Review: On The Edge by Allison van Diepen

Title: On The Edge
Author: Allison van Diepen
Genre: Contemporary Young Adult
Expected publication: November 25th 2014 by HarperCollins
Goodreads | Amazon |
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I am so pleasantly surprised about the quality of Young Adult Literature I have read this year so far. Book after book, story after story, I've witnessed firsthand the amazing work of all these new and not-so new authors and I have come yet again to the conclusion that this is why YA continues to rock the world.

On the Edge caught me off guard. When I planned to only read a few chapters (because I am at my perpetually state of studying) I ended up finishing the whole book in a couple hours. The story was fast paced and the writing was engaging, the mystery was nail baiting and the action was so real and heartfelt that I completely gave up on anything else but immersing myself in the book.

I'm glad to be reading about taboo topics like gangs, sex trafficking, drug trafficking, horrible murders; no matter where your bubble is, this stuff is happening, and it is happening to young people. There's nothing wrong with reading about a high school cafeteria but there indefinitely something good in reading about the real world. And I seriously think that Ms. Allison did a wonderful job, I mean yes the story is fictional and maybe a bit over the top, but it still sends a clear message of speaking up for the right thing, and not judging people before knowing them.

I loved the unexpected fairy tale within it. I love Ortiz, the mystery knight in shiny armor, and I loved Maddie, the courageous heroine. And I appreciate the loyal friends and their untold stories. I so want this to turn into a series and learn the story of all these characters whose lives have me hooked. Manny and X specially, but also Maddie's friends.

And I might be being too serious, because this book deals with so many serious crimes, but I want you all to know that it has a lot of fun into it too. Maddie's friend Iz and Manny were absolutely hilarious and had me cracking up all the time I wasn't chewing my nails.

I can't recommend this enough, I am really pleased and will continue to seek this author's work because I loved what I saw. And you should too.

Peace.

 

 

Waiting On Wednesday: 99 Days by Katie Cotugno

WoW is weekly meme created by Jill at Breaking The Spine in which bloggers can share books they're excited to get soon :)


99 Days by Katie Cotugno

Day 1: Julia Donnelly eggs my house my first night back in Star Lake, and that’s how I know everyone still remembers everything—how I destroyed my relationship with Patrick the night everything happened with his brother, Gabe. How I wrecked their whole family. Now I’m serving out my summer like a jail sentence: Just ninety-nine days till I can leave for college, and be done.

Day 4: A nasty note on my windshield makes it clear Julia isn’t finished. I’m expecting a fight when someone taps me on the shoulder, but it’s just Gabe, home from college and actually happy to see me. “For what it’s worth, Molly Barlow,” he says, “I’m really glad you’re back.”

Day 12: Gabe got me to come to this party, and I’m actually having fun. I think he’s about to kiss me—and that’s when I see Patrick. My Patrick, who’s supposed to be clear across the country. My Patrick, who’s never going to forgive me.

ADD ON GOODREADS | AMAZON


In my defense I was going to choose this book even before I went crazy this weekend and read it in one sitting. It was SO GOOD. But I'll talk about it when I review it I just wanted to tell you that Katie Cotugno nailed it again. You need to preorder this one ;)

 

Cover Reveal: The Summer After You and Me by Jennifer Salvato Doktorski

Hi again

It's been quite a long time while I've been spending all my time and energy on my ER rotation instead of the internet. I'm done with it now and starting pediatrics which appears to be a little less exhausting but I'm still drained.

Still, I didn't want to miss the opportunity to feature this book, because frankly as soon as I heard what it was about I knew it was going to be a win.

THE SUMMER AFTER YOU AND ME

by Jennifer Salvato Doktorski 

Sunbathing, surfing, eating funnel cake on the boardwalk—Lucy loves living on the Jersey Shore. For her, it's not just the perfect summer escape, it is home. And as a local girl, she knows not to get attached to the tourists. They breeze in over Memorial Day weekend, crowding the shore and stealing moonlit kisses, only to pack up their beach umbrellas and empty promises on Labor Day. Lucy wants more from love than a fleeting romance, even if that means keeping her distance from her summertime neighbor and crush, Connor. 

