ARC Review: Marly's Ghost by David Levithan

Title: Marly's Ghost
Author: David Levithan
Publication: January 8th 2015 by Electric Monkey
Genre: MG Fantasy
Source: Provided by the kind publisher...
Goodreads

A remix of Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol with a Valentine’s twist

When Ben’s girlfriend, Marly, dies, he feels his life is over and the prospect of Valentine’s day without her fills him with bitterness. But then Marly arrives – or at least, her ghost does – along with three other spirits. Now Ben must take a journey through Valentines past, present and future – and what he learns will change him forever.

2/5 Oscars: It was OK

    When his girlfriend Marly dies, Ben takes a painful journey through Valentine's Days past, present, and future to realize just how much his life has changed, with or without Marly.
     I thought this book would be a painful contemporary romance. It was anything but that. This leans much more toward the MG Fantasy genre not the YA. And unfortunately, I am not much of a fan of MG. I just can't concentrate on it for too long and I become bored quite fast.
     So, this is the deal. I was bored by most of this book. It couldn't keep me interested. Although the concept is quite unique, but I felt like Ben was a bit shallow and his thoughts were too two-dimensional. Actually, if he was written with an MG audience in mind, then it's perfect. But otherwise, this was not a book that I loved. I thought that something written by David Levithan would be perfectly emotional and exactly my cup of tea but it wasn't. I am definitely keeping my eyes opened for more from him though.

ARC Review: The Rise (The Originals) by Julie Plec

Title: The Rise (The Originals #1)
Author: Julie Plec
Publication: January 27th 2015 by HQN Books
Genre: Paranormal Fantasy
Source: Provided by the kind publisher...
Goodreads

Family is power. The Original vampire family swore it to each other a thousand years ago. They pledged to remain together always and forever. But even when you're immortal, promises are hard to keep.

Arriving in New Orleans in 1722, Original vampire siblings Klaus, Elijah and Rebekah Mikaelson believe they've escaped their dangerous past. But the city is lawless, a haven for witches and werewolves unwilling to share territory. The siblings are at their mercy…especially after Klaus meets the beautiful and mysterious Vivianne. Her impending marriage is key to ending the war between the supernatural factions—and Klaus's attraction to her could destroy the uneasy alliance. As Elijah works toward securing a piece of the city for his family, and Rebekah fights her unexpected feelings for a French captain, will Klaus's volatile desires bring their world crashing down—and tear them apart for good?

4/5 Oscars: Really Liked It

     The Originals is one of my favorite TV shows that I watch quite regularly. The thrill, suspense and the romance keep me on the edge of my seat. And having the chance to review this book based on the show was such a delight!

     Klaus, Elijah, and Rebekah Mikaelson are trying to settle down in New Orleans, but it is proving to be harder than expected. None of the other supernatural kinds accept them and enemies spring out from every corner. Elijah tries to secure the fate of his family with the help of a witch, Rebekah is trying to find out what the humans are occupied with, and Klaus cannot help but fall in love with the eccentric witch, Vivianne. Nothing will turn out as expected for the three, and their family ties will be tested to the extremes.

     It was wonderful reading about the Mikaelson family because I felt like I know so much about them already, but much of their history and background is still a mystery. It was refreshing being able to envision these characters in my mind's eye with the actors' faces and it made the story more vivid. It made me connect with the characters on a much deeper level.

     The characters are this book's strong suit. Klaus is as reckless and random as ever. His emotions take control of him, even though he doesn't want to admit it. Elijah is the level-headed thinker with a heart of gold. He will always be my favorite character, in the book and the show. Rebekah is a hopeless romantic, she thinks with her heart, and trusts people so soon that it gets her in trouble but she really has a beautiful soul. (are vampires supposed to have souls?!)

     Altogether, this book was much better than I expected it would be. It is a love story, with a touch of suspense and action. I cannot wait to read more from Julie Plec, she definitely knows what she's doing!

ARC Review: Dating Down by Stefanie Lyons

Title: Dating Down
Author: Stefanie Lyons
Publication: April 8th 2015 by Flux
Genre: YA Contemporary Verse
Source: Provided by the kind publisher...
Goodreads

When a good girl falls for a bad boy

She thought she loved him. She thought she could change him. She thought if she just believed in him enough, his cheating and his drugs and his lying would stop, and she'd be his and he'd be hers and they'd love each other forever.

But for Samantha Henderson, X-the boy she will not name-is trouble. He's older, edgier, bohemian . . . and when he starts paying attention to Sam, she can't resist him. Samantha's family and friends try to warn her, but still she stays with him, risking her future and everything that really matters.

As moody and vivid as it is captivating, Dating Down is told in scenes and bursts of poetry that create a story filled with hurt, healing, and hope.

-- My Rating --

4/5 Oscars: Really liked it

     NOTE: I haven't written reviews for AGES now, and my blog has seen nothing since February, but I wrote this review months and months ago, so any of the thoughts I've had about this book are blurred now. And frankly, I do not remember much about it.
     Samantha fell in love. Hard. But sometimes love is not enough to overcome obstacles and the people we think we love the most are the ones who can hurt us beyond repair, and this is what Samantha learns.
     It's been quite a long time since I've read a novel in verse. I write verse and I read poetry constantly, but I don't know why i just don't stumble across any well-written novel in verse. Rarely do I find something unique and thankfully, this was.
    Samantha is heartbroken over a guy, but she will not name him, she will only refer to him as X. I thought this was a refreshing thing and throughout the whole book, we only know this character as X and not knowing the name never stopped me from connecting with Samantha and her worries and her heartbreak. There is also Samantha, our narrator. She has a wonderful voice, so unique and charming. I don't think I would have connected as much with her if the novel had not been in verse. I think I would have found her to be very shallow and one-dimensional. But the unique and powerful verses gave her a voice and a background. I loved that.
     It was definitely the verses that helped me fly through this book in only a couple of hours. There's not much more I can say about this book, you have to read it for yourself and decide. I didn't give this book five stars because it was talking about much milder topics than I initially thought, I wanted it to be a bit darker. But I will definitely be reading more from the author, she knows how to write verse indeed.

