Cover Reveal: The Avery Shaw Experiment by Kelly Oram + Giveaway

Title: The Avery Shaw Experiment
Author: Kelly Oram
Publisher: Bluefields
Format: ebook
Genre: YA contemporary romance
Release Date: May 2013

Summary:

When Avery Shaw’s heart is shattered by her life-long best friend, she chooses to deal with it the only way she knows how—scientifically.

The state science fair is coming up and Avery decides to use her broken heart as the topic of her experiment. She’s going to find the cure. By forcing herself to experience the seven stages of grief through a series of social tests, she believes she will be able to get over Aiden Kennedy and make herself ready to love again. But she can’t do this experiment alone, and her partner (ex partner!) is the one who broke her heart.

Avery finds the solution to her troubles in the form of Aiden’s older brother Grayson. The gorgeous womanizer is about to be kicked off the school basketball team for failing physics. He’s in need of a good tutor and some serious extra credit. But when Avery recruits the lovable Grayson to be her “objective outside observer,” she gets a whole lot more than she bargained for, because Grayson has a theory of his own: Avery doesn’t need to grieve. She needs to live. And if there’s one thing Grayson Kennedy is good at, it’s living life to the fullest.

Teaser One - Avery

Grayson finally noticed Aiden and I on the couch. “What are you two dorks doing?”

“Learning about steroids,” I said cheerfully. “You should probably know that using them can cause acne, testicular atrophy, decreased sperm count, prostate enlargement and gynecomastia.”

Grayson looked rightfully appalled. “Gyneco-what-ia?”

“Enlarged breasts in men,” Aiden translated. “So you should lay off the juice before you have to start borrowing Avery’s bras.”

I gasped at the mention of my underwear and whacked Aiden’s shoulder hard.

Behind me, Grayson laughed. I knew he was about to deliver a comeback, but I refused to look at him. Seconds later his breath was warm on my neck. He whispered just low enough that his mother couldn’t hear what he said. “I like my bras colorful and lacey, Aves. Not sure your collection would do it for me.”

Total mortification. Grayson may be as close as family to me, but he was still one of the hottest, most popular guys in our whole school. Him discussing my bras in that low sexy voice that could stop a girl’s heart on the spot made my lungs constrict. Plus, he was right of course. My bras were all of the plain white cotton variety.

Teaser Two - Grayson

I started to leave the room but she stopped me at the door. “Grayson?” Her tone tugged at something inside me. “You really want to take me with you tonight?”

She sounded so small and unsure of herself. It was how she always sounded at school and around strangers, but never when she was at home with us. I think my brother had really broken her. I was seriously going to have to beat him sometime.

“You don’t have to if you don’t want to. I know I really freaked out on you earlier, but I promise I’ll be fine. Aiden’s right.” She swallowed back a lump in her throat. “I’ll manage without him somehow.”

“Aiden’s a tool. You can learn how to manage tomorrow. Tonight’s New Years Eve and for once in your life you’re going to spend it without Aiden or The Discovery Channel.

I knew I was making progress when she cracked a smile and asked, “What about Whootylicious in 7 B?”

I thought of the luscious booty I’d originally planned on seeing tonight and sighed. “That will be an unfortunate loss, but, like you, I will just have to deal.”

I winked and then decided I’d give her ten minutes before I came back and physically dragged her out of bed.

Other books by Kelly Oram

About Kelly Oram...

Kelly Oram wrote her first novel at age fifteen–a fan fiction about her favorite music group, The Backstreet Boys, for which family and friends still tease her. She's obsessed with reading, talks way too much, and loves to eat frosting by the spoonful. She lives outside of Phoenix, Arizona with her husband and four children.

Website † Twitter † Facebook † GoodReads 

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Blog Tour: None of the Regular Rules by Erin Downing + Giveaway

Welcome to my stop of the None of the Regular Rules blog tour, hosted by the lovely, Giselle @ Xpresso Book Tours! Today, you be able to read my review and see why I thoroughly enjoyed this book and also enter the tour wide giveaway too! 

None of the Regular Rules 

by Erin Downing

Publication Date: November 20, 2012

Format: ebook* 260 pages

Rating: 5/5

Get it: Amazon

Sometimes, a few dares can change lives…

The weekend before the start of senior year, Sophie Erickson and her best friends, Ella and Grace, discover a handwritten list of dares tucked away in the glove compartment of Sophie’s beat-up old Toyota. But this isn’t just any list; it’s a dead girl's bucket list.

Sophie's beloved aunt Suzy died as a teenager in a fatal fall, leaving Sophie with an overly cautious family, a few fading photographs, and a bucket of bolts that barely passes for a car. But now, Sophie has Suzy’s list of the things she wanted to do in her last year of high school. Sophie can't help but wonder: What would happen if she tried to fulfill Suzy’s last wishes, to live out the longed-for life of her aunt, her hero?

As Sophie and her friends attempt to knock off the things on Suzy's list of dares, love blossoms in unexpected places and Sophie begins to feel that her life is finally coming together...when in fact, everything is slowly unraveling around her. When the truth about a long-held family secret threatens to shatter everything she believed to be true, Sophie is forced to question everything she knew about the life and people she believed in, and ultimately herself.

My Review

None of the Regular Rules by Erin Downing was one book I opened up, started to read, and before I knew it I was at the end wondering how in the world I got there. I lost all track of time when reading this book. It’s not enough to say that I loved, enjoyed, adored, and ravished this book with all of my being.

Main character Sophie, and one amazing one at that, was the quiet, kept to herself kind of girl. She wasn’t extraordinarily beautiful nor popular in any high standard, but was down to earth and an easy going type of person that you could not help but like. She was the type of character you could have met in real life and become friends with easily. I loved the way she carried herself, her little quips and quirks, and the quiet confidence and self-assurance she had but didn’t know she did. To me, Sophie was more than comfortable in her skin. She was scared of the future, but determined to do something, be someone, and not fade into the background. She was in no way perfect, flawed in every aspect, but real in every sense. 