Then Superstorm Sandy tears apart her barrier island, briefly bringing together a local girl like herself and a vacationer like Connor. Except nothing is the same in the wake of the storm. And day after day, week after week, Lucy is left to pick up the pieces of her broken heart and broken home. Now with Memorial Day approaching and Connor returning, will it be a summer of fresh starts or second chances?

ADD ON GOODREADS


I told you it sounded GOOD.
I'm hoping to snag an ARC because this made my 'most wanted' list inmediately.


 

Review: Adrenaline Crush by Laurie Boyle Crompton

Title: Adrenaline Crush
Author: Laurie Boyle Crompton
Genre: Contemporary Young Adult
Expected publication: September 23rd 2014 by Farrar, Straus and Giroux (BYR)
Goodreads | Amazon |
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Adrenaline Crush definitely lives up to its name. This is the story of Dyna, an adrenaline junkie that used to live life to its fullest until she gets horribly hurt in an climbing accident in the woods. That plot alone makes me like Dyna, and accordingly I knew I would like the book but it turned out to be better than I expected.

I liked that the story developed fast, it was very quick and easy to read. Before I knew it I was engrossed and have flown past the 50% mark. I wasn't sure at first about the love triangle, because you know I passionately hate love triangles but this time it was so easy to figure out that the outcome would be the best for all of them that I didn't get upset about the one left alone.

I liked Dyna. I liked that she was wild but also that she learned that it's normal to be afraid. I understood her feelings completely because when you do love something so much it's normal to be a little paranoid if anything ever happens that might take it away but she realized that the risks are always there and you have to live with them. So I liked the big moral of the story although I didn't completely agree with everything that went through and this situation that happened that I won't spoil but it's something I can't stand it's the thing that made me bump it down a star.

But I love the super cool cover with the girl jumping, that easily captures Dyna's spirit. And I loved the therapy group and the crazy characters on it! Ulysses butterflies forever!

Review: Rites Of Passage by Joy N. Hensley

Title: Rites Of Passage
Author: Joy N. Hensley
Genre: Contemporary Young Adult
Expected publication: September 9th 2014 by Harper Teen
Goodreads | Amazon |
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I was absolutely thrilled to be reading Rites of Passage. A story about a girl in a previously all-boys military academy? Hmm yes, I'd take it.

I always knew life in a military academy would not be an easy feat but man, did Ms. Hensley crafted it to perfection! It was almost as if I was living the hell alongside this girl and the rest of the newcomer boys. I am amazed at the amount of discipline all these young adults have and I have gained a whole new respect for the people who train all their lives to defend freedom.

And not only that but the autor definitely added a new dimension to the story by making some of the kids "military brats" or children of military parents. Their combination of pride and despair, the constant worry, wanting to belong and wanting to reach their parents expectations, it was all heartwarming and wonderful. My heart seriously ached for all these kids that live and breathe patriotism. I thought it was a marvelous job, making all those sentiments come across.

And then there was Sam, our protagonist. Sam whose mental and physical strength is inspirational. You better bet I literally cheer her on in her hellish way. My imaginary hat is off for you, Sam. And all your recruit buddies with a big heart, and most of all, your amazing Drill Sergeant, who stood up for anyone who deserved it and was fair and kindhearted, just what the military needs from its people.

My only complain, if I have one, is that at times it seemed a bit confusing. I don't know if it had to do with my complete lack of military knowledge but sometimes I just didn't understand a lot of the actions or even the rules. And I certainly was ticked off by the sort of abrupt ending, but I am hoping that is because a sequel is in the works. I would really like that.

All I can say is that it was an amazing story and very hard to put down. It totally immerses you into a life of dedication and discipline, and not only that but it provides nail-bitting action and a swoony, star-crossed romance that unfortunately left me high and dry. ): I WANT MY SEQUEL, PRETTY PLEASE?

