Hallowed (Unearthly #2) by Cynthia Hand

Hallowed (Unearthly #2) by Cynthia Hand

Release Date:  January 17, 2012

Publisher: HarperTeen
Age Group: Young Adult
Pages: 416

Summary: For months Clara Gardner trained to face the fire from her visions, but she wasn't prepared for the choice she had to make that day. And in the aftermath, she discovered that nothing about being part angel is as straightforward as she thought.

Now, torn between her love for Tucker and her complicated feelings about the roles she and Christian seem destined to play in a world that is both dangerous and beautiful, Clara struggles with a shocking revelation: Someone she loves will die in a matter of months. With her future uncertain, the only thing Clara knows for sure is that the fire was just the beginning.

In this compelling sequel to Unearthly, Cynthia Hand captures the joy of first love, the anguish of loss, and the confusion of becoming who you are.

My Thoughts: Seriously, can I say how much I love these books? I love this story!

We are back with Clara after what happened at the end of Unearthly. Things sure didn’t go as planned did they? Clara finds out so much more about herself in Hallowed. She also finds out someone is going to die that she cares about. Talk about CRAZY INTENSE!

Clara is still torn between Tucker and Christian. Yes, she’s with Tucker but she still finds her mind wandering about to Christian at times. She also gets to know him in Hallowed a lot more and realizes he’s much deeper than what she thought.

We also get to spend more time with Clara’s friend Angela. We get to learn more about her. Another person we get to learn more about is Clara’s father. Wow, didn’t really see that coming at all. And, her brother, his purpose, I had a feeling it was something like that.

And of course a bad guy is thrown in, who is after Clara. I had trouble hating him though. Part of me felt sorry for him at times.

I still don’t know who I like more; Christian or Tucker. I’m excited to see who she ends up with but at the same time, scared. Scared because I think I’ll be sad either way. I want her to be with both of them. haha.

I am so happy to find about more about Clara and her angel side. There is so much more to the story and who she is and this is awesome. I gasped a few times because it was so thrilling.

I loved this second book in the Unearthly trilogy and I can’t wait to see what happens next! Yes, the ending was pretty devastating though. But I’ll be glad to find out what happens next.

Overall: Love! I love Clara. I love Tucker and Christian. I love her family. I love her friends. I love the plot. I love everything about this series! Its filled with so much emotion!

Cover: Love it! So pretty! Love the blue color and of course the girl! Cute!

What I'd Give It:

Rush (The Game #1) by Eve Silver

Rush (The Game #1) by Eve Silver

Release Date: June 11, 2013

Publisher: Katherine Tegen Books

Age Group: Young Adult

Pages: 368

Summary: So what’s the game now? This, or the life I used to know?

When Miki Jones is pulled from her life, pulled through time and space into some kind of game—her carefully controlled life spirals into chaos. In the game, she and a team of other teens are sent on missions to eliminate the Drau, terrifying and beautiful alien creatures. There are no practice runs, no training, and no way out. Miki has only the guidance of secretive but maddeningly attractive team leader Jackson Tate, who says the game isn’t really a game, that what Miki and her new teammates do now determines their survival, and the survival of every other person on this planet. She laughs. He doesn’t. And then the game takes a deadly and terrifying turn.

My Thoughts: Honestly, I’m not even sure where to start with this review. When I first started Rush, I was confused. It just didn’t click into place right away.

The book starts out with a girl name Miki being in a pretty bad accident. She is trying to save a little girl and instead of dying she is basically yanked out of the situation and threw into a game. A game to fight aliens and to live through it. The Drau. But its not really a game at all. She’s thrown into this world with a few other people. There was one boy named Luka who I liked a lot. And then another one named Jackson. There were others of course but I took a special liking to both Luka and Jackson in my own way. Both boys were neat characters. Their personalities were pretty opposite.

Basically, as the book goes on Miki learns more and more about the aliens, what she is fighting for, and what she needs to do.  We learn that she has to fight to survive.

I wasn’t really sure what to think of this one, and I’m still not a few days after reading it. I didn’t connect with it at first. It was hard to get into but by the middle of the book I was pretty interested and wanted to find out the ending.  And Jackson and Luka kept me wanting to read more.

I liked the characters, the plot was a bit confusing but had a nice premise. I enjoyed this one but I didn’t fall in love with it yet.. Maybe the next book will be easier to read. It was a creative idea though.

Overall: Liked it but I can’t really give it 4 cupcakes. I just didn’t love it as much as those books I give 4 or 5 cupcakes too. Once I got into it, I did start to like certain points so I would probably rate this a 3.5, not just 3 cupcakes. Give it a chance, you may enjoy it more than me or you may enjoy it less, only you can decide.  And of course, maybe if you're a gamer it might interest you more.

