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Today Sherry Soule, the author of the popular Spellbound Series, has some exciting news to share with us! All the previously published books in the series have been completely revamped with more epic romance, sizzling character chemistry, and thrilling new scenes!
The revised versions also include exclusive bonus material. To help promote the new editions, Sherry is doing this awesome guest post to share the update with fellow booklovers.
We have personal letter about the series from the author:
Dear Reader,
Welcome to the Spellbound series, which is set in the eerie world of Fallen Oaks. North of San Francisco, between Larkspur and Madrone Woodlands in Marin County, this coastal town’s magical charm and sweeping beauty is only a superficial façade. Nothing more than a smokescreen to conceal its murky history.
Those familiar with this area will realize I’ve taken some artistic freedom with this wooded setting. Ah, the power of a storyteller! I’ve chosen the backdrop of Northern California for an obvious reason. It is a beautiful area of lakes, forests, and wildlife.
On a special note, three amazing things really do exist in this locale: the lush forest of Muir Woods, the majesty of Mount Tamalpais, and San Francisco’s infamous roiling fog. I chose to retain these intriguing facets of the region because they contribute to the storyline in a very significant way.
In these serialized novels, you’ll learn the secrets of Fallen Oaks and more about the quirky inhabitants that populate this peculiar neighborhood, where it seems everyone has something to hide. Discover what skulks in the fog and prowls within the dense forest.
Meet the teenage residents that have good looks, lots of teen angst, and a fair share of supernatural intrigue. Read about Trent and Shiloh’s love story, which began with a mixture of lustful teen hormones and beguiling attraction. When Shiloh and Trent first meet, they both feel an instant connection, but at its core, it is a tale about the power of first love and the courage of two hearts that were meant to beat tremendous odds just to be together.
Happy reading,
Sherry
These are the new book covers created for the series!
Deadly Witchcraft. Ghostly Threats. Doomed Romance.
They say every town has its secrets, but that doesn’t even begin to describe Fallen Oaks. The townsfolk are a superstitious lot and the mystical disappearance of a local teen has everyone murmuring about a centuries old witch’s curse.
When sixteen-year-old Shiloh Trudell takes a summer job at Craven Manor, she discovers a ghost with an agenda. That’s where she meets the new town hottie, Trent Donovan, and immediately becomes enchanted by his charms.
Finally, Shiloh’s met someone who is supercute and totally into her, but Trent is immersed in the cunning deception that surrounds the mysterious Craven Manor. So much so that he may lose sight of what is truly important to him. And she can’t decide whether she wants to shake him or kiss him. Yet neither one of them can deny the immediate, passionate connection growing between them.
But underlying everything is the fear that Trent may be the next victim on a supernatural hit list, and Shiloh is the only person with the power to save him…
With cryptic messages from a pesky wraith, Shiloh will finally begin to understand the mysterious significance of the strange mark branded on her wrist and decide how much she’s willing to sacrifice to protect the other teenagers in town.
Unfortunately, for Shiloh, not all ghosts want help crossing over. Some want vengeance.
Buy the new version of BEAUTIFULLY BROKEN (part 1):
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Dark Magick. Town Curses. Dangerous Secrets.
Shiloh Trudell wishes she were an ordinary girl. But for as long as she can remember, she has seen demons—otherworldly creatures that prey on the innocent—including her classmates.
Sure, she loves shopping, gossiping with her friends, rebelling against her parents, and her overwhelming attraction to the one boy that seems to ‘get’ her. Yet deep down, Shiloh knows she isn’t like other teenage girls. There’s the gift of Sight (Yes, she can see dead people), the new magical powers—oh, and the lessons on demon hunting.
With the body count rising, Shiloh resolves to learn more about the deadly curse on the town of Fallen Oaks, as well as the ominous shadows that seem to follow just a few steps behind Trent Donovan, local hottie and Shiloh’s current crush. For reasons, she can’t explain she’s inexplicably drawn to Trent and the haunting world of Craven Manor.
