Delirium (Delirium # 1) by Lauren Oliver Review

Name: Delirium
Author: Lauren Oliver
Publisher: Harper Teen  
Release Date: February 1st, 2011
Format: Paperback
Buy the book on Amazon 
480 pages

Summary:
Before scientists found the cure, people thought love was a good thing. They didn’t understand that once love -- the deliria -- blooms in your blood, there is no escaping its hold. Things are different now. Scientists are able to eradicate love, and the government demands that all citizens receive the cure upon turning eighteen. Lena Holoway has always looked forward to the day when she’ll be cured. A life without love is a life without pain: safe, measured, predictable, and happy.

But with ninety-five days left until her treatment, Lena does the unthinkable: She falls in love.

Goodreads

My Review:
I can't believe that this book has been out for over a year and I haven't read it!! I was hooked on Delirium from page one, and I couldn't put it down until I was finished.

What really got me into loving Delirium has to be how beautiful this book is written. Lauren Oliver seriously is a genius..this book so stands out as one of the best written books I have ever read. The words flow so smoothly from page to page and every scene caught my attention because of the writing style. The plot of this book really intrigued me when I first heard about this book. I don't read a huge amount of dystopian books but I really liked how Lauren Oliver made this one work. She still makes us feel like we are in a familiar place, but adding the aspect of no love really changes things in the world she creates. It really makes you think how different the world would be without love, and even though it's hard at times we really do need love. At first, I really wasn't sure what to make of the main character Lena. She seemed so unsure about herself and what she wanted..she only knew what she was suppose to do..not what she wanted to do. Once she meets Alex, however, things totally change and her eyes are opened up into a new world. As the book progresses, Lena grows into such a strong willed character and realizes that you should always question, and maybe some things aren't always as they seem.

I LOVED the relationship between Lena and her best friend Hana. While both girls are complete opposites, Hana being more of a wild child and Lena being so reserved, the two really balance each other out and have a great friendship. Hana starts to help Lena break out of her shell and realize that it's okay to go against the rules that you are suppose to follow. The relationship between Alex and Lena is so SWOON WORTHY. He is so caring and sweet, and very very handsome! From the start, I knew that Alex was going to be an awesome character. He helps her see the world in a whole different life and makes her realize that love isn't so scary. Yes, love can cause heartache and pain, but it can always bring joy and happiness. Lena soon realizes love isn't so bad at all, and she would rather have been in love then forget it all.

The ending gets me every time..seriously the ultimate cliff hanger ever!! I can't wait to get started on the second book in the series. Definitely check this book out if your interested in reading a dystopian book with an awesome romance. One more thing, a final quote to leave you all with that really stood out in my mind in this book:  
"You can build walls all the way to the sky and I will find a way to fly above them. You can try to pin me down with a hundred arms, but I will find a way to resist. And there are many of us out there, more than you think. People who refuse to stop believing. People who refuse to come to earth. People who love in a world without walls, people who love into hate, into refusal, against hope, and without fear.
I love you. Remember. They cannot take it." (440-441, Delirium)

My Rating:

Just for Fins (Fins # 3) by Tera Lynn Childs Review

Name: Just for Fins (Fins # 3)
Author: Tera Lynn Childs  

Publisher: Katherine Tegen Books  
Release Date: July 3rd, 2012
Format: Library Book
Buy the book on Amazon 
272 pages

Summary:

When Lily Sanderson decided to remain Crown Princess Waterlily of the mermaid kingdom Thalassinia, she knew she couldn’t just coast along in the current. But since she’s spent the last couple of years on land—with gorgeous human Quince by her side—Lily’s not sure she has the fins to lead a kingdom. Even her maddeningly pretentious cousin Dosinia seems to know more about ruling than she does.

But Lily has to dive in deep to keep her promise to Tellin, her mer bond in name only, whose kingdom is suffering in the changing ocean climate. Lily knows this is a seven seas–sized problem: from sea animals dying to oil spills and threats to humans. They’ll need to create some serious waves to make the mer community aware and get it to join together to make things right. Even if that means facing one of the iciest queens in the mer kingdoms.

Just when Lily thinks her double life on land and sea can’t get any more complicated, an ancient mer law might separate Lily and Quince after all. It feels as if the pair is up against a solid tsunami wave!

In this third installment in the series that began with Forgive My Fins and Fins Are Forever, Lily will have to find a way to balance safety and justice for the mer people as well as for the humans she loves.

Goodreads

My Review:
I have really enjoyed all of Tera Lynn Childs' books, so when I heard about this series about a year ago I was SO excited to read it. Three books later, I'm still loving the captivating tale that the author spins with such fantastic characters!

