REVIEW: Before I Fall by Lauren Oliver

Jen's Review

Before I Fall
by Lauren Oliver
Publisher: HarperCollins
Release Date: March 2, 2010

Having read this Before I Fall nearly two years ago, I was curious to see what I was going to think after reading it two years later, whether Oliver's book would evoke the same emotions it did for me in the past. While it started out extremely rough, it smoothed out towards the end and overall left me very satisfied with Before I Fall. I loved the book now just as much as I loved it two years ago.

The strongest point in Before I Fall is the character growth. I'm sure many other readers of this book can agree with me. The characters were my main problem for me at the same time though, too. Sam and her buddies started out as cruel, bratty, and just overly conceited girls. The immediate connection of these group of girls was to the movie Mean Girls. They were pretty much exactly like them. They started rumors, were slutty, and went to parties and drank their butts off. I disliked every one of them from the start. I must admit that I was really worried that the characters had ruined the entire book for me. But thank goodness, Sam really starts to grow and change as a character once she begins to learn and relive the same day every day. She becomes insightful and sees the real things in life that make in enjoyable and worth living for. She even begins to understand other people who she never noticed before. It was truly fascinating how Oliver transitioned Sam's character in every "new" day.

The concept, of course, was also entertaining, and also a clever way to go about telling the story. While some areas leave the reader to their own imagination, Oliver still tells us enough that we are not confused in any way. It's just enough that we ponder and make conclusions for ourselves.

To conclude, Lauren Oliver definitely has her own style in telling a unique contemporary story, with absolutely fantastic character growth. Even though this book started out really shaky, I eventually learned to love the main protagonist and fell in love with the story. This thought-provoking story will leave readers pondering for days after flipping the last page.

4 teacups for Before I Fall!

REVIEW: Transparent by Natalie Whipple

Jen's Review

Transparent
by Natalie Whipple
Publisher: HarperTeen
Release Date: May 21, 2013

After reading the synopsis for Transparent, I was instantly intrigued. A girl who's invisible and works for her evil father? Yes please! Fortunately, Transparent turned out to be a fantastic read that kept me on the tip of my toes. First of all, I loved the plot. It's exciting and full of twists. It has intense moments, but there are a ton of fun scenes for the light-hearted. My one complaint is that some scenes are a bit cheesy, but I shrugged those off easily.

The characters in Transparent were definitely an enjoyable aspect of the novel. Fiona is a girl that readers can understand and connect with, and the feelings that she goes through as an invisible girl feel realistic. Not only did I love Fiona, but I loved her friends and family as well. Full of support and protection, these characters do not fail to put a heart-warming smile on your face. A seriously great cast of characters!

In all, I highly recommend Transparent, it's such a unique novel, and one of those where you can easily fly through. And I'm so glad that it's not a series! It's perfect as a standalone. Check this one out if you're looking for an adorable romance, contemporary/action filled story, and a character who's invisible!

4 teacups for Transparent!

*Much thanks to HarperTeen and Edelweiss for providing me with a copy to review!*

REVIEW: The Coincidence of Callie and Kayden by Jessica Sorensen

Jen's Review

The Coincidence of Callie and Kayden
by Jessica Sorensen
Publisher: Self-pubbed
Release Date: December 13, 2012

With the rise in New Adult novels releasing by the second (I swear), every new story has to stand out to become one of my favorites. The Coincidence of Callie and Kayden was quite different from some of the other NA books I've read out there. It's emotionally draining, yet beautiful at the same time. The main characters were both broken and needed mending, or they were going to crack soon. Poignant and realistic, The Coincidence was a truly gorgeous read that NA fans will enjoy from start to finish.

The story starts off with an intense, scary scene that sets up the mystery between Callie and Kayden's histories. The reader is left wondering what exactly happened to them, what scarred them for life. I was instantly intrigued and needed to know more. The rest of the plot in The Coincidence is a perfect mix of emotional, happy, steamy, and heart-pounding moments. Sorensen is skilled in the way that at the end of each chapter, she makes the reader want to know what happens next.

The most remarkable feature in The Coincidence has to be the characters themselves. Sorensen is able to pack a punch with these characters! All of the hardships they go through really tugged at my heartstrings. Callie, our female protagonist, is so broken that she needs to take little steps to recover what happened in her past. I loved watching her grow with the help from her best guy friend Seth, who is extremely supportive, loyal, and cute. Our male protagonist Kayden, is also very endearing. Kayden is scarred, but also extremely brave for doing what he feels is right. He is an impossibly patient guy with Callie, and knew his limits well. What's more is that I fell in love with their romance. Sure, Kayden kind of falls for Callie quickly out of lust, but takes his time falling in love by getting to know her deepest, darkest secrets. It was nice to see that they doubted themselves, because they didn’t even trust themselves yet. I absolutely adored the shattered main characters in this story.

And of course, you've got that element in every New Adult book-- those steamy scenes! Yes folks, it's in The Coincidence as well. Thankfully, these scenes didn't occur in the first half, so there is no case of insta-love (or raging new adult hormones in the beginning, at least).

As a whole, The Coincidence of Callie and Kayden stood out to me because of it's emotional level it takes the reader to. But I also loved the plot, and more importantly, the well-crafted characters, and the romance. Sorensen definitely left in a cliffhanger at the end, meaning that I will surely be picking up book two. With or without the cliffhanger, I would, without a doubt, pick up the sequel anyway, solely because of my love for the characters. I recommend The Coincidence of Callie and Kayden for anyone who's in the mood for an intense, romantic, and evocative story!

4 teacups for The Coincidence of Callie and Kayden!

REVIEW: Wait For You by J. Lynn

Jen's Review

Wait For You
by J. Lynn
February 26, 2013
Self-Published
332 pages, Kindle Edition

You all know that New Adult is a genre that I tend to get immersed in. It's addicting, it usually involves a hot guy, and some type of issue that the girl went through in the past. Wait For You isn't far off from that; however, the story is able to deem itself as memorable and beautiful. For fans of New Adult, Wait For You is a must.

There are definitely a few flaws that I need to point out before I praise this novel. First: there are so many conventional errors and typos! Now, this doesn't detract my enjoyment for this novel, but it's one of those things that are just annoyances. The other quality that irked me is the plot pacing. The problem isn't resolved until the very end of the story. Now, I like how the story was stretched in the middle section because it proves to be a strong character development area, but things are settled too quickly in the end. It would have been perfect if the book was longer or something.

Other than that, Wait For You is a spectacular novel with very endearing and relate-able characters, which is what stood out for me the most. Avery, the scarred, shut-out character, starts out to be a timid character, but also proves to be a bit snarky. Her voice is like-able, instantly from page one. As of her growth in character, it was slow, but sure. I felt at times that she should've been stronger and braver, but by the end, she showed the readers just that. 

The real star in this novel is Cam Hamilton. Yes, he's the love interest. Yes, he's a hottie. But his amazingness doesn't end there. He proves to be compassionate, loving, and most importantly, patient. His patience that he gives to Avery is unbelievable, even after her confession, and the amount of time that took her to trust him. His brutal honesty, persistence, and sassy characteristic were also traits that I love about him. All of this wraps up to a nice bundle of boy perfection. His darn good looks are a plus, of course. ;)

To conclude, Wait For You is a novel that is heart-melting with the love the reader feels between the characters. Although this novel had a few minor errors here in there, Wait For You is still an above-average New Adult story that I can't help but fall in love with.

4 teacups for Wait For You!

REVIEW: Becoming by Raine Thomas

Name: Becoming

Author: Raine Thomas

Publisher: Self-Published

Release Date: July 24, 2011 (US)

Pages: 261, Kindle Edition

Source: For review from author

Rating: 4 Teacups

Every three years, Amber Hopkins explodes. Okay, not a blown-to-smithereens explosion, but whatever it is always hurts like hell and leaves her life a shambles. She’s already worked her way through five foster placements, and she’s doing whatever she can to avoid getting blasted into a sixth.
As her eighteenth birthday approaches and she feels the strange and powerful energy building, disaster looms. When the inevitable explosion occurs, her life gets its biggest shakeup yet. She’ll not only learn how her fellow foster and best friend, Gabriel, really feels about her, but she’ll discover that she isn’t really without family.
To top it all off, she’ll finally find out why she’s having the power surges: she isn’t entirely human.
Amber must Become, transitioning to another plane of existence and risking the loss of the most important relationship she’s ever had. Her choice will impact the future of an entire race of beings, and will pit her against an enemy that will prey upon her doubt to try and take her very life.
Kind of makes the explosions now seem like a cakewalk.

[summary taken from Goodreads]

Jen's Review

Becoming is quite the read! I have to say that I'm very satisfied with the way this book turned out. When I first started this book, it read like a contemporary, but towards the middle, as the paranormal elements were involved, I got a little confused. From there, I thought I was going to dislike the book. However, towards the end, it picked up immensely, and I grew to love it. The characters were fabulous the entire time though, bringing up my enjoyment level. Becoming is a unique supernatural romance story that I definitely recommend.

One of my favorite things about Becoming are the characters. Surprisingly enough, it's not the main character Amber that stands out for me (even if she is super sweet and awesome); it's the main character's love interest that catches the reader's attention. Gabriel is Amber's stepbrother, and has always been loving and protective towards Amber. He's always had a secret crush on her since they were tweens, and his undying love for her grows more after they find out about the Estilorian world. He reads like an angel for me, he is so sweet and just perfect. The fact that he is with Amber through the toughest of times is just adorable and it is never obsessive or creepy. Gabriel is a character that really shines in Becoming.

I also have to give tons of credit to Raine Thomas for creating such a different supernatural world! I have never read anything like Becoming, with the different planes and powers that the characters have. It's certainly unique and holds the readers interest easily. I'm thankful for the creativity, because the plot was mediocre in the beginning. I kind of just went along with the story, not thinking much of it. But the ending was very fast-paced and tension-filled! I needed to know what happened immediately.

There aren't many problems in this book at all; in fact, I only had one minor problem: the names of the Estilorian people were so confusing! I could never get their names straight since there were so many of them. Most of them turn out to be minor background characters, but still. I frequently had to go back and remind myself who was who. This problem detracted my enjoyment in the middle of the novel, but the main characters and plot made up for it in the end.

I am still pleased with the way this book turned out. If you're able to see past the confusion factor in Becoming, and you love yourself an extremely precious or tender romance and an incomparable supernatural element plot-line, I highly recommend this book! I have to say that I am surprised that I adored this book so much. The creativity of it all will make readers craving for more!

4 Teacups for Becoming!

*Thanks to Raine Thomas for providing me with a copy for review!*

Things I Can't Forget Blog Tour: Review + Giveaway!

Today, I'm super excited to be hosting my stop for the Things I Can't Forget blog tour and I would like to take this chance to thank Giselle at Xpresso Book Tours for letting me take part!  For my stop today I have a review of the book and an international giveaway for a grab bag of Miranda's favourite books for you all to enter.  To follow the rest of the tour, click HERE.

***

Name: Things I Can't Forget (Hundred Oaks #3)

Author: Miranda Kenneally

Publisher: Sourcebooks Fire

Release Date: 1st March 2013

Pages: 320, e-ARC

Source: For review (from publisher/blog tour)\
Rating: 4 stars

Companion to Catching Jordan and Stealing Parker.
Kate has always been the good girl. Too good, according to some people at school—although they have no idea the guilty secret she carries. But this summer, everything is different…
This summer she’s a counselor at Cumberland Creek summer camp, and she wants to put the past behind her. This summer Matt is back as a counselor too. He’s the first guy she ever kissed, and he’s gone from a geeky songwriter who loved The Hardy Boys to a buff lifeguard who loves to flirt…with her.
Kate used to think the world was black and white, right and wrong. Turns out, life isn’t that easy…

Beverley's Review

Things I Can't Forget was one of those books I just knew I had to read and I had heard endless praise for Miranda Kenneally's other contemporaries.  I had high expectations and Things I Can't Forget didn't disappoint, balancing serious issues and self-discovery and romance in one delightful, thought-provoking concoction.

Kate Kelly really stood out to me as a character.  She wasn't afraid to let her thoughts be heard and she stood very strongly by her beliefs - something I really admired in her.  I can see why this can be bad in some situations and I understand why some bloggers really loathed her in the beginning but I really took a liking to her.  I must admit the religious element of the book took me by surprise as I wasn't expecting it but I enjoyed reading from Kate's perspective.

What I loved most was the way Kate developed as the book progressed.  Although I'm not religious, I could immediately relate to her in that as you grow up, you begin to question your beliefs and the world around you.  Kenneally portrayed this superbly and provided lots of space for Kate to grow and understand that in having your own beliefs, you must accept others' too.  I always love character development and it was spot on in Things I Can't Forget - something which makes it all the more memorable.

Other than the weighty issues like pregnancy and teenage sex, there's a nice romance weaved in.  Matt was incredibly cute and I adored him.  He also attended church but was not as firm as Kate in his beliefs and more accepting that not everyone has the same opinions as him.  I loved the way Kate could learn from him and how he wasn't pushy for the physical side of the relationship.  He was a true gentleman and it was refreshing to read about a relationship which wasn't too physical.  He many not have completely won me over, but he was a very strong contender.

Overall, Things I Can't Forget was a thought-provoking read which dealt with interesting issues.  The main characters were a delight to read about, with wonderful support from the secondary characters and the romance was sweet and sure to be a hit with readers.  Miranda Kenneally's prose is neither fancy nor flowery, yet still succeeds in conveying the message that everyone's beliefs matter.

4 Teacups for Things I Can't Forget!

***

So, has my review given you that extra nudge to read the book?  I hope so... Get buying!:

Amazon

Barnes & Noble

The Book Depository

And here is the giveaway to win a Grab Bag of Miranda's Favourite Books.  Don't forget that it's open internationally!  Good luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Happy reading,
Beverley x

REVIEW: Beautiful Creatures Official Illustrated Movie Companion by Mark Cotta Vaz

Name: Beautiful Creatures: The Official Illustrated Movie Companion

Author: Mark Cotta Vaz

Publisher: Penguin UK

Release Date: February 2013

Pages: 144, Paperback

Source: For review (from publisher)
Rating: 4 stars

Explore the making of the film Beautiful Creatures in this ultimate visual companion, lavishly illustrated with full-color photos of the cast, locations, and sets. This beautiful paperback edition celebrates the on-screen creation of Kami Garcia and Margaret Stohl's fascinating world, brought to life by screenwriter and director Richard LaGravenese.
With never-before-seen images, exclusive interviews and personal stories, Mark Cotta Vaz takes you behind the scenes with cast and crew, uncovering intimate details of the filmmaking process.

[summary taken from Goodreads]

Beverley's Review 

Having been rather curious about the film, I jumped at the chance to review this movie companion.  And I think everyone who's planning to see the film should read this first or even if you've already seen it, this is definitely well worth the read.

This book is full of detail and gorgeous photographs and charts the whole process of making the film.  It was particularly interesting to hear that the director wanted to keep the film as similar to the book as possible.  I don't really like it when adaptations aren't entirely faithful to the original so I'm eager to see how the film turns out so present fans of the book needn't worry!  Another thing which was refreshing to hear is that CGI wasn't used too heavily as they wanted to keep things as natural as possible to fit in with the idea that 'magical' people like Casters can meld in seamlessly in society.  The detail about how different scenes were created was spectacular and it felt as if the scenes were actually playing out in front of me as I read!

In addition to the detail, the photographs really complemented the book and added a depth of vividness. They brought the book to life and filled it with a sort of magic and splendour that pushed me further into the realms of Kami Garcia and Margaret Stohl's world.  If a book about a film can be so stunning, surely the film must be amazing too?

I'm without a doubt very glad that I read this because when I do go and see the film, I will appreciate it even more because I'll be aware of the sheer effort and dedication that the 'backstage' crew put in.  Sometimes we forget about the people behind the scenes but this book brings fabulous awareness to them and ensures the audience do not forget that it's not only the actors who are creating the magic before them.

Overall this movie companion was great entertainment, spilling all the secrets on the film-making process and a wonderful encouragement for readers to hurry up and see the film in all its glory!  This is a must read for existing and soon-to-be Beautiful Creatures fans alike!

4 Teacups for Beautiful Creatures: The Official Illustrated Movie Companion

*Thanks to Penguin for the review copy!*

REVIEW: Alice in Zombieland by Gena Showalter

Name: Alice in Zombieland (White Rabbit Chronicles #1)

Author: Gena Showalter
Publisher: Mira Ink

Release Date: 5th October 2012

Pages: 404, Paperback

Source: For review (from publisher)
Rating: 4 stars

She won’t rest until she’s sent every walking corpse back to its grave. Forever.
Had anyone told Alice Bell that her entire life would change course between one heartbeat and the next, she would have laughed. From blissful to tragic, innocent to ruined? Please. But that’s all it took. One heartbeat. A blink, a breath, a second, and everything she knew and loved was gone.
Her father was right. The monsters are real….
To avenge her family, Ali must learn to fight the undead. To survive, she must learn to trust the baddest of the bad boys, Cole Holland. But Cole has secrets of his own, and if Ali isn’t careful, those secrets might just prove to be more dangerous than the zombies….

[summary taken from Goodreads]

Beverley's Review 

Before reading Alice in Zombieland, I'd read a few reviews which tended towards the negative side and I was hesitant at first and hoped they wouldn't affect my own opinion of the book.  Luckily, I was able to enjoy it and found it to be a wonderful start to an exciting new series.

I really enjoyed the concept of zombies being spirits.  I've never read a book about zombies as they're not usually my cup of tea but it was rather thrilling and fascinating.  It was a little disappointing that it wasn't really a re-telling of Alice in Wonderland, there are a few nods here and there but I would've liked to see more.

As soon as I got stuck in, I adored Alice's voice.  I loved the way Showalter made Alice feel so vivid, so real.  Her emotions just jumped straight off the page: her sadness, frustration, determination.  As the story developed, she really grew as a character and became a strong, determined young woman, intent on avenging her family's death.  Character growth was a major factor in Alice in Zombieland, and Showalter did everything in her power to exploit it to make the story easier to relate to.

The secondary characters also added real depth and colour to the book as a whole.  All I can say is that the supporting cast was stellar.  Kat was simply adorable: she had confidence and purpose and I loved how protective she was of Alice.  Plus, her glowing confidence made me laugh out loud at points!  There was also Alice's grandparents who were the sweetest souls ever and their love for Alice was immense.

However, I did have problems with the pacing.  It was rather slow and nothing really happened after the death of Alice's families and I was left wondering which direction it was turning in.  Thankfully, it picked up pace later on so it is a book worth sticking with as the action does accelerate.

Overall, Alice in Zombieland was a thoroughly enjoyable read, with a few nods to a much-loved classic.  Gena Showalter's writing enticed and entertained, with the zombies providing an eerie atmosphere balanced by the wit and charm of both the main and secondary characters.

4 Teacups for Alice in Zombieland!

*Thanks to Mira Ink for the review copy*

REVIEW: A Song For Julia by Charles Sheehan-Miles

Name: A Song For Julia

Author: Charles Sheehan-Miles

Publisher: Cincinnatus Press (US)

Release Date: December 4, 2012

Pages: 320, Hardcover

Source: For review from author/AToMR Tours

Rating: 4 Teacups

Everyone should have something to rebel against.
Crank Wilson left his South Boston home at sixteen to start a punk band and burn out his rage at the world. Six years later, he’s still at odds with his father, a Boston cop, and doesn’t ever speak to his mother. The only relationship that really matters is with his younger brother, but watching out for Sean can be a full-time job. The one thing Crank wants in life is to be left the hell alone to write his music and drive his band to success.
Julia Thompson left a secret behind in Beijing that exploded into scandal in Washington, DC, threatening her father's career and dominating her family's life. Now, in her senior year at Harvard, she's haunted by a voice from her past and refuses to ever lose control of her emotions again, especially when it comes to a guy. 
When Julia and Crank meet at an anti-war protest in Washington in the fall of 2002, the connection between them is so powerful it threatens to tear everything apart.

[summary taken from Goodreads]

Jen's Review

A Song For Julia was a truly beautiful read. Dealing with situations like rape, mentally disabled characters, war, and a complicated romance, this story is packed with heartfelt emotions. The emotionally distressed tension in this story is surreal; the reader is in for an emotional ride.

One of the favorable qualities I loved about A Song for Julia was its characterization. We start off with a very broken, closed in character, Julia. As the story progresses and she meets people like Crank, the love interest, she slowly opens up and becomes a strong, brave woman that is highly admirable. Crank is also a prominent character who grows immensely. Starting out as a shallow one-night-stander, he changes and realizes the importance of love after spending time with Julia. Their romance starts off a bit as lust, but Sheehan-Miles definitely takes his time developing the real, genuine romance. The reader isn't able to help but empathize with their feelings and emotions. 

The plot was intricate and a bit slow paced, if not a little complicated. However, it is never confusing or frustrating. Sheehan-Miles is able to weave all of the plot lines together and it's truly wonderful to see it all come together. The beginning takes a little while to get into, but not long after, it picks up and never slows back down.

Even if the characters in A Song for Julia are in their late college years, it will still appeal to YA or NA fans alike. A moving and evocative story with well-developed characters and a complex plot, it will surely tear your heart out by the last page.

4 teacups for A Song For Julia!

*Much thanks to AToMR Tours and the author for providing me with a review copy!*

REVIEW: The Wolf Princess by Cathryn Constable

Name: The Wolf Princess

Author: Cathryn Constable

Publisher: Chicken House

Release Date: October 4th 2012

Pages: 288, Paperback

Source: For review (from publisher)

Rating: 4 stars

Alone in the world, Sophie dreams of being someone special, but she could never have imagined this.
On a school trip to Russia, Sophie and her two friends find themselves on the wrong train. They are rescued by the beautiful Princess Anna Volkonskaya, who takes them to her winter palace and mesmerises them with stories of lost diamonds and a tragic past. But as night falls and wolves prowl, Sophie discovers more than dreams in the crumbling palace of secrets.

[summary taken from Goodreads]

Beverley's Review

The Wolf Princess is a beautiful, heart-warming tale of three British teenage girls who get whisked off to Russia in a whirlwind of secrets, diamonds and forgotten palaces.  It is a truly sparkling debut from a promising new British author for younger teens.

The setting of this book is what made it a truly magical experience.  There was always a rather dreamy atmosphere present in the pages and this was heightened when the three girls journey to Russia.  Cathryn Constable was generous with beautiful, entrancing descriptions of the country renowned for its palaces and plentiful snow.  Every time I picked up the book, I felt as if I had been transported to an entirely different world.

The characters were pretty average young teenagers but I think younger readers would find it easier to connect with them.  Sophie's selflessness was what really stood out and she would make a great role model for tweens.  Her best friends came in the form of Delphine, the beautiful, rich girl, and Marianne, the typical nerdy friend.

The plot itself was quite interesting and enchanting, and I loved reading about the history and learning about the wolves.  I also picked up a few Russian words (although my pronunciation must have been terrible!) and there was so much culture and magic from the pages.

The Wolf Princess is a truly captivating read, perfect to pick up beside a crackling fireplace.  Sometimes we all need a gentle reprieve from heavier YA books and The Wolf Princess is perfect if you want something to evoke childhood memories and the sense of innocence you always get from books like this.  Let Cathryn Constable whisk you away on a train through a cold, Russian winter night...

4 Teacups for The Wolf Princess

*Thanks to Chicken House for the book!*

REVIEW: Dash and Lily's Book of Dares by Rachel Cohn and David Levithan

Name: Dash and Lily's Book of Dares

Author(s): Rachel Cohn and David Levithan

Publisher: Mira Ink

Release Date: October 5th 2012

Pages: 260, Paperback

Source: For review (from publisher)

Rating: 4 Stars

I've left some clues for you. If you want them, turn the page. If you dont, put the book back on the shelf, please.

Lily has left a red notebook full of challenges on a favorite bookstore shelf, waiting for just the right guy to come along and accept its dares. But is Dash that right guy? Or are Dash and Lily only destined to trade dares, dreams, and desires in the notebook they pass back and forth at locations across New York? Could their in-person selves possibly connect as well as their notebook versions? Or will they be a comic mismatch of disastrous proportions? Rachel Cohn and David Levithan have written a love story that will have readers perusing bookstore shelves, looking and longing for a love (and a red notebook) of their own.

Beverley's Review

Thankfully, Dash and Lily's Book of Dares didn't turn out to be a cheesy-Christmas-movie of a read.  I feared the festive backdrop would make it tacky or cringe-worthy, however it was anything but.  Sure, it had its cute moments but it wasn't over the top with cliché Christmas references.

Let's start with the plot which had me sniffing with jealousy.  I WANT TO FIND A RED NOTEBOOK AND GO ON AN ADVENTURE WITH A BOOKISH GUY!!!  Now we've cleared that up, I'm guessing you can tell I completely, whole-heartedly adored the plot.  It was new and exciting and totally enthralling.  Exchanging their inner-most thoughts through a simple notebook was just so romantic - but not in the slightest cheesy.  My favourite parts were where Dash and Lily hadn't actually met in person yet since when they did, I didn't feel real spark or chemistry between them which disappointed me a little.

Despite this, Dash and Lily were the perfect match.  Dash was a snarky, cynical guy.  I loved him even more for his sarcastic quips and book-ish charm.  Come on, who doesn't love a guy who loves reading and uses intimidatingly long words?  Sometimes he bordered on pretentious - dare I say - but overall, he just made me giggle with his 'cultured' ways and stark honesty.  He was... delightful.  And then there's our 'Lily bear.'  She should be my best friend!  She's such a quirky, stand out character and I loved reading from her POVs.  Her enthusiasm and cheerfulness radiated from the pages and every moment spent seeing things through her eyes was thoughtful and happy.

Talking of POVs, I think Cohn and Levithan dealt with each perspective perfectly.  Cohn wrote Lily's while Levithan wrote Dash's.  I adored both POVs equally.  Each had their own distinctive quality and as I was reading, I forgot it was a co-written book as the words and paragraphs all blended together harmoniously.  I can say for sure Cohn and Levithan ticked all the right boxes for writing in dual narrative.

Dash and Lily's Book of Dares is a wonderfully crafted, gingerbread of a book: warm and spicy and festive.  This is definitely a book you should read before the festive season ends and it really encouraged me to get into the Christmas spirit.  So, kick up your feet, wrap yourself in a blanket and snuggle up with this charming read - oh, and don't forget the hot chocolate!

4 Teacups for Dash and Lily's Book of Dares!

*Many thanks to Mira Ink for sending me this delightful book!*

Undeadly Blog Tour: Review, Excerpt, and Giveaway!

Hi guys!! Today I am participating in the Undeadly blog tour, hosted by Shane at Itching For Books! I was very fortunate to be able to read the book in advance, and write a review for it! I also chose one of my favorite scenes to share with you guys. PLUS THERE'S A GIVEAWAY. Yep, you guys will have the opportunity to win a copy of the book, signed!! Be sure to check out the rest of the tour here! Well, without further ado, let's get on with it!

Review

Name: Undeadly

Author: Michele Vail

Publisher: HarlequinTEEN

Release Date: November 20, 2012 (US)

Pages: 272, Paperback

Source: For Review for blog tour

Rating: 4 Teacups

The day I turned 16, my boyfriend-to-be died. I brought him back to life. Then things got a little weird...
Molly Bartolucci wants to blend in, date hottie Rick and keep her zombie-raising abilities on the down-low. Then the god Anubis chooses her to become a reaper-and she accidentally undoes the work of another reaper, Rath. Within days, she’s shipped off to the Nekyia Academy, an elite school that trains the best necromancers in the world. And her personal reaping tutor? Rath. Who seems to hate her guts.
Rath will be watching closely to be sure she completes her first assignment-reaping Rick, the boy who should have died. The boy she still wants to be with. To make matters worse, students at the academy start turning up catatonic, and accusations fly-against Molly. The only way out of this mess? To go through hell. Literally.

[summary taken from Goodreads]

Jen's Review

Necromancy, zombies, ghosts, reaping, and ghouls?! What more could you ask for? Undeadly was a funny paranormal read that has a very sarcastic main character, plenty of laugh out loud moments, and great creativity. Undeadly was overall a very enjoyable read.

The concept--er, concepts--were very well done. The paranormal creatures were all dead in some way, and I don't think it was disorganized at all! Each supernatural element complemented the other very well! At first it was a bit confusing but Vail is able to ease the reader in comfortably. Plot-wise, it could have had more variation; the entire book was pretty evenly-paced, but it's definitely acceptable.

Goodness, the humor had to be my favorite part in the entire novel! Molly's voice is just so humorous and sarcastic, I fell in love with her character instantly. It definitely kept the story light while the ideas and conflicts of the novel were more dark and serious. It was a great balance!  While Molly was a great character herself, I found that her relationships with the other characters in the story were weak. For example, there was definitely romance involved, but there was so little of it after the beginning that I found myself wondering if it's really necessary at all. This totally could have just been a paranormal YA novel…

But awkward character relationships aside, Undeadly is a fun dead-paranormal-creatures read with a hilarious main character that you won't want to miss! I certainly had a great time reading it. Highly recommended!

4 Teacups for Undeadly!

*Thanks to Michele and Shane for providing me with a copy to review!*

Excerpt Time!

*This excerpt was taken from an advance reader copy. Text is not final.*

"Mina and I are over. I don't want her or her poison." He drew me into his arms, right there in front of everyone (including Mina… nyah, nyah), and leaned down. "I like you, okay?"

I nodded.

Don't You (Forget About Me) by Simple Minds started to play. Dad! He'd gotten that damned song into the mix, after all. Rick smiled. "Wow. This is old school, Mol."

He held me closer and I lay my head on his shoulder as we swayed to the music. Someone turned off the living room lights. The lamps on the end tables were on, but their muted glow barely pierced the darkness.

Still, I could see Rick lean down, his nose almost touching mine. I'd brushed my teeth twice and refrained from food and drink. Because I wanted our first kiss to be perfect--you know, without the Doritos taint. (63.)

His lips ghosted across mine. My belly pulled tight with excitement. I was chest to chest with him. Oh, gawd.

"Sweet Molly," he murmured. He angled his mouth against mine and I opened for him. My eyes fluttered closed. Tentative, I met the gentle thrust of the tongue. I felt electrified. I clung to him, completely unsure about what I was doing.

He drew away, just a little, took a shuddering breath, and returned. I was pressed so close to him that I could feel how his heartbeat matched the ferocity of mine. I felt awkward and amazed and--

The lights snapped on. I opened my eyes, blinking, horrified that Dad might have come down to checkup on us crazy teenagers and freaked to see me lip-locked with Rick.

"Mina! No!" Rick tried to push me out of the way, but he ended up projecting me right into Mina's path.

The full contents of the punch bowl showered me. Red liquid splattered my face, hair, and clothes. Ice cubes fell down my shirt and spun off my toes. Some of the sticky sweet drink dribbled into my mouth. Shocked beyond words, I could only stand there like an idiot. (64). 

GIVEAWAY

Now that I have you guys all excited after reading that excerpt, I know you'll want to win a copy!  

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Happy reading, 

Jen xxx

REVIEW: Mockingbird by Kathryn Erskine

Name: Mockingbird

Author: Kathryn Erskine

Publisher: Usbourne

Release date: January 2012

Pages: 223

Source:  For review 

Rating: 4 stars

11-year-old Caitlin has Asperger’s syndrome, and has always had her older brother, Devon, to explain the confusing things around her. But when Devon is killed in a tragic school shooting, Caitlin has to try and make sense of the world without him. With her dad spending most of his time crying in the shower, and her life at school becoming increasingly difficult, it doesn’t seem like things will ever get better again.     

[summary taken from Goodreads]

Beverley's Review

Mockingbird is a heart-warming tale of a young girl suffering from Asperger's syndrome and who must deal with the aftermath of her brother's death.  When Caitlin's older brother, Devon, dies in a tragic shooting, her world falls apart.  She has relied on him to give her answers and guide her way through life.  Will she ever be able to find closure?

Kathryn Erskine has created an incredibly sensitive account and brings forward a truly unique perspective.  There are books that can be enjoyable without complex characters and twisting plots, and Mockingbird is the perfect example.  The language is simple yet evocative, inducing smiles, laughs and tears.

Due to Asperger's syndrome, Caitlin sees life in a very pure and innocent way.  She views things as they are and does not look deep beneath the surface, thus the first-person narration is very naive, leading you straight into Caitlin's world to experience her perspective.  I found this to be really interesting and it gave me a greater understanding of people with Asperger's.

Because of this insight, it didn't matter to me if the plot was slow-paced.  Sweet, poignant moments cropped up every now and then, especially ones where Caitlin's only friend Michael was featured.  Also seeing Caitlin grow as a character and pull through her grief filled me with such warmth and pride as if I was watching a little sister spread her wings.

Mockingbird made me realise that even though we all live in the same world, others can view it so differently and it is our duty to embrace them and not isolate them from society.  Despite not being entirely original, Mockingbird is certainly a poignant, refreshing read, giving the reader a perceptive insight which is sure to touch their hearts.

4 teacups for Mockingbird!

*Thanks to the author and Usbourne for sending me a review copy*

Stitch Blog Tour: Review + Giveaway!

Today I'm delighted to be taking part in the blog tour for Samantha Durante's debut book, Stitch, which is also the first in an exciting new trilogy.  For the tour, I am reviewing the book itself and there is also an opportunity for you to win an e-book copy.


Name: Stitch

Author: Samantha Durante

Publisher: Self

Release date: August 1st 2012

Pages: 314

Source:  For review (from author for blog tour) 

Rating: 4 stars

Her heart races, her muscles coil, and every impulse in Alessa's body screams at her to run... but yet she's powerless to move.
Still struggling to find her footing after the sudden death of her parents, the last thing college freshman Alessa has the strength to deal with is the inexplicable visceral pull drawing her to a handsome ghostly presence. In between grappling with exams and sorority soirees - and disturbing recurring dreams of being captive in a futuristic prison hell - Alessa is determined to unravel the mystery of the apparition who leaves her breathless. But the terrifying secret she uncovers will find her groping desperately through her nightmares for answers.

Because what Alessa hasn't figured out yet is that she's not really a student, the object of her obsession is no ghost, and her sneaking suspicions that something sinister is lurking behind the walls of her university's idyllic campus are only just scratching the surface...

[summary taken from Goodreads]

Beverley's Review

The striking premise which had such space for development was what first drew me to Stitch.  The synopsis itself had me hooked and I wondered how Samantha Durante would spin this tale of love and torment and mystery.

True to its word, Stitch spans different genres and it is difficult to classify it under a particular one.  This is perhaps what makes it so tantalizing and appealing.  Elements of paranormal and romance, sci-fi and dystopian are all thrown into the baking mix to create a pleasing cupcake of a read.  Before reading, I had reservations and suspicions that the author might be trying too hard and that the result would be a  confusing slush pile.  However, I am glad to be proven wrong and that the result was indeed a fine experience.

Another aspect which pleased me was that the potential of the premise was explored and developed.  The storyline was nothing short of complex and new discoveries were constantly made, a factor which  made my hand turn the pages frantically.  I'm still wondering how on earth Samantha Durante thought up the core idea and put it in writing... it is certainly original and unique.

However the pacing wasn't to my tastes.  The beginning of the book was slow, almost a tease.  I wasn't even sure where the story was heading and there were times where I wanted to give up on it.  But it's a book worth sticking with, no matter how hard it is to get into initially.

As the story ploughed on, I was glad to see some character development.  At the start, I didn't connect with Alessa on a deeper level.  This wasn't helped by the fact that the book is told in third-person.  I was able to watch her grow and as she recovered her fearlessness and strong desire to make things right, she became a character worth investing in and admiring but unfortunately, I still wasn't able to really connect with her.  I also wasn't convinced by the chemistry between her and Isaac so I'm hoping these points are developed further in the sequel.

All in all, Stitch is a riveting addition to the world of YA fiction and is one that will make its mark. Despite several flaws, it still succeeds in being a thoroughly enjoyable read, with complex characters and plots.  So before you overlook yet another self-published book, take a chance on Stitch.

4 teacups for Stitch!

*Thanks to the author for sending me a copy for the blog tour*

Hopefully I've enticed you enough to pick up Stitch! Wait no longer because Samantha has kindly offered an e-book copy for me to give away.  Just fill in the Rafflecopter below to be in with a chance.  The giveaway ends on November 5th 2012. (starts in about 8 hours since RC is set in EST time)

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May the odds be ever in your favour!

REVIEW: If I Stay by Gayle Forman

Name: If I Stay

Author: Gayle Forman

Publisher: Dutton Juvenile//Speak

Release Date: April 2, 2009 (US)

Pages: 201, Hardcover

Source: Audiobook Library

Rating: 4 Teacups

In a single moment, everything changes. Seventeen-year-old Mia has no memory of the accident; she can only recall riding along the snow-wet Oregon road with her family. Then, in a blink, she finds herself watching as her own damaged body is taken from the wreck...
A sophisticated, layered, and heart-achingly beautiful story about the power of family and friends, the choices we all make, and the ultimate choice Mia commands.

[summary taken from Goodreads]

Jen's Review

I'm so glad to say that reading If I Stay the second time around was much more enjoyable. When I read this book previously 2 years ago, I didn't like it much at all. Music? Blegh. BOOOORING. I was particularly annoyed by books about girls in comas, too. But reading it again, I feel like I understood it so much better and it was beautiful. I was so naïve back then.

GAW-JUS WRITING

Gayle Forman's writing is definitely unique and flawless in her own way. I loved it--it's lyrical and it just WORKS, kay? It all flows together and it makes reading the story really enjoyable.

UNIQUE PLOT

If I Stay doesn't follow the usual plot line. If you have no idea what I'm talking about, I'm talking the beginning- climax- solution thing. If I Stay kind of has two stories going on, if you will. Some present day happenings at the hospital, but mostly memories of Mia's past. While the plot wasn't FAST PACED or anything, it's calm and still great. Again, it just WORKS OUT.

GENUINE CHARACTERS

I really could connect with the characters. While Mia and I have no similarities, I liked her still. Her love for music and the cello was passionate and eye-opening. Let's not forget about Mia's family and friends--I couldn't have asked for a better cast of characters. They were all so wonderful!

In all, If I Stay is a must-read contemporary novel for music fans, or heart-wrenching lovers. You won't want to miss out on Forman's beautiful writing style, exclusive plot, and authentic characters!

Audiobook review: My first impression of the audio was that the performer's voice was too old and mature for Mia's voice. But after awhile, I realized that it was perfect and soothing, and it totally made the book THAT much better. Definitely check out the audio if you can!

4 Teacups for If I Stay!

REVIEW: Burn For Burn by Jenny Han and Siobhan Vivian

Name: Burn For Burn

Author: Jenny Han & Siobhan Vivian

Publisher: Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers

Release Date: September 18, 2012 (US)

Pages: 368, Hardcover

Source: Publisher via Netgalley

Rating: 4 Teacups

BIG GIRLS DON'T CRY...THEY GET EVEN.
Lillia has never had any problems dealing with boys who like her. Not until this summer, when one went too far. No way will she let the same thing happen to her little sister.
Kat is tired of the rumours, the insults, the cruel jokes. It all goes back to one person– her ex-best friend– and she's ready to make her pay.
Four years ago, Mary left Jar Island because of a boy. But she's not the same girl anymore. And she's ready to prove it to him.
Three very different girls who want the same thing: sweet, sweet revenge. And they won't stop until they each had a taste.

[summary taken from Goodreads]

Jen's Review

Don't kill me guys, but I haven't ever read anything by Jenny OR Siobhan. However, I still jumped at the chance to read their co-written novel, since they are like the queens of contemporary. Now, I had no idea what their writing style was like, so I wasn't really hesitant about anything; meaning, I went into this book not expecting anything at all. I just dove in and read. Fortunately, Burn For Burn turned out to be an awesome contemporary novel with a slight supernatural twist, and very few flaws.

Burn For Burn is unlike any contemporary I have ever read. Most of the time, you get the story of a girl who is having problems with boys, high school, family, etc. But in Burn For Burn, we get three girls with all three of those problems. What's more, this story is all about revenge. Getting back at boys who hurt them, and even an ex-best friend. The plot is very fun, entertaining, and on-the-edge-of-your-seat exciting! The plot is quite intricate: we get flashbacks of the girls' histories, as well as current day happenings. Since the story is told from three different girls' prespectives, the story itself is more intriguing to read about.

Besides the plot, the characters were also something I highly adored. Their personalities were all so different and it was great being able to get a peek at each girls' thoughts and feelings every other chapter. We have Lillia, an Asian girl (ASIAN GIRLS, FTW) who is rich and cares deeply of her younger sister, Nadia. Next we have Kat, a bad-ass punky girl who isn't afraid of a lot of things. Lastly we have Mary, a self-conscious girl who recently moved back to Jar Island. Their growing friendship was sweet and I couldn't have asked for better.

There were a couple things that were off for me, though. First, it was confusing at times as to when the chapter started off, and you weren't sure who's point of view it is from. There is no 'Lillian' or 'Kat' at the top of each chapter (or at least in the ARC format there isn't), and you kind of had to figure it out. Usually it's obvious, but there are just a myriad of characters and it took me a couple of pages to wrap my head around it. Another flaw I considered was the supernatural twist. Now, I'm definitely not sure if it will be brought up again in the following installments, but I think it was totally unnecessary.

But other than that, Burn For Burn is an entertaining read that fans of Jenny or Siobhan won't want to miss out on. The ending KIND OF leaves the reader on a cliffhanger, and I definitely want to know what happens next to the three girls of Jar Island. 

4 Teacups for Burn For Burn!

*Thanks to Simon & Schuster for providing me with an eARC to review!*