Jess N

Let me start by saying that Wanted turned out to be so different from everything else that I've read this year, that I was simply blown away from the start. As soon as I was introduced to Michal, a young girl turned bookie, there was no turning back. I'm not very familiar with the betting world, but Ayarbe makes it easy to understand the life that Michal has placed herself in. Her honest voice sucked me in, and her inability to see how important she was kept me coming back for more. I was rooting for her.

I'll admit that I personally connected with Michal instantly. For me, it was based on the fact that both she and I are stuck in the middle of two very different worlds. For Michal, her Mexican heritage is something that was stripped away from her long ago. I won't spoil anything, but this makes things very interesting for her during her high school life. Ayarbe tackles some ideas in this book that will be sure to make some readers squirm a bit. Illegal immigrants, unfair health care, gang violence and so much more are all addressed in black and white.

However there is so much more in Wanted than just messages about equality and humanity. At its core, this is a story about looking for the purpose in your life. Michal, Josh, all the students at the high school, are just trapped in the roles that society has set out for them. Stereotypes and labels hold them in one spot, unable to find their true potential. There are characters in this story that you just can't help cheering for. Despite how messed up they might seem, or the choices they make, you know there is some good under that tough exterior.

Wanted has a last chapter that tore my heart out. I'll warn you now. However the ending was so perfect that it is still hard for me to wrap my mind around. I guarantee you'll be thinking about this book well past finishing it. If you are a fan of Heidi Ayarbe's books, this is one you won't want to miss. If you're just entering her world of fantastic writing, welcome. Wanted is great place to start.

Now you might be thinking that a book for Middle Grade isn't for you. That you're too old to enjoy a book entitled Scary School. That, my friends, is where you'd be wrong. I have no qualms at all with telling you straight out that I adored this book! Yes, I'm in my late twenties. You know what though? Derek the Ghost is one heck of a narrator, and the stories in this book are pure awesome. Fan girl ramblings shall now ensue. You've been warned.

From page one Scary School is pure madness in the best way possible! If you've ever been to Wayside School, you'll know that sometimes the sheer ridiculousness of the stories is what really the draw. I found myself giggling through chapter after chapter of hilarious happenings. The teachers here won't just discipline you, they might actually eat you! Never fear though, you'll probably come back as a zombie, or a vampire, or you know, something else. Your best friend might be named Frank (pronounced Rachel) and you might even get in trouble for reading something you shouldn't have. In a word, being a student at Scary School is, well, scary!

The characters here are all vivid and so much fun. Scott M. Fischer's illustrations really bring them to life, and I found myself laughing out loud over the pictures more than once. After all, who doesn't love a T-rex in a dress? Lest you think that this is all just silliness though, I can assure you that there are actually very important lessons hidden in all the fun. Charles and his friends teach readers to be kind, to listen carefully, to be good friends, and even not to judge people for what they look like. Lessons and laughs? How can you go wrong?

If you have a reluctant reader at home, this is a book to put into their hands. The stories will make them laugh, the illustrations will delight them, and I'll guarantee that you won't be able to get them to stop talking about how funny it all is. I will happily admit that I'm a fan. Derek, you have me on board. I'm ready for more!

Through Her Eyes has now become one of my absolute favorite YA books. A stunning mix of contemporary realism and ghost story, this book is hauntingly beautiful. Truly a unique storyline, I was drawn-in from the very beginning and it refused to let me go until I had read the entire thing straight through. Suffice it say, Through Her Eyes is not only unique, but beautifully written.

Tansy was an intriguing main character. Towed constantly from state to state by her mother, Tansy is often left feeling like an outsider. All she longs for is a place to put down some roots, and actually find something meaningful. What I loved most about Tansy was her devout loyalty to her grandfather, and the way that she was so real. I mean that Tansy isn't perfect. She whines, she complains, she has thoughts of feeling outcast and lost. However it is all those thing that really made me fall in love with her. Tansy feels like a real person, almost like a friend that you're meeting for the first time.

That being said, Jennifer Archer definitely has a knack for writing descriptive and interesting characters. Each character who comes in contact with Tansy is utterly engrossing. Bethyl Anne, for instance, is quite different than most characters I've ever met. Two years younger than her fellow classmates, and obsessed with quoting Shakespeare, Bethyl Anne is also an outcast. However she handles her status much differently than Tansy. There is an air about her that shows her strength and a deep understanding of her life. It is through her that Tansy begins to see that feeling sorry for herself won't get her anywhere. Truthfully Bethyl Anne is one of my new favorite characters. There are others, like the smoldering Tate, but I won't delve too far. I'll let you discover that for yourself!

In terms of plot, some may find it a bit slow at the beginning. This is because Tansy is so deeply set into her isolation that the beginning of the story is mainly inner monologue. However as the story progresses, and Tansy breaks out of her shell, it also definitely picks up in speed. The ghost story aspect provides a unique twist, and the two time periods are woven together so seamlessly that sometimes I forgot where I was at the moment. Through Her Eyes is absolutely the most stunning book that I have read in a long time.

Ultimately, I fell so in love with this book that I can't give it any less than my highest recommendation. Expertly written characters, seamless plot writing and a gorgeously isolated setting make this book something special. I can only hope that you'll love it as much as I did.

Let's start with the positives shall we? I always like to get off on a good foot. This book is pretty funny. Plain and simple there are parts in this book where I found myself laughing out loud, “Hen” or Henry, the main character, is witty and ridiculous at times. He tends to surround himself with other characters of the same magnitude, and watching them interact with one another can be pretty hilarious.

I also very much enjoyed the multiple pop culture references in the story, especially Henry's love for the 90's and all the nostalgia there within. Bands, television shows, it was all there in its truly cheesy 90's glory. Truthfully I began to get a little peeved near the end at how many times Facebook was mentioned, however I know this to be true to life. I can't count how many times I've been at a bar and heard that word thrown around. Yes, it's pop culture and yes it's here to stay. Daniel Ehrenhaft's mention of these items did help me form a connection with the characters as I read.

However this is where my love for the book ended. Although I found Henry to be funny at times, I mainly found him to be awkward and obnoxious. His incessant side notes to himself (set off like this) throughout the book were endearing at first, and then became extremely distracting. Henry's sole focus in this story was to be a rock star, and it seemed to me like it was a little forced. He knew he wasn't good at bass, and yet he continued to convince himself that that was what he needed to be happy. In Henry's mind, stardom = money = happiness and I just couldn't get behind that. Maybe it's just me, but I really thought he could have directed his confusion and family angst into something more worthwhile.

As for his sister Sarah and her story, the entire first half of the story had me wondering out loud when I was going to get to find anything out about her disappearance. There were no clues, no hints, her parents didn't even seem fazed when she showed up out of nowhere. I was also so frustrated at how uncaring she seemed and how distant. She was Henry's sister after all, doesn't that afford them some kind of confidence? As the book neared the end and I finally unraveled the mystery behind Sarah's disappearance, I began to wonder why it was all such a big deal. Why couldn't Henry's parents have shared that with him? It just seemed like extremely poor parenting to me.

Overall this was a book that just irked me too much to really appreciate it. There were high points and low points, but sadly the things I disliked really weighed in strongly. More than once I had to resist simply giving up on reading this book, and that made me sad. It's not often that I find a book I have that much trouble reading. I think that this book has great potential, but that the quirkiness makes it a difficult read. Perhaps there are those out there who will think differently than me and if so, great!

Kudos, first of all, to David Yoo for perfectly capturing the world of middle school. I found myself giggling out loud as Peter and Drew navigated the perils of this new school experience. From their voices, to the snark, right down to the bullies, everything was there in perfect color. I'm not kidding. It took me back to my middle school experience and, although I wasn't in the same position as Peter, I had not a single problem falling into step with these wonderful characters.

The chemistry between these two characters is amazing! Peter is the brains of the operation, and it's no surprise that he might just sometimes be a little bit of a liar. After all, schemers generally are. Sweet Drew is his loyal friend, who is also the voice of reason in the friendship. Whenever Peter comes up with a particularly odd plan, it's Drew who has to remind him it just might not be for the best. I was giggling out loud at the way the two of them interacted. I admit that Drew was a bit of a pushover, but charismatic Peter is a tough character to follow. They compliment one another perfectly.

What I most enjoyed about The Detention Club was the message underneath everything. Buried under the funny parts, and the banter, is a story that all middle school kids will be able to connect with. All Peter and Drew want to do is fit in. They want to be popular enough that they have other friends, and don't feel like losers. However as the book goes on, Peter realizes that Drew isn't always going to be completely on board with his crazy schemes. We all grow up sometime don't we? He also uncovers that people might not always be what they seem on the outside. Most of all, he realizes that no matter who we are, just being ourselves is perfection. Who wants friends that make you change for them anyway?

It might all sound a little cliche, like the lectures our parents give us when we're young, but now that I'm older don't I know it's the truth. David Yoo has perfectly masked these very important lessons under a story that is quick-paced, funny, and filled with things that younger readers will connect with. Honestly, I'm so happy I was given the opportunity to review this book! I fully intend to take it to the 5th grade class at the school I work with and let them read it. Maybe it will give them some good early pointers for what's to come!

Recommended most definitely! If you have a younger reader, I can't deny they'll fall in love with Peter, Drew and their crazy cohorts. Just be ready for the sounds of giggling from the other room.

Shattered Kathi Baron introduces us to the story of Cassie, a fourteen-year-old violin soloist. Her antique violin is her life, as is the Chicago Youth Symphony. When her father shatters her violin, and essentially her heart, Cassie's life takes a course that will shape her life.
 
I thought that Cassie's overall voice was fairly authentic. We watch as she goes through normal issues we all do growing up, like dating. The difference, of course, is that Cassie also has to deal with domestic violence and a broken family at the same time. I felt for her, but I kept looking for more emotion. Cassie and her family are very one-dimensional. I wanted to see more in depth into their lives so I would feel more immersed.
 
I also found myself interested in how attached Cassie was to her violin. This story is supposed to show a girl who finds her inner strength through music. However, there isn't much musical content at all. I was a musician for much of my life. I know how easy it is to fall into it as a whole way of life. I don't doubt that Cassie would have felt this way too, since her violin was so dear to her. We never really see this though. It's hidden under the rest of the plot line.
 
