Sunday Showdown (4) | May Covers

 

Since it's almost the beginning of May I thought it would be fitting to put a few May covers against one another and see which one would win.

 

Here's the contenders:

 

 

Let the showdown begin!

 

 

Which cover is your favorite?
	After the End
	Dustlands: Raging Star
	Boy Nobody
	The Lovely and The Lost
	Second Star
pollcode.com free polls

 

 

 

Book Review | Red at Night by Katie McGarry

 

Format: Kindle

Source: Purchased

Publisher: Harlequin Special Releases

Publication Date: April 1, 2014

Goodreads

In Red at Night, Stella and Jonah are total opposites. She's the girl with purple hair from the wrong part of town. He's a high school senior who hangs with the cool crowd. Until a car accident leaves him haunted by guilt, and Jonah starts spending time at Stella's favorite refuge…the local cemetery.

Stella knows she should keep her distance—after all, she spent her girlhood being bullied by Jonah's friends. Once he's sorted out his tangled emotions, Jonah won't have time for her anymore. Too bad she's already fallen for him….

My Thoughts

I’m not a huge fan of Novellas and a lot of the time, I don’t even bother with reading them. Even if they are Novellas from my favorite series. But, when I saw Red at Night was written by Katie McGarry, I immediately pre-ordered it without even reading the summary. I’m a huge fan of McGarry’s Pushing the Limits books and since I love McGarry’s writing so much, I just knew that I had to give this Novella a chance and I’m really glad that I did because it’s one of the best Novellas that I have read.

Stella is such a fascinating character, she often gets made fun of at school due to her wild appearance, after all she dyes her hair purple and hangs out in a cemetery and she seems like the type that doesn’t care what anyone thinks about her, but in all actuality, the cruel words of her classmates hurts her but she continues to keep up the persona that she doesn’t care. But when she meets Jonah, the best friend of the main guy that has been torturing her since grade school, everything changes.

But I’m Stella and he’s Jonah and I don’t believe in fairy tales.

I would be lying if I said that I liked Jonah from the beginning because I actually didn’t because he was the type that didn’t stand up for himself or others and when Cooper, his best friend that has been bullying Stella would make fun or her, he wouldn’t say anything in her defense. Sure, he had just been through a horrible tragedy but I got the impression that he has always been like that. But, it seemed like spending time with Stella slowly changed him and he eventually won me over.

"If you take it I know you’re still my friend, and if it’s still here by the end of today I know I’ve destroyed the best thing that’s happened to me in a long time."

The fact that this book is only 80 some pages long and McGarry makes me connect with these characters so wholeheartedly is a testament to her amazing writing ability. Red at Night was such an intriguing and emotional read that left me wanting more, I sincerely hope to see more of these characters in the future.  

 

 

ARC Book Review | After the End by Amy Plum

Series: After the End, # 1

Format: e-ARC

Source: Publisher via Edelweiss

Publisher: HarperTeen

Publication Date: May 6, 2014

Goodreads

　

She’s searching for answers to her past. They’re hunting her to save their future.

World War III has left the world ravaged by nuclear radiation. A lucky few escaped to the Alaskan wilderness. They've survived for the last thirty years by living off the land, being one with nature, and hiding from whoever else might still be out there.

At least, this is what Juneau has been told her entire life.

When Juneau returns from a hunting trip to discover that everyone in her clan has vanished, she sets off to find them. Leaving the boundaries of their land for the very first time, she learns something horrifying: There never was a war. Cities were never destroyed. The world is intact. Everything was a lie.

Now Juneau is adrift in a modern-day world she never knew existed. But while she's trying to find a way to rescue her friends and family, someone else is looking for her. Someone who knows the extraordinary truth about the secrets of her past.

My Thoughts

When I first heard that Amy Plum was coming out with a new dystopian book, I was absolutely ecstatic. I really enjoyed her Revenant series and I had extremely high hopes for her new series. However, while I liked After the End, it didn’t WOW me like I was expecting it to.

Juneau has lived in a tiny community in Alaska her entire life. Her clan was pretty much the only survivors after the World War III back in 1983 and they have lived in the same tiny little community since then, never venturing outside the boundaries. But, when everyone in her clan is taken, it’s up to her to figure out what happened and how to get them back. Yet, when she journeys outside the boundaries of their land, she learns that WWIII never happened and the cities are intact. The only people she has ever known have lied to her, her entire life.

Juneau was a really hard character to relate to. Yeah, I know that she has been lied to her entire life and she has only know the life inside her village but she just seemed a little odd to me. I really didn't feel too much for Miles either. At the beginning we see a spoiled brat who is used to depending on his daddy to get him out of trouble and while he does seem to grow some as a character, I guess it was just a little too late for him to win me over.

