Brad About Books: Landline by Rainbow Rowell

Read from June 16 to 17, 2014

LANDLINE
Published: July 8, 2014
Publisher: St. Martin's Press
Format: Hardcover
Page Count: 308 pages
Source: Publisher in exchange for an honest review

Georgie McCool knows her marriage is in trouble. That it’s been in trouble for a long time. She still loves her husband, Neal, and Neal still loves her, deeply — but that almost seems besides the point now.

Maybe that was always besides the point.

Two days before they’re supposed to visit Neal’s family in Omaha for Christmas, Georgie tells Neal that she can’t go. She’s a TV writer, and something’s come up on her show; she has to stay in Los Angeles. She knows that Neal will be upset with her — Neal is always a little upset with Georgie — but she doesn’t expect to him to pack up the kids and go home without her.

When her husband and the kids leave for the airport, Georgie wonders if she’s finally done it. If she’s ruined everything.

That night, Georgie discovers a way to communicate with Neal in the past. It’s not time travel, not exactly, but she feels like she’s been given an opportunity to fix her marriage before it starts . . .

Is that what she’s supposed to do?

Or would Georgie and Neal be better off if their marriage never happened?

Landline is a thought-provoking, mesmerizing tale of the true meaning of love and finding out what's most important in this world. Just as I expected, Rowell delivered once again a masterpiece of laugh out loud moments, heartbreak, and times where I was fully captivated by the book. Landline is hands down a must-read.

I read Eleanor & Park and Fangirl by Rowell in 2013, and obviously, I fell in love with them (because seriously, who doesn't love Rainbow Rowell?). Landline was my first venture into her adult novels, and I have to say, I was definitely pleased with what I received! While it didn't have quite the exact same emotional appeal that I had with the previous two novels I had read, the emotional appeal was there for sure. Every character in Landline is a gem - seriously. Georgie is, without a doubt, one of the best protagonists I've ever read about. She has her flaws and isn't sure what to do with her life, and I loved venturing with a character who didn't have everything figured out with her life, though she's expected to by now. She's broken and bruised and trying to keep her head up, and my attachment with Georgie went beyond the pages. And I loved how this book wasn't one sided - Georgie is selfish at times, Neal (her husband) is selfish at times too, so Georgie gets her heartbroken from Neal. But, Neal also gets his heartbroken from Georgie - I believe it's rarely shown in novels both sides of the spectrum of heartbreak and selfishness, and I applaud Rowell for incorporating everything of this dilemma between these two people in Landline. Seriously, Rainbow Rowell never fails with her novels.

Rowell's writing style is always one of a kind, and Landline was no exception. With Landline, the emotional attachment you feel to Rowell's characters is different compared to her other ones. Honestly, I didn't always like Georgie at times. I found her to be self-centered at times and downright oblivious at times to everything around her; however, I loved Georgie for this. She wasn't perfect, and Rowell didn't leave out any of the gritty parts of her character and didn't sugarcoat anything. I was so attached to Georgie in this book. Then again, I'm always attached to Rowell's character, so what else was to be expected of? 

And if you're needing something to spice up your reading life with uniqueness, Landline has got you covered. With Rowell's signature style and a dash of magical realism folded throughout the pages, Landline is sure to have you tangled up in its storyline until the very end. While it was definitely different to see a magic telephone that allowed Georgie to talk to her husband before they were married, it was quirky and interesting. I had some questions though of how Neal-before-marriage and Georgie-before-marriage could have discussions if what Georgie-in-present-day said to Neal-before-marriage altered his opinion on things, but still, Rowell handled the parallel plot-lines masterfully.

Overall, Landline is a powerful, sizzling novel full of heartbreak, first love, and hardship that is executed like none other. Rowell's latest novel is sure to appeal new fans while pleasing previous ones. Absolutely loved it!

M Y    R A T I N G

Brad About Books: Grasshopper Jungle by Andrew Smith

Read from October 19 to 21, 2013

GRASSHOPPER JUNGLE
Expected Publication Date: February 11, 2014
Publisher: Dutton Juvenile (Penguin)
Format: ARC
Page Count: 388 pages
Source: Publisher in exchange for an honest review

Sixteen-year-old Austin Szerba interweaves the story of his Polish legacy with the story of how he and his best friend , Robby, brought about the end of humanity and the rise of an army of unstoppable, six-foot tall praying mantises in small-town Iowa.

To make matters worse, Austin's hormones are totally oblivious; they don't care that the world is in utter chaos: Austin is in love with his girlfriend, Shann, but remains confused about his sexual orientation. He's stewing in a self-professed constant state of maximum horniness, directed at both Robby and Shann. Ultimately, it's up to Austin to save the world and propagate the species in this sci-fright journey of survival and the complex realities of the human condition.

Grasshopper Jungle is truly a one of a kind gem that shouldn't be missed. With marvelous characters and superb, masterful writing, Grasshopper Jungle is easily one of the most thought-provoking and incredible novels I have ever read. 