ARC Review: Red Queen by Victoria Aveyard

Title: Red Queen (Red Queen #1)
Author: Victoria Aveyard
Publication: February 10th 2015 by Orion
Genre: YA Dystopia, Fantasy
Source: Provided by the kind publisher...
Goodreads

The poverty stricken Reds are commoners, living under the rule of the Silvers, elite warriors with god-like powers.

To Mare Barrow, a 17-year-old Red girl from The Stilts, it looks like nothing will ever change.

Mare finds herself working in the Silver Palace, at the centre of
those she hates the most. She quickly discovers that, despite her red blood, she possesses a deadly power of her own. One that threatens to destroy Silver control.

But power is a dangerous game. And in this world divided by blood, who will win?

5/5 Oscars: LOVED it

     Mare is one of the Reds, she's used to the less-than-poor life she leads and she is ready to go along the same path as her brothers did before her. But that is before she receives some unexpected job and finds things about herself she never thought were possible. And with two guys and her conflicted feelings, Mare is getting much more than she bargained for.
     The world-building hooked me right from the start, with the author's vivid imagery and her heart-wrenching portrials, it's not a surprise that I fell in love with everything I read. I thought this would be some typical dystopia with an okay but not-quite-advanced background for the characters and the history. But this is not the case, Aveyard manages to mix dystopia and fantasy in a perfect blend of originality and familiarity.
     The plot never allowed for one dull moment, I had to stop everything I was doing in order to finish this in no more than 2 settings in ONE day. It was that exciting! The characters also account for my love for this book. Mare is one completely fleshed-out, three-dimensional characters with hopes and dreams just like the rest of us; furthermore, she just felt right for her age, which is something that many YA authors overlook, making their characters behave in a much older fashion that they are supposed to. Cal and Maven were quite interesting, with believable background stories; enough spunk and personality to hook me and make me like them.
     The romance played a secondary but crucial part of the plot. I loved that the author did not overdo the romance, she kept it to a minimum, but when it was there, it was quite intense and beautiful. By far, my favorite parts of this book were the ending chapters, they were a huge BANG and surprised the hell out of me. I am quite excited to read the second book in the series now! This is the sort of gem that just pops up out of nowhere, and if you are a fan of dystopia and suspense, this is the RIGHT book for you!

ARC Review: The Bargaining by Carly Anne West

Title: The Bargaining
Author: Carly Anne West
Publication: 17th 2015 by Simon Pulse
Genre: YA Paranormal
Source: Provided by the kind publisher...
Goodreads

The fact that neither of her parents wants to deal with her is nothing new to Penny. She’s used to being discussed like a problem, a problem her mother has finally passed on to her father. What she hasn’t gotten used to is her stepmother…especially when she finds out that she’ll have to spend the summer with April in the remote woods of Washington to restore a broken-down old house.

Set deep in a dense forest, the old Carver House is filled with abandoned antique furniture, rich architectural details, and its own chilling past. The only respite Penny can find away from April’s renovations is in Miller, the young guy who runs the local general store. He’s her only chance at a normal, and enjoyable, summer.

But Miller has his own connection to the Carver House, and it’s one that goes beyond the mysterious tapping Penny hears at her window, the handprints she finds smudging the glass panes, and the visions of children who beckon Penny to follow them into the dark woods. Miller’s past just might threaten to become the terror of Penny’s future….

-- My Rating --

4/5 Oscars: Really liked it

-- My Thoughts --

     I knew that this would be some kind of creepy read that bordered on the paranormal genre. But I didn't set my expectations so high. And man, was I wrong!
     Penny is stunned when her mother leaves her with her dad and his step-family. But things take another turn when she has to stay with her step mum for a summer renovating a house as old as the town around it. But there's something sinister connected to this house and Penny might be the only one able to tell what it is.
     This book didn't start off on such a good note. It was kind-of boring in the beginning and no matter how much I tried, I couldn't get pulled into the story. But towards the middle, the pace picks up and it doesn't slow down. Suspense after horror after creepiness, there's not one dull moment after the middle mark.
     I am a great fan of horror films and movies, it's mostly due to the fact that they DON'T scare me. But I was really creeped out with this book and I LOVED it. There's so much background that the author put into this book, it all sounds reasonable and spooky. The plot is multi-dimensional and well thought-out.
     Then, there are the characters. Penny was mainly the reason why I gave this book four stars. I just couldn't like her. Although I grew to like her more towards the end, but in the beginning, she was unbearable to me. But my favorite character was definitely April. I LOVED her. She was such a wonderful, three-dimensional character and her role as the step mum was perfect.
     There is no romance in this book. There's a potential of one, but you don't know if the author is gonna pursue it or not. The ending was definitely my favorite part. I loved it. And i loved the note on which the events ended. It wasn't cliche or weird.  Finally, if you are a fan of the suspense and paranormal genre or you are a genuine horror fan, then this book is for YOU!

