{Review} Sam Cruz's Infallible Guide to Getting Girls by Tellulah Darling

Sam Cruz's Infallible Guide to Getting Girls
Author: Tellulah Darling
by, Te Da Media
Release Date: October 12, 2012
Source: * a copy was provided by the author for review purposes*
Format: physical ARC
Pages: 244

Why the hell can’t chicks be more like guys?

That question plagues high school senior Sam Cruz. Sam is perfectly happy being a player. He just wishes girls wouldn’t change the game from sex to relationships. It makes him look like an asshole. But when Sam’s best friend, Ally Klinger, gets dumped, she begs him to transform her into someone who can screw around then screw off. No risk of heartbreak that way. It’s Sam’s chance to create the perfect female AND cheer up his best friend.Armed with Sam’s Three Step Guide to Backseat Success, Ally gets the game better than Sam thought she would and before long, Sam has his wish: the female version of himself. Too bad it’s driving him nuts. Told from Sam’s and Ally's alternating POVs, Sam Cruz’s Infallible Guide to Getting Girls is a fast-paced romantic comedy that follows these teens as they navigate the minefield of sex, love, and friendship.

This book contains strong language, drinking, euphemisms, and lots of “bow chicka wow wow.” {Goodreads}

~Review:
  This book just sounded like a bunch of fun when Tellulah offered it to me. I am a TOTAL sucker for the best friend card. Seriously. And what better plot than the player becoming the love strucked and the love strucked becoming the player...eventually settling down for well..each other!

  So here is Ally in a perfectly stabled relationship. She is a little weird and expressive. She likes hippy clothes and adores birds. She isn't on the top of the A-list if you know what I mean. Then there is Sam, Ally's best friend since forever. He is hot, charming and a total player. He has never had "stable" at least not since his mom....Then poor Ally gets dumped and she hates it. Why!? I mean, things were starting to lose their spark but...but...well I guess there was no real spark but still...if anyone should have been doing the dumping it was to be her. She hates this feeling...especially when she knows she was dumped for another girl. She never wants to feel like this again...ding ding ding! The lights go on. Who does she know who has never had to be dumped...who drops the girls before there is a second to grab on...

  SAM!!! She needs and wants his help. He is totally reluctant at first but the more he thinks about it...the more he is willing to give it a shot. Please, how long is she going to be able to go on without getting tired of the game..girls just aren't like that ya know? So Sam creates his ultimate girl. One who isn;t going to cling and expect dates or feelings..just sex. Little does he know that Ally is here to play and to dominate. Oh, and under all that hippy clothes..she is totally smoking hot!

  This book was fun and hilarious! I loved the banter between Ally and Sam and how their relationship grew. It was nice to see the guy become the girl ;) I totally give Ally props for going out and stepping out into a totally uncomfertable zone. Now, I totally don't approve the quicky pick ups...but that is just me. It works for Ally she in a way needed it. I personally find a different way to deal with the heart break..a way that didn't involve guys in the bed but like I said...me. This is a book. Be for warned though..this book isn;'t kidding when it says lots of bow chicka wow wow. That being said, it was never explicit or inappropriate. It didn't go into detail and imagery. It was as appropriate as a book about sex as revenge could be.

  I liked it. Sam was funny and omg...hot!! Man oh man...ya. Enough said. Ally was enjoyable. She was who she was. She was smart and eventually she used that smartness to realize her foolishness. She was corny and weird and totally and completely herself! I loved her. Sure she had to be someone else and dump her smarts in the trash for the games but she snapped. She was a great example...in a weird way. She got the points down about men...but not all men ya know? I really liked the alternating POVs. I have to say...as hot as Sam is..I enjoyed Ally better. She was just very likable. She grew on me what can I say. I liked that she was smart and weird. She doesn't mind being herself. She knows the stupidity of being stupid for guys and..ya I just really liked her.

  I mean it when I say this book was fun. I enjoyed reading it from beginning to end. And the end...it made it for me! Again, lots of bow chicka wow wow so if stuff like that offends or makes you uncomfortable then don't read...well, read at your own caution. If not, then you totally should read this. I liked Tellulah's writing style and the story and underlying meaning she may or may not have intended. Fun, flirty, and well...sexy ;) I liked this book and shall keep it on my shelf! ;D Not a favorite of mine but it was totally worth the read. It made me laugh and want to punch guys in the face...then kiss them...and punch them again. Tellulah as an undeniable charm and wit that just can't go unrecognized! When you have the time give this book a shot!

~Rating:

3.5 stars of 5!! 

Thanks for stopping by!

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! ;D

~Jaiden

{Review} Knee Deep by Jolene B Perry

Knee Deep
Author: Jolene B Perry
Release Date: May 1, 2012
by, Tribute Books
Source: *a copy was provided by the author for review purposes*
Format: Paperback
Pages: 278

Shawn is the guy Ronnie Bird promised her life to at the age of fourteen. He's her soul mate. He's more uptight every day, but it's not his fault. His family life is stressful, and she's adding to it. She just needs to be more understanding, and he'll start to be the boy she fell in love with. She won’t give up on someone she’s loved for so long.
Luke is her best friend, and the guy she hangs with to watch girlie movies in her large blanketopias. He's the guy she can confide in before she even goes to her girlfriends, and the guy who she's playing opposite in Romeo and Juliet. Now her chest flutters every time he gets too close. This is new. Is Ronnie falling for him? Or is Juliet? The lines are getting blurry, but leaving one guy for another is not something that a girl like Ronnie does.
Shawn’s outbursts are starting to give her bruises, and Luke’s heart breaks as Ronnie remains torn. While her thoughts and feelings swirl around the lines between friendship and forever, she’s about to lose them both. {Goodreads}

~Review:
  Woah! Just woah. I was lucky enough to receive this book from Jolene because we are doing an interview here on the blog pretty soon. And as most authors know, I like to read the author's book beforehand so that I can intertwine questions related to the book and its characters. It makes the interview more personal and lures people in to read the book knowing more about it ya know? Yes so lucky me gets to interview Jolene and she tells me to choose. To choose one book out of a few! How hard was that descision?? HARD! She has so many amazing books and I was having a tough time deciding but in the end (obviously) I chose Knee Deep. My oh my was that a good choice!

