Cheerleader Isobel Lanley is horrified when she is paired with Varen Nethers for an English project, which is due—so unfair—on the day of the rival game. Cold and aloof, sardonic and sharp-tongued, Varen makes it clear he’d rather not have anything to do with her either. But when Isobel discovers strange writing in his journal, she can’t help but give this enigmatic boy with the piercing eyes another look.
Soon, Isobel finds herself making excuses to be with Varen. Steadily pulled away from her friends and her possessive boyfriend, Isobel ventures deeper and deeper into the dream world Varen has created through the pages of his notebook, a realm where the terrifying stories of Edgar Allan Poe come to life.
As her world begins to unravel around her, Isobel discovers that dreams, like words, hold more power than she ever imagined, and that the most frightening realities are those of the mind. Now she must find a way to reach Varen before he is consumed by the shadows of his own nightmares.
His life depends on it.
Thoughts..
Before I say anything negative about this book, I just don't think it was my cup of tea. I love supernatural and paranormal stories, but this was something different altogether. It held paranormal characteristics, but was overly dark and angsty. So others may love this book while it just wasn't mean't for me. I would rate this at 2.5 stars. Suprisingly, this book did not leave me with too many thoughts to discuss. I am kind of indifferent to it. It wasn't a horrible book, but it isn't on my "to be recommended" list.
I felt like I never fully "got" what was even happening throughout the book. I was constantly confused, just waiting for an epiphany so everything would click. It never clicked. I didn't feel like the love story was ever developed. It was constantly switching from cold to luke warm. It never got to "hot". Just out of the blue for no apparent reason, Isobel decides she loves Varen more than life itself and will sacrifice everything for him. I just didn't feel it was justified. Isobel might have been in denial about the depth of the attraction to Varen, but love? Maybe. Maybe not. And Varen never really did anything to make me fall head over heels for him. I definitely did not have a literary crush on him. He was just constantly cold to her.
The book was just too full of questions that were never answered. Like I said, this book might be more aimed at someone who enjoys angst, dark themes, and mystery. End of rant.... :o)
Alexis Ames decides to learn who she really is, with or without the help of her mother, who guards their secrets closely. After meeting Tristan Knight and discovering that he s not normal either, the secrets begin to unravel. Their union brings promise to the future of mankind. But it also incites a dangerous pursuit by the enemy. Because they are a match made in Heaven and in Hell.
Thoughts..
First off, the cover and book description do not do this book justice. This book was so much better than I thought. It had it all. Soul mates, intriguing supernatural elements, action, and suspense. I haven't heard much about this book so I didn't have high expectations, but I was pleasantly suprised. Right from the beginning the book grabs you and pulls you in. Alexis is in the dark for most of the book regarding why she is the "freak" that she is. So you are reading quickly just to solve that mystery and then you are introduced to Tristen. You have to keep reading to find out what his role will play in the story. Through it all the the suspense keeps you reading and you cannot put the book down. In fact, I barely did. I started reading this on a Saturday night and at 2:30 on Sunday afternoon I was looking for the next book in the series.
Tristan and Alexis have such a powerful love that you get wrapped into it and try to get one step ahead of them to figure out what might happen next for them. You just always feel like something is just lurking around the corner (which is kind of was). Most of the things, I just never saw them coming. The end of the book...I PROMISE not to give anything away, but let me just say HEART WRENCHING! I NEED the next book right away.
I cannot forget to mention that I thought this was a young adult book (which is fine, I love YA too), but was pleasantly surprised that this was more of a college age - adult book. It had more adult themes in the bedroom. :) That was a nice change from the constant fade to black that you get accustomed to in YA novels.
Summary: After years of hard work, Gina Foxton, chef extraordinaire
and former runner-up Miss Teen Vidalia Onion, is hosting her own show,
Fresh Start, on Georgia public television. She's also dating the
producer. But when Fresh Start goes bad—and her boyfriend is caught in
flagrante delicto with the boss's wife—Gina decides it's time to pursue
bigger dreams. Namely a gig on national television.
