In My Mailbox 53

In My Mailbox is a meme created by The Story Siren and inspired by Alea of Pop Culture Junkie! It is a list of what books you have received over the previous week, either in the mail, from the bookstore, from the library, or from trades. =]

For review:

-Arson by Estevan Vega (SIGNED!)

-Claire De Lune by Christine Johnson

-Invisible Girl by Mary Hanlon Stone

-The Extraordinary Secrets Of April, May, And June by Robin Benway

-Winter Longing by Tricia Mills

-Plus by Veronica Chambers

-Keep Sweet by Michele Dominguez Greene

-Shade by Jeri Smith-Ready

-One Night That Changes Everything by Lauren Barnholdt

-It's Not Summer Without You by Jenny Han

From trades/won:

-Love You Hate You Miss You by Elizabeth Scott (SIGNED!)

-Struts And Frets by Jon Skovron

-Moonlight by Rachel Hawthorne

-Hottie by Jonathan Bernstein

-Academy 7 by Anne Osterlund

I had an awesome week! I don't know where to even start. I got so many books for review that I have been wanting to read for forever. I also won one book and got some from trades. Now it's just a matter of picking which one to read first. That always seems to be my problem. =]

Also, I got a blog makeover. Thanks to Katie from Sophistikatied Reviews, my blog now looks pretty professional. I love it. I have been trying to find a good header for months and Katie made me the perfect one in a day. She is super talented and if you haven't already checked out her blog, go do it now!

What was in your mailbox this week?

A House Afire by Emma Kinna

Book: A House Afire by Emma Kinna

Release date: December 1, 2009

Publisher: Publish America

From: Author

Summary:

Phyllis Sorin has seen all sorts of people. With two kind Aunts who rent out the rooms of their house to anyone in need, the people she calls family are a little different from most. There’s Bill, who takes on the personalities of movie characters. There’s Quincy, whose best friend is a drag queen. There’s Anna, an opera singer and kung-fu master.

And Phyllis, well, she’s not exactly normal herself. But even as she begins to navigate high school’s social jungle, Phyllis finds comfort and humor in her odd home.

When Dominick Siddons moves in, however, all of Phyllis's priorities become inferior to finding out his secret. A young lawyer with a vicious wit and ferocious temper, Sid may understand Phyllis in a way no one else can. And through truth and fiction, through the inevitable chaos of the house, Phyllis finds much more than she bargained for.

*****

A House Afire was a lot better than I expected. The only review I read for it was not very good and I was kind of skeptical when I first started reading it. It was a big book and I just didn't know how I would get through it if I didn't like it. Lucky for me, I did like it!

Phyllis Sorin has a secret. She can breathe fire. It's not something she can share with people and it makes life a bit difficult, especially as a teenager. At the end of her eighth grade year she has no friends and nothing to look forward to about high school. Things do begin to look up, though. She begins to make friends and a new tenant moves into the house. Her life is definitely changing but is it all for the better?

A House Afire is a hard book to describe. There are so many characters in it, I don't even know where to begin. All the characters were pretty unique but I did get the four gay guys, Quincy, Abe, Butch, and Damien, mixed up sometimes. They all sound alike when they are talking. Other than that all the characters had different personalities and were funny people. I would have loved living in Phyllis' house.

The plot was a little boring but I was able to stick with it. I liked reading about Phyllis' problems because they were very relatable and believable. I also loved the mystery of what Sid's secret was. It wasn't as easy to guess as I thought it would be. I really liked Sid, too. His relationship with Phyllis was a little odd but I liked it. I have heard that there will be a sequel and I can't wait for it. I want to know more about everyone!

Overall, A House Afire was a good book. It took a little time getting into the story but it was worth it. I definitely recommend it for anybody, although if you don't like profanity or mentions of teen sex, this isn't the book for you. =]

Writing: 8/10

Characters: 7/10

Plot: 8/10

Ending: 9/10

Originality: 8/10

Overall: 40/50=B-

Cover: 8/10=B-

Little Miss Red by Robin Palmer

Book: Little Miss Red by Robin Palmer

Release date: February 9, 2010

Publisher: Speak

From: Trade

Summary:

Sophie Greene gets good grades, does the right thing, and has a boyfriend that her parents— and her younger brother—just love. (Too bad she doesn’t love him.) Sophie dreams of being more like Devon Deveraux, star of her favorite romance novels, but, in reality, Sophie isn’t even daring enough to change her nail polish. All of that changes when Sophie goes to Florida to visit her grandma Roz, and she finds herself seated next to a wolfishly goodlooking guy on the plane. The two hit it off, and before she knows it, Sophie’s living on the edge. But is the drama all it’s cracked up to be?

*****

I'm sorry for such a horrible rating but there was nothing about this book that I liked. I could not get into it and it took me forever to read it. And it was only a little over 200 pages. It was clearly not a book for me.

Sophie Greene wants her life to be more like her favorite fictional heroine, Devon Deveraux. She wants romance, adventure, something to remember when she looks back on her life. She doesn't have that with her boyfriend of 3 years and she just might have to end it with him but how is she supposed to do that when they are spending spring break together in Florida? She knows this trip is going to be life-changing but she never really realized just how life-changing.

Sophie was an unrealistic person. She based all her decisions on what a fictional character would do. After the first couple of chapters it got ridiculous and I couldn't stand it. She was also self-involved and whiny. There just wasn't a single redeeming quality to her character.

The plot was nonexistent. I guess I could see a little bit of a storyline shining through at some points but nowhere near enough to get me interested. I never got into the story so I ended up reading it as fast as I could to get it over with.

Overall, Little Miss Red was a big disappointment for me. There just wasn't enough substance to it. I really hope Robin Palmer's other books are better because I do still plan on reading them.

Writing: 8/10

Characters: 6/10

Plot: 5/10

Ending: 5/10

Originality: 6/10

Overall: 30/50=D-

Cover: 8/10=B-

A Match Made In High School by Kristin Walker

Book: A Match Made In High School by Kristin Walker

Release date: February 4, 2010

Publisher: Razorbill

From: Bookstore

Summary:
When the principal announces that every senior must participate in a mandatory year-long Marriage Education program, Fiona Sheehan believes that her life can’t get any worse. Then she marries her “husband”: Jerky jock Todd, whose cheerleader girlfriend, Amanda, has had it in for Fiona since day one of second grade. Even worse? Amanda is paired with Fiona’s long-term crush, Gabe. At least Fiona is doing better than her best friend, Marcie, who is paired up with the very quiet, very mysterious Johnny Mercer. Pranks, fights, misunderstandings, and reconciliations ensue in an almost Shakespearean comedy of errors about mistaken first impressions, convoluted coupling, and hidden crushes.

*****

A Match Made In High School was pretty much exactly what I expected, not really anything more or less. It was cute, it was funny, it was everything you would expect in a YA chick-lit novel.

Fiona Sheehan is not a lucky person. Instead of starting her senior year on a good note, she is paired with Todd Harding for the dumbest course of the year, marriage education. They can't stand each other and they have to be "married" for a year. If they don't cooperate, they don't graduate. What's even worse is that her crush is paired with Todd's cheerleader girlfriend and her best friend is paired with big, goofy Johnny Mercer. Before the year is out things will get pretty crazy and they might just learn things about each other that they never would have expected.

So, A Match Made In High School was a little less predictable than some other chick-lit books. I couldn't really guess who Fiona would end up with but in the end, I liked who it was. It was also a lot more witty than most. Fiona and Todd's bickering was hilarious. The one thing that they could agree on was to hate each other and it kept me laughing.

The characters weren't anything special, though. Fiona was kind of selfish, Marcie was a bitch at some points, Todd was a dick, Gabe was okay, and Johnny was sweet. They all did some growing and changing throughout the story but nothing spectacular. There were things I liked about all of them and things I hated about all of them.

Overall, A Match Made In High School was a hilarious story of love in high school. It was honest and cute. I can't wait for more from debut author, Kristin Walker!

Writing: 9/10

Characters: 9/10

Plot: 9/10

Ending: 9/10

Originality: 8/10

Overall: 44/50=B+

Cover: 8/10=B-

Waiting On Wednesday: The Replacement

Book: The Replacement by Brenna Yovanoff

Release date: September 16, 2010

Publisher: Razorbill

Summary:
Mackie Doyle seems like everyone else in the perfect little town of Gentry, but he is living with a fatal secret - he is a Replacement, left in the crib of a human baby sixteen years ago. Now the creatures under the hill want him back, and Mackie must decide where he really belongs and what he really wants.

A month ago, Mackie might have told them to buzz off. But now, with a budding relationship with tough, wounded, beautiful Tate, Mackie has too much to lose. Will love finally make him worthy of the human world?

My reasons for wanting to read this as soon as possible:

1-I love stories about fairies, especially ones as creepy as this one sounds. There aren't many good fairy books but I hope this one will be.

2-It sounds different than a lot of the YA books out there. I am getting tired of the same things so I am praying that this one is unique.

3-The cover is awesome. It is super dark and creepy. As soon as I saw it, I knew I would have to get it.

What are you waiting on this Wednesday?

Light Beneath Ferns by Anne Spollen

Book: Light Beneath Ferns by Anne Spollen

Release date: February 1, 2010

Publisher: Flux

From: Publisher

Summary:

Elizah Rayne is nothing like other fourteen-year-old girls. More interested in bird bones than people, she wraps herself in silence. Trying to escape the shadow of her gambler father, Elizah and her mother move into an old house that borders a cemetery. All her mother wants is for them to have "normal" lives. But that becomes impossible for Elizah when she finds a human jawbone by the river and meets Nathaniel, a strangely hypnotic and mysterious boy who draws Elizah into his world.

Only by forgetting everything she knows can Elizah understand the truth about Nathaniel—and discover an unimaginable secret.

*****

Light Beneath Ferns was not at all what I expected. The summary didn't give anything about the book away so I was super surprised by the content. That being said, I'm not going to give away what it's about either. It made the book better for me. =]

Elizah Rayne is not happy about the move to Wenspaugh. She is especially not happy about the changes her mom is making. Elizah liked their quiet life when they were alone and now her mom is forcing her to make friends and go to parties. All Elizah wants to do is be alone and not be forced to talk. The only time she ever feels like talking is when she is with Nathaniel. When she is with Nathaniel, it's almost like she is a whole different person. The only problem is, Nathaniel is such a mysterious person and his secrets may change everything.

I'm a little torn with Light Beneath Ferns. I loved the story but not so much the characters. Elizah was only okay. I could sympathize with her because of my many moves but she was such a loner. I didn't feel like I ever got to know her so it took away from the book a bit. Also, her mother, Mrs.Daytner, Dirk, Kyle, all those people really got on my nerves. They never just let her do what she wanted. They wanted to pick her brain apart and analyze everything she did just because she was quiet and liked to be alone. It was outrageous.

I also had a problem with how Elizah acted with Nathaniel. He was a great guy, don't get my wrong, but from the very start she was super trusting of him and that's just stupidity in today's world. It was unbelievable that she just followed him wherever he led with barely any resistance. There were a few times when I thought she might be smart and turn back but she never did.

Overall, Light Beneath Ferns was unique and interesting but it had its flaws. It was a quick read and a good one. It was kind of creepy at some parts but not too bad. In my opinion, it's definitely worth checking out!

Writing: 9/10

Characters: 7/10

Plot: 8/10

Ending: 8/10

Originality: 9/10

Overall: 41/50=B-

Cover: 9/10=A-

The River by Mary Jane Beaufrand

Book: The River by Mary Jane Beaufrand

Release date: February 10, 2010

Publisher: Little, Brown

From: Publisher

Summary:

Veronica Severance feels cut off from the world. Forced to move from the city to rural Oregon with her parents, she is haunted by loneliness and by the chilling sounds of the Santiam, the river that runs through her backyard.

Through the fog of isolation, Ronnie finds herself becoming close with Karen, a young girl who she babysits. But when she discovers Karen's body on the banks of the Santiam, the victim of a supposed accident, Ronnie feels compelled to uncover the truth.

As she becomes increasingly obsessed with solving Karen's death, Ronnie is led deeper and deeper into the woods surrounding the river and to the dark secret hidden within its midst.

The River is a darkly atmospheric story of murder, isolation, obsession and dark secrets that will keep you on the edge of your seat until the very last page.

*****

The River is not my typical book but I ended up loving it. The mystery, the murder, the romance, it was all so good. It's the first YA murder mystery that I have read and I would love to read more like it in the future.

Veronica Severance doesn't want to be in Hoodoo. She was forced to move there and she isn't happy about it. Things only started to look up when she became friends with the little neighbor girl, Karen. When Karen's body is found by the river, Ronnie knows it wasn't an accident and she takes it upon herself to find out what happened. As she digs deeper, things start to come out and Ronnie finds herself in the middle of a situation that she may not make it out of.

Ronnie wasn't someone I liked at first because she was whiny. She even admitted she was whiny. I liked her a little better after that. She grew up a lot throughout the book and I grew to like her a lot. She was easily relatable and pretty strong for someone who had just recently lost someone she cared about.

The murder mystery part of the story was really intriguing. I couldn't guess until the very end who did it or why they would kill a little girl. It was pretty disturbing but any murder mystery is and this one wasn't too bad. It was definitely toned down for the YA audience.

Overall, The River is an amazing book that I would recommend for anyone. There were a few gritty scenes but nothing too bad. I plan on looking for more books like The River in the future!

Writing: 9/10

Characters: 8/10

Plot: 10/10

Ending: 9/10

Originality: 9/10

Overall: 45/50=A-

Cover: 8/10=B-

Numbers by Rachel Ward

Book: Numbers by Rachel Ward

Release date: February 1, 2010

Publisher: Chicken House/Scholastic Inc.

From: Publisher

Summary:

Whenever Jem meets someone new, no matter who, as soon as she looks into their eyes, a number pops into her head. That number is a date: the date they will die.

Burdened with such an awful awareness, Jem avoids relationships. Until she meets Spider, another outsider, and takes a chance. But while they’re waiting to ride the Eye Ferris

wheel, Jem notices that all the other tourists in line flash the same number. Today’s number. Today’s date. Terrorists are going to attack London. Jem’s world is about to explode!

*****

Numbers was a bit of a shock to me. It was a brutally honest story about love, friendship, life, and death. I recently read The Mark which I thought would be similar to this but they were so different in so many ways.

Jem has always seen the numbers and they have never been wrong. When she looks someone in the eye, she sees the numbers. The numbers are dates, the dates of those people's deaths. That's why she never gets close to anyone. She not only knows that they will die, she knows when. It makes life so much harder for her, especially when she lets Spider slip past her guard. And when something crazy happens and forces them to flee London, things begin to heat up. Can Jem stay away from Spider or will she finally give into the lure of having a friend? If so, what does that mean for them?

Numbers was a book so unlike any I have read. In some ways it was a good thing but not in all ways. The author is from England and so her writing style was a bit odd. I never really got used to it and it made me dislike the book a little. The sentences seemed choppy and oddly worded. It wasn't too bad but it was noticeable. Also, Jem and Spider's relationship was weird. It seemed to come out of nowhere. I wanted to know more about both characters but I didn't feel like there was a lot of background on either.

The plot was good but it was pretty dark. I knew the book had to deal with death but it was more gritty and brutal than I ever expected. Rachel Ward didn't leave anything out and sometimes it was too much for me. I would have been okay with a little less description.

Overall, Numbers was just okay. It's not a favorite but it's definitely not a bad book. If you are okay with a brutally honest story with gritty descriptions, check it out but I don't recommend reading it when you are already in a bad mood. It's not one of those books that will cheer you up.

Writing: 7/10

Characters: 8/10

Plot: 8/10

Ending: 9/10

Originality: 9/10

Overall: 41/50=B-

Cover: 8/10=B-

In My Mailbox 52

In My Mailbox is a meme created by The Story Siren and inspired by Alea of Pop Culture Junkie! It is a list of what books you have received over the previous week, either in the mail, from the bookstore, from the library, or from trades. =]

For review:

-Hourglass by Claudia Gray (second copy)

-Runaway by Meg Cabot (second copy)

-Saving Maddie by Varian Johnson

-The Dark Days Of Hamburger Halpin by Josh Berk

-Trackers by Patrick Carman (not pictured, no cover yet)

From trades/won:

-The Forest Of Hands And Teeth by Carrie Ryan

-Dreaming Anastasia by Joy Preble

-Once Dead, Twice Shy by Kim Harrison

-Fire by Kristin Cashore (SIGNED!)

I decided to change things up this week. My camera is not working properly but I still wanted to include pics so I found a different way to do that. It was a lot quicker than I thought it would take too.

My week was a little slower and that was good. I don't think I am going to reach my goal this month of 20 books because the past couple that I have been reading have been pretty slow and they have slowed me down a lot. Oh well, I guess I will try again next month and I definitely have some awesome books to read. I got a lot from trades this week that I have been wanting to read for a while and I can't wait to start them because they all have sequels coming out sometime. =]

What was in your mailbox this week?

The Life Of Glass by Jillian Cantor

Book: The Life Of Glass by Jillian Cantor

Release date: March 1, 2010

Publisher: HarperTeen

From: Publisher

Summary:

Before he died, Melissa’s father told her about stars. He told her that the brightest stars weren’t always the most beautiful—that if people took the time to look at the smaller stars, if they looked with a telescope at the true essence of the star, they would find real beauty. But even though Melissa knows that beauty isn’t only skin deep, the people around her don’t seem to feel that way. There’s her gorgeous sister Ashley who will barely acknowledge Melissa at school, there's her best friend Ryan, who may be falling in love with the sophisticated Courtney, and there’s Melissa’s mother who’s dating someone new, someone who Melissa knows will never be able to replace her father.

To make sure she doesn’t lose her father completely, Melissa spends her time trying to piece together the last of his secrets and completing a journal her father began—one about love and relationships and the remarkable ways people find one another. But when tragedy strikes, Melissa has to start living and loving in the present, as she realizes that being beautiful on the outside doesn't mean you can't be beautiful on the inside.

*****

The Life Of Glass is Jillian Cantor's second novel and after reading this one I seriously need to check out the first. The Life Of Glass took a little getting into but once I did the writing and the story just blew me away.

Melissa McCallister is starting high school. For most people it's a time of nerves but also of excitement. Not for Melissa. For her it's all nerves. It's been a year since her father died and she still hasn't really moved on with her life. She has one real friend, Ryan, and high school, not to mention the people in it, seem to be tearing them apart. Melissa's older sister is no help being the beauty queen that she is and now that her mom is dating someone, Melissa has nobody to turn to. When a mysterious person from her dad's past shows up, Melissa focuses on that but if she continues to focus solely on the past how will she ever learn to live?

At first, I didn't like Melissa. She is 14 years old but at the beginning of the book she acted much younger. She seemed kind of whiny and self-absorbed but she did some growing throughout the book and I began to like her. Her older sister, Ashley, was another matter. She was very selfish and she didn't grow out of that but she did grow in some other ways. By the end of the book she was tolerable. Ryan was another person I didn't like for most of the book but that was only because of the things he did. Otherwise he seemed to be a good person and I liked him much more by the end. There were other characters with important roles but these three were my favorites.

The Life Of Glass was a bit sad. Any book having to deal with death is going to be sad but this one wasn't too bad. It didn't focus overly much on the death of Melissa's father but just enough to show how it changed the lives of every member of the family. It was sad but it also showed how love can help you move on with your life while never forgetting the past.

Overall, The Life Of Glass was a truly beautiful story that is good for people of all ages, not just teens. If you haven't read it, check it out. I will definitely be buying a finished copy once it hits shelves. I can't wait to get a copy of The September Sisters too so I can see how much I love that one. =]

Writing: 10/10

Characters: 8/10

Plot: 9/10

Ending: 10/10

Originality: 8/10

Overall: 45/50=A-

Cover: 8/10=B-

Books for sale!

If you have checked out the blog in the last ten minutes you have seen the new link at the top. I finally decided to sell my books. I have gotten a couple questions about selling in the past and I just kept putting it off. Now I can't do that anymore. If you are a blogger you have probably heard about BEA. I know I have and I really want to go this year. I have been planning it for a while but some things have come up and now I can't seem to afford it. I haven't completely given up hope yet but I need to make some money and I need to make it soon. Any money that I make will be going towards my BEA fund so if you guys see any books you might want to buy, please let me know. Any money I can make right now will be a huge help!

Also, if you are interested in me selling some of my adult books, let me know and I will make a separate spreadsheet for those. I have a ton of James Patterson, Janet Evanovich, Jodi Picoult, and romance novels. I just don't want to post them if nobody cares about those. =]

Thanks!

PS. Shipping will be paid by the buyer. That means that if you are international it will be more expensive than what I have listed on the spreadsheet but I will ship internationally if you are willing to pay!

Heist Society by Ally Carter

Book: Heist Society by Ally Carter

Release date: February 9, 2010

Publisher: Hyperion Books

From: Publisher

Summary:

When Katarina Bishop was three, her parents took her on a trip to the Louvre...to case it. For her seventh birthday, Katarina and her Uncle Eddie traveled to Austria...to steal the crown jewels. When Kat turned fifteen, she planned a con of her own--scamming her way into the best boarding school in the country, determined to leave the family business behind. Unfortunately, leaving "the life" for a normal life proves harder than she'd expected.

Soon, Kat's friend and former co-conspirator, Hale, appears out of nowhere to bring her back into the world she tried so hard to escape. But he has good reason: a powerful mobster has been robbed of his priceless art collection and wants to retrieve it. Only a master thief could have pulled this job, and Kat's father isn't just on the suspect list, he is the list. Caught between Interpol and a far more deadly enemy, Kat's dad needs her help.

For Kat there is only one solution: track down the paintings and steal them back. So what if it's a spectacularly impossible job? She's got two weeks, a teenage crew, and hopefully just enough talent to pull off the biggest heist in history-or at least her family's (very crooked) history.

*****

I haven't read an Ally Carter book in a while so I forgot how much I love them. This one is no exception. I am pretty stingy with perfect ratings but Heist Society deserves it!

Katarina Bishop has given up the family business, or so she thinks. When an old friend shows up with a message she is plunged right back in. How can she turn away when it's her father's life on the line? She can't, so with the help of her teenaged crew she plans the biggest robbery of her career. Will she succeed or will she fail? And what happens afterward? Does she go back to trying to live a normal life or does she return the her old ways?

I have no clue how to describe how awesome this book was. I started and finished the book in an amazingly short time. I couldn't put it down. Katarina and her crew were characters I couldn't help rooting for. It was such an odd mix of teenagers. Gabrielle, Hale, Simon, Hamich, and Angus. They all had their unique talents and they all brought something to the team. And they were all hilarious. There were times when I couldn't help but laugh at some of the things that were said.

Once again, Ally Carter has written a book that stands out among all the others. Who would have thought I would feel sympathy for a thief? Not me, but Ally Carter made Katarina such a normal, relatable girl with quite a problem on her hands. I couldn't help but like her and her crazy family.

Overall, Heist Society is being added to my best of 2010 list. It should be bought by everyone. I can't wait for more about Katarina and her crew and I have a feeling that if you read the book you will feel the same way!

Writing: 10/10

Characters: 10/10

Plot: 10/10

Ending: 10/10

Originality: 10/10

Overall: 50/50=A++

Cover: 10/10=A++

Waiting On Wednesday: 13 To Life

Book: 13 To Life: A Werewolf's Tale

Release date: June 22, 2010

Publisher: St. Martin's Griffin

Summary:
Something strange is stalking the small town of Junction…

When junior Jess Gillmansen gets called out of class by Guidance, she can only presume it’s for one of two reasons. Either they’ve finally figured out who wrote the scathing anti-jock editorial in the school newspaper or they’re hosting yet another intervention for her about her mom. Although far from expecting it, she’s relieved to discover Guidance just wants her to show a new student around—but he comes with issues of his own including a police escort.

The newest member of Junction High, Pietr Rusakova has secrets to hide--secrets that will bring big trouble to the small town of Junction—secrets including dramatic changes he’s undergoing that will surely end his life early.

My reasons for wanting to read this right now:
1-I have a thing for werewolf books after reading and loving Shiver. This one sounds so completely different from that one but still amazing.
2-I have read a couple teaser sentences from this book they are awesome. As soon as I read those sentences I knew this book would have to be my WOW.
3-That cover is beyond words. It's a mix of creepy and romantic and everything else in between. There are just so many things about it that I love.

What are you waiting on this Wednesday?

Spread the word about The Unwritten Rule!

So, today is just a good day for me to post stuff, I guess. I came across this contest the other day but didn't have time to post about it so here it is.

Elizabeth Scott is one of my favorite authors and her new book, The Unwritten Rule, is due out on March 16 and in honor of that she is holding an awesome contest where one US resident can win 25 books. Yes, you read that right, 25 books! 15 of those books are ARCs and 10 are hardcovers. You will also get an acknowledgment in her 2011 book and a phone call from her. How cool is that?

Now, about the book:
Everyone knows the unwritten rule: You don't like you best friend's boyfriend.

Sarah has had a crush on Ryan for years. He's easy to talk to, supersmart, and totally gets her. Lately it even seems like he's paying extra attention to her. Everything would be perfect except for two things: Ryan is Brianna's boyfriend, and Brianna is Sarah's best friend.

Sarah forces herself to avoid Ryan and tries to convince herself not to like him. She feels so guilty for wanting him, and the last thing she wants is to hurt her best friend. But when she's thrown together with Ryan one night, something happens. It's wonderful...and awful.

Sarah is torn apart by guilt, but what she feels is nothing short of addiction, and she can't stop herself from wanting more...

Doesn't that sound amazing? I can't wait to read it. If you want your own shot at winning this contest check out Elizabeth Scott's blog to find out more. =]

Bookish Finds! (2)

Over the past week I came upon a ton of awesome bookish news and I thought I would share it with you guys.

Okay so I'm pretty sure everyone has seen this already but I just had to post about it. Mockingjay is probably my most anticipated book of 2010. I can't wait to read it and find out how the trilogy is going to end. I'm not sure I like the cover but I think it may grow on me. I really expected something darker but the blue is pretty. I do like the title though. What do you guys think?

My next find is a book that I can't wait to read. I read a review of it this week and I knew I would have to get it. Arson by Estevan Vega has one of the creepiest covers I have ever seen but it sounds like a great story. Here is the summary if you are interested!

ARSON GABLE FEELS LIKE A FREAK. HE CAN CREATE FIRE. HE NEVER ASKED FOR IT. HE NEVER WANTED IT. BUT HE CAN'T SHUT IT OFF.

Before now, three things were true: he both loved and despised his grandmother; his life was going nowhere; and he was alone. But when a strange girl-who feels more normal behind a mask than inside her own skin-moves in next door, Arson hopes to find something he's never had: purpose. Using what he fears the most about himself, Arson must face his consuming past and confront the nightmare that is present as he walks the fine line between boy and monster. Dark, moody, and breathtakingly relevant, Arson, the chilling chronicle of an isolated boy with unimaginable ability, is sure to ignite the hearts and minds of a new generation.

I'm going to try to post something like this maybe every other week. There are always new covers and things being made available and this is a good way to share them with you guys. So what do you think of these two books?

It's Monday! What Are You Reading? (4)

Read last week:
-Numbers by Rachel Ward
-The River by Mary Jane Beaufrand
-Light Beneath Ferns by Anne Spollen
-A Match Made In High School by Kristin Walker

Reading now:
-Little Miss Red by Robin Palmer

Reading next:
-A House Afire by Emma Kinna
-Albatross by Josie Bloss
-Before I Fall by Lauren Oliver

So, I didn't do any better or any worse than last week. I read four more books and they were all pretty good. I am having trouble getting into Little Miss Red but I am going to try and read more of it tonight. I'm a little behind on my goal for February but hopefully I still have enough time to catch up.

What are you reading this Monday?

In A Heartbeat by Loretta Ellsworth

Book: In A Heartbeat by Loretta Ellsworth

Release date: February 2, 2010

Publisher: Walker Books

From: Publisher

Summary:

When a small mistake costs sixteen-year-old Eagan her life during a figure-skating competition, she leaves many things unreconciled, including her troubled relationship with her mother. From her vantage point in the afterlife, Eagan reflects back on her memories, and what she could have done differently, through her still-beating heart.

When fourteen-year-old Amelia learns she will be getting a heart transplant, her fear and guilt battle with her joy at this new chance at life. And afterwards when she starts to feel different — dreaming about figure skating, craving grape candy —her need to learn about her donor leads her to discover and explore Eagan’s life,meeting her grieving loved ones and trying to bring the closure they all need to move on.

Told in alternating viewpoints, In a Heartbeat tells the emotional and compelling story of two girls sharing one heart.

*****

In A Heartbeat was a touching story of love, loss, and new chances at life. It wasn't something that I was really excited to read because of how sad I expected it to be. Surprisingly, it was just as happy as it was sad.

In A Heartbeat is about two completely different girls, connected by one heart. Eagan didn't expect to die at sixteen but she did. In a freak accident she lost her life and Amelia got a second chance at hers. Amelia never thought she would actually get a new heart but she did. She got Eagan's. With her new heart, she changed. She got new cravings, new feelings, and a new attitude. She got the chance to live when she never thought she would. The only thing she wants now is to find out who her donor was and thank her family. With the help of a new friend, she just might get her wish.

Eagan and Amelia were two amazingly different characters. I liked the contrast between the two. It made them both unique and likable characters. I also loved that the point of view alternated between them both. We got to see Eagan's memories and without them I never would have been able to relate to her. I did feel like I didn't really know Amelia at parts, though, because we didn't get to see what her past was like, what she was like before her heart problems. I guess I would have liked a little more background on her.

Overall, In A Heartbeat is a book I would recommend for people who like tearjerkers. It had me tearing up at some places and that doesn't happen easily for me. It was a bit sad, but it was so much more than that too. It's about being able to let go but still live on in the hearts and minds of everyone you loved.

Writing: 9/10

Characters: 9/10

Plot: 8/10

Ending: 10/10

Originality: 9/10

Overall: 45/50=A-

Cover: 8/10=B-

In My Mailbox 51

In My Mailbox is a meme created by The Story Siren and inspired by Alea of Pop Culture Junkie! It is a list of what books you have received over the previous week, either in the mail, from the bookstore, from the library, or from trades. =]

For review:
-Little Miss Red by Robin Palmer (second copy)
-My Boyfriends' Dogs by Dandi Daley Mackall
-I Kissed A Zombie And I Liked It by Adam Selzer
-Boys, Bears, And A Serious Pair Of Hiking Boots by Abby McDonald
-The Agency: A Spy In The House by YS Lee
-Paper Daughter by Jeanette Ingold
-Princess Of Glass by Jessica Day George
-The Clearing by Heather Davis (second copy)
-Zen and Xander Undone by Amy Kathleen Ryan
-Fire Will Fall by Carol Plum-Ucci
-The Smart Aleck's Guide To American History by Adam Selzer
-The Returners by Gemma Malley
-The Sweet Life Of Stella Madison by Lara M. Zeises
-Rage: A Love Story by Julie Anne Peters (second copy)
-Getting Revenge On Lauren Wood by Eileen Cook
-Split by Stefan Petrucha
-Dirty Little Secrets by CJ Omololu
-Token Of Darkness by Amelia Atwater-Rhodes

Won/Traded:
-The Silver Blade by Sally Gardner
-Of All The Stupid Things by Alexandra Diaz (SIGNED!)
-Hollywood Is Like High School With Money by Zoey Dean
-Inside Girl by J. Minter

I was going to post pictures but my camera died right as I started taking them and it takes too long to charge it. I have been super lazy this weekend and that is why this is just now being posted. Sorry!

Now, onto the books. I am in awe of all the review books that I got this week. I was surprised when I got so many packages because I wasn't really expecting any of them. And I love the surprise packages that Simon and Schuster is sending out lately. I can't wait to read Getting Revenge On Lauren Wood. It reminds me of the Pretty Little Liars series which is one of my favorites!

Also, I am not going to be holding any contests anytime soon because I am just really swamped with school and have no money to mail prizes out but I am still going to be trading. Any of the books that I posted above that are second copies are being added to my trade list. =]

Well, what was in your mailbox this week?

Firespell by Chloe Neill

Book: Firespell by Chloe Neill

Release date: January 5, 2010

Publisher: Signet

From: Publisher

Summary:
As the new girl at the elite St. Sophia’s boarding school, Lily Parker thinks her classmates are the most monstrous things she’ll have to face…

When Lily’s guardians decided to send her away to a fancy boarding school in Chicago, she was shocked. So was St. Sophia’s. Lily’s ultra-rich brat pack classmates think Lily should be the punchline to every joke, and on top of that, she’s hearing strange noises and seeing bizarre things in the shadows of the creepy building.

The only thing keeping her sane is her roommate, Scout, but even Scout’s a little weird—she keeps disappearing late at night and won’t tell Lily where she’s been. But when a prank leaves Lily trapped in the catacombs beneath the school, Lily finds Scout running from a real monster.

Scout’s a member of a splinter group of rebel teens with unique magical talents, who’ve sworn to protect the city against demons, vampires, and Reapers, magic users who’ve been corrupted by their power. And when Lily finds herself in the line of a firespell, Scout tells her the truth about her secret life, even though Lily has no powers of her own—at least none that she’s discovered yet…

*****

Firespell is one of those books that is right in the middle. I liked it, but I didn't like it. It was unique, but it was similar to others. It's the beginning in a new series so I am going to go a little easier on it than if it had been later in the series.

Lily Parker is new at St. Sophia's. Her parents are on a two year sabbatical in Germany and instead of leaving her with friends in Sagamore they shipped her to the elite private school in Chicago. She doesn't fit in with the rich, abandoned teen girls at St. Sophia's but then she meets Scout. Scout doesn't fit in either but that's because she's got a secret, a secret that takes her out late at night, into the catacombs beneath the school. When Lily gets trapped in the basement one night because of a prank, she discovers why Scout is always disappearing late at night and what lurks in the basement of St.Sophia's.

Lily didn't seem like a heroine. She was more of a sidekick to Scout. Lily was pretty whiny and there wasn't a whole lot to like about her. Scout, on the other hand, was awesome. I would love to find out more about her in the upcoming books.

The plot was pretty typical for a paranormal book. It was a bit different in the beginning because Lily had no clue what was going on but after she found out things got kind of similar to other books. I hate to say it but the book was boring. I hope it's only because it's the first and it was setting things up for the other books.

Overall, Firespell was just okay. I think the series has potential so I will definitely check out the next book. If you think it interests you and you have the patience for it, give it a shot, although I do recommend checking it out from the library before buying it.

Writing: 9/10

Characters: 8/10

Plot: 6/10

Ending: 8/10

Originality: 8/10

Overall: 39/50=C+

Cover: 8/10=B-

The Naughty List by Suzanne Young

Book: The Naughty List by Suzanne Young

Release date: February 4, 2010

Publisher: Razorbill

From: Publisher

Summary:
As if being a purrfect cheerleader isn’t enough responsibility!

Tessa Crimson’s the sweet and spunky leader of the SOS (Society of Smitten Kittens), a cheer squad–turned–spy society dedicated to bringing dastardly boyfriends to justice, one cheater at a time. Boyfriend-busting wouldn’t be so bad . . . except that so far, every suspect on the Naughty List has been proven 100% guilty!

When Tessa’s own boyfriend shows up on the List, she turns her sleuthing skills on him. Is Aiden just as naughty as all the rest, or will Tessa’s sneaky ways end in catastrophe?

The Naughty List. Is your boyfriend on it?

*****

The Naughty List is one of the best chick-lit books I have ever read. It was the perfect mix of romance, spying, and cheerleading. Once I started it, I could not put it down. It was just too cute.

Tessa Crimson is not just the head cheerleader of the Smitten Kittens. She is the leader of the SOS (society of Smitten Kittens). She and her fellow cheerleaders investigate suspected cheaters for the girls of their school. The sad thing is, every boy they have investigated has been found guilty. Are there any boys left who don't cheat? And what happens when Tessa's perfect boyfriend, Aiden, shows up on the naughty list?

So basically the whole book is about cheating. At first, that seemed a little depressing to me but Suzanne Young made it perfect. It was just the right mix of serious and funny. Each case was a bit different and each method for catching the cheater was pretty comical. Tessa and the SOS really knew what they were doing but they still got themselves into some crazy situations.

Also, each character was unique. I loved them all, even Christian who wasn't the best person. Okay wait, I didn't like Chloe but the rest I did. I couldn't even find one good thing about her. Tessa was a great leader and a great heroine. She was super easy to relate to and she had flaws, like every other person in the world. Also, I loved Aiden! He was so cute and sweet. I want one! I do have to say, though, that Kira was my favorite. She made the book so much more funny than if she hadn't been in it. I couldn't help but laugh at some of the things she said and did.

Overall, The Naughty List is a book to buy and Suzanne Young is an author to look out for. I can't wait for the next book in the series. I was to read more about Tessa, Aiden, Kira, and the rest. And I want to read it NOW!!!

Writing: 10/10

Characters: 9/10

Plot: 10/10

Ending: 9/10

Originality: 9/10

Overall: 47/50=A-

Cover: 9/10=A-

Waiting On Wednesday: Forget You

Book: Forget You by Jennifer Echols

Release date: July 20, 2010

Publisher: MTV Books

Summary:
Zoey’s life in her Florida beach resort town is happy and organized. She’s the captain of her high school swim team, and she works for her dad at his popular water park. Then her dad has an affair with one of his employees, and her mother has a breakdown. But Zoey begins a committed relationship with a hot lifeguard, which makes her feel stable, even if things aren’t perfect at home. Everything is still under control.

Until she has a car accident that she can’t remember. She should have been with her boyfriend that night, but he doesn’t seem to know anything about the accident—and he doesn’t seem to care. The person who does care, and knows more than he’s telling, is Doug, Zoey’s darkly handsome arch-enemy who saved her from the wreckage. As Zoey begins to piece together what happened that night, she finds her sense of control over her life was only an illusion. And she inches closer to discovering the darkest secret of all: why Doug has fallen in love with her.

My reasons for wanting to read Forget You right now:
1-Jennifer Echol's last romantic drama, Going Too Far, was an awesome book. I loved everything about it and I just devoured it.
2-This sounds like a fun summer novel with some deeper content too. I love that it's not just a romance story, that it seems to have more to it.
3-The cover that was recently revealed is awesome. The guy is super cute! =]

What are you waiting on this Wednesday?

Gone by Lisa McMann

Book: Gone by Lisa McMann

Release date: February 9, 2010

Publisher: Simon Pulse

From: Publisher

Summary:

Things should be great for Janie—she has graduated from high school and is spending her summer with Cabel, the guy she’s totally in love with. But deep down she’s panicking about how she’s going to survive her future when getting sucked into other people’s dreams is really starting to take its toll.

Things get even more complicated when she meets her father for the very first time—and he’s in a coma. As Janie uncovers his secret past, she begins to realize that the choice thought she had has more dire consequences than she ever imagined.

[close] The third and final book in the paranormal teen series that includes The New York Times bestseller Wake and Fade.

*****

SPOILER ALERT: If you haven't read the first two books in this trilogy, this review will contain spoilers.

Gone was, in my opinion, a great way to end the Dream Catcher trilogy. I wasn't sure there was any way it could live up to the other two books but it did a pretty good job and I really enjoyed reading about Janie and Cabel again.

Janie and Cabel are still together after Janie's ordeal in Fade but things seem to be a bit strained between them. Janie knows what her future is going to be like as a dream catcher and she knows that she has a choice to make. She also knows that no matter what she chooses, her life will be pretty miserable, one choice just includes being miserable with Cabel.

Once again, the writing style that Lisa McMann uses took me a little while to get used to. It is such a unique way to write a story but it's really different. Once I got into the story it wasn't so noticeable and I really read the book fast. It's just one of those books you don't want to put down until the very last page.

The storyline of this book was definitely not as pulse-pounding as the first two, sadly. Janie and Cabel weren't on an assignment in this book but the story still wasn't boring. There were quite a few shocking discoveries thrown into Gone and it kept me turning the pages.

Also, as usual Janie was an amazingly strong heroine. Her choices were ones that I can't even imagine having to face and she managed to face them all so bravely. And once again she had the wonderful Cabel to help her through everything. He was always there for her and he was such a perfect boyfriend. I wouldn't mind a guy like him. =]

Overall, Gone was a good ending to a spectacular trilogy. All my questions were answered and I was very pleased at how everything turned out in the end. I definitely think fans of Wake and Fade will be pleased with this one.

Writing: 9/10

Characters: 8/10

Plot: 8/10

Ending: 10/10

Originality: 10/10

Overall: 47/50=A-

Cover: 9/10=A-

It's Monday! What Are You Reading? (3)

Read last week:
-The Naughty List by Suzanne Young
-In A Heartbeat by Loretta Ellsworth
-Heist Society by Ally Carter
-The Life Of Glass by Jillian Cantor

Reading now:
-Numbers by Rachel Ward (almost done!)

Reading next:
-The River by Mary Jane Beaufrand
-Light Beneath Ferns by Anne Spollen
-A Match Made In High School by Kristin Walker

I am so amazed that I read that many books last week. I also read one adult book but I didn't include that because it is not going to count towards my goal of twenty books for the month of February. So far, I am doing way better than I thought I would. Setting a goal for myself has really helped to keep me focused. I will have to continue doing that for the months to come. =]

What are you reading this Monday?

Undead Much? by Stacey Jay

Book: Undead Much? by Stacey Jay

Release date: January 21, 2010

Publisher: Razorbill

From: Publisher

Summary:
Even Zombie Settlers with Super Hot Boyfriends get the Blues...

A few months ago I was a normal girl with a normal life. But that was before my power to Settle the Undead returned and someone tried to kill me with zombies.

Now I work magic and practice kicking butt while trying to find time for pom squad and my boyfriend, Ethan, and trying NOT to think about how freaky my life has become. It can be tough. Still…things could be worse…

Oh yeah, right:
1. Feral new super-strong zombies. Check.
2. Undead psychic hottie predicting a zombie apocolypse. Check.
3. Earth-shattering secrets that could land me in Settler prison for life. Check.
4. Cheerleader vs. pom squad turf war threatening the end of the half time as we know it. Check.

I’m going to need therapy (and a cookie) if I live through the week. Unfortunately I’m learning that’s not something Zombie Queens can take for granted.

*****

SPOILER ALERT: If you haven't read You Are So Undead To Me this review will contain spoilers. So stop reading! =]

Undead Much? was just as much fun and cute as You Are So Undead To Me. I started it right after I finished the first book so it was super easy for me to get right back into the story but even if it's been a while since you read You Are So Undead To Me, it won't take you long to get back into Megan's crazy world.

Undead Much? starts a couple months after the ending of You Are So Undead To Me. Megan and Ethan are together and their relationship is heating up. They are both in Enforcer training so they don't have a lot of time together. Their time gets even shorter when Reanimated Corpses start showing up around town, attacking Megan. Instead of helping her, Settler's Affairs is looking at her as the main suspect. Things couldn't seem to get any worse until an Unsettled shows up and keeps showing up. Not only will the guy not go back to his grave, Megan is starting to have feelings for him, feelings that she should not be having towards a dead guy.

Megan hasn't changed much since the first book. She is still kind of unhappy with her super settler powers but she is learning how to use them. She is a bit more mature but it seemed like she cried a lot in this book, over every little thing. She was still a strong heroine who knew how to take care of herself but she was close to the breaking point in this book.

The plot again kept me guessing. The mystery of who was raising the zombies was just as good as the one in the first book. I liked that I didn't know what was going to happen in the end or which side people would end up on.

Overall, Undead Much? goes on my list of books to recommend. The end left some questions but that just gives me hope that there will be another book and if so, I can't wait. Megan's story is one of the most entertaining stories that I have read and I am hoping for more!

Writing: 10/10

Characters: 9/10

Plot: 9/10

Ending: 8/10

Originality: 9/10

Overall: 45/50=A-

Cover: 9/10=A- (I love the hand coming up out of the ground. Super creepy!)

In My Mailbox 50

In My Mailbox is a meme created by The Story Siren and inspired by Alea of Pop Culture Junkie! It is a list of what books you have received over the previous week, either in the mail, from the bookstore, from the library, or from trades. =]

For review:
-Albatross by Josie Bloss
-Light Beneath Ferns by Anne Spollen
-White Cat by Holly Black
-After by Kristin Harmel
-Possessed by Kate Cann
-Scarlett Fever by Maureen Johnson
-Numbers by Rachel Ward
-After Ever After by Jordan Sonnenblick
-A House Afire by Emma Kinna
-Mia The Magnificent by Eileen Boggess

Won/trades/bought:
-The Chronicles Of Vladimir Todd: Eighth Grade Bites by Heather Brewer
-The Chronicles Of Vladimir Todd: Ninth Grade Slays by Heather Brewer
-The Iron King by Julie Kagawa
-A Match Made In High School by Kristin Walker
-The Real Real by Emma McLaughlin and Nicola Kraus
-Something, Maybe by Elizabeth Scott
-Not pictured: Better Than Yesterday by Robyn Schneider

Once again I had a really great book week. I won a couple books and I traded some and I got a ton for review. I also read 5 books so I am very happy. I'm trying to reach my goal of 20 books this month and I am well on my way. I hope I can get as many read this week. =]

What was in your mailbox this week?

You Are So Undead To Me by Stacey Jay

Book: You Are So Undead To Me by Stacey Jay

Release date: March 5, 2009

Publisher: Razorbill

From: Bookstore

Summary:
Fifteen-year-old Megan Berry is a Zombie Settler by birth, which means she's part-time shrink to a bunch of dead people with a whole lot of issues.

All Megan wants is to be normal and go to homecoming, of course. Unfortunately, it's a little difficult when your dates keep getting interrupted by a bunch of slobbering Undead.

Things are about to get even more complicated for Megan. Someone in school is using black magic to turn average, angsty Undead into flesh-eating Zombies, and it's looking like homecoming will turn out to be a very different kind of party the bloody kind.

Megan must stop the Zombie apocalypse descending on Carol, Arkansas. Her life and more importantly, homecoming depends on it.

*****

You Are So Undead To Me is the cutest zombie book I have ever read. The romance of it completely balanced out the crazy zombies and made it super enjoyable. It was a quick read and also a great one.

Megan Berry is a Settler of the Undead or at least she was before and attack changed her life. It's been five years since that night and her powers seem to be returning. For everybody but Megan, it's a great thing. Megan just wants to be a normal teenager and find a date for the homecoming dance but angry zombies keep ruining things. And then Ethan shows up to protect her and teach her the Settler ways. Could anything else possibly happen to change her sophomore year from the best ever to her worst nightmare?

Megan was a great heroine. She was strong but she knew when she needed help. She relied on Ethan's help sometimes but most of the time she was able to handle herself. She didn't want to be a Settler but when she knew it wasn't going to change she took charge and learned how to protect herself. She was smart, funny, and very spunky!

The plot was great. I knew someone was trying to kill Megan but I had no clue who it was until the very end of the book. I never would have guessed and it made me keep reading well into the night. I had to finish the book and know how things ended for Megan.

Overall, You Are So Undead To Me is a lighter zombie story. I don't like lots of blood and gore and Stacey Jay managed to craft a wonderful tale with very little of that. Of course you can't completely avoid that in a book about the undead but it was definitely a reasonable amount. It was a great story and I can't wait to start Undead Much?. If you haven't read this one, check it out!

Writing: 9/10

Characters: 9/10

Plot: 10/10

Ending: 10/10

Originality: 9/10

Overall: 47/50=A-

Cover: 9/10=A-

The Mark by Jen Nadol

Book: The Mark by Jen Nadol

Release date: January 19, 2010

Publisher: Bloomsbury

From: Publisher

Summary:
Cassandra Renfield has always seen the mark—a glow around certain people reminiscent of candlelight. But the one time she mentioned it, it was dismissed as a trick of the light. Until the day she watches a man awash in the mark die. After searching her memories, Cassie realizes she can see a person’s imminent death. Not how or where, only when: today.

Armed with a vague understanding of the light, Cassie begins to explore her “gift,” seeking those marked for death and probing the line between decision and destiny. Though she’s careful to hide her secret—even from her new philosophy-obsessed boyfriend—with each impending death comes the temptation to test fate. But so many questions remain. How does the mark work? Why is she the only one who sees it? And finally, the most important of all: If you know today is someone’s last, should you tell them?

*****

The Mark was awesome. For some reason, I started it with low expectations and it surprised me. Everything about it was better than I expected and it left me wanting to read more about Cassie and her strange gift.

The Mark is about Cassandra Renfield and her ability to see a mark on a person who is about to die. Cassie has seen the mark for most of her life but has only just recently figured out what it means. With this new knowledge, she is torn. Do you tell someone that they are going to die and let them either, try to save their own life or live out their last hours peacefully, or do you let fate run its course?

Cassie's ability was a new one that hasn't been overdone in other books. Her dilemma is also a new one and one that I found myself thinking about long after I finished the book. Cassie doesn't think she should mess with fate but what if it's her destiny? And what if it's someone she cares about? How can she let them die knowing that she could have saved them?

Cassie was a great character. She was a strong girl and she wasn't obnoxious. This ability of hers made life difficult for her but she didn't whine and complain about it. She tried her best to figure out what she is supposed to do with her gift(or curse?) and she tried everything, no matter how hard it was for her.

Overall, The Mark was a wonderful debut from Jen Nadol and I look forward to more from her, especially more about Cassie. If you haven't already read this one, add it to your TBR list (or pile, in my case). =]

Writing: 9/10

Characters: 9/10

Plot: 9/10

Ending: 9/10

Originality: 10/10

Overall: 46/50=A-

Cover: 9/10=A-

Waiting On Wednesday: So Many Boys

Book: So Many Boys (The Naughty List #2)

Release date: June 10, 2010

Publisher: Razorbill

Summary:
SPOILER ALERT: Don't read the summary if you haven't read The Naughty List.

Tessa goes from strawberry smoothie to suddenly single!

After her center-court split with Aiden, Tessa puts the SOS behind her. After all, cheaters never prosper! Now she’s busy working on her faux-relationship with Aiden and negotiating the unfamiliar waters of “technically single and pseudo-dating.”

Life can’t get any more dismal for a one-guy kind of girl until an imposter hijacks the SOS, and it’s up to Tessa to save her squad from slander. But with her best boy hot and cold, what’s a kitten to do?

Even worse, Tessa doesn’t realize how much she’s up against—because this copykitten is far more naughty than nice.

Reasons why I want this book RIGHT NOW:
1-I literally just finished The Naughty List and I loved it. It's going on my list of favorites. It was too cute!
2-The cover is awesome. Maybe even more awesome than the first book's cover. I love the red.
3-Do I need a third reason? I think my first two sum it up pretty well. =]

What are you waiting on this week?

Wish by Alexandra Bullen

Book: Wish by Alexandra Bullen

Release date: January 1, 2010

Publisher: Point

From: Publisher

Summary:
For broken-hearted Olivia Larsen, nothing can change the fact that her twin sister, Violet, is gone... until a mysterious, beautiful gown arrives on her doorstep. The dress doesn't just look magical; it is magical. It has the power to grant her one wish, and the only thing Olivia wants is her sister back.

With Violet again by her side, both girls get a second chance at life. And as the sisters soon discover, they have two more dresses-and two more wishes left. But magic can't solve everything, and Olivia is forced to confront her ghosts to learn how to laugh, love, and live again.
In a breathtaking debut from Alexandra Bullen, Wish asks the question: If you could have anything, what would you wish for?

*****

Wish is another debut novel that I have really liked. This one isn't going to be on my list of favorites because it wasn't as good as I expected. Don't get me wrong, it was good but it could have been better.

Wish is the story of Olivia Larsen. After the death of her twin sister, Violet, Olivia hasn't been the same. When the move to California opens up new possibilities, Olivia has no clue what to do with them. Then something crazy happens and Violet is back. With the help of her dead twin sister Olivia may just learn how to live.

The premise of the book made it seem very intriguing and from the moment I first heard of this book I knew I would want to read it. The story was good but it took me forever to get into it. The beginning of the book was boring to me and I wanted more to be happening. When it did, the book got a whole lot better.

Olivia was a good character but I didn't like her at all before Violet helped her grow. She was plain and boring. She didn't try to make friends. She was content to watch life pass her by because Violet wasn't there anymore. I know she was sad because of her sister's death but all she did was feel sorry for herself. I don't like characters like that.

Overall, Wish is a great debut from Alexandra Bullen. It's more of a chick-lit story but if you are interested in that, check it out. It has a little more depth than most and it's definitely worth your time. =]

Writing: 9/10

Characters: 8/10

Plot: 8/10

Ending: 9/10

Originality: 9/10

Overall: 43/50=B

Cover: 8/10=B-