The dark secrets infused within the town have long tendrils, mostly affecting its teenage residents. Even Shiloh and Trent—especially Shiloh and Trent—are not immune from the darkness. And Trent’s not the only one hiding something.
Someone in Fallen Oaks has put out a supernatural hit list on the teenagers in town, and now it’s up to Shiloh to face her worst fears, and then fight like hell…
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Places you can cyberstalk Sherry Soule:
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Disclaimer: I bought this book to read for myself and to give it an honest opinion.
The Infinite Moment of Us
by Lauren Myracle
Pages: 316
Published: August 27, 2013
Publisher: Amulet Books
Overview:
For as long as she can remember, Wren Gray’s goal has been to please her parents. But as high school graduation nears, so does an uncomfortable realization: Pleasing her parents once overlapped with pleasing herself, but now... not so much. Wren needs to honor her own desires, but how can she if she doesn’t even know what they are?
Charlie Parker, on the other hand, is painfully aware of his heart’s desire. A gentle boy with a troubled past, Charlie has loved Wren since the day he first saw her. But a girl like Wren would never fall for a guy like Charlie—at least not the sort of guy Charlie believes himself to be.
And yet certain things are written in the stars. And in the summer after high school, Wren and Charlie’s souls will collide. But souls are complicated, as are the bodies that house them...
My Take:
Characters:
Wren : B and Charle : A
Cover: B
Story: B
It was a sweet, romantic high school story. It's between YA and NA. This just seemed different than what I normally read. It didn't scream "WOW" to me like some books have had. It had some moments that were really good when Wren and Charlie communicate about things and the frustrations that they go through with each other. You can see it's real. The whole concept that screamed to me was that it was in high school, romance and friendship blossomed and it was about the point of living now. The book was fast paced and I managed to finish it in a day.
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Disclaimer: I received this book from BEA 2013 for myself and to give it an honest opinion.
Faking It
Losing it #2
Author: Cat Carmack
Paperback
Pages: 304
Published: June 4, 2013
Publisher: William Morrow & Company
Overview:
Mackenzie “Max” Miller has a problem. Her parents have arrived in town for a surprise visit, and if they see her dyed hair, tattoos, and piercings, they just might disown her. Even worse, they’re expecting to meet a nice, wholesome boyfriend, not a guy named Mace who has a neck tattoo and plays in a band. All her lies are about to come crashing down around her, but then she meets Cade.
Cade moved to Philadelphia to act and to leave his problems behind in Texas. So far though, he’s kept the problems and had very little opportunity to take the stage. When Max approaches him in a coffee shop with a crazy request to pretend to be her boyfriend, he agrees to play the part. But when Cade plays the role a little too well, they’re forced to keep the ruse going. And the more they fake the relationship, the more real it begins to feel.
My Take:
Oh my gosh!! I have never heard of Cora Carmack until I attended the BEA 2013 in NYC! I got her autographed for this book and was thrilled. Once I saw the book was about (the cover was eye candy), I knew I had to get it. The line was long but it was so worth it! I did start this book on my way home from NYC to Chicago as I could not put it down. It took me about two days to read and let me say wow!!! (yeah I finally get around to writing a review!...eeps)
I have not read the first book so I jumped into the second book and it was awesome. You can still follow along but I am curious of the first book. Anyways onwards to the review...
Basically the book is based on Cade Winston who was mentioned in the first book. He is living in Philadeplina and finds himself at odds end with life and love. From what I could tell that he was very into Bliss and sadly it did not work out. To be let down is always a bummer. You could the emotions from Cade which I enjoyed. Bliss invites Cade to Thanksgiving dinner but Cade is not up for it. I would be feeling the same way, wouldn't you? Anyways Cade tells Bliss he's heading home for Thanksgiving as Bliss accepts that even though Cade isn't really going home. Meanwhile, Max comes in with her boyfriend who she is dating at the coffee shop as she gets a phone call from her parents who are going to meet her there.
Pure shock and panic hits Max! She then tells her boyfriend, Mace to just leave because she knows her parents will not like him at all and disown her. Cade is watching all of the action of Max and Mace, after Bliss and her boyfriend depart. Max manages to spy Cade and talks him into acting as her boyfriend as her parents arrive. Cade agrees as he does such an excellent job charming Max's parents. Her parents adore Cade. They get to hang out together for 24 hours. After the 24 hours are done, they go their separate ways but somehow they can't get each other off their minds. They do see each other time to time in certain places as I loved how they react to each other in those events. It's a combination of soft and hard.
Cade gets a more of an understanding how Max is when she's with her family and how she is alone. Max learns more about herself when she is with Cade. Eventually tells her parents of her music and tattoos which I think is powerful thing to do. Even Max helps Cade with his pain too. There is some angst between them and drama but that what makes the book great too. Cora writes amazing characters with their point of views into a plot that will take you on a rollar coaster ride!
Will Cade and Max actually be together or not? Will Max parents find out? What will happen? I totally recommend this book! It made me laugh, smile and gasp! The interaction between Cade and Max is a combination of humor, heat, passion and softness. They click with each other so well when they want to. They are opposites. You so need to get this book and read it. You will fall in love with the characters and swoon at Cade and root for Max! I look forward to reading more of the lovely Cora Carmack!!
Story: A
Cover: A
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Disclaimer: I bought this book to read for myself and to give it an honest opinion.
Life After Theft
Author: Aprilynne Pike
Hardcover
Pages: 345
Published: April 30, 2013
Publisher: Harper Teen
Overveiw:
Moving to a new high school sucks. Especially a rich-kid private school. With uniforms. But nothing is worse than finding out the first girl you meet is dead. And a klepto.
No one can see or hear Kimberlee except Jeff, so--in hopes of bringing an end to the snarkiest haunting in history--he agrees to help her complete her "unfinished business." But when the enmity between Kimberlee and Jeff's new crush, Sera, manages to continue posthumously, Jeff wonders if he's made the right choice.
My Take:
I've never read any books of Aprilynne Pike until now. My first impression on "Life After Theft" was that it was quite interesting take on a ghost. Most ghost stories that I have read swim towards romance, revenge or horror aspects. In Aprilynne's "Life After Theft" has the ghost geared towards more of realizing how you can affect someone. This book is contemporary with a light touch of paranormal.
First off Jeff moves to a state of the art school that is filled with rich students. He enters the school thinking all will be well. The first person he sees is a girl named Kimberlee who acts really strange to him as he thinks she's playing a joke on him since he's the new kid. Kimberlee is a ghost and has been trying to get someone to notice her for some time now. Jeff is the one who can see and hear Kimberlee! Kimberlee is quite happy about this and then wants Jeff to help her with her unfinished business. Jeff is not so thrilled about this concept since it's about returning all the stuff that Kimberlee stole when she was alive.
As the task begins and Jeff learns the story behind this. Both Jeff and Kimberlee have their good and bad moments. Jeff realizes Kimberlee is not the easy to get along with and was not really nice when she was alive. While dealing with Kimberlee, he also manages to snag a girl named Sera who has issues as well. Jeff learns about the issues of Sera as he sticks with her no matter what Kimberlee says about her. Jeff seems the type of guy giving everyone a chance which I found this to be quite a nice feature. Does Jeff help Kimberlee with the whole thing? Does Kimberlee change? Does the romance between Jeff and Sera actually work?
The book was a fun read. I enjoyed Jeff the most since he was just a great, round guy. Kimberlee took me some time to warm up to. Sera had me curious at times and then I was not sure if I could trust her or not. It was a game of Sera vs Kimberlee for I. Overall the characters were quite interesting and real. I think think book shows you a depth of everyone wanting to fit in somewhere. The plot was quite an adventure since all the characters connect to each other on one level or the other.
If you are looking for a simple and light read, then go pick up this book today. I'm glad I read "Life After Theft!" I look forward more of Aprilynne Pike's work.