The idea of finding a bucket list and going through the notion of fulfilling everything on that list was a very interesting twist that drew me in from the beginning. Better yet, I loved that there was a story, something meaningful behind the list for Sophie. It wasn’t just a list to complete, but a sort of way to honor and remember Sophie’s beloved aunt. It was the opening that gave Sophie the courage to do things she has never done before and I reveled in her new found outlook in her life.

I really enjoyed the dynamic friendship between Sophie, Ella and Grace. They were like the the Gilmore Girls, only plus one with their clever, never ending banter. It was obvious how close and deep their friendship was. I love how they were open with one another, looked out for each other, and had the right mind to keep each other in check when one of them got out of hand. Their friendship was one I knew that could stand the test of time and distance even when things were looking up and mostly when things were looking down. 

The romance in this book was very light, but in the best and most sweet and heart warming way. It was no where near the main focus of the story, but a lovely addition nonetheless. Johnny Rush was an adventure; loud and outgoing and loved by all. He was fun and did what he wanted, when he wanted without the care of what others thought. He was a cool guy that I was immediately taken with as much as Sophie, if not more. I thought he was great with Sophie and while I wished there were way more moments with them then there were, the ones given were just perfect. 

Although the truth about the family secret surrounding Sophie’s aunt Suzy didn’t surprise or shock me, because I suspected, it really hurt Sophie and in turn, hurt me as well. I thought this twist really changed Sophie and continued to allow her to see her life in another light before she found the list and it allowed her to grow more. She was lost, but she found herself again and that was the important part. None of the Regular Rules was not only amusing and highly entertaining, it was really insightful. It makes you want to reevaluate the life you're living now the way Sophie does. 

Overall, this book was an amazing coming of age kind of story that will truly please all. It was all about truth, finding yourself, true friendships, having fun, and finding your happiness. It had the take home message of letting go what is not good for you, taking chances when necessary, and not changing yourself for others. 

*Thanks to Giselle and Erin Downing for sending a copy for review

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The GIVEAWAY

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About the Author

Erin Downing has written more than a dozen books for young adults, tweens, and kids. Her guilty pleasures include an unhealthy obsession with reality TV and cheesy romantic dramas (Revenge! Alias!), an addiction to Us Weekly magazine, and cupcakes.

Before turning to writing full time, Erin worked as a book editor, spent a few months as a cookie inventor, and also worked for Nickelodeon. Erin has lived in England, Sweden, and New York City, and now resides in Minneapolis, Minnesota, with her husband and kids. More information about Erin and her books can be found at: www.erindowning.com.

Connect with Erin:

Website | Goodreads | Twitter | Facebook

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REVIEW: The Nightmare Affair by Mindee Arnett

Title: The Nightmare Affair (The Arkwell Academy #1)
Author: Mindee Arnett
Publisher: Tor Teen
Publication Date: March 5, 2013
Format: ARC; 367 pages
Rating: 5/5
Get it: Amazon | B&N | Book Depository

Sixteen-year-old Dusty Everhart breaks into houses late at night, but not because she’s a criminal. No, she’s a Nightmare.

Literally.

Being the only Nightmare at Arkwell Academy, a boarding school for magickind, and living in the shadow of her mother’s infamy, is hard enough. But when Dusty sneaks into Eli Booker’s house, things get a whole lot more complicated. He’s hot, which means sitting on his chest and invading his dreams couldn’t get much more embarrassing. But it does. Eli is dreaming of a murder.

Then Eli’s dream comes true.

Now Dusty has to follow the clues—both within Eli’s dreams and out of them—to stop the killer before more people turn up dead. And before the killer learns what she’s up to and marks her as the next target.

My thoughts, feelings, and reactions

The Nightmare Affair was a novel where Nightmares, demons, wizards, fairies and more are real. They’re walking, talking, living, and blending among us. The Nightmare Affair was full of imagination and creativity. Mindee Arnett created a book that was easily entertaining and one that was riveting, gripping and so much fun to read.

Destiny, better known as Dusty, was one spectacular character! Not even one page into the book, I was completely in love with her. Dusty had so much personality, so much spunk that it wasn’t hard to like her immediately. Honestly, I wanted to be Dusty’s friend, for real, forever. I liked that Dusty was a flawed character who had insecurities about herself, who was slightly awkward and clumsy, but still be super cool and down to earth too. In The Nightmare Affair, she started off as a someone to be scared of or someone to ignore, but as she learned more about herself and as her determination grew, the more her confidence did too. Dusty definitely had this paranormal, snarky, snappy Nancy Drew detective attitude going on that I’m sure many will enjoy. With a big mouth and a sharp tongue, Dusty was one fun character you don’t want to miss getting the chance to know!

Romance wise, this book definitely has some high points. There’s no insta-love here! Dusty grows to like two boys. Both are sweet and care very much for her. What I like about the relationship that Dusty had with Paul and Eli, was that they grew and develop to potentially be something more later on. There was room for feelings to deepen further. There was room to strengthen or break bonds. Mindee Arnett created something believable and real. Dusty’s feelings for Paul and Eli felt true and no where near forced. It just felt natural. My favorite had to be Eli because I loved how their partnership turned into a friendship where they were there for each other despite the daunting circumstances they were in at the moment. Dusty had a different kind of relationship with Paul compared to Eli, but Arnett still managed to make it so I loved both to the point of sever attachment problems. 

What truly made this book memorable and down right fantastic, was the world. What I thought was just going to be another paranormal world paralleled to the human world, I got something so much better, more realistic, more believable, and way more captivating. I loved every single aspect about this world from all the different magickinds, to the school grounds of Arkwell Academy, to the Magi Senate, to the role of the Keepers, the purpose of the Will, and even how Animation occurs. There was so much going on within this world, it was complex and involved but I never got overwhelmed or confused. In fact, the more I learned more about Dusty’s world, the more I wished I lived in it with her and the more I wished it were real. I especially loved getting to know about Nightmares and how their feeding and dreamwalking worked. It was very interesting. I really enjoyed learning about the magickind hierarchy between naturekind, witchkind, darkind and of course, the halfkind. Even in this world there was constant discrimination, popularity feuds, and the need for control and more power. This book was so much more than just a simple murder story. There was a tangled web of betrayal, deceit and lies that made you doubt which characters you could really trust. In a world with magic, rules, and order, you’ll find hidden secrets that threaten the peace that makes this world far from perfect than what it seemed. 



