Wordpress.

After having several frustrations on blogger I have decided to switch over to Wordpress, so here is where the rest of the challenge will be (though did add a thing to redirect it automatically so we'll see how that goes..)

http://simplyreading.wordpress.com/

Existence by Abbi Glines

"What happens when you're stalked by Death? You fall in love with him, of course.
Pagan Moore doesn't cheat Death, but instead, falls in love with him.
Seventeen year old Pagan Moore has seen souls her entire life. Once she realized the strangers she often saw walking through walls were not visible to anyone else, she started ignoring them. If she didn't let them know she could see them, then they left her alone. Until she stepped out of her car the first day of school and saw an incredibly sexy guy lounging on a picnic table, watching her with an amused smirk on his face. Problem is, she knows he's dead.
Not only does he not go away when she ignores him, but he does something none of the others have ever done. He speaks. Pagan is fascinated by the soul. What she doesn't realize is that her appointed time to die is drawing near and the wickedly beautiful soul she is falling in love with is not a soul at all.
He is Death and he's about to break all the rules." -Goodreads

I was actually surprised that I liked Existence, after being wary of anything by Abbi Glines after reading the Vincent Boys. Now it wasn't a "Oh My God. This is so fucking good!" but more I wasn't just waiting for it to be done. I might actually read the next book in the series. And not just because I always feel horrible if I don't finish a book series because I always have that hope it might get better....
anyways...

3 stars.
Read on April 11, 2013

The Selection by Kiera Cass

"For thirty-five girls, the Selection is the chance of a lifetime. The opportunity to escape the life laid out for them since birth. To be swept up in a world of glittering gowns and priceless jewels. To live in a palace and compete for the heart of gorgeous Prince Maxon.
But for America Singer, being Selected is a nightmare. It means turning her back on her secret love with Aspen, who is a caste below her. Leaving her home to enter a fierce competition for a crown she doesn't want. Living in a palace that is constantly threatened by violent rebel attacks.
Then America meets Prince Maxon. Gradually, she starts to question all the plans she's made for herself--and realizes that the life she's always dreamed of may not compare to a future she never imagined." -Goodreads

Going into The Selection I was a bit wary of it because of all the goodreads drama around it. But decided to just go ahead and read it once I saw it was on sale for kindle. While some things annoyed me tremendously I overall really enjoyed it. But that is probably because anything that might revolve reality tv or a ordinary girl and some super famous person is one of my weaknesses. One thing that really annoyed me though were the names, America Singer  and King Clarkson? Really? Even if she went by a nickname it would have been better. And whenever they would mention King Clarkson I would always think of Kelly Clarkson... Fail.
But overall was pretty good if you like these type of books.

4 stars.
Read on April 11, 2013

Bloodlines by Richelle Mead

"Blood doesn't lie...
Sydney is an alchemist, one of a group of humans who dabble in magic and serve to bridge the worlds of human and vampires. They protect vampire secrets - and human lives. When Sydney is torn from her bed in the middle of the night, at first she thinks she's still being punished for her complicated alliance with dhampir Rose Hathaway. But what unfolds is far worse. Jill Dragomir - the sister of Moroi Queen Lissa Dragomir - is in mortal danger, and the Moroi must send her into hiding. To avoid a civil war, Sydney is called upon to act as Jill's guardian and protector, posing as her roommate in the last place anyone would think to look for vampire royalty - a human boarding school in Palm Springs, California. But instead of finding safety at Amberwood Prep, Sydney discovers the drama is only just beginning..." -Goodreads

Maybe it's because I haven't read the Vampire Academy books before but I just couldn't get into Bloodlines. I liked the ending of it but not everything else. And Sydney was annoying the shit out of me. Just all the little things (like complaining that she was a size 2 not 4, seriously??). But I slowly pushed through it since I have heard people say that the liked the books later in the series than this one, might see sometime in the future but won't be seeking it out like crazy to read it.

3 stars.
Read from March 19 to April 10, 2013

The Queen of Babble Series by Meg Cabot

"What's an American girl with a big mouth, but an equally big heart, to do?
Lizzie Nichols has a problem, and it isn't that she doesn't have the slightest idea what she's going to do with her life, or that she's blowing what should be her down payment on a cute little Manhattan apartment on a trip to London to visit her long-distance boyfriend, Andrew. What's the point of planning for the future when she's done it again? See, Lizzie can't keep her mouth shut. And it's not just that she can't keep her own secrets, she can't keep anything to herself.
This time when she opens her big mouth, her good intentions get Andrew in major hot water. Now Lizzie's stuck in London with no boyfriend and no place to stay until the departure date written on her non-changeable airline ticket.
Fortunately, Lizzie's best friend and college roommate is spending her summer in the south of France, catering weddings in a chateau. One call and Lizzie's on a train to Paris. Who cares if she speaks only rudimentary French? One glimpse of gorgeous Chateau Mirac -- not to mention gorgeous Luke, Chateau Mirac's owner -- and she's smitten.
But while most caterers can be trusted to keep a secret, Lizzie's the exception. And no sooner has the first cork been popped than Luke hates her, the bride is in tears, and it looks like Chateau Mirac is in danger of becoming a lipo-recovery spa. As if things aren't bad enough, ex-boyfriend Andy shows up looking for "closure" (or at least a loan), threatening to ruin everything, especially Lizzie's chance at ever finding real love -- unless she can figure out a way to use that big mouth of hers to save the day." -Goodreads

I've been meaning to read the Queen of Babble series for several years now and when I found the whole series at a library book sale for $3 (and in hardcover!) I immediately bought them and started reading them the next day.
I'm so glad I didn't pass them up because overall I loved them! Didn't care for the first book in the series as much as the last two but ended up changing the rating to a 5 because I loved the whole series in general.

5 stars for the whole series!
Read from April 08 to 10, 2013

Bridget Jones's Diary by Helen Fielding

"Meet Bridget Jones—a 30-something Singleton who is certain she would have all the answers if she could:
a. lose 7 pounds
b. stop smoking
c. develop Inner Poise
"123 lbs. (how is it possible to put on 4 pounds in the middle of the night? Could flesh have somehow solidified becoming denser and heavier? Repulsive, horrifying notion), alcohol units 4 (excellent), cigarettes 21 (poor but will give up totally tomorrow), number of correct lottery numbers 2 (better, but nevertheless useless)..."
Bridget Jones' Diary is the devastatingly self-aware, laugh-out-loud daily chronicle of Bridget's permanent, doomed quest for self-improvement — a year in which she resolves to: reduce the circumference of each thigh by 1.5 inches, visit the gym three times a week not just to buy a sandwich, form a functional relationship with a responsible adult, and learn to program the VCR.
Over the course of the year, Bridget loses a total of 72 pounds but gains a total of 74. She remains, however, optimistic. Through it all, Bridget will have you helpless with laughter, and — like millions of readers the world round — you'll find yourself shouting, "Bridget Jones is me!"" -Goodreads

While reading Bridget Jones's Diary I felt like I had a love/hate relationship with it, some parts would laugh out loud but other times I would just wish that the book would end already. While writing this I'm seriously wish I would have marked the parts in the book that I hated because my mind is just drawing blank... Though I have the feeling if it isn't long I will end up reading the next book in the series (I actually thought it was a stand a lone book...) just to see what happens...

3 stars.
Read on April 08, 2013

Love, Rosie by Cecelia Ahern

"Sometimes you have to look at life in a whole new way...From the bestselling author of PS, I Love You comes a delightfully enchanting novel about what happens when two people who are meant to be together just can't seem to get it right.
Rosie and Alex are destined for one another, and everyone seems to know it but them. Best friends since childhood, their relationship gets closer by the day, until Alex gets the news that his family is leaving Dublin and moving to Boston. At 17, Rosie and Alex have just started to see each other in a more romantic light. Devastated, the two make plans for Rosie to apply to colleges in the U.S.
She gets into Boston University, Alex gets into Harvard, and everything is falling into place, when on the eve of her departure, Rosie gets news that will change their lives forever: She's pregnant by a boy she'd gone out with while on the rebound from Alex.
Her dreams for college, Alex, and a glamorous career dashed, Rosie stays in Dublin to become a single mother, while Alex pursues a medical career and a new love in Boston. But destiny is a funny thing, and in this novel, structured as a series of clever e-mails, letters, notes, and a trail of missed opportunities, Alex and Rosie find out that fate isn't done with them yet.
From the gifted author of PS, I Love You comes this charming, romantic, addictively page-turning novel that will keep readers laughing and guessing until the very last page." -Goodreads

I always forget how much I love books that are written in notes between people, that (if written correctly) you don't realize how much of the story you are missing and that it really just focuses on the core plot of the story. In Love, Rosie it focused primarily on Rosie and Alex's story but it also at times focused in on the lives around them (and even the letters others would write). Even though it feels long while reading it (it is spanning from when they are 5 till I believe 50ish, (am to lazy to grab it and check how old they were at the end of the book)). Reading it you can predict how it will end, but not exactly :)
Overall was a really cute/girly read and will most likely be reading PS I Love You in the near future (It is on my tbr pile... the ever growing one... that I did have the thought it would topple over me in my sleep...) anywaysssss
I should probably stop writing now since I am rambling...

4 stars.
Read on April 07, 2013

Agnes Grey by Anne Brontë

"Anne Bronte was a 19th century British novelist and poet. She and her sisters Charlotte and Emily were the best-known women writers of the 19th century. At age 19 she left home and worked as a governess for a few years before becoming a writer. Agnes Grey was an 1847 novel based on her experience as a governess. Bronte depicts the precarious position of a governess and how that can affect a young woman. Agnes was the daughter of a minister whose family was in financial difficulty. She has only a few choices for employment. Agnes experiences the difficulty of reining in spoiled children and how wealth can corrupt morals. She later opens a school and finds happiness." -Goodreads

I can now say I have read one book by each of the Bronte sisters (and plan to read the rest each one has written!), and have loved every single one. I am now understanding why all 3 of the sisters or so well known.
When I started Agnes Grey I didn't know exactly what to expect since I have heard more about Charlotte and Emily Bronte then Anne. I loved how they all had different writing styles but at the same aren't in the "How the heck are they even related" (because I do sometimes feel like that when reading something written by siblings...). It's hard to explain all that I liked about it Agnes Grey was so good, a really fast read (finished it in less than 3 hours...) but yet I might have had a slight silly little girl grin at the ending of it.... I am such a sucker for those type of endings!

Have to say, I am so glad I have finally started finding classics that I actually like!

5 stars.
Read on April 07, 2013

Endlessly by Kiersten White

"Evie's paranormal past keeps coming back to haunt her. A new director at the International Paranormal Containment Agency wants to drag her back to headquarters. The Dark Faerie Queen is torturing humans in her poisonous realm. And supernatural creatures keep insisting that Evie is the only one who can save them from a mysterious, perilous fate.
The clock is ticking on the entire paranormal world. And its fate rests solely in Evie's hands.
So much for normal." -Goodreads.com

Even though some people have loved this series so much I have never been super into it, yeah the books were good but I never finished the book and hoped right on to goodreads to see when the next one would come out. Which is probably why it took me so long for me to read Endlessly but thankfully when finishing it I didn't feel like I just wasted all that time on a series that I didn't like, the ending pulled everything together really well (or that I remember, it has been a long time since I read the last two books...).
I think the only thing was that it felt like it was written for a bit younger audience, maybe 13-15? And so it made it harder for me to get sucked into (and all the bleep, bleeping, and crap annoyed me. I personally have the opinion that if you are going to substitute a cuss word you might as well cuss because it is like you are, and if you have a problem with it don't put it there in the first place. Gahhh.).
Anyways.
was pretty good overall, and very thankful there won't (that I know of, it's a trilogy right?) be another book in this series. Definitely  like Kiersten White's other book better....

4 stars.
Read from April 04 to 05, 2013

Lady Susan by Jane Austen

"Beautiful, flirtatious, and recently widowed, Lady Susan Vernon seeks an advantageous second marriage for herself, while attempting to push her daughter into a dismal match. A magnificently crafted novel of Regency manners and mores that will delight Austen enthusiasts with its wit and elegant expression." -Goodreads.com

It's weird but in a way I liked Lady Susan in some aspects better than some of Jane Austen's books. Wasn't perfect but felt like I was able to get into it easier and her writing felt a bit different which I liked.

3 stars.
Read on April 04, 2013

Unbreak My Heart by Melissa C. Walker

"Sophomore year broke Clementine Williams’ heart. She fell for her best friend’s boyfriend and long story short: he’s excused, but Clem is vilified and she heads into summer with zero social life.
Enter her parents’ plan to spend the summer on their sailboat. Normally the idea of being stuck on a tiny boat with her parents and little sister would make Clem break out in hives, but floating away sounds pretty good right now.
Then she meets James at one of their first stops along the river. He and his dad are sailing for the summer and he’s just the distraction Clem needs. Can he break down Clem’s walls and heal her broken heart?
Told in alternating chapters that chronicle the year that broke Clem’s heart and the summer that healed it, Unbreak My Heart is a wonderful dual love story that fans of Sarah Dessen, Deb Caletti, and Susane Colasanti will flock to." -Goodreads.com

Unbreak My Heart took on a difficult subject. One that I am personally not a fan of, and while reading it I actually was thinking uh oh when she first mentioned it (I actually bought it solely on the cover and that it was by Melissa Walker, didn't know anything about it before starting it). But it was so well written. I loved how that it showed it's not just one person in this type of situation. That it takes two to tango, so to speak. And there are after affects when it happens, and it is normally harder on the girl instead of the guy. Overall went in thinking I would like it, about 50 pages in thinking I wouldn't like it, and then finishing it and can honestly say that I really did like it and will most likely suggest it to people who are wanting to read this kind of book.

4 stars.
Read on April 03, 2013

One Day More by Aprilynne Pike

"Most teenagers would do anything to have Kimberlee Schaffer's life. But beneath the beauty, the wealth, and the popularity, Kimberlee has a terrible problem: an uncontrollable, insatiable need to steal. Over the years, she's learned to hide her secret from those closest to her, but now it's completely consuming her life—and Kimberlee is afraid that if she doesn't find a way to put an end to her compulsion, she may see her perfect world come crumbling down." -Goodreads.com

One Day More is the prequel to Life After Theft. It's pretty self explanatory but I really liked being able to get the background of Kimberlee's life and really looking forward to read more about everything in Life After Theft.

5 stars.
Read on April 03, 2013

The Crown of Embers by Rae Carson

"In the sequel to the acclaimed The Girl of Fire and Thorns, a seventeen-year-old princess turned war queen faces sorcery, adventure, untold power, and romance as she fulfills her epic destiny.
Elisa is the hero of her country. She led her people to victory against a terrifying enemy, and now she is their queen. But she is only seventeen years old. Her rivals may have simply retreated, choosing stealth over battle. And no one within her court trusts her-except Hector, the commander of the royal guard, and her companions. As the country begins to crumble beneath her and her enemies emerge from the shadows, Elisa will take another journey. With a one-eyed warrior, a loyal friend, an enemy defector, and the man she is falling in love with, Elisa crosses the ocean in search of the perilous, uncharted, and mythical source of the Godstone's power. That is not all she finds. A breathtaking, romantic, and dangerous second volume in the Fire and Thorns trilogy." -Goodreads.com

Why oh why did I hold off on reading The Crown of Embers??? I loved The Girl of Fire and Thrones, I just never made it my top priority to read the sequel. Though in a way am glad I waited so I have less time to wait till the next (and last *gulp*) book. Is it August yet? :)
So yes I did like this book. Just so amazing!

5 stars.
Read from April 02 to 03, 2013

Poison by Bridget Zinn

"Sixteen-year-old Kyra, a highly-skilled potions master, is the only one who knows her kingdom is on the verge of destruction—which means she’s the only one who can save it. Faced with no other choice, Kyra decides to do what she does best: poison the kingdom’s future ruler, who also happens to be her former best friend.
But, for the first time ever, her poisoned dart . . . misses.
Now a fugitive instead of a hero, Kyra is caught in a game of hide-and-seek with the king’s army and her potioner ex-boyfriend, Hal. At least she’s not alone. She’s armed with her vital potions, a too-cute pig, and Fred, the charming adventurer she can’t stop thinking about. Kyra is determined to get herself a second chance (at murder), but will she be able to find and defeat the princess before Hal and the army find her?
Kyra is not your typical murderer, and she’s certainly no damsel-in-distress—she’s the lovable and quick-witted hero of this romantic novel that has all the right ingredients to make teen girls swoon." -Goodreads.com

After I finished Poison I felt so heartbroken. Not because the book wasn't good. It was the complete opposite of that. It was amazing. I fell in love with Kyra, Fred, the world, and pretty much everything in the book. The reason I felt heartbroken was the fact Bridget Zinn sadly passed away to 2 years ago and the fact I will never get to read another book that was so amazing was heartbreaking. Even when I started it I knew there wouldn't be another one so mentally tried to not to fall in love with it but that lasted all of maybe 10 pages. I don't think I can say it enough but I just am so sad that Bridget Zinn won't have any new books (or that she never got to see how many people have fallen in love with her book.).
So as you can see via my long ramble I loved this book. A lot.

 Rest in awesome Bridget Zinn. Your book will make you missed by people who have never met you, including me.

5 stars.
Read from March 30 to April 01, 2013

If You Find Me by Emily Murdoch

"There are some things you can’t leave behind…A broken-down camper hidden deep in a national forest is the only home fifteen year-old Carey can remember. The trees keep guard over her threadbare existence, with the one bright spot being Carey’s younger sister, Jenessa, who depends on Carey for her very survival. All they have is each other, as their mentally ill mother comes and goes with greater frequency. Until that one fateful day their mother disappears for good, and two strangers arrive. Suddenly, the girls are taken from the woods and thrust into a bright and perplexing new world of high school, clothes and boys.
Now, Carey must face the truth of why her mother abducted her ten years ago, while haunted by a past that won’t let her go… a dark past that hides many a secret, including the reason Jenessa hasn’t spoken a word in over a year. Carey knows she must keep her sister close, and her secrets even closer, or risk watching her new life come crashing down." -Goodreads.com

Wow. If You Find Me left me speechless after I finished it. I went into to it expecting it to be good but not leaving me speechless.... specifically the last 50ish pages. I really loved how Emily Murdoch wrote out the story and really liked her writing style (I am actually hesitant when reading something by a new author because there are writing styles that I just can't get into.).

5 stars.
Read from March 29 to 30, 2013

Underworld by Meg Cabot

"Escape from the realm of the dead is impossible when someone there wants you back.
Seventeen-year-old Pierce Oliviera isn’t dead.
Not this time.
But she is being held against her will in the dim, twilit world between heaven and hell, where the spirits of the deceased wait before embarking upon their final journey.
Her captor, John Hayden, claims it’s for her own safety. Because not all the departed are dear. Some are so unhappy with where they ended up after leaving the Underworld, they’ve come back as Furies, intent on vengeance…on the one who sent them there and on the one whom he loves.
But while Pierce might be safe from the Furies in the Underworld, far worse dangers could be lurking for her there…and they might have more to do with its ruler than with his enemies.
And unless Pierce is careful, this time there’ll be no escape." -Goodreads

I feel horrible. It's been so long I actually forgot most of what happened in Abandon...It's just been so long since I read it... But even forgetting most of what happened before starting Underworld I did start to remember a lot that happened before. Though in all reality I think I would read anything by Meg Cabot, even if I forgot stuff that happened before hand. It is actually really fast paced, the whole book takes place in one day I believe (3 tops).But it wasn't like books that feel like they just go on and on when the whole book is in a short period of time. In some ways I like this one better than the first book because I actually start to like John more than I did in the first book...

4 stars
Read from March 28 to 29, 2013

Wanderlove by Kirsten Hubbard

"It all begins with a stupid question:
Are you a Global Vagabond?
No, but 18-year-old Bria Sandoval wants to be. In a quest for independence, her neglected art, and no-strings-attached hookups, she signs up for a guided tour of Central America—the wrong one. Middle-aged tourists with fanny packs are hardly the key to self-rediscovery. When Bria meets Rowan, devoted backpacker and dive instructor, and his outspokenly humanitarian sister Starling, she seizes the chance to ditch her group and join them off the beaten path.
Bria's a good girl trying to go bad. Rowan's a bad boy trying to stay good. As they travel across a panorama of Mayan villages, remote Belizean islands, and hostels plagued with jungle beasties, they discover what they've got in common: both seek to leave behind the old versions of themselves. And the secret to escaping the past, Rowan’s found, is to keep moving forward.
But Bria comes to realize she can't run forever, no matter what Rowan says. If she ever wants the courage to fall for someone worthwhile, she has to start looking back.
Kirsten Hubbard lends her artistry to this ultimate backpacker novel, weaving her drawings into the text. Her career as a travel writer and her experiences as a real-life vagabond backpacking Central America are deeply seeded in this inspiring story." Goodreads

Because of Wanderlove I now want to go backpacking. This is coming from the person who would rather stay indoors than outdoors (Though if I ever do go backpacking I know for a fact I will need ton of allergy meds since I am allergic to practically anything outside, which isn't good for walking around outside a lot..).
I got so sucked into the story that now I feel like I actually know Bria and Rowan (*squeals*). I think I become to attached to fictional characters...
I loved how well the story line was and it closed up perfectly but yet left a bit up to the readers for their imagination.

