Everything You Need to Survive the Apocalypse

Title: Everything You Need to Survive the Apocalypse
Author: Lucas Klauss
Publisher: Simon Pulse
Publication Date: January 3, 2012
Source: Galley Grab
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Summary: Phillip's sophomore year is off to a rough start. One of his best friends ditches him for a group of douchebags. His track coach singles him out for personalized, torturous training sessions. And his dad decides to clean out all of the emergency supplies from the basement, even though the world could end in disaster at any moment...and even though those supplies are all Phillip has left of his dead mom. Not that he wants to talk about that.

But then Phillip meets Rebekah. Not only is she unconventionally hot and smart, but she has seriously great boobs. And she might like him back.

As Phillip gets closer to Rebekah, he tries harder and harder to turn himself into the kind of person he thinks she wants him to be. But the question is, can he become that person? And does he really want to? 

Review: Everything You Need to Survive the Apocalypse sports a long title, but it also has some fun moments that are wholly enjoyable.

On a whole, I enjoyed this book but it was just "meh" in some aspects. This book is over 400 pages long and after the first 200 I knew this was going to be a long read. It does have those fun moments that I said but most of the book is filled with questioning religion and just about everything there is to question.

If you aren't comfortable with religion in books don't be put off by it. I felt that the religion aspect of this book was very real. Phillip doesn't believe anything before he meets Rebekah. He starts going to church with her and trying to be a better Christian for her. I loved that Klauss didn't glorify or condemn Christianity but let Phillip make his own decisions regarding it, like any teen would.

Phillip is just a tad bit weird. I liked him and he had great narration but he just isn't lovable. He gave off all the wrong vibes as a character.

Another thing that I really liked was the writing. Even though the story could get long the writing instantly made up more that. Klauss has a great style that I would love to read again!

Overall, Everything You Need to Survive the Apocalypse is a decent read that realistically deals with religion.


Rating:

The Pledge by Kimberly Derting

Title: The Pledge
Author: Kimberly Derting
Publisher: Margaret K. McElderry
Publication Date: November 15, 2011
Source: Galley Grab

Summary: In the violent country of Ludania, the classes are strictly divided by the language they speak. The smallest transgression, like looking a member of a higher class in the eye while they are speaking their native tongue, results in immediate execution. Seventeen-year-old Charlaina has always been able to understand the languages of all classes, and she's spent her life trying to hide her secret. The only place she can really be free is the drug-fueled underground clubs where people go to shake off the oppressive rules of the world they live in. It's there that she meets a beautiful and mysterious boy named Max who speaks a language she's never heard before . . . and her secret is almost exposed. 

Charlie is intensely attracted to Max, even though she can't be sure where his real loyalties lie. As the emergency drills give way to real crisis and the violence escalates, it becomes clear that Charlie is the key to something much bigger: her country's only chance for freedom from the terrible power of a deadly regime.
Review: The Pledge is a fast-paced book set in a world where only queens rule, and your set apart from everyone by social classes.

Kimberly Derting is one of my absolute favorite authors. I'm in love with her Body Finder series, yet this was not the book I was expecting it to be. My expectations were a high and sadly, The Pledge fell short.

I'm not saying The Pledge is a bad book. It certainly isn't. But I was expecting a little more from Derting's third book.

Charlie, the main character, can understand all languages. She was a sweet girl but she, like other characters, just didn't have that relatable-ness that I wanted. The love interest Max confused me. I just didn't get why he was attractive. He was just off-putting to me. He certainly didn't wow me. I did like some secondary characters, such as Xander, Charlie's sister and her friends from school. The Pledge wasn't all bad with its characters.

One of the things that I liked the most was the world. I would have liked to know so much more, but overall the world Charlie lived in was very unique. The class systems that have their own languages are very believable and are well done by Derting. There is not a doubt that I want to dive back into this world again.

The plot moves along at a fast speed. Though it was a tad predictable there were some things that just shocked me! There were definitely some interesting twists and turns that I enjoyed.

Overall, The Pledge could have been better. It succeeds, though, because of its unique and believable world. I'll definitely be reading the rest of the series.

Rating: 3.5 stars

Virtuosity by Jessica Martinez

Title: Virtuosity
Author: Jessica Martinez
Publisher: Simon Pulse
Publication Date: October 18, 2011
Source: Simon and Schuster Galley Grab (Also bought a copy.)

Summary: Now is not the time for Carmen to fall in love. And Jeremy is hands-down the wrong guy for her to fall for. He is infuriating, arrogant, and the only person who can stand in the way of Carmen getting the one thing she wants most: to win the prestigious Guarneri competition. Carmen's whole life is violin, and until she met Jeremy, her whole focus was winning. But what if Jeremy isn't just hot...what if Jeremy is better?

Carmen knows that kissing Jeremy can't end well, but she just can't stay away. Nobody else understands her--and riles her up--like he does. Still, she can't trust him with her biggest secret: She is so desperate to win she takes anti-anxiety drugs to perform, and what started as an easy fix has become a hungry addiction. Carmen is sick of not feeling anything on stage and even more sick of always doing what she’s told, doing what's expected.

