ARC Review: Manifest by Artist Arthur

Title: Manifest (Mystyx #1)
Author: Artist Arthur
Available: Now
Publisher: Harlequin
Number of pages: 256
Reading Level: Young Adult


3 out of 5 Stars










Description from Goodreads:


When fifteen-year-old Krystal Bentley moves to Lincoln, Connecticut, her mom's hometown, she assumes her biggest drama will be adjusting to the burbs after living in New York City.

But Lincoln is nothing like Krystal imagined. The weirdness begins when Ricky Watson starts confiding in her. He's cute, funny, a good listener—and everything she'd ever want—except that he was killednearly a year ago. Krystal's ghost-whispering talents soon lead other "freaks" to her door—Sasha, a rich girl who can literally disappear, and Jake, who moves objects with his mind. All three share a distinctive birthmark in the shape of an M and, fittingly, call themselves the Mystyx. They set out to learn what really happened to Ricky, only to realize that they aren't the only ones with mysterious powers. But if Krystal succeeds in finding out the truth about Ricky's death, will she lose him for good?

My thoughts:


Krystal’s parents have divorced, and her mom moved her to a small town in Connecticut while her dad remains in the city. She also remarried a guy that Krystal doesn’t really like. As if that isn’t enough she has a dead guy following her around. His name is Ricky, and he needs her help solving his murder. Seeing dead people isn’t a new thing for Krystal, but usually she is able to ignore them. Ricky’s persistence makes that impossible. During the course of the book she teams up with two other kids from her high school who just happen to share a unique birthmark Krystal sports on her neck. They will need to use their special powers to help solve the mysteries lurking in Lincoln High.


I have mixed feelings about this book. I enjoyed the racial diversity that it offered. I also think the idea was a good one, but the plot’s execution could have been smoother. I had trouble wrapping my head around all the deaths that took place in this small town, and why no one seemed to talk about it. I know so much world building must go into the first book of a new series, and squeezing it all into just a little over 250 pages has to be a laborious task. I’ll still give the next book a chance because I liked the characters, and am intrigued by the connection they share. I look forward to getting to know the other Mystyx and Krystal better in the next book of this new series. I’m also interested in seeing how things progress between Krystal and her parents. There was quite a bit of tension, and intense revelations when it came to why their marriage ended. 


I feel this series has potential. Fans of books with paranormal themes especially involving ghosts will enjoy this one.

Artist Arthur on the web:

Website

* I received this book from Online Publicist in exchange for my review. Thanks Lisa!

Review: And One Last Thing by Molly Harper (Blog Tour)

Title: And One Last Thing
Author: Molly Harper
Available: Now
Publisher: Gallery
Number of Pages: 310
Reading Level: Adult




4.5 out of 5 Stars










Description from Goodreads:


"If Singletree’s only florist didn’t deliver her posies half-drunk, I might still be married to that floor-licking, scum-sucking, receptionist-nailing hack-accountant, Mike Terwilliger.”

Lacey Terwilliger’s shock and humiliation over her husband’s philandering prompt her to add some bonus material to Mike’s company newsletter: stunning Technicolor descriptions of the special brand of "administrative support" his receptionist gives him. The detailed mass e-mail to Mike’s family, friends, and clients blows up in her face, and before one can say "instant urban legend," Lacey has become the pariah of her small Kentucky town, a media punch line, and the defendant in Mike’s defamation lawsuit.

Her seemingly perfect life up in flames, Lacey retreats to her family’s lakeside cabin, only to encounter an aggravating neighbor named Monroe. A hunky crime novelist with a low tolerance for drama, Monroe is not thrilled about a newly divorced woman moving in next door. But with time, beer, and a screen door to the nose, a cautious friendship develops into something infinitely more satisfying.

Lacey has to make a decision about her long-term living arrangements, though. Should she take a job writing caustic divorce newsletters for paying clients, or move on with her own life, pursuing more literary aspirations? Can she find happiness with a man who tells her what he thinks and not what she wants to hear? And will she ever be able to resist saying one . . . last . . . thing?

