Swoon At Your Own Risk by Sydney Salter

Book:  Swoon At Your Own Risk by Sydney Salter

Release date:  April 5, 2010

Number of pages:  368

Publisher:  Graphia

From:  Publisher

Summary:

It’s the summer before senior year and Polly Martin has sworn off boys. Who needs the hurt and confusion? Five recent breakups have left her with an unnatural knowledge of NASCAR, the ultimate hiker’s outfit, a student council position, the sixth highest score on the Donkey Kong machine at the mall, and a summer job at Wild Waves with ex #2 Sawyer Holmes.

Success seems a sure thing when Polly’s grandmother, the syndicated advice columnist, Miss Swoon, moves in for the summer. Polly almost doesn’t mind sharing a room with her little sister, Grace. Think of all the great advice she’ll get!

Everything is going according to plan except... Miss Swoon turns out to be a man-crazy septuagenarian! And then there’s Xander Cooper. If only he wouldn’t keep showing up at Wild Waves with his adorable cousins every afternoon — and what is he writing in that little notebook?
No advice column in the world can prepare Polly for the lessons she learns when she goes on a group camping trip (with three too many ex-boyfriends). Polly is forced to see people for who they are — a blend of good and bad qualities that can’t be reduced to a list or a snappy answer in a Miss Swoon column.

*****

Swoon At Your Own Risk is beyond cute.  I loved it.  After I started it I couldn't put it down.  I had to keep reading it and I finished in a very short amount of time, something I haven't been doing a lot of lately.  I juust had to put everything aside and read.  =]

Polly was hilarious.  She made me laugh so much but that wasn't the only side to her.  She was scared and vulnerable and it led to her making a lot of bad choices when it came to guys.  She was trying to change her ways but then Xander came into the picture and screwed all that up.  I adored him.  He was so sweet and funny.  I want a guy like him.  Of course, there were some other characters but they didn't really stand out to me.  I didn't understand Polly's friendship with Jane and I didn't actually like Jane.  I much preferred Sonnet and her blog posts.  Those might have been the best part of the book.  

There wasn't a whole lot going on with the plot but there was enough to keep me entertained and that's all that mattered.  It was cute and funny but there was some serious stuff thrown in to change it up a bit.

Overall, Swoon At Your Own Risk is the perfect summer read.  I can't recommend it enough.  Now I have to go check out Sydney Salter's debut novel, My Big Nose (And Other Natural Disasters).

First line:  I am not noticing his green eyes.

Writing:  5

Characters:  4

Plot:  5

Ending:  5

Originality:  4

Overall:  23=A-

Cover:  4=B-

Links go to Amazon.com and are associate links.  I may get a small profit if you buy the book using this link.  This does not affect my opinion of the book.

Win Crossing by Andrew Xia Fukuda!

Just the other day I review Andrew Xia Fukuda's debut novel, Crossing.  It was awesome and I loved it.  Shortly after I posted my review I was contacted about a giveaway.  So today I have one copy of Crossing to give away to a lucky reader!

Summary:

A loner in his all-white high school, Chinese-born Xing (pronounced “Shing”) is a wallflower longing for acceptance. His isolation is intensified by his increasingly awkward and undeniable crush on his only friend, the beautiful and brilliant Naomi Lee. Xing’s quiet adolescent existence is rattled when a series of disappearances rock his high school and fear ripples through the blue collar community in which he lives. Amidst the chaos surrounding him, only Xing, alone on the sidelines of life, takes notice of some peculiar sightings around town. He begins to investigate with the hope that if he can help put an end to the disappearances, he will finally win the acceptance for which he has longed. However, as Xing draws closer to unveiling the identity of the abductor, he senses a noose of suspicion tightening around his own neck. While Xing races to solve the mystery and clear his name, Crossing hurtles readers towards a chilling climax.

Details:
-There will be one winner who will receive a finished copy of Crossing.

Requirements:
-You must comment on this post with your email address to be entered.
-This contest is for US and CA only because I will not be shipping out the book.

Extra entries:
+1 link to the contest somewhere (up to 2)
+2 comment on my review of Crossing here
+5 post about Crossing

The giveaway will end May 8 so get entering!

