Keep Holding On by Susane Colasanti

Keep Holding On by Susane Colasanti
Release Date: May 31, 2012
Publisher: Viking Juvenile
Age Group: Young Adult
Pages: 224

Summary: A romantic and empowering book about bullying

Noelle's life is all about survival. Even her best friend doesn't know how much she gets bullied, or the ways her mom neglects her. Noelle's kept so much about her life a secret for so long that when her longtime crush Julian Porter starts paying attention to her, she's terrified. Surely it's safer to stay hidden than to risk the pain of a broken heart. But when the antagonism of her classmates takes a dramatic turn, Noelle realizes it's time to stand up for herself--and for the love that keeps her holding on.

My Thoughts: Wow, what an amazing book. I love Colasanti’s book, always have, always will, at least I hope so.

We are introduced to Noelle who is in high school. She has a best friend Sherae who really doesn’t know all that much about her. She also has a boyfriend Matt. I never really liked him much. He doesn’t want anyone to know about their relationship so he pretty much ignores her except for when he’s making out with her.

She also has a friend named Simon who she really admires. Simon was such a nice guy. She also has a crush on a boy named Julian. Julian was awesome! You could just tell that he was a nice guy and one who wouldn’t judge her.

Noelle has a rough life. Her father abandoned her, her mother ignores her, and isn’t really like a mother at all. She has no real family so to speak of. She  doesn’t wear the latest trends, she doesn’t have the cutest things, she doesn’t even have a drivers license like all the other teens do. She wears shoes that she writes lyrics on.

Noelle is constantly getting bullied. People call her rotten eggs. People shot paint guns at her, they make fun of her lunches because she has to dig around in her house to see what she can find for lunch. One day she even takes a lettuce sandwich.

I felt so sorry for Noelle throughout the book. I’m happy that she was so strong and didn’t let people get her down, but I could feel her anger, her sorrow, and her embarrassment. There were times when I could relate to her story. I felt like I knew what she was going through.

Even though she liked Julian and he had feelings for her back, she fought her feelings throughout most of the book. I wouldn't call this one a romance, even though romance does happen. Keep Holding On is more about bullying and how it can affect our lives each and every day.

Honestly, Keep Holding On should be a required read in school. I truly believe that.

Just like all of Colasanti books Keep Holding On was a wonderful book. It’s one of a kind. It isn’t all cupcakes and cherry pops though. It’s sad, it's devastating, and it could break your heart into a million pieces.

Overall: What an amazing story. There were times I cried for Noelle. I couldn’t hold it in, its heartbreaking. Not a story for everyone no doubt but one you will remember and think about for days after reading.

Keep Holding On is a book every person should read, no matter who you are.

Yes, its only around 230 pages but its so worth the read so go get your copy today!

Cover: Love it. When I first saw the cover for this book, I fell in love! From their clothes to the lockers, the colors are amazing and wonderful. Even the way they are standing totally fits!

What I’d Give It:

Music Videos I Love and Adore

So, I always come across music videos that I adore. Mostly because they have one of my favorite guys in them!  And, this is a break from book reviews today, but I just wanted to share! 


It's always hard to pick my favorite Taylor Swift videos, because she always has some major eye candy in them, right? 


And, am I the only one who sees a smoking guy in one and has to know his name so I start my google search. Please tell me I'm not the only one who does that. 


What are your favorite music videos to watch?  Leave me a comment and tell me!!!


Call Me Maybe by Carley Rae Jepsen (with Holden Nowell) 





You Belong With Me by Taylor Swift (with Lucas Til)





Teardrops on My Guitar by Taylor Swift (with TYLER HILTON)



We Belong Together by Mariah Carey (with Wentworth Miller)



Unthinkable by Alicia Keys (with Chad Michael Murray)



Teenage Dream by Katy Perry  (with Josh Kloss)

Darkness Before Dawn by J.A. London

Darkness Before Dawn by J.A. London
Release Date: May 29, 2012
Publisher: HarperTeen
Age Group: Young Adult
Pages: 368

Summary: This electrifying new trilogy blends the best of paranormal and dystopian storytelling in a world where the war is over. And the vampires won.

Humans huddle in their walled cities, supplying blood in exchange for safety. But not even that is guaranteed. Dawn has lost her entire family and now reluctantly serves as the delegate to Lord Valentine, the most powerful vampire for miles. It isn’t until she meets Victor, Valentine’s son, that she realizes not all vampires are monsters....

Darkness Before Dawn is a fresh new story with captivating characters, unexpected plot twists, a fascinating setting, and a compelling voice. Written under the name J. A. London by a talented mother-son team, the trilogy is perfect for fans of True Blood and the House of Night and Morganville Vampires series.

My Thoughts: Oh gosh, when I saw this, I thought, "Another vampire novel?" Sometimes I get burned out on vampires but thought I'd read this anyway.

From the first page I knew I was going to enjoy this story. It just had this unique feel to it that got to me.

We are introduced to Dawn who just lost her parents and has been appointed delegate between the humans and the vampires in the city. What this means is, she must look out for the human rights but also must meet with the head of the vampires, Lord Valentine. Lord Valentine is mean, old, and scary as hell.

Dawn also meets Valentines son Victor. In reality, he's 400 years old but look as though he's roughly the same age as her. Even though, its wrong in so many ways, she feels an attraction to him.

But Dawn has a boyfriend named Michael who she's known all of her life. She cares about him; loves him so Dawn is torn between those feelings between both boys.

Dawn also has a best friend named Tegen and Tegen has a new boyfriend named Sin. The four of them always do stuff together. Double dates, hanging out, all that good stuff.

Dawn is trying to deal with her duties as debette, while trying to keep the city safe.

Victor wants to change the city, change the way things are, make it a better place and he needs Dawn's help to make it happen.

The final battle starts, and all hell breaks lose. Dawn runs into some people she thought she'd never see again. She has to figure out her feelings and how to keep the city alive.

I'm excited to see what happens next. I get the feeling there will be another book, or at least I hope so.

Overall:  Darkness Before Dawn was an enjoyable read. I actually liked the vampire story. Lately, I feel like there are just too many vampire stories out there but this one, I actually really loved.

Cover: Love it! Love the black and white feel to it and the dress and the way she's standing. It's a neat cover!

What I'd Give It:

Perception (Clarity #2) by Kim Harrington

Perception (Clarity #2) by Kim Harrington
Release Date: March 1, 2012
Publisher: Point
Age Group: Young Adult
Pages: 288

Summary: When you can see things others can't, what do you do when someone's watching you?

Everybody knows about Clarity "Clare" Fern. She's the psychic girl in school, the one who can place her hands on something and see hidden visions from the past.

Only Clare would rather not be a celebrity. She prefers hanging back, observing. Her gift is not a game to her.

But then someone starts playing with her head . . . and heart. Messages and gifts from a secret admirer crop up everywhere Clare turns. Could they be from Gabriel, the gorgeous boy who gets Clare's pulse racing? Or from Justin, Clare's hopeful ex-boyfriend who'd do anything to win her back?

One thing is certain. Clare needs to solve this mystery, and soon. Because the messages are becoming sinister, and a girl in town has suddenly disappeared.

My Thoughts: Wow, what a book! I loved it! We are back with Clarity aka Clare and her crazy family. Remember her mom and her brother?  I do!

In Perception, we are again thrown into a murder investigation but this time it's not her brother who is the suspect. A girl at Clare’s school has gone missing and Clare wants to know the truth. She has her own reasons why like always.

We are also back in the lives of Clare’s ex-boyfriend Justin and the police detective’s son Gabriel. She is still torn between them and doesn’t know who to choose. She wants them both in her life, but who as what?

Clare’s family has their own set of problems. Her mother is trying to pay the bills and her brother has become a hermit, for good reason. I love her family's gifts.

Perception was so good. I really enjoyed being back with these characters and this book just reads well. It’s fast, it's light, but its a fun ride all the way.  And all the new characters, loved them.

Clare ends up with a stalker, and she is put in a position where her life is in jeopardy again.

I loved Perception! Even more than Clarity! Please start this series soon if you haven’t!

Overall: Such a great read. The only thing I can say is, why didn’t I see that murderer coming? Wasn’t even on my radar, how did I miss that? I think that is why I love to read, surprises around every corner and when the author stuns you, that is a job well done.

Cover: Love it. I love how the background is white, and the image always pops on these covers.

What I’d Give It:

The Temptation (Kindred #1) by Alisa Valdes

The Temptation (Kindred #1) by Alisa Valdes
Release Date: April 24, 2012
Publisher:  HarperTeen
Age Group: Young Adult
Pages: 320


Summary: His touch was electric.
His eyes were magnetic.
His lips were a temptation....
But was he real?