Overall, The Nightmare Affair was filled with mystery, suspense and even some adventure. It was not only witty and clever, but very entertaining. Just this first book alone has made me a fan of Arnett’s for life!

REVIEW: Send Me A Sign by Tiffany Schmidt

Title: Send Me a Sign
Author: Tiffany Schmidt - Website | Twitter | Facebook
Publisher: Walker Childrens
Published: October 2, 2012
Format: egalley via Netgalley* 384 pages
Rating: 5/5
Get it: Amazon || B&N || The Book Depository

Mia is always looking for signs. A sign that she should get serious with her soccer-captain boyfriend. A sign that she’ll get the grades to make it into an Ivy-league school. One sign she didn’t expect to look for was: “Will I survive cancer?” It’s a question her friends would never understand, prompting Mia to keep her illness a secret. The only one who knows is her lifelong best friend, Gyver, who is poised to be so much more. Mia is determined to survive, but when you have so much going your way, there is so much more to lose. From debut author Tiffany Schmidt comes a heart-wrenching and ultimately uplifting story of one girl’s search for signs of life in the face of death.

My thoughts, feelings, and reactions.

Send Me a Sign begins with a teenage girl who discovers news that nearly shatters the life she once knew right before her eyes. Cancer is something we all face whether it be from the people around us or in ourselves and we all know it’s a tough thing to overcome. In Send Me a Sign, Tiffany Schmidt creates a beautiful and refreshing novel that allows us to experience someone literally dealing with life and death and the consequences of secrecy. 

Mia believes in signs. Before deciding on any big decision, she feels she needs some kind of sign to move forward. When Mia finds out she has leukemia, she continues to look for signs whether to tell her friends or whether she will live or die. In the midst of this, Mia is afraid people will pity her or run away from her because of her illness. Throughout the book, Mia struggles with acceptance, alienation, and wanting to live a normal life. No matter how strong and brave Mia appeared to be, deep down she was terrified and barely holding on. Keeping up pretenses of being healthy was just slowly killing away Mia’s spirit and strength and it hurt so much to see her slowly give up. Mia tried her very hardest to keep her parents happy and even when she nearly crumbled, I always thought Mia was a good person who was just scared for herself. 

The romance in Send Me a Sign was one that certainly touched my heart. I loved how Schmidt was able to make me fall in love with both of the love interests. My heart swelled and raced and broke for both and I won’t be surprised if other readers have a hard time choosing as well. Ryan, who starts off as a player, later shows his true feelings. He becomes the ever faithful and devoted boyfriend that Mia could ever want. He stays with Mia even after knowing about her illness. While I loved Ryan and deeply ached for him, I could not help but adore and love Gyver even more. Gyver was Mia’s best friend from childhood and they’ve always been close. He was sweet, charming, smart and super cute. He was always supportive of Mia, but he never sugar coated his feelings and always told Mia what he felt and thought straight up. Mia cared for both Ryan and Gyver, but only one really captured her heart and seeing her have to choose and lose one was very hard to read. It was difficult because both guys were just wonderful and either one would have been perfect for Mia. 


The writing in Send Me a Sign is incredible. Schmidt’s writing really shows depth and power. She was able to really touch me in ways I don’t think I ever thought I could be touched. Just a few pages in and I was already feeling all kinds of heart wrenching emotions. Schmidt really sets the pace beautifully, building up to end that really got me sucked into the perspective of someone struggling with cancer. It became vivid and descriptive and really intense, I could not stop myself from reading. I really loved how Schmidt brought in the fear of death, of giving up, losing hope and then believing and fighting for life. She really weaves in Mia’s superstitions into the story very well. Not only does this book tackle cancer, but it also tackles relationships, friendships and family. 

Overall, Send Me a Sign was fantastic novel about the belief in fighting back, the meaning of communication and learning what you really want in life. It’s a book that will definitely capture the hearts of many and more. 

*Thanks to Bloomsbury Children's Books for sending me a copy for review

REVIEW: Touch of Death by Kelly Hashway

Title: Touch of Death (Touch of Death #1)
Author: Kelly Hashway - Website | Blog | Twitter | Facebook
Publisher: Spencer Hill Press
Expected Publication Date: January 15, 2013
Format: ARC* 235 pages
Rating: 5/5
Get it: Amazon || B&N || The Book Depository

Jodi Marshall isn’t sure how she went from normal teenager to walking disaster. One minute she’s in her junior year of high school, spending time with her amazing boyfriend and her best friend. The next she’s being stalked by some guy no one seems to know.

After the stranger, Alex, reveals himself, Jodi learns he’s not a normal teenager and neither is she. With a kiss that kills and a touch that brings the dead back to life, Jodi discovers she’s part of a branch of necromancers born under the 13th sign of the zodiac, Ophiuchus. A branch of necromancers that are descendents of Medusa. A branch of necromancers with poisoned blood writhing in their veins.

Jodi’s deadly to the living and even more deadly to the deceased. She has to leave her old, normal life behind before she hurts the people she loves. As if that isn’t difficult enough, Jodi discovers she’s the chosen one who has to save the rest of her kind from perishing at the hands of Hades. If she can’t figure out how to control her power, history will repeat itself, and her race will become extinct.

My Review

Life and death are always intertwined..