ARC Review: I Was Here by Gayle Forman

Title: I Was Here
Author: Gayle Forman
Publication: January 27th 2015 by Viking Juvenile
Genre: YA Contemporary
Source: Provided by the kind publisher...
Goodreads

Cody and Meg were inseparable.
Two peas in a pod.
Until . . . they weren’t anymore.

When her best friend Meg drinks a bottle of industrial-strength cleaner alone in a motel room, Cody is understandably shocked and devastated. She and Meg shared everything—so how was there no warning? But when Cody travels to Meg’s college town to pack up the belongings left behind, she discovers that there’s a lot that Meg never told her. About her old roommates, the sort of people Cody never would have met in her dead-end small town in Washington. About Ben McAllister, the boy with a guitar and a sneer, who broke Meg’s heart. And about an encrypted computer file that Cody can’t open—until she does, and suddenly everything Cody thought she knew about her best friend’s death gets thrown into question.

I Was Here is Gayle Forman at her finest, a taut, emotional, and ultimately redemptive story about redefining the meaning of family and finding a way to move forward even in the face of unspeakable loss.

-- My Rating --

3/5 Oscars: Liked It

-- My Thoughts --

      When I was accepted to review this book, I was thrilled! Come on, it's Gayle Forman. And I loved If I Stay. So I guess that's the reason why I put so many expectations into this book and it kinda left me disappointed.
     Cody and Meg were two peas in a pod. But that was before Meg took some poison and ended her own life. Now, Cody is not sure of anything anymore. Did she really know her best friend? Who is the infuriating guy -Ben- who Meg never mentioned to her? And what is that encrypted file on Meg's computer?
     Well, I loved the concept of this book. It's kinda dark and a bit sad, but it's about suicide and the impacts it has on the people who remain behind. And it's mostly about Cody and her obsession with finding out why her best friend killed herself. And yes, I do mean it. An obsession. Not a good thing.
      The one thing that I hated about this book is simply Cody. It's really hard to get into a book when you don't like the main character. I am not saying that there weren't any redeeming qualities in her, but overall, she was stupid and a rapid decision maker. Half of the things she did were either invasions of privacy or out of her curious twisted mind. She. Was. Weird.
     Aside from that, this book was actually good. I loved Ben and his complicated relationship with Cody. He was so caring and understanding. I think the romance was what saved this book. I actually liked it a lot and I loved their moments together.
     The ending was a bit abrupt. I think the author rushed through the ending too fast. But overall, it was a nice closure. So, basically, I would have loved this book if it wasn't for the main character. This book is quite thought-provoking and at times intense. So, if you're into these, then you might like this book more than I did.

ARC Review: The Oathbreaker's Shadow by Amy McCulloch

Title: The Oathbreaker's Shadow (The Knots Duology #1)
Author: Amy McCulloch
Publication: June 6th 2013 by Random House Children's Publishers (UK)
Genre: YA Fantasy
Source: Provided by the kind publisher...
Goodreads

Fifteen-year-old Raim lives in a world where you tie a knot for every promise that you make. Break that promise and you are scarred for life, and cast out into the desert.

Raim has worn a simple knot around his wrist for as long as he can remember. No one knows where it came from, and which promise of his it symbolises, but he barely thinks about it at all—not since becoming the most promising young fighter ever to train for the elite Yun guard. But on the most important day of his life, when he binds his life to his best friend (and future king) Khareh, the string bursts into flames and sears a dark mark into his skin.

Scarred now as an oath-breaker, Raim has two options: run, or be killed.

A gripping YA action-adventure fantasy, the first part of a planned duology.

-- My Rating --

3/5 Oscars: Liked It

-- My Thoughts --

   I didn't know what to expect while reading this book. I guess I dove into it blind. And it took me by surprise. A superior level of imagery.
     Raim is 15-years-old and going to be a Yun Guard. But all that changes when the knot that has mysteriously been on his wrist for as long as he can remember, suddenly burns away when he binds his life to his best friend and the future prince, Khareh.
     This book is high fantasy and it has been a long while since i have read one like it. It had high levels of imagery and a whole new world to discover. I applaud the author for taking such an approach and making sure that even though the world was three-dimensional and complex, it was never hard to understand.
     Then, there are the characters. I think the only thing that irked me a little bit was Raim himself. He made some very dump decisions and he had such a blind loyalty to his best friend. It bordered on the edge of being irrational. The other characters were not likable either. I couldn't find one that I actually liked.
     There is a bit of romance but it does not take the center stage and I was happy with that. I liked the moments when the two love interests were together but I liked the action-packed moments more. There is also the way Raim acted which was definitely NOT the way a 15 year old boy acts. And the feelings he had were not for a boy his age.
     The ending was definitely very interesting. I liked it a lot. The beginning of this book was too slow for me and it took me a LOT of time to get into it and get interested. But it got better towards the end and I am patiently waiting for the second book!

ARC Review: Playlist For the Dead by Michelle Falkoff

Title: Playlist For the Dead
Author: Michelle Falkoff
Publication: January 27th 2015 by HarperTeen
Genre: YA Contemporary
Source: Provided by the kind publisher...
Goodreads

A teenage boy tries to understand his best friend's suicide by listening to the playlist of songs he left behind in this smart, voice-driven debut novel.


Here's what Sam knows: There was a party. There was a fight. The next morning, his best friend, Hayden, was dead. And all he left Sam was a playlist of songs, and a suicide note: For Sam—listen and you'll understand.

As he listens to song after song, Sam tries to face up to what happened the night Hayden killed himself. But it's only by taking out his earbuds and opening his eyes to the people around him that he will finally be able to piece together his best friend’s story. And maybe have a chance to change his own.