Sometimes, being on top just means you have a long way to fall....

Review: Virtuosity is pure amazing. I'm going to try and attempt to tell you how much I loved this. No words can describe how Virtuosity affected me.

I immediately connected with Carmen and her awful situation. I think a better thing to say than situation is awful mother. I hated Carmen's mother. She made me shudder every time she came onto the page. Carmen and her struggle absolutely broke my heart. There was no way that I couldn't have not connected with her. She was an outstanding character. What she did will always make her one of the most admirable and strongest girls in YA.

I was so emotionally invested in Virtuosity that it was almost crazy. Carmen's narration had me rooting for her the whole time. It was truly an emotional roller coaster. And a well-written one at that. Martinez knew what she was doing in her debut. I loved the writing.

The anxiety drugs that Carmen took to help her on stage were scary. If I hadn't seen so many good reviews of this I probably would have stayed away because of that aspect. Now I know not to shy away from books that deal with aspects that have the possibility to make me uncomfortable.

Jeremy, the love interest, makes my heart burst with joy. This British boy is just perfect. Carmen's and Jeremy's romance was so real that I could hardly wrap my head around it. I mean it in a totally good way, though.

Virtuosity is a book that you will not want to miss. I read this over two and a half months ago and I still can't forget it. Virtuosity is a book that turned me into a sobbing mess in places but made me smile and laugh in so many other places. I hope to experience that many more times.

Rating: I'd give it a million stars if I could!

Nocturne by Christine Johnson

Title: Nocturne
Author: Christine Johnson
Publisher: Simon Pulse
Publication Date: August 23, 2011
Source: Simon and Schuster Galley Grab

Summary: Some secrets are too dangerous...

After the tragic events of the summer, Claire is looking forward to a new school year. All she wants to worry about is finding the most gorgeous dress to wear to the Autumn Ball with her perfect boyfriend.

But as Claire knows all too well, the life of a werewolf is never that simple, or that sweet.

When Claire’s human and wolf lives start to collide, her worst nightmares come true. She is hurting her best friend. She has been caught lying. And then the unthinkable happens: Someone discovers Claire’s secret.

If Claire’s werewolf identity is exposed, everyone she knows will be put at risk. And the pack’s response comes at a cost higher than Claire can imagine. Claire will be forced to determine just how far she is willing to go.

Review: Nocturne was a enjoyable book. Yet, it wasn't awesome or extremely horrible. It was a nice read just not what I was expecting.

I was a huge fan of Claire de Lune and it was one of my favorite books at the time I read it. My reading tastes have taken a 180 since that time so that's possibly why I didn't enjoy this one as much as I could have if I read it a year ago.

One of my biggest complaints is that nothing happened. My heart didn't race, there was no mystery. In fact, some of the things and situations that Claire had to deal with just seemed a little silly. The book just seemed like one big filler, if you know what I mean. Some things just had no purpose and it seemed like an extension to the first book.

But that doesn't mean that it wasn't enjoyable. It was very enjoyable and I had fun reading it.

Clare is a very easy character to connect with. She has some insecurities and while I hope teenage girls don't have to deal with being a werewolf, Johnson knows how to make her characters somewhat relatable. The Autumn Ball was a really cool aspect to the story and I enjoyed reading about all the dress shopping!

In Claire de Lune I loved the writing style and in this Nocturne I did, too. Johnson's writing has a beautiful flow to it and sometimes I felt like I was "in the moment."

Nocturne is fun read for one of the last lazy afternoons of summer. With great writing and an interesting werewolf idea this series is definitely a good one! I wonder if there's going to be another book, though?!

Rating:

In My Mailbox (43)

Hi and Happy IMM! IMM is hosted by The Story Siren!

This week was a pretty good week!

This week I got:

Never Have I Ever by Sara Shepard. I'm pretty excited to read this one!

Possess by Gretchen McNeil!!!!! YAY! This one looks amazing!

From Netgalley/Galley Grab:

The Pledge by Kimberly Derting! Thanks SO much Jessica!! I'd be reading this right now but I have way to many books to read. So I have my fingers crossed that I'll read it by the middle of September!

The Butterfly Clues by Kate Ellison! This one looks really good and I love the cover.

Every Other Day by Jennifer Lynn Barnes. I've read two of her books and I can't wait to read another one!

That's all for me! What about you??

Wildefire by Karsten Knight

Title: Wildefire
Author: Karsten Knight
Publisher: Simon and Schuster
Publication Date: July 26, 2011
Source: Simon and Schuster Galley Grab

Summary: Every flame begins with a spark.

Ashline Wilde is having a rough sophomore year. She’s struggling to find her place as the only Polynesian girl in school, her boyfriend just cheated on her, and now her runaway sister, Eve, has decided to barge back into her life. When Eve’s violent behavior escalates and she does the unthinkable, Ash transfers to a remote private school nestled in California’s redwoods, hoping to put the tragedy behind her. But her fresh start at Blackwood Academy doesn’t go as planned. Just as Ash is beginning to enjoy the perks of her new school—being captain of the tennis team, a steamy romance with a hot, local park ranger—Ash discovers that a group of gods and goddesses have mysteriously enrolled at Blackwood…and she’s one of them. To make matters worse, Eve has resurfaced to haunt Ash, and she’s got some strange abilities of her own. With a war between the gods looming over campus, Ash must master the new fire smoldering within before she clashes with her sister one more time… And when warm and cold fronts collide, there’s guaranteed to be a storm.

Review: When I finished this book all I could say was wow. And I'm still saying WOW!

At first I thought Ash and Wildefire were going to be extremely violent. If that first chapter doesn't tell you not to mess with Ash, or her sister Eve, then I don't know what will. Thankfully, though, the "extreme violence" subsided and gave into the awesome tale of Ash and her god and goddess friends.

Like I said before, Ash is not the type of girl you want to mess with. She isn't your typical YA heroine, either. She's not whiny, she is incredibly tough, has some awesome powers that she isn't afraid to use, and I really believe she wants to do the right thing. Did I mention she was tough? Oh and there was a nice little romance going on with one hot park ranger!

There was such a fun mix of mythology in Wildefire. There were sounds of awesome gods and goddess from different cultures to go with the equally amazing supporting characters. They shone, just like Ash.

Another plus to Wildefire was the non-stop action and the adventure. I won't give you too much detail but it was pretty darn awesome. And there was humor. Oh how I love funny books!!

To stop myself from sounding like a broken record of "awesome" and "amazing", (which I think I've already succeeded at doing) I'm telling you you pick up a copy of this today. But watch out, the cliffhanger is a killer. But really awesome. Second book please?

(There I go again....)

Rating: 4.5 stars

Love Story By Jennifer Echols

Title: Love Story
Author: Jennifer Echols
Publisher: MTV Books
Publication Date: July 19, 2011
Source: Simon and Schuster Galley Grab

Summary: She's writing about him. he's writing about her. And everybody is reading between the lines..

For Erin Blackwell, majoring in creative writing at the New York City college of her dreams is more than a chance to fulfill her ambitions--it's her ticket away from the tragic memories that shadow her family's racehorse farm in Kentucky. But when she refuses to major in business and take over the farm herself someday, her grandmother gives Erin's college tuition and promised inheritance to their maddeningly handsome stable boy, Hunter Allen. Now Erin has to win an internship and work late nights at a coffee shop to make her own dreams a reality. She should despise Hunter . . . so why does he sneak into her thoughts as the hero of her latest writing assignment?

Then, on the day she's sharing that assignment with her class, Hunter walks in. He's joining her class. And after he reads about himself in her story, her private fantasies about him must be painfully clear. She only hopes to persuade him not to reveal her secret to everyone else. But Hunter devises his own creative revenge, writing sexy stories that drive the whole class wild with curiosity and fill Erin's heart with longing. Now she's not just imagining what might have been. She's writing a whole new ending for her romance with Hunter . . . except this story could come true.

Review: Love Story is a nice, fast-paced read that didn't quite have me hooked but was still a fun read.

One of the main problems I had was the characters. I couldn't connect to any of them or feel something for them. At first I thought I'd have no problem connecting with the characters because the beginning of the story was really, really good. But then the characters, and the plot, fizzled out.

Erin was just sort of annoying. Hunter...was hot but I didn't swoon for him or anything like that. The supporting cast of characters were much more interesting to me.

Echols' had a great idea for the plot. It started out strong but then just vanished and everything was tension, tension, tension!

But that is one thing she knows how to write. Tension and a romance. The tension is the book was phenomenal. You thought everything was going to work out between Hunter and Erin and then BANG!

I loved reading the stories that Hunter and Erin wrote for their creative writing class, they gave tons of insight into many things.

Overall, Love Story was an okay read. Not one that I loved but it definitely had sizzling tension!

Rating:

The Day Before by Lisa Schroeder

Title: The Day Before
Author: Lisa Schroeder
Publisher: Simon Pulse
Publication Date: June 28, 2011
Source: Simon and Schuster Galley Grab

Summary: Amber’s life is spinning out of control. All she wants is to turn up the volume on her iPod until all of the demands of family and friends fade away. So she sneaks off to the beach to spend a day by herself.

Then Amber meets Cade. Their attraction is instant, and Amber can tell he’s also looking for an escape. Together they decide to share a perfect day: no pasts, no fears, no regrets.

The more time that Amber spends with Cade, the more she’s drawn to him. And the more she’s troubled by his darkness. Because Cade’s not just living in the now—he’s living each moment like it’s his last.

Review: Wow. Wow, wow, wow! That was the only thought in my mind as I finished The Day Before and it is still in my head as I write this review!

