAP. Adult, teen, it doesn't matter!

Grade: A+

The House of Tomorrow (Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Goodreads) is now out in paperback!

Source: Publicist at Penguin

Summary/Cover Image from Publisher's Website:

Thea Galehouse has always known how to take care of herself. With a flighty club-owner mom and a standoffish, recovering-alcoholic dad, Thea has made her own way in her hometown of New York, attending the prestigious and competitive Stuyvesant High School. But one chat with Will, a handsome and witty senior, and she's a goner—completely hooked on him and unable to concentrate on anything else.

Always worried that she loves Will more than he loves her, Thea is pleasantly surprised when their romance weathers his move to college and Will goes out of his way to involve her in his life. But then, Thea misses a period. And that starts Thea and Will on a wild ride that neither of them could have possibly prepared for. When they decide to keep the baby, their concerned parents chip in what they can to keep Will in school and give both teenagers a comfortable place to raise their child. But when a freak accident leaves Thea shaken and threatens to upend their little family altogether, Thea is forced to turn to the last place she would have chosen for comfort: her stiff, uncompromising father.

This smart, touching first novel brims with realistic, beautifully drawn characters, and reminds us that love is never as easy or predictable as we might like it to be.

Review:

I read Hooked by Catherine Greenman a while ago as well, because just like with, The House of Tomorrow, I didn't really know what to say about it. However, while I loved The House of Tomorrow to pieces, Hooked by Catherine Greenman was just okay. Don't get me wrong, it was a readable story, something that I enjoyed reading and got through quite fast, but it just left me wanting something more. Maybe it's because I've read better teen pregnancy books, or because I just couldn't fully relate to the characters on hand, but either way, this book just didn't contain the sparkle I was looking for. However, I still suggest to fans of YA contemp...hopefully you'll enjoy this book more than I did!

Grade: C+

Hooked (Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Goodreads) is now out!

Source: Publicist- thanks Meg!

Summary/Cover Image from Publisher's Website:

Good looking, athletic, and smart, Gill Marsh is the most popular kid at Uruk High School, even though he is only a junior. When Enko, a new kid from Montreal, shows up, Gil is wary. Yet Enko is easy going and matches Gil's athletic prowess without being a threat. Soon, the two become inseparable friends, practicing, studying, and double-dating.

Then suddenly, to everyone's shock, Enko succombs to an aggressive cancer.

When Enko's parents take his body and return to Canada, Gil is unable to even say good bye. He is inconsolable. Determined to find Enko's grave, Gil sneaks away and heads north.

Closely based on the ancient story of Gilgamesh, the Sumerian King from 3000 BC, A. C. E. Bauer has carefully woven the classic elements of myth to follow Gil's quest and explore the grief and growth of a young man.

Review:

When I first heard about Gil Marsh by A.C.E. Bauer I was instantly intrigued. It sounded really interesting- an emotional and bittersweet contemporary read that I would just adore. However, as it turns out, Gil Marsh was just not for me, sadly enough. Gil Marsh tells the story of Gil Marsh and Enko, two best friends at Uruk High School. However, everything changes when Enko suddenly dies and Gil falls apart following this death. First, let me talk about the things I did enjoy about this book. One was the friendship between Gil and Enko. It was a little confusing at times (I could never tell if they were just friends or something more...) but it was still nice seeing such a strong male friendship in a YA book to say the least. I also enjoyed how A.C.E. Bauer brought to life the story of Gilgamesh in this one...it didn't turn out just as I expected but it was still interesting to see it twisted and turned to fit the modern world. The parts about this one that I just didn't love included how confusing this book could get at time (everything was so jumbled at times) to the fact that I never really could relate to Gil, which is always a bad sign in my book. Plus I also felt like this book was missing something... development, a plot line, I'm not sure....Anyhow, Gil Marsh was just not the book for me, and to be honest, it's not something I really suggest. However, if you think you may enjoy it, give it a try...hopefully you'll see something I couldn't.

Grade: C

Gil Marsh (Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Goodreads) is now out!

