Breathe by Abbi Glines

Read in: August, 2012

Format: Ebook

Source: Borrowed

Star Rating: ★★★★

Synopsis: (From Goodreads.com)

Sadie White's summer job isn't going to be on the beach life-guarding or working at rental booths like most kids her age. With her single mother's increasing pregnancy and refusal to work, Sadie has to take over her mother's job as a domestic servant for one of the wealthy summer families on a nearby island.

When the family arrives at their summer getaway, Sadie is surprised to learn that the owner of the house is Jax Stone, one of the hottest teen rockers in the world. If Sadie hadn't spent her life raising her mother and taking care of the house she might have been normal enough to be excited about working for a rock star.

Even though Sadie isn't impressed by Jax's fame, he is drawn to her. Everything about Sadie fascinates Jax but he fights his attraction. Relationships never work in his world and as badly as he wants Sadie, he believes she deserves more. By the end of the summer, Jax discovers he can't breathe without Sadie.

Persecution: 

ALL of the teenagers in this story sounded like 40 year old women. The author WAS trying to make the main character sound like a 17 year old who is mature for her age, but she went too far. She was said to have a good head on her shoulders; not to sound so out of touch from the teenage world. Also, there were NO contractions at all (example: we will=we'll). Everything sounded strange and forced. It was the main reason to me for only getting a four star rating on an otherwise amazing story line. 

Defense: 

AMAZING STORY LINE! The plot wasn't strange or forced. Mrs. Glines worked with a difficult story plot but the story moved seamlessly and without any of the awkward hiccups a debut novel has. Jax & Sadie are exploring the wonders of new love filled with all of those amazing dates you can have when you have an unlimited fortune.

Verdict: 

A quick, fun, and emotional summer read. The characters are surprisingly real and well managed with the sometimes hectic story line. Although not a favorite, it doesn't take away from the fact this novel is  a wonderful debut!

Liked my review? Go "Like" it on goodreads!
http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/360340944

Bright Young Things by Anna Godberson

Read in: August, 2012

Format: Ebook

Source: Bought

Star Rating: ★★★★

Synopsis: (From Goodreads.com)

The year is 1929. New York is ruled by the Bright Young Things: Flappers and socialites seeking thrills and chasing dreams in the anything-goes era of the Roaring Twenties.

Letty Larkspur and Cordelia Grey escaped their small Midwestern town for New York's glittering metropolis. All Letty wants is to see her name in lights, but she quickly discovers Manhattan is filled with pretty girls who will do anything to be a star....

Cordelia is searching for the father she's never known, a man as infamous for his wild parties as he is for his shadowy schemes. Overnight, she enters a world more thrilling and glamorous than she ever could have imagined — and more dangerous. It's a life anyone would kill for...and someone will.

The only person Cordelia can trust is ­Astrid Donal, a flapper who seems to have it all: money, looks, and the love of Cordelia's brother, Charlie. But Astrid's perfect veneer hides a score of family secrets.

Across the vast lawns of Long Island, in the ­illicit speakeasies of Manhattan, and on the blindingly lit stages of Broadway, the three girls' fortunes will rise and fall — together and apart. From the New York Times bestselling author of THE LUXE comes an epic new series set in the dizzying last summer of the Jazz Age.

Prosecution:

Was slightly hard to get interested in. It was a little slow at the beginning, but by about 20% into the novel I was hooked! 

Defense: 

Where do I begin? Okay, first off, look at that gorgeous cover! Ack, love. The plot was surprisingly very well done, especially after my dislike of the LUXE series (the first book was great, the rest of the books fell through). Cordelia was one tough cookie. Letty, although small and fragile, could hold her own. While her naive ways could be annoying, she made some pretty child like decisions and still made her way out on top. 

Astrid and Charlie are the not so golden couple. They argue, make up, argue again. Astrid is a serious airhead. Charlie is petty and jealous. But I get the feeling some great things will happen with these two. 

I found the idea of bootlegging a genius twist to the story and made it stand out! I love love love crime drama, especially when it comes to the mob. This aspect gave the story some flair and, in my opinion, set it apart from The Luxe. 

Verdict: 

A fresh, poignant take on the Jazz Age. The 1920's are a rarely talked about era, except for the Stockmarket Crash, but this little window into history is a gem and a new favorite Young Adult novel! 

Like my review? Go "Like" it on Goodreads! c:

http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/278302987

Thirteen Reasons Why

Read in: May, 2012

Format: Ebook

Source: Borrowed from Friend

Star Rating: ★

Why oh why is this book in print? Not only was it repetitive and boring, but also completely out of touch from a teenagers perspective. 

Statistics: 

Nearly 8 out of 100,000 in the year 2000 committed suicide.

For every teen death, experts estimate there will be 10 other attempts.

1 in 5 teens have thought about suicide.

1 in 6 have made plans.

1 in 12 have attempted to kill themselves.