Gina
knows she's destined to be the Cooking Channel's next superstar. But
the execs also have their eyes on Tate Moody, Mr. "Kill It and Grill It"
himself, host of the hunting, fishing, and cooking show Vittles. The
ultimate man's man, Tate is a tasty side of beef with a large, swooning
female fan base. Gina's loyal devotees consist of her free-spirited
college-dropout sister and her mother . . . who calls every single day.
When
the smoke clears there can be only one TV chef standing, and Gina and
Tate are ready for the cook-off of their lives. -- Harper
I was extremely reluctant to pick up this book out of fear it was just another chick-lit book with little to no plot. Matter of fact, it took me about a month to get to chapter 5; not because it wasn't good but because it was so different from what I have read in the last few years. The more I learned about the main character, the more curious I was to what the author had in store for me. And lets just say once I met Tate Moody - I was hooked.
Tate Moody: To-the-T!
My interpretation of Gina Foxton
To be honest, I was a little annoyed with Gina's "good-girl" perfectionist personality through the beginning of the book. I wanted to like her, she seemed nice-enough. But her character constantly was acting snotty about things and I wanted to slap her a few times and just say "get-a-grip honey! Who do you think you are?" Enter Tate Moody. His fly-by-the-seat of is 'britches' (as my grandmother used to say) and call'em out comments were just what was needed. The constant bickering added such lightness and a fun dynamic to the story that I would find myself giggling aloud...a lot.
I am not going go so far as to say that this would be an MUST READ story of epic proportions, however it was certainly a GREAT summer read and one that I am very glad I was loaned. I thoroughly enjoyed the author's writing style and many of the character depictions (however, felt that she spoke a little too much about socks or lack thereof - of all things.) If you're in the mood for a feel-good chick-lit book, this is Perfection... I will be reading more from Mary Kay Andrews, I hope you give it a try too. Toodles.
Before scientists found the cure, people thought love was a good thing. They didn’t understand that once love -- the deliria -- blooms in your blood, there is no escaping its hold. Things are different now. Scientists are able to eradicate love, and the governments demands that all citizens receive the cure upon turning eighteen. Lena Holoway has always looked forward to the day when she’ll be cured. A life without love is a life without pain: safe, measured, predictable, and happy. But with ninety-five days left until her treatment, Lena does the unthinkable: She falls in love.
Thoughts...
This book was brilliant. I have caught onto the hype that
is the dystopian novel. I have read two wonderful dystopian series to date
(Hunger Games and Divergent). That caused me to be a bit skeptical about this
book. When you have read what you thought is the best out there, how is
something else even going to compare? While this wasn’t as good as Hunger Games
or Divergent, this book was still great. I would rate it at 4 stars which I am
stingy with my stars (lol).
Seriously, the whole idea of this book is mind blowing.
First off, I think this book appeals to a reader who enjoys analyzing things.
The idea that a government would “cure” love is blasphemous. But yet, if you
really think about it, it would solve so much. Love and Hate are two sides of the
same coin. As much as they are two radical extremes, they are also only a shred
of difference between the two. You have to love something so much to end up
hating anything else in return. Without love (and in return hate), there would
be no violence because you can’t contain the emotion to care enough about
anything to act out. You would constantly have a feeling of contentment because
there is no other way. Now, do not think I am in any way in favor of
eradicating the disease that is love (even if it were possible). I am just
saying that I can see the reasoning behind a government wanting to eradicate the
emotion.
I often put the book down to just sit and think about what I
actually just read. The government gave many reasons as to why love was a
horrible disease, but yet you can figure out the meaning behind it. Once you
have the procedure and are cured, you are a drone. You are just a robot that
follows the governments plan for you. They tell you who to marry, what job you
will have, and even how many children you must have. You are always just
content. Content is good, but imagine never experiencing any heightened
emotion; Never being euphoric with excitement or depressed with grieving.
Nothing.
I could go on and on about the meaning behind this book, but
I will stop here. I found this plot original in the sense that I have never
heard of a dystopian novel controlling emotions to get the result that they
want. I have heard of many ways to control the population, but this was new to
me. It contains great characters that are easy to like. The love story is
sweet and almost sappy at times. You are fighting right along with Lena and
Alex, just hoping that there is a way for them to be together. But, let me just
say, the ENDING. OMG. I NEED THE NEXT BOOK LIKE RIGHT AWAY. I can’t believe
that Lauren Oliver would do this to us. I will admit to shedding a few tears
and having chills at the end.
