Title: Shade
Author: Jeri Smith-Ready
Publisher: Simon Pulse, 320 Pages (May 4th 2010)
From: Author/Publisher - Thanks Jeri and Simon Pulse!

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

Review: 5 Stars - I’ve been trying to write this review for a couple days now and the words just don’t want to come to me. Not because this book was bad, it was far from it. It was amazing. It’s not often that I find a book that I love a much as this one – examples of books that fall in this same category for me would be Shiver, The Twilight Saga and handful of other books out there.

From the dark, beautiful and mysterious cover to the fact that anyone born post Shift can see and talk to ghosts…. To our main characters, Aura, Logan and Zachary everything just flowed and fit together like every great story should.

When Aura’s boyfriend Logan dies it’s hard not to feel for both of them as the emotions of what their each going through almost jump off the page. Seeing him come back as a ghost was a different kind of pain that only any post Shift born would understand. She’s a strong character with a strong voice, and watching her struggle and deal with the aftermath of Logan’s death was tough with all those emotions that come through on each page. My heart ached for her and Logan often throughout the story and I’m sure anyone who loved or will fall in love with this book as I have will understand.

Then we have Zachary, the new student at school who just moved from Scotland who is patient and kind and helps to take Aura’s mind off of things for a while. During their time together working on a school project about Megaliths, she’s able to find some peace from how painful life has become since Logan’s death. With this project, Aura is secretly trying to solve a mystery of just how or what or even who might have created the Shift in the first place. All she knows is that there has to be a reason and won’t stop until she finds the answers she’s looking for.

See, that’s where the mystery part of the story comes in. No one knows how it happened or why it happened, just that one day the world was normal and then the next POOF anyone born after said date and time can see and talk to Ghosts.

With a Ghost of the person you love the most trying to deal with his death at the same time you are, Aura was bound to have mixed emotions over Logan and Zachary. Which then finds them in the never prefect, often heartbreaking Love triangle. It was hard to pick or choose who Aura should end up with since I loved both boys… well as equally as you can love them both when ones a ghost.

The end left us with a HUGE cliffhanger on many different levels, and left me asking more questions. I had a feeling there was one around the corner since there was still so much to learn about when it comes to our characters and then I mean the Shift itself, but those last couple lines in the book… WOW, huge! For me even a little bit epic. I mean yeah, I loved this book THAT much.

Smith-Ready has made a fan out of me, I can’t wait to read her other books and then see what happens in this series from her when the sequel – Shift comes out…. But that’s not until May 2011. I have a long time to wait and wonder where she’ll lead us next in her characters lives. Now, I have to say that if this was one of those books for you that has caught your eye, don’t pass it up when it hits the bookshelves in May. I think after many read there will be much more love of this series found, looking forward to hearing what you guys all think, Happy Reading.

Keep an eye out here for a interview with the author and a give away!

FTC Disclaimer: I did not pay for this book, nor have I been compensated at all in any way or means for reading and writing this review.

Title: Are These My Basoomas I See Before Me? Confessions of Georgia Nicholson - Book 10
Author: Louise Rennison
Publisher: HarperTeen, 320 Pages (October 6th 2009)
From: Amazon

Synopsis: A bit early to get swoony knickers but I have got them on.

For Georgia, the more things change, the more they stay the same. Just when she thought she was the official one-and-only girlfriend of Masimo, he's walked off into the night with the full hump, leaving Georgia all aloney on her owney—again. All because Dave the Laugh tried to do fisticuffs at dawn with him!

Two boys fighting over Georgia? It's almost as romantic as Romeo and Juliet . . . though perhaps a touch less tragic.

It's time for Georgia to get to the bottom (oo-er) of this Dave the Laugh spontaneous puckering business once and for all. It's like they always say: If you snog a mate in the forest of red bottomosity and no one is around to see it, is he still a mate? Or is he something more?

Review: 4 Stars - Sadly, Are These My Basoomas I See Before Me? Is the 10th and last installment of the Georgia Nicholson diaries. I remember reading the first one and couldn't wait to get the next. Each book was extremely funny that I often had tears in my eyes from laughing so hard.

The characters all work great together and if you took one away you'd feel like one was missing. Lousie Renninson writes some great comedy with a funky teenage voice that makes Georgia an extremely quirky girl from start to finish. She's a Loon with a capital "L".

The various things that Georgia goes through throughout the whole series are crazy and wacky but somehow all fit together nicely. Her family, friends (The Ace Gang & Dave the Laugh) and various boyfriends (Robbie & Masimo) somehow understand her when she's at her nuttiest, and trust me it's pretty much all the time. Rennison has worked some magic to create such layers of crazy that there's not a chance each reader wont find not only something to love but find it laughing out loud along ride there.

With the end of this book and series I was happy where things left off. I was grinning with which boy she finally picked, and no I'm not giving anything away. Go read the books to find out! I just wish that it wasn't the end. Here's hoping that maybe we'll get some Georgia stories from when she's older to see where her life ended up? I for one would love that idea.

If you haven't read this series... start it soon. It's one that I think everyone should read. Especially if you fancy a good laugh and who want to take a visit to the Cake Shop of Luuuurve! Happy reading if it's the first or third time you've read this series. I for one will be reading this again sometime soon, enjoy.

FTC Disclaimer: I DID pay for this book and have NOT been compensated at all in any way or means for reading and writing this review.

Title: The Dark Divine
Author: Bree Despain
Publisher: EgmontUSA, 375 Pages (December 22nd 2009)
From: Publisher

Synopsis: Grace Divine, daughter of the local pastor, always knew something terrible happened the night Daniel Kalbi disappeared--the night she found her brother Jude collapsed on the porch, covered in his own blood--but she has no idea what a truly monstrous secret that night held.


The memories her family has tried to bury resurface when Daniel returns, three years later, and enrolls in Grace and Jude's high school. Despite promising Jude she'll stay away, Grace cannot deny her attraction to Daniel's shocking artistic abilities, his way of getting her to look at the world from new angles, and the strange, hungry glint in his eyes.
The closer Grace gets to Daniel, the more she jeopardizes her life, as her actions stir resentment in Jude and drive him to embrace the ancient evil Daniel unleashed that horrific night. Grace must discover the truth behind the boy's dark secret...and the cure that can save the ones she loves. But she may have to lay down the ultimate sacrifice to do it--her soul.
 
Review: 5 Stars - Amazing story, characters and plot with some twists and turns made this a book that I just didn’t and couldn’t put down. I was lucky enough to be able to read this book in one sitting (which I suggest everyone plan on doing) and loved it from beginning to end. It’s dark and mysterious, romantic and sweet all wrapped up in a shiny pretty cover. Bree Despain without a doubt writes a great story.

The characters felt so real, as if they were about to leap off the pages. Grace is the typical good girl who has a heart of gold. Drawn to Daniel and a world she never thought existed; Grace is pushed to learn more about all that’s happening around her. Daniel is our bad boy of the story who only tries to be that way… because really he’s just a good guy who needs help from the only family he’s ever really had. He’s looking for many things and healing from his past is a huge part of that. Without giving away too much of the plot and story I’ll just say this….

I never really knew what was around the corner with this book. There was always so many ways that the story could go, different choices that each of our main characters could have taken. Honestly, the only part of the story that had me worried about reading this was the religious side of things. I’m not a hugely religious person and I’m not one for preachy people and this book didn’t do anything like that. I was relieved and surprised at just how it all flowed throughout the story, never over bearing, just the right touch to fill in all the pieces of Grace being a Preachers daughter.

The ending wrapped up everything nicely, however it did leave me wanting more and questioning just what might happen to the characters next. I know that there’s a sequel in the works and I for one am more then looking forward to it. Bree Despain has made a fan out of me, now it’s your turn…. Be sure to pick up this great book soon, you won’t be disappointed! Enjoy!

FTC Disclaimer: I did not pay for this book, nor have I been compensated at all in any way or means for reading and writing this review.

Title: How To Say Goodbye In Robot
Author: Natalie Standiford
Publisher: Scholastic Press, 288 Pages (October 1st 2009)
From: Amazon/Christmas Gift
 
Synopsis: New to town, Beatrice is expecting her new best friend to be one of the girls she meets on the first day. But instead, the alphabet conspires to seat her next to Jonah, aka Ghost Boy, a quiet loner who hasn't made a new friend since third grade. Something about him, though, gets to Bea, and soon they form an unexpected friendship. It's not romance, exactly - but it's definitely love. Still, Bea can't quite dispel Jonah's gloom and doom - and as she finds out his family history, she understands why. Can Bea help Jonah? Or is he destined to vanish?

Review: 4 Stars - Different, interesting, heartbreaking and wacky. This book has it all. Loved just how different it was from pretty much most of what I've been reading lately. The two main characters are both looking for things in their lives and find some of it within each other and the late night radio show they listen to. The other callers are varied and do help both Bea (Robot Girl) and Jonah (Ghost Boy) through things in each of their own quirky ways. It's an endearing story with heart and a love that's so different then the usual hearts and flowers kind. So be warned that though the book, story and characters make it a great read, it's far from the usual love story.


There were plenty of laugh out loud moments to even out all the serious ones, which seemed to fit together nicely with the plot and characters. I also loved just now not normal both our main characters were and how they were okay with that, not caring what others thought of them and their relationship. Each of our main characters, Bea and Jonah work throughout the story to mend the broken families they come from. This only draws them closer to each other as they figure out how to deal with the hardest parts within each of their home lives.

I read this book pretty much in one sitting and loved it more as i continued to read. If you haven't read it and like trying out something different, be sure to pick this up soon.

FTC Disclaimer: I DID pay (family paid for as it was a Christmas gift) for this book and have NOT been compensated at all in any way or means for reading and writing this review.

Title: Audrey, Wait!
Author:  Robin Benway
Publisher: Razorbill, 320 Pages (April 10th, 2008)
From: Amazon

Synopsis: California high school student Audrey Cuttler dumps self-involved Evan, the lead singer of a little band called The Do-Gooders. Evan writes, “Audrey, Wait!,” a break-up song that's so good it rockets up the billboard charts. And Audrey is suddenly famous!

Now rabid fans are invading her school. People is running articles about her arm-warmers. The lead singer of the Lolitas wants her as his muse. (And the Internet is documenting her every move!) Audrey can't hang out with her best friend or get with her new crush without being mobbed by fans and paparazzi.

Take a wild ride with Audrey as she makes headlines, has outrageous amounts of fun, confronts her ex on MTV, and gets the chance to show the world who she really is.

Review: 4 Stars - First off, I have to say that this book brought me back to my teen years when I spent most of my time in clubs in Hollywood seeing some amazing bands and going to concerts many weekends each month. The story was good, kept me very much entertained from beginning to end. I laughed out loud more then once. All of these things make for a good read.

I was shocked to see how our main character Audrey reacts to some of the things that are happening around her since her break up with her boyfriend Evan and the song that would forever change both of their lives. At times I questioned why she did many of the things throughout the book and chalked it up to being a teenager. The writing was pretty solid, the characters were all likeable and I don't want to forget to mention all the great references to music. I just wish we had more of a chance to get to know James better. He was such a rock to Audrey when she didn't even know it and I just felt that we should have gotten to know him a little better.

Robin Benway takes Audrey and us on a ride through music in this funny, witty adventure through overnight stardom and back again.

This book would be a great read for anyone who loves music, strong characters and a entertaining story. If you've seen this one at your local Book Store, the Library or online and haven't read it yet.... pick it up soon.

FTC Disclaimer: I DID pay for this book and have NOT been compensated at all in any way or means for reading and writing this review.

Title: Captivate
Author: Carrie Jones
Publisher: Bloomsbury USA
From: Publisher for review

Synopsis: Zara and her friends knew they hadn't solved the pixie problem for good. Far from it. The king's needs grow deeper every day he's stuck in captivity, while his control over his people gets weaker. It's made him vulnerable. And now there's a new king in town.


A turf war is imminent, since the new pixie king, Astley, is moving in quickly. Nick nearly killed him in the woods on day one, but Zara came to his rescue. Astley swears that he and Zara are destined to be together, that he's one of the good guys. Nick isn't buying it, though Zara isn't as sure -- despite herself, she wants to trust the new king. But it's a lot more than her relationship with Nick that is at stake. It's her life -- and his.
 
Review: 4.5 stars - Wow, what can I say about Captivate? In my opinion this next chapter in the series was even better then the first book - Need. It was really a great read, which I enjoyed from the first page and hated when it was over. Captivate picks up a couple months after Need left off. (I won't give away anything else of the story so, don't worry for the rest of the review.) It makes feel like you haven't missed a thing.


The characters were the same, yet different in their development. I felt that I still knew who each of the characters were, yet the writing really did shine in allowing me to see just how much they had all grown from the first book. Some of the characters had to deal with some major issues and I was really able to see each of their struggles and joys with the choices they made.

I didn't know exactly where the story was headed from beginning to end. There were some great shocking parts throughout and I always love it when a story keeps me guessing.

The new characters were the perfect addition to the story and will no doubt lead to many more choices for each and every one. With the new and interesting characters and lets not forget about all the lore that was introduced, fit like puzzle pieces into Zara's story... and will only add to the next book. I can't wait to see just where the author takes her characters, the story and us next. The ending left things open to where things for the characters could go.

This is one that I'll be reading again. It was one of the better books I've read so far this year. I can't wait for the next book; I hope that Carrie Jones is writing away on the next book.

FTC Disclaimer: I did not pay for this book, nor have I been compensated at all in any way or means for reading and writing this review.

Title: Leaving Paradise
Author: Simone Elkeles
Publisher: Flux, 312 Pages (April 1, 2007)
From: Purchased from Amazon

Synopsis: Nothing has been the same since Caleb Becker left a party drunk, got behind the wheel, and hit Maggie Armstrong. Even after months of painful physical therapy, Maggie walks with a limp. Her social life is nil and a scholarship to study abroad-her chance to escape everyone and their pitystares-has been canceled. After a year in juvenile jail, Caleb's free . . . if freedom means endless nagging from a transition coach and the prying eyes of the entire town. Coming home should feel good, but his family and ex-girlfriend seem like strangers.



Caleb and Maggie are outsiders, pigeon-holed as "criminal" and "freak." Then the truth emerges about what really happened the night of the accident and, once again, everything changes. It's a bleak and torjourney for Caleb and Maggie, yet they end up finding comfort and strength from a surprising source: each other.

Review: 5 Stars - LOVED this book. Simone Elkeles has written another great story. From page one - Leaving Paradise kept my full attention, with alternating character chapter points of view, I was able to get a better idea as to who Maggie and Caleb both are and how they each remembered the accident that forever changed both their lives, and the ones around them.

To read how they both struggled through things, trying to get back to whatever normal they could was sometimes hard to read. They had each changed so much that what was, could really never be again.

Maggie wants nothing to do with Caleb when he returns home after being in jail for a year for the accident, however they find that to heal and become the people they are suppose to be they really need each other. The twists and turns each face to forgive and heal really shine throughout the story. It made both Maggie and Caleb feel more real from beginning to end.

The ending had my heartbreaking on many different levels. This was the first book in a long while that I was surprised at the ending. It was hard to read, but you felt it was the right way to end things... for now.

Simone Elkeles writes a great story about a hard subject, one that many can relate to on various levels. The forgiveness part of the story made me hope that if faced with something this horrible, caused by someone else that I'd be as strong as each of these characters and be able to deal with things as well as they did. I'm happy to say that I won't be forgetting about this anytime soon and am excited to read the next installment in the series out fall 2010.

Title: Shadowland - The Mediator (Book 1)
Author: Meg Cabot 
Publisher: HarperTeen, 204 Pages (December 28, 2004)
From: Purchased from Amazon

Synopsis: Suze is a mediator -- a liaison between the living and the dead. In other words, she sees dead people. And they won't leave her alone until she helps them resolve their unfinished business with the living. But Jesse, the hot ghost haunting her bedroom, doesn't seem to need her help. Which is a relief, because Suze has just moved to sunny California and plans to start fresh, with trips to the mall instead of the cemetery, and surfing instead of spectral visitations.



But the very first day at her new school, Suze realizes it's not that easy. There's a ghost with revenge on her mind ... and Suze happens to be in the way.

Review: 3.5 Stars - A fun, light, easy paranormal read - this book is nice beginning in the Mediator Series. The main Character Suze is true to most teens - going her own way to deal with the ghosts she's trying to send to the "other side". She's head strong and knows just how she likes to do things, which maybe isn't always the right way. However, throughout the book it makes you question whether or not she'll be able to get the job done.

With some mystery - ghost's and a head strong teen, I look forward to find out more and what's coming next for Suze, not to mention finding out more about Jessie and to see where his part of the story leads.

If your looking for a light mysterious read with ghosts? Then this is the perfect series for you.

Title: The Dresskeeper
Author: Mary Naylus
Publisher: Prospera Publishing, 238 Pages (November 30, 2009 - UK)
From: Prospera

Synopsis: When 13-year-old Picky's Mum forces her to look after Gran, who has dementia, she is accidentally locked in Gran's dusty old attic. There she finds a chest full of old clothes, and tomboy Picky is forced to don what appears to be a ball-gown when the freezing night temperatures hit. As soon as the dress is pinned together, Picky is transported back to the year 1700, where a man who appears to know her as Amelia is trying to kill her.

Managing to get the dress off just in time, Picky returns to the present with the dress covered in blood. Did the man kill the girl called Amelia? Will wearing the other dresses in the chest take her back in time too? And will she be in danger again should she try it? "The Dresskeeper" uses a contemporary 13-year-old viewpoint to explore this murder mystery, set in the early 18th Century

Review: 4 Stars - The Dresskeeper is a witty historical fiction, containing both a mysterious past and a modern voice that lets us see London's history through the eyes of a humorous teenage girl.

Naylus time traveling adventure is a page turner, leaving you wanting more and being surprised with what happens next. With a great balance of the past and Picky's current real life issues - between school and home life, the author makes you feel your not missing anything in either of her worlds. I myself felt as if I was being transported back to 17th century London right along with Picky and each amazing dress she put on. The writing made imagining the scenes in my mind easy and very realistic.