Touch of Death starts off with an ordinary girl who seemed to be accident prone, nearly killing everything and everyone she comes into contact with. This really blows for a girl like Jodi Marshall, even more so when she can’t even kiss the boy she likes. But Jodi is destined for greater things and not being able to a kiss a boy is the least of her problems. In this book, we are introduced to a whole new world full of necromancers and a twist in Greek mythology’s Medusa. Kelly Hashway creates one book that is pure excellence and will leave you with mind blown goodness. 

Jodi was a fantastic character. I loved her immediately because I felt like I could relate to her easily. She was really cool, but was a powerful girl even before everything went down. Jodi was a little clumsy and awkward, but a believable and real character. She had a strong voice in the beginning, but even more so by the end of the book. Jodi was the type of person who was brave and thought ahead. She was definitely funny too. What I admired most about Jodi was how she takes everything with a mature and graceful manner, no matter how weird or unbelievable things felt to her. Jodi had a heart of gold and was an overall good person. She had morals and beliefs and with all the power at her fingertips, she doesn’t abuse it. She uses it for good and is never tempted. I loved how Jodi took into consideration of the feelings of the living and the dead. She truly cared for everything and everyone. Jodi doesn’t brush things off, but takes responsibility for her actions. She embraced her true identity and power and made sacrifices that left me in awe. 

Even though Alex spooked Jodi out in the beginning, I knew he was going to be character I was going to fall hard for and boy was I right! Alex was a great guy. He saved Jodi from herself and taught and trained her all the things she needed to know. He helped her and he comforted her when she was feeling down. I loved how Alex continued to encourage and believe in Jodi, especially when she felt like she didn’t have confidence in herself. Alex was a charming, friendly guy and was just a total endearing sweetheart. He is not hard to love. His close relationship with Jodi was a joy to read. I loved seeing them together because they just had a deep connection and wonderful chemistry. Their romance will definitely make hearts flutter. 

Kelly Hashway wrote an amazing novel. Her writing captured me and reeled me in. Her writing style was lively and appealed to all the senses. I loved her take on the mythology with Medusa, Ophiuchus and the Ophi. Medusa is usually seen as a bad character, but in Touch of Death, we see a whole new side of Medusa that I absolutely loved. Hashway made necromancers completely fascinating and alluring, but she also made them tough, powerful and extraordinary. I loved every aspect of the storyline that Hashway created and how she explained the powers, history and origin of the Ophi very well. The pacing was just right with the information trickling and dispersing through the story to keep one enticed. Hashway did a great job of keeping things hidden until they were revealed later in a way that you never saw coming. She brought the mystery and suspense at just the right moments and she made sure to keep things entertained so you felt like thing were always happening. The best parts are the plot twists and the dangerous, ominous feel of the whole book. The very last scenes become such a rush, it leaves you with no words. 

Overall, Touch of Death was a novel that put me at the edge of my seat, made me swoon and had me itching and begging for more. Kelly Hashway is one spectacular writer and storyteller and I cannot wait to get my hands on more of her books!

*Thanks to Spencer Hill Press for providing a copy for review

Cover Reveal: Breaking Waves by Danielle Sibarium

I'm super excited to reveal the cover to the Breaking Waves, the sequel to Heart Waves which I absolutely adored! You can read my review to Heart Waves here. So without any more delays..

*drum roll* 

Breaking Waves by Danielle Sibarium

Expected Publication Date: January 10, 2013

Book Description:

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? 

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*squeals* The cover is sooo pretty! The colors are to die for!

I love it and it totally matches Heart Waves!

I cannot wait for Breaking Waves to release already! 

I need me some more Reece and I have to know all about Tyler too ;)

Purchase Heart Waves: Amazon || B&N

Connect with Danielle Sibarium:

Website || Goodreads || Twitter || Facebook

REVIEW: Flawed by Kate Avelynn

Title: Flawed
Author: Kate Avelynn -
        Website | Twitter | Facebook
Publisher: Entangled Publishing
Published: ebook - November 23, 2012; PB - December 11, 2012
Format: eARC* 352 pages
Rating: 5/5 stars - psh, I mean one trillion stars!
Get it: Amazon | B&N | The Book Depository

Sarah O’Brien is alive because of the pact she and her brother made twelve years ago — James will protect her from their violent father if she promises to never leave him. For years, she’s watched James destroy his life to save hers. If all he asks for in return is her affection, she’ll give it freely.

Until, with a tiny kiss and a broken mind, he asks for more than she can give.

Sam Donavon has been James’ best friend — and the boy Sarah’s had a crush on — for as long as she can remember. As their forbidden relationship deepens, Sarah knows she’s in trouble. Quiet, serious Sam has decided he’s going to save her. Neither of them realize James is far more unstable than her father ever was, or that he’s not about to let Sarah forget her half of the pact . . .

My thoughts, feelings, and reactions.

Beautiful and devastating all wrapped in one heart shattering, soul moving book. Flawed broke me, crushed me whole and devoured my every being. Kate Avelynn created a book so powerful, so gut wrenching.. nothing will ever be the same. 

Sarah O’Brien was the strongest protagonist I have ever encountered in all my time of reading. She wasn’t strong physically, but with years of abuse she had to go through, Sarah endured. She was living a life she didn’t deserve at all, stuck in an impossible situation with difficult choices to make between the two people that she loved the most. It was all so hard on Sarah and I really felt that pain, the indecision and the stress she was holding on her shoulders. The juggling of protecting herself, her brother, and Sam just took a toll on Sarah and my heart damn near crumbled for her. In the toughest of times, Sarah held out and I truly looked up to the way she loved and cared for James and Sam. I loved Sarah for all that she was and all that she wasn’t and I especially loved her for the choices she made and the fact that she continued to dream, hope and live. 


In so little words, I loved James. I ached for him entirely; that broken boy I wanted to fix from the inside out. As unstable and unpredictable as he was, I could not help but only see the goodness of his intentions and of his heart. He conflicted me, he shook me and made me love and hate him simultaneously. All his life has been devoted to protect and care for Sarah. Everything he had ever done was for Sarah and his unwavering love for her allowed darkness and madness to consume him. James only knew what he had to do to protect Sarah and all he wanted in return was love; love she could not give. And that possessive, all consuming love he had for her was what blew out the last of the bright flame my lovely golden boy had. How do you fix something so broken, so tainted by abuse, alcohol, drugs and fear that only darkness remained? There really is only one answer.. you can’t. 

The romance of this book rooted and attached itself to me. I have never felt so intensely for the love that bloomed between Sarah and Sam. It was electric and it was paradise and it was dangerous in so many aspects. For me, the risk was worth it all. Sam opened Sarah’s eyes. His smart, independent, caring, and protective personality awakened Sarah and taught her the true meaning of unconditional love. He gave her happiness and what little freedom she could take. Sarah was his everything, his forever and I truly believed that from the bottom of my heart. This boy.. this great, spectacular, unlike-no-one-in-this-world kind of boy was the sweetest, brightest and selfless being I have ever had the privilege to fall in love with. If there is one true hero in this book, it was Sam Donavan. No questions asked. 

I was unprepared for the amount of pain and hurt this book made me feel. I was unprepared for the amount and depth of love I had for every single letter, word, sentence, paragraph, page and chapter. I have never felt so much fear, hot and cold in my heart. I didn’t think I could have ever foreseen it coming at all. This book opened my eyes to the meaning of sacrifices, of choices, and complete devotion.


Flawed has easily worked its way to being one of the best books I have ever read. The wait was more than worth it and if I had to wait a million years for this book, I would happily do so. Kate Avelynn completely moved me to sobbing tears with her clean, exquisite, and top notch writing. What she created in Flawed was pure emotion, passion and dark tragedy that shattered my heart to tiny painful pieces. It’s the type of book that is too beautiful for words and one that will haunt your very core to oblivion.



Overall, Flawed was just perfect, flawless and incomparable. 

*#DarkDarlings forever <3 Thank you so much Kate. 

REVIEW: Dizzy by Nyrae Dawn and Jolene Perry

Title: Dizzy
Author(s): Nyrae Dawn & Jolene Perry

     - Website | Twitter | Facebook

     - Website | Twitter | Facebook

Publication Date: November 20, 2012
Format: e-ARC*
Rating: 5/5
Get it: Amazon || B&N

Dylan doesn’t do relationships. He and his older brother watched their dad go through hell and back, so they made a pact years ago—no girl would come between the Gibson boys. But his brother sells out. He's getting married anyway. To the sister of a chick Dylan met at a party, who's probably the angriest girl he's ever met. Unfortunately, she happens to be hot, too.

Ziah’s life is upside down—her safe boyfriend turns out to be not-so-safe, and now her sister is getting married before college is over to the older brother of a spoiled, party boy who drives her crazy. And also makes her heart beat too fast.

There’s no denying the attraction, but there's also no denying how much they irritate each other. When they’re thrown together as forced wedding planners, they find an ally in each other--neither wants this wedding to happen.

But instead of putting a stop to the crazy nuptials they find themselves at fittings and cake testing. And maybe even…a few dates?
Dizzy is a novel about what happens when two people who are determined not to fall in love, maybe do anyway. Maybe.

My thoughts, feelings, and reactions.

I love a good romance with a swoony couple that makes me melt and the drama that comes with it. Dizzy by Nyrae Dawn and Jolene Perry had this down perfectly. They wrote one cute and lovable book that will surely touch the hearts of many. 

We start off with two marvelous characters, Dylan and Ziah, who are brought together through the upcoming marriage of their siblings. Dylan and Ziah don’t have much in common and come from opposite worlds, but these two come together under unpleasant circumstances and without knowing how, these two fall for each other. 

Dylan was a unique character whom I loved from the very start. From the outside, he looked like a rich, spoiled and arrogant guy. Hidden underneath those rough edges is a sweet, down to earth, funny and overall great guy. He was super hilarious and he made me smile and laugh out loud every chance he got. Dylan had trust issues when it came to women so he couldn't commit to one girl, but Dylan never led any girl on. He made sure they knew exactly what he wanted. I love how Dylan still found it in him to support his brother, even when he didn’t agree in the beginning. I understood Dylan and I completely connected with him and felt all the pain and betrayal he felt. I found Dylan to be one amazing guy even with all the issues he had with his parents and his brother’s wedding. Dylan was the type of guy you want to keep and never ever want to let go. 

Ziah was character that made this book whole. Smart and intimidating with a powerful voice, Ziah was truly one force to be reckoned with. This girl can dish it out and she can stand on her own. She was a strong girl and she valued love and family as important things. What I loved about Ziah was her ability to forgive and embrace things and the people who did her wrong. Ziah may look tough on the outside, but she definitely had a fun and loving side I loved as well. I loved how she was relatable, reachable and believable as a character. 

Nyrae Dawn and Jolene Perry’s writing was absolutely stunning. The writing is clean and well blended. They did a great job of developing the characters to point where I got to know them and feel what they were going through. Dylan and Ziah were set a part from each other and had unique voices that I knew exactly whose head I was in without looking. The drama and obstacles the characters had to face were real and true to the story as well. The overall pacing of the story was perfect where Dylan and Ziah’s relationship grew stronger each chapter. The romance was beautifully written, making my heart ache and swell and race at the same time. It was so easy to invest and wrap myself around the romance, it’s no wonder why I fell head over heels in love with this book. Best of all, Nyrae Dawn and Jolene Perry made sure to add in the snarky, clever, and humorous moments for a fun, fast, and easy read. 

Dizzy is a must-have, must-read book for any contemporary, romance and book lovers out there! 

*Thanks to Nyrae Dawn for sending a copy for review  

Favorite Quotes:

"MARRIED? What? It's worse than I thought. My brother isn't dying; he's gone bat-shit crazy." location 274

"My heart starts to beat all crazy, which means I'm completely ridiculous because it's just a hand. I take it and land way too close to him. And his blue eyes are too close and his warmth is to close and he smells so, so good." location 901

"Of course she has her hair up again, and I not only have to see that little strand hanging down but also her neck. It's a nice neck. I like kissing necks, and I suddenly want to kiss her. What the hell is wrong with me?" location 956.

"One second I'm trying to get away because she's too easy to be around, and the next I'm trying to find ways to spend more time with her." location 1024

"Cake? She's playing dirty again. Cake is like... Well, let's just say that if someone were to put enough nutrition in cake for me to stay alive and only eat cake, I would." location 1111.

"It's just you and me, Hanes. In a battle to make it home before I die of cake consumption." location 1215

REVIEW: The Opposite of Hallelujah by Anna Jarzab

Title: The Opposite of Hallelujah
Author: Anna Jarzab - Website | Twitter | Facebook
Publisher: Delacorte Books for Young Readers
Publication Date: October 16, 2012
Format: ARC 464 pages
Rating: 4/5
Get it: Amazon | B&N | The Book Depository

Caro Mitchell considers herself an only child—and she likes it that way. After all, her much older sister, Hannah, left home eight years ago, and Caro barely remembers her. So when Caro’s parents drop the bombshell news that Hannah is returning to live with them, Caro feels as if an interloper is crashing her family. To her, Hannah’s a total stranger, someone who haunts their home with her meek and withdrawn presence, and who refuses to talk about her life and why she went away. Caro can’t understand why her parents cut her sister so much slack, and why they’re not pushing for answers.

Unable to understand Hannah, Caro resorts to telling lies about her mysterious reappearance. But when those lies alienate Caro’s new boyfriend and put her on the outs with her friends and her parents, she seeks solace from an unexpected source. And when she unearths a clue about Hannah’s past—one that could save Hannah from the dark secret that possesses her—Caro begins to see her sister in a whole new light.

My thoughts, feelings and reactions.

The Opposite of Hallelujah begins with a teenage girl, who was basically raised as an only child, dreading the return of her estranged sister. This is just the first layer of the story. In this book, we are taken along a journey of self-discovery through the eyes of Caro Mitchell. Anna Jarzab created a novel that shows the true strength and bond of a family and the meaning of love between sisters even through all the dark secrets and mistakes. 

Caro was a tremendous surprise in the book. On the surface, she was stubborn, tempered, blunt and albeit, extremely selfish girl. Even with her bad attitude towards her sister and her parents, I found Caro to be extremely real and likable. I understood her actions and feelings of resent and unworthiness when Hannah comes back into her life. Change is not easy and the adjustment of sharing her parent’s affection and attention was hard on Caro. Added to that is the unknown true reasoning of Hannah’s departure eight years ago, her unexpected return, and all the lies and secrets her parents have been keeping about what happened to Hannah when Caro was very little. Caro tries to find herself throughout the book, questioning why she does things, learning from her mistakes, and embracing her sister’s presence. Caro really changes herself, opens her eyes, mind and heart, and grows up immensely. 

The romance between Caro and Pawel is not prominent in the book, but a very wonderful addition to Caro’s overall growth. Along with her talks with Father Bob, I think Pawel really helps Caro. He was supportive and understanding. He was an adorable, cute guy that cared so much about Caro. He was there when she needed him and his absence made her realize her dire mistakes. What I loved most about Pawel was the funny, laid back side of him who was just fun to be around and one of the few people that saw the good in Caro’s heart. I have no doubt why these two fall for each other. 

While this book mentions some aspects of religious beliefs and philosophies, its’ prominence does not take away the overall enjoyment. In fact, it enhances the storyline and gives more depth and shape to Caro and her sister’s characterization. It helps the pacing go smoothly and it gives the reader a whole new perspective.

Jarzab has an amazing writing style that gives her character life and meaning. Her writing kept me riveted and brought out genuine emotions. She made Caro’s life interestingly flawed and she portrayed real family struggles. Jarzab didn't just center the plot around Caro, but she brang forth the parts of her parents and Hannah with all the misunderstanding and miscommunication. She really showed the imperfectness of a family, but she also showed the unconditional love as well. The truth about Hannah’s past, while not quite surprising, did not take away from the inspirational feel of the book and all the hope it brought. 

Overall, The Opposite of Hallelujah was an enlightening novel about forgiveness, faith and the growing relationship between two sisters and a family. It’s a thoroughly delightful read.

Jennifer L. Armentrout Summer Blog Tour - Review of Cursed!

Hi lovelies, I'm super duper happy to be able to be a part of the JLA Summer Blog Tour 

Thanks to K-Books!

For this tour, I read and reviewed Cursed! :)

Title: Cursed

Author: Jennifer L. Armentrout
 - Website | Twitter | Facebook

Publisher: Spencer Hill Press

Published: September 18, 2012

Format: Hardcover; 288 pages

Rating: 5/5 stars

Get it: Amazon | B&N | The Book Depository

Dying sucks-- and high school senior Ember McWilliams knows firsthand. After a fatal car accident, her gifted little sister brought her back. Now anything Ember touches dies. And that, well, really blows.

Ember operates on a no-touch policy with all living things--including boys. When Hayden Cromwell shows up, quoting Oscar Wilde and claiming her curse is a gift, she thinks he's a crazed cutie. But when he tells her he can help control it, she's more than interested. There's just one catch: Ember has to trust Hayden's adopted father, a man she's sure has sinister reasons for collecting children whose abilities even weird her out. 

However, she's willing to do anything to hold her sister's hand again. And hell, she'd also like to be able to kiss Hayden. Who wouldn't? But when Ember learns the accident that turned her into a freak may not have been an accident at all, she's not sure who to trust. Someone wanted her dead, and the closer she gets to the truth, the closer she is to losing not only her heart, but her life. For real this time.

My Review


Jennifer L. Armentrout does not disappoint, in fact, she continues to impress me with her superb writing. I’m always in awe at the way she can easily make me fall in love with her books. Like the others I have read by her, Cursed became an instant favorite. She weaves a story with a paranormal touch full of mystery, uncertainty and a romance that had me on my knees begging for more.

Ember was definitely my favorite in the book. She’s one character I admire so much. Ember was unselfish, caring and a great sister. She astounded me with her ability to take care of her five year old sister at such a young age without no help at all. She was willing to do anything to protect and provide for Olivia.  Not only was she forced to grow up quickly, Ember is also taunted and made fun at school on a daily basis. To top that all off, Ember cannot touch anyone for fear of killing them with her touch. Ember becomes a social outcast and one sad girl in all of two years. Even through all this mess, Ember is a fighter; physically, mentally and emotionally. When she and Olivia are taken to be among the other gifted, Ember learns more about the accident and finds a way to get to the bottom of things. She was determined and relentless. By the end of the book, Ember embraces her power and realizes what she can do is not a curse, but a gift. What I love is how Ember gained confidence and belief in herself where she no longer saw herself as a freak. I saw Ember transform right before my eyes and I loved that so damn much. 

Hayden was another joy to read about in this book. He was a fabulous character in and out. He had this odd, but flattering protectiveness towards Ember that I found too cute to resist. For me, Hayden was dark and alluring, but he was also kind and brought in the sweet and even humorous moments into the book. I just loved his overall personality. He believed in Ember when no else did and he kept encouraging when no one else could. His relationship with Ember turns into an honest and emotionally-packed romance that shot straight through my heart. Their romance was intense and the type where it felt like you had to walk on eggshells all the time because of the danger and harm both can bring to each other. Ember and Hayden both had building tension and passion with longing and yearning thrown into the mix, but their romance was also sweet and sigh-worthy. 

From the beginning, I was drawn to the story. I loved the idea of these people having powers gathered together to control and use them for good. I enjoyed knowing more about the other gifted living under the Cromwell house and I liked that each person had different powers. The best part was seeing how each struggled. They all had their dark pasts and secrets in life; struggling to become a better person. The mystery in this book, although slightly predictable, was well thought-out. I ended up figuring out who was behind everything, but I thought it tied any loose ends and it certainly didn’t take away any enjoyment or love I had for this book. Even with the predictability, there was a build up of anticipation for that big moment and when I got there I felt like I was going to burst. So much goes on in this book, you’ll be entertained more ways than one.

Overall, Cursed was a splendid novel! Armentrout exceeded my expectations and she gave me a book that I throughly enjoyed and plan on reliving all over again. With incredible wit, a storyline that grabs attention and a heart-warming ending, Cursed will feed the continuous JLA addiction we all have! 

Cover Reveal: The Ballad of Aramei by J.A. Redmerski

Eeeep! The Darkwoods trilogy is definitely one of my favorites so I'm super excited to show you cover to the final book in the trilogy..

The Ballad of Aramei by J.A. Redmerski 

(The Darkwoods Trilogy #3)

Expected Publication Date: December 10, 2012

The Blurb:

Everything about Adria Dawson’s life has changed in unimaginable ways: the shattering betrayal of her mother, the fight for her life and sanity…the loss of her humanity. But now Adria must face the ultimate challenge and risk not only her life, but the lives of everyone she loves at the wrathful hands of Isaac Mayfair’s father.

Determined to help unravel a mysterious message deeply rooted in an unhinged mind, Adria becomes obsessed with traveling into Aramei’s turbulent past to see the truth of how the relationships and betrayals between the Mayfair and Vargas bloodlines were formed.

Meanwhile, Adria and the Mayfairs are doing everything they can to smoke out and trap the Praverian traitor. A trip to Providence uncovers not only an old family line who are enemies of the Praverians, but also raises questions about the Praverian’s true agenda.

But the traitor will be caught. People will die. And Adria’s destiny to be the cause of a war will come to pass. But what could a kind and simple girl like Adria Dawson ever do that could be considered an act of war? The landscape of the werewolf world will be forever changed in the climactic conclusion to The Darkwoods Trilogy.

Me: AHHHH! The cover is perfect. I love the fire in the background. I love how you can see Adria and Isaac's hands, clasped and everything. Seeing Adria's especially is significant. I can't believe this is the last book. I can't for to read it, but I'm also dreading the end because I hate to let these characters go!

Check out the other books in the trilogy!

What do you think of the cover?

Are you just as excited as I am?

*squeeee*

REVIEW: Why We Broke Up by Daniel Handler

Title: Why We Broke Up
Author: Daniel Handler - Goodreads page
Illustrator: Maira Kalman
Publisher: Little Brown Book for Young Readers
Published: December 27, 2011
Format: First Edition Hardcover; 354 pages
Rating: 3/5 stars
Get it: Amazon | B&N | The Book Depository

I'm telling you why we broke up, Ed. I'm writing it in this letter, the whole truth of why it happened.

Min Green and Ed Slaterton are breaking up, so Min is writing Ed a letter and giving him a box. Inside the box is why they broke up. Two bottle caps, a movie ticket, a folded note, a box of matches, a protractor, books, a toy truck, a pair of ugly earrings, a comb from a motel room, and every other item collected over the course of a giddy, intimate, heartbreaking relationship. Item after item is illustrated and accounted for, and then the box, like a girlfriend, will be dumped.

My thoughts, feelings, and reactions.

What I Liked



Narrator and main character, Min.


I liked Min. Though she spoke like she wasn’t sixteen and made me feel like I needed to expand my vocabulary, I enjoyed her strong, smart voice. She was sarcastic and funny at times. I liked how she loved films and did quirky things like write her ex-boyfriend this break up letter and keep all these tokens during their two month relationship. I love her wild ideas of stealing sugar, planning a party for an old actress, bitter birthday parties, and making an igloo out of egg cubes. She was so out there, I loved her individuality and her differentness even though she didn’t feel different or special or unique. I sure thought she was.



Illustrations and drawings in the book.


This was probably my favorite part of the book because it made it easier to visualize each token Min kept in the box of stuff she was giving back to Ed. More importantly, it made Min’s recollection of her short relationship with Ed a little more meaningful. It was a fun and cute way of giving the story something more. 


Emotional whiplash.


Despite all my dislikeness for Min and Ed’s relationship, these two gave me some serious whiplash. One second, I’m on a high from their cuteness together and the next thing I want to do is punch somebody in the face because, sheez, Ed was such an idiot. Then I’d go back to loving Ed because he does something sweet or caring or does something that doesn’t make him the shallow, basketball player-player that he really is. Then I’m back to wanting to kick something in places that shall not be named, back to smiling like a fool because yes Ed, you are cute and I cannot deny it! 

What I Didn’t Like



I like you Min, but what the heck are you talking about? 


This book could have been amazing, brilliant and unforgettable if I actually knew half the things that Min was talking about, if I knew what the heck Min was going on and on about, and if I knew what in god’s name was Min doing because for the life of me, I just didn’t understand half of this novel. I would have adored this book to bits if only half of this novel wasn’t somewhere lost in space. 

Film references, real or not real?


The answer is not real. While Min writes this absurdly (yet intelligently) long break-up letter to Ed, she mentions and compares the moments to films that don’t even exist! I hated that so much because I didn’t get it. I felt it was just an unnecessary and poor way of showing Min’s love for films. It would have been more successful if real movies/films were used. Maybe then I could have made the connection. 

The reason for breaking up. 


This is definitely not the, “it’s not you, it’s me” type of break up. It’s really the, “hell yes it’s all you and not me, you (insert several inappropriate appropriate curse words).” Min explains their good, their bad, and all the shady things Ed does during their relationship I expected the reasoning for their break up to be this big life changing, life altering moment, but sadly this is not what I got. I think this is probably the downfall of this book. I was expecting so much, but I did not get anything at all and there lies in my disappointment. 



All in all, Why We Broke up was a good read, but it failed to deliver or meet my overall expectations. Nonetheless, you be the judge and give this book a try. It definitely has its shining moments. 

REVIEW: Personal Effects by E.M. Kokie

Title: Personal Effects
Author: E.M. Kokie - Website | Twitter | Facebook
Publisher: Candlewick Press
Publication Date: September 11, 2012
Format: eARC* from Netgalley; 352 pages
Rating: 3.5-4/5 stars
Get it: Amazon | B&N | The Book Depository

After his older brother dies in Iraq, Matt makes a discovery that rocks his beliefs about strength, bravery, and honor in this page-turning debut.

Ever since his brother, T.J., was killed in Iraq, Matt feels like he’s been sleepwalking through life — failing classes, getting into fights, and avoiding his dad’s lectures about following in his brother’s footsteps. T.J.’s gone, but Matt can’t shake the feeling that if only he could get his hands on his brother’s stuff from Iraq, he’d be able to make sense of his death. But as Matt searches for answers about T.J.’s death, he faces a shocking revelation about T.J.’s life that suggests he may not have known T.J. as well as he thought. What he learns challenges him to stand up to his father, honor his brother’s memory, and take charge of his own life. With compassion, humor, and a compelling narrative voice, E. M. Kokie explores grief, social mores, and self-discovery in a provocative first novel.

My thoughts, feelings, and reactions.

Personal Effects by E.M. Kokie was a good novel that centered around loss, struggle, fear, hope, discovery, acceptance, and bravery.

Matt Foster- the angry, grieving main character.


He was the type of guy who was all tough and macho on the outside, but totally conflicted and fragile on the inside. I loved that he wasn’t this perfect hero or this bad boy needing to be changed. Matt was just a young adult struggling with the death of his brother, with his dad’s relentless pressure, intimidation and pushing, with his growing feelings for his best friend, and all the anger and pain he’s been bottling up and dealing with on his own. Matt doesn’t really know what to do and he seemed a little lost. Seeing him fall a part and having to deal with all this by himself was painful to read. However, Matt really overcomes all these obstacles. He stands up, fights back, and makes his own decisions that are really unselfish and totally admirable. He becomes stronger, happier, and just a better person. 

The writing, the pacing, and the great male POV.


While I enjoyed most of this book, I did have trouble with the slow beginning. E.M. Kokie has a great writing style, it’s there and it’s easy to get into, but it’s the pacing that becomes tiresome without a little push. I had trouble and nearly had to put this one down because things didn’t start to pick until I was 40% into the book. The beginning half had me drifting and sliding along with Matt and his torment. I felt stuck inside Matt’s thoughts until he finally did something. I’m not sure if this was intentional or not, but for me it just lagged. However, it was E.M. Kokie’s creation of Matt’s character that really kept me going. Matt’s narration was natural and his reactions weren’t fake or forced. Matt was all male and I saw and felt that through this whole novel. I was rolling my eyes when Matt did something stupid because it was just what I was expecting a boy would do in that situation. E.M. Kokie didn’t need to tell me that Personal Effects was in a male point of view because she showed me through Matt’s voice, his actions and feelings. Matt’s characterization really shined through in this book and that compensated for the slowness I felt initially. 

The heartbreak, the touching and inspirational parts.


E.M. Kokie does a tremendous job of really hitting where it’ll affect you. She really brings you with Matt along this journey and whatever emotions he’s feeling, you’re definitely feeling it too. There’s specifically this one part that nearly drove me to tears, because the moment was so moving. It’s also the scene that made me admire Matt way more than I did. This book deals with so many personal and heavy issues, I feel as if anyone can relate or connect with this book easily. By the end of Personal Effects, you’ll want to stand up for something just the way Matt did.

The best part.


I personally call the best part of this book, what I dubbed a “twist within a twist.” While some things that do happen in Personal Effects were predictable, the way it was set up was not. I was expecting one thing, then I got something else and right when I was accepting that last revelation, I’m hit with another that caught me off guard. I, for one, loved that. 


All in all, I thought Personal Effects was a great read. I didn’t know what to expect, but E.M. Kokie gave me something I didn’t know I was looking for. 

*Thank you so much to Netgalley and Candlewick Press for providing a copy for review