Freshman Year and Other Unnatural Disasters - Meredith Zeitlin

Freshman Year and Other Unnatural Disasters by Meredith Zeitlin  
Date Released: March 1st 2012  
Publisher: G.P. Putnam's Sons 
Pages: 288 pages
Date Read: March 07, 2012
Format: ARC
Source: Author

Summary: 
Kelsey Finkelstein is fourteen and FRUSTRATED. Every time she tries to live up to her awesome potential, her plans are foiled – by her impossible parents, her annoying little sister, and life in general. But with her first day of high school coming up, Kelsey is positive that things are going to change. Enlisting the help of her three best friends — sweet and quiet Em, theatrical Cass, and wild JoJo — Kelsey gets ready to rebrand herself and make the kind of mark she knows is her destiny.

Things start out great - her arch-nemesis has moved across the country, giving Kelsey the perfect opportunity to stand out on the soccer team and finally catch the eye of her long-time crush. But soon enough, an evil junior’s thirst for revenge, a mysterious photographer, and a series of other catastrophes make it clear that just because KELSEY has a plan for greatness… it doesn’t mean the rest of the world is in on it.

Kelsey’s hilarious commentary throughout her disastrous freshman year will have you laughing out loud—while being thankful that you’re not in her shoes, of course…

From Goodreads

My Review:
This is one of the cutest and funniest books I've read! Kelsey is such a lovable character! I Loved every second I spend inside her head! You know, I actually had my doubts on this book since the main character -Kelsey- is only fourteen, and recently I've been reading YA with older characters [around nineteen] and I thought it would be somehow annoying to read this, but NO! Not at all! I recommend this book to everyone :3

 For those of us who already left our Freshman Year behind, you just can't help but take a look at Kelsey and laugh a LOT, it'll make you remember your Freshman Years, I guarantee! and those who have not reached Freshman year yet, lol, start getting ready :P

 I actually feel bad for the fact that I laughed at everything that happened to her, there were parts where she was about to burst out crying and I was doubled over laughing xD it's just every single unfortunate event after the other, and you would think this would be annoying but, again, NO! it's just you shaking your head because you can't believe how things can always go so bad xD... you know, now that I think about it, my freshman year was pretty similar to Kelsey's, not the same situations but, Oh God I will forever keep those memories locked in the back of my mind where no one can find them, along with the yearbook O_O

 Back to praising Kelsey, she was a great character, and she was so Brave! Knowing myself I would have bailed in many situations which Kelsey went trough. She was an adorable, charming and brave character indeed.

Freshman Year and Other Unnatural Disasters is a book for everyone. It guarantees you'll have the time of your life. Embarrassing parents, a fresh start, best friends, trouble, boys and sticky situations are all part of Freshman Year and Other Unnatural Disasters :)

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Clockwork Prince - Cassandra Clare

Clockwork Angel by Cassandra Clare

Date Released: December 6th 2011
Publisher: Margaret K. McElderry Books
Pages: 498 pages
Date Read: January 16th 2012
Format: Hardcover
Source: Friend

Summary:

In the magical underworld of Victorian London, Tessa Gray has at last found safety with the Shadowhunters. But that safety proves fleeting when rogue forces in the Clave plot to see her protector, Charlotte, replaced as head of the Institute. If Charlotte loses her position, Tessa will be out on the street and easy prey for the mysterious Magister, who wants to use Tessa's powers for his own dark ends. 

With the help of the handsome, self-destructive Will and the fiercely devoted Jem, Tessa discovers that the Magister's war on the Shadowhunters is deeply personal. He blames them for a long-ago tragedy that shattered his life. To unravel the secrets of the past, the trio journeys from mist-shrouded Yorkshire to a manor house that holds untold horrors, from the slums of London to an enchanted ballroom where Tessa discovers that the truth of her parentage is more sinister than she had imagined. When they encounter a clockwork demon bearing a warning for Will, they realize that the Magister himself knows their every move and that one of their own has betrayed them.

Tessa finds her heart drawn more and more to Jem, though her longing for Will, despite his dark moods, continues to unsettle her. But something is changing in Will; the wall he has built around himself is crumbling. Could finding the Magister free Will from his secrets and give Tessa the answers about who she is and what she was born to do?

As their dangerous search for the Magister and the truth leads the friends into peril, Tessa learns that when love and lies are mixed, they can corrupt even the purest heart.

From Goodreads

My Review:

This is not even a review, this is pure nonsense:

WOW, I MEAN, WOOOOOOW!!!!


Will is such an !$%$#^$%@$@


But Jem is sooo *Swoooon*


and then the Will situation! [Spoiler - Highlight] HE HAS A SISTER!!! and the other Will Situation!!!! [Spoiler - Highlight] HE IS CURSED!!!!!!


if you don't know about the Will situations you just need to read it and be prepared to die of shock.

and Jem is so Hot! and he and Tessa are so Cute! and I hate Jessamine! and I love Sophie! and then the Jem and Tessa situation! Soooo Cute! "Squeeeeal!" and then she says no to Will. O_O and then I also hate Tessa too. But I also understand her, and, and, and..... *sigh*



This review is rubbish. But on a more serious note, Clockwork Prince is by far the best Cassandra Clare book I've read, and I've read them all. I think the thing that makes Clockwork Prince ten times more great was the supportive characters, which I think a lot of us don't give much importance too, but what we don't realize is that there characters are the ones that make the main characters shine! and that details matter, and they are the details of books! and Cassandra Clare did and excellent job in taking all these characters from Clockwork Angel and giving them their own spotlight in Clockwork Prince.

