Upcoming Review: Last Man Out

Tommy loves football. He lives for it both on and off the field. During one of the most important games of the season, he hears the fire whistle. He knows his dad's out there battling the flames.

It isn't until afterwards that he learns the truth - his father didn't make it out. He always said be the first man in and the last man out, but not this time.

Now Tommy, his sister, and his mother must learn to live without him. Tommy becomes angry at the world and a little reckless. His sister Em quits the soccer team and shuts out the world. And their mom just tries to keep everyone together.

My Thoughts: I really liked this book. It made me tear up twice in the first few pages and it certainly tugged at my heartstrings a few more times. I liked the football moments. I liked learning more about Tommy's dad. He had great philosophies. I liked the moments between Tommy and his sister - how he tried to coax her out of her shell after the death of their father. 

The one problem I had was Tommy's age. The back cover of the ARC didn't mention Tommy's age and it wasn't until page 170 that it was mentioned. From the rest of the book, I thought he was older at least 14 if not 16 from the way he acted.  It changed the perspective of the book for me. 

Cover Thoughts: Great - Love the placement of the two helmets
Source: Book sent for review
Release Date: September 13th
Library Recommendation: Perfect for tween library collection - both school and public libraries. 

Tween Tuesday Review: Fantasy League

Charlie lives and breathes football - and he knows everything about it. He kills it in his fantasy leagues, but he' ready to admit he's not hte greatest player on the field.  He roots for his hometown team, even though they haven't had a winning record - ever.

When his BFF Anna invites him to meet her grandfather (the owner of the local football team), the two of them hit it off.  As they become friends, Charlie isn't shy about sharing his football opinions.  When Charlie mentions an older QB that's been overlooked by everyone else, Mr Warren takes a look.

He signs the QB to the team, hoping that this move will turn the team around. It does - for a while. Word gets out that a 12 year old is helping determine the team. Charlie has his moment in the spotlight but not everything is golden.  Will the sudden fame change him and would it all be worth it for a winning season?

My Thoughts:  I really really liked this book. I liked learning more about fantasy football. I loved the relationship between Charlie and Anna - how they talked football all the time, the banter between them, and how they weren't afraid to say it like it is (mostly Anna). I liked the developing relationship between Mr Warren - especially since Charlie's father isn't in the picture. Charlie grows in confidence with the fame thrust upon him - both in good ways and bad ways. I like how he gains more confidence on the field, but I'm not crazy about his secret keeping from Anna.A feel good book that's full of love for the game of football, the stats, and making the hard choices.

Cover Thoughts: Good - it captures the feeling of the book without being a scene from the book
Source: Sent for review
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Tween Tuesday Review: Naples!

One night a great-aunt shows up unexpectedly. Zia Donatella loves cooking.  Alfie and Emilia join her in the kitchen.  Zia Donatella starts talking about Naples, the sights and sounds on the streets. Then she urges the siblings to imagine themselves there before taking a bite of zeppole.

One moment, Alfie and Emilia are in their kitchen and the next, they're not.  They find themselves in a pizzeria, where they spot a boy their age.

He confirms their suspicion that they are indeed in Naples, Italy. Unsure what else to do, they tag along with him to the market. It's festival night in Naples; the judges are looking for the best pizza. Marco's family is determined to win back the title.  Can the siblings help save the day and get back home? 

My Thoughts: The first in a new series for tweens filled with food, adventure, and fun. I loved reading about the streets of Naples and learning more about the city. I liked Marco's views on making pizza and his belief in the market-place for the best ingredients. I liked how the three tried to lose the spy following them, through the catacombs. I liked learning about the family drama understanding more about the tradition of pizza. A fast read with fun sketches that liven the excitement of the book. I'm looking forward to where the siblings travel next. 

Cover Thoughts: Cute
Source: ARC from BEA
Publication Date: September 3rd

Tween Tuesday Review: Blowout

** Tween Tuesday is a weekly meme hosted at GreenBeanTeenQueen to highlight great reads for tweens. Join the fun!  **

Mickey loves her mother's salon. She's dreamed of working there and now on her 13th birthday, her dreams are coming true. She's going to be responsible for sweeping up the hair on the floor and making sure the stations are set.
When she meets two girls at school waiting to get haircuts, she attempts to befriend them. Mickey wants to be liked so she shares gossip with the girls and gives them an extra bottle of nail polish each. She doesn't realize that by spreading gossip she might hurt one of the stylist's career. Nor does she think the salon will miss the nail polish until someone takes inventory.
Mickey desperately wants to keep her new job. Will she confess her crimes and help right her wrongs?

My Thoughts: The first book in a new series. I liked reading about Mickey's job in the beauty salon. She had great instincts when it came to accessories.  I thought her mom was a little hard on her at times. 


I loved how Mickey's best friend was Jonah and that they played video games and hung out together. I liked how Mickey tried to branch out and gain some friends who were girls. Although, at times it backfired. 


Mickey had great intentions, but most of the time things didn't work out according to plan, which was fun to read!


Cover Thoughts: Cute!


Source: My Library

Mysterious Saturday Review: Shelter

Mickey's starting a new school after the death of his father in a car accident and his mother going off the deep end. She's now in a rehab. He's at a new school.

He makes a name for himself on the first few days - and not in a good way. Mickey makes two good friends - Spoon and Ema.

He needs them to figure out if what Bat Lady said cold be true. Is it possible that his father is still alive? He must know. He tries contacting her again, but is stonewalled.

He's not going to give up. Just like he's going to discover how his girlfriend (of three weeks) vanished into thin air. There's no trace of her.

Mickey's not stopping until he has answers. Will the answers about Ashely lead him to discover more about his own past?

My Thoughts: I met Harlan Coben briefly at BEA - he said this book could change my life. In my crazed moment (which happens a lot when talking with authors), I said something really dorky - along the lines of "I'm ready for my life to be changed." He looked at me strangely for a moment and then we both moved on. Why do I always say stupid things in front of authors???

The book was gripping - I'm sure this will be a cross over that many adults will be reading. I loved the pacing. I was fascinated with this book and watching Mickey uncover layers of the mysteries. I really loved Ema and Spoon was great comic relief. The danger and action were well done. I couldn't put it down. A great first YA novel and I'm so looking forward to reading more about Mickey

Cover Thoughts: Creepy and perfect

Source: from Penguin at BEA

Out in September

Review: So Much Closer

Brooke has always loved Scott - she knows they're destined to be together. Just when they have a moment, he tells her he's moving to New York City.

Brooke does the only sensible thing - she moves there too. It's not too hard convincing her mother that the schools are better and she wants more of relationship with her father. Her mom's not happy, but their relationship has been strained for years.

Brooke can hardly believe it when she bumps into him at school. It turns out they live near each other. Brooke also finds out that he has a girlfriend. How can she let him know that they are meant to be together?


My Thoughts: I Loved watching Brooke discover her love for the city - in so many different ways and seeing new places. I loved the tourists things she did and the things most people don't see about the city. I enjoyed watching her struggle to figure to her relationships - with her friends and family. It felt like watching an episode of Felicity and I enjoyed every minute of it.

Cover Thoughts: I would love this cover if it were not for the purple and pink shirt/sweater combination.

Source: My Library

Review: Ghost Town

**9th book in series**

Morganville isn’t the same since Ada and the computer system failed. Claire and Myrnin have been trying to fix the problem.

Claire gets herself into Trouble.

Eve attends a party in an abandoned warehouse and she’s in danger. Claire, Shane, and Michael run to her rescue. A fight ensues between the vampires and the locals. Claire ends up killing a vampire. According to town law, the punishment for killing a vampire is death.

Amelie gives her a choice: fix the town’s problem or hang in a cage in the town square. Claire chooses to fix the problem. She can’t rest until the problem is solved.

She completes the device.

However, in the days to follow, she realizes that something drastically wrong when people begin losing chunks of their memory. The town becomes deadly once again – even in the daytime. Claire doesn’t know what she can do, but she realizes it’s up to her to fix the machine before it’s too late.

My Thoughts: I LOVE this series. It's super addicting. I LOVE the characters, especially the romances. Ghost Town delivers another amazing installment of this dangerous, action packed series about loyalty, friendship, and love. So looking forward to Bite Club (which just came into the library for me!)

Cover Thoughts: Nice and a little creepy!

Source: Reviewed for www.teensreadtoo.com

Review: Orphan of Destiny

** WARNING - this is book 3 in the series - SPOILERS exist from the previous 2 books**

Tristan and his companions Robard and Maryam have finally made their way back to England. They managed to escape capture from Sir Hugh. However, Tristan became injured during the escape. Now he's trying to heal as they make their way North to deliver the package to Rosslyn.

As they make their way North, they encounter old friends, make new friends, learn of death and destruction of loved ones, and attempt to hide their tracks from old and new enemies.

They stop briefly at Robard Hode's estate before the three friends continue their journey. When they arrives at the end location, they encounter a grave danger that might cost them everything.

My Thoughts: The end of a great series filled with action, danger, friendship, betrayal, and loyalty. I love how the tale weaves in historical/mythical people such as Robard Hode (Robin Hood), Maryam (Maid Marian), Little John, and Friar Tuck with the Holy Grail. I loved the series. The map was great. I wish there had been an historical note at the end of the series explaining the historical elements of the tale.

Cover Thoughts: I adore these covers because they bring forth the action of the series and they're eye catching!

Source: my library

Similar Read: Nathan Fox: Dangerous Times

Challenge: YA Historical Fiction Challenge

Review: Last Sacrifice

Rose is in jail, awaiting her trial for the murder of Queen Tatiana. Rose isn't good at being patient and away from the action. She can't stand being locked up. It's driving her crazy.

Then her father lawyer comes for a visit telling her the trial date has been moved up. Now, instead of having a month, they might have two weeks. Rose knows that's not going to be enough time to uncover the real murderer.

She doesn't have much time to worry because on the date of the funeral, her friends break her out of prison. Now she's on the run and supposed to go into hiding.

But Rose never does anything the easy way. She also has a secret to uncover from the late Queen. Can she clear her name and put the kingdom back to rights or will she be forever on the outside?

My Thoughts: Perfect ending for an amazing series. I'm not going to say too much, because reading something on twitter spoiled the ending for me, but just rest assured that it's the best ending ever.

I'm SO looking forward to the spin-off series. I can't wait to find out what happens.

Cover Thoughts: Love it! I love how the gate ties all of them together.

Source: My Library

Review: Anna and the French Kiss

Anna doesn't want to go to school in Paris. She doesn't want to leave her BFF or her potential boyfriend. Her father's making her spend her senior year at an American high school in France.

Her first night there, she's crying her eyes out at her situation when the girl next door invites her over for hot chocolate. Meredith introduces her to her friends and takes Anna under her wing. There's Josh, Rashmi, and St. Claire.

St. Claire's English accent makes Anna want to swoon, not to mention his dreamy good looks. Half the girls in the school are in love with him. Anna's determined not to fall under his spell, but the more they hang out, the more she feels drawn to him.

He's seriously off limits as he has a girlfriend. That doesn't stop her from being friends. Soon, he's her best friend - they go to the cinema together and explore other parts of Paris. It isn't long before Anna's questioning everything he says for double meanings. Paris is the city of love after all, could she find love with her best friend?

My Thoughts: I've been hearing about this book for MONTHS and everyone raved about it. I ran out and bought it and devoured it. It didn't disappoint - it's romantic, dreamy, full of tension, and almost perfect. I wouldn't have minded more scenes exploring Paris. I loved Anna. She was smart, had great dreams, and found herself in Paris. I liked how she analyzed everything. I loved St. Claire - he's dreamy and funny. I loved how he and Anna really understood each other and how they goofed around so much. What a smashing debut novel!!!!! I can't wait for Lola and the Boy Next Door

Cover Thoughts: PERFECT!

Source: Bought

Fun Fact: Stephanie tweeted a picture of her with the book that I thought would make the perfect READ poster, so I stole it :)