Part mystery, part love story, and part coming-of-age tale in the vein of Stephen Chbosky’s The Perks of Being a Wallflower and Tim Tharp’s The Spectacular Now, Playlist for the Dead is an honest and gut-wrenching first novel about loss, rage, what it feels like to outgrow a friendship that's always defined you—and the struggle to redefine yourself. But above all, it's about finding hope when hope seems like the hardest thing to find.

-- My Rating --

4/5 Oscars: Really Liked It

-- My Thoughts --

    I was in mood for some dark contemporary when I stumbled upon this one. I think I put a lot of expectations into this book and it almost reached them.
     There's nothing left after Hayden dies. Only a playlist of songs that he leaves for his best friend, Sam. Sam doesn't get what happened and everything changes when he meets Astrid and her group of misfits. And Sam begins to question everything that has happened.
     First thing I loved about this book is the main character, Sam. I loved him. He felt so real, with his inner turmoil and his insecurities. A real fleshed-out character. Then, there's Astrid. I was very conflicted about my feelings for her. She reminded me a bit of Alaska from John Green's Looking For Alaska. The whole mysterious sexy girl attitude. The other characters were all one-dimensional. I didn't feel much for them.
     Then, there's the romance aspect. The romance was such a sweet and fluffy thing. I loved how it started from scratch and grew into a more stable thing. But the plot definitely surprised me. I didn't expect the ending chapters and they were somehow of a shock, but a good kind of one.
     The reference to the playlist and all those songs was very enjoyable! The ending was bittersweet and hopeful and I loved it. I am not such a big fan of happily ever afters so this was perfect for me. Although this book was not my favorite, I am definitely waiting for more books from the author.

ARC Review: This Shattered World by Amie Kaufman and Meagan Spooner

Title: This Shattered World (Starbound #2)
Author(s): Amie Kaufman and Meagan Spooner
Publication: December 23rd 2014 by Disney-Hyperion
Genre: YA Science Fiction, Romance
Source: Provided by the kind publisher...
Rating: Five Stars
Goodreads

The second installment in the epic Starbound trilogy introduces a new pair of star-crossed lovers on two sides of a bloody war.

Jubilee Chase and Flynn Cormac should never have met.

Lee is captain of the forces sent to Avon to crush the terraformed planet's rebellious colonists, but she has her own reasons for hating the insurgents.

Rebellion is in Flynn's blood. Terraforming corporations make their fortune by recruiting colonists to make the inhospitable planets livable, with the promise of a better life for their children. But they never fulfilled their promise on Avon, and decades later, Flynn is leading the rebellion.

Desperate for any advantage in a bloody and unrelentingly war, Flynn does the only thing that makes sense when he and Lee cross paths: he returns to base with her as prisoner. But as his fellow rebels prepare to execute this tough-talking girl with nerves of steel, Flynn makes another choice that will change him forever. He and Lee escape the rebel base together, caught between two sides of a senseless war.

-- My Rating --

5/5 Oscars: LOVED it

-- My Thoughts --

     I have found my favorite book of 2014, period. I read These Broken Stars such a long time ago and it blew me away! It was beyond amazing and I was afraid this wouldn't match up! It totally did!
     Jubilee Chase is the Captain of the forces on the planet Avon. She's fearsome and fearless. Flynn Cormac is one of the rebels. It's in his blood. He has to do everything to keep his people safe. Even if it means kidnapping Jubilee for ransom. But these two people might actually find unlikely allies in one another.
     I am absolutely in LOVE with the world that these two authors have created. I love their world-building. It's intense and vivid. I could almost picture it in my mind. All those secret passages, the swamp, the cave, the bases. All so believable and so beautifully crafted. They are masters of descriptions.
     Then, there are the characters; Jubilee and Flynn. Jubilee is fearless, smart, cunning, badass and she has a heart of gold. I loved her and loved her personality. She was as cold as iron at first, but she grew on me through the course of this book. Then, there's Flynn. Oh, Flynn "gushing". I don't know how Kaufman and Spooner write these perfectly flawed swoon-worthy male leads that will leave you awwing and ahhing over them (I just made up two words :P ). He was kind and maybe a bit too nice, but I fell absolutely in love with him.
     The romance was sweet, slow, and beautiful. It felt real. There aren't any dull moments in this book. It's fast-moving, suspenseful and thrilling. It kept me on the edge of my seat with every new revelation. The whispers in the first book make an appearance in this one too. And they are seriously creepy. I was creeped out by the scenes with them in it and I LOVED that.
     But my absolute favorite thing is the cameo that the main characters of the first book make in this one! We meet Lilac and Tarver again! I LOVED them in the first book. And seeing them with Jubilee and Flynn was amazing! I loved the interactions and their back-story together was PERFECTLY INTERWOVEN!
     I noticed that some reviewers said that the characters act too old for their age. But I didn't mind then. Imagine living in such a world and going through so many things at such an early age definitely changes a person. For worse or for better. And I understood the way the characters acted and they were smart, I loved that.
     I can go on and on about how amazing this book was but it would never be enough. I am sad that we are drawing nearer and nearer to the end of this series and I do NOT want it to end. It's one of my favorite series EVER and these two books are on my all-time favorite shelf. They are masterpieces and I admire the way these two authors co-write this series. It's flawless. If you're into fantasy, science fiction, and a touch of romance, then you will LOVE this!

ARC Review: Grave Mercy by Robin LaFevers

Title: Grave Mercy (His Fair Assassin #1)
Author: Robin LaFevers
Publication: April 3rd 2012 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt
Genre: YA Historical Fantasy
Source: Provided by the kind publisher...
Goodreads

Why be the sheep, when you can be the wolf?