The only reason I picked this up from galley grab was that it had a pretty cover. I really didn't know what it was about or how it would touch me. It think it's safe to say that you can judge this book by its cover. What's on the inside is even better than the outside.

Like I said in the previous paragraph, I was absolutely touched. I felt for these characters and I loved them. The whole book was just really emotional and wonderful. I teared up so many times. It was so beautiful that words can't even describe it.

I'm not a fan of verse. I seriously stay away from books with verse because I just don't like them. But I think The Day Before changed my mind about it. Because now I'm a big fan of Schroeder's verse. It was just elegant and gah there really is no way for me to describe it. You'll just have to read it yourself.

And I loved the characters in this. They made me care about them. They made me feel for them. They were such good people. And the day that Amber and Cade shared is one that I want to revisit again and again. So priceless.

If I had more time I go re-read this. But I think I'll pick up a copy sometime soon so I can have this beautiful book on my over-flowing shelf. Go read it for yourself and I can almost guarantee you that you might just might have a new favorite.

Rating:

Possession by Elana Johnson

Title: Possession
Author: Elana Johnson
Publisher: Simon and Schuster
Publication Date: June 7, 2011
Source: Simon and Schuster Galley Grab

Summary: Vi knows the Rule: Girls don't walk with boys, and they never even think about kissing them. But no one makes Vi want to break the Rules more than Zenn...and since the Thinkers have chosen him as Vi's future match, how much trouble can one kiss cause? The Thinkers may have brainwashed the rest of the population, but Vi is determined to think for herself.


But the Thinkers are unusually persuasive, and they're set on convincing Vi to become one of them...starting by brainwashing Zenn. Vi can't leave Zenn in the Thinkers' hands, but she's wary of joining the rebellion, especially since that means teaming up with Jag. Jag is egotistical, charismatic, and dangerous--everything Zenn's not. Vi can't quite trust Jag and can't quite resist him, but she also can't give up on Zenn.

This is a game of control or be controlled. And Vi has no choice but to play.

Review: I'm not exactly sure what to think of this book. It was pretty crazy and very hard to follow.

But first let me talk about the very good things: the characters! While at times Violet seemed rash and didn't make much sense in her decisions. But she was really funny and it was extremely funny to follow her and listen to her snark. Zenn was, well, weird. I was confused about him for most of the book. Not sure what to think or believe about him. The person the drove me crazy was Jag. He made me want to tear my hair out. He was just as random as Vi and ahhh!!!! He and Vi also had a case of insta-love. Which therefore made me dislike him. A lot. But a have to admit sometimes her could be memorable.

And for the plot, now that was all over the place. On minute they were running from the bad people, the next they were making out, WOW we have to go, we might get caught, we're safe now. Let me pick up a deadly cellphone. Maybe it didn't happen quite like that but pretty darn close. I was pretty much confused. It wasn't twisty and full of turns. It was just confusing. Have I said that it was crazy??

The world Johnson created was pretty unique. And it seemed like it had a lot of thought put into it.  You could tell that it, it was extremely unique. If not crazy.

If you are looking for a crazy book, that can at times be confusing but good and interesting with nice snarky characters and a nice romance, then this is the book for you!*

Rating:

*I apologize sincerely if this review was all over the place and hard to follow. I typed it in a mad fury. Sorry but I don't think it's all that bad. Just crazy. ;)

Part of RAD, hosted by The Cait Files. Review Appreciation Day!

He's So Not Worth It by Kieran Scott

Title: He's So Not Worth It
Author: Kieran Scott
Publisher: Simon and Schuster
Publication Date: June 7, 2011
Source: Simon and Schuster Galley Grab

Summary: Ally Ryan, come on down to the Jersey Shore and forget your troubles!


Have you recently been humiliated in front of your friends and family at your former best friend's birthday party? Was your almost boyfriend partly responsible for that humiliation by withholding some vital information about where your estranged father is? Did you come home to find said estranged father sitting on your stoop?

If so, then it sounds like you could use a vacation! The Jersey Shore is the place to be. Your mother may be living with her boyfriend of only a few months, but at least the stunt Shannen pulled has put some of your friends back in your court. Even so, you're still angry and what better way to get over Jake than to blow off some steam with local guy, Cooper? People will hardly recognize your new attitude, but the old one wasn't getting you anywhere, so who cares!

Jake Graydon, an exciting opportunity is waiting for you in the service industry!

Are your grades so low your parents have grounded you for the summer? Did you the girl you really like unceremoniously leave you behind? Would you rather eat dirt than see your friends again? Then a job at the local coffee shop is just the ticket! Surprisingly, Ally's father is the new manager so you get to be reminded of her nearly every day. Maybe it's time to start flirting with your best friend's ex or even taking school a bit more seriously. Especially when you finally see Ally and she's hanging around with some loser and it's couldn't be more clear that she is over you.

Have a great summer!

Review: What an amazing sequel! I'm pretty sure this one was even better than She's So Dead to Us!

Ally and Jake are currently estranged. And it isn't good because they have this crazy love/hate relationship going on. A few times I just want to slap both of them, and scream at them to just to make up and just kiss! But my cries seemed to go unheard.

I'm pretty sure Ally was even more special to me during this one. She was going through an even tougher time. She felt so real and just like she should have. Scott really knows how to write dimensional, amazing characters. Ally was no exception and neither was Jake. Swoon.

That boy was just radiating hotness. (I really hope that didn't sound crazy, but he was!) He and Ally are perfect for each other. But who knows how that's going to work out.

I loved following both Ally and Jake. Their alternating perspectives are so believable! Both of their stories were so special and fun. And quite drama filled.

And that ENDING! Wow! Talk about a cliffhanger. And all us sorry readers are going to have to wait another year!? That's so unfair. But I'm sure it will be just as amazing as this one was! So it'll be worth the wait.

Another great book by Scott.

Rating:

Between Here and Forever by Elizabeth Scott

Title: Between Here and Forever
Author: Elizabeth Scott
Publisher: Simon Pulse
Publication Date: May 24, 2011
Source: Simon and Schuster Galley Grab

Summary: Abby accepted that she can’t measure up to her beautiful, magnetic sister Tess a long time ago, and knows exactly what she is: Second best. Invisible.

Until the accident.

Now Tess is in a coma, and Abby’s life is on hold. It may have been hard living with Tess, but it's nothing compared to living without her.

She's got a plan to bring Tess back though, involving the gorgeous and mysterious Eli, but then Abby learns something about Tess, something that was always there, but that she’d never seen.

Abby is about to find out that truth isn't always what you think it is, and that life holds more than she ever thought it could...

Review: This was my first Elizabeth Scott book. To tell the truth, I wasn't that impressed. I was bored for about the first 150 pages. Thankfully that book had some redeeming qualities that make me want to read a little more Elizabeth Scott.

Abby. Personally I think she is one of the most annoying main characters that I have ever read about. I understand her pain about being compared to people, especially people better than you. But. . . it got annoying after the first couple of chapters. We just kept being reminded and reminded of it. Which pretty much caused me to feel sad for Abby, but it didn't make me connect to her, or like her. I'm not even going to mention her sister.

I predicted what the "big" things was, mainly because of reading some reviews that didn't quite mention it, and it wasn't that hard to figure out.  But it was still interesting to see how everything about it played out. And thankfully there were some things that I didn't see coming.

The only "perfect" thing about this book was Eli. He was just amazing. So well-written and so beautiful on the inside and out. What an adorable guy. Too bad he wasn't real.

My first Elizabeth Scott book turned out alright. I'm glad I read it, even though it wasn't the most enjoyable at times. It had a good message and an even better ending. You might want to pick this one up!
Rating:

Wrapped by Jennifer Bradbury

Title: Wrapped
Author: Jennifer Bradbury
Publisher: Atheneum

Publication Date: May 24, 2011
Source: Simon and Schuster Galley Grab

Summary: Agnes Wilkins is standing in front of an Egyptian mummy, about to make the first cut into the wrappings, about to unlock ancient (and not-so-ancient) history.


Maybe you think this girl is wearing a pith helmet with antique dust swirling around her.

Maybe you think she is a young Egyptologist who has arrived in Cairo on camelback.

Maybe she would like to think that too. Agnes Wilkins dreams of adventures that reach beyond the garden walls, but reality for a seventeen-year-old debutante in 1815 London does not allow for camels—or dust, even. No, Agnes can only see a mummy when she is wearing a new silk gown and standing on the verdant lawns of Lord Showalter’s estate, with chaperones fussing about and strolling sitar players straining to create an exotic “atmosphere” for the first party of the season. An unwrapping.

This is the start of it all, Agnes’s debut season, the pretty girl parade that offers only ever-shrinking options: home, husband, and high society. It’s also the start of something else, because the mummy Agnes unwraps isn’t just a mummy. It’s a host for a secret that could unravel a new destiny—unleashing mystery, an international intrigue, and possibly a curse in the bargain.

Get wrapped up in the adventure . . . but keep your wits about you, dear Agnes.

Review: Wow, I was a little surprised by this book. I was expecting more of a paranormal book, initially I thought it was about magic. But if that's what you thought too, then this is not what it's about. I'd have to say it's way better than that.

I love historical fiction. This was historical fiction mixed in with a bit of intrigue and political danger. It was addicting. The amount of historical facts added in was just right, I wasn't overwhelmed but I learned a couple of things!

I couldn't really connect to Anges though. She seemed distant. But I still liked her. She wasn't the most well-written character ever but she was fun to read about. And I appreciated that. Though my favorite character was Caedmon. Though I'm not exactly sure how to pronounce his name! He was a cutie.

The concept of this was amazing. It really doesn't talk about it too much in the summary, but it's pretty cool.