What I really liked about this book (when compared to the other two), is that we really get to see Lily get involved with what's happening in her kingdom! While the author two books really focused on romance, I'm glad that we got to see a different side to Lily! Not saying that their isn't romance in this book..which I will get to later in this review! Anyways, I liked seeing Lily's progression throughout the book. At the beginning, she is unsure about her role as a leader, but as the book goes on, she still starts to get the hang of things and we start to see her figure herself, and how she wants to help her kingdom. I also loved seeing her relationship with her cousin, Doe grow! During the second book, the two kinda butt heads a lot, but in this book, you can see that they both really care for each other! Doe really is a great cousin and I liked seeing her character progression throughout the novel.

Lily's not only dealing with the impossible challenge of getting all of the kingdoms to work together, but she is also dealing with Quince having to take a test to prove his love to her so either she won't be banned from land and he the sea. While this aspect to the story was interesting, and seeing how much Quince was devoted to Lily, I did think that it was a little unnecessary, especially since I had a feeling we would know the end result! Other then that, I always have liked Lily's relationship with Quince..it's adorable!

Overall, Just for Fins is another great novel to an awesome mermaid series! Definitely try to pick this series up this summer..it's the perfect beach read!

My Rating:

Obsidian (Lux, # 1) by Jennifer L. Armentrout Review

Name: Obsidian
Author: Jennifer L. Armentrout
Publisher: Entangled Teen Publishing
Release Date: May 8th, 2012
Format: Purchased
Buy the book on Amazon
335 pages

Starting over sucks. When we moved to West Virginia right before my senior year, I'd pretty much resigned myself to thick accents, dodgy internet access, and a whole lot of boring.... until I spotted my hot neighbor, with his looming height and eerie green eyes. Things were looking up. And then he opened his mouth. Daemon is infuriating. Arrogant. Stab-worthy. We do not get along. At all. But when a stranger attacks me and Daemon literally freezes time with a wave of his hand, well, something...unexpected happens. The hot alien living next door marks me. You heard me. Alien. Turns out Daemon and his sister have a galaxy of enemies wanting to steal their abilities, and Daemon's touch has me lit up like the Vegas Strip. The only way I'm getting out of this alive is by sticking close to Daemon until my alien mojo fades. If I don't kill him first, that is.-Goodreads

My Review:
So for the past few months I have been hearing awesome things about Obsidian, so I finally decided to give and go buy this one. Boy, am I glad that I did!! This was the the book that I stayed up wayyy too late to read, and when I wasn't reading it I was thinking about the characters throughout my day. Obsidian was a roller coaster ride of emotions, action packed, and had loads of suspense! Definitely one of my favorite reads of this year!

I absolutely love the main character, Katy (otherwise known as Kitten by Daemon). For starters, she is a book blogger, and has various references to the book blogging community throughout the story! I really felt that this made her very relatable to the reader, especially since I am a book blogger! Another thing that I liked about Katy was that she was willing to stand up for herself, and is able to speak her mind. As the story progresses I felt that she becomes a much more stronger female lead and figures out who she really is. I'm also glad that when she found out Daemon and Dee were aliens she doesn't freak out, instead she accepts it pretty easily and promises not to tell. I think because she is a book blogger and she reads about different paranormal creatures she is able to understand who they are a lot more.

The romance in this book is AWESOME. Okay so who doesn't love Daemon Black?! He is so swoon worthy, and gorgeous of course! What I love the most about him is that sometimes he can be a bad boy, but deep down he is a softie at heart and cares about his family and Katy so much. He will do anything to protect Katy which is so sweet. The plot of Obsidian really is fantastic. It definitely wasn't predictable at all and I found myself clamoring for more after a cliffhanger. I think the world that Jennifer L. Armentrout creates is very very realistic and I can imagine story happening anywhere..maybe in my town?! :) I also loved how different this book was from other paranormal romances that I have read. This is actually the first book I have ever read about Aliens so it was so refreshing to read something different than witches, or vampires.

Overall, I LOVED Obsidian and I can't wait to dive into the next book! I am already a huge Jennifer L. Armentrout fan so this book makes me love her work even more. If your skeptical of this book because of the hype PLEASE don't be..you must read this book..you won't regret it!

My Rating: Five out of Five Stars

Wake (Watersong # 1) by Amanda Hocking Review

Name: Wake (Watersong # 1)
Author: Amanda Hocking
Publisher: St. Martin's Griffin
Release Date: August 7th, 2012
Format: ARC Copy
Pre-Order the book on Amazon
307 pages
Thank you St. Martin's Griffin for sending me a copy of this book to review!

Gorgeous. Fearless. Dangerous. They're the kind of girls you envy; the kind of girls you want to hate. Strangers in town for the summer, Penn, Lexi and Thea have caught everyone's attention—but it’s Gemma who’s attracted theirs. She’s the one they’ve chosen to be part of their group. Gemma seems to have it all—she’s carefree, pretty, and falling in love with Alex, the boy next door. He’s always been just a friend, but this summer they’ve taken their relationship to the next level, and now there’s no going back. Then one night, Gemma’s ordinary life changes forever. She’s taking a late night swim under the stars when she finds Penn, Lexi and Thea partying on the cove. They invite her to join them, and the next morning she wakes up on the beach feeling groggy and sick, knowing something is different. Suddenly Gemma is stronger, faster, and more beautiful than ever. But her new powers come with a terrifying price. And as she uncovers the truth, she’s is forced to choose between staying with those she loves—or entering a new world brimming with dark hungers and unimaginable secrets.-Goodreads

My Review:
I've been on a mermaid kick since the beginning of last week..they are great books to read at the beach! Wake definitely was a really great beach read..it has action, romance, suspense and mystery!

What I really loved about this book was the relationship between Gemma and her sister Harper. You can really see how strong their bond is throughout the novel-even when Gemma starts to become distant. Harper really cares about her sister and will do anything to protect her. While they both are complete opposites-Harper being a rule follower and very protective of her sister-and Gemma being more carefree and daring-they really do compliment each other and I loved seeing their relationship throughout this book! The romance in this book definitely was cute! Nothing too serious..but it was still nice to read about! I liked seeing how Gemma and Alex's relationship grew throughout the novel! Harper's relationship with Daniel was really sweet! It doesn't really progress to anything more in this book but I am hoping to see them together more in the next book!

The plot of this book was kind of predictable in my opinion..while it definitely had my favorite elements of a paranormal romance book, I was kind of disappointed when I felt like I knew what was going to happen next. Some parts where really predictable and I wish that there was a little bit more suspense to Wake! The siren mythology in this book definitely was interesting and I am hoping we can learn more about it in the next book! I also kinda wanted to learn a little bit more about Penn, Lexi, and Thea..we do get to see a glimpse in their past but I am also hoping for more in the next book!

Overall, I enjoyed reading Wake! It's the perfect Siren book to read at the beach this summer..make sure to check it out!!

My Rating: Three out of Five Stars

Evergreen (Mer Tales #2) by Brenda Pandos Review

Name: Evergreen
Author: Brenda Pandos
Publisher: Obsidian Mountain Publishing
Release Date: June 29th, 2012
Format: E-Book
Buy the book on Amazon

A kingdom on the brink of war. A king on the fringes of insanity. A family running for their lives. Ash and Fin’s only desire is to be together and dive into their happily ever after, though their conflicting worlds work to pull them apart. Neither is ready to convert to the other’s life: become a human or a mer. Little do they know that somewhere in Natatoria a secret holds the fine fabric of everyone’s lives together. If the truth is discovered, Ash and Fin will no longer have the luxury of waiting. They’ll be forced to choose. But will it be for loyalty or love? Or will someone else make the choice for them if they can’t decide? Enter the watery world of treachery, greed, and the binding mer kiss as the story continues with Evergreen, book two of Mer Tales.-Goodreads

My Review:
After the cliffhanger ending of Everblue (the first book in this series)..I couldn't wait to read Evergreen! This book definitely didn't disappoint and it made me like this series even more.

The romance between Ash and Fin is SO sweet! I was rooting for them to be together all throughout this book. Even though they were apart, you could just tell my by their phone conversations that they both truly love each other and would do anything to be together. They hit some bumps along the way..but in the end things work out and you can see how devoted they are to each other!

What I really loved about this book (and the series as a whole) is how Brenda Pandos is able to take mermaid mythology and make it her own. I loved learning more about the whole concept of "being promised" and what happens when someone becomes a mermaid. I really liked how she expanded a lot more on all of the details of the mermaid world! I was also surprised by the different curve balls that Brenda threw at us! There were many scenes that I really weren't expecting that really made this book stand out. I was definitely surprised by a couple things but they fit well in the plot and worked. I was a little sad to not see Ash's sister, Tatchi, who was in the first book. I'm hoping that she will be featured more in the next book in this series!