You will never find a book like Grasshopper Jungle, in both the sense of the plot and of the brilliant way it was crafted together by Smith. As Austin and Robby unleash the end of the world in their small Iowa town, they both discover themselves along the way while trying to save humanity. What I really loved about Grasshopper Jungle was how it never always focused on the danger at hand - there are many scenes where the characters are just sitting around, discussing life and the things pertaining to them at the time, and it fit the characters perfectly. They're misfits and they don't always have the right answers. How Smith weaved together Austin, Shann, and Robby's character and developed them even further blew me away. Grasshopper Jungle is an absolute must-read!

Andrew Smith has a fantastic writing style. He was able to manage to weave two stories - the story of the end of the world and the story of Austin's family legacy - and intertwine them together to make them one bigger, epic story, without shadowing or taking away from one or the other. Grasshopper Jungle will forever change the way you view the misfits that surround you; whether it's for the better or for the worse, they're always changing in ways never noticeable unless you become entwined with their world. Smith has created a genius, mind-bending story that packs an epic punch and leaves its mark. 

From Austin trying to discover his place in the world to the best friend relationship the characters share, Grasshopper Jungle shares a true perspective of what it means to be lost in a world full of possibilities. It's smart, it's dynamic, it's enthralling, it's phenomenal. Grasshopper Jungle will not only consume your mind - it will be the only thing you think about, long after the final page has been turned. Grasshopper Jungle is truly remarkable.

Overall, Grasshopper Jungle is a dazzling, heart-pounding read that has left a mark on me and captivated me from start to finish. Spectacular!

M Y    R A T I N G

Brad About Books: Something Real by Heather Demetrios

Read on January 24, 2014

SOMETHING REAL
Expected Publication Date: February 4, 2014
Publisher: Henry Holt and Co. (Macmillan)
Format: ARC
Page Count: 403 pages
Source: Publisher in exchange for an honest review

Winner of the 2012 PEN New England Discovery Award!

There’s nothing real about reality TV.

Seventeen-year-old Bonnie™ Baker has grown up on TV—she and her twelve siblings are the stars of one-time hit reality show Baker’s Dozen. Since the show’s cancellation and the scandal surrounding it, Bonnie™ has tried to live a normal life, under the radar and out of the spotlight. But it’s about to fall apart…because Baker’s Dozen is going back on the air. Bonnie™’s mom and the show’s producers won’t let her quit and soon the life she has so carefully built for herself, with real friends (and maybe even a real boyfriend), is in danger of being destroyed by the show. Bonnie™ needs to do something drastic if her life is ever going to be her own—even if it means being more exposed than ever before.

Something Real is a captivating, tantalizing read that had me hooked from the beginning and never let me go. Everything about this book is raw, unique, and real.

I'm going to start off this review with a bang with what I loved most: the brother-sister relationship between Bonnie and Benny. They fight and argue, but they also get along and complement each other so well. Bonnie and Benny are definitely some of my favorite siblings I've ever read about. Actually, all of the characters in Something Real are incredible! There's so many brothers and sisters to keep track of, but Demetrios does an exceptional job at making their character relevant to the family and Bonnie. Characters are a very important part of a book for me, and the characters in Something Real are stunning. 

Something Real provides such a fresh, interesting story - it was so hard to put down! Reality shows are somewhat of a guilty pleasure for me, but reading it through the eyes of someone who doesn't want to be apart of exposing their life for the world to see was marvelous. How the story was set up - exposing Bonnie's secret public identity to filming the show - was truly one of a kind, and Something Real is really something special. I think that Something Real is perfect for fans who don't usually read contemporaries. Something Real has it all: wonderful characters, phenomenal writing, and a story that will enthrall you and engross you. 

Something Real will definitely pull at your heartstrings. The emotions and the struggles that Bonnie faces (both in the eye of the public and her inner self) make you root for her and cheer her one, but it connects you to her in a way that I've never seen done before. I connected to Bonnie instantly, and she has remained to be a favorite heroine of mine. Something Real is truly a must-read!

Overall, Something Real is a beautiful, radiant read that is equally both wonderful and pulsing with great characters. Loved it!

M Y    R A T I N G

Brad About Books: Crash Into You by Katie McGarry

Read from September 27 to 28, 2013

CRASH INTO YOU
Expected Publication Date: November 26, 2013
Publisher: Harlequin Teen
Format: ARC
Page Count: 474 pages
Source: Publisher in exchange for an honest review
Series: Pushing the Limits, #3

Read my reviews for previous novels in this series:

Pushing the Limits • Dare You To

From acclaimed author Katie McGarry comes an explosive new tale of a good girl with a reckless streak, a street-smart guy with nothing to lose, and a romance forged in the fast lane 

The girl with straight As, designer clothes and the perfect life-that's who people expect Rachel Young to be. So the private-school junior keeps secrets from her wealthy parents and overbearing brothers...and she's just added two more to the list. One involves racing strangers down dark country roads in her Mustang GT. The other? Seventeen-year-old Isaiah Walker-a guy she has no business even talking to. But when the foster kid with the tattoos and intense gray eyes comes to her rescue, she can't get him out of her mind. 