The Light (Morpheus Road #1) by D.J. Machale

Book:  The Light (Morpheus Road #1) by D.J. Machale

Release date:  April 20, 2010

Number of pages:  352

Publisher:  Aladdin

From:  Publisher

Summary:

Marshall Seaver is being haunted. In the first installment of this chillingly compelling trilogy, sixteen-year-old Marshall discovers that something beyond our world is after him. The eerie clues pile up quickly, and when people start dying, it’s clear whatever this isit’s huge.

Marshall has no idea what’s happening to him, but he’s soon convinced that it has something to do with his best friend Cooper, who’s been missing for over a week. Together with Coop’s sister, Marsh searches for the truth about what happened to his friend, ultimately uncovering something bigger than he could ever have imagined.

*****

I am not much for creepy ghost stories but The Light was actually a pretty good book.  It was definitely unlike anything I have read before and there were times when I was seriously creeped out.  This is one of those books to read in the daylight when there are people around.

Marshall was a cute character.  He was a huge geek and he didn't have a lot of friends.  When he started seeing crazy things he went to tell his best friend, Cooper, only to find out that he was missing.  He didn't know how but he knew that the two things were somehow connected.  He got Cooper's sister, Sydney, to help him out and things got super crazy from there.  It was a wild ride!

I think the creepiest parts of the book weren't when Marshall was seeing Gravedigger but when he was hearing things.  If you have ever been alone late at night in an old house you understand why that is so creepy.  Now I'm going to think Gravedigger is coming for me.  =]

I was left with quite a few questions but I look forward to finding out the answers in the next book in the trilogy.  This one was a bit slow going at first but it does pick up and by the end you will be on the edge of your seat.  

Overall, The Light is a promising start to a new trilogy.  If you love ghost stories this is a book for you and this is one book that I have to add to my list of recommendations for guys.  It's one of the few books that I have read that I think both guys and girls will enjoy!

First line:  I believe in ghosts.

Writing:  4/5

Characters:  3/5

Plot:  4/5

Ending:  4/5

Originality:  5/5

Overall:  20/25=B-

Cover:  5/5=A++

Links go to Amazon.com and are associate links.  I may get a small profit if you buy the book using this link.  This does not affect my opinions of the book.  

The Tension Of Opposites Book Trailer + Contest!

I am pretty sure almost everyone has heard of the debut novel, The Tension Of Opposites, but I am also pretty sure that not everyone has seen the lovely new trailer.  I cannot wait to read the book and after you watch this trailer, I'm sure you guys won't be able to wait either.

Summary:

It’s been two years since Noelle disappeared. Two years since her bike was discovered, sprawled on a sidewalk. Two years of silence, of worry, of fear.

For those two long years, her best friend Tessa has waited, living her own life in a state of suspended animation. Because how can she allow herself to enjoy a normal high school life if Noelle can’t? How dare she have other friends, go to dances, date boys, without knowing what happened to the girl she thought she would share everything with?

And then one day, someone calls Noelle’s house. She’s alive.




I have been given the opportunity to give away some Tension Of Opposites swag and it is gorgeous.

Details:
-There will be ten winners.  Each winner will receive a postcard and bookmark for The Tension Of Opposites.

Requirements:
-You must comment on this post to be entered.
-You must leave an email address.
-International entries are accepted.

Extra entries:
+1 tweet the link to the trailer
+5 blog about the book and post the trailer
+2 follow Kristina on Twitter (@McBrideKristina)

The contest will end May 8!

Crossing by Andrew Xia Fukuda

Book:  Crossing by Andrew Xia Fukuda

Release date:  April 27, 2010

Number of pages:  217

Publisher:  Amazon Encore

From:  Author

Summary:

A loner in his all-white high school, Chinese-born Xing (pronounced “Shing”) is a wallflower longing for acceptance. His isolation is intensified by his increasingly awkward and undeniable crush on his only friend, the beautiful and brilliant Naomi Lee. Xing’s quiet adolescent existence is rattled when a series of disappearances rock his high school and fear ripples through the blue collar community in which he lives. Amidst the chaos surrounding him, only Xing, alone on the sidelines of life, takes notice of some peculiar sightings around town. He begins to investigate with the hope that if he can help put an end to the disappearances, he will finally win the acceptance for which he has longed. However, as Xing draws closer to unveiling the identity of the abductor, he senses a noose of suspicion tightening around his own neck. While Xing races to solve the mystery and clear his name, Crossing hurtles readers towards a chilling climax.

