Review: By Your Side

Autumn has big plans for the weekend - they include finally making a certain boy her boyfriend. They do not include being locked in the library for three days without any supplies. With her bag in Jeff's car, Autumn returns to the library to find a bathroom. All her friends believe her to be in a different car and leave without her. Autumn returns from the bathroom to discover no way out.

At first, she thinks she's alone, but then she discovers a classmate there. Only Dax isn't there by accident. Being in the library over the weekend is better than being in his latest foster home. Thankfully, he has supplies because it's cold there and the hunger pains don't go away any time soon.

To pass the time, Autumn and Dax play games, watch TV, and talk. As the weekend progresses, Autumn realizes that everyone's view of the resident bad boy is wrong. Before she knows it, Autumn cares about Dax. But will she revert back to normal once they escape the library and get back to reality?

My Thoughts: Of course, this one grabbed my attention as the characters were stuck in a library. It took me a tiny bit to suspend reality that the doors were locked from the inside too, but I loved the library scenes. I loved exploring the library. I loved the moments uncovering items in the staff room. I really loved the truths shared between Dax and Autumn. And their little moments together. I enjoyed the moments after the library too - even though they both returned to reality, they were still connected in someway. I felt terrible for Autumn as she struggled to find her equilibrium after that weekend with Jeff and his friends. Super cute romance!

Cover Thoughts: Cute
Source: My Library

Library Recommendation: Who doesn't want a romance about getting locked into the library? Order this one! 

Review: Lies I Told

Grace doesn't know any other life than being a grifter. Her latest mission is to infiltrate and be-friend a boy to discover the whereabouts of the gold bars hidden on the property.

Her first mark, a friend of the boy's doesn't take, so she goes right to the source. Logan is easy on the eyes and he's nice. The more Grace gets to know him, the more she regrets the job and her role in it.

With her brother trying to get her to leave the job and their adoptive parents behind, Grace can't help but wonder if she's going the right thing - when does the con become too much?

My Thoughts: I really loved this book; I devoured it and I'm so happy there's another book coming.

Ever since Tera Lynn Childs hooked me on Leverage, I've been a huge fan of grifter and con books. I really liked how Parker made Grace think long and hard about their past and about their future. Grace isn't all that happy in this job and I like her questioning her life. It's hard for her because she feel obligated to help her family - the people that took her in and raised her. But they never really gave her a choice on their life style.  

I liked watching both Parker and Grace learn to fit in with a new crowd of people and their tricks to getting people to like them. Where does obligation and duty end? Where does loyalty fit in? 

I can't wait to have these questions and more answered in the next book.

Cover Thoughts: I like how it's blurry
Source: My Library

Final Thoughts: Lots of action and danger and emotions kept me turning the pages as fast as I could. 

Review: The Heir

Twenty years after her parents met during The Selection, the kingdom changed. Now the caste system is obsolete, but the problems haven't gone away.

Princess Eadlyn has been preparing to take her father's place on the trone her whole life. With the political unrest, the people could use a distraction. So, she agrees to her own Selection.

A group of young men comes to the palace all vying for her hand in marriage. Princess Eadlyn is convinced she'll never fall in love.  She doesn't need the grand love that her parents have, but it would be nice to have a partner she can respect who will support and respect her. Will she find herself a prince consort among the contestants?

My Thoughts: I loved the Section trilogy, so I was SO happy to hear about the spin-off trilogy. And it didn't disappoint!

I loved the princess. I liked how Princess Eadlyn was torn between her duty of finding a mate and understanding her heart. I loved how she enjoyed politics and helping to run the country, even though at times it can seem like a burden. She's smart, determined, and blunt at times. I love how she began to understand her people and not see them only as a duty. She started to question  the idea of perfection and finding her self-worth outside her primary role. 

I loved learning more about the characters from the previous series and how their lives turned out. I really liked the blossoming friendship between the princess and Kile. I enjoyed her twin brother and his quirks. 

My only concern is why didn't the guys in the selection have to jump through hoops like the girls did? They didn't seem to have to plan or create anything to prove their worth.

I can't wait to see what happens next, especially after that ending!

Cover Thoughts: This one might be my favorite yet.
Source: My Library

Final Thoughts: If you haven't read this one yet, what are you waiting for? It's got everything: friendship, family drama, romance, kissing, political unrest, and a smart heroine you want to root for. 