 

 

 

Waiting On Wednesday: Love and Other Theories by Alexis Bass

WoW is weekly meme created by Jill at Breaking The Spine in which bloggers can share books they're excited to get soon :)

Love and Other Theories by Alexis Bass

If you want more, you have to give less.

That’s the secret to dating in high school. By giving as little as they expect to get in return, seventeen-year-old Aubrey Housing and her three best friends have made it to the second semester of their senior year heartbreak-free. And it’s all thanks to a few simple rules: don’t commit, don’t be needy, and don’t give away your heart.

So when smoking-hot Nathan Diggs transfers to Lincoln High, it shouldn’t be a big deal. At least that’s what Aubrey tells herself. But Nathan’s new-boy charm, his kindness, and his disarming honesty throw Aubrey off her game and put her in danger of breaking the most important rule of all: Don’t fall in love.

ADD ON GOODREADS


I love the concept of this book. No matter young or old there is always that fear of being the one who loves more in the relationship, the one who will suffer the most if something goes wrong. So it's nice to read about someone else having the same fears than us. It should be interesting.

Review: Magnolia by Kristi Cook

Title: Magnolia
Author: Kristi Cook
Expected publication: August 5th 2014 by Simon & Schuster
Genre: YA Contemporary
Goodreads | Amazon |
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Magnolia is about two kids growing up in the South. Their moms are best friends and have always wanted to pair the two of them together. Naturally, Jemma and Ryder hate that idea and have hated each other their whole lives. I thought that had potential to be hilarious and I was so excited to dig in.

Jemma and Ryder are both good looking and popular and if it weren’t for the huge hurricane and some health problems I’d say their lives are perfect, which makes it hard to care for them and their developing romance. But I have to say that it was a very cute love story and it really made sense they would be a couple, I’m glad they realized it too because I kept wishing they’d abandon the nonsense and just kiss already. The story is from Jemma’s point of view and she seemed to me kind of too childish, I can’t even tell how many times she cried and that annoyed me, sometimes I didn’t even knew why she was crying she just did it.  A lot.

The subplot about the hurricane was good. I have always been crazy about meteorology and have spent a fair amount of hours watching Discovery Channel’s shows about storms, so I enjoyed reading about it through Jemma’s eyes. And learning what happened to the town and everyone’s homes was a bit heart-breaking; Hurricane Katrina is fresh in my mind too.

I really liked reading about her relationship with her sister, and was really invested in her medical problems but to be honest I felt like it was underdeveloped. I wanted to know more about how she was doing from her words and not just how Jemma thought she was doing but at the end they didn’t communicate much and I missed their relationship. I also thought the thing with Patrick was not needed but that's just my opinión.

I would say that I really liked this book because it was what I expected, a sweet southern romance with lots of country feel and some crazy weather action thrown in there too. 

Waiting On Wednesday: Burying Water by K.A. Tucker

WoW is weekly meme created by Jill at Breaking The Spine in which bloggers can share books they're excited to get soon :)


Burying Water by K.A. Tucker

The top-selling, beloved indie author of Ten Tiny Breaths returns with a new romance about a young woman who loses her memory—and the man who knows that the only way to protect her is to stay away.

Left for dead in the fields of rural Oregon, a young woman defies all odds and survives—but she awakens with no idea who she is, or what happened to her. Refusing to answer to “Jane Doe” for another day, the woman renames herself “Water” for the tiny, hidden marking on her body—the only clue to her past. Taken in by old Ginny Fitzgerald, a crotchety but kind lady living on a nearby horse farm, Water slowly begins building a new life. But as she attempts to piece together the fleeting slivers of her memory, more questions emerge: Who is the next-door neighbor, quietly toiling under the hood of his Barracuda? Why won’t Ginny let him step foot on her property? And why does Water feel she recognizes him?

Twenty-four-year-old Jesse Welles doesn’t know how long it will be before Water gets her memory back. For her sake, Jesse hopes the answer is never. He knows that she’ll stay so much safer—and happier—that way. And that’s why, as hard as it is, he needs to keep his distance. Because getting too close could flood her with realities better left buried.

