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Hourglass (Hourglass #1) by Myra McEntire

Hourglass (Hourglass #1) by Myra McEntire

Release Date: June 14, 2011

Publisher: EgmontUSA

Age Group: Young Adult
Pages: 400

Summary: For seventeen-year-old Emerson Cole, life is about seeing what isn't there: swooning Southern Belles; soldiers long forgotten; a haunting jazz trio that vanishes in an instant. Plagued by phantoms since her parents' death, she just wants the apparitions to stop so she can be normal. She's tried everything, but the visions keep coming back.

So when her well-meaning brother brings in a consultant from a secretive organization called the Hourglass, Emerson's willing to try one last cure. But meeting Michael Weaver may not only change her future, it may also change her past.

Who is this dark, mysterious, sympathetic guy, barely older than Emerson herself, who seems to believe every crazy word she says? Why does an electric charge seem to run through the room whenever he's around? And why is he so insistent that he needs her help to prevent a death that never should've happened?

My Thoughts: Why, oh why did I put off reading this? I remember when the cover was released and thinking how pretty it was!

We are introduced to Emerson who lives with her older brother and his significant other. Her parents died, and Emerson only has him left. Her older brother understands her, to an extent. He doesn’t quite understand some of the things she does. Especially seeing things/people that aren't really there. Rips. He tries really hard to be there for her, but he just doesn't see everything that goes on.

Emerson is used to it by now even though it freaks her out. So, when her brother hires yet another person to help her she’s skeptic. She’s seen a few who have tried to help her, and most of them were a hoax. She’s used to it by now.

The new guy is named Michael and he’s closer to her age than she realized. She feels drawn to him, and I loved the moment they met each other. It was so funny!

Michael has a lot of secrets and there is more to Emerson’s story than she knows. Its kind of crazy but they work so well together. They belong together. But, Michael wants to go back in time to save someone, and he needs Emerson’s help for it.  And, that guy she keeps seeing in her bedroom, I knew there was more to his story! I just knew it!

Of course there had to be a second guy. Kaleb. Oh sexy hot Kaleb. He wasn't that big of a deal but I could still see some attraction between him and Emerson and I kind of wanted to get to know him more.  

I loved this novel! It was adorable and so awesome! I loved the plot and I thought it was interesting. I finished this in a day because I couldn’t stop reading! Emerson is the kind of heroine I love to see in books and I loved both Michael and Kaleb. Yum.

Overall: Exciting Story! I can’t wait to read the next in the series, which I have a good feeling I’ll do it soon!  I loved the concept of Rips and how they worked.  I can’t wait to see more of Michael and Kaleb!

Cover: Love it!! Its cute!  I love how her hair is standing up like that and I love the colors on the cover!

What I’d Give It:

Uncharted (On The Island 1.5) by Tracey Garvis-Graves

Uncharted (On The Island 1.5) by Tracey Garvis-Graves

Release Date: July 2, 2013

Publisher: Dutton Adult

Age Group: Adult
Pages: 144

Summary: Tracey Garvis Graves - and Anna and T.J. - return in this companion novella to the New York Times bestseller On the Island

When twenty-three-year-old dot-com millionaire Owen Sparks walked away from his charmed life, he had one goal in mind: get as far away as possible from the people who resented his success, or had their hand out for a piece of it. A remote uncharted island halfway around the world seemed like a perfectly logical place to get away from it all.

Calia Reed wasn't part of Owen's plans. The beautiful British girl - on holiday in the Maldives with her brother, James - made Owen wonder if getting away from it all might be a lot more enjoyable with a carefree girl who didn't know anything about the life he left behind.

But Owen had no idea how much his carefully detailed plans would go awry. Nor did he realize that a decision he made would have such a catastrophic effect on two passengers who boarded a plane in Chicago.

And when Owen shows up at Anna and T.J.'s door with an incredible story to tell, everyone involved will learn just how much their lives are intertwined.

My Thoughts: I’m so glad I read this little novella. It answers a lot of the questions I had after reading On The Island. We get to see glimpses into T.J. and Anna’s life and what became of them.

But most of all, we get to see into Owen’s mind. Remember Owen, who we thought we knew from On The Island? The guy who was in the cave? Well, there was a lot more to the story than what we know or thought. I also liked meeting James and Calia. They were fun interesting characters.

I liked seeing Owen interact with T.J. and Anna. I liked hearing him tell them about his story and what happened to him on the island. His story. It was pretty crazy and hectic too. I felt so many emotions while reading this one. It’s heartbreaking yet I still had to know what happened with Owen.

