Aces Up by Lauren Barnholdt

Summary: Seventeen-year-old high school senior Shannon Card needs money. And lots of it. She's been admitted to Wellesley, but her dad just lost his job, and somehow she has to come up with a year of tuition herself. But Shannon's dream of making big bucks waitressing at the local casino, the Collosio, disappears faster than a gambler's lucky streak. Her boss is a tyrant, her coworker is nuts, and her chances of balancing a tray full of drinks while wearing high-heeled shoes are slim to none. Worse, time is running out, and Shannon hasn't made even half the money she'd hoped.

When Shannon receives a mysterious invitation to join Aces Up, a secret network of highly talented college poker players, at first she thinks No way. She has enough to worry about: keeping her job, winning the coveted math scholarship at school, and tutoring her secret crush, Max. But when Shannon musters up the nerve to kiss Max and he doesn't react at all, the allure of Aces Up and its sexy eighteen-year-old leader, Cole, is suddenly too powerful to ignore.

Soon Shannon's caught up in a web of lies and deceit that makes worrying about tuition money or a high school crush seem like kid stuff. Still, when the money's this good, is the fear of getting caught reason enough to fold?

My Thoughts: First off, I know nothing about poker. I mean, nothing at all. I'm not a card player. My family used to sit around the table and play cards and I would run into the other room, not my thing. Second, it didn't look interesting, didn't seem like something I would want to do. After reading this book, I need to go to the nearest casino and play. Ok, so maybe it had something to do with how fun this book made poker look, or maybe it could be the cute guys in the book? HAHA.

We are introduced to Shannon. Her family is undergoing some financial difficulties and she's having trouble comprehending she may not get to go to the college she wants too because of finances. So, instead of working at the diner she gets a job at a casino as a cocktail waitress. She still doesn't make that much money so when Cole offers her a chance into a secret poker society, she hesitates but than decides to take him up on the offer. I wasn't sure what to think of Cole. At first he seemed sincere enough but I just started to get the creep vibe off him. Enter Max, Shannon's oldest friend and the guy she had liked a long time. Max and Shannon had a disagreement so they weren't really on talking terms. Even at first, I wasn't too sure about Max either. I just couldn't see Shannon with him either. She just seemed to good for both of them. Max had started dating another girl within a few weeks of Shannon and Max's disagreement. So, anyways, Shannon gets sucked into the world of gambling and Max asks her to tutor him. Than they start to talk again and stuff hits the fan, and Max ends up breaking up with his girlfriend and Shannon still isn't talking to him really. Cole ends up wanting Shannon to fix a poker tournament. I honestly didn't see the ending coming at all.

For a long time, I didn't know what was going to happen. I didn't know who Shannon was going to end up with. Half of me wanted her to end up with Cole, the other half with Max. This book was really awesome, I liked the poker, I liked the characters, Max, Cole, Shannon, Shannon's friends and family. Everyone.

If you want to know what happens to Shannon, poker, Max and Cole, read the book to find out! In the meantime, I'm heading out to play poker (just kidding).

Overall: Loved it! Big fan of Barnholdt! If you haven't read Two Way Street be sure to check that one out too!

Cover: I really like the cover. It definitely is cute and really makes you want to read the book.

What I'd Give It:

The Icing On The Cake

By Alison Kent

Summary: Matchmaker, matchmaker, make me a match . . . dot com! An on-line dating service is not Michelle Snow's idea of how to find love but when the Big 3-0 hits, Michelle decides she has nothing to lose since she hasn't brought a date home in ten years, she's professionally burned out, and her climb up the corporate ladder has come at the expense of abandoning her sweet dream: to own a boutique cupcakery.

Todd Bracken, early 30s and a successful technology consultant, isn't exactly a player after being off the market for ten years, and pours himself into his dual passions of martial arts and home-sweet-home renovations. Only there's no one to come home to so he decides to give Match.com a try. Todd isn't so sure the Internet dating scene is his thing—until a message pops up in the wee hours on a weekend night: "I like your smile." Todd likes—a lot—the whole package that glides into a French bistro in Washington, D.C.

It's serious mojo-at-first-sight but there's a glitch: Todd and Michelle live in different cities. Will love find its way in the digital age with a You've Got Mail courtship when video cam kisses just aren't enough? And when Todd challenges Michelle to not only go for her dream but let him share it, will they be able to make it happen together despite obstacles more plentiful than a shower of rainbow sprinkles?