The trouble is, water always seems to find its way to the surface.

ADD ON GOODREADS



I've been on a New Adult roll lately so I had to feature one of the most popular NA authors: K.A. Tucker.
Now I've only read one book of hers but I realy really liked it, it was edgy and hot and mysterious and perfect for me. And I hope she'll hit it out of the park with this one too. 

Waiting On Wednesday: Ugly Love by Colleen Hoover

WoW is weekly meme created by Jill at Breaking The Spine in which bloggers can share books they're excited to get soon :)



UGLY LOVE
by colleen hoover

When Tate Collins meets airline pilot Miles Archer, she knows it isn’t love at first sight. They wouldn’t even go so far as to consider themselves friends. The only thing Tate and Miles have in common is an undeniable mutual attraction. Once their desires are out in the open, they realize they have the perfect set-up. He doesn’t want love, she doesn’t have time for love, so that just leaves the sex. Their arrangement could be surprisingly seamless, as long as Tate can stick to the only two rules Miles has for her.

Never ask about the past.
Don’t expect a future.

They think they can handle it, but realize almost immediately they can’t handle it at all.

Hearts get infiltrated.
Promises get broken. Rules get shattered.
Love gets ugly.

Add On Goodreads

I've read a couple of books written by Ms. Hooverboard and I am convinced she has a gift to write very entertaining romances so I am already prepared to swoon with her next book, which seems to have everyone going crazy :)


 

Review: Boomerang by Noelle August

Title: Boomerang
Author: Noelle August
Published July 8th 2014 by William Morrow Paperbacks
Genre: New Adult Contemporary
Goodreads | Amazon |
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I was really excited to start Boomerang. It's a new adult book yes, but the plot seemed to stay away from the over the top dramatics that surround your typical NA.

I liked it from the start. I liked the humoristic approach to the story and the dual POV allowed me to connect to both main characters and get to know them better. Mia and Ethan are the new Boomerang interns, both are competing to get a job there at the end of the year, and as you can see this calls for a cutthroat fight between them. But no. Since they had a fling the night before this all started, they had already realized they were good people so most of the time they were just fighting the attraction instead of each other. Which calls for a very steamy read ;)

Like I said, I also really enjoyed that the authors didn't take their characters too seriously and instead put them in situations that made the book funny and entertaining. Even the secondary characters were awesome. I especially liked Rhett, he always made me crack up. And the kids on Ethan's youth soccer team were adorable and hilarious too.

So I guess I would recommend this to you if you want to read a New Adult that stands aside of the others, or just if you want to have some fun because this is a perfect read for the summer.

Heart-Warming is vital.

 

Hello there.

So I know this is a book blog, and I am supposed to be writing about books, but I'm only human, you guys, and I cannot read at the rate other bloggers can. But I don't want to post twice (or most often) once a week and leave my blog so lonely.

Which led me to thinking about what should I write that speaks to my heart?

And I figured you don’t care about Kreb’s Cycle, how to diagnose fibromyalgia or the Apgar scale for newborns. So what’s something else that makes me feel happy? Well, that will be heart-warming YouTube videos.

You read that right. I am a sucker for a good story told in 3-minute video format. And even my mom is sick of me retelling everything I found on my free time, so I figured I had to find new victims and now we are here.

 

This time I want to share this little jewel.

It especially speaks to me because I love senior citizens. In my experience they are the sweetest, nicest, most considerate people ever. I’ve always considered specializing in Geriatrics because they appeal so much to me. And this is one of the best ideas in human history.

I also have a soft spot for people learning another language. I am bilingual, speak English and Spanish fluently, they were never a problem. But I tried learning German years ago and I am currently learning French and man, I am now realizing how difficult this can be, it opened my eyes. That’s why you should never make fun of someone who is trying. And these teens are much braver than me.

So really, this is magic. Watch for yourself.

