Book Review : Shut Out

Book: Shut Out
Author: Kody Keplinger

Publisher: Poppy
Date Published: September 5, 2011
Pages: 273
Source: ARC
Date Read: June 7, 2011

Most high school sports teams have rivalries with other schools. At Hamilton High, it's a civil war: the football team versus the soccer team. And for her part,Lissa is sick of it. Her quarterback boyfriend, Randy, is always ditching her to go pick a fight with the soccer team or to prank their locker room. And on three separate occasions Randy's car has been egged while he and Lissa were inside, making out. She is done competing with a bunch of sweaty boys for her own boyfriend's attention.

Lissa decides to end the rivalry once and for all: She and the other players' girlfriends go on a hookup strike. The boys won't get any action from them until the football and soccer teams make peace. What they don't count on is a new sort of rivalry: an impossible girls-against-boys showdown that hinges on who will cave to their libidos first. And Lissa never sees her own sexual tension with the leader of the boys, Cash Sterling, coming.

Summary Taken from Goodreads

Yani's Review:

I have yet to write a review on my blog for Kody’s first book- The D.U.F.F.- but just as a side note… I ADORE that book and its one of my favorites. The type of book I make time to re-read on top of my busy school/work/ reviewing schedule. And while in the end I did enjoy Shut Out, The D.U.F.F. was so much more than a story to me.

Written in the same Kody style, Shut Out is funny and real. It deals with real issues about girls, sex, self-image, and peer pressure and the pressures society places on both boys and girls. It deals mostly with the girls, but still I liked that all these issues were brought up so openly. The girls learned that no matter what they felt, they shouldn’t be ashamed of it as long as they were true to themselves.

I really liked that Lissa’s boyfriend had some redeeming qualities, because sometimes I feel like what type of girls are they if they are with a guy that is such a blatant asshole. And I loved loved loved Cash Sterling, though I wish he was a little more developed.

My Review in a Tweet: I wish this book was around when I was a teenager, so I could have just accepted my beliefs and myself. Like Kody's other work, this is an amazing open discussion about sex and image. Don't shut this book out!

Ratings:

Plot: 4/5
Writing Style: 5/5
Uniqueness: 4/5
Characters: 5/5

Memorable Quotes:

"Being ashamed  of what you want or how you feel is pointless, and letting anyone else make you feel ashamed is a waste."

Similar Titles:

Other Reviews:

• GReads

Mini-Reviews: Angels and Demons Edition

Angels and Demons Edition: Fallen by Lauren Kate & Personal Demons by Lisa Derochers

 _____________________________________________

Author: Lauren Kate 
Publisher: Delacorte Press

Released: 12/8/2009
Pages: 452
Rating: 3 Stars!

There’s something achingly familiar about Daniel Grigori.

Mysterious and aloof, he captures Luce Price’s attention from the moment she sees him on her first day at the Sword & Cross boarding school in sultry Savannah, Georgia. He’s the one bright spot in a place where cell phones are forbidden, the other students are all screw-ups, and security cameras watch every move.

Even though Daniel wants nothing to do with Luce–and goes out of his way to make that very clear–she can’t let it go. Drawn to him like a moth to a flame, she has to find out what Daniel is so desperate to keep secret . . . even if it kills her.

 Summary Taken from Goodreads

My Mini-Review:
The reason it took me so long to write this review is because this book was just THERE for me. It wasn't amazing, but it wasn't bad. I enjoyed the ride, and have picked up the other books, but I can't say its the best angel book I have ever read. What I enjoyed most about this book is the mystery about Luce and Daniel's background. I can't wait to see what more is revealed in Torment, and I heard Passion is very HOT!

____________________________________________________

Author: Lisa Desrochers

Publisher: Tor Teen

Released: 09/14/2010

Pages: 365

Rating: 4 Stars!

Frannie Cavanaugh is a good Catholic girl with a bit of a wicked streak. She has spent years keeping everyone at a distance—-even her closest friends—-and it seems as if her senior year is going to be more of the same . . . until Luc Cain enrolls in her class. No one knows where he came from, but Frannie can’t seem to stay away from him.

What she doesn’t know is that Luc is on a mission. He’s been sent from Hell itself to claim Frannie’s soul. It should be easy—-all he has to do is get her to sin, and Luc is as tempting as they come. Frannie doesn’t stand a chance. But he has to work fast, because if the infernals are after her, the celestials can’t be far behind. And sure enough, it’s not long before the angel Gabriel shows up, willing to do anything to keep Luc from getting what he came for. It isn’t long before they find themselves fighting for more than just Frannie’s soul.

But if Luc fails, there will be Hell to pay . . . for all of them.

 Summary Taken from Goodreads

My Mini-Review:
Like the Story Siren, I thought Frannie's choice between Heaven and Hell would be easy.... definitely NOT! When they say Luc is a demon, they aren't kidding. He's not the usual dangerous guy, trying to be good... he could give three shits -pardon my language- until he meets Frannie. And Frannie is seriously torn between the devilishly sexy bad boy and the gorgeous golden good guy. This was my first audio book and I really enjoyed hearing Luc and Frannie's voicing their thoughts. I fell hard for this book and I am really excited to read the second book. If you are looking for a hot, fast paced, fun read... this is your pick!

Book Review: Spellbound

By: Cara Lynn Shultz

Publisher: Harlequin Teen
Release Date:  June 24, 2011
Pages: 324
Source: NetGalley

What's a girl to do when meeting The One means she's cursed to die a horrible death?

Life hasn't been easy on sixteen-year-old Emma Connor, so a new start in New York may be just the change she needs. But the posh Upper East Side prep school she has to attend? Not so much. Friendly faces are few and far between, except for one that she's irresistibly drawn to—Brendan Salinger, the guy with the rock-star good looks and the richest kid in school, who might just be her very own white knight.

But even when Brendan inexplicably turns cold, Emma can't stop staring. Ever since she laid eyes on him, strange things have been happening. Streetlamps go out wherever she walks, and Emma's been having the oddest dreams: visions of herself in past lives—visions that warn her to stay away from Brendan. Or else.

Summary Taken from Goodreads

Yani's Review:

If you read the blurb about this book, you would think that this is a dark brooding book. It's not at all, despite how tragic Emma's life has been, its actually really funny and cute. Unrealistic, but in the best way possible! The best word I can use to describe it is lighthearted, not something to take serious, just something to sit back, relax, and enjoy.... And enjoy it, I did!

Be warned, it does take a while to get into, it wasn't until around 100 pages that I really became invested. But it was almost like it did a reverse, in the beginning I had to force myself a bit to continue, in the end I couldn't put it down. Next thing you know I look at the clock and its way late for me to even be awake, but I just wanted to keep reading about Emma and Brendan.

You are probably wondering what could have caused such a switch in attitude, why did I have trouble getting into it? I think in the beginning the characters where very one dimensional. Queen Bee is a bitch, jock is a jerk, weird girl is a witch, CLICHES GALORE. Once the romance between Emma and Brendan (REALLY LIKED THEM 2GETHER) began, and I got into how funny the book was I was able to let it go, this was not meant to be a serious or deep book. And while the characters may not be DEEP, Cara does an awesome job with being true to how teenagers really are. The slang, the sarcasm, the rivalries it was all spot on!

My Review in a Tweet: 

I REALLY liked the book, and I believe its a stand alone which is definitely great if your looking for one book to just cast a spell on you for a night or two ;)

Ratings:

Plot: 4/5
Writing Style: 5/5
Uniqueness: 3/5
Characters: 4/5

Similar Titles:

similar feeling type romances

Other Reviews:

• Hobbitsies
• Smexy Books
• Bookish Delights 

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**commissions earned from sales are minimal and go towards giveaways!

Book Review: Glow

By: Amy Kathleen Ryan

Publisher: St. Martin's Griffin

Release Date:  September 27, 2011
Pages: 320
Source: ARC 
Thank you St. Martin's!

What if you were bound for a new world, about to pledge your life to someone you'd been promised to since birth, and one unexpected violent attack made survival—not love—the issue?

Out in the murky nebula lurks an unseen enemy: the New Horizon. On its way to populate a distant planet in the wake of Earth's collapse, the ship's crew has been unable to conceive a generation to continue its mission. They need young girls desperately, or their zealous leader's efforts will fail. Onboard their sister ship, the Empyrean, the unsuspecting families don't know an attack is being mounted that could claim the most important among them...