My thoughts:

Poor Lacey discovers her husband is cheating when flowers he ordered for his mistress are accidentally delivered to her. She drives to his office to confront him, and catches him being extra friendly with his secretary/girlfriend. Devastated and itching for revenge, she sends out an electronic newsletter that goes into detail about Mike’s indiscretions. Unfortunately it backfires, and Lacey is slapped with a defamation lawsuit. She heads to her grandmother’s cabin so she can hide out and recover from the drama that is her life. Then she meets her grumpy, but sexy neighbor and things get much more interesting.

This book was so much fun to read. Who would think a book about a cheating husband could be so hilarious! I had such a good time reading about Lacey’s adventures. She may be a woman scorned by a cheating man, but she was going to do her best not to wallow in self-pity.  Full of hilarious and snarky dialogue, as well as a cast of truly unique characters. I loved the interaction between Lacey and her Wolverine look alike neighbor, Lefty Monroe. I can be a little hard to please when it comes to chick-lit, but this one gets my utmost approval.

Molly Harper on the web:

Website | Blog | Twitter

*Received from Gallery Books in exchange for my review and participation in the And One Last Thing blog tour.

ARC Review: The Mockingbirds by Daisy Whitney

Title: The Mockingbirds
Author: Daisy Whitney
Release Date: 11/2/2010
Publisher: Little, Brown Books for Young Readers
Number of Pages: 352 Pages
Reading Level: Young Adult




5 out of 5 Stars








Description from Goodreads:


Some schools have honor codes.
Others have handbooks.
Themis Academy has the Mockingbirds.

Themis Academy is a quiet boarding school with an exceptional student body that the administration trusts to always behave the honorable way--the Themis Way. So when Alex is date raped during her junior year, she has two options: stay silent and hope someone helps her, or enlist the Mockingbirds--a secret society of students dedicated to righting the wrongs of their fellow peers.


My thoughts:

Alex wakes up in a strange bed with very little recollection from the night before. She is also naked and next to a boy she can’t remember. While attempting to dress and leave before he wakes, she notices two condom wrappers in the trash. The boy wastes no time in trashing Alex’s reputation. As the pieces from the evening come back to her ,she realizes it is very likely she was date raped. She starts to avoid the cafeteria, and takes the long way to class in order to avoid coming face to face with the boy who raped her. Encouraged by her friends and older sister, she seeks out the assistance of The Mockingbirds. The Mockingbirds are a group of students that help to right the wrongs the staff of Themis Academy choose to ignore. They agree to help not only prove what happened that night, but also help Alex cope with the anxiety she experiences when facing her peers.


I have to rave about this book.  I was completely engrossed from start to finish. The emotional aftermath that Alex had to deal with brought tears to my eyes on more than one occasion. It was a powerful read that touches on a very sensitive topic. The author, Daisy Whitney, has firsthand knowledge when it comes to the horrors of date rape. I applaud her for writing this book, and not being afraid to admit she was a victim of this loathsome crime. It features excellent characters, and a rapidly moving plot. I couldn’t put this one down. This is a book I’d recommend to teens and adults who are dating or even thinking about dating. 


This is Daisy Whitney’s debut novel. I hope to have the opportunity to read more books from this very talented author.

Daisy Whitney on the web:

Blog | Twitter | Facebook

*Received via Book It Forward Tours

Waiting On Wednesday (20)

"Waiting On" Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted by Breaking the Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases we are eagerly anticipating. This week I’m waiting on,

Illegal by Bettina Restrepo

Releases: March 2011

Description via Goodreads

Nora is on a desperate journey far away from home. When her father leaves their beloved Mexico in search of work, Nora fights to make sense of her loss while waiting for her father’s return and a better day. When the letters and money from her father stop coming, Nora decides that she and her mother must look for him in Texas. After a harrowing experience crossing the border, the two are all alone in a strange place called Houston. Now, Nora figures out how to survive while still aching for small comforts: friends, a new school, and a quinceañera to mark her fifteenth birthday. 