Although I did read the entirety of Shattered, I was left feeling slightly disappointed upon finishing. I would have loved to see more characterization and a little more polish to the writing. However I definitely see something with unique potential here. I'm glad I took a chance.

For those of you who don't often read Steampunk/Fantasy novels, let me tell you something outright. Before this review even begins. Characters are numerous, and if you are a character heavy reader, chances are you won't really connect with them. You might enjoy a character, or think they are interesting, but it's really unlikely you'll ever get to know so much about a character that you know them. I guess. I mean as much as you would get to know them in say, a Contemporary read. Unless there are multiple books. I've experienced this many times and I just take it as law when I pick up a book in this genre.

That being said, I loved reading The Vyne. The world that Daniel Walls builds for his readers is equally beautiful and terrifying at the same time. In fact, I was so immersed in the words on the pages, so intent on seeing what was going to happen with Asher and Scar, that I didn't realize that clock said 2am. I was so impressed with the way that the story progresses and gives you just enough to keep you reading on until the next chapter. Yes my friends, this book kept me awake way into the wee hours of the morning. I wouldn't have it any other way.

As I mentioned above, I didn't really connect with Asher and Scar as characters per say, but I did really enjoying following their adventures. Asher is a bit crass and hard at times, but it was easy to see why based on how he was brought up. That and his nightmares would be more than enough to create a hardened outer shell. Although he isn't a “snuggly” character I thought he was fascinating. As for Scar, she's a bit odd. A clone of sorts, so not really human, she picks up more and more human emotions as the book progresses. I was a tiny bit lost with her, but once her adventure with Asher really took off it didn't even matter anymore.

A dark and entangling adventure, complete with a bit of a romance, The Vyne was a book that I really enjoyed reading. I think that if you, my reader friends, go into the book understanding that this is a different kind of read (more adventure and less emotion) you'll enjoy it immensely as well. Go get lost in the world that Daniel Walls has built for you. You won't regret it.

First off, credit where credit is due, this an absolutely stunning book cover. That's admittedly the first thing that drew me to The Scythian Trials. Secondly, I should start with the fact that I actually did enjoy this book overall. I'm fairly picky about my Sci Fi and Fantasy, especially when it comes to world building, so I wanted to get that out in the open. I'll do my best to share all the positives first, and then come around to why this book didn't quite click with me the way that I would have liked.

Let's start with Nya, our enigma of a main character. Part of the Scythian tribe, and therefore descended from Amazons, Nya's whole purpose in life is to be the best. Unfortunately for her, she's hampered by the fact that her memories are mysteriously locked away. There are secrets buried there, and trying to overcome them is Nya's main burden. This whole concept is actually the main reason why I enjoyed Nya as our lead. She has a strong will, but is inherently weakened by her mental barriers. Watching her grow as a person, while battling her inner demons, made me love her more. I was rooting for her, and it made this story fly by.

In terms of plot, this book definitely pushes forward at a manic pace. There is barely time to breathe as Nya's life barrels onward, allowing the reader to start to uncover what she's been unwittingly hiding this entire time. There are stirrings of war, the tiny flame of a budding romance, and more action than it seems can fit in one book. I admit that I love a quick pace, but I also felt like the book kind of skimmed over some of what I really wanted to know about Nya and her world. I felt slightly unmoored the entire story.

And there lies my issue with this book. The action is so forefront, and Nya's place in all the intrigue is so much the focus, that there really isn't any time for world building or back story. This book very much feels like the second in a series, where the author assumes that the reader already knows the characters and the setting intimately. There were flashbacks that attempted to fill things in, but I honestly believe that this book would have benefited from just a little time to settle the reader into their surroundings. I wanted to know more about the society, especially because their advanced world seemed so fascinating. I'm a reader who needs footing, and I wasn't given any.

So, as I mentioned when I started this review, I really did enjoy this book overall. Nya's story was intriguing, the plot moved lightning fast, and the twists kept me guessing. If only there were more attention to world building, this would have been a higher starred read for me. As it stands, I give this a solid three rating. There's definitely something starting here that I like, and I'm ready to see what comes next.

Where to begin with this book? Hug Chickenpenny: The Panegyric of an Anomalous Child is unlike anything that I've read before. It's a coming of age story, but with a fantasy bent that makes it completely unique. I can promise that whatever you think you're going to find in these pages you're, at most, only about half right. If you've seen Bone Tomahawk, you might have a general idea about the brilliant oddness that Zahler can create. Just go into this book with an open mind, and prepare yourself for an anomalous journey.

As a character, Hug Chickenpenny wins the award for the quickest I've ever grown attached to anyone. From the moment of Hug's unusual entry into the world, the reader is shown how much he has stacked against him. See, Hug isn't exactly a “normal” child. In the broadest sense of the word, he's quite different. Which of course then sets the stage for his rather rough, and equally intriguing, childhood. Hug's ability to see the good in people and situations, that I would be railing madly at, is really what endeared him to me. No matter how dark things became, Hug was always a ray of light and that is really the most beautiful part of this book.

In terms of plot, there's not a lot that I can say without spoiling things so I'll tread carefully. To say that Hug's story is interesting is actually somewhat of an understatement. Hug probably goes through more in the duration of this book than most of us do in a lifetime. Poor thing. I loved the characters that S. Craig Zahler brought into his path, and especially appreciated those who could see past Hug's outer “otherness”. However the book started to lose me somewhere around the mid-point, when it strayed too far into the fantasy aspect of everything. I liken it to following a steady trail of breadcrumbs into a forest, only to find halfway through that it had been entirely eaten by birds. I was left wandering towards the ending, which then came rushing up too quickly. I almost felt a bit cheated overall. Especially because, in the vein of Lemony Snickett, so many sad things had happened so close together at the end. I lacked closure, and that wasn't something I enjoyed.

So, for a wholly unique plot and a character that I fell head over heels for, this book gets a solid three star rating. It's definitely outside of most of what I've read, and I adored it for that. I do warn you though, this isn't the happiest of stories. Make sure you have some tissues specifically for the ending, friends. You're going to need them.

It was interesting to see life through Billie's eyes. Growing up in the South in the 1900's, she has to fend for herself often. If graphic descriptions of bodily functions and sexual exploits bother you, this may not be a book for you. However I can honestly say that I found it a necessary part of the novel. How else would Billie learn about her body than through self exploration? It isn't as though there were sexual education classes in her lifetime. In a way, it does make sense.

This story is just so dark. I completely understand why, since Billie's life is never easy, but it is a challenging read. A big part of this book is euthanasia which can be uncomfortable at times. Billie learns at an early age about “killing for mercy” and doesn't seem at odds with it in the least. The reader will soon realize that Billie never catches a break in this story. Each time something devastating happens you hope for the best, but it just never seems to make a difference. I was impressed with Billie's ability to just accept her fate and move on. Put in her shoes, I would be quite a mess.

My biggest issue with this story was how mundane it is at times. Granted we are following a character through her day to day life, but I feel as if there could have been more character development during these times. There were portions of the story that just lagged. I also never really felt that I knew Billie and her counterparts, even as I was turning the last page. Good writing, difficult story material, okay characters. With all that combined, this book falls into my “just okay” list.

Call Me Grim enticed me with its promise of a new Grim Reaper story. No matter how many I read, I'm always excited to see what angle a new author will take on this subject. It's fascinating to me. The chance to skip your death, if you're only willing to guide others into the light? Yup, I want to know how it works. There was no hesitation as to whether or not I'd read this book. It instantly went on my list when it was offered to me for review.

I'll start with the strong points. First off, the premise of this story is pretty standard. You're slated to die, but you can avoid that if you're okay with becoming a Grim Reaper. Done, and done. The wrench in this system is that there can only be one Reaper in a certain zone. So if you want to take their place? They have to die. Twist! I liked this. Imagine knowing that, not only are you avoiding your own death, but you're trading places with someone else. Crazy. The other thing I liked about this book was that Libbi was so adamant about needing time to think it over. I'm always wary when a character makes a split decision regarding something so life changing. It made this feel more real.

Now on to what I didn't click with so much. The characters fall under this category. All of them, Libbi, Kyle, Aaron and Haley, were just so hard to like. They whined, a lot. They got into fights that felt like they were so petty that I couldn't get behind them. What they felt like, to me, were what an adult believes that teenagers act and sound like. Do I believe that there are teenagers out there who actually behave like this? Yes, I do. I don't think it's the norm though. So having four characters who are all eerily similar in their temperament? A little frustrating, to say the least. Add to this the fact that their dialogue never really felt true, and I had a hard time sticking with them.

The other issue I had, and this was the big one, was that the story just didn't seem to flow. Aaron's plight made sense. I understood the way that the Reaper world worked on a very shallow level, but that's where things stopped making sense to me. I wanted to see further into the politics of this world. Wanted to know who Aaron answered to, and why he was such a stickler for the rules. The ending also made me a little upset, but I won't spoil it for you. Suffice it to say that, although I finished it, this wasn't a book that I clicked with.

Thank you Brian Falkner. Thank you for writing the kind of book that I was craving! Northwood is the reminiscent of the stories I adored as a child. Fairy tales, filled with dark forests, brave heroes, and hidden castles. It's the type of story that is unpredictable, and filled with adventure. The type of story that doesn't talk down to its young readers, but instead embraces them within its pages. This is the stuff that bedtime stories are made of.

Cecelia stole my heart. Our heroine in this book, she isn't just brave but smart and honest as well. I think the perfect word for Cecelia is tenacious. She just doesn't give up! Whenever things weren't going her way, she worked around it. Sure, she was afraid at times. What ten year old wouldn't be? She just never let it get in her way. Cecelia's character is the perfect role model for the young readers who will fall in love with this book.

Northwood blends Cecelia's adventures with a fair bit of humor as well. Avery and Evan, our supporting characters on this adventure, were tons of fun! Bickering twins, these two were like night and day. Headstrong Avery, who was always willing to jump into danger when necessary. Sweet, silly Evan who tried so hard to seem smart that he was constantly misusing big words. These two bring a lightness to the story. Trials and tribulations come their way, but these three always keep their heads up.

In fact, this whole story is just filled with the perfect kind of whimsy that will make young readers, and readers who are young at heart, smile and laugh. Houses made of balloons, hairy and evil Kings, and so much more. I can't deny that I fell in love with Miss Cecelia Undergarment. I'd happily follow her into any adventure she happens upon. Once again, thank you to Brian Falkner. Northwood spoke straight to my inner child, and delighted her to no end.

In an effort to branch out into reading more manga, I decided to give this a chance. The story of Les Misérables is one that I've loved since the first moment I read it. I've read the original story, seen the musical, and of course seen the movie adaptation. So, why not add the manga to my list of formats in which I have experienced this moving story? I went into this excited, and a bit wary.

I must say, Fantine and Cosette transfer perfectly into manga format. The big eyes, sweet faces, and all around adorable nature of manga female characters is perfect for these two. In terms of Jean Valjean and Marius, I was a little less sold on the way they were drawn. Maybe it's just me, actually it probably is just me, but I like my Jean Valjean a little more on gruff side. Personal preference and all that, but it's the truth.

The story of Les Misérables is a little watered down in this version, which I understood. There simply isn't space for all of the little nuances that this story generally has. I did appreciate that they kept some of the more important lines intact, and manga honestly does convey emotions well. It was a fun ride. I think what I missed, more than anything, was the music. I remember that I read the novel before I saw the musical, but after I experienced the musical I could never go back.

So, this three star rating is simply based on preferences. Fans of manga should definitely pick this up, especially if you haven't experienced the story yet. I also think that readers, like myself, who are looking to branch out will appreciate starting with something they know. I know I'll be on the lookout for more of these! I love the fact that I can experience stories that I love, in a new way.

If there is one thing that you should know about this reader, it's that I'm easily charmed by oddities and quirks. I love stories that are rich with the kind of atmosphere that makes you truly believe in the place it is describing. Blackfin Sky delivered this in a most pleasing manner. I was treated to a town brimming with items like the local penny well, which would nip the change right out of your pockets if you walked too close. Or like Sky's home, which had a tendency to whisk away all sugary treats an unsuspecting child might bring home since, as you well know, they are quite bad for you. I was smitten with this town, and eager to learn more about it.

When Sky mysteriously came back from the dead, this story looked even more promising. With a setting like this, I hoped for something magical and even a bit sinister. I suppose I did get my wish partly fulfilled. There was indeed some rather sinister undertones to Sky's story. Some of the events that took place were downright creepy, especially as she slowly came to understand how she was “dead” for so long. Unfortunately, there was plenty that was not fully explained. There was this deliciously creepy circus, that played a part I didn't quite understand. More than a few characters flitted in and out of the story without really being fleshed out. Most disappointing of all, Sky's ability to travel through multiple timelines was only just hinted at. I would have loved to learn more about how it worked, and what the consequences were.

In fact, if you were to ask me right now what the entire point of this story was? I wouldn't rightly be able to tell you. I only just finished it a few days ago, and pieces of it are already lost in the immeasurable space that holds all my bookish knowledge. The things I do know are these: I liked Sky as a character, I loved the town that she lived in, and I just wanted more. So much more of everything. For the things I did enjoy, I'll happily give this book 3 stars. It was well-written, although the pacing felt slightly off. The characters and the setting charmed me enough to keep me reading to the end and that's saying something. Pick this up simply to meet the town of Blackfin Sky.

It breaks my heart to announce this, but I've finally found an Entangled romance book that I just didn't click with. I know, it's devastating. You all know that I always review honestly though. So please excuse any rambling below as I try to let you know why this book just wasn't for me.

I'll start with Nikki. She was such a hard character for me to like. Understandably, she's rather broken up at the beginning of the book. After loosing both her business and her fiancé, she's just trying to pick up the pieces. When I first found out that Nikki's character was so self-deprecating, I let it go and chalked it up to her recent experiences. However as the book went on, even after Dallas started to show interest in her, it just kept up. Hearing Nikki constantly call herself “fat” and “chubby” started to grate on my nerves. Meshed together with her inability to let her ex-fiancé go, it created an image of a weak woman in my mind. I didn't hate Nikki. Not at all. The problem for me was that, for the first half of the book, she just refused to listen to reason. I can only take so much negativity.

I would have been willing to ignore this, for the most part, if it wasn't for the fact that Dallas also had his fair share of what I like to call “broken character syndrome”. Coming into the relationship with his own baggage, Dallas was more likable than Nikki but definitely just as critical of himself. This was hard for me. No matter which chapter I read, no matter what character was telling the story, self loathing and the inability to change took center stage. Yes, I completely understand this was necessary for the rest of the story to work. I also see that it was meant to build tension for later. It just didn't work for me, as a reader. I wanted to shake some sense into both of them and I couldn't connect with their personalities.

Not everything about Love Thy Neighbor was a miss for me though. I definitely loved the chemistry between these two, and applaud the fact that Dallas worked so hard to make Nikki understand how much she was worth. The fact that Sophie Wintner uses Dallas as a means to show that men do truly enjoy natural beauty, made me smile. He was such a debonair guy, and I have nothing but love for the steamy scenes that he shared with Nikki. They may have been short, but they were absolutely perfect. If only the characters and their story had been easier for me to connect with, I know I would have liked this book more. I know that there will plenty of people out there who adore Nikki and Dallas' journey. I just wasn't swayed.