5 stars.
Read on March 27, 2013

Revenge of the Girl with the Great Personality by Elizabeth Eulberg

"A hilarious new novel from Elizabeth Eulberg about taking the wall out of the wallflower so she can bloom.Don't mess with a girl with a great personality!
Everybody loves Lexi. She's popular, smart, funny...but she's never been one of those girls, the pretty ones who get all the attention from guys. And on top of that, her seven-year-old sister, Mackenzie, is a terror in a tiara, and part of a pageant scene where she gets praised for her beauty (with the help of fake hair and tons of makeup).
Lexi's sick of it. She's sick of being the girl who hears about kisses instead of getting them. She's sick of being ignored by her longtime crush, Logan. She's sick of being taken for granted by her pageant-obsessed mom. And she's sick of having all her family's money wasted on a phony pursuit of perfection.
The time has come for Lexi to step out from the sidelines. Girls without great personalities aren't going to know what hit them. Because Lexi's going to play the beauty game - and she's in it to win it." -Goodreads

In a way I felt like the title for Revenge of the Girl with the Great Personality was slightly misleading... Because there was no revenge. Don't get me wrong, I loved this book. I just went into it expecting something different. I also really liked the ending for it too which was a plus.

4 stars.
Read on March 26, 2013

Winter White by Jen Calonita

"Isabelle Scott and Mirabelle Monroe are still reeling from the revelation that they share more than just the roof over their heads. The media has pounced on their story, and while Izzie and Mira have each put on a happy public face, someone is leaking their true feelings to the press. It seems as if the world is watching their every move, but at least the girls have each other.
With cotillion season right around the corner, however, Izzie and Mira have barely had time to process their newfound sisterhood. Mira has dreamed of making her debut in a gorgeous white gown forever--now if only she had an escort... Izzie, meanwhile, is still struggling to find her place in Emerald Cove, which seems ever more impossible with EC mean girls, young and old, trying to keep her down. As cotillion preparations heat up, there are dance steps to learn, manners to perfect... and secret initiations to complete?
It's time for the gowns to go on and the gloves to come off." -Goodreads

Winter White picked up just a bit after Belles took place and didn't have a whole lot take place between the books. I really liked how it flowed but definitely didn't like it as much as Belles :(

3 stars.
Read on March 26, 2013

Unravel Me by Tahereh Mafi

"tick
tick
tick
tick
tick
it's almost
time for war.
Juliette has escaped to Omega Point. It is a place for people like her—people with gifts—and it is also the headquarters of the rebel resistance.
She's finally free from The Reestablishment, free from their plan to use her as a weapon, and free to love Adam. But Juliette will never be free from her lethal touch.
Or from Warner, who wants Juliette more than she ever thought possible.
In this exhilarating sequel to Shatter Me, Juliette has to make life-changing decisions between what she wants and what she thinks is right. Decisions that might involve choosing between her heart—and Adam's life." -Goodreads

Unravel Me was such a perfect sequel! I normally have doubts when going into a sequel of a book because I fear that the sequel will be horrible... And thankfully this wasn't the case! It read pretty quickly (Finished almost the whole book during the nephew's naptime, even though it is over 400 pages). But it didn't read quick because it was boring, it was more of the trying to read it as fast as possible because I didn't know what would happen next (Am guilty though... when I started it I forgot how Shatter Me ended.. Oops.).
I am already patiently (or not) waiting for the next book because I want to see what happens next!

5 stars.
Read on March 25, 2013

Deadline by Chris Crutcher

"Ben Wolf has big things planned for his senior year. Had big things planned. Now what he has is some very bad news and only one year left to make his mark on the world.
How can a pint-sized, smart-ass seventeen-year-old do anything significant in the nowheresville of Trout, Idaho?
First, Ben makes sure that no one else knows what is going on--not his superstar quarterback brother, Cody, not his parents, not his coach, no one. Next, he decides to become the best 127-pound football player Trout High has ever seen; to give his close-minded civics teacher a daily migraine; and to help the local drunk clean up his act.
And then there's Dallas Suzuki. Amazingly perfect, fascinating Dallas Suzuki, who may or may not give Ben the time of day. Really, she's first on the list.
Living with a secret isn't easy, though, and Ben's resolve begins to crumble . . . especially when he realizes that he isn't the only person in Trout with secrets." -Goodreads

I have actually been meaning to read Deadline for several years now and I wish I didn't wait to read it (as it has been, it's been on my bookshelf for about 3 months now after finally buying it). While I wasn't completely sucked into it like I am with some ideas I really liked the concept of it. I felt like it flowed really well. One of the things I didn't like was that at times he seemed to not care that he was dying and that the ending felt rushed.

4 stars
Read from March 23 to 24, 2013

March Update.

So I actually surprised myself this month. Read a total of 34 books. Which is surprising because about a week ago I felt like I had only read about 15 or so books for the whole month (because I didn't actually check my monthly total till today... even though I could have just pulled it up on my phone...).
So anyways!
3 months down and 9 to go. (Wow I must be tired, I seriously had to think for a few minutes how many months were left...)
Now off to go read some more,
-S

This Is What Happy Looks Like by Jennifer E. Smith

"If fate sent you an email, would you answer?
When teenage movie star Graham Larkin accidentally sends small town girl Ellie O'Neill an email about his pet pig, the two seventeen-year-olds strike up a witty and unforgettable correspondence, discussing everything under the sun, except for their names or backgrounds.
Then Graham finds out that Ellie's Maine hometown is the perfect location for his latest film, and he decides to take their relationship from online to in-person. But can a star as famous as Graham really start a relationship with an ordinary girl like Ellie? And why does Ellie want to avoid the media's spotlight at all costs?" -Goodreads

This Is What Happy Looks Like was so good. There were so many points that I noticed I was grinning like a fool or laughing out loud. Even though I predicted pretty soon what Ellie was hiding based on a few hints but I really liked playing out, only thing I wish was that the ending was a bit longer but oh well :)

5 stars.
Read from March 22 to 23, 2013

Clockwork Princess by Cassandra Clare

"Danger and betrayal, secrets and enchantment in the breathtaking conclusion to the Infernal Devices trilogyTessa Gray should be happy - aren't all brides happy?
Yet as she prepares for her wedding, a net of shadows begins to tighten around the Shadowhunters of the London Institute.
A new demon appears, one linked by blood and secrecy to Mortmain, the man who plans to use his army of pitiless automatons, the Infernal Devices, to destroy the Shadowhunters. Mortmain needs only one last item to complete his plan. He needs Tessa. And Jem and Will, the boys who lay equal claim to Tessa's heart, will do anything to save her." -Goodreads

I think Clockwork Princess was probably my FAVORITE ending for a series. Is also now my favorite book by Cassandra Clare. I loved everything about it (and not just because Tessa isn't like Clary ;) ). I seriously did not want this to end, with all the twist in it and how it wove the two series together was amazing. Before starting it I knew people loved it so I went into it with expectations and it went beyond that. Eap. It's so hard to write about it without spoilers.

5 stars.
Read from March 20 to 22, 2013

The Cabinet of Earths by Anne Nesbet

"On their first day in Paris, Maya and her little brother, James, find themselves caught up in some very old magic. Houses with bronze salamanders for door handles, statues that look too much like Maya's own worried face, a man wearing sunglasses to hide his radiant purple eyes . . . nothing is what it seems. And what does all that magic want from Maya?
With the help of a friendly boy named Valko, Maya discovers surprises hidden in her family tree--grandmothers who walked in magic, a cousin so unremarkable she's actually hard to see, and a terrible family habit of betraying one's brother. And now the shimmering glass Cabinet of Earths, at the heart of all these secrets, has chosen Maya to be its new Keeper.
As she untangles the ties between the Salamander House, the purple-eyed man, and the Cabinet of Earths, Maya realizes that her own brother may be in terrible danger. To save him, Maya must take on the magical underworld of Paris . . . before it is too late." -Goodreads.com

I feel like lately I have been hitting the jackpot while reading middle grade fiction. Pretty much Every. Single. One. has sucked me in and I have loved it, where were these type of books when I was younger? I seriously would have been obsessed with The Cabinet of Earths. I loved all the details and the story plot of it and was also really well written.

4 stars.
Read on March 20, 2013

Royal Pursuit by Susan Kearney

Royal Pursuit is your classic pocket-sized romance book(This time Prince+Female that doesn't trust men).. but wasn't believable really to me, maybe if the events were stretched out more than 2 days for most of the book I would have liked it more... so uh yeah. Am glad to say I only spent 50 cents on it a few years ago at a library book sale...

3 stars.
Read on March 20, 2013

The Lake of Dreams by Kim Edwards

"Lucy Jarrett is at a crossroads in her life, still haunted by her father's unresolved death a decade earlier. She returns to her hometown in Upstate New York, The Lake of Dreams, and, late one night, she cracks the lock of a window seat and discovers a collection of objects. They appear to be idle curiosities, but soon Lucy realizes that she has stumbled across a dark secret from her family's past, one that will radically change her—and the future of her family—forever." -Goodreads.com

Ok I really wish I read The Lake of Dreams sooner. I have had it on my physical tbr pile now for over a year and just kept pushing it off. I loved this book. Not going to lie, it was hard to get into (about 50-70ish pages) but once I go into it I was sucked into it and honestly had no guess what was going to happen.

5 stars.
Read from March 18 to 20, 2013

Sleeping Beauty by Jenni James

"The sleeping girl has no idea she is asleep.
After Aleyna witnessed the cruel deaths of her family, she was put to sleep by Ezralon the unicorn. He has been keeping her safe, hidden in the forest, until her true prince could come and rescue her.
While Aleyna is protected in the forest, her spirit walks the halls of her ruined, deserted castle in a dream-like existence, believing everything is still perfect. However, she is halted in this state—almost as if time were frozen—until the prince awakens her.
Prince Darién of Lybrooke Court loves a challenge as much as the next man, but believes it will be a fool’s errand to rescue a ghost who is already dead! He’s convinced no one could have survived sleeping thirty years, so what is the point of rescuing a girl who is quite content to haunt on her own?
Of course, if Darién wasn’t so afraid of ghouls, this whole thing could be much easier to fathom..." -Goodreads.com

It was ok.. I feel like the main fault I had with Sleeping Beauty was that I didn't click with any of the characters at all . They just kept bugging me... But not every book is for every reader and some people loved this so there you go.

2 stars.
Read on March 19, 2013

Origins: The Fire by Debra Driza

"Heart-stopping and electric, MILA 2.0: Origins: The Fire contains a short prequel story and an excerpt to MILA 2.0, the first book in a riveting Bourne Identity–style trilogy by Debra Driza.
Mila can't remember anything before the fire that took her father's life. It's normal to have some memory loss after traumatic events, but Mila doesn't remember if she's ever learned to ride a bike, or if she's ever been in love. Nothing.
What she doesn't know is that she isn't supposed to remember—that she was built in a computer science lab and programmed to forget. Because if she remembers, she might discover her true identity.
The question is: If she relived the fire, what would she see?" -Goodreads.com

Even though I haven't read it (yet!) Origins made me even more excited for Mila 2.0 (I keep reading so many good things about it!). I like that going into Mila 2.0 I will now have more of a background story (well kind of) going into it. And since I'm betting it will suck me into the story as much as Origins did I will be pulling a all-nighter (or close to one) reading it.

4 stars.
Read on March 19, 2013

Before by Cambria Hebert

"What if your life was charmed and everything in it was perfect…
Before.
This is the story of my past. Of what things were like for me when everything was normal. Of what every teenager’s life is like. Clothes. Parties. Boys and summer vacation. What’s so wrong with that? I liked it. I was happy.
Until things changed. I changed.
I didn’t know that lies and secrets were about to take over my existence. I didn’t know there was someone out there, someone meant just for me. I didn’t know that I was about to go on a journey, a journey that would lead me to the girl I am today.
This is the beginning of the worst year of my life. Would I go back and change things? Erase everything that has happened to go back into these moments?
Not a chance.
This is a story of before." -Goodreads.com

Before is a prequel to the Heaven and Hell series, which I didn't know much about but after reading it it is making me want to go read the 1st book :)

3 stars.
Read on March 19, 2013

Staying Fat for Sarah Byrnes by Chris Crutcher

"Sarah Byrnes and Eric have been friends for years. When they were children, his fat and her terrible scars made them both outcasts. Later, although swimming slimmed Eric, she stayed his closest friend.
Now Sarah Byrnes -- the smartest, toughest person Eric has ever known -- sits silent in a hospital. Eric must uncover the terrible secret she's hiding, before its dark currents pull them both under." -Goodreads.com

Even though it was hard to keep track when there was the flash backs from when they were younger (I had to read some chapters several times because it would switch so fast) I overall really liked Staying Fat for Sarah Byrnes. It was such a different take on the main subject of the book than any I have read before. It also was the first Chris Crutcher book that I have read and will most defiantly be going out and getting more of his books.

4 stars.
Read on March 17, 2013

Hancock Park by Isabel Kaplan

"Becky Miller lives in the best neighborhood, goes to school with the children of movie stars, and has her psychiatrist on speed dial. She may live in the City of Angels, but this sixteen-year-old's life is far from perfect.
By day, Becky navigates the halls of one of L.A.'s most elite schools, where the mean girls are a special breed of mean, and at night, she deals with sparring parents, a grandmother who is man-crazy, and a younger brother, Jack, who answers only to J-zizzy. As Becky's life comes crashing down around her, she struggles to put it back together and learn to grow up while trying to stay sane." -Goodreads.com

I seriously don't understand what the whole point of Hancock Park was. I know there was the whole part with her parents get divorced and having to see a psychiatrist but I thought there would be more. Didn't feel like there was that much depth to the book or that there was any big resolution with the problems she was dealing with.

2 stars.
Read on March 15, 2013

Out of The Easy by Ruta Sepetys

"It’s 1950, and as the French Quarter of New Orleans simmers with secrets, seventeen-year-old Josie Moraine is silently stirring a pot of her own. Known among locals as the daughter of a brothel prostitute, Josie wants more out of life than the Big Easy has to offer. She devises a plan get out, but a mysterious death in the Quarter leaves Josie tangled in an investigation that will challenge her allegiance to her mother, her conscience, and Willie Woodley, the brusque madam on Conti Street.
Josie is caught between the dream of an elite college and a clandestine underworld. New Orleans lures her in her quest for truth, dangling temptation at every turn, and escalating to the ultimate test.
With characters as captivating as those in her internationally bestselling novel Between Shades of Gray, Ruta Sepetys skillfully creates a rich story of secrets, lies, and the haunting reminder that decisions can shape our destiny." -Goodreads.com

Can I just keep hugging this book? Out of the Easy was so good! I was skeptical when I first heard about it just because it was such a different type of topic/setting that I'm used to. But I'm so glad that I read it! I loved it just as much as Between Shades of Gray which is also by Ruta Sepetys. I got so sucked into it and didn't want it to end, it's one of those books that I wish had a sequel to know what happens next in her life. I also like how there is romance in the book but that isn't the main part of it at all, it's there but not there at the same time.
I think it is safe to say that I loved it. A lot.
Also am now putting Ruta Sepetys' books now on auto buy because of how much I loved both her books, now I just have to wait for her to write another book for me to devour. :-)

5 stars.
Read from March 13 to 14, 2013

The Hunchback of Neiman Marcus by Sonya Sones

"Say hello to Holly—a writer way behind on her deadline whose fiftieth birthday is rushing at her like a freight train. Which might not seem so bad if her hormones weren’t making her feel like a Szechuan flambé, her editor wasn’t calling every day to tighten the screws, and her eighty-year-old mother wasn’t biting her nurses because the doctor’s been feeding her enough steroids to kill an elephant. Not to mention the fact that Holly’s daughter has just begun applying to colleges (none of which are within a thousand mile radius of home) and, lately, her husband’s been such an irritating, finger-pointing stinker that she’s found herself dreaming of ways to spend his insurance money…" -Goodreads.com

So the only reason I read The Hunchback of Neiman Marcus was solely on the fact that Sonya Sones wrote it. I've been a fan of all of her teen books and when I saw this at the bookstore I immediately grabbed it without reading what it was about since I knew I would love it... but I didn't completely love it. Don't get me wrong, I did like it but I'm just not a big fan about reading a book about someone going through menopause... Because yeah, that was a huge theme in the book. So it might appeal to some people but obviously not me.

3 stars.
Read on March 12, 2013

The Tales of Beedle the Bard by J.K. Rowling

"The Tales of Beedle the Bard contains five richly diverse fairy tales, each with its own magical character, that will variously bring delight, laughter and the thrill of mortal peril.
Additional notes for each story penned by Professor Albus Dumbledore will be enjoyed by Muggles and wizards alike, as the Professor muses on the morals illuminated by the tales, and reveals snippets of information about life at Hogwarts.
A uniquely magical volume, with illustrations by the author, J.K. Rowling, that will be treasured for years to come." -Goodreads.com

The Tales of Beedle the Bard wasn't quite what I was expecting, thought the stories would be a tad longer and didn't know that Dumbledore would have the notes in it (which I loved!) I don't know if I will ever reread it again but I'm glad I read it.

4 stars.
Read on March 11, 2013

Delirium Series by Lauren Oliver

 "They say that the cure for Love will make me happy and safe forever.And I've always believed them.Until now.Now everything has changed.Now, I'd rather be infected with love for the tiniest sliver of a second than live a hundred years smothered by a lie.Lena looks forward to receiving the government-mandated cure that prevents the delirium of love and leads to a safe, predictable, and happy life, until ninety-five days before her eighteenth birthday and her treatment, when she falls in love." -Goodreads.com, Delirium

Words can't explain how much I adore this series, so of course I had to reread all of it to prepare for rereading Requiem... Which I still have all the feels... I believe this -->super secret link<-- explains it perfectly. Though this is the person who has been in denial a week after finishing Requiem that the series is actually over. 

Please excuse me while I go cry in a corner. 

I reread all of the books (and short stories) from March 5 to 11, 2013

5 stars for the whole series together (though I did rate Requiem 4 on Goodreads just because I still have mixed feelings about the ending...

Annabel Delirium Hana Pandemonium Raven Requiem Alex

From when I met Lauren Oliver last year on her book tour.
(and pretty much froze up when I got to meet her...)

Second Chances by Alison Stanley

"Even as a child, Rachel had her whole life mapped out – study teaching, marry the perfect guy, have some kids and be a stay at home mum. With two different guys after her attention, Rachel must make a choice – will she choose rebellious single dad Nate or sensible youth leader Steven?
Meanwhile, Hannah is on top of the world, engaged to be married to the love of her life, until a chance encounter with someone from her past threatens to take away her happiness. Will her relationship survive when the secret she has been keeping for so many years is uncovered?
As these best friends lean on God and each other through different trials, they both experience God’s forgiveness and his provision of ‘second chances’." -Goodreads.com

Oh God, this book annoyed me so much. In a way didn't really know what Second Chances was about since it had been a while since I got it on my kindle and when I chose to read it I was trying to choose fast since I didn't have a whole lot left on my battery...
This book was seriously so annoying. I don't even get what really happened close to the end. And the fact it was basically choosing between "christian" and "non-christian" really bugged me. I also didn't understand why having a kid makes you bad. So what if you made the wrong choice in the past, hasn't everyone? And hey, isn't keeping the kid normally a good thing with christians? (And you wonder why I don't go to church that much... All the hypocrites..)
I don't even want to waste the time to list everything that bugged me with this book... gah.

1 star.
Read on March 08, 2013

The Madness Underneath by Maureen Johnson

"After her near-fatal run-in with the Jack the Ripper copycat, Rory Devereaux has been living in Bristol under the close watch of her parents. So when her therapist suddenly suggests she return to Wexford, Rory jumps at the chance. But Rory's brush with the Ripper touched her more than she thought possible: she's become a human terminus, with the power to eliminate ghosts on contact. She soon finds out that the Shades—the city's secret ghost-fighting police—are responsible for her return. The Ripper may be gone, but now there is a string of new inexplicable deaths threatening London. Rory has evidence that the deaths are no coincidence. Something much more sinister is going on, and now she must convince the squad to listen to her before it's too late." -Goodreads.com

The Madness Underneath was the perfect sequel to The Name of the Star! I didn't know what to expect going into it but once I hit about 50 pages I didn't want to stop it (Which stunk because I have had a crazy busy week at work which means no reading time... oh the joys of being a nanny :p). Oh gosh and the ending is killer (Pun intended, or not. You decide :) )I reread the ending several times thinking "oh no I read that wrong" slightly Sisterhood Everlasting all over again.
And now I must patiently wait for the next book to come out...

5 stars.
Read from March 05 to 06, 2013.

Skid Out by Ann Marie Frohoff

I am so glad I read Skid Out before going out and buying any books in the up coming Heavy Influence Trilogy.
My main problem with it was the age difference. Out of high school I'm ok with there being a age difference but when it's in highschool and you have a new freshman (so I'm guessing her age is 14) and a senior (17 going on 18) it gets iffy. For me it's because of how much that is of a age difference at a younger age that turned me off. If I had known it would of had that I would have stayed clear of this novella.

2 stars.
Read on March 06, 2013

City of Lost Souls by Cassandra Clare

"The New York Times bestselling Mortal Instruments continues—and so do the thrills and danger for Jace, Clary, and Simon.
What price is too high to pay, even for love? When Jace and Clary meet again, Clary is horrified to discover that the demon Lilith’s magic has bound her beloved Jace together with her evil brother Sebastian, and that Jace has become a servant of evil. The Clave is out to destroy Sebastian, but there is no way to harm one boy without destroying the other. As Alec, Magnus, Simon, and Isabelle wheedle and bargain with Seelies, demons, and the merciless Iron Sisters to try to save Jace, Clary plays a dangerous game of her own. The price of losing is not just her own life, but Jace’s soul. She’s willing to do anything for Jace, but can she still trust him? Or is he truly lost?
Love. Blood. Betrayal. Revenge. Darkness threatens to claim the Shadowhunters in the harrowing fifth book of the Mortal Instruments series." -Goodreads.com

I was very reluctant to start CoLS after really hating the 4th book I knew I would read this book eventually but never pushed it... and I wish I did push it because it was so much better! It renewed my faith in like this second part of The Mortal Instruments series (I felt like it was going to be a flop after CoFa). Made me even more excited for the next one and even more excited to read Clockwork Princess! Everything flowed really well and can't wait till the next one comes out :-)

5 stars.
Read from March 01 to 04, 2013

The View from the Top by Hillary Frank

"Eighteen-year-old Anabelle’s last few months in her coastal hometown are bittersweet. Instead of the quiet precollege summer she expects, Anabelle makes some surprising discoveries about herself as she navigates romantic entanglements and changing friendships. Through shifting points of view in seven interconnected stories, we glimpse the limits of how well her friends really know Anabelle . . . and how little she grasps about the way they see her.
With wry observations and quirky humor, critically acclaimed novelist Hillary Frank gives voice and depth to six unique characters whose stories intertwine to form a complete picture of one shared summer." -Goodreads.com

The View From The Top bugged me so much... Pretty much hated all of it except for 1 person's point of view... The reason I didn't like it was that EVERYONE (except the one point of view) was in love with Anabelle... God it was so annoying. And it didn't even span out at times for the rest of the book, it was like after one person's point of view was done they were out of the book. I also feel like the book wasn't really even finished, felt like I was reading a rough draft or something...

2 stars only because I liked one of the point of views.
Read from March 02 to 04, 2013

The Geography of Girlhood by Kirsten Smith

"Written in verse, this novel follows a girl from ages 14 to 18, exploring first crushes, first dances, first kisses, and the many dangers of growing up." -Goodreads.com

Talk about a flashback, it's been a while since I've read any books that were published while I was in high school (and including popular references including music and such). When there was this list of music a friend gave her (on a side note, I love it when authors put in bands that are in real life!) I might have squealed when I saw a Liz Phair song mentioned (Which I listened to her stuff all the time a few years ago). I know I obviously haven't been out of high school that long (Will be 3 years this June) but considering how horrible my high school experience was  I liked being able to read that and it relat to the happy memories I had :)
Anyways...
The story line was really good, slightly on the light side and less than 200 pages (which in verse reads really fast) but it was a really good read :)

4 stars.
Read on March 01, 2013

The Revolution of Sabine by Beth Levine Ain

"Sixteen-year-old Sabine Durand, daughter of aristocrats, thinks of nothing but donning exquisite ball gowns and being seen at all the right parties in Paris. When she secretly rekindles a forbidden friendship with Michel, he spirits her away to her first salon and she meets the revolutionary Ben Franklin. Fueled by ideas of change, Sabine is determined to take control of her life as it spins toward an arranged marriage to a salacious aristocrat. But how can she break free of her social-climbing mother's cruel grasp? Perhaps the secret lies in her portrait, recently painted by Fragonard, and her new understanding of love." -Goodreads.com

I so so wish The Revolution of Sabine was longer! I feel like so much more detail could have been added (and I want to read what happened after the end of the book... but then I do always hate endings..). It also was a really quick read, only took me about 1 and 1/2 hours to read it...
Only because it felt to rushed and like to much was cut out (or not enough added) am I rating it lower...

3 stars.
Read on March 01, 2013

Rift by Andrea Cremer

"Sixteen-year-old Ember Morrow is promised to a group called Conatus after one of their healers saves her mother's life. Once she arrives, Ember finds joy in wielding swords, learning magic, and fighting the encroaching darkness loose in the world. She also finds herself falling in love with her mentor, the dashing, brooding, and powerful Barrow Hess. When the knights realize Eira, one of their leaders, is dabbling in dark magic, Ember and Barrow must choose whether to follow Eira into the nether realm or to pledge their lives to destroying her and her kind." -Goodreads.com

Rift is a prequel to the Nightshade. I have to say, I loved Rift so much more than Nightshade. Part of it might have to b that it wasn't focused around werewolves and everything but her being human made it easier for me to be sucked into... to the point I have to hold myself back and wait to go buy the next book till pay day... It was so good....

5 stars.
 Read from February 27 to March 01, 2013

Iced Romance by Whitney Boyd

"Kennedy Carter has the perfect life. It includes an engagement to an NHL celebrity all-star, a Vera Wang wedding dress, and more money than she could ever spend. But when Kennedy learns that her fiance Todd is cheating on her, she's ready to leave the glamour and glitz behind.
She escapes to Orlando, Florida with a plan to rebuild her life while staying hidden from a country obsessed with celebrity scandals. The real world however, is tougher than she expected. Suddenly Kennedy has to deal with cockroaches, creepy alarm salesmen, and waiting tables... along with David, a gorgeous new love interest.
But what happens when the past refuses to stay hidden? When the truth of Kennedy’s background catches up to her, she must finally decide who she is, what she wants and where she really belongs." -Goodreads.com

Oh you freebie Kindle books, how I love you and hate you at the same time. Based off the book blurb I thought it would be ok, but I guess I was wanting more. Iced Romance was a romance book and nothing more. Like no plot besides it. The main character mentions she need to be careful with what money she has to make it last but then goes out and buys furniture to fill her apartment... really??? And that isn't even all that annoyed me with it... And the slight instalove got on my nerves too...

2 stars.
Read on February 27, 2013

Violins of Autumn by Amy McAuley

"When the Germans begin bombing London in World War II, Betty is determined to do her part. Instead of running air raid drills like most girls her age, she lies about her age and trains to become a spy. Now known by her secret agent persona, Adele Blanchard, she finds herself parachuting over German-occupied France under the cover of darkness to join the secret Resistance movement. Prepared to die for her cause, Adele wasn’t expecting to make a new best friend in her fellow agent or fall for a handsome American pilot. With the brutality of war ever present, can Adele dare to dream of a future where the world is at peace and she is free to live and love of her own accord?" -Goodreads.com

I feel like Violins of Autumn got pushed aside by most people (including me, sadly) because Code Name Verity came out just a few months before it. I personally loved this book, not as much as Code Name Verity. Violins of Autumn is in a way a different version of it, not being told as being a hostage (at the beginning of it, anyway) but is with spies in World War 2. Not going to lie I am very much a sucker for this time period of books but this one is up there with favorites that go along with this type of topic (Along with Code Name Verity and The Spy Wore Red). I especially wasn't expecting the ending it had either.

5 stars.
Read from February 24 to 26, 2013.

The Reece Malcolm List by Amy Spalding

"Things I know about Reece Malcolm:
1. She graduated from New York University.
2. She lives in or near Los Angeles.
3. Since her first novel was released, she’s been on the New York Times bestseller list every week.
4. She likes strong coffee and bourbon.
5. She’s my mother.
Devan knows very little about Reece Malcolm, until the day her father dies and she’s shipped off to live with the mother she’s never met. All she has is a list of notebook entries that doesn’t add up to much.
L.A. offers a whole new world to Devan—a performing arts school allows her to pursue her passion for show choir and musicals, a new circle of friends helps to draw her out of her shell, and an intriguing boy opens up possibilities for her first love.
But then the Reece Malcolm list gets a surprising new entry. Now that Devan is so close to having it all, can she handle the possibility of losing everything?" -Goodreads.com

So, I had seen a bit about The Reece Malcolm List floating around on Goodreads and knew I wanted to read it. But then on the same day saw amazing reviews from both Tonya @ The Midnight Garden and April @ Good Books and Good Wine that right after reading both of them went and ordered it right away. And I'm so glad I did, it was the best standalone contemporary YA book I have read in a while. Also why it reminded me why I love reading them so much. Gosh, even now thinking about how much I loved it after reading it just a few days ago makes me want to go reread bits of it again...

5 stars.
Read from February 24 to 25, 2013

Broken: Secrets In Madison Falls by Rachel Hanna

"When twenty-four year old Bella Clay experiences yet another major loss in her life, she is forced to come home and become a young, single mother to her seven year old nephew. No one in the small town of Madison Falls knows just how damaged she is, and they certainly don't know her dirty little secret about where's she been for the last two years.
Grant Brady is the local hunk who works as the elementary school PE and history teacher. When he takes an interest in helping Bella start over in Madison Falls, she tries to push him away afraid that he will find out her dark secrets. What she doesn't know is that Grant has a secret of his own.
Will love prevail or will one or both of them run for the hills out of fear?" -Goodreads.com

There is so much I didn't like about Broken. I wished it showed more with Bella having a relationship with her nephew and I also feel like the romance was pushed way to fast. And other stuff but of course can't say what all because don't want to ruin it... but personally I would say just skip it. If there was more plot in it I would have liked it better but otherwise nothing super huge happens (that at least I didn't see coming..)

2 stars.
Read on February 23, 2013

On Thin Ice by P.J. Sharon

"Seventeen year old figure skater Penny Trudeau has secrets. She’s not perfect, as hard as she tries to be. With a mother who is dying and a father who treats her like she’s invisible, Penny has every reason to lie. To escape the life that is spinning out of control, she falls into the arms of an older boy. But when she lies about her age and he finds out the truth, Penny loses the one good thing that has happened in a long time.
Carter McCray is the hockey hunk she falls for, but Carter has his own family drama, and he’s not looking for trouble. Penny proves to be the exception, until the truth comes out and he can’t get past the betrayal—or her father’s threats.
Can Penny find her way back into Carter’s heart, or will she have to face the harsh realities of life on her own? Penny’s choices lead her down a dangerous road and the secrets she’s keeping will change her world forever." -Goodreads.com

In a way I felt like On Thin Ice's was a bit misleading... and not in the good way, I thought there would be more stuff about ice skating in it and romance but many times I just kept checking how much I had left so I could mark it as read... Difficult to explain all without ruining the book..

2 stars.
Read on February 22, 2013

Mind Games by Kiersten White

"Fia was born with flawless instincts. Her first impulse, her gut feeling, is always exactly right. Her sister, Annie, is blind to the world around her—except when her mind is gripped by strange visions of the future.
Trapped in a school that uses girls with extraordinary powers as tools for corporate espionage, Annie and Fia are forced to choose over and over between using their abilities in twisted, unthinkable ways…or risking each other’s lives by refusing to obey.
In a stunning departure from her New York Times bestselling Paranormalcy trilogy, Kiersten White delivers a slick, edgy, heartstoppingly intense psychological thriller about two sisters determined to protect each other—no matter the cost." -Goodreads.com

So... How bad is it that I actually started reading this (after preordering it a month in advance...) without having a single idea what it was about? Well um yeah... I did... But it was so worth it! Going into a book not having a big idea or super big hopes (well I did but not knowing helped keep those hopes a lot lower) made it so much more enjoyable. Even to the point of not knowing it was the start of a series and I kept looking at all that was left and not wanting it to end, still ended to fast but it probably ended so fast because I just couldn't get enough of it!

5 stars.
Read from February 20 to 21, 2013

Heaven Is for Heroes by P.J. Sharon

"Smart and athletic seventeen year-old Jordie Dunn has a bright future planned, but when tragedy turns her life upside down, she begins to question not only her future, but the facts surrounding her brother’s death in Iraq. The military’s account that his best friend and fellow Marine, Alex Cooper, is at fault, is a notion she refuses to believe. Alex was the careful one--the shy, protective, computer geek she’s had a crush on since the ninth grade, and she knows better than anyone that her troubled brother had a dark and reckless side—a secret she’s kept for far too long.
With no memory of the incident that killed his best friend, nineteen year-old Alex Cooper returns home, shattered and facing a difficult recovery. Determined to go it alone, he pushes Jordie away. No longer the freckle-faced tom-boy who followed him and Levi around as a kid, she has become a beautiful and stubborn young woman who believes in him far more than he deserves.
While Jordie’s unique approach to rehab pushes Alex to extremes, the two discover that their childhood friendship has grown into more. The attraction has Jordie’s head spinning and her heart soaring, but Alex struggles to deal with his guilt, his loss, and the nightmares that continue to haunt him. Even though Jordie is determined to help him heal, and even more determined to find the truth, what she doesn’t expect, is to find love." -Goodreads.com

In all reality I think I would've liked Heaven Is for Heroes if Jordie was a year older, I think in a way it would have flowed a whole lot better if it started the summer after she graduated high school instead of the year before... Solely times where age was a factor it annoyed me because some things just didn't fit with her age...

Read on February 21, 2013
2.5 stars (rounded up to 3 on Goodreads.com)