Upcoming Review: The New Guy

Jules wants it all. She wants to be editor in chief of the school newspaper and she wants early admission to an Ivy league college (Brown). She doesn't care if she misses a little fun if she can lock up her future.

Nothing ends up the way she planned it.

And then Alex enters the picture.

Now her world's been turned upside down. One minute Jules had all the answers and the next minute she's left wondering what the heck happened. Alex betrays her and she vows to get revenge. 

My Thoughts: I really liked Jules - even though she wanted to be perfect. I liked her attention to detail. I liked how she volunteered walking dogs. I liked how she learned from her mistakes and came out the other side with more balance in her life. 

I liked her interactions with Alex - their banter and truth telling. I liked how Alex used to be a member of a huge boy band and how that changes his perspective of life.

I loved her two moms - they were funny, intelligent, and sweet. 
I enjoyed her relationship with her teacher - and how he lived next door and socialized with her moms. 
I liked the rivalry with the newspaper vs TALON
Donuts.

Cover Thoughts: I like this one much better
Source: ARC from Librarian Preview
Release Date: April 5th

Final Thoughts: Add this book to your TBR pile, you won't want to miss it!

Review: Allies and Assassins

 * first in a new series *

Prince Anders is found - murdered in his bed with no signs of forced entry. Whoever killed him had access to him. Now, his younger brother Jared will take his place as ruler. His first priority  is to hunt down his brother's killer. He's supposed to trust and rely on the Council of Twelve, but he soon discovers a web of double crossings, deceit, and personal gain.

In his investigation, Jared learns that he really didn't know his brother and now he's not sure who to trust. While the main suspect's captured, the kingdom breathes a sigh of relief. However, the apprentice to the physician doesn't believe his guilt. She still believes that real murderer is on the loose.

The closer she comes to finding out the truth, the more bodies drop. Who is really behind the death of the Prince?

My Thoughts: When I first heard this book pitched at a book event, it was described as a teen Game of Thrones with Welsh folklore inspiration. With those two ideas blended together, I was hooked. I knew this was a book for me. I confess that I read this six months ago. I loved it. I wasn't sure it was the start of a series, but that cliffhanger ending left me little doubt at the end.  I really liked Astra - and how she wouldn't let go just because everything seemed to fit. I liked Jared and how he struggled to see his friends and his enemies. I wasn't always happy with his choices and I'm curious to see how they will play out in the next  book. There's a little bit of something for everyone in this book.  I devoured this it- loving the plot twists, the danger, the action, the betrayals, and the ending. A smashing debut for this historical fantastical murder mystery. 

Cover Thoughts: I liked it
Source: ARC from Little Brown

Upcoming Book Review: Wildflower

 * Comes out July 1st *

Bird's family plays country music on the road. One night her father can't speak, so he acts Bird to fill in for him. At first, she's really nervous but soon she's shinning in the spotlight.

In the audience is a man from one of the biggest recording labels. He's wants a meeting. When her dad gets back, the family has a meeting of their own to share the news. The label doesn't want the family - just Bird.

Bird's really excited for the opportunity, but she has to think about the business side of the deal. Could she achieve her dreams and become a star?

My Thoughts: If you're a fan of Taylor Swift, Bird's rise in the music industry is just the book you're looking to read. I felt bad for Bird's family because they all put their lives on hold for their traveling band and now only Bird's given the opportunity of a lifetime. I think the constant travel would be hard on everyone - the togetherness, the tight spaces, and the physical fatigue of being on the go at all times.  I love how Bird accidentally comes into the spotlight and how she copes with it. I like watching her make business decisions, standing up for her ideas, and embracing the spotlight. I loved the songwriting moments, the video shoot, and the first time she heard her song on the radio. I loved the romance with her and a family friend - their easy banter and their soda quest.  A fabulous novel that made me sigh with happiness and want to read more about Bird as soon as possible.

Cover Thoughts: Cute
Source: ARC for review
Fun Fact: The final book will have some cool bonus music swag

Review: Roomies

Elizabeth opens an email with her room assignment for next year. She'll be living with Lauren, from San Francisco. Without thinking too much, she shoots Lauren off an email about packing, appliances, her father, and her excitement about Berkeley.

Lauren's response isn't very chatty. Elizabeth's trying to figure out if it's rude or just straightforward.

Lauren has a lot going on right now, but she feels the pressure to get a microwave as a peace offering for her emails. It's clear that Elizabeth wasn't thrilled with her response. Once she does, she writes back to Elizabeth - including a few details of her life - with a tiny explanation to the previous email.

That starts them emailing back and forth. Soon things in their lives are crumbling around them and they start relying on each other more and more. Will they be BFFs before college even starts?

My Thoughts: I read this book ages ago as I grabbed an ARC at book preview. I devoured it! I loved how LOand EB started off rocky, but grew to depend on each other for advice: family, friendship, and relationship. I love that it takes place during the summer before college. I love the email correspondence interspersed with the story. I felt bad for both girls and their family situations, but I like how it made them grow. A fantastic novel about moving on from high school and learning to embrace a new chapter in your life. 

Cover Thoughts: Love it!
Source: ARC from Little Brown

Review: Unbreakable

 * first book in a new series *

Kennedy's world crumbles when her mother dies. A few nights later, she would have died if not for the interference of two brothers. They broken into her house and rescue her before a ghost kills her.

They tell her she's part of their team - a team that's been training for most of their lives. Kennedy has no idea what they're talking about. Her mother never mentioned a secret society or demon hunting.

She's not sure she should believe the brothers. They take her in and introduce her to the group. And share their mission. The Legion's after pieces of a weapon that could destroy the world.

She can't figure out her talent that makes her part of the group, can't figure out who to trust, and can't figure out which brother means more to her. As much as she tries to help out, she doesn't understand the rules and almost gets everyone killed. Is she really one of them or is she just a hindrance. 

My Thoughts: The tagline hooked me Supernatural meets The Da Vinci Code in this action-packed paranormal thriller. And it's right. The Supernatural jumped out at me within the first few pages and I was hooked. I loved watching Kennedy come to terms with her new life and figure out the Legion. I liked the ghost-hunting along the way and how the group came together to find the pieces of the weapon. I liked the action and the danger from the ghosts. I liked watching hte group uncover clues about where the next piece was hidden. I loved the brothers, although I felt bad for them. I hope they can solve their differences. I liked the romantic tension. I really liked Priest and his talent. I like Alara. I can't believe the ending, it left me wanting the next book immediately! 

Cover Thoughts: It's ok.
Source: From the publisher
Book Publication Date: October 1st