Accidents & Incidents - Riley Graham

Summary from Goodreads:

Sometimes finding love means taking the scenic route...Living with her fault finding mother has taught Leslie not to ask for much. Just watch your step, stay on the sidelines, and take what you can get. But she wants a mom who thanks her for cleaning the kitchen instead of yelling at her for missing a spot, and a boyfriend who does more than score her a seat at the popular table-someone who actually notices her sitting there. So when Cain, the school heartbreaker, turns his Carolina blue eyes her way, Leslie can't help but be tempted, even if he's her boyfriend's best friend. Things get even more complicated when Leslie strikes up unlikely friendships with Meredith, Cain's girlfriend, and Dennis, a boy addicted to cigarettes and solitude. Despite his tough exterior, Dennis seems to understand Leslie in a way that no one ever has, and to need her as much as she needs him. For the first time in her life, Leslie feels like she could belong. She's just not sure where.

Accidents & Incidents was really, really bad. I gave it one star on Goodreads and couldn't decide if I wanted to post a review or not but I decided to so that I can share my opinion. I thought I was going to get a cute fluffy read but Accidents & Incidents just felt really unfinished to me. I was looking at other reviews and some people were raving about this book so maybe I'm missing something but I don't think I am. 

*THIS PART OF THE REVIEW WILL CONTAIN SPOILERS*

Leslie and her boyfriend break up and she is supposed to have a crush on Cain but literally they like touched hands and he pushed her hair behind her ear. They barely had any conversations and it was the same with Leslie and the new guy Dennis, too! Leslie and Dennis barely talked to each other but somehow they end up together in the end! I just don't get it! Everything got wrapped up too quickly but with no climax. Leslie and her mom also have issues and I really hated her mom but there was something missing in that storyline as well. Basically what I'm saying is, there were huge chunks of story missing that the author needed to put in, in order for this book to even get me connected to the characters and the story!

Rating: 0/10

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Ten - Gretchen McNeil

"And their doom comes swiftly."

Summary from Goodreads:

SHHHH!
Don't spread the word!
Three-day weekend. Party at White Rock House on Henry Island.
You do NOT want to miss it.

It was supposed to be the weekend of their lives—an exclusive house party on Henry Island. Best friends Meg and Minnie each have their reasons for being there (which involve T.J., the school’s most eligible bachelor) and look forward to three glorious days of boys, booze and fun-filled luxury.

But what they expect is definitely not what they get, and what starts out as fun turns dark and twisted after the discovery of a DVD with a sinister message: Vengeance is mine.

Suddenly people are dying, and with a storm raging, the teens are cut off from the outside world. No electricity, no phones, no internet, and a ferry that isn’t scheduled to return for two days. As the deaths become more violent and the teens turn on each other, can Meg find the killer before more people die? Or is the killer closer to her than she could ever imagine?

I've had Ten marked as TBR since last year and I am so glad I finally decided to read it! At first I was a little hesitant and honestly thought it was going to be really cheesy but I was very pleasantly surprised! Ten is quite the thrill ride and McNeil does a great job at keeping you guessing until the VERY END. My friend and I were texting each other over the weekend sharing our guesses on who we think the killer is and I cannot wait until she finishes the book! I absolutely love horror movies so I am very shocked that I wasn't able to guess the killer correctly and am really kicking myself for it haha! Ten has the feel of the short-lived CBS show Harper's Island (which is one of my favorite shows of all time) and there was a particular moment in Ten that really, really freaked me out (i.e. the Taylor house...) that was featured in the movie House of Wax (which is another favorite of mine). I absolutely love that the story took place on an island because any good thriller/horror story has to take place in the middle of nowhere and make the characters feel like they are stranded and alone. Overall, I thought the characters were decent. I liked Meg a lot and thought it was fun seeing her piece together clues and look at the situation differently because she's a writer. And as disturbing as it is to say, I liked the way the teens were murdered and when you read the book, you will learn why they were killed the way they were! If you're looking for a creepy, thrilling read then go read Ten! :)

Rating: 8/10

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Bright Before Sunrise - Tiffany Schmidt

"One night can change how you see the world. One night can change how you see yourself."

Summary from Goodreads:

When Jonah is forced to move from Hamilton to Cross Pointe for the second half of his senior year, "miserable" doesn't even begin to cover it. He feels like the doggy-bag from his mother's first marriage and everything else about her new life—with a new husband, new home and a new baby—is an upgrade. The people at Cross Pointe High School are pretentious and privileged—and worst of all is Brighton Waterford, the embodiment of all things superficial and popular. Jonah’s girlfriend, Carly, is his last tie to what feels real... until she breaks up with him.

For Brighton, every day is a gauntlet of demands and expectations. Since her father died, she’s relied on one coping method: smile big and pretend to be fine. It may have kept her family together, but she has no clue how to handle how she's really feeling. Today is the anniversary of his death and cracks are beginning to show. The last thing she needs is the new kid telling her how much he dislikes her for no reason she can understand. She's determined to change his mind, and when they're stuck together for the night, she finally gets her chance.

Jonah hates her at 3p.m., but how will he feel at 3 a.m.?

I knew I wanted to read Bright Before Sunrise as soon as I read the description - I love books where two people that don't get along get thrown together! But I don't know how to write this review...I definitely liked this book and I gave it 3 out of 5 stars but I also had some issues, particularly with Jonah. Starting with what I did like...I love the alternating POVs and being able to see what Jonah and Brighton were really thinking (I also liked being able to see what time of day it was); I liked Brighton - I think she is someone I can kind of relate to and I really felt for her throughout the whole story. She was the only one I was rooting for and I think she definitely changed by the end of the story. Jonah on the other hand....I wanted to smack him. What a jerk! Yes, he definitely made me swoon and yes I do like how blunt he is sometimes and he really challenges Brighton but sometimes he just really needed to shut his mouth! I read this book on my Nook and I had multiple highlights made where I was just like "Jerk." Another downside...the book is over and I don't get to be in these characters lives anymore! I WANT MORE! I want to see what life will be like for Jonah and Brighton after the weekend is over and they graduate high school. It's been almost a week since I finished the book and I still find myself weirdly thinking "I wonder if Brighton is doing ok." I just want to keep reading more about her! And how amazing is the opening quote? There could not be a more real statement then that! I used to basically be negative and just hated the world but literally over night I had an epiphany and I changed myself and now I'm a happy person who doesn't worry or stress out so much anymore. I'm actually glad that this book wasn't overloaded with cute, fluffy moments that make me giggle (even though that's what I love) because in the end, Bright Before Sunrise was a real book with real characters showing us that life is hard but in the end it is possible to change.

Rating: 7/10

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The Book of Broken Hearts - Sarah Ockler

“There was no going back to the way things were, because all you ever got was the way things are. One moment. Then another. What you did with that moment was up to you. No regrets.”

Summary from Goodreads:

Jude has learned a lot from her older sisters, but the most important thing is this: The Vargas brothers are notorious heartbreakers. She’s seen the tears and disasters that dating a Vargas boy can cause, and she swore an oath—with candles and a contract and everything—to never have anything to do with one.

Now Jude is the only sister still living at home, and she’s spending the summer helping her ailing father restore his vintage motorcycle—which means hiring a mechanic to help out. Is it Jude’s fault he happens to be cute? And surprisingly sweet? And a Vargas?

Jude tells herself it’s strictly bike business with Emilio. Her sisters will never find out, and Jude can spot those flirty little Vargas tricks a mile away—no way would she fall for them. But Jude’s defenses are crumbling, and if history is destined to repeat itself, she’s speeding toward some serious heartbreak…unless her sisters were wrong?

Jude may have taken an oath, but she’s beginning to think that when it comes to love, some promises might be worth breaking.