My Thoughts: When I first noticed that a reality based romance series was being released, I became really excited! I than went to the site and read all the descriptions of the first 3 books in the True Vows Series! I was excited to hear Alison Kent was writing one!

We are introduced to Michelle who is just turning 30 and she hasn't found the right guy yet. From her back-story, I take it she had a boyfriend in college who was a crappy boyfriend and maybe cheated on her. Not many details were really explained about the situation but that is the vibe I got. Her friends persuade her to sign up for match.com. In this day in age, almost everyone has heard of match.com or another online dating site and more people use it than we think. I haven't signed up for it (I'm taken) but I've searched the site just to see if I knew anyone who was on it (of course I do). Michelle signs up but is a little unsure of it.

Todd, another 30 year old single guy just hasn't found the right girl for him. Yes, he's meant a few girls on it but they were never a good fit for him. So when Michelle emails him he finds out they have a lot in common. They both run, they both worship their families, and they are both motivated people. Todd and Michelle have nothing major keeping them apart. Yes, they do live in opposite cities (only an hour apart) but its relatively easy to see each other. They go on a few dates and become really close. Todd is such a great guy, he wants Michelle to be happy. She wants to open her own bakery and he insists she follow her dreams. He never brings her down. And Michelle, is the same way. She's loyal. Both characters are very independent. They take trips with their friends and trust each other completely. Michelle and Todd had such great chemistry, they were both humorous and had such witty comebacks!

Honestly, I didn't know if I would enjoy this one or not when I started. I have a hard time reading adult romances anymore. My tastes have drifted to high school drama and basic young adult books. I've always liked a lot of different branches of books but lately I've been speeding through young adult romance books like crazy and finding myself enjoying them much more than adult books.

The Icing On The Cake was very unique and interesting and a wonderful read.

Overall: I really enjoyed this one! It was a somewhat short book (under 300 pages) but it really tickled my fancy. Michelle and Todd were both really strong characters and I can't wait to read the rest of the True Vows series.

Cover: I really like the final cover! I've seen a few different covers and I like this one the best! Look in the background, cupcakes! Yum!

What I'd Give It:

Losing Faith Voting Round 4

Losing Faith by Denise Jaden

It's time for voting!!!! Top 5

-2 Will go onto next round!
-Voting Round 4 is open until Thursday morning.

Choose your favorite, not which one the person asked you to vote on please!!!!

-If you put up a post you can show people your cover but you can not hold a contest if they vote for you!
-Please do not ask them to vote for you just because you want to win, please ask them to vote for their favorite!
-Be careful when voting, make sure you are choosing the right box under/below the image for the cover you like best.

Losing Faith Voting Round 4

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The Duff (Designated Ugly Fat Friend)

By Kody Keplinger

Summary: Seventeen-year-old Bianca Piper is cynical and loyal, and she doesn't think she's the prettiest of her friends by a long shot. She's also way too smart to fall for the charms of man-slut and slimy school hottie Wesley Rush. In fact, Bianca hates him. And when he nicknames her "Duffy," she throws her Coke in his face.

But things aren't so great at home right now. Desperate for a distraction, Bianca ends up kissing Wesley. And likes it. Eager for escape, she throws herself into a closeted enemies-with-benefits relationship with Wesley.

Until it all goes horribly awry. It turns out that Wesley isn't such a bad listener, and his life is pretty screwed up, too. Suddenly Bianca realizes with absolute horror that she's falling for the guy she thought she hated more than anyone.

My Thoughts: When I first saw this book, I was intrigued. Who hasn't felt like the Duff in their life? I know I have. I know my friends have. I than was able to read a few reviews of this book and one was good, and one was bad. I didn't let that keep me from reading the book. I was drawn in from page one. We meet Bianca Piper who is not the prettiest of her friends. But really beauty is in the eye of the beholder so we may not all agree on that. We are also introduced to her two girl friends and her parents. There is a lot of drama in this book but I'll get right to the point. Bianca despises Wesley and has eyes for Toby. The catch: Toby seems unattainable. She is sitting at a local hangout talking to an older guy while her friends dance the night away. Wesley comes up to her and says he wants to get with one of her friends and its always good to talk to the Duff of the group. She than finds out what a duff is. And yes, her feelings are hurt. She gets so upset she ends up throwing a coke at him. Well, time after time, after arguing and arguing she ends up kissing Wesley and than starts their crazy romance.