*****

Crossing is an amazing debut novel.  It blew me away.  I didn't have a clue what to expect when I started it and that turned out to be a good thing.  It would have surpassed anything I might have expected from it.

The most brilliant thing about Crossing was the writing.  Even if the story had sucked, which it didn't, the writing would have made up for it.  I can't do it justice.  It was just beautiful.

Xing was not exactly an easy character to like or understand but after a while I did.  He was a loner and he didn't do much to try and fix that but in his town it was kind of impossible.  Everyone was so prejudiced and cruel to him.  It was further than most high schoolers take bullying but I think everyone can relate to Xing.  And with everything that is going on with bullying in high schools today I think everyone needs to read Crossing.  It couldn't have been released at a better time.

Overall, Crossing is a great story.  It kept me reading until the very last page and the ending threw me for a loop.  There was nothing about this book that I was expecting and I love it!

First line:  In the heady days of that winter, my name and face were plastered on the front page of every major newspaper and weekly news magazine.  

Writing:  5/5

Characters:  4/5

Plot:  4/5

Ending:  4/5

Originality:  5/5

Overall:  22/25=B+

Cover:  4/5=B-

Links go to Amazon.com and they are associates links.  I may get a small profit if you buy something using this link.  This does not affect my opinions of the books.  

Interview with Leah Cypess!

Leah Cypess is the debut author of Mistwood which is released tomorrow, April 27, 2010, from Greenwillow Books!

KBB:  Why did you decide to write a novel for young adults?

LC:  In this particular case, I didn’t. When I started writing Mistwood, I thought it would be my first “adult” fantasy novel. (Everything I had written until then had been intentionally young adult). It wasn’t until I was finished that I realized I had instead written another young adult book! Which worked out quite nicely for me, as it turned out.

KBB:  Did you always want to be a writer or did you picture yourself doing something else? If so, what was it?

LC:  I always wanted to be a writer. I assumed I would need a day job, which led to my trying both journalism and law. But I couldn’t really picture myself doing either of them, even while I was doing them.

KBB: Was there a particular person who inspired you to become a writer?

LC: I don’t think so… but since I don’t remember actually deciding to be a writer, I can’t say for sure. :)

KBB: What do you consider your strengths and weaknesses as a writer?

LC: Tricky question! I think plotting is both my strength and my weakness. A strength because I think  (hope?) my plots are fast-moving and intricate; a weakness because I have a tendency to make them a little too intricate, and often have to spend a lot of time editing out inconsistencies and confusions.

KBB: Do you have a favorite character from your book?

LC: Isabel is the one who resonates with me the most, Rokan is the one I would most enjoy having a conversation with, and Clarisse is the most fun to write.

KBB: Are any of your characters inspired by people you know or did they just come to you?

LC: They just came to me.

KBB: Is there a young adult book that you would recommend reading? It can be a new release, upcoming release, or even a really old one.

LC: I could go on for pages with this one! But for those who like high fantasy (fantasy that takes place in a world not our own), there are two amazing-sounding debut high fantasies coming out this year from my fellow Tenners – Brightly Woven by Alexandra Bracken and Plain Kate by Erin Bow. Also Jaclyn Dolamore’s Magic Under Glass, which is already out and is a great read.

KBB: Can you tell us anything about what you are currently working on? Are there more YA books in the plans for you?

LC: There will be a companion book to Mistwood... and some other YA books are in the works as well.

KBB: Thanks so much for the interview Leah.  I cannot wait to get my hands on a copy of Mistwood.  It sounds like my kind of book.  =]

Readers if you want to know more about Mistwood or Leah you can check out her site which I will link below.

Website:  http://www.leahcypess.com/

Boys, Bears, And A Serious Pair Of Hiking Boots by Abby McDonald

Book:  Boys, Bears, And A Serious Pair Of Hiking Boots by Abby McDonald

Release date:  April 13, 2010

Number of pages:  304

Publisher:  Candlewick

Source:  Publisher

Summary:

Jenna may hail from the ’burbs of New Jersey, but Green Teen activism is her life. So when her mom suggests they spend the summer at Grandma’s Florida condo, Jenna pleads instead to visit her hippie godmother, Susie, up in rural Canada. Jenna is psyched at the chance to commune with this nature she’s heard about — and the cute, plaidwearing boys she’s certain must roam there. But after a few run-ins with local wildlife (from a larger-than-life moose to Susie’s sullen Goth stepdaughter to a hot but hostile boy named Reeve), Jenna gets the idea that her long-held ideals, like vegetarianism and conservation, don’t play so well with this population of real outdoorsmen. A dusty survival guide offers Jenna amusing tips on navigating the wilderness — but can she learn to navigate the turns of her heart?

*****

Sadly, I didn't like Boys, Bears, And A Serious Pair Of Hiking Boots very much.  I think it could have been so much better than it was.  There really wasn't much about it that I did like.

First off, the characters.  Jenna was annoying, Olivia only played a small part, Fiona was a bitch most of the book, and the guys were kind of mysterious.  Jenna was all about helping the environment but she didn't seem to know why she wanted to help.  Olivia was only present in a couple of chapters and when she reappeared at the end of the book she was completely different and I didn't know why.  Fiona being a bitch was weird also.  She didn't ever explain why she was so mean and she changed pretty much overnight.  Then there were the boys, Ethan, Grady, and Reeve.  I didn't get any of them.  I kind of felt like I got to know parts of Ethan and Reeve but not Grady.  He was just there.

The plot dragged quite a bit in the beginning.  I had serious trouble getting into the book and sticking with it.  It was pretty predictable and kind of boring.  It picked up some towards the end but not enough to redeem the book.  And the ending was kind of abrupt.  I was left wanting more and not in a good way.

Overall, Boys, Bears, And A Serious Pair Of Hiking Boots is not a book I would recommend unless you have absolutely nothing else to read.  And even then I would advise checking it out from your library, not buying it.

First line:  "Re-use!  Re-duce!  Re-cycle!"

Writing:  4/5

Characters:  3/5

Plot:  4/5

Ending:  4/5

Originality:  4/5

Overall:  19/25=C

Cover:  4/5=B-

Links go to Amazon.com and are associate links.  If you buy something using this link I do get a small profit.  This does not affect my opinions on the books.  

In My Mailbox 61

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 for review, from the library, from the bookstore, or from trades. =]

For review:

-A Blue So Dark by Holly Schindler
-Dark Life by Kat Falls
-Forget You by Jennifer Echols
-Prophecy Of Days: The Daykeeper's Grimoire by Christy Raedeke
-Shadow Hills by Anastasia Hopcus
-The Buccaneer's Apprentice by V. Briceland
-The Carrie Diaries by Candace Bushnell
-The False Princess by Eilis O'Neal
-The Glass Maker's Daughter by V. Briceland
-The Rise Of Renegade X by Chelsea Campbell
-This Is Me From Now On by Barbara Dee

From trades/bought:

-Flawless (Pretty Little Liars #2) by Sara Shepard

-Lover Unbound (Black Dagger Brotherhood #5) by JR Ward

-Red Is For Remembrance by Laurie Faria Stolarz

-The Reckoning (Darkest Powers #3) by Kelley Armstrong

-Waking Up To Boys by Hailey Abbott

-Will Grayson, Will Grayson by John Green and David Levithan

That is my week in books. I got a ton of awesome books for review but I am super excited about Forget You. I love books by Jennifer Echols and I hope I love this one. I also ended up buying two books that are hardcovers which I never do but I had to have them. The Reckoning is part of one of my favorite series and I have heard tons of great things about Will Grayson, Will Grayson so I caved. =]

What was in your mailbox this week?

For Keeps by Natasha Friend

Book:  For Keeps by Natasha Friend

Release date:  April 6, 2010

Number of pages:  272

Publisher:  Viking

Source:  Publisher

Summary:

For sixteen years, Josie Gardner and her mom, Kate, have been a team. It’s been the Gardner Girls against the world, and that’s how Josie likes it. Until one day, in the pet food aisle of Shop-Co, they run into the parents of Paul Tucci, Kate’s high school boyfriend—the father Josie has never met. If Mr. and Mrs. Tucci are back in town, it’s only a matter of time until Paul shows up. Suddenly Josie’s mature, capable mother regresses to the heartbroken teenager she was when Paul moved away. Meanwhile, Josie’s on the verge of having her first real boyfriend, while her free-loving best friend, Liv, begins yet another no-strings-attached fling. When Josie learns some surprising truths about Paul Tucci, she finds herself questioning what she’s always believed about her parents—and about herself.

*****

For Keeps was a very cute book.  It wasn't anything special but it was an entertaining read.  It didn't take long for me to get into the story and after that I just kept reading.  It was a hard to put down book.

Josie was a pretty good main character.  I did find myself disliking her at some points in the book but that was rare.  Sometimes she blamed the wrong person for things that were happening but she always tried to fix her mistakes.  While I liked Josie, I absolutely loved Liv.  She was crazy and hilarious.  When I read about her outfits or some of the things she said, I cracked up.  She lightened the mood in the book but she also had some more serious parts.  Then there was Kate, Josie's mom, who was a great person who reminded me a lot of my mom which made me like her even more.  

For Keeps didn't actually have a whole lot going on but I never found myself bored with it.  From the very first page I was drawn in and hooked.  The story was fun but with some deeper meaning mixed in.

Overall, For Keeps is a great book to read when you have nothing better to do.  It's quick, it's fun, and it's wonderfully written.  Definitely one to check out especially if you loved Gilmore Girls.  =]

First line:  It's the last Friday night in August, and instead of dancing on a table at Melanie Jaffin's party with the rest of the soon-to-be junior class, I am crouched behind a tower of Meow Mix in the pet food aisle of Shop-Co, watching my mother hyperventilate.

Writing:  5/5

Characters:  4/5

Plot:  4/5

Ending:  4/5

Originality:  4/5

Overall:  21/25=B

Cover:  4/5=B-

Links go to Amazon.com and they are associate links.  If you buy something using it I will get a small profit.  This does not affect my opinions of the book.

Read, Remember, Recommend For Teens created by Rachelle Rogers Knight

Book:  Read, Remember, Recommend For Teens created by Rachelle Rogers Knight
Release date: April 1, 2010

Publisher:  Sourcebooks

Source:  Publisher

Summary:

Perfect for teens who love to read and those who need a companion for school assignments or summer reading programs, Read, Remember, Recommend for Teens offers more than 2400 award-winning and notable reading suggestions in many genres, cross-referenced to help parents and teens chose the right books for them.

This unique journal sold out its first print run, attracting readers with recommended lists for fiction, manga, historical fiction, romance, westerns, crime novels, and poetry, as well as nonfiction sections focusing on biography/ autobiography.

College-bound readers will find a section to help guide their reading selections. The journal also provides room to record books read, jot down thoughts and ideas, and keep track of recommendations, books to read next, and works by favorite authors.

*****

I am a huge book lover and I am always trying to keep track of my books.  I have lists all over the place of books that I want to read, books I have read, and books I need to tell friends about.  Finally I have one place to put them all.

Read, Remember, Recommend For Teens is a journal for book lovers.  It is one of the coolest things I have ever seen.  It has tabbed sections with lists of award winning books, places to write down books you want to read, loaner lists, and so much more.  The awards section is the coolest for me.  I never know about books winning awards and now I have lists of them all in one place.  The loaner list also comes in handy because I do let friends borrow my books and I tend to forget who has what.  Now I won't be doing that anymore.  

Overall, Read, Remember, Recommend For Teens is a journal I highly recommend.  If you are a blogger I think it's a must-have but it's really something everyone can use.  I plan on telling all my book loving friends about it.  =]

Overall:  A+

Cover:  A

Also, Rachelle Rogers Knight is hosting an awesome book challenge to go along with the journal.  You can check it out here.  

Links go to Amazon.com and they are associate links.  If you buy something using this link I may receive a small profit.  This does not affect my opinions on the books.  

Book Trailer: Shade

I know most people have heard of the book Shade that is coming out May 4 but I doubt many of you have seen the new trailer for it.  I thought I would go ahead and share it.

Summary:
When her boyfriend dies a most untimely death, Aura--who can see ghosts--is forced to reconsider her relationship with the living and dead in SHADE.

What do you think?

Waiting On Wednesday: Matched

Book:  Matched by Allyson Condie

Release date:  November 30, 2010

Publisher:  Dutton Juvenile

Summary:
In the novel, a 17-year-old girl, who has waited her entire life to be told by a group known as “the Society” who her soul mate is, has her world upended when she discovers she’s in love with someone other than the group’s pick.

So, I don't know a whole lot about the book but Penguin posted about it on their Facebook page earlier this week and I loved the cover.  I looked up the book on Goodreads to see what it was about and the short summary that is given really makes me want to read it.  November is a very long way away and I can't wait to read this one when it is released.  =]


What are you waiting on this Wednesday?

The Clearing by Heather Davis

Book:  The Clearing by Heather Davis

Release date:  April 12, 2010

Number of pages:  228

Publisher:  Graphia

From:  Publisher

Summary:

Amy, a sixteen-year-old recovering from an abusive relationship, moves to the country to start a new life with her aunt–all she wants is for everything to be different. In the clearing at the back of Aunt Mae’s property, she makes an amazing discovery—Henry, a boy stuck in the endless summer of 1944. Henry and his world become Amy’s refuge and she begins to learn that some moments are worth savoring. But when the past and present come crashing together, both of them must find the courage to face what is meant to be, even if it means losing each other forever.

*****

Heather Davis' second novel, The Clearing, was even better than her first and that is saying something because I greatly enjoyed Never Cry Werewolf.  The Clearing was such a unique love story and one that I know I will re-read many times in the future.

Amy was a beautiful character.  Unlike some characters, she was real.  She had many issues that real teens face and I found her very easy to relate to.  Sometimes she got on my nerves but she was still a great character.  As was Henry.  He was so sweet and charming.  He cared so much for his family and he was super kind to Amy.  There wasn't a single thing about him that I disliked.  He was the perfect gentleman.

I think the love story in The Clearing may be one of the best I have ever read.  Henry and Amy were exactly what each other needed.  They didn't care that one of them lived in 1944 and the other in 2010.  All they cared about was each other.  It was beautiful and heartbreaking at the same time.  

Overall, The Clearing is an amazing story.  I know many people were disappointed with Heather Davis' debut novel, Never Cry Werewolf, but don't let that stop you from giving this one a chance.  That are nothing at all alike!

First line:  Each night I wished for things to be different.

Writing:  5/5

Characters:  4/5

Plot:  4/5

Ending:  4/5

Originality:  5/5

Overall:  22/25=B+

Cover:  4/5=B-

Links go to Amazon.com and are affiliate links.  If you buy something using this link I may get a small percentage.  This does not affect my opinions on the books.

Morpheus Road: The Light Giveaway

About the book:
Marshall Seaver is being haunted. In the first installment of this chillingly compelling trilogy, sixteen-year-old Marshall discovers that something beyond our world is after him. The eerie clues pile up quickly, and when people start dying, it’s clear whatever this is, it’s huge.

Marshall has no idea what’s happening to him, but he’s soon convinced that it has something to do with his best friend Cooper, who’s been missing for over a week. Together with Coop’s sister, Marsh searches for the truth about what happened to his friend, ultimately uncovering something bigger than he could ever have imagined.



Want to read it?  Here is your chance to win a copy.

Also, the author, DJ Machale is doing a Ustream chat today at 6 p.m.

Not able to meet D. J. MacHale while he’s on tour?
Not to worry! You can still ask him all your questions about Morpheus Road on publication day!

Here’s how to do it:
Go to: http://www.ustream.tv/simonandschuster

Login on the right side via Twitter or Facebook to post questions.

D. J. will be answering the questions LIVE on pub day, 4/20 at 6:00 PM Eastern time, and you can watch it there then!

Details:
-There will be five winners.  Each winner will receive a finished copy of Morpheus Road: The Light.

Requirements:
-You must fill out the form to enter.
-You must have a US mailing address because I am not the one sending out the prizes.
-Contest ends May 4 so you have two weeks to enter.

Fill out the form here!

The Cinderella Society by Kay Cassidy

Book:  The Cinderella Society by Kay Cassidy

Release date:  April 13, 2010

Number of pages:  320

Publisher:  Egmont

From:  Publisher

Summary:

When the Prom Queen becomes your fairy godmother…

Sixteen year old outsider, Jess Parker, gets the chance of a lifetime: an invitation to join a secret society of popular girls dedicated to defeating the mean girls of the world. The Cinderella Society guides all new recruits through its top secret ultimate life makeover. It’s all part of preparing them to face down the Wickeds and win. Determined not to let the Cindys down, Jess dives in with a passion. Finally, a chance to belong and show the world what she’s made of.

… be careful what you wish for.

Jess’s transformation wins her the heart of her dream crush and a shot at uber-popularity. Until the Wickeds–led by Jess’s arch enemy–begin targeting innocent girls in their war against the Cindys, and Jess discovers the real force behind her exclusive society. It’s a high stakes battle of good vs. evil, and the Cindys in power need Jess on special assignment. When the mission threatens to destroy her dream life come true, Jess is forced to choose between living a fairy tale and honoring the Sisterhood… and herself.

What’s a girl to do when the glass slipper fits, but she doesn’t want to wear it anymore?

*****

Kay Cassidy's debut novel was awesome.  It was so much more than just a chick-lit story.  Don't let the cover fool you.  This new series is one to be on the lookout for!

The idea of the Cinderella Society was beyond clever.  The whole story was so unique and interesting.  I envied the relationships of the sisters.  They were so close and they were all so great.  Their purpose was to help protect people from the Wickeds and at first I thought it would be cheesy.  Luckily, it wasn't.  Kay Cassidy took it deeper than that and introduced a league of women who dedicated their lives to help protect others.  It was a super cool idea.

Jess was the greatest.  She was hilarious in how clumsy she was with the guy she liked and so brave in trying to stand up for others.  She wasn't overdone though.  While she thrived on trying to help others she couldn't help herself against the same people.  She had to learn how to believe in herself just like every other teenage girl in the world.

Overall, The Cinderella Society was a quick, fun read with some deeper meaning.  I was drawn in from the start and I know the second book will be the same way for me because there were some questions left unanswered.  Spring 2011 can't get here fast enough!

First line:  There are moments in life when you know things will never be the same.

Writing:  5/5

Characters:  4/5

Plot:  5/5

Ending:  4/5

Originality:  5/5

Overall:  23/25=A-

Cover:  5/5=A++

Links go to Amazon.com and are affiliate links.  If you buy something using this link I may get a small percentage.  This does not affect my opinions on the books.

Back to the old comment system

I just wanted to let everyone know that the old comment system is back.  I was having too many problems with Intense Debate and some people said they didn't like it because there was too much to fill out.  For now I am going to stick with the blogger system  but if anyone knows of any better comment systems feel free to let me know.  I am more than willing to try out some new stuff on the blog.

Oh and if you didn't already notice I added a Cbox to my right sidebar.  Feel free to comment in that if you want to tell me anything.  =]

In My Mailbox 60

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 for review, from the library, from the bookstore, or from trades. =]

For review:

-Caleb + Kate by Cindy Martinusen-Coloma
-Every Little Thing In The World by Nina de Gramont
-The Tension Of Opposites by Kristina McBride
-13 To Life by Shannon Delany
-Amy And Roger's Epic Detour by Morgan Matson
-Kiss In The Dark by Lauren Henderson
-Picture The Dead by Adele Griffin
-Raised By Wolves by Jennifer Lynn Barnes
-Read, Remember, Recommend For Teens created by Rachelle Rogers Knight
-Siren by Tricia Rayburn
-The Demon's Covenant by Sarah Rees Brennan
-So Not Happening by Jenny B. Jones
-The Emerald Talisman by Brenda Pandos (Signed!)
-The Exile Of Gigi Lane by Adrienne Maria Vrettos
-The Last Thing I Remember by Andrew Klavan
-The Summer Of Skinny Dipping by Amanda Howells
-The Unwritten Rule by Elizabeth Scott
-Thief Eyes by Janni Lee Simner
-Things I Know About Love by Kate Le Vann
-We Hear The Dead by Dianne K. Salerni

From trades/bought:

-Stray (Shifters #1) by Rachel Vincent
-The Shapeshifters by Amelia Atwater-Rhodes
-Wherever Nina Lies by Lynn Weingarten
-Enthusiasm by Polly Shulman
-It's Not About The Accent by Caridad Ferrer
-The Secret Hour (Midnighters #1) by Scott Westerfeld

Wow did I get a lot of books this week.  I am super excited about all of them.  Where do I even start?  Well actually right now I can't start any of them because I have to write two papers by Monday.  Guess I should get working.  =]


What was in your mailbox this week?