Waiting on Wednesday (2)

Waiting on Wednesday was started by Jill over at Breaking the Spine.

Keep Holding On - Susane Colasanti

Release Date: June 14th, 2012

Between Noelle’s difficult home life and the bullying she endures at school, all she wants is to get out of her small town. Noelle would give anything to be with Julian Porter. But staying with her emotionally distant boyfriend is safer. When things heat up between Noelle and Julian, she has to decide whether she can be her true self with him.

 

 

My thoughts: I cannot wait to read this! The cover is so beautiful! I love Susane Colasanti books. She never disappoints. I am so happy that she is coming out with another one! Just the title, cover, and summary sound totally awesome. I need this book, like, right now.

Where She Went - Gayle Forman

Title: Where She Went
Author: Gayle Forman
Release Date: April 5, 2011, hardcover
Publisher: Dutton Juvenile
Group: Young Adult Literature
Rating:★★★★★

It's been three years since the devastating accident . . . three years since Mia walked out of Adam's life forever.

Now living on opposite coasts, Mia is Juilliard's rising star and Adam is LA tabloid fodder, thanks to his new rock star status and celebrity girlfriend. When Adam gets stuck in New York by himself, chance brings the couple together again, for one last night. As they explore the city that has become Mia's home, Adam and Mia revisit the past and open their hearts to the future - and each other.

Told from Adam's point of view in the spare, lyrical prose that defined If I Stay, Where She Went explores the devastation of grief, the promise of new hope, and the flame of rekindled romance.

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This book was amazingly beautiful. I loved everything about it. I can’t even find the words to describe how wonderful this story is. It was so much better than the first book, “If I Stay.” I was so captivated into the story that I couldn’t think about anything else, and wouldn’t put the book down until I knew what would happen between Adam and Mia.

I just loved Adam’s point of view. It made the whole story so much more interesting. I loved his character. The writing was perfect. It made you feel Adam’s pain and his love for Mia. Although, I sometimes would get mad at Mia for treating Adam like that – I stilled liked her. I kept wondering how these things was going to become resolved between the two. I loved everything that they did in New York together. It was flawless.

I also loved how it went from the present back to the past. I couldn’t think of anything else that would have helped the story more. I just kept wondering what happened after Mia decided to “stay” in the first book. The way that Adam described it was so painfully real and made such a clear picture in my mind. I don't think that Adam deserved to be treated that way. I understand what Mia was coming from. And I have no right to judge, because I have never been in a situation like that, so I have no idea what I would do.

I loved how everything tied back in the first book. I just can’t say enough good things about this book. I JUST LOVED IT! Simple as that. Everybody needs to go out and read this, especially if you have read the first one. Adam and Mia have become one of my favorite book characters for 2011. Gayle Forman is a genius! The way this story is told is just flawless. By the way, I also loved all the lyrics from Adam’s song at the beginning of the chapters. It made me wish they were real. They were so true to the situation of Mia and Adam also. Loved it!

Before I end this, I want to talk about one of my favorite scenes in the whole book was when Adam was at Mia’s house and he realizes that she bought his guitar from an auction. I thought that was wonderful, awesome, perfect, epic, amazing, beautiful.

Plot: ★★★★★

Characters: ★★★★★

Writing:★★★★★

Ending: ★★★★★

Cover: ★★★★★

Happy Thanksgiving!

Today is Thanksgiving for everyone that lives in the United States. I just wanted to say Happy Thanksgiving to everyone out there! I have so much to be thankful for this year. I am thankful for my mother who does so much for me and is my best friend. I don't know what I do without her. I am also thankful for my dad who pays my bills and tries to get me everything that I want. I am thankful for my wonderful dog, Reckless, who I love so much.

 

 

I am also thankful for all the wonder books that I have read this year. I read books between The Hunger Games and The Mortal Instruments. These books have absolutely changed my life for ever. I am thankful for all my friends who are at college, who I miss very much. I can't wait to hang with them tonight to go Black Friday shopping! It will be so much fun.