Bettina Restrepo’s powerful and deeply hopeful debut novel captures the challenges of one girl’s unique yet universal immigrant experience. 

This sounds like an intense read sure to make me cry.

What book are you “waiting on”?

ARC Review: Halo by Alexandra Adornetto

Title: Halo
Author: Alexandra Adornetto
Releases: 8/31/2010
Publisher: Feiwel & Friends
Number of Pages: 496
Reading Level: Young Adult


4 out of 5 Stars


Thank you Book It Forward Tours for giving me the opportunity to read and review this book.




Description from Goodreads:


Nothing much happens in the sleepy town of Venus Cove. But everything changes when three angels are sent from heaven to protect the town against the gathering forces of darkness: Gabriel, the warrior; Ivy, the healer; and Bethany, a teenage girl who is the least experienced of the trio. They work hard to conceal their true identity and, most of all, their wings. But the mission is threatened when the youngest angel, Bethany, is sent to high school and falls in love with the handsome school captain, Xavier Woods. Will she defy the laws of Heaven by loving him? Things come to a head when the angels realize they are not the only supernatural power in Venus Cove. There′s a new kid in town and he′s charming, seductive and deadly. Worst of all, he′s after Beth.


My thoughts:


Bethany Church is an angel on a mission. She is assigned to the town of Venus Cove along with her “siblings", Gabriel (yes, that Gabriel) and Ivy. They hope to reverse the darkness that is affecting the little town, and restore morals and kindness to the residents. Bethany is the youngest of the three, and finds life on Earth affects her differently than the two more experienced angels. Gabriel and Ivy aren’t thrilled with Bethany’s desire to live life like a normal teen. She relates to  humans in a way the others can’t, and wants to experience as much as possible while she is there. The older angels worry this will be a distraction from the mission they have accepted. When she meets and subsequently falls in love with the gorgeous, Xavier. she is faced with not only upsetting her siblings, but also the powers that be.


This is the first book in a planned trilogy by teen author Alexandra Adornetto. Beautifully written with an endearing cast of characters. Xavier and Gabriel are the epitome of dreamy. Bethany’s naivety was sweet. She really seems to love life on earth. She faces normal teen struggles as well as the realization she’ll eventually have to return to heaven, and leave the boy she has fallen for. I guess that justifies a few emotional meltdowns. Ivy was just awesome with her domestic powers and unconditional kindness. I hope to see more character development of both Gabriel and Ivy in future books. While it did have a couple of slow parts it didn’t stop me from enjoying this novel. I do wish Bethany would have matured more by the end of the book. Hopefully she’ll become more independent as the series progresses. Her feelings for Xavier were a little over the top at times. I think (hope) the author will eventually explain why the bond is there with these two lovebirds, and maybe it won’t seem as bizarre to me. For now I’ll just blame her lack of experience with human emotions, and keep my fingers crossed that the neediness she exhibits in Halo won’t be a staple for the remainder of this trilogy.


Halo is a romantic and captivating tale of good versus evil. I recommend this to all who love the angel phenomena that is taking over our local bookstores.

Alexandra Adornetto on the web:

Twitter | Facebook

Giveaway: ARC of Infinite Days by Rebecca Maizel

Win an ARC of

Infinite Days by Rebecca Maizel!

To celebrate reaching 250 followers (actually 276 now) I’d like to offer up my extra ARC of Infinite Days.

 You can read my review here.

Thank you to everyone that follows my blog! It really means so much to me.

