After Hello

Author: Lisa Mangum

Series: N/A

Genres: Contemporary, Romance, Young Adult.

Publisher: Shadow Mountain

Released: September 4, 2012

Summary: courtesy of goodreads.com What if the first day of your relationship was the only day you had?

Seventeen-year-old Sara is a seeker. She’s always on the lookout for the perfect moment to capture with her ever-present, point-and-shoot camera, especially on her first trip to New York City.

Sam is a finder. He has a knack for finding what other people can’t—a first-edition book or the last two tickets to a sold-out Broadway show. In New York, there is always something interesting to find.

When Sam and Sara’s paths cross, neither one of them is prepared for what they will find out about each other—and about themselves when they form an unlikely partnership in search of a seemingly elusive work of art. They have one day to find the impossible. Fate brought their talents together, but what happens when time runs out? Will love be able to overcome fate? This new novel from award-winning author Lisa Mangum explores what happens after hello.

For Fans Of: The Truth About Forever, Who I Kissed, Yearbook, As Always Dave.

My Review: I was super excited to read this book. And I was so glad I did. I loved the whole adventure around New York with a random boy, getting into trouble with a celebrity and learning more about your (Sara’s) personality. It was just a cute, fun, realizing who you are and what you mean to others kinda story.

I loved the setting. After reading this I went on a New York obsession. I was trying to find some way of going there. It was just neat to read about a place I usually don’t come across. Or a place that was described very well.

I really liked Sam’s character. He had depth about him. The internal struggle, the struggle to be good and better, his awareness to everything and everyone, and just how thoughtful he was. As a literary character, I found him very attractive.

Sara was also a deep character, but she came across as whiny and complained a lot. And she was too stubborn.

I’m not used to reading any contemporary young adult novels so it wasn’t as faced paced as I would have liked it. But when I read the last page, I wanted more! I Facebooked Lisa and asked her for a sequel! I think there is definitely potential for a good comeback!

I highly recommend this book if you want a cute little love story.

Requiem

Author: Jamie McGuire

Series: Providence # 2

Genres: Fantasy, Paranormal, Romance, Young Adult

Publisher: Jamie McGuire, LLC

Released: 11 June 2011

Summary:  courtesy of goodreads.com In the old world shadows of Providence, Rhode Island, Nina Grey finds herself the center of a war between Hell and Earth.
Struggling with her father’s recent death, Nina meets Jared Ryel by chance…or so she believes. Although his stunning good looks and mysterious talents are a welcome distraction, it soon becomes clear that Jared knows more about Nina than even her friends at Brown University. When questions outnumber answers, Jared risks everything to keep the woman he was born to save—by sharing the secret he was sworn to protect.
When her father’s former associates begin following her in the dark, Nina learns that her father is not the man she thought he was, but a thief who stole from demons. Searching for the truth behind her father’s death, Nina stumbles upon something she never expected—something Hell wants—and only she holds the key

For Fans Of: Providence, Eclipse, Breaking Dawn, and Crescendo

My Review: Requiem was a really good follow up.  I felt like Requiem took the perfect spot as the middle book in a trilogy, it wrapped up nearly everything that happened in Providence, while setting up a strong background for what I assume will happen in Eden.  So, what I liked about Requiem:

1. Jared.  Question: will I ever get over Jared.  Answer: No.

2. Claire.  I have to admit, I really just love the Ryel family.  Jared, Claire, and Bex are all such well rounded characters with such surprising personalities.  I really enjoyed Claire stepping forward into the spotlight in this one.  Her interactions with Ryan were also so hilarious, and the straightforwardness gives such a breath of fresh air compared to Jared’s drawn out explanations.

3.  Beth.  Beth is basically the best, best friend a girl could ask for.  She just accepts Nina for who she is, and accepts all of her excuses for not being at work (and they are good excuses).  She understands Nina’s job probably better than Nina does (like any fantastic assistant/bff) And she is such a great balance for Nina’s personality.  Rarely does she have any massive freak out moments. 

4. The dreams.  They added just what I wanted for this story, a little bit of heart pounding mystery.  Anyone who knows me knows that I scare easy, and these night terrors of Nina’s really made my heart go double time.  It’s also nice whenever I get to see Gabe.  Jared, being one of my favorite characters, seems to take a lot from his dad, so getting to see the way Gabe acted/reacted was pretty awesome.  Also, there is another someone that has dreams from Gabe and I found that little tidbit to be cute and heartbreaking all at once. Love.