Seventeen-year-old Ismae escapes from the brutality of an arranged marriage into the sanctuary of the convent of St. Mortain, where the sisters still serve the gods of old. Here she learns that the god of Death Himself has blessed her with dangerous gifts—and a violent destiny. If she chooses to stay at the convent, she will be trained as an assassin and serve as a handmaiden to Death. To claim her new life, she must destroy the lives of others.

Ismae’s most important assignment takes her straight into the high court of Brittany—where she finds herself woefully under prepared—not only for the deadly games of intrigue and treason, but for the impossible choices she must make. For how can she deliver Death’s vengeance upon a target who, against her will, has stolen her heart?

-- My Rating --

5/5 Oscars: LOVED it

-- My Thoughts --

     I have been hearing so much about this series for a long while now. I didn't know exactly what genre it was but when I had the chance to read it, I jumped at it! And I am SO GLAD I did.
     Ismae has lived a harsh childhood and when she has the chance to become one of Death's handmaidens, she thinks that she finally has a chance to fit in. But with Brittany on the edge of war and siege and in a place where loyalties are tested and nobody is what they seem, executing Death's wishes has never been harder.
     First, the setting. Brittany. In a time where there is a threat of war from France. The MOST wonderful thing is that everything in this book has been taken from true historical events. Of course, some of the characters are fictional, but most of them were real people! The book has some actual historical events and it was so thrilling getting to read about them. I loved that the author took this approach and I think she excelled at it.
     The characters are definitely this book's strongest suit. I LOVED Ismae. She is the true definition of a bad ass heroine with a  brave heart and a kind soul. She had a unique voice. The other secondary characters were also quite believable, whether they were likable or not.
     Then, there's our love interest, Duval. This is by far one of the BEST romances I have ever read. Believe me, nothing compares to the excellence in which this romance was served. It developed slowly and it was believable. There was true chemistry and tension and passion. And I LOVED every single moment they were together.
     The events in this book are extremely thrilling. It's been a long while since I have read a book that kept me on the edge of my seat throughout its length and i didn't feel bored for a second. I cannot wait to start the second book and dive more into the depth and the wonderful imagery that is in Robin Lafevers' writing. PS I realized while reading this book that I am a HUGE fan of that era. I can picture myself walking in a castle with a huge gown. PERFECT!

ARC Review: Perfect Couple by Jennifer Echols

Title: Perfect Couple (The Superlatives #2)
Author: Jennifer Echols
Publication: January 13th 2015 by Simon Pulse
Genre: YA Contemporary
Source: Provided by the kind publisher...
Goodreads

Perfect Couple is #2 in the Superlatives series about seniors at a Florida high school who are selected for their class's superlative categories in the yearbook, and how the labels change the way they view themselves and alter the course of their lives.

Can your heart be put to a popular vote?

As yearbook photographer, Harper is responsible for capturing those candid moments that make high school memorable. But her own life is anything but picture perfect. Her parents' bitter divorce has left her wondering what a loving relationship would look like. And ever since the senior class voted her and star quarterback Brody the “Perfect Couple That Never Was,” her friends have been on her case to ask Brody out.

Brody doesn’t lack in female admirers, but Harper can't see herself with him. He seems confused about why they were matched together, too. They’re total opposites—the last people in the world who would ever be compatible, let alone the “perfect couple.” Yet ever since the class paired the two of them, they've found themselves drawn together--first by curiosity, then by an undeniable bond.

The trouble is, though they're very attracted to each other and both of them admit this, they have a hard time getting along or even communicating clearly. If they’re the perfect couple, this shouldn’t be so difficult! Soon it becomes clear their class was wrong, and they throw in the towel. But after they walk away, both of them feel so changed from making the effort that they can’t forget each other. What if that means this match made in hell is the perfect couple after all?

-- My Rating --

4/5 Oscars: Really Liked It

-- My Thoughts --

     I read the first book in the series not a long while ago. It was quite a cute contemporary read, though not the best. But I was definitely excited for the second book, because I felt I would like Harper more. In more ways than not, I did.
     Harper has always been the good girl all her life. She has followed the rules, had the perfect boyfriend. But when the school couples her with Brody for the Perfect Couple That Never Was, everything changes. For her and for Brody. And finally Harper might realize that the only thing that is making her to find her true self has always been there all along.
     As always, the characters are absolutely adorable. I just love the way they talk and behave and they sound like normal teenagers with all the insecurity and angst. It was absolutely refreshing to read something that felt so real. Then, there's Harper. Although she was not as goody-two-shoes as I pictured her to be, she was still likable. Not always, though. She made very, very stupid decisions that she knew she would regret afterwards.
     Then, there's Kaye and Sawyer. I LOVE both of them and I literally cannot wait to read their book, which will be the next one in this series. The romance  in this book is sizzling hot at times, but absolutely cringe-worthy at other times. I didn't know why the characters did what they did, I wanted to jump into the book and slap some of them. Otherwise, the romance was quite cute.
     This book is definitely a very cute and fluffy contemporary read. I definitely liked it better than the first book and thankfully it didn't have the second-book-in-a-series syndrome and it turned out better than I hoped it would be. I am patiently waiting for the third book :)

ARC Review: Follow Me Through Darkness by Danielle Ellison

Title: Follow Me Through Darkness (The Boundless Trilogy #1)
Author: Danielle Ellison
Publication: October 21st 2014 by Spencer Hill Press
Genre: YA Dystopia
Source: Provided by the kind publisher...
Goodreads

The truth won't always set you free.