Contest Rules:

Open to followers that live in the US & Canada. Sorry international peeps :( 

Must be a follower through Google Friend Connect since this is a followers contest :)

To enter fill out this form

Comments will not count as entries but are always welcome :)

Ends August 3rd @11:59 PM CST

ARC Review: Infinite Days by Rebecca Maizel

Title: Infinite Days
Author: Rebecca Maizel
Release Date: 8/3/2010
Publisher: St. Martin’s Griffin
Number of pages: 310
Reading Level: Young Adult


4 out of 5 Stars










Description from Goodreads:


Lenah Beaudonte is, in many ways, your average teen: the new girl at Wickham Boarding School, she struggles to fit in enough to survive and stand out enough to catch the eye of the golden-boy lacrosse captain. But Lenah also just happens to be a recovering five-hundred-year-old vampire queen. After centuries of terrorizing Europe, Lenah is able to realize the dream all vampires have -- to be human again. After performing a dangerous ritual to restore her humanity, Lenah entered a century-long hibernation, leaving behind the wicked coven she ruled over and the eternal love who has helped grant her deep-seated wish. 

Until, that is, Lenah draws her first natural breath in centuries at Wickham and rediscovers a human life that bears little resemblance to the one she had known. As if suddenly becoming a teenager weren’t stressful enough, each passing hour brings Lenah closer to the moment when her abandoned coven will open the crypt where she should be sleeping and find her gone. As her borrowed days slip by, Lenah resolves to live her newfound life as fully as she can. But, to do so, she must answer ominous questions: Can an ex-vampire survive in an alien time and place? What can Lenah do to protect her new friends from the bloodthirsty menace about to descend upon them? And how is she ever going to pass her biology midterm?


My thoughts:


Lenah has reached the point in her vampire existence where it has begun to lose its appeal. It isn’t a life she chose. She was turned by Rhode without her consent, but she seemed to adapt well to her role as vampire at the time.  She asks Rhode to help perform a ritual that will make her human again, and also to keep it a secret from the other vampires. Relocated to a boarding school, Lenah is given the chance to start new. She never realized how difficult that would be. Grieving for Rhode, attempting to fit in with modern day teens (including catty teen girls), and hiding from a group of violent vampires that consider her their queen turns out to be quite a dangerous task.


I absolutely adored this book. It was a fresh and exciting addition to the vampire scene. I noticed I was starting to avoid books about vampires. Strange since they used to one of my favorites among the supernatural beings. It just felt like the books were starting to all read the same. This was most definitely not the case with Infinite Days. It is a book that will stand apart from others in its genre. The author takes the vampire legend and makes it her own. A great cast of characters, combined with an engaging plot, makes for a book you don’t want to see end. I also must say the ending was superb. My only complaint is that I wasn’t feeling any chemistry between Lenah, and love interest Justin. The book had other hot boys that could take his place, and I’d love to see them make a play for Lenah’s affections. I can’t wait to see where the next book in this series takes us.

Rebecca Maizel on the web:

Website | Blog

Books in the Vampire Queen series:

Infinite Days Coming August 2010

Stolen Nights Coming in 2011

Order from Amazon:

Infinite Days (Vampire Queen)

*I received this book from the publisher in exchange for my review!

In My Mailbox (17)

In My Mailbox is a meme where we showcase books received during the week. It is hosted by Kristi of The Story Siren. 

For Review:

Girl Parts by John M. Cusick

The Crescent by Jordan Deen

Won:

Shiver by Maggie Stiefvater

Picture the Dead by Adele Griffin & Lisa Brown

Purchased (ebook):

Book of Love by Abra Ebner

This was my deal of the week! Just $4.99 for Kindle!

What was in your mailbox this week?

