Review: This Girl by Colleen Hoover

This Girl

(Slammed # 3)

By: Colleen Hoover

Pub. Date: April 30, 2013

Publisher: Atria Books

Pages: 256

Source: Netgalley

There are two sides to every love story. Now hear Will’s.

Colleen Hoover’s New York Times bestselling Slammed series has brought countless readers to their knees with a whirlwind of love, passion, and heartache.

Layken and Will’s love has managed to withstand the toughest of circumstances and the young lovers, now married, are beginning to feel safe and secure in their union. As much as Layken relishes their new life together, she finds herself wanting to know everything there is to know about her husband, even though Will makes it clear he prefers to keep the painful memories of the past where they belong. Still, he can’t resist his wife’s pleas and so he begins to untangle his side of the story, revealing for the first time his most intimate feelings and thoughts, retelling both the good and bad moments, and sharing a few shocking confessions of his own from the time when they first met.

In This Girl, Will tells the story of their complicated relationship from his point of view. Their future rests on how well they deal with the past in this final installment of the beloved Slammed series.

I am a huge fan of the first two book in the Slammed series, so I was super excited to read Will's POV from before and after the events in Slammed and Point of Retreat. Will and Layken both have a difficult pasts. They both lost their parents and even though they are young, they are raising their younger brothers. Their relationship has definitely seen ups and downs too. Now, the two of them have found peace and they are on their honeymoon (yay!). In between the fun times, Layken begins asking Will about his girlfriend and what he was thinking during certain points in their relationship, and thus begins the basis for This Girl.

In every book she writes, Colleen Hoover has a way of making the reader feel every little thing right along with the characters. There is so much heart and emotion in each character and This Girl was no exception. Will's story is such a sad one because his parents died suddenly and two weeks later the women he loved broke up with him. I really felt for him while reading his story. I loved getting his perspective on the events that happened in Slammed. When everything was going down, I was extremely interested in what was happening in his head, and now I finally know!

The Slammed series is a wonderful series that I highly recommend! 

Review: Tremble by Jus Accardo

Tremble

(Denazen # 3)

By: Jus Accardo

Pub. Date: May 14, 2013

Publisher: Entangled Teen

Pages: 352

Source: Publisher for blog tour

Dez Cross has problems. She’s almost eighteen and on the verge of losing her mind thanks to the drug Denazen used to enhance her abilities. People close to her have turned their back on the underground and are now fighting for the wrong side. And then there’s Kale... Things couldn’t get any worse.

Until of course, they do. Denazen is about to start a new trial—this one called Domination—and it works. But that means out with the old and in with the new. The order has been given to terminate all remnants of the second trial—including Dez. The good news is that there’s a survivor from the original trial. A woman who’s blood may hold the cure for the second generation of Supremacy kid’s defect. But the underground Sixes aren’t the only ones who know about her….

Cross is willing to throw everything he has to keep Dez from getting the cure—including the one thing that might tear her apart from the inside out.

When we last saw them, Dez was being cured from a powerful touch that could have killed her, and for that cure, Kale sacrificed himself and was taken back to Denazen as their prisoner. A few months later and Dez still hasn't heard anything from Kale or Denazen but she hasn't stopped searching. When she finally sees Kale again, she can't believe what she sees. It isn't the Kale she knows. He's darker and scarier, and he wants to kill her! I was in just as much shock as Dez and it was hard for me to read! I am so invested in these characters and Dez and Kale's relationship, and this completely broke my heart. I also know that even though Kale has killed before, he isn't a cold blooded murderer. I didn't know what was going to happen to Kale and I was definitely worried.

Dez is also dealing with the effects of the Supremacy project. She is starting to a hallucinate, and if they don't find a cure soon, she knows she is going to die. Despite dealing with so much, she is still the same strong, funny, awesome Dez we know and love!

Jus Accardo is such a talented writer, especially in the way she can make you feel for her characters, even when they are doing bad things. They all have a certain quality about them that makes them original and realistic. Also, her stories are always intriguing and captivating. There is always something going on in the story and it is a nice balance between being too much, and not being enough.

I can't wait to find out what happens next! This is a series that should not be missed! 

Review: The Beautiful and the Cursed by Page Morgan

The Beautiful and the Cursed

By: Page Morgan

Pub. Date: May 14, 2013

Publisher: Delacorte Books for Young Readers

Pages: 352

Source: TLA 2013

After a bizarre accident, Ingrid Waverly is forced to leave London with her mother and younger sister, Gabby, trading a world full of fancy dresses and society events for the unfamiliar city of Paris.

In Paris there are no grand balls or glittering parties, and, disturbingly, the house Ingrid’s twin brother, Grayson, found for them isn’t a house at all. It’s an abandoned abbey, its roof lined with stone gargoyles that could almost be mistaken for living, breathing creatures.

And Grayson has gone missing.

No one seems to know of his whereabouts but Luc, a devastatingly handsome servant at their new home.

Ingrid is sure her twin isn’t dead—she can feel it deep in her soul—but she knows he’s in grave danger. It will be up to her and Gabby to navigate the twisted path to Grayson, a path that will lead Ingrid on a discovery of dark secrets and otherworldly truths. And she’ll learn that once they are uncovered, they can never again be buried.

I finally read a story about gargoyles that I enjoyed! I look forward to reading any book that I hear has to do with gargoyles, but they all end up disappointing me. So of course, I went into The Beautiful and the Cursed with absolutely no expectations. I didn't want to be disappointed yet again, but thankfully I wasn't and The Beautiful and the Cursed ending up being the best gargoyle book I have ever read.

Set in Paris in 1899, the story follows Ingrid, and her younger sister Gabby as they move from London to Paris. As they arrive at their new home, they find out their brother, Grayson (Ingrid's twin) who came to Paris earlier has been missing for several days. The police aren't taking his disappearance seriously and the young women believe it is up to them to find him. They get swept into a world that they never knew existed. Below the beauty, the parties, the cosmopolitan life style there are secret organizations, gargoyles, monsters and angels.

I loved learning about the history of the gargoyles. Who they were, where they came from, and why they became gargoyles. I found all of that extremely interesting. I also enjoyed learning about the different types of gargoyles.

I really enjoyed all of the characters and felt a connection to them. We get to read four different POV-Ingrid, Gabby, Luc and Graysons. I thought each one added more to the story. I especially loved Luc's because that is how we learned about the inner workings of the gargoyles. Grayson's was also interesting because we got to learn who kidnapped him and what was happening to him before the other characters found out.

Page Morgan did a wonderful job weaving history and mystery together in Beautiful and the Cursed and I am very excited for the next book!

4.5 stars rounded up to 5.

Review: Game by Barry Lyga

Game

(Jasper Dent # 2)

By: Barry Lyga

Pub. Date: April 16, 2013

Publisher: Little, Brown Young Readers

Pages: 517

Source: Purchased

I Hunt Killers introduced the world to Jasper (Jazz) Dent, the son of the world's most infamous serial killer.

When a desperate New York City detective comes knocking on Jazz's door asking for help with a new case, Jazz can't say no. The Hat-Dog Killer has the Big Apple--and its police force running scared with no leads. So Jazz and his girlfriend Connie hop on a plane to the big city and get swept up in a killer's murderous game.

Meanwhile, Jazz's dad Billy is watching...and waiting.

I was a huge fan of last years I Hunt Killers and I could not wait to get myself a copy of Game. I didn't think it would be possible, but I loved Game even more. The stakes are higher, the plot is chilling, and the writing is fantastic. We also get to dive more into the mind of Jasper (aka Jazz) and his father, the notorious serial killer Billy Dent.

Jazz is one of my favorite YA boys out there. Having been raised by a psycho, he definitely did not have a normal childhood. Anything good or happy in his life was always tainted by his father's "lessons". Now at 17, Jazz is trying to figure out what kind of man he is supposed to be. He doesn't want to be like Billy. He always wants to make the right choice and do the right thing, but he knows that it will only take one slip up to become Billy. Even something as beautiful as first love is screwed up for Jazz. He is even afraid to have sex with girlfriend Connie because sex and murder is connected in his mind (Thanks for that Billy!). He is afraid that losing his virginity would be his trigger. That once he has sex, he will murder-how messed up is that? Poor, poor Jazz. I really feel for the kid.