Isaiah has secrets, too. About where he lives, and how he really feels about Rachel. The last thing he needs is to get tangled up with a rich girl who wants to slum it on the south side for kicks-no matter how angelic she might look. 

But when their shared love of street racing puts both their lives in jeopardy, they have six weeks to come up with a way out. Six weeks to discover just how far they'll go to save each other.

Crash Into You is an electric read that will have your heart soaring and your mind completely entangled  with Rachel and Isaiah's relationship. Katie McGarry has managed to top herself once again with this completely absorbing novel - such a fantastic read! One of my favorites for the year!

In my Dare You To review, I talked about taking chances and risks for love and just for the thrill of it - oh man, Crash Into You is even more explosive and dangerous than before! There's so much peril and danger running rampant throughout these streets, where car races and gambling are ablaze. McGarry had my heart racing and pulse pounding many times throughout Crash Into You, and I was turning pages as fast I could, always on the edge of my seat. This series is definitely one of my favorite contemporary series out there, simply because of how each book brings new, exciting characters and a one of a kind plot. Crash Into You was incredible by every means!

Isaiah and Rachel were stunning as a duo. It seems that with McGarry book, the relationships become even better. Rachel is the good girl with a wild side to her, and I loved seeing that balance of good and rowdy in her. She may be naïve at times, but I couldn't deny that she was an awesome protagonist. Isaiah is equally as awesome. He protected Rachel throughout the entire novel - though they did have some rough patches here and there, they were a force to be reckoned with when together. McGarry is fantastic at weaving together such marvelous characters!

That ending! All. The. Feels. It's dynamic and explosive and I couldn't get this book off of my mind. Every book in this series has managed to top its predecessor, and Crash Into You definitely set the bar very high. I can't wait to see where it goes in book four, Take Me On! Everything about this book will rock your world - absolutely amazing. One of my favorites of 2013!

Overall, Crash Into You is a wonderful addition to this ever epic series. With love, action, and just the right amount of what-in-the-world-will-happen-next, Crash Into You is a must-read!

M Y     R A T I N G

Brad About Books: Dare You To by Katie McGarry

Read from July 23 to 24, 2013

DARE YOU TO
Published: May 28, 2013
Publisher: Harlequin Teen
Format: Hardcover
Page Count: 456 pages
Source: Purchased
Series: Pushing the Limits, #2

Read my review for Pushing the Limits

Ryan lowers his lips to my ear. "Dance with me, Beth."

"No." I whisper the reply. I hate him and I hate myself for wanting him to touch me again...

"I dare you..."

If anyone knew the truth about Beth Risk's home life, they'd send her mother to jail and seventeen-year-old Beth who knows where. So she protects her mom at all costs. Until the day her uncle swoops in and forces Beth to choose between her mom's freedom and her own happiness. That's how Beth finds herself living with an aunt who doesn't want her and going to a school that doesn't understand her. At all. Except for the one guy who shouldn't get her, but does....

Ryan Stone is the town golden boy, a popular baseball star jock-with secrets he can't tell anyone. Not even the friends he shares everything with, including the constant dares to do crazy things. The craziest? Asking out the Skater girl who couldn't be less interested in him.

But what begins as a dare becomes an intense attraction neither Ryan nor Beth expected. Suddenly, the boy with the flawless image risks his dreams-and his life-for the girl he loves, and the girl who won't let anyone get too close is daring herself to want it all...

Dare You To is a stunning, captivating read full of deeply passionate romance and heart-soaring moments. Not only were my expectations met, they were blown out of the water. I fell so hard for this book!

I enjoyed Pushing the Limits, but oh man, Dare You To rocked my socks. I'll start off with the romance first: I absolutely loved Beth's story. Beth is a troubled girl, but she's also a risk-taker, and I loved reading about a fearless heroine who has her share of flaws. She wasn't afraid to back down and stand up for what she believes in - Beth was fantastic. And Ryan was great, as well. Ryan is the golden child of the town, but he's not all glitz and glamour. With Beth, his true side comes out, and I loved how they just connected so well when they came together. Their love felt real and authentic, and I appreciated how McGarry created this pair to fit and click together so well. Needing something romantic with that kick of spunk? Dare You To is a fantastic choice. 

So much scandal and betrayal in this one! A lot of dares and risks are taken in Dare You To, and I adored how fast-paced and pulse-pounding this sequel was. I can't believe, but I loved it even more than the first book! The writing style, the characters, the flawless progression of romance, everything was kicked up a notch - you know how some sequels are disappointing compared to the first book? That's not the case with this series whatsoever. Absolutely amazing!

Katie McGarry's writing style? Outstanding. Each character has their own unique voice, and I loved the compare and contrast between Ryan and Beth. Each line flowed off the page like a melody - Dare You To is easily one of my favorite contemporaries of all-time. Katie McGarry has proved herself again of being an incredible YA romance writer; Dare You To shines bright with love, heartbreak, and the outbreak of taking chances.

Overall, Dare You To is an extraordinary tale of starcrossed misfits that captured me right from the beginning and never let me go. A new favorite of mine!

