Lola and the Boy Next Door by Stephanie Perkins

Hello all! How have you all been? Are y'all feeling fall in the air? I am. And, I must say- it makes me SO happy. I do wish I lived somewhere else, so I could see the leaves change to beautiful colors, but I will accept the drop in temperature happily instead.

Today, I will be reviewing Lola! And, I will warn you now. I am going to gush. A lot. I can't help it. Stephanie Perkins does that to me. Her writing. Her boys. The settings. The quirks. Oh, the quirks!

Title: Lola and the Boy Next Door
Author: Stephanie Perkins
Rating: 5!
Cover rating: 5
Synopsis: Budding designer Lola Nolan doesn’t believe in fashion . . . she believes in costume. The more expressive the outfit -- more sparkly, more fun, more wild -- the better. But even though Lola’s style is outrageous, she’s a devoted daughter and friend with some big plans for the future. And everything is pretty perfect (right down to her hot rocker boyfriend) until the dreaded Bell twins, Calliope and Cricket, return to the neighborhood.

When Cricket -- a gifted inventor -- steps out from his twin sister’s shadow and back into Lola’s life, she must finally reconcile a lifetime of feelings for the boy next door.

I'm sure by now y'all have all read Anna and the French Kiss, and if not, I truly would like to know what rock you have been living under. I would also like you to get your butt to a bookstore and buy it's delicious goodness. It has a boy. A sexy with. With an English accent. WHO HAS PERFECT HAIR. What more do you need to know? Yeah, not much.

Anyway, I fell in love with Anna when I got my hands on an ARC last year. I have read it more times than I can count over the last year. I knew, I just KNEW, when I finished that book I would be a faithful follow of all of Stephanie Perkin's books.  So, of course I bought Lola at midnight on my nook and I absorbed every word into my soul. Once again, Perkins has delivered a stunning love story. A love story that makes you swoon. It will make your heart pound. You'll scream in frustration and bounce in anticipation. And, the best part? It's not a love story that could never happen. It's not something that could just be a dream. It's real. And, true. It's a love that is so beautiful in its pure innocence. It is a love that speaks to your soul and warms your heart. It's the love that I am holding out for.

Cricket Graham Bell, I will find a boy just as amazing, quirky, and beautiful as you. He's sweet and kind. Perkins' characters feel so real that I can see them next to me. I can hear their voices in my head. She makes them different, which only makes them more charming. I can't tell you how wonderful I thought it was that Lola had two dads. Amazing, and they are amazing. And, funny!

Stephanie Perkins inspires me in so many ways.
I will be dying until Isla is on shelves!

The Unbecoming of Mara Dyer-Michelle Hodkin/ I AM BACK

Hello :)
I have missed all you lovely readers and the blogging world in general. I haven't read very much in the past few months and have definitely not been keeping up with book news or anything of the sort. But, by golly, I am getting my groove back. And, I am happy to say it is coming back with a vengeance! I recently started a new manuscript and I am literally bursting to tell this story. This has never happened to me. I have always been excited about my projects, but this one. Oh, this one. I am in love with it. I'm swooning with every word.
I think I am going to start doing this blog a little differently. I will be writing about writing, book reviews, and TV/movie reviews. All the things I love compiled in one! But, I am keeping my blog title. It's whatever.
Now, for those of you wondering, "WHERE THE HELL HAVE YOU BEEN, MIRANDA?!". I will not tell the whole story because I am a huge fan of my privacy. I am that person that doesn't even tell her best friend things until months later when the whole ordeal is over, but I will give y'all something. Y'all have continued to follow me. I've gotten e-mails from y'all. I adore y'all. So, where have I been? (I just had to look to see when I disappeared.) April, WOW! So here comes the list: I lost a few people in my family. I never like attending funerals, who does?, but, more than 1 in a just a few months is a lot to handle. Especially in these circumstances. My family was hit was life-changing and devastating news that shook up my entire life. I am still on edge about this news. Someone very, very close to me is very, very, very sick. It was unsettling to hear the news. On top of that, I broke up with my boyfriend of over 3 years and it ended to badly. I was very ready for the relationship to end, but it was still hard to move on and let go. Also, my family had to evacuate due to the fires in Texas. Our house is fine, thanks to God. I also transferred to a new university and have been adjusting to its lifestyle. Among all these things and then the daily ups and downs of life, I needed to take a break. I needed to disappear for awhile. I needed it. But, now, I need you guys! And, this world. This whole beautiful world that bloggers, readers, writers, and authors have created. I am back and I know it will be to open and loving arms. So, thank you for sticking around.

REVIEW TIME!

Title: The Unbecoming of Mara Dyer
Author: Michelle Hodkin
Rating: 5 brilliant and shiny stars
Cover rating: 5
Synopsis:
Mara Dyer doesn't think life can get any stranger than waking up in a hospital with no memory of how she got there.
It can.
She believes there must be more to the accident she can't remember that killed her friends and left her mysteriously unharmed.
There is.
She doesn't believe that after everything she's been through, she can fall in love.
She's wrong.

Review:
So, here I am, just getting back into the book world, strolling through Barnes and Noble. Nothing is really catching my eye. In all honesty, I was just there to get away for awhile and hoping that they would have Lola and the Boy Next Door by Stephanie Perkins on the shelves early. But, then, I see it. The beautiful cover of Mara Dyer. I wanted to read this book since before I burrowed myself into my cave. After I picked it up, it was like a light in my head turned on. I need this book. I needed more books. Since I don't live at home anymore, my dad provides me with grocery money every week. I hadn't spent it yet, but I had spent all my extra spending money. I stared at the book and the few books I yanked off the shelves that I just had to have. Mara had awoken me. So, I bought the books instead of buying groceries. Yes, I did have to live off whatever I had left from my last trip to the store. No, it was no much. Yes, I was so, so hungry. No, I wouldn't rather have bought groceries.
I sat down in the cafe to read the first chapter before I headed home. The first chapter ended up being the first six chapters. I was enamoured. I couldn't put it down. I was cracking up laughing inside the store. Yes, I get strange looks when this happens, but truly I don't care. All lovers of books should understand. When a book is that good, a book is that good. I didn't want to put it down, but I had to. I had a major test the next day that I had to be prepared for.
As I was studying I kept glancing over at my bed where it was laying. I finally felt prepared enough for my test that I abandoned my school books and jumped back into Mara's mystery. Mara woke me back up. After I flew through it, it was 4 AM. I texted all the people I know that rely on me for book recommendations and told them to go get it ASAP.
Mara is a stunning debut by Michelle Hodkin. She writes a mystery that will definitely keep you up at night. She'll make you laugh and make your heart race by a sexy British boy. Seriously, Noah will make you drool. He is that sexy.
AND THE ENDING. THE ENDING. OH MY, GOD. I need the next installment, like, now. I will definitely be rereading Mara. Please, please go out and buy this book. It's worth it.

Update.

I have been away for so long due to a multitude of things. I am coming back. I will be working on reviews and design for my blog today.

To those of you I met at ATBF- Hi! :)

Amazing contest!

There is an awesome contest going on over at Good Choice Reading.

Their blog is amazing, I love it. I always trust their reviews. They are giving away an ARC of VANISHED by Sophie Jordan!

It's super easy to enter! All information is here.

City of Fallen Angels by Cassandra Clare

Title: City of Fallen Angels
Author: Cassandra Clare
Rating: 5
Cover rating: 4
Description: City of Fallen Angels takes place two months after the events of City of Glass. In it, a mysterious someone’s killing the Shadowhunters who used to be in Valentine’s Circle and displaying their bodies around New York City in a manner designed to provoke hostility between Downworlders and Shadowhunters, leaving tensions running high in the city and disrupting Clary’s plan to lead as normal a life as she can — training to be a Shadowhunter, and pursuing her relationship with Jace. As Jace and Clary delve into the issue of the murdered Shadowhunters, they discover a mystery that has deeply personal consequences for them — consequences that may strengthen their relationship, or rip it apart forever.
Meanwhile, internecine warfare among vampires is tearing the Downworld community apart, and only Simon — the Daylighter who everyone wants on their side — can decide the outcome; too bad he wants nothing to do with Downworld politics. Love, blood, betrayal and revenge: the stakes are higher than ever in City of Fallen Angels.
 
I really think I could sum up this review in one sentence:
 
Jace is perfect.
 