After crashing her car on an empty highway, Shane is miraculously saved by Travis, a mysterious cowboy who walks out of nowhere. She is instantly attracted to him, and for the first time, she believes in “soul mates.” But Shane soon discovers that Travis is dead and that strict rules from the Underworld govern kindred spirits of different dimensions. Breaking these rules could destroy both their souls. And while Travis is almost impossible to resist, temptation proves to be the kindest enemy they encounter.

Can true love surpass the power of pure evil? Part love story, part supernatural thriller, this first book in the Kindred trilogy will leave readers lusting for more!

My Thoughts: So, this sounds right up my alley. It sounds like something I would really love, a 5 cupcake rating. But it just wasn’t for me.

We are introduced to Shane who lives with her mother. She is just a normal girl with a boyfriend named Logan. Until one day, she gets in a car accident. Her car is totaled, and she is hurt badly, even on the brink of death. Until a mysterious boy steps up and heals her. His name is Travis. He is a sort of cowboy. He looks the part, and acts the part. This sounded so yummy to me.

She encounters Travis, and instantly falls in love with him. I hate the insta love thing! I hate it, I hate it, I hate it! It just doesn’t work in novels for me! Travis shows up again one day and gives her the necklace of hers he found. He randomly starts showing up, in different forms. Confused yet? Yes, that is what I thought too. What do you mean different forms? Read the novel to find out. Vampire, werewolf, shapeshifter, ghost, angel?

Travis and his brother are in a sort of purgatory. They committed some wrongs and are trying to make up for it in the afterlife.  And of course, they have an enemy who wants to hurt them more. Yep, Shane gets caught in the crossfire of that dilemma.

Honestly, The Temptation was an ok book but it just wasn’t for me. About halfway through I almost didn’t even finish it. I didn’t hate this one, but I also felt myself not caring at times and I just wanted the story to hurry up so I could at least find out the ending. Maybe some people will like this more than me. I’m just not a big fan of insta love, or the way they assumed they were “soulmates” from the beginning.  I can at least say I finished it, and it was an alright novel.  

Overall: I read a lot of novels, and not every novel is going to be a 5 cupcake rating for me, and this one just wasn’t the right kind of novel for me and that is ok. I accept that I won’t always love novels and that some can just be average books for me. Maybe you’ll enjoy it a lot more than me.

Cover: I do like the cover. It’s not real colorful, but like how he fades in the background.

What I’d Give It:

Of Poseidon by Anna Banks

Of Poseidon by Anna Banks

Release Date: May 22, 2012
Publisher: Feiwel And Friends
Age Group: Young Adult
Pages: 336

Summary: Emma and her friend Chloe are spending vacation in Florida. When Emma (literally) runs into a hot guy named Galen on the beach, little does she know he’s a prince of the Syrena. Galen and Emma both feel something strange – is it attraction? – and Galen suspects that Emma might well be the girl he’s heard of – a human who can communicate with fish.

What follows is a deadly scene with a shark in which Galen witnesses Emma’s gifts. He must know more about her, and follows her back to New Jersey, and high school, to find out for sure if she’s the key to saving his kingdom. Soon, Emma can’t deny her feelings for him, but can’t explain them, either – and both she and Galen must learn more about where she comes from and what her powers are before they can trust one another and their feelings.

My Thoughts: All I must say is ohmysweetgoodness, this is an amazing debut! Seriously amazing. Adored this novel. Read it in two sittings!

We are introduced to Emma, average 18 year old high school student. Lives with her mother, father died a few years ago. We start off with Emma and her friend Chloe at the beach where she runs (literally) into a boy named Galen. He is a very handsome boy.

Emma suffers a great tragedy that day that really brings her down.

She decides to attend classes a few days later and guess who ends up being in all of her classes, yes, Galen.

Emma and Galen become close and she gets introduced to his sister and her mate, and a few of his friends.

A lot of things are happening to Emma. She can breathe underwater for a long time, she has thick skin, and just doesn't seem to be very "normal."

On their quest to find out the truth, Emma and Galen discover they have more of a connection than they would have ever thought possible. But they can't ever really do anything about it because she's promised to another.

Honestly, I didn't know what I would think going into Of Poseidon. Mermaid books are either a hit or miss with me. This novel is clearly something magical. The voice is believeable, Emma is a lovable character and Galen is a handsome snarky character.

Of Poseidon had a beautiful vibe to it. Just something about it while reading it that felt magical to me. Maybe it was all the fishes swimming around, or even the Titantic reference. I'm not sure exactly what it was but I loved every minute of it. And the cliffhanger, yep I'm hooked and I need the next book now.

Of Poseidon is a fantastic, magical novel filled with sea creatures, mystery, and love.

Overall: If you can't tell from above, I loved it! Please please do yourself a favor and read this novel as soon as possible. You won't regret it! Awesome novel!

Cover: Adore it! Love all the blue coloring and how she's swimming underwater!

What I'd Give It:

Love?Maybe by Heather Hepler

Love?Maybe by Heather Hepler
Release Date: January 5, 2012
Publisher: Dial
Age Group: Young Adult
Pages: 272

Summary: Just because Piper's birthday is on Valentine's Day does not mean she's a romantic. In fact, after watching her father and then her stepfather leave, she's pretty sure she doesn't believe in love at all. Then her friends concoct a plan to find them all Valentine's dates, and somehow Piper finds herself with the most popular guy in school. But true love never follows a plan, and a string of heartfelt gifts from a secret admirer has Piper wondering if she might be with the wrong guy.

In this heartwarming romance, true love is more than a maybe - and it might be closer than you think.

My Thoughts: Sometimes I’m just in the mood for a light breezy romance. Sometimes I’m in the mood for a story that features a candy shop or a flower shop. This book had it all!

We are introduced to Piper who was born on Valentines Day. Every girls dream right? Wrong! Piper is very cynical and isn’t thrilled with the whole candy/flowers/romance on Valentines Day. She couldn’t care less.

Who can really blame Piper? Her father left her, her step father left her, she’s afraid of being left again.

Piper and her two best friends make up a plan. A plan to get their dream dates, all with a magical spell. Is magic even real they wonder? It’s worth a shot.  We also see a lot of a boy named Charlie who is Piper’s next door neighbor.

Each girl picks out a girl they will try to get, and go from there. When the most popular boy at school takes an interest in Piper, she is happy to go along with it. Happy enough anyway. He is after all Ben Donovan!

Piper also works at a candy shop where she helps create new flavors.  Her mom owns the flower shop next door.

This was a bit predictable but still enjoyable.  From the moment Piper gets surprise gifts in her locker, I had my heart set on who it was. I also loved the family aspect of Love Maybe. I loved her mom and her cute brother and sister.  

Love Maybe was a really cute novel. You should read this one during the summer or around Valentine’s Day to really get the full effect of it.

Overall: I really liked it a lot. It could have been a little more creative, as I knew what was going to happen before it happened, but it was still the right kind of book for my mood. If you're in the mood for a romance book, this is it! If you don’t like all the kissing in books, than this is for you. It was a pretty clean YA book.

Cover: Really like the candy hearts!  And the shape!

What I’d Give It:

Dark Kiss by Michelle Rowen

Dark Kiss by Michelle Rowen
Release Date: May 22, 2012
Publisher: Harlequin Teen
Age Group: Young Adult
Pages: 352

Summary: I don't do dangerous.  Smart, über-careful, ordinary Samantha-that's me. But I just couldn't pass up a surprise kiss from my number-one unattainable crush. A kiss that did something to me...something strange. Now I feel hungry all the time, but not for food. It's like part of me is missing-and I don't know if I can get it back. Then there's Bishop. At first I thought he was just a street kid, but the secrets he's keeping are as intense as his unearthly blue eyes. If he's what I think he is, he may be the only one who can help me. But something terrifying is closing in, and the one chance Bishop and I have to stop it means losing everything I ever wanted and embracing the darkness inside me.... NIGHTWATCHERS When angels and demons must work together, something beyond evil is rising..

My Thoughts:  I’ve read other books by Rowen, adult books and liked them. So diving into Dark Kiss, I knew right away what her writing style was like. And I almost always enjoy it.

We are introduced to Samantha who lives with her mother. She is in high school and has a best friend named Carly.

Samantha and Carly go to a club and Samantha gets a forbidden kiss with a crush. One kiss that will change her life forever! She loses her soul and learns just how special she is. She becomes a grey. She starts to get special powers, she can zap, she can read minds, and she can see a light. Pretty crazy stuff right there.

She meets two boys next. They are Bishop who is an angel and Kraven who is a demon. The whole book I kept waiting for a love triangle to happen which didn’t happen for all of you who hate those. I have a feeling it may happen eventually though? Bishops mind is kind of fuzzy and he was sent here from heaven to team up with other members to get rid of Grey’s.   The only problem, he can't remember much about his mission or what exactly he's supposed to be doing. The angels and demons have teamed up to save the city and they don’t really love working together, even though they have too; its a part of the mission.

Bishop and Kraven were the best parts of the book for me. Bishop, you can’t just help but not like him. And Kraven was dangerous, and irritating which made him a funny and annoying yet enjoyable character.  Samantha was just alright to me. She didn’t really stand out, she was strong enough but at times, she just lacked something for me. The other characters throughout the novel had their perks.

I did enjoy the plot. I haven’t read many angel books yet. But this was seemed unique enough to keep me reading and actually enjoy it.  And the secrets between Bishop and Kraven, they did throw me for a loop, but it was a nice touch to the story. So was Samantha's back story.

There is another book coming out in this series, so I will stay tuned and read that.

Overall: I did enjoy it a lot. I need to read more angel books so I have more to compare the few I read too.  I really loved Kraven and Bishop and can’t wait to find out more about them. I think Rowen did a good job writing a YA book, and I still enjoy her adult books as well!

Cover: Like it, but it seems too plain. I do like the bluish tint. I also like how we can see the boy and his wings. I do like how he has his shirt open and looks like he could be sexy but also dangerous. It’s ok, but I want to see more characters!

What I'd Give It:

Breaking Beautiful by Jennifer Shaw Wolf

Breaking Beautiful by Jennifer Shaw Wolf
Release Date: April 24, 2012
Publisher: Walker Children’s
Age Group: Young Adult
Pages: 368

Summary:Allie lost everything the night her boyfriend, Trip, died in a horrible car accident—including her memory of the event. As their small town mourns his death, Allie is afraid to remember because doing so means delving into what she’s kept hidden for so long: the horrible reality of their abusive relationship.

When the police reopen the investigation, it casts suspicion on Allie and her best friend, Blake, especially as their budding romance raises eyebrows around town. Allie knows she must tell the truth. Can she reach deep enough to remember that night so she can finally break free? Debut writer Jennifer Shaw Wolf takes readers on an emotional ride through the murky waters of love, shame, and, ultimately, forgiveness

My Thoughts: When I first saw this book, I knew it was one that I just had to read. And to read as soon as it was released!

Breaking Beautiful was a great novel, even though it had its sad moments.
We are introduced to Allie who has been dating Trip. They have been the perfect couple, at least on the outside. Trip is popular, everyone likes him, and his family is very influential. Allie is pretty average and hasn’t lived in their town her whole life. She also has a twin brother named Andrew. He has cerebral palsy.

Allie and Trip are the couple everyone wants to be. Because of his popularity, he always has people talking to him and wanting to hang out with him, which Allie thinks is great at first.

One dreadful night, Trip and Allie get into an accident and Trip is killed. Allie can’t remember much of anything, or at least so she says. All throughout the novel, we get flashbacks of the night of the accident. I was never really 100% sure what happened until the end of the novel.

Allie is in mourning and everyone expects her to stay that way. She has a friend who is a boy named Blake, and everyone gets the wrong idea about them. Nobody thinks she should be moving on, so when they get closer, everyone starts to really shun her more.
Allie and Blake’s relationship progress, but not without complications. Blake has a past of his own that he can’t live down.

Breaking Beautiful was an intense novel. I knew from the first few chapters in what was going on. I knew that Trip wasn’t such a great guy like everyone thought. The clues were there. Her blaming herself is a classical sign of abuse, and I just wanted to tell her it was ok and things would be ok.

I really liked all the characters. I could understand how Allie was handling everything and I liked her brother and how strong he really was. He was very supportive and caring. I also liked Blake and who he really was.

Overall: I really loved reading this one. Breaking Beautiful is a great contemporary novel, even though it isn’t all rainbows. It was a very emotional debut book. I was happy to read it because I wanted to know the whole story behind the accident and how everyone was involved. 


I can't wait to see what Jennifer Shaw Wolf has up her sleeve for us next.

Cover: Its neat. I like the red high heals and how it shows the side of the road.

