Things I Can't Forget, Hundred Oaks,#3.

Things I Can't Forget.

Hundred Oaks,#3.

Miranda Kenneally.

Publisher:Sourcebooks Fire.
Publication Date:March 1,2013.
Genre: YA Contemporary| Romance|Religious.
Format|Pages:EBook|320.
Source:Owned|Goodreads.
Challenge: Contemporary.

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I’m in love with Hundred Oaks Series. Things I Can’t Forget is another great addition to the series. Since I started reading the series, I seemed to enjoy this one the most. Even though I am not a religious person, I do enjoy reading books about religion. Things I Can’t Forget is my type of book. One of things I enjoy about Miranda’s book, they are realistic, and you can actually see it happening in real life. So, it’s easier to connect to story, the characters. Hundred Oaks is now one of my favorite series. I’m eager to read Racing Savannah and other books that Miranda will write, in the future.

GOODREADS SUMMARY

Kate has always been the good girl. Too good, according to some people at school—although they have no idea the guilty secret she carries. But this summer, everything is different…

 

This summer she’s a counselor at Cumberland Creek summer camp, and she wants to put the past behind her. This summer Matt is back as a counselor too. He’s the first guy she ever kissed, and he’s gone from a geeky songwriter who loved The Hardy Boys to a buff lifeguard who loves to flirt--with her.

 

Kate used to think the world was black and white, right and wrong. Turns out, life isn’t that easy…

Just like all other books, I love the title and cover. Though unlike other two novels, Things I Can’t Forget has more mysterious look to it. Once I read the book, I could see why. Even the cover, where the girl who I am guessing is Kate and Matt is holding hands, has a mysterious look to it. By way they holding hands, yet there is bit of distance between two of them at same time. When I saw the cover, even after reading the summary, I was wondering what was happening between them, or what is going to happen. I loved the background, it’s so colorful. It gives a bit of adventure look to it.


Kate: I wasn’t sure how to feel about her. In beginning, I didn’t quite like her; she seemed bit too judgmental for me. I know she felt guilty about what she did. But at same time, she should think it in positive way, that she helped Emily when she needed her to. All she seemed to do with Emily was to pray with her. I could see why Emily was frustrated with Kate. I think that I would too, if I was in her position. It seemed like she was more attempting make her feel bad, then helping her move on. As book moved on, I started to like Kate a bit more, even if she still seemed to be struggling with her beliefs, especially when she was around Matt. I wondered if she ever decide on what she wants. I could see her change slightly, towards at end. Even accept that what she did for Emily, she did because she needed her, and she needed her friend. .


Matt: I liked him from start. He was funny, and he seemed to care for Kate, right from the start. It seemed like he was the one guy that seemed to make her smile. I could see connection between two of them, right from start. Though Kate tried to deny it at first, the attraction that she felt through him, how she felt when she was around him. I knew she was fighting against being with him, and at same time feeling bad how she felt. At times, I felt bad for Matt because way she kept pushing him away. I could tell that he was pretty hurt when she broke it off with him. I was sure that it was it, for them. What he did for her, at end, made me smile. If only all guys can be sweet, and not pressure their girlfriends all the time. Though they had their downs. In end they made it through. I was happy that Kate could have a happy ending, she deserved it.

I enjoyed fact that Parker was in most of this book as well. I loved her in Stealing Parker, and was glad she was able to make a friend with Kate. I’m curious if Kate will appear in next book, along with the other two characters. I love that she has the past characters, make an appearances in other books.

This is one of best contemporary series, of 2013. So far. It’s realistic, and you won’t be able put it down.

The Trouble With Flirting.

The Trouble With Flirting.

Claire LaZebinik.

Publisher:HarperTeen.
Publication Date:February 26,2013.
Genre: YA|Retelling|Romance.
Format|Pages:Paperback|288.
Source: Library|Goodreads.
Challenge: SARC|Contemporary.

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I heard quite few good things about Claire LaZebinik but haven’t read anything by her yet. The Trouble With Flirting was first novel I read by her. Once I read it, I could see why so many people seem to like her, she has amazing talent. From moment I picked the book up, I couldn’t pull myself away, I felt observed with the story, the characters. I felt the need to find out what happens with characters next, especially Franny. After reading The Trouble with Flirting, I will be checking rest of LaZebinik’s work.

GOODREADS SUMMARY

Franny's supposed to be working this summer, not flirting. But you can't blame her when guys like Alex and Harry are around. . . .

 

 

Franny Pearson never dreamed she'd be attending the prestigious Mansfield Summer Theater Program. And she's not, exactly. She's working for her aunt, the resident costume designer. But sewing her fingers to the bone does give her an opportunity to spend time with her crush, Alex Braverman. If only he were as taken with the girl hemming his trousers as he is with his new leading lady.

 

When Harry Cartwright, a notorious flirt, shows more than a friendly interest in Franny, she figures it can't hurt to have a little fun. But as their breezy romance grows more complicated, can Franny keep pretending that Harry is just a carefree fling? And why is Alex suddenly giving her those deep, meaningful looks? In this charming tale of mixed messages and romantic near-misses, one thing is clear: Flirting might be more trouble than Franny ever expected.

This book has one of most unique titles that I seen, and one of reasons that I picked it up. The Trouble Of Flirting, how can that not capture anyone’s attention. It was a first that captured my attention about the book, it made me curious. I had never seen title like that before. I got sense from title, that it was going to be my type of novel, one that I would end up loving it. Top of it, the book has one of cutest pictures as well. You can’t help but get curious about the story.


Franny: Even if I don’t agree with all the decisions that she made in book, but then everyone makes mistakes. I liked her right from start. She seemed like a strong character to me, maybe she didn’t seem like it at start, but as book progressed, I could see her changing and becoming a bit of different person. I was glad that Franny found a way to enjoy herself in summertime, especially after the divorce between her parents; she needed some happiness in her life. I was curious if she would find a way, to get part in a play some way. I could see how left out she felt, when her friends talked about the parts in plays that they got. I was glad when she managed to land a part, I could see that made her even happier. Franny was pretty hardworking, working on play, plus costumes. I don’t think I would be able to do what she done.


Alex & Harry: I was sure that Franny was going to end up with Alex. It seemed like two of them had bit more of connection with each other, then her and Harry. But as time progressed, I could see that Alex wasn’t as good as I thought he was, he was playing girls, Franny and his girlfriend. If he really cared for Franny, way that he said he did, he would break up with his girlfriend before even thinking about going anywhere with Franny. I felt bad for both of girls. Now Harry, I wasn’t a big fan of him at first because he did flirt with pretty much every girl. I could see that he did care about Franny, more than any other girl. When they got in fight, I was rooting for them to get back together. I was happy to see Franny fight for him. I loved the conversations between two of them, half of them made me laugh. I could see that Harry was so much better guy than Alex. Right for her.

I enjoyed this novel, much more than I thought I would. It wasn’t too cheesy, sappy. I’m eager to discover rest of Claire’s works. The Trouble With Flirting is one of novels worth picking up, you won’t regret it.

Hysteria.

Hysteria

Megan Miranda

Publisher:Walker Childrens.
Publication Date:February 5,2013.
Genre:YA Mystery|Thriller|Romance.
Format|Pages: Hardcover|336.
Source:Library|Goodreads.
Challenge:SARC|Contemporary.

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I loved Miranda’s first novel Fracture last year, so when I heard about this book, I knew that I had to check it out. Once I read the summary, I knew that I was going out to love it, just the type of my book, mysterious. I ended loving the book. It seemed more of mystery then thriller book to me and I loved it. I was on edge of my seat from first sentence, till the end. I liked it bit more then Fracture and if I could give it more than 5 Stars, I would. Megan Miranda did it again, she’s an author worth checking out if you haven’t yet.

GOODREADS SUMMARY

 

Mallory killed her boyfriend, Brian. She can't remember the details of that night but everyone knows it was self-defense, so she isn't charged. But Mallory still feels Brian's presence in her life. Is it all in her head? Or is it something more?

 

 In desperate need of a fresh start, Mallory is sent to Monroe, a fancy prep school where no one knows her . . . or anything about her past. But the feeling follows her, as do her secrets. Then, one of her new classmates turns up dead. As suspicion falls on Mallory, she must find a way to remember the details of both deadly nights so she can prove her innocence-to herself and others.

 

 

  In another riveting tale of life and death, Megan Miranda's masterful storytelling brings readers along for a ride to the edge of sanity and back again.

One of first things that captured my attention in this novel, were the title. Hysteria, how can that not capture anyone’s attention? When I saw the title, it was a first thing that got me curious about the book, before reading the summary. I had a feeling that it was going some sort of thriller in it, just by the title of the book. Now, cover, that made book look even mysterious and I knew that something going happen there, something mysterious, bad. I love how the girl is holding up a frame, it gives more mysterious look to the book. The cover is very creative and took a lot of imagination, and totally suits the storyline.


Mallory : I wasn’t sure how to feel about her at first, considering that she killed someone. At first, I wasn’t even sure if it was self defense or not and it did seem like her parents, especially her mother seemed bit afraid of her. At same time, I felt sorry for Mallory, how her own parents seemed to treat her, when she needed them more than ever, especially when they sent her to boarding school. I seriously thought that they were afraid of her. As book progressed, I began to like her but I also felt afraid for her, once she started to hear those noises. Part of me thought that she was hearing something that wasn’t there, but another part of me wondered if someone was there, following her. But once things started happening in her dorm room, I was sure that someone was following her, the question was who. Dylan was last person who came into my mind, I was sure it was his mother, that she somehow managed to escape and followed Mallory. I actually felt relieved that it was Dylan. I was glad to see everything work out for Mallory in the end. I loved how Mallory’s emotions and descriptions were displayed through the book, it felt so real. I felt like I could connect to Mallory more than any other character.


Reid & Colleen : I loved Reid & Mallory’s relationship. Within short period of time, Reid seemed to get protective of her and making sure that she’s all right. He seemed the one person who didn’t hold against her what happened with her and Brian, and accept her despite that. I hoped that Mallory was going to let him in, and was glad that she finally did. They seemed to have a bond, one that her and Brian never seemed to have. I was happy to see that she could find someone to care for her, despite her past. Colleen and Mallory’s friendship reminded me a lot of mine and my best friend relationship, friends that would do anything for each other. They had a special connection, a special bond with each other. Despite what happened Colleen knew that it was for a reason, and she was there and she even covered for her, lied to police for her, got hurt because she was trying protect her. That’s type of friend that will last a lifetime. It made me smile anytime I read about their friendship.

  I loved how once in awhile, it go to flashbacks, to what happened. Right from first sentence, I was wondering what really happened between Brian and Mallory. Flashbacks made it clearer. I got say, I wasn’t fan of Brian at all and I could see that he was one that got out, of control. I knew that if she didn’t defend herself, something worse could happened to Mallory, especially since he was angry and drunk.


Hysteria has more mystery then thriller but there some thriller parts to it. Megan Miranda found a way to capture reader’s attention. If you love mystery, thriller with bit romance, check this book out. You will find yourself observed from first sentence, to last.

Destiny Rising, The Vampire Diaries: The Hunters #3

Destiny Rising.

The Vampire Diaries: The Hunters,#3.

Created By:L.J Smith.

Publisher:HarperTeen.
Publication Date:October 23,2012.
Genre:YA Fantasy|Horror|Romance.
Format|Pages:Hardcover|393.
Source:Library|Goodreads.

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The Hunters: Destiny Rising was probally one of my favorite books, out of all the books in the series. It was amazing end, to a great book. I still don’t get why people complain because L.J didn’t write it. They should give it a chance. So far, from first book to last, I couldn’t seem to put the book down. It had everything from romance to action, adventure, and thriller. All through book, I was curious how it all would end. It also makes me wish I knew who wrote it, because they have amazing writing skill. Vampire Diaries was a series I enjoyed from beginning to end.

GOODREADS SUMMARY

Destined for danger . . .

 

Elena has faced countless challenges—escaping the Dark Dimension, defeating phantoms, discovering she's a Guardian. But nothing compares to choosing between the two loves of her life: Stefan and Damon Salvatore. Elena has reunited with Stefan, while Damon, hurt by the rejection, has become dark and unpredictable. Now Elena's torn between saving Damon's soul and staying true to Stefan.

 

 

But before Elena can decide who her heart belongs to, Dalcrest College's campus is overrun with vampires determined to resurrect Klaus, the wicked Old One who will stop at nothing to destroy Elena—and everyone close to her.

 

As Elena learns more about her destiny as a Guardian, a protector against evil on earth, she realizes that before she can defeat Klaus, she has to sacrifice someone close to her. Elena must decide how much—and who—she's willing to give up before it's too late . . .

  Out of all books, Destiny Rising cover has been my favorite. I love Bonnie, and from cover I got feeling that it who it was. In a way, cover suits the background, because of the red hair and plus they made her pretty pale looking and I like that as well. To me, it makes cover look even more mysterious, even if you can tell from looking at cover, at the girl’s expression, that something is going to happen, something big. I loved all of Vampire Diaries covers but this seemed the prettiest cover of them all.


To me, it seemed that this book was more action filled then other books had been. I enjoyed fact that pretty much everyone came together, to defeat Klaus, including the werewolves, even if they didn’t know them all that well, all of them came together. At first I was sure that Klaus would find a way, to kill them all, especially the easy way that he seemed killed Ethan in beginning. Most of the book, I was afraid that Klaus would come after Elena when nobody was around, especially Stefan. I was rooting for Elena and everyone else to find a way to defeat Klaus, once and for all. I wanted for all of them finally to have a normal life, especially everything they went through. I was glad that everyone ended with happy ending, well almost everyone.


Damon: I did not like the old Damon side, especially since he hasn’t been like that for a while. I could see why he became like that, because of rejection. I always loved the character, so I felt sad, heartbroken for him. I hoped that Elena, or possibly his brother Stefan would find a way to bring him back. Of course it was a surprise that it was Katherine that managed for him, come to his senses. She was last person I expected to do that. It seemed like he was only person that didn’t end with such happy ending. I hoped that Elena would choose him at the end, since she couldn’t even bring herself to kill him, that showed that she cared for Damon as much as she cared for Stefan. I kind of wondered what would happen to him next, after he left.

I did not see Katherine and Elena’s relation coming, but it does explain why they look like each other. Half Sisters, wow. That’s what I love about this books, there always unexpected twists somewhere in the book. Even if series is over, it makes me curious if Katherine and Elena’s relationship change after that discovery, if they find a way be decent to one another.

I loved this series and sad that it’s over. It’s one series that I’m never going to forget, one of best vampire series out there. If you into vampires, complicated relationships, adventure, a lot of action, pick it up, you won’t be able to put it down.

Moonsong, The Vampire Diaries: The Hunters, #2.

Moonsong.

The Vampire Diaries:The Hunters,#2.

Created: L.J Smith.

Publisher:HarperTeen.
Publication Date:March 13, 2012.
Genre: YA Fantasy|Horror|Romance.
Format|Pages:Hardcover|392.
Source:Library|Goodreads.

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The more I read The Vampire Diaries Series , more in love I fall with books. I don’t even care that a ghost writer wrote it, because it’s as good like others were. I think that people should give these books a chance, because they are worth it. I actually loved this one even more then last one, even if this book had less action. Yet, it still had quite bit of drama in it. I was hooked from very last page, till the end. Once I finished it, I wanted to pick up the next book right away. The ending left me wanting more.

GOODREADS SUMMARY

Evil never dies. . . .

 

After escaping the horrors of the Dark Dimension, Elena can′t wait to attend Dalcrest College, the beautiful ivy-covered campus where her parents met. Life with Stefan is better than ever, and even Damon seems genuinely changed and is getting along with everyone. But moving away from Fell′s Church doesn′t mean she and her friends are free from danger. When students start to disappear from campus, suddenly every new acquaintance is a potential enemy.

 

Then Elena uncovers a long-hidden secret, one that shocks her to the core, and realizes tragedy may be unavoidable.

Damon & Stefan: Elena needs to choose between the brothers already. Honestly I don’t think she’s being fair to either of them. It felt like she was toying with both of their hearts. I was happy to see more scenes between Damon and Elena in this book, more romantic scenes. I had always been a Damon fan. I was glad to see bit of softer side of Damon in the novel, and I know that he was doing it for Elena. I was sure that she would end with Damon; they seemed to have more of bond, of attraction then her and Stefan. I know that Stefan loves Elena, but at times I get feeling that he loves her more then she loves him. With Damon, she seems to have a special connection. I wish she would choose him instead. I could feel Damon’s heartbreak when she chooses Stefan over him, especially after all that time they spent together.


What I enjoyed about this book, each of the characters, including Bonnie, Matt, and Meredith had their own story in way. It felt that each one of them was more involved in this book and I got to know each of them more. I was glad to see more Of Matt; he had always been one of my favorite characters in the story. I was happy to see that Matt was finally able to move past Elena and find interest in somebody else; he deserves to be happy, to be with someone who cares about him, way that he cares about her. I felt so bad for him when Ethan turned her into vampire. Matt doesn’t seem too lucky in that department. Bonnie, I was sure that at some point that maybe her and Damon would end up together, they seemed to have some sort of bond in the earlier books. I was happy that she came across Zander though, even if I had my doubts about him in start, was happy to discover that he was one of good guys. Everything she went through, she deserved some happiness in her life.

Ending, wow. I did not expect that to happen, I was sure that Meredith killed him. I am now scared for Elena and her friends, because if Klaus is brought back from dead, it’s trouble for everyone. It’s a type of ending that I love because it leaves you hanging, wondering. I want to see if they will be able to defeat Klaus for good this time around. This book, series is worth checking out.

That Time I Joined The Circus.

That Time I Joined The Circus.

J.J Howard.

Publisher:Point.
Publication Date:April 1,2013.
Genre: YA Contemporary|Drama|Romance.
Format|Pages: E ARC|272.
Source: Sent from publisher, through NetGalley.
Challenge:Debut Author|Stand Alone|Contemporary.

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Ever since reading Water For Elephants few years earlier, I enjoyed any book that has to do with circus. In general, I love any books that have some sort of animals. When I saw That Time I Joined Circus , I had a feeling that it’s type of novel that I am going to love. I was right, it was amazing book. It was original and that was one of things that were interesting about it, the novel was unlike any other books I read before. It made me smile, cry. J.J has way with words, how to capture reader’s attention. I’m eager for stories that J.J will create next.

GOODREADS SUMMARY

 

Lexi Ryan just ran away to join the circus, but not on purpose.

 

A music-obsessed, slightly snarky New York City girl, Lexi is on her own. After making a huge mistake--and facing a terrible tragedy--Lexi has no choice but to track down her long-absent mother. Rumor has it that Lexi's mom is somewhere in Florida with a traveling circus.

 

 

When Lexi arrives at her new, three-ring reality, her mom isn't there . . . but her destiny might be. Surrounded by tigers, elephants, and trapeze artists, Lexi finds some surprising friends and an even more surprising chance at true love. She even lucks into a spot as the circus's fortune teller, reading tarot cards and making predictions.

 

But then Lexi's ex-best friend from home shows up, and suddenly it's Lexi's own future that's thrown into question.

 

With humor, wisdom, and a dazzlingly fresh voice, this debut reminds us of the magic of circus tents, city lights, first kisses, and the importance of an excellent playlist.

  I’m in love of cover, the cover right there takes a lot of imagination. How can you not love the cover? It’s filled with so much color, light. It has such vivid images, ones that it would be hard for anyone to miss. It has a bit of suspenseful look to it. The girl looks mysterious and looks if she’s on a mission to something. After reading the book, I know what that mission was. Cover was one of first things that caught my attention about the book. It looked so busy, so colorful that I knew I had to check it out. I felt like I needed to know the story behind the cover.


Lexi: I loved her right from the start; she was one of my favorite characters in the book. I saw how much she changed through the book, and how much working in circus actually helped her. I was also glad that she could find some friends and somebody who cared for her, while she was there. Especially after losing her dad and Eli, in a same day. I couldn’t even begin to imagine how that must felt like, but the emotions, the descriptions made me feel like I could. I felt connected with a character; it got me think of her as an actual person, instead of a fictional character. I enjoyed reading about something that I could actually see happening, something realistic. All through book I found myself wondering if Lexi would find her mother or if she would end up staying with circus. I wanted a happy ending for her, considering everything that she went through.


Nick & Jamie: That was one of things I had small issue with, the relationship. First she seemed to be interested, flirting and kissing Jamie and next she was into Nick. Then there was Eli who she seemed to forgiven too fast. I felt like relationship aspect was bit rushed. I honestly thought that she would end up with Jamie; they seemed to have bit of chemistry, at least in the beginning. Now, with Nick, it went pretty fast from Nick disliking her, to kissing her. As book progressed, I found myself rooting for Nick, I could tell that he cared for Lexi and I was glad that Lexi was able to find someone, to care for her how Nick did. Most of the book, I was hoping that she would end up with him. I wanted to talk some sense into Nick when he ended it. Part of me hoped that he would change his mind. But I was glad that at least something good came out of working at circus, that there was someone there for her, that she wasn’t completely alone.

To me, entire book felt pretty realistic, though I know that not everything would go, way that it did in book. But issues that all of characters dealt with, the challenges, friendships, and relationships felt so real to me. I think it was one of main reasons that I was so into book. Besides the emotions that were expressed through the novel, that felt pretty realistic to me, and vivid. I could picture everything that she seemed feeling. I even smiled, laughed, cried and even got angry along with her. I feel in love with the book, the characters. Almost everything about the novel, got it impossible to put down.

It was one of best contemporary novels I read. It’s a book that I would highly recommend for everyone to check out.