If you like historical fiction with some adventure then this is definitely the book for you. It was for me.

Rating:

Sixteenth Summer by Michelle Dalton

Title: Sixteenth Summer
Author: Michell Dalton
Publisher: Simon Pulse
Publication: May 3, 2011
Source: Simon and Schuster Galley Grab

Summary: Anna is dreading another tourist-filled summer on Dune Island that follows the same routine: beach, ice cream, friends, repeat. That is, until she locks eyes with Will, the gorgeous and sweet guy visiting from New York. Soon, her summer is filled with flirtatious fun as Anna falls head over heels in love.


But with every perfect afternoon, sweet kiss, and walk on the beach, Anna can’t ignore that the days are quickly growing shorter, and Will has to leave at the end of August. Anna’s never felt anything like this before, but when forever isn’t even a possibility, one summer doesn’t feel worth the promise of her heart breaking….


Review: Sixteenth Summer is a keeper from the start. It is the total feel good read.

Anna was such an admirable main character. I loved her from the first sentence. She's a touch of fun, cynical, realness, and some ice cream. Oh the ICE CREAM! Anna's parents own an ice cream shop and the funky flavors they come up with sounded amazing!!

But Anna was so sweet and realistic, and I wanted things to work out to be good for her. She needed a little romance in her boring old southern life!

Will, oh that boy was the ultimate sweetness, combined with a dash of hotness! He was perfect for Anna and their relationship was one of the realest I have seen in a "summer" romance.

I loved watching Anna and Will explore the island. Will for the first time and Anna with new eyes. It was so much fun.

A must read for fans of summer romance.

If this book was an ice cream flavor it would be...something a little spicy with a dash of sweetness on top. Cinnamon and sprinkles...eww!

Rating:

We'll Always Have Summer by Jenny Han

Title: We'll Always Have Summer
Author: Jenny Han
Publisher: Simon and Schuster
Publication Date: April 26, 2011
Source: Simon and Schuster Galley Grab

Summary: It's been two years since Conrad told Belly to go with Jeremiah. She and Jeremiah have been inseparable ever since, even attending the same college-- only, their relationship hasn't exactly been the happily ever after Belly had hoped it would be. And when Jeremiah makes the worst mistake a boy can make, Belly is forced to question what she thought was true love. Does she really have a future with Jeremiah? Has she ever gotten over Conrad? It's time for Belly to decide, once and for all, who has her heart forever.

Review: We'll Always Have Summer was an epic, absolutely epic, conclusion to the Summer Series.

I felt so many emotions, as always in this book. I just wanted Belly to be happy. I was tired of both Conrad and Jeremiah hurting her and making her unhappy. I didn't support all of the decisions Belly made in this book but, you know what? Everything turned out for the better.

I feel like I can't elaborate too much on the plot because I will totally spoil it for everyone who hasn't read it yet. But let's just say I was super surprised at somethings.

And the ending, oh the ending. It made me want to squeal and jump up and down with joy. It was so good, and so perfect. I read it a couple of times just to make sure I was reading it right. It was so happy.

I don't think this is spoiling too much, but I loved the letter Belly got from Susannah at the end. It was so sweet.

I'm extremely sad to see all these amazing characters go. I'm never going to get to see Belly and the boys again or go to Cousins' Beach. But I had fun there, and I'm glad a discovered such an amazing series.

Rating:

Stay by Deb Caletti

Title: Stay 
Author: Deb Caletti
Publisher: Simon Pulse
Publication Date: April 5, 2011
Source: Simon and Schuster Galley Grab

Summary: Clara’s relationship with Christian is intense from the start, and like nothing she’s ever experienced before. But what starts as devotion quickly becomes obsession, and it’s almost too late before Clara realizes how far gone Christian is—and what he’s willing to do to make her stay.


Now Clara has left the city—and Christian—behind. No one back home has any idea where she is, but she still struggles to shake off her fear. She knows Christian won’t let her go that easily, and that no matter how far she runs, it may not be far enough....

Review: Stay was my first Deb Caletti book. And I have to say, I'll definitely being coming back for more from Caletti.

Stay was more then emotional, it was a powerful read that opens your eyes to that inscrutable fine line between love and obsession.

I loved Clara. She was so believable, so real, and she had a great voice. I really felt like I was in her shoes, I felt her fear, her happiness, her inability to let go. It was just amazing. And Clara's Dad, what a nice guy! Like I've said before: I had awful parents in YA. And Christian was a total scumbag. Yeah, that is all I'm going to say about that awful boy. I don't want to spoil the story but there was one noteworthy character that was awfully sweet...!

The setting created by Caletti was just as powerful as her characters. I was sucked into the vortex of Clara's world on the beach. I never wanted to leave.

Sometimes Stay was downright scary. The way Christian's obsession with Clara was painted, was so real and gritty, it makes me scared to even think that this type of situation happens every single day. Clara was in so much pain, and I just get choked up thinking about all she went through.