And be prepared for that cliffhanger! Now I do want to read the next one!

Cover: Like it. Like the blueish hue to it.  And the girl hiding in there. HEHE.

What I'd Give It:

The Avery Shaw Experiment by Kelly Oram

The Avery Shaw Experiment by Kelly Oram

Release Date: May 2, 2013

Publisher: Amazon Digital Services
Age Group: Young Adult
Pages: 769 KB

Summary: When Avery Shaw’s heart is shattered by her life-long best friend, she chooses to deal with it the only way she knows how—scientifically.

The state science fair is coming up and Avery decides to use her broken heart as the topic of her experiment. She’s going to find the cure. By forcing herself to experience the seven stages of grief through a series of social tests, she believes she will be able to get over Aiden Kennedy and make herself ready to love again. But she can’t do this experiment alone, and her partner (ex partner!) is the one who broke her heart.

Avery finds the solution to her troubles in the form of Aiden’s older brother Grayson. The gorgeous womanizer is about to be kicked off the school basketball team for failing physics. He’s in need of a good tutor and some serious extra credit. But when Avery recruits the lovable Grayson to be her “objective outside observer,” she gets a whole lot more than she bargained for, because Grayson has a theory of his own: Avery doesn’t need to grieve. She needs to live. And if there’s one thing Grayson Kennedy is good at, it’s living life to the fullest.

My Thoughts: I saw this on goodreads a few months before it came out, and added it! Once it hit amazon to purchase, I jumped right on it. It sounded so cute! And darn it, it was!

We are introduced to Avery who is best friends with the Kennedy’s. More so with the younger brother Aiden than the oldest Grayson but she’s been close to their  family since she was a baby. Every year Aiden and Avery even share their birthday parties. He’s her best friend, but she’s also in love with him. Until one day he tells her he needs some space from her, and within a few days she finds out he actually has a new girlfriend. She’s shocked and hurt. She’s liked him for years but apparently he didn’t notice or feel the same way.

Avery is so hurt, and right away Grayson swoops in and takes care of her. He’s her rock. From the first pages of this, I was hooked. That shower scene, so cute and funny. Right then and there, I knew I was going to be team Grayson. Even though he’s been a player and a ladies man, you can’t not like him. He’s a charmer for sure.

Grayson and Avery end up working on a project together for her Science project, her broken heart. I really can’t say much else because I don’t want to give everything away that happens or anymore of the story. This was freaking adorable, and it’s one that will keep you up late into the night reading. I laughed out loud so many times my boyfriend asked me what was so funny.  I think at times, he thought I was a dork because I giggled so much.  I swear I read that shower scene a few times, because it was so great and funny!

Seriously Grayson, love you!!! And Avery, you are a  funny and sweet girl!!!

This book was amazing, cute, adorable, and if you like contemps you are going to like it a lot, or at least I hope so, because I did!

Overall: Oh Kelly Oram, I will be reading all of your books as soon as possible. You won me over for sure!! I want to spend more time with Grayson though, I hope your other male characters can compare and capture my heart!

Cute, sweet, and love this one!

Cover: Cute!  I can see them looking like that! Very neat! 

What I'd Give It:

The Hazards Of Skinny Dipping by Alyssa Rose Ivy

The Hazards Of Skinny Dipping by Alyssa Rose Ivy

Release Date: May 18, 2013

Publisher: Createspace

Age Group: New Adult

Pages: 248

Summary:  This isn't a deep book about first loves or self-discovery. If you want a book like that, I'd be happy to recommend one, but I don't have that kind of story to tell. Instead my story is about rash decisions and finding out that your dream guy is bad in bed. It's the story of when I finally went skinny dipping, and how my life was never the same again. Oh, and it's also the story of my freshman year of college and realizing Mr. Right might have been there all along.

My Thoughts: I don’t know, when I saw this one on goodreads, I knew it was a must read. I felt like it would be great!

We are introduced to Juliet who is starting college soon. Right before college, she goes skinny dipping, in her own swimming pool. Sounds interesting, right? Well a neighbor guy she’s known forever decides to join her. She’s always had a crush on him, so you think it would be magical, right? They have sex. It wasn’t magical, yet he seems to think it was. In his mind, now she’s his girlfriend.

She starts college and he’s around a lot. He’s controlling and a jerk in my eyes. She also meets another guy named Reed. Now, Reed I could see her with. They started off as friends in a weird way, but it worked. Things were rough but they had some great talks and they seem to hit it off, but all she had eyes for was her boyfriend. Until things get crazy and she ends up not with him anymore.

She then gives another guy a chance, and she realizes just how things can be.

There is a lot of drama that happens in this one, and I feel like if I say too much I’ll give away all the storylines or things that are happening or that amount to the big finale.

I liked Juliet enough but at times I feel like Juliet was kind of naive. I just didn’t fall for this story how I thought I would. I read a lot of young adult so its hard to love everything I read.

I did really like Reed, and he is what made the story for me. I liked the parts with him in them. I liked getting to know him.

Overall: The Hazards Of Skinny Dipping has an amazing premise, and I liked it enough, I just didn’t love it. I thought the To Do List was neat.  I never really fell for any of the characters or connected with them very deeply. I’m glad I read this, but I probably won’t read it again.

Cover: Its awesome. It is what attracted me to the novel in the first place. Very cute!

What I’d Give It:

The Summer I Became a Nerd by Leah Rae Miller

The Summer I Became A Nerd by Leah Rae Miller

Release Date: May 7, 2013

Publisher: Entangled Teen

Age Group: Young Adult
Pages: 352

Summary: On the outside, seventeen-year-old Madelyne Summers looks like your typical blond cheerleader—perky, popular, and dating the star quarterback. But inside, Maddie spends more time agonizing over what will happen in the next issue of her favorite comic book than planning pep rallies with her squad. That she’s a nerd hiding in a popular girl's body isn’t just unknown, it's anti-known. And she needs to keep it that way.

Summer is the only time Maddie lets her real self out to play, but when she slips up and the adorkable guy behind the local comic shop’s counter uncovers her secret, she’s busted. Before she can shake a pom-pom, Maddie’s whisked into Logan’s world of comic conventions, live-action role-playing, and first-person-shooter video games. And she loves it. But the more she denies who she really is, the deeper her lies become…and the more she risks losing Logan forever.

My Thoughts: I really wanted this novel even before it came out! I just counted down the days until it did. And than when I did, I didn’t read it for a few days. But I’m so glad I decided to!

We are introduced to Maddie who is into comic books and a bit of a nerd BUT nobody knows the real her. She’s also a cheerleader and its not cool for a cheerleader to like comics. She’s used to hiding this side of herself. She has to put on an act for everyone at school but when she’s alone, there is nothing quite like sitting down and being a nerd! HAHA.

Maddie also has a boyfriend who is the quarterback. He seemed ok but never real deep. I think at times he thought he had to date her too. They were both in a relationship but I don’t think neither were really happy.

Maddie goes after the latest issue of her favorite comic and there is only one place in town that she can get it, and fast. The local comic store. So, she tries to disguise herself and walks in. But behind the counter is a guy she knows. A guy in her class. Logan. Oh how I adored Logan. I liked him from the very first minute. Love at first sight, right? To me, he was.

Logan ends up letting her borrow his copy and things go from there. She is hoping he doesn’t know who she is. Not really anyway. Nobody needs to know the real Maddie.

Let me tell you this, I adored Maddie and Logan. I wanted them together from day one. They made such a cute couple and they just got each other. The chemistry between them was AMAZING. I laughed at times during this one, I smiled, I was giddy.  But of course they can’t be together. She has a boyfriend, and nobody really knows she has nerdy tendencies. HAHA.

Things are tough for Maddie. She has a lot of tough choices to make and she knows she must follow her heart.

This a fun novel BUT there is a lot going on behind the scenes of this one. A lot of lessons thrown about, and this is one I will gush and gush about to all my friends.

Can I have my own Logan? Love him!!!!

Overall: Loved it! It was such a cute fun read. I had to read it all in one sitting because I needed to know what happened. Maddie was so spunky but she also had a real heart. And Logan, unbelievable. This is the guy character I could read for days about. Made my heart melt. I thought this one was amazing and adorable!  What else can I say? You must read this one as soon as possible! I highly recommend it!

Cover: Like it. It kind of has a nice feel to it. I’d pick it up in the store!!

What I'd Give It:

Fifteenth Summer by Michelle Dalton

Fifteenth Summer by Michelle Dalton

Release Date: May 7, 2013

Publisher: Simon Pulse

Age Group: Young Adult
Pages: 272

Summary: Love blossoms by the lake in this sweet summer romance, in the tradition of Seventeeth Summer and Sixteenth Summer.Chelsea isn’t looking forward to her summer at the lake. It’s the first time her family has been there since her grandmother died, and she can’t break out of her funk. But her summer takes a turn for the better when she meets a boy who works in the bookstore. Josh is cute, sweet, funny…and best of all, seems to like her as much as she likes him. As the days pass by in a blur of boat rides, picnics, and stolen kisses, she can’t believe how lucky she is. No one has ever made her feel so special, or so beautiful.

But Chelsea knows her days with Josh are numbered. She’ll be heading home at the end of the summer—and he’ll be staying behind. Will this be Chelsea’s summer of love? Or will it be the summer of her broken heart?

My Thoughts: This one was awesome! I enjoyed it and wanted to read more!

We are introduced to Chelsea who has two sisters, a mom, and a dad. She also had a grandma who just passed away. They are going on vacation for the summer where they have always gone, to their grandma’s house. Its just not the same with her there though. Its sad and emotional.

She also wonders around town and notices a new bookstore named Dog Ear. Inside, she meets a boy named Josh. Josh was so adorable. I could see myself liking someone like him. He got her. He understood her, and it was cute.

Chelsea realizes a lot that summer about growing up, falling in love, and family. She learns new things, and how to deal with them.

This was such a cute summer romance. I’m happy I read it during spring as it made the sun outside seem so much more pure and romantic.

Overall:  I loved the characters, the plot, everything, and it was funny! If you're a fan of contemporary young adult, I think you will like it.  And the bookstore was awesome, since I loved bookstores. Loved reading about it! Probably more of a 4.5 cupcake rating for me.

Cover: Like it! Love how they both look! It’s neat.

What I’d Give It:

Spies and Prejudice by Talia Vance

Spies and Prejudice by Talia Vance

Release Date: June 11, 2013

Publisher: EgmontUSA
Age Group: Young Adult
Pages: 304

Summary:Fields’ Rule #1: Don’t fall for the enemy.

Berry Fields is not looking for a boyfriend. She’s busy trailing cheaters and liars in her job as a private investigator, collecting evidence of the affairs she’s sure all men commit. And thanks to a pepper spray incident during an eighth grade game of spin the bottle, the guys at her school are not exactly lining up to date her, either.

So when arrogant—and gorgeous—Tanner Halston rolls into town and calls her “nothing amazing,” it’s no loss for Berry. She’ll forget him in no time. She’s more concerned with the questions surfacing about her mother’s death.

But why does Tanner seem to pop up everywhere in her investigation, always getting in her way? Is he trying to stop her from discovering the truth, or protecting her from an unknown threat? And why can’t Berry remember to hate him when he looks into her eyes?

With a playful nod to Jane Austen, Spies and Prejudice will captivate readers as love and espionage collide.

My Thoughts: Whoa, I really loved this one! It was so cute and funny.

We are introduced to Berry who spies on people. She does it for her father of course. They have a business and Berry is an essential part of it.  Usually she just gets information on people who are cheating, not that big of a deal right? She can blend in well, nobody pays much attention to a teenager.

Until one day Berry sees her best friends father handing a paper to a women with Berry’s mom’s name on it. Berry's mom committed suicide a while ago, but of course Berry starts wondering if there is more to the story.

Also, add in a few new hot boys to the mix. Berry ends up becoming friends with two boys, one of which is Tanner. The first words Berry ever really heard out of his mouth was that she wasn't anything amazing. How RUDE. That sure does put him on her bad side that is for sure.

Berry must dive into the secrets and her mom’s past. She has to find out what went on and she’s determined to do it with all the help she can get.

I loved this one. Seriously loved. I laughed out loud, I giggled to myself, I smiled, I shouted. It was fantastic. There were a few cheeseball moments but they made it even cuter.

And Tanner, oh Tanner, how can you say she’s not amazing. Biggest lie you ever told, right? Bet you regret saying that!

I loved all the characters, loved the plot, and loved the boys.

Overall: Awesome story! Please read it! Part mystery, part love story, and part awesome!

Cover: It’s cute. I could see her looking like this!

What I'd Give It:

Siege And Storm (Grisha #2) by Leigh Bardugo

Siege And Storm by Leigh Bardugo
Release Date: June 4, 2013
Publisher: Henry Holt And Co
Age Group: Young Adult
Pages: 448

Summary: Darkness never dies.

Hunted across the True Sea, haunted by the lives she took on the Fold, Alina must try to make a life with Mal in an unfamiliar land, all while keeping her identity as the Sun Summoner a secret. But she can't outrun her past or her destiny for long.

The Darkling has emerged from the Shadow Fold with a terrifying new power and a dangerous plan that will test the very boundaries of the natural world. With the help of a notorious privateer, Alina returns to the country she abandoned, determined to fight the forces gathering against Ravka. But as her power grows, Alina slips deeper into the Darkling's game of forbidden magic, and farther away from Mal. Somehow, she will have to choose between her country, her power, and the love she always thought would guide her--or risk losing everything to the oncoming storm.

My Thoughts: I finished Shadow and Bone a few days ago and dived right into this one! It was just as amazing! Man, I love these books.

We are right back with Mal and Alina on the run! On the run from the Darkling and trying to hide as good as possible. But that doesn’t last very long. He finds them and once again they are taken prisoner.

On a boat. Yep, so not really anywhere to escape too unless they want to swim! Alina feels so helpless.

We are also introduced to a few new characters. Sturmhond. He was my favorite. He’s the captain of this ship and he was so funny and charming at times. I really liked him.

Her relationship with Mal in this one is just as sweet but at times I find myself liking the Darkling more and more and Sturmhond as well.  The buys in these books are hot! And irresistible, how can I choose my favorite?  Mal and Alina are changing but not exactly together. Things aren’t perfect.

All the Darkling wants is the precious Sun Summoner, and he needs her for his goals. Honestly, I would see something coming and then a complete twist would happen so I don’t know what's going to happen in the next one.  It could be anything.
Alina believes in herself that she could lead the second army. She knows she can do it, even when others don’t think so. She has her doubts but deep down, she knows shes up for the task, and it would make things right.

I want to go on and on about this one, but I’ll leave you with this, read this series if you haven’t! You’ll get sucked right in and hopefully enjoy it like I do!

Overall: Loved it! Something about the storytelling, the characters, the plot is awesome! It’s easy to read this in a day even if it is over 400 pages!

Oh Mal, can I choose you? Or should I choose The Darkling? Or what about Sturmhond? Oh decisions, decisions.

Cover: Like it! I like the font.

What I'd Give It:

Unearthly (Unearthly #1) by Cynthia Hand

Unearthly (Unearthly #1) by Cynthia Hand

Release Date: January 4, 2011

Publisher: HarperTeen
Age Group: Young Adult
Pages:448

Summary:In the beginning, there's a boy standing in the trees . . . .

Clara Gardner has recently learned that she's part angel. Having angel blood run through her veins not only makes her smarter, stronger, and faster than humans (a word, she realizes, that no longer applies to her), but it means she has a purpose, something she was put on this earth to do. Figuring out what that is, though, isn't easy.

Her visions of a raging forest fire and an alluring stranger lead her to a new school in a new town. When she meets Christian, who turns out to be the boy of her dreams (literally), everything seems to fall into place and out of place at the same time. Because there's another guy, Tucker, who appeals to Clara's less angelic side.

As Clara tries to find her way in a world she no longer understands, she encounters unseen dangers and choices she never thought she'd have to make between honesty and deceit, love and duty, good and evil. When the fire from her vision finally ignites, will Clara be ready to face her destiny?

Unearthly is a moving tale of love and fate, and the struggle between following the rules and following your heart.

My Thoughts: Why did I wait so long to start this series? I’ve heard such wonderful things about it!

We are introduced to Clara who finds out she is a quarter part angel.  She lives with her mother and brother. All angels get a vision that shows their mission and then they must wait and follow their mission, or fulfill it.

Clara gets closer and closer through visions and one day she realizes where she must go. So her family moves there.  Pretty crazy to just up and move, right?

Clara meets Christian, the boy from her visions. He’s gorgeous and sweet and she feels lucky that she gets to save him. She also meets another boy named Tucker. He’s a really fun guy too but he and Clara don’t really click at first. I loved seeing Clara with both boys. It was hard to pick between them! And, I understood her need to feel drawn to Christian since she has to save him.

All she knows is she sees a fire, and Christian.

I truly loved reading this novel. I felt like I was right there with Clara going through everything she went through. I felt her emotions, I felt her fear, I felt everything she did. I loved the plot of this but most of all I loved the characters. I loved her friends, I loved the guys, I even loved her mommy.

And the ending, I didn’t even see that coming and was pleasantly surprised. It made the story for me. I just sat there and thought to myself, how did I not see that coming? At all?  Totally rocked! Loved this one!

Team Tucker or Team Christian? I’m still undecided. I want them both!

Overall: Loved it! Loved the plot, the characters, and overall loved the beauty of this one. I loved the little details that made the novel. I loved it! And I Can’t wait to read the next one!

Cover: Its pretty! It was one of the first things I noticed about this one!  Love the purple and love the way she’s dressed!

What I'd Give It: