Review: Undead and Unreturnable

"Then, of course, he was dead, because Laura leaned down, picked up a chunk of wood off the pile, and broke his head in half."


Title: Undead and Unreturnable
Series: Undead #4
Author: MaryJanice Davidson
Reading Level: Adult
Source: Library
Date Finished: January 28, 2011
Rating: B - Amazing


Summary of Book:
Queen of the Vampires Betsy Taylor is in the middle of planning the perfect wedding to drop-dead gorgeous vamp Eric Sinclair. But all is not bouquets and bridal showers-Betsy is plagued by ghosts who demand her help in rectifying their past mistakes, and a serial killer is on the loose. With his victims all being tall, blond women, Betsy fits the profile exactly.


Review:
Like usual, there's a stick figure on the cover. Although I do love all the covers, the stick figure of Betsy is a little much.  But never the same, it's the actual book that matters. And as usual, this series delivered. I love all the books in Davidson's series so far. Of the four I've read, I'd have to say that Undead and Unappreciated(#3 in the series) is my favorite.
The series is hilarious and I can always read one of this series' books whenever I get bored with my other books. But, I have to say that this one in the series definitely isn't a favorite. I love reading Sinclair's smarty comebacks and there was barely any in this book(spoiler: because he found out about Betsy's being able to read his mind and he got mad at her, then didn't speak to her for a couple of days. :end of spoiler).
I do recommend that you read this series though. Adult or not, it is really funny and can usually be read within an afternoon. 

Review: Hush,Hush

"“You're not impressing me." "I haven't started trying yet.”"
-Nora & Patch


Title: Hush,Hush
Series: Hush,Hush #1
Author: Becca Fitzpatrick
Source: Library
Date Finished: January 28, 2011
Rating: A+ - Rarely given, only when a book could make it into my top ten.


Summary of Book:
For Nora Grey, romance was not part of the plan. She's never been particularly attracted to the boys at her school, no matter how much her best friend, Vee, pushes them at her, not until Patch came along. With his easy smile and eyes that seem to see inside her, Nora is drawn to him against her better judgment. But after a series of terrifying encounters, Nora's not sure who to trust. Patch seems to be everywhere she is, and to know more about her than her closest friends. She can't decide whether she should fall into his arms or run and hide. And when she tries to seek some answers, she finds herself near a truth that is way more unsettling than anything Patch makes her feel. For Nora is right in the middle of an ancient battle between the immortal and those that have fallen - and, when it comes to choosing sides, the wrong choice will cost her her life.


Review:
I have to admit, last summer, I had checked out this book and then looked at the cover at home and was all "No way am I going to read that thing! Have you seen that cover??". So, I returned it and never thought about it again. BAD, BAD, BAD MISTAKE. The cover may be creepy, but the book was amazing!
I thought the characters' names were really unique. Nora, you don't see many Noras everyday. And Patch, I've NEVER read about a Patch. 
It was nice to read a book that was focused on angels, instead of something else. I'm a vamp girl, so I don't read much angel books, let alone fallen angels. And I think I've grown to love angels. Demons I can deal with. But it's the angels I'm looking forward to :D 
Vampires and werewolves are cool, don't get me wrong. But, there are thousands of books about them. There might be thousands of angel books too, but I just don't know about them. I'd like to know about them, though. This book was beautifully written and a book I'd read all over again. In fact, I'm looking forward to re-reading it :)

Review: Wintergirls

“"Do I joke with you about food?" I am so hungry I have to stay strong--bend, but not break. "One muffin.""Two muffins. You need the carbs.""One and the eggs."She takes another deep breathe. "Deal."”

Title: Wintergirls
Author: Laurie Halse Anderson
Source: Library
Date Finished: January 25th, 2011
Rating: D - Okay!

Goodreads | Amazon

Summary of Book:
“Dead girl walking,” the boys say in the halls. “Tell us your secret,” the girls whisper, one toilet to another. I am that girl. I am the space between my thighs, daylight shining through. I am the bones they want, wired on a porcelain frame. Lia and Cassie are best friends, wintergirls frozen in matchstick bodies, competitors in a deadly contest to see who can be the skinniest. But what comes after size zero and size double-zero? When Cassie succumbs to the demons within, Lia feels she is being haunted by her friend’s restless spirit. In her most emotionally wrenching, lyrically written book since the multiple-award-winning Speak, Laurie Halse Anderson explores Lia’s descent into the powerful vortex of anorexia, and her painful path toward recovery.

 Review: 
I usually love Laurie Halse Anderson's books, but this time, it was just too rough for me. Prom was a fun read, Speak was rough, but still good, but this one was just a bumpy ride for me. I thought it tackled a good subject though; anorexia.
For those who don't know what anorexia is, it's pretty much a where your afraid to gain weight, so you eat as little bit of food as possible.
So, in the story, Lia doesn't want to gain weight. She's fighting it really. She tries to eat as little as possible and hopes she doesn't gain anything from it.
Most of you know that I usually need to read a book that ends with a "happily ever after" not literally the words "happily ever after" but just a happy ending. This book did have a kind of happy ending..But it just wasn't for me :\
I do have to say that the cover is gorgeous!
I'm going to try to read another one of Anderson's books, I'm thinking Chains next. I'm not sure.

Review: Fixing Delilah

“Patrick laughs. "All night, too. Afraid to be alone with me, Hannaford?""No." Yes. "Just wondering about, Em.""She can't save you," he says, pulling me into another kiss as we slowly make our way to Main Street.”

Title: Fixing Delilah
Author: Sarah Ockler
Source: Library
Date Finished: January 25th, 2011
Rating: B - Amazing!

Summary of Book:
Things in Delilah Hannaford's life have a tendency to fall apart. She used to be a good student, but she can't seem to keep it together anymore. Her friends are drifting away. Her "boyfriend" isn't a boyfriend. Her mother refuses to discuss the fight that divided the Hannaford family eight years ago. Falling apart, it seems, runs in the family. When Delilah must spend the summer helping to settle her estranged grandmother's estate, she's suddenly confronted by her family's painful past. Faced with questions that cannot be ignored and secrets that threaten to burst free, Delilah begins to doubt all that she's ever known to be true. Rich with humor and emotion, Sarah Ockler delivers a powerful story of family, love, and self-discovery--as Delilah comes to realize that even the most shattered relationships can be pieced back together again.

 I made the book trailer myself, so don't laugh! xP

Review:
I'm definitely a fan of Sarah Ockler now.  As many of you know, I didn't start blogging until last September and back then, I didn't really pay attention to new releases, I just went to the library, looked through the shelves, grabbed what I wanted, and high-tailed it out of there before anyone else wanted to see it xD. My point being; I never read Twenty Boy Summer. Which is the book that all of you fell in love with and why you were all jumping up and down with joy about finding out that Ockler had another book coming out, Fixing Delilah.
I'm a fan of Sarah Ockler now, but I'm not a big as fan for her, as I would be for, say, Richelle Mead or Stephanie Meyer. But, I am a fan. So, sometime within a couple of months, I will be posting a review of Twenty Boy Summer(hopefully, THEN I'll fall in love with Sarah Ockler ;)).
Anyway..On to my review =)
As you probably saw above, I gave Fixing Delilah a B. Why? You might ask.
Well, I'm a sucker for love stories and always seek them out when I'm reading a book. Even if it's just a little fling going on between the main character and someone else. I loved that part of the story, the romance between Patrick and Delilah. Patrick(also known as Ricky a long time ago) really cared about her. Making sure that she was OK with everything. He even wrote her a song(awwh!). So, in this case, Patrick was a great character!
I liked Delilah. She had common problems that everyone has every now and again, boy troubles, even friend troubles. She was strong-headed(otherwise known as stubborn) when it came to family problems. And that's what I liked about her; she didn't give up.
Emily(Em), Delilah's mom(Claire) and Delilah's aunt(Rachel) were great characters too. Emily cared about Delilah, as did Rachel at some points in the book. Claire had a lot of work problems of her own, and that kept her busy to ignore her feelings, but she was really just hiding from herself.
I have to agree with those of you, who put in your reviews, that the book expressed everyone else's depression, but never actually talked about Delilah being depressed. You can tell she was, so maybe that's why Ockler didn't include anything about it. I don't really know..But I thought it was great and a classic love-story under all the depression and family problems though.

Review: The Body Finder

“Everything had just changed for Violet. Knowing this girl . . . and knowing what she was capable of doing to help, even if it was futile, and even if it turned out to be dangerous, she knew she could no longer just sit around and wait to see if--or when--they found Hailey.Violet was done waiting around for someone else to find the pyschopath who was preying on these girls. She was going to do something, even it she had to sneak around to get it done.”

Title: The Body Finder
Series: The Body Finder #1
Author: Kimberly Derting
Source: Library
Date Finished: January 23rd, 2011
Rating: A+ - Rarely given, only when a book could possibly make it into my top ten of the year.

Goodreads | Amazon
 
Summary of Book:
Violet Ambrose is starting her junior year in high school and faces problems shared by many teens. She is madly in love with Jay Heaton, her best friend since first grade, but does not know if he feels the same. She is trying to do well at school, but classes do not always hold her interest. Unlike others, however, Violet has the ability—or perhaps the curse—of sensing violent deaths around her. Every demise leaves a hint screaming to be discovered: sometimes a sheen of colors, other times a chorus of bells or even a specific smell. When Violet was eight, she discovered a girl's body in the woods behind her house. This same killer is now striking her community again, kidnapping and murdering teenage girls. He even seems to be getting closer to Violet with every kill. She must deal with her emotions for Jay at the same time as she tries to stop this vicious murderer before it is too late for both. Derting's first novel provides the reader with both Violet's and the killer's perspectives. Violet's fear is palpable and rises as her attempt to find the murderer leads her close to death and as she confronts her feelings for Jay. 

Review: 

Characters: Violet and Jay are names that you see every day, but no one EVER sees fit for character names. And it was a gutsy move for Derting to use those character names. But, in this story, they were brilliant! Violet was outgoing and she didn't care that she could find dead bodies(humans and animals). She was amazing, in a way. Jay was hot and smart. And...a guy! He was funny and sweet. Always caring about Violet. It was cute to read about!

Plot: I have to say this, and this is me actually admitting something, on Goodreads, I like to read the little stories they have on there. Everyone posts a story(their idea of a book) and I like to read them and criticize. And this book reminded me of so many different stories that I've read on there. All the stories were their steps towards becoming an author, and all the stories seemed simple. Original, even. And the love story in this book is a re-make of all of them. The girl loves the boy, and they're friends. She can't tell him, in case he doesn't like her, but it's always the same. He loves her. But, even being the romancey that I am, I couldn't concentrate on that. I just couldn't get my mind off how she was able to find dead creatures. I mean, I've NEVER read a book like this. It was absolutely marvelous! It's not an original, but it's just...different. In a good way. No, wait! Scratch that, in a great way.  Derting wrote an amazing novel, and I can't wait to read Desires Of The Dead.

"Haunting..It made me stay a wake and finish it. . .Hiding under my covers, as well." -Hannah 

Review: City of Ashes

 “Clary snapped the compartment open and frowned. She took out a shiny pamphlet, the kind they keep stacked in clear plastic stands in the hospital waiting rooms. "How to Come Out to Your Parents," she read out loud. "LUKE. Don't be ridiculous. Simon's not gay, he's a vampire.""

Title: City Of Ashes
Series: Mortal Instruments #2
Author: Cassandra Clare
Source: Library
Date Finished: January 22nd, 2011
My Rating: A - Marvelous!

Summary of Book:
Clary Fray just wishes that her life would go back to normal. But what's normal when you're a demon-slaying Shadowhunter, your mother is in a magically induced coma, and you can suddenly see Downworlders like werewolves, vampires, and faeries? If Clary left the world of the Shadowhunters behind, it would mean more time with her best friend, Simon, who's becoming more than a friend. But the Shadowhunting world isn't ready to let her go -- especially her handsome, infuriating, newfound brother,...

Review:

Characters: I loved Jace, as always. I mean, who couldn't? He's that 'bad boy' type that every girl wants, and yet he's sweet(sometimes) and protective(always). So, the first word that comes to my head when I think of Jace would be..hot. No, wait, not hot. Smoking-hot. Oh yeah..Clary is different. And I think that's the only way to describe her. Her feelings are jumbled, her family is, well, a mess. And her love life is a train wreck. Just her feelings for Jace are wacked out. She loves him, but you wouldn't be able to tell if she's in love with him or just loves him. Hard to actually figure out, you know. And Simon, he's cute as always. He's always, always protective of Clary, and in love(or lust?) with her. Talk about a love triangle..

Plot*spoilers everywhere, I'd avoid this if you haven't read this book yet*: The twists and turns were great. Simon turning into a vampire was an awesome twist! And that lead him to breaking up with Clary, well it was one of the reasons. That and Clary having to kiss Jace to get out of the faery world. But there are tons and tons of reasons why he broke up with her. And I wouldn't be able to list them without boring you guys to death.

What else would you guys like me to include in my reviews? Leave a comment!

Review: Heist Society

 “He seemed impossible close as he whispered. "And I didn't choose it, Kat. I chose you.""

Title: Heist Society
Series: Heist Society #1
Author: Ally Carter
Source: Library
Date Finished: January 20th, 2011
Rating: B - Amazing!

 Summary of Book:
When Katarina Bishop was three, her parents took her on a trip to the Louvre...to case it. For her seventh birthday, Katarina and her Uncle Eddie traveled to Austria...to steal the crown jewels. When Kat turned fifteen, she planned a con of her own--scamming her way into the best boarding school in the country, determined to leave the family business behind. Unfortunately, leaving "the life" for a normal life proves harder than she'd expected. Soon, Kat's friend and former co-conspirator, Hale, appears out of nowhere to bring her back into the world she tried so hard to escape. But he has good reason: a powerful mobster has been robbed of his priceless art collection and wants to retrieve it. Only a master thief could have pulled this job, and Kat's father isn't just on the suspect list, he is the list. Caught between Interpol and a far more deadly enemy, Kat's dad needs her help. For Kat there is only one solution: track down the paintings and steal them back. So what if it's a spectacularly impossible job? She's got two weeks, a teenage crew, and hopefully just enough talent to pull off the biggest heist in history-or at least her family's (very crooked) history.

Review:

Characters: I liked  Hale. He's a great guy, not pushy or anything, but still...intriguing. It's the only word I could think of that describes Hale! He's nice, polite(sometimes) and protective, but still intriguing. Katarina is a fighter. She does what she has to, to save her father and family. Even though she has to do a lot to make sure that they stay safe, she's protective. The best of the best, you could say. Gabrielle is the BEST description of girly. No, not girly, female. Yes! That's it. She wants to look her best, and instead of being a model or something, she's an art thief? Well, not most of the time, but still a sometimes art thief. If that makes any sense. And the last character I'll talk about is Nick. Nick was, to me, nice and friendly at the beginning. But, when I found out who he really was...all I could think of was traitor.

Settings: I liked where it took place. Even though it had a whole bunch of different places like Hale's house, Uncle Eddie's house, and everywhere. But I liked how it was in the US and in other different countries. It was in New York, and then, 8 hours later in Rome or something. 'Cause they did A LOT of traveling. New York, Rome, Paris, London, a lot of places, that I'd love to go to, it made me excited to read about!

Plot: I liked the plot of the story. It was different for me, since I've never read anything involving thieves much. Besides Ally Carter's Gallagher Girls series, which is about spies, so it's not the same..Getting off topic, but it was different and I liked it. How they planned everything out, and how Katarina wasn't scared(much, anyway) and how they even had a little fun too! It was a fun read :)

Review: Kiss Of Midnight

“What’s your business? You know, aside, from being a diseased, bloodsucking leech." "World domination, of course. Really, is there anything else worth fighting for?”

Title: Kiss of Midnight
Series: The Midnight Breeds #1
Author: Lara Adrian
Source: Library
Date Finished: January 17th, 2011

Summary of Book:
He watches her from across the crowded dance club, a sensual black-haired stranger who stirs Gabrielle Maxwell’s deepest fantasies. But nothing about this night—or this man—is what it seems. For when Gabrielle witnesses a murder outside the club, reality shifts into something dark and deadly. In that shattering instant she is thrust into a realm she never knew existed—a realm where vampires stalk the shadows and a blood war is set to ignite. Lucan Thorne despises the violence carried out by his lawless brethren. A vampire himself, Lucan is a Breed warrior, sworn to protect his kind—and the unwitting humans existing alongside them—from the mounting threat of the Rogues. Lucan cannot risk binding himself to a mortal woman, but when Gabrielle is targeted by his enemies, he has no choice but to bring her into the dark underworld he commands. Here, in the arms of the Breed’s formidable leader, Gabrielle will confront an extraordinary destiny of danger, seduction, and the darkest pleasures of all. . . .

Review:
Here's what I thought..

Characters: I think all the characters' names, attitudes, personalities and everything about them were unique and they pretty much resemble everything I'd think they'd be like. Gabrielle and Lucan are good names. Their not common, but they are not uncommon either. They work perfectly for this book!

Settings: I loved that they had their own "lab". Or pretty much something LIKE a lab. The "scenery" is practically perfect too. They had a park, apartments, a lab with a hideaway place, and pretty much anything you'd see every day. So, in my opinion, it was kind of real.

Plot: I loved all the twists and turns in the story. All the traitors giving them enemies information, stalkers stalking Gabi on the street, vampires drinking from humans throats, humans freaking out about them, all of it!

Other: I liked the wording too. It is a little bit too descriptive for younger people. I can see why it's marked Adult instead of Young Adult, but I still liked it :)

☺☺☺☺

Is there anything else you'd like me to include in reviews?

Review: Prom

Title: Prom
Author: Laurie Halse Anderson
Source: Library
Date Finished: January 17th, 2011


Summary of book:

There are tons of books about the popular kids and some books about geeks. How many books are there about average kids? Kids that are passing, aren't in clubs and have no clue what they will do after high school. Ashley is an average kid. She has a boyfriend that everyone thinks is trouble but she's crazy about, and she has a part time that she doesn't like. On top of everything else she has an over-crowded house and her mom is pregnant again. She is certainly not the type to care about the prom.

Ashley's best friend is the total opposite of her. She is on the prom committee and has dreams of the prom. In fact, most of Ashley's friends are counting down the days and counting down pounds until they can have that one magical evening. Suddenly a teacher in their school was caught stealing all of the prom money. Ashley helps her friends organize a low budget, yet still fun-filled evening.

Review:

Love the cover. As I do most of Anderson's covers. But, I don't know where that dress came from. Wasn't Ashley's blue or green or something? lol, memory freeze!

Anyway..I'm much like Ashley(yes, I love comparing myself to characters). But, after reading this book, I want to go to Prom. I mean, yes, you spent hundreds of dollars on a dress, make-up, hair, limos, etc...and for what? To have a night to live like your a movie star? For a night you can remember, forever? And I think it's pretty much worth it. I'd even like to help with planning it for the whole school too. 'Cause from what I hear, you'd want to live that night over and over again. People would pay to have just another night of it. And I loved the way Ashley actually got to go, even if she sneaked in. 

And I have to admit, *SPOILER* that I thought the whole night was going awesome. . .Until Ashley got arrested. She was trying to help! I mean, so she skipped out on detention, that night happens once a year and she willingly helped out. *END OF SPOILER*

So, in my opinion, live, laugh and love with all your heart. And don't let anyone stop you from having a little fun.

☺☺☺☺☺

Review: Undead and Unappreciated

"As you would say, this is so totally the opposite of thinking this over.

"Where is your spirit of adventure?"

"It wore off during World War Two," she replied dryly.”

Title: Undead and Unappreciated

Series: Undead #3

Author: MaryJanice Davidson

Source: Library

Date Finished: January 16, 2011

Summary of Book:

The third book in the hilarious Undead series.

 Reluctant vampire queen Betsy Taylor may rule the topsy-turvy world of the undead, but now Betsy's discovered that she has a long-lost half-sister who's the devil's daughter--and destined to rule the underworld. 

Review:

I flew through this book in a day. The series is an easy read series, but it's still hilarious and full of adventure. But I really, really liked this one :D I mean, helllllooooooooo? The vampire queen's half-sister is destined to be the ruler of the underworld..Who wouldn't want to read about that?

I have to say I was a little surprised when she started reading the book and went crazy. I thought she would be  like immune it to or something. But nooooooooooooo, she hurt Jessica(physically), Marc(emotionally) and ditto with Sinclair. 

And that was bbaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaad(yes, I do realize I've been stretching out my words - lol). 
But, I really did enjoy this one and get to read #4 in the series soon(since I got this one and Undead and Unreturnable at the same time), so you guys will get to hear what I have to say about that one in a couple of weeks!

☺☺☺☺

Until next time. . .keep thinking about every little thing! 

Review: Nightshade

Title: Nightshade
Series: Nightshade #1
Author: Andrea Cremer
Source: Library
Date Finished: January 13th, 2011

Summary of Book:
While other teenage girls daydream about boys, Calla Tor imagines ripping out her enemies’ throats. And she wouldn’t have it any other way. Calla was born a warrior and on her eighteenth-birthday she’ll become the alpha female of the next generation of Guardian wolves. But Calla’s predestined path veers off course the moment she saves the life of a wayward hiker, a boy her own age. This human boy’s secret will turn the young pack's world upside down and forever alter the outcome of the centuries-old Witches' War that surrounds them all.

Review:

Isn't the cover A-M-A-Z-I-N-G? Wolfsbane has an awesome cover too. Look ------->>>
Preetttttttyyyyy...
Anyways...Lets start off with what I thought of the characters.

Calla was a great name for a character. I don't think I've ever even read a book that the main character's name was Calla. It's original and still unique!
I think Calla and I have a lot in common. Mostly the same strong-headedness. We're both stubborn. She's protective, as I am. And I find it encouraging to read about someone that would be make the same choices as I would.

Ren is a pain if I ever saw one. In this case, if I ever "read" one. He's jealous of Shay, rude to others and yet, every girl swoons for him *cough, Katie, cough ;)*. No one can resist him..Except for Calla.

Shay is sweet and funny. Calla saved him, because you could almost say it was "love at first sight", although he was in pain and couldn't tell the difference if she was anything. But she changed into a human right in front of him and that totally got his attention. I mean, he even thought it was a dream!

All of Cremer's character names are different and unique. And I don't think that any of the names could be changed and still have a good book. And I think this is the very first werewolf book I've read that I am actually eager to read Wolfsbane. It's thrilling and a page-turner. If you don't read it, your missing out.

☺☺☺☺☺

♥♥♥

Review: Linger

Title: Linger
Series: The Wolves of Mercy Falls #2
Author: Maggie Stiefvater
Source: Library
Date Finished: January 14th, 2011

Summary of Book:

The Longing.

Once Grace and Sam have found each other, they know that they must fight to stay together.
For Sam, this means a reckoning with his werewolf past. For Grace, it means facing a future that is less and less certain.

The Loss.

Into their world comes a new wolf named Cole, whose past is full of hurt and danger. He is
wrestling with his own demons embracing the life of a wolf, while denying the ties of being human.

The Linger.

For Grace, Sam, and Cole, life is a constant struggle between two forces --
wolf and human -- with love baring its two sides as well. It is harrowing and
euphoric, freeing and entrapping, enticing and alarming. As their world falls apart,
love is what lingers. But will it be enough?

Review:

The cover, much like Shiver's cover, is perfect, as always. It has a story of it's own. Shiver's cover has Sam in the woods. He was the one fighting it, he was the one who knew that every winter he would be gone to the wolf part of him. 

Linger's cover has Grace, this time fighting for her life. We knew it would happen, but we didn't know that it would happen like this. Not everyone fights to stay human, to convince yourself that it's nothing, just another cold. But we know the true, something is going to happen. And it isn't going to be good.

Stiefvater's series will always be one to remember. Twilight and the Hunger Games are big and famous, they were fabulous, but they are nothing compared to this. The Wolves of Mercy Falls is a whole new category. Not dangerous(Hunger Games) and definitely not full of vamps(Twilight). 

Linger kept me awake night after night. Even though I devoured it in one sitting, it definitely was the series of the year. I mean, what series can make you think, feel and cry like this story? 

It may not be the end of the series, especially with a cliffhanger like that, but I know. The end is near.

☺☺☺☺☺

♥♥♥

Review: Runaway

Title: Runaway
Author: Wendelin Van Draanen
Source: Library
Date Finished: January 8th, 2011

Summary of Book: 
"It's a cold, hard, cruel fact that my mother loved heroin more than she loved me." Holly is in her fifth foster home in two years and she's had enough. She's run away before and always been caught quickly. But she's older and wiser now--she's twelve--and this time she gets away clean. Through tough and tender and angry and funny journal entries, Holly spills out her story. We travel with her across the country--hopping trains, scamming food, sleeping in parks or homeless encampments. And we also travel with her across the gaping holes in her heart--as she finally comes to terms with her mother's addiction and death. Runaway is a remarkably uplifting portrait of a girl still young and stubborn and naive enough to hold out hope for finding a better place in the world, and within herself, to be .

My Thoughts:
Many people think about running away at least one time in their life. But they don't think about what to bring with. They just...run. No clothes, no food, no nothing. They think about who or what they need to get away from.
But, Holly had run away before, she had food, some clothes and some other things, including her journal. She brought with her what she needed. That would last her a while, but she made it cross country and guess what? She got away! But she didn't have enough food for forever.
I'm glad she had a happy ending though. She got some people to take care of her. That doesn't happen every day you know!

☺☺☺

Review: The DUFF

Title: The DUFF
Author: Kody Keplinger
Source: Library
Date Finished: January 6th, 2011

Summary of Book:
Seventeen-year-old Bianca Piper is cynical and loyal, and she doesn’t think she’s the prettiest of her friends by a long shot. She’s also way too smart to fall for the charms of man-slut and slimy school hottie Wesley Rush. In fact, Bianca hates him. And when he nicknames her “Duffy,” she throws her Coke in his face. But things aren’t so great at home right now. Desperate for a distraction, Bianca ends up kissing Wesley. And likes it. Eager for escape, she throws herself into a closeted enemies-with-benefits relationship with Wesley. Until it all goes horribly awry. It turns out that Wesley isn’t such a bad listener, and his life is pretty screwed up, too. Suddenly Bianca realizes with absolute horror that she’s falling for the guy she thought she hated more than anyone.

Review*spoilers*:
Oh, no! She's falling for the hottest guy in school and he's falling for her. Isn't that good? I just don't understand. Does she not want to be close to him because he's popular and rich or does she not want to be with him because she can't stand him?
They got over it(thank Gods) and are back together again which I'm happy about. Their happy, I'm happy, we're all happy. lol :)
Anyway...Let's see, I have a love/hate relationship with Wesley. He started calling her "Duffy"(don't ever call a girl that. You'll get coke thrown at you too) and then he listens to her. And then back again, and THEN he decides to tell her he loves her. Seriously, this love/hate thing isn't gonna work out, Wesley.
I loved Bianca. She didn't care what others thought of her, she had good grades and her parents got divorced. Man..Sounds like me!

☺☺☺☺

Review: The Short Second Life Of Bree Tanner

Title: The Short Second Life Of Bree Tanner
Author: Stephanie Meyer
Source: Library
Date Finished: January 6th, 2011

Summary of Book:
Fans of The Twilight Saga will be enthralled by this riveting story of Bree Tanner, a character first introduced in Eclipse, and the darker side of the newborn vampire world she inhabits. In another irresistible combination of danger, mystery, and romance, Stephenie Meyer tells the devastating story of Bree and the newborn army as they prepare to close in on Bella Swan and the Cullens, following their encounter to its unforgettable conclusion.

Review(Blood and gore + spoilers involved):
We all know what happens to Bree. It's no surprise to me that in the end, Bree died. We all saw it coming. But I like Meyer's new point of view. Instead of being Bella with no bloodlust, I was Bree with a ton of it. I wanted to rip out someone's throat, but I also wanted to control myself.
I'm not surprised that Bree just handed over her life. I mean, she lost everyone and everything. Her family, her "boyfriend", all her friends, they were gone. So why not hand over your life? Everything's gone.
I liked the new characters. And all the other newborns. How Bree was curious about Riley and she. Otherwise known as Victoria.
I seriously considered giving up on the book though. It was a really good book, but I just don't know how I would handle the ending.
I manged to finish it though. And the ending was better put than I thought it would be.
"Close your eyes."

☺☺☺

Review: Dead Until Dark

Title: Dead Until Dark
Series: Sookie Stackhouse(A Southern Vampire Mystery) #1
Author: Charlaine Harris
Source: Library
Date Finished: January 4th, 2011

Summary of Book:
Sookie Stackhouse is just a small-time cocktail waitress in small-town Louisiana. Until the vampire of her dreams walks into her life-and one of her coworkers checks out.... Maybe having a vampire for a boyfriend isn't such a bright idea.


Review:
Nice cover. It's not exactly what I pictured for a good cover for them, but, it works. 
I couldn't get into it at the beginning. I was almost(ALMOST) begging to read something else. And you might disagree, but hey! We're all different. 
I managed to get into it though, and golly did I have a good time reading it! 


First off, what kind of name for a vampire is Bill? I'm pretty sure I'm not the only one who laughed when he introduced himself to Sookie. 


Second off, I liked that the people in the world KNEW that vampires existed. But the thing is, then they can just blame them, and point fingers if someone was murdered. 


And last, but never least, I can NOT wait until I can read the next on in the series. I might even watch the TV show. Has anyone watched it? What do you think about it??

☺☺☺☺☺

Review: Safe Haven

Title: Safe Haven
Author: Nicholas Sparks
Source: Library
Date Finished: January 2nd, 2011

Summary of Book:

When a mysterious young woman named Katie appears in the small North Carolina town of Southport, her sudden arrival raises questions about her past. Beautiful yet self-effacing, Katie seems determined to avoid forming personal ties until a series of events draws her into two reluctant relationships: one with Alex, a widowed store owner with a kind heart and two young children; and another with her plainspoken single neighbor, Jo. Despite her reservations, Katie slowly begins to let down her guard, putting down roots in the close-knit community and becoming increasingly attached to Alex and his family.
But even as Katie begins to fall in love, she struggles with the dark secret that still haunts and terrifies her . . . a past that set her on a fearful, shattering journey across the country, to the sheltered oasis of Southport. With Jo's empathic and stubborn support, Katie eventually realizes that she must choose between a life of transient safety and one of riskier rewards . . . and that in the darkest hour, love is the only true safe haven.

Review:
I remember, months ago, when I first saw the cover of Safe Haven, just a day or two after they released it and I thought that it might be one of the best covers I've ever seen done. I mean, it reflects the story just wonderfully. Most of Nicholas Sparks book covers are great, but I say this is his best yet.
I've read two of Nicholas Sparks books. The Last Song and Safe Haven. It's a big step in between the two of them. The Last Song with just a couple of kids that meet over the summer and have to move off to college and Safe Haven where Katie is in her thirties when she meets the one she loves. *spoilers below* She loved(emphasis of the past tense on love) Kevin. But he abused her. If he loved her, he wouldn't have hit her, it's the same thing as Sweet Little Lies by Lauren Conrad.
You don't hit a woman you love. You just don't. And Katie's a great girl, and what she did was what she had to do. She bought a cell phone to forward calls to, she cut and then dyed her hair, and she ran away. She got job after job to stay away from him. And he still looked for her. And didn't even find her until years later. Katie met Alex and slowly made her way out of her "turtle shell". She's great with kids and could replace Jo. And I think that her imagining Jo, was a great twist in the story's plot. Funny, even. But perfect.

My Rating:

☺☺☺☺☺

♥♥♥

Review: Eighth Grade Bites

Title: Eighth Grade Bites
Series: The Chronicles of Tod Vladimir #1
Author: Heather Brewer
Source: Library
Date Finished: January 1st, 2011

Summary of Book:
Middle school. Lovely. Especially when bullies harass you, your dream-girl (Cough, cough, Meredith, cough) prefers your best friend, and people are after you... Trying to stick a sharp hunk of wood through your chest. Doesn't make sense? Well, lets list the possibilities of why this would happen... 1. Your mom was a human. 2. Your dad was a vampire... Let's stop there. With no idea of the extent of his powers, Vlad struggles daily with his blood cravings and his enlarged fangs. When a substitute teacher begins to question him a little too closely, Vlad worries that his cover is about to be blown. But then he faces a much bigger problem: He’s being hunted by a psycho vampire, bent on his demise. Lucky for him, the tables are turning...

Review:
I love the cover. So original. Yet, so unique. And yet, all the other covers are just like that. LOOK:

Ok, well not exactly. But, still, they are awesome :D


Another different vampire series, and this was I actually like! A kid being half-vamp, half-human without the guidance from a mentor? It's just intriguing. And I love the vamp smileys!! Their cute. Anyways...