So, basically I adored this book. Plain and simple I loved it. There was so much more to Wesley than meets the eye but even while he was being a jerk I liked him. I think it was one of those moments when you know a guy is a jerk yet you see yourself giving him a chance anyway because there is major attraction there. I especially liked how Bianca tried to fight it and starts dating someone else, and I loved the I don't chase girls, they chase me quote Wesley said and the way he changed that quote later.

Amazing book. Everyone has a little bit of a Duff in them rather you want to believe it or not.

Overall: Loved this book. Can you believe this is Kody's first book and she's so young. Its a wonderful debut and I can't wait to read more from Kody.

Cover: I think the cover is really cute. Love the bubble blowing!

What I'd Give It:

Winner Alert

The Winner of The Secret Society Of The Pink Crystal Ball is Amber N!

I have emailed you! Please get back to me within 48 hours or a new winner will be chosen!

Winter Longing by Tricia Mills

Summary: A plane crash in Alaska takes
Winter’s first love away forever . . .

When Winter's boyfriend is killed in a plane crash in the Alaskan wilderness, she's robbed of the future she'd only just allowed herself to believe might be hers. Winter and Spencer had been destined for one another. And after his death, Spencer's presence continues to haunt her.

But when her next-door neighbor becomes an unlikely friend, Winter begins to accept all that she can't change. Can she open herself to a new future . . . and a possible new love?


My Thoughts: Oh My. Have you ordered this book yet? If you answer NO to that, you need to right now. Yes, it is that good. The setting is Alaska and I adore books set in Alaska, makes you feel like you are really there. We are introduced to Winter who is a teenage girl who has been lusting after Spencer for years upon years. He's one of her best friends. She reveals her feelings, kisses him, so excited for whats to come. Great, right? The next day she finds out his plane went down. He's dead. She's so torn apart. She's depressed. Shes trying to hold on with the help of her best friend, her parents, schoolmates, and her next door neighbor Jesse. Winter has never liked Jesse much, thinking he's a jerk and conceited. He dates the snob that Winter can't stand. In other words, she just does not like the guy much. He lives next door to her and she's barely talked to him. Things turn around when Jesse sees how much pain Winter is in and he tries to be there for her, tries to talk to her, tries to comfort her.

Winter realizes that maybe Jesse isn't so bad after all and she starts thinking about him more. They become friends. But than there is the realization of Spencer. How can she even remotely like another guy when her heart is supposed to belong to Spencer. She still longs for him but she's so confused. He's dead, what can she do?

This book was emotional. By about page 40 I was in tears. Yes, tears rolling down my cheeks. By the middle of the book I was smiling. This was such a roller coaster. I could relate to Winter. I could feel her emotions. I wanted Jesse, I wanted Spencer!

I liked the relationship between Jesse and Winter. I liked their conversations. I liked the way he made me feel. The conversations were as sweet as candy. But, I also liked the flashbacks of Spencer. I mean, come on, the boy sent her 2 Valentine's Day cards, sweet. But than there is Jesse, who followed her home after the funeral of Spencer. Decisions, Decisions.

This book was amazing. If you haven't read Tricia's other book Heartbreak River, I suggest you do.

Overall: One of the best books I've read this year. This is a definite book you should buy. Its also in paperback for those of you who buy books on a budget! Wonderful! Captivating! Amazing!

Cover: Love it! Its actually really cute the way he is kissing her forehead.

What I'd Give It:

Losing Faith Voting Round 3

Losing Faith by Denise Jaden

It's time for voting!!!! Top 11 (2 were tied so both went on to this round)

-5 Will go onto next round!
-Voting Round 3 is open until Morning morning.

Choose your favorite, not which one the person asked you to vote on please!!!!

-If you put up a post you can show people your cover but you can not hold a contest if they vote for you!
-Please do not ask them to vote for you just because you want to win, please ask them to vote for their favorite!
-Be careful when voting, make sure you are choosing the right box under/below the image for the cover you like best.

Top 11 Voting

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Waiting On Wednesday (59)

Waiting On Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine. WOW spotlights forthcoming titles that we absolutely can't wait to read.

Entice by Carrie Jones
Summary: Zara and Nick are soul mates, meant to be together forever. But that’s not quite how things have worked out.

For starters, well, Nick is dead. Suppo...more Zara and Nick are soul mates, meant to be together forever. But that’s not quite how things have worked out.

For starters, well, Nick is dead. Supposedly, he’s been taken to a mythic place for warriors known as Valhalla, so Zara and her friends might be able to get him back. But it’s taking time, and meanwhile a group of evil pixies is devastating Bedford, with more teens going missing every day. An all-out war seems imminent, and the good guys need all the warriors they can find. But how to get to Valhalla?

And even if Zara and her friends discover the way, there’s that other small problem: Zara’s been pixie kissed. When she finds Nick, will he even want to go with her? Especially since she hasn’t just turned… She’s Astley’s queen.

Paranormalcy

By Kiersten White


Summary: Sixteen-year-old Evie's job is bagging and tagging paranormals. Possessing the strange ability to see through their glamours, she works for the International Paranormal Containment Agency. But when someone--or something--starts taking out the vamps, werewolves, and other odd beasties she's worked hard to help become productive members of society, she's got to figure it out before they all disappear and the world becomes utterly normal.


Normal is so overrated.


My Thoughts: I've been anticipating this book for a while now! I ended up getting a copy early and was so excited! We meet Evie who has spent her whole life (since she was a little kid) in IPCA (International Paranormal Containment Agreement). It's a place where paranormals are monitored and she had basically started working for them because she has a special ability. Evie bags and tags paranormals! She also loves the color pink! We meet Tish who is Evie's best friend and is also a mermaid. We meet Reth who is a faerie. He think he needs to own Evie. We also meet Lend, who is brought in to IPCA by Evie herself. She busts Tasey out, tasers him and brings him in because he's also a paranormal. He's a very cool paranormal, a shape shifter. He has many faces and even can mock Evie. There are a lot of fun characters throughout the book, we are introduced to all sort of paranormals. All Evie wants to be is a normal teenager, she wants to go to school, she wants a locker, she wants to hang out with friends. We are than introduced to Vivian who starts to cause a lot of trouble. All she wants is for Evie to understand her. Nothing is as it seems and Evie starts to learn there is more to IPCA's story and her own story. She's not who she thinks she is. She is really pushy! All along she thought she was working for them but she finds out she's actually classified and that really confuses her. Is she a prisoner too? Why does she find her attraction to Lend so bewildering when she does not know much about him? What happens if Evie would actually get a chance to be normal and live in the real world?

Paranormalcy was a really creative wonderful novel. I loved Tish and I really wanted to see more of her throughout the story. I wasn't too fond of Reth but I still wondered more about him and Lend was just dreamy!

Overall: Loved it, definitely will be one of the best novels of fall 2010-11. This year is going to be an awesome year for books!

Cover: The cover is stunning, isn't it? I love the way her hair is blowing and I love her dress!

What I'd Give It:

Secrets of A First Daughter

Summary: Morgan is a National Disaster.

Morgan Abbott couldn’t be happier. Super-cute Max has quit her Secret Service detail to be her (secret) boyfriend, and the annoying Brittany Whittaker has been ousted from class president, leaving the post open for Morgan! Life is pretty sweet.

Now Morgan just has to tackle college applications—but she has so much else to juggle that looking that far ahead seems impossible! Good thing she’s graceful under pressure . . . well, sometimes.

A trip to London should be just the thing to take her mind off all the craziness, but true to form, chaos follows Morgan wherever she goes—and the trip turns into an international disaster. Can she make it right? Or will she cause a royal mess?

My Thoughts: Morgan aka Tornado is back for another round of laughs and humiliation. I was so excited to get a copy of Secrets Of A First Daughter! We are introduced to the cast again from evil snotty Brittany to Morgan's best friend Hannah. And of course Max. Morgan is now the class president and has to come up with a plan to raise money for their school events so she hosts a big party at the white house aka her home. It doesn't go as smoothly as she hopes and Brittany finds out about her relationship with Max. Ick, what is a girl to do just to have an easy life? On top of all that, she has a new agent following her around, George. (She's a women FYI). And of course, there is the prospect of Morgan's future and where she should attend college.

Morgan, Hannah, and Brittany take a trip to London via her mom's commitments. And of course Max just happens to be there as well. HEHE. Hannah also gets to spend time with Rich (remember he's the Queen's son). Morgan is busy trying to see the sights, do the events with her mom, and try to sneak spending time with Max, since their relationship is still a secret. He is there looking into his own future.

From blackmail from Brittany, love complications with Max, friendship dilemma -trying to help Hannah with the Rich situation, trying to be a good girl for her mom's reputation (and her own) Morgan has a hard life!

Overall: This book was awesome! I really loved the first book and this one was even more better. I loved how we got to see more of Max and I loved sneaking around with Morgan and Max. I love the whole concept of forbidden romance! (Girl falling for her secret service agent, are there anymore books like this out there?)

Cover: Love Love Love It! Isn't it gorgeous? The colors, the girls dress and heals. And the guy even looks really spiffy, doesn't he?

What I'd Give It:

Confessions Of A First Daughter

By Cassidy Calloway


Summary: Morgan Abbott has no social life and no privacy, and her every screwup makes front page news. That’s what happens when your mom’s the president of the United States—and Morgan is sooo over it. But now her mom needs a presidential stand-in! With the help of Morgan’s cute new secret service agent, a little makeup, and a lot of family resemblance, she’s soon seeing things from the other side of the desk.

On the heels of a historic election, books about girls in politics are more popular than ever. Readers won’t be able to resist the smart, spunky, klutzy-yet-lovable heroine in this fresh and fun new teen novel!


My Thoughts: Have you ever seen the movie First Daughter starring Katie Holmes? Confessions Of A First Daughter reminded me a lot of that movie. In other words, I loved it! Reading this book made me want to watch First Daughter (which I already own). We meet Morgan Abbott who is the President of the United States daughter. She is 18 and just wants to be normal, not be covered with media attention all the time. There is always attention on her to be on her best behavior. She has a best friend named Hannah who is always there for her and would drop anything she's doing at the drop of a hat for Morgan. She isn't best friends with Morgan because of who she is either, she is very sincere and a real friend. Morgan also has a boyfriend named Konner. You could see from the get go he was just dating her for the popularity factor. He thought it made him look good. To me, he was a creep. Morgan also runs for class president and of course things don't go as planned for her. Trouble seems to follow her around and she even loses her pants, and has dilemma's all around.

Enter her mother, the president. She is a busy women and needs Morgan's help. Morgan pretends to be her for a little while. Yes, she looked that much like her!

Now on to my favorite character, Max. Max was a 20 year old guy who just happened to be a secret service agent. I could tell from minute one I was going to love him. And did I? Yes, Yes, Yes! I would love to be protected by Max. Morgan dislikes Max at first, because why does she need a new secret service agent, whats wrong with her old one and why does this new guy have to be so young and kinda cute? Every time Max called Morgan "The Tornado" I would bust out in a burst of giggles.

Max and Morgan do spend lots of time together, and I enjoyed watching their relationship develop. I am so excited to read the 2nd book! Does Morgan win class president? Does she get caught impersonating her mother? What happens with Konner and Max? Read this one to find out!

Overall: Honestly, there is nothing serious about Confessions Of A First Daughter. Yes, there is a plot and there are real situations throughout the book (the deal with Africa, etc) but this book is meant to be fun, romantic, and a book to make you smile and have fun with it. It highly succeeds.

Cover: Love it! Look at her shoes, so pretty! But once, I saw the cover for the 2nd one, I was even more amazed!

What I'd Give It:

In My Mailbox (49) 8/21/10

In My Mailbox Is Inspired by Kristi@The Story Siren

It was another slow week for me but I send more out than received and I got ones I have been looking forward too!

You Are Not Here by Samantha Schutz
Please Ignore Vera Dietz by A.S. King
Not That Kind Of Girl by Siobhan Vivian
Secrets Of A First Daughter by Cassidy Calloway

What Did You Get This Week?

Losing Faith Voting Round 2

Losing Faith by Denise Jaden

It's time for voting!!!!

-10 Will go onto next round!
-Voting Round 2 is open until Thursday morning.

Choose your favorite, not which one the person asked you to vote on please!!!!

-If you put up a post you can show people your cover but you can not hold a contest if they vote for you!
-Please do not ask them to vote for you just because you want to win, please ask them to vote for their favorite!
-Be careful when voting, make sure you are choosing the right box under/below the image for the cover you like best.

Round 2, Vote For Your Favorite!

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