Let me take you back. Back to a time when I truly believed that all romance novels were too full of fluff and rainbows to be worth a read. A time when just staring at the cover of one of those novels would make me cringe. I don't miss that period of time. At all. Now that I've fallen in love with reading about love? I could never go back. Which is why Meeting His Match by Katee Robert promptly ended up in my reading list. A story featuring a stubborn CEO, complete with Southern drawl? Yes, please. I'll take ten.

I'll start with Addison. While she wasn't my favorite character ever, she eventually grew on me. I loved her obvious passion for her job and her sweet demeanor that could turn to steel in an instant if the occasion called for it. Mostly, I loved the fact that Addison wasn't perfect. She was flawed, and that made her feel real to me. The one thing that irked me, and I'll be honest about it, was Addison's view on “soul mates”. More than once I wanted to shake her silly. I may or may not have yelled “Would you just quit being so mopey and GET YOUR MAN ALREADY?” at the pages. Hey, it just proves I was invested.

As for Caine? Oh, mother of all things bookish, he was an addictive character. There was nothing I didn't love about him! A bit grumpy, a bit set in his ways, but with that smoldering smile that makes you feel like you might honestly burst into flames. I adored his witty sarcasm, his unfailingly honesty, and the fact that all he really wanted in life was to be happy. Caine wasn't a character who took what he wanted by force. He wasn't that guy who plays an asshole, just to impress women. He was just himself, and that was just fine by me. He has my heart and, well, anything else he wants really.

This is an extremely character driven story. There were a lot of sweet moments between these two, but also a fair amount of drama. It was very much a story about letting go of the past, and allowing yourself to be happy. Meeting His Match is the first book I've read in Entangled's new “Lovestruck” line, but I know it won't be my last! The characters were so richly detailed, there was the perfect mix of both Addison and Caine's POV, and these two had to fight for their happy ending. In my mind, these things equal out to a very entertaining story. So, yes. I'll be back for more.

This is W.A.R My reasons for requesting this book were two-fold. One, Soho Teen has amazing titles and two, the premise sounded so deliciously creepy. A country club that covers up lies? Definitely sounds like the perfect place for a thrilling mystery! Luckily, This is W.A.R. dove right into the mystery of Willa's death. I found myself anxious to figure out why Willa died, and who the culprit was. I was hooked, and you couldn't have stopped me from finishing if you'd tried.
 
The characters were really what made this story so much fun for me. Each had their own unique personality that really contributed to this vigilante battle. We have Lina, who is bold and brutally honest, Sloane who is lost, Madge who is bossy, and Rose who is just trying to fit in. It's no surprise that I loved Rose the most. I always cheer on the underdog , and I loved watching her grow from an outcast into someone who was able to take charge. Best of all, every character has a secret that they are hiding and I found myself eagerly waiting to find out what they were.
 
That being said, there was a lot I loved about the mystery in this story. The clues are well laid out. Willa's mystery unravels at a nice, even pace and expertly ties into each character's life. No one is ever what they seem at Hawthorne Lake, and it creates delicious tension. Still, I have to admit that I just didn't feel the excitement that I usually feel with mysteries like these. I wanted to see more sleuthing and more plotting for revenge. The girls have plenty of resources on their side, but I honestly felt like they didn't always use them as well as they could have.
 
Still, I can't deny that This is W.A.R. was a book that kept me reading until the very end. Despite slight issues I may have had with it, the story itself drew me in and the vivid characters sealed my reading fate. I had no choice but to read ravenously, and I had more than a few moments of intense emotion as the story unfolded. This was a story that I ended up loving, and I have a feeling that you will too.

I can't really pinpoint exactly what it is about Meteor Men that I liked, even though I've been thinking about for a little over a day now. If I had to take a guess, I'd say it's the fact that this graphic novel captured my imagination. I'm sure we've all had moments where we wonder if we're alone in the universe. Where we truly debate what would happen if we weren't. More than anything, I felt like this story was something different from tales of aliens I've read previously, and I appreciated that wholeheartedly.

Let's start with the illustrations since, in all honesty, those were my least favorite part of this story. It's not that the panels in Meteor Men aren't well done. They're just a different art style than I'm used to. The scenes were a bit blurry looking, with starkly contrasted speech bubbles hovering over them. On the bright side, it did make for a very easy read. The dialogue doesn't hide within the panels. Still, I'm used to bright, crisp art in my graphic novels. It made this one a little distracting.

On to the story line, shall we? That was my favorite part of this, hands down. I loved that the aliens arrival was so spectacular. That there were no flashy UFOs or mother ships. I also really enjoyed the reactions of the general public. This story felt true to life as I followed along. I won't spoil, but there are a lot of grey areas explored in this novel. What if the aliens that came to Earth didn't fall into a “bad” or “good” category? What if there was something in between? Any story that challenges me to think outside the box gets a seal of approval from me, and this one did just that.

There's not really much else that I can say about Meteor Men. I'm sure it's going to be a graphic novel that people either fall in love with, or pass over. As a fan of Science Fiction, I enjoyed being lost in the story, and that's all I can really say for sure.

A beautiful and empowering story, filled with heartbreak. Full review coming soon!