But, I will expand...a bit.
 
I'm not a big fan of spoiler reviews and I really don't want to give anything away. So, here goes.
 
Jace Wayland-Herondale-Lightwood is perfect. I love him, he's amazing in every way. He makes me laugh and smile pretty much every time he is mentioned. Beyond him, I think this is my favorite novel in the Mortal Instruments series. It is beautiful written and crafted. I was hooked throughout the novel. When I was forced to put it down I couldn't stop thinking about it. I wanted to go back and continue with the characters. I also gained a huge amount of respect for Simon in this novel. I liked him a lot more than I have in the previous.

Shift by Jeri Smith-Ready

Title: Shift
Author: Jeri Smith-Ready
Rating: 4
Cover rating: 4
Description: Aura’s life is anything but easy. Her boyfriend, Logan, died, and his slides between ghost and shade have left her reeling. Aura knows he needs her now more than ever. She loves Logan, but she can’t deny her connection with the totally supportive, totally gorgeous Zachary. And she’s not sure that she wants to.


Logan and Zachary will fight to be the one by her side, but Aura needs them both to uncover the mystery of her past—the mystery of the Shift.
As Aura’s search uncovers new truths, she must decide whom to trust with her secrets…and her heart.


This is going to be a very difficult review to write. I don't want to release any spoilers, but I must say I loved it! It followed Shade perfectly and I fell right back into Aura's world. From the first chapter to the unforgettable last scene I was hooked.

I felt we saw a different side of Logan in this novel. Some of it good, some of it not so good. But, he is oh so real. He is not perfect by any means and I love that. I also enjoyed getting to know his family more and seeing what has become of them after his death. This book reveals a lot about Logan. Oh, he also made me cry...again!

And, Zachary. I liked him more in this novel than I did in the first. That is not to say that I didn't like him in the first, it's just we got to know him more in this one. His accent sounds so sexy in my head. I love it. We were also privy to more information about his family in this book as well as Logan's.

The dynamic between the love triangle was written flawlessly. The emotions and confusion was so spot on.

This book contains laughter, heartache, passion, and mystery. I can't wait to read more. I can't wait to unravel even more of the mystery of the shift. I'm also waiting for the 6 month reunion with bated breath! ;)

If you have not read Shift, I recommend you do so. It's lovely and thrilling.

30 Day Book Challenge

I keep seeing the 30 day book challenge on Facebook. I think it looks fun, but I hardly ever update my Facebook. I've had it since 2007 and I think over all that time I've only had about 15 status'. So, I am going to do the 30 Day Book Challenge in one post!


Day 1: Favorite book: Just Listen by Sarah Dessen. Oh, how this book speaks to my soul.

Day 2: Least favorite book: Eragon by Christopher Paolini. I know so many people who LOVE this series. I can't even get through the first book, but I plan on giving it a third try soon for my mom who insists that I'm not giving it a chance. (She loves it.)
Day 3: Book that makes you laugh out loud: Match Made in High School by Kristin Walker. The sarcasm is hilarious. I love it.

Day 4: Book that makes you cry: Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows by J.K. Rowling. The chapter where Harry is walking to the forest I cry. No, actually I bawl and hyperventilate. I go through so many tissues when I read this book. I've read it about 20 times and every single time I cry just as hard as the first time.

Day 5: Book you wish you could live in: Harry Potter by J.K. Rowling. Always and forever<3

Day 6: Favorite young adult book: Well, my favorite book is young adult so I'll just put my second favorite book here, that is also young adult. Anna and the French Kiss by Stephanie Perkins. Holy crepes! I love it more every time I read it! I think I've read it 6 times since its December release.

Day 7: Book that you can quote/recite: Lots! But, I'll use a book I haven't used yet. Twilight series by Stephenie Meyer.

Day 8: Book that scares you: Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins. Oh, how I love this series. So powerful. It scares me because I think it could actually happen one day. I'm not saying it will, but I definitely think there are some people capable of making a Hunger Games.

Day 9: Book that makes you sick: Delirium by Lauren Oliver. Taking away love from people? Making them almost emotionless? It does make me sick to think about it because I love love. I also love this book very, very much.

Day 10: Book that changed your life:Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone by JK Rowling. I read it when I was 7. I have been attached to books ever since.

Day 11: Book from your favorite author: This Lullaby by Sarah Dessen

Day 12: Book that is most like your life: Just Listen by Sarah Dessen.

Day 13: Book whose main character is most like you: I'm not sure about which main character is the most like me, so I'll use the most recent character I've connected with on an intense level. Brooke from So Much Closer by Susane Colasanti.

Day 14: Book whose main character you want to marry: Ah, frick. I can't choose just one! Tucker from Unearthly by Cynthia Hand. Etienne St. Clair from Anna and the French Kiss by Stephanie Perkins. Doug from Forget You by Jennifer Echols. Wesley Rush from The Duff by Kody Keplinger. Any of Sarah Dessen's boys. The Fuentes brothers from the Perfect Chemistry series by Simone Elkeles. JACE from the Mortal Instruments series by Cassandra Clare. I could go on, but I should probably stop even though my mind is yelling out more names!

Day 15: First “chapter book” you can remember reading as a child: Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone by JK Rowling. 7 years old.
Day 16: Longest book you’ve read: Probably one of the Harry Potters.

Day 17: Shortest book you’ve read: The Short Second Life of Bree Tanner by Stephanie Meyer. Probably.

Day 18: Book you’re most embarrassed to say you like: I'm not ashamed to admit I like any book. I read them all proudly and will admit to liking them all.

Day 19: Book that turned you on: YA book that handles sex well: Rules of Attraction by Simone Elkeles.

Day 20: Book you’ve read the most number of times: Any Sarah Dessen. Love her!
Day 21: Favorite picture book from childhood: Love You Forever by Robert N. Munsch

Day 22: Book you plan to read next: City of Fallen Angels by Cassandra Clare or Where She Went by Gayle Forman on Tuesday!

Day 23: Book you tell people you’ve read, but haven’t (or haven’t actually finished): I don't actually remember the title, but the only book I've lied about reading was a book I had to read my freshman year of high school. It was about space or something. I said I read it, I did not. I got a 102 on paper! :)

Day 24: Book that contains your favorite scene: I don't have a specific favorite scene, but I always love when the couple meets for the first time and you can just tell. "Oh, that's the boy. There he is." I love that.

Day 25: Favorite book you read in school: Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen.

Day 26: Favorite nonfiction book: The only one that comes to mind is Night by Elie Wiesel.

Day 27: Favorite fiction book: I'll use an adult book for this one since I mostly read YA. Jessica Darling series by Megan McCafferty. <3

Day 28: Last book you read: If I Stay by Gayle Forman. <3
Day 29: Book you’re currently reading: Going Too Far by Jennifer Echols. <3
Day 30: Favorite coffee table book: Any book that has pictures of New York City. :)

Woo! Done!

The Darlings are Forever- Melissa Kantor

Title: The Darlings are Forever
Author: Melissa Kantor
Rating: 4
Covering rating: 3
Description: Jane, Victoria, and Natalya. Together, they are the Darlings. Best friends forever. They have matching necklaces, their own table at Ga Ga Noodle, and even a shared motto: May you always do what you’re afraid of doing.
When the friends begin freshman year at three different high schools in distant corners of New York City, they promise to live by their motto and stay as close as ever. The Darlings know they can get through anything as long as they have each other. But doing scary new things is a lot easier with your friends beside you. And now that the girls aren’t spending all their time together, everything they took for granted about their friendship starts to feel less certain. They can’t help but wonder, will they really be the Darlings forever?

Melissa Kantor novels always make me smile and this one was no exception. Every single one of her characters holds their own charm. They're easily relatable. Jane, Victoria, and Natalya were no different. I found each of their voices quickly. And, each girl was vastly different. I enjoyed reading from all of their point of views.

This novel reminded me of Sex and the City. And, if you know me at all, you know I love Sex and the City. Obviously, this is for a much younger audience, but the friendships shown in this novel are just as true as the foursome in city. They even had their own favorite restaurant with their favorite table. All the girls were from different parts of Manhattan. All in all, very similar to SATC. I loved getting to know each of the girls. I enjoyed finding the ties that bound them together.

I'm excited to read what is next for the Darlings. This book is adorable and fun. My only real issue was the time lines. I felt that sometimes the time line wasn't adding up when Kantor switched the point of views. I felt like the days and weeks were getting all confused. Other than that, I enjoyed the Darlings.