In I Hunt Killers, Jazz helped the police capture the impressionist. In Game there is a serial killer in New York City, and it may or may not be related to Billy and the impressionist. These murders are gruesome. There are body parts being cut off (and eaten!), insides on the outside, and everything in between. But it's a game. The victims, the police, Jazz, even the one (or two!) murderers are merely just the players.

I seriously could not turn the pages fast enough. Everything about this book was absolutely amazing. Probably the worst thing you could do is read this book at night, in a strange place (like me!). The creep factor is absolutely through the roof!

Game ended on a cliffhanger that I definitely did not see coming. Actually, Game ended on several different cliffhangers! I am so excited to find out what happens next!  

Giveaway: Icons by Margaret Stohl

In honor of Memorial Day, I have an ARC copy (with the old cover!) of Icons to give away. I haven't read this book yet, but I have been hearing awesome things about it! To enter, please fill out the form below. US only and must be over 13 years old to enter. Thanks and good luck!

Your heart beats only with their permission.

Everything changed on The Day. The day the windows shattered. The day the power stopped. The day Dol's family dropped dead. The day Earth lost a war it didn't know it was fighting.

Since then, Dol has lived a simple life in the countryside -- safe from the shadow of the Icon and its terrifying power. Hiding from the one truth she can't avoid.

She's different. She survived. Why?

When Dol and her best friend, Ro, are captured and taken to the Embassy, off the coast of the sprawling metropolis once known as the City of Angels, they find only more questions. While Ro and fellow hostage Tima rage against their captors, Dol finds herself drawn to Lucas, the Ambassador's privileged son. But the four teens are more alike than they might think, and the timing of their meeting isn't a coincidence. It's a conspiracy.

Within the Icon's reach, Dol, Ro, Tima, and Lucas discover that their uncontrollable emotions -- which they've always thought to be their greatest weaknesses -- may actually be their greatest strengths.

Bestselling author Margaret Stohl delivers the first book in a heart-pounding series set in a haunting new world where four teens must piece together the mysteries of their pasts -- in order to save the future.

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Review: Vicente by Melissa Schroeder

Vicente

(The Santinis # 4)

By: Melissa Schroeder

Pub. Date: May 2, 2013

Publisher: Self

Pages: 100

Source: Author

Vince Santini considers himself the last man standing. Being the only unmarried brother is a badge of honor, until the woman had always been in his heart returns. Acting on his attraction hadn’t been an option seeing that she was his best friend’s girl, but now she is single and free for him to pursue.

Julianna Andrews is a survivor. It took her years to walk away from her abusive husband, and now all she cares about is building her business. She doesn’t have time for Vince or the temptation he represents. He is a reminder of her past. One argument leads to a heated kiss, and the passion that threatens to consume them both.

Vince knows that Jules might not be ready for happily ever after with anyone, but he is bound and determined to convince her that he can give her that—and more. This Santini is happy to be the last man standing—as long as he is HER man.

Vicente is about the fourth Santini brother. He is the oldest, and also the only one still single. It looks like Vince is going to stay single, that is until he meets up with Juliana Andrews, his first love. The two connect again when Jules goes to dinner at the Santini household, which has definitely grown since the last time Jules was over there.

My favorite aspect of this entire series is the dynamic between the brothers. They are so full of life and energy. They know how to have fun, how to mess with each other, but no matter what they have each other's back. Nothing means more to them then their family, and their family will always come first.

I liked Jules as a love interest for Vince. She has been through so much with her dead husband. He really was a horrible man, and for someone who experienced his abuse, she was really strong, and a perfect fit for Vince.

I am sad to see this series end, though I have heard that the mom, Joey Santini will get her own story and I am very excited to read that!  

3.5 stars rounded up to 4. 

Review: Dare You To by Katie McGarry

Dare You To

(Pushing the Limits # 2)

By: Katie McGarry

Pub. Date: June 7, 2013

Publisher: Harlequin Teen

Pages: 304

Source: Netgalley

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

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

"I dare you..."

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

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

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

Pushing the Limits was one of my favorite books from last year, and Beth Risk fascinated me. I wanted to know more about this girl, and what made her so angry and moody. In Dare You To, we learn all about Beth and her past. We also get to see her fall in love with a (cute!) boy named Ryan.

What we first see of Beth only touches the surface. Deep down she is a caring, selfless girl, who would do anything for her friends and family, especially her mom. Her mother really angered me and definitely did not deserve anything that Beth did for her. We also get to see her relationship with Isaac. In PTL, I wanted Beth and Isaac to get together. They care so deeply for one another, and would protect each other through everything. But I can see why McGarry did not make the two of them get together. Beth needs someone that is the opposite of her. She needed to grow. As bad at this sounds, I think Isaac would have kept her from reaching her potential. That isn't to say Isaac wouldn't be perfect for someone else (I am so excited for his story, Crash Into You, which comes out next year!).

Enter Ryan Stone. He is the all-American boy. He play's baseball, is one of the popular boys, and comes from a good, rich home. But just like with Beth, not everything is at it seems. Ryan lives by his parents wishes and will do everything they say. Including not talking to his older brother because he is gay.

I really liked the connection between these two characters. Beth is so broken, and needs someone strong to save her from herself. Ryan is a push-over when it comes to his parents, and needs someone strong willed to whip him into shape so he can see how stupid he is being. They were perfect for each other!

There weren't as many I would have liked, but I loved the scenes with Noah.  I just love that boy, and can not get enough of him! Seeing him and Echo happy together was so sweet. They are one of my favorite couples in YA!

McGarry has done it again with Dare You To. Her characters are so realistic and her writing is just phenomenal. She truly has a gift with writing honest portrayals of today's teenagers. 

Review: Need by Stephanie Lawton

Need

By: Stephanie Lawton

Pub. Date: May 17, 2013

Publisher: Inkspell Publishing

Source: Author

Isaac Laroche is cursed. All he wants to do is hide out and feel sorry for himself. Never mind that he got caught sleeping with his seventeen-year-old piano student, or that he abandoned her when the truth was exposed.

Isaac’s feisty high school sweetheart has different plans. Heather Swann has returned to their hometown of Mobile, Alabama, to regroup after breaking up with her troll of a fiancé. She’s restless and looking for a diversion, but she bites off more than she can chew when she sets her sights on rehabilitating Isaac with her unorthodox sexual, mental, and physical plans.

The two quickly reconnect, but their happiness is threatened by family secrets, old vendettas and the death of a beloved father-figure.

Can Heather handle Isaac’s baggage, or will her own come back to haunt them both?

I loved last years Want, but one of the biggest problems I had with it was I felt that even after it ended I still had no idea who Isaac really was. Well that has changed with Need! Told in his POV after the events in Want, I really feel that I know him now, and he really isn't a bad guy! He is man whose been burned, but he is a wonderful person who never wanted to hurt anyone.

Despite being a world famous pianist, Isaac's life is going nowhere. He doesn't know what he should do. His friends and family refuse to talk to him. Everyone has left him except for his uncle. Then he meets up with his high school girlfriend Heather, the girl who got him in trouble in the first place! I really liked Heather. At first I wasn't so sure about this crazy chic, but I ended up really loving her. I had no idea how the relationship between the two of them was going to play out, but I loved every moment of it.

Heather was just what Isaac needed. When I say he needed a good ass kicking, that is exactly what I mean, and that is exactly what he got! Heather was the perfect balance of tough and tender. The two of them were so much fun together. I loved the sexy times between them and also the sweet moments they shared!  

I thought Need was extremely well written. There were no moments where I felt the story was dragging. I really enjoyed every aspect of the plot. The epilogue was an interesting and nice touch as well! I can't wait to see what Stephanie Lawton comes up with next!

Review: Gianni by Melissa Schroeder

Gianni

(The Santinis # 3)

By: Melissa Schroeder

Pub. Date: May 17, 2013

Pages: 100

Source: eARC from Author

The youngest of the Santinis, Gee has always been the biggest flirt. He usually has no problem charming women. That is until he spies Kianna Jones across the room. For once in his life, he is unable to charm her into a date.

Kianna is a woman who doesn’t expect romance, especially with a sexy PJ who is five years younger than she is. But, he just won’t give up so she agrees to a date, which turns into several and eventually to the best sex of her life. Still, she isn’t ready to commit beyond their present status.

Gee isn’t happy when Kianna resists taking their relationship to the next level but he refuses to give up. If there is one thing a Santini understands is that nothing worth fighting for comes easily—and he is prepared to launch the fight of his life.

Gianni is the third book in the Santini brother novella series. While I am really enjoying these brothers and their stories, each book is exactly the same. The man meets the girl, she has trust issues, they start dating, they break up, they get back together. The end. I would have liked something more with Gianni but it ending up being the same story, different brother, leaving me a disappointed.

Gianni, or Gee is the baby brother. He is a flirt and definitely has no trouble charming the panties off any lady. But then he meets Kianna, and the adorable Gee makes a complete ass hat of himself. Kianna is a widow who is a few years older then Gee. Though the two of them are from different worlds, their personalities fit well together. Gee only has 24 hours before he ships out and he wants to make the best of that time, so he wants to spend that time with Kianna. When he comes back after two months, it's like no time has passed at all, and Gee and Kianna pick up right where they left off.

Without giving away any spoilers, I absolutely loved the ending. It was so sweet. Gee really knows Kianna perfectly! I also enjoyed the quotes said by Gee and Kianna at the beginning of each chapter. I thought it captured the two characters perfectly.

I am excited for Vicente's story which is being released next. Even though it will probably be exactly like the first three stories, these brothers definitely have a place in my heart! I just wish that there were more than four brothers! 

3.5 stars rounded up to 4

Review: Spirit by Brigid Kemmerer

Spirit

(Elemental # 3)

By: Brigid Kemmerer

Pub. Date: May 28, 2013

Publisher: K Teen (Kensington Books)

Pages: 432

Source: Netgalley

With power comes enemies. Lots of them.

Hunter Garrity just wants to be left alone. He’s learned the hard way that his unusual abilities come at a price. And he can’t seem to afford any allies.

He’s up to his neck in hostiles. His grandfather, spoiling for a fight. The Merrick brothers, who think he ratted them out. Calla, the scheming psycho who wants to use him as bait.

Then there’s Kate Sullivan, the new girl at school. She’s not hostile. She’s bold. Funny. Hot. But she’s got an agenda, too.

With supposedly secret powers rippling to the surface everywhere around him, Hunter knows something ugly is about to go down. But finding out what means he’ll have to find someone he can trust. 

To be honest, I wasn't too excited for Spirit. I am a huge fan of the series, but I just wasn't interested in a full length Hunter novel...I wanted the Merrick brothers!! I can happily say that I was 100% impressed with this story, and I am so glad that I read it, despite my reservations.

What I loved most about Spirit was being able to get inside Hunter's head. He really is such a fantastic guy. He has been through a lot, and it seems like it just keeps getting worse for him. He wants to do the right thing, but everyone makes it so hard. I spent the entire book trying to figure out what was going to happen, and what "side" Hunter was going to choose. Since Brigid Kemmerer is such a talented writer, I never saw any of the plot twists that came my way!

I really enjoyed Hunter and Gabriel's friendship in Spark and I was sad that they had a falling out, though I totally get why that happened. Despite everything that happened between the Merrick brothers and Hunter they still helped him out when he needed someone the most. It just shows what great people the Merrick brothers are, and made me fall in love with all of them even more! 

The other point of view we get to read is Kate. She is a Guardian sent to hunt down the Merrick brothers. Hunter never went through the Guardian training, but through Kate we see how damaging and painful the training really is. I really loved Hunter and Kate together, especially because Hunter has had such bad luck with the ladies lately!

I am so excited for the next book in the series! This is definitely one of those series that should not be missed. 

Review: School Spirits by Rachel Hawkins

School Spirits

(School Spirits # 1)

By: Rachel Hawkins

Pub. Date: May 14, 2013

Publisher: Disney-Hyperion

Pages: 304

Source: Netgalley

Fifteen-year-old Izzy Brannick was trained to fight monsters. For centuries, her family has hunted magical creatures. But when Izzy’s older sister vanishes without a trace while on a job, Izzy's mom decides they need to take a break.

Izzy and her mom move to a new town, but they soon discover it’s not as normal as it appears. A series of hauntings has been plaguing the local high school, and Izzy is determined to prove her worth and investigate. But assuming the guise of an average teenager is easier said than done. For a tough girl who's always been on her own, it’s strange to suddenly make friends and maybe even have a crush.

Can Izzy trust her new friends to help find the secret behind the hauntings before more people get hurt?

Rachel Hawkins' delightful spin-off brings the same wit and charm as theNew York Times best-selling Hex Hall series. Get ready for more magic, mystery and romance!

I have never read the Hex Hall series, but I was very much looking forward to reading School Spirits, the companion series. It sounded so good! I am so happy I was able to get an advanced copy of it. I devoured it within a couple of hours, and enjoyed every single second of it!

Izzy and her mom hunt magical creatures. They travel the United States looking for cases. They settle in Ideal, Mississippi so Izzy could solve her first case by herself. Izzy thinks it will be easy, just a mill of the run school haunting. But when she gets there, things do not look as clear cut as she originally thought. Even though she knows that she shouldn't, she makes friends.

Izzy was a really fun character. I loved getting to know her. She is a lonely girl who feels guilty over her sister's disappearance. I couldn't help but root for her. I also loved her new friends Romy and Dex, especially Dex. He just said the craziest things and I absolutely loved it! I was also very intrigued by Torin, a warlock who centuries before trapped himself in a mirror. I can not wait to learn more about him!

School Spirits is a fun and enjoyable read and I can not wait to read the next book in the series! I also plan on checking out Rachel Hawkins other series, Hex Hall.

Review & Giveaway: Thousand Words by Jennifer Brown

Thousand Words

By: Jennifer Brown

Pub. Date: May 21, 2013

Publisher: Little, Brown Books for Young Readers

Pages: 288

Source: TLA 2013

Ashleigh's boyfriend, Kaleb, is about to leave for college, and Ashleigh is worried that he'll forget about her while he's away. So at a legendary end-of-summer pool party, Ashleigh's friends suggest she text him a picture of herself -- sans swimsuit -- to take with him. Before she can talk herself out of it, Ashleigh strides off to the bathroom, snaps a photo in the full-length mirror, and hits "send."

But when Kaleb and Ashleigh go through a bad breakup, Kaleb takes revenge by forwarding the text to his baseball team. Soon the photo has gone viral, attracting the attention of the school board, the local police, and the media. As her friends and family try to distance themselves from the scandal, Ashleigh feels completely alone -- until she meets Mack while serving her court-ordered community service. Not only does Mack offer a fresh chance at friendship, but he's the one person in town who received the text of Ashleigh's photo -- and didn't look.

Acclaimed author Jennifer Brown brings readers a gripping novel about honesty and betrayal, redemption and friendship, attraction and integrity, as Ashleigh finds that while a picture may be worth a thousand words . . . it doesn't always tell the whole story.

Thousand Words was the first book I have read from Jennifer Brown and I loved every minute of it! The subject matter is so important for teenagers. Books like this will help them to understand the consequences of taking and sending naked pictures. They might think it is harmless to send a naked photo of themselves to their girlfriend or boyfriend, but this is a serious thing that can ruin many people's lives.

One night while drunk at a party, Ashleigh thinks it will be a good idea to send a full frontal photo of herself to her boyfriend Kaleb. Things are fine and the photo ends up being forgotten. That is until the two of them break up and to get revenge Kaleb sends the photo to every person on his contact list. Not only is Ashleigh completely embarrassed, but she ends up getting suspended from school, she loses her friends, gets threatening messages and has to complete 60 hours of community service. To top that off, her father might lose his job as superintendent of the school district because of his daughter's behavior.

The book goes back and fourth between the events during and after the photo was taken and her time in community service. I loved the chapters when Ashleigh was completing her community service hours. Mainly because I was so intrigued by Mack. Another boy in community service who hardy ever speaks. I just wanted to know more about him, and so did Ashleigh. I loved the friendship that ended up blossoming between the two. They both clearly had issues, but they found a mutual trust and respect in each other.

I was a little disappointed at the end. Most of my questions were answered but I would have liked to know exactly what happened to Kaleb. We learn what could happen, but not what actually happened to him. He was 18 when he sent the picture of Ashleigh around, making him an adult who distributed child pornography. He could go to prison and might have to register as a sex offender.

Thousand Words is a very realistic portrayal of what could happen if you involve yourself in sexting. Teenagers don't realize the consequences of participating in something like this. They don't understand that it can and will ruin their lives. Thousand Words should definitely be in every English classroom and library across the United States.

Giveaway!!