I feel so connected to this novel in many ways right now that it's insane. It's one of those rare cases where the series gets better. More Action, More Romance -much  MUCH More Romance - More Mysteries and  a desperate need for the next book are all part of Clockwork Prince. if you have not read this series you are seriously missing out.

Oh! and as for if I am Team Jem or Team Will... well, I'm still loyal to Will, and will wait for him with arms wide open in case he decides to visit reality ♥

“They’re not hideous,” said Tessa.
Will blinked at her. “What?”
“Gideon and Gabriel,” said Tessa. “They’re really quite good-looking, not hideous at all.”
“I spoke,” said Will, in sepulchral tones, “of the pitch-black inner depths of their souls.”
Tessa snorted. “And what color do you suppose the inner depths of your soul are, Will Herondale?”
“Mauve,” said Will.”

Beautiful Disaster - Jamie McGuire

Beautiful Disaster by Jamie McGuire
Date Released: May 1st 2011
Pages: 356 pages
Date Read: February 29, 2012
Format: Paperback
Source: Amazon

Summary:
The new Abby Abernathy is a good girl. She doesn’t drink or swear, and she has the appropriate percentage of cardigans in her wardrobe. Abby believes she has enough distance between her and the darkness of her past, but when she arrives at college with her best friend America, her path to a new beginning is quickly challenged by Eastern University’s Walking One-Night Stand.

Travis Maddox, lean, cut, and covered in tattoos, is exactly what Abby needs—and wants—to avoid. He spends his nights winning money in a floating fight ring, and his days as the charming college co-ed. Intrigued by Abby’s resistance to his charms, Travis tricks her into his daily life with a simple bet. If he loses, he must remain abstinent for a month. If Abby loses, she must live in Travis’ apartment for the same amount of time. Either way, Travis has no idea that he has met his match.

From Goodreads

My Review:

This book was so good, so so so good! and the ending was so Incredibly Happy and Good that it seemed unrealistic....

Let me explain my situation: I'm sure we've all had a friend when we were young that was in a relationship and swore they were going to get married and you were like "Pfft, yeah right, you'll break up eventually, you'll see." Something similar happened with me and this book, I was like "Pfft, yeah right, nobody gets such a happy ending. Pfft." Which really pisses me off! I used to be a hopeless romantic and now I've become un-romantic and disgustingly realistic. and it's not even realistic because Happy endings DO exist. We're just all too blind to see them. Society killed good romance and Happily Ever After >.<

But then I got to talking with lovely BF Jennifer from Some Like It Paranormal and I was ranting about how I was such a pessimist and she said [Quote] "Yeah I'm a big pessimist but I love my HEA! I don't care how unrealistic, an author should end things nicely otherwise I'm all upset and can't eat dinner!"

 

So Screw being a pessimist! Screw it I say!  I will enjoy this Happy Ending and give this book the 5 Stars it Deserves! It was a great and addicting story! I Loved it! and I want One Just like it! [well, we can keep a few situations out, I guess] 

The story was full of great elements, for example Abby mentions she has a troubled past, but you will never come close to guessing what she's running away from, I was very surprised and pleased when I found out, not your average situation. Moving on to Travis: Swoon worthy guy [Duh] Strong, with Tattoos and trouble trouble trouble. He was way to jealous at times for my taste and very violent [though never towards Abby] also very much of a jerk at times but, you can see he tries really hard to be better, which gives him bonus points. Abby was also driving me nuts at times, BOTH of them drove me nuts during the book, they were perfect for each other and they were both too stupid to see it, but it was never annoying and it only made me want to read faster! Spoiler Note, if you haven' read the book don't you dare see it! it'll ruin a really cool/cheesy/stupid part in the book! [Highlight]: "When he gets a tattoo with her name seemed stupid to me, waaaaaay beyond the valley of sanity. also when she gets one at the end.... Still, it was pretty cheesy/corny/stupid and I liked it x) also I love the ending when she reminds him never to bet against her, I really do think that gave the book a nice guarantee that they will get a happily ever after. After all, you simply don't bet against Lucky 13 ;)"

In conclusion: this book was Incredible. And the title could not describe it better, it's a Beautiful Disaster, because even though their relationship was, well, a Disaster, it was still Beautiful, Travis being the best version of himself he could be when he was with Abby, wanting to be the right guy and making the right choices, and Abby learning to take chances and also that sometimes life has other plans for you, and that this plans are often the best choice. An Amazing book that it's worth keeping and re-reading. You won't forget it. 

Caged Moon - Rachel Deagan

Caged Moon by Rachel Deagan
Pages: 260 pages
Format: e-book
Source: Author

Summary:

Haunted by an animal attack, seventeen year old Charlotte feels she is being followed. When she runs into a mysterious boy while camping, she’s afraid. Nothing seems right about him. Despite trying to stay away, there is an unmistakable draw to be near him. Even his scent smells familiar. But the closer she gets, the faster the secrets begin to unravel. Not only is he not human, he may have a link to her past. When Charlotte finds out someone wants her dead, she is torn between love and fear. Can she trust him to keep her safe?

From Goodreads

My Review:

Oh My God, I cannot express how much I LOVED THIS BOOK!!! One of the Best Werewolf books I have ever read!

Let me start by pointing out what I Loved most :3 <u>Charlotte</u>. She is one of the best characters I've read, it was so fun and just pure delight to live in her head! It actually reminded me of my own head x) I just fell in love with her.

Next, the guys. Liam is our main male character -I Love Him Too - but his friends! they were hilarious and as supportive characters they really added much to the story! Everything in the story was great but they made it awesome. [Not just the guys, everyone else! but, lol, I have a thing for those Wolfy guys :3] and back to Liam, who was so swoon-worthy. He always managed to make everything flirty and sexy x) He was also always there for Charlotte, protecting here and helping her figure out more about what she is and, and, and.... *sigh* yeah. that's it ^^

Then, The Story. At first it reminded me a lot of Shiver by Maggi Stiefvater [which is a book I also loved] but once I got more into it they were so different, especially by the character. and Oh God this book was awesome.

I'm jumping up and down and I want to tell you more, soooo much more! But I can't without spoiling so Arg!! >.<  Just read it!

I think the best thing about the book is just how good it is to read it. I felt happy the entire time, a smile playing on my lips while I read and it was just... a totally great and awesome read.

Thank You so much to Rachel Deaga! Your book is now one of my favorites! I will be re-reading this one, no doubt.

PS: Forgot to say I also love the cover :D!

Where She Went - Gayle Forman

Where She Went by Gayle Forman
Date Released: April 5th 2011
Publisher: Dutton Juvenile
Pages: 264 pages
Date Read: February 6th 2012
Format:  Hardcover
Source:Borders

Summary:

Now living on opposite coasts, Mia is Juilliard's rising star and Adam is LA tabloid fodder, thanks to his new rock star status and celebrity girlfriend. When Adam gets stuck in New York by himself, chance brings the couple together again, for one last night. As they explore the city that has become Mia's home, Adam and Mia revisit the past and open their hearts to the future - and each other.

Told from Adam's point of view in the spare, lyrical prose that defined If I Stay, Where She Went explores the devastation of grief, the promise of new hope, and the flame of rekindled romance.

From Goodreads

My Review:

You know, I had really high expectations for this book, I was expecting some epic romance or something. I'm sad to say that I didn't got that. Still, the book is worth 5 stars and more. So even though the story wasn't what I thought it would be, it was still one of the most amazing stories I've read, just like If I Stay, Where She Went blew me away. Gayle Forman is one of my all time favorite authors, no doubt.

If you haven't read If I Stay then Stop Right Here. Do NOT read past this point, jump to the last paragraph instead :3 For those of you who have read If I Stay, I'm sure you remember Adam's promise to Mia, which sadly, he had to keep, and it becomes a sad and bumpy road - for both of them. Where She Went is told in Adam's point of view, we can see just how hard it was for him to loose Mia and how much his life changed. What I liked was that even though the situation was depressing, the book didn't felt like a "Oh my life sucks *sigh* I shall go jump of a bridge" sorta thing. It was realistic and also relatable, even if you are nowhere near Adam's or Mia's situation.

I was warned that I would cry - I didn't [I still feel bad for that ^^] still, the book was really emotional and just plain Beautiful. I Loved it. I L-O-V-E-D IT! Especially the final chapters! The book ended in realistic way! I was actually worried about it having a ridiculously cliche happy ending. I'm just plain in Love with this Novel, Adam and how Gayle Forman creates amazing characters and she allows us to go deep into them, to a point where you just feel that everything is happening directly to you, and you hurt along with the characters.

This book was so good that *sigh* it makes me wanna go jump of a bridge x) lol.

If you haven't read Where She Went you Must! Like, now! and if you haven't read Where She Went or If I Stay then, Oh God O_O you have no idea what you've been missing. go get both. Like, NOW!

PS: I Love Adam <3 one of my biggest book crushes of all time :3

“You don’t share me. You own me.” 
-Adam

My Review of If I Stay

Swirls - F.A. Hershey. Review+Excerpt+Giveaway

Swirls by F.A. Hershey

Date Released: July 8th 2011
Pages:  254 pages
Date Read: 2/10/12
Format: PDF
Source: Author

Summary:

Sixteen-year-old Julia finds herself leaving her London life behind to move with her parents to the Amazon jungle.

A native descendant, she becomes familiarized with her own roots for the first time in her life. However, she never imagines she is about to discover much more than her own past but also just how crowded our little planet is...

This is a present time sci-fi/ fantasy story about trust, friendship, love and self-discovery.

This book falls into the category of YA fiction, though not unsuitable for younger readers.

From Goodreads

My Review:

Swirls is one of the most intriguing books I've ever read. For starters, the summary doesn't give too much away, so the moment I started reading, the big question came to my mind: WHAT? lucky for me this wasn't annoying, it was more like a "What is going on? I want to know! I need to know!" sorta thing.

We start with Julia ready to leave London and go live in the Amazon - she's not too happy about this. Also, she's not too happy with the strange dreams she's been having, especially the part were they torture her... But along with her arrival to the Amazon, a new friend comes - Lola, I Looooved her as a character! - Family secrets, a mysterious tribe leader, a hot boy and a not-so-nice mother [that would be an understatement].