Overall, another great book to a fabulous series! I highly recommend reading this book this summer..and if you haven't read the first book you really should. Mermaid books are the best to read at the beach :D


My Rating: Four out of Five Stars

Throne of Glass (Throne of Glass #1) by Sarah J. Maas Review

Name: Throne of Glass
Author: Sarah J. Maas
Publisher: Bloomsbury USA Children's
Format: E-Book ARC
Release Date: August 7th, 2012
Pre-Order the book on Amazon
416 pages

Thank you Bloomsbury and Netgalley for sending me a copy of this book for review!

After serving out a year of hard labor in the salt mines of Endovier for her crimes, 18-year-old assassin Celaena Sardothien is dragged before the Crown Prince. Prince Dorian offers her her freedom on one condition: she must act as his champion in a competition to find a new royal assassin. Her opponents are men—thieves and assassins and warriors from across the empire, each sponsored by a member of the kings council. If she beats her opponents in a series of eliminations, she’ll serve the kingdom for three years and then be granted her freedom. Celaena finds her training sessions with the captain of the guard, Westfall, challenging and exhilirating. But she’s bored stiff by court life. Things get a little more interesting when the prince starts to show interest in her... but it’s the gruff Captain Westfall who seems to understand her best. Then one of the other contestants turns up dead... quickly followed by another. Can Celaena figure out who the killer is before she becomes a victim? As the young assassin investigates, her search leads her to discover a greater destiny than she could possibly have imagined.-Goodreads

My Review: 
When I finished Throne of Glass this morning all I could think about was that this was my FAVORITE BOOK OF THE YEAR..if not ever! I was swept into the world that Sarah J Maas creates and once I started I could not put this book down! There was action, romance, mystery, and an AMAZING female lead.

Let me begin with my new favorite heroine: Celaena. She is so strong and fierce, and isn't willing to back down out of anything. What I loved the most about her, is that while she keeps her front as the strong assassin, we also got to see a different and softer side of her. We learned that she loves to read, and has a soft spot for a small puppy which she receives later on in the story. The scenes where Celaena got to wear dresses and went to a ball really made me smile because it showed that while she can act all tough she still loves to have fun a be girly at times. Celaena also has a great sense of humor that had me laughing at loud. Her wit and thirst for knowledge also were really made Celaena shine even more as a character.

The plot of Throne of Glass is fantastic! This was the type of book that I could not put down...reading it on my iphone, kindle, the computer, you name it. I was sneaking glances at it while I was at the gym..just because I had to know what happened next! The action in this book was really great..it was fast paced but not too fast where I was confused and lost. I also loved how vivid the author described the setting to the reader. I could really imagine the castle and where Celaena was living..it was like almost a movie was playing in my head.

I was also really intrigued by the magic that got entangled within the plot. Sarah Maas does a fabulous job of incorporating it into the story! I really thought there was the perfect balance of action, romance, and mystery..I especially loved the scenes that I didn't expect coming at all!

Now onto the romance....When I first started this book I really didn't know how big of a part the romance was going to be in the novel. I'm glad to say that there really was the perfect amount. Dorian and Chaol were SO SWOON WORTHY. I so can't decide which one I like more! I have to say that both boys were complete opposites (one being a prince and the other being captain of the guard) and I liked seeing Celaena interact with both boys. I'm so glad that there wasn't any "insta-love" in this book..Celaena got to know each boy over a period of time and I liked seeing her relationship progress with both.

PLEASE GO BUY THIS BOOK. You so won't regret it! I loved loved loved this book and I highly recommend you all go check it out when it's released in August! I can't wait to read the next book in this amazing series :)

My Rating: Five out of Five Stars

Dante's Girl (The Paradise Diaries, #1) by Courtney Cole Review

Name: Dante's Girl (The Paradise Diaries, #1)
Author: Courtney Cole
Publisher: Lakehouse Press
Release Date: June 24th, 2012
Format: E-Book
Buy the book on Amazon
356 pages

I have spent every summer since I was ten years old with my father in London. Every summer, since I was ten years old, has been uneventful and boring. Until this year. And this year, after a freak volcanic eruption strands me far from home, I have learned these things: 1. I can make do with one outfit for three days before I buy new clothes. 2. If I hear the phrase, “You’re not in Kansas anymore, Toto,” even one more time, I might become a homicidal maniac. 3. I am horribly and embarrassingly allergic to jellyfish. 4. I am in love with Dante Giliberti, who just happens to be the beautiful, sophisticated son of the Prime Minister of a Mediterranean paradise. 5. See number four above. Because it brings with it a whole slew of problems and I’ve learned something from every one of them. Let’s start with the fact that Dante’s world is five light-years away from mine. He goes to black-tie functions and knows the Prime Minister of England on a first name basis. I was born and raised on a farm in Kansas and wear cut-off jeans paired with cowboy boots. See the difference? But hearts don’t care about differences. Hearts want what they want. And mine just wants to be Dante’s girl. My heart just might be crazy.-Goodreads

My Review:
What a really cute summer read! I was surfing through Amazon last week and I saw this book..so I decided to check it out and buy it. I am really glad that I did..definitely a nice summer contemporary book!

I'm a huge fan of books with international boys (especially because of the accents!) and the setting of this book was gorgeous! The plot of this book was too sweet and really was a roller coaster ride of emotions. I was definitely cheering for Dante and Reece the moment they met at the airport until the last scene of the book! At points it was a little cheesy..but it didn't matter because I was swept into the romance! This book definitely moved at the right pace..it wasn't too fast or slow! Some parts where a little predictable but I was surprised to find many unexpected scenes that I loved!

 I really loved the main character, Reece! She really stayed true to herself and didn't change just because of Dante. She and Dante really complimented each other and were so adorable together! At times Dante was a little bit annoying when he was a little bit shady in his past love life, but once the reader gets past that you can see that he and Reece are perfect! Dante definitely is a dapper and dashing man..and I can see why Reece fell for him.

Overall, I really enjoyed Dante's Girl and I am SO hoping that both characters make an appearance in the next book in the series! This book really is a cute summer romance book and I highly recommend checking it out..especially when you are at the beach.

My Rating: Four out of Five Stars

For Darkness Shows The Stars by Diana Peterfreund Review

Name: For Darkness Shows The Stars
Author: Diana Peterfreund
Publisher: Balzer + Bray
Release Date: June 12th, 2012
Format: Library Book
Buy the Book on Amazon
398 pages

It's been several generations since a genetic experiment gone wrong caused the Reduction, decimating humanity and giving rise to a Luddite nobility who outlawed most technology. Elliot North has always known her place in this world. Four years ago Elliot refused to run away with her childhood sweetheart, the servant Kai, choosing duty to her family's estate over love. Since then the world has changed: a new class of Post-Reductionists is jumpstarting the wheel of progress, and Elliot's estate is foundering, forcing her to rent land to the mysterious Cloud Fleet, a group of shipbuilders that includes renowned explorer Captain Malakai Wentforth--an almost unrecognizable Kai. And while Elliot wonders if this could be their second chance, Kai seems determined to show Elliot exactly what she gave up when she let him go. But Elliot soon discovers her old friend carries a secret--one that could change their society . . . or bring it to its knees. And again, she's faced with a choice: cling to what she's been raised to believe, or cast her lot with the only boy she's ever loved, even if she's lost him forever. Inspired by Jane Austen's "Persuasion", "For Darkness Shows the Stars" is a breathtaking romance about opening your mind to the future and your heart to the one person you know can break it.-Goodreads

My Review:
I really enjoyed For Darkness Shows The Stars! The only regret that I have is that I wish I read Jane Austen's Persuasion before reading this book.

For Darkness Shows The Stars' plot captivated me from start to finish. When I first started reading, I was immediately sucked into Elliot North's world and I found this book so hard to put down! I really loved how Diana Peterfreund is able to create this awesome dystopian world, and is able to explain what happened and why things turned out the way they were. I also loved how she shows Elliot's and Kai's relationship not through flashbacks, but through the various letters that they wrote to each other through the years. I thought that was so meaningful, and it really helped the reader get a better understanding to the extent of their relationship. The one thing that kinda bothered me about the plot was that I felt that the ending was a little bit abrupt. I wish we got to see a little bit more romance between Kai and Elliot but I guess there's only so much you can fit into a book!

The main character of the story, Elliot, really is my favorite character in this book. She is such a caring girl, and even though she is supposed to follow the different "protocols" of the Luddite society, she still cares and loves the people who are different than her (at least in this society's POV). I love how she is able to break away from her fathers views and is able to become her own independent, and strong willed person. She is so compassionate towards others and she truly makes this book shine!

Overall, I really enjoyed For Darkness Shows The Stars! I really recommend that you check this book out this summer :)

My Rating: Four out of Five Stars

Taken at Dusk (Shadow Falls # 3) by C.C. Hunter Review

Name: Taken at Dusk
Author: C.C. Hunter
Publisher: St. Martin's Press
Release Date: April 10th, 2012
Format: Library Book
Buy the book on Amazon
380 pages

Step into Shadow Falls, a camp for teens with supernatural powers. Here friendship thrives, love takes you by surprise, and our hearts possess the greatest magic of all. Kylie Galen wants the truth so badly she can taste it. The truth about who her real family is, the truth about which boy she’s meant to be with—and the truth about what her emerging powers mean. But she’s about to discover that some secrets can change your life forever…and not always for the better. Just when she and Lucas are finally getting close, she learns that his pack has forbidden them from being together. Was it a mistake to pick him over Derek? And it’s not just romance troubling Kylie. An amnesia-stricken ghost is haunting her, delivering the frightful warning, someone lives and someone dies. As Kylie races to unravel the mystery and protect those she loves, she finally unlocks the truth about her supernatural identity, which is far different—and more astonishing—than she ever imagined.-Goodreads

My Review:
I can't believe I waited so long to read this book! I've been a huge fan of this series and Taken at Dusk was another great book to the shadow falls series!

C.C. Hunter does a fabulous job of picking up right where book two left up..and keeps this book at the perfect pace! Not once did I find myself lost or going back to earlier pages wondering what details I missed. The introduction of a few new characters was also really nice! Of course it's great to see all of our old friends..but I also liked seeing Kylie interact with different people! The plot of this book really was great! It had the perfect amount of mystery, romance, action, and suspense for me! I loved how C.C. Hunter was able to add all of these elements without making the plot so overwhelming.

I really enjoy seeing Kylie grow throughout the series..especially in this book! She really has become a strong willed girl who cares about protecting her friends and family. I also really enjoyed seeing her with Lucas in this book :) but I'm actually a little bit of a fan of Derek as well. The author really makes this love triangle work without us knowing which boy Kylie is going to choose. I like how the reader can see Kylie's difficulty with choosing either boy and we can see how she can interacts with both boys.

Overall, I really enjoyed Taken at Dusk! There definitely are some questions that are still buzzing in my head that need to be answered! I am looking forward to reading the fourth book in the series and seeing what happens next.

My Rating: Four out of Five Stars

Don't You Wish by Roxanne St. Claire Review

Name: Don't You Wish
Author: Roxanne St. Claire
Publisher: Delacorte Books for Young Readers
Release Date: July 10th, 2012
Format: E-Book ARC
Pre-Order the book on Amazon
Thank you Netgalley and Delacorte Books for Young readers for sending me this book for review!!

When plain and unpopular Annie Nutter gets zapped by one of her dad's whacked-out inventions, she lands in a parallel universe where her life becomes picture-perfect. Now she's Ayla Monroe, daughter of the same mother but a different father—and she's the gorgeous, rich queen bee of her high school. In this universe, Ayla lives in glitzy Miami instead of dreary Pittsburgh and has beaucoup bucks, courtesy of her billionaire—if usually absent—father. Her friends hit the clubs, party backstage at concerts, and take risks that are exhilarating . . . and illegal. Here she's got a date to lose her V-card with the hottest guy she's ever seen. But on the inside, Ayla is still Annie. So when she's offered the chance to leave the dream life and head home to Pittsburgh, will she take it? The choice isn't as simple as you think.-Goodreads

My Review:
When I first started this book I really didn't know what to expect. I've been kinda in a book rut lately and I haven't really found any books that I could really get into. However, I am SO glad that I decided to read this book because it definitely brightened my mood and got me out of this book rut that I have been in!

One of my favorite parts about this book was the development of the main character Annie! At first, she doesn't think too much about her friends or family, and only really thinks about fitting in with the cool crowd at school. When her parents get into a fight over her dad's latest invention, Annie wishes that she could be living a different life-one filled with glamour and wealth. Suddenly, she's zapped into the body of Ayla Monroe. At first, Annie is loving this new life-one filled with glitz and glam, amazing clothes, a ticket to parties, and being one of the most popular girls at school. Soon, however, she starts to realize that the popular life isn't all that it's cracked up to be and realizes what really matters in her life: her family. I was really happy that Annie was able to come to this realization that money doesn't make you happy and it's really your family that can put a smile on your face. Seeing her develop from kind of a shallow character to one who is caring and realizes that material things aren't everything.

I also loved the cast of characters that accompanied Annie meets on her adventure! Her two friends as Ayla, Jade and Bliss, were a little out there and definitely did things that I didn't like, still were hysterical and fun to read about. Now onto Charlie-one of my favorite characters about this book! He's able to see Annie for who she really is, even when she's hiding behind a mask of wealth and fame, and helps her find her way home. He is such a caring and sweet character and I loved how much he cared for Annie!

Overall, I really enjoyed Don't You Wish and I recommend that you all check it out this summer! It really was such an enjoyable read and the perfect summer beach read!

My Rating: Four out of Five Stars

Betrayed (The Guardian Legacy # 2) by Ednah Walters Review

Name: Betrayed
Author: Ednah Walters
Publisher: Spencer Hill Press
Release Date: June 5th, 2012
Format: ARC Copy
Buy the book on Amazon

Thank you Spencer Hill Press for sending me a copy of this book for review!!

Lil isn't just an average teenager. She's one of the Nephilim--the descendants of humans and angels--which gives her some serious psi skills and a mission for redemption. Just when Lil thinks she's found a balance between her normal life with human friends and her training to become a Guardian, she's warned that someone close to her will betray her. When the boy she loves starts acting strangely and one of her human friends acquires a supernatural ability, Lil begins to realize that someone is manipulating the people she loves... and won't stop until she's been lured to the dark side.-Goodreads

My Review:
So when I first started this book I was actually completely lost..but after doing some research I realized that this was actually the second book in a series! I luckily was able to find the first book and get up to speed, and not be so confused when I read Betrayed! Overall, I enjoyed Betrayed, but I did find it hard to follow at times especially since I read the first book kind of quick.

The plot of this book was really interesting! I liked how Lil is able to balance both her human life and her training to become a guardian. After reading a bunch of different angel books, I really liked how Ednah Walters is able to incorporate angel mythology into a new way! It was great that the author kept this book at a good pace..I liked how the beginning was a little slow and then when the action hit things definitely sped up!

The main character, Lil, is really great. Like I said before, I liked seeing her balance her guardian life and her human life. I thought she does a great job of being able to balance both and still do the things that she loves to do. Lil really cares about the people she loves and she will do anything she can to protect them.

Overall..Betrayed was a nice read! I really do recommend reading the first book in the series before this one because otherwise you will be completely lost (which happened to me)! If you are looking for a new angel series check this one out!

My Rating: Three out of Five Stars

Dark Companion by Marta Acosta Review

Name: Dark Companion
Author: Marta Acosta
Publisher: Tor/Macmillan
Release Date: July 3rd, 2012
Format: E-book ARC
Pre-Order the book on Amazon


Thank you Netgalley and Tor/Macmillian for sending me a copy of this book for review!!

When foster teen Jane Williams is invited to attend elite Birch Grove Academy for Girls and escape her violent urban neighborhood, she thinks the offer is too good to be true. She's even offered her own living quarters, the groundskeeper's cottage in the center of the birch grove. Something's not quite right about the school -- or is it Jane? She thinks she sees things in the birch grove at night. She's also beginning to suspect that the elegant headmistress and her sons are hiding secrets. Lucky is the gorgeous, golden son who is especially attentive to Jane, and Jack is the sardonic puzzling brother. The school with its talented teachers and bright students is a dream for a science and math geek like Jane. She also loves her new friends, including hilarious poetry-spouting rich girl, Mary Violet. But the longer Jane stays at Birch Grove, the more questions she has about the disappearance of another scholarship girl and a missing faculty member. 
Jane discovers one secret about Birch Grove, which only leads to more mysteries. What is she willing to sacrifice in order to stay at this school...and be bound to Birch Grove forever?-Goodreads

My Review:
When I first started Dark Companion, I really had no clue what to expect. After a slow start, I found myself really enjoying this book and liking everything it had to offer!!

I was really intrigued by the plot of Dark Companion. I really liked how this book always kept me guessing..I would think that one thing would happen and instead something else would happen that I totally didn't see coming! I also really liked that I didn't really know what genre this book was because it made me more interested in reading and finding out what was going to happen. I liked learning things as Jane learned them, instead of already knowing ahead of time. The pace of this book works well..I did think that the beginning was a little slow..but once Jane gets accustomed to Grove Academy, things really started to pick up and I found it so hard to put this book down. The amount of romance in this book was perfect..not too little and not too much which was right for this book.

I will say, that I really liked the main character Jane! At first, I wasn't sure what to make of her, but as the book moved forward I really saw how caring she is, and how she is such a good friend. I also LOVED Jack! He is so funny and he and Jane compliment each other so well. The scenes that they were in always were great and I loved how he teased her in such a cute way by calling her different pixie names! The only character I wasn't a huge fan of was Lucky. Mary Violet (otherwise known as MV) was great! She was so funny with all of her french sayings and I loved when she would quote random poetry! She really is a great friend for Jane! I really thought that he needed to grow up and I thought he was too focused on himself and not anyone else.

Overall, I really enjoyed Dark Companion and I was really happy with how the book ended! I highly recommend checking this book out when it is published in July.

My Rating: Four out of Five Stars

The Last Princess by Galaxy Craze Review

Name: The Last Princess
Author: Galaxy Craze
Publisher: Little Brown Books for Young Readers
Release Date: May 1st, 2012
Format: Library Book
Buy the book on Amazon

Happily ever after is a thing of the past.
A series of natural disasters has decimated the earth. Cut off from the rest of the world, England is a dark place. The sun rarely shines, food is scarce, and groups of criminals roam the woods, searching for prey. The people are growing restless. When a ruthless revolutionary sets out to overthrow the crown, he makes the royal family his first target. Blood is shed in Buckingham Palace, and only sixteen-year-old Princess Eliza manages to escape. Determined to kill the man who destroyed her family, Eliza joins the enemy forces in disguise. She has nothing left to live for but revenge, until she meets someone who helps her remember how to hope—and to love—once more. Now she must risk everything to ensure that she not become... The Last Princess.-Goodreads

My Review:
I'm not a huge fan of dystopian books, so I was a little hesitant when I first picked this book up..but I am SO glad I did!! Overall, the Last Princess is a some-what short, but action packed read.

One of the best parts about The Last Princess was the plot! It was really interesting to see how much England had changed after "The Seventeen Days" (which is when a series of natural disasters destroyed much of the Earth) and how people were able to survive in such a desolate place. The action scenes were really great this book! The battle scenes really reminded me of older wars in the fact that most people rode on horses and fought with a sword. It really helped me visualize the scenes better and it really was a great aspect to this book. I do wish that the author went more in depth as to what went on during this catastrophic event because I felt that the beginning was rushed and I really wanted to know more about this disaster. Especially since the author briefly mentions what happens during that time, it would have made the book stand out more if she added a bit to the beginning.

I also really liked the main character Eliza. After all that she is been through after the death of her mother and the death of her father, she is still able to pull through and be strong for her siblings and her country. She doesn't want to give up and she is so strong willed that it makes me feel like she is a true leader. I also like how she is willing to do anything for her family and her country and is such a brave girl. The romance aspect of this book was nice as well! It wasn't too much and it was a nice added bonus to this book and it really added some light into Eliza's life.

In the end, I really enjoyed The Last Princess! While it was a quick read, I still found myself really enjoying this book and I'm hoping that the author writes another book (after the cliffhanger ending!!).
 
My Rating: Four out of Five Stars

Sweet Evil (The Sweet Evil Trilogy # 1) by Wendy Higgins Review

Name: Sweet Evil (The Sweet Evil Trilogy # 1)
Author: Wendy Higgins
Publisher: Harper Teen
Release Date: May 1st, 2012
Format: Paperback Copy
Buy the book on Amazon

Embrace the Forbidden

What if there were teens whose lives literally depended on being bad influences? This is the reality for sons and daughters of fallen angels. Tenderhearted Southern girl Anna Whitt was born with the sixth sense to see and feel emotions of other people. She’s aware of a struggle within herself, an inexplicable pull toward danger, but Anna, the ultimate good girl, has always had the advantage of her angel side to balance the darkness within. It isn’t until she turns sixteen and meets the alluring Kaidan Rowe that she discovers her terrifying heritage and her willpower is put to the test. He’s the boy your daddy warned you about. If only someone had warned Anna. Forced to face her destiny, will Anna embrace her halo or her horns?-Goodreads

My Review:
Oh, how I wanted to like this book so much, but Sweet Evil just fell flat for me. It was too predictable and it just had so much going on that I was so lost.

The overall premise of this book is awesome! I thought it was really interesting how the demons would have children (called nephilim) and their children would have to work for their parents which would be spreading the different sins (lust, envy, etc..) around the world. I wish the author focused more on that aspect, instead of the "insta love" romance. Yes, this book has insta love. Normally, I don't mind when characters fall in love so quickly, if the plot works, then I think it's fine. But for this book, it was just all wrong! I just could imagine Anna and Kaidan together, especially since I felt they knew nothing about each other! The worst part is that half the book Anna spends weeping over Kaidan, when they never really got together!

At first, I really liked the main character Anna. I thought it was cool that she could feel the emotions of other people, and she has to balance the angel part of her, and demon part. After falling for Kaidan, I just found it really hard for me to connect with Anna. Some of the things that she does later on in the book really bothered me and I just didn't really like her that much anymore. Now onto Kaidan. When we first meet him, I thought he would be great for Anna! I love stories that put the good girl and the bad boy together, but Kaidan just didn't work. Yes, he's British, which is a weakness of mine in books, but I just couldn't see the connection with him and Anna. I wish he would have fought for her, instead of giving up so easily.

Overall, Sweet Evil was a major disappointment for me. The overall premise was really great, but too many other details just made me not like this book. That being said, just because this book didn't work for me, it might work for you.

My Rating: Two out of Five Stars