What a sweet little book. Peter Panda may be having a melt down, but I've never seen one look so cute! If it isn't already obvious, it was the illustrations that initially made me want to check out this book. Even on my iPad, the illustrations were big, bright, and perfectly matched the lines on the page. Kudos to Jon Nez!

The rhyming scheme is spot on for beginning readers, and the repetition of Peter Panda's melt downs make it easy to follow along. Young readers might even see a little of themselves in Peter as they read. After all, melt downs happen! This has the potential to be an excellent parent/child read.

Why the lesser rating you ask? In my opinion, as sweet as this book is, the message is a little vague. While Peter's tantrums never get him any of the things he wants, his momma never really deals with them either. She just moves his attention to the next thing they will do. I just really would have loved to see a lesson in this book for the young minds that will be enjoying it.

Where do I start? I've been following the Hourglass series fanatically since book one. I've fallen in love with the characters, been enchanted by the story, and always looked forward to more. Needless to say that it was a bittersweet moment when I turned the last page of Infinityglass. I felt satisfied, but sad that it was time to say goodbye.

This particular book focuses mainly on Dune and a newcomer to the group, Hallie. I loved that Dune was in the spotlight this time around. He's slightly awkward, and sweet in a way that makes you want to wrap him up in a great big hug. Best of all, he's a gentleman. Isn't that so hard to find these days? Then there's Hallie, who is his utter opposite. Feisty and impulsive, she makes Dune crazy. It's hard enough to protect an object, but to protect a person? Suffice it to say that it makes things interesting.

Now I'm going to be as vague as possible here for those who haven't gotten to this yet (you won't get any spoilers from me), but Infinityglass ties everything together. Every event that has happened so far culminates into something unbelievable and yet amazing. I couldn't look away. Questions I had were answered, the best (and worst) selves of characters were revealed, and I ended the book with a sense of completion. Infinityglass is an excellent example of what the last book in a series should be. McEntire wrapped everything up in a pretty red bow, and I eagerly accepted it.

Apologies for the vague review, but I hope it's obvious that I enjoyed this book! I just want to give other readers out there the opportunity to enjoy it as much as I did. If you're a fan of the Hourglass series, if you've been following these characters as maniacally as I have, Infinityglass is a must read. Enjoy the journey!

Ah, the world of KPop. I admit that I too have been drawn into this world, full of super talented and gorgeous people. A world where music is pumped out on a regular basis, and the average fan has access to their idols pretty much constantly. It's a much contested place to exist in. On the one hand, the music that comes out of this space is vibrant and spans a vast set of genres. On the other hand, it is really easy to forget that the people inside these shiny, photo perfect groups are real human beings. So when I saw that Alexandra Leigh Young was writing a YA with the focus on the world of KPop idols, I was 100% in.

For the most part, I enjoyed this story! Like I mentioned above, the glossy part of this KPop idol world comes with some big issues underneath. I appreciated that Leigh wasn't afraid to shine a light on this part of things. Alice definitely gets dumped head first into a space that she wasn't prepared for. As a KPop idol her every move is scrutinized, and often manufactured. Her food intake is watched. Her social media is monitored. Worse still, she has barely any time to keep up with her family because of her insane training schedule. These are all very real things that happen, especially to trainees. It was almost refreshing to see this called out into the open.

The biggest issue that I had with Alice though is that Leigh really did just throw Alice straight into the fray with no background. Alice had no idea any of this was coming, and really all she wanted to do was sing. What ensues is a mess of a character arc where Alice refuses to change at all, is a stubborn brat, and starts to drag down the dreams of the other girls in her group who have been training for years. Alice becomes that frustrating entitled character who has done no research and just won't adapt. Now I would have been more forgiving of this if she had learned any lessons at all, but by the time any real progress is made the story is almost at an end. Alice is not just unlikable, she's unbelievable. That made it hard for me to make it through this story.

It was truly the other characters here that saved the day. So-ri with her famous past, and her eccentric personality. Alice's band mates, with their sweet personas and their excitement over their new group. Even Joon, who I didn't expect to like all that much, stole my heart. I loved that the was that famous character who was still humble, and genuinely excited about what he did. In my time spent in the KPop world I can tell you that there are a lot of idols like that. People who are genuinely love making music, and adore their fans. So this was a nice addition for me.

Honestly, I really felt like this book could have benefitted from some more length. More time for Alice to learn and grow, more time to really dive into the lives of the idols. It all felt very superficial, and wrapped up too quickly with a neat little bow. I would rate this on the younger side of the YA spectrum though, so maybe that isn't such a bad thing. This is a quick read, and it does have some very cute moments. So, three stars it is!

Since I've yet to finish a book yet this year, I thought it was a good time to go ahead and work on the reviews that I never had a chance to post last year. Which, especially in the case of Return to the Secret Garden, is a shame. This book was absolutely adorable, and I wish I'd been on top of my reviews enough to give it the pre-release love that it deserved. On the bright side, hopefully I'm reminding some of you out there of its existence, and it will scoot up your reading lists after this review.

First off, I feel it's only fair to explain to you that the original book is one of my all time favorites. Coupled with that, is the fact that Holly Webb is one of my all time favorite Middle Grade writers. So, you can easily see that my expectations were high here. I was so thrilled that the sequel to my favorite book would be done by one of my favorite authors. It doesn't get any more perfect than that! I was so eager to make my way back to Misselthwaite, and explore it with new eyes. I'm happy to say, I wasn't disappointed.

Much like the Mary we remember, Emmie is a little tough to love at first. An orphan, Emmie is used to mainly caring for herself and is, as such, a bit distant. Still, I could tell right away that she was a spitfire at heart. Her deep thoughts, her love for her adopted stray cat, all of it pulled me in to her world. It wasn't obvious early on how she would be tied in to the Misselthwaite of old, but I knew she'd fit in just wonderfully.

As it turns out, I was right. The backdrop of this book is the Blitz and it sets the stage expertly for Emmie's transition to her new home. I loved watching her go through the same kinds of feelings as her predecessor. It was that moment when she stepped into the garden though, that really had me rapt. Holly Webb evoked that same magic, the same air of sweet mystery, that the original book so wonderfully had. I ate it up. Even if the original characters hadn't been tied into this, which they absolutely are, I would have been happy just with this small piece of my childhood restored. Stepping back into the secret garden with new eyes was a wonderful feeling.

Truth be told, I really wanted to give this five stars. It was missing this small something that I couldn't fit my finger on though, and so I settled with four. It's really a fabulous book though, and I highly recommend it as an addition to your TBR! Emmie will steal your heart and, if she doesn't succeed alone, so will your new trip into the secret garden.

Well now, this was a pleasant surprise! I don't think I've read too many YA mystery novels, or if I have I don't quite remember them, so this was a nice place to settle in. My first thought is that Amelia Brunskill has quite a talent for pacing, which I'll expand on in a bit. The Window drew me in, and I ran through it so quickly that it actually surprised me. I love effortless reads, and this book definitely fits that bill.

Jess and Anna. Anna and Jess. The twin angle was a beautiful addition to this story, because of the even sharper contrast between their two personalities. The same on the outside, but so very different in all other aspects. I loved how Brunskill slowly unveiled Anna's thoughts and feelings, as Jess slowly dove further and further into her sister's life. I think it's such a truth that we never really know someone, even an identical sibling, as much as we think we did. For Jess, Anna's life is this enigma. It takes her death to change to that at all.

I usually hesitate to the use the phrase “compulsively readable”, because it's one of those phrases that's tossed casually around the book world and shows up endlessly on covers. However, I can honestly say that this phrase applies to this book. Reading The Window is effortless. Maybe not content wise, since Jess' hurt is palpable and tough to read at times. Plot wise though, this book pulls you along in its wake. I found myself having to forcefully put this book down at bedtime, because I just kept wanting to know what would happen next. Brunskill has this beautiful slow burn going through this story. It gives you just enough to tempt you to the next chapter, and then does it all over again. I didn't mind one bit.

My only complaint, and the reason I gave this book 4 stars rather than 5, is the fact that it felt a bit anti-climactic to me. Now, again, I'm used to reading this genre in the more adult section of things. So I had to step back and remind myself that this book is written for a younger set of readers, and features a much younger protagonist. I had to point out to myself that many of the scenarios in other books I've read wouldn't play out in the life of a high school student. So, just take this as my personal preference more than anything. I enjoyed this book immensely. I powered through it like a madwoman. It just didn't hit that unforgettable mark that I look for in a 5 star book, and that's totally okay.

Long story short, read this. It's excellent.

How do you resist a character like Amber Alessandra Leola Kimiko Miyamoto? Easy answer. You don't. I read the synopsis, fell in love with this half-Japanese, half-Italian little girl, and promptly added this to my reading list. I'm a big pusher of Middle Grade stories. Most specifically, I fully endorse any story that deals with diverse characters and real life situations. Dream On Amber hit all those points, and I couldn't wait to read it.

First off, I want to give a high five to Emma Shevah for writing such a wonderfully realistic eleven year old girl. As a person who worked with children for a huge chunk of my life, I always love to see a character who feels real. Amber impressed me to no end. Her love of art, but her fear of sharing that passion with others was spot on. Middle school is a scary place to begin, and setting yourself apart from others is difficult. Plus I absolutely loved the interaction between Amber and her little sister Bella. Anyone who has been a big sister knows that fine line we walk between annoyance and pure love for our little sisters. Amber and Bella felt like a real set of sisters, and I loved it.

In fact, it was Amber's family life that really stole my heart. From her hardworking single mom, to her whimsical little sister, this group of characters came to life on the page. I think stories like this are important for Middle Graders. How many kids are there out there who are suffering from a dad shaped hole, just like Amber? How many of them wish they had someone to identify with? Plenty. Which is why I'm happy Dream On Amber is in existence. This is important stuff.

So why the three star rating? Mostly, and I'm being completely honest, it's because I didn't identify with this story as a whole. There were a lot of parts that I enjoyed, Amber being the main attraction. However I also felt like there could have been a deeper exploration of her feelings. There's a quick look at some bullying, that kind of blends into the background. Amber's art is in the background, but never quite comes to the forefront. This is the perfect story for a young reader, I just didn't feel like it had the oomph to transcend past that age group.

Still, this is a solid story that I'd highly recommend to any young readers. Especially those who might be missing a dad.