As many as 8 out of 10 have asked for some form of help before committing suicide. 

for more information please visit: 

http://www.teendepression.org/related/teen-suicide-statistics/

Teen suicide is a very real problem. If you or anyone you know may be thinking about suicide, making plans to commit suicide, or have tried attempting it, please call the National Hopeline Network at 1-800-SUICIDE (1-800 -784-2433) -or- National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (1-800-273-8255). 

Synopsis: (from Goodreads)

Clay Jensen returns home from school to find a mysterious box with his name on it lying on his porch. Inside he discovers cassette tapes recorded by Hannah Baker—his classmate and crush—who committed suicide two weeks earlier.

On tape, Hannah explains that there are thirteen reasons why she decided to end her life. Clay is one of them. If he listens, he’ll find out how he made the list.

Through Hannah and Clay’s dual narratives, debut author Jay Asher weaves an intricate and heartrending story of confusion and desperation that will deeply affect teen readers.

Prosecution: 

Hannah was incredibly whiny. Everything that happened to her isn't an uncommon problem in today's high schools. Clay was hard to connect with. He wasn't a developed character and he seemed two dimensional. I didn't really understand the reason behind the tapes except to point fingers at all the people who teased her. She seemed over dramatic and just wanted to take out her anger on these people, even after she was dead. I found her to be a very selfish character, only caring about her own problems. 

But then, without these "problems", there would be no book. 

I am not calling her reasons "Petty" or "Impersonal". Depression is a problem, I understand that. BUT her reasons are very common. Tons of girls go through these problems, and like Weylie Huong said "Don't make a permanent decision on a temporary problem." Its high school, it might seem like such a pivotal moment of your life, but it's not. Few people have a great high school experience. We all have our ups and downs and NOTHING goes completely right. We make friends and enemies. But in a nutshell, High school is the first stepping stone into adult life, you're just still in the bubble of not having to face reality. 

Now time to get off my soap box, so moving on...

Defense: 

I found the idea about the tapes clever. Just thinking about it as Hannah is talking from the dead, yeah, that gave me some chills. The honesty the author wrote about such a sensitive topic was endearing and well needed. Unfortunately, this is a widely known problem, but isn't talked about until later on in high school, when its too late. This book, though not a very good story plot, is a much needed voice to a growing epidemic. 

Verdict: 

Not as "groundbreaking" as it seems to be thought of. I'm not hopping onto the bandwagon with this one. I could have gone without reading it and been fine.

I wouldn't recommend it.

Liked my review? Go "like" it on Goodreads. c: 

http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/263096359

Dairy Queen by Catherine Gilbert Murdock

Read in: June, 2012

Format: Hardback

Source: Borrowed from Library

Star Rating: ★★★★

Synopsis:
D.J. Schwenk is just an average farm girl. She's almost 6 feet tall, loves sports, and helps out around her families generations old dairy farm. But every family has their own problems. Her dad messed up his hip last spring, causing her to quit basketball and possibly a chance at a college scholarship. Her youngest brother Curtis barely talks. And, most of all, her two oldest brothers refuse to talk to her family. Now, to add her to all of this, her dad's best friend and her hometownes rival football coach, Jimmy Ott, has asked her to personally train his rich boy quarterback, Brian.
Where to even begin with this book? First of all, love D.J. She's a strong, well rounded character. She doesn't flounce around in moods and fainting spells. She gets her crap done! But she's also a teenage girl with extremely low self esteem. And she complains about being stupid. A lot. 
But regardless of the fact, that is what covers the entire story, her trying to discover her palce among her family, her friends, and even Brian. She goes through the ups and downs of life, discovers a goal that challenges the social system of modern life, and even manages to come out on top of most of her problems. 

Prosecution:
However, I feel like the author tended to ramble. As this is told through D.J.'s own voice while she writes everything down, she tends to get off topic and ramble about other things.

Defense: 

I really like DJ's voice throughout the book. This was a quick read, with a little family drama and romance thrown in. It does focus on some pretty life changing events, but that's what adds to the charm of the novel. 

Verdict:

Four stars. I would recommend to some people, although others might not like how flat she seemed to sound and how quickly paced the novel is. 

Please go like my review on goodreads! http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/306816521 

My Life Next Door by Huntley Fitzpatrick

Read in: August, 2012
Format: ebook
Source: Lent from a Friend, she purchased from Amazon.
Star Rating: ★★★★★

Synopsis: 

From the outside, Samantha Reed has the perfect life. A brilliant best friend, gorgeous older sister, politician mother. But on the inside nothing is right. Her mom is away with the new campaign manager every night. Her sister sleeps around, and is going to the Grove to spend the summer with her boyfriend. Samantha is seeing less and less of her best friend, Nad. 

But the only constant thing in her life is she watches the Garrett's. She has watched them so long that she can almost put a name to every face..almost. That is until she meets Jace Garrett and everything gets turned upside down.