Julia has a very special gift, and soon she finds herself being a very important part of this secret world. I really enjoyed this book and I loved the original world that F.A. Hershey created.

A fitting title, an original story, and a great book with an ending that will leave you wanting for more!

Excerpt from Swirls by F. A. Hershey:

My feet were killing me by now. The twigs and protruded roots felt more like whips lashing on my legs and arms as we walked through the forest’s non-existent paths. Halola and the guide were just a few paces in front of me, and it was clear that walking through the jungle felt like home to them.

I struggled my way through with more determination I thought myself capable of. They often paused and waited for me to catch up, but I just waved them on. I wanted to make myself endure the challenge and overcome it.

When I woke up this morning, I knew that this was going to be a challenge, but that was a challenge I was glad to accept. I was also glad to have something else to think about rather than Gabriel. I’d put on Halola’s hiking boots, my old jeans and a long sleeved shirt to protect my arms from mosquito bites, put on my best courageous face and left my room to meet Halola by the Reception.

What I wasn’t too well prepared for was the weight I would have to carry. I had a load of what felt like a ton of lead strapped to my back, which sometimes made me lose my balance. I’d have fallen backwards to the floor if it wasn’t for trunks of trees, bless them, to hold me up.

‘I’m doing great, don’t worry about me. The view is fantastic!’ I lied, not very convincingly though because the lie didn’t match the straining look I’m sure I had on my face. But I wasn’t lying about the view. It was fantastic.

I felt infinitesimally small compared to the tall, ancient trees around me. I could barely see the sky above my head and the sun’s rays struggled to find their way through the branches.

‘How are you doing?’ Halola asked me every now and then. She pitied me, but her hands were tied. There was no way she could help me much, because she too was carrying a massive load of food on her back.

The more we walked, the trickier it became to walk a straight line. I wondered every now and then if the guide really knew where he was going or if he was just as clueless and lost as I was.

I knew we had walked quite a long way when my hair was matted with sweat and my clothes were so sticky with sweat and dirt and green mould I could have just gone for a swim in the river with my clothes on.

‘We’re almost there,’ Halola spoke over her shoulder, as if reading my worried thoughts.

‘How do you know?’

‘Do you see that giant Kapok tree over there?’ she pointed to a magnificently tall tree that seemed to have been purposefully arranged to be the centre of things, somehow outshining and towering the other trees around it. If Halola, the guide and I joined hands we wouldn’t be able to encircle it all the way, so thick it was.

‘Yes, but there are others like that all over the place.’

‘Yes and no,’ Halola said smiling, ‘This tree here is very special because it’s been here for a long time – much longer than the others of its kind.’

‘And it’s been protected by the Kanuayeds since they settled here,’ added the guide.

‘My grandmother said the tribe has lived here for more than a thousand years,’ I said, remembering what Gran had told me so many times since I was a little girl.

I remembered her stories about the tribe life she always cherished so much. Now walking the paths I’m sure she would be able to walk with her eyes closed, I could imagine more vividly what she always tried to make me visualise and feel about her life here as a young girl – about my age actually. She left for England as a young woman of twenty.

***

Giveaway!

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Incarnate - Jody Meadow

Incarnate by Jody Meadow

Date Released: January 31st 2012
Publisher: Katherine Tegen
Pages: 384 pages
Date Read: December 25 2011
Format: Hardcover
Source: Netgalley

Summary:
New soul 
Ana is new. For thousands of years in Range, a million souls have been reincarnated over and over, keeping their memories and experiences from previous lifetimes. When Ana was born, another soul vanished, and no one knows why.

No soul
Even Ana's own mother thinks she's a nosoul, an omen of worse things to come, and has kept her away from society. To escape her seclusion and learn whether she'll be reincarnated, Ana travels to the city of Heart, but its citizens are afraid of what her presence means. When dragons and sylph attack the city, is Ana to blame?

Heart
Sam believes Ana's new soul is good and worthwhile. When he stands up for her, their relationship blooms. But can he love someone who may live only once, and will Ana's enemies--human and creature alike--let them be together? Ana needs to uncover the mistake that gave her someone else's life, but will her quest threaten the peace of Heart and destroy the promise of reincarnation for all?
Jodi Meadows expertly weaves soul-deep romance, fantasy, and danger into an extraordinary tale of new life.

From Goodreads

My Review:

Incarnate blew me away. Seriously my favorite book in its genre so far. It was that good. And the cover is amazing! Now onto to the review:

I’m usually not a big fan of fantasy, they tend to lack some deep and such, so the fact that Incarnate has the best female character I have read ever is astonishing. From the summary you know that Anna is different. She’s a Nosoul, and as such she was raised to believe she was not worthy of loving things or being loved and that she should be punished, constantly and cruelty.

As soon as she’s free of her guardian, some really really bad stuff happens and she nearly dies. But do not fear, Sam is here! Oh Sam! I want him under the Christmas tree! Bringing me cake on my Birthday! He’s just…. *swoooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooon* I mean, WOW, I don’t remember falling so hard for a character before x). ahem, back to the point. Sam takes care of her and he doesn’t mind that she’s a Nosoul, strange…

Sadly, not everyone agrees with Sam, and Ana is thrown into a world where people hate her and judge her for something she had no control over: her birth. I was so frustrated along with Ana, sad and angry. I understood everything, her bitterness and hurt, her want for love.