Fifteen-year-old Waverly is part of the first generation to be successfully conceived in deep space; she was born on the Empyrean, and the large farming vessel is all she knows. Her concerns are those of any teenager—until Kieran Alden proposes to her. The handsome captain-to-be has everything Waverly could ever want in a husband, and with the pressure to start having children, everyone is sure he's the best choice. Except for Waverly, who wants more from life than marriage—and is secretly intrigued by the shy, darkly brilliant Seth.

But when the Empyrean faces sudden attack by their assumed allies, they quickly find out that the enemies aren't all from the outside.

Glow is the most riveting series debut since The Hunger Games, and promises to thrill and challenge readers of all ages.

Summary Taken from Goodreads

Yani's Review:

Glow left me outside in and inside out. They aren't kidding in the book description when they compare the book to Hunger Games. I am a big YA reader, but I will not lie, most of the time the thing that draws me to the books is the romance. Rhe romance here is a side story, like in the Hunger Games, and the real story is survival. And like the Hunger Games, I REALLY enjoyed this book.

In the beginning we meet the two main characters, from whose view the story is told, Kieran and Waverly. They are cute couple, but are obsessed with labeling who the "best" person to be in a relationship with is. At first this threw me off, but then I realized life in space with such few peers must be difficult, and its the survival instinct to find and "mate" with "the best." You can tell there are some strong feelings between these two, but before we see too much of them together, their ship is attacked and they are separated. Both must do all they can to survive.

I didn't read the summary before starting the book and I was surprised by how deep this book is. You don't know who is good or evil, who to trust and who to love, and when you finally think the right person is the "right" person, you are thrown for a loop once again. Labels mean nothing. Good intentions don't lead to good actions, and vice-versa.

I read this book fairly quickly and I enjoyed every second of it. Excited to see what Amy will bring with the next book.

My Review in a Tweet: 

A tale about survival, deceit, and humanity, told from deep space. It's an adventure comparable to Across the Universe and Hunger Games. I couldn't help but write a GLOWing review of how much I liked it!

Ratings:

Plot: 4/5
Writing Style: 5/5
Uniqueness: 3/5
Characters: 4/5

Similar Titles:

Other Reviews:

• WhatchYAreading
• Saltz Man

Can't find many reviews on this book, maybe more closer to release date...

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**commissions earned from sales are minimal and go towards giveaways!

Book Review : Starcrossed

By: Josephine Angelini

Publisher: HarperTeen
Date Released: May 31, 2011
Pages: 496
Source: NetGalley

How do you defy destiny?

Helen Hamilton has spent her entire sixteen years trying to hide how different she is—no easy task on an island as small and sheltered as Nantucket. And it's getting harder. Nightmares of a desperate desert journey have Helen waking parched, only to find her sheets damaged by dirt and dust. At school she's haunted by hallucinations of three women weeping tears of blood . . . and when Helen first crosses paths with Lucas Delos, she has no way of knowing they're destined to play the leading roles in a tragedy the Fates insist on repeating throughout history.

As Helen unlocks the secrets of her ancestry, she realizes that some myths are more than just legend. But even demigod powers might not be enough to defy the forces that are both drawing her and Lucas together—and trying to tear them apart.

Summary Taken from Goodreads

Yani's Review:

Based on Greek mythology -which can I just say feels like the new "in" thing now- this is a Romeo and Juliette esque type story really captured my attention. I started it one morning and didn't put it down till I was done with it later that night. I felt a strong connection to awkward, yet beautiful Helen and her best friend. And I was really intrigued by Helen's dreams and the family feud. I think of all the Greek mythology stories, this one is the most original (or at least I am more unaware about The furies and their mythology).

 Some compare this book to Twilight. Like Twilight, there is a strong family connection and I can definitely see where people are getting the comparisons. But for some reason the similarities didn't bother me. Unlike in Die for Me, I really enjoyed this story, despite its Twilight comparisons. I loved the family and the lore. This book to me was the total package.

I enjoyed how the romance built as well. It was insta-hate, before it turned to love, which was refreshing. Though I promised myself I would no longer let insta-love affect a book's opinion (for more of that see here question 4), it still was a nice change from the usual

My Review in a Tweet: 

a Greek mythology like no other, you will devour this tale of Star-Crossed lovers! I look forward to learning more of the lore.