Prosecution: 

None. 

Defense: 

What a tragic novel! But the author portrayed Samantha and Jace down to a T. Their relationship is picture perfect until one fateful night that throws everything into disarray. The author handled the situation in a way I'd have never thought. Samantha makes some hard choices and my heart broke for her. 

Verdict: 

A gorgeous debut novel set in a picture perfect setting. Samantha goes through the rollercoaster of her first "real" relationship, is accepted into a family she watched from afar for years, and makes a decision that will change her's (and other's) lives forever. Would recommend to everyone who loves YA contemporary fiction. 

The Ice Princess by Elizabeth Hoyt

Read in August, 2012

Format: Ebook, novella

Source: Sent to me by Netgalley.com 

Star Rating: ★★★★★

Thank you NetGalley and Elizabeth Hoyt for sending me this charming novella!

Ice Princess: a woman who is very beautiful, but has a very cold personality....

Synopsis:
Meet Coral Smythe, better known as "The Aphrodite" of Aphrodite's Grotto, a famous brothel in London. She is the madam of the brothel and hides her face behind a mask.

Meet Captain Isaac Wargate, a widowed naval captain who wins 7 nights with Aphrodite.

Prosecution:
I could find nothing wrong with this short story.

Defense:
The novel was incredibly well written, the plot played out beautifully. Although very short, the story line and characters brought their own personality and twist. I am VERY happy with this novella!

Verdict: 

An overall wonderful novel. I saw no anachronisms, the characters were beautiful, the story plot charming. Definitely recommended to everyone and will be re-reading very soon!

The Hot Girl's Friend

Read in: August, 2012

Format: Ebook

Source: Purchased from Amazon, Free.

Star Rating: ★★★★

Synopsis: 

Jane is the dreaded "Sidekick friend". You know, we've all had one (or have all been one..) You're the girl always picked last for softball, the one who all the guys give the second glance to after checking out your gorgeous friend. You're pretty on a good hair day and there aren't any mascara bags under your eyes. 

But then in enters Brady. Gorgeous, cute Brady who cuts a deal with Jane. Stop assuming all guys are scum bags and go on a date. Or wear a t-shirt saying "She's taken".

Prosecution: 

Had a REALLY predictable ending. 

Jane downs on herself. A lot. 

Defense: 

Super cute read. 

Short story, but everything doesn't feel rushed. 

A story line you can (sort of) relate to. 

FREE.

Verdict:

Fun, short contemporary romance. She and Brady have pretty good chemistry. Definitely wouldn't be worth it if it wasn't free, but since it is, its a cute little time passer. 

Beautiful Disaster by Jamie McGuire

      
Thank you to NetGalley and Jamie McGuire for sending me a copy of this book!
Rating: 5 STARS!
Format: Kindle Edition

Go like the review on Goodreads! http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/251809495

I'll be honest. I got into this book with some high expectations. Were they met? Not at all of them, but enough for me to put this on my "Favorites" shelf. Let me explain..

Synopsis:
Abby Abernathy is a prim and proper college coed. She goes to class, does her homework, studies, rinse & repeat. That's how boring her general, everyday existence is. That is, until Travis "Mad Dog" Maddox steps onto the stage. He's everything she avoids. Tattoos, muscles, attitude, Harley motorcycle, need I say more? 
They resist. Well, she resists, Mr. Bad Boy is all for settling down, even though he has a very colorful history of one night stands. So eventually, with drama, she succumbs to being Susie Homemaker with very hot, very tattooed Bad Boy. Drama ensues. It goes down. More drama ensues, feelings are being pushed aside. This goes on for a few more chapters. And then, finally, the happy ending. ♥

Prosecution:
Although, Abby was likable, I tended to lean towards Travis more than her. While she was a very strong character and wonderfully developed, Travis tugged at my heart strings with his bad boy but with a heart of gold personality. He was what made this novel so page turning and definitely one of the best books I've read this year. 

Defense:
The situations they got into are kind of wild, but developed and handled beautifully. The vivid imagery and the cut throat scenes made my emotions run high and turn the pages faster, hoping for that happy ending. 

The intensity of their brand new relationship was little off putting. Travis seemed incredibly clingy and moving a little too fast, which was a turn off for me. But the end justified the means on this one. 

Thoughts:
"Travis, that dirtbag. If I had a dollar for every fictional bad boy that did this.." blah blah blah. I really loved Jamie McGuire's way of writing. You didn't read about Abby's emotions; you felt them! Every feeling of emotion she felt towards Travis, you felt it yourself. 
This really was a beautiful disaster. Their roller coaster, up and down every which one wild ride was so heartfelt, emotional, spell-binding, page turning, shock you into oblivion. 
5 STARS!

Favorite Quote: 
"It wasn’t just me, and it wasn’t just him, it was what we were together that was the exception.”  ♥