It's clear he's lived a sheltered life. And not just sheltered in the fact that he hasn't been brought up in the wilderness like I have. He has lived what Dennis would call 'a fortunate life, unfortunately for the rest of the world," The blissfully ignorant spawn of the rich.

I really didn't get the whole dystopian feel from this book. Yes, at the beginning while Juneau is with her clan shut off from the rest of the world and thinking they were basically the only survivors of a war gave the impression of a dystopian. But, within the first few chapters we learn that it is all a lie and Juneau finds herself in the modern world and after that the whole dystopian vibe sort of went out the window.

Overall, After the End wasn't a story that I was heavily invested in, it was just a little too slow for me and I didn't really have any sort of connection with the characters. While it kills me that I didn't love this book like I did Plum's other series, I understand that I probably won't like every book I read by a beloved author.

 



 

 



Sunday Showdown (3) | Morgan Matson

 

For today's Showdown I'm putting Morgan Matson's covers against one another to see which one comes out on top!

 

 

Let the showdown begin!

 



Which cover is your favorite?
	Amy and Roger's Epic Detour
	Second Chance Summer
	Since You've Been Gone
pollcode.com free polls

 

ARC Book Review | The Break-Up Artist by Philip Siegel

 

 

Format: ARC

Source: Netgalley

Publisher: Harlequin Teen

Publication Date: April 29, 2014

Goodreads

 

 

Some sixteen-year-olds babysit for extra cash. Some work at the Gap. Becca Williamson breaks up couples. 



After watching her sister get left at the altar, Becca knows the true damage that comes when people utter the dreaded L-word. For just $100 via paypal, she can trick and manipulate any couple into smithereens. With relationship zombies overrunning her school, and treating single girls like second class citizens, business is unfortunately booming. Even her best friend Val has resorted to outright lies to snag a boyfriend.

One night, she receives a mysterious offer to break up the homecoming king and queen, the one zombie couple to rule them all: Steve and Huxley. They are a JFK and Jackie O in training, masters of sweeping faux-mantic gestures, but if Becca can split them up, then school will be safe again for singletons. To succeed, she'll have to plan her most elaborate scheme to date and wiggle her way back into her former BFF Huxley’s life – not to mention start a few rumors, sabotage some cell phones, break into a car, and fend off the inappropriate feelings she’s having about Val’s new boyfriend. All while avoiding a past victim out to expose her true identity.

No one said being the Break-Up Artist was easy.

My Thoughts

　

When I first heard about The Break-Up Artist I was immediately intrigued. It sounded like such a fun read and I couldn't wait to get my hands on it. While I wouldn't say this book was my favorite read of the year, I did have a lot of fun reading it.

If you there's a couple you want to break up, then Becca's your girl. Only she's known to her school as The Break-Up Artist and not by her true identity, which is probably for the best considering her line of work. For $100 via PayPal, she can break any couple you want, or at least she thinks so until she gets her hardest job to date, breaking up the most in love, adorable couple at her school, Huxley and Steve. And the kicker, Huxley used to be her best friend.

Becca was a very interesting character. At times I liked her and then other times I didn't. I can see why she thinks love is a facade and isn't real but does that constitute interfering with people's personal lives? At this point in my life, I would say no. But when I was in high school, I probably would have jumped at the chance to get back at someone who betrayed my friendship and my trust. That's not really my issue with her though, my main issue with Becca is what she does to her best friend, Val near the end of the book. Yes, she eventually sees the error of her ways and tries to make it right but, in my opinion it was still a crappy thing to do.

I really didn't like Ezra from the beginning, he just seemed like one of those guys that was only with someone until he got bored or something better came along. I don't want to give any spoilers so I'm not going to say if I was wrong or right about him, you'll just have to read the book to find out.

Overall, The Break-Up Artist was a very fun read and if you are in the mood for something light, then you should definitely give this one a try. I'm excited to see whether or not Becca will use her skills for something different in the next installment.

 

Life of a Blogger | Actors/Actresses

 

Life of  a Blogger is a weekly meme hosted by Novel Heartbeat

 

This week's topic is: Actors/Actresses

 

Favorite Actors

Channing Tatum

 

Charlie Hunnam 

Norman Reedus

 

 

Will Smith

 

Favorite Actresses

Jennifer Lawrence

 

Emma Stone

Jennifer Aniston

 

Sandra Bullock

 

 

Who are some of your favorite Actors/Actresses?