I was so sad for Owen and what he had to go through as well. It brought me back to the island and how I felt with Anna and T.J. The whole story was so chaotic yet interesting. I’m just glad some of my questions were answered.

Overall: A must read for On The Island fans. Perfect book to follow up with On The Island to let you know where the characters are now, and what becomes of the characters before T.J. and Anna. Loved On The Island and really enjoyed this one!

Cover: Like it. It fits. Has a beach feel to it.

What I’d Give It:

A Friend Is Selling Books

A friend of mine is selling books... She's moving and needs help getting rid of them!!! Please help her!!!!! Feed your book addiction. LOL


Here is the link to the post. Please go get some, haha!

http://purplg8r-somanybooks.blogspot.com/2013/07/moving-book-sale.html

The Assassin and The Pirate Lord (Throne Of Glass 0.1) by Sarah Maas

The Assassin and The Pirate Lord (Throne Of Glass 0.1) by Sarah Maas

Release Date: January 12, 2012

Publisher:  Bloomsbury USA Childrens

Age Group: Young Adult

Pages:  70

Summary:  A Throne of Glass novella.

On a remote island in a tropical sea, Celaena Sardothien, feared assassin, has come for retribution. She’s been sent by the Assassin’s Guild to collect on a debt they are owed by the Lord of the Pirates. But when Celaena learns that the agreed payment is not in money, but in slaves, her mission suddenly changes—and she will risk everything to right the wrong she’s been sent to bring about.

My Thoughts:  This was a fun and exciting little novella. I read Throne Of Glass before I even knew this novella existed and I’m fine with that. I’m glad I read it afterwards. Yes, it can be a good start up but I’m glad I already know Celaena while reading these novellas.

This one focuses on getting to know Celaena and Sam. Celaena works for a man I really did not like very much. She also has to go on a trip with Sam to encounter a pirate and make a deal with him for the Assassins Guild. I really did not like the pirate! He’s annoying. Celaena is pretty young in this one, just 16 but she’s still badass!

I liked the snarkiness between her and Sam. They had some great chemistry even if they didn’t really know it, and I liked how in Celaena’s heart, she knew what was right and wrong.

This was a fun and short read. I finished it real fast and I will eventually get to the other ones, even if just to learn more about Sam. HEHE.

Overall:  Liked it. I’ll be reading the rest of them very soon. It was interesting enough to want to know what happens.

Cover:  Its ok, not really big on colors or anything really. Just kind of “there.”

  What I'd Give It:

Boundless (Unearthly #3) Cynthia Hand

Boundless (Unearthly #3) Cynthia Hand

Release Date: January 22, 2013

Publisher: HarperTeen
Age Group: Young Adult
Pages:  448

Summary:  The past few years have held more surprises than part-angel Clara Gardner could ever have anticipated. Yet from the dizzying highs of first love, to the agonizing low of losing someone close to her, the one thing she can no longer deny is that she was never meant to live a normal life.

Since discovering the special role she plays among the other angel-bloods, Clara has been determined to protect Tucker Avery from the evil that follows her . . . even if it means breaking both their hearts. Leaving town seems like the best option, so she’s headed back to California - and so is Christian Prescott, the irresistible boy from the vision that started her on this journey in the first place.

As Clara makes her way in a world that is frighteningly new, she discovers that the fallen angel who attacked her is watching her every move. And he’s not the only one. . . . With the battle against the Black Wings looming, Clara knows she must finally fulfill her destiny. But it won’t come without sacrifices and betrayal.

In the riveting finale of the Unearthly series, Clara must decide her fate once and for all.

My Thoughts:  I’m super sad to see this series end! I loved it so much. We are back with Clara and her misfits! We get to see more of her father in this one, and the visions she got of the person dying in Hallowed has happened. Sad times!

I seriously loved this one just like the others. We learn so much about Clara and the two boys. So much about Christian’s back-story. WOW! And Angela’s life sure does change.

I also loved how we got to see a bit more inside Clara’s brothers head, even if he made some pretty stupid choices.

I still adore Clara. She is so brave and sincere. Yes, she’s still confused about her feelings but that is pretty normal. Both guys are pretty smokin!

I loved all the twists and turns in this one. I loved the visions. I also loved that Clara was in college and we got to experience this with her. We got to go to class with her, hang out with Christian and I loved flashing with her to Tucker’s barn. What a predicament!

I could seriously go on and on, but this is just one of those series you need to pick up and read. I highly recommend it, if you like angels or just romance. We’ll just leave it at this, I’m sad to see the series end but I’m also glad I waited until all three novels were released before I attempted to read them because I would have hated to wait! They were that great!  

Overall:  Very satisfied with the way things ended. I’m glad on who she ended up with even though I knew it was going to be a hard choice, and I wasn't sure who I really wanted her to end up with, but I’m happy the way things went. I’m also happy I felt like there was a conclusion and I’m good with it.  I LOVE THIS SERIES!!!! MUST READ!

Cover:  Love it! Such beautiful covers! 

What I'd Give It:

I Kissed The Boy Next Door by Suzanne D. Williams

I Kissed The Boy Next Door by Suzanne D. Williams

Release Date: April 6, 2013

Publisher: Amazon Digital Services
Age Group: Young Adult
Pages: 98

Summary: There’s a new boy next door. Then again, not so new. Because to Lucy McKinsey, he’s a face from her past and a childhood memory of summer camp and a dare. Kiss Jackson Phillips. But what a fourteen-year-old would do to impress her friends, changes in three years. Right?

Maybe not.

Yet this time Jackson isn’t the same as he was. He’s taller, more handsome, and far wiser. What is the pain that he carries inside? And can something as simple as a well-meant kiss cure the boy next door?

My Thoughts: I always go into these kind of books hoping to love them to pieces.

We are introduced to Lucy who is at summer camp and who gets a wild dare. To go up to a boy named Jackson, kiss him, and run away. She does this and soon after he moves away. Sad! But then a few years go by and he’s back in town, and he’s actually her neighbor. Whoa!

They soon continue to really get to know each other and things progress from there.

I really liked both Lucy and Jackson but I felt like something was missing. I liked this story but I just didn’t feel the real chemistry between them. Yes, they told each other they liked one another, and they kissed, but I never really felt like there was a lot of chemistry. Maybe it was just me.

This one was a cute story and I’m glad I read it, but I wasn't really that amazed by it. It was just ok to me. I’ll continue reading stories by this author and hope one of them will make me breathless! That is the goal!

Overall: It was just ok. I liked it but I didn’t finish the book and feel amazed by it.

Cover: Like it, its cute!

What I'd Give It:

45 Pounds (More Or Less) by K.A. Barson

45 Pounds (More Or Less) by K.A. Barson

Release Date: July 11, 2013

Publisher: Viking Juvenile

Age Group: Young Adult
Pages: 256

Summary: Here are the numbers of Ann Galardi’s life:

She is 16.

And a size 17.

Her perfect mother is a size 6.

Her Aunt Jackie is getting married in 8 weeks, and wants Ann to be her bridesmaid.

So Ann makes up her mind: Time to lose 45 pounds (more or less) in two

months.

Welcome to the world of informercial diet plans, terrifying wedding dance lessons, endless run-ins with the cutest guy Ann’s ever seen—and some surprises about her NOT-so-perfect mother.

And there’s one more thing. It’s all about feeling comfortable in your own skin -- no matter how you add it up!

My Thoughts: If you’ve struggled with weight or just don’t like the way you look, this is the book for you. I could totally relate! I’m not as skinny as I used to be.

We are introduced to Ann who is a teenager and she has struggled with her weight. She’s lost weight and gained it back. Nothing seems to last forever. She is sick of wishing she could wear a smaller size or look better so she goes on another diet. This diet costs a lot of money per month and Ann doesn’t have much. So, she gets a job. They sell pretzels and other goodies. Its hard being there and not eating the pretzels.

Ann really struggles throughout this book. She meets a boy who is adorable but finds it hard to believe that he might actually like her. Her mom doesn’t outright make fun of her weight but she acts like she wants Ann to lose it. Its hard. Nobody quite understands Ann.

Ann is determined to lose weight by the time a wedding comes about with one of her family members.

The package she gets has icky food and a hard weight loss DVD. Ann does eat the food but she really struggles and she does her best!

45 Pounds was funny at times but also very serious. It goes to show how uncomfortable in your skin you can be and how much you want to change. Ann was a very likable character. This one had some deep moments. But I could totally feel where she was coming from, especially trying to find clothes that fit her and that she could wear without it being too tight.

I thought this was a must read for every girl! I really liked the plot and the characters. It was neat!

Overall: I really enjoyed it. It had laughable moments but also very serious ones. A good story about being true to yourself and accepting yourself and believing in yourself.

Cover: Like it! It stands out especially with her holding so many clothes! 

What I'd Give It:

Radiant (Unearthly #2.5) Cynthia Hand

Radiant (Unearthly #2.5) Cynthia Hand

Release Date: December 4, 2012

Publisher: HarperTeen
Age Group: Young Adult
Pages: 94  

Summary:  From New York Times bestselling author Cynthia Hand comes a riveting original novella (available only as an ebook) set in the world of the Unearthly series.

Clara is desperate to get away—from the memories that haunt her in Wyoming and the visions of a future she isn't ready to face—and spending the summer in Italy with her best friend, Angela, should be the perfect escape. . . .

For as long as she can remember, Angela has been told that love is dangerous, that she must always guard her heart. But when she met a mysterious guy in Italy two years ago she was determined to be with him, no matter the costs. Now she must decide whether she can trust Clara with her secret, or if telling her the truth will risk everything she cares about.

Alternating between Angela and Clara's perspectives, Radiant chronicles the unforgettable summer that will test the bounds of their friendship and change their lives forever.

My Thoughts:  I liked Radiant. I wasn't expecting there to be an eBook between Hallowed and Boundless but when I found out there was one, I knew I had to read it before Boundless. And I’m glad it did, because it made things make much more sense!

We are back with Clara, and she is spending the summer abroad with Angela. They are staying with some of Angela’s family and this is exactly what Clara needs, some time away from everything.

Radiant focuses alot on Angela’s thoughts and her romance with a guy named Phen. I wasn't so sure about him at first and since he is in Boundless I’m glad I picked up this little novella.

Basically, in Radiant we find out more about Angela’s secret boyfriend, and how he comes about in Boundless. We also see things from Angela’s point of view.

I liked this story but not as much as the full length books.

Overall: Liked it and enjoyed reading it, and think it is a good read in between novels. It sets the story-line for Angela better for Boundless and makes understanding it a lot easier.

Cover:  It’s ok but not as cool as the other covers. 

What I'd Give It:

Camp Boyfriend (Camp Boyfriend#1) by J.K. Rock

Camp Boyfriend (Camp Boyfriend#1) by J.K. Rock

Release Date: July 2, 2013

Publisher:  Spencer Hill
Age Group: Young Adult

Pages: 236

Summary:  The summer of her dreams is about to get a reality check.

They said it couldn't be done, but geeky sophomore Lauren Carlson transformed herself into a popular girl after moving to a new school halfway across the country. Amazing what losing her braces and going out for cheerleading will do. Only trouble is, the popular crowd is wearing on Lauren's nerves and she can't wait to return to summer camp where she's valued for her brain instead of her handsprings. She misses her old friends and most of all, her long time camp-only boyfriend, Seth. This year she intends to upgrade their relationship to year-round status once she's broken up with her new, jock boyfriend, Matt. He doesn't even begin to know the real her, a girl fascinated by the night sky who dreams of discovering new planets and galaxies.

But Matt isn't giving her up without a fight. As he makes his case to stay together, Lauren begins to realize his feelings run deeper than she ever would have guessed. What if the guy she thought she was meant to be with forever isn't really The One? Returning to Camp Juniper Point was supposed to ground her uprooted life, but she's more adrift than ever. Everything feels different and soon Lauren's friends are turning on her and both guys question what she really wants. As summer tensions escalate, Lauren wonders if she's changed more than she thought. Will her first big discovery be herself?

My Thoughts: This was such a cute novel! We are once again introduced to Lauren who stole my heart in Camp Kiss. She’s spent the last two summers as Seth’s girlfriend and the last year at school as Matt’s girlfriend. She’s been questioning her relationship with Matt, so here's her chance to go back to camp and be with Seth again. She plans to make a clean break from Matt. Lauren has really changed. She’s not so nerdy anymore. She’s gained more confidence, lost her braces and done a complete turnaround. But in her heart, she’s still a nerd.

Matt has his own set of problems though so he throws a big surprise at Lauren, and she figures out she won’t be attending camp alone this year. CRAP! CRAP! CRAP!

Lauren has such a big heart. While Matt is going through such major life changes she can’t bear the thought of breaking his heart.

I’m still torn between both Seth and Matt. I liked them both for their own reasons. I liked her relationship with them both throughout this summer. I liked seeing her interact with them and enjoyed seeing how much she grew.

I also liked seeing her camp friends again. They always make me laugh and are such a fun group of friends. I liked getting to know her family again too.

This novel was right up my alley. It had romance, summer camp, and a whole lot of fun. I really wasn't sure who she was going to end up with at the end of the novel but I’m ok with the choice. I would have probably liked it either way so not a let down. This was a nice read for me! I loved it so much! Adorable, sincere, and awesome!

Overall: Perfect summer read! Lots of fun, romance, family, friends, perfect story! Made me want to go swimming or sit by a fire and roast marshmallows! Loved this one!

Cover: So cute! Love it! Love how they are just laying down hanging out. Very very adorable. 

What I'd Give It: