Review: Something like Normal

Something Like Normal
By: Trish Doller
Release Date: June 19, 2012

Description:
When Travis returns home from a stint in Afghanistan, his parents are splitting up, his brother’s stolen his girlfriend and his car, and he’s haunted by nightmares of his best friend’s death. It’s not until Travis runs into Harper, a girl he’s had a rocky relationship with since middle school, that life actually starts looking up. And as he and Harper see more of each other, he begins to pick his way through the minefield of family problems and post-traumatic stress to the possibility of a life that might resemble normal again. Travis’s dry sense of humor, and incredible sense of honor, make him an irresistible and eminently lovable hero.

Review:
You know when you're reading something and you literally can't put the book down, because if you do you won't be in that world anymore, the kind where you feel as if you are standing next to the characters playing out the scenes in the book?  That's how I felt, like I was there.  My heart goes out to all the characters.  Sometimes life is just not fair, and more for some than others.

I have friends that have enlisted in the military, whether it be marines or army and it's very true that something changes them there.  The reality of it all sometimes is so difficult that they can't handle it anymore.  From lack of sleep to quick reactions to someone waking them unnecessarily and anger and guilt built deep inside them because they are here and others are not.  It's a very real thing and I don't know how some of them do it. 

That's exactly how Travis returns home.  Full of guilt that he lived and his best friend in the Marines did not.  He takes an extended leave as per his leader to help him get things together and deal with this loss.  He's back at home where his ex girlfriend is now dating his brother, his father is still an ass, his mother is neurotic but only because she loves him so much.  It just doesn't feel like home to him anymore, not after all the things he's seen in Afghanistan.  His attempt at normalness leads him to Harper.  Someone who really shouldn't forgive him but does.  Their relationship blossoms throughout the book and I have to say I just adore her.  She's sweet and caring and most of all understanding towards Travis and his tribulations. 

We meet two other guys from his unit and I think you could literally write two more books on their lives (Trish, just saying hehe).  Each one is so different in their own way and that is exactly how the military is.  Each person can be so different but when they are together no one can stop them.  They too are dealing with the loss of their fellow man very differently.  Many people grieve differently it's just what they do.  Kevlar is all about the adrenaline and then there's the drinking, while Moss is used to people dying, he's just taking it easy.  Like Travis said, he must be one of the lucky ones, the one who doesn't have nightmares all the time.

There are some beautiful moments in this book and some very sad moments with just enough laugh out loud moments that the book became just perfect to me.  This book was more than I expected and just bought a great deal of thought into every day life in general.  You really shouldn't take anything for granted even if sometimes we just don't care.  You know that saying stop and smell the roses, you should do that today because you don't know if there will be a tomorrow.  And if you love someone tell them.  (Just my little after thoughts). 

On the Characters: Travis is a strong, promising 19 year old who just came back from Afghanistan after seeing his best friend in his unit die in front of him, right now he's just struggling to find some normalcy.  Harper is a girl who knew Travis way back when, he even gave her the horrible reputation she didn't deserve but they get passed that.  Travis' mom is a strong woman who really is inspirational by the end, but she needs to take some chillax pills or something haha.  Ryan, his brother who stole his girlfriend, friends and even car is kind of a douche bag, but maybe he just doesn't want to live in his brother's shadow.  It can't be too easy for them. His father, an ex professional football player who wanted his first born to be as famous as he was, but Travis just doesn't want to live in his father's footsteps.

Overall: This was a really great book, and I would sit down and read it again right now just to make sure I didn't miss anything.  Travis is a hero in my heart, even if he doesn't believe it I think anyone in the military is a hero.  Go read this book, you just need to so you get a sense of what happens to those who serve and how to better deal with it, with lots of understanding and love.  You have no idea how much I just want to go hug Travis right now! Ha! Loved it!

Disclaimer:

I received this book from NetGalley and Bloomsbury Children's Books, so that I may give my honest opinion and a review. Whether it is good or not please do not let it discourage you from purchasing/reading the book yourself and forming your own opinion. What might be good for me may not be good for you and vice versa. With that said, Happy Reading Everyone!!!

Booking Through Thursday

A weekly meme about (mostly) books and reading. Hosted at Booking Through Thursday. BTT interviewed their readers for a change, and their final question was, “What question have they NOT asked at BTT that you’d love them to ask?” They got some great responses and will be picking out some of the questions from time to time to ask the rest of you. Like now.
Cathy De Los Santos asks:


If you could write a book, what would it be about, and why? (Though, of course, some of you already HAVE.)

Ahhhh! That's my questions! :-) hehe.

So if I could write a book - it would definitely be a contemporary book and will have to include some great love in it.  Probably something like a boy next door, I've loved you forever and why can't you see that.  Or a chance meeting at the most unexpected place.  Oh something fabulous like that but alas I am no writer!  I can try but I don't know how good it will come out, again I write how I speak and yes I don't have broken English but sometimes the things that come out of my mouth are kinda not the most proper things to say ha.  But anyway yes a love story, slightly unrequited until the other person finally comes to their senses.  Ha!

What about you? What did you think of my question was it just eh lol?

From the Review Pile

From the Review Pile is a meme hosted by Stepping Out of the Page every Thursday.

The aim of this meme is to showcase books that you've received for review, but haven't yet got around to reading, in order to give the book some extra publicity.

This week from my Review Pile:

What I didn't Say
By: Keary Taylor
Release Date: April 30, 2012

Description:
Getting drunk homecoming night your senior year is never a good idea, but Jake Hayes never expected it all to end with a car crash and a t-post embedded in his throat.


His biggest regret about it all? What he never said to Samantha Shay. He's been in love with her for years and never had the guts to tell her. Now it's too late. Because after that night, Jake will never be able to talk again.

When Jake returns to his small island home, population 5,000, he'll have to learn how to deal with being mute. He also finds that his family isn't limited to his six brothers and sisters, that sometimes an entire island is watching out for you. And when he gets the chance to spend more time with Samantha, she'll help him learn that not being able to talk isn’t the worst thing that could ever happen to you. Maybe, if she'll let him, Jake will finally tell her what he didn't say before, even if he can't actually say it

One Moment
By: Kristina McBride
Release Date: June 26, 2012

Description:
This was supposed to be the best summer of Maggie’s life. Now it’s the one she’d do anything to forget.


Maggie Reynolds remembers hanging out at the gorge with her closest friends after a blowout party the night before. She remembers climbing the trail hand in hand with her perfect boyfriend, Joey. She remembers that last kiss, soft, lingering, and meant to reassure her. So why can’t she remember what happened in the moment before they were supposed to dive? Why was she left cowering at the top of the cliff, while Joey floated in the water below—dead?

As Maggie’s memories return in snatches, nothing seems to make sense. Why was Joey acting so strangely at the party? Where did he go after taking her home? And if Joey was keeping these secrets, what else was he hiding?

The latest novel from the author of The Tension of Opposites, One Moment is a mysterious, searing look at how an instant can change everything you believe about the world around you

Waiting on Wednesday

"Waiting On" Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted by Breaking the Spine that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.

This week I'm "Waiting on":

Unspoken
By: Sarah Rees Brennan
Release Date: September 11, 2012
Series: The Lynburn Legacy


Description:
Kami Glass loves someone she’s never met . . . a boy she’s talked to in her head ever since she was born. She wasn’t silent about her imaginary friend during her childhood, and is thus a bit of an outsider in her sleepy English town of Sorry-in-the-Vale. Still, Kami hasn’t suffered too much from not fitting in. She has a best friend, runs the school newspaper, and is only occasionally caught talking to herself. Her life is in order, just the way she likes it, despite the voice in her head.


But all that changes when the Lynburns return.

The Lynburn family has owned the spectacular and sinister manor that overlooks Sorry-in-the-Vale for centuries. The mysterious twin sisters who abandoned their ancestral home a generation ago are back, along with their teenage sons, Jared and Ash, one of whom is eerily familiar to Kami. Kami is not one to shy away from the unknown—in fact, she’s determined to find answers for all the questions Sorry-in-the-Vale is suddenly posing. Who is responsible for the bloody deeds in the depths of the woods? What is her own mother hiding? And now that her imaginary friend has become a real boy, does she still love him? Does she hate him? Can she trust him?

Review: What a Boy Wants

What a Boy Wants
By: Nyrae Dawn
Release Date: April 6, 2012

Description:
Courtesy of watching his mom’s relationships, Sebastian Hawkins knows what girls need to do to get a guy. He has what he considers a PHD in hooking up. When he needs extra cash for a car, Sebastian starts up an online venture as The Hook-up Doctor, to anonymously help girls land the guy of their dreams. Of course, his services don’t offer a happily-ever-after guarantee. He’s seen firsthand getting together never means staying together.

And then he falls in love…

With the last girl he would expect…

Totally not in his game plan.

Suddenly, Sebastian finds himself muddled in the game he’s always prided himself on. He can’t even pick up girls at parties anymore! Why would anyone want to be in love when it turns you into a stuttering, screwed-up, mess with really lame stalker tendencies? Stalking? Totally not his gig.

But the Hook-up Doctor won’t let himself go down easily. He’s always known how to give a girl what she wants and now it’s time to figure out what a boy wants… and he definitely plans on getting it
 
Review:

I heart boys, especially ones who are so cocky and confident all you can do is smile at them.  Because they had you at hello.  I know you know the type I'm talking about, the smooth, good looking, irresistible guy, that is who Sebastian is.  Even his name is confident, just say it slowly Sebastian.  Yum right!

Ok on to the book, which was fun and a quick read.  I had a feeling from the beginning as if I knew what was going to happen, but I read through it anyway because the fun part is getting there, you know? And boy was it worth it, to delve into the mind of a 17 year old boy, fun times fun times.

The four best friends were great, and I loved how really even though they are all friends they each have their love interest between each other.  But it takes them time to realize it, and guts tog o for it.  Sebastian the main character - yum, major book crush on this guy and he just seems like that cool guy everyone wants to hang out with.  His friend Jaden is no different, I would love to be able to hang with all of them.  Pris short for Priscilla (which by the way is a name I love personally because my friend's name is Priscilla), is a tough Latina who will not take any crap from anyone.  I love that she will kick your ass if she needs to.  And of course let's not forget the lovely Aspen, she's Sebastian's love interest.  Also a great character who I can totally relate to because I was that girl, sort of.

The book is about a boy who is best friends with girl, one day he realizes wait maybe I want her to be more than just a friend.  Enter silly boy hi-jinks that just get him into trouble and viola you have a fabulous book.  I loved it.  I thought it was a great book, the story was fun to read and kept my interest the entire time.  Oh to be young again, the good old days he he.

Overall - this was a great book - go read it.  I highly recommend it to anyone who needs a good break from heavy reading.  You'll love it, and who knows we might have to fight over Sebastian because he is JUST that lovable!

Brief Review:
We meet Sebastian who is the Hook Up Doctor, he receives an anonymous letter from someone trying to get a guys attention, she's normal, average, doesnt' dress provocative and seems like a decent down to earth girl.  But the guy only likes easy girls, which she is not so he tries to help her out.  He gives her things to do and day by day he semi notices his best friend doing the same things he's telling the girl online to do.  So that gets his mind reeling.  And boys when they start reeling it's just never a good thing.  One thing leads to another which leads to another and sigh it's all good in the end eventually after much much drama.  But so fun to read!  I read it on my new phone and let me tell you it's the first time I read a book on my phone and I could literally NOT put my phone down. 

I heart this book.  Go get it.  Go read it.  Now.  Do it.  Thanks LOL. 

Teaser Tuesday: What a Boy Wants

Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme, hosted by Should Be Reading. Anyone can play along! Just do the following: •Grab your current read •Open to a random page •Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page •BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!) •Share the title & author, too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers!

Here's my teaser for the week:

Whoa? had I been checking out Aspen's ass, too?  I mean, I noticed the sliver of skin.  When had i started noticing the rest of her?

Page 15, What a Boy Wants


I always love it when boys realize hey you wanted something that was right in front of you and you didn't even realize it till now.  This book is good!

Review to come later today.

Blog Tour: Redheads are Soulless Excerpt/Review

Redheads are Soulless
By: Heather M. White
Release Date: May 25, 2012
Series: Red Trilogy

Description:
High school senior, Sofia Black, has had a very hard life. Since her father's death 7 years ago, she has had to look after her drug addicted, alcoholic mother. School isn't any better for her either. The other kids constantly tease, and ridicule her. All she wants is to get out of her small hometown in Alabama.

When new student, Jason, shows up, Sofia's world is turned upside down. She doesn't understand why he wants to befriend her so badly... And, just when she thinks she can trust him, trouble appears.