What I had a hard time with in this one.

1.  It still felt like Nina was a little bit hung up on Ryan.  I understand that she feels bad about certain choices he makes, but girlfriend, come on.  You’re hurting your fiancé over a dude that is kind of a jerk, and also a consenting adult who is old enough to make his own decisions.  It’s strange because in Providence, I felt like Ryan didn’t have a chance, however in Requiem the Nina/Ryan relationship somehow seemed stronger (at least in the beginning).

2. Sasha.  Sasha felt like a bulk character to me.  I kept waiting for her to do something truly heinous (involving Shax or another demon) but she didn’t.  As a matter of fact she kind of faded into the background, maybe she’ll have a bigger role in Eden?  Who knows, but in this one she was kind of a loose cannon and my mind kept wandering to what she would do next instead of focusing on the story at hand.

All in all, I really enjoyed Requiem, as I mentioned before it fulfills the duty held by most middle books in a trilogy, and reads similar to Providence (though I felt Providence was a sort of whirlwind, and Requiem was a little more peaceful pacing-wise) Although there were some scenes in which I kind of lost some steam (being in the middle east, I just really don’t like Ryan with Nina. Ugh.)  Again, four pies because I’m literally hungering to get my hands on Eden!

Providence

Author: Jamie McGuire

Series: Providence # 1

Genres: Action, Fantasy, Paranormal, Romance, Young Adult

Publisher: Jamie McGuire, LLC

Released: 20 November 2010

Summary: courtesy of goodreads.com In the old world shadows of Providence, Rhode Island, Nina Grey finds herself the center of a war between Hell and Earth.

Struggling with her father’s recent death, Nina meets Jared Ryel by chance…or so she believes. Although his stunning good looks and mysterious talents are a welcome distraction, it soon becomes clear that Jared knows more about Nina than even her friends at Brown University. When questions outnumber answers, Jared risks everything to keep the woman he was born to save—by sharing the secret he was sworn to protect.

When her father’s former associates begin following her in the dark, Nina learns that her father is not the man she thought he was, but a thief who stole from demons. Searching for the truth behind her father’s death, Nina stumbles upon something she never expected—something Hell wants—and only she holds the key

For Fans Of: Hush, Hush, Crescendo, Twilight, and New Moon

My Review:  Let me start by saying that one of my goodreads friends (Cindy over at Once Upon a Time Book Reviews – click our link to her site, she’s great!) was really excited about this book, and though my TBR list on my Kindle is hovering somewhere around 110 titles, I knew that this one was going get pushed to the top.  I’m so glad that it did!  So thank you, Cindy, for getting so excited about such a fun read!

Providence is a really amazing blend that has slight elements of the Twilight novels and the Hush, Hush saga, however it is unique.  Here is why:

1.  Jared.  Jared’s love for Nina has been growing for quite some time.  He doesn’t see her across the lunch room, he purposefully inserts himself into her life with every intention of staying there.  This isn’t a “hey look at the hot girl over there, I can’t live without her.” It’s built upon things in the past (cue: the diary-reading scene, melt my heart!)  Although Jared is overprotective, I felt that he had a legitimate, tried and true, had already taken 1 bullet for this girl, reason to be overprotective.  He also wasn’t afraid to admit that his weakness was if anything happened to her.  Both literally and figuratively.

2. The Setting: Seriously.  This setting works so perfectly for this type of story and I felt like it played really well into helping move the story forward.  You know how is Harry Potter, J.K. Rowling is always giving hints about what is to come through the way the weather is acting?  That’s kind of what McGuire does in Providence, I love when weather and setting is incorporated into a story.  And I love when a story is set on a Uni campus!  I feel like it encourages readers to head to University, which I wholeheartedly support.

3. The Story.  I will be the first to admit that I am a sucker for the stories that are like this one.  Although I haven’t made my way through the Twilight books recently, they do have a very fond place in my heart.  Not only because they really propelled me into a wider variety of paranormal books, but because they boosted the YA industry into what it is today.  That being said: I love stories about true love!  I love stories that have a happy ending!  I love stories that are entertaining and fun to read.  Providence is that way for me.  It was fun, it was light (material wise), and a great one to curl up on the couch and read over an afternoon. 

I’ll admit: The only thing I didn’t like about this book was Ryan. Ryan was annoying.  I felt like through the entire book he was pushing himself onto Nina, and although I think there was something (on the authors part) to turn Ryan/Nina/Jared into a love-triangle, I honestly never felt like Ryan stood a chance.  I mean seriously?  He was annoying and so cocky it made me was to hurl.   

Holy crap guys I give this with a warning:  this book with suck you in.  I’ve joked before, but this one really felt like I had gone down the rabbit hole and wouldn’t be coming back out for a while.  I can’t wait to get started on the sequel!  I’m giving it four pies, because I am literally hungry for more! Requiem here I come! 

I'd Tell You I Love You, But Then I'd Have to Kill You

Author: Ally Carter

Series: Gallagher Girls #1

Genres: Young Adult Fiction

Publisher: Scholastic

Released: April 1, 2006

Summary: courtesy of goodreads.com Cammie Morgan is a student at the Gallagher Academy for Exceptional Young Women, a fairly typical all-girls school-that is, if every school taught advanced martial arts in PE and the latest in chemical warfare in science, and students received extra credit for breaking CIA codes in computer class. The Gallagher Academy might claim to be a school for geniuses but it's really a school for spies. Even though Cammie is fluent in fourteen languages and capable of killing a man in seven different ways, she has no idea what to do when she meets an ordinary boy who thinks she's an ordinary girl. Sure, she can tap his phone, hack into his computer, or track him through town with the skill of a real "pavement artist"-but can she maneuver a relationship with someone who can never know the truth about her? Cammie Morgan may be an elite spy-in-training, but in her sophomore year, she's on her most dangerous mission-falling in love.

For Fans Of: Model Spy, Secrets of My Hollywood Life, and Being Nikki.

My Review: This book was a really fun and exciting, quick read. And defiantly interesting!

The Gallagher Academy is amazing, and the characters in this book are very loveable and easy to relate too.

You wouldn’t want to be on the bad side of one of these girls! They’re able do things that normal girls can’t do, besides talk to boys. ;)

Who wouldn’t want a super hottie for a Covert Opps teacher!

Cammie’s best friends are wonderfully loyal, and very supportive. (Watch for the scene with the garbage!)

All in all I really enjoyed this book! Can’t wait to review the rest of these amazing books for you!

Jessica's Guide to Dating the Dark Side

Author: Beth Fantaskey

Series: Jessica Book #1

Genres: Paranormal, Romance, Young Adult

Publisher: Harcourt

Released: February 1, 2009

Summary: courtesy of goodreads.com The undead can really screw up your senior year ...

Marrying a vampire definitely doesn’t fit into Jessica Packwood’s senior year “get-a-life” plan. But then a bizarre (and incredibly hot) new exchange student named Lucius Vladescu shows up, claiming that Jessica is a Romanian vampire princess by birth—and he’s her long-lost fiancé. Armed with new found confidence and a copy of Growing Up Undead: A Teen Vampire’s Guide to Dating, Health, and Emotions, Jessica makes a dramatic transition from average American teenager to glam European vampire princess. But when a devious cheerleader sets her sights on Lucius, Jess finds herself fighting to win back her wayward prince, stop a global vampire war—and save Lucius’s soul from eternal destruction.

For Fans Of: Sucks To Be Me, Boys that Bite, Full Moon, Born at Midnight and Infinite Days.

My Review: Again, another book I pulled off the shelf at the library. This time the title sounded very interesting.

This read was very witty, quick and fun. And by the end I was surprised I was rooting for the two of them to hook up together.

However, I wished the two would have done more dating. I mean the title does imply there will be dates. Also the concept of how Jessica is a vampire, but she was born was a little strange. But I just kinda let that slide and continued on reading.

It was just a really cute, quick read. One not to take seriously. Plus the guy on the cover has a sexy mouth. Mmmm!

Girl at Sea

Author: Maureen Johnson

Series: Stand Alone

Genres: Realistic, Travel, Contemporary, Young Adult

Publisher: Harper Teen

Released: 17 May 2007

Summary: courtesy of goodreads.com Sometimes you have to get lost . . . The Girl: Clio Ford, seventeen, wants to spend the summer smooching her art-store crush, not stuck on a boat in the Mediterranean. At least she'll get a killer tan. The Mission: Survive her father's crazy antics. Oh, and also find some missing underwater treasure that could unlock the secrets of civilization.  The Crew: Dad's wacky best friend Martin, his bizarre research partner Julia, her voluptuous daughter Elsa . . . and then there's Aidan, Julia's incredibly attractive, incredibly arrogant assistant. What's going on behind Aidan's intellectual, intensely green eyes, anyway? As Clio sails into uncharted territory she unveils secrets that have the power to change history. But her most surprising discovery is that there's something deeper and more cryptic than the sea—her own heart. . . . to find what you're looking for

For Fans Of: Anna and the French Kiss, 13 Little Blue Envelopes, and Along for the Ride

My Review:  Girl at Sea by Maureen Johnson was by my definition an incredibly fun summer read.  The way that Clio’s dysfunctional family reacts to things to circumstances that they are put into, is incredibly hilarious.  Also, the wonderful picture that Johnson paints of Clio’s past makes things so much fun.