Review: Perfect Lies

 * Companion novel to Mind Games *

2 sisters in trouble and each trying to save each other. They've been put into impossible situations by the Keane Foundation. Now they've desperately trying to get out - but they have to go about it separelty and without each other's knowledge. Both of them think they're going about it the right way, but is there only one right answer?

My Thoughts: Told in alternate timing and perspectives, this book's filled with action, danger, friendship, and sisterly love. I love the idea of the future changing with different actions and how it's so hard to pinpoint the future (and the truth). While love plays a huge part in this novel, I loved how sisterhood seemed to be in the forefront of each sister's mind. A thrilling book that was hard to put down.

Cover Thoughts: Cute
Source: My Library 

Mini Review: Allegiant

The final chapter in the Divergent series where Tris and Four figure out the next step and how to make their world better. 

My Thoughts: I've heard tons of people were unhappy with the ending of this trilogy. I admit that I didn't cry. I wasn't broken. I didn't throw the book across the room. Maybe it was the rumblings of unhappiness that made me prepared for the worst. Maybe it was the fact that I hadn't read Insurgent in a while. Maybe it was the fact that it made sense to me. I could see why is happened the way it happened. That's not to say I wasn't sad, but just that I understood it. 

Did you like it or hate it?

Review: Hidden

 * End of the trilogy - read my reviews for books one and two*

Jacinda has the perfect escape plan to leave behind her life with the draki and to find out what happened to her family.  Unfortunately, the guilt she feels for Miram's capture weighs upon her.

Jacinda can't leave Cassian's sister to the humans. She helps formulate a plan that will get her captured. From there, Will, Cassian, and Tamra will break them both out. The prison isn't what Jacinda imagines - it's brutal. The humans want to break her and then uncover her secrets.

Jacinda isn't sure she can last the day or two it will take for her rescue. Miram isn't interested in leaving. They've broken her. Jacinda uses Cassian's name to spur her into motion. Jacinda hopes that she can last without breaking to ensure the success of her mission and her escape into the happily ever after with Will.

My Thoughts: A great ending to a steamy, heart-pounding, action packed trilogy. I love how each book layers upon the danger of the world knowing the draki secret. I love the romance between Will and Jacinda - and also the pull Jacinda feels for Cassian. I loved the relationship between Jacinda and her sister. They were friends, then almost enemies, and then friends again. It's the normal sisterly relationship. I was both fascinated and horrified to learn the secrets behind Jacinda's family. A perfect trilogy for those readers who are looking for a steamy fantastical story.

Cover Thoughts: I love the flowing red hair and how this book cover ties into the others
Source: My Library

Teen Review Thursday: Shatter Me

This book takes place in a futuristic world where everything has fallen apart. There is little food and everything is controlled by a group called “The Reestablishment”. “The Reestablishment” promised people a better future and told them they would fix the problems of the people. However, once they took power they did nothing to help the people at all. The book’s main character is a girl named Juliette. In the beginning of the book she is locked in an insane asylum but she isn’t insane. She has an ability that allows her to kill people just by touching them. This ability makes a person in a position of power in “The Reestablishment” interested in her.  This book follows her from the insane asylum onward and is written in her perspective.

I liked the book for many reasons. First, I thought it was interesting to hear the story from Juliette’s point of view rather than a third person point of view. It allows the reader to know what Juliette is thinking at all times. Also, I liked the author’s writing style. They had an interesting way of describing things. For example they used a lot of numbers and counting to express things which I thought was interesting. One thing I didn’t like was the fact that the end of the book was a cliffhanger. While I assume there will be a sequel it was still rather upsetting that the book just cut off during, in my opinion, a really important part. Overall, this was a very good book that I would recommend to other teenage girls

Kelly -   Age 16

Rating: 8

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: Smart Girls Get What They Want

* This book come out June 26th and you'll WANT to read it*

Gigi, Bea, and Neerja are best friends. They have brains and they're not afraid to show it. They worship Neerja's older sister until they discover her year book. It's not full of friendly signatures. In fact, it's like Parad didn't exist. Gigi and her BFFs vow not to let that happen to themselves; they will step out of their comfort zone and become part of high school.

When Gigi and Mike both answer the bonus question correctly on the hardest exam given, they're assumed of cheating. They have to do a project together and a letter will go into their records. Gigi can't believe it. She's so annoyed with this new procedure that when another scandal makes the current student rep resign, she decides to run.  She hopes to protest the letter and the new cheating policy. As she digs deeper into school politics, she hopes to save art classes.

However, in order to get the students to notice her, she's going to have to get her face out there. She listens to one of the popular girls and stops eating lunch in the honors lounge. She starts talking to her classmates and learning about them.

Bea decides to risk her parents' wrath and join the ski team. Neerja tryout for Romeo and Juliet, hoping time with her crush will land her a date. Gigi also tries out for the play even though she hates public speaking. She joins the ski team even though she's terrible at skiing. In supporting her friends with their decisions, she makes new friends and sees high school just a little bit differently.

My Thoughts: I'm a big fan of Sarah's adult books, so I was thrilled to hear she had a YA debut coming out. I've been waiting for about a year to read it.


I love that the three girls are super smart and that they want to  excel in their students but also have a social life. I love that Gigi styles in her hair in a thermodynamic way, it made me giggle. I found it charming that she rewards herself with episodes of Bones. She drools over Booth, but her hero is Bones.


I like how each girl blossoms when they step out of their comfort zone and start to mingle. I like how surprised they are by other students and how they misjudged people. 


Besides the great friendship between the three girls, I enjoyed watching them become friends with other girls. I liked the interactions with Sienna and Ava. The "Man Clan" was hilarious! I loved the guys pegged into that role. They were funny, sports, and entertaining. I found Mike annoying at first, but quickly he became one of my favorite characters. I adored his nickname for Gigi - Einstein. I like that he teased her. The romantic relationships were also a key factor in the book and there were a couple swoon worthy moments.


 We certainly need more smart girls in teen literature. 


This book almost makes me want to go back to high school to change certain parts of my experience to make it more well rounded like these girls.

Cover Thoughts: Perfect! The glasses which conveys brains and the fashionable outfit are both true to Gigi.


Source: from the publisher with a nudge from Sarah (THANKS!)


Fun Fact: Sarah's busy creating tweets about smart girls - follow her @ #smartgirls

Review: Sweet Shadows

*2nd in a trilogy - read my review of the first book - Sweet Venom *

** This book comes out in September, so keep your eyes open for it**

Sweet Shadows picks up a few moments before the last book ends, which was on a major cliff hanger. The triplets dive into the ocean. From that moment on, they know that they not only need each other to survive, but their lives will never be the same again.

Someone wants to kill them. As they get deeper into the mystery of the key generation and the prophecy, they realize how many layers exist in their decision.

The sisters understand they must learn to trust each other more than ever as things grow darker and more dangerous.

My Thoughts: I love this trilogy. I love the monster fights. I really liked the description of the Abyss and the monsters locked in the darkness. 


I found the secondary characters of Nick and Thane very interesting. They both have secrets, especially Thane. I'm looking forward to discovering more about his past and how he fits in with the triplets. While he was absent for most of the book, I can feel his story will be significant. 


I liked the romance (and the heat) between Nick and Gretchen. I thought their interaction provided both comic relief and plot twists.


I loved the sisters' relationship and their learning to lean on each other. I liked their struggle. Greer attempts to remain perfect, but the facade's crumbling. She isn't sure what to do, but her sisters might have the answer. Grace doesn't like keeping secrets from her family. She hates the thought that they can't trust her. Gretchen can't stand not knowing what to do next to save her mentor. She must trust her sisters to watch her back. They became friends, despite their differences.


Again, this ends on a cliff hanger - which only leaves me more excited to read the final installment. 

Cover Thoughts: I love how it connects with the first book with the hair split int tendrils (almost snake-like) and the dark shirt fading into the background.


Source: Tera! Thanks Tera - you rock!

Review: Pretty Crooked

Willa and her mom move to a posh neighborhood where Willa enrolls in private school. It's the first time they've had money.  Willa isn't too sure about the school, but she lands among the Glitterati.

She soon discovers that the popular girls aren't the nicest girls. They talk trash about their fellow students, especially those students on scholarship. Willa can't bring herself to break up with the Glitterati, but she wants to find a way to help the scholarship students.

Willa begins thief lessons. Soon she's taking money from purses and buying items in secret for the girls.  She's a modern day Robin Hood. Willa loves the rush she gets from seeing the scholarship girls wear the clothes. She wants to do more and more.

Will her big ideas be her downfall?

My Thoughts: In writing this review, an idea just occurred to me in the future of the series. In my mind it makes sense and I can't wait to see if it's true. I liked this book. I liked the action. I liked the modern day Robin Hood idea. There were times that I didn't like Willa and I didn't understand her decisions.  I'm interested to uncover the truth about her mother. I really liked Tre. I didn't really like Aidan, but I could see his charm.  The ending took me by complete surprise and it will keep me reading the next book.


Cover Thoughts: Cute - but it doesn't totally match the book


Source: Netgalley

Challenge: Debut Author 2012

Review: Love and Leftovers

Marcie's mom left her dad and moved halfway across the country. She thought it was just for the summer.

She was wrong. She's not returning home to her friends, to her boyfriend, to her school. Now she's forced to start a new school - where everything thinks she's stuck up because she wasn't friendly over the summer.

Marcie tries to cope with her life changing. She tries to cope with her mother's depression. She tries to move on with her life.

She meets a boy. He doesn't take the place of Linus her boyfriend, but he becomes something. She's not sure she knows what love is - and she desperately wants to find out. Who does she love? Who loves her? Can Marcie figure out her life?

My Thoughts: A debut novel - Love & Leftovers is a novel in verse. Marcie's confusion about life and love rings true. Her lost, her loneliness, and her feelings drive her actions. I enjoyed watching her figure out her new life and trying to blend it together with her old life. I'm looking forward to reading more by this author.

Cover Thoughts: Cute - love the sneakers and how it works with the book.

Source: My library

Review: Dear Bully

70 Teen authors share their stories about being bullied, not stopping bullies, and sometimes acting in a bully like manner.

My Thoughts: There were poems, essays, and stories throughout the book written by favorite authors. Some of them used writing to escape their emotions. Some of them used their bullies as characters in their novels. Some of them turned to humor. Some of them ran. Some of them fought back. Some of them did nothing and endured the torment.

I can't say that I LIKED this book, because it's so emotional, so heart-wrenching, and so hard to read at times. I will say that I read it in two sittings. It was hard to put down. And that it's a book that EVERY teen should read.

Cover Thoughts: I like it

Source: My library

Review: Epic Fail

Elise's mother just took a job at a prep school in LA. It's a school full of celebrity offspring. Elise's nervous about fitting in.

Her beautiful sister Juliana has no problem. In fact, by lunch on the first day, she's managed to snag Chase's attention. Chase is adorable and sweet. Unfortunately for Elise, he's also the best friend of Derek Edwards.

Derek is the son of Hollywood royalty. He hates talking about his family or their connections. He also doesn't seem to like Elise.

Elise doesn't understand Derek. One minute they're having a great time at a party and the next he's throwing out a boy who starts talking to her. Elise connects with Webster. She can't figure out why Derek loathes him.

Will Elise choose the wrong boy?

My Thoughts: I'm SUCH a sucker for Jane Austen re-telling, especially teen one. I loved how similar it is to Pride and Prejudice. The parents were strict - the mother the school Principle and therefore embarrassing. I loved how Derek was the son of very famous actors.Using Hollywood for the setting was awesome. There were the crazy celebrity stalker girls (Layla - the Lydia character) included. I loved that Chelsea (the Caroline character) had a best friend who was more along the lines of a frenemy. I adored the relationship between Elise and Juliana. I found Layla both annoying and amusing. All in all, a great re-telling that I read in one afternoon because I didn't want to put it down.

Cover Thoughts: It's cute, but doesn't seem to jive with the story

Source: My Library

Similar Read: Prom and Prejudice

review: Vanish

Jacinda showed her true colors in front of humans putting the pride in danger in order to save Will.

There's one bright spot in all of her troubles - her sister Tamra finally manifested. She's a shader. She can erase memories and she uses that power to help Jacinda escape the hunters after she showed her true self.

With her secret out, Jacinda's brought back to the pride in shame. Her sister's finally celebrated and accepted. Jacinda is happy for her sister, but struggles to find her place in a world where she was once revered. She is nothing now.

Jacinda attempts to put Will out of her mind for good, but it's no use. She doesn't want to let him go. She doesn't want to give in to the pride and become their puppet. How will she survive?

My Thoughts: I loved the second book!!! I loved how Tamra becomes a larger part of the story and how the sisters bond again. I love how they fly together. The love triangle becomes a more significant part of the story with Cassian taking a larger role. Jacinda has a hard time choosing between what's best for her and what might save her life. She makes mistakes and tries to live with them. She's suffering under the pride rule, but she has inner strength. I can't wait to read more of this sizzling, engrossing, fantastic read.

Cover Thoughts: Love it - I love how Tamra is on the cover.

Source: My Library

Sweet Venom 2 Title Hunt

Sweet Venom comes out in a week!
(Check back tomorrow for my review! Hint - it's a FABULOUS book!!!!)

Sweet Venom book 2 has a TITLE!

I'm SO happy to participate in the Title Hunt

My Letter:


Check Out Tera's website: For the full information and a list of other blogs participating

Up for Grabs: Five signed copies of Sweet Venom and a grand prize $50 bookstore gift card, and that the hunt is open internationally.

Review: Tell Me a Secret

Rand's sister died in a car accident years ago. She's never really moved past her sister's death. Instead, she's unconsciously following in her sister's footsteps.

She's at camp when she realizes she might be pregnant. After she takes the test, she still can't believe the truth. Rand turns the her boyfriend, whom she hasn't talk to most of the summer, but he's not there. He's starting to avoid her.

Rand tells her secret to her two friends, still believing that everything will turn out just fine. She'll get married earlier than planned and they will survive. That's not the case.

Soon she's without a boyfriend and her two friends. She's a social outcast. She's a stranger within her own house. Rand knows that she's keeping the baby. She doesn't know how everything will work out or even if it will anymore. All she knows is that she's not giving up or giving in.

My Thoughts: WOW! An amazing debut novel. This book is very powerful. I spent half the morning crying over it. It's sad and uplifting at the same time. An amazing tale our a girl trying to life in her sister's shadow but also trying desperately to find herself and her own path in life. I can't wait to see what Holly comes up with next!

I've had the good fortune to meet Holly, a readergirlz and she's super sweet.

The Cover: It's interesting and sexy, but not exactly a match for the book

Source: from Holly Cupala

Read Also: Impossible by Nancy Werlin

Review: The Reckoning

Chloe and her pack are happy they found Andrew, someone from the brothers' past they can trust. He provides them with a home --beds, food, and a roof over their heads. Andrew used to work for the Edison Group and he knows people with similar powers.

He gathers them to meet the pack. Chloe, Tory, and Simon now have a chance for training. No one can help Derek, as there aren't any other werewolves in the group. He'll have to go through this change on his own. The training begins, but the adults do not believe in the strength of the pack's powers. One woman forces Chloe to go into a graveyard and raise the dead. She refuses to believe Chloe can simply summon the dead without the use of spells.

When she realizes the truth, she's afraid. She has the same powers as Chloe, but on a much smaller scale. With the adults afraid of their powers, especially Derek's werewolf form, no one is comfortable. Everyone's jumpy and before long, Chloe starts second guessing everything.

Slowly the plan to rescue friends from the Edison Group fizzles forcing the pack to reevaluate their situation. Something seems a bit off, but they can't quite put their fingers on it. Are they really safe or this house just a cover with danger lurking right around the corner?


My Thoughts: I'm sad to see this series end. I Loved the danger, the friendship, the double crossings, the twists, the action and the paranormal elements. The ending fit perfectly, very satisfying.

The Cover: Awesome - love the similarities of the series

Source: My Library

Fun Fact: Taken from K. Armstrong's journal:
While this is the last book in the trilogy, it's not the end of the series. Book 4, The Gathering, comes out next spring. You won't find a page for it here because of the site overhaul, though. The Gathering adds new characters to the series while the current ones take a well-deserved break!

Awesome news!

Spotted: Love Bites

If you can't wait for the book's release (next week), check out a juicy chapter one

there's also a contest to win a copy of the book here

Review: Shadow of the Moon

Hayden is different from the rest of the werewolf shifter pack. She has the ability to sense powerful feelings from her pack around her. She can't see the future or know who experiences the feelings, but her gift torments her.

She's spent most of her childhood away from her home at boarding school where she can blend with humans and be at peace. However, the time of her changing draws near and she must return home to chose a mate. Hayden has no desire to chose a mate, to become so close to one person would make her head explode.

She creeps away in one night after she's threatened by a creature who steals souls. Content working for a coffeehouse on a mountain, she knows the elders will send someone for her. She never expected Daniel and she never expected to care for him...


My thoughts: The 4th book in the Dark Guardian series is still addicting and full of danger, romance, and friendship.

The Cover: Eye-Catching

Source: my Library