Review: Defending Taylor

 * A Hundred Oaks novel *

Taylor had it all, until one little lie tore her life apart. Now, she's enrolled in public school, playing for a soccer team who doesn't want her help, friendless, and her parents are annoyed at her actions. So long perfect life.

Now, she's struggling to be noticed by her family and struggling with her relationships. Her old friends have no time for her and she's not making any new friends at the school.

But an old friend is hanging around town - an old friend that Taylor used to crush over. He too has chosen a different path than the one set before him. He too is a disappointment to his family. The more time Taylor spends with Ezra, the more she wants a different life.

My Thoughts: So first off, I Loved this book. I love returning to Hundred Oaks and seeing old characters. I really liked the political aspect of the book. I really liked how Taylor's life shattered and wasn't perfect anymore, inspiring her to find out what she wanted from life vs what was expected from her. I loved her moments with Ezra. I enjoyed her moments on the soccer team - both the snappy comebacks and how she helped other players. I felt bad for her - for the lie she told that changed her life, for her parents' anger at her, and for the way the press ate her up. But I like how she didn't deny everything after she found out the consequences. Another wonderful book from Miranda Kenneally that I couldn't stop reading.

Cover Thoughts: Cute!
Source: My Library
Library Recommendation: Highly Recommended for all YA sections.

Review: Long Game

* Book 2 in The Fixer novels *

Tess is still reeling from her previous adventure. When Emilia calls in her favor, Tess believes it's going to be an easy road making sure Emilia becomes the next president of the student council. But Tess couldn't be more wrong.

When Emilia's competition strikes out against her, the school wants her to back down. Tess isn't about to let that happen. She launches an attack, getting most of the female student body on her side.

But Tess finds herself in the middle of a power grab and she doesn't realize it until it's too late. She's not about to give up, even when she's realizes she's been beat.

My Thoughts: I Love this series! And by series, I really hope there are more Fixer novels coming. I love the twists and turns. I love the moments I never saw coming. I love Tess and her relationship with people. I love her determination and her loyalty. I liked the moments between Tess and her family - and how she's coming to understand them more. I devoured this book and still wanted more!

Cover Thoughts: Love it!
Source: My Library
Library Recommendation: Highly recommended for all YA collections

Apparently I didn't review The Fixer on this blog (I Loved it!) but I did just mention these books on our library blog.

Review: Zero Day

Eight years ago in the Governor's mansion, a girl disappeared. Now, she reappears with a story. Her father's currently the President.

Once they've determined it's Addie and after several hours of questions, she's allowed to return to her family and return home.

Of course, Addie seems different than the girl she was before, but everything will get back to normal once things settle down. At least that's what everyone's hoping will happen.

Her father's term as President has been tainted with would be terrorist attacks that seem incredibly violent, but then appear to cause panic, but not damage.

Could the first daughter's return have anything to do with these attacks?

My Thoughts:  It reminded me a book as I read and loved as a middle school student about the President's daughter being kidnapped. So I was nostalgic for that book, but of course this novel was VERY different.

I loved this book - and couldn't put it down. I had to know what happened. I loved the multiple perspectives.I loved the flashbacks from eight years ago to more present times.

As the book continues, there seems to be two sides to Addie - one is the quiet girl from before and the other is the strong girl who survived during. Now, she starts to come into her own during the aftermath. But she's not sure who to trust when everyone around seems to be lying to her. 

I would have like a little more at the end and a little more details on the hacking, but other than that, an amazing debut.

While this is written for a stand - alone, there is room for a sequel. Or dare I say a companion novel from Ellie's perspective?

Cover Thoughts: I like out it ties in the with story
Source: My Library

Final Thoughts: Pick this one up when you have an afternoon free because you're not going to want to stop until you finish reading it.

Upcoming Review: Red Girl, Blue Boy

Katie's dreamed of being in the limelight again. Now that her father's running for President, she's about to get her wish.

Unfortunately, it doesn't go well. Her blog causes her father trouble. Then she called out the son of her father's opponent on . TV after he declines to show up for their interview together.

Now Drew wants revenge. They agree to go back on the show the next day. When Katie's ambushed on the show, Drew jumps in to protect her. Afterwards, Katie and Drew play hooky from school.

Underneath the snark and banter, they find a connection. As they spend more time together, the more that connection grows. Can they become something more than friends with their parent's competing against each other?

My Thoughts: I loved this book (and this series). I really liked the political aspect of the book and the family drama. I felt bad as both teens had their lives changed by their parents. They had to act perfectly, especially in public - which also led to social media outlets.

I really liked Katie - she was sheltered, bossy, and a know-it-all. I loved watching her experience things and break out of her shell. She bought new clothes to hang out in, but wanted to pretend they weren't new. She learned about life from movies. I loved the moments where Drew and Katie hung out while he worked on his car. Plus the time they spent working on their costumes for the dance was fantastic. 

Cover Thoughts: Cute
Source: ARC sent for Review
Release Date: October 20th

If You Like:

Final Thoughts: A charming romance with a political spin with great banter. Make sure you grab this one come October.

Review: Wrong Side of Right

Kate's been sleep walking through her life since her mom died. One day she comes home from school to find the press camped out on her aunt and uncle's lawn - waiting for her.

Kate walks in the house and meets the man running for President - and her father.

She travels to meet her new family for the weekend and ends up staying to help out with the campaign. It's more work that she imagines, but soon she's found her rhythm - until it all goes terribly wrong. 

My Thoughts: I really loved this book - it reminded me of the movie What a Girl Wants. It was sweet and entertaining, but it also made me think about what's important in life, friendships, family, and where I stand on my own political issues.

• Kate dealing with the death of her mother and what it means to her
• Kate meeting her new family
• Kate trying to help out the campaign
• Learning more about politics 
• Learning more about the people involved in politics 
• Thinking more about the big picture issues 
• Of course the makeover scene
• Family time vs perfect family in front of the cameras - there were communication issues, as there are in any family. I can't imagine how hard it would be to separate the two.
• The moments where she could be herself
• The moments with Andy - I liked the game they played and how it all turned out.
• Kate discovering who she is and what she stands for

Cover Thoughts: I like it, but it doesn't really show what the book's about
Source: Library

Final Thoughts: I couldn't put this book down.