What I really love about Johnson’s writing style is that she can take something so simple and turn it into something magnetic.  Even more than that Johnson has her finger on the pulse of “teen speak” she reminds me a lot of John Green and John Hughes in that everything her characters say sound real in a way that you wish you thought that quickly on your feet.

Johnson also has a way of making you root for every character.  Her characters are multi-dimensional and all have their own motivations.  The pain that Clio goes through in the novel romantically almost breaks your heart and takes you right back to that initial high school heartbreak.

I also loved Clio’s strength.  Not only with her friends but also with her family.  She does a lot of things that are, at time, erratic, but are what girls, I think, would like to have the guts to do (I’m talking the jellyfish scene).  Honestly, how can you go wrong when a book is taking place in the summer on a yacht in the Mediterranean with a crew that is looking for buried treasure?  The Name of the Star is still my favorite of Maureen Johnson’s books, but Girl at Sea is definitely one that you can find some fun in.

Masque of the Red Death

Author: Bethany Griffin 
Series: Masque of the Red Death #1

Genres: Steampunk, Dystopian, Science Fiction, Fantasy.

Publisher: Harper Collins

Released: April 24th 2012

Summary: Courtesy of goodreads.com A devastating plague has decimated the population. And those who are left live in fear of catching it as the city crumbles to pieces around them.

So what does Araby Worth have to live for?

Nights in the Debauchery Club, beautiful dresses, glittery make-up . . . and tantalizing ways to forget it all.

But in the depths of the club—in the depths of her own despair—Araby will find more than oblivion. She will find Will, the terribly handsome proprietor of the club. And Elliott, the wickedly smart aristocrat. Neither boy is what he seems. Both have secrets. Everyone does.

And Araby may find something not just to live for, but to fight for—no matter what it costs her.

For Fans Of: For Darkness Shows the Star, Hemlock, Black City, Article 5, and The Infernal Devices

My Review: This was quite a wonderful read. I read it in about 4 hours because I had to finish it! I loved the steampunk style added to the dystopian themed plot. At first it bothered me because I couldn’t figure out when this story took place. I thought maybe it was in modern times, but as I read on, I figured maybe it was more of a Victorian age setting because of the dresses the girls wore and how the men carried walking sticks, how they used to ride horses but now the rich drive in steam carriages. It was slightly confusing but I quickly got over it. The plot and the characters pulled me right in instead.  I just really liked the setting and the plot of the story. That’s why I liked it so much. I was also torn between Will and Elliott. Will, at first glance was the mystery heartthrob who was going to sweep Araby off her feet. I was rooting for him. Elliott was the jerk, who wanted to save the world and only wanted Araby to help him. I was not a fan. So yes there is this love triangle that gets really twisted. Twisted because both boys can’t be trusted. This love triangle reminded me of Catherine, Mr. Henry Tilney and John Thorpe from Jane Austen’s Northanger Abbey, like a lot.

Definitely a good read.

Paranormalcy

Author: Kiersten White

Series: Paranormalcy Book #1

Genres: Young Adult, Paranormal, Adventure, Romance.

Publisher: Harper Teen

Released: September 1, 2010

Summary: courtesy of goodreads.com Weird as it is working for the International Paranormal Containment Agency, Evie’s always thought of herself as normal. Sure, her best friend is a mermaid, her ex-boyfriend is a faerie, she's falling for a shape-shifter, and she's the only person who can see through paranormals' glamours, but still. Normal.

Only now paranormals are dying, and Evie's dreams are filled with haunting voices and mysterious prophecies. She soon realizes that there may be a link between her abilities and the sudden rash of deaths. Not only that, but she may very well be at the center of a dark faerie prophecy promising destruction to all paranormal creatures.

So much for normal.

For Fans Of: City of Glass, Lament, Nightshade, Firelight and Demonglass

My Review: This was a very quick, fun read. It’s semiserious where the plot goes but Evie is freaking hilarious! I really liked the idea of a secret Paranormal Agency. It reminded me a whole lot of Men in Black the movie. And Evie’s paranormal gift is really neat. I feel bad for her that she has to be stuck living inside the agency and pretty much work for them because they’re scared of what she is.

I really liked this book because of the many different mythical creatures. I love anything fantasy in the real world.

It’s a quick, witty, enjoyable read.

Queen of the Dead

Author: Stacy Kade

Series: The Ghost and the Goth # 2

Genres: Paranormal, Contemporary, Young Adult, Romance

Publisher: Hyperion

Released: 31 May 2011

Summary: courtesy of goodreads.com After being sent back from the light, Alona Dare - former homecoming queen, current Queen of the Dead - finds herself doing something she never expected: working. Instead of spending days perfecting her tan by the pool (her typical summer routine when she was, you know, alive), Alona must now cater to the needs of other lost spirits. By her side for all of this - ugh - “helping of others” is Will Killian: social outcast, seer of the dead, and someone Alona cares about more than she’d like.
Before Alona can make a final ruling on Will’s “friend” or “more” status, though, she discovers trouble at home. Her mom is tossing out Alona’s most valuable possessions, and her dad is expecting a new daughter with his wicked wife. Is it possible her family is already moving on? Hello! She’s only been dead for two months! Thankfully, Alona knows just the guy who can put a stop to this mess.
Unfortunately for Alona, Will has other stuff on his mind, and Mina, a young (and beautiful) seer, is at the top of the list. She’s the first ghost-talker Will’s ever met—aside from his father—and she may hold answers to Will’s troubled past. But can she be trusted? Alona immediately puts a check mark in the “clearly not” column. But Will is - ahem - willing to find out, even if it means leaving a hurt and angry Alona to her own devices, which is never a good idea.
Packed with romance, lovable characters, and a killer cliffhanger, Queen of the Dead is the out-of-this-world sequel to The Ghost and the Goth.

For Fans Of: The Ghost and the Goth, Hereafter, and Haunting Violet

My Review:  Let me start by saying that I was a pretty massive fan of The Ghost and the Goth and I totally wasn’t planning on it. So I had some pretty high expectations for Queen of the Dead and they were met…sort of.  Queen of the Dead still has the same Alona and Will that were in The Ghost and the Goth, but we’re also introduced to some new characters and get a chance to find out some more about Will’s dad which I was excited about.  However, Queen of the Dead falls into the same trap that most “filler” novels in a trilogy do, it becomes one of those books where you could read the first few chapters and the last few chapters and be set to go for the third one.

Although Alona and Will’s relationship is definitely developing this one they begin to have some trust issues, which is actually one of the things I really enjoyed.  Alona and Will are in high school (well, barely out of, but still)  and of course they’re going to start having some trust issues, and it was really fun and interesting to see Kade handle those.  But, where I could sympathize with Alona in The Ghost and the Goth, some of the choices that she makes in this one were so selfish that I lost some respect for her as a character.

Though Alona’s choices are what make a third novel possible, so for that I am grateful, but it was definitely something that I wasn’t expecting.  So here is my advice: At times this book is going to seem really tedious and you’re probably going to want to punch Alona Dare in the face, but keep going because the third one?  Well, I think it’s gonna be great.  Also: Shout out to the cover models! They capture Will and Alona perfectly (in my opinion)

Silence

Author: Becca Fitzpatrick

Series: Hush, Hush Book #3

Genres: Paranormal, Romance, Young Adult.

Publisher: Simon & Schuster Children's Publishing

Released: October 4, 2011

Summary: courtesy of goodreads.com The noise between Patch and Nora is gone. They've overcome the secrets riddled in Patch's dark past...bridged two irreconcilable worlds...faced heart-wrenching tests of betrayal, loyalty and trust...and all for a love that will transcend the boundary between heaven and earth. Armed with nothing but their absolute faith in one another, Patch and Nora enter a desperate fight to stop a villain who holds the power to shatter everything they've worked for—and their love—forever.

For Fans Of: Hades, Angelfire, Fallen, and Beautiful Chaos.