  I am going to have to split this review into two parts..one about the writing, characters, and story line and one about its impact on me. First off...the writing, etc. Ok so my copy was a ARC copy so obviously it had a few un edited kinks. No problem. It never once shadowed the amazing talent of Jolene. Her writing is pure and it just captures you. You truly believe it is Ronnie speaking. A normal teenage girl that has normal teenage problems...with a bit of an extreme to it. Ronnie has been in love with Shawn since she was 14. They were fully devoted to each other. Sweet, loving, charming. That is the Shawn Ronnie fell in love with but recently...Angry, irritable, possessive, jealous (and the most scary of them all) abusive...are the words she can associate him with. And slowly....she is falling for Luke, her other childhood friend. They are Romeo and Juliet...literally well, at least play wise. But it begins to be more than just the play.

  I loved following Ronnie's story and seeing her grow from her choices and troubles. She is possible the most true and believable character I have ever read. Teens all around the world can relate to her inner struggle of life, love, and learning to fight and let go. I loved her best friend. I loved the cute book they had kept during the years documenting all the "firsts" they had done over the years. I loved Luke with his charm and wit. His sexiness and his kind heartedness. The ending broke me apart and lifted my heart at the same time. Ronnie's story was heart breaking yet so beautifully wonderful. I loved this book with a passion. Every character was believable. I felt like I was living out Ronnie's life. Knee Deep is a book you will love to hate. It will rip your heart and then make you smile like a fool. 

  Now for the impact it had on me. When I heard stories of girls in abusive relationships, I felt pity and then...to be painfully honest...disgust. How could a girl stay with a guy that only caused them pain? Physically and mentally? It should be so easy to just tell him stop and walk out the door without looking back. So easy. Right? I mean you would have to be completely stupid to stay with someone like that. What does that say about you? What kind of example are you leaving for other girls? But...I never truly understood. There is more to the story. More to the words and the bruises. More to the girl's thoughts. I never understood all of it but this book..it helped opened my eyes. And if you have ever thought the above "before" thoughts...you need to read this too. Knee Deep is more than a story. It is a life lesson. A pamphlet for life that all girls should read. Ronnie saw the bruises. Saw the anger but...he has reasons. His father was a you-know-what-whole. He was just going through a rough time. There was too much stress in his life. He has every right to be made about the heels she wore that made her taller than him. the guys should always be taller right? She didn't need to make him feel lower than her...

   Ronnie gave him ever excuse in the book and they were reasonable. I found myself agreeing with her. Yes, that's how easy it is. And its not because she was stupid. It's not because Ronnie didn't see the signs. It's not because should could handle the bruises. It wasn't  easy! I truly understand how hard it just can be. Her situation was reasonable. I reasoned her abusive relationship!!! Something like that will never be easy. It just can't and won't it is a situation you would need help with. And that is the main point I saw. Ronnie wasn't willing to get help. She thought she could take care of it. But you can't do something like that by yourself. There's no way. I have truly seen the light because of this book. Now, I'm not saying that its fine to stay in abusive relationship. No amount of reason is worth that hurt. You do need to walk away from that relationship. I am just merely saying that I now know that it isn't easy and understand it better. Not completely but better. It is hard but most things in life are and they make you a stronger person. You are a better person than that. You deserve better. It had me thinking about what I would have done if I was Ronnie. Would I be saying what I said in the "before" or would I be doing the same as Ronnie. Would I be able to do the "after"?
  
  This book goes beyond the worth of buying. I would have everyone read it if I could. This book changed me! I loved every bit! <3 I need to go on a Jolene B Perry book marathon because all of them sound so amazing and if they are anything like this one...I will forever be in love with the books and the author ;D Buy, borrow, rent, it doesn't matter just get your hands on a copy will ya! ;)

~Rating:

4.5 wonderful stars!  

Thanks for stopping by!
     Hope you have a great day! :D
          ~Jaiden

{Blog Tour} My Review of Send by Patty Blount

Send
Author: Patty Blount
Release Date: August 1, 2012
by, Sourcebooks Fire
Source: **a copy was provided for review purposes by Sourcebooks Fire**
Format: paperback
Pages: 304

It’s been five years since I clicked Send.Four years since I got out of juvie.Three months since I changed my name.Two minutes since I met Julie.A second to change my life.
All Dan wants for his senior year is to be invisible. This is his last chance at a semi-normal life. Nobody here knows who he is. Or what he’s done. But on his first day at school, instead of turning away like everyone else, Dan breaks up a fight. Because Dan knows what it’s like to be terrorized by a bully—he used to be one.
Now the whole school thinks he’s some kind of hero—except Julie. She looks at him like she knows he has a secret. Like she knows his name isn’t really Daniel... {Goodreads}

~Review:
  This book has a huge impact on its readers. Being my third "bully book" I never fail to be affected by the emotional tug-of-war these books have. But this one was different. This one wasn't from the victims point of view. No it was from the bully's. Well....ex-bully. And I felt for the dude. Dan has a big secret and its not just his real name. It's the reason he has a fake name. A secret so tragic....so terrible...that he has to keep moving because a vengeful father is out for blood...yes, Dan's blood.

  Dan isn't just a bully he is a hmmm.. "reborn" bully?? He did something terrible, he killed a kid. Well, not really he posted a picture of a boy in his most embarrassing pair of underwear on the internet resulting in the kid killing himself. And he feels terrible about it. The guilt haunts him day and night. While he is awake and while he is asleep. He's gotten his fair share of justice for sure. So here he is..round 3 in moving, this time with a new name. His goal: protect his family and secrets by starting over and staying under the radar. There is a reason it was a goal because on his first day he ends up having to stick up for a kid being brutally bullied and day one ends up getting a new enemy, a bruised face, a new friend to protect, and a girl he can't help but like...and hate.

  This book was all sorts of crazy twists and turns and a roller coaster of emotions. I loved Dan...all 6'4" of him (I think that was his height) ;D Being tall...psh!! I wish I could find a hotty like this even with the broken past. Any who...He is just a boy who made a mistake..a terrible mistake but a mistake he learned and paid for. And it paid off he is such a great guy. He has a heart of gold and loyalty so strong. There was nothing to not like about him. And I especially loved Kenny. Get this! So while he was in juvie getting beat up every day (resulting in a bunch of scars all over his body) he showed up. No not some savior..I mean he is a savior but...ya...hold on a sec. Kenny is Dan at 13 years old...the boy who pressed Send. And he helps Dan get through juvie and fight back.

  So during the whole story you have Dan and then Kenny talking to Dan and Dan responding (when no one is around or telepathically) Their relationship was such a love hate relationship. Dan hates Kenny but he can't live without him. Kenny is literally that voice inside your head who tells you your insecurities, who tells you right and wrong, who tells you that you are worth it, that helps you in your time of need. It was so incredibly unique and I think that's one reason I loved this book so much. Then there is the side characters and the message itself! I was going crazy with all the pressure wrapped on Dan and what his mistake costs him.

  Send is an incredible little (no HUGE) message wrapped in this bottle of a book. Perfectly unique, wonderfully heart-warming, and at the same time tragically heartbreaking. It will literally tear your heart out and then warm it back together. The message of bullying gets screamed loud and clear you can't help but stop and think. Patty is an incredible writer. She created a great book that all should read. Definitely worth reading several times and passing it on. Buy? Yes. You will love it! Why? Because it's not just about bullying it is a story about finding yourself and accepting that person, falling in love, making true friends, and the importance of family and loyalty. I really don't know how to put this book other than wonderful! I truly enjoyed this book! :)

~Rating:

4 of 5 wonderful stars!

This review was part of the "It Only Takes One Click" blog tour!


Thanks for stopping by!!
Don't forget to stop by next month when I interview Patty! :D
Have a great day!
~Jaiden

{Review} Sweet Evil by Wendy Higgins

Sweet Evil
Series: Sweet Evil Trilogy #1
Author: Wendy Higgins
Release Date: May 1, 2012
by, HarperTeen
Source: bought
Format: paperback
Pages: 453

Embrace the Forbidden

What if there were teens whose lives literally depended on being bad influences?

This is the reality for sons and daughters of fallen angels.

Tenderhearted Southern girl Anna Whitt was born with the sixth sense to see and feel emotions of other people. She's aware of a struggle within herself, an inexplicable pull toward danger, but Anna, the ultimate good girl, has always had the advantage of her angel side to balance the darkness within. It isn't until she turns sixteen and meets the alluring Kaidan Rowe that she discovers her terrifying heritage and her willpower is put to the test. He's the boy your daddy warned you about. If only someone had warned Anna.

Forced to face her destiny, will Anna embrace her halo or her horns? {Goodreads} 

~Trailer:

Hell yes!! I gave in! ;D Awesome trailer! <3

~Review:
  Woah! I had hear a lot of great things about this book: how amazing the writing style, how amazing the angel lore, how amazing the story was and uhemmm...how AMAZING Kaidan was. Now, I'd be lying if I said I didn't buy this book because of Kaidan, cus that is exactly why I bought it. I was feeling the need of a hot steamy romance with a bad boy to fill the plot and guys....I got that and SO much more!

  First off...teens that lives depend on being bad...literally?? Dude...that is awesome! So so wrong but totally awesome haha The characters in this book are all well written and even though these guy's souls are damned...they are sweet and naturally good people...I have my doubts on evil twin but in some parts even she shined through. I loved each character and Man! I really don't know what to say. This is one of those reviews that the book is so good you can't help but your review to be a bunch of "!!!!"'s, "OMG"'s, and "LOVE"'s. Wendy Higgins did a fenominal job with creating a book that enthralls readers from the very begging and keeps them reading until the very last word. I didn't want this book to end...especially with the way it did. She created a fun, seductive, but utterly clean...to a point ;D...book that I loved! I am going to want to read this book over and over!

  Plus! I loved the true morals an Biblical stuff she put into it. I loved Anna's pure heart and what she was willing to do for the ones she loved. She is so sweet and I loved her! And Kaidan!! Holy sh** peoples!! Goodness was this boy hot?? Ya, he was hotter than Hell itself! Dang!!! And I also loved Kope!! He is...*sighs* I was voting for him even though I knew I shouldn't have but he is so nice and sweet and .....Idk I wanted him to....but Kaiden.....Ya, I'm screwed when it comes to those boys! I loved the ...well I just loved everybody and everything! There is seriously no ending to the level of love and awesomeness this book oozed!

  Sweet Evil is a great debut from Wendy Higgins. This book will have your blood boiling, heart racing, hormones out of control ;D and your mind boggling from the pure amazingness! I loved this book so hard its not even funny. This book indeed have great writing and a story that is so great you are left only wanting more. And seriously!! Book two hasn't already been snagged by a publisher? HELLO!!! *smacks every publisher alive* What the hell are you guys doing? You people are dumb bunnies if you don't see the talent. You all should be begging on your hands and knees and fighting it all out to have a chance of putting your publishing name on this book! (Please do not be offended my dear publishers....I am only hugely surprised. I do not mean what I said about dumb bunnies and smacking you in offense) hahaha

  Seriously you guys! If you haven't read this yet...please do so! You will love it from beginning to end! With amazing characters, a steamy romance with pure heart, bad ass teens, and the most awesome fallen angel lore around.....you have no choice but to love it!

~Rating:

Eep! 4 bright and wonderful stars to this book!! <3

Thanks for stopping by!

Have a great day!! :)

~Jaiden 

{Review} Tiger Lily by Jodi Lynn Anderson

Tiger Lily
Author: Jodi Lynn Anderson
Release Date: July 3
by, Harper Collins Children's Books
Source: Bought
Format: Hardcover
Pages: 304

Before Peter Pan belonged to Wendy, he belonged to the girl with the crow feather in her hair. . . .

Fifteen-year-old Tiger Lily doesn't believe in love stories or happy endings. Then she meets the alluring teenage Peter Pan in the forbidden woods of Neverland and immediately falls under his spell.

Peter is unlike anyone she's ever known. Impetuous and brave, he both scares and enthralls her. As the leader of the Lost Boys, the most fearsome of Neverland's inhabitants, Peter is an unthinkable match for Tiger Lily. Soon, she is risking everything—her family, her future—to be with him. When she is faced with marriage to a terrible man in her own tribe, she must choose between the life she's always known and running away to an uncertain future with Peter.

With enemies threatening to tear them apart, the lovers seem doomed. But it's the arrival of Wendy Darling, an English girl who's everything Tiger Lily is not, that leads Tiger Lily to discover that the most dangerous enemies can live inside even the most loyal and loving heart.

From the New York Times bestselling author of Peaches comes a magical and bewitching story of the romance between a fearless heroine and the boy who wouldn't grow up. {Goodreads}

~Trailer:

I love this video! Simple and beautiful!! <3

~Review:
  One, Woah! Look at that cover you guys! And it's even prettier in person! Let's just say I really really like seeing this on on my shelf! ;D Now..Let me just say: I wanted to fall in love with this book. Like crazy-head-over-hills-I-need-it-in-order-to-breath love it..like so many did. But sadly I can not say I did. I loved it but not as much as I hoped I would. Problem one: my expectations were way to high. And not just because of all of the hype this book was getting. I have an undying love for Disney's Peter Pan. I absolutely love Peter Pan! He is like my favorite childhood story and movie. 

  Not seeing the problem? Here it is: I fell more in love (from childhood love for the story to young-adult fictional boy obsession...ya that's right. I have a crush on Peter Pan. haha) Laugh all you want! But this is why....Julie Kagawa! Funny how she always finds her way into my posts hah? ;) Anyways, she re-invented Puck. In her Iron Fey series she described the reason for the fae's immortality because of the stories. As long as stories are still being told about them, they live! So Grimalkin is also known as the cat from Alice in Wonderland and many more talking cats stories. Wolfe is the Big Bad Wolf and many other terrible wolf stories. Puck is the infamous Puck from A Midsummer's Nights Dream AND!!! I believe, Peter Pan. It fits 100%! Peter Pan and Puck both share these traits: the red hair (duh!!), the lack of being able to take much seriously, the constant need to be childlike, the need to pull pranks and keep into mischief, the devilish grin that screams trouble!! Think real hard and you will see the similarities and possibly share the same thoughts!

  Anyways, because I loved Puck SO MUCH and decided that he was also Peter Pan...I had a high expectation for Peter in this book. An expectation for him to be Puck-like. And because of that...I didn't like the book as much. I know, it is my fault. Nothing to do with the writer or the book at all. Just me and my thoughts that failed the book. This is a re-telling and things are changed. And a lot of the original story was changed. The ending! OMG! Ya, so not how I remembered Disney's movie going!!! I got choked up. So sad!! :( 

  Now, Puck let-down aside, this book was amazing! Jodi did a wonderful job re-telling a price-less classic. And one of my most favorite things: Tink's POV. I will be honest, it took me awhile to get into the swing of it. But, I have problems with third person POV's. I really don't like them. You don't get the character's full thoughts or emotions. Sure, you get a glimpse. But it's not the same. It's not that characters personal emotions it's a take on it. But I grew to like Tink's version. There was many things I loved about this book. MANY! 

  I am officially #TeamTigerLily! After this book...I hate Wendy! HATE!!! I know, strong word but strong word needed! She..grrrr! Even though Tiger Lily bugged me at times because of her lack to show emotions and her too strong headedness, I came to peace with that's just who she was. And Peter still loved her for it. Again, different Peter but I still loved him too! And Pine Sap! Dudes! I loved him! From the very beginning. Yes I did. EEP! And I love how Jodi tied in stuff from the original story too but gave them a perfect twist. Like the ticking crocodile, and the boat ride with Hook and Tiger Lily. And then Smee! I loved the take on Smee! AND!!! The lost boys!!! <3

  Tiger Lily is a an exotic and beautiful re-telling of the love story we all failed to know. A heart warming (and breaking) story that left me breathless at the end. It's true. The last chapter I failed to breath. It was devastating!! I easily fell in love with Tiger Lily and Peter's love story. Their love was so innocent and touching! I found myself lost in the pages of this book at times One moment I was on page 22 and then before I know it I was on 220! Even though I didn't get my Puck-Peter, this book was great! I highly recommend it. 