Source: Publisher via Netgalley 

Mini Reviews: Heart With Joy, What We Keep is Not Always What Will Stay, & Insight

Summary/Cover Image from Author's Website:

In Heart With Joy, fifteen year old Julian Hale’s life is turned upside down when his mother suddenly moves from North Carolina to Florida under the pretense of running her parents’ motel and finishing the novel she has been working on for years. While Julian has always been closer to his mother and wants to go with her, she tells him he has to stay with his father until the end of the school year.

Six weeks after his mother leaves, Julian’s father decides to run a marathon. This surprises Julian because he has never seen his father exercise, but once he agrees to help him train the two develop the sort of close relationship they’ve never had before. Also, with the help of an elderly neighbor, Julian learns that the most important thing in life is to follow your heart. And Julian’s heart leads him to a passion for cooking and a young cashier at the local grocery store even as his parents drift apart. By the end of the novel, Julian is forced to choose between staying with his father and going to live with his mother.

Heart With Joy is an uplifting coming of age novel about cooking and bird watching, about writing and pottery, and about falling in love and the sacrifices we all make. But ultimately, it’s about following your heart and trusting that it will take you where you need to go.

Review:

Heart with Joy by Steve Cushman is the perfect example of why you should never judge a book by its cover. Prior to reading this one, it had been sitting in my TBR pile for a couple of months, because while it looked interesting enough, I wasn't sure if I would totally adore. However, just at it would happen, Heart with Joy ended up rocking my world. Not only was it a sweet and honest coming of age but it also contained some pretty amazing characters! Julian is a character any teen will be able to relate and any adult will be able to see parts of themselves in when they were Julian's age. What I loved most about Julian's character, though, was seeing the different relationships he began throughout this one. From the sweet and heartwarming friendship he shared with his old neighbor to the one with his dad that ended up surprising him the most to the one with Tia, a girl who ended up inspiring Julian in ways he could have never imagine...every one was nearly perfect. The writing in this one was also great, and while a certain part of the ending almost killed me, I loved this book to pieces. My advice to you? Pick up this book ASAP. It's a heartwarming and unique read!

Grade: A-

Heart with Joy (Goodreads/Amazon/Barnes and Noble) is now out!

Source: Author- thanks Steve!

Summary/Cover Image from Publisher's Website:

Angie never used to think much about God—until things started getting strange. Like the statue of St. Felix, her secret confidant, suddenly coming off his pedestal and talking to her. And Jesse Francis, sent home from Afghanistan at age nineteen with his leg blown off. Now he's expected to finish high school and fit right back in. Is God even paying attention to this?

Against the advice of St. Felix (who knows a thing or two about war), Angie falls for Jesse—who's a lot deeper than most high school guys. But Jesse is battling some major demons. As his behavior starts to become unpredictable, and even dangerous, Angie finds herself losing control of the situation. And she's starting to wonder . . . can one person ever make things right for someone else?

Review:

What We Keep Is Not Always What Will Stay is another unique and heartwarming as well as heartbreaking contemporary read. Amanda Cockrell constantly presented an interesting twist in this one through St. Felix. I was never really sure whether or not he was something science fiction like or maybe just a small miracle. Either way, I just loved his character, because not only was he sweet and serene, but he helped Angie grow in some major ways. Angie's overall story in this one was quite interesting as well. I found her friendship with Jesse to be something refreshingly new, and even though it didn't turn out how I expected it, it was still an high point to the novel. Cockrell's writing was also great, and given the exciting and one of kind twists and turns she puts in her books, I'm excited to see what's up next for her!

Grade: B+

What We Keep Is Not Always What Will Stay (Goodreads/Amazon/Barnes and Noble) is now out!

Source: Publicist at Flux

Summary/Cover Image from Publisher's Website:

Some secrets won’t let you go.

Elvira Witsil lives about as far away from civilization as you can get, in a remote corner of Wisconsin where nothing much ever happens. In a house crowded with her mother, her cantankerous grandmother, and her little sister, Jessie, Elvira feels forgotten and alone.

