July 30, 2013

REVIEW: Silver Heart by Victoria Green

Silver Heart by Victoria Green
Release Date: June 31, 2013
Source: eARC* via author
Rating: 5/5 lime popsicles and a dose of Adam Silver!
Get it: Amazon
There comes a moment in everyone’s life when they must decide which road leads to personal happiness. For Dylan Silver, this is that moment…

For the past twenty-two-years, Dylan has been living in her parents' carefully crafted world, always putting her own dreams on hold to play the role of a dutiful daughter.

So when her best friend coaxes her into a winter getaway to a mountain cabin, she sees it as a chance to forget about the responsibilities waiting for her at home. At least for a little while.

But then her past catches up to her—in the form of sexy snowboarder, Sawyer Carter.

Six years ago, Dylan bid goodbye to the only boy she ever truly loved. Now he's standing right in front of her, bringing up bittersweet memories and igniting suppressed desires as he dares her to be the person she has always wanted to be.

Dylan and Sawyer’s unexpected meeting is a second chance, but will a girl who doesn't believe in fate and taking risks be able to overcome her fears of losing control and finally embrace the life she desperately wants?

Only one thing is certain: after a week in Whistler, Dylan's world will never be the same.

My thoughts, feelings and reactions
I was completely and utterly enchanted by Silver Heart. It made me smile and swoon all at once, dazzled me with its wintery setting, and hit me with a great amount of feels I wouldn’t trade for in the world.

I have some serious love for Dylan because she was admirable in her self discovery, in her love for Sawyer and in her independence, strength, and devotion. She was not perfect though she strived to be. Dylan had her own fears and doubts that led her to realize what she truly wanted out of her life. She learned to let go of her inhibitions, to lose some control, and allowed herself to do and feel things out of her comfort zone. Even when she bruised and fell on her ass while trying to snowboard she kept trying no matter how discouraged she felt. I was more than inspired and proud of Silver for the decisions she made in the end. Also memorable was Silver’s love for lime Popsicles and private lessons. They bring on a whole new meaning for me. *winks*

So lets talk about a certain sexy snowboarder by the name of Sawyer Carter. Why on earth should you love, adore and worship Carter the Carver? Well, because he snowboards (duh), has light green eyes (swoons) and has several significant tattoos that makes me want to...(licks). But really, it’s because Sawyer is charmingly sweet, ambitious, caring, daring, and accomplished. He’s flirty and funny and says the most breathtaking lines that are genuine and sincere. He lights up the room, grabs attention but he is never arrogant in his success or superiority. He makes your heart melt, your knees weak, and makes you want to sigh in contentment every time he is around. Most especially, he pushes Dylan to be true to herself. Sawyer Carter makes me want to jump his snowboard and ride on the slopes all day. *giggles*

I loved what Victoria Green created in Silver Heart because it was profoundly poignant, steamy hot, and clever all the way. Her writing gives off a strong, mature, and prominent voice in Dylan. She makes Dylan and everything she goes through to be connectable and relatable. The added humor, witty lines, and silly jokes make the book even more well rounded. Not only the romance was established and developed well, but the friendship between Silver and Sawyer that started it all was too. What I loved most about their relationship was the acceptance, support, and understanding they gave each other. The honesty, being able to admit their mistakes to one another, and how both refused to stand in the way of the other’s dreams was truly beautiful. I also commend Victoria on her ability to write combustable sexual tension that climbed higher and higher. The make out scenes were sexy, the touching scenes were sensual, and the sex scenes were thoroughly seductive. I officially love ledges and horny forest rangers! They're best things in life. Victoria impressed me so much because she made Silver Heart truly realistic from the characters, to the romance, to whole storyline and everything in between.

I do have to mention another thing I love about Silver Heart and that’s Dylan’s brother, Adam Silver. Let's meet in an on-call room one day, my love.

Overall, Silver Heart was phenomenally written with the perfect balance of beauty, inspiration, wit and romantic love. The words just melt off the page and go straight to your heart.


*Thanks to Victoria for sending a copy for review purposes
I was not compensated for my opinion

Favorite Quotes

"Are you planning to wait until you get your medical degree to have sex again? she sounded genuinely concerned. "You know, you don't actually need a license to bang."