With just the right amount of both reality and fantasy made this story for me one I'd not only read again, but one I'd suggest to others in the future.

I enjoyed the Dresskeeper and will be on the look out for more by Mary Naylus. Her next novel - The Plaguemaker will be released in 2010.

Title: Going Too Far

Author: Jennifer Echols
Publisher: MTV, 256 Pages (March 17, 2009)
From: Purchased from Amazon

Synopsis: HOW FAR WOULD YOU GO? All Meg has ever wanted is to get away. Away from high school. Away from her backwater town. Away from her parents who seem determined to keep her imprisoned in their dead-end lives. But one crazy evening involving a dare and forbidden railroad tracks, she goes way too far...and almost doesn't make it back.

John made a choice to stay. To enforce the rules. To serve and protect. He has nothing but contempt for what he sees as childish rebellion, and he wants to teach Meg a lesson she won't soon forget. But Meg pushes him to the limit by questioning everything he learned at the police academy. And when he pushes back, demanding to know why she won't be tied down, they will drive each other to the edge -- and over....


Review: 4.5 stars - What brought me to this book at first was the cover, then after reading the description I knew it was a must read. Jennifer Echols did an amazing job writing this story. It was a very refreshing read which I enjoyed and was hooked from the first page. I’ve never read anything by this author before and am glad to have found one of her books. The twists and turns were written amazingly! I didn’t even see half of them coming, and that to me, adds even more to a great story.

The characters were likable and relatable on many levels. Each of us having been through various things in life, either happening to yourself or someone close to you makes this a book a good pick for just about anyone. It was serious, humorous, heartfelt, heartbreaking and loving. Meg had such a hard shell that I was sure no one could crack into it, and found myself often thinking why she was like this. Little did I know what was about to happen. Officer After, or John was a character written with so many layer that between the two of them – Meg and John, it took most of the book and a bridge to remove them all to see who they really were.

For me the end of the book had me wanting to know what would happen next, but as I’ve said before and I’m sure I’ll say it again… isn’t that part of what makes a book good? Wanting more at the end? For those who have yet to read this, enjoy!

Title: Hush, Hush
Author: Becca Fitzpartick
Publisher: Simon & Schuster Children's Publishing, 400 Pages (October 13, 2009)
From: Purchased from Amazon

Synopsis: For Nora Grey, romance was not part of the plan. She's never been particularly attracted to the boys at her school, no matter how much her best friend, Vee, pushes them at her. Not until Patch came along. With his easy smile and eyes that seem to see inside her, Nora is drawn to him against her better judgment.

But after a series of terrifying encounters, Nora's not sure who to trust. Patch seems to be everywhere she is, and to know more about her than her closest friends. She can't decide whether she should fall into his arms or run and hide. And when she tries to seek some answers, she finds herself near a truth that is way more unsettling than anything Patch makes her feel.

For Nora is right in the middle of an ancient battle between the immortal and those that have fallen - and, when it comes to choosing sides, the wrong choice will cost her life.

Review: 5 Stars - I really enjoyed this book and the whole idea of the story. I read it in one sitting and just didn't want to put it down. It was a nice change to read about fallen angels, and the storyline had drawn me in that I couldn't wait to find out what was about to happen next.

The characters were written in a way that really showed each of their personalities. Patch, at least for me was mysterious in ways that I never really got a clear view of him in my mind. Dressed head to toe in black with black eyes he always appeared more of a shadow, or a silhouette, someone that wanted you to remember them for how snarky they were instead of remembering them for what they looked like. Well, at least for me that's how I felt. I can understand why Nora would have been both drawn to him yet also wanted to run from him. With these feelings she seemed to always be a mixed bundle of nerves and emotions, always edger to try to sort them out, to make light of if all.

There were only a couple things throughout the book that had me questioning things, however for the most part none of them took away from the overall story in the least. It would have been nice to have a bit more background on the whole fallen angel thing and angels in general in the world that Becca Fitzpatrick has created for us. I just hope that we see more of that in the next installments. The only other thing was that I felt it all ended too soon! Isn't always a good thing when a book leaves you wanting more?

Action, mystery, love and a bit of suspense, helped to make this a great read. One that I'm sure I'll read again. I'm looking forward to the next in the series that, and as always, it won't be out soon enough. If you haven't read this one yet, be sure to pick it up soon. Happy reading!

Title: Bite Me!
Author: Melissa Francis
Publisher: HarperTeen, 304 Pages (July 28, 2009)
From: Purchased on Overstock.com

Synopsis: AJ Ashe isn't your typical seventeen-year-old vampire—as if there is such a thing! She's stuck in the middle of a huge fight between her two BFFs. Her ex-boyfriend—whom she's still totally in love with, by the way—is now her stepbrother. A former classmate—who, um, she may or may not have turned into a vampire—is stalking her. And now, apparently, the fate of humankind lies in her little undead hands. What ever happened to the good old days, when all a vampire girl had to worry about was the occasional zit and hiding her taste for blood?

Review: 3 stars - Bite Me! Was cute. Had an interesting storyline which kept the pages turning as the story progressed. The characters are likeable and interesting. There were a couple laugh-out-loud moments which just added to everything as a whole. When I first read the description about the book, I thought it sounded like a fun read and that's just what it was.

It does have some "fluff" to the story, but didn't bother me nor did I feel it took away from the story. Really, there was more mystery then anything else. Over all the characters and story were fun and the end left me wondering what would happen next? I will be sure to read the sequel - Love Sucks! - out in 2010.

Title: Blood Promise (Vampire Academy, Book 4)
Author: Richelle Mead
Publisher: Razorbill, 512 Pages (August 25, 2009)
From: Purchased from Amazon

Synopsis: How far will Rose go to keep her promise?



The recent Strigoi attack at St. Vladimir’s Academy was the deadliest ever in the school’s history, claiming the lives of Moroi students, teachers, and guardians alike. Even worse, the Strigoi took some of their victims with them. . . including Dimitri.

He’d rather die than be one of them, and now Rose must abandon her best friend, Lissa—the one she has sworn to protect no matter what—and keep the promise Dimitri begged her to make long ago. But with everything at stake, how can she possibly destroy the person she loves most?

Review: 4 stars - I do really love reading this series. It's always a rollercoaster ride of emotions that the author seems to hit just right. The characters are well developed as the plot and story changes, they change and adapt. Who ever knew that Dimitri could be written evil and done so convincingly. It was amazing, his transformation and the plot wrapped nicely around him. And Rose with her struggles to come to terms with things was just.... perfect.

I would have given this 5 stars however I felt that at times in the beginning and the middle of the book the story stalled while Rose just kind of wandered and really just questioned the same thing over and over again. I don't want to give to much away so I'll leave that there.

One major thing for me that the story was lacking was Adrian. I understand that this wasn't his story, it was far from anything really about him, but to me he's such a strong character that's been introduced to us that I felt he was lacking a bit. A character that has changed and not for the better is Lissa. I just have one question, what's happening to her? By the end was anyone else wondering what's going on with her?? I almost am wondering if there's more going on that we don't know about yet. At least I hope that's the case, because if this is the true new Lissa.... I'd like some of the old one back please.

All in all this was another great installment of the series, which left me wanting more and more. The end of the last page left us on somewhat of a cliffhanger, nothing compared to the previous book, but none the less there was a little one there. I look forward to the next book in the series - Spirit Bound next year, which as always can't come soon enough.

Title: His Eyes
Author: Renee Carter
Publisher: Outskirts Press, 196 Pages (August 28, 2009)
From: Purchased from Amazon

Synopsis: Amy Turner's about to graduate from high school and all she wants is a job. Actually, all she wants is to find a way to pay for college. Amy certainly isn't looking for love when she answers an ad to baby-sit a boy-she just needs the cash. But the job has a catch: The boy is blind...and he's her age.


Tristan Edmund may be hot, but he doesn't want Amy's help. Or so he thinks. After being blinded in a horse show-jumping competition, Tristan spends his days in the dark, refusing to accept his disability. Much to his annoyance, Amy bursts into his life and drags him into the light. But just as the two begin to see something in each other, Tristan's beautiful ex-girlfriend shows up. Will the temptation be too much, or will Tristan choose the girl who really sees him?

Review: 3 1/2 stars - I heard about His Eyes about 2 weeks ago now and pretty much ordered it right on the spot. It sounded so different - two teens the same age, a boy who recently was in an accident and looses his sight and a girl who is hired to "baby sit" him by his mother. Tristan comes from money and Amy who is just looking for some money to help pay her way through college takes the job with some reluctance.

With each character so different you could see not only the tension but the attraction to each other they had. Tristan who had everything so easy in his life now needs to learn how to live as a blind person. With Amy's help he starts to come out of his shell until his ex-girlfriend comes into the picture and creates problems.

The story was good, short and sweet. I would have liked it to be longer to better develop the characters and the story. Some things just happened to fast to actually be believable. Anyone looking for a short and sweet read should look into picking this up.

Title: Crazy Beautiful
Author: Lauren Baratz-Logsted
Publisher: Houghton Mifflin Books for Children, 208 Pages (September 7, 2009)
From: Purchased from Amazon

Synopsis: In an explosion of his own making, Lucius blew his arms off. Now he has hooks. He chose hooks because they were cheaper. He chose hooks because he wouldn’t outgrow them so quickly. He chose hooks so that everyone would know he was different, so he would scare even himself.


Then he meets Aurora. The hooks don’t scare her. They don’t keep her away. In fact, they don’t make any difference at all to her. But to Lucius, they mean everything. They remind him of the beast he is inside. Perhaps Aurora is his Beauty, destined to set his soul free from its suffering.

Or maybe she’s just a girl who needs love just like he does.

Review: 4 Stars - Crazy Beautiful is a story told in alternation chapters between Lucius and Aurora who in each of their own ways are damaged from their past. Two teens drawn to each other on their first day at a new school. As this is a new telling of a Beauty and the Beast story we learn early on in the book that Lucius lost both of his hands in an explosion of his own doing. He chooses to have hooks because he wouldn't grow out of them as quickly and he also in some ways wanted to punish himself for what he had done. The reason for his loosing his hands was briefly touched on and I would have loved to hear more about what actually happened.

Lucius and Aurora are teenagers who are looking for friendship, love, understanding and a place in the world. I enjoyed how refreshing Aurora was in the fact that she didn't just go with the flow and become a follower as most of the other minor characters did when it came to Lucius. I enjoyed her as a heroin for Lucius and felt that they fit together perfectly.

This story was a quick read with a little of everything... even some funny moments that I caught myself laughing out loud. When I first heard about this book, I couldn't wait to read it. Needless to say the title was fitting, the writing well done, characters likable... nothing within the pages from beginning to end let me down except for the fact that I would have liked just a bit more of the story. To all who have yet to find this book - enjoy it when you do.

Title: Breathless
Author: Lurlene McDaniel
Publisher: Delacorte Books, 176 Pages (May 12, 2009)
From: Purchased from Overstock.com

Synopsis: What is the toughest request anyone can be asked to fulfill?


Travis Morrison is a champion diver and one of the most popular kids at school. On the first day of summer vacation, while boating on the lake with his friends, Travis attempts a silly stunt dive that goes wrong. He fears he has broken his leg. Instead, his trip to the hospital reveals he has a rare form of cancer, and to save him, the doctors tell his parents they must amputate. In an instant, Travis’s life and the lives of everyone around him are forever changed.

Travis is determined that he and only he should decide the course of his life. He has a plan, but he can’t carry it out alone. Will he convince one of his friends to fulfill his most important request?
 
Review: 3 1/2 Stars - This story is told from four different and unique perspectives - Travis, Emily the sister, Cooper the best friend and Darla the girlfriend. Each of the characters different points of view and how they related to each other with what was going on with Travis was written well. With the four different characters getting a chance to tell their point of view from a different angle the author covers many of the different choices one might or could make in such a horrible situation.

I found this story depressing due to the sensitive subject matter and the raw emotions written within each of the characters. It made me think what I REALLY would do if put in this situation. The author is correct in saying that we all might think we know what we would do, however until we are put in that actual situation we'd surprise ourselves at what we would actually do.

It was a quick read that was written extremely well for such a hard subject matter and the story itself gives a person so much to think about. If you haven't read this book be aware that its controversial subject matter is raw as are emotions, you might want to have a tissue handy.

Title: Perfect Chemistry
Author: Simone Elkeles
Publisher: Walker Books for Young Readers, 368 Pages (December 23, 2008)
From: Purchased from Overstock.com

Synopsis: A fresh, urban twist on the classic tale of star-crossed lovers.


When Brittany Ellis walks into chemistry class on the first day of senior year, she has no clue that her carefully created “perfect” life is about to unravel before her eyes. She’s forced to be lab partners with Alex Fuentes, a gang member from the other side of town, and he is about to threaten everything she's worked so hard for—her flawless reputation, her relationship with her boyfriend, and the secret that her home life is anything but perfect. Alex is a bad boy and he knows it. So when he makes a bet with his friends to lure Brittany into his life, he thinks nothing of it. But soon Alex realizes Brittany is a real person with real problems, and suddenly the bet he made in arrogance turns into something much more. In a passionate story about looking beneath the surface, Simone Elkeles breaks through the stereotypes and barriers that threaten to keep Brittany and Alex apart.

Review: 5 Stars - I don't know even where to start with this review. I've wanted to read this book for awhile and finally ordered it and read it almost the second it hit my hands. What more can I say but it was amazing. The characters were alive within the pages of this book. They were real in the sense that I think everyone could relate to both Brittany and Alex.

You wouldn't think that a gang member would be anything like the rich girl from the other side of town, but you'd be amazed at just how it all... clicks.