What I'd Give It:

Want To Find Amazing Books?

How to Find Amazing New Books

There are millions of books out there. Whether hardback, paperback or even audio, deciding what book to read next can be a very daunting task. There is nothing worse than spending a few hours with a book only to realize that it is just not for you. Some people just get frustrated altogether and stop reading. However, do not lose hope. The following are the best ways to find amazing new books:

• Online Reviews and Services – Many websites (and the people who run those websites) make a daily wage by helping you make the decision – for free. You can also find the same kind of service from many course descriptions for online college courses. 



• Recommendations From Others – For us readers, taking other people's word for it has always been discouraged (LeVar Burton, for the win!), but no longer. Reading reviews from both novice readers and professional readers is a great way to get a grasp on your potential like or dislike. 



• Libraries (and Librarians) – Librarians have to get a master's degree for a reason. They are there to help you find your next favorite book. Approach the librarian and tell them what books you like and have read in the past. A little half-sheet with Dewey decimals scrawled with a golf pencil is a treat indeed for any reader, so go for it!



• Book Clubs – Can't decide which book to read, then join a book club. For better or worse, the decision will be made for you. The best part about having someone else make the decision for you is that if the book is terrible, you have a group of people who had the same dreary experience. Changing the book club location from coffee house to bar is a great idea when the topic of discussion will be, "Wow! That book sucked!" 



• Inspirations of Your Favorite Authors – This is a tip from a literature insider. Read your favorite author's biography online or search for interviews and find out where his or her inspiration came from. The reverse system is also effective. Find out who your favorite authors inspired. For example, if you are a fan of J.R.R. Tolkien, you will find out that Robert Jordan's awesome epic, multivolume fantasy series was inspired by Tolkien's work. Or, if you are a fan of James Joyce, the you will find that Samuel Beckett was hugely inspired by Joyce, so perhaps check out Beckett's works.



• Staying Within Genre – So, you know you are a sci-fi fan. Staying with the sci-fi genre will give your potential reading enjoyment a leg up. For example, you like Orson Scott-Card's “Ender's Game” series. Perhaps you will like C.S. Lewis' book, “Out of This Silent Planet” – another well-known and popular sci-fi trilogy.



• Take College Courses in Literature – College courses will introduce you to a variety of authors and genres. Check out www.onlineuniversities.net for more info on easy online courses on literature and fiction. 

Tangled (Torn #2) by Erica O’Rourke

Tangled (Torn #2) by Erica O’Rourke
Release Date: January 31, 2012
Publisher: Kensington
Age Group: Young Adult
Pages: 336

Summary: Constance started to keen as the air around us began to thrash and twist, the caustic scent of ozone burning my nose. As I watched, her dark gold hair began to lift and kink into knots.

“I’m here. It’ll be okay.” It was the last thing I said before my best friend’s little sister went supernova in the second-floor girls’ bathroom, taking me with her.

A month ago, Mo Fitzgerald risked her life to stop an ancient prophecy and avenge her best friend's murder. Now, she only wants to keep her loved ones safe. But the magic—and the Chicago Mob—have other plans.

Mysterious, green-eyed Luc is back, asking for help—and a second chance. Colin, her strongest protector, is hiding a shocking secret. And inside Constance, the magic is about to go terribly wrong. Tangled in a web of love and betrayal, Mo must choose between the life she's dreamed of and the one she's destined for.

My Thoughts: I remember first seeing Torn and I was hesitant to read it, but once I did I enjoyed it a lot so when I heard there was going to be another book in the series, I was very excited.

In Tangled, we are back with Mo and her crazy life. She’s still divided between Colin and Luc. She’s still battling her uncle's business and her “other” business.  Mo has a lot on her hands. She had to stop an evil prophecy and learn just how to deal with real life in the process. Now she’s out to save her best friend’s sister Constance (remember her best friend died?) and she has to start thinking about where her future is going to go. Is she going to go against her uncle and choose Colin or if she going to finally give in and get with Luc, she is after all betrothed to him.

Gosh, this book was an emotional ride. From the troubles with her family, her own personal struggles every time she went in between, and just seeing how much she clearly cares about both boys, its a roller coaster ride.

The plot is filled with so many different things, things twisted and turned when you least expected it. She kisses both boys when you start to think she’s going to end up with the opposite one, and she helps Constance in the process. And the fire, it made me cry a few tears! Very emotional!