"Congratulations on inventing a new disease--oversharitis."

"He smelled like fresh snow, cold days on the slopes, warm memories, and something else that was distinctly Sawyer."

"You'll always be my favorite medal, Silver."

"Let's go, Silver. Time to live a little."
"Or die a lot."

"She prefers pandas over monkeys," Sawyer said, alluding to my favorite animal.
"You remembered."
"Of course. I remember everything."

"Don't let anyone keep you from being yourself."

"In my heart, you were always mine."

"I want to fuck you and I don't want to stop fucking you until you're screaming my name in that sexy, raspy way that drives me wild."

"I want to love you like I've loved you all my life. And I don't want to stop. Ever."

"And what is it that you want to do, Sawyer?" 
"Taste your lips. Claim your heart. Never let you go." 

"You and me. Silver and Sawyer."

----------------------------------------------------------------
Perfect song for Silver Heart
Sawyer & Silver <3

Winter Air - Annasay

July 29, 2013

REVIEW: Confessions of an Almost-Girlfriend by Louise Rozett

Confessions of an Almost-Girlfriend by Louise Rozett (Confessions #2)
Publisher: Harlequin Teen
Publication Date: June 25, 2013
Source: Netgalley* via publisher
Rating: 5/5 stars
Get it: Amazon / B&N
Rose Zarelli has big plans for sophomore year—everything is going to be different. This year, she’s going to be the talented singer with the killer voice, the fabulous girl with the fashionista best friend, the brainiac who refuses to let Jamie Forta jerk her around...

...but if she’s not careful, she’s also going to be the sister who misses the signals, the daughter who can only think about her own pain, the “good girl” who finds herself in mid-scandal again (because no good deed goes unpunished) and possibly worst of all...the almost-girlfriend.

When all else fails, stop looking for love and go find yourself.


My Review
Confessions of an Almost-Girlfriend by Louise Rozett was even better than the first book, perhaps more brilliantly written, more profound, and definitely with more heart. I was thoroughly impressed by this second installment and Rozett did not disappoint me one bit. She totally surpassed my expectations and gave me something not short of extraordinary. 

Rose Zarelli is really Rose 2.0!

  • She’s back and she’s sassy and awkward and awesome as ever! I missed Rose’s snark so freaking much. I loved that she was still that same character I loved in Angry Girl, but also different and evolved in different ways. I love that Rose is just an average teen trying to get through high school, trying to fit in and deal. Even when she can say the most awkward or inappropriate things or even when she was thinking about punching someone in the face, Rose has a huge heart. I thought she really stepped up in this book. She knew what was right and wrong and when things got a little too far. She definitely learned a lot this time around, about herself, her family, and the other people around her. Rose especially learned to do what she thought was right despite painful consequences that may happen. What’s even better is that Rose found something for herself in her singing and even in her new style. 

Jamie, Jamie Jamie, oh how I heart you.

  • I’ve always loved Jamie and I loved him even more in this second installment although he did frustrate the heck out of me. I loved how he really could see the good in the Rose and supported her through everything. He was such a great guy who had a big heart despite an ugly past and his rough exterior. He was loyal to the core and I admire him so much because of that. Sometimes he drove me crazy, but I understood where he was coming from even when it made me angry in the end. He and Rose are way too adorable. I think they’re both good for each other. 

Louise Rozett steps it up a notch with Rose, her writing and the overall plot line.
  • What Rozett did with Rose this time around was just spectacular because she totally gives her an even stronger and truer voice. She brought Rose to life through her genuine actions and reactions and everything she thinks and says. Rozett allowed Rose to mature while still keeping the youth, innocence and naivety that I originally adored. Rozett just makes Rose real. I’m not one for too much drama, but I actually loved the high school drama in Almost-Girlfriend. Rozett made this book a little big darker and a little bit deeper. She totally extracts sympathy for characters you thought would never deserve such things. I especially love that Rozett totally highlighted really important issues that we all deal with in today’s society, such as bullying, abuse, tolerance, discrimination and hate crimes. 

Overall, Confessions of an Almost-Girlfriend was a wonderful installment to the Confessions series. This YA novel is authentic in voice, writing, and style and will relate to all across the board. Rozett didn’t just do it better, she made it better.

*Thanks to Harlequin Teen for sending a copy for review purposes
I was not compensated for my opinion

July 27, 2013

Stacking the Shelves #45

Stacking the Shelves is hosted by Tynga's Reviews where you can share books obtained via the bookstore, the library, online, through trade, borrowed from friends, gifted and/or received for review that you're adding to your shelf.

(click on the covers to take you to their Goodreads page)


Thanks to Entangled Teen, Sophie Swift, William Morrow, & Egmont


Bought during the #BrazenBash & Indulgence sale


Kindle ebooks for $0.99 and/or freebies



And that's all for this week! :)

July 26, 2013

REVIEW: Archer by Debra Kayn

Archer by Debra Kayn (Hard Body #1)
Publisher: Forever Yours
Publication Date: July 2, 2013
Source: Netgalley* via publisher
Rating: 3.5/5 stars
Get it: AmazonB&N
She's on the run . . . 

Jane Beaumont currently has in her possession: a cat, a hundred grand in cash, and a pistol. She's on her way home to Bay City, Oregon-and away from the nightmare of her violent ex-boyfriend. She'll lay low at Beaumont Body Shop, a car detailer that runs a private investigation agency in the back. The only wrench in her plan is Kage Archer: sexy, strong, and intent on protecting Jane at all costs. She's wanted Kage forever, but putting him in harm's way is not a risk she's willing to take.

He's not going anywhere 

Kage is no stranger to the dark side of life, but he's always walked on the right side of the law. Yet when Jane expressed her interest in him years ago, he pushed her away for her own good. Now, after learning of all she's endured, Kage can't leave her side-or hide his need for her. When a frightening situation turns dire, can Kage convince Jane that the safest place to be is in his arms?

My Review
Archer by Debra Kayn was a story about a girl and her brother’s best friend finally getting together, but with the addition of danger, crime, and four hot private investigators who work in a body shop. I enjoyed this book, but I thought it definitely could have been more.

I loved Jane even if she lost some of that spunk she had before she met the craziness that is Scott. He has torn her down from her lively self and shredded the amazing confidence she once had, but she definitely tries to bring the old Janie back. Throughout the book, Jane’s tough, sassy and fire like attitude shines. She struggled with her fear and paranoia, but being around loved ones helped her deal. I loved that she was determined to keep the people she cared about safe, even if it meant defying them. She was scared, but she was so ready to fight back. For Jane to have endured such abuse for so many years and survived is a testament to her strong will. 


Kage was an awesome character. He totally adored Jane even back then when they were younger. He knew he wasn’t in the right place when Jane made a move on him all those years ago. He did his best to pull himself together and make something of his crappy life as an Archer and he did just that. He waited for Jane and was so ready to protect her even if it meant going back to the past he despised. I admired Kage because of what he did with his life, for his never ending loyalty and his unwavering integrity. Being an Archer is hard, but trying to be anything but what an Archer should be was even harder and Kage has done everything and anything he could to walk the straight and narrow road. I totally loved his sweet nobility and how he became something more than just his last name. The man was willing to cross the line to protect Jane and I was amazed by that. 

I loved both characters and their romance. Their surmounting sexual tension around each other was obvious and their sexy times were mild but still steamy hot. I adored their banter and the way they teased each other every chance they got. I do wish there was more background with them. I didn’t get the full development of their feelings and felt that their relationship moved quite quickly after the trauma Jane must have felt. 

I always like a little danger and suspense in my books because it builds on the anticipation and excitement. Archer definitely had that, but I thought it needed more spunk. I was certainly on my toes each chapter, waiting for Scott to strike. However, when he finally did, his capture was too easy. I was expecting a big show down, a big fight, but it never really came and it deflated the overall excitement. I did enjoy some insight on the underground drug lord and drug trades, but I wasn’t surprised at the revelation that connected Scott, Jane and Kage. There was also my question about Jane going back home to her brother to escape Scott. If I were Scott, it’d be the first place I would look and for me, this would have been Jane’s first mistake. She wanted to protect her loved ones, but she went straight to them, basically leading Scott to them as well.

Overall, I did have a good time reading Archer. It had some humor, sex, and a little suspense. What’s not to like, right?

*Thanks to Forever for sending a copy for review purposes
I was not compensated for my opinion.

July 25, 2013

Cover Reveal: Silver Heart by Victoria Green


Silver Heart by Victoria Green
Release Date: July 25, 2013 
($0.99 release day special)

Book Description:
There comes a moment in everyone’s life when they must decide which road leads to personal happiness. For Dylan Silver, this is that moment…

For the past twenty-two-years, Dylan has been living in her parents' carefully crafted world, always putting her own dreams on hold to play the role of a dutiful daughter.

So when her best friend coaxes her into a winter getaway to a mountain cabin, she sees it as a chance to forget about the responsibilities waiting for her at home. At least for a little while.

But then her past catches up to her—in the form of sexy snowboarder, Sawyer Carter.

Six years ago, Dylan bid goodbye to the only boy she ever truly loved. Now he's standing right in front of her, bringing up bittersweet memories and igniting suppressed desires as he dares her to be the person she has always wanted to be.

Dylan and Sawyer’s unexpected meeting is a second chance, but will a girl who doesn't believe in fate and taking risks be able to overcome her fears of losing control and finally embrace the life she desperately wants?

Only one thing is certain: after a week in Whistler, Dylan's world will never be the same.


My Thoughts
Don't miss out on this book! You will freaking fall in love with Dylan and Sawyer. 
Plus I heard there's snowboarding and lime Popsicles ;)
Check out my reactions and quotes I shared while reading on Twitter at  #jezisreading


Links on Victoria Green / Silver Heart


July 24, 2013

Cover Reveal: Two Roads by L.M. Augustine + Giveaway

Cover designed by E.M. Tippetts Book Designs

Two Roads by L.M. Augustine
Release Date: August 26th, 2013

Book Description
The only person poetry-loving Cali Monroe hates more than herself is Logan Waters, the geeky kid who lives in the dorm building next to hers.

Ever since Cali's parents told her she would amount to nothing, she has felt entirely inadequate. Friendless and alone, she takes on the mean girl role in hopes it will make her feel better--and Logan serves as the perfect target. He infuriates her with his obnoxiously long lashes, his all too perfect dimpled smile, and his complete lack of personality outside of his intelligence. It doesn't hurt that he's part of the reason her brother is dead, either. So Cali hates him, and he returns the favor. Thus, their prank-filled, insult-driven rivalry is born, and torturing Logan quickly becomes the highlight of her life.

But when Cali's parents set them up on a blind date, she begins to realize Logan might not be as boring as she always thought. He shares her love of poetry, takes a sadistic pleasure in making fun of crepes, and he makes her blush when he calls her smile pretty.

And hey, maybe those long lashes of his aren't that obnoxious after all… 

Follow L.M. Augustine


Book Blitz: Bittersweet Junction by Ivy Sinclair + Giveaway

Xpresso Book Tours


Bittersweet Junction by Ivy Sinclair

Publication Date: 2013
Genre: NA Contemporary Romance

Best friends once, lovers never, yet an attraction that can’t be ignored.

Five years ago, Julia Bell walked away from her life the moment her high school diploma was in her hand. She left her family and friends behind to start over and escape the chokehold of small town life in Benton Hill. But an urgent call from her little sister brings Julia back to her hometown wholly unprepared for what awaits her.

Ben Miller was always the nice guy. Just before high school graduation, he stepped out of that role hoping to capture the heart of the woman he loved. Instead, in quick succession he lost the girl, and the future he worked so hard to achieve.

Even though Julia and Ben are drawn to each other, echoes of the past block them at every turn. Secrets are exposed, and reality needs to be dealt with if they can ever hope to move past the bittersweet junction that ripped them apart.

The Interview

About the book:

Describe Bittersweet Junction in one sentence.

Fate gives two former best friends a second chance at romance, if they overcome old misunderstandings and deceit.

Give a quick blurb about the book and why readers would enjoy it.

Bittersweet Junction picks up with the main characters, Julia Belle and Ben Miller, five years after high school graduation. Julia left the small town of Benton Hill right after graduation because she was faced with some grown-up kind of decisions that she couldn’t make. Ben, one of Julia’s childhood best friends, was left confused and hurt after her departure. Julia’s sister Clary lures Julia back to Benton Hill under false pretenses, and that’s when Julia realizes it’s impossible to outrun the past.

I think what readers will enjoy most about this story is the way that Julia and Ben eventually overcome the obstacles in their path to have a shot at their happy ending. I found it very satisfying to write, and I believe that will resonate with readers.

How did you come up with the idea for Bittersweet Junction?

I’ve had several ideas for stories that revolve around the idea of a five year high school reunion. The idea for Bittersweet Junction started there, although in the end, there is no actual high school reunion in the book. That wouldn’t have been a good enough reason to drag Julia back to Benton Hill.

If Bittersweet Junction were made into a movie, who would you want to play the main characters?

I’ve thought a lot about this. I could see Emma Roberts playing Julia and Chris Pine, with his gorgeous blue eyes, would make the perfect Ben. Emily Browning would play Julia’s little sister Clary, and Max Thieriot would round out the casting as Mike.

About you as writer:

When did you begin writing?

I started writing the summer between sixth and seventh grade. I kept all of my teenage angst in a journal and experimented with poetry as well. I think that helped me start finding my writing voice.

When did you first think, wow I have made it as a writer?

My senior year of high school I won a state newspaper award for a piece of hard hitting journalism in the school paper. It was an article on how a teacher in a local junior high had gotten in trouble for showing an R-rated movie in the classroom. The day I received my award, I knew that writing was part of my life’s journey.

Do you have any special rituals you do when you sit down to write? 

I usually have an idea of how many words or chapters that I want to get written that particular writing session. It helps to have a goal because I am easily distracted.

What advice would you give to aspiring writers out there?

Take an active interest in reading about what’s going on in the publishing industry today so that you can make informed decisions about your writing destiny. The landscape of publishing is changing faster than anyone could have imagined, and it affects all of us.

Silly questions:

Favorite color? I am digging orange right now. I have an orange purse, loads of orange tops, and even my toenails are orange at the moment.

Salty or Sweet? I am 50/50 on that. My favorite snack right now is a handful almonds mixed with a handful of dark chocolate chips.

Favorite author?  Stephen King. I can’t think of another author out there who has influenced me and my writing as much as he has, and I have enjoyed almost every single book he’s written.

Favorite book? I still remember discovering Intensity by Dean Koontz. It seriously blew my mind and scared me to death (which I love in a good book btw.)


About the Author

Ivy Sinclair cut her romance teeth on classics like Gone With the Wind, Casablanca, An Affair to Remember, and Sabrina. She is a firm believer in true love, a happily ever after ending, and the medicinal use of chocolate to cure any ailment of the heart. Ivy’s guilty pleasures include sushi, endless Starbucks lattes, and wine. Readers of Ivy’s stories can expect smoldering sweet stories of romance that tug at the heartstrings.



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July 22, 2013

Cover Reveal: Out From Under You by Sophie Swift + Giveaway


Out From Under You by Sophie Swift 
(Smart Girls Finish First #1) 
Release Date:  August 2013 
Genre: New Adult Romance


Book Description:
“Love is an earthquake. It comes when you least expect it. It rips the ground clear away. Right out from under you.” 

The day Lia Smart met Grayson Walker, eight years ago, was the day she fell helplessly in love with him. Coincidentally, it was the same day Grayson fell in love with someone else: Lia’s smarter, sexier, superior-in-every-way older sister, Alex. 

Now, nearly a decade later, Alex and Grayson are long over and twenty-two-year-old Lia has finally managed to forget all those lonely nights she spent pining after her sister’s boyfriend. But when Grayson unexpectedly arrives back in town with Alex for Labor Day weekend and the two announce that they’re not only back together but engaged, all the feelings that Lia buried suddenly come bubbling back to the surface. 

But Lia is no longer the awkward, gangly tomboy she was at fourteen. Far from it. And Grayson is conflicted by the lustful thoughts he’s now having for her. He knows he could never act on those thoughts, however. Grayson has always prided himself on being one of the “good guys.” But as the weekend wears on, he’s finding this new grown-up version of Lia more and more impossible to resist... 

Heartbreaking and sexy with a dash of humor, Sophie Swift crafts a passionate, unforgettable tale about desire, growing up, and the kind of love that shakes us to the core. 


Grab the Countdown widget for Out From Under You!



About the Author
Sophie Swift is an east coast girl who recently transplanted to Southern California. She writes about sexy boys by day, and dates them by night. Her sizzling, new adult romance, OUT FROM UNDER YOU, the first in a new contemporary series, will be released in August of 2013. She loves books that quicken her pace, music sung by adolescent boys, and cupcakes with too much frosting.


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REVIEW: Love Him or Leave Him by Sara Daniel

Love Him or Leave Him by Sara Daniel
Publisher: Entangled Bliss
Publication Date: July 8, 2013
Source: eARC* via publisher
Rating: 4/5 stars
Get it: Amazon | B&N | Kobo
Sometimes dreams are where you least expect them

Connor O’Malley and Becca Sanders were once high school sweethearts, ripped apart by rumors in the small town of Kortville, Illinois. Connor left to join the military, and Becca stayed, waiting for her younger brother to graduate so she could live her dreams of traveling the world. But now that Connor's back as the town sheriff, Becca finds herself struggling to resist the too-handsome man who once broke her heart.

Connor loves Kortville—its quaintness keeps at bay the painful memories of Afghanistan he’s sure make him unworthy of any woman, particularly the beautiful brunette he’s always secretly dreamed of a future with. But when a scandal rocks the town, suddenly Connor and Becca must trust in each other if they want to weather this storm…and come out on the other side of it together.

My Review
Love Him or Leave Him by Sara Daniel was such an easy, cute, and charming read. It had a wonderful cast of characters that were easy to love, a clever plot line, and such a sweet romance that I enjoyed very much.

I thought Becca was a sweet and caring girl. I found her to be really friendly and kind. She really stepped up for her brother even if it meant put her dreams and her whole life on hold. It was hard, but she really instilled her kind and caring demeanor into him. Although her brother didn’t want the life outside of Kortville, I understood why she pushed it on him, why she wanted to give him the options she wasn’t able to grab onto. She never resented her brother, but loved him no matter what. I thought she was a great sister and model parent. She did her best and that’s all anyone could ask for. I loved that Becca was passionate about fitness, wanting to help others live a healthy lifestyle and how she dreamed of traveling and opening up her own fitness company. And I especially loved that she believed in Connor and made him realize that though he had his own issues she would still be there for him to listen or to talk to whether they were together or not. 

Connor was the sexy, loyal and determined police chief of the town who also happened to be Becca’s ex-boyfriend from high school. I totally loved his dedication to the town; how much he cared for the citizens and how much he wanted to protect them. He even took the time to give everyone special attention, no matter how small the request or emergency. Connor was one charming and devoted character that I couldn’t help but fall in love with. I was really proud of him when he took in Becca’s advice and got help for his PTSD. He really learned a lot about himself in this book. He learned to trust Becca, to open up to her and he realized that though he may be damaged goods, that she would always care, love, and support him through his tough times. I adored Connor even more when he stuck my Becca’s side no matter what. 

I really liked what Sara Daniel put into in this novel. The romance between Connor and Becca was a full of rediscovery and trusting one another. The attraction was still there and I loved that they rekindled what could have been. This time, there were ready and more mature. I enjoyed how Daniel brought these two back together through the fun cocoa contest and with the vandalism going on in Kortville. Despite the bad things happening, Daniel made the town of Kortville a homey place with a real tight knit community. The town dynamic was endearing and the way they looked out for each other really melted my heart. What was really great about this book was guessing who the vandal was. I had my predictions and my sights set on certain characters. Even when I knew I was right, it was exciting to see it all unfold. I also liked how this book was about the future, about what you truly wanted, and about accepting that sometimes the thing you thought you wanted wasn't exactly the best thing. I really liked that Love Him or Leave Him focused on achieving your dreams and realizing those dreams could be altered or changed and still bring happiness.

All in all, Love Him or Leave Him is a light and fun read that is so worth reading! 

*Thanks to Debbie via Entangled for sending a copy for review purposes
I was not compensated for my honest opinion. 

July 20, 2013

Stacking the Shelves #44

Stacking the Shelves is hosted by Tynga's Reviews where you can share books obtained via the bookstore, the library, online, through trade, borrowed from friends, gifted and/or received for review that you're adding to your shelf.

________________________________________________________

click on the book cover to redirect you to the Goodreads page


As of Friday 3:26pm PST 


Both $2.99 here and here on Amazon.


Guess who went Brazen crazy!?
All thanks to Justin of Justin's Book Blog! :)


That's all I got this week!
Leave me your links!

July 19, 2013

REVIEW: Wild Awake by Hilary T. Smith


Wild Awake by Hilary T. Smith
Publisher: Katherine Tegen Books
Publication Date: May 28, 2013
Source: Edelweiss, 375 pages
Rating: 3.5/5 stars
Get it: Amazon / B&N
Things you earnestly believe will happen while your parents are away:

1. You will remember to water the azaleas.
2. You will take detailed, accurate messages.
3. You will call your older brother, Denny, if even the slightest thing goes wrong.
4. You and your best friend/bandmate Lukas will win Battle of the Bands.
5. Amid the thrill of victory, Lukas will finally realize you are the girl of his dreams.

Things that actually happen:

1. A stranger calls who says he knew your sister.
2. He says he has her stuff.
3. What stuff? Her stuff.
4. You tell him your parents won’t be able to—
5. Sukey died five years ago; can’t he—
6. You pick up a pen.
7. You scribble down the address.
8. You get on your bike and go.
9. Things . . . get a little crazy after that.*
*also, you fall in love, but not with Lukas.

My Review
Unique in it’s own way with a bright and eye catching cover, characters that go above and beyond, and writing that simply stunning. Wild Awake was one weird contemporary novel and one I liked, but was not blown away by. 

What I Liked

:

Narrator and main character, Kiri
.
Kiri was definitely the star of this novel and probably the reason why this book was out there in the realm of bizarre, yet fascinating. Kiri was a strange character and she left a lot to the imagination. She was very hard to understand as a character and very unpredictable with her thoughts and actions. I think that’s why I liked her so much. She was out of reach, but somehow I still wanted to grasp her. She was crazy, she was intense, she played piano like a maniac, and looked up to an older sister that lost her way. 



The Romance, more specifically, Skunk. 

This part of the book appealed to me because it was different and a not typical romance. Skunk and Kiri were just super cute together. They weren’t lovey dovey or anything like that, just really out there. Skunk was good for Kiri, because he was the calm in her storm and kind of grounded her in her craziness. They drank tea, listened to his millions of radios, had bicycle rides at midnight, texted and recited lines from Tao te Ching, and made music together. And I loved the way he called her his Crazy Girl and she called him Bicycle Boy and her love-bison. Their romance was young love, nothing earth shattering or profound, but lovely, warm and right. 



The Writing

Beautiful and lyrical and completely vivid in every chapter. The descriptions and imagery took my breath away and all the similes and metaphors gave this book more oomph and spice. The way this book was written definitely brought out Kiri’s voice and her scattered thoughts and her gut punching emotions. Hilary T. Smith’s writing style was definitely the best thing about the book. It was a breath of fresh air and sigh worthy all at the same time. 



What I didn’t like so much

:

What’s the point, what is the plot?

I enjoyed this book, don’t get me wrong, but throughout the whole thing I asked myself what is exactly the point of this book? Kiri finds out what really happened to her sister, she plays the piano, smokes and drinks, rides her bike, does Battle of the Bands, falls in love, has a Thing, she crashes and burns and comes back. It was pretty chaotic and sometimes I didn’t understand half of it myself and maybe that’s why I wasn’t so compelled or engrossed into this book. I didn’t know where the direction of the book was going so I was lost along the way. I think I just missed something with this book and failed to gain the whole perspective. 



Overall, Wild Awake was a good book filled with passion for art and music  It’s got a lot of heart and it’s kind of crazy. Contemporary fans will enjoy the originality of this book.



*Thanks to Katherine Tegan Books for sending a copy for review purposes
I was not compensated for my opinion