My first 10/10 rating this year goes to...The Book of Broken Hearts! I LOVED THIS BOOK. Sarah Ockler is seriously a brilliant writer. I feel like every word she writes is so beautiful no matter how simple or irrelevant it is! I absolutely loved Twenty Boy Summer but haven't read any of her other books since her debut. I'm glad I waited until this one though because this book was exactly what I needed at this time in my life! The messages of "No regrets," "living in the moment," and "do what you want to do, don't let others control you" were all featured heavily which I loved because they are all mottos that I strongly believe in! Our main character Jude always does what her sisters' tell her to do because they all know what is best but that is just not the case and I was very happy when Jude stood started standing up for herself. You really have to take matters into your own hands and not worry about what other people think! I never realized how much the summary focuses on Emilio and Jude but this book is so much more then just a boy and girl like each other situation! While I LOVED Emilio and thought he was SO SMOKIN' HOT, it was the relationship between Jude and her dad that was the real winner for me. I wanted to cry so much because of everything that Jude had to face and how sick Jude's dad was getting! I think Ockler did an excellent job at showing what Alzheimers's Disease is all about. It felt very real and scary and I can only hope that this awful disease doesn't affect my family one day!

Rating: 10/10

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Stealing Parker - Miranda Kenneally

“Sometimes you gotta do what’s right for you and forget about everybody else. All that matters is what you want. What you need.”

Summary from Goodreads:

Parker Shelton pretty much has the perfect life. She’s on her way to becoming valedictorian at Hundred Oaks High, she’s made the all-star softball team, and she has plenty of friends. Then her mother’s scandal rocks their small town and suddenly no one will talk to her.

Now Parker wants a new life.

So she quits softball. Drops twenty pounds. And she figures why kiss one guy when she can kiss three? Or four. Why limit herself to high school boys when the majorly cute new baseball coach seems especially flirty?

But how far is too far before she loses herself completely?

This will come as a shock if you remember how much I hated Catching Jordan but I REALLY liked Stealing Parker, you guys! IT WAS SO MUCH BETTER then CJ! I was a little hesistant at first because it sounded like it was going to an exact replica of CJ but it wasn't. While Miranda Kenneally's writing is still not great, she definitely made me think more with this one. I felt like this book was definitely more relatable. I think some of us have definitely been where Parker's been at some point in our lives (liking an older guy or just hooking up for fun) and I really enjoyed seeing her go through all of her ups and downs while trying to figure out how to live her life in the best way possible. I really wish Kenneally would stop with the little random writings throughout her books (poems/diary entries in CJ and thoughts/flashbacks in SP) because they take me out of enjoying the story every single time. I try to skip over them as much as possible even if it means missing out on some important information. I like that an older guy was featured and that Parker let him into her life because it was something that Parker needed at the time and it lead her to make some changes and decisions that she may not have otherwise! But it was a little creepy how she was kind of obsessive in the beginning and trying to change herself for him just because of one conversation. Another issue I had again was how Miranda's character seem to be pretty wishy washy but at least it was more tame in this book then in Catching Jordan! Overall, I'm just really happy that Stealing Parker ended up being a much more thought provoking and well done book and gives me hope that Miranda Kenneally is going to keep getting better and better! I can't wait to read Things I Can't Forget!

Rating: 8/10

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Epic Fail - Claire LaZebnik

"He's a total loser. No one likes him. And if you start hanging out with him, you'll be buying yourself a one-way ticket to Loserville City."

"Is that anywhere near Dorktown Village? I was hoping to see that just once before I die."

Summary from Goodreads:

At Coral Tree Prep in Los Angeles, who your parents are can make or break you. Case in point:

- As the son of Hollywood royalty, Derek Edwards is pretty much prince of the school--not that he deigns to acknowledge many of his loyal subjects.
- As the daughter of the new principal, Elise Benton isn't exactly on everyone's must-sit-next-to-at-lunch list.

When Elise's beautiful sister catches the eye of the prince's best friend, Elise gets to spend a lot of time with Derek, making her the envy of every girl on campus. Except she refuses to fall for any of his rare smiles and instead warms up to his enemy, the surprisingly charming social outcast Webster Grant. But in this hilarious tale of fitting in and flirting, not all snubs are undeserved, not all celebrity brats are bratty, and pride and prejudice can get in the way of true love for only so long.