I like Brewer's Eight Grade Bites. It's unique from the others where they were all bitten to become a vampire, and they were adults! A boy that is half human, half vamp is just different. In a good way. It was nice to get away from the stories where people say this gorgeous person started walking towards them, they felt something on their neck and then they woke up and BAM! They were a vampire.
So, like I said, it was nice to get away from the normal vamp chaos ;)

I like Vlad's friend, Henry. But I hate his uncle. I mean, he couldn't tell him that he was going to be faking it in front of council? Their family, and it's just weird.

Then, again, what's normal about vampires?

☺☺☺☺

Review Coming Soon:

 

Review: Sweet Little Lies

Title: Sweet Little Lies
Series: L.A. Candy #2
Author: Lauren Conrad
Source: Library
Date Finished: December 30th, 2010

Summary of Book:
How Sweet it is?
Jane Roberts was the average girl next door until she and her best friend, Scarlett Harp, landed their own reality show, L.A. Candy. Now the girls have an all-access pass to Hollywood's hottest everything. But there's more to life on camera than just parties and shopping. . . .
When racy photos of Jane are leaked to the press, she finds herself at the center of a tabloid scandal. She turns to her co-star Madison Parker for help, unaware that Madison is scheming behind the scenes. She might be Jane's shoulder to cry on, but does Madison really have Jane's back?
Scarlett's working on a scandal of her own. She's fallen for someone who's strictly off-limits—which means Scarlett has a big secret to keep . . . from the L.A. Candy cameras, the paparazzi staking out her apartment, even from her best friend.
Of course, nothing stays secret for long for the stars of the newest hit TV series, and all this drama couldn't be better for ratings. But can Jane survive another season in the spotlight?

Review:
The cover is so cute! I can't wait for LA Candy #3 to come out. Then again, I'm pretty much excited for a lot of things..Cover releases, book releases, author interviews, etc..So I'm an energizer bunny. LOL
Anyway..I think the first one was better. But this one was almost as good. Especially with the pictures of Madison thrown in the mix. She deserved it! She shouldn't have done that to Jane. Even if she did want the spotlight. She had it coming.
Jesse has always and will always be a jacka**. He doesn't care about anyone. He gets drunk and he hit Jane! Absolutely not! She did nothing to deserve that. Jesse saw the pictures, but he was dealing with it, then went completely downhill from there. If he really loved Jane, he wouldn't have done that. He left her on the street for Christ sake! He had it coming.
I don't understand Brandon's behavior though. Does he want Jane? Does he not? Does he want to just be friends? I just don't get it..Can anyone explain it to me?
I hope I'm supposed to be feeling this way..I'm glad Sugar & Spice still has to come out, otherwise I'd be at a loss!

My rating:

☺☺☺☺

Review coming soon:

Review: Real Vampires Have Curves

Title: Real Vampires Have Curves
Series: Glory St. Clair #1
Author: Gerry Bartlett
Source: Library
Date Finished: December 29th, 2010

Summary of Book:
What-did you think all vamps were pale, thin and brooding? Don't I wish. Gloriana St. Clair is an eternally "full-figured" vampire-she just happened to be bloating when a sexy Scotsman sank his teeth into her. She and said Scot-Angus Jeremiah Campbell III, aka Jeremy Blade-have been on and off again for centuries, currently off. A couple hundred years has taught them how to press each other's buttons-in good ways and bad. Glory's headed for Austin and a new business venture: Vintage Vamp's Emporium. After all, she loves clothes, and she is an antique. Only problem is, there's a billionaire techno-freak vampire hunter on the loose. Blade's in total he-vampire mode, and wants Glory to move in with him so he can "protect" her. But it's time for this vamp to explore her own powers.


Review:
Cute cover. Especially how it shows Glory in her antique shop. "Vintage Vamp's Emporium", don't you just love that store name? It sounds so cool! I think for this review I'll tell you what I hate and like about a couple of the characters.


Glory: She's creative. She's strong. Except when it comes to Blade. Or Damen. 
Blade(Jerry): I like that he's protective of Glory. But, seriously, give her a break! You can't always protect her.
Damen: *shudders* I hate his character, but in a way, he kind of had to be there. No Damen, no story. 
Glory's Guard Dog(sorry, completely forgot his name!): He's cute and protective. I get that he was born to help protect Glory, but he's kind of annoying.


I like the whole plot. The way she moved to Austen and Blade comes to *command her that she had to live with him. And when that didn't happen, he stayed there. He is totally in love with her! But, then again, there's somewhere deep down in her that loves him too. 
And then the vampire hunter comes into town and their on their toes trying not to get killed. But I don't wanna tell you guys too much. Where's the fun in that?

☺☺☺☺

Review coming soon: