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My Review:
I read a review of Tempestuous months ago that made me want to read it and now I am really glad I did. It's a really cute story of a mean girl who gets in trouble for something she didn't do and in the course of one night while working at the mall hot dog stand, learns how she's been a nice girl all along. And the fun of the book is it's not done in a preachy way.
Miranda was popular to the core, hot boyfriend, Amex from Daddy and powerful girlfriends until a little scandal lands her working at the hot dog cart at the local mall and suddenly she's the social pariah. However one snowy night where everyone is trapped in the mall, Miranda's attitude begins to change. And it's that change that is so fun to watch. Well that and the other hijinks that are in store for the night. Lock a bunch of teenagers and mall employees in a snowed in mall where a lot of them don't like Miranda, Miranda is out for revenge and there is a robber on the loose and there are all grades of craziness that are bound to erupt. Miranda was a fun character, yes she's stuck up and looks down her nose at people at the beginning, but she seems to like Ariel and she likes to help people and then there is her situation so I couldn't help but like her. Add in the handcuffs, with Caleb and the craziness and I fell in love with her. Caleb is also a great supporting character along with Ariel, both were interesting and fun additions to the story. And of course there are the mean girls and the ex-boyfriend, lots of fun there as well.
And if the teenage angst (in a light way) wasn't enough to power the story, there is also a mystery to be solved. Where is Mike the missing employee and also who keeps breaking into mall stores? These crazy kids are on the job and determined to solve the mystery since there is no one to help but mall cop Grady. The mystery is good and adds to the interest of the story, it was a nice backdrop to everything else going on and kept the action moving at times. I think it was a great addition but didn't weigh the story down too much. It was just the right dose of mystery. The authors did an excellent job using this as part of the plot.
Fun to the core, Tempestuous is equal parts light and humorous with just a hint of teenage worry and angst plus an added spoonful of mystery. Overall it's one of the most fun books I have read lately. Nothing heavy here, just pure fun. And I really enjoy that in a book every now and then. This is the perfect beach read so grab a copy throw in your beach/pool/sit-outside bag and enjoy!
My rating: 4.5/5.0
About the Book: Recently banished,
unfairly, by the school’s popular crowd, former “it girl,” Miranda
Prospero, finds herself in a brave new world: holding dominion amongst a
rag-tag crew of geeks and misfits where she works at the Hot-Dog Kabob
in the food court of her local mall. When the worst winter storm of the
season causes mall workers and last-minute shoppers to be snowed-in for
the night, Miranda seizes the opportunity to get revenge against the
catty clique behind her social exile. With help from her delightfully
dweeby coworker, Ariel, and a sullen loner named Caleb who works at the
mall’s nearby gaming and magic shop, Miranda uses charm and trickery to
set things to right during this spirited take on Shakespeare’s The
Tempest.
Sketchy by Olivia Samms Publisher: Amazon Children's Publishing Publish Date: January 1, 2013 Hardcover, 238 pages ISBN: 9781477816509
My Review:
While dark, I found Sketchy to be a very enjoyable book. Bea was a great character, the backstory was interesting and the mystery was great. Also the promise of more books to come really has me excited.
Bea is a drug addict just coming out of rehab so right up front you know this is not a warm fuzzy book. Bea is real, she doesn't want to go to AA, she struggles with sobriety, she struggles with high school, but the one thing she doesn't seem to struggle with is who she is now. I like that. While she has to struggle not to drink or do drugs, she is comfortable in her skin. She likes to draw and she is happy to reconnect with Chris a distant friend from art camp. Chris is a great character as well. Often Bea's voice-of-reason and also some comic relief at times, he is fun and another character that is sure of himself even though his lifestyle is not one of the mainstream. I liked him for him as well. Ms. Samms did an excellent job with the characters. Another note with the characters is the parents are not absent in this book. No they are there right on top of Bea, sometimes to the point of being overbearing, but as a parent I do understand. It is refreshing to have parents present in a novel but even I will admit I was frustrated with them, but I had the benefit of knowing Bea was behaving.
The plot is great, it's driven by the mystery of figuring out who is raping and murdering girls, leaving Willa alive after being raped. The plot goes back and forth from past to present to bring us up-to-date on Bea but it really flows. I enjoyed the mystery of Bea using her talent to try and work out who is doing this. It was also interesting to watch her convince others of her talent.
Sketchy was amazing to me, it kept me interested, it felt real and I can't wait to read more of the Bea Catcher Chronicles. Bea has pulled me in and I like her and can't get enough of her. I will be interested to see what Ms. Samms shows us next.
My rating: 5.0/5.0
About the Book: The first book in a
series about 17 year old Bea Washington, an edgy, charismatic outsider
and recovering addict, who discovers that with her new-found sobriety,
she has a disturbing new ?skill? ? an ability to see, and draw, people's
thoughts. Alarmingly, these visions are only getting stronger and
increasing in frequency. As another girl in school is raped and left for
dead, Bea must come to terms with her talent, learn to face her own
truth, and try to help identify and stop the killer before he strikes
again.
About the Author (from her website): Raised in southern Michigan, Olivia Samms
started writing stories as a young girl—she just didn’t realize that was
what she was doing. She built forts in the dense woods, grew gills
under the water of small, muddy lakes, and created a fictional universe
with a cast of colorful characters. Olivia’s active imagination prompted
her to pursue acting and musical theatre, and after receiving her
degree from Cornell University, she took on the streets of New York,
acting and singing in off, off-off, and off-off-off Broadway shows,
regional theaters, sang in Nashville and cried on soap operas. She now
lives in Los Angeles with her husband and two children. SKETCHY is her
first novel.
The Program by Suzanne Young Publisher: Simon Pulse Publish Date: April 30, 2013 Hardcover, 416 pages ISBN: 9781442445802
My Review:
Wow, I knew I wanted to read this book but I didn't realize just how good it was going to be until I read it. The Program was amazing to me. Everything I wanted in a dystopian, and while some of it reads similar to other dystopians out there, there is a lot that is different and fresh about this book as well and that is what drew me in and kept me reading!
Sloane and James are in love but worried about the sickness that can land them in the program. Life as a teenager in the normal world is stressful enough. But in the world that Suzanne Young has created, there is so much more to worry about. What happens when you go in The Program and why don't you have any memories when you come out. James and Sloane are determined to not get "the sickness" or at least not get caught with it. But when all good intentions fall aside what do you do with the hand that life deals you? Well Sloane is a smart cookie and I love that about her. Yes she is dependent on James, but when the cards are down, she really comes into her own.
The first part of the book gives the back story and what is happening in the now up until the breaking point. Then the story is broken up into two more parts, one being The Program and the other (I can't remember the actual title) but it's the time after The Program. I won't go into details to keep this spoiler free, but let me just say that once this story gets rolling and I found myself invested in the characters and interested in the world I could not put the book down. It also read very fast. I think I sped through 200 pages in no time at all. It's just that interesting.
I've read The Hunger Games, I've read the Crossed trilogy, and while I see shades of similar dystopian features here (it's like all types of books, there are similar formulas), the formula is where it stops. The Program is a very original story. Centered around an outbreak of teen suicide and what the government is doing to try and stop it. Once it again it shows the lengths some people will go to to control people (it's not a political statement, it's very generic in the book). It's scary and fascinating at the same time and I found myself pulling for Sloane through the whole book. She has spunk and love. And I love that about her.
Are you looking for the next great YA dystopian or just a quick summer read? The Program is it. From the way it ends I am guessing it's part of a series and must admit I did not do my homework here. If it is I am looking forward to the next book. But don't worry, it's not a huge cliffhanger that will leave you miserable, just teased for the next book. With tight writing and engaging characters this may just be one of my favorite books of the year. I can't say enough how much I loved this one and can't wait to read the next in the series (if it is a series, oh please tell me it's a series!)
My rating: 5.0/5.0
About the Book: Sloane knows better than
to cry in front of anyone. With suicide now an international epidemic,
one outburst could land her in The Program, the only proven course of
treatment. Sloane’s parents have already lost one child; Sloane knows
they’ll do anything to keep her alive. She also knows that everyone
who’s been through The Program returns as a blank slate. Because their
depression is gone—but so are their memories.
Under constant
surveillance at home and at school, Sloane puts on a brave face and
keeps her feelings buried as deep as she can. The only person Sloane can
be herself with is James. He’s promised to keep them both safe and out
of treatment, and Sloane knows their love is strong enough to withstand
anything. But despite the promises they made to each other, it’s getting
harder to hide the truth. They are both growing weaker. Depression is
setting in. And The Program is coming for them.
About the Author: Suzanne Young currently lives
in Tempe, Arizona where she teaches high school English and obsesses
about books. She's the author of A NEED SO BEAUTIFUL, A WANT SO WICKED,
and THE PROGRAM.
Blessed-or
cursed-with Sight and Healing, Abby lives an unsettled life, moving
from place to place and staying one step ahead of the darkness that
hunts her. When she arrives in Jackson, Wyoming, she is desperate to
maintain the illusion of normalcy, but she is plagued with visions of
past lives mixed with frightening glimpses of her future. Then she meets
Kye, a mysterious boy who seems so achingly familiar that Abby is drawn
to him like he's a missing piece of her own soul.
Before
Abby can discover the reason for her feelings toward Kye, the darkness
catches up to her and she is forced to flee again. But this time she's
not just running. She is fighting back with Kye at her side, and it's
not only Abby's life at stake.
Praise for DESCENDANT: "A hot new spin on paranormal,Descendantis
refreshingly imaginative and powerful. I can't decide which was best --
piecing together Abby's sinister past or keeping up with her
heartbreaking future. If you like your YA laced with melt-my-heart
romance and a good helping of heart-pounding suspense, you'll love this
book!" -- Michelle Davidson Argyle, author ofThe Breakaway
"Nichole
Giles has crafted a story that breathes from the pages. Her characters
are authentic, the action intense, with powerful emotions that will keepDescendanton
your mind long after the book ends. Open your eyes to another facet of
our world in Descendant and you'll be sucked into an adventure with Abby
and Kye, that will explore the power of gifts, courage, and love. With
top-notch writing, Giles has crafted a story that breathes from the
pages." --Rachelle J. Christensen, award-winning author ofWrong NumberandCaller ID
"Nichole
Giles brings a fresh new voice and flawless writing technique to the
world of Young Adult fiction. I was swept away to another place and
never wanted to come back." --Tristi Pinkston, author ofTurning Pagesand theSecret Sistersmystery series
"This
debut novel delivers in all the right ways, with heart-pounding action
and a delicious romance that sweeps centuries. I loved it!" --Elana
Johnson, author ofPossessionandSurrender
About Nichole Giles: Nichole
Giles was born in Nevada, and moved with her parents to a number of
cities in and around the West. Writing is her passion, but she also
loves to spend time with her husband and four children, travel to
tropical and exotic destinations, drive in the rain with the convertible
top down, and play music at full volume so she can sing along.
Gorgeous by Paul Rudnick Publisher: Scholastic Press Publish Date: April 30, 2013 Hardcover, 327 pages ISBN: 9780545464260 Young Adult
My Review:
I wasn't sure what I was going to think of Gorgeous going in, but I was fascinated by the premise. In the end and through the journey of the book I am really glad I read it. It's a fast-paced read that presents an interesting look at beauty and love in our society today.
The book starts off with Becky's Mom's death and moves quickly to Becky accepting the plane ticket to New York to meet Tom Kelly and start off her year of becoming the most beautiful woman in the world. Becky is really unsure how this will work, but miraculously it does with Tom Kelly at her side. I like how Becky's feelings about things while not explained all at once, are revealed through the whole book, truly developing her as a character especially as she grows and changes. She was a fascinating character who goes through some tough trials and tribulations after some really big highs so to become who she does it is really a testament to her character and I like that. And the fun part is Rocher, her best friend who can always inject some sarcasm, reality and wit is right there with her most of the time. Rocher is an amazing addition to the book. She doesn't take away from Becky but really adds that right amount of realistic best friend.
The plot moves quickly through Rebecca's year and then the time after, but I felt things were covered well and my interest level was kept high once I got into the book. Character development really moved the book forward but there are several key events that make the plot. There are life lessons to be learned and even more as I think about it as I write up this review just a few days after finishing the book. There is a lot of pop culture and even references to stars/popular people that while they have different names you will immediately associate them with someone important. I enjoyed that aspect of the book and the people that Mr. Rudnick intentionally (or unintentionally) references are iconic and timeless so whether you read this book now or ten years from now I feel these people will still be relevant.
I think Gorgeous was an amazing book. One word of warning to parents, there is strong language in the book, but other than that, I think the meaning of the book outweighs the language. The meaning that comes through is really amazing when you sit and ruminate on it. The thoughts about beauty being only part of the equation, not really doing anything to get the limelight (just being gorgeous) and possibly doing more once you get the limelight really resonated with me. I think if more people were like Becky the world could be a better place, even ordinary people who don't have the ears of politicians, royals or movie stars. Kudos to Mr. Rudnick for an entertaining and thought-provoking book!
About the Book: Inner beauty wants out.
When
eighteen-year-old Becky Randle’s mother dies, she’s summoned from her
Missouri trailer park to meet Tom Kelly, the world’s top designer. He
makes her an impossible offer: He’ll create three dresses to transform
Becky from a nothing special girl into the most beautiful woman who ever
lived.
Becky thinks Tom is a lunatic, or that he’s producing a
hidden camera show called World’s Most Gullible Poor People. But she
accepts, and she’s remade as Rebecca. When Becky looks in the mirror,
she sees herself – an awkward mess of split ends and cankles. But when
anyone else looks at Becky, they see pure five-alarm hotness.
Soon
Rebecca is on the cover of Vogue, the new Hollywood darling, and dating
celebrities. Then Becky meets Prince Gregory, heir to the British
throne, and everything starts to crumble. Because Rebecca aside, Becky
loves him. But to love her back, Gregory would have to look past the
blinding Rebecca to see the real girl inside. And Becky knows there’s
not enough magic in the world.
A screamingly defiant, hugely
naughty, and impossibly fun free fall past the cat walks, the red
carpets, and even the halls of Buckingham Palace, Gorgeous does the impossible: It makes you see yourself clearly for the first time.
About the Author (from Goodreads.com): Paul M. Rudnick is an American playwright, screenwriter and novelist. His plays include I Hate Hamlet, Jeffrey, The Most Fabulous Story Ever Told, Valhalla and The New Century. He also wrote for Premiere magazine under the pseudonym Libby Gelman-Waxner. He is openly gay.
***I received this book from the publisher for an honest review. I was not compensated in any other way except receiving the book for free. ***
Today's Cover Reveal is from Entangled Publishing's Brazen Everafter line and oh boy is it hot! I know I want this book just from cover alone. But first check out the synopsis, because it will tease you and make you want the book even more. And then if all of that isn't enough to wet your appetite for this book, make sure you enter the cover reveal giveaway for a $50 Amazon GC at the bottom of the post! Thanks Entangled for the great giveaway!
Synopsis: The greater the risk, the hotter the reward?
Homicide
cop Troy Bennett had a reputation on the Chicago PD for being fearless
and in control?until the night his daredevil partner is killed during a
raid. From that moment on, he swears he?ll never again be responsible
for the loss of a loved one. To escape his demons, Troy transfers to the
NYPD, bringing him up close and personal with Ruby Elliott, a
beautiful, street-savvy pool hustler.
Reckless and stubbornly
independent, Ruby embodies everything Troy?s avoiding, but when she
walks into O?Hanlon?s Pub and blows his carefully laid plans to hell,
Troy knows he has to have her?risks be damned. But there?s a connection
between Ruby?s shadowed past and a case Troy?s working involving a
notorious Brooklyn felon, throwing her safety into jeopardy. Confronted
with his biggest fear, will Troy push Ruby away to keep her safe or
fight to keep her in his arms where she belongs? And now for the cover . . .
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