I didn't really know what to expect when I got Epic Fail from the library, I just knew I liked the cover and the fact that there was something to do with Hollywood royalty. I'd never heard of Claire LaZebnik before so I have no idea what else she's written (and I don't know if I will try any of her other works) but I was glad I found this book! It's supposed to be a modern take on Pride and Prejudice, I guess but I have never read the book (I think I saw the movie and didn't like it) so it wasn't until I read the summary of Austen's book that I could see the similarities. Our main character Elise was so awesome and just full of witty remarks (like the quote I posted above). I love that she stood up for herself and for other people. The romance wasn't the best for me but it was cute. I just didn't really like Derek - I definitely fell for Webster Grant (Derek's enemy) because he was so charming! After awhile I got over Webster's charm though and started getting creeped out and suspicious! Even though we eventually learn more about Derek towards the end of the book, I wish we got more earlier on. It felt a little weird how some things came together. One of my favorite moments was when Elise actually got Derek to be a little playful and they had a fun game of Ping Pong. He was just a really closed off character which I would usually be all over but not so much this time. I was glad to see the sister relationships featured so heavily, but I really wanted to smack Elise's younger sister Layla! She was such a brat and she definitely has a lot of growing up to do! Overall, Epic Fail was an epic win that teaches you not to judge people so quickly!

Rating: 8/10

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The Rules For Disappearing - Ashley Elston

"Never tell anyone your secrets. They're called secrets for a reason."

Summary: Meg and her family are a part of the Witness Protection program and are sent to live in Louisiana. Meg has rules for herself like "be forgettable," "don't join any clubs," and "don't fall into a routine." So what happens when Meg meets Ethan, the cute southern boy? She ignores her plan and he starts questioning who she really is. But together they may just figure out why her family was put in the program after all.

I really really liked this book! I haven't read a book that features someone in the Witness Protection Program so it was really interesting to read and makes me want to learn more! The idea also reminded me of the Olsen twins movie Our Lips Are Sealed except this book had more drama and was a thriller! The book was really well written and I love how every character was developed! Ethan is one of the best guys ever! He is so swoon worthy! I don't think a guy in real life would be as willing as Ethan was to help Meg though. I do wish Meg's mom was featured a little more because I felt like that story line got wrapped up a little too easily in a way. I loved seeing the struggles Meg and her little sister Teeny had to face and how Meg was always so protective though and how she was always there whenever she could be. And when Teeny and Ethan bonded - so cute! I was so happy that Meg and Teeny both had someone there for them and I loved seeing Meg eventually learn to accept help and let people in. It's a really hard lesson for anyone to learn no matter what the circumstances are! I was definitely surprised when I found out why they were even in the Program! But I was happy that I guessed who one of the bad people were :) This book was just so fun and is perfect to read anytime! So go read it right now! I can't wait for the second one to come out!

Rating: 9/10

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Salt - Danielle Ellison

"I think I found the demon."

"The demon that-"

"Ours. Mine. The one that took my power."

Summary: Penelope is a witch whose parents were murdered by demons. But the demons also stole her magic and she will do anything to get it back.

When I saw this book up for grabs on NetGalley, I was like "hm, I'll request it just for the heck of it because that cover is really pretty." (Purple is my favorite color!) I first thought that Salt was just going to be really cheesy and lame and just another book trying to do witches and demons but I was pleasantly surprised! The demons were a little hokey sometimes but overall I thought the action was great and Penelope was so fun! And how Carter was brought into the story was perfect! I loved Carter and Penelope's bantering so much! If a book has a boy and a girl who just keep bantering and are sarcastic with each other all of the time then I love it! I felt like the amount of background information we received was just the right amount and the story wasn't dragged out or anything! There was also a little twist with Carter that I was really surprised I didn't figure out sooner! Overall Salt was a fun read and I am so excited that Ellison is writing more! I really can't wait for the next one!

Rating: 8/10

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The Distance Between Us - Kasie West

"Caymen?"

"Yes?"

"You look terrified. Does this scare you?"

"More than anything."

"Why?"

"Because I didn't bring my mints."

"And now the real answer..."

"Because I'm afraid that once you catch me, the game's over."

Summary: Rich people are everything that Caymen Meyers hates but what happens when one walks into her life and changes everything?

This book was adorable! It was so enjoyable that I would read like 90-100 pages in one sitting and not even realize that I just read that much until I finally took a break. It was a very light, easy read. At first I was a little put off by Caymen. I get told that I'm sarcastic but wow Caymen is sarcastic! I ended up loving her personality though and it made for some great moments. And then there's Alexander "Xander" Spence. *sigh* He is the sweetest and I love him SO much! Have you watched One Tree Hill? The whole time I was reading the book, I was picturing Xander as Nathan Scott (played by James Lafferty). One of the moments I really liked was when Zander found out that Caymen thought he had a girlfriend. I loved how he got mad because up until that point, I couldn't tell what was going to happen. And then the kitchen scene towards the end after Caymen and her friend Skye TP'd his house...so good ;) And I love how Xander would take a sip of any of her drink before he gave it to her! If anyone read my Pivot Point review then you know I love Kasie West! While this isn't my favorite (let's face it, Pivot Point is just one of the best books ever), it's still one of my favorites and I can't wait to read more from Kasie West in the future!

Rating: 8.5/10

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My Life Undecided - Jessica Brody

"...It's like I'm caught between two versions of myself. The person I used to be and the person I'm too scared to become. I feel like I'm looking into a mirror and my reflection doesn't match. I just want to be myself again. Only, I'm not sure who that is anymore. Is it the girl in the mirror, the one I've struggled to be my entire life? Or is it this stranger living inside me who wants nothing to do with her? How do you decide between them? How do you know which one is really you?"

Summary: Brooklyn is a 15-year-old girl who has been making bad choices. One of them caused her to get arrested and 200 hours of community service. After this, she has decided that she doesn't want to make decisions anymore. So what does she do? Start a blog, of course. Her fate is now in her readers' hands.

I loved this book! The idea is so unique and fun! The whole time I kept thinking "I want to try out Brooklyn's idea!" But I already know that would be a bad decision. It was really fun living in Brooks world and I loved watching her go through all of her ups and downs. Even though I don't think some of the situations she went through were totally realistic (mostly the hostage situation), I think it was still a great book. I love that Brooklyn learned that each decision is HER choice. Even if it's a bad decision (like when she got arrested), each one teaches you a lesson! Then you take that lesson and learn from it and apply it to your life. I feel very inspired by this book! Now lets discuss the boys...Hunter and Brian. When Hunter first appeared I was like "OMG I LOVE YOU." but then that faded as soon as Brian appeared. I usually don't go for the dorky guys but he was SO CUTE. And he flirted which I really don't picture dorky guys to do! And that KISS during Truth or Dare...WOW. He's got moves! And I am also really glad that Brian learned to make his own decisions, too! Everyone should read this book like...now. Brooklyn is one of my favorite characters ever and I was so sad when the book was all over because I literally feel like I lost a best friend. I think everyone can relate to her!

Rating: 9/10

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Origin - Jennifer L. Armentrout

"I'll burn the world down to save her."

Summary: Daemon is on a search to find Katy after she got trapped at Mount Weather and he will do anything to get her back and keep her safe. Along the way, secrets and lies will be revealed and a war is coming.

This review will contain spoilers!

OMG. This series just continues to kill me. I will be forever obsessed with these books! This one was just as amazing as the other ones and super action packed! The whole time I was reading it, it was like a movie was being played in my head. That scene where Vegas was getting blown up was EPIC. Like oh my gosh it would be so perfect in a movie! I would be upset if something I did caused innocent people to get killed and I feel bad for Daemon but how can you not love that he was doing it save Katy?! Reading wise, I honestly had a hard time getting into the groove of this book with the alternating POVs. I was so used to reading Katy's POV and I often times had to re-read paragraphs or whole pages when I couldn't remember whose POV we were in. But I absolutely loved Daemon's parts. I love being able to get inside of a guys head and see what it's like when they're in love even if this is just fiction. It's gives me hope for guys in real life haha. And can we talk about the wedding?! OMG I can't believe it. I was so shocked but I am so happy! Now for Archer...I'm not really a fan of his. I saw some people talking on a twitter about a new "ship" and I was so worried that Archer was going to come between Katy and Daemon - thank goodness he didn't!!! I would've been devastated. There was definitely a major shocker in this book - MATTHEW. Like what in the world?! I was so glad he got killed off! It just goes to show that you can't trust anyone! And then the Luxen showing up at the end! Ah I cannot wait to see what is going to happen next! I can't believe we have to wait til next summer!

Rating: 9/10

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Flirting in Italian - Lauren Henderson

"My adventure - maybe my real life - is about to begin."

Summary: Violet sets off on a journey to Italy to find out more about a painting that features a girl that looks just like her.

Oh my gosh, this book was awful. It might as well be considered a DNF for me because I basically skimmed it after the first 140 pages. Going into this, you get little information on what the book is actually going to be about. The second I read the Prologue, I was like 'This is so stupid." I don't know anyone in the real world who would automatically set out on a "life journey" just to learn more about a painting and the person in it. Once Violet actually gets to Italy, the story gets even worse. I don't want to spoil what happens in case you actually want to read the book but it was one of the worst story lines I've ever read. It just wasn't believable at all! And I can't believe there's going to be a second one! The only part I liked was this kiss that Violet shared with this hot Italian guy but even that storyline got ruined. I was warned that this book was bad but gave it a shot anyways. I really wish I hadn't.

Rating: 0.5/10

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The Au Pairs (Book 1) - Melissa de la Cruz

"In the end, it had been the best summer of their lives. Maybe there was truth in advertising after all."

Summary: Mara, Jacqui and Eliza are on their way to having the best summer ever after they get jobs as Au Pairs for Kevin Perry in the Hamptons.

I've read a couple of books by Cruz now and nothing has been as awesome as her book Girl Stays in the Picture! Thank goodness this one was decent, though! But that's not saying much when the only thing I liked about this book was the fact that it took place in the Hamptons. I was looking for that spark that made me feel like they did have the best summer but I was just annoyed with everyone - except for Ryan...he sounds like a cutie! Mara was my favorite because she was they typical girl next door and I was looking forward to seeing her and Ryan's relationship but Cruz barely gave us anything. As a reader, we literally get to see them have like three conversations and then all of a sudden their in love! I was like 'Wait...what?!' Cruz writes books though that gives us insight into the rich which I love so that's why I read them. They're just fluff, though. Oh and I LOVE the new book cover but wish they kept the old title. Beach Lane doesn't really work well for me.

Rating: 6/10

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Nobody But Us - Kristin Halbrook

"I want to live."

Summary: Will and Zoe are on the run from the terrible lives they live in hopes of finding a life worth living.

This book made me feel lots of different emotions. On one hand I felt hopeful for Will and Zoe and anger for what they have had to go through. I really was rooting for them, especially Zoe. Then I felt angry with Zoe for doing stupid things like shoplifting. I felt shock and even more anger as I read the tragic ending. I was mad at what Will and Zoe chose to do along the way because it ultimately lead to a heartbreaking conclusion. I really didn't agree with how they went about going on the run and stealing and doing everything else they could to survive. I think there could've been a better way for them to handle the whole situation. What I really liked was the love they had for each other! It was beautiful to see these two people willing to do ANYTHING for the other one. I thought about this book off and on for a week straight after I read it! I've never read anything like it because I usually try to stick with happier story lines but I am very glad I finally read this book!

Rating: 8/10

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Unbreak My Heart - Melissa C. Walker

 

"Sometimes to really see something, you have to reframe it."

Summary: Clem is stuck on a boat with her family for the summer where she is forced to think about the fact that she ruined her friendship with her best friend Amanda because she fell for her boyfriend. Along the way, Clem meets James who helps her see the situation differently and re-evaluate her life.

I read this book because it has a Sarah Dessen feel to it and I LOVE Dessen. As I was reading the book I was really hating it because it takes forever to learn why Clem and her friend Amanda aren't friends anymore. Now, I would have known the reason if I had just read the summary, but the real reason I checked out the book from the library is because I really love the cover. Plus, it's got a travel vibe to it which I also love. I honestly think it's ridiculous that Clem is beating herself up so much over this situation. Sure Clem fell for her best friend's boyfriend, but they never hooked up so I wish she didn't feel so guilty. Overall, I thought this book was decent.

Rating: 5/10

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Lux series - Jennifer L. Armentrout

"The enemies aren't obvious. There are no guaranteed happy endings."

Summary: Katy and her mom move to a small town in West Virginia next to twin brother and sister Daemon and Dee. As Katy gets settled, she begins to learn about the missing people in town as well as see some strange things with Daemon and Dee. Who are they? Better yet, what are they?

I can't even begin to describe how much I love this series! I read all three books in no more then 5 days and absolutely cannot wait for the fourth one to come out in August. Daemon is officially one of my favorite fictional characters ever! I always love the bad boys and he was top notch. Some people don't like the way Katy and Daemon's relationship goes but I love cliches so I am very happy. The books are such a thrill and the third one was no different, leaving us with a major cliffhanger! Up until now all of the books have been from Katy's point of view but the new one will be from both Daemon and Katy's POV. I think this will be very interesting to see what Daemon is thinking since usually we have to choose to either believe him or not. I also love that these books make you question every character that appears. You never know anything 100%. Everyone should read these, they're so good!

Rating: 9/10

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Audition - Stasia Ward Kehoe

 

"Wish my life were inside a book so I could turn to the ending, see if it is a love story or a gothic disaster."

Summary: Sara leaves home to study ballet in a city she's never been before after she receives a scholarship. While there, Sara falls for Remington, a choreographer in his early twenties. Becoming his muse, Sara starts to question her love for Rem, her love of ballet and discovers a new passion of hers - writing.

I checked this book out at the library before I bothered looking at the style of writing so I was surprised to find that it was written in verse. I usually avoid these books at all cost, but since I love the world of ballet I decided to give it a shot and I'm glad I did! The style of writing really fit with the subject matter and made the story a lot more intense and romantic and upsetting. I think many people can relate to Sara. Everyone is trying to figure out what path to take and they find that sometimes they make the wrong choices on that journey.

Rating: 7/10

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Guitar Notes - Mary Amato

 

 "Maybe it explains the reason why one person likes another. It's because their souls both thrum at the same frequency."

Summary: Tripp Broody and Lyla Marks both use the same practice room during the school year. Tripp uses the room on odd days while Lyla uses it on even days. One day Tripp leaves his trash in the room and Lyla writes him a note. From there they start leaving each other notes - starting from snippy to something more.

I love Tripp! he was so snippy, especially with his mom. He has an extreme love for his guitar and his mom keeps that from him because he's failing in school, which is why he signs up for a practice room. Lyla and Tripp's friendship is really sweet. It's a secret that I think worked really well because they're both just trying to figure out what path to take in their lives and this way no one has a say. The book is about that "thrum" that you feel, whether it be with a person or an object and Tripp and Lyla "thrum" and make beautiful music together.

Rating: 8/10

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Unraveling Isobel - Eileen Cook

 

Isobel: “My mom giggled and whacked Dick with a dish towel. I would have whacked him harder with the cutting board, but that was just my preference."

Summary: Isobel is forced to move to an island off of Seattle when her mom marries Richard, a guy she met on the internet three months ago. Sure they live in a mansion but that doesn't mean anything when Isobel is haunted by a ghost! But is it a ghost...or is Isobel losing her mind? Her dad does have schizophrenia after all. Part ghost story, part thriller and part romance, this book has something for everyone!

I really enjoyed this book! Isobel has a stepbrother, Nathaniel, who provides some really good comedic moments. I loved his and Isobel's interactions. I really hated her stepdad. What a jerk! And the ghost story kept me wondering til the very end. I was never able to figure out what was going on! There were definitely some twists! I was a little unhappy with the ending though, it felt a tad rushed. Other then that, everything was good!

Rating: 8/10

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