 

Waiting On Wednesday: Beware The Wild by Natalie C. Parker

WoW is weekly meme created by Jill at Breaking The Spine in which bloggers can share books they're excited to get soon :)

 

 

Beware The Wild by Natalie C. Parker

 

It's an oppressively hot and sticky morning in June when Sterling and her brother, Phin, have an argument that compels him to run into the town swamp -- the one that strikes fear in all the residents of Sticks, Louisiana. Phin doesn't return. Instead, a girl named Lenora May climbs out, and now Sterling is the only person in Sticks who remembers her brother ever existed.  

Sterling needs to figure out what the swamp's done with her beloved brother and how Lenora May is connected to his disappearance -- and loner boy Heath Durham might be the only one who can help her. 

This debut novel is full of atmosphere, twists and turns, and a swoon-worthy romance.

ADD ON GOODREADS



Well... I am kind of cheating with this one.
Because I have already read this book...
BUT I still wanted to feature it before pub day because it is freaking fantastic! And the more buzz the better! ;) 

Review: On The Fence by Kasie West

Title: On The Fence 
Author:Kasie  West
Expected publication: July 1st 2014 by HarperTeen
Genre: YA contemporary
Goodreads | Amazon |
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I am completely in love with Kasie West and her ability to write the most adorable stories. So far I have loved every single one of the books she has ever put out. So I was beyond curious to see if she would do it again, and she totally did!

On The Fence delivered. It was a cute story that went beyond fluffy, summery writing but still didn't take itself too seriously. It featured West's now signature style of amazing, relatable heroines and a supporting cast that was more than just added secondary characters, to the point that you learned everyone's name and cared for their individual stories.

I loved Charlie. She was the strongest of the whole book to me, just so easy to like and her point of view made the book completely captivating and hilarious. I loved the dynamics between her and her brothers. They made one of the cutest sibling relationships I have ever read. And I love that Charlie was going through a lot of self doubt but she was still confident in what she loved, like sports and hanging out with the guys and not one of those insecure, whiny girls that wonder why the world doesn't love them. She definitely strung at my heart cords because I have also felt insecure about how I look, much like her I am tall and even though I am no jock I hit the gym often and I sometimes feel so big standing beside all my petite friends; and all this only made me feel more connected to her and her story.

And I loved each of her brothers and their different personalities too. And of course her dad was a sweetheart so I loved each time he awkwardly tried to teach Charlie any girl stuff, it was hysterical. And don't get me started on Braden, who was just so perfect with how he wanted Charlie to be with someone who appreciated who she really was. Le sigh.

The story with Charlie's mom was an unexpected depth that added a lot to an otherwise cute story, I really liked that. But don't think this book isn't hilarious too, it is! It has been reaffirmed that West has joined my list of Contemporary queens. Loved it.

Waiting On Wednesday and I'm FINALLY back (:

WoW is weekly meme created by Jill at Breaking The Spine in which bloggers can share books they're excited to get soon :)

 

 

 

IT'S MY BLOGOVERSARY.

 

 

I have been blogging for 4 years.

That's totally crazy that I have been able to keep blogging for so long despite my many school obligations.

 

It completely breaks my heart that it hasn't been updated as regularly as I would like because I love my blog. I love to review. And I'm infinitely grateful to all those authors who have trusted me with copies of their books for me to share my thoughts.

 

But I have a crazy studying schedule. And I know it will not get better, in fact it'll probably get worse but while I have a minute to be here I WANT TO THANK EVERYONE THAT HAS EVER VISITED.

 

So anyway. Here's my WoW pick of the week. A sweet YA contemporary that sounds just like my kind of book.

The Fine Art of Pretending

by Rachel Harris

 

According to the guys at Fairfield Academy, there are two types of girls: the kind you hook up with, and the kind you're friends with. Seventeen-year-old Alyssa Reed is the second type. And she hates it. With just one year left to change her rank, she devises a plan to become the first type by homecoming, and she sets her sights on the perfect date—Justin Carter, Fairfield Academy’s biggest hottie and most notorious player.  

With 57 days until the dance, Aly launches Operation Sex Appeal and sheds her tomboy image. The only thing left is for Justin actually to notice her. Enter best friend Brandon Taylor, the school’s second biggest hottie, and now Aly’s pretend boyfriend. With his help, elevating from “funny friend” to “tempting vixen” is only a matter of time. 