 

 

 

ARC Review | Rebel by Amy Tintera

Series: Reboot # 2

Format: e-ARC

Source: Publisher via Edelwiess

Publication Date: May 13, 2014

Publisher: HarperTeen

Goodreads

 The sequel to the action-packed Reboot is a can't-miss thrill ride, perfect for fans of James Patterson, Veronica Roth, and Marie Lu.

After coming back from death as Reboots and being trained by HARC as soldiers, Wren and Callum have finally escaped north, where they hope to find a life of freedom. But when they arrive at the Reboot Reservation, it isn't what they expected. Under the rule of a bloodthirsty leader, Micah, the Reboots are about to wage an all-out war on the humans. Although Wren's instincts are telling her to set off into the wilderness on their own and leave the battle far behind, Callum is unwilling to let his human family be murdered. When Micah commits the ultimate betrayal, the choice is made for them. But Micah has also made a fatal mistake . . . he's underestimated Wren and Callum.

The explosive finale to the Reboot duology is full of riveting action and steamy love scenes as Wren and Callum become rebels against their own kind.

 

 

My Thoughts

After reading and falling in love with Reboot last year, I could not wait to get my hands on Rebel to see how everything would wrap up.  I'm happy to say that Rebel was everything I was hoping for. 

Wren and Callum have finally made it to the Reboot Reservation and even though it looks good on the outside, they quickly learn that it's not the answer they were hoping for.  Micah, the Reservation leader isn't the nice guy that he portrays to Wren at first either.  Micah turns out to be a bloodthirsty asshole who wants to wipe the humans off the face of the earth, but will Wren and Callum let that happen?  I don't know (actually I do, but I'm not telling) you'll have to read to find out.

Wren is just as kickass in this book as she was in Reboot, although she has came a long way from the cold, emotionless girl that she seemed at the beginning of Reboot.  While I think some of that has to do with Callum, I don't think he's the only thing that changed her.  I feel like she was always a caring person underneath all that HRAC crap that filled her head, and I was so glad that we get to see more of that side in Rebel. 

In my opinion, Callum really steps up to the plate in this book.  I can't say much because I don' want to give anything away, but I will say that he while some things took me by surprise, I can see why he ends up where he does. 

 Overall, Rebel is just as action packed and engrossing as its predecessor.  Tintera's writing is amazing and she done a wonderful job bringing this duology to an end.

 

 

Sunday Showdown (2) Creepiest Cover

 

I'm a huge horror fan so I thought that I would do a creepy cover showdown for today. 

 

 

Here's the contenders:

 

 

Let the showdown begin!

 

Which cover is the creepiest?
	The Fall
	They All Fall Down
	Welcome to the Darkhouse
	Creed
	The Girl from the Well
pollcode.com free polls

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



Book Review | Split Second by Kasie West

 

 

Series: Pivot Point, # 2

Format: Hardback

Source: Won

Publisher: HarperTeen

Publication Date: February 11, 2014

Goodreads

 

Life can change in a split second.

Addie hardly recognizes her life since her parents divorced. Her boyfriend used her. Her best friend betrayed her. She can’t believe this is the future she chose. On top of that, her ability is acting up. She’s always been able to Search the future when presented with a choice. Now she can manipulate and slow down time, too . . . but not without a price.

When Addie’s dad invites her to spend her winter break with him, she jumps at the chance to escape into the Norm world of Dallas, Texas. There she meets the handsome and achingly familiar Trevor. He’s a virtual stranger to her, so why does her heart do a funny flip every time she sees him? But after witnessing secrets that were supposed to stay hidden, Trevor quickly seems more suspicious of Addie than interested in her. And she has an inexplicable desire to change that.

Meanwhile, her best friend, Laila, has a secret of her own: she can restore Addie’s memories . . . once she learns how. But there are powerful people who don’t want to see this happen. Desperate, Laila tries to manipulate Connor, a brooding bad boy from school—but he seems to be the only boy in the Compound immune to her charms. And the only one who can help her.

As Addie and Laila frantically attempt to retrieve the lost memories, Addie must piece together a world she thought she knew before she loses the love she nearly forgot . . . and a future that could change everything.

　

 

My Thoughts

Ok, Ms. West, we all know your secret so you should just go head and admit it now. What secret am I talking about? The one about you being a Para with the ability to tell AMAZING stories. Seriously, I don't think you can hide it any longer. 

Now, since I got that out of the way, let's move on to the incoherent mess that I will call a review.

Split Second is just as amazing as its predecessor, it has everything that I loved about Pivot Point plus more. We get to see the aftermath of Addie's desicion to stay with her mom and how everything played out with Duke.