~Rating:

4 of 5 wonderful stars!!

Thanks for stopping by!

Have a great day!! :)

~Jaiden

{Review} Shade by Jeri Smith-Ready

Shade
Series: Shade (#1)
Team: Switzerland (Both boys are way to totally amazing for me to choose!) D:
Author: Jeri Smith-Ready
Release Date: May 4, 2010
by, Simon Pulse
Source: Bought
Format: Paperback
Pages: 309

Best. Birthday. Ever. At least, it was supposed to be. With Logan's band playing a critical gig and Aura's plans for an intimate after-party, Aura knows it will be the most memorable night of her boyfriend's life. She never thought it would be his last.

Logan's sudden death leaves Aura devastated. He's gone.

Well, sort of.

Like everyone born after the Shift, Aura can see and hear ghosts. This mysterious ability has always been annoying, and Aura had wanted nothing more than to figure out why the Shift happened so she can undo it. But not with Logan's violet-hued spirit still hanging around. Because dead Logan is almost as real as ever. Almost.

It doesn't help that Aura's new friend Zachary is so understanding--and so very alive. His support means more to Aura than she cares to admit.

As Aura's relationships with the dead and the living grow ever complicated, so do her feelings for Logan and Zachary. Each holds a piece of Aura's heart...and clues to the secret of the Shift. {Goodreads}

~Trailer:

~Review:
  Shade was...amazing. I seriously don't know what took me so long to read this book, this series! It is oh so unique and I fell head over heals for the book and well...both boys! ;) First point of mind blowing uniqueness: The Shift. Cool or not so cool? Uhmm..both. The Shift is a time. Everyone born after the Shift has the ability to see and communicate to ghosts. For high school junior, Aura (btw awesome name!!), its a curse. But it pays well right? Ya, she works as a translator for her lawyer aunt. But most of the time, she just likes to pretend she can't see or hear the ghosts. That is until her boyfriend Logan dies. O my!! That...I didn't think it was going to be that sad when he died..how he died..not so sad...a little steamy and high?? ;)...but the aftermath was devastating!

  I loved Logan! He was so awesome, caring, and totally into both Aura and his music! And uhm...HOT! Then there is Zachary, the new foreign exchange student. Guys, let me tell you now, I am a huge sucker for accents. I love them! Except German..no offense I just kinda..don't. And to be honest...Scottish accents didnt really interest me..then I met Zachary. Holy shiz you guys! This boy is hot to the capital H!! And he is super sweet and absolutely adorable!! Both boys are purely amazing and..I can't decide. Too hard! But, lets see how book 2 and 3 goes for me.

  Then there is Aura. She was pretty cool. I really liked her! She has a hard life. Logan was what made it better for her. Then he died. Leaving her broken and empty. I am so excited to keep reading 1.) for her relationship status and 2.) to see where this "first" stuff goes! That really interested me and I totally need the last books ASAP! I loved every character Mrs. Smith created and the cool world she built up! Normal, with a paranormal twist. But the twist didn't totally eat up the normal ya know? I hope that makes sense haha

  Shade is an amazing read that I thoroughly enjoyed. Incredibly unique from the writing, the ghostly twist and the love that breaks your heart and manages to survive even death. The love is truly beautiful and I can't wait to go out and buy the last two books! If you haven't yet read these books get on it. Don't wait any longer. My mistake: waiting this long to read it!

~Rating:

4.5 of 5 wonderful stars!

See it. Buy it. Love it!!

Thanks for stopping by! 

Have a great Day!!

~Jaiden

{Review} Dearly, Departed by Lia Habel

Dearly Departed
Series: Gone With the Respiration (#1)
Author: Lia Habel
Release Date: October 18, 2011
by, Del Rey
Source: Bought

Love can never die.

Love conquers all, so they say. But can Cupid’s arrow pierce the hearts of the living and the dead—or rather, the undead? Can a proper young Victorian lady find true love in the arms of a dashing zombie?

The year is 2195. The place is New Victoria—a high-tech nation modeled on the manners, mores, and fashions of an antique era. A teenager in high society, Nora Dearly is far more interested in military history and her country’s political unrest than in tea parties and debutante balls. But after her beloved parents die, Nora is left at the mercy of her domineering aunt, a social-climbing spendthrift who has squandered the family fortune and now plans to marry her niece off for money. For Nora, no fate could be more horrible—until she’s nearly kidnapped by an army of walking corpses.

But fate is just getting started with Nora. Catapulted from her world of drawing-room civility, she’s suddenly gunning down ravenous zombies alongside mysterious black-clad commandos and confronting “The Laz,” a fatal virus that raises the dead—and hell along with them. Hardly ideal circumstances. Then Nora meets Bram Griswold, a young soldier who is brave, handsome, noble . . . and dead. But as is the case with the rest of his special undead unit, luck and modern science have enabled Bram to hold on to his mind, his manners, and his body parts. And when his bond of trust with Nora turns to tenderness, there’s no turning back. Eventually, they know, the disease will win, separating the star-crossed lovers forever. But until then, beating or not, their hearts will have what they desire.

In Dearly, Departed, romance meets walking-dead thriller, spawning a madly imaginative novel of rip-roaring adventure, spine-tingling suspense, and macabre comedy that forever redefines the concept of undying love. {Goodreads}

~Review:
  Zombie book number two....my reaction...HOLY FREAKING MOTHER OF PEARLS!!!!!! This book is so different from the first zombie book I read: Die For Me. While Die For Me is still a zombie book...it is better classified as a revenant book. Yes, they are zombies but not the flesh-eating-corpse-looking-mindless zombies that you normally imagine when you hear the word..."zombie". Now with Dearly, Departed....that is exactly what you get and exactly what I wanted...but 100x better!

  I don't even know where to begin on the list of things that made this book so good. First off, I guess, would have to be what the book is. Ya, like, its genre. It is a dystopian, steampunk, paranoramal romance, action, thriller...all wrapped up into one! Woah. I know! It blew my mind too. This book being all that was said above..made it absolutely amazing! I am forever in love with the Victorian Age. Zombies with manners...ya mind blown twice already I know! ;D Yes, some of those zombies aren't so bad they have manners! They have normal thoughts. feelings, emotions. This book just continued to blow my mind. Page after page, after wonderful page!

  I loved everything from each character: zombie and human, the witty humor between those characters, the awesome butt-kicking zombie lore, the cool gadgets and goodness..everything! I especially loved the different POV's as vast as they were. Yupp! Not just Nora's POV, not Nora and Bram's POV but also Victor's, Pamelah's, and Wolfe's!!! I loved getting to see the world throught there eyes!! This book was well thought out and ingeniously writin out!

  Dearly, Departed  was oh-so unique, captivating and just plain out awesome. This is a book I will never forget and look forward to reading over and over. While it gave me goose-bumps at some parts it also gave me butterflies with Bram and Norah's unique love. You understood the new world and how it came to be without being dragged through a boring and long history. She made it simple. sweet. but yet understandable and in a neatly disguised way not a BAM! Let me give you a run down of all that happened. I enjoyed how the history of the New Victorian era came to be. I am soo excited to read the second book! Both cover's are absolutely gorgeous! I am now a great fan of both zombies and Lia Habel. Can't wait to see what she has in store!! :D Wonderfully amazing!! I really loved this book! ..Can you tell? ;)

~Rating:

4.5 of 5 stars! 

Thanks for stopping by!

Have a great day!! :)

~Jaiden

{Review} Keep Holding on by Susane Colassanti

Keep Holding On
Author: Susane Colasanti
Release Date: May 31, 2012
by, Viking Juvenile
Source: Bought
Pages: 224

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

~Review:
  So, apparently I have been on a contemporary kick..idk just have! One contemporary after the other. And the good news? They have all been absolutely fantastic!! But this one isn't a cute love story. Yes, there is Julian but there is far more important things going on than just Julian. I have only read one other book that deals with bullying and that was Thirteen Reasons Why by Jay Asher. That book was amazing and really impacted me. The whole snow ball affect...wow. But I'm not hear to talk about that book today..I already did my review on that one ;)

  I don't think we as teenagers...or even grown adults know the impact we have. How one word, one gesture, one look can hurt far worse than we can imagine. We all know bullying is a problem. Millions of dollars have gone into programs for anti-bullying. But honestly, are those programs going to be what stops bullying? No. And if we are honest, we will never be able to stop it...we can try and strive...but the choice is in the people. Those people are the bullies...sometimes those bullies don't even know they are the bullies...another problem. And we can't fully understand it all at times because we don't know. Plain and simple. Those who aren't bullied can't even begin to understand. And that goes for those who aren't the bullies.

  This book, though, gives us a small insight into the lives of those being bullied. What it might feel like, the thoughts that go on, the lives those victims live. And it hurt. It really hurt emotionally to read about what Noelle had to go through. But through it all she was strong. And I think that is where we can help. To give the people who are bullied by giving them hope. To give reassurance just with a simple smile, a simple "have a good day", or an invitation to go to the movies or what not. But like in this book...it is easier said than done.

  Keep Holding on is a hard hitting emotional read with real life characters and real life instances. This book will impact you in more ways than one. I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Susane Colasanti's writing was believable and likeable. Some books just tend to leave little impacts on your life...and this was one of them. Honestly, sometimes there were parts I felt like it was missing something but not enough times to where I was willing to put the book down..for good. Do I recommend this book? Yes. :) And as far as rating goes....

~Rating:

4 out 5 wonderful stars!

Thanks for stopping by! :)

Have a great day!

~Jaiden

{Review} If I Stay by Gayle Forman

If I Stay
Series: If I Stay (#1)
Author: Gayle Forman
Release Date: April 6, 2010
by, Speak
Source: Bought
Pages: 234

A critically acclaimed novel that will change the way you look at life, love, and family. 
In the blink of an eye everything changes. Seventeen ­year-old Mia has no memory of the accident; she can only recall what happened afterwards, watching her own damaged body being taken from the wreck. Little by little she struggles to put together the pieces- to figure out what she has lost, what she has left, and the very difficult choice she must make. Heartwrenchingly beautiful, Mia's story will stay with you for a long, long time. {Goodreads}

~Trailer:

There is one other video if you want to check it out but...I liked this one better! :)

~Review:
  I had heard many great things about this book so when I got the chance I bought it. Along with book two, Where She Went, they were a package deal. ;) I really got to say and brag....best decision ever. Don't borrow the book. Don't rent it from the library. Buy it. You need it. From page one I was completely consumed. The pages just flowed. Before I knew it, I was half way done and then...finished! I actually got to paying attention to see just how consumed this book got me. My average turned out to be 1 page per minute. I literally lost myself in this book's pages!

  Between the music and the characters, I don't know which was more of my favorite. Gayle just had this perfect way with words. Words that captured your attention. Words that described the scenery of Oregon gorgeously. Words that made you feel the sorrow, hurt, confusion, and love of the characters. Words that made every character unique. Words that gave each piece/reference to music, beauty. Perfection!

  Maria was a strong character. She gave insight to things you never would think of. She has such passion for both her music and her loved ones that made me respect her. She was different from those around her but that just made her standout that much more..in the best possible way. I loved her character! Her friend Kim was awesome...I loved the flashbacks throughout the book. OH! And the no chapter thing: brilliant. I loved that the book was separated by time rather than Chapter 1. Chapter 2. etc. Then, Adam. Man...I love this boy. He is the sweetest thing ...ever!! And the fact that he and Mia are such opposite sides of the spectrum make their love that much more cute! They don't have the perfect relationship. They have their problems but their love is real and true. There is no question about it.

And I can't resist this...so here is a present from me to you...My favorite quote of the whole book:

(Provided by Adam) <3

"You didn't really get those tickets from a family friend, did you?' I asked.

 .... He shook his head. 'that was two weeks of pizza delivery tips'"

And that. was when I fell in love with Adam Wilde. 

  If I Stay is breathtakingly beautiful. It will blow your mind, crush your heart, and completely consume you. Yes, beautiful is often associated with this book but it's true. I can't think of any better word to give this book but "beautiful". It is all sorts of beautiful. If you haven't gotten your hands on this book yet, you better. This is not a book to prolong.


~Rating:

Infinite Stars!! This book is a MUST!! 

Thanks for stopping by! 

Have a great day! :)

~Jaiden 

{Review} Lola and the Boy Next Door by Stephanie Perkins

Lola and the Boy Next Door
Author: Stephanie Perkins
Release Date: September 29, 2011
by, Dutton Books
Source: provided by my blog sista!! <3  (bday present)
Pages: 338

Budding designer Lola Nolan doesn’t believe in fashion . . . she believes in costume. The more expressive the outfit -- more sparkly, more fun, more wild -- the better. But even though Lola’s style is outrageous, she’s a devoted daughter and friend with some big plans for the future. And everything is pretty perfect (right down to her hot rocker boyfriend) until the dreaded Bell twins, Calliope and Cricket, return to the neighborhood.
When Cricket -- a gifted inventor -- steps out from his twin sister’s shadow and back into Lola’s life, she must finally reconcile a lifetime of feelings for the boy next door. {Goodreads}

~Review:
  So you know those books where you completely lose track of when you started and when you ended? Those books that leave you giddy and smiling during the WHOLE book and for DAYS after you have finished the book? Those books where you are at a complete loss for words? Ya, well, Lola and the Boy Next Door is one of those books!

  I loved Mrs. Perkins first book, Anna and the French Kiss, it is easily my favorite contemporary book!! So when I finally got a chance to read this one, after hearing all the greatness about it, I was scared. When I get hyped up about a book and expect it to be as great as everyone says it is....I end up really not liking the book. And I wanted to like this book. I really did! And guess what? This book lived up to its hype and actually managed to exceed it!!

  I wasn't sure about Lola at first but she quickly became a favorite fictional character of mine! She is so quirky and cute and absolutely likeable! I loved all her crazy costumes and her family and her thoughts! And Cricket!!!!! Omf(reakin)g!! This boy....he is...wow! I didn't think he could have ever been as amazingly adorable and freakin fantabulous as he was and is! I am in love with this boy! And 6' 4"??? Yes please! Being a 5'9" girl..finding tall guys who are as cute and nice and smart as Cricket is a hard package to find...and this boy is the whole package! <3 

 (I think I still like Etienne more...idk! These boys are too amazing!) And as amazing as they are....Mrs. Perkins has a way of making these boys she creates flawed...and that is absolutely GREAT! They are flawed in a way where they are believable. real. not too fictionally perfect! <3 <3 And holy crap!!! I think my favorite part of the whole book was how Stephanie added Anna and Etienne to the book's mix. And not just a quick glimpse but actually making them important side characters! I LOVED that!!! I wasn't reading and missing them 'cus they were THERE...in the story....friends of both Cricket AND Lola!!! :O :D

  Lola and the Boy Next Door is a great and fun read. A perfect dose of laughs, swoons, tears, gut wrenching drama/suspense and butterflies! This book was incredible! Definitely in my top 5 of favorite contemporaries! I really hope I never have to say "Awe I wish Stephanie Perkins still wrote Young-Adult contemporary". Because she better never stop writing! I will throw a temper tantrum and cry my eyes out! ;) She is such an amazing writing! She knows how to draw in readers and create the most adorable yet believable love stories for teens! If you haven't read one of her two books you better get on it..these are some books you DONT want to miss out on!

~Rating:

Sadly, I don't have a 1,000,000,000 star button but hell! This book deserves every star in the galaxy! And the moon ;) Yes, this book is THAT good! <3

Thanks for stopping by! :)

~Jaiden

{Review} Crossed by Ally Condie

Crossed
Series: Matched (#2)
Team: Ky
Author: Ally Condie
Release Date: November 1, 2011
by, Dutton Juvenile
Source: Bought
Pages: 367

Rules Are Different Outside The Society
Chasing down an uncertain future, Cassia makes her way to the Outer Provinces in pursuit of Ky--taken by the Society to his sure death--only to find that he has escaped into the majestic, but treacherous, canyons. On this wild frontier are glimmers of a different life and the enthralling promise of a rebellion. But even as Cassia sacrifices every thing to reunite with Ky, ingenious surprises from Xander may change the game once again.Narrated from both Cassia's and Ky's point of view, this hotly anticipated sequel to Matched will take them both to the edge of Society, where nothing is as expected and crosses and double crosses make their path more twisted than ever. {Goodreads} 

~Trailer:

~Review:
 Crossed was kind of the answer to my prayers...relating to the Matched Trilogy. As you remember(if you saw my review of Matched) I mentioned that Matched lacked some depth. Well Hallelujah!! This book had depth!! A whole new depth to depth ;) You finally got more information of the Society and how it came to be. And you got more depth from the characters. 

 Cassia is strong in this book. She has to be. I loved her! She is no longer an empty vesicle.Cassia is who she is and is comfortable with that and is willing to go to any extremes to find Ky. She is no longer the Societies little robot. No. She is rebellious!! I loved to read from her POV! Oh! And speaking of POV's!! Did anyone know that this book was alternating POV's?? Alternating POV's from both Cassia and uhem!!!....KY!!!!! :O 

 Ya. Awesome right!? I love Ky. He is the only one who has had depth from book 1 and he is the reason this book goes into deeper than deep in depth! Every thing about this boy is so good!! Loved Loved! Reading from Ky's perspective. Oh and be for warned... *spoiler* Even though Xander isn't in this book...you still have that love triangle goin on. EEp!! I loved getting more about Xander! I think that was my favorite part. You got to see him...HIM! And sides/stories you never saw coming! Idk bout my teams ya'll ;) Xander just got hotter than hott with a touch of secrets adding to a bad-boy rep muahah

 The only thing that bugged me througout the book was the "Enemy". For starters....they all of a sudden showed up. In thin air! Out of absolutely no where in book 1. And it still failed to be explained in book 2. I understand they are a bit of a mystery but come on! From all the talk about everything else....as much as everyone seems to know about the Rebellion, the Pilot, the Society...no one knows why there even is an Enemy? When they started? Why they started? Seriously!!? Ya, it bugged. But not enough to ruin the book for me. And then the end...who in the flipping world is 'him" and it wasn't just in the end. Throughout the book there would be a mysterious "him/her" spoken about but you knew nothing about who it was! And no, it wasn't mysterious.

 Altogether this book was just what I needed to save the Match trilogy for me. Crossed is poetically beautiful with its adventurous tale of finding yourself in a world where you are told who to be; to fight for the things you were never supposed to love; and to make the decisions that may or may not just save your life. I really loved Crossed and am looking forward to see how its all going to end in Reached. :D

~Rating:

4 stars!

Thanks for stopping by! 

Have a great day!! :)

~Jaiden

{Review} Until I Die by Amy Plum

Until I Die
Series: Revenants (#2)
Author: Amy Plum
Release Date: May 8, 2012
by, Harper Teen
Source: Bought
Pages: 357

Kate and Vincent have overcome the odds and at last they are together in Paris, the city of lights and love.
As their romance deepens there’s one question they can’t ignore: How are they supposed to be together if Vincent can’t resist sacrificing himself to save others? Although Vincent promises that he’ll do whatever it takes to lead a normal life with Kate, will that mean letting innocent people die? When a new and surprising enemy reveals itself, Kate realizes that even more may be at stake—and that Vincent’s immortality is in jeopardy.
In Die for Me, Amy Plum created a captivating paranormal mythology with immortal revenants and a lush Paris setting. Until I Die is poised to thrill readers with more heart-pounding suspense, spellbinding romance, and a cliff-hanger ending that will leave them desperate for the third and final novel in the series. {Goodreads}

~Trailer:

awwe! Wasn't that cute!!? Different beyond measure but adorably cute! 

And oh! The French hot dudes?? *two thumbs up! ;)

~Review:
 I have been waiting forever to read this book! Amy Plum's Revenant Series is by far one of my favorite books of all time. She gave me to obsessions...zombies...and Paris. Now I want to travel to France and visit all the gorgeous scenery we get a taste of in these books and of course learn the language of love ;) Oh! And meet some hot French boys!! Duh!! ;)

 Being the second book....it was very much a second book. But only in the informative way. This book was still greatly amazing and thankfully had not caught the second-book-syndrome.  In Until I Die we get more insight into what the Revenants are and their culture and immortality facts. Which, being a crazy Revenant lover, enjoyed very much! In Die For Me some stuff wasn't explained. I had a couple of questions that nevr got answered but thanks to book number two all of them were pretty much answered! :) 

 I loved getting to see more of my favorite characters! Ooooo and Jules!! Mmm mmm mmm!! He, my friends, is close to coming out of the closet wouldn't you say? Cus I distinctly remember he was a bit questiony in a specific car ride.....I will say no more but I wish HE would! ;D Of course I am madly in love with Vincent also. I mean come on...he's Vincent for crying out loud! I also loved the newest character (guy) he kind of grew on me....even when all the assumptions were going on...(sorry my lips are sealed).

 My heart was being wrenched through the journey of Kate and Vincent's battle to find a way for their love to last. Gah!! Isn't being in love with a zombie so hard!!? Yes, it is. It is extremely hard. Oh!! And poor poor Vincent! In the beginning with his tired bruises and *chokes up* I was rooting him and Kate on! Find it! Find it! And man oh man! Kate is one strong character! I love her! And uhem....I have my suspicions... old prophecy....you know the one! (well, if you haven't read it then I guess you don't but that just gives you more motivation right?)

 Until I Die is a beautiful sequel. A story that pulls you in and your heart out. Amy Plum is an amazing writer who knows what she's doing! That ending.....was the worst ending! She has me dying for more! The question isn't If I Shall Die but that I shall I die if I don't get book three like...now! (heheh see what I did there!) ;) 

 Wonderfully told from beginning to end, this book will literally have you dying for more! Mrs. Plum delivered a unique zombie lore tale and I was so happy to get more info on them in book two. If you haven't gotten your lil paws on this series already you better get your butt up and start reading it! This is a story you don't want to miss!
 
~Rating:

Thanks for stopping by guys!

Have a great day!! :)

~Jaiden