In My Mailbox!

Hey fellow readers! It's that time again, for In My Mailbox! Hosted by The Story Siren, this week I got...

For Review:

Cursed -- Jennifer L. Armentrout 

Minder -- Kate Kaynak

Dark Companion -- Marta Acosta

From Library:

Possession -- Elana Johnson 

Bought:

50 Shades Darker -- E.L. James

50 Shades Freed -- E.L. James

Special thanks to Spencer Hill Press for sending Cursed and Minder along with some awesome swag, and special thanks to Tor Forge for sending Dark Companion. That's all the books I got this week. Be sure to leave your link so I can see what you got :)

Review: Click: An Online Love Story by Lisa Becker

                                            Review: Click by Lisa Becker
                                            Pages: 280
                                            Genre: Fiction, Romance
                                            Source: Sent from author

Short Synopsis: Renee Greene is fast approaching 30, and still single. She and a fellow friend named Mark, decide to try online dating as a last resort, and the two are in far more than they bargained for.

My Thoughts: Admittedly, this novel did take awhile for me to get into, but once I got into it, I was hooked.

Renee Greene is depressed that she is almost turning 30, and has no one to share her life with. She agrees to try online dating with her fellow friend Mark. After researching which top dating sites might be best suitable, Renee chooses a website for Jewish individuals only.
Renee is nervous at first, but when e-mails start rolling in, she slowly starts to get the hang of the internet dating world. She meets an eclectic string of men, some interesting, and some frighteningly scary.
When she thinks that all is lost, she meets an incredible guy on the site named Ethan, who seems caring, great, and a perfect match for her. She is also shocked, when a rock star named Jason, from a popular band seems to genuinely wants to get to know her better. Renee is reluctant to form a relationship with Jason, but wants to remain good friends. But as soon as things start going great with Ethan, Renee is involved with a disaster that might tear her relationship apart. Can Renee survive the world of online dating, and still find the man of her dreams?

Written in entirely e-mail format, Click is a cute, entertaining read about a woman, who is desperately looking for love. Renee, the main character, however a bit whiny at times, is also the most relatable character, as we discover her crazy stories about strange men, and the men who break her heart. 

With the advice of her friends, Mark, Ashley, and Shelly, Renee enters the online dating scene, based on profiles, and the messages being sent to her inbox. 

Through Renee's point of view, we as a reader discover how mean men can be, how nice, extremely weird, and how caring they can be as well. There are a lot of ups and downs in the relationships that Renee are involved in, especially a jerk of a character named Matt, who wines and dines Renee, but ultimately dumps her, once Renee indulges in their affair. 

We as a reader as discover how Renee can be sweet and caring, and not overtly suffocating, as she meets her catch of a life time, with Ethan, who seems like the ultimate man of her dreams. It was hilarious, when the reader finds out who Ethan really was, but I also felt sympathy for Renee as she felt betrayed by her friend, and didn't know how to handle the situation. In general, Click is a cute, entertaining read, about finding your true love, and overcoming special circumstances.

Would I recommend this book: Yes

Rating: I give this book a 4/5. 

Follow Friday!

Hey fellow readers! It's another posting of Follow Friday! Hosted by Parajunkee's View and Alison Can Read. This week's question is...




Q: Birthday Wishes -- Blow out the candles and imagine what character could pop out of your cake...who is it and what book are they from?


A: Funnily enough, it is almost my birthday. (July!) Anyway, it'd totally have to be Christian Grey from 50 Shades. Just recently read the first book, and is such a swoon worthy character! Though he is a deeply disturbed character, I can't help but think that it is also part of his charm. Be sure to leave a link so I can read your answer! :)

Are You A Book Moocher?

Hey fellow readers! Welcome to another rambling rant. Today I wanted to talk about a slightly different topic. The other day I was at the local Wal-Mart that sold books. I noticed a customer sitting down and reading  a book. At first it might seem fine that someone is doing that. I do that too sometimes.
But this lady was literally sitting there about a fourth way into the novel, and was still reading. I get that you might want to read a couple pages of the novel, if you aren't sure if you like the novel or not, but if you are already that invested into the novel, why can't you just BUY it?
Maybe it's just me, but I found it REALLY annoying that she just kept right on reading. And before I left, I saw her place the book back on the shelf! In my mind I was literally screaming at her thinking, "Just buy it already!" And if you don't have the cash, why can't you just wait for it at the library? Am I insane, thinking like this? First, it's rather annoying to other customers, when you block a section of the book isle, and second, I feel like it's also a kind of insult to the author. To me, it basically felt like she was basically stealing the experience of the book from the local store, without having to pay for it.
Maybe I've been too invested in books, but when I see people do that, it just really irks me. Hello, if you don't have cash to buy books, there's this thing, it's called the library. You register for a library card, and check out a book, just like everyone else.
So, I just wanted to get some prospective from some of you readers. Have you ever just sat at a local store in the book isle, and kept reading, and not buy a book, or do you mostly wait for the book at your local library? Do you think it's rude to read the book and not buy it? Feel free to leave comments about this subject, and let me know what you think.

Waiting On Wednesday!

Hey fellow readers! It's a posting of Waiting on Wednesday! Hosted by Breaking The Spine, this week's pre-publication is...



Gravity (The Taking)
by Melissa West
Expected Publication Date: October 16, 2012

In the future, only one rule will matter:

Don’t. Ever. Peek.

Seventeen-year-old Ari Alexander just broke that rule and saw the last person she expected hovering above her bed — arrogant Jackson Locke, the most popular boy in her school. She expects instant execution or some kind of freak alien punishment, but instead, Jackson issues a challenge: help him, or everyone on Earth will die.

Ari knows she should report him, but everything about Jackson makes her question what she’s been taught about his kind. And against her instincts, she’s falling for him. But Ari isn’t just any girl, and Jackson wants more than her attention. She’s a military legacy who’s been trained by her father and exposed to war strategies and societal information no one can know — especially an alien spy, like Jackson. Giving Jackson the information he needs will betray her father and her country, but keeping silent will start a war.

--From Amazon


First of all, AMAZING cover. I must say that the cover was what drew me in. This story also seems to have a hint of dystopian, as well as a science fiction background to it too. I'm usually not one for alien novels, but this one seems like it'd be pretty interesting. Be sure to leave your link so I can see what pre-publication you are waiting on. 

Review: A Long Way From You by Gwendolyn Heasley

                             Book: A Long Way From You by Gwendolyn Heasley
                             Pages: 314
                             Genre: Young Adult, Romance
                             Source: Sent from Harper Teen

Short Synopsis: Kitsy receives a chance of a lifetime of attending an art school in New York. Kitsy is flown from Texas, the only place she's ever known, to the place of her dreams, to do what she loves to do.

My Thoughts: An interesting story about finding yourself, and realizing what you are finally meant to do.

All Kitsy has ever known is her life in Broken Spone, Texas. Every thing is about to change, as Kitsy's best friend, Corrine, and her parents offer Kitsy a chance to go to an art school for the summer in New York, all expenses paid.
Kitsy immediately jumps at the situation and can't wait to further her skills in art. But things tend to get in the way, with all the distractions of New York, and the loved ones of her friends and family in Broken Spone, including her mother, her brother, and her boyfriend, who all expect to be able to reach her. Kitsy is enthralled with what the city has to offer, as well as a handsome musician named Tad, whom she keeps bumping into everywhere.
And while Kitsy loves art, the school is very eclectic as she dabbles in drawing nudes, pottery, and photography. Before the course is over, Kitsy tries to learn where her strengths lie, and try to develop her skills.
And aside from all her art work, Kitsy figures out that she has been running away from her issues, and does what she can to try to fix it. But as things start falling apart on Kitsy, she must do everything she can to make things right, before things get worse.

Kitsy is all about adventure, as she tries new experiences, and is in absolute awe of New York City. A small town girl, living her dreams in New York is all Kitsy ever wanted. She meets new and interesting people, soaks up the culture, and starts to fall for the mysterious musicians.
I enjoyed reading Kitsy's latest unexpected turns as she tries to make sense of the art world. The relationship between Kitsy and Tad was great, but felt that Kitsy was a bit unreasonable to her friend Annika, when she discovered what they were up to, because Kitsy was already involved with someone else. I felt that Kitsy was neglecting her family back home, as well as her friends.
It was also interesting to read the different forms of art that Kitsy became involved in, and how one feeling for someone could alter Kitsy's entire frame of mind, as well as her final project for school.
A Long Way From you is a sweet story about finding your true self. Overall, an entertaining story, with colorful characters, and a story that will have you questioning the alternatives.

Would I recommend this book: yes

Rating: I give this book a 3/5.

Review: From Fame To Shame by Veronica Blade

                     E-Book: From Fame To Shame by Veronica Blade
                     Pages: 153
                     Genre: Young Adult, Contemporary
                     Source: Sent from Crush Publishing 

Short Synopsis: Maddie is reluctant to switch places with her movie star twin, Jackie. But when Jackie convinces Maddie it's what she needs, there's no turning back once Maddie makes it to Hollywood.

My Thoughts: I loved this cute, entertaining read! So much fun packed into one awesome book!

Maddie is a small town goodie two shoes, whose happy with her life. But her life is suddenly turned upside down when Jackie is in a crisis, as paparazzi are constantly hounding Jackie, and she needs to escape. Jackie convinces her twin to switch places with her.
Almost as soon as Maddie switches places, Maddie is immediately thrust into the movie star world, as she walks the red carpet, chats with famous celebs, especially the yummy Dallas Bines, who happens to be Jackie's ex.
But when fate brings Maddie and Dallas together time and time again, Maddie finds it rather hard to keep her secret that she is not who Dallas thinks she is. And as the two continue to see each other, the paparazzi throw them into an even wilder twist. Can Maddie survive in Jackie's world long enough for Jackie to find herself, and can Maddie control her emotions when it comes to Dallas?

A very cute fast paced, orifinal read. I enjoyed reading all about the characters. I completely fell in love with Maddie, and it was so entertaining to read what she had to go through. Maddie isn't always sure of herself, but always tries to stay true and loyal to those she cares about.

I loved her relationship with Dallas, and the two had great chemistry. The two are immediately pushed into the media world, and the stories get crazier and crazier. It was interesting to read how the media spins certain stories, and how the celebrity side of things can get out of hand. 

I was a bit disappointed that there wasn't much of a relationship build up between the two sisters, Jackie and Maddie. It would have been more interesting if the readers were able to read more about the differences and similarities between the two twins. The story itself was a bit short, but I was pretty satisfied with how things turned out. In general, a great, fun, cute read, and I wouldn't mind reading a continuance with this story.

Would I recommend this book: Yes

Rating: I give this book a 4/5. 

In My Mailbox!

Hey fellow readers, It's another posting of In My Mailbox, hosted by The Story Siren. I was posting on my own for awhile, but it didn't seem to really work out for me, so I decided to switch back to good old, IMM. Anyway, on to the books! 

For Review:

Click: An Online Love Story by Lisa Becker

Bought:

50 Shades of Grey -- E. L. James

That's all the books that I got this week. I finally broke down and bought 50 Shades. But my reading pile needs to be attended to before I get to this one. Be sure to leave your link so I can see what awesome books you got too! :)

Eternal Spring Winner!

Hey readers! I just wanted to announce the winner of my Eternal Spring Giveaway. And the lucky winner is...



a Rafflecopter giveaway


Congrats to the winner! You will be notified shortly, and your e-mail will be given to one of the authors in charge of the giveaway, in order to claim your prize. Thanks to all those who participated!

Follow Friday!

Hey everyone! It's another posting of Follow Friday! Hosted by Parajunkee's View and Alison Can Read, this week's question is...




Q: If you could "unread" a book, which one would it be? Is it because you want to start over and experience it again for the first time? Or because it was THAT bad?


A: I typically don't think about unreading a book, because each book gives me a unique experience. If I had to choose, I'd say The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins. It just wasn't my type of read, even though everyone else fell in love with it, I guess I was always the odd one out on that series. I read the first one and found it okay, but nothing too breathtaking or unique that set that book away from others. Be sure to leave your link so I can read your answer too! Happy Friday! :)

Review: Infinity by Rachel Ward

                                     Book: Infinity by Rachel Ward
                                     Pages: 249
                                     Genre: Young Adult
                                     Source: Library
                                     *Numbers #3

Short Synopsis: Adam, Sarah and the rest of the family are on the run. In the aftermath of the chaos, Adam can't risk being caught.

My Thoughts: I love this series! Ward does it again, leaving the reading in awe, and wanting to find out more. 

Adam and Sarah have been on the run ever since the aftermath of the chaos. Adam has discovered that Mia can swap numbers, giving her a longer period of time to live, while the other individual looses their life.
While on the run, Adam and Sarah come across a camp, with a doctor, with food, and Sarah must stop as she is pregnant, with Adam's child. Adam argues that they should keep moving, as the government and who knows what else, is still after him. He fears that they are still after him for the alleged murder that Adam was framed for.
While staying with the doctor one day, Adam is finally caught from a guy named Saul. Saul explains that he wants Adam's help in finding out ways to help people like Adam did, when he tried to warn others about the chaos. But Adam and Sarah both find out that Saul has Mia's gift, and can swap numbers, and just wants to live forever. Can Adam and Sarah get out of Saul's hold, or will their lives be on the line, for Saul's greed?

Ward has certainly created a world filled with what ifs, and a unique gift with a ton of responsibility. Adam is a strong independent who has the power to see people's numbers. These numbers determine when these people will die, and Adam also has the power to see how they will die. 

I loved the uniqueness of it all, with an interesting family who has different gifts as well. I felt such sympathy for the family on the run, when all they tried to do was help people. It was interesting to read who Adam could trust and who went against Adam and Sarah's free will for survival. 

The character Mia, was very cryptic. It was interesting to read how Mia could take someone's number, as well as their gift, as she was able to take the person's gift as well, when we discover that Mia can see people's auras. 

I love the relationship we see that keeps growing between Adam and Sarah, and how Adam would do anything to save his family. Ward does an excellent job of hating the character Saul, and what he put them through. 

I did have a couple questions though. How did Saul have all these people working for him? Was Saul really part of the government? And how is it that Mia, a little girl, had so much power? 

Overall, it was a very interesting read, great characters that leave you curious for more. The numbers series is one to definitely get your hands on. 

Would I recommend this book: Yes! 

Rating: I give this book a 4/5. 

Waiting On Wednesday!

Hey guys! It's another posting of Waiting On Wednesday! Hosted by Breaking The Spine, this week's pre-publication is...




Dark Star
by Bethany Frenette
Expected Publication Date: October 23, 2012

Audrey Whitticomb has nothing to fear. Her mother is the superhero Morning Star, the most deadly crime-fighter in the Twin Cities, so it’s hard for Audrey not to feel safe. That is, until she’s lured into the sweet night air by something human and not human—something with talons and teeth, and a wide, scarlet smile.

Now Audrey knows the truth: her mom doesn’t fight crime at night. She fights Harrowers—livid, merciless beings who were trapped Beneath eons ago. Yet some have managed to escape.  And they want Audrey dead, just because of who she is: one of the Kin.

To survive, Audrey will need to sharpen the powers she has always had. When she gets close to someone, dark corners of the person’s memories become her own, and she sometimes even glimpses the future. If Audrey could only get close to Patrick Tigue, a powerful Harrower masquerading as human, she could use her Knowing to discover the Harrowers’ next move. But Leon, her mother’s bossy, infuriatingly attractive sidekick, has other ideas. Lately, he won’t let Audrey out of his sight.

When an unthinkable betrayal puts Minneapolis in terrible danger, Audrey discovers a wild, untamed power within herself. It may be the key to saving her herself, her family, and her city. Or it may be the force that destroys everything—and everyone—she loves.

-- From Amazon


Now, this novel usually doesn't sound like my type of read, but I was attracted to the super-hero aspect of this novel, as well as the romance side of it. Plus the cover looks totally awesome too. Not sure what to make out yet of the evil creatures involved, but hopefully this will be a good one. Be sure to leave your link so I can see what pre-publication you are waiting on. 

Review: This Is Not A Test by Courtney Summers

                                      Book: This Is Not A Test by Courtney Summers
                                      Pages: 322
                                      Genre: Young Adult, Dystopian, Paranormal
                                      Source: Sent from St. Martin's Griffin 

Short Synopsis: It's the end of the world. The world is now run by zombies, and Sloane and a few selected humans left on the planet have taken shelter at their high school.

My Thoughts: I loved the story line for this novel, and couldn't wait to read what happened next with Sloane and the rest of the gang.

Sloane Price is devastated that her sister has left her to face the horrible situation with her father alone. Then, one day, while at the school, Sloane and the rest of the world discover that infected citizens, otherwise known as zombies, has taken over the world.
Sloane, and the classmates that have been left alive take shelter at the local high school. They seek advice from a local radio displaying a message saying, "This is not a test. Once you have found a secure location, stay there, and help will come." Sloane finds the whole situation surreal, as if she's stuck in an awful dream.
But for now, the remaining humans have shelter, enough food to survive for awhile, and running water.  Sloane and the rest of the group make sure that there are no openings for the zombies to get in. But a couple days in, the group discover that Mr. Baxter, one of their old teachers, have snuck into the school boundaries. The group becomes suspicious of Mr. Baxter and don't know if he can be trusted. But how much longer can the group survive, being holed up in one place, when help seems to clearly not be coming? 

Wow! What can I say about this novel? Summers blew me away! I'm usually not one for zombie novels, but this was a must read. Sloane is not your average, normal, happy go lucky main character, but is facing real life problems, which as a reader, makes it feel all the more real.

It was rather interesting to read who was left in the group, and how all their feelings and view points differed from everyone else. This novel was a pure, survival of the fittest, and I loved reading how everyone got on everyone else's nerves. The Mr. Baxter situation was very interesting, as it gave readers insight on who was willing to help out, and who was willing to go with their gut instinct. 

The main character Sloane, is a very complicated person. She has a lot of issues concerning suicide, dealing with abandonment, as well as violence from her father. And on top of it all, trying to deal with a zombie apocalypse. I was hooked and wanted to find out more about Sloane and what she was going to do next. 

There were a couple things that I wasn't too fond of though. The pace was a little slow for me, and there didn't seem to be much of a build up to the climax. I also felt that the relationship between Rhys and Sloane seemed a bit forced, as Sloane appeared to be jealous of the relationship between Grace and Cary. The ending was incredible, and I can't wait to read what happens next in Sloan's adventures with this very unique dystopian novel.

Would I recommend this book: Yes!

Rating: I give this book a 4/5. 

Review: In Too Deep by Amanda Grace

                                       Book: In Too Deep by Amanda Grace
                                       Pages: 228
                                       Genre: Young Adult
                                       Source: Library

Short synopsis: Sam Marshall is humiliated when she gets rejected by Carter. And then a rumor starts that Carter raped her. Things get even more out of control, when Sam doesn't admit that Carter never did anything to her.

My Thoughts: Though the novel was fast paced, had an original plot, I really didn't like anything in this novel at all.

Sam Marshall is just your average invisible girl. Things change drastically one day when she gets invited to a party. After drinking a lot at the party, Sam decides to confront Carter, the boy she's been crushing on for forever.
Things go from bad to worse, when Carter painfully rejects Sam out right. As she leaves his bedroom crying, a fellow student notices, and immediately assumes that she had been raped.
When Sam starts school the next week, the rumor spreads like wild fire. Sam doesn't admit that it's completely false, but she doesn't do anything to stop the rumors either. She also meets a group of girls who have all been hurt by Carter, but nothing as serious as they all assume that Sam has gone through. Sam tells the truth to the girls, and the girls are blown away. But the girls who come to Sam's rescue, tell Sam to keep on with the lie, as Carter had all hurt them, one way or another. They all assume that since they're leaving for college soon anyway, the rumor will die out eventually, and no one will care.
But things get scary, when threatening notes are being left, and when Sam's car gets vandalized. Then people start actually believing Sam, and sticking up for her. Sam must try to find a way to tell the truth to avoid hurting those she loves, and revive Carter's reputation before it's too late.

This is not your average read. Serious issues occur in this novel. Some issues include, rape, lying, consequences of actions involved. I have no clue what to say about this novel. It was certainly fast paced and original, but nothing was all that appealing. 

First Sam gets rejected, and then a huge lie turns into something really big? Maybe I'm the only one, but  if a rumor like that had started about me, I'd definitely do everything I could to get the truth right out in the first place. Sure it might be humiliating that the whole school knows that you got rejected, but that's nothing compared to actually ruining someone's life due to a fake rumor. 

And the girls that were Sam's supposed friends shouldn't have told Sam to not tell the truth. Just because they were rejected as well, doesn't mean that they are the ones responsible for the lie and doing nothing about it. They should not have persuaded Sam to not tell the truth. 

And I loved the relationship between Sam and her best friend/boyfriend Nick, and was extremely disappointed of the outcome. Though I guess it's understandable, and some consequences needed to be given to Sam, I just didn't like how things turned out. When I read the ending, my main reaction was, "That was it?" and I totally felt like there should be a sequel, to include a happily ever after for Sam. 

Would I recommend this book: Maybe

Rating: I give this book a 2.5/5. 

That Bookish Pile

Hey fellow book lovers! It's another posting of That Bookish Pile, where I show you all the goodies I got this week. Inspirational credit goes to, The Story Siren. This week I got...

For Review:

Love and other perishable items -- Laura Buzo

Blink Once -- Cylin Busby

What Kills Me -- Wynne Channing

Bought: 

Infinity -- Sherrilyn Kenyon

That's all the books I got this week. Thanks to NetGalley for Love And Other Perishable Items, and Blink Once. Be sure to leave a link so I can see what goodies you got too :)

Classic novels: Fun or Torture?

Hey fellow readers! Today I wanted to talk about classic novels. We've all had to read them at one point or another, especially in high school. What prompted me to write about this topic was because I was reading Erika's input over at Midnight Book Reviews and her take on the latest Great Gatsby movie.
I remember thinking back in English class where we had to read books like, The Scarlet Letter, or Grapes Of Wrath, or 1984, or Animal Farm, and Romeo and Juliet, and I kept thinking to myself, "God. Does anyone actually ever enjoy all these reads, or are we fake liking these books because we're told to read them?" Frankly I actually never finished reading Grapes of Wrath or The Scarlet Letter. Because who really wants to sit through, reading about sin or the great depression? It actually makes me even more depressed just thinking about these novels. It's a wonder that I completed high school at all. I think I BSed half my papers in that class, and the teachers probably knew about it too. I also actually remember one point where my eighth or ninth grade English teacher told us to break out Romeo and Juliet, and about half the class groaned in unison.
And what about the Jane Austin novels that people keep raving about? I know I should probably be ashamed to have never read a Jane Austin novel, but seriously, if I went back in time and lived like those characters, I don't think I'd survive in that world.
I'm seriously not trying to offend anyone who do like these type of reads, I'm just trying to gain some perspective. What is it about these novels that are so intriguing? The writing style really is what bothered me the most, I think, when I couldn't complete The Scarlet Letter. Did we really talk like that back in the old days?
And though The Great Gatsby was one of the few books I enjoyed reading, I noticed that they were doing yet another rendition of the movie. According to Wikipedia, There are four film adaptations of this movie. One done in '26, one done in '49, one done in'74, and one done in '00, and now there will be one done in 2012. Yes, yes, it's a great classic, everyone should read about the downfall of the great American dream, but how many more times does this movie need to be remade? I'm sure there are several other great books that should be given a chance to be turned into a film.
I don't know about the rest of you, but it is probably not likely I will watch this version, unless it's being played on TV. So, I just wanted to basically gain some insight today, on what you as readers think of classics, and how many times you think a classic novel turned movie, should be remade?

Follow Friday!

Hey fellow book lovers! It's another posting of Follow Friday! Hosted by Parajunkee's View and Alison Can Read, this week's question is...


Q: Happy Father's Day! Who is your favorite dad character in a book and why?


A: Wow. These questions get tougher and tougher each time! Most books I read don't have a father figure in them, or play a very minor role, or turn out to be evil. I think my favorite would have to be Mr. Weasley from the Harry Potter books. He has a sense of humor, and a serious side as well. Be sure to leave your link so I can read your answer. Happy Father's day! Have a great weekend, and don't forget to stop by and enter my Eternal Spring giveaway open to US only.

Review: Aces Up by Lauren Barnholdt

                                     Book: Aces Up by Lauren Barnholdt
                                     Pages: 272
                                     Genre: Young Adult, Romance
                                     Source: Library

Short Synopsis: Shannon needs money for school. That's when she decides to take a job at a local casino, but things go downhill quickly from there, and Shannon doesn't know how to get out of the hole she's dug herself into.

My Thoughts: An interesting read, but it definitely wasn't one of Barnholdt's best.

Shannon really needs money. Her father just recently lost her job, and tuition money for Wellesley College is expensive. Shannon decides that taking a job at a casino, even though she is underage, is the best way to go, compared to what she really told her parents, that she was working at a diner.
Things don't go so well for Shannon's first day, but she's slowly starting to get the hang of things. Then one day, a very attractive boy named Cole, offers Shannon a proposition. Cole tells Shannon that she's able to earn more money if she plays poker.
At first, Shannon is reluctant. But she desperately needs the money. She slowly starts to get into playing poker, and is surprised that she has a gift.  But Cole has more plans for Shannon. Cole lets Shannon in on a group named Aces Up, where the group enters a poker competition, but in reality, this group specializes in cheating to get the money. Shannon doesn't know what she's gotten herself into, and must beat Cole and Aces Up at their own game. Can Shannon do what Cole wants her to do, or will she come clean and tell someone?

I really don't know what to say about this novel. Since it's a Lauren Barnholdt novel, I really wanted to like it. But I honestly don't think I liked anything about this novel. First Shannon lies to her friends and family about where she's working. Then she digs herself into a bigger hole, when she joins Aces Up and finds out the truth.

Though I really wanted to like Cole, I knew he was sort of a shady character from the beginning. And was it just me, or did it sound weird that Cole was supposedly having a relationship with Shannon, but still calls her Shannon Card? 

Mackenzie was a weird character as well. It wasn't really stated that they were friends, and all of the sudden she expects Shannon to do what she wants to do? I think the only character I really liked was Max, who seemed pretty reliable, and understanding of the whole situation. And though I kind of liked the relationship with Cole and Shanon, Cole turned out to be a real jerk, and I couldn't stand him in the end. Overall, it was an okay read, but nothing really kept me interested at all.

Would I recommend this book: Not really

Rating: I give this book a 2.5/5. 

Guest authors of Eternal Spring

Hey fellow book lovers! Today I am happy to host the guest authors of the latest young adult anthology, Eternal Spring.

With some of today's hottest authors, here's more with the authors and their views:




How do you celebrate spring and summer?

What signals the end of winter for you?  Flowers blooming?  Sunny days?  Prom?  Sandals in the stores?

When I was younger, I played soccer.  Our official high school season took place in the fall, but we played in the spring as well.  For me, stomping around in the mud signaled the beginning of spring.  The biggest challenge in our early practices was avoiding a muscle injury from all the slipping and sliding.  Many games deteriorated into what we affectionately termed “Moat-ball.”  Navigating a ball through a giant puddle took more skill than one might expect.

Last winter, a group of Young Adult authors got together and decided to write short stories to honor spring.  We gathered friends, cyber friends, and friends of friends with one thing in common—we all love and write teen fiction.  Our styles, backgrounds, and voices vary.

We wrote stories for the anthology as a way to give back to our readers.  The anthology is free in ebook format and will remain free.  The anthology will be available at all retail outlets in the next few days.  You can read the book on your Mac, PC, iPod, iPad, or smart phone, as well as on your e-reader.  Much like my days playing Moat-ball, I had a blast working with these authors.

Flowers, vacation, baseball, prom…what does spring mean to you? From unicorn hunters and teenage exorcists to Egyptian princesses and aspiring ballerinas, this collection of thirteen stories by some of the most exciting authors in Young Adult fiction explores young love and new beginnings during the most beautiful time of the year.

“Barre Hopping at Midnight” by Amanda Brice
How can aspiring ballerina Dani Spevak concentrate on performing at a spring arts festival when her not-quite-boyfriend is in town filming the lead in a hot new vampire movie and he was seen kissing his costar?

“The Vanishing Spring” by Carey Corp
More than a century earlier, Eleanor Quimby tumbled into the water to escape an arranged marriage and disappeared. But was that the tragic end or a brave new beginning?

“The Princess of Egypt Must Die” by Stephanie Dray
A lonely Princess of Egypt is tempted by a forbidden love and forced to make a heartbreaking choice that will upend a kingdom and change her forever.

“Spring Perfection” by Leslie DuBois
Star athlete Scott Kincaid is about to make history and pitch a perfect game. But when he realizes that true perfection lies in the relationship he has with his best friend, Reyna, will he risk everything in order to keep a promise to her?

“Picture Not Perfect” by Lois Lavrisa
Seventeen-year old Tim wants to go to senior prom. Why doesn't his girlfriend Gabrielle want to go with him? Is she not who she says she is?

“Potionate Love” by P.R. Mason
Math geek, Tina, has found a way to get the popular jock, Ronny, to fall for her: a love potion. It'll work unless her best friend Nathan gets in the way.

“1:30, Tour Eiffel” by Jennifer McAndrews
A kiss in the dark will ruin Spring Break and lifelong friendships unless Rachel Healey can prove she is a pawn in someone else's game.

“Off Balance” by Renee Pace
Jennifer’s secret is big, but she loves Charlie enough to know ending their teenage relationship will set him free and enable him to join the Army. When Charlie discovers the truth, it’s up to him to convince Jen their young love was meant to be.

“On a Field, Sable” by Diana Peterfreund
After the shocking events of Ascendant, what awaits the unicorn hunter Melissende Holtz on the mountaintop where she watched her comrades fall?

“The Language of Flowers” by Rhonda Stapleton
Chrissy, a clerk at her aunt's flower shop, starts getting her own romantic surprises -- flowers with a special secret meaning. Can she bury her longstanding unrequited crush on her best friend’s brother to take a chance on mysterious love?

“Dating After Dark (With Clowns)” by Tawny Stokes
All teenage exorcist Caden Butcher wants is a demon-free night to take his new girl to the spring fair. Is that too much to ask for?

“Sometime” by Alicia Street
Sixteen-year-old mythology buff Terry Conn finally gets the after-school museum job she wanted so badly, but who knew those ancient dragon figures would dredge up images of a past she only half-remembered? Or that drool-worthy Jerrod Pierce would be part of it?

“Camp Cauldron” by Juli Alexander
Forced to spend Spring Break as a counselor at a camp for troublesome young witches instead of drooling over hotties at the beach, Emma relinquishes her hopes for romance. Could the perfect guy be waiting in the midst of poison ivy, s'mores, elephant trunks, and kangaroo feet?

The production costs involved in the print copy of the anthology prevent us from being able to offer it for free.  However, today, you can enter to win a paperback copy of the anthology right here!
Working on the anthology was a blast for all of us.  We hope you will enjoy it!


Links:

Amazon

Smashwords

Kobo


And now, one lucky person will get a chance to receive their print copy of Eternal Spring. Just follow the Rafflecopter instructions below. Open to Unites States ONLY:



a Rafflecopter giveaway

Review: Sometimes It Happens by Lauren Barnholdt

                                     Book: Sometimes It Happens by Lauren Barnholdt
                                     Pages: 312
                                     Genre: Young Adult, Romance
                                     Source: Library

Short Synopsis: Hannah dreads going to the first day of her senior year. She doesn't want to see her ex-boyfriend Ryan, or her best friend Ava, but mostly because she's in love with Ava's boyfriend, Noah.

My Thoughts: Though I love Barnholdt's writing style, I felt that this novel sends the wrong message to its readers.

Hannah is a mess. Her boyfriend Ryan just recently broke up with her, and her best friend took a camp councilor job away from her for the summer. Hannah is depressed, and decides that staying holed up in her bedroom is the only way to avoid Ryan.
But Ava, Hannah's best friend calls Noah to come and check on her constantly. One day Noah suggests that Hannah take a job at the local diner that Noah works at. And just like that, Hannah has a summer job, while getting to know Noah better as a friend.
But things get even more complicated when Hannah spends most of her time with Noah, and she starts to fall for him. As Ava constantly tries to get in contact with Hannah, Hannah avoids Ava as she doesn't want to accept that she has fallen for Noah. Then as Hannah and Noah take a road trip to visit Ava, things go from bad to worse, and Hannah doesn't know what to do. Can Hannah admit that she's in love with Noah to her best friend?

I enjoy reading Barnholdt's writing style. Very fast paced, original and keeps me wanting to find out what happens next. But unfortunately, I wasn't a fan of this novel, at least the message that it seemed to send to its readers. 

First, I liked that Hannah, the main character, wasn't super whiny when she was dumped by her boyfriend. And though she hid for a bit when her boyfriend broke up with her, she still  remained strong, and independent.

I was a little upset with the characters, Noah and Ava, for making Hannah do certain things. First, I was annoyed that Noah made Hannah avoid telling Ava that they were together at a concert. It shouldn't have been Hannah's responsibility to lie to her best friend. I was also upset with Ava for treating Hannah the way she did when she found out that Hannah and Noah were together. Granted that it would make anyone upset about the way it happened, but as a reader, it felt a bit drastic. And how come Noah didn't get any of the blame for what happened? Overall, I loved how original and fast paced it was, I just felt that it was send the wrong message to the readers that it's okay to do what Hannah did, as there weren't any real consequences that had happened to Hannah or Noah. 

Would I recommend this book: Maybe

Rating: I give this book a 3/5. 

Review: Circle of Silence by Carol M. Tanzman

                                        E-book: Circle of Silence by Carol M. Tanzman
                                        Pages: 288
                                        Genre: Young Adult
                                        Source: NetGalley

THE BIGGEST STORY OF MY LIFE COULD BE HOW IT ENDS

It's my turn to run a Campus News crew, and I've put together a team that can break stories wide open. And Washington Irving High has a truly great one to cover, if only we can find a lead.
A secret society has formed in our school. It announced its presence with pranks: underwear on the flagpole, a toilet in the hallway, cryptic notes. A circle of silence keeps the society a mystery. No one knows its members, agenda or initiation secrets-until a student lands in the hospital under strange circumstances.
I will blow this story wide open and stop others from being hurt...or worse. And while my ex, Jagger, might want to help, I don't trust him yet. (And, no, not because of our past together. That is not important to this story.)
But whether you find me, Valerie Gaines, reporting in front of the camera, or a victim in the top story of the newscast...be sure to watch Campus News at 9:00 a.m. this Friday.
--From Amazon

My Thoughts:

I originally picked this book up because I really liked the summary. I actually have a degree in journalism, and felt that I could relate to it. I was excited to get into this book, because I love reading about mysteries when it is done right. 

But about 148 pages into the novel, I had to call it quits. I tried three times to get into this novel, but nothing really seemed to grab hold of my attention. First was the constant reporting on the same subject. Even though I understand that, that is protocol for dealing with that type of situation, but as a reader, it felt kind of redundant and boring. 

I liked that MP was mysterious, but it was about almost half way into the novel, and we as a reader still had no clue, who he/they were, and why they were doing what they were doing, only that they wanted power. 

Also, a thing that really irked me was the initiations for new recruits into the "circle." Why were the new recruits the only one that needed to do dangerous stunts to get in? Did the other members prove themselves already? It just seemed really unfair that others had to do dangerous stunts to get in when the original members didn't.

Another thing that really bugged me was Val's sister. It seemed like she was disappearing all the time, and to me, it kind of felt shady, like she was an actual MP member. It also wasn't clearly stated why Val and her sister were not on speaking terms. Overall, I originally loved the plot, but it just felt redundant, and there was no real clue as to who the members of the mysterious group actually were, and nothing held my attention.

Would I recommend this book: No

Rating: I give this book a DNF. 

That Bookish Pile

Hey fellow book lovers! It's another posting of That Bookish Pile, where I show you guys all the lovely goodies I got during the week. Inspired by The Story Siren, this week I got...

For Review:

A Long Way From You -- Gwendolyn Heasley

League of Strays -- L.B. Schulman

From Library:

Infinity (Numbers #3) -- Rachel Ward

The Summer I Turned Pretty -- Jenny Han

Kisses And Lies -- Lauren Henderson.

That's all the awesome books I got this week. Can't wait to dive into them. Special thanks to Harper Teen for contacting me about A Long Way From You, and a special thanks to Netgalley for League of Strays. Be sure to leave your links so I can see what awesomeness you guys got! Have a great weekend! :)

Review: Yours, Mine, and Ours by MaryJanice Davidson

                                 Book: Yours, Mine, and Ours by MaryJanice Davidson
                                 Pages: 332
                                 Genre: Fiction, psychological
                                 Source: Library
                                  Me, Myself, and Why? #2

Short Synopsis: Cadence, Adrienne, and Shiro are back, as they try to catch a new killer, called the June Boy Killer, or JBK, for short. The trio also meets a new doctor named Max Gallo, which might be a new love interest for Shiro.

My Thoughts: I originally love the story behind it, but found it very difficult to complete.

Cadence is an FBI agent, from a special branch, known as BOFFO. Everyone in BOFFO has their own weird psychological disorder. Cadence suffers from DID (Dissociative Identity Disorder), and is also commonly known as MPD (Multiple Personality Disorder).
The BOFFO group gets a new member from Washington, named Emma Jan, who suffers from a rare disease. Cadence is still being hunted by the threefer killer, as a new case is involved.
Someone is killing boys and the body count is starting to add up. It's up to Cadence and her sisters, and their partner, George, to find out who the real killer is.
And if the drama couldn't get even more worse, Patrick wants to take things to the next level, as he invites Shiro, as well as Cadence, and Adrienne, to live with him.
And Shiro also might be developing feelings for the new doctor at the local hospital, Max Gallo, whose nephew is a victim of the JBK killer. Can Cadence and her sisters put an end to the killer, and find out where her feelings lie with Patrick? 

I love MaryJanice Davidson novels when I was still reading romance. I was super psyched that she had started a new series and loved the psychological aspect of the story. I couldn't get through with it the first time, but gave it another go.

For some reason, I can't stand the writing style of this series, as I really wanted to give up on this novel. I must admit, that I had skimmed in some areas, which I usually don't do too often. But in general, I wasn't too fond of the new character, Emma Jan, as she has a freaky disorder of being afraid of mirrors and her reflection. It was also weird that Emma Jan and Shiro was forming a bond, one that Cadence wasn't too fond of as well. I was also glad that Adrienne didn't show up as much, as it was weird to get used to what she was saying and how she was saying it. 

I love the relationship between Cadence and Patrick and was a little disappointed of the lack of their relationship in this novel. The doctor is still an enigma, and I don't know how I really feel about him. 

I was also a little unsure of the ending and how it all went down. But overall, this is a really difficult story line to get into, but I still wouldn't mind reading the next installment. 

Would I recommend this book: Maybe

Rating: I give this book a 3/5. 

Review: Undertow by Callie Kingston and e-book giveaway!