I have 1 ARC to give away of Thousand Words. Fill in the form below to enter. Good luck!

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Review: Toxic by Jus Accardo

Toxic

(Denazen # 2)

By: Jus Accardo

Pub. Date: October 16, 2013

Publisher: Entangled Teen

Pages: 317

Source: Purchased

When a Six saved Kale's life the night of Sumrun, she warned there would be consequences. A trade-off. Something taken for the life they gained. But Dez never imagined she'd lose the one thing she'd give anything to keep... And as if it's not enough Dez finds her immunity to Kale fading, the Six brought in to help Kale learn to control his killer touch starts drooling on him the moment they meet. Worse than that? Jade can touch Kale. But bimbo Barbie is the least of Dez's problems.

After Dez and Kale got away at Sumrun, her father lost not only his most powerful weapon but an important piece of the Supremacy project. Forced by Denazen to remedy the situation, he poisons Dez and offers her a choice--surrender to Denazen for the cure...or die. Determined to find a solution that doesn't involve being bagged and tagged--or losing someone she loves--Dez keeps the poison a secret. But when a rash of Denazen attacks hit a little too close to home, Dez is convinced there's a traitor among them. Jade.

Sacrifices, broken promises, and secrets. Dez will have to lay it all on the line if there's any hope of proving Jade's guilt before they all end up Residents of Denazen. Or worse, dead.

I loved last year's Touch, so I was very much looking forward to reading Toxic. I have no idea why I waited so long to read it! It was so much fun spending time with Dez and Kale again, but it was sad seeing all of the problems they were facing. At some points I felt that the two of them would never be able to get past them!

Kale is definitely one of my favorite YA boys. He is so innocent, yet so dangerous. I loved learning more about his inner self in the novella Untouched. I definitely think any fan of this series should read it. In Toxic, Kale is still dealing with who he is. He thinks he is a monster, but he is one of the sweetest people Dez has ever met. When Kale's power begins to hurt Dez for the first time, he will do anything to learn to control it. It would kill him if he ever hurt her. This is why he starts to spend so much time with Jade. A girl who obviously has a thing for him, but who can teach him how to not kill anyone when he touches them.

If it wasn't bad enough that Kale is spending time with a girl who can touch him when Dez can't, Dez is also dying.  I really felt for Dez. She was dealing with so much, and she kept everything inside. She really is such a strong and selfless girl.

I love Kale and Dez together, but I hated that they were keeping so many secrets from the other. I get they wanted to protect each other from pain, but the two of them have been through so much and they really needed to lean on each other. They also shared many sweet and tender moments, which was nice and refreshing.

I was lucky enough to get an early copy of Tremble, the third book in the series, and will be starting it right away! Toxic ended on a horrible cliffhanger and I can not wait to see what happens next!

Review: Marco by Melissa Schroeder

Marco

(The Santinis # 2)

By: Melissa Schroeder

Pub. Date: May 10, 2013

Publisher: Self

Pages: 110

Source: Author

Marco is the quiet one of the four brothers which works well for his career as a Navy Seal. Living in Hawaii is a dream come true, his only probably is the infatuation he has for his landlady. He’s not sure he wants to act on his attraction until his brothers push Marco’s temper with a little harmless flirting.

Alana Kailikea is a woman who understands loss. Her entire family was killed when she was only eighteen, leaving her an heiress. A bad experience with gold digger has left her wary of most men—especially gorgeous men like Marco. She never expected him to ask her out, or that it would lead to a romance that has them burning up the sheets. Still, she tells him that an affair is all she wants.

Marco doesn’t want an affair—he wants forever. He agrees to her idea of an affair determined to use every chance she gives to convince her that they were made for each other.

I read Marco as soon as I received the review copy in my email, and I had it finished within an hour. Melissa Schroeder is such a talented writer and she can create the most amazing characters with wonderful connections. Marco is book two in the Santini novella series. I am a huge fan of these brothers, and so far, Marco is my favorite one!

Marco is the quiet brother. Where his brothers are loud, he is more reserved. He has a crush on his landlady Alana, but would never say anything to her about it. It isn't until his three brothers come for a visit, that he finally gets up the nerve to ask her out, but only after he already embarrassed himself in front of her! Alana is 25 years old and lost her family 7 years earlier in a car accident. She is a private person whose been hurt, but she has a huge likable quality. I really loved the two of them together. They had a little bit of a rocky start, but I was rooting for them from the beginning.