The writing in Stay was so amazing, it wasn't even funny. Seriously. You can tell when an author puts thinking and thought in to every word, every sentence. Just reading the writing was a joy.

The Bottom Line: I would definitely recommend this, especially to older young adults and adults who are fans of contemporary.

Rating:

Wither by Lauren DeStefano

Title: Wither
Author: Lauren DeStefano
Publisher: Simon and Schuster
Publication Date: March 22, 2011
Source: Simon and Schuster Galley Grab

Summary: What if you knew exactly when you would die?


Thanks to modern science, every human being has become a ticking genetic time bomb—males only live to age twenty-five, and females only live to age twenty. In this bleak landscape, young girls are kidnapped and forced into polygamous marriages to keep the population from dying out.

When sixteen-year-old Rhine Ellery is taken by the Gatherers to become a bride, she enters a world of wealth and privilege. Despite her husband Linden's genuine love for her, and a tenuous trust among her sister wives, Rhine has one purpose: to escape—to find her twin brother and go home.

But Rhine has more to contend with than losing her freedom. Linden's eccentric father is bent on finding an antidote to the genetic virus that is getting closer to taking his son, even if it means collecting corpses in order to test his experiments. With the help of Gabriel, a servant Rhine is growing dangerously attracted to, Rhine attempts to break free, in the limited time she has left.

Review: Wither was truly horrifying, but I mean that in the best possible way.


But this horrifying concept of human trafficking was delivered in a great, addictive way.

While I was reading this I could literally feel the mood, I was sucked into it. It made the book more awful, awful concept not book, but it also made the book more real, and much more memorable. I know, for a fact, that I will always remeber this.

I loved being there along with Rhine and her sister wives and watching them fight for themselves and defend themselves. Reading about their everyday life was exciting yet very melancholy because they are prisoners.

Rhine, just by herself was stunning. She was strong and brave, wanting to get away. But she has this vulnerable air, making her real.

I really liked Gabriel, the servant that Rhine grows attached too. And while I knew that Linden was extremely sheltered and stupid in the ways of the world, he still wasn't my favorite.

The ending was, well, bittersweet, if I had to describe it. At least there was no cliffhanger! But I can't wait to see what happens to Rhine!

I wish that I could do this book justice, but sadly a review can't do that!
 
Rating:
 

Deadly by Julie Chibbaro

Title: Deadly
Author: Julie Chibbaro
Publisher: Atheneum Books for Young Readers
Publication Date: Febuaray 22, 2011
Recieved: Simon and Schuster Galley Grab

Summary:  A mysterious outbreak of typhoid fever is sweeping New York.

Could the city’s future rest with its most unlikely scientist?
 
If Prudence Galewski is ever going to get out of Mrs. Browning’s esteemed School for Girls, she must demonstrate her refinement and charm by securing a job appropriate for a young lady. But Prudence isn’t like the other girls. She is fascinated by how the human body works and why it fails.
 
With a stroke of luck, she lands a position in a laboratory, where she is swept into an investigation of the fever bound to change medical history. Prudence quickly learns that an inquiry of this proportion is not confined to the lab. From ritzy mansions to shady bars and rundown tenements, she explores every potential cause of the disease. But there’s no answer in sight—until the volatile Mary Mallon emerges. Dubbed “Typhoid Mary” by the press, Mary is an Irish immigrant who has worked as a cook in every home the fever has ravaged. Strangely, though, she hasn’t been sick a day in her life. Is the accusation against her an act of discrimination? Or is she the first clue in a new scientific discovery?
 
Prudence is determined to find out. In a time when science is for men, she’ll have to prove to the city, and to herself, that she can help solve one of the greatest medical mysteries of the twentieth century.

Review: I was not expecting Deadly to be like it was. It focused on more of the science and the day to day life of Prudence who was working on the "Typhoid Mary" mystery. I was actually expecting more mystery and a more currentish sounding book, but that isn't what I got and for once I was very glad I read something I wasn't expecting. (That sounded terrible, sorry!)

Because Deadly was an very good book that I enjoyed a lot! I really liked reading Prudence's diary entries, this is how the story was told, even though you don't get to know everything that is happening and all the details that come with having a "regular" perspective. But I still liked them, they were a good change.

I loved how Prudence was so interested in science, because when in a time like hers the world of jobs was a very sexist place and it still is. And she had such determination and that was quite admirable. Prudence was quite the role model.

But at the same time she was just as vulnerable and as traumatized by her emotions as many girls are today.

Deadly is a entirely interesting historical fiction novel that highlights one of the world's struggles in the field of science, but also has very relatable characters that relate very positive messages

Rating:

In My Mailbox (18)

Hi Everybody!

IMM is hosted by Kristi over at The Story Siren!

Bought:

Evernight, Stargazer, and Hourglass by Claudia Gray. I'm upset. Stargazer came with a rip in the cover and a little hole in it. You really can't see it in the picture but it's obvious in real life! I'm going to send it back and hopefully get a better copy. Evernight and Hourglass are fine though. But I am very excited to read these!

From Simon and Schuster Galley Grab:

 

Invincible Summer by Hannah Moskowitz

Stay by Deb Caletti

The Day Before by Lisa Schroeder

Kat, Incorrigible by Stephanie Burgis

And I'm very excited to read all of these too!

What did you get this week? Link below in the comments!



Darkness Becomes Her by Kelly Keaton

Title: Darkness Becomes Her
Author: Kelly Keaton
Publisher: Simon Pulse
Release Date: February 22, 2011
Received: Simon and Schuster Galley Grab

Summary: Ari can’t help feeling lost and alone. With teal eyes and freakish silver hair that can’t be changed or destroyed, Ari has always stood out. And after growing up in foster care, she longs for some understanding of where she came from and who she is.

Her search for answers uncovers just one message from her long dead mother: Run. Ari can sense that someone, or something, is getting closer than they should. But it’s impossible to protect herself when she doesn’t know what she’s running from or why she is being pursued.
She knows only one thing: she must return to her birthplace of New 2, the lush rebuilt city of New Orleans. Upon arriving, she discovers that New 2 is very...different. Here, Ari is seemingly normal. But every creature she encounters, no matter how deadly or horrifying, is afraid of her.
 
Ari won’t stop until she knows why. But some truths are too haunting, too terrifying, to ever be revealed

Review: What a twist on paranormal! I couldn't believe what I was reading and everything about Darkness becomes her was just so original and fresh!

 And when I read this book I think I scared everyone around me because I gasped so loud, and so many times! Just when I thought I had everything figured out...BAM!! Something else was thrown at me. The plot has so many twists and turns and major developments around every corner that sometimes it was hard to keep up.

I really liked Ari, she felt like a freak and she was going through some tough times. She just wanted to be loved, I guess. But her swearing and the other characters could have been toned down a little. Otherwise I have no qualms about Ari or any other character. They were all relatable and easy to understand and read about. I also really liked Sebastian, but Ari's and his relationship was a little rushed but it didn't bother me at all.

And the setting of Darkness Becomes Her? Perfect. I loved how New 2, New Orleans, played into the picture. What a great idea!

I personally think everyone, if they aren't bothered by swearing, should read this if they are looking for a great, unexpected twisty and turny sort of book!

I just can't stop thinking about how great and unexpected this book was! I will be definitely be picking up a hard cover of this!

Rating:

Today is my half birthday, by the way! I make a big deal out of it!

Cryer's Cross by Lisa McMann

HI  Everyone!
Happy Tuesday

Title: Cryer's Cross
Author: Lisa McMann
Publisher: Simon Pulse
Publication Date: Febuaray 8
Received from: Simon and Schuster Galley Grab

Summary:

The community of Cryer’s Cross, Montana (population 212) is distraught when high school freshman Tiffany disappears without a trace. Already off-balance due to her OCD, 16-year-old Kendall is freaked out seeing Tiffany’s empty desk in the one-room school house, but somehow life goes on... until Kendall's boyfriend Nico also disappears, and also without a trace. Now the town is in a panic. Alone in her depression and with her OCD at an all-time high, Kendall notices something that connects Nico and Tiffany: they both sat at the same desk. She knows it's crazy, but Kendall finds herself drawn to the desk, dreaming of Nico and wondering if maybe she, too, will disappear...and whether that would be so bad. Then she begins receiving graffiti messages on the desk from someone who can only be Nico. Can he possibly be alive somewhere? Where is he? And how can Kendall help him? The only person who believes her is Jacian, the new guy she finds irritating...and attractive. As Kendall and Jacian grow closer, Kendall digs deeper into Nico's mysterious disappearance only to stumble upon some ugly—and deadly—local history. Kendall is about to find out just how far the townspeople will go to keep their secrets buried.

Review:
This book was awesome, it was amazing, it was just plain great. I could probably go on, but no one needs to hear all my adjectives for this books!

I was immediately drawn into this book. Why? The mystery surrounding Kendall's classmate and Kendall herself. Kendall was a great character and I love hearing her thoughts and it gave me insight about what is was like to be OCD. It doesn't play a huge role in the book, but you know it's there. Plus Kendall was  relatable and she was real. And lovable.

I'm really loving Lisa McMann's writing style. I didn't really love it before but now I'm a huge fan. Of her and all her books.

Anyway, there was so much suspense, and I was seriously creeped out by everything about The Desk. I don't get scared that easily (OK.. I scare easily) but this literally had me looking everywhere seeing if some desk was creeping up behind me and trying to...OK never mind but you get my point. But being creepy was absolutely awesome.

I loved the supporting characters, like Jacian, Jacian and Jacian. What a great guy! Now that's all I'm going to say about that lovely addition to the novel.

And I was kept guessing to the very end, I had no clue what was going to happen!

This is my new favorite book, so I definitely think you should go read it because it comes out today!

Rating: