Tween Tuesday Review: Forget Me Not Summer

Three sisters visit their aunt for a few weeks in Cape Cod. When they arrive, they realize they won't have the distraction of either the internet or cable. Plus, they have to share a room.

Marigold can't believe it. She's finally got her big break with an agent and now she's shipped off for a month without being able to audition for a blockbuster movie.

Zinnia and Lily adjust a little better. Soon the three of them find their way. The two older girls spend their mornings at the beach, discovering new things the island has to offer. It might not have been the summer they had in mind, but it's still a fantastic summer.

My Thoughts: I loved this book. It's perfect for summer with spending time at the beach, eating seafood, and hanging out in the sun.

The sisters are wildly different, but sweet in their own ways. Lily is hilarious and charming as she always finds herself in trouble. Zinnia gets lost in the shadow of her older sister, but I love how she break free. Marigold gets caught up in the world of Hollywood and doesn't behave in the nicest manner. Even through their differences, these girls have a tight sisterly bond that nothing can break.

I love the freedom and sense of peace that comes over their days; it seems like the perfect summer vacation to me especially since the girls have to unplug and go exploring to find adventure. I love that the girls take chances and dream big.

Cover Thoughts: Charming
Source: The Library
 Fun Fact: Leila Howland also wrote the two YA books Nantucket Blue and Nantucket Red

Final Thoughts: Gobble this one up in the sun, you won't regret it! 

Tween Tuesday Review: Hero's Guide to Saving the Kingdom

Prince Charming isn't just one person - actually there are five Princes, all given the nickname of Charming and none of them is happy about it or with their part in the fairy tale stories.  Each of them leave their kingdom and set out to seek an adventure and improve their name. They stumble upon each other and begin to become friendly when they uncover an evil plot.

Determined to change their fate, they team up and used their strengths to save the kingdom.

My Thoughts: I was recommended this series by a girl who doesn't love reading, but adores these books. And she was right. They're funny and fresh with quirky characters who steal your heart. I love the mixed up fairy tales and uncover the "truth" behind what really happened. I love the action, the danger, the quick wits, and the humor. I really loved the feisty heroines. The illustrations are great, helping to add detail to this charmingly entertaining read and a fun start to a series.

Cover Thoughts: Great

Source: My Library

New Adult Review: Suddenly Royal

Sam's working on her masters degree in wildlife biology with a concentration on birds when her life changes. She's asked to join a duchess from Liaria for dinner. Sam assumes the invitation has to do with a donation for the program.

Instead, Sam discovers she hails from a royal line herself and is the heir to an estate in Lilaria.

Will Sam change her life upside down and embrace her royal life?

My Thoughts: A new adult version of Princess Diaries. I loved Sam for her spunk. her sense of fashion (or lack there of), for her loyalty, and for her passion. I loved meeting Alex - the Prince.  He was dreamy and the sparks flew between them. I loved the chemistry and banter between the two of them. I liked watching Sam attempt to adjust to her new life. I can't wait to read Alex's sister's story.

Cover Thoughts: Charming
Source: A gift

Mini Review: No Good Duke Goes Unpunished

* Rules of Scoundrels Series #3 *

Temple used to live a life of luxury as next in line as Duke of Lamont. But twelve years ago, a night he doesn't remember, cast him out of society and earn him the name the Killer Duke. Now the woman he supposedly killed is back, offering him a chance at redemption...for a price. 

The Good: I love Sarah MacLean's books and this one was amazing. I loved Temple - he's so tough but he showed his softer side multiple times. I loved Mara - she's smart, feisty, and doesn't back down from a challenge. I loved the boys at her school and of course, Lavender. I love how Temple and Mara danced and bantered the whole book before falling in love. I laughed, I smiled, I gasped, and my heart was happy. A perfect read for a cold winter's day.

The Bad: That cliffhanger ending with the surprise ending makes me NEED the last book ASAP.

Overall Verdict:  If you haven't read this series and you like Regency romance, get yourself to a library or bookstore immediately. 

Review: Sum of All Kisses

They hate each other.  Anger and hate burn in Sarah for the duel that caused her favorite cousin to flee England, for the hurt it caused the family, and for having to miss her first season where 14 couples were engaged.  Hugh finds Sarah to be a dramatic know-it-all who threw his mistakes in his face at a party.

Since the duel that left Hugh with a limp and Daniel fleeing for his life, Hugh's tried hard to bring the former friendship back together. He finally persuaded his father to call off the men after Daniel. He found Daniel and brought him back. Now he's enduring two weddings with Daniel's family and friends so the public can see there's no bad blood between them.

At the first wedding, her cousin Honoria asks Sarah to look after Hugh and make sure he's not bored. Sarah reluctantly agrees and after spending time in his company, she's surprised to find she no longer hates him. In fact, her feelings have completely changed...

My Thoughts: I adore Julia Quinn's novels. They're always full of banter, humor, family drama, and romance. I liked the first meeting between Sarah and Hugh and what they thought of each other afterwards. I loved the awkward conversations between the two of them and how they slowly started to change. I loved the squabbling between Sarah and her sisters, it made me laugh. Hugh was brave, determined, and stubborn, but I love how he stood up for what he believed in. A fantastic read. 

Cover Thoughts: Cute
Source: Library

Meg Cabot at RJ Julia's

Meg Cabot was at RJ Julia's at the beginning of the week. Of course I rearranged my work schedule to be there! If you've been following the blog, you know that not only is she one of my favorite authors, but she's also the reason I became a YA Librarian. In grad school, I wasn't sure which librarian road I was going to take. I read the first Princess Diaries book and it changed me. I chose to be a YA Librarian because of the amazing books in the field. And it was right choice. So how could I pass up meeting her? It was a fantastic night.

We learned some secrets of her past. She started writing when she was very young, making up all kinds of stories.  She hated Math (as does Princess Mia). Here's a photo of her.

She was an Art Major in college. At first she thought of majoring in writing, but she met a boy at party who advised her against it. He said that majoring in something you love would crush your love for it. So she majored in art instead. (She ended marrying that boy after meeting him again years later). Here's one of her illustrations of laundry. 

She thought she would go to NYC and get an illustrating job.  That didn't happen. Instead, she found herself with a job at NYU in the dorm (much like Heather Wells - only there were no dead bodies).

When her father passed away, she realized that life was short. She didn't want to regret not trying for her dreams. The day she got home from the funeral, she started seriously writing query letters. She wrote query letters and started sending them in daily for two years. And got a pile of rejections in return. But rejections weren't the worst thing that could happen, so she kept trying. She has folders of manuscripts that will never be published.

She asked her friends for some advice after learning that her story about a girl finding out her mother's dating her teacher didn't have enough of a plot. She wondered if the girl should turn out to be a princess or be kidnapped by aliens. The princess plot won and the main character turned 14 instead of 30. 

For the Heather Wells books, she wanted an average woman. At the time, that was size 12 but it's now size 14. She used a lot of her background from her previous job in the series. Yes, people really did elevator surf. To keep more up to date on current student life, she reads blogs. When she's stuck with procedure questions, she calls her brother who works as a cop.  Other covers for the first Heather Wells book:

For the current cover, they couldn't find a male model who portrayed Cooper. The book covers in France for the series use a cake topper. That seemed like a fun alternative. I can't wait to read The Bride Wore Size 12. 

Here we are together with the cake topper from the cover!

Tween Tuesday Review: The Colossus Rises

 * start of a new series*

Jack doesn't know it yet, but he only has a few months left to live - he has a rare genetic disorder.  His father's away on business halfway around the world and his au pair just quit. While running away from a bully, he runs out into the street, where's he's hit by car. Jack wakes up in an institution.

There Jack learns about his genetic disorder - the one that's going to kill him. He also learns there might be a way to live. If he works with others like him to find seven magic loculi - those elements that when combined will cure him.

He's not sure who to trust, but he know he doesn't want to die. Now, he's attempting to figure out the mysteries of Atlantis and the location of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Can history really save him?

My Thoughts: A thrilling new start to an action packed series filled with danger, adventure, and pure fun! The Colossus Rises is the perfect book for readers of the 39 Clues series or the Infinity Ring series or Percy Jackson series. Seven Wonders series combines the thrill of danger with history, making the book exiting. I liked learning about the Colossus. I really liked Jack - he was funny, a prankster, a MacGyver type character. A super fun book that I devoured and tweens will gobble up!

Cover Thoughts: Cool
Source: Won a signed ARC on Twitter

Review: Just for Fins

 * this is the third book in the fins trilogy*

Lily's worried about the kingdom. After a disastrous meeting, she learns that the oceans are failing and her people are in danger. There's not enough food and the waters are becoming polluted.

She wants to make a difference and help the mer - people. Unfortunately, she's going to need a stellar plan to convince the other rulers to help.

As if worrying about her kingdom isn't enough, Lily learns about a law that could change everything for her and Quince. Could their romance be forbidden?

My Thoughts: I'm SO happy there was a third book as I ADORE this series. I love the fishy slang, it makes me giggle. I really like the descriptions under sea, they've vivid. 

 The secondary characters are strong characters. They're unique, entertaining, and full of life. I really like Peri. I love how she stands up herself and for Lily against their arch nemesis.  I like Lily's Dad. He's strong, supportive, and lets her make her choices. He believes in her, but also lets her make mistakes. I've ever started liking Doe. She's starting to come around and show emotions.

 I love the romance between Lily and Quince. They're perfect for each other and I really like their moments together. 


A fabulous trilogy full of mermaids, laughter, romance, friendship, and finding yourself!

Cover Thoughts: Beautiful
Source: from Tera (Thanks Tera!!!!)

Review: Enthralled

Sixteen short stories from Rock Star authors - all featuring a paranormal aspect. I love most of these authors and the rest are going in my TBR pile!


My Thoughts: I was blown away by this book. Normally, I don't read many short stories, because I ALWAYS want them to become books. And it was the same in this case, but they were so good. I couldn't put the book down. Honestly, I skipped 2 stories - two because they were part of series and I'm not caught up yet and one didn't hook me. I'm going to pass this out to every asking about paranormal reads. It has everything - ghosts, vampires, werewolves, zombies...
In the ARC, they have the author information in the back of the book, I hope that's changed in the final copy. I wanted to know more about the authors and if the stories were about characters from books. Put this on your reading list immediately!


Cover Thoughts: I really like it - especially the font!

Source: from Jennifer Lynn Barnes. THANKS JEN!

Adult Review: It Happened One Autumn

Lillian Bowman and her family are to be the guests of Lord Marcus Westcliff - the most eligible bachelor in London. They will be attending a large house party. Last time, the Bowmans visited Lord Westcliff's house, the man of the house and a friend caught the Wallflowers playing rounders - without all their proper clothes.

This time, Marcus catches Lillian and her sister playing rounders with the stable boys. He's unable to stop himself from joining in or giving Lillian some pointers on her game.

Lillian's never seen this playful side of Marcus. It doesn't last too long. Soon the game ends and they are rushing back to the house for dinner. Marcus and Lillian become stranded in the garden as they attempt to sneak back into the house. Before she knows what's happening, Marcus kisses her.

Lillian isn't any more fond of Marcus than he is of her. She's exceedingly puzzled by his kisses. Is there something drawing them together or could it be her new perfume with the magic ingredient that's attracting Marcus to her?

My Thoughts: The second in series of books - I wanted to read these after I saw The Wallflower Christmas and realized it was part of a series. I love the idea - of four girls, who normally sit on the sidelines of society and watch form a friendship. They make a vow to help marry each other off in order of age. I love the American sisters - Lillian is loyal, fierce, stubborn, daring, and quite determined. I love how her sister tries to smooth away any parental concerns. They have a great relationship. I love Marcus and how he learns to let go of himself - just enough. I adore this series but the ending of this one left me a little scared for Evie - which shows how deeply attached one can become to these characters! I am becoming a HUGE fan of Lisa Kleypas!!!!

Cover Thoughts: Beautiful - I love how it takes place in the garden

Source: my library

Review: Ten Things We Did (And Probably Shouldn't Have)

April doesn't want to move with her father and his wife to Cleveland. She doesn't want to leave her friends. She wants to finish high school in the same school. She can't bear the thought of leaving her boyfriend of two years - especially since they were going to lose their virginity together the very night her father tells her the news.

April and her friend Vi come up with a plan. She'll stay at Vi's house for the year. The only problem- Vi's mother won't be there. She'll be touring with a theater production.

They cover it up with a gigantic lie. Vi pretends to be her mother and over the phone convinces April's father that everything will be just fine and that she'd LOVE having April stay with them.

April's terrified of her father learning the truth. But that doesn't stop her from moving into the basement. April and Vi have the place to themselves and nothing to stop them from living out their wildest dreams.

Will they get caught?

My Thoughts: I love Sarah Mlynowski's books. As usual, I was hooked! I didn't want to stop reading. I loved April and her crazy ideas. I loved watching her get into and out of scrapes. I loved watching her relationships develop and change. I couldn't stop turning the pages! If you haven't read this or any other of Sarah Mlynowski's books - RUN out and get them!

Cover Thoughts: Love the cover and the Title!

Source: Bought at a book signing from RJ Julia's

Adult Review: Just Like Heaven

Honoria always wanted to hang out with her brother and his friend. She never wanted to be left out of the fun. Now she's grown up and still hates being left out.

Her brother's exiled for a crime he committed. Honoria and her mother don't talk about him. Honoria doesn't like to think how her life might have been different if he was still living with them. Honoria is disappointed with her prospects and her lack of marriagability. She's come to realize that she needs to marry and soon. Honoria's willing to help a potential suitor.

She sets a trap for a potential husband only to have Marcus stumble upon it. She still sees Marcus at society events - he's almost like a brother to her. She's comfortable in his company - as comfortable as she with her musical quartet. As he recovers from the incident - Honoria begins to wonder if she could possbily have feelings for him.

Could their friendship turn into something more?

My Thoughts: I met Julia Quinn at BEA - where I stood in line with several women singing her high praises. This isn't the first Julia Quinn book I've read, but I've quickly come to the conclusion that I need to read more of her work and soon!

I really enjoyed this one. I loved the banter between Honoria and Marcus - from the time they were children to their present behavior. I loved the idea of the musical night as a family tradition, especially since all the musicians are terrible. I love the relationship between the girls performing in the quartet.

* It's the first in a new quartet with characters from her popular Bridgerton series (which I REALLY need to read)

Cover Thoughts: Adorable! And I do understand about the shoes! I love it when cover make sense AFTER I've read the book. It's like belonging to a secret society :)

Source: BEA - signed by the author herself!!!!

Review: Fins are Forever

**Sequel to Forgive My Fins - spoiler alert***

Lily's approaching her 18th birthday, where she'll relinquish her claim to the Thalassinia throne. She'll give up being Princess Waterlily and become Lily forever. She's so happy with Quince, but she needs to figure out her future for her life on land. Unfortunately, this means passing the SATs and looking at colleges.

Lily never thought this day would come, so she's completely unprepared for the future. She devotes time to studying. One of her teaches might have an inside track at a nearby college.

Lily can't believe everything's working out so smoothly.

Then her cousin Doe appears on land. She's been exiled from Thalassinia and is here to stay with Lily and Lily's aunt. Lily can't imagine what caused her cousin's exile and Doe's not talking. Worse, after one day, Doe fits into Lily's world better than Lily does. Doe has an amazing fashion sense. Doe captures Lily's ex-crush Brody's attention. Then Doe completes her plan: kiss Brody and force Lily back to the castle to save her once again.

Does Doe simply want to return to the sea, or is she angling for Lily's life on land?

My Thoughts: I LOVED this read and it's by one of my favorite authors. As with the previous book, I loved the relationship between Lily and Quince. I loved the addition of Doe to the story - even though she's evil. I liked watching Lily figure out her future as she's torn between two worlds. An enchanting read that's thoroughly recommended!!! I loved the ending and HOPE there's more coming about Lily and her future.


Cover Thoughts: Cute and I love the connection to the Forgive My Fins


Source: ARC from the author

Also if you're from the New England area, please note that Tera Lynn Childs will be at Otis Library on June 27th at 6:30!!! I'm super excited to meet Tera. Save the date because it's going to be a GREAT night!

Tween Tuesday Review: Babe and Me

Joey's father just lost his job. Frustrated, he asks his son to give up his Babe Ruth baseball card. Joey doesn't want to give up the card. Instead, he comes up with another suggestion. They could time travel through the baseball card and get Babe Ruth's autograph to sell. Joey also wants to know if Babe Ruth really did call his shot in the third game of the World Series

They arrive in New York minutes before Babe Ruth gets out of his car. Joey and his dad meet Babe Ruth. They him to sign baseballs, the eat dinner with him, and they ride the train to Chicago with him and the team.

Will they be able to accomplish their goal?

My Thoughts: I read this for our 4th and 5th grade book club. I didn't realize that it was part of a series. I hate reading books out of order and this is the third in the series. It's a stand alone title - although the other books were mentioned. I liked the time travel and how much history comes through. I love the idea of time traveling through baseball cards. I liked the historical photographs. I really liked Babe - he comes across as a unique complex character. Both history and baseball come alive in this one.

Cover Thoughts: I really like it.

Source: my Library

Review: Thirteenth Princess

By the time she's eleven, Zita learns she's not just an ordinary servant. While she does work in the kitchen, she's actually a Princess. Bit by bit, she wheedles out the truth of her birth from Cook, the housekeeper, and the maids.

Her father, the King, always wanted a son. Instead, twelve daughters arrived. All of their names begin with "A" after their mother. On the dark and stormy night Zita was born, her mother exited the world. The death of her mother broke her father's heart. He rejected his daughter and named her after the patron saint of servants.

All this time Zita has been kept apart from her sisters. When she uncovers the truth, she tries to speak with them whenever she sees them. She starts spending time with them in secret.

Soon after her twelfth birthday, she begins to notice changes in her sisters' behavior. They won't talk to dinner guests. They seem tired all the time. Soon, one by one, they fall to theirs beds. No one can figure out the cause of their illness. Zita knows she must do something to save her sisters.

My Thoughts: A unique Twist of the fairy tale of Twelve Dancing Princesses. I loved hearing the story from a 13th sister - unknown to the world. Zita was sweet, charming, and brave. I loved reading her relationship develop with her sisters. I enjoyed her relationship with the stable boy Breckin.

Cover Thoughts: I love it

Source: My Library

Out Now: A True Princess - a Princess and the Pea tale

Review: Wildfire Run

Luke's dad is the President of the United States. They awake one morning at Camp David to an earthquake ripple. Immediately, the President heads to Washington to uncover more details about the destruction and to figure out how to best help the people. Luke remains at Camp David with his friend, Theodore. They plan to build a robot with the help of his dog. They're in the middle of working on the project when Luke's used-to-be friend, Callie, appears. She's carrying a kitten. When the canine frightens the feline, both animals take off into the woods. Luke and Callie run to catch them, but they're not allowed into the woods. Meanwhile, the Secret Service agents get word of a fast-moving forest fire. They must evacuate the camp immediately. They wait for a few minutes to see if Luke can call back his dog. When he doesn't appear, they jump into SUVs and head for the main gate. As they try to exit, catastrophe ensues. Following a car crash that leaves the extraction team separated and hurt, the three tweens need to figure out how to get away from Camp David. Unfortunately, the security measures used in keeping out terrorists are also keeping them from escaping.

My Thoughts: WILDFIRE RUN is a fast-paced read bursting with action and danger. Luke, Callie, and Theo must learn to put their differences aside and work together as a team. They come up with crazy ideas to outsmart the system, which creates a great novel for tweens and reluctant readers.

Cover: I really like it, but I find it misleading because there are three tweens in the story. However, it's eye-catching.

Source: My library, although I reviewed it for www.teensreadtoo.com

Review: Firelight

Jacinda has a deep dark secrets that one morning almost comes out destroying everything she holds dear. She's a draki - a descendant of dragons who can portray themselves as humans. Each draki has a special power and Jacinda can breathe fire.

This has gained attention from the Prince of her pride. She's not interested in his attentions. After that almost fatal morning, her mother doesn't give her a choice.

Her mother, her sister, and Jacinda pack their bags and escape in the dead of the night. They travel to the desert, where they will blend into the human world. Jacinda's sister can't wait for school, making new friends, and maybe trying out for cheerleading. Jacinda can't believe it.

The heat from the desert threatens to kill her draki form - which is part of her mother's intention. Jacinda feels trapped. She hates her life. Then she meets Will. She meet Will the morning her life changed forever. She feels drawn towards him and even though she knows she should stay away from him, she can't. They dance around each other.

Will she remain in human form or will her struggle with her draki side force her to take action in saving herself?

My Thoughts: When does book two come out? Because I want to read it NOW. Seriously, it's that good. Jacinda and Will's relationship is steamy and sizzling - literally. I can't say enough about this book: there's danger, family drama between sisters, attempting to fit in at a new school, jealous mean girls, a that one boy who makes everything worth it.


The Cover: Amazing. I love the scales around the eye and the shimmering skin- so creative!

Source: My Library

Review: Mistwood

Isabel has no memories - she only remembers the Prince chasing her through the forest. Once she allows his to capture her, she goes with him back to his castle.

He's looking for her protection - as the Shifter. She's supposed to be able to turn into anything: cat, wolf, bird, mist...while having super human strength and the speed of superman.

She has none of these things. Isabel can't even shift once she reaches the castle walls. She doesn't know what to do, except to hide her true self and attempt to gather knowledge.

Someone is after the Prince, someone who doesn't want him taking the crown. However, once she begins to untangle the truth behind her own memories and her past, she begins to have doubts. She knows the Prince isn't telling her the whole truth. What is he hiding from her and why?

Now as danger fast approaches, Isabel will be forced to chose between her past and her future.

My Thoughts: I really enjoyed this read, although I found it a bit confusing at first. I loved all the twists and turns and the danger. I loved uncovering the truth along with Isabel.

The Cover: Spooky - really great

Source: My library

Review: Player's Ruse

Fisk and Michael encounter Lady Rosamund in their journeys. She’s searching for the man she loves, but her Uncle (Michael’s father) refuses to allow her to marry. Hopelessly in love with her himself, Michael agrees to help her find Rudy – a traveling player.

Just as they’re arriving into the town where their information leads them to believe Rudy will be staying, they come across a fire. When they arrive and give word of the fire, they’re taken back out into the night, where they must show the sheriff and his men the exact location.

Wreckers have been making havoc on the ships and therefore the town. No one knows who’s behind the deeds, but if they don’t stop them the town will go to ruins. Michael wants to investigate the matter further.

When Rosamund finds her love, trouble follows her. When the bounty hunter attempting to take her back ends up murdered, the sheriff refuses to let Michael, Fisk, Rosamund, and the players leave town, as they’re witnesses to the wrecking and the murder. Resigned, Michael and Fisk join the players in their acts.

There’s something not right amongst the players as accidents keep happening. Are they really accidents or is
someone looking to cause trouble? Could these incidents be related to the wreckers, or does someone just
have a grudge against Michael?

My Thoughts: The third book in this series that's part medieval and part mystery. Michael and Fisk seem like an unlikely pair, but their partnership works, as Michael tends to be softhearted, which often leads him into trouble, and Fisk’s streetwise skills save the boys often. Their adventures always contain action, danger, and the strength of brotherhood.

The Cover: It's different, but appealing

Source: Reviewed for www.teensreadtoo.com

Spotted: Wildfire Run Booktrailer

I'm So looking forward to this book, check out the trailer and see why:


Out August 31st