  

Overall, Thanksgiving is the best holiday! Now that I have gained 10 pounds today just from eating the Turkey alone - I hope everyone has a great Thanksgiving whether you are with your family, friends, or by yourself; Happy Turkey Day! Eat as much as you want - there are no diets today! (:

Deadly Cool - Gemma Halliday

Title: Deadly Cool
Author: Gemma Halliday
Release Date: October 11, 2011, paperback
Publisher: HarperTeen
Group: Young Adult Literature
Rating:★★★★

Hartley Grace Featherstone is having a very bad day. First she finds out that her boyfriend is cheating on her with the president of the Herbert Hoover High School Chastity Club. Then he's pegged as the #1 suspect in a murder. And if that weren't enough, now he's depending on Hartley to clear his name. Seriously? Not cool.

But as much as Hartley wouldn't mind seeing him squirm, she knows he's innocent, and she's the only one who can help him. Along with her best friend, Sam, and the school's resident Bad Boy, Chase, Hartley starts investigating on her own. But as the dead bodies begin to pile up, the mystery deepens, the suspects multiply, and Hartley begins to fear that she may be the killer's next victim.

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Deadly Cool was definitely not what I was expecting. It was a very fun and quick read. Hartley is a hilarious main character to read from. This book isn't very serious. I thought that it would be a dark and deep murder mystery, but really it's not. There isn't much depth to the story at all. However, the story is very mysterious. I couldn’t figure out who the killer was at all. I had a few suspects, but I still wasn't sure. The author did a good job of keeping the murderer a mystery. I loved the chemistry between Hartley and Chase! Also, I liked all the funny conversations between Hartley and her best friend Sam. I was never bored for a minute.

This book is also very high school. There is a lot of main stream stuff mention like; Hollister, The Cheesecake Factory, Daughtry. etc. That was okay at times, but I felt like the author just kept throwing stuff in there. I also got a little annoyed at the dialogue sometimes. The word "dude" had to be used at least 50 times in this whole book. Other than that, I don't have anything else to complain about!

Overall, I really recommend this book if you are looking for a very light fun read. The ending was absolutely hilarious between Chase and Hartley. I can't wait for the next book and to see what adventures happen to Hartley and the gang next. By the way, this cover is one of the prettiest covers I have ever seen! The cover has some symbolism to the story. I see why there are ear plugs now on the cover! Creepy...

Plot: ★★★★

Characters: ★★★★

Writing:★★★

Ending: ★★★★★

Cover: ★★★★★

Friday Finds (1)

Sweet Evil
- Wendy Higgins

Release Date: May 1, 2011

  

What if there were teens whose lives literally depended on being bad influences? This is life for sons and daughters of fallen angels in Sweet Evil.

Anna, a tender-hearted southern girl, was born with the sixth sense to see and feel emotions of other people. She’s aware of a struggle within herself, an inexplicable pull toward danger, but it isn’t until she turns sixteen and meets the alluring Kaidan Rowe that she discovers her terrifying heritage, and her will-power is put to the test. He’s the boy your daddy warned
you about. If only someone had warned Anna.

A cross-country trip forces Anna and Kai to face the reality
that hope and love are not options for their kind. When it's
time for Anna to confront her demons, will she choose to embrace
her halo or her horns?

My thoughts: This cover is absolutely gorgeous! I can't believe how I just did find out about this book this week. The summary for this story seems so interesting. A girl who was born with a sixth sense and falls for a bad boy? Yay! I don't want to wait till May to read this! It seems like it would be a book that I would love! (:

Darkness Before Dawn
- J.A. London

Release Date: May 29, 2011

This electrifying new trilogy blends the best of paranormal and dystopian storytelling in a world where the war is over. And the vampires won.

Humans huddle in their walled cities, supplying blood in exchange for safety. But not even that is guaranteed. Dawn has lost her entire family and now reluctantly serves as the delegate to Lord Valentine, the most powerful vampire for miles. It isn’t until she meets Victor, Valentine’s son, that she realizes not all vampires are monsters....

Darkness Before Dawn is a fresh new story with captivating characters, unexpected plot twists, a fascinating setting, and a compelling voice. Written under the name J. A. London by a talented mother-son team, the trilogy is perfect for fans of True Blood and the House of Night and Morganville Vampires series.

My thoughts: I honestly cannot wait to read this. Fans of the House of Night & Morganville Vampires series will love yes? That pretty much is a lock-in-deal that this will probably be one fantastic book. That cover is also so pretty! A war with humans and vampires, and the vampires have won? Wow. I definitely will be picking this one up in May!

Fateful - Claudia Gray

Title: Fateful
Author: Claudia Gray
Release Date: September 13, 2011, hardcover
Publisher: Harper Collins
Group: Young Adult Literature
Rating:★★★★

Eighteen-year-old maid Tess Davies is determined to escape the wealthy, troubled family she serves. It’s 1912, and Tess has been trapped in the employ of the Lisles for years, amid painful memories and twisted secrets. But now the Lisle family is headed to America, with Tess in tow. Once the ship they’re sailing on—the RMS Titanic—reaches its destination, Tess plans to strike out and create a new life for herself.

Her single-minded focus shatters when she meets Alec, a handsome first-class passenger who captivates her instantly. But Alec has secrets of his own. He’s in a hurry to leave Europe, and whispers aboard the ship say it’s because of the tragic end of his last affair with the French actress who died so gruesomely and so mysteriously. . . .

Soon Tess will learn just how dark Alec’s past truly is. The danger they face is no ordinary enemy: werewolves exist and are stalking him—and now her, too. Her growing love for Alec will put Tess in mortal peril, and fate will do the same before their journey on the Titanic is over.

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I have been super excited to read this book ever since I first heard about it. Werewolf’s + RMS Titanic = AWESOMESAUCE. I can't even explain how high my expectations for this book were. This was such a total unique spin on a huge moment on history that is very intriguing to read about. The story starts out with a servant girl named Tess, who works for the Lisle’s family. While on the ship; she falls for this boy named Alec, gets caught up in the Brotherhood, and learns secrets of the family that...moreI have been super excited to read this book ever since I first heard about it. Werewolf’s + RMS Titanic = AWESOMESAUCE. I can't even explain how high my expectations for this book were. This was such a total unique spin on a huge moment on history that is very intriguing to read about. The story starts out with a servant girl named Tess, who works for the Lisle’s family. While on the ship; she falls for this boy named Alec, gets caught up in the Brotherhood, and learns secrets of the family that she works for. With all that being said, this book was not what I was expecting. I wouldn't say that it is a bad thing or a good thing. It just went in a totally different path than I thought it would. The story starts out very slow and hard to get into. I didn't get interested until it was her first night on the Titanic. I thought that the family she worked for was very dramatic. I loved learning the secrets about them, as Tess did. When you meet all these characters, you can't help but wonder who will survive or who will die? So I tried not to get too attached to any of the characters. I really liked Miss Irene. Her story was completely and truly sad. She was the only one I felt sympathy for. Other than that I didn't feel bad for anyone else. I thought the romance between Alec and Tess was too much. It didn't seem that realistic and somewhat cheesy. I still enjoyed reading about them, but it just seemed like they fell in love way too soon. I also became bored with all drama that involved the Brotherhood and the Russian guy. It was interesting at first, but I felt like Claudia Gray just dragged it out too much. Overall, I did enjoy this book very much. Tess was a great main character. She was very likable and easy to read from her perspective. The characters all had their own unique personality, and the way that Claudia Gray described the Titanic was amazing! However, it didn't meet my expectations, unfortunately. I do recommend this book for everyone, especially if you loved Claudia Gray's "Evernight" series. I wish there was another book! I wouldn't mind reading what will happen with Tess next! Plot: ★★★★★ Characters: ★★★★ Writing:★★★★★ Ending: ★★★ Cover: ★★★★

2012 Debut Author Challenge

This challenge is hosted by Kristi at The Story Siren.

Here is my list of debut young adult books to read for 2012:

1. Under the Never Sky - Veronica Rossi
2.  Everneath - Brodi Ashton
3. Fracture - Megan Miranda
4. Tempest - Julie Cross
5. Where It Began - Ann Redisch Stampler
6. Slide - Jill Hathaway
7. The Catastrophic History of You and Me - Jess Rothenber
8. Incarnate - Jodi Meadows
9. Blood Born - Jamie Manning
10. Pushing the Limits - Katie McGarry
11. Sweet Evil - Wendy Higgins
12. Unraveling - Elizabeth Norris
13. The Selection - Kiera Cass
14. The Queen of Kentucky - Alecia Whitaker
15. What She Left Behind - Tracy Bilen
16. Article 5 - Kristen Simmons
17. Cinder - Marissa Meyer
18. Born Wicked - Jessica Spotswood
19. Throne of Glass - Sarah H. Maas
20. Harbinger - Sara Wilson Etienne
21. Time Between Us - Tamara Ireland Stone
22. Something Like Normal - Trish Doller
23. Reunited - Hilary Weisman Graham
24. If I Lie - Corrine Jackson
25. My Life Next Door - Huntley Fitzpatrick

Waiting on Wednesday (1)

Waiting on Wednesday was started by Jill over at Breaking the Spine.

Two Truths and A Lie - Sara Shepard

Release Date: February 7th, 2012

 

 

Sutton Mercer watches from the afterlife as her long-lost twin, Emma Paxton, takes over her identity to solve her murder. But after ruling out her early leads, Emma still hasn’t found Sutton’s killer. A lot of people wanted her dead—but one name keeps popping up: Thayer Vega. When the gorgeous and mysterious Thayer returns to town, Emma has to move fast to figure out whether he’s back for revenge…or if he already got it.

Set in a town where friends can turn into dangerous enemies and everyone harbors dark secrets, The Lying Game is a juicy new series that fans of the #1 New York Times bestselling Pretty Little Liars series—and the hit ABC Family show—will love.

My thoughts: I am on a huge Sara Shepard kick right now. I just finished, Never Have I Ever, so I am super excited to read this. I can't wait to find out what will happen to Emma and Sutton next. The ending of Never Have I Ever was a huge a cliff-hanger, so this one will be awesome with lies, murder, and Sutton's funny comments! (:

Matched - Ally Condie

Title: Matched
Author: Ally Condie
Release Date: November 30, 2011, hardcover
Publisher: Dutton Juvenile
Group: Young Adult Literature
Rating: ★★★★

Cassia has always trusted the Society to make the right choices for her: what to read, what to watch, what to believe. So when Xander's face appears on-screen at her Matching ceremony, Cassia knows with complete certainty that he is her ideal mate... until she sees Ky Markham's face flash for an instant before the screen fades to black.

The Society tells her it's a glitch, a rare malfunction, and that she should focus on the happy life she's destined to lead with Xander. But Cassia can't stop thinking about Ky, and as they slowly fall in love, Cassia begins to doubt the Society's infallibility and is faced with an impossible choice: between Xander and Ky, between the only life she's known and a path that no one else has dared to follow.

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I actually really enjoyed this book. I thought that I was going to hate it. So many people have talked about how awful this book was, so my expectations were pretty low. I was pleasantly surprised by how I much I liked it. Ally Condie sets up this futuristic world that is very confusing to understand. That is one of my biggest issues about this book. I felt like the author didn't explain anything at all. I am so confused. What is the deal with these tablets? Why must they carry them at all times? Who is the Society? Who is the enemy, which they are having a war with? What is up with these providences?

I don’t really know what to say about Cassia. At times, I hated her and then I really liked her. I felt like she wasn't a strong character. I wanted her to fight against the officials. I wanted her to keep those two poems from her grandfather. I wanted her to hide her artifact, not just Ky’s. I wanted her to break the rules. Although, she did become reckless towards the end, which I enjoyed very much! I like heroines that will fight against the rules, and are strong. I don’t think Cassia was any of those things. With all that being said, I did like her at times. I could understand her confusion between Xander and Ky.

This book was interesting. I couldn’t put it down. I didn’t stop reading until I found out what would happen. I loved Ky. He was the best character in the whole book. I am a huge fan of the “forbidden love” stuff, so of course I loved it in this book. One of my favorite scenes was when Ky was teaching Cassia to write in cursive :) Ky is just so awesome!

Overall, this book was good. I didn’t hate it, but I didn’t love it either. I can’t wait for the next book. I wonder what Cassia will do next, and if she will be able to find Ky.

Plot: ★★★★★

Characters: ★★★★

Writing:★★★

Ending: ★★★★★

Cover: ★★★★