M Y     R A T I N G

Brad About Books: Tumble & Fall by Alexandra Coutts

Read on May 10, 2013

TUMBLE & FALL
Expected Publication Date: September 17, 2013
Publisher: FSG (Macmillan)
Format: ARC
Page Count: 384 pages
Source: Publisher in exchange for an honest review

A novel about the end of days full of surprising beginnings 
 
The world is living in the shadow of oncoming disaster. An asteroid is set to strike the earth in just one week’s time; catastrophe is unavoidable. The question isn’t how to save the world—the question is, what to do with the time that's left? Against this stark backdrop, three island teens wrestle with intertwining stories of love, friendship and family—all with the ultimate stakes at hand. 
 
Alexandra Coutts's TUMBLE & FALL is a powerful story of courage, love, and hope at the end of the world.

The end of everything is filled with beginnings.

Tumble & Fall is an electric, dazzling read that shouldn't be missed. Not only is it one of the most original novels I've ever read, it's one of the most heartbreaking and tragically beautiful stories out there.   Stunning!

I'm sure we've all read at least one post-apocalyptic book. But have you ever read a pre-apocalyptic novel? Where the characters knew that the end of the world is coming to an end and only have one week left to live? And frankly, how do you live your last week on earth? That's definitely my favorite part about Tumble & Fall - how uniquely incredible it is. Also, you would totally expect the characters to be in a frenzy, rushing and panicking around and scared to death. While fear is there, the tagline shows the true beauty about Tumble & Fall: the end of everything is filled with beginnings. With one week left to live, our three protagonists are exploring everything - new and familiar - that they can. While it is a bit strange that everybody is relaxed about the world coming to its darkest finale, it worked perfectly for me in this case. Original and dreamy, Tumble & Fall shines!

I'm a huge fan of the post-apocalyptic genre, so reading a book about the coming of disaster was quite the read. Plus, Coutts's writing style was exceptional - each character had a fantastic vibe and tone, and I loved following every single character along through this journey of exploration. The characters unite together to stand with each other during their final week, and I loved the way Coutts demonstrated not only the blooming romance, but also the ever-growing friendship that has arose. The characters is what makes Tumble & Fall such a diverse and phenomenal book that radiates away from other books. Tumble & Fall is a must-read for lovers of catastrophe!

Another great thing about Tumble & Fall is how it's not always climatic. There's not always a crazy action scene or time of panic; again, it's all about living your last moments so preciously. Each character is after something to accomplish, and I fell for this book so hard. Alexandra Coutts is a very promising author to watch; with this marvelous debut, Coutts has quickly become one of my favorite debut authors of this year.

Overall, Tumble & Fall is a fresh take on catastrophe, dimming the effects of panic, and shining bright lights upon love and unity. Readers will devour it.

M Y    R A T I N G

Brad About Books: This Song Will Save Your Life by Leila Sales

Read on May 16, 2013

THIS SONG WILL SAVE YOUR LIFE
Expected Publication Date: September 17, 2013
Publisher: FSG (Macmillan)
Format: ARC
Page Count: 288 pages
Source: Publisher in exchange for an honest review

Making friends has never been Elise Dembowski’s strong suit. All throughout her life, she’s been the butt of every joke and the outsider in every conversation. When a final attempt at popularity fails, Elise nearly gives up. Then she stumbles upon a warehouse party where she meets Vicky, a girl in a band who accepts her; Char, a cute, yet mysterious disc jockey; Pippa, a carefree spirit from England; and most importantly, a love for DJing.

Told in a refreshingly genuine and laugh-out-loud funny voice, THIS SONG WILL SAVE YOUR LIFE is an exuberant novel about identity, friendship, and the power of music to bring people together.

“Sometimes people think they know you. They know a few facts about you, and they piece you together in a way that makes sense to them. And if you don’t know yourself very well, you might even believe that they are right. But the truth is, that isn’t you. That isn’t you at all.” -from This Song Will Save Your Life

This Song Will Save Your Life is a stunning and marvelous masterpiece that made me smile, made me think, and made me reevaluate the effects that actions can have on people. I can't stress how important this novel - this beautiful, heartwrenching novel - truly is. Absolutely one of a kind.

Bullying and suicide has became a major epidemic in our world, and Leila Sales plays upon that topic in This Song Will Save Your Life in such a fresh, original way. Our main character, Elise, is contemplating ending her life, but finds relief and emotion in something she has a burning passion for: music. The music makes her take her mind off of the social and emotional problems she's having, and Sales brings light upon one of the darkest, yet most important, topics in our society. I truly appreciated how Sales handled the situation and how it was flawlessly executed. Rarely ever does a contemporary grab me like This Song Will Save Your Life did. This Song Will Save Your Life is a must-read! 

I love music, and I loved seeing music interwoven throughout the book! Not only do we have lyrics at the top of each chapter (which pertains to the chapter's situation in some way; so cool), but we have music references, Elise is a DJ, and the music in This Song Will Save Your Life has a deeper message far beyond what meets the eye. Plus, bullying and friendship tie in together as a huge factor. Elise has been betrayed and hurt, redeemed and love, and Leila Sales definitely wasn't afraid to tackle her character development head on. This Song Will Save Your Life is a powerful, incredible novel that moved me and shook me - and I loved every moment of it.