But when everything goes according to plan, the inevitable “break up” leaves their friendship in shambles, and Aly and Brandon with feelings they can’t explain. And the fake couple discovers pretending can sometimes cost you the one thing you never expected to want.

ADD ON GOODREADS

 

 

 

From funny tomboy to sexy vixen? I'm sold! :D

 

 

Review: 17 First Kisses by Rachael Allen

Title: 17 First Kisses
Author: Rachael Allen
Expected publication: June 17th 2014 by HarperTeen
Genre: YA Contemporary
Goodreads | Amazon |
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You see the title, you see the cover and you would never think that this book is what it is.

I know, I know, I shouldn't judge a book by its title or its cover but some times it cannot be helped. And actually, part of what made me pick up this book is the cute cover, I just thought it will be this cutesy, light romance and maybe a bestfriendship thrown in there too.

And the first few chapters it appeared it was the case but then Wham! The story took off at neck-breaking pace while I laughed and oh-ed and ah-ed and wondered where the well my cutesy story went. It pulled the rug out from underneath my feet. It takes guts to put this kind of story out there as your debut book and I have to take my hat off to Ms. Allen. I can easily tell you that the risk paid off because this book rocks.

The story is about Claire, aka CJ. CJ starts off as a cute tomboy who has all these awkward kisses ever since the second grade and it is just hilarious. At first I loved CJ and how real and smart she was and confident enough to wear Adidas shorts and flip flops to girly parties. I was also head over heels about her overweight best friend, Sam. Sam was adorable and loyal and the goalie in CJ's soccer team.

Everything goes to hell when CJ starts her new friendship with Megan, only the most popular girl in the sixth grade and Queen of the Crownies, the most important girl clique consisting of her, Britney (a mindless groupie that always follows Megan) and Averley (the one with a reputation of being easy), and some other girl that moves away leaving space for CJ to be part of the Crownies and therefore she becomes popular.

These girls were the mean girls all through the seventh and eight grade, and CJ goes through a transformation and becomes Claire, a beautiful, confident girl that gets to have a bunch of new kisses with a new bunch of guys and it is just messy and hysterical. Now while I was a bit disappointed on these girls I still couldn't take them very seriously since they were so young and I just laughed it off. They were like any other teenager, trying to figure who they are.

But then things get serious as they get older and I find myself getting annoyed at Megan and how she treated Claire and then something happened and I would cheer for Megan instead and all I wanted was to kick Claire in the shins.

One thing has to be clear, though, this book is not as light and airy as I am making it out to be. Claire's family goes through a horrible tragedy, and the other girls family situations weren't ideal either, and I loved that, it made me care for them even if I didn't like them at the moment.

But the important thing is that they, all these characters, they made me feel. They made me care to the point of taking the story too seriously and being too emotionally involved. And that is what makes me continue to pick up books, that overwhelming feeling of living through somebody else's life. It is what keeps me glued to the world of contemporary, where the authors don't have magic to rely on so they have to create their own.

And as far as romance, it does have some but it really doesn't. Sometimes you would think Claire was in love only to realize that it really wasn't and she saw it too, as she grew up. And the one I really wanted her to be with didn't happen ): you know what I am talking about because it is one of my most favorite things to read about but I won't ruin it for others. And even if CJ tries to make it seem like she kind of have feelings for said guy, at the end I just didn't buy it. Not after everything that happened with her and all the boys before (and after, ughhhh). But whatever, they were both better off I'd like to hope. And I really wasn't bothered because it was refreshing to see that young love is not always so final.

So really, this book was all kinds of messed up and ugly but also so entertaining and awesome and hilarious too. I just think it is one of the best contemporaries I've read this year and it was a huge surprise. I can't wait to read more from this author.

Lastly, I am not really into comparisons but this one just speak volumes about this book, because 17 Kisses reminded me so much of the Jessica Darling series, which is amazing so for fans of Not-so, you have to try this one!