PS: The cover is quite interesting!!
Story: B
Cover: B
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Disclaimer: I bought this book to read to give it an honest opinion!
Slated (Slated #1)
Author: Terri Terry
Format: Paperback
Pages: 448
Publisher: Orchard Books
Published: May 3, 2012
Overview
Kyla’s memory has been erased,
her personality wiped blank,
her memories lost for ever.
She’s been Slated.
The government claims she was a terrorist, and that they are giving her a second chance - as long as she plays by their rules. But echoes of the past whisper in Kyla’s mind. Someone is lying to her, and nothing is as it seems. Who can she trust in her search for the truth?
My Take
The cover jumped out at me because it stares at you giving you a curious wonder of what was it all about! Once I read the summary,I had to buy it. I started to read this book and could not put it down. I finished the book in two days.
The main character is named Kyla and her memory was erased so she had to relearn everything again of things. She was put into a new home with a mum and father along with a sister named Amy who was also been slated. Slated means that their memories were erased.
Once Kyla adjusts to living with the family, she slowly gets to go to school and she meets all kinds of people. She is curious of things and keeps getting told to be good and not break the rules. Anyone who gets slated have levo's. Levo's show their moods. If their moods go to 3's or lower, they can blackout. They have to wear levo's until the are twenty one. Basically they are controlled which I thought was kind of weird. Fear seems to be there and here for control.
Why are certain people slated? This makes Kyla wonder. Some are usually slated for a second chance from doing bad things. With all these questions going around in her head, Kyla starts to remember things. Even her nightmares seem to trigger memories as well. I loved how Kyla is different and she figures out the she is different. She does not give up! Determination is there for her and she knows it.
Kyla and hottie Ben are a cute and sweet romance, but I think it needed a bit more sparks there. I liked how Ben and Kyla bounced ideas off of each other and how they ran together too. Their relationship seemed more like friends than romance. Maybe the romance will come more alive in book two? Ben is also kind of like Kyla bit.
When friends and teachers get taken and go missing. Kyla's questions seem to pour out more and more determination hits her. Will she get what she wants to know? The truth? Kyla learns of right and wrong and among others.
There's tons of tension and suspense in this book. The book seemed to focus on Kyla in the matter of figuring out who she is and the past. The ending was amazing and really makes me want book number 2: Fractured to come out soon as possible so I can see what happens next with Kyla.
A great science fiction, thriller story for you all to read!
Cover Rating: A
Story Rating: A
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Disclaimer: I was given this ebook to read from part of a book blog tour in exchange to give it an honest opinion!
Time's Twisted Arrow (The Chronos Files #1)
Author: Rysa Walker
eBook
351 pages
October 1, 2012
Publisher: Gypsy Moon Books
Overview:
They weren't panic attacks. Of that, seventeen year old Kate is certain, no matter what the shrink told her parents. But it's even harder to accept the explanation offered by her terminally ill grandmother - that Kate has inherited designer DNA from the time-traveling historians of CHRONOS, who were stranded in the past by a saboteur. Kate knows that her grandmother's story could easily be the brain tumor talking, but that doesn't explain the odd medallion or the two young men - one of them hauntingly familiar -- who simply vanish before her eyes on the subway. It doesn't explain Trey, the handsome stranger who now occupies Kate's assigned seat in trig class. And it definitely doesn't explain why Kate is now in an alternate timeline, where leaders of a previously unknown cult hold great power and are planning a rather drastic form of environmental defense.
In this new reality, Kate's grandmother was murdered at age twenty-two on a research trip to the past, which means that Kate's mother was never born, her father doesn't know her and, for all intents and purposes, she doesn't exist. The only thing keeping her from disappearing entirely is the strange blue medallion around her neck, and the only thing keeping her sane is her burgeoning relationship with Trey. To restore the time line, Kate must travel back to 1893 and keep herself and her grandmother clear of H.H. Holmes, the serial killer who is stalking young women at the Chicago World's Fair. But that choice comes at a price - she'll remember the past few months with Trey, but when he looks at her, he'll see a total stranger.
My Take:
I loved this story! The book kept going and going with action and keeps your attention to turn the pages to find out more of what will happen with Kate. It was well written and a quick fantastic read.
I loved the main character Kate as she gets thrown into this whole new world of time travel. At first she was not sure about it but destiny calls to her to help. Kate has a gene that allows her to time travel with the medallion which I thought was pretty unique to have written in this story. I love how Kate immerses herself into learning time travel and how it works along with the rules so the time line doesn't get disrupted. She heads back in time to save her grandmother who's a time traveler herself which made my head spin. You'll have to read the book to understand what I'm talking about!! You will love it.
As for the romance department, there's two guys: Kiernan and Trey! Who will the be one for Kate? Kiernan is aware of time traveling and knows quite a bit. Trey is the other guy who falls for Kate during a timeline being disrupted for her. He was there for her and gave her chance to help. Will either one of them remember what is going on and their romance with Kate? Will Kate figure it out as well?
The ending left me wanting to know what was going to happen next. Will there be a sequel? I hope so!!! I want to know what happens next. The characters I just absolutely loved. I'm not indulging in all the details of this fantastic story because you need to read it yourself. It's a great adventure. If you like time travel, a bit of sci fi, adventure and a bit of romance, then this book will fit perfectly with you. You won't regret it! Pick it up today.
Story:A
Cover: B
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Disclaimer: I bought this book to read to give it an honest opinion!
Easy
Author: Tammara Webber
Format: Paperback
Pages: 310
Published: November 6, 2012
Publisher: Berkley Trade
Overview:
He watched her, but never knew her. Until thanks to a chance encounter, he became her savior…
The attraction between them was undeniable. Yet the past he’d worked so hard to overcome, and the future she’d put so much faith in, threatened to tear them apart.
Only together could they fight the pain and guilt, face the truth—and find the unexpected power of love.
My Take
Oh my gosh!! I literally could not put this book down. Once I started I could not stop. I wanted more of what was going to happen Jacqueline. Wow!! Okay let me compose my thoughts here.
stretches her fingers out.....and go!
It started off with such a powerful and emotional scene! I was shocked, worried and my heart fell to my stomach. I do have to give the author amazing props to write such a scene. To handle this type of topic. Rape isn't an easy topic to write about. I think it showed great emotion behind now and after of this topic. Plus at the end of the book, the author gives out some great information.
The exchange between Jacqueline and Lucas was amazing. They way they had the playful banter between emails and a bit in person was nice and sweet. They just had a wonderful time together. Lucas comes off as a bad boy type of guy from the way he looks but he's really a great guy! Plus that he rides a motorcycle is pretty hot too! I loved this type of character. There were so many good moments between Lucas and Jacqueline! If you like a great story with romance and friendship and emotions hitting you, then this book is for you!!
It was soooo powerful and wholesome. So amazing. I cannot express how great this book is! You HAVE to read it. It give such an amazing range of emotions. I read this book literally in 3 hours I believe while I was killing time at the airport and then on my flight home. It was just such an amazing read.
The cover is amazing too! I love how simple it is and yet shows you a sweet, tender embrace.
I will read more from this author! Thank you writing this amazing story, Tammara!
Story: A
Cover: A
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Clockwise (Clockwise 1)
Author: Elle Strauss
Format: eBook
Pages: 290
Published: November 21, 2011
Publisher: ESB Publishing
Overview
Casey Donovan has issues: hair, height and uncontrollable trips to the 19th century! And now this—she’s accidentally taken Nate Mackenzie, the cutest boy in the school, back in time. Awkward.
Protocol pressures her to tell their 1860 hosts that he is her brother and when Casey finds she has a handsome, wealthy (and unwanted) suitor, something changes in Nate. Are those romantic sparks or is it just “brotherly” protectiveness?
When they return to the present, things go back to the way they were before: Casey parked on the bottom of the rung of the social ladder and Nate perched high on the very the top. Except this time her heart is broken. Plus, her best friend is mad, her parents are split up, and her younger brother gets escorted home by the police. The only thing that could make life worse is if, by some strange twist of fate, she took Nate back to the past again.
Which of course, she does.
My Take
Casey is quite a character in this book. She time travels since she was 9 years old and has adjusted to it. She adjusts her time between high school, home life, social life and time traveling. She is a very down to earth character and is quite lovable. She is also thinks quickly on her feet given the situations she gets in.
So she gets ready to time travel and somehow ends up taking Nate with her! Well this was a first time and was quite a shock! She of course has a crush on Nate as well. I think it's more of a love and dislike relationship with Nate due to the fact that Nate's girlfriend so does not like Casey. Anyways, Nate at first thinks it's a prank and does not believe it's 1860. Once reality hits Nate, he's shocked and curious at the same time. I think he realizes he had to depend on Casey and the way she took gumption of the situation was great. Do they become friends or enemies when they go back to the normal time? You must read this book to find out.
I love love love the history aspect of this! It allows you to understand history more of how United States was back in 1860! You get a peek of farm life, family life, racism, no transportation and even a bit of sexism pops up. All of these aspects you see in the book and really gives you a sense of it was back in 1860. I enjoyed it!
There are a few other surprises in the book related to the character Samuel which caught me off guard! You'll like this little surprise. The other characters in the book help the story along perfectly. The story is well written and you won't regret reading this book today. If you are looking for something simple and fun to read then this book is for you. I liked it because it was time traveling, adventure, friendship, historical and even perhaps a bit of romance?
Story: A
Cover:B
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Disclaimer: I given both books to read by the author in exchange for an honest review and opinion!
Heart Waves (Heart Waves #1)
by Danielle Sibarium
Paperback
251 pages
Published June 1st 2012 by KFR Communications
Overview:
Jenna Kingsley has a gift. She knows things. With a simple touch she can pick up personal information from jewelry or objects. While at a neighbor’s party, a voice mesmerizes her. Jenna is momentarily frozen as a ring is placed in her hand. White electricity surges through her and a dire prediction is made. “It’s like Romeo and Juliet. You’re going to break my heart.”
From the moment they meet Jenna is enchanted and entranced with Reece Walton. She’s thrilled to learn he’s spending the summer two houses away from hers. Every moment they spend together is magical. But she can’t get the prediction out of her mind. As the summer draws to a close and secrets are revealed, can Jenna get past the fear of being left with a broken heart to live in the moment with Reece or will her fear of being hurt fulfill the prophecy?
My Review:
I loved the cover of this book! It catches your eye nicely and the title is lovely as well. If you love cool covers, then you gotta get this book.
Meanwhile the story was great. The pace and writing was an easy and superb read! If you like quick reads, then you should get this book. The relationship of Jenna and Reece takes you on a ride. I liked how Reece and Jenna met at a party and from there many things happen. The story was all based on how their relationship is set up which I loved. To see it grow a bit by bit as it was neat to see.
Reece is an adorable guy and protective of Jenna as well which I liked but I also did think at times he was a bit too overprotective. Why was her overprotective? Was he hiding something? The relationship between Jenna and Reece was sweet to me.
Through the book, the supernatural element isn't so much involved which bummed me out a tiny bit. It mostly focused on relationship and trust.
The story is light, easy and stays with you very well. It will charm you and make you smile along with hoping for all the best. It's a sweet story but I think it does let your mind ask questions at times too! It's a great book for all ages to read. It took me about a day and half to read it!
I look forward to the sequel!! I so cannot wait. Go get your copy today and be swept away by HEART WAVES.
Cover: A
Story: B
Breaking Waves (Heart Waves #2)
Author: Danielle Sibarium
Paperback
Published: January 10, 2013
KFR Communications
Overview:
From the moment they met, Jenna knew Reece would break her heart, but she never dreamed it would happen like this. Jenna is left shattered and broken. When life becomes too painful to deal with and she feels completely alone, there’s only one person to help her pick up the pieces and move on. The one person she doesn’t want to turn to. The one person she promised to stay away from. Tyler.
Can Jenna put aside everything she knows about him and let Tyler help heal her broken heart?
My Take:
The sequel to Heart Waves is amazing! I loved this story a great deal. It picks up where the first book was. Jenna is still trying to deal with the fact that Reece is gone. She does not want to deal with anything. Reece was her Romeo and it was gone and her heart was hurting. I felt the pain and emotions from Jenna which made me wish she could get over it.
Jenna ends up connecting with Tyler who helps her. He understands pain and loneliness very well. He himself has been in that situation and was a friend to Reece as he misses him too. There's more to him than meets the eye which I loved. Tyler seems like the bad boy type which is interesting. Tyler takes a while to crack open to Jenna which I loved how she learns more about him.
The romance between the two seems to sprout a bit which I liked more than when Jenna was with Reece for some reason. Maybe it was because that they were both dealing with grief and loneliness. Emotions run high but the two of them sparked each other with honesty in a way.
There were questions in my mind of what exactly happened with Reece and how does Tyler fit in? Was it that big of a crime to put Jenna in danger? Why did Reece want Tyler to stay away? All these questions were swarming in my head from book one and into this book. It made me wonder if there's a book three in the works or not? I hope so because I so want to know the answers to my questions!
The author did a fantastic job with this story. If you like adventure, friendship, and love, then this book should be on your shelf. Also the cover is stunning by the way as the colors pop out at you. So pretty!
Cover: A
Story: A
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Disclaimer: I bought this book to read to give it an honest opinion!
Five Flavors of Dumb
Author: Antony John
Pages:338
Paperback
November 11, 2010
Publisher: Dial
Overview
The Challenge: Piper has one month to get the rock band Dumb a paying gig.
The Deal: If she does it, Piper will become the band's manager and get her share of the profits.
The Catch: How can Piper possibly manage one egomaniacal pretty boy, one talentless piece of eye candy, one crush, one silent rocker, and one angry girl? And how can she do it when she's deaf?
Piper can't hear Dumb's music, but with growing self-confidence, a budding romance, and a new understanding of the decision her family made to buy a cochlear implant for her deaf baby sister, she discovers her own inner rock star and what it truly means to be a flavor of Dumb.
My Take
The book was great. It was fun, honest, and had some clever moments in the story that made me squeal! I could feel Piper's emotions from when she was dealing with the band and with her family. I could identify with Piper on some of the things she goes through when I was in high school. She is such a tough cookie who takes on such a challenge considering she's deaf. I liked that about her. Piper works hard and finds herself speaking up more than she has before. She also makes friends with some of the band members.
This story also covers music and how can a high school band make it to getting known. I loved how the band has its up and downs in various events. It seemed to me it was all about self discovery for each character in this book which I loved. Each character realizes something and brings the whole story together.
I loved how certain types of music is mentioned in the book and that Piper's dad joins in on the music scene just a bit. It gives you an idea how teens relate to music. I loved how Piper learns a bit of the music scene as well. Music had its way in this book for so many people. It made some relate to each other and some did not.
There is a bit of love interest with Piper and another character called Ed which was cute. That all it seemed to me was cute. I liked how Ed finally tells Piper that he's crushing on her big time. It takes guts to tell someone that! It was a cute romance.
If you are looking for something to read then this book is for you! Give it a shot.
Cover: A
Story: B
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Disclaimer: I bought this book to read to give it an honest opinion!
After Hello
Author: Lisa Mangum
Hardcover
Pages: 272
September 4, 2012
Shadow Mountain
Overview:
What if the first day of your relationship was the only day you had?
Seventeen-year-old Sara is a seeker. She’s always on the lookout for the perfect moment to capture with her ever-present, point-and-shoot camera, especially on her first trip to New York City.
Sam is a finder. He has a knack for finding what other people can’t—a first-edition book or the last two tickets to a sold-out Broadway show. In New York, there is always something interesting to find.
When Sam and Sara’s paths cross, neither one of them is prepared for what they will find out about each other—and about themselves when they form an unlikely partnership in search of a seemingly elusive work of art. They have one day to find the impossible. Fate brought their talents together, but what happens when time runs out? Will love be able to overcome fate?
My Take:
The cover caught my eye of this little gem and immediately grabbed it! I read the cover bit and figured this book was for me. I was right! How I liked this story. It was unique and fresh.
The story takes place in New York which made me feel like I was on an adventure with Sam and Sara. The time frame was 24 hours which seemed longer to me. Sara loves the camera and uses it to capture those unique moments. So when she's in NY she couldn't pass the thought of not using her camera and manages to snap shot Sam who came out of a cafe. Something about him captured her attention.
Sam notice her noticing him. Sara follows him as then they engage in a conversation which led to one thing and another of learning a bit about each other. Their conversation connection was quite unique and fun. Of course in their conversation, they talk of things that are dear to them. Some of the things they mention is a tough thing for them to chat about but in a way I think it helps them to talk to someone about these topics rather than keeping it all bottled up.
Somehow Sam gets Sara involved with his and brother's work as it turns into a mission looking for something unique. Sam helps her. Does she succeed in her mission or not? Do sparks go flying between Sam and Sara while they chat? I think there's a great friendship there and that it could spin into something more. Read the book to find out. I think the chemistry between the two is great.
The story is written from both: Sam and Sara's perspective. I love how the chapters tell you who the perspective is. It's a nice change of pace.
Cover Rating: A
Story Rating: B
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Disclaimer: I bought this book to read to give it an honest opinion!
After
Author: Kristin Harmel
Publisher: Delacorte Books for Young Readers
Publisher Date: February 9th 2010
Pages: 240
Overview:
Lacey's world shatters when her dad is killed in a car accident. And secretly? She feels like it’s her fault. If she hadn’t taken her own sweet time getting ready that morning . . . well, it never would have happened. Her mom wouldn’t be a basket case. Her brother Logan wouldn’t drink. And her little brother would still have two parents.
But life goes on even if you don’t want it to. And when Lacey gets the chance to make a difference in the lives of some people at school, she jumps at it. Making lemonade out of lemons is her specialty. Except she didn’t count on meeting a guy like Sam. Or that sometimes? Lemonade can be a pretty bitter drink to swallow.
My Review:
I saw the cover of this book online and immediately was drawn to it. I clicked on the overview of the book and knew I had to get this book to read.
After a few days sitting in my house, I began to read this book. I could not put this book down. Lacey has her normal routine starting out in the beginning of the book and then the tragic event strikes. I felt Lacey was a great realistic character.
Of course Lacey ends up helping out another student who lost her mother to cancer which gets her mind thinking on things. She somehow creates a group for those who have lost a parent. I thought that was kind of nice to do since others would know how it felt to be treated. Some do not know how it is like until they lose a parent. Everyone deals with the loss differently but the group made it more normal for everyone.
During this process, Lacey also sprouts a romance with a the new guy, Sam. Sam has something major to tell her but then something else pops up and makes Lacey wonder. That secret got my attention!! Great suspense there.
Lacey's family also deals with her father's death differently. Her mother seems to be stuck in the process of grieving and not living. Towards the end of the book, her mother eventually reverts to back to her old self and lives for her family. Her brother Logan ends up drinking and then gets himself in a bad situation regarding to this matter. A big wake up call! Her other brother Tanner is always quiet. The family seems apart but in a way they are grieving in their own ways. Slowly the family gets back together. I liked how the family deals with grief a different way but should be done in more of a healthy manner.
On a personal note, the book did hit close to home, since my dad was killed in a car accident by a truck driver. At the end of the book where Lacey felt like it as her fault, I had those moments too. Life goes on. It's a great book for those who have lost a parent.
Cover Rating: A
Story Rating: A
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