I also loved getting to know the brothers a little bit more. We already met Leonardo and Vicente in the first book, but in Marco we also got to meet Gianni, the baby in the family. I am very excited to read Gee's story, which is the next one to be released! 

4.5 stars rounded up to 5

Review: The Girl with the Iron Touch by Kady Cross

The Girl with the Iron Touch

(The Steampunk Chronicles # 3)

By: Kady Cross

Pub. Date: May 28, 2013

Publisher: Harlequin Teen

Pages: 384

Source: Netgalley

In 1897 London, something not quite human is about to awaken.

When mechanical genius Emily is kidnapped by rogue automatons, Finley Jayne and her fellow misfits fear the worst. What's left of their archenemy, The Machinist, hungers to be resurrected, and Emily must transplant his consciousness into one of his automatons—or forfeit her friends' lives.

With Griffin being mysteriously tormented by the Aether, the young duke's sanity is close to the breaking point. Seeking help, Finley turns to Jack Dandy, but trusting the master criminal is as dangerous as controlling her dark side. When Jack kisses her, Finley must finally confront her true feelings for him...and for Griffin.

Meanwhile, Sam is searching everywhere for Emily, from Whitechapel's desolate alleyways to Mayfair's elegant mansions. He would walk into hell for her, but the choice she must make will test them more than they could imagine.

To save those she cares about, Emily must confront The Machinist's ultimate creation—an automaton more human than machine. And if she's to have any chance at triumphing, she must summon a strength even she doesn't know she has.

This entire series is filled with mystery, romance, and excitement. While I didn't enjoy The Girl with the Iron Touch as much as I enjoyed the first two books, it was still a fast paced and enjoyable read.

Led by Griffin, this bunch of misfits are so much fun! All different from the rest of society, they are a family. They will protect each other at all costs. When Emily is kidnapped, the group will stop at nothing to get her back, especially Sam. The Sam and Emily romance is so sweet. Sam does not show any emotion, ever. But when it comes to Emily, he is a pile of goo. He is so protective and sweet.

Griffin and Finley are still very much apart of this story. I hated that Griffin was keeping things from her, and it was so sad that he was going through something he felt he had to keep secret. The two of them have such a strong connection, and I hate seeing trouble in paradise.

I really enjoyed the new character Mila. She is a very interesting girl, and I liked watching her grow from a machine to basically a human. I also think Jack and Mila are so cute together and am looking forward to seeing more sparks fly between them.

The Steampunk Chronicles is one of my favorite YA Victorian Steampunk series out there, and I am excited to see how this series is going to end! 

Book Blitz: Lash by L.G. Castillol

Lash by L.G. Castillo
Series: Broken Angel #1
Publication date: May 6th, 2013
Genre: New Adult Paranormal Romance

Decades after being banished from Heaven for saving a life he shouldn’t have, Lash is given a chance to redeem himself. His mission: protect Naomi Duran, a young woman who has lost her faith. The assignment proves to be anything but simple when his superiors, the Archangels, withhold key information about Naomi and refuse to restore Lash’s powers. When an unexpected source reveals centuries-old secrets, his trust is shaken to the core, and he begins to doubt those whom he had once considered to be his greatest allies.

Determined to avoid anything that would risk his chances of returning to Heaven, Lash struggles with the greatest obstacle of all—his growing feelings for Naomi. But when her life is threatened by an unknown source, Lash questions the wisdom of the Archangels and his ability to keep her safe.

Soon, Lash will have to choose where to place his faith—in the home he has fought so hard to regain or in the forbidden love he can’t bear to lose.

About the Author:

L.G. (Linda) Castillo wrote her first story when she was ten and has been writing ever since. She took a break from writing fiction and poetry to focus on obtaining her Ph.D. in counseling psychology. She is now a licensed psychologist and currently works as a professor at a Texas university. Although she has published her psychological research in several professional journals and books, her dream has always been to publish a novel. Lash is her debut novel and was written during the 2012 National Novel Writing Month event.

Author Links:

Goodreads / Facebook / Twitter

Links to Purchase:

Amazon

Barnes & Noble