Tangled is a very different kind of novel. The first part of the book I started to wonder if it was going to get better, or if anything major was going to happen, but just like with Torn, it all hits you at once and you look at the clock and it's the middle of the night.

Mo is such a likable character. Even though she’s stubborn, I can see myself being best friends with her and helping her out through her daily life.

Overall:This series is different, but in a good way. The characters are easy to get attached too. The plot sucks you in. And by the end, you’ll be rooting for both boys wishing she could just have them both. This series is one you should check out now!

Cover: I’m not thrilled with the covers but they are ok. I think that was the biggest problem with Torn. I didn’t read it soon enough because the cover didn’t catch my eye right off the bat. But, they are such good books!

What I'd Give It:

The One That I Want by Jennifer Echols

The One That I Want by Jennifer Echols
Release Date: February 7, 2012
Publisher: Simon Pulse
Age Group: Young Adult
Pages: 288

Summary:  Gemma can’t believe her luck when the star football player starts flirting with her. Max is totally swoon-worthy, and even gets her quirky sense of humor. So when he asks out her so-called best friend Addison, Gemma’s heartbroken.

Then Addison pressures Gemma to join the date with one of Max’s friends. But the more time they all spend together, the harder Gemma falls for Max. She can’t help thinking that Max likes her back—it’s just too bad he’s already dating Addison. How can Gemma get the guy she wants without going after her best friend’s boyfriend?

My Thoughts: Best friends Addison and Gemma have been best friends for years, since they were kids. They do everything together, including crushing on the same guy. Gemma and Addison meet two boys from a rival school. Their names are Max and Carter. Addison likes Max right away and expects Gemma to go out with Carter.  Of course Carter isn't the one Gemma has feelings for.

Addison is the snobby, thinks she is better friend. You know the one? The one who puts you down and doesn't even realize it. The one who takes you for granted. Gemma is the nicer one. She's lost a ton of weight previously and had quite low self esteem before that. She now feels a little bit better about herself but she is still struggling with her weight and wants to lose more.

Both girls start dating the boys and complications arise. It seems like Addison always has to compete with Gemma over everything. She walks all over her and treats her like crap in my opinion.

As Gemma spends more time with Max she falls deeply in love with him and doesn't know what to do. All the while, it seems like Max really does like Addison.

We get to experience their dates, their school lives, their sport lives, and family life. This novel had a lot of drama but also a lot of sweet moments.

Max with Addison? Gemma with Carter? Carter with Addison? Or Max with Gemma? How does this story end? Go read the book now!

I love Echols but this is not my favorite book by her. I did enjoy it a lot but I still think I have others as favorites more. I was so excited about this novel to come out and I'm so happy it did and I got the chance to read it. I just didn’t fall in love with this one like I have with others. It was a quick read and I didn’t savor each and every page like usual. But Echols still remains one of my favorite writers.

I won't say much else but if you're already a fan of Echols, don't forget to go pick up her latest release, The One That I Want.

Overall: Really did love this one, it was a quick read, and spunky. Not one of my absolute favorites by her but still an awesome novel. And Gemma was a great main character and I liked all of her other friends, and her personality in general.

Cover: I really like the cover but I just don't see either Max or Gemma looking like these characters. He doesn't look asian either. lol

What I'd Give It:

Spell Bound (Hex Hall #3) by Rachel Hawkins

Spell Bound (Hex Hall #3) by Rachel Hawkins
Release Date: March 13, 2012
Publisher: Hyperion Book CH
Age Group: Young Adult
Pages: 336

Summary: Hailed as “impossible to put down,” the Hex Hall series has both critics and teens cheering. With a winning combination of romance, action, magic and humor, this third volume will leave readers enchanted.

Just as Sophie Mercer has come to accept her extraordinary magical powers as a demon, the Prodigium Council strips them away. Now Sophie is defenseless, alone, and at the mercy of her sworn enemies—the Brannicks, a family of warrior women who hunt down the Prodigium. Or at least that’s what Sophie thinks, until she makes a surprising discovery. The Brannicks know an epic war is coming, and they believe Sophie is the only one powerful enough to stop the world from ending. But without her magic, Sophie isn’t as confident.

Sophie’s bound for one hell of a ride—can she get her powers back before it’s too late?

My Thoughts: I still love this series as I did day one. We are back with Sophie Mercer and her friends. We also get to see more of her family in Spell Bound and learn more about her family history.

Lara is out to ruin all their lives and turn them all into demons to fight and destroy.

Sophie’s powers have been stripped away by the council and she’s left defenseless, well sort of. She has Elodie’s powers running through her at times. She has a chance to get her powers back but what is the cost?

I’m not going to go on and on about this book, because by now you know the characters and you wonder how it's going to end and I don’t want to spoil anything.

Let’s just keep it simple, I still adore Sophie and her friends Jenna, Cal, and Archer. I’m not surprised at who she ends up with at the end, but it’s also sad to an extent. Tears came to my eyes at the end.

I just want to remind everyone how I was hesitant to start this series the first time I read it, and I loved it dearly so please go read it now!

Overall: I’m sad to see one of my favorite series ending. I hope she writes another book but I haven’t heard anything yet.  The Hex Hall series had great characters, a nice love triangle, and best friends. Magic, witches, vampires, demons, warlocks, fairies, this book has a little for everyone. Please read it and tell me what you thought.

Cover: Like it. All these covers have a little something special about them.

What I’d Give It:  

The Princesses Of Iowa by M. Molly Backes

The Princesses Of Iowa by M. Molly Backes
Release Date: May 8, 2012
Publisher: Candlewick
Age Group: Young Adult
Pages: 464

Summary: What does it mean to do wrong, when no one punishes you? A smart and unflinching look at friendship, the nature of entitlement, and growing up in the heartland.

Paige Sheridan has the perfect life. She's pretty, rich, and popular, and her spot on the homecoming court is practically guaranteed. But when a night of partying ends in an it-could-have-been-so-much worse crash , everything changes. Her best friends start ignoring her, her boyfriend grows cold and distant, and her once-adoring younger sister now views her with contempt. The only bright spot is
her creative writing class, led by a charismatic new teacher who encourages students to be true to themselves. But who is Paige, if not the homecoming princess everyone expects her to be? In this arresting and witty debut, a girl who was once high-school royalty must face a truth that money and status can't fix, and choose between living the privileged life of a princess, or owning up to her mistakes and giving up everything she once held dear.

My Thoughts: Well, this is my first debut read of 2012. Did it start out with a bang? Not quite.

We are introduced to Paige who had been exiled to Paris. She is now back from spending the summer babysitting a small baby and is back in her Iowa town. She gets to see her best friends Lacey and Niki. And of course her boyfriend Jake. She's ready for things to go back to normal and spend their senior year becoming princesses, and taking the school by storm.

Things are different now though. Lacey is spending a lot of time with Jake and ignoring Paige and Niki is stuck in the middle. And as for Jake, I did not like him one bit. There was just something about him that screamed, JERK!

Paige gets stuck in a creative writing class she doesn't really want to do. She would rather be in film with Jake and Lacey. That was the plan for her and Jake to take Creative Writing together because its an easy class but Jake transferred out because Lacey "needs" a friend.

In Creative Writing, Paige meets a few new friends. First, there is Shanti. Shanti is a pretty cool girl. She speaks her mind and doesn't take any bull crap from anyone. She doesn't let things get to her either. Than there is Ethan. Cute sweet hugable Ethan. Yep, I liked him from the get go. You could tell her and Paige really got each other, even though she did have a boyfriend and her and Ethan were just friends.

I really liked the fact that they were in Iowa. I spent most of my life in Iowa so I knew all the cities they were talking about. I knew Iowa City and all the other small towns! I knew when they talked about Iowa locations, traditions, etc.

I really wanted to be sucked into The Princesses Of Iowa, I wanted to fall in love with the story, I wanted to be crazy about this one.  It just felt really long to me. About 200 pages in, I almost gave up. I felt like it was dragging a long very very slowly. It’s over 450 pages long. I was motivated to finish it though since it was my first debut of 2012 plus it was about Iowa.  I left a lot of small details out of this review because I want you to find out for yourself. One example: Why did Paige go to Paris exactly? What is Lacey's problem?

Overall: I liked this novel, but didn't love it. It was just ok for me. Maybe you'll like it more than me. All in all, it just felt really long to me and I kept losing interest. It wasn't a bad book and I'm sure some will love it way more than I did. I know I just read too many books to love every single one.

Cover: Like the cover! I like the outside and how we can see the girl looking in the rear-view mirror. Very cool.

What I'd Give It: