Lola And The Boy Next Door.

Lola And The Boy Next Door.

Stephanie Perkins.

Publisher:Dutton.

Publication Date:September 29,2011.

Genre:YA Contemporary Romance.

Format|Pages:Hardcover|338.

Source:Library|Goodreads.

5 STARS

 

 



I loved Stephanie Perkin’s debut, Anna and the French Kiss , which I got for my birthday last year. So I had feeling that I was going love Lola And The Boy Next Door, I just haven’t had a chance to get around to it. I was right; actually I ended up loving it more than I thought I would. Even thought I loved the first book, I found myself enjoying Lola And The Boy Next Door even more, I loved the story, the characters especially Lola and Cricket. I wanted to know what would happen with the characters next, where Lola and Cricket would end up. I found myself wishing that I had bit more free time so I could read the book. After reading this book, Perkins had became one of my favorites and I got feeling that she be one of those writers, that any book she writes will be amazing. I can’t wait for the next book, Isla and the Happily Ever After .

GOODREADS SUMMARY

Budding designer Lola Nolan doesn’t believe in fashion . . . she believes in costume. The more expressive the outfit—more sparkly, more fun, more wild—the better. But even though Lola’s style is outrageous, she’s a devoted daughter and friend with some big plans for the future. And everything is pretty perfect (right down to her hot rocker boyfriend) until the dreaded Bell twins, Calliope and Cricket, return to the neighborhood.

 

When Cricket—a gifted inventor—steps out from his twin sister’s shadow and back into Lola’s life, she must finally reconcile a lifetime of feelings for the boy next door.

First of all, loving the cover for the book. It fits the story so well; especially the hair color of the girl in the picture which I am guessing is Lola. It’s totally Lola who was constantly changing in the book. That’s what I loved about her, how she constantly had on different costume every day, it made her different from the characters that I read about in the past, it made her unique. I had never read about character who was changing so constantly. That made me curious, it made me curious what sort of costume she’s going to have next. Of course I was also curious if she ever going dress as herself as well. I though what Max said to Lola during their break up wasn’t right, if he truly loved her, it wouldn’t mattered to him how much she changed. I knew there was something that I didn’t like about him, just couldn’t seem to figure what it was. I also loved Lola’s attitude.

Now Cricket and Lola, of course I loved their relationship right from the start. I found myself rooting for the two of them to get together even though she was with Max in beginning. I actually wanted to talk some sense into Lola in beginning and make her realize that Max wasn’t the one she should be with, but Cricket is. At same time, that’s what I liked about this book, the fact that they didn’t get together right away, those types of books never caught my attention that much, it’s more interesting to read about friends, that want be more then friends. It had that similarity between this book and Anna and the French Kiss, there was tension between the characters. Though I felt like there was much more tension between Cricket and Lola, but I knew that’s because they had history. I loved the fact that Cricket loved her for who she was, unlike Max. I actually smiled when two of them got together.

What I loved about this book, is fact that it had Anna and St.Clair in the book, my favorites from Anna and the French Kiss, and I was happy that they appeared quite often through the book. It’s making me curious if Lola and Cricket will appear in the next book. Anna and St. Clair were such good friend to both Lola and Cricket; I know that I liked them for a reason.

This was the book I practically lost track with while reading and I was smiling and thinking about it, even after I read it. I highly recommend this novel, especially if you love romance.

Something Like Normal.

Something Like Normal.

Trish Doller.

Publisher:Bloomsbury

Publication Date:June 19,2012.

Genre:YA Contemporary Drama|Romance.

Format|Pages:Hardcover|214.

Source:Library|Goodreads.

Challenge:Debut Author|Stand Alone.

 

5 STARS

 



Though this book was shorter than I thought it would be, I loved everything about Something Like Normal. I had a feeling that I was going love the book from the moment that I read the summary, it just the type of the books that I love. I always enjoyed books that had do with military, war, maybe because half of my family from my stepdad’s side were in military, and got some friends in military right now. But for as long as I remember, those books always kept my interest. That was the case with Something Like Normal, I fell in love with the story, the characters. I found myself rooting for some of them. I found hard to put it down, I wanted to see how everything would turn out in the end. This was an amazing Debut, and I am looking forward to her future works.

Something Like Normal, A story about a marine, Travis who is returning home from Afghanistan. When he gets home, he finds out that Travis’s brother Ryan had stolen his girlfriend, Paige, his car and top of it all, his parent’s relationship is not what he thought it was. Top of all that, he’s still haunted by nightmares of his best friend, Charlie.

 

When his life seems to be falling apart, he runs into Harper, a girl he had a rocky relationship since middle school. It’s only then when Travis’s life actually starts looking up. As Harper and Travis begins spending more time together, he begins work out through his issues, one at time and getting his back to normal again. Yet, he still can’t seem to escape the nightmares, the visions of Charlie.

  Most of this book was emotional; at least it was to me. Maybe because the way it was written, the tone of the voice of Travis. I loved the fact that this story was told from Travis’s point of view. By reading from his point, how he was feeling, what his thoughts were, made me feel like I got to know him more and I found myself being able connect with him more, then any other characters. I loved him right from beginning, and it’s not because I felt sorry for him but because of his personality, attitude. Though it didn’t seem like it at times, he was a strong character. Despite everything that he gone through since coming back from Afghanistan. I did find myself feeling sorry for him, I couldn’t even begin to imagine what he was going through, but while reading, I found myself being able to see how he was feeling. The emotions that were displayed for Travis, were amazing, I felt as I was there with him and I felt afraid for him. So I was glad when he finally got help, towards the end.

Harper, besides Travis, she was my favorite character. I loved her attitude and the fact that she punched Travis when she first ran into him, which takes guts and spoke her mind. I love that in the girl, she was strong. Of course I loved the relationship between the two of them, it was different. Considering how Travis treated her in middle school, way he practically ruined their reputation, I was sure that she want nothing to do with him. So of course, when she forgave him and they started spending more time together, I was bit surprised. To be honest, if I was ever in her situation, I don’t think I be able to do that, or get involved with someone who treated her way he did. As time passed by, I could tell she truly cared about him, the way she went to Charlie’s funeral with him, was there for him when he broke up, even after she found how he hooked with his ex Paige when she got back, and way she forgave them. Now, that’s love right there. I think she was the one who held him together, reason he was able to hang on after Charlie’s death.

I loved Travis’s mother, way she supported him from the moment he went into Marines, and got him all those care packages, and when he came back, making sure that he had everything he needed. She reminded me of my mom, who is as caring. That’s why I hated what her husband was doing, and fact how he blamed practically everything on Travis, including his trouble in marriage, though he was the one having an affair. I was glad when she finally stood up for him, but I got say I was as surprised as Travis was when she did. But I could tell that she and Travis seemed to have a strong bond, a bond that not many sons and mothers have.

In general, I couldn’t put book down, and I loved the fact that the book ended with Travis writing letter to Charlie, it was an amazing ending. The cover was appealing as well, along with title. I can’t wait to see what Doller comes up in her next novel. Something Like Normal is a both worth checking out, you won’t regret it.

Hide & Seek, The Lying Game, #4.

Hide And Seek.

Sara Shepard.

Publisher:Harper Teen.

Publication Date:July 31, 2012

Genre:YA Paranormal Mystery.

Series:The Lying Game, #4.

Format|Pages: Hardcover|288.

Source:Library|Goodreads.

5 STARS

 

 

 

 



Wow. It seems that each The Lying Game , novel that I read, it gets more mysterious and gets it harder for me to put down. That is just the feeling that I got with Hide & Seek , it was filled with action, mystery and of course as in every book, unexpected twist. Part of me didn’t want the book to end, since it be while till next book ends, part of me was curious if Emma’s suspicion was right this time, if she finally be able to figure it out. Of course now I’m even more curious what’s going happen next, will Sutton’s killer finally be revealed? I’m eager for Cross My Heart, Hope To Die , just wish that I didn’t have to wait till February.

GOODREADS SUMMARY

My friends and I used to play lying games.

Now my twin sister is living one.

 

  When I was alive, my family seemed picture-perfect. My adoptive parents adored me, and my little sister, Laurel, copied my every move. But now that my long-lost twin, Emma, has taken my place to solve my murder, we're both learning just how flawed my family really is.

Laurel is shooting Emma nasty looks and sneaking around with my ex-boyfriend. And it turns out my parents are keeping a huge secret--could it be the reason I'm dead?

 

How far would they go to keep the truth buried? No one can harm me now, but Emma is still fair game. And if she's not careful, she'll end up buried, too. . .

First, I wanted to talk about how much I adore the covers and titles. Those were the ones that attracted my attention. I remember seeing first book at Borders, and by just seeing the title and the cover, I knew that I was going to love the book. I was right; it became of my favorite mysteries books. Just the girl in the cover itself, looked mysterious. Even before reading the summary, I had a feeling that it be a suspenseful novel. The titles, they have its mysterious way to it, that fits the plot of the novel. That just how Hide and Seek felt to me, it very well fit the story. Because anytime Emma though she was close to mystery, another unexpected clue would show up. It totally captures the reader’s attention.

I felt like Hide and Seek had more action, more mystery since the last novel. I was convinced most of the novel, that Laurel had something to do with Sutton’s death. Just when I think that I have figure out, that the killer will finally be revealed, Sheppard puts another unexpected twist, like with Sutton’s father. The way he was acting, strange and way he was rough with Sutton in her memory and with family, I was even more sure that he was killer. I even found myself angry with him, wondering how a parent can do something like that to own child? Of course, then there was another twist, about Becky being his daughter, I totally did not see that coming. Another thing love about the books, it keeps you wondering, what’s going happen next, who will be suspect next? So now, I’m totally curious about Becky, I knew there is something off about her. I’m curious to find out more about her.


 Now, Ethan and Emma’s relationship, I love it. I love how Ethan been there for her every step of the way, especially when she found that it might been Sutton’s father who could killer his daughter, he was there when she was scared. Yet, at same time, I feel like there is something off about Ethan, something that I can’t quite explain. I feel that he is hiding something from Emma. For her sake, I hope Ethan is not the killer, but it be interesting if he is. I am wondering if he actually ends up at suspect list at some point.

I’m  glad I checked this series out; Sara Sheppard has amazing talent, each book keeping you on edge of your seat. If you into mystery, action. It’s worth checking it out. Once you pick it up, you won’t be able to put down.

Halo, Halo,#1.

Halo

Alexandra Adornetto.

Publisher:Square Fish.

Publication Date:August 30,2011.

Genre:YA Fantasy|Romance.

Series:Halo,#1.

Format|Pages:Paperback|512.

Source:Library|Goodreads.

 

4.8 STARS




 



Ever since reading Hush, Hush series, I been fascinated with Angels, even more then I was before. That’s one of the reasons I picked up Halo because it was about angels. I have been hearing about this book, since it just came out. I just haven’t had a chance to pick it up, till now. I got say that I was glad that I ignored all those negative reviews I seen, because this book was amazing. If it wasn’t for work, I would finish it much faster. Every single page kept on the edge of my seat, kept me wondering what’s going to happen with Bethany next. It was different too, it had a unique storyline, and I liked the fact that the girl was the angel, this time around. I’m excited for Hades , see what happens in next chapter of their life.

GOODREADS SUMMARY

 

Three angels are sent by Heaven to bring good to a world falling under the influence of darkness: Gabriel, the warrior; Ivy, the healer; and Bethany, the youngest and most human. They work hard to conceal their luminous glow, their superhuman powers, and their wings.

 

Then Bethany meets Xavier Woods, and they are unable to resist their attraction to each other. But the angels’ mission is urgent, and dark forces are threatening. Will love ruin Bethany or save her?

To me, this book started out bit slow but it picked up pretty fast, and that’s I didn’t quite give it 5 stars, also because it was bit slow paced when it came to action. Though, once the action picked up, it got even harder for me to put the novel down. I felt like I needed to know what would happen next, how it all would turn out in the end, who would win? Those were the questions I found myself wondering while reading the book. I also enjoyed fact that they mentioned the angels mission on earth, and way it had mentioned heaven once in awhile. To me, this book seemed more religious like, then the other novel I read about angels, in the past. It made me feel like I learned so much more about them, while reading the book.


  I loved the relationships the siblings had. I could tell, that nor did they all care about each other, but each of them seemed to have a bond, especially Bethany and Gabriel. It’s not often that I read the books, which I read about bond like this, like the siblings had. Though they had their arguments with Bethany, especially when it came to Xavier, they were always there for one another; they always stood by each other. Also the way that they expected Xavier, (later on) just because their sister had deep feelings for him.


Now relationship between Bethany and Xavier, I liked their bond. Though, to me it seemed like they moved a bit too fast, feelings wise. I believe that they fell for each other too fast, and to me that didn’t seem realistic. Otherwise, I thought it was cute, they way they cared for one another. I was actually surprised when Bethany told Xavier of their secret, and at same time I wasn’t happy with her at first, the way Gabriel wasn’t too happy with her either. I did find myself smiling, whenever I read scenes between two of them. Though, I thought Xavier jumped to conclusions too fast, when he though she kissed Jake, he wouldn’t let her explain. It made want talk some sense into that boy. I was glad when he finally came to his senses though.

Now, the cover. It’s absolutely stunning. I think that it’s the type of cover that would capture any reader’s eye. I think that it totally fit the storyline, it had a romantic setting. Now, I need know what happens with Bethany and Xavier next, along with the other characters. It’s totally worth checking out.

Confessions Of An Angry Girl, Confessions, #1.

Confessions Of An Angry Girl

Louise Rozett.

Publisher:Harlequin Teen.

Publication Date:August 28, 2012.

Genre: YA Contemporary.

Series:Confessions, #1

Format|Pages: Earc|272.

Source:ARC Sent by Publisher, throught Netgalley, for review purposes.

4.7 STARS

 

 

 

 

 



I wanted to thank Harlequin for providing with ARC of Confessions Of Angry Girl, for review purposes*

I have been hearing about Confessions Of Angry Girl for a while now, and when I read the description, I had feeling that it would be the type of novel that I was going to enjoy. So I was happy when the publisher provided me with copy, through netgalley. I found myself enjoying the book even more then I thought I would, it wasn’t unlike any other books I read, it seemed more realistic, something that I could relate to in a way. After the end, I’m curious to see what happens with Rose next. This book is totally worth checking out.

GOODREADS SUMMARY

Rose Zarelli, self-proclaimed word geek and angry girl, has some confessions to make…1. I'm livid all the time. Why? My dad died. My mom barely talks. My brother abandoned us. I think I'm allowed to be irate, don't you?

 

2. I make people furious regularly. Want an example? I kissed Jamie Forta, a badass guy who might be dating a cheerleader. She is now enraged and out for blood. Mine.

 

3. High school might as well be Mars. My best friend has been replaced by an alien, and I see red all the time. (Mars is red and "seeing red" means being angry—get it?) Here are some other vocab words that describe my life: Inadequate. Insufferable. Intolerable. (Don't know what they mean? Look them up yourself.) (Sorry. That was rude.)

First, I wanted mention how much I loved, both the cover and the title. Both of those were the ones that seemed to catch my attention first, before anything else. Before even reading the summary, cover was what had caught my attention first, make me stop, it made me curious. Then the title, both of those go very well with each other, they fit. The photograph of the girl, and the title. Even by the photograph, I could tell that she was angry. That was another thing that told that it would be a great story, the picture. I was right. I could actually picture girl on cover while reading the book. I think that having a good cover, is important, it’s one of first things that captures the reader’s attention.


  I loved the plot of the story, the way it surrounded around Rose, her dealing with high school, and grief over losing her and of course the relationships she has through the novel. I believe that it’s important to have a novel, about ways people react, to loss of a loved one. That was just what I saw in Confessions Of Angry Girl, we saw how Rose acted, which was angry most of time and then, the way her mother and brother reacted as well. I could that her father’s death was affecting her, mostly because the way she acted towards herself, and way she seemed to distanced herself, away from others, including her friends.


It also was clearly shown; way Rose’s relationships’ changed through the book, especially with Jaime and especially her best friend, Tracy. Honestly, I don’t think that Tracy really treated Rose like a friend, not from moment she joined the cheerleading team. She seemed more concerned with making the cheerleading team, and whatever sleep with Matt or not. She didn’t even seem all that concerned with Rose, or to see how she was doing, if she was okay. The first thing she did when she found Rose and Jaime kiss was tell his girlfriend, what type of friend does that? Honestly, if I was Rose, I wouldn’t put up with that for long. As for Jaime, I saw a way that their relationship progressed through novel. Though it seemed they were going back and forth between kissing and friendship, it’s like Jaime couldn’t make up his mind.


Of course the ending made me want more. That cliffhanger practically left me hanging, and now I need to know what happens with characters, especially with Rose, and with Jaime, where their relationship will go next. If Tracy and Rose will go back to being friends? I’m totally excited for the next book. This book is totally worth reading, once you pick up, you won’t be able to put it down.

My Life Next Door.

My Life Next Door

Huntley Fitzpatrick.
 

Publisher:Dial Books For Young Readers.

Publication Date:June 14,2012.

Genre:Ya Contemporary Romance.

Format|Pages:Hardcover|395.

Source:Library|Goodreads.

Challenge:Debut Author|Stand Alone.

5 STARS

 

 

 

 



I have been hearing a lot of good reviews about this book, ever since it came out. Due to fact that it had huge hold list at library, didn’t get to read it, till now. So now I see why so many people enjoyed this book. It was amazing. It made me wish that I read it sooner, and when I finished it, I wanted read it again. If it wasn’t for work, I would read it faster. It was hard for me to put the book down once I picked it up. I felt like I needed to see what happens next, especially when it came to Samantha & Jase. I adored them. After reading My Life Next Door, I am looking forward to Fitzpatrick next work.

  GOODREADS SUMMARY

  "One thing my mother never knew, and would disapprove of most of all, was that I watched the Garretts. All the time.”

The Garretts are everything the Reeds are not. Loud, numerous, messy, affectionate. And every day from her balcony perch, seventeen-year-old Samantha Reed wishes she was one of them . . . until one summer evening, Jase Garrett climbs her terrace and changes everything.

 

As the two fall fiercely in love, Jase's family makes Samantha one of their own. Then in an instant, the bottom drops out of her world and she is suddenly faced with an impossible decision. Which perfect family will save her? Or is it time she saved herself? A dreamy summer read, full of characters who stay with you long after the story is over.

  Wow. There are almost no words to explain how much I loved this book. Though I always enjoyed romance, especially Young Adult, so far this year, this was my favorite. To me, all of the characters, especially Samantha and Jase, seemed so real and I found myself being able connect with them. Through reading this novel, the characters actually became real to me, and I found myself actually getting sad when the book had ended. Fitzpatrick finds a way to draw you and into the story and it makes you feel, like you are right there, besides them. The way she portrayed each character’s emotions, which made me actually imagine how they were feeling, and it made be able to relate to them more.

I loved Sam & Jase’s relationship, in way it was different from other teenage relationships that I read about before, this one seemed more believable, more realistic. I liked the fact that they didn’t get into relationship, right from the start. Those types of stories always seemed unrealistic to me, when they fall for each other, from moment that they see each other. Jase and Sam’s relationship was real, it made me hope that I can find guy like Jase, one day. He’s everything that a girl is looking in a guy, at least to me it seemed that way. I loved everything about their relationship, the way that two of them affected each other, way they didn’t rush into sex. Also how understanding Jase was, even after he found that it was his mother who hit her father. I though he be angry with her, but he was still there, and they talked to her mother and Clay, together. I loved fact that despite what her mother did, he didn’t judge her because of her mother actions. That’s true love right there.

I felt like Sam and her mother had no relationship through the book, in ways it was sad. I understand that she might been busy with her political life, but it doesn’t mean that it gave her the right, to neglect her own daughter. Also way she hand on Clay’s every word, and did as he told her to, just like he told her to drive away, after she hit Jase’s dad. It’s like she was letting him control her. I was glad she owned up to her mistakes, but I think she shouldn’t drive away like that, she should at least check to see if person she hit was okay. I was annoyed with them through most of the book. I never thought I could dislike anyone, as much as I disliked Clay.

Garrett family. I loved them all, especially George, he was cute and just reading about him, it made me smile each time. Also Andy, I liked her. In general I loved how Sam bonded with them so fast, and the way kids got attached to her. To me it felt like, when Sam was with them, that it was more of a family then when Sam was at her own house. I also loved the bond Sam and Tim formed and how he seemed to turn into a likable character through the book, and becoming both Jase & Sam’s friend. It seemed like he was more there for her, then Nad was.

 The ending made me smile. I’m curious to see what book she comes up with next, she’s already on my favorites list. I would highly recommend this book, especially if you into romance.

The Forest Of Hands & Teeth, The Forest Of Hands & Teeth,#1.

The Forest Of Hands & Teeth.

Carrie Ryan.

Publisher:Delcorte Books.

Publication Date:March 10,2009.

Genre:Ya Fantasy|Horror.

Series:The Forest Of Hands & Teeth,#1.

Format|Pages: Hardcover|310.

Source:Library|Goodreads.

 

4 STARS

 

 

I heard about The Forest Of Hands & Teeth from a friend of mine, who read it and loved it. Then I came across it while at Barnes & Noble and read parts of it since had no money to purchase it at the time. I had read reviews about the book on Goodreads and saw quite few positive ones. I had finally came across it at library and checked it out. It was one of the novels that I wished I read earlier. I’m not the biggest fan of horror books but I found myself enjoying this novel, I loved the characters, the setting and most of all the adventures that characters had through the book. I found myself wondering if Mary and others will make it through it. I’m looking forwards to the next novel.

 

GOODREADS SUMMARY

In Mary's world there are simple truths. The Sisterhood always knows best. The Guardians will protect and serve. The Unconsecrated will never relent. And you must always mind the fence that surrounds the village; the fence that protects the village from the Forest of Hands and Teeth. But, slowly, Mary’s truths are failing her. She’s learning things she never wanted to know about the Sisterhood and its secrets, and the Guardians and their power, and about the Unconsecrated and their relentlessness.

When the fence is breached and her world is thrown into chaos, she must choose between her village and her future—between the one she loves and the one who loves her. And she must face the truth about the Forest of Hands and Teeth. Could there be life outside a world surrounded in so much death?

  This book wasn’t like I was expecting it to be; it was different from all the other books that I had read before, at least when it came to young adult genre. I wasn’t actually to be scary but in way it was. It was scarier than the other books that I have read. However, I loved the idea of this book, it was unlike any other book that I read before, and I have read books about Zombies before. Though, in this book, the zombies seemed more realistic to me, as to how they actually portrayed. Bad, something that people would stay away from. I love fact how they call them Unconsecrated though, a unique name.


What I loved about this story, was the adventures that Mary, her brother and friends had through the time, when they tried escaping the Unconsecrated, I found myself pretty observed in their adventures, I was also curious as well, if they were only survivors or if there was someone else who had survived as well. I actually found myself wondering, where their adventures would lead them next, if they actually would make out in the end. If all of them would make out, or if someone get turned.


I loved the relationship between Mary and Travis. I knew right from beginning when Travis was brought in, hurt that they would be together. There was a connection between the two of them. I knew from moment she sneaked out just to come see him, breaking pretty much all rules just so she can see him. Though, I noticed that somehow Mary started pushing him away through their adventures, had feeling maybe she didn’t have the same feelings that he did for her. But after he died, I knew I was wrong, just by the way she acted after.


One thing, I didn’t like about the book much and reason only gave it 4 stars. The beginning, the first few pages started bit slow for me, and for bit I couldn’t get into the book. Also there were some things about book that were predictable, like I knew that Beth and then Travis wouldn’t make it through the journey. I usually prefer the books that keep me guessing. But book did pick up, and I found myself enjoying it. I can’t wait to read The Dead Tossed Waves .