                                           Book: Undertow by Callie Kingston
                                           Pages: 225
                                           Genre: Young Adult, psychological
                                           Source: Sent from AToMR for review

Short Synopsis: Marissa thought she'd be together with her boyfriend Drake. But when things take an unexpected turn, Marissa's whole life changes.

My Thoughts: An interesting story, and definitely one that leaves you wondering what really happened.

Marissa thought she was in love with her boyfriend Drake. But then she finds out that Drake betrayed her, and flees to Oregon, far away from Drake. As she makes a new life for herself, going to college, and meeting a new boyfriend named Jim, Marissa feels like she is finally getting herself back on track.
Marissa goes to the beach one day, and is suddenly swept up by the ocean. She somehow survives, and keeps dreaming of a mysterious creature that had saved her.
Because she insists what she saw was real, Marissa goes into a psychiatric evaluation. After Marissa leaves the hospital, she becomes obsessed to the ocean, and the creature that had saved her. She returns to the ocean and risks her life once again. Can Marissa survive the calling of the ocean, or will Jim, her boyfriend, the one she cares for, be the one to save her?

A unique story, one that took me awhile to get into, as I'm usually not one for sea related creatures in novels. Marissa seems like a troubled individual from the beginning when she finds out that her boyfriend was unfaithful. She has a lot of trust issues, as well as family issues, especially with the relationship of her mother. 

There were a couple things that I didn't really enjoy with the outcome. I wasn't a fan of what happened between Marissa and her friend Kelly, and felt that Marissa should have forgiven her. I was also a bit confused when the information regarding her grandfather came into play. Did she really see what she thought she saw, or was she really insane, due to her family's background?

I felt that what had happened between Marissa and Drake was horrible, and this novel makes you think that if she never found out, would she have ended up the way she did with the whole ocean situation? I enjoyed reading the relationship between Marissa and Jim, and it was interesting to read how their relationship developed. Overall, an interesting read with entertaining characters, and a scenario that leaves you with the question of, "What if?" I look forward to reading more from this author.

Would I recommend this book: Sure

Rating: I give this book a 3.5/5. 

The author has also graciously agreed to an e-book giveaway for this particular book. To enter, please leave a valid e-mail address in the comments section below. It is not required that you follow this blog, but as always, is greatly appreciated. Good luck to all those who enter! :)

Giveaway winner will be announced after the tour. June 14th

Follow along with the Undertow Tour

Waiting On Wednesday!

Hey fellow readers! It's another posting of Waiting On Wednesday! Hosted by Breaking The Spine, this week's pre-publication is...




Eve and Adam
by Katherine Applegate
Expected Publication Date: October 2, 2012

In the beginning, there was an apple –

And then there was a car crash, a horrible injury, and a hospital. But before Evening Spiker's head clears a strange boy named Solo is rushing her to her mother’s research facility. There, under the best care available, Eve is left alone to heal.

Just when Eve thinks she will die – not from her injuries, but from boredom—her mother gives her a special project: Create the perfect boy.

Using an amazingly detailed simulation, Eve starts building a boy from the ground up. Eve is creating Adam. And he will be just perfect . . . won’t he?

--From Amazon


I love the original story, and always look forward to reading different variations of this story. There's not much to go on from the description, but it still sounds really good. I'm not too thrilled with the weird names involved, but it still sounds like a juicy read. I love the cover too. Be sure to leave your links so I can see what pre-publication you are waiting on. 

Review: Loving Summer by Kailin Gow

                                         Book: Loving Summer by Kailin Gow
                                         Pages: 210
                                         Genre: Young Adult, Romance
                                         Source: Sent from The Edge Books 

Short Synopsis: Summer always enjoyed spending her summers at Aunt Sookie's house along with the Donavan's, Nat, Drew, and Rachel. But it's been three years since they've seen each other, and everyone has changed since then.

My Thoughts: Not quite as good as Gow's Saving You Saving Me series, but still an interesting read with exciting characters.

Summer had always loved spending her summers at her Aunt Sookie's place. Along with the Donavan's, she always felt like she could be herself. But it's been three years since she's seen Aunt Sookie and the Donovans as well, and couldn't be more excited to see her old friends once again.
But this summer is a year that Summer and the Donavan's will never forget. As summer helps out her aunt with the acting academy, Summer meets Astor Fairway, a famous celebrity, and the two start to develop a relationship.
But Summer didn't expect to get so close to the Donavan brothers either. Summer's long time crush on Nat has re-hashed once again, and Drew starts to develop feelings for Summer as well. But things aren't all fun and games in the household. Summer discovers that their aunt Sookie has become seriously ill, and the Donovans' parents are having their own problems too. Summer does everything she can to help aunt Sookie and her acting academy, while the Donovans face the reality of their parent's current issues. Can Summer survive this summer, and find out who she truly has feelings for?

I seriously have no idea why I haven't picked up a Kailin Gow novel until this year. I really enjoy her writing style. The characters and plots are unique, with romances, and drama, I felt such sympathy for the situations that the characters are thrust into.

I loved reading how each relationship developed between Summer, Drew, Nat, and even Astor, and how they were very different from each individual as well. I however wasn't a fan of the fact that Summer was a bit too free with her feelings. In this first novel, she manages to kiss all the boys involved, but doesn't really proclaim her feelings for one boy, or tell the others that she had kissed someone else. 

Aside from the romance involved, I was a bit disappointed that Summer didn't really spend as much time with her best friend Rachel, and that there didn't seem to be much of a closeness with the two. I was really sympathetic towards the situation between their aunt Sookie, and the Donovans' parents. In general, this novel is filled with a lot of romance, drama, and I can't wait to see who Summer actually ends up with. P.S., I'm team Drew all the way! 

Would I recommend this novel: Yes

Rating: I give this book a 4/5.