My Review: I was so bummed that Nora lost her memory of Patch and everything that had happened. It was frustrating every time something she knew would come up and she was like “oh, this is like de ja vous. Wonder what it means.” I wanted to jump in the book, shake her really hard and make her understand what was going on. I thought it was sexy that Patch aka Jev, was still around even though he told her he wasn’t going to be. That just goes to show that he cares about her. However it really bugs when the hot guy character is the one that gets to decide what’s best for the girl. We girls have ‘Girl Power!!’ Ugh huh that’s right! Anyways, I could tell this book was trying to the final of a trilogy and it moved oh so fast and then the end was like, ‘boom badda bang! There’s one more! Girly squeal!’ And of course I hate waiting for the sequels to come out. Definitely one of my favorite series.

Saving June

Author: Hannah Harrington

Series: Stand Alone

Genres: Realistic, Contemporary, Young Adult, Romance

Publisher: Harlequin Teen

Released: 1 May 2011

Summary: ‘If she’d waited less than two weeks, she’d be June who died in June. But I guess my sister didn’t consider that.’
Harper Scott’s older sister has always been the perfect one so when June takes her own life a week before her high school graduation, sixteen-year-old Harper is devastated. Everyone’s sorry, but no one can explain why.
When her divorcing parents decide to split her sister’s ashes into his-and-her urns, Harper takes matters into her own hands. She’ll steal the ashes and drive cross-country with her best friend, Laney, to the one place June always dreamed of going, California.
Enter Jake Tolan. He’s a boy with a bad attitude, a classic-rock obsession and nothing in common with Harper’s sister. But Jake had a connection with June, and when he insists on joining them, Harper’s just desperate enough to let him. With his alternately charming and infuriating demeanour and his belief that music can see you through anything, he might be exactly what she needs.
Except June wasn’t the only one hiding something. Jake’s keeping a secret that has the power to turn Harper’s life upside down again.

For Fans Of: In Honor, Amy and Roger’s Epic Detour, and Two Way Street

My Review: Saving June was everything that I wanted it to be.  It stems from one girls need for change and understanding.  Lately a lot of ya books seem to deal with death in some way or another and Saving June was no different.  Although I’m unsure as to why this current trend is so popular I feel that most authors do tend to focus on the negative aspect which leaves the reader feeling really negatively towards it or at least negatively about it.

Saving June, for me, was not that novel.  Although it definitely had it’s moments of sadness it wasn’t overrun with it.  It didn’t focus on the negative, if anything Saving June is about the importance of embracing life. 

Every character that is introduced on the road trip LOVES being alive.  As they share the stories of June and her excitement, and not only that is has an incredible amount of heart as Harper comes to terms with a lot of things.  Harrington creates such a great balance between the light and the dark that is a novel about death.  She does it in such a way that you feel incredibly hopeful.  Not only for Harper and her family, but also with the relationship between Harper and Jake.  A relationship that is at once both incredibly beautiful and incredibly heart breaking.

Take Saving June with you on your next road trip, you definitely won’t be disappointed.

Unraveling Isobel

Author: Eileen Cook

Series: Stand Alone

Genres: Paranormal, Contemporary, Romance, Young Adult

Publisher: Simon Pulse

Released: 3 January 2012

Summary: courtesy of goodreads.com Isobel’s life is falling apart. Her mom just married some guy she met on the internet only three months before, and is moving them to his sprawling, gothic mansion off the coast of nowhere. Goodbye, best friend. Goodbye, social life. Hello, icky new stepfather, crunchy granola town, and unbelievably good-looking, officially off-limits stepbrother.
But on her first night in her new home, Isobel starts to fear that it isn’t only her life that’s unraveling—her sanity might be giving way too. Because either Isobel is losing her mind, just like her artist father did before her, or she’s seeing ghosts.
Either way, Isobel’s fast on her way to being the talk of the town for all the wrong reasons.

For Fans Of: Anna Dressed in Blood, Second Chance Summer, and The Catastrophic History of You and Me

My Review:  Unraveling Isobel was such a fun read, and finally a stand alone book that we really well written!  I have been so sick of series lately, and this one was such a well done single that I couldn’t help but like it.

First I want to talk about the relationship that Isobel has with her mother.  Although it falls into the classic “despondent” mother/daughter relationship that so many ya books fall into, however Cook justifies it by focusing on the “why” of their relationship.  I appreciated this so much as a reader, don’t get me wrong: I was still annoyed that her mother blindly followed Dick but at least it wasn’t really out of character for the mother to act that way.

The supernatural aspect of Isobel was a little ambiguous for my taste.  It left me with a few questions that I didn’t expect to have after reading a stand alone.  I wish that Isobel’s “tendencies” had been a little bit better explained, but nobody’s perfect.

I was very pleased with how the Nate/Isobel thing works out.  At first I’ll admit, I was a little bit freaked out.  I didn’t want this to go all Twin Peaks on me.  However, Cook brings out their relationship really beautifully and with plenty of butterflies.  I really enjoyed it.

The mystery aspect, although simple is well thought out.  There were definitely some “Nancy Drew” like moments and I enjoyed the psychological aspect of the mystery.  Overall it was a good and enticing read that may or may not keep you wanting the light on.

The Statistical Probability of Love at First Sight

Author: Jennifer E. Smith

Series: Stand Alone

Genres: Travel, Drama, Romance, Young Adult

Publisher: Poppy/Little Brown and Company

Released: 2 January 2012

Summary: courtesy of goodreads.com Who would have guessed that four minutes could change everything?

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

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

For Fans Of: The Fine Art of Truth or Dare and Love and Leftovers

My Review:  I have to admit, I was rather surprised with That Statistical Probability of Love at First Sight.  It sounded like such a fairy tale to me.   Like a reality-fairy tale or whatever.  The kind of things that those Lifetime movies are made of.  And I will tell you, basically it is that.  Hadley and Oliver are so darn cute with each other, and I loved the way that Smith structured Love.  Moving back and forth between the present and the plane ride.  Obviously, the book happens over a short period of time, but somehow Smith was able to let the reader know that this is the end and that they are happy wherever they are.

The juxtaposition between Hadley and Oliver is also really neat to read about.  This was definitely a quick read that would leave you dreaming if you were, say, flying over the Atlantic.  I thoroughly enjoyed the novel, although I do wish that certain things concerning Hadley’s family had been a little bit more resolved I was pleased with the way that things were left.  Definitely one to pick up and read over the summer, short, quick, and a breath of fresh reality-fairytale air.

The Truth About Forever

Author: Sarah Dessen

Series: Stand Alone

Genres: Young Adult, Contemporary, Romance.

Publisher: Penguin Group Inc.

Released: May 11, 2004

Summary: courtesy of goodreads.com a long, hot summer...

That's what Macy has to look forward to while her boyfriend, Jason, is away at Brain Camp. Days will be spent at a boring job in the library, evenings will be filled with vocabulary drills for the SATs, and spare time will be passed with her mother, the two of them sharing a silent grief at the traumatic loss of Macy's father.

But sometimes unexpected things can happen—things such as the catering job at Wish, with its fun-loving, chaotic crew. Or her sister's project of renovating the neglected beach house, awakening long-buried memories. Things such as meeting Wes, a boy with a past, a taste for Truth-telling, and an amazing artistic talent, the kind of boy who could turn any girl's world upside down. As Macy ventures out of her shell, she begins to wonder, Is it really better to be safe than sorry?

For Fans Of: Just Listen, Along for the Ride, What Happened to Goodbye, and Going too Far.

My Review: Bff got this book for me for Christmas a year ago. Took me til this past Christmas to actually read it. I usually don’t go for the contemp novels. I’m more the fantasy type. Anyways this book was a nice little jem. I enjoyed everything about this book. The characters were real and down to earth, the plot was simple yet intriguing, and the message was awesome!

It is a slower read. I think of it as filler while waiting for that one book to come out or just a simple great summer read.

The Host

Author: Stephanie Meyer

Series: Stand Alone

Genres: Dystopian, Science Fiction, Romance, Adult

Publisher: Little, Brown, and Company

Released: 6 May 2008

Summary: courtesy of goodreads.com Melanie Stryder refuses to fade away. Our world has been invaded by an unseen enemy. Humans become hosts for these invaders, their minds taken over while their bodies remain intact and continue their lives apparently unchanged. Most of humanity has succumbed.
When Melanie, one of the few remaining "wild" humans, is captured, she is certain it is her end. Wanderer, the invading "soul" who has been given Melanie's body, was warned about the challenges of living inside a human: the overwhelming emotions, the glut of senses, the too-vivid memories. But there was one difficulty Wanderer didn't expect: the former tenant of her body refusing to relinquish possession of her mind.
Wanderer probes Melanie's thoughts, hoping to discover the whereabouts of the remaining human resistance. Instead, Melanie fills Wanderer's mind with visions of the man Melanie loves - Jared, a human who still lives in hiding. Unable to separate herself from her body's desires, Wanderer begins to yearn for a man she has been tasked with exposing. When outside forces make Wanderer and Melanie unwilling allies, they set off on a dangerous and uncertain search for the man they both love.