One of my favorite things about this book is that we also get Laila's POV instead of just Addie's. I loved being inside Laila's head and seeing how much she cared about Addie, she feels so horrible about the things she has done that she is willing to do anything to make it right. She also meets a very swoonworthy boy during her journey to advance her ability.

Yes, you heard me right. Not only do we get quite a bit of Trevor time in this book but we also get another boy to drool over. My life is now complete.

At first I was a little worried about the whole switching POV thing, but like I said above, it turned out really, really well. West's writing is flawless so the switch between chapters doesn't feel forced or out of place. The things that each girl are going through all rolls into one big plot, which is wonderful.

Overall, Split Second is just as fun and sweet as the first. If you feel in love with Addie's story in the first book then you will be extremely happy after reading this series ender. I'm a firm believer that Kasie West can do no wrong when it comes to writing and she will forever be on my auto buy list. Well done, Ms. West, Well done.

 

 

 

 



Life of A Blogger | Food

 

Life of a Blogger is a weekly meme hosted by Novel Heartbeat

 

This week's topic is: FOOD!!

 

Here is some of my favorite foods :)

 

I love me some steak!

 

Pizza is also a favorite!

Mmmm, Spaghetti

 

 

Desserts!

 

I LOVE Smores

Strawberry Shortcake is a family favorite :)

 

 

What are some of your favorite foods?

 

 

 

 

 

Four Pics, One Series (7)

The answers to last weeks Four Pics, One Series was the Razorland Triology by Ann Aguirre and the Everneath Series by Brodi Ashton!

 

Now, on to this weeks pictures.

 

Part 1

 

Part 2

 

 

Let the guessing begin!

 

 

 

 

 

Hidden Treasures (3)

 

I'm sure we all have those books that we absolutely LOVED but it seems like they aren't very popular. So I decided to start a feature here on the blog that will allow me to spotlight some books that I have loved that I feel don't get a lot of recognition. My plan for this feature is to share the cover and summary of the book along with the first sentences or paragraphs and if it's a book that I didn't write a review for, I will probably also throw in a few reasons why I loved the book along with links to find out more about the book.

 

This week's Hidden Treasure is:

15 Minutes by Jill Cooper

 

 

 

I have 15 minutes to save my mother’s life….

15 minutes is all the Rewind Agency gives you in the past, but for Lara Crane it’s enough time to race through the city, find her mother, and stop her from being killed in a mugging that happened over ten years ago.

But that’s not how it happened. The story she’s been told all her life is a lie and when Lara takes a bullet meant for her mother, her future changes forever.

The love of her life acts like a stranger. Her simple life is replaced with a giant house, glamorous clothes and a new boyfriend.

Except someone knows her secret. And he will try to stop her at every turn as she races against the clock to unravel a dangerous conspiracy.

15 Minutes is an edgy high octane YA thriller that can be described as Back to the Future meets Inception where the people Lara trusts change in an instant. She is in a timeline she doesn't understand, and is about to make one fatal mistake as she faces an enemy so familiar, he’s family.



 

 I have fifteen minutes.

 

"Lara Crane?"

 

Standing in the sterile waiting room of the time travel agency known simply as Rewind, I turn towards the voice.  A redhead technician with a tight ballerina bun offers mea handshake.  I've met her before.  Her name is Delilah.

 

I should be in second period lab class, but instead I cut.  I have something more important to do than completing junior year chemistry.

 

"Nice to see you again."  After a glance over my shoulder, I follow her through a tiny hallway and into a secure room.  I crinkle paper brochures in one hand, and with the other repeatedly tuck my hair behind my ears.

 

Her lips perch together in a tight smile.  "You too, Ms. Crane. One of my favorite return visitors."

 

I sit down in the overstuffed black recliner, and when she latches the door, the metallic boom makes my heart skip a beat.

 

This is it.  Turning back is not an option.

 

The stark white walls, sparsely covered with posters, make me feel like a trapped rat.  Time travel has rules, the posters warn, and I plan on breaking every one.  A daughter will do anything for her mother.

 

I have one chance at this, and with my heightened blood pressure, it's clear my body knows it.  Once you travel back to a specific time, it's catalogued as off limits.  Frequent travel to the same moment, in the same space, causes a rut in space, like pacing across a worn floor.  If I fail, if I can't do this, my mother will remain dead forever.

 

One thing I loved about this book was the fact that it was full of action and it kept you guessing the whole time that you are reading it.

 

Here's a piece from my review:  

Overall, 15 Minutes is an amazing adventure with lots of twists that you won’t see coming.  It will have you on the edge of your seat until the very last page.

 

Amazon

Goodreads

 

Author's Website