From the first page to the last I wanted nothing but more of this story. I wanted to know what would happen next, but at the same time I didn't want the story to end. If you’re thinking of reading this book and believe that it's only about two star-crossed lovers, then you’re wrong in believing that. The story of Brittany and Alex is so much more then just a love story. It's about trust, honesty with others and yourself, it is just full of so many life lessons, and more then I could even begin to list here.

What made this book even more perfect were the alternating point of view chapters. As a reader we were able to learn more about each character and not only who they really were, but what they both really wanted out of their lives.

What more can I say but read it! I know that this is one of those books that I'll be reading and enjoying over and over again. I would recommend you grab this book and read it soon, you won't be disappointed. I know I'm looking forward to reading more from this author.

ETA: It looks like there will be a sequel! Just visited the authors website and it shows - Rules of Attraction , sequel to Perfect Chemistry, May 2010!!! I can't wait!

Title: Megan Meade's Guide to the McGowan Boys
Author: Kate Brian
Publisher: Simon & Schuster Children's Publishing, 288 Pages (September 5, 2006)
From: Purchased from Overstock.com

Synopsis: Boys. 7 of them, to be exact. Megan is used to moving from place to place -- it's typical for an army brat. But she drew the line at South Korea. She insists on staying in the States to finish her last two years of high school. So her parents made arrangements for Megan to live with their friends, the McGowans...and the McGowans' 7 sons.

Turns out, living with 7 boys might as well be a foreign country! The boys are messy. They are cliquey (who knew?). And worst of all, two of the oldest boys are H-O-T. (A problem considering they are supposed to be Megan's "brothers.") Megan is definitely in enemy territory. She needs to win over the boys' hearts without totally crushing her own. And when Megan starts falling for one of them, sibling rivalry takes on a whole new meaning.... What is a girl to do?

Review: 4 Stars - Cute story. Show's how a person - girl's and boy's grow while going through various dramas throughout their teen years. How girl's and boy's are some what similar in how they do things - just both go about it in different round about ways.

It was a fast read that left me wanting to see more into the 2 year stay that Megan had at the McGowan house. What came between her and the crush she had on one of those 7 boys???

Title: The Good Girl's Guide to Getting Kidnapped
Author: Yxta Maya Murray
Publisher: Razorbill, 272 Pages (January 7, 2010)
From: Publisher

Review: 3 1/2 stars. The main character, Michelle Pena or Princess P was born into a gang family - her mother head of the 99's & her brother head of the Snakes.

In her early teen years both mother and brother were jailed for various gang actives, leaving Michelle to feel she had to fend for herself upon entering the Foster Care system. Moving from home to home - finding out that there is more to life then gangs, Michelle turns to school and running with the track team. While her and her best friend KiKi are both trying out for a scholarship to a prep school, people from Michelle's hidden past - members of the Snakes kidnap them both to hold them for ransom.

Michelle and KiKi need to make some hard choices while being held to survive, leaving many questions as to which road they would choose to take. The decisions in my mind were often hard but written well in the fact that they showed the reader that not all choices in life are the right ones and not everyone will agree with what might be right for you. However, I did feel that if Michelle did indeed want a better life, some of her choices should have been a little harder to make, maybe taken a little more thought.

I felt the ending was a tad rushed - the last few pages were somewhat confusing. The main character makes promises to do one thing, but I felt there was never a clear choice made. If this is the type of ending the author was going for, then it worked well in leaving the reader questioning things. I just felt that the characters and reader needed more closure then was given.  Overall it was a interesting story that kept me entertained in a world that I can say I knew nothing about. Future readers enjoy!

Title: The Naughty List
Author: Suzanne Young
Publisher: Razorbill, 272 Pages (February 4, 2010)
From: Publisher

Review: 4 Stars - Cheerleaders by day, Spies on the look out for cheating boyfriends by night.

Tessa, along with her fellow cheerleaders have been trying to help the teenage girl community around them for 2 years. Hunting secretly for cheaters by night, with SOS - the Society of Smitten Kittens on the case, girls can find out if their boyfriends are cheating.

Tessa's boyfriend, Aiden makes us all remember that there are still some great guys out there in the world. However, as Tessa starts to get suspicious of her own boyfriend and if he is in fact cheating on her, her emotions go into over drive. She has tried to be the perfect cheerleader, girlfriend, daughter, friend, student that the author portrays the cracks that start to form in Tessa's own perfection well.

Tess is quirky and sometimes a bit over the top with her little sayings or random expressions instead of swearing, however that didn't take away from the story. In the end I thought that it was a easy, fast paced read others would enjoy as well.