Review & Giveaway: April & Oliver by Tess Callahan

Title: April & Oliver
Author: Tess Callahan
Available: Now
Number of pages: 336
Reading level: Adult


4 out of 5 Stars

Description from Goodreads:

Best friends since childhood, the sexual tension between April and Oliver has always been palpable. Years after being completely inseparable, they become strangers, but the wildly different paths of their lives cross once again with the sudden death of April's brother. Oliver, the responsible, newly engaged law student finds himself drawn more than ever to the reckless, mystifying April - and cracks begin to appear in his carefully constructed life. Even as Oliver attempts to "save" his childhood friend from her grief, her menacing boyfriend and herself, it soon becomes apparent that Oliver has some secrets of his own--secrets he hasn't shared with anyone, even his fiancé. But April knows, and her reappearance in his life derails him. Is it really April's life that is unraveling, or is it his own? The answer awaits at the end of a downward spiral...towards salvation.


My thoughts:


April & Oliver is a dark and dysfunctional read. April is a character that is surrounded by turmoil. After a childhood that seemed to be full of more heartbreak than joy, she loses her little brother to a car accident. Devastated and teetering on the edge of sanity, April finds herself back in the life of childhood friend Oliver. Oliver has always been the epitome of perfection, and the polar opposite of reckless April.  Oliver is now engaged, but that can’t even make him ignore the connection he and April have always shared. Told with a combination of  present day moments as well as flashbacks. This is not a light read, and will definitely pull on your heartstrings.


I’ve had April & Oliver on my to be read list since its release. When given the opportunity to review a copy I jumped at the chance. I’m so glad I did. This little book was packed full of serious emotional baggage. April can’t seem to make a rational decision. She migrates from one abusive relationship to the next. Oliver spends most of his time trying to save April until he moves away for college. I had to spread this out over a longer period of time than what it usually takes met to read a book this size. It was just one of those stories that cause serious emotional overload.


I do recommend this book, but not if you’re looking for something light and fluffy. This book delves into serious issues and contains its fair share of angst. It is beautifully tragic tale of two adults still trying to find themselves.

Tess Callahan on the web:

Website | Reading Group Guide

I also have 1 copy of April & Oliver up for grabs thanks to Hachette Book Group.

Rules:

Open to resident of the U.S and Canada

Book ships directly from publisher

Please fill out this form to enter

Comments won’t count as entries but are always appreciated :)

Contest ends August 6th @ 11:59 PM CST

*Received from publisher in exchange for my review.

Review: Forget You by Jennifer Echols

Title: Forget You
Author: Jennifer Echols
Release Date: 7/20/2010
Publisher: MTV Books
Number of pages: 293
Reading Level: Young Adult

5 out of 5 Stars










Description from Goodreads:

WHY CAN’T YOU CHOOSE WHAT YOU FORGET . . .  AND WHAT YOU REMEMBER?  


There’s a lot Zoey would like to forget. Like how her father has knocked up his twenty-four- year old girlfriend. Like Zoey’s fear that the whole town will find out about her mom’s nervous breakdown. Like darkly handsome bad boy Doug taunting her at school. Feeling like her life is about to become a complete mess, Zoey fights back the only way she knows how, using her famous attention to detail to make sure she’s the perfect daughter, the perfect student, and the perfect girlfriend to ultra-popular football player Brandon.  But then Zoey is in a car crash, and the next day there’s one thing she can’t remember at all—the entire night before. Did she go parking with Brandon, like she planned? And if so, why does it seem like Brandon is avoiding her? And why is Doug—of all people— suddenly acting as if something significant happened between the two of them? Zoey dimly remembers Doug pulling her from the wreck, but he keeps referring to what happened that night as if it was more, and it terrifies Zoey to admit how much is a blank to her. Controlled, meticulous Zoey is quickly losing her grip on the all-important details of her life—a life that seems strangely empty of Brandon, and strangely full of Doug.


My thoughts:


Zoey can’t catch a break. While coping with her dysfunctional parents, the only thing that seems to keep her grounded is her love of swimming. Then her mother attempts suicide. Forced to move in with her self-centered dad, and his pregnant (and very young) fiance, she makes a rash decision to lose her virginity to Brandon. A week later Zoey is in a car accident that robs her of an entire evening of memories. The story follows Zoey, while she attempts to recreate the night of the accident. She is afraid to admit to anyone that she can’t remember, and is baffled by both Doug and Brandon’s behavior. Doug has always been quick to throw a snide comment in Zoey’s direction, but now he’s acting almost nice. She knows something big must have went down, and is determined to get to the bottom of the mystery all while dealing with the aftershocks of her parent’s choices.


Jennifer Echols is an author I’ve heard so much buzz about. After reading Forget You, I can see why. She brought something new and fresh to the YA genre. I loved the writing, the plot, the evolution of the characters, and the smart, but sexy writing. Teens need more books like this. This book was full of emotion, and is one that will stay with you long after you’ve finished reading.


Forget You made me want to run out and buy everything this author has to offer. Truly an amazing novel, and one I highly recommend.

Jennifer Echols on the web:

Website  | Twitter

*Received from the publisher in exchange for my participation in the Forget You Blog Tour.

Waiting On Wednesday (19)

Waiting On" Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted by Breaking the Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases we are eagerly anticipating. This week I’m waiting on,

Where I Belong 

by Gwendolyn Heasley

Releases: February 2011
Description via Goodreads

I’m in ♥ with this cover!

Corrinne Corcoran’s upscale Manhattan life is perfectly on track—until her father announces he’s been laid off and she’s shipped off to Broken Spoke, Texas, to live with her grandparents. All alone in a big public school and forced to take a job shoveling manure, Corrinne is determined to get back to the glamorous life she’s supposed to be living. But as she grudgingly adjusts—making new friends and finding romance along the way—this city girl begins to realize that life without credit cards and shopping sprees may not be as bad as it seems.... 

I’d love to know what book you’re “waiting on”. Leave a comment with a link to your WoW post :)

Review: My Name is Memory by Ann Brashares

Title: My Name Is Memory
Author: Ann Brashares
Available: Now
Publisher: Riverhead
Number of pages: 336
Reading level: Adult




3.5 out of 5 Stars


Received via LibraryThing’s Early Review Program





Description from Goodreads:


Daniel has spent centuries falling in love with the same girl. Life after life, crossing continents and dynasties, he and Sophia (despite her changing name and form) have been drawn together-and he remembers it all. Daniel has "the memory", the ability to recall past lives and recognize souls of those he's previously known. It is a gift and a curse. For all the times that he and Sophia have been drawn together throughout history, they have also been torn painfully, fatally, apart. A love always too short. 

Interwoven through Sophia and Daniel's unfolding present day relationship are glimpses of their expansive history together. From 552 Asia Minor to 1918 England and 1972 Virginia, the two souls share a long and sometimes torturous path of seeking each other time and time again. But just when young Sophia (now "Lucy" in the present) finally begins to awaken to the secret of their shared past, to understand the true reason for the strength of their attraction, the mysterious force that has always torn them apart reappears. Ultimately, they must come to understand what stands in the way of their love if they are ever to spend a lifetime together. 



My thoughts:


My Name Is Memory’s story line was fascinating. Imagine a man who can remember his past lives. He has spent the majority of those lives searching for a woman he met hundreds of years ago. His reason for perusing this woman is because he felt an unexplained connection to her at first sight. He has found her soul in several of his new lives, but it was always impossible for them to be together. Romantic isn’t it? In modern day Virginia, Daniel has finally tracked down his Sophia (known now as Lucy). Close in age and free of commitments, Daniel hopes this is his chance for a happily ever after with the woman he fell in love with lifetimes ago.


I devoured the majority of this book. Unfortunately, the ending was dissatisfying and left this reader without the closure I so very much desired. Open endings like this can be done well, but I don’t feel like that was the case with My Name is Memory. It was so abrupt I was left feeling like my book was missing a chapter or two. I only deducted half a star from my rating because I adored the characters, and the writing was beautiful. If only the author had given me a little more at the end I would have been left a happy reader instead of disgruntled one.

Ann Brashares on the web:

Website