Fixing Delilah by Sarah Ockler

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This book was absolutely stunning! I adored every minute of it and I thought it was perfect. Sarah Ockler is such a talented author that really knows how to take the reader to another place. I felt everything Delilah felt, and I fell in love with Patrick right along with her.

The plot was great and I didn't see what she had planned coming at all. This is a wonderful novel of self discovery and growth, how relationships change and the true meaning of love, family, and forgiveness. If you've ever had a problem or fight with someone you love, I encourage you to read this book.

Gorgeous, gorgeous. A favorite ever, for sure.

5/5

The Sky is Everywhere - Jandy Nelson

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How can something so heartbreaking be told so beautifully? I thought this novel was gorgeous in it's imagery and the way the writer projects this story onto paper was really stunning. I absolutely loved Lennie's character, I completely got her. Everything she did or said I understood the premise behind it, even if she didn't.

The writing was effortless and smooth, it didn't even feel like reading. I felt like I was being told a story and I devoured it. There were so many times when I didn't want to put this book down. I can't believe this is Jandy's first novel...it's just amazing. I can't wait for many more of her books to come!

5/5

Nightshade by Andrea Cremer

Calla Tor has always known her destiny: After graduating from the Mountain School, she'll be the mate of sexy alpha wolf Ren Laroche and fight with him, side by side, ruling their pack and guarding sacred sites for the Keepers. But when she violates her masters' laws by saving a beautiful human boy out for a hike, Calla begins to question her fate, her existence, and the very essence of the world she has known. By following her heart, she might lose everything— including her own life. Is forbidden love worth the ultimate sacrifice?

I thought this novel was great! I was a little disappointed in the ending, but that didn't deter me from giving it a solid 5 stars! I loved the characters in this story, and I loved the solid plot. As I read, I could truly tell that the author knew everything but was only telling me what she wanted me to know.

The writing style was great and I thought all the characters were strong and very independent personalities. Nothing is worse when the characters blend in with each other and make for just background. I didn't love Ren's character but I complete understood him and appreciated him at the end. I think my favorites were Nev, Mason, Bryn, and Ansel...they were so sweet and amazing. Calla was a great character too, but I wasn't a fan of how she really played up on the emotions of the two boys.

Overall, the plot was great, fast-paced, and I sped through the book because I couldn't put it down! Grab this one as fast as you can!

5/5

Crank by Ellen Hopkins

Kristina Georgia Snow is the perfect daughter: gifted high school junior, quiet, never any trouble. But on a trip to visit her absentee father, Kristina disappears and Bree takes her place. Bree is the exact opposite of Kristina -- she's fearless. Through a boy, Bree meets the monster: crank. And what begins as a wild, ecstatic ride turns into a struggle through hell for her mind, her soul -- her life.

This was a beautifully written book that was infuriating and heart-wrenching at the same time. I loved Kristina and her alter-ego Bree, and I understood why she did it. this book really touches on the human emotion and our psyche in general and makes it a fascinating read.

I found that reading in verse was a little difficult at times, but I adjusted quickly and ended up finding it fascinating. I've always said that it takes a very talented author to write in verse. Because of the lack of wordage, each second needs to be meaningful. Ellen Hopkins succeeded with flying colors for me.

Definitely read this book if you're one of the late bloomers (like I was) about Ellen, it's worth it times a dozen!

5/5

Lessons from a Dead Girl - Jo Knowles

Leah Greene is dead. For Laine, knowing what really happened and the awful feeling that she is, in some way, responsible set her on a journey of painful self-discovery. Yes, she wished for this. She hated Leah that much. Hated her for all the times in the closet, when Leah made her do those things. They were just practicing, Leah said. But why did Leah choose her? Was she special, or just easy to control? And why didn’t Laine make it stop sooner? In the aftermath of the tragedy, Laine is left to explore the devastating lessons Leah taught her, find some meaning in them, and decide whether she can forgive Leah and, ultimately, herself.

Wow. One of my favorite reads of the year, for sure. I found myself sobbing at so many parts. Maybe because I relate so much to the girls that I felt it personally on my heart, or that Jo is just an amazing writer. I think it's a little bit of both =).

This novel had the perfect amount of eerieness and also suspense and drama. I thought Leah was perfectly evil and sad at the same time. She channeled her pain through something else and it made my heart hurt for her at the same time I wanted to pummel her.

Please read this novel if you haven't. I think it's a must read for all teen girls.

5/5

Sisters Red by Jackson Pearce

Scarlett March lives to hunt the Fenris-- the werewolves that took her eye when she was defending her sister Rosie from a brutal attack. Armed with a razor-sharp hatchet and blood-red cloak, Scarlett is an expert at luring and slaying the wolves. She's determined to protect other young girls from a grisly death, and her raging heart will not rest until every single wolf is dead.

Rosie March once felt her bond with her sister was unbreakable. Owing Scarlett her life, Rosie hunts fiercely alongside her. Now Rosie dreams of a life beyond the wolves and finds herself drawn to Silas, a young woodsman who is deadly with an ax-- but loving him means betraying her sister and has the potential to destroy all they've worked for.

Wow. What is there to say about this one but the obvious - I finished it in a half day. For some reason I was hesitant to start this novel, probably because As You Wish ranks so high on my favorite reads list that I didn't want Sisters Red to tarnish my love. I'll be the first to say that I was totally wrong!

I'm rediculously in love with this author, and now I'm proud to say that she is easily one of my top five favorites. She just knows how to weave a beautiful story and the creativity just blows my mind. Who can take the idea of Little Red Riding Hood and turn it into Sisters Red?! Only Jackson, I'm sure.

The writing was superb, and also in present tense which I find really difficult to do. The plot was fantastic and I totally kept reading because I had to know what happened next between Rosie, Silas, and Scarlett. Complete page turner and I adored every minute. Thank you Jackson!

*****

Jessica's Guide to Dating on the Dark Side

Marrying a vampire definitely doesn’t fit into Jessica Packwood’s senior year “get-a-life” plan. But then a bizarre (and incredibly hot) new exchange student named Lucius Vladescu shows up, claiming that Jessica is a Romanian vampire princess by birth—and he’s her long-lost fiancé. Armed with newfound confidence and a copy of Growing Up Undead: A Teen Vampire’s Guide to Dating, Health, and Emotions, Jessica makes a dramatic transition from average American teenager to glam European vampire princess. But when a devious cheerleader sets her sights on Lucius, Jess finds herself fighting to win back her wayward prince, stop a global vampire war—and save Lucius’s soul from eternal destruction. 

Wow...I absolutely loved this book! I couldn't put it down and found myself thinking about it when my nose wasn't in it. I loved the slow build Jessica and Lucius had, and it wasn't what I was expecting at all. I liked that it didn't happen right away and they had more turmoil than I thought.

The writing was amazing, and Lucius is such an INTERESTING character. I never could figure him out and found myself laughing out loud and agreeing with him as he talked about our 'stupid American traditions'. I really liked Jessica's character as well, though she was annoying and stubborn in the beginning, but I got over it and really loved her.

Now I'm even more excited to read Jekel Loves Hyde! Oh, and don't look this book up on Goodreads if you plan on reading it, there are uncovered spoilers all around the author's main GR page. Just thought to warn y'all!

5/5!

Prophecy of the Sisters - Michelle Zink

Sixteen-year-old Lia Milthorpe and her twin sister Alice have just become orphans, and, as Lia discovers, they have also become enemies. The twins are part of an ancient prophecy that has turned generations of sisters against each other. To escape from a dark fate and to remain in the arms of her beloved boyfriend James, Lia must end the prophecy before her sister does. Only then will she understand the mysterious circumstances of her parents' deaths, the true meaning of the strange mark branded on her wrist, and the lengths to which her sister will go to defeat her.

I can officially say that I am a Michelle Zink fan! After all the bummer reads I've been having, this book was a great breath of fresh air. The writing in this novel is amazing and the feel of this book is dark and Gothic, set in the late 1800's. It reminds me of the Gemma Doyle trilogy for some reason and I love that!

Michelle did a great job crafting the characters, as I felt for both Lia and Alice in different ways. It was a great ride and I found myself dying to know what would happen next. The ending was a little disappointing in the lack of action and something that happens, but I didn't let that get in the way of the rating. Can't wait to read the next one, Guardian of the Gate!

5/5

Before I Fall - Lauren Oliver

What if you had only one day to live? What would you do? Who would you kiss? And how far would you go to save your own life?

Samantha Kingston has it all—looks, popularity, the perfect boyfriend. Friday, February 12th should be just another day in her charmed life. Instead, it’s her last. The catch: Samantha still wakes up the next morning. In fact, she re-lives the last day of her life seven times, until she realizes that by making even the slightest changes, she may hold more power than she had ever imagined.

What a beautiful novel Lauren Oliver has crafted! I've always been a sucker for the feel good about yourself and self evaluation type of books, and this one is no different. I felt like I was going through the story right next to Sam, figuring it out alongside her.

The writing was beautiful and almost whimsical. I have to admit that Sam did irritate me at first, because she was so naive and didn't realize what she was doing. As the book progressed, I started to like her more and more until she turned into a really good character. I adored Kent and Izzy, they were so real and loveable. My favorite line in the book is said by Izzy who's Sam's eight year old sister who has a lisp.

"So why don't you do something about it?" I say. "You could learn to talk differently, you know."

"But this is my voice." She says it quietly but with insistence. "How would you be able to tell when I was talking?"

A beautiful novel with an unexpected twist at the end and worth the read, one hundred percent. Please go read it, it'll change your thoughts about the people you hang out with and the way you live your life.

*****

Rules of Attraction - Simone Elkeles

When Carlos Fuentes returns to America after living in Mexico for a year, he doesn’t want any part of the life his older brother, Alex, has laid out for him at a high school in Colorado . Carlos likes living his life on the edge and wants to carve his own path—just like Alex did. Then he meets Kiara Westford. She doesn’t talk much and is completely intimidated by Carlos’ wild ways. As they get to know one another, Carlos assumes Kiara thinks she’s too good for him, and refuses to admit that she might be getting to him. But he soon realizes that being himself is exactly what Kiara needs right now.

As always, I'm not disappointed with this Simone Elkeles novel!

She has a way of really getting in there and making you fall in love with the characters and plot/world she creates. It's Simone's world and I'm just living in it! She has a gift for writing and the way she integrates these two very different sides of society is brilliant.

I think I liked Perfect Chemistry better, because the odds were really against them, but this book was still excellent and such a treat to read. I devoured it in about a day, but I do that with all of her books. Carlos didn't wow me as much as Alex did but I found him just as wonderfully egotistical and cocky as his brother! Kiara was a good character for me, she was very quirky and her stuttering made me just want to give her a great big hug. The writing and development of the plot and characters was great as well. I loved the significance of the book cover too. Sighh! <3

I can't wait to find out what happens to Luis when he meets the wrong girl in Chain Reaction (3rd book in the series) coming out in 2011.

*****

If I Stay - Gayle Forman

What? Laura actually has a book review for you? It's a regular four-months-away-from-Christmas miracle!

In a single moment, everything changes. Seventeen-year-old Mia has no memory of the accident; she can only recall riding along the snow-wet Oregon road with her family. Then, in a blink, she finds herself watching as her own damaged body is taken from the wreck...

A sophisticated, layered, and heartachingly beautiful story about the power of family and friends, the choices we all make—and the ultimate choice Mia commands.

This book was intense, powerful, and beautiful. I enjoyed it so much and after my lack of reading for the past couple weeks, I'm so happy to be back in the swing of things. The way this author puts words is so elequent and real...I found myself feeling everything Mia felt. My heart broke for her family and for her friends, I could understand how torn she is in this decision, I would be too. I love novels that make me step back and think what I would do in that situation. I adored every single one of the characters. Seriously. Loved. Them. All.

One thing I am pissed about is people are comparing this to Twilight. What?! This book isn't even in the same league as Twilight. It's so, so, so much better. Not to mention the plot isn't even remotely like Twilight. It just made me giggle on the inside a bit.

Overall this book is beautiful, it made me cry, and it will make you think about your life and what you have done to affect others in your life. It shows how important family and friends are, and how the power of love can conquer pretty much anything. Absolutely gorgeous.

*****

Hex Hall - Rachel Hawkins

Three years ago, Sophie Mercer discovered that she was a witch. It's gotten her into a few scrapes. Her non-gifted mother has been as supportive as possible, consulting Sophie's estranged father--an elusive European warlock--only when necessary. But when Sophie attracts too much human attention for a prom-night spell gone horribly wrong, it's her dad who decides her punishment: exile to Hex Hall, an isolated reform school for wayward Prodigium, a.k.a. witches, faeries, and shapeshifters. 

By the end of her first day among fellow freak-teens, Sophie has quite a scorecard: three powerful enemies who look like supermodels, a futile crush on a gorgeous warlock, a creepy tagalong ghost, and a new roommate who happens to be the most hated person and only vampire on campus. Worse, Sophie soon learns that a mysterious predator has been attacking students, and her only friend is the number-one suspect.


As a series of blood-curdling mysteries starts to converge, Sophie prepares for the biggest threat of all: an ancient secret society determined to destroy all Prodigium, especially her.

I found this novel to be very charming, witty, and dark. I really enjoyed the characters and it was fun getting to know them. I especially loved the relationship between Sophie and Jenna. I have a funny feeling that there's more to Archer than what he's let on and I can't wait to read more about him.

The writing was excellent, and there was something so endearing about Sophie's sarcastic comebacks against her enemies and others that made me love her so. All of the characters had the same pull for me, and I found myself even liking the resident mean girl Elodie.

Above all, the plot was good and kept me wanting to finish the book, and the twist at the end satisfied me enough and had the right amount of closure. I still want to know what happens, but I felt it wasn't a huge and dramatic cliffhanger. A really great novel and I highly recommend it.

The second book, Demonglass, is set to release March 1st, 2011.

*****

Wicked - Sara Shepard

In idyllic Rosewood, Pennsylvania, four very pretty girls just can't help but be bad. . . .
Hanna will do anything to be Rosewood's queen bee. Spencer's digging up her family's secrets. Emily can't stop thinking about her new boyfriend. And Aria approves a little too strongly of her mom's taste in men.
Now that Ali's killer is finally behind bars, the girls think they're safe. But those who forget the past are condemned to repeat it. And they should know by now that I'm always watching.

Wicked is the fifth book in the Pretty Little Liars series and it didn't disappoint. The girls think they're safe and it's all over, now that a has been revealed and is dead. However they receive text messages from A all over again and are thrown right back into the game.

The writing was excellent, I think my reviews are the same when it comes to this series. Again, I found Hanna to be pretentious and annoying it didn't spoil the novel much for me.

****

Perfect - Sara Shepard

 In a town where gossip thrives like the ivy that clings to its mansions, where mysteries lie behind manicured hedges and skeletons hide in every walk-in closet, four perfect-looking girls aren't nearly as perfect as they seem. Three years ago, Spencer, Aria, Emily, Hanna, and their best friend Alison were the girls at Rosewood Day School. They clicked through the halls in their Miu Miu flats, tanned in their matching Pucci bikinis, and laughed behind their freshly manicured fingernails. They were the girls everyone loved but secretly hated—especially Alison.
So when Alison mysteriously vanished one night, Spencer, Aria, Emily, and Hanna's grief was tinged with . . . relief. And when Alison's body was later discovered in her own backyard, the girls were forced to unearth some ugly memories of their old friend, too. Could there be more to Alison's death than anyone realizes?
Now someone named A, someone who seems to know everything, is pointing the finger at one of them for Ali's murder. As their secrets get darker and their scandals turn deadly, A is poised to ruin their perfect little lives forever.

Once again, I am absolutely stunned by this series! I should be learning my lesson by now, eh? ;) These books are just awesome, and addicting. I just adore them and could read these over and over.

The girls' problems in Perfect are coming to the surface and they are getting exposed...things aren't what they seem. The writing, as always, is on spot and addicting. I couldn't put this book down - I finished it in about seven hours.

Above all - WHAT an ENDING! Oh my gosh I never saw that one coming. If the rest of the book is like that I'm going to be in for one shock after another. I haven't read a book series in a long time that the story gets better with each book.

I'm on my last one from the series, Unbelievable, and I'm SO upset I don't have the others. I'll have to nab them soon before I just explode.

*****

Flawless - Sara Shepard

Spencer stole her sister's boyfriend. Aria is brokenhearted over her English teacher. Emily likes her new friend Maya . . . as much more than a friend. Hanna's obsession with looking flawless is making her sick. And their most horrible secret yet is so scandalous that the truth would ruin them forever.
And why shouldn't I tell? They deserve to lose it all. With every crumpled note, wicked IM, and vindictive text message I send, I'll be taking these pretty little liars down. Trust me, I've got enough dirt to bury them alive.

Flawless definitely lived up to its name - flawless!

Sara Shepard has such a way of speaking to the reader and making it seem like they are right in the action. I found myself not wanting to read at night because I got so paranoid! That's the kind of book I crave.

In Flawless, the girls are still struggling with their problems and they are becoming more advanced and more people are beginning to suspect something is wrong with them. A is becoming more vengeful and more into blackmailing them, their worlds are crumbling beneath them.

I think if I could only read one series for the rest of my life, this would be one of the top contenders. It takes you on a ride that has so many twists and turns that you start to think crazy thoughts about who A might be. I am both annoyed and happy I haven't figured it out yet!

This series is absolutely wonderful!

*****

Pretty Little Liars - Sara Shepard

Everyone has something to hide—especially high school juniors Spencer, Aria, Emily, and Hanna.
Spencer covets her sister's boyfriend. Aria's fantasizing about her English teacher. Emily's crushing on the new girl at school. Hanna uses some ugly tricks to stay beautiful.
But they've all kept an even bigger secret since their friend Alison vanished.
How do I know? Because I know everything about the bad girls they were, the naughty girls they are, and all the dirty secrets they've kept. And guess what? I'm telling.

There's only one appropriate thing to say - holy @#$^ wow!

I can't tell you how much I adored this book and pretty much devoured it in one day. The stories were amazing and were so typical teen but not at the same time. I found myself scowling and laughing right along with these fab four (or five ;)) girls.

Sara has such a gift for entertaining the reader from the beginning and I have to say that I'm SO glad and relieved I got the box set of the first four books or I would be in agony wanting to know what happened next - what a cliffhanger she left us on! The writing and plot is intense and wonderful...and so far I think my favorite girls are Aria and Spencer but we'll see if that continues!

Off to read Flawless! ;D

*****

The Year I Turned Sixteen - Diane Schwemm

Rose dreams of becoming a singer, but when her obligations as the oldest sister start to hold her back, she faces an impossible decision.
Sick of being the "good" sister, Daisy is drawn to a boy with a more dangerous edge and pulls away from the people who care about her most.
Laurel must deal with the loss of someone close, but a new love in the wake of tragedy might be just what she needs.
With her sisters all figuring out their futures, Lily feels lost, and for the first time she must figure out who she is all on her own.
With more than cupcakes and candles on their minds, each of the Walker sisters is in for a sweet sixteen that will change everything.

Wow...a 700 page book in two days!

At first I was only reading this book because it's my largest novel, and I wanted to get it 'over with'. After beginning to read however, I was really glad I chose it just because it was a charming book! These four sisters were very real to me and having to deal with real situations. The book is long, but the voices of the girls are so easy that you get right through it.

I thought the writing was great and sometimes was a bit melodramatic, but it was still good. At times you could tell that it was written in the 90's because of some language, but then they'd add something contemporary to make it more updated.

This book was excellent and I think all readers will find something they relate to with each sister, if not all of them, A great read for anyone who is looking for their place in life and embarking on a journey to find your inner self.

*****

Dreaming Anastasia - Joy Preble

Anastasia Romanov thought she would never feel more alone than when the gunfire started and her family began to fall around her. Surely the bullets would come for her next. But they didn't. Instead, two gnarled old hands reached for her. When she wakes up she discovers that she is in the ancient hut of the witch Baba Yaga, and that some things are worse than being dead.


In modern-day Chicago, Anne doesn't know much about Russian history. She is more concerned about getting into a good college—until the dreams start. She is somewhere else. She is someone else. And she is sharing a small room with a very old woman. The vivid dreams startle her, but not until a handsome stranger offers to explain them does she realize her life is going to change forever. She is the only one who can save Anastasia. But, Anastasia is having her own dreams...

This novel was quite an unexpected surprise! I wasn't sure what I was hoping to get from this book but by the time I was finished with it, I was actually sad to see it end. The characters were deep and I loved Anne as a heroine. She was really strong but was still vulnerable at the same time.

I loved the spin about Anastasia Romanov and the whole Russian family and royalties fascinate me. The author certainly did her homework with the bloodlines (I'm actually quite obsessed with Russian royalties and Anastasia which is why I got this book to begin with) and she also added an intriguing element of magic with the witch Baba Yaga. The ending was a tiny bit weak, but it didn't affect my overall rating.

The sequel to Dreaming Anastasia is coming in January of 2011 and it is called Haunted. I took a peek at her website and the synopsis of that one s a girl being haunted by a mysterious and malevolent mermaid. I can't wait!


*****

Deadly Little Lies - Laurie Faria Stolarz

Last fall, sixteen-year-old Camelia fell for Ben, the mysterious new boy at school who turned out to have a very mysterious gift--pyschometry, the ability to sense the future through touch.  But just as Camelia and Ben's romance began to heat up, he abruptly left town. Brokenhearted, Camelia has spent the last few months studying everything she can about psychometry, and experiencing her own strange brushes with premonition. Camelia wonders if Ben's abilities have somehow rubbed off on her. Can the power of psychometry be transferred? 

This one was much better than the first one, though I still found Camelia a tad annoying and a bit self absorbed at times. Ignoring Ben consistently when he was trying to speak with her and be civil grated on my nerves occasionally.

I thought this book was better written and the plot was more developed. We didn't need to go through all of the introductions and the author did to some back-story, but it wasn't annoying. Camelia's friends were probably the best part for me - I loved their banter and I think Wes is a closeted gay man ;)

The ending took me by surprise, so that's always a good thing. The mystery of Ben, Adam, and the other occurrences kept me reading and wanting to know more. I kept saying 'one more page' repeatedly. I recommend this series, it's really good and fast paced. I'm also really interested in Camelia's aunt Alexia, and what she has to do with the story.

*****

Just One Wish - Janette Rallison

Seventeen-year-old Annika Truman knows about the power of positive thinking. With a little brother who has cancer, it’s all she ever hears about. And in order to help Jeremy, she will go to the ends of the earth (or at least as far as Hollywood) to help him believe he can survive his upcoming surgery.

But Annika’s plan to convince Jeremy that a magic genie will grant him any wish throws her a curveball when he unexpectedly wishes that his television idol would visit him. Annika suddenly finds herself in the desperate predicament of getting access to a hunky star actor and convincing him to come home with her. Piece of cake, right?

I can't even describe how much I loved this book, and it is on my list of best books of 2010. I read it in one night and couldn't put it down for anything. Annika was very real to me and I loved her as the heroine in this book which is pretty rare for me.

The plot was really unique and interesting, and I thought it was executed wonderfully. Jeremy really captured my heart and I too felt like an overprotective big sister to him by the end. Speaking of the end...oh my goodness, I was a wreck. I was crying like a baby! Definitely not what I was expecting but I still loved it. I picked this book from the library on a whim and I'm so glad I did.

I'll be definitely checking out more works by Janette!

*****