Ratings:

Plot: 4/5
Writing Style: 4/5
Uniqueness: 4/5
Characters: 5/5


Similar Titles:
Abandon - based on Greek mythology
Falling Under - a darker story based on Greek mythology
Goddess Test - based on Greek mythology
Half-Blood - based on Greek mythology
Twilight - sorry I can't help but compare

Other Reviews:

• The Reading Housewives of Indiana
• Book, Sweets, and other Treats!
• Hobbitsies

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Book Review: The Future of Us

By: Jay Asher and Carolyn Mackler

Publisher: Razorbill

Release Date:  November 21, 2011
Pages: 309
Source: ARC

It's 1996, and less than half of all American high school students have ever used the Internet.

Emma just got her first computer and an America Online CD-ROM.

Josh is her best friend. They power up and log on--and discover themselves on Facebook, fifteen years in the future.

Everybody wonders what their Destiny will be. Josh and Emma are about to find out.

Summary Taken from Goodreads

Yani's Review:

I was really excited to receive an early copy of this book because it's is going to be a movie and also because it has one of the most interesting premise (premises?) of all the upcoming 2011 books. I am so glad it did not disappoint!

First off, these authors are amazing! I have read all of their works and really enjoy their writing styles. So combine them and you get such a genuine real insightful characters, you can't help but love.

Second, I freaking LOVED all the 90's references. Dave Matthews, discmans, AOL, Dial-up all these things warmed my heart and took me to that place when they all felt so new to me. And then when they would bring up 2011 current trends: Glee, Netflix, Harry Potter... the reactions of the characters where too funny! Example future Emma wrote some status about Glee and Netflix, current Emma says:

"I have no idea what I'm talking about, but if Netflix and Glee equals my life, I'm hoping these are good things."

Third, I really liked Emma and Josh next door neighbor/best friend thing that had going on and how feeling complicated it. At times I wanted to slap Emma for being so dense, but some people really are scared of changes and I believe Emma is that type. Josh is so sweet and I so wish I had a next door neighbor like him growing up.

I recommend this book to ALL contemp young adult fiction fans, whether you grew up in the 90s or not, I think you would really enjoy this book!

My Review in a Tweet: 

The Future of Us is Laugh Out Loud funny and reminiscent of so many of my favorite childhood memories/items. Like being transported back in time and seeing every thing with new eyes. It's about learning that we can't control the future, only ourselves. *this would be a long tweet :-)

Ratings:

Plot: 5/5
Writing Style: 5/5
Uniqueness: 5/5
Characters: 5/5

Memorable Quotes:

"Yes, it feels great to plan your life when you believe everything can turn out fine. But what about when you're shown, again and again, how little control you have over anything? No matter what I try to do to fix my future, it doesn't work."

Similar Titles:
I love Jay Asher's Thirteen Reasons Why and Carolyn Mackler's books are all very enjoyable! Definitely check them out!

Other Reviews:

• Chick Loves Lit
• Lauren Morrill
• ???

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**commissions earned from sales are minimal and go towards giveaways!

Book Review : The Taming of the Rake

It's time for my new meme... 

Smutty Saturdays!

Book Smut Level is: MEDIUM ;)

By: Kasey Michaels

Publisher: HQN Books (July 26th 2011)
Date Read: June 4, 2011
Pages: 384
Source: NetGalley

Meet the Blackthorn brothers— Three unrepentant scoundrels infamous for being mad, bad and perilous to love.

Charming, wealthy and wickedly handsome, Oliver "Beau" Blackthorn has it all…except revenge on the enemy he can't forget. Now the opportunity for retribution has fallen into his hands. But his success hinges on Lady Chelsea Mills–Beckman—the one woman with the power to distract him from his quest.

Desperate to escape her family's control, Lady Chelsea seizes the chance to run off with the notorious eldest Blackthorn brother, knowing she's only a pawn in his game. But as Beau draws her deep into a world of intrigue, danger and explosive passion, does she dare hope he'll choose love over vengeance?

Summary Taken from Goodreads

Yani's Review:

Of all the romance novels, I must say the historical genre is my favorite. Thanks to Isa at BookSoulmates, I have been reading many of these lately. And yes they do all follow some general guidelines, such as: the hero is usually dashing, brooding, and opposed to marriage and there is so much tension and stolen moments until the hero and heroine REALLY get together. Still, they are all so different.

In The Taming of the Rake, our hero is dashing, brooding, and opposed to marriage (SURPRISE) but unlike other story lines, there is not as much "does he, does she love me?." It really is a ROMANCE novel, they build a friendship, a trust, a loving union. They have conversations and yes the kisses are forbidden and hot, but there are also many sweet and tender moments as well. AND there is stories and mysteries, outside of the romantic plot line, that just kept me reading it all in one sitting!

Also, can I just say YAY for independent girls! Chelsea is one fierce woman. I also really enjoyed seeing Beau, before he became a "rake," though he is really one of the tamest rakes I have read about. I loved them together, seriously one of my favorites.

This story is one of the most realistic historical fiction romances I have read, in the romance aspect and with the old language... which I will admit threw me off a little at first. But I can't describe to you how much I liked this book, so to sum it up....

My Review in a Tweet: Kasey Michael's story had me tripping, falling head over heels in love with not only Beau but the whole Blackborn family. Definitely some of my favorite rakes and I can't wait to read more about them!

Ratings:

Plot: 4/5
Writing Style: 5/5
Uniqueness: 4/5
Characters: 5/5


Similar Titles:

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Book Review : Falling Under

By: Gwen Hayes

Publisher: New American Library
(March 1, 2011)
Date Read: June 2, 2011
Pages: 324
Source: My Kindle

Theia Alderson has always led a sheltered life in the small California town of Serendipity Falls. But when a devastatingly handsome boy appears in the halls of her school, Theia knows she's seen Haden before- not around town, but in her dreams.

As the Haden of both the night and the day beckons her closer one moment and pushes her away the next, the only thing Theia knows for sure is that the incredible pull she feels towards him is stronger than her fear.

And when she discovers what Haden truly is, Theia's not sure if she wants to resist him, even if the cost is her soul.

Summary Taken from Goodreads

Yani's Review:

I wasn't expecting to like this book as much as I did, but it so wasn't what I was expecting. It was dark, twisted, and really scary at some points. And when it wasn't that it was hot and romantic. I couldn't put it down!

I don't know why dangerous is equal to sexy, but its so the case with Haden. He's mysterious and kind of a jerk, but not as much as other reviews make him out to be. In the words of innocent and naive Theia...

If I was going to begin the kind of games boys and girls play in high school, I should have started with a nice boy who didn’t make me feel like Little Red Riding Hood alone with the Big Bad Wolf.

And then as we get to know him he's shy one minute, and charismatic devil the next. Yes, there was a bit of insta-love, but I am starting to come of the opinion that if done right, insta-love can lead to some of passionate romance novels I have ever read. On top of really loving the romance (and let me tell if there is one thing Gwen rocks, its writing romance - see reviews of her novellas by clicking the tag Gwen Hayes below!) I was really intrigued by the mythology and the seriously twisted "Under."

I really can't wait for the second book and am so glad this book was gifted to me by Neri @ In the Name of Books Thanks Again!!

My Review in a Tweet: This Tim Burtonesque book is scary, sexy, and scary sexy. Really enjoyed falling 'Under' with Theia and Haden and looking forward to what comes next!

Ratings:

Plot: 4/5
Writing Style: 5/5
Uniqueness: 3/5
Characters: 4/5

Memorable Quotes:
This is one of my favorite scenes:

Haden stopped walking, watching me warily. I, however, didn’t stop. I didn’t even slow. Like that first day in the hall, it seemed that the world stood still. When I reached him, I pulled him into the grass and cupped his surprised face in my hands. “I missed you,” I said, and before he could respond, I kissed him with all the unpracticed ardor I possessed.

“What the hell?” I heard Noelle say, but by then Haden was smiling into my kiss and returning it. He placed his hand behind my head and pulled me closer. Noelle left in a huff.

“You’re a minx,” he said when I allowed him up for air. “And you’re going to get us both detention for PDA and walking on the grass.” “I had to make sure you weren’t another dream,

Similar Titles:

Other Reviews:

• WatchaYaReading
• OverFlowingShelf
• Truly Bookish

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**commissions earned from sales are minimal and go towards giveaways!