So Much Closer- Susane Colasanti

Title: So Much Closer:

Author: Susane Colasanti
Website: http://www.susanecolasanti.com/
Rating: 5
Cover rating: 5
Description: When Brooke's crush, Scott, moves from their suburban town to New York City, she decides to follow him there. Living with her formerly estranged dad and adapting to a new school are challenging, and things go from bad to worse when Brooke learns that Scott already has a girlfriend. But as she builds her new life, Brooke begins to discover a side of herself she never knew existed. And as she finds out, in the city that never sleeps, love can appear around any corner...

This past week was the NYC teen author festival, I was lucky enough to travel from Texas to New York to meet the authors and hear them speak. Susane's panel was my favorite that I attended. Susane, along with all the other authors, were amazing to hear speak. Their passion for books is the same as my own. I love it. It gives me more confidence in my passion. I was also fortunate enough to receive an ARC of So Much Closer from Susane Colasanti. I pretty much wanted to faint and die of happiness right then and there in Books of Wonder.

This is my favorite Susane Colasanti novel, hands down, no contest. I have adored all four of her previous novels. She is one of my favorite authors. I also think she is probably the most inspiring person I have ever met. Her inspiration and passion comes through in everything. You can feel her energy when you meet her in person, you can feel it when you read her blog, and especially in her novels. You can just feel it.

So Much Closer swept me away from the first chapter. I could not put it down. Brooke's story captivated me. I connected with her. I haven't connected to a character on a level this intense in a very, very long time. Every page that I read there would be a quote, or several, and I would think "she is practically speaking to my soul!" I loved the passion for the New York City. I feel that same passion for that place. I remember being 7 years old the first time I visited New York. I was walking with my mom on a street in Greenwich Village; I looked up at her and simply stated, "I belong here." My love for New York City has never died and with each visit I fall more in love with it. I can't imagine the energy and pure excitement I would feel, just like Brooke did, by just living there. Susane is the perfect person to write about the vibrancy of New York because she feels the energy too.

I admire Brooke for her bold choices and following her dreams. Brooke changed me. I have pretty much always been ambitious, but after reading Brooke's story. I want to be more so. I want to be more everything. Every single day I want to work on achieving my dream. I want to focus on the things I KNOW I am meant to become and meant to do. I needed this inspiration. I needed the characters in this novel.

I was smitten with John from his first appearance. He made me smile, laugh, he pulled on my heart strings. His shirts were amazing. I know my friend Tricia and I will be making replicas of his shirts for our own wear. John was amazing. Sadie is just plain fabulous. 'Nuff said. Warm fuzzies? Totally brill. They would make me completely happy. Scott was written perfectly. The relationships were true and real. This novel has easily become one of my all time favorites. I actually want to read it all over again right this second.

This novel was flawless. From the breath taking front cover featuring the High Line to every word written beautifully inside to the fun stripes on the spine. Flawless. This novel was flawless.

I would also love to try a hand at origami. I've always thought it was interesting. Brooke and Susane have inspired me in so many different ways. Beautiful. Truly beautiful.

Top Ten Lists

I really haven't read that many new books lately. I've been rereading books. I should be saving for my upcoming New York trip, so I'm being a little more choosy about what I want to buy and I haven't found a single book that I'm willing to spend my money on without second guessing. Which, well, is just odd for me. My problem is usually picking books out of my huge stack, but I am dying for that next great book. The one that is going to stay in my mind for days. The kind I just can't stop raving about. I need that book so, so badly. I am begging all of you to suggest something amazing.

 Anyway... since, I haven't read anything new lately, I haven't reviewed anything.  I always enjoy reading these lists on others blogs, so I'm going to participate this Tuesday.

Today the list is top ten books that are made into movies. My list is in no particular order.

1) Harry Potter by J.K. Rowling. All of them. I think each adaption is amazing. Yes, things are missing, things I desperately wanted to see on the big screen, but I realize everything can't be included. I enjoy both the books and the movies immensely. 

 2) Eclipse by Stephenie Meyer. I really like this series, I know there are a lot of haters out there, but seriously reading about Edward for the first time in Twilight. Swoon