For Fans Of: The Hunger Games, I am Number Four, The Power of Six, and Obsidian

My Review: After reading the Twilight series, I found out Stephanie Meyer had written another book. I had to buy it. I went home and started reading it and thought to myself that this was the biggest waste of my money.

Reason #1: The first 200 pages are boooorrrrrriiiiinnnnnggggg! I read those first 100 pages and abandoned the book. About 6 months later I picked it back up and finished it. The first 200 pages are more back story, why the aliens are here, what Melanie was doing when they came, the monotonous life of Melanie after she is taken over. It just was a slow start to what would become a really good book.

Reasons why I liked:

1. It was very different. I hadn’t read anything like the Host before. The idea of aliens taking over our bodies because we are too violent was interesting.

2. The way Melanie was still there even after Wanda had taken over her. Their conversations are interesting seeing as it’s like talking to yourself.

3. Gotta love the boys in the love triangle! But this isn’t like any love triangle you’ve ever seen. Jared is in love with Melanie (the body) and Ian is in love with Wanda (the alien inhabiting Melanie’s body). Gee it would be nice for two extremely attractive men to be after you!

4. Stephanie Meyer was so creative in the alien. It was just fascinating.

My advice: trudge through the first 200 pages and a really good read will be awaiting you!

The Abortionist's Daughter

Author: Elisabeth Hyde

Series: Stand Alone

Genres: Mystery, Realistic, Romance, Adult

Publisher: Vintage

Released: 12 June 2007

Summary: courtesy of goodreads.com Two weeks before Christmas, Diana Duprey, an outspoken abortion doctor, is found dead in her swimming pool. A national figure, Diana inspired passion and ignited tempers, but never more so than the day of her death. Her husband Frank, a longtime attorney in the DA’s office; her daughter Megan, a freshman in college; the Reverend Stephen O’Connell, founder of the town’s pro-life coalition: all of them quarreled with Diana that day and each one has something to lose in revealing the truth. Meanwhile the detective on the case struggles for the answers — and finds himself more intimately involved than he ever could have imagined.

My Review:  Ah, The Abortionist’s Daughter.  I was actually recommended to this book by a friend of mine who said that it was the perfect summer read.  I don’t know that I would classify it into the “summer read” category, but there was definitely something very magnetic about Hyde’s writing style that I really enjoyed.  The murder mystery, the romance, and the family struggle all fit together really well.  Hyde kept me guessing which doesn’t normally happen when I read books, granted I haven’t read a lot of mysteries, but still. 

I feel like this novel held up to what my friend said, in that it was a read that didn’t have too much depth too it, it wasn’t rocket science, although the subject material was rather dark.  However, I definitely recommend it to adults.  There are quite a few F bombs, and the material isn’t something that I would really consider appropriate for a younger set. (Mother murdered, crazy ex-boyfriend, hot shot lawyer, down and out cop dad, and the daughter that is just as lost and confused as everyone else – plus it talks at length about abortion’s, so…definitely for the older set).

Spells

Author: Aprilynne Pike

Series: Wings # 2

Genres: Fantasy, Romance, Faeire, Young Adult

Publisher: Harper Teen

Released: 4 May 2010

Summary: courtesy of goodreads.com Six months have passed since Laurel saved the gateway to the faerie realm of Avalon. Now she must spend her summer there, honing her skills as a Fall faerie. But her human family and friends are still in mortal danger--and the gateway to Avalon is more compromised than ever.
When it comes time to protect those she loves, will she depend on David, her human boyfriend, for help? Or will she turn to Tamani, the electrifying faerie with whom her connection is undeniable?

For Fans Of: Entice, Radiant Shadows, Shadowspell, and Wings.

My Review: This books is Amazing (capital A) and Exciting! Not to mention the love triangle between Laurel, David, and Tam is picking up! In this book, we get to take a look into more of what makes the world of Avalon tick, and if I do say so myself Pike did an splendid job of describing the faerie world. I would sure love to be able to stay there for a week or two! The faeries sure do know how to party and if you find yourself face to face with a Winter faerie please give them the respect they need ;D

WE also learn more abou the social classes that are in Avalon, giving more depth to Laurel and Tamani's relationship.

Also in this Amazing, Exciting, and Fabulous book comes a new character in the story that can sure kick butt. She ends up being really helpful, but keeps you on your toes, is she good or bad? Who knows?! :D

I cannot wait for the next book to see how the lovely story of Laurel and the world of Avalon continues!