Their house also contains numerous secrets, and Elvira’s family holds their secrets closely. Secrets about the father that Jessie never knew, and that Elvira can’t forget. Secrets about that day five years ago. And the one secret that Elvira can’t quite understand: that Jessie sees things no one else can see.

These secrets will lead Elvira and her family on a journey far away from home—on a journey toward redemption and healing—if she can just bring herself to believe.

Review:

When I was first offered the chance to read and review Insight, I jumped at the chance. It looked like suspenseful and secret filed, and I just couldn't get over how enchanting the cover was. As it turns out, Insightful was well worth a read! First of all, the characters and plot events in this one were quiet interesting. They constantly kept me on my toes, dying to know what would happen next. I especially enjoyed the mystical aspect to this. And the ending was perfect... bittersweet as well as hopeful. I look forward to reading more by Diana Greenwood!

Grade: B+

Insight (Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Goodreads) is now out!

Source: Publicist at DJC Communications- thanks Candace!

Book Trailer: 

Mini-Reviews for Blood, Love Story, & More!

Sometimes I run into books- ones I loved as well as ones I didn't- that I do not have too much to say about, so instead I write a mini-reviews for them. Here's the latest batch:

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Blood by K.J. Wignall 

Summary/Cover Image from Publisher's Website:

Will is a vampire in danger. Heir to the Earl of Mercia, he was brutally attacked and buried in the thirteenth century before he was able to assume his title. Perpetually sixteen, Will’s life has been lonely. He leaves his tomb every so often, adapts to the present day, feeds his bloodlust, and never gets close to anyone.
Until now.

Waking from a twenty-year slumber, hungry for the blood that sustains his undeath, he meets Eloise—but can’t bear to make her his next victim. Drawn to a girl he can never have, but whose fate seems bound with his own, he feels the need to protect her. But Will has an enemy who will stop at nothing to find him . . . and he’s closing in. . . .

Mini-Review:

Every once in a while I run into a book that I don't enjoy nearly as much as I thought I would, and unfortunately, Blood by K.J. Wignall is one of them. The premise was interesting and full of potential, but the execution never fully managed to grab my attention. The vampire bits were a little too cliched, and the whole past earl thing was sometimes hard to wrap my head around. For the most part, I had a hard time paying attention to the story at hand, especially when it got to the point where I wasn't even the biggest fan of the characters presented. Basically, Blood just wasn't the book for me, and given that, I don't think I will be continuing on with this series. However, if you're a die-hard vampire fan, this may just be the book for you.

Blood (Amazon, Barnes and Noble, and Goodreads) is now out!

Source: Publisher via Netgalley

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Love Story by Jennifer Echols 

Summary/Cover Image from Publisher's Website:

SHE'S WRITING ABOUT HIM. HE'S WRITING ABOUT HER. AND EVERYBODY IS READING BETWEEN THE LINES.

For Erin Blackwell, majoring in creative writing at the New York City college of her dreams is more than a chance to fulfill her ambitions—it's her ticket away from the tragic memories that shadow her family's racehorse farm in Kentucky. But when she refuses to major in business and take over the farm herself someday, her grandmother gives Erin's college tuition and promised inheritance to their maddeningly handsome stable boy, Hunter Allen. Now Erin has to win an internship and work late nights at a local coffee shop to make her own dreams a reality. She should despise Hunter . . . so why does he sneak into her thoughts as the hero of her latest writing assignment?

Then, on the day she's sharing that assignment with her class, Hunter walks in. He's joining her class. And after he reads about himself in her story, her private fantasies about him must be painfully clear. She only hopes to persuade him not to reveal her secret to everyone else. But Hunter devises his own creative revenge, writing sexy stories that drive the whole class wild with curiosity and fill Erin's heart with longing. Now she's not just imagining what might have been. She's writing a whole new ending for her romance with Hunter . . . except this story could come true.

Mini-Review:
 
My love for Jennifer Echols' books is no secret around here, so it's no surprise that I adored Love Story nearly as much as I did. The characters in this one are the typical ones associated with Jennifer's romantic drama. Erin Blackwell is confused, emotionally distant, and extremely sarcastic, and Hunter Allen, her love interest, is much of the same. However, combing both of their personalities together made for a dramatic as well as steamy romance, especially when their stories were involved. I especially loved the ending of this one, but I won't say anything more than that because I don't want to ruin it for anyone. So, in all, read this one. It's yet anther fabulous book by Echols! Plus the stories by Hunter and Erin are make for a book within a book in some ways.

Love Story (Amazon, Barnes and Noble, and Goodreads) is now out!

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 Little Women & Me by Lauren Baratz-Logsted

Summary/Cover Image from Publisher's Website:

A twist in time gives Emily the power to fix Little Women. Oh, where to begin!

Emily is sick and tired of being a middle sister. So when she gets an assignment to describe what she'd change about a classic novel, Emily pounces on Little Women. After all, if she can't change things in her own family, maybe she can bring a little justice to the March sisters. (Kill off Beth? Have cute Laurie wind up with Amy instead of Jo? What was Louisa May Alcott thinking?!) But when Emily gets mysteriously transported into the 1860s world of the book, she discovers that righting fictional wrongs won't be easy. And after being immersed in a time and place so different from her own, it may be Emily-not the four March sisters-who undergoes the most surprising change of all. Lauren Baratz-Logsted's winning confection will appeal to fans of Little Women as well as anyone who enjoys a modern twist on an old favorite.

Mini-Review: 

Ever since I first heard about Little Women & Me last spring I've been looking forward to reading it. It sounded adorable. Plus, while I've never read the actual Little Women (I know...I need to change that), I have seen the movie version numerous times and loved it, so a modern twist on it sounded like just my speed. Sadly enough, after about 100 pages, I had to give up, because due to several things it just wasn't the book for me. For one, I couldn't relate to Emily, the main character, at all. She was whiny and seemed so much younger than her age. Secondly, the plot in this one wasn't exactly action packed. Instead, it dealt much with Emily's analyses of the Little Women characters, which really wasn't my speed. In all, Little Women & Me just wasn't the book for me. I wanted to like it...I really, really did, but it just wasn't possible. However, I still highly suggest this one to fans of Little Women as well as readers looking for a younger YA book.

Little Women & Me (Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Goodreads) is now out!

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Lie by Carolina Bock 

Summary/Cover Image from Publisher's Website:

Everybody knows, nobody’s talking. . . .

Seventeen-year-old Skylar Thompson is being questioned by the police. Her boyfriend, Jimmy, stands accused of brutally assaulting two young El Salvadoran immigrants from a neighboring town, and she’s the prime witness. Skylar is keeping quiet about what she’s seen, but how long can she keep it up?

But Jimmy was her savior. . . .

When her mother died, he was the only person who made her feel safe, protected from the world. But when she begins to appreciate the enormity of what has happened, especially when Carlos Cortez, one of the victims, steps up to demand justice, she starts to have second thoughts about protecting Jimmy. Jimmy’s accomplice, Sean, is facing his own moral quandary. He’s out on bail and has been offered a plea in exchange for testifying against Jimmy.

The truth must be told. . . .

Sean must decide whether or not to turn on his friend in order to save himself. But most important, both he and Skylar need to figure out why they would follow someone like Jimmy in the first place.

Mini-Review:

When I first heard about Lie I was instantly intrigued, because not only did the premise sounded relatistic and unique but it was also backed by one of my favorite YA authors- Jennifer Brown, author of Hate List. However, I didn't end up enjoying Lie as much as I hoped I would. For one, while the premise was interesting, I felt the execution was a bit too choppy for my taste. Plus I felt that it was bogged down with way too many messages, and due to the constant switching of narrators, I never really got to know the main characters that well, which is something that always brings a book down a notch or two in my eyes. In all, Lie by Caroline Bock turned out to not be the book for me. However, others have enjoyed it, so if it sounds like something you would enjoy, I still suggest you give it a try.

Lie (Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Goodreads) is now out!

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Mini-Reviews: Shiver & Linger by Maggie Stiefvater

Summary/Cover Image from Author's Website:

For years, Grace has watched the wolves in the woods behind her house. One yellow-eyed wolf—her wolf—is a chilling presence she can’t seem to live without. Meanwhile, Sam has lived two lives: In winter, the frozen woods, the protection of the pack, and the silent company of a fearless girl. In summer, a few precious months of being human… until the cold makes him shift back again.

Now, Grace meets a yellow-eyed boy whose familiarity takes her breath away. It’s her wolf. It has to be. But as winter nears, Sam must fight to stay human—or risk losing himself, and Grace, forever.

Review:

Shiver is yet another one of those books that I bought ages ago due to all the fabulous praise it had been getting as well as my love of Maggie's previous book Lament. However, not until recently did I pick it up and try it. I was blown away to say the least...and now I am beginning to feel bad about not reading this series sooner.

Werewolves are not my favorite topic in YA by far. I have never really seen the intrigue behind them, because to me they have always been furry, vicious beast so seriously what is there to love about them? However, Shiver changed this for me, as not only did I love seeing how the wolves’ world worked but how it tied into the plot in many fabulous and unique ways.

The characters in this were another great aspect. I instantly adored and rooted for Grace because not only do we share one common love (books), but she's also someone you can't help but like, as while she's shy and timid, she's also fierce and protective of her friends if it comes down to it. Sam, on the other hand, has faced his own problems in this past, and because of it, he still comes off as lost and distant, but that did not stop me from liking and rooting for him as well. His relationship with Grace was also another high point, and it was actually one romance in YA, that I actually found believable and realistic, even given the somewhat fast-paced nature of it. It just worked perfectly to say the least for some reason.

Last but not least, Maggie Stiefvater's writing ROCKED in this. She has such an amazing way of bringing out vivid pictures as well as intense feeling in her writing- it is almost poetic in a sense. To tell the truth I loved every single moment of it!

Romantic and beautifully written, Shiver is well worth a read for a variety of reasons. Don't pull a Lauren, and take forever to read it. Instead, pick it up now, as I am sure you will love it just as much as me, especially if you are in any way a romantic.

Grade: B+

Shiver is now available!

Source: Bought

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Summary/Cover Image from Author's Website:

In Shiver, Grace and Sam found each other. Now, in Linger, they must fight to be together. For Grace, this means defying her parents and keeping a very dangerous secret about her own well-being. For Sam, this means grappling with his werewolf past . . . and figuring out a way to survive into the future. Add into the mix a new wolf named Cole, whose own past has the potential to destroy the whole pack. And Isabel, who already lost her brother to the wolves . . . and is nonetheless drawn to Cole.

At turns harrowing and euphoric, Linger is a spellbinding love story that explores both sides of love—the light and the dark, the warm and the cold—in a way you will never forget.

Review:

After reading Shiver, I dove into this one not even ten minutes later, because if I knew one thing it was that I wasn't going to wait another million years to read this one. Thankfully, Linger was even better than Shiver, as not only did it introduce some fabulous new main characters as well their own POVs but even more development into a series I'm starting to adore even more!

In Shiver, Sam and Grace's star-crossed romance was introduced, and in Linger, it continues with even more steam. As I said in my review for Shiver above, I really adore the relationship Sam and Grace have because it's surprisingly real, in my opinion. I can honestly see the connection between them as well as how much they adore and love each other- it's more than just lust to say the least.

In Linger, Isabel and Cole, a new werewolf, were introduced, and I have to say I'm starting to like their characters even more Sam and Grace's. I love how blunt and sarcastic Isabel is, and Cole, a former rock star, is even more so that way. Together they were simply hilarious with their witty banter, and with the obvious sexual tension between them, I'm now rooting for an Isabel and Cole relationship!

The writing in Linger was even more beautiful than the writing in Shiver amazingly enough, and when tied to together with all the twists and turns as well as that shocking ending, it provided quite the punch, in my opinion.

Fabulous, witty, and well written, Linger is yet another satisfying addition to the Wolves of Mercy Falls series!

Grade: B+ 

Linger is now out!

Source: Publicist- thanks Natalie!

To find out more about Maggie and her books, visit her website.