Tuesday, July 3, 2012

Love Story

Goodreads:
She's writing about him. he's writing about her. And everybody is reading between the lines.. 

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

Then, on the day she's sharing that assignment with her class, Hunter walks in. He's joining her class. And after he reads about himself in her story, her private fantasies about him must be painfully clear. She only hopes to persuade him not to reveal her secret to everyone else. But Hunter devises his own creative revenge, writing sexy stories that drive the whole class wild with curiosity and fill Erin's heart with longing. Now she's not just imagining what might have been. She's writing a whole new ending for her romance with Hunter . . . except this story could come true.
Title: Love Story
Author: Jennifer Echols
Release Date: July 19th 2011
Publisher: MTV Books

Review:

This book was really not what I would have expected. I did enjoy the story, don't get me wrong, I mean the characters are writers in the book, so it pretty much sums up what I love. However, the development of interest between Hunter and Erin didn't really fit for me. I never was really able to believe that they had a mutual connection in one another before their English class ever began.


I really loved Jennifer Echols Such a Rush, and to me, this one just was not up there at the same level. This book was still really good, and I recommend it. But something about it, just did not fit with me. 
>

The positives...I loved the idea of a former rich girl actually working to make her living. From the sounds of it she really worked extremely hard to get her paycheck. Also, when she went back home to visit she took care of her own horse, got it ready to ride and everything, that was really cool, it kind of enforced that she did things herself even when she was a rich girl. Another positive, Hunter had a great personality, I loved his sarcastic, smarter than though approach.  Lastly, one of my favorite positives was the American Indian man in class, that particularly hated everything that Erin wrote, he was hilarious and I loved it. I am sorry I do not remember his name, but I remember it was kind of long and I believe it started with an S, anyways when you read the story you will know EXACTLY who I am talking about.


The Negatives, I think I have done a pretty good job covering these, I just really did not believe the relationship between Hunter and Erin. Even when they went back home, it just seemed unrealistic to me. 


Overall, I would like to say that this was a good book, with great characters, and plot development. Echols certainly knows how to write a book, she even knows how to write books within a book. I very much enjoyed all the aspects and twists this story had to offer. One thing that might have pushed this book over the top for me and made it really spectacular is if this book had been told in alternating perspectives. I think this would have been the kind of story that really benefited from that. 


Rating:
If you like this book, I recommend:


Sunday, July 1, 2012

In My Mailbox (9)

In My Mailbox is hosted by The Story Siren.For more information, click here
This week I got...
Second Chance Summer by Morgan Matson

Keeping Secrets (Saving Zoe and Faking 19) by Alyson Noel

Perfect Chemistry by Simon Elkeles

and last but not least...in ebook...

Easy by Tammara Webber

Whoops! I almost forgot I also bought...

If I Tell by Janet Gurtler (also in ebook!)


Leave me a link to your own posts! I love to check them out.




Thursday, June 28, 2012

Choke

Goodreads:

A heartfelt novel about the disturbing "choking game" trend -- and one girl's struggle for self-acceptance.

If she could -- if her parents would let her -- eighth-grader Windy would change everything about herself. She'd get highlights in her hair, a new wardrobe; she'd wear makeup. But nothing ever changes. The mean girls at school are still mean, and Windy's best friend Elena is still more interested in making up words than talking about boys.

And then one day, Windy gets the change she's been looking for. New girl Nina -- impossibly cool, confident, and not afraid of anyone -- starts hanging out with Windy! Nina even wants to be "breath sisters." Windy isn't sure what that means, exactly, but she knows she wants to find out. It sounds even better than a BFF.

Windy is right, at first. Being a breath sister gains her a whole new set of friends, girls she feels closer to and cooler with than anyone else. But her inclusion in the new crowd comes at a dangerous price. Windy wants to change everything about her life ... but is she really willing to give up everything in the process?