There’s also the lovely romance between Ana and Sam. Flawlessly Beautiful. As much as I would love to give some spoilers I’ll restrain myself. BUT I will give you this: I have read Chapter 21 and 22 at least 6 times today, and I just finished the book earlier.

Incarnate had the power to change my emotions in one line, incredible romance one minute and thrilling action the next.

Dragons, Burns, Dance, Music, Romance, Secrets and the constant uncertainty of whom to trust, along with the knowledge that the only way to survive is to believe in one’s self. Incarnate is a Book You Can’t Forget. Period.

I can’t wait to get my finished copy! Amazing with Major Capital A :D a HUGE Thanks to Netgally for the opportunity to read this!

Don't miss my Interview with Jody Meadow!

“There's always the option of deciding for yourself who you are and what you'll become.”

Tweet Review

Dragons, Burns, Dance, Music, Romance, Secrets and the constant uncertainty of whom to trust, along with the knowledge that the only way to survive is to believe in one’s self. Incarnate is a Book You Can’t Forget. Period.

Angelfall - Susan Ee

Angelfall by Susan Ee
Date Released: May 21st 2011
Publisher: Feral Dream
Pages: 255 pages
Date Read: January 20, 2012
Format:  pdf
Source: Author

Summary:

It's been six weeks since angels of the apocalypse descended to demolish the modern world. Street gangs rule the day while fear and superstition rule the night. When warrior angels fly away with a helpless little girl, her seventeen-year-old sister Penryn will do anything to get her back.

Anything, including making a deal with an enemy angel.

Raffe is a warrior who lies broken and wingless on the street. After eons of fighting his own battles, he finds himself being rescued from a desperate situation by a half-starved teenage girl.

Traveling through a dark and twisted Northern California, they have only each other to rely on for survival. Together, they journey toward the angels' stronghold in San Francisco where she'll risk everything to rescue her sister and he'll put himself at the mercy of his greatest enemies for the chance to be made whole again.

From Goodreads

My Review:

I've always been a big fan of apocalyptic movies, lots of people turn away from them, but they are my favorites, so when I saw this book was about the apocalypse I didn't hesitate to request it! It's actually the first book I read in the genre and wow! it was soooo good. all of those 5 star reviews were right :3 I'll stop my rambling and begin reviewing:

The book starts and we meet Penryn, a not so normal girl. Aside from the fact that the apocalypse started and Angels -not nice and pretty. More like mean and I-want-them-to-die kind of Angels - are taking over the world, Her mother has mental problems and her little sister is in a wheelchair. To make things worse her sister is kidnapped by Angels, and God knows what they will do to her, so Penryn is on a mission: Save her sister no matter what.

The book jumps right into the action, there are very few 'calm' moments, which was really good. Lots of hear racing moments and lots of: "Oh. My. God. You have got to be kidding" moments, Luckily Penryn wasn't alone to face them [her mom sort of gets lost] but she's being accompanied by a hot Angel that apparently isn't so bad: Raffe.

Raffe is the romantic interest of Penryn, though he doesn't show that much interest in her through the book, but by the ending all of his emotions show, Oh God The Ending! I was crying! not bawling or anything, more like a little tear here and there and some *sniff sniff* it was sooo good and I ♥ Raffe! seriously! everything was in slow motion for me, from the horrible things that happened to [SPOILER Highlihght:] Penryn's sister! I mean what the hell did they do to her? and what is she now? and the scorpion things and Raffe's Wings! and Arg!! I was TORN APART! I'm telling you! TORN!!!

So yeah, I found it a bit hard to get into the book in the begging, even though it was full of action and great stuff, I wasn't really into it. But by the end I was so immersed that, like I said, everything turned into slow motion. Oh and one more thing, I Loved that Susan Ee is Fearless! she was not afraid to describe graphic and grueson things, I love that she went all the way, because usually books tend to be sugarcoated, but this one was not afraid, so I really think that makes it that much more good :)

Maybe my review doesn't make that much sense but, what really does have to make sense is the fact that you have to read it. If you like Bad [and hot] Angels, creatures that come straight out of nightmares and lots of action then this book is for you :D!

and now I'm dying for a sequel... Special Thanks to Susane Ee for letting me review her book!

“I never kid about my warrior demigod status."
"Oh. My. God." I lower my voice, having forgotten to whisper. "You are nothing but a bird with an attitude. Okay, so you have a few muscles, I’ll grant you that. But you know, a bird is nothing but a barely evolved lizard. That’s what you are.”

“It is not the gentle kiss of a couple on a first date, nor is it the kiss of a man driven by simple lust. He kisses me with the desperation of a dying man who believes the magic of eternal life is in this kiss.”

And one More Spoiler Quote [Highlight] and if you haven't read the book DO NOT READ THIS QUOTE, I'm serious. Stop. Really. Especially you Jennifer, you read really fast and something tells me you want to read spoilers :P  Like I said, this quote tore my hear in two:

"“How long did you resist?” asks Uriel. “Did you push her away? Did you tell her she meant no more to you than any other animal? Oh, Raffe, did she die thinking you didn’t care about her? How tragic. That must just tear you to pieces.” Raffe looks up with murder in his eyes. “Don’t. Talk. About. Her.”"

Graffiti Moon - Cath Crowley

Graffiti Moon by Cath Crowley

Date Released:  February 14th 2012 [US edition]
Publisher: Knopf Books for Young Readers
Pages: 272 pages 
Date Read: January 07, 2012
Format: ARC
Source: Netgalley

Summary:

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.

From Goodreads

My Review:

I've always loved to write, and if I were to ever write a book, I would want to be just like this one. No doubt.

The writing style was really good! and the humor! Oh God I was laughing so much! especially at the sarcastic remarks! "This did not comfort me." That was my favorite line! [probably doesn't make sense if you haven't read it. You must]

It had the perfect valance of Lighthearted and Deep Situations! It was full of real art references and just in general, I would not hesitate to call this book a work of art. Delicate and just about perfect.

The support characters where great, Lucy had such a great sense of humor and I loved being inside her and Ed's minds. and Ed is my new boy crush ^^

I you haven't read it then What Are You Waiting For??!?!?!?!?!

It's worth Gold

“Emma Forest?" Jazz asks. "His ex is the girl with the big...?"
"That's the one," Daisy tells her.
Jazz looks at her chest. I pat her shoulder. "Guys care about personality too."
"Girls like me started that rumor.”

“Every time he looked at me I felt like I'd touched my tongue to the tip of a battery. In art class I'd watch him lean back and listen and I was nothing but zing and tingle. After a while, the tingle turned to electricity, and when he asked me out my whole body amped to a level where technically I should have been dead. I had nothing in common with a sheddy like him, but a girl doesn't think straight when she's that close to electrocution.” 

Wandering Stars - Marlon Pierre-Antoine +Giveaway

Wandering Stars by Marlon Pierre-Antoine

Date Released:  October 1st 2011
Publisher:  World Castle Publishing
Pages: 230 pages
Date Read: January 12th 2012
Format: PDF
Source: Experience Tours

Summary:

Alice Valdez is a normal seventeen year old girl living a mundane post high school life that consists of work, sleep, hanging out, and more work - but it all changes when a chance encounter on the beach one night leads to a series of haunting dreams that bring her face to face with the most ancient evil the Universe has ever known.

What do you do when the man you care for is none other than the Devil himself? Wandering Stars follows one girl's journey into the arms of darkness and into Hell itself - all in the name of love.

From Goodreads

My Review:

I was really interested in this book because the main role - Alice, falls in love with the Devil himself, and I don't remember reading a book in which the Devil was actually involved, much less him being the swoon-worthy guy. Seemed like a risky subject and I was all game.

The beginning was a bit weird... Alice sees Lucas [the Devil] once and then she starts dreaming of him and then she's madly in love. even though she has only seem him a couple of times. Weird and rushed. But once past that initial bump the Love story runs more smoothly. And even though he is the Devil and by default 'bad' you just want her to be with him No Matter What.

And do not let the Label fool you, remember that Lucifer was once God's favorite Angel, and he was beautiful. Now Alice is willing to go through the deeps of Hell just to save the one she most loves. I mean this Literally.

I really enjoyed this book, especially considering I'm a bit of a hopeless romantic.... *sigh* I'm just a sucker for romance x)

There was this quote I really Loved about Love, but it is long so I'll leave a link
to it on Goodreads :) Here.

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Impulse - Ellen Hopkins

Impulse by Ellen Hopkins
Date Released:  January 23rd 2007
Publisher: Margaret K. McElderry
Pages: 666 pages
Date Read: December 31st 2011
Format:  Hardcover
Source: Amazon

Summary:

Sometimes you don't wake up. But if you happen to, you know things will never be the same.

Three lives, three different paths to the same destination: Aspen Springs, a psychiatric hospital for those who have attempted the ultimate act -- suicide.

Vanessa is beautiful and smart, but her secrets keep her answering the call of the blade.

Tony, after suffering a painful childhood, can only find peace through pills.

And Conner, outwardly, has the perfect life. But dig a little deeper and find a boy who is in constant battle with his parents, his life, himself.

In one instant each of these young people decided enough was enough. They grabbed the blade, the bottle, the gun -- and tried to end it all. Now they have a second chance, and just maybe, with each other's help, they can find their way to a better life -- but only if they're strong and can fight the demons that brought them here in the first place.

From Goodreads

My Review:

It’s hard to review this book, it really is. Suicide is not something to be taken lightly, and it is also something very hard to grasp. Something that we usually tiptoe around, nobody wants to be that close to death. Ever. What makes it so shocking is to wonder: What can drive a person to such ending? Why is it that they couldn’t see beyond their current situations, and why they had nothing left to loose.

It was especially hard for me to read this because I’ve been in this sort of situation, think of me as Vanessa [If you have read the book] if not, well, you need to read it, you really do. Everything was so real, and I actually thought I was going to have trouble keeping up with the writing style, but no, it was really easy to follow and to get into it.

Impulse shows the life of mainly three teens, though there are more people interned in Aspen Springs, and you get to catch a glimpse of them. Impulse really shows this: Some people will make it. Others won’t. In school, in a marathon, in life, in anything you can think about. Some people aren’t strong enough. Some people don’t want to fight anymore. They all act on their Impulse.