Jason's twin brother, Robbie, moves into town, and things go haywire. Sofia is now running for her life - and Jason is forced to share hidden secrets with her. She learns the truth about her father's death, and finds out that she may not be as "human" as she once thought. She struggles to accept her fate, while fighting for her life.

****************************************************************
Excerpt

Just then, the classroom door opened and in walked a student I have never seen before. I wanted to look away, but I couldn’t. Something about this guy captured my attention. It was like my eyes were glued to him.


He walked to the front of the class with pride and dignity. His hair was black, but not in a gothic, I hate my life, way. More like a, I’m a rock star, kind of way. His bangs swept to the side, and normally I’m not into that, but it looked good on him. He was tall, towering at least a foot over Mr. Franks. His tight, black hoodie clung to his abdomen, and it was hard

not to stare at his rock hard muscles. He wasn’t big like a football player, but something told me nobody would want to mess with him.

His eyes met mine for a second, and the hair on my arms stood up. His eyes were solid black. But then, something unexplainable happened they turned to a golden brown color. I blinked a few times. My eyes must be playing tricks on me.

He winked at me, and I was finally able to look away. I was sure my face was as bright as my red hair.

I looked up again once I heard Mr. Franks voice. “Everybody, this is Jason Morgan. He has just transferred here from California.” He pointed to the empty seat beside me. “Just take a seat in the back, please.”

My heart sped up about a hundred beats a minute.

He would be sitting by me.

Of course he would, that is the only empty desk in the class. Nobody else wants to sit by me.

On his way back to the seat, I could see people were giving him sympathetic looks. Poor guy, having to sit by her, I hope he doesn’t get her herpes, I could hear them whisper.

I looked down at my textbook, ignoring the whispers, as Jason took a seat beside me. I could feel his eyes on me. I glanced up for a moment. Sure enough, he was looking right at me.

“I’m Jason,” he introduced himself in a whisper.

“I know. Mr. Franks just told the class,” I whispered back, hoping that my unkind tone would end the conversation.

“I was hoping you’d tell me your name.”

I tried to hide the surprised look on my face.

“Why would you want to know my name?”

“Well,” he paused for a moment, “we are going to be sitting beside each other all year. I should at least know your name.”

I glanced around to make sure nobody was looking. “You really shouldn’t talk to me,” I warned him.

“What if I want to talk to you?”

“I’m kind of a freak,” I admitted sadly.

“Maybe I’m a freak, too.”

I sighed. “It’s your reputation at stake.”

“I think I’ll take my chances,” he smiled. “Are you going to tell me your name?”

“Sofia Black,” I mumbled.

“Well, Sofia Black, it is very nice to meet you.”

“Likewise.”

I turned my attention back to Mr. Franks, who happened to be standing right in front of us.

“Sorry, Mr. Franks,” I apologized immediately.

He tried to look mad, but I could see a smile beyond his angry face. “Since you two like talking so much, maybe you could show Jason around school.”

“I wouldn’t want to tarnish his reputation like that,” I protested.

“I’d love for Sofia to show me around,” Jason added quickly.

Mr. Franks smiled. “Then it’s settled.” With that, he walked back to the front of the room and continued the lesson.

My mouth hung open in disbelief. What was with this guy? Did he really have no self respect?


****************************************************************
Review:

This book was entertaining, and a very quick and fun read.  The characters were interesting, but I think I most enjoyed the back and forth between the brothers.  That natural competition for the girl they both wanted.  That's always fun to read about, how one will out do the other.

We meet Sofie, who is a longer, and sometimes likes it that way but then again sometimes she doesn't.  She witnessed her father's sudden death when she was young and her mother is an alcoholic to the point that Sofie is the one to take care of her.  No one really befriends her at school because they believe her to be a freak.  That is until Jason comes to town.  Immediately he wants to get to know her and spend as much time with her as possible.  She's a little hesitant at first reminding him that he doesn't want to become an outcast like her.  But nothing deters him from wanting to be with her.

Things with her mother get better, but then they get worse again.  This is when Jason brings her into his home to protect her from his evil brother Robbie (who supposedly wants to kill her). Her being gone though seems to help her mother out in that she has bettered her life and is going to get married.  But being in the boys life she has cause turmoil between the two, who is bad who is good, doesn't matter because they both want only her.

Somehow tables turn and someone they thought didn't exist really does exist.  This is when all hell breaks loose.  This is where the twist hits and you know I almost didn't see it coming, almost because it's not exactly what I expected.  And I like that!

Overall: The book was good, and it was a quick read for me which is always good.  I can't wait to see what happens next with Sofie.  There were some really good moments in this book and some that just made me angry especially the whole thing with her mother, but maybe there will be light shed on that situation in the next book.  Good read, you should all check it out.

Characters:  I like Sofie, she's an outcast and they have always intrigued me.  The brothers are definitely interesting and I love that they compete for a while but then one of them gives up.  It's interesting.  I'm hoping to learn more about their history as they have a long one.  The mom needs to get it together. 

Cover: Amazing, I don't have read hair and don't really think I could pull it off but sometimes don't you wonder what it would be like to have red hair.  Although I wouldn't want to be called soulless lol.  Great cover, can't wait to see what the next one looks like.

****************************************************************
About the Author:

Hi! I'm Heather M White, a YA Paranormal author. I'm 22 years old and I recently got married. I just moved from Saint Louis, Missouri to a very small town in Arkansas. My passion is: writing. I also like to read, and play guitar. And I love Dr. Pepper!

Heather M White on the Web:

Goodreads
Blog
Twitter

Buy Redheads are Soulless : these will be available when Release Day Hits May 25^th!!

Review: The LIfeguard

The Lifeguard
By: Deborah Blumenthal
Release Date: March 1, 2012

Description:
It's an unsettled summer for Sirena. Back in Texas, her family's splitting apart, but here in Rhode Island, at the cottage of her aunt, it's a different world. There are long days at the beach and intriguing encounters with Pilot, the lifeguard with shamanic skills. Sirena explores her obsession with Pilot and discovers his mysterious--almost magical--gifts.

Review:
Adorable, semi chaotic and obsessed, this book was a quick and really good read.  It made you think about things, why they happen and how history keeps repeating itself without even knowing it. 

We meet Sirena, who was just shipped off to Rhode Island as her parents are at home dealing with their divorce and the selling of the house.  They want her out of the way so they send her out to her aunts house in Rhode Island for the summer.  Her best friend is at their usual spot at camp where Sirena would have been.  But this experience will be good for her even if she doesn't know it yet.

She's off to beach and that's where she spots him: Pilot.  Although she doesn't learn his name right away.  There is something about him that draws her to him, it's almost borderline obsessive and semi stalkerish but I like it.  She's an artist and wants to draw him so much, she believes he's just absolute perfection.  She met an artist on the beach who just happen to have a gallery with a painting of Pilot, and she steals the painting. 

But of course she feels guilty and she befriends this artist, even though he's about eighty years old they have a strong connection.  She can tell him anything even about the painting and how she's feeling and what's going on around her.

There are things that happen that connect her, Antonio (the artist) and Pilot.  Every thing is so sudden and extreme but miracles do happen.  Or at least Shamans really do have healing powers. 

The characters:
I really liked Sirena, maybe because she was a little obsessive and so curious about everything that it just reminded me a little of myself minus the obsessiveness.  Pilot he was the strong silent type.  And the way he's described, very good looking.  Antonio was a great wise man, and all the other characters also fit this very well.

The plot:
I really loved the fact that Sirena was learning about herself and exploring how life would be and could be.  She found herself in Rhode Island that summer, and things happened that would change her life forever.  Especially with the people she met and spent time with.

The cover:
Can I just say, super delish.  The boy on the cover is a perfect vision of Pilot.  Perfect.

Overall:
If you have some time you should read this book, it was a fast and good read.  Especially if you need a break from all the dystopian books that are out there, it's just a good old fashioned fast contemporary book.

Disclaimer:
I received this book from NetGalley so that I may give my honest opinion and a review. Whether it is good or not please do not let it discourage you from purchasing/reading the book yourself and forming your own opinion. What might be good for me may not be good for you and vice versa. With that said, Happy Reading Everyone!!!

From the Review Pile:

From the Review Pile is a meme hosted by Stepping Out of the Page every Thursday.

The aim of this meme is to showcase books that you've received for review, but haven't yet got around to reading, in order to give the book some extra publicity.

This week from my Review Pile:

Throne of Glass
By: Sarah J. Maas
Release Date: August 7, 2012

Description:
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

The Unquiet
By: Jeannine Garsee
Release Date: July 17, 2012

Description:
Sixteen-year-old Rinn Jacobs has secrets: One, she’s bipolar. Two, she killed her grandmother.

After a suicide attempt, and now her parents' separation, Rinn and her mom move from California to the rural Ohio town where her mother grew up. Back on her medications and hoping to stay well, Rinn settles into her new home, undaunted by the fact that the previous owner hanged herself in Rinn's bedroom. At school, her classmates believe the school pool is haunted by Annaliese, a girl who drowned there. But when a reckless séance goes awry, and terrible things start happening to her new friends—yet not to her—Rinn is determined to find out why she can’t be "touched" by Annaliese...or if Annaliese even exists.

With the help of Nate Brenner, the hunky “farmer boy” she’s rapidly falling for, Rinn devises a dangerous plan to uncover the truth. Soon reality and fantasy meld into one, till Rinn finds it nearly impossible to tell the difference. When a malevolent force threatens the lives of everyone she cares about--not to mention her own--she can't help wondering: who should she really be afraid of?

Annaliese? Or herself?

Booking Through Thursday

A weekly meme about (mostly) books and reading. Hosted at Booking Through Thursday. BTT interviewed their readers for a change, and their final question was, “What question have they NOT asked at BTT that you’d love them to ask?” They got some great responses and will be picking out some of the questions from time to time to ask the rest of you. Like now.

Do you have any pet that has a name inspired by your readings?

If not, what would you pick if you DID?
Do any of your friends have book-based names for their pets? (Or their children?)

I don't have any pets because really I'm just not a pet person.  Yeah animals are cute from far away, I have too much on my plate to take care of someone else, this is just my opinion though.  But I do have kids, and I contemplated sort of naming them after characters as a joke, but it didn't pan out so it's ok.

My oldest daughter's name is Isabella (yes I know you know where I'm going with this) well, I was about to have my second child and contemplated if it was a boy would it be weird to name him Edward LOL.  Ha.  I still laugh at that.  Mind you Isabella is not named after Ms. Swan or should I say Cullen.  This was before I even knew the books existed.  It was just a coincidence.  But I still laugh every time I think about it.  It would be super weird though, wouldn't it?

I had another girl - Cynthia so def not named after any book characters.  (Well sometimes I'll call her Cinderella ha ha)

Waiting on Wednesday: Chasing the Skip

"Waiting On" Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted by Breaking the Spine that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.

This week I'm "Waiting on":

Chasing the Skip
By: Janci Patterson
Release Date: October 2, 2012

Description:
A bounty hunter, an untrustworthy daughter, a bad-boy skip, and a road trip that goes horribly wrong.


Ricki's dad has never been there for her. He's a bounty hunter who spends his time chasing parole evaders—also known as "skips"—all over the country. But now since Ricki's mom ran off, Ricki finds herself an unwilling passenger in a front-row seat to her father's dangerous lifestyle.

Ricki's feelings get even more confused when her dad starts chasing seventeen-year-old Ian Burnham. She finds herself unavoidably attracted to the dark-eyed felon who seems eager to get acquainted. But Ricki thinks she's ever in control—the perfect manipulator. Little does she know that Ian isn't playing their game by her rules.

Teaser Tuesday

Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme, hosted by Should Be Reading. Anyone can play along! Just do the following: •Grab your current read •Open to a random page •Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page •BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!) •Share the title & author, too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers!

Here's my teaser for the week:

“That is why you should ignore me. I’m not normal,” I pointed my finger towards him. “I don’t fit in here, and you will be an outcast by association.”

Redheads are Soulless
By Heather M. White
Release Date May 25, 2012

Musing Monday

MUSING MONDAYS… is a weekly event where MizB at Should be Reading will ask a book/reading-related question, and you answer with your own thoughts on the topic.

This week’s musing asks…

What do you do with the book before you start reading it?


I look at the front cover, the back cover.  Read the blurb about it.  Sometimes if I can't decide what to read next I'll have to look at the description online, then skim through some of the reviews because I don't like reading spoilers.  They upset me because I want to find things out on my own.  That's pretty much it really, then I just start reading and hopefully I'm into it enough to finish it quickly.  So I can move on to the next one of my ever growing to be read pile.

Blog Tour - Knee Deep - Review/Excerpt

Knee Deep
By Joleen B. Perry
Release Date: May 1, 2012

Description:
Shawn is the guy Ronnie Bird promised her life to at the age of fourteen. He's her soul mate. He's more uptight every day, but it's not his fault. His family life is stressful, and she's adding to it. She just needs to be more understanding, and he'll start to be the boy she fell in love with. She won’t give up on someone she’s loved for so long.

Luke is her best friend, and the guy she hangs with to watch girlie movies in her large blanketopias. He's the guy she can confide in before she even goes to her girlfriends, and the guy who she's playing opposite in Romeo and Juliet. Now her chest flutters every time he gets too close. This is new. Is Ronnie falling for him? Or is Juliet? The lines are getting blurry, but leaving one guy for another is not something that a girl like Ronnie does.

Shawn’s outbursts are starting to give her bruises, and Luke’s heart breaks as Ronnie remains torn. While her thoughts and feelings swirl around the lines between friendship and forever, she’s about to lose them both

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Review:

Amazing, captivating, and heartbreaking.  This book had all those qualities and so much more.  The second I picked it up I did not want to put it down, I could not put it down.  The characters were relate able, the story was intriguing and emotional, very raw.  The moral behind the story is so truthful and honest and is something that every person (not just females) should pay attention to.  If you need help, don't be afraid to ask for it.  Now on to the story.

We meet Ronnie who has been in love with Shawn for as long as she can remember.  They were friends when they were very young but he moved away for a while and when he returned they returned to their growing relationship.  Ronnie felt as if there was no one else for her, he was her forever.  But finding your forever in high school is not something normal to begin with.

Every year her and her best friend Mindy come up with a list of firsts that they will accomplish, this year she chose trying out for the play, which she gets the part of Juliet in Romeo and Juliet.  Her other best friend Luke is playing Romeo.  This of course leads to more complications in her relationship with Shawn as he has become unbelievably jealous and controlling.  More so than usual.  He suspects something is going on with Ronnie and Luke. 

Ronnie is conflicted as she's known them both the majority of her life and Luke has always been there for her, even when Shawn left, but this realization doesn't come to her until the end.  As their roles as Romeo and Juliet become more blurred where it feels more like Ronnie and Luke than the characters they are playing. 

Shawn's life becomes a downward spiral and he becomes more stressed and with this he starts to take his frustrations out on Ronnie, beginning with just a bruised wrist and getting more serious.  Ronnie being the loyal person she is and believing that he is her forever deals with it the best way she can.  She covers for him, hides her bruises and distances herself from other people.  But Luke is very observant and knows that something is wrong and he doesn't approve.  He saves Ronnie several times from getting seriously hurt further than she has

There is so much that happens throughout this book and I believe every woman/girl needs to read it, know that if something is not right then you need to speak to someone.  You cannot always handle everything yourself.  Sometimes it's beyond you and you should never let someone make you feel that abuse is the normal thing.  There are relationships that work the correct way, and there is always someone else out there for you.  You do not belong to only one person.  We are not something to be possessed or obsessed about in an unhealthy way.

Jolene B. Perry is an amazing author, ever book I read of hers is more and more intense and I honestly believe that I would read anything she writes.  She's just simply amazing, and I thank her for this great story.  The rawness and realness of it all is eye opening.

Please go out and buy this book and read it, re read it, give it to other people. It will be worth it. Remember you are not alone.

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Excerpt:

My front door opens. “Hello?” Shawn calls.

“In here!” I say back. Suddenly this feels weird. Why would this feel weird? This is just what happens when one of us is stuck at home. Why would today be any different? But my heart’s beating against the inside of my ribs, trying to tell me this is different.

Luke scoots away from the couch. Does he feel it too? That maybe him and me hanging out alone for the day might not have been the best idea?

Shawn steps through the hallway and scowls when his eyes meet mine and then pass to Luke. This shouldn’t be a big deal. Except...I’m so stupid. I was just thinking how I needed to make Shawn’s life outside of his house less stressful, and part of me knew it was weird that Luke was here without Shawn. I thought it, and did nothing. But again, it is just Luke.

“What’re you doing here?” Shawn asks. His dark eyes fix on Luke.

“I figured you’d be here, man.” Luke stands up. “It’s like we always ditch together, right?”

Romeo and Juliet kissing in the pool on the TV screen probably isn’t helping anything. Maybe Shawn won’t notice, or maybe it’s just sending my heart into crazy flutters because this tension between Shawn and Luke and, I guess, me, is happening during the most romantic scene of the movie.

“Uh, I don’t know.” Shawn’s still scowling, his brows pulled low and his jaw tight.
“You would’ve hated it,” I say. My eyes catch his, but his are as black as his mood seems to be. I’m so stupid. Why did I have to let Luke stay?

“Yeah, maybe.” Shawn’s narrowed eyes go from Luke to me, back and forth, as if judging the situation. Really? What did he think could possibly happen between Luke and I? Even if this is suddenly on my top three ‘most awkward moments’ ever. I can’t even think about what the other two might be. Maybe I’ve just found number one.
“Romeo and Juliet all day.” Luke laughs, but I know him well enough to see he’s trying really hard to be relaxed. His shoulders are too stiff, and his normal stance is too rigid. I wonder if Shawn sees it too. “Guess I’ll leave you two alone.” Luke’s trying hard to keep his voice light.

“Yeah.” Shawn has yet to return Luke’s smile. “I almost never see my girl anymore.”
It’s like I’m on the edge of my seat, tension pinpricking every part of me. I’ve never seen Shawn like this.

“Well, I should get my ass to rehearsal anyway.” Luke gives Shawn a friendly pat on the shoulder before heading outside.

I don’t watch him go. My eyes are on Shawn, trying to figure out what to expect next.

What the hell was that?” His sharp gaze is now pointed directly at me.

I stand up and lean to the side, trying to be relaxed. “It didn’t seem like a big deal this morning.” Maybe if I play it off as nothing Shawn won’t be so mad. He knows Luke and I are friends. No big deal, I tell myself again. But I don’t know if I’m trying to convince myself or Shawn.

“Was he here when we were texting?” he asks. His voice may be low, but not in a good way. It’s low in a way that makes him sound like he’s past the edge of reasonable anger.

My body’s screaming for me to take a step back, which makes no sense. This is Shawn. My Shawn. “No.” But I’m weakening by the second, almost shaking inside. His jaw tightens again.

My eyes close as I remember, and dread fills my chest. “He got here as I sent my last one.” Is that bad? Good?

“And you didn’t think to tell me? What the hell is that?”

I jump at the sharpness of his voice. Shawn doesn’t need this stress. I know this. I reach forward to put my arms around him. We just need to hold one another for a minute, then it’ll all be fine.

He stops me, grabbing my arm—hard—just above my wrist.

“This is not okay.” His jaw is set.

“Hey.” My voice shakes. My body shakes. I’m actually scared of Shawn for the first time ever. I jerk my hand once, but he tightens his grip...impossibly tight. My lungs can’t pull in a breath; there’s just not enough air in the room anymore. “Shawn, you’re hurting me.” He can’t mean to hurt me. He can’t.

His face is stuck in a sharp scowl.

“He’s your friend.” My voice is crying. I want to try and pull my shaky arm out of his grasp again, but I’m afraid to; he’s squeezing so hard. Tears are hot against the back of my eyes, threatening to spill over.

“How would you feel if I spent all day with some chick?” The words come out as angry spit from between his teeth.

I open my mouth to answer but can’t, the lump in my throat has taken over. All I can think about is that I need to find something to say so he’ll let me go. Some way to get the air through my throat to form words. “It’s just Luke,” I plead, sucking in a breath.

“Whatever.” He throws my arm back at me, turns, and walks out the door, slamming it hard behind him. My body jumps at the sound.

I stumble backward onto the couch. I’m like a leaf battered about in the wind. Nothing’s working right. I need to sit. Normally I’d run after him, but I have no idea what to expect. And I’m afraid. Of Shawn.

He’s never been that way before. Ever. He’s moody and particular, but this seems...extreme. I’m cradling my wrist with my other hand, afraid to look at any possible damage. It hurts to move it. What just happened here? How did it happen?

It’s like there suddenly must be something fundamentally wrong with the universe. But the TV’s still on. My house looks normal and quiet. I’m still breathing, but Shawn, my Shawn, just hurt me. Lying down seems so anti-climactic, but I can’t bring myself to do anything else.

When Juliet realizes Romeo’s dying the sobs take over, and I pull my knees to my chest as if making myself smaller will somehow dull the pain.

It doesn’t.

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About the Author:

Jolene grew up in Wasilla, Alaska. She graduated from Southern Utah University with a degree in political science and French, which she used to teach math to middle schoolers.

After living in Washington, Utah and Las Vegas, she now resides in Alaska with her husband, and two children. Aside from writing, Jolene sews, plays the guitar, sings when forced, and spends as much time outside as possible.

She is also the author of Night Sky and The Next Door Boys.


You can find her at http://www.jolenesbeenwriting.blogspot.com/
Or on her author site at http://www.jolenebperry.com/
Or her group blog - http://www.fortheloveofcontemporary.blogspot.com/

To purchase:
Kindle Version
Nook Version
Google Version
Smashwords
PDF Version

Review: Glitch

Glitch
By: Heather Anistasiu
Release Date: August 7, 2012
Series: Glitch

Description:
In the Community, there is no more pain or war. Implanted computer chips have wiped humanity clean of destructive emotions, and thoughts are replaced by a feed from the Link network. When Zoe starts to malfunction (or "glitch"), she suddenly begins having her own thoughts, feelings, and identity. Any anomalies must be immediately reported and repaired, but Zoe has a secret so dark it will mean certain deactivation if she is caught: her glitches have given her uncontrollable telekinetic powers. As Zoe struggles to control her abilities and stay hidden, she meets other glitchers including Max, who can disguise his appearance, and Adrien, who has visions of the future. Together, this growing band of glitchers must find a way to free themselves from the controlling hands of the Community before they’re caught and deactivated, or worse. In this action-packed debut, Glitch begins an exciting new young adult trilogy.

Review:
The beginning of the book went a little back and forth for me, meaning that it was difficult to keep my interest for too long.  But as the book continued I got more involved and started feeling for the characters.  There were even parts that made me gasp out loud  This concept was very interesting, where everyone is programmed to not have any emotions at all, but if they do then they are considered glitching and showing behavior that is full of anomalies, which may lead to deactivation (also know as death). 

We meet Zoe  the main character in the book, who is constantly glitching, and is afraid of being found out, but at the same time doesn't want to be alone.  She wants to know that there is someone out there like her, she doesn't want to be considered the only anomaly.  This is when she meets Adrien who takes her to the surface and explains to her about the Resistance and how there are other people with special powers out there, not to mention that she may play a very important role in the resistance.  But after telling her all of this her memory of the entire situation with Adrien is erased, completely wiped clean.

We go back to the beginning, or at least it seems that way with Zoe having lost her memory of everything that happened.  This is when Max becomes interested in her more than usual, turns out she's not alone he is a glitcher too, with a very cool power which you have to read about.  They continue to have study sessions outside of the school and during that time they talk more freely about what is going on with them.  Max seemed like a typical teenage boy with only one thing on his mind.  He seemed really pushy to me and I didn't like him from the beginning.  Just seems to be something a little off about him.  Very obsessive.
Especially when Adrien comes back into the picture trying to help Zoe, Max and others escape from the underground facility to go to the surface and join the Resistance.  Max and Adrien obviously do NOT see eye to eye, especially since they are both very much interested in Zoe, but her heart only belongs to one.  Max learns it's not him and becomes angry, an emotion that is very strong and new to them all.  At the same time when they are trying or planning to escape the Chancellor gets involved and things begin to pick up.  Do they escape, and how - you'll have to read the book.

The book was overall an interesting read and really pulled me in towards the end, I now want to know what happens next in the series.  This is really something you should read if you enjoy dystopian societies, survivors and people with very special and unique gifts. 

The characters are well developed and we get to experience through them the discovery of different emotions, what they mean and how they make you feel.  Just imagine if you never knew what joy was, or even hate.  How would you react to those emotions for the first time.  Zoe was a great heroine in that she wants to save everyone, where as you have Max who is very self absorbed.  Adrien was also a great addition but I wish I knew a little more about his history with the resistance and how his life was or is like on the surface.  I hope to find all these things in the next book.

The cover is really great, I loved the colors and how the port on her back is lit up just like they explained it in the book. 
Disclaimer:
I received this book from NetGalley and St. Martin's Press (Thank you both!) so that I may give my honest opinion and a review.  Whether it is good or not please do not let it discourage you from purchasing/reading the book yourself and forming your own opinion.  What might be good for me may not be good for you and vice versa.  With that said, Happy Reading Everyone!!!

From the Review Pile: A Charmed Life and Lifeguard

From the Review Pile is a meme hosted by Stepping Out of the Page every Thursday.

The aim of this meme is to showcase books that you've received for review, but haven't yet got around to reading, in order to give the book some extra publicity.

This week from my Review Pile:

A Charmed Life
By Jenny B. Jones
Release Date May 1, 2012

Description
The popular YA series in a single volume!


So Not Happening – New York's social darling just woke up in a nightmare: Oklahoma. Bella had it all. Then her father decided to trade her mother in for a newer model. When her mom falls in love with a man she met on the Internet, Bella has to move in with her new family in Truman, Oklahoma. On a farm no less! How can a girl go on when her charmed life is gone and God appears to be giving her the total smack down?

I’m So Sure – Think you're having a rough week? Bella's stepdad just signed the family up for a reality TV show. As if having a camera crew following her around isn't bad enough, Bella discovers a conspiracy against the prom queen candidates. Denying allegations of a love triangle, working to solve the prom queen mystery, and trying to keep her cool on national television finally motivate Bella to start talking—and listening—to God more.

So Over My Head – Newly single, stalked by a killer, and in desperate need of some chic clown shoes—Bella is one skinny mocha frapp away from total meltdown. When the carnival arrives in

Truman, Bella's reporter instincts tell her the bright lights hide more than they reveal. Her suspicions are confirmed when one of the stars is murdered. Is God sending her a message in all of this madness? With a murderer on the loose and her boyfriend's ex on the prowl, this undercover clown has never had more to juggle.
 

The Lifeguard
By Deborah Blumenthal
Release Date March1, 2012
 
Description:
It's an unsettled summer for Sirena. Back in Texas, her family's splitting apart, but here in Rhode Island, at the cottage of her aunt, it's a different world. There are long days at the beach and intriguing encounters with Pilot, the lifeguard with shamanic skills. Sirena explores her obsession with Pilot and discovers his mysterious--almost magical--gifts.

Booking Through Thursday

A weekly meme about (mostly) books and reading. Hosted at Booking Through Thursday. BTT interviewed their readers for a change, and their final question was, “What question have they NOT asked at BTT that you’d love them to ask?” They got some great responses and will be picking out some of the questions from time to time to ask the rest of you. Like now.

abookandashortlatte1 asks


If you had to choose to live within a novel, which would it be?

Oo this one is a tough one, I don't to live in a society where everything is bad, even if the main character did succeed in the end, that doesn't guarantee it's not going to happen again.  I think if I really wanted to live within a novel it would have to be...

Endless Summer by Jennifer Echols.

If I could live within their world, on the lake racing boats and wake boarding, I would be loving it.  Not to mention their parties always sounded fun as it was a weekly event and also just to witness the shenanigans between the two main characters I would be loving it.  Plus the way she describes these brothers, super yum eye candy, for some reason I always think of Adrian Grenier. Yeah so I really want to be in this world.  I want my name spray painted on the bridge.  He he.

REPOST: Waiting on Wednesday - Biting Cold

So I'm trying to win this contest which you should all check out here to get this book before it comes out, I know shameless but I JUST CAN"T WAIT, so here's a REPOST of my WoW.

"Waiting On" Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted by Breaking the Spine that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.

This week I'm "Waiting on":

Biting Cold
By Chloe Neill
Release Date: August 7, 2012
Series: Chicagoland Vampires

Description: Turned into a vampire against her will, twenty-eight-year-old Merit found her way into the dark circle of Chicago’s vampire underground, where she learned there was more to supernaturals than met the eye—and more supernaturals than the public ever imagined. And not all the secrets she learned were for sharing—among humans or inhumans.

Now Merit is on the hunt, charging across the stark American Midwest, tailing a rogue supernatural intent on stealing an ancient artifact that could unleash catastrophic evil on the world. But Merit is also the prey. An enemy of Chicagoland is hunting her, and he’ll stop at nothing to get the book for himself. No mercy allowed. No rules apply. No lives spared. The race is on.

Waiting on Wednesday

"Waiting On" Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted by Breaking the Spine that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.

This week I'm "Waiting on":

Reached
By Ally Condie
Release Date: November 13, 2012
Series: Matched

Description
Cassia faces the ultimate choices in the long-anticipated conclusion to the New York Times bestselling Matched Trilogy


After leaving Society and desperately searching for the Rising—and each other—Cassia and Ky have found what they were looking for, but at the cost of losing each other yet again: Cassia has been assigned to work for the Rising from within Society, while Ky has been stationed outside its borders. But nothing is as predicted, and all too soon the veil lifts and things shift once again.

In this gripping conclusion to the #1 New York Times bestselling Matched Trilogy, Cassia will reconcile the difficulties of challenging a life too confining, seeking a freedom she never dreamed possible, and honoring a love she cannot live without

Teaser Tuesday

Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme, hosted by Should Be Reading. Anyone can play along! Just do the following: •Grab your current read •Open to a random page •Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page •BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!) •Share the title & author, too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers!

Here's my teaser for the week:

I'll be back.  Five Minutes.
That had been the last thing she had said to the boy she loved more than anything else in the world.  Now she thought it might be the last thing she would ever get to say to him.


City of Lost Souls
By Cassandra Clare
Release Date: May 8, 2012
Series: The Mortal Instruments

Musing Monday

MUSING MONDAYS… is a weekly event where MizB at Should be Reading will ask a book/reading-related question, and you answer with your own thoughts on the topic.

This week’s musing asks…

Do you tend to read to the end of a chapter or can you stop anywhere?

I usually try to finish at the end of the chapter.  Especially when I'm reading during lunch because when I get back to it I want to really get back into it.  But usually when I'm reading at home I will stop anywhere because I'm always getting interrupted and there really isn't anything I can do to tell me kids wait I'm almost done with this chapter, especially if they need me right then and there.  If I could I would read all day though without stopping. 

Blog Tour - Pretty In Black - Guestpost/Review/Giveaway

In honor of the soon to be released second book in the Pretty in Black series by Rae Hachton, please join me in welcoming Rae in this fabulous guest post, where she will discuss her concept for this series, what she likes to call her true fans and the Difference between regular and Gothic romance.  Don't forget to check out Pretty in Black and her soon to be released Black Satin (Book 2). 

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How did I came up with the concept for this series:

I didn't; it came to me instead. I was sitting on the swing in a cemetery one night at 10pm sometime late March of 2011 and I thought I saw two people, a guy and a girl, laying on a stone, talking, but their embrace looked tragic, and then the apparition disappeared. It struck a cord in me and I couldn't let it go.



I went home and transcribed the scene from my mind and then the next day I begin writing, non stop, while listening to the song by The Raveonettes called "My Time's Up." I just couldn't get the image or characters out of my head. They were real. And I was unable to sleep for a few nights as I typed.


The original Pretty in Black file was much longer than the one I published in November. The reason for this, is because later, after I'd written the book, Marcus appeared to me again in a dream and he was displeased. You see, originally I'd written the entire story from Ellie's point of view, but I'd left his voice out. So, I spent a while going back through and changing things in order to give him a voice. It was hard pleasing both characters.


The day he met Ellie he knew several things that she did not know, but Ellie's journey meant that, as the story unfolds, she will find out several things that she did know. I wanted to allow the reader to follow both of their stories simultaneously, but I did not find it very pleasing for a reader to already know something that a character had yet to discover and it was unrealistic of Marcus's character to just stop midway and tell Ellie everything about who he was or why he existed. And while he does know a lot more than he portrays to know, he still has a lot of things to discover, just like Ellie.


Both characters have been left in the dark, and I think this is what, more or less, draws them together. This story is their journey to their awakening. As the series progresses, things that did not add up, will come together, as both characters are enlightened, and thus, the reader will too!

Difference between a Romance and a Gothic Romance: 

Here is a vivid example: In scenario number one, a guy will bring a girl Red Roses and play some music on the stereo as they make out. In scenario number two, the guy will bring the girl to a cemetery full of wilted and decayed flowers which are just as beautiful, if not more, than any, and he will serenade her with his violin while making love to her with his eyes. But, I'm just really odd and dark and I prefer the grotesquely romantic, but romance is romance nonetheless and it really just varies depending on the people. Not every girl would want to be taken to a cemetery and would probably run from a guy who proposes such an idea, but not me, I'd be the one running toward him. Haha.

A True Midnight Birdie

is a person who has an appreciation for the darker aesthetic of life. [But this does not include violence or perversion.] A Midnight Birdie may find grotesque things to hold beauty, such as elegantly decayed statues in a cemetery, or they may be attached to "sad" things such as a poem about broken hearts or something like these two songs I heard: "Video Games" by Lana del Rey and "Someone Like You" by Adele. I mean, these songs make my heart do this funny thing, for real. They may prefer night time or sunsets to daytime and sunrise, or they may be a fan of Edgar Allan Poe. I mean, it's really hard to define what makes one a true Midnight Birdie, but if you are one, then you will know it!

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Pretty In Black
by Rae Hachton
Release Date October 26, 2011
Series: Pretty in Black

Description:
Some Things are Pretty. Some Things are Black. Love is both.

[Ellie Piper]
She wanted to die. He arose from the grave. He was sent to kill her. She was trained to kill those of his kind. But fate had other plans. He searched for 119 years to find her. & There's no way in hell he's letting her go. Dead or Alive. They're fated.

[Marcus Marble]
How far would you go to be with the one you love? Would you die for her? Would you kill for her? What if the only reason you're still alive is because of her? What if the reason you came back from the dead, was to be with her? But what if your job was to kill her, but you fell in love instead? And now you're being hunted by your own kind?

Destroy? Or be Destroyed?

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About the Author

My nom de plume is Rae Hachton, but my real name is Desirae. I write novels for young adults. I am the author of the Pretty in Black series, which is a Gothic Romance. Some of my favorite things are moonflowers, ravens and crows, The Raveonettes music, black roses, railroad tracks, the Victorian era, and cemeteries. If I could be a time of day, I would be 5:55 p.m. or that magical hour during sunset. More things that I like: Violin music, spiders & cobwebs, 50s music, skeletons, Dracula, & Castles. Also, I love Jones Soda and Pocky, and wishes Halloween were everyday.

My random journal can be found here: http://corvido-phile.blogspot.com//
Twitter: https://twitter.com/#!/raehachton
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/prettyinblackseries
 
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Review:

Ellie is still mourning her sister's death, she was murdered and violated.  She doesn't want to live anymore, her parents have divorced, her mother has moved on to a boyfriend who is very wrong and they now live in a trailer park.  Everything has gone down the drain, she even quit cheer leading and no longer speaks to her ex boyfriend or ex best friend.  There's nothing left for her.  Laying down in the cemetery enjoying the atmosphere in comes Marcus Marble.  At first he startles her so she is torn between having him stay and having him leave.  Either way she is definitely intrigued by him. 

Of course the cuteness factor wins over (as it does almost all the time), and he stays.  They talk and talk and their relationship starts to grow more daily.  There is something off about Marcus though but of course Ellie doesn't care because she's falling for him and he's fallen for her.  She's since left her mother and is living at a friends house while working at a movie theater and semi going to school. 

Ellie and Marcus shouldn't be together because of who they are but there is an amazingly strong bond between them that nothing can keep them apart.  Eventually they will be together.

The first part of the book is told through Ellie's point of view.  Which is a great idea as we get to see the story through different eyes.  I wouldn't have minded seeing it back and forth at the same time though, that's always great the whole he said she said scenario.  The overall story was good and the concept is interesting but I think it could have been developed a little more as if the characters need a little more depth to them.  Their romance was very whirlwind like, very quick but substantial to the both of them.  The back story and history comes more from the second part of the book. 

The second part of the story was told through Marcus's point of view, and I wish there was more of Marcus.  His story was fascinating.  I wanted more details about who is the Society, more about him being a white crow.  There are just so many more interesting facts that were told through Marcus, as Ellie's side was pure love story.  Hope the next book has more of his story in it and more background information.  Overall good book.  Make sure you check out the giveaway below.

They talked about moonflowers so much in the book that I had to see what they were and the author loves them too.  i have to admit it is a beautiful flower.  I found a picture of a purple one.  I always like to know what is being described in books.

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Favorite Quotes:

“I have a broken heart, Marcus.”

His eyes twinkled greater than the stars above us. “I can unbreak it.”
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“I’m not sure I can unbury my heart.”

“So don’t. In time I’ll dig it up. Let it rest, for now.”

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Giveaway - This is a tour wide giveaway make sure you sign up there are some good stuff here!

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