Title: Choke
Author: Diana Lopez
Release Date: July 1st 2012
Publisher: Scholastic Inc.
Where to buy: Barnes and Noble, Amazon

Review:

This book was written by a Middle School teacher, and it read like it was written by a middle school teacher. I felt like I was being preached too throughout the novel. It was told through the perspective of eight grade Windy. Before I read this I did not know it was going to be about younger girls, I thought I was going to get more maturity and depth. This however was about as deep as you might expect an eighth grader to be. 

Choke was written for the sole purposes of raising awareness about the choking game and it's dangers. To warn girls (or boys) to not choke themselves to get a high. Being as I am already an adult and know this as simple commonsense I can relate to young impressionable girls trying to be cool, and doing something so idiotic as this. So, in that sense I am happy that this book is around. I just know it is not for me. 

If you are young, between the ages of 11 and 15 I would say that this book could possible be for you. If you are older, than I suggest passing it by, you will get everything that you need out of this book by searching wikipedia or google. 

Rating (if you are 11-15):


Sunday, June 24, 2012

In My Mailbox (8)

In My Mailbox is hosted by The Story Siren.For more information, click here.
This week in my mailbox is...
Purchased...

I loved the ARC so much I had to buy the book!

I had technical difficulties with the e-ARC so I had to preorder this gem right away. It finally came in!

Well, it was only a few books this week, but so totally worth it. These books are the best, and I have been dying to read Something Like Normal! 

Weekly Update:
Reviews to expect:
Choke by Diana Lopez
Pushing the Limits bu Katie McGarry

And finally...what I am reading now...
Love Story by Jennifer Echols
She just might be impressing me again, like in Such a Rush...guess you will have to wait for the review to find out for sure . I know, I love suspense!





Well that is it for this week! Leave me a comment with your own link. I love to check them out!

Friday, June 22, 2012

Caged (Talented #2)


Goodreads:

After her brush with death at Ian Crane’s compound, Talia Lyons feels like a prisoner, confined in her childhood home. Plagued with seizures- the result of an unidentified drug injected in her neck by Crane’s men- Talia must put her dream of becoming a Hunter on hold. So when Agency Director McDonough asks Talia to go undercover at the School for the Talented, to find the spy who set the trap for her in Nevada, Talia jumps at the opportunity. 

Soon she learns that her new-found freedom comes with a price- working with Donavon on a daily basis. As if that isn’t awkward enough, her former teammate, Erik, also shows up at the School. But at least Talia has the unexpected company of her best friend Penny; to not only assist her in uncovering the spy, but also to deal with the complications that the guys create.

As Talia becomes more entrenched in her assignment, she quickly learns the lengths that the Agency and Mac will go in the name of war. With Crane’s influence spreading, Talia learns that there are few Operatives without ties to the Coalition. Forced to face hard truths and dangerous conclusions, Talia realizes that it is those closest to her who are hiding the biggest secrets. As the task of finding the traitor becomes more problematic, desperation and frustration rule Talia’s world. It becomes clear that Talia can’t do this alone. But who can she trust, when everyone around her is lying?

Title: Caged (Talented #2)
Author: Sophie Davis
Release Date: April 27th 2012
Self Published
Where to buy: Barnes and NobleAmazon

Review:

Again, Sophie Davis has blown my mind. Caged brought me even deeper into Talia's world. I loved every minute of it. 

After her solo mission ended with Talia passed out in the woods. We find her several months later in a sick bed back at her home. She is suffering from mysterious seizures and hasn't been allowed visitors for almost a year! I know, I know that is extreme. Her health is at a plateau and she is able to help out Mac by finding the spy that sold Talia out to Ian Crane. 

I loved the direction this book has taken the Talented series. It read a little longer than the first in the series, but it really was just as enthralling, if not more. Davis has brought us to a new world and sometimes authors can lack that certain oomph their first novel had, this sequel was really great. She kept the same main characters around and I am very excited to see what will happen in the third novel, Hunted. 


I felt slightly rushed through the beginning of the novel. I wanted to know so badly where Erik was in all of this that I flipped pages rather quickly. But for all that waiting Davis brought us to him in a realistic way, and more than made up for the wait in the end. 


Another bonus I would like to discuss is Donovan. He was a great character to delve into in this novel. I felt I got to know him more as a person this time around instead of the pushy boyfriend or the enemy. I got to know him for his deep down thoughts and I do really like how Talia handled herself with him. He should be another character to watch in the third novel.  


Overall, this book needs to be picked up. If you have yet to read the Talented series you can find the novels here on Barnes and Noble or Amazon. They are in ebook format and completely a steal at only $2.99! 


Rating: 

You better believe it!
Recommended for people that enjoyed:

Thursday, June 21, 2012

Throwback Thursday (5)

This is a weekly meme started by me, Kelley Lee of Reading to Stay Alive
The rules are simple, pick a favorite book of your past, and post about it. You can pick a quote from the series, post the blurb, maybe write what was your favorite thing about the book. Pick a book that you haven't read for a long time, and spread the word about it's awesomeness, in something less or shorter than a review. Once you have your Throwback posted, come here are post a link in the comment section. 


This weeks Throwback is...


All American Girl by Meg Cabot!


Goodreads: 


Samantha Madison is an average, cool Washington, D.C., teen: She loves Gwen Stefani (who doesn't?), can draw like nobody's business, and enjoys being opposite to her sister's annoying ultra-social personality. But when she ditches art class one day, she doesn't expect to be jumping on the back of a wannabe presidential assassin. Soon the young hero is receiving worldwide acclaim for her bravery, having dinner with her family at the White House, and is even being named teen ambassador to the UN. As if this weren't enough, she and David, the president's son, strike up a friendship that everyone wants the dirt on, which starts to give her romantic "frisson" feelings. Unfortunately, Sam thinks her sister's boyfriend, Jack, is the true love of her life, and she makes a few wrong turns that could screw up what she's developing with David. Will she ever stop following what she knows and start following what she sees?

This book is one of those stories that just keeps on giving. Totally mind grabbing. I loved this story as I was growing up. It spoke bounds to me, and Samantha set a great example of the kind of person I should be. She had her rocky moments, but don't we all. It was what she accomplished in the end that really showed me something. I really loved this book and I am sure you will too!

That is it for this weeks throwback! Leave a link with your own!

Wednesday, June 20, 2012

Cinderella in Cleats

Goodreads:

It started just like any other Saturday: Whitney, her best friend, Jason, and their fathers tossed an old football around in the park. But when her dad dies of a heart attack, Whitney doesn't realize her passion for the sport and her friendship with Jason will never be the same.


Two years later, Whitney's ready to begin the long journey of re-discovering her love for football, encountering a sexist coach, an unethical but irresistible opponent, a mustard yellow T-shirt, and Jason along the way.



How many boys, romance, and hits on the field can Whitney handle before it becomes too much and she's forced to throw in the towel on her dreams?


Title: Cinderella in Cleats
Author: Carly Syms
Release Date: August 1st 2010
Self Published




Review:


So, there was a beginning, a middle, and an end. Unfortunately, there was no plot and absolutely zero character development.

I went into this novel with very high hope. I read Catching Jordan in the past and the book was so unbelievably epic that I just had to get my hands on this one for just a possible glimpse back into that world. Instead of a strong willed female lead, I received a shallow, boy obsessed, immature and petty teenage girl. 

The story line was almost impossible to follow and every single guy seemed to fall at Whitney's feet the very second she decided to tryout for the football team. She ditched her best friend for her man, and before that she tried to date her best friends ex-boyfriend. Umm, what the heck is wrong with this picture. 

Stepping away from the plot, the writing was absolutely amateur. I don't know what the record is for number of times and author can use the word "like" but Carly Syms is definitely int he running for the record. Reading this was painful, I forced myself to go through with it because I have an incessant need to finish what I have started. 

All in all, this book was not worth the $2.99 I spent on it. I wish I could take the time back that it took to read. I felt like I was in the mind of a twelve year old when it came to the reasoning that took place here. If any of this sounds appealing to you, then by all means read the book. Simply put, it wasn't for me. Maybe it's for you.


Rating:
No stars from me.


Would not recommend.

Sunday, June 17, 2012

In My Mailbox (7)

In My Mailbox is hosted by The Story Siren.For more information, click here.

This week In My Mailbox is...
Borrowed from a friend...
Endless Summer by Jennifer Echols
Love Story by Jennifer Echols
Going Too Far by Jennifer Echols
Forget You by Jennifer Echols
(I know what you are thinking...your sensing a trend in the books that I borrowed. Well, my friend found out the only Jennifer Echols book I have ever read was Such a Rush and she thought she needed to rectify that. So, hence all the Echols books. I can't wait to read them!)
Bought (I went on a cheap ebook buying frenzy, just to warn you)...
Anna Dressed in Blood by Kendare Blake
(Oh, how I have wanted to get my hands on this one for the longest time. Guess what! It is only $2.99 on nook and Kindle right now!)
Breathe by Abbi Glines
(I bought this one because I really wanted the second one in this series and I hate to think I am missing out on something!)
Because of Low by Abbi Glines
(This book sounds so good, I just needed to have it! Only $2.99 on nook!)
Cinderella in Cleats by Carly Syns
(I am a sucker for sporty girl stories! I hope this one is just as good as Catching Jordan. Only $2.99 on nook!)
Where You Are by Tammara Webber
(This is the second book in the Between the Lines series, should be excellent! $2.99 on nook book!)
Good For You by Tammara Webber
(This is the third book in the Between the Lines series, I cannot wait to get these read! $2.99 on nook book!)
Hourglass by Myra McEntire
(I have heard great things about this series and right now it is $1.59 on nook and Kindle!)
The Summer of Skinny Dipping by Amanda Howells
(This book is one of those novels you see in the store on every trip to [insert book store here] and never thought twice about...then you see it for only $2.99 on your nook and you start to rethink some things!)

Received from publisher for review...
Blink Once by Cylin Busby
(This book sounds beautiful and I knew I had to read it right away, so I am very happy I got an egalley!)

Leave a link for your own IMM. I love to check them out!











Friday, June 15, 2012

Such a Rush

A sexy and poignant romantic tale of a young daredevil pilot caught between two brothers.

High school senior Leah Jones loves nothing more than flying. While she’s in the air, it’s easy to forget life with her absentee mother at the low-rent end of a South Carolina beach town. When her flight instructor, Mr. Hall, hires her to fly for his banner advertising business, she sees it as her ticket out of the trailer park. And when he dies suddenly, she’s afraid her flying career is gone forever.     


But Mr. Hall’s teenage sons, golden boy Alec and adrenaline junkie Grayson, are determined to keep the banner planes flying. Though Leah has crushed on Grayson for years, she’s leery of getting involved in what now seems like a doomed business — until Grayson betrays her by digging up her most damning secret. Holding it over her head, he forces her to fly for secret reasons of his own, reasons involving Alec. Now Leah finds herself drawn into a battle between brothers — and the consequences could be deadly.



Title: Such a Rush


Release Date: July 10th 2012

Publisher: MTV Books
Where to buy: Barnes and Noble, Amazon

Review:

There is so much to say about this wonderful novel. Jennifer Echols is non-stop give, she gave me a story that I LOVE, and will LOVE for the rest of my days.

Now, in the beginning I have to tell you I was a little scared. Because the story starts out in fourteen year old Leah's brain. I was quite shocked at all the situations she had already been through as only a fourteen year old girl. This also made me uncomfortable to know this was a contemporary romance, so I was going to go through the romance of a child. But then I was very satisfied to learn that that is only temporary, it is a lead up so we know the characters at a young age, and get to know them on a more personal level. The story then flashes forward to eighteen year old Leah and stays there throughout the rest of the novel. 

The boys...Grayson and Alec. Now, throughout this entire novel it is all Grayson all day for me always. After Mr. Hall dies, it is a very tragic hit to both the boys and Leah. To Leah, Mr. Hall was her key to the skies and her father figure. Without him, her dream seemed less of a reality. Grayson and Alec take on the task of running his fathers old flying company and hire Leah on to keep up with her job. Leah, never having trusted a male other than Mr. Hall is hesitant, because in her world men never give without wanting something in return, is that the case with Grayson and Alec? Don't let me tell you! You have to figure that one out for yourself! Just know this book is very excellent!

What I liked about this book the most is the descriptions and the internal thoughts of Leah. She has a very active brain, sometimes you just want to smack her and tell her to think straight, but she is very deliberate in everything she does and is very cautious, but also completely reckless. You may think that I need to make up my mind, but it is the truth. I felt she was a very diverse character in her actions. Very responsible and knows what she needs to do to make her goals and dreams come true. She doesn't like to depend on others but sometimes she just might have to learn to trust.

This is a book that will forever stay on my shelf, a much needed good read. You need to pre-order it or set your calendar so you know to pick it up on July 10th! 

Rating:
Five beautiful stars, although it deserves way more!
I love this book, you need, need, need to read it!
If you like this book, be sure to read:

Thursday, June 14, 2012

Throwback Thursday (4)


This is a weekly meme started by me, Kelley Lee of Reading to Stay Alive
The rules are simple, pick a favorite book of your past, and post about it. You can pick a quote from the series, post the blurb, maybe write what was your favorite thing about the book. Pick a book that you haven't read for a long time, and spread the word about it's awesomeness, in something less or shorter than a review. Once you have your Throwback posted, come here are post a link in the comment section. 



My Throwback is...


Rebels Angels by Libba Bray!


A little about it...



A Victorian boarding school story, a Gothic mansion mystery, a gossipy romp about a clique of girlfriends, and a dark other-worldly fantasy--jumble them all together and you have this complicated and unusual first novel.
Sixteen-year-old Gemma has had an unconventional upbringing in India, until the day she foresees her mother's death in a black, swirling vision that turns out to be true. Sent back to England, she is enrolled at Spence, a girls' academy with a mysterious burned-out East Wing. There Gemma is snubbed by powerful Felicity, beautiful Pippa, and even her own dumpy roommate Ann, until she blackmails herself and Ann into the treacherous clique. Gemma is distressed to find that she has been followed from India by Kartik, a beautiful young man who warns her to fight off the visions. Nevertheless, they continue, and one night she is led by a child-spirit to find a diary that reveals the secrets of a mystical Order. The clique soon finds a way to accompany Gemma to the other-world realms of her visions "for a bit of fun" and to taste the power they will never have as Victorian wives, but they discover that the delights of the realms are overwhelmed by a menace they cannot control. Gemma is left with the knowledge that her role as the link between worlds leaves her with a mission to seek out the "others" and rebuild the Order. A Great and Terrible Beauty is an impressive first book in what should prove to be a fascinating trilogy.

Okay, so you know all about the book, and yes you read that previous line correctly it is a trilogy. These were great books to read all that time ago! So what are you waiting for? Go read them!
Post your link to your own throwback! I love to read others old favorites!

Wednesday, June 13, 2012

Waiting on Wednesday (5)

"Waiting On" Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted by Jill of Breaking the Spine, that spotlights
 upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.


Sixteen-year-old Evening Spiker lives an affluent life in San Francisco with her mother, EmmaRose, a successful geneticist and owner of Spiker Biotech. Sure, Evening misses her father who died mysteriously, but she’s never really questioned it. Much like how she’s never stopped to think how off it is that she’s never been sick. That is, until she’s struck by a car and is exposed to extensive injuries. Injuries that seem to be healing faster than physically possible. 


While recuperating in Spiker Biotech’s lush facilities, she meets Solo Plissken, a very attractive, if off-putting boy her age who spent his life at Spiker Biotech. Like Evening, he’s never questioned anything... until now. Solo drops hints to Evening that something isn’t right, and Emma-Rose may be behind it. Evening puts this out of her mind and begins her summer internship project: To simulate the creation of the perfect boy. With the help of Solo, Evening uncovers secrets so big they could change the world completely.



Doesn't that sound amazing, and I love the cover! I am signed up for this ARC so hopefully I will get it! This is Eve and Adam by Michael Grant and Katherine Applegate. It is set to be released on October 2nd. Quite a wait ahead of us right! But I am sure it will be a wonderful read.


Please leave me a link to your WoW's, I love to check them out! And come back tomorrow for Throwback Thursday.

Tuesday, June 12, 2012

Teaser Tuesday (5)


Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme, hosted by MizB of Should Be Reading. Anyone can play along! Just do the following:
• Grab your current read
• Open to a random page
• Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page
• BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!)
• Share the title & author, too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers!

This weeks Teaser comes to us from Pushing the Limits by Katie McGarry

'"To confirm we're on the same page, you understand that contact between you and your mother while there is a restraining order, even if you initiate it, is forbidden."' 
- Page 15 of ARC

'My mind drifted this way and that. Mostly between focusing on his heart, his touch and the sweetest word I had ever heard: forever.

One clear thought forced my eyes open again. "You're putting me to sleep."

"So?" he asked a little too innocently. 

I swallowed. "I'll have nightmares."

"Then, we'll have an excuse to do this again."'
- Page 288 of ARC


Well, that is all for this weeks Teaser Tuesday! Leave me a link so I can visit yours as well.
I love to read your comments!

Monday, June 11, 2012

Talented

Goodreads:


Talia Lyons is Talented. Born after a nuclear spill, she is part of a new generation that possesses special abilities; Talia can read the minds of others and manipulate their thoughts. Whether Morphers, Light Manipulators or Telekinetics, the Talented are taught to control their abilities under the protective eye of the government- to use their Talents for good. But all Talia wants is revenge.


Talia joins the Hunters, an elite group of government operatives, hoping to one day kill Ian Crane - the man who ordered the execution of her parents. Ever since she witnessed their brutal deaths, Talia has spent her life honing her abilities, determined to settle the score. But she still has a lot to learn before she can ease the pain inside. Talia turns to a boy who can mimic her Talents, a boy who truly understands her inner turmoil. But even he can’t help Talia, when she’s forced to choose between saving herself and avenging the lives of her parents.



Talented is an action-packed adventure, about a group of teenagers who aren't afraid to embrace their fears and fight for what they believe in.


Title: Talented
Author: Sophie Davis
Release Date: January 11th 2011
Where to buy (and believe me, you need too!): Barnes and Noble, Amazon

Review:

Wow, where to start. This book was a wonderful surprise. From reading others reviews about it and also it's high ratings, I expected this to be an entertaining story, but never did I expect something quite like what I found.

The story is gripping and brings a whole new twist on supernatural powers combined with a futuristic world. Talia, herself, has an exceptionally extraordinary power, making her special, and making her stand out. Her powers are unbelievable and I can't wait to learn what else she can do in the second novel. Sophie Davis really spun an interesting web of life, in a world that I would really love to live in. Davis makes me believe it is possible to have powers and did a wonderful job incorporating them into the everyday life of a teenager.

The dystopian world in which they live is also very realistic. It was not too extreme and unrealistic. This was a world that was highly plausible and I am going to say it again. I really want to be a Talent!

For picky readers, this is a self published book. There are some weird errors, but the novel is exceptionally well written, and the errors are few and far between. Honestly, the only thing keeping this book from perfect is an editor and a literary agent and this book would be vanishing from the book shelves of any store. I can't believe it has stayed so unknown up to this point!

This is a true hidden gem. I recommend reading it as soon as you get a chance and for only $2.99 how could you pass it up!

Rating:
Recommended for people that enjoyed:

Sunday, June 10, 2012

In My Mailbox (6)

In My Mailbox is hosted by The Story Siren.
For more information, 
click here.
This week in my mailbox is...

From author for review...

Talented by Sophie Davis
Received from Publisher for review...
Pushing the Limits by Katie McGarry
The Goddess Legacy by Aimee Carter
Bought...
Breaking Beautiful by Jennifer Shaw Wolf
(Finished earlier this week...review can be found here)
Caged (Talented Saga #2) by Sophie Davis
(The first was so good I had to buy the second!)

Well, that is all for this week. Please leave a link to your own IMM, I love to check them out! Also, be sure to vote on the poll in the side bar, the winning book will be in my giveaway at the end of the month!