"I run for I don't know how long. Hours, maybe, or days. Alex
told me to run. So I run. You have to understand. I am no one special. I am just
a single girl. I am five feet two inches tall and I am in-between in every way.
But I have a secret. You can build walls all the way to the sky and I will find
a way to fly above them. You can try to pin me down with a hundred thousand
arms, but I will find a way to resist. And there are many of us out there, more
than you think. People who refuse to stop believing. People who refuse to come
to earth. People who love in a world without walls, people who love into hate,
into refusal, against hope,and without fear. I love you. Remember. They cannot
take it."
Enjoy our read of Stephanie Meyers: Breaking Dawn (Chapter 5 -Isle Esme) this is a continuation of week 6's Masterpiece Monday, but we couldn't resist the FEATHERS passage. I hope you enjoy our latest 'mix' of tunes which included: Adel, Better than Ezra, Ludacris, Nappy Roots, and Nickleback!
It’s 1988 and Dexter Mayhew and Emma Morley have only just met. But
after only one day together, they cannot stop thinking about one
another. Over twenty years, snapshots of that relationship are revealed
on the same day—July 15th—of each year. Dex and Em face squabbles and
fights, hopes and missed opportunities, laughter and tears. And as the
true meaning of this one crucial day is revealed, they must come to
grips with the nature of love and life itself.
Where to begin...
This is an AMAZINGLY-real friends-to-lovers story that captured my attention and brought with it deep emotion on many levels. I was quite excited to read this story after seeing the movie trailer (as mentioned in previous posts it helps me to visualize the characters - and doesn't ruin the book for me).
With any new author, there were about 80 pages worth of 'getting-used-to-it' time. The English verbiage was the biggest obstacle; however, once I adjusted things fell into step.
Emma Morley is a optimistic-pessimist. She knows she wants to change the world...or rather "Not change the world exactly, but the bit around you." But, is quite down on herself and how things in her life tend to not work out. I felt that she was a very REAL character that is thoroughly good-natured, but not flawless that I found myself fighting for throughout the book.
Dexter Meyhew on the other hand is what I like to call "a fixer-upper" he's your bad-boy that you WANT so bad to do good. I have to admit (without spoilers - I'll post those farther down) I was extremely concerned I would not find any admirable qualities in Dexter. We know the hansome, arrogant, selfish attitude can only work if there are some redeeming qualities... but without even realizing it I found (by the end) I was fighting just as hard for Dex and desperately wanted him to find happiness too.
The story not only takes you through the encounters of Emma and Dexter (Em & Dex) but allows you to see THEIR lives thoroughly when they are not together. Which allows you to know these characters in a more complete way. Emma finds herself in relationships that as a reader you want to work -- because she deserves love. Dexter finds himself in orgies and extreme binges - and you really just want him to run home to a cold shower and realize his mess. It was amazing to me how the arrangement of this book worked. I had such intense emotions when reading about their lives and experienced the ups and downs wholeheartedly. Anyone who enjoys a fight-for-love story I feel will become engrossed in this book as I was.
To say I am excited to see this story come to life, is an understatement. I am not like most readers - I know very well that it is VERY difficult and almost impossible for feelings to be transmitted from the book pages to the big screen with the same intensity. Therefore, I set my standards low. Simply enjoying specific scenes being played out and character reactions being the same - and many times different that what I had imagined. Furthermore, this movie has the potential to tie in some great take-you-back 90's tunes in the soundtrack (however, many are not) mentioned in the book (ie: the Cranberries, Jamiroquai and many more). I really hope that you love this book as much as I did. Let me know what you think - and even if you don't read the book...go see the movie it looks great!
********************SPOILERS********************
So, for lack of being able to contain myself - I MUST jot down these few things that I had certain issues with that can't be mentioned in the review itself.
Dexter is a selfish drunk prick throughout the book, although I was fighting for Dexter by the end and really really wanted things to work out, I found myself extremely angry at his character and up until the end (when he finally redeems) I ... (don't think horribly of me) didn't want things to work out for him. I mean he's rich. He's handsome. He's arrogant. All things that I thing I would have accepted had there not been....
He's a drunk/sometimes drug addict. He takes his family for granted. He takes his best friend for granted.... He's an extreme womanizer (um - he's counting off the women he has slept with while at a wedding - while his fiancee' is pregnant next to him *jerk). He's selfish to the N'th degree! I suppose this was all part of David Nicholls master plan...hate Dexter for awhile...then feel extreme sadness for him when his life falls apart. It worked.
There were also a few things that I really really wished had of been included but were not.
The sex between Em & Dex - okay. It's aaaaaaalllll building up to that right? The brushes of the hips, the holding of the hands, the kissing, skinny dipping, the watching each other SHOWER! Then when they finally do, we are left thinking...Good? Bad? Amazing? As they thought it would be? Who freakin knows? I don't.
The baby talk. We all know it happened. Was Dexter a jerk during this? Perhaps this is why it is not included? I really wanted him to realize he's a good guy with her want a child with her as much as she wanted one too. Maybe this is only mentioned in passing and vague because it never comes to head? I think this too could have been a redeeming heart-warming scene that we never got to imagine.
Well, these are all just my rambles, and as you probably can tell - if you have read the book, and aren't peeking at the spoilers - I haven't mentioned the most shocking thing of the entire book! And don't plan on it. I hope you read :) Till next time.
When the Mayflower set sail in 1620, it carried on board the men and women who would shape America: Miles Standish; John Alden; Constance Hopkins. But some among the Pilgrims were not pure of heart; they were not escaping religious persecution. Indeed, they were not even human. They were vampires.The vampires assimilated quickly into the New World. Rising to levels of enormous power, wealth, and influence, they were the celebrated blue bloods of American society.
The Blue Bloods vowed that their immortal status would remain a closely guarded secret. And they kept that secret for centuries. But now, in New York City, the secret is seeping out. Schuyler Van Alen is a sophomore at a prestigious private school. She prefers baggy, vintage clothes instead of the Prada and pearls worn by her classmates, and she lives with her reclusive grandmother in a dilapated mansion. Schuyler is a loner...and happy that way. Suddenly, when she turns fifteen, there is a visible mosaic of blue veins on her arm. She starts to crave raw food and she is having flashbacks to ancient times. Then a popular girl from her school is found dead... drained of all her blood. Schuyler doesn't know what to think, but she wants to find out the secrets the Blue Bloods are keeping. But is she herself in danger?
Could those vampire legends really be true? Steeped in vampire lore and set against the glittery backdrop of New York City, Blue Bloods will be devoured by Melissa de la Cruz's legion fans.
Thoughts...
These books are quick, easy, and entertaining reads. They are definitely not your run of the mill, oridinary vampire novels. There are a few new vampire ideas introduced throughout this series which was refreshing. The best way I can describe this series would be vampires meet Gossip Girl. The novels surrounds a coven of vampires living in the upper east side (hence the Gossip Girl reference). Just for fun, please see my Gossip Girl character cross reference below...
Schuyler - Jenny (Different fasion sense, unique)
Oliver - Dan (Loyal, Oh so Loyal...just forget the fact that Jenny and Dan are brother and sister in Gossip Girl)
Jack - Nate (Handsome, sometimes mysterious, every girls crush)
Mimi - Blair (Bitch, Queen Bee)
Bliss - Serena (Beautiful, Somtimes follows the in crowd, sometimes can lead her own way)
Kingsley - Chuck (ARROGANT)
Now of course, each cross reference doesn't match up to the Gossip Girls characters perfectly, but surprising I found quite a few similarities to the characters in the Blue Blood novels and the Gossip Girl characters.
As I said, these books were entertaining and easy reads. I think I read like one book a day. There is a great cast of characters, entertaining dialogue, and a intriguing plot. That being said, I do wish that the plot developed a little quicker throughout the series. Each book in the series is more like an installment that a stand alone book. Just because you are getting to the end of the books does NOT mean that you will get any form of closure. There are at least three minor stories going on throughout each book so the book flips points of view frequently which can be a cause of frustration. Sometimes I though to myself, No, No, just get on with this. That being said, it does keep you on your toes and you do get tired of any story line too quickly.
Overall, I recommend these books to anyone who enjoys young adult paranormal romance. You get a little bit of everything rolled up together with this series...
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.
A Favorite Quote (Of Many):
"You are the one girl that made me risk everything for a future worth having."
Thoughts...
Wow, just wow! I absolutely love it when I am surprised by how good a book actually is. It really makes my day. I didn't have super high expectations for this book even though I read a lot of reviews that said it was wonderful. I figured that it would be a good, but ordinary teen romance novel. If you have read any of my previous reviews then you know that I tend to stick toward the supernatural side of things so this was stretching for me. Hah. I was totally immersed in this book. Sure, on the outside it might seem like any other teen book but it is so MUCH more. That leads to my next topic...
My absolute favorite thing about this book is the fact that the author does not shy away from sensitive subjects. She plows straight through the good, bad, and ugly. I do not claim to have any knowledge of gang life, cerebral palsy, or many of the topics that are discussed in this book, but I can appreciate that the author seems to provide a very realistic experience throughout the book and at times that can be disturbing. Gang life in general seems pretty hard core and dangerous. We get to experience that first hand from Alex's point of view. And you get a first hand lesson that everything is not always as it appears. Especially for Brittany...her mother is the picture perfect mother to the outside. But within their four walls, she is a mess. Brittany tries to put on the front that she a perfect princess to hide the fact that her life is unraveling at home.
Ekleles didn't give the characters, Alex and Brittany, the easy way out either. They are faced with so many difficulties throughout the series and they have to work for their relationship. I like that in a book. Everyone loves a happily ever after, but I like mine realistic. I don't want it to just magically fall into place because life isn't normally like that.
So....go and buy this book. It is a great story. Definitely worth the time and money!!!
**While this is a teen book, I do want to point out that this is for a more mature teen (and of course older since I am 20 something). I don't want to pin point an age, but it does discuss mature things such as sex and violence; also includes foul language. I don't want anyone to think this takes away from the book because it is all absolutely necessary to provide a realistic story line.
Publisher: Harlequin Teen Publish Date: June 21st, 2011
Favorite Quote: "An I can no more stop worrying about you than I can stop myself from breathing." -Cayla Kluver (Legacy)
Good Reads Description:
I noticed his eyes. They were blue, sharp and intense. Despite the youthful glows of his suntanned face, his eyes were cold and unfriendly, suggesting he had great experience in the world and was now expecting the worst.
In her seventeenth year, Princess Alera of Hytanica faces one duty: to marry the man who will be king. But her father's choice of suitor fills her with despair.
When the palace guard captures and intruder—a boy her age with steel-blue eyes, hailing from her kingdom's greatest enemy—Alera is alarmed…and intrigued. But she could not have guessed that their clandestine meetings would unveil the dark legacy shadowing both their lands.
In this mystical world of court conspiracies and blood magic, loyalties will be tested. Courage won't be enough. And as the battle begins for everything Alera holds dear, love may be the downfall of a kingdom.
Thoughts:
I received this book through Net Galley via Harlequin Teen. I had no prior knowledge of the author or the story so I was definitely suprised...
I feel like no matter what, a book should be reviewed based on its content. Did you enjoy the author’s writing style? Did the plot keep you guessing? Did you connect with the characters? Those are the questions that most people consider when writing a review on a book. However, I feel like this must be said.The author was only 14 years old when she wrote this book! Yes, you read that right me.I still think that a book must stand on its own without the knowledge that the author was a very young adult. But, gosh, 14? That’s nuts. I kept thinking to myself the entire time reading that it amazes me that someone so young could write such a great story.
Legacy is for anyone how enjoys young adult historical fiction. The story includes very descriptive details. Kluver creates a brand new world with Hytanica. She describes the scenery in lush detail. The author’s aim is young adult so there is a longer than necessary (to me) focus on clothing and hair styles. Alera’s thoughts get caught up in other’s beautiful dresses and fancy up-dos just as many 17 year olds would. Kluver creates a story full of love, politics, and war all in the fictional kingdom of Hytanica.If you are a fan of young adult books, princesses, and historical fiction, this might be the book for you.This book is no small feat at 496 pages. :o)