And the writing style - don't even get me started! Lyrical like a favorite and familiar song, and ground shaking like an earthquake, Sales is a phenomenal and brilliant voice in realistic fiction. It flowed off the page and played like a melody. Short and sweet, everything about This Song Will Save Your Life is utterly beautiful. One of my favorite books of the year, no doubt.

Overall, This Song Will Save Your Life is an incredibly fantastic and absorbing novel that shines out in the YA market. Groundbreaking and riveting!

M Y    R A T I N G

Brad About Books: Antigoddess by Kendare Blake

Read on September 2, 2013

ANTIGODDESS
Expected Publication Date: September 10, 2013
Publisher: Tor Teen
Format: Hardcover
Page Count: 333 pages
Source: Publisher in exchange for an honest review
Series: Goddess War, #1

The Goddess War begins in Antigoddess, the first installment of the new series by acclaimed author of Anna Dressed in Blood, Kendare Blake.
 
Old Gods never die…

Or so Athena thought. But then the feathers started sprouting beneath her skin, invading her lungs like a strange cancer, and Hermes showed up with a fever eating away his flesh. So much for living a quiet eternity in perpetual health.

Desperately seeking the cause of their slow, miserable deaths, Athena and Hermes travel the world, gathering allies and discovering enemies both new and old. Their search leads them to Cassandra—an ordinary girl who was once an extraordinary prophetess, protected and loved by a god. 

These days, Cassandra doesn’t involve herself in the business of gods—in fact, she doesn’t even know they exist. But she could be the key in a war that is only just beginning. 

Because Hera, the queen of the gods, has aligned herself with other of the ancient Olympians, who are killing off rivals in an attempt to prolong their own lives. But these anti-gods have become corrupted in their desperation to survive, horrific caricatures of their former glory. Athena will need every advantage she can get, because immortals don’t just flicker out. 

Every one of them dies in their own way. Some choke on feathers. Others become monsters. All of them rage against their last breath.

The Goddess War is about to begin.

Antigoddess is an action-packed, sizzling, and explosive whirlwind that completely captivated me and never let me go. Kendare Blake's Antigoddess is absolutely epic and impossible to put down. One of the best books I've read in a long time.

I've wanted this book so badly ever since I first heard about it. So when I got my grabby hands on a copy, I dived in immediately. You know when you anticipate a book so hard, and then you're let down by it? That is totally not the case with Antigoddess. This book not only met my expectations, it blew it out of the water. Everything about this book - the characters, the writing, the pacing, the plot, the twists and turns, the development, the war - everything is phenomenal. Kendare Blake was quickly become one of my favorite authors. I was astonished by how truly amazing Antigoddess was. The pacing... oh boy, I couldn't put this book down. I was so wrapped up and absorbed in this world, I never wanted it to end. If you're needing some action-goodness and amazing plot-lines in your life, Antigoddess is the way to go.

The. Characters. Could they be any better? I have no clue. Athena was a phenomenal protagonist. Something is eating away at her life - literally - and she doesn't have much longer to survive. When you're on the run and in search for answers, it makes for such an awesome book: it did just that with Antigoddess. She's strong, fierce, loyal, and one of the best female leads I've read about. Hermes was also great! Sure, he may gossip quite a lot, but he sticks by Athena through thick and thin. And Cassandra! While I was a bit confused by her character in the beginning, she becomes such a vital and important piece to the Goddess War puzzle, and I can't wait to see where her character goes in the second book.

Speaking of the sequel... I want it so bad. That ending. I can't even. Talk about fast-paced! So much war and betrayal goes down in Antigoddess, and it's just one little piece in such a fantastic novel. I love last lines in books, and Antigoddess has one of my favorite last lines. It's such a cliffhanger and leaves you with your jaw dropped, begging for more - and that's exactly what I was like seconds after finishing this stunning beginning to a very promising series. I can't even explain to you how much I loved this book. Highly recommended!

Overall, Antigoddess is an incredible start that begins with a bang and never lets up. One of my new favorite books - Kendare Blake has created a masterpiece!

M Y   R A T I N G

Brad About Books: Fangirl by Rainbow Rowell

Read from August 30 to 31, 2013

FANGIRL
Expected Publication Date: September 10, 2013
Publisher: St. Martin's Press
Format: Hardcover
Page Count: 433 pages
Source: Publisher in exchange for an honest review

A coming-of-age tale of fan fiction, family and first love. 

Cath is a Simon Snow fan.

Okay, the whole world is a Simon Snow fan . . .

But for Cath, being a fan is her life — and she’s really good at it. She and her twin sister, Wren, ensconced themselves in the Simon Snow series when they were just kids; it’s what got them through their mother leaving.

Reading. Rereading. Hanging out in Simon Snow forums, writing Simon Snow fan fiction, dressing up like the characters for every movie premiere.

Cath’s sister has mostly grown away from fandom, but Cath can’t let go. She doesn’t want to.

Now that they’re going to college, Wren has told Cath she doesn’t want to be roommates. Cath is on her own, completely outside of her comfort zone. She’s got a surly roommate with a charming, always-around boyfriend, a fiction-writing professor who thinks fan fiction is the end of the civilized world, a handsome classmate who only wants to talk about words . . . And she can’t stop worrying about her dad, who’s loving and fragile and has never really been alone.

For Cath, the question is: Can she do this?

Can she make it without Wren holding her hand? Is she ready to start living her own life? Writing her own stories?

And does she even want to move on if it means leaving Simon Snow behind?

Fangirl is a beautiful, riveting story that can't be topped. A phenomenal gem that is so absorbing and one of a kind. Absolutely marvelous. 

I read Rainbow Rowell's Eleanor & Park earlier this year and fell in love with it so hard. So obviously, I was very much excited about her newest novel, Fangirl - and it did not disappoint in any level! While it doesn't have the same emotional attachment that Eleanor & Park has, Fangirl is a beautiful, coming-of-age tale that gave true light to letting things consuming your life (some for the good, some for the not-so-good), and Rowell did a fantastic job at handling Cath's situation. I felt connected to Cath immediately. The way her twin sister, Wren, basically leaves her in the dust when they get to college really stuck with me, and I loved going on this exploration journey of love, bonding, and being a fanatic of things you love with her. Rainbow Rowell has easily become one of my favorite writers of all time. I'm such a fan for Fangirl!

I also love how Fangirl gives off the illusion of parallel worlds (not literally parallel worlds; multiple stories being intertwined with each other). We have the story of Cath discovering herself and true love at college; we have the story of Cath and her fanfiction addiction; and we also have the story of Simon Snow, the series that Cath is obsessed with. Each story plays a vital role to the overall picture, and Rainbow Rowell balanced all these stories within Fangirl so well. But be warned: Fangirl will tug at your heartstrings so hard. We all have experienced/know someone who has experienced bullying, and I personally feel like Fangirl touches on the subject of bullying amazingly. Cath was been left by her own family, the people she thought she could always count on. What do you do when you've been looked away from? Cath's story with traveling through a new, vibrant world alone was fantastic; absolutely loved this book!

This. Entire. Book. I can't even; I seriously can't even. Fangirl has become one of my favorite contemporaries... ever. It's so interesting, and I loved how it also deals with a current and modern topic. I, myself, have never wrote fanfiction, but reading it through the eyes of a fanatic and popular fanfiction-er was great; I can't express to you how much I loved this book. Fans of Rainbow Rowell, you will not be disappointed by Fangirl. Fans of contemporary, you are going to fall head over heels in love with Fangirl.

Overall, Fangirl is truly a masterpiece that tugged at my heartstrings and made me fall in love with the characters. One of the best books of the year.

M Y    R A T I N G

Brad About Books: How to Love by Katie Cotugno

Read on July 12, 2013

HOW TO LOVE
Expected Publication Date: October 1, 2013
Publisher: Balzer + Bray (Harper)
Format: ARC
Page Count: 389 pages
Source: ALA

Her greatest mistake was her one true love. 

Before: Reena Montero has loved Sawyer LeGrande for as long as she can remember: as natural as breathing, as endless as time. But he’s never seemed to notice that Reena even exists…until one day, impossibly, he does. Reena and Sawyer fall in messy, complicated love. But then Sawyer disappears from their humid Florida town without a word, leaving a devastated—and pregnant—Reena behind.

After: Almost three years have passed, and there’s a new love in Reena’s life: her daughter, Hannah. Reena’s gotten used to being without Sawyer, and she’s finally getting the hang of this strange, unexpected life. But just as swiftly and suddenly as he disappeared, Sawyer turns up again. Reena doesn’t want anything to do with him, though she’d be lying if she said Sawyer’s being back wasn’t stirring something in her. After everything that’s happened, can Reena really let herself love Sawyer LeGrande again?

In this breathtaking debut, Katie Cotugno weaves together the story of one couple falling in love—twice.

How to Love is, simply, fantastic in every way imaginable and possible. My favorite contemporary novel of all-time, for sure! Powerful, heartbreaking, and incredible, How to Love should not be missed - absolutely phenomenal!

If you know me, you know that I only recently began to get into more contemporary novels. And How to Love was one of my most anticipated reads of 2013. You have no idea how relieved and thrilled I was to discover that How to Love lived up to all of the hype surrounding it; it's truly great! The emotions, the heartbreak, the characters, the writing style, everything blends and flows together perfectly and congruently, and How to Love has easily become one of my favorite books of all-time. If you love contemporaries, you seriously must pick up this book. It's a revolution in the YA market.

What I love most about How to Love is how the story is told: we have the Before chapters, which tells of Sawyer and Reena's life before Reena became pregnant, and the After chapters, set three years later with their daughter, Hannah, and their love rekindling. It was just so unique and interesting! And I love how the situations and dilemmas feel authentic. I can't express that enough. Reena does not jump back into Sawyer's arms when he comes back into her life; he hurt her in ways he could never possibly imagine, and Reena will never forget that. Oh my gosh, I am so happy that Reena did not go running back to him by any means. It felt totally real and genuine! I thank you for that, Katie Cotugno - for not only created an authentic, incredible novel, but just for this masterpiece of contemporary literature. How to Love is incredibly phenomenal and fantastic. I loved this book to pieces.

And the writing style - GAH. Talk about stunning. The way Cotugno bends the words makes them flow off the page so easily and masterfully. This novel is sure to be a hit, and I can see myself re-reading this book in the future; it's that wonderful. I'm serious with this recommendation, guys. How to Love is an absolute must-read. One of my favorite books ever.

Overall, How to Love is an achingly beautiful, satisfyingly incredible novel that moved me, shook me, and completely consumed me. I couldn't get this novel off of my mind. If you're in need for a great love story, How to Love is the fantastic way to go!

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Brad About Books: The Vincent Boys by Abbi Glines

Read from April 28 to 29, 2013

THE VINCENT BOYS
Published: October 30, 2012
Publisher: Simon Pulse (Simon & Schuster)
Format: Hardcover
Page Count: 259 pages
Source: Purchased
Series: Vincent, #1

Get seduced by a sizzling account of attraction and betrayal in this previously self-published phenomenon.

There was something wicked about Beau that drew me to him. What was wrong with me? Why did I want to sin so badly?

Ashton is getting tired of being good, of impressing her parents and playing ideal girlfriend to Sawyer Vincent. Sawyer is perfect, a regular Prince Charming, but when he leaves town for the summer, it’s his cousin Beau who catches Ashton’s eye. Beau is the sexiest guy she’s ever seen, and even though he’s dangerous, Ashton is drawn to him.

Beau loves his cousin like a brother, so the last thing he wants to do is make a move on Sawyer’s girl. Ashton is off-limits, absolutely. That’s why he does his best to keep his distance, even though he’s been in love with her forever. When Ashton wants to rekindle their childhood friendship in Sawyer’s absence, Beau knows he should say no.

Ashton and Beau don’t want to hurt Sawyer. But the more they try to stay away from each other, the more intense their urges become. It’s getting way too hard to resist...

The Vincent Boys is the perfect summer read. Filled with romance, tension, and the perfect amount of teenage angst, this book is a definite must-read for contemporary lovers. I'm not even a huge fan of contemporaries, and I loved it!

The Vincent Boys is one of the best summer reads I've ever read. Not only does this novel give the vibe of summer, everything around it (the characters, the writing, the dilemmas, etc.) just screams summer! It's absolutely awesome. And while it's mainly romance dilemmas, they keep your interest and draw you in even further to the story. And the romance and romance problems doesn't feel forced! They feel authentic and genuine, and I loved that so much. Seriously, The Vincent Boys is for all lovers of romance!

Luckily, there is more than one point-of-view in this book, so the world and characters are more dynamic and vivid. The girl protagonist, Ashton, is great; though she is torn between Sawyer and Beau, she isn't naïve and totally oblivious to everything. Which I really enjoyed! And I also loved how there wasn't much of Sawyer in The Vincent Boys - this book revolves around Ashton and Beau, and if they can make their relationship (if they even have one) work in a difficult situation. A wonderful read that will be devoured by all!

Contemporaries filled with loads of tension and love angst is the best - I gobble those books up! And The Vincent Boys has become one of my new favorite contemps. Though I had a rocky experience with it in the first 30 pages or so, it picked up so quickly, and I was so invested into these characters and the world. It's impossible to resist The Vincent Boys. Abbi Glines has easily become one of my favorite contempt authors!

Overall, The Vincent Boys is an excellent summer read that shouldn't be missed. Highly addictive and irresistibly romantic, readers will fall so hard for Ashton and Beau's ever-blooming love!

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Waiting on Wednesday (27): Panic

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly meme hosted by Breaking the Spine!

This week, I'm waiting on...

Panic - Lauren Oliver

March 4, 2014

Harper Teen

Panic began as so many things do in Carp, a dead-end town of 12,000 people in the middle of nowhere: because it was summer, and there was nothing else to do.

Heather never thought she would compete in Panic, a legendary game played by graduating seniors, where the stakes are high and the payoff is even higher. She’d never thought of herself as fearless, the kind of person who would fight to stand out. But when she finds something, and someone, to fight for, she will discover that she is braver than she ever thought.

Dodge has never been afraid of Panic. His secret will fuel him, and get him all the way through the game, he’s sure of it. But what he doesn't know is that he’s not the only one with a secret. Everyone has something to play for.

For Heather and Dodge, the game will bring new alliances, unexpected revelations, and the possibility of first love for each of them—and the knowledge that sometimes the very things we fear are those we need the most.

I want this book so bad! I recently read (and by recently, I mean last week) her Delirium trilogy, and I loved it to pieces. So obviously, I'm dying for her next book! And Panic sounds phenomenal. It looks like it'll be filled with fast-paced, nail-biting, edge-of-your-seat scenes, and I am all for that. Seriously. Can't wait!

What are you waiting on this week?

Brad About Books: Marie Antoinette, Serial Killer by Katie Alender

Read on July 3, 2013

MARIE ANTOINETTE, SERIAL KILLER
Expected Publication Date: September 24, 2013
Publisher: Scholastic
Format: ARC
Page Count: 304 pages
Source: ALA

Let them eat cake... and die. 

Colette Iselin is excited to go to Paris on a class trip. She’ll get to soak up the beauty and culture, and maybe even learn something about her family’s French roots.

But a series of gruesome murders are taking place across the city, putting everyone on edge. And as she tours museums and palaces, Colette keeps seeing a strange vision: a pale woman in a ball gown and powdered wig, who looks suspiciously like Marie Antoinette.

Colette knows her popular, status-obsessed friends won’t believe her, so she seeks out the help of a charming French boy. Together, they uncover a shocking secret involving a dark, hidden history. When Colette realizes she herself may hold the key to the mystery, her own life is suddenly in danger . . .

Acclaimed author Katie Alender brings heart-stopping suspense to this story of revenge, betrayal, intrigue — and one killer queen.

Marie Antoinette, Serial Killer was, unfortunately, a little disappointing for me! I really wanted to enjoy this book, and while I did at some parts, others fell flat for me.

I'll start with what I did enjoy about this book: the aspect of Paris was fantastic! I felt like I was roaming the streets of the City of Lights with Colette and a definitely-freaky-scary murderer, and I could really tell that Alender put a lot of research into this book. And I really appreciated that! The world is great, and I especially loved the twist on Marie Antoinette, and Paris in general! Colette was a great character for me... for the most part. Sometimes, she seemed naïve and didn't understand the situation wholly, but still went into it headstrong (which can be a good quality), and other times, she'd be a kick-butt, take-no-crap-from-anybody character that I fell in love. I flip-flopped with how I felt about her character.

Now, with what I didn't particularly enjoy... some of the scenes felt a little silly. The plot sounded awesome! And Marie Antoinette, Serial Killer was awesome at times, for sure. But others seemed a little farfetched and too out there for my likings. And I noticed that some of the deaths repeated! I was hoping for a little more substance from this book, and I, unfortunately, didn't get that.

But that's not to say that this isn't a good book, because it was! I think I set my expectations a tad high for this one, and not all of them were met. But if you're looking for a fun, eerie read, Marie Antoinette, Serial Killer is the perfect choice!

Overall, Marie Antoinette, Serial Killer is a good read that had me on the edge of my seat at times, and drifting off from the book at others.

M Y   R A T I N G

Brad About Books: Find Me by Romily Bernard

Read on July 3, 2013

FIND ME
Expected Publication Date: September 24, 2013
Publisher: Harper Teen
Format: ARC
Page Count: 307 pages
Source: ALA
Series: Find Me, #1

Come out, come out, wherever you are...

"Find me."

These are the words written on Tessa Waye’s diary. The diary that ends up with Wick Tate. But Tessa’s just been found . . . dead.

Wick has the right computer-hacking skills for the job, but little interest in this perverse game of hide-and-seek. Until her sister Lily is the next target.

Then Griff, trailer-park boy next door and fellow hacker, shows up, intent on helping Wick. Is a happy ending possible with the threat of Wick’s deadbeat dad returning, the detective hunting him sniffing around Wick instead, and a killer taunting her at every step?

Foster child. Daughter of a felon. Loner hacker girl. Wick has a bad attitude and sarcasm to spare.

But she’s going to find this killer no matter what.

Because it just got personal.

Woah. This book, guys. Find Me is a captivating and wholly fantastic read that is impossible to put down. This book packs a punch, and I loved every single minute of it.

Hacker murder mystery? Yes please! I was looking forward to Find Me ever since I saw that awesome cover and a synopsis that sounded phenomenal. And believe me, this book lived up to all of my expectations and more. You will never find a book like this one - not only is Find Me unique and original, the characters are so clever and epic. I've never experienced characters or a book like this before. Find Me is an absolute must-read - if you love fast-paced novels with edge-of-your-seat moments, you won't want to miss this gem.

Wick has easily become one of my favorite protagonists of all-time. Not only is she smart, but she's quick and incredibly developed. Romily Bernard created a protagonist that captured my heart and took me on a wild, insane ride; and I was so happy I got to experience that ride with Wick. Loyal, fierce, and determined, Wick gives Katniss Everdeen a run for her money. And of course, I can't leave out Griff and Tessa. The whole plot idea with Tessa was genius, and I love how we get snippets of her diary throughout Find Me! Griff was just awesome, plain and simple. Griff and Wick are two misfits, but when they come together, they are an incredible force. Oh my gosh, I can't explain how much I loved all of these characters!

I am determined that Romily Bernard is a master of suspense. Right from page one, we are thrown into the midst of an action scene, and the action never lets up. There is never a dull moment in Find Me, and I couldn't force myself to tear my eyes away from the page! That ending?! I stayed up long into the night, desperately turning pages to figure out how it would all end. Amazing, marvelous, genius. Do I  need to explain my love for this book further? Find Me is a riveting, fantastic read that is one not to be missed!

 Overall, I loved Find Me to pieces, and I never wanted it to end. This book needs to be on your radar - you won't regret it!

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