Less than a year ago, Neely Ambrose’s biggest worry was having the freedom to follow a path that wasn't chosen for her.

Less than a year ago, she believed she could trust the Elders who said they had everyone’s best interest at heart and who said they were keeping them safe from the outside.

Sixty days ago, she discovered what they had planned for everyone she loved—and that all of it centered around her.
Now she’s on the run through a dangerous wasteland full of killing machines, secret organizations, and people who want to sell her back to the Elders for their own safety. The whole world outside the Compound is living proof that everything in Neely’s life was a lie manufactured by the Elders, which may even include the boy she loves.

All Neely wants is the truth, but each new piece of it drives her further from what she thought she knew. With only forty days until everyone she loves falls under the Elders’ mind control, Neely must decipher who to trust, what questions to ask, and how to get one step ahead of the Elders, who will do anything to keep their secrets buried.

-- My Rating --

5/5 Oscars: LOVED it

-- My Thoughts --

      Okay, so I admit it; I thought this book was contemporary when I started it. I didn't read the blurb, so sue me :D Although I am SUPER glad that I didn't because diving into this book blindly was the best thing I did.
     Neely is on the way to the Old World. She has left everything she knew and loved behind to pursue something that's gonna save everyone she loves. She has been trusting the Elders for too long but now she knows what they are really after, and what plans they had for her.
     This book is YA dystopia and a great one at that. It's a futuristic world where the United States has been destroyed and some of the elite and rich people live in Compounds (kinda like closed domes) thinking that there is no life left outside their city. The plot was a bit slow at the beginning but that was needed to get the story started. But when it picked up, there was no slow moments. Everything was fast-paced and exhilarating and i loved it.
     I loved the way the author told her story. We get the book in first person POV from Neely, our protagonist, but some of the chapters are flashbacks and the flashbacks are absolutely MY favorite part of this book. I feel like they were essential to the story and leaving ONE of the flashbacks out would have ruined it.
     I love Neely. She's kick-ass, brave, kind, selfless, forgiving, and loving. I just adored her. She is everything girls wish they could be. But she wasn't without flaws. She made mistakes and did wrong things and she recovered from them. IN a nutshell, she was real. The other secondary characters also made this story come alive. Although they were constantly changing, most of the secondary characters were only there for a couple of chapters, they still left a huge impression.
     Then, we have the love interest(s). I just simply fell in love with two different guys at once. I am not going to give anything away but guys, this is not the kind of love triangle that you can hate. Because you fall in love with the three main characters and I rooted for both of the guys. Though I kinda do have a favorite that I hope Neely ends up with. They're both so brave and so loving and caring and just SO swoon-worthy. Oh, Danielle Ellison, you broke my heart so!
     The ending was PHENOMENAL, to put it mildly. I fell in love with everything this author has written and i literally cannot believe that this is her debut novel. She is already a pro. I cannot wait to read more and I am impatiently waiting for the second book in the series and to dive more into Neely's world.

ARC Review: Captive by Aimee Carter

Title: Captive( The Blackcoat Rebellion #2)
Author: Aimee Carter
Publication: November 25th 2014 by Harlequin Teen
Genre: YA Dystopia
Source: Provided by the kind publisher...
Goodreads

For the past two months, Kitty Doe's life has been a lie. Forced to impersonate the Prime Minister's niece, her frustration grows as her trust in her fake fiancé cracks, her real boyfriend is forbidden and the Blackcoats keep her in the dark more than ever. 

But in the midst of discovering that her role in the Hart family may not be as coincidental as she thought, she's accused of treason and is forced to face her greatest fear: Elsewhere. A prison where no one can escape. 

As one shocking revelation leads to the next, Kitty learns the hard way that she can trust no one, not even the people she thought were on her side. With her back against the wall, Kitty wants to believe she'll do whatever it takes to support the rebellion she believes in—but is she prepared to pay the ultimate price? 

-- My Rating --

5/5 Oscars: Loved it

-- My Thoughts --

     The first book in this series, Pawn, made it to my five-stars favorites. It was absolutely phenomenal and I thought there was NO WAY to top the first book, but Aimee Carter proved me wrong.
     Kitty Doe has been playing her role as Lila Hart, surrounded by enemies and friends, it's becoming harder for her to know who to trust. But when a series of events shake the foundations of all the lies the government has been built on, and Kitty has the hardest decision to make; give up, or fight for freedom.
     This book  has no dull moments, not a second passes by without something major happening, there is no boredom. I LOVED the plot. It's fast. It's electrifying. It's thought-provoking. It's suspenseful. There are even MORE things at stake in this book  than in the first one.
     Of course, Aimee Carter's discriptions are still to-the-point and vivid. But the strongest suit of this book is definitely the characters. Kitty amazes me.  I love her bravery, her loyalty, her commitment to the cause. Her love. There is not ONE moment that I didn't like her. Then, there's Knox who got a lot more of appearances in this book. But we had little of Benjy. I hope we see more of him in the next book.
     Of course, there is romance. But I am not sure whether I can consider this as a love-triangle or not. It's been two books now and I still don't know if one of the guys is considered as a love interest or not. I guess it will all be resolved in the third book and I can't wait!
     The ending was thrilling and such a huge BANG that left me with millions of questions. I cannot wait to get my hands on the third book! This is definitely one of my favorite series to date! If you are a fan of dystopia and survival stories like The Hunger Games and Divergent, then this book is the one for you!

ARC Review: Solitaire by Alice Oseman

Title: Solitaire
Author: Alice Oseman
Publication: July 31st 2014 by Harper Collins Children's Books
Genre: YA Contemporary Thriller
Source: Provided by the kind publisher...
Goodreads

In case you’re wondering, this is not a love story.

My name is Tori Spring. I like to sleep and I like to blog. Last year – before all that stuff with Charlie and before I had to face the harsh realities of A-Levels and university applications and the fact that one day I really will have to start talking to people – I had friends. Things were very different, I guess, but that’s all over now.

Now there’s Solitaire. And Michael Holden.

I don’t know what Solitaire are trying to do, and I don’t care about Michael Holden.

I really don’t.

This incredible debut novel by outstanding young author Alice Oseman is perfect for fans of John Green, Rainbow Rowell and all unflinchingly honest writers.

-- My Rating --

2/5 Oscars: It was Ok

-- My Thoughts --

     When I saw the cover of this book, I fell in love. And the blurb was so intriguing that I immediately jumped at the chance to read this. Unfortunately, it was not as good as I hoped it would be. And it seems that I am one of the few people who didn't enjoy this book.
     Victoria (Tori) Spring is  a pessimist. There's nothing that matters to her in her life except her brother, Charlie and her blog. But all that changes when; her childhood best friend, Lucas appears in her life again. And a group called Solitaire starts pranking the whole school. And she meets Michael Holden.
     What intrigued me was the idea of this Solitaire blog that starts up at Tori's high school. They prank the whole school with the most innovative and unique pranks ever. I really liked that. But after a while, things get really out of hand. When I read the blurb, I imagined horror or at least a lot of thrill. But I didn't get any of that. The whole Solitaire aspect was just mild. There was nothing that scared me about them or intrigued me to find out who they really are.
     Then, there are the characters. My main problem with this book is the fact that I didn't like Tori, at all. No matter how much I tried, I couldn't connect with her and her negative nature. She was moody about everything and her decisions were ridiculously stupid. I guess it has to do with the fact that I am as optimist as a person can be. Then, there was Michael, whom I liked but I thought his actions were unbelievable. He felt two-dimensional to me.
     There is a bit of romance in this book which was also unbelievable. Like, it just came out of the blue. With no precaution or anything. That was just weird. Finally, when the villains were discovered, I felt nothing. I was just okay with it and it was no surprise for me considering who was the real bad guy. I knew it already.
     Overall, I imagined this book to be much better. But sadly, it did not live up to my expectations. But that does not mean that this book was horrible. Actually, there might be a lot of people who will love this book or already love this book.

ARC Review: A Little Something Different by Sandy Hall

Title: A Little Something Different
Author: Sandy Hall
Publication: August 26th 2014 by Swoon Reads
Genre: Upper-YA Contemporary
Source: Provided by the kind publisher...
Goodreads

The creative writing teacher, the delivery guy, the local Starbucks baristas, his best friend, her roommate, and the squirrel in the park all have one thing in common—they believe that Gabe and Lea should get together. Lea and Gabe are in the same creative writing class. They get the same pop culture references, order the same Chinese food, and hang out in the same places. Unfortunately, Lea is reserved, Gabe has issues, and despite their initial mutual crush, it looks like they are never going to work things out.  But somehow even when nothing is going on, something is happening between them, and everyone can see it. Their creative writing teacher pushes them together. The baristas at Starbucks watch their relationship like a TV show. Their bus driver tells his wife about them. The waitress at the diner automatically seats them together. Even the squirrel who lives on the college green believes in their relationship. 

Surely Gabe and Lea will figure out that they are meant to be together....

-- My Rating --

4/5 Oscars: Really Liked It

-- My Thoughts --

     This book is exactly what the title says; a little something different. It's different from any YA novel I have ever read. And that is a really good thing.
     Everyone thinks Lea and Gabe should be together. Everyone but them. First, there are I think at least 14 POVs. There's their Creative Writings teacher, the barista at Starbucks, the Chinese delivery guy, Lea's friend, Gabe's brother, Gabe's friend, a bench, and a squirrel. The most unique are definitely the bench and the squirrel, it's just never been done in YA before. But my favorite were definitely the English teacher and the barista, Charlotte. I loved their POVs so much and they were really keen on bringing Gabe and Lea together.
     Then, this book is mostly about the romance between Gabe and Lea. And it takes so much time to develop. I have to admit that it was just a tiny bit boring at times. But I flew past this book in only one night. Maximum of three hours. I loved watching their relationship unfold and people trying to get them together. They were both such shy and introverted people. They were so easy to connect to and they felt real.
     Although Gabe and Lea are in college and they have problems and insecurities related to college, I never felt like this book was NA. There's nothing about it that makes it more upper-teens than just the fact that both the characters are in the new-adult-age-group. So I am not sure about the classification of this novel.
     Although you never really get to know Gabe and Lea very well because you never read anything from their point of view. This book is a really unique love story. I loved it much more than the books I have been reading recently and it's definitely one of my favorite contemporaries of 2014. I am looking forward to reading more from Sandy Hall, she's an author to watch out for!

ARC Review: Belzhar by Meg Wolitzer

Title: Belzhar
Author: Meg Wolitzer
Publication: September 30th 2014 by Dutton Juvenile
Genre: YA Paranormal
Source: Provided by the kind publisher...

If life were fair, Jam Gallahue would still be  at home in New Jersey with her sweet British  boyfriend, Reeve Maxfield. She’d be watching  old comedy sketches with him. She’d be kissing  him in the library stacks.

She certainly wouldn’t be at The Wooden Barn, a therapeutic boarding school in rural Vermont, living with a weird roommate, and signed up for an exclusive, mysterious class called Special Topics in English.

But life isn’t fair, and Reeve Maxfield is dead.

Until a journal-writing assignment leads Jam to Belzhar, where the untainted past is restored, and Jam can feel Reeve’s arms around her once again. But there are hidden truths on Jam’s path to reclaim her loss.

From New York Times bestselling author Meg Wolitzer comes a breathtaking and surprising story about first love, deep sorrow, and the power of acceptance.

-- My Rating --

3/5 Oscars: Liked it

-- My Thoughts --

      I have been hearing so much about this novel these past couple of weeks. All sorts of reviews, mostly negative. So -as a rule- I was immediately intrigued but now, I am left feeling confused and cheated.
     Jam has been sent to The Wooden Barn for troubled and intelligent teens after her boyfriend Reeve dies. Everything changes when she receives her assignment in Special Topics in English class, and there she meets a group of misfits who are just as troubled as she is.
     First thing, the setting. I loved the setting and the plot it revolved around. It was the whole boarding school setting with the eerie background and the creepy stuff. I loved it. And the descriptions were vivid and lovely.Kudoos to Meg Wolitzer for her descriptive writing style. It was amazing and wholesome.
     The characters were not my favorite. I never got her motives and I never understood why she did what she did. And sometimes, I didn't trust anything she said. That's very hard to overcome in a novel and I guess I never did. But probably my favorite character was Griffin, the guy was such a mysterious but insanely sweet guy. I just loved him. I wanted to see more of him but unfortunately, that was not the case. He was kind of overlooked.
     The romance is mainly what the story revolves around as Jam has some flashbacks. I loved the idea of Belzhar and what it signified and I guess this book was very fast-paced because I read it in only a couple of hours. This book was going all good until the ending chapter and then BAM! It just decreased my rating by two stars. I knew I should expect something dramatic at the ending but THAT was just, NO!
     Even though I feel betrayed and cheated by the book, the ending was just WRONG! Otherwise, this is quite a good book,  even though I didn't like Jam, at all. You might feel different about this book though.

Blog Tour: Stupid Girl by Cindy Miles (Review)

I am SUPER excited today to be sharing with you this amazing book!

Title: Stupid Girl (Stupid Girl #1)
Author: Cindy Miles
Publication: May 13th 2014
Genre: NA Romance
Source: Provided by the kind tour host
Goodreads

Only fools fall in love... 

After her senior year of high school leaves behind nothing but heartache, Olivia Beaumont is sure of this: She’s no stupid girl. She sets out for Winston College, promising herself that she will remain focused on her first and only love – astronomy. But all it takes is cocky sophomore Brax Jenkins and an accidental collision with a football, to throw her entire year off course. 

A quick-tempered Southie who escaped the inner city streets of Boston to pitch for Winston, Brax is known to play way more fields than just the baseball diamond. So, when his name is drawn to take part in his fraternity’s hazing dare, Brax eagerly accepts the mission to take Olivia’s virginity. But he doesn’t plan on falling hard for the sweet and sassy Texas girl who sees right through his bad-boy persona. 

As Olivia and Brax battle their feelings for each other, echoes of the past year begin to surface. A boy who once turned Olivia’s whole world upside down reappears, and “harmless” pranks wreak havoc. Pretty soon the aspiring astronomer is on the verge of revealing her most difficult, heartbreaking secret. All the while, Brax must wrestle with the irrevocable dare, and Olivia struggles against all logic as she does the one thing only a stupid girl would do: fall in love.

-- My Rating  --

3/5 Oscars: Liked it

-- My Thoughts --

     I requested to be a part of the tour for this book out of the blue, I didn't know what it was about or how it was going to be. So I had very low expectations and right now, I am feeling confused about my feelings towards it.
     Olivia had the toughest part of her life going through her senior year and now that she has finally moved on to college, she is sure that she can finally pursue her dreams. But all that changes when Brax moves into her life, with his killer smile and killer reputation. He's everything Olivia knows she should never want, but he just might be everything she needs.
     *Plot:The storyline of this book is very familiar to the NA genre, with the whole heart-wrenching subjects of abuse and recovery. This book started off on the same note, and it pretty much never addressed the subject again until the last chapters. I felt like this was a normal contemporary romance without the dark subjects.
     *Characters:The characters were not very like able. Olivia just seemed too naive to be a college girl and she questioned her thoughts and feelings to an unhealthy state. But after a while, she grew and I began to like her. Brax was the typical NA love interest with the bad boy attitude and a heart of gold. Although he really wasn't my favorite NA love interest because he was just too moody and temperamental be good.
     *Romance:The romance was definitely my favorite part. Although their romance started off as interest-at-first-sight, it grew into something that I felt was real. I loved the chemistry between them and the hot scenes were to die for. But I felt like the strain on this relationship was unbelievable at times and most of their problems were not problems to begin with.
     Finally, this book was definitely much more enjoyable than I thought it would be and the ending was satisfying to the 100th degree.  I loved it. Although this will not make it to my list of favorites, it might appeal to a lot of people. After all, it's all a matter of perspective.

-- Purchase Links --

--Amazon

--B&N

-- Author Bio --

National bestselling author Cindy Miles writes edgy romance, ranging from contemporary love stories to sexy paranormals. A native of southern coastal Georgia, she loves reading (naturally), baking swoon-worthy desserts, traveling abroad, yoga, and classic rock. The cover for her upcoming New Adult romance, STUPID GIRL, was featured on USA Today’s Happily Ever After blog. In the novel, a volatile mix of bad boys, sassy smart girls, dark secrets, and red-hot romance add up to one wild ride through college.

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-- Giveaway --

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