A strong story that comes with stronger decisions. If you’ve read titles such as Forbidden by Tabitha Suzuma or Thirteen Reasons Why by Jay Asher, Impulse is a must-be in your shelf

“Love means holding on to someone just as hard as you can because if you don't, one blink and they might disappear...forever.”

dancergirl - Carol m. Tazman

dancergirl by Carol M. Tazman
Date Released: November 15th 2011
Publisher: Harlequin
Pages: 248 pages
Date Read: December 17 2011
Format:  ARC
Source: Netgalley

Summary:

Ever feel like someone's watching you? Me, too. But lately it's been happening in my room.


When I'm alone.

A friend posted a video of me dancing online, and now I'm no longer Alicia Ruffino. I'm dancergirl. And suddenly it's like me against the world—everyone's got opinions.

My admirers want more, the haters hate, my best friend Jacy—even he's acting weird. And some stalker isn't content to just watch anymore.
 
Ali. Dancergirl. Whatever you know me as, however you've seen me online, I've trained my whole life to be the best dancer I can be. But if someone watching has their way, I could lose way more than just my love of dancing. I could lose my life.

From Goodreads

My Review:

Stalkers happen to be one of the things that scare the bejeezus outta me. That, and the end of the world. And Ghosts. And The Dark. And a lot of other things.




No kidding. So when I saw that dancergirl was about a stalker I was like: YAY! lol, I Love a good scare :3 But dancergirl was just... Okay.

Don't get me wrong, dancergirl wasn't half bad, but I remember when I read Deadly Little Secret by Laurie Faria Stolar, I would go to bed all freaked out!

With dancergirl I found it very predictable who the stalker was, maybe it's because I have experience with this genre or something but, when they finally revealed who the stalker was, I was just like: I knew it! 

It was entertaining, I really liked Ali's passion for dance and in general it was a good read. I'd suggest you read it on your way to Palms Spring. or San Fransisco. or on a plain. I don't know why but I just think It would be something good to read on the road. Just my opinion :)

“I remember what he was wearing. A navy-blue coat and that Harry Potter scarf."
"What the heck's a Harry Potter scarf?" Jacy snorts, "Low-rent Invisibility Cloak? Only your neck disappears.”

 

The Statistical Probability of Love at First Sight - Jennifer E. Smith

The Statistical Probability of Love at First Sight by Jennifer E. Smith
Date Released: January 2nd 2012
Publisher: Poppy
Pages: 236 pages
Date Read: December 23rd 2011
Format:  Hardcover
Source: Barnes&Nobles

Summary:

Who would have guessed that four minutes could change everything?

Today should be one of the worst days of seventeen-year-old Hadley Sullivan's life. She's stuck at JFK, late to her father's second wedding, which is taking place in London and involves a soon to be step-mother that Hadley's never even met. Then she meets the perfect boy in the airport's cramped waiting area. His name is Oliver, he's British, and he's in seat 18C. Hadley's in 18A.

Twists of fate and quirks of timing play out in this thoughtful novel about family connections, second chances and first loves. Set over a 24-hour-period, Hadley and Oliver's story will make you believe that true love finds you when you're least expecting it.

From Goodreads

My Review:

I Really Liked It and It Was Amazing. 

lol, I have no idea how to explain yet. It was a simple story really, sweet, the beginning of a bigger one for Hadley and Oliver; but there were so many little details and things that just made the story so great and complete. I'm smiling like a fool right now, I seriously can't wait to re-read it. It's such a beautiful book that every time I glance at it I just get a bigger smile, and I'm sure it's going to be that way for a long time.

Oliver and Hadley were perfect. Not in a no flaws kind of way, but in a perfectly well done human characters with flaws and all. They both had different perspectives on many things but they also completed each other. I know that this sounds cheesy, especially if you consider that the story takes place over a 24 hour period, but everything was just so well done. I seriously applause Jennifer E. Smith, she did a wonderful job with this book, and like I said earlier, you can tell this is just the beginning for Oliver and Hadley.

This is a must-be-in-your-shelf book, no doubt. The Statistical Probability that you will love it is: 100%

“It's not the changes that will break your heart; it's that tug of familiarity.”

&

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This is a must-be-in-your-shelf book, no doubt. The Statistical Probability that you will love it is: 100%

Legacy - Molly Cochran

Legacy by Molly Cochran

Date Released:  December 20th 2011
Publisher: Simon & Schuster/Paula Wiseman Books
Pages: 432 pages
Date Read: December 17th 2011
Format: E-book
Source: Simon & Schuster Galley Grab

Summary:

When her widowed father dumps 16-year-old Katy Jessevar in a boarding school in Whitfield, Massachusetts, she has no idea that fate has just opened the door to both her future and her past. Nearly everyone in Whitfield is a witch, as is Katy herself, although she has struggled all her life to hide her unusual talents. Stuck at a boarding school where her fellow studens seem to despise her, Katy soon discovers that Whitfield is the place where her mother committed suicide under mysterious circumstances when Katy was just a small child. With dark forces converging on Whitfield, it’s up to Katy to unravel her family’s many secrets to save the boy she loves and the town itself from destruction.

From Goodreads

My Review:

Ummm.... how to review this book?... hmmm... well, the summary was interesting but once you start reading it, it turns out to be a Fail.

Not so much that I didn't like it, but there were a few situations that were just instant turn-off. Example: Katy - the main character - arrives to a new school, nobody talks to her and basically they want to steer clear from her, and she just lets it be. But then there's the King of the Jerks, meet Peter. who treats her like crap and actually, ACTUALLY SHOVES HER ACROSS THE ROOM, and the next day he's all sweet and nice [He has a serious bipolar disorder] and she's all 'Oh My God I Love Him. I know he's the one. I just know.' WHAT?!!? Have a bit of dignity! if a guy treats you like that you do NOT go crawling after him. Period.

I would also find myself flipping through the pages, just skipping parts here and there, it really never caught my attention. I really wish it had been more, I wanted to like it, the summary was promising. I think it could've had a better development. There was action, romance, mystery... but it never got to me. Not once. it was just like watching a movie in mute. I tried, but the relationship between me and this book was not good.

In all honestly - and sadness - I do not recommend this book :/

Ripple - Mandy Hubbard

Ripple by Mandy Hubbard
Date Released: July 21st 2011
Publisher: Razorbill/Penguin
Pages: 260 pages
Date Read: October 29, 2011
Format: Hardcover
Source: Amazon

Summary:

Lexi is cursed with a dark secret. Each day she goes to school like a normal teenager, and each night she must swim, or the pain will be unbearable. She is a siren - a deadly mermaid destined to lure men to their watery deaths. After a terrible tragedy, Lexi shut herself off from the world, vowing to protect the ones she loves. But she soon finds herself caught between a new boy at school who may have the power to melt her icy exterior, and a handsome water spirit who says he can break Lexi's curse if she gives up everything else. Lexi is faced with the hardest decision she's ever had to make: the life she's always longed for - or the love she can't live without?

From Goodreads

My Review:

I had very high expectations for Ripple, the cover is gorgeous and it's a great storyline, and I am very happy to say it did not let me down :)

Last Year - or at least I think it was last year... - I read You Wish also by Mandy Hubbard, the story was great. The only problem? I didn't like the main character. yeah, not so good. Luckily this was not the case with Ripple, I liked Lexi a lot.

Lexi is cursed, she's draw to water and she sings, and her singing kills. She falls in Love, but then she figures out a way to get rid of her curse. the price? give up her Love. so what will she choose?

I have no idea if I'm just naive but, wow, I was shocked so many times during the book! her decisions, what everything turned out to be, what a certain someone turned out to be, and the ending. wow, the ending. didn't saw that one coming. Not. At. All.

and aside from the shocking part in the ending it was also realistic. I really liked the last chapter [thirty-three] I think it was the perfect finale for the book.

Ripple is the first mermaid book I read and It most definitely won't be my last. Mandy Hubbard created an original storyline with intriguing characters and with lots of surprises around the corner. If you haven't read a book by Mandy Hubbard before, you must. It won't disappoint.

“You don't have to sleep, you don't have to dream, to have nightmares.”

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Mandy Hubbard created an original storyline with intriguing characters and with lots of surprises around the corner. If you haven't read a book by Mandy Hubbard before, you must. It won't disappoint.

There You'll Find Me - Jenny B. Jones

There You'll Find Me by Jenny B. Jones
Date Released: October 4th 2011
Publisher: Thomas Nelson
Pages: 320 pages
Date Read: November 13 2011
Format: e-book
Source: Publisher via NetGalley

Summary:

In a small cottage house in rural Ireland, Finley discovers she can no longer outrun the past.

When Finley travels to Ireland as a foreign exchange student, she hopes to create a new identity and get some answers from the God who took her brother away and seems to have left her high and dry.

But from the moment she boards the plane and sits by Beckett Rush, teen star of the hottest vampire flicks, nothing goes according to Finley's plan.

When she gets too close to Beckett, a classmate goes on a mission to make sure Finley packs her bags, departs Ireland-and leaves Beckett alone.

Finley feels the pressure all around. As things start to fall apart, she begins to rely on a not-so-healthy method of taking control of her life.

Finley tries to balance it all-disasters on the set of Beckett's new movie, the demands of school, and her growing romance with one actor who is not what he seems. Yet Finley is also not who she portrays to Beckett and her friends.

For the first time in her life, Finley must get honest with herself to get right with God.

From Goodreads

My Review:

There You'll Find Me is a story about grief, change, self-discovery and falling in love in the process.

Finley has been dealing with a lot during the past two years, her brother’s death, depression and a few bad turns, so she decides to take trip to Ireland in hopes of finding peace, calm and completing her musical piece for an upcoming audition. And what does she find instead? An arrogant actor [this one is before the plane arrives at Ireland], a bully and a bitter old granny; add a new family and best friend to the mix.

Obviously her peaceful and calming trip doesn’t turn out to be so relaxing, and soon Finley finds herself going the wrong way again, giving in to the pain that lives inside her and that she so desperately tries to deny, but there’s a boy that refuses to leave her, a lady that needs her help and some things she needs to find.

The story was beautiful, and even though it circled around religion – I am not a fan of religion in books – It didn’t bother me, I really do think it was, somehow, ‘essential’ to the story.

I had my Laugh Out Loud moments, parts where I nearly cry and parts in which all I wanted was to clap [is that weird?] Standing Ovation for There You’ll Find Me, and also for Jenny B. Jones writing style! It was poetic!

Big Thanks to Netgally for letting me access this book :D!

"You can talk to your old dad about anything, you know. Except boys. And bras. And that Bieber fellow."

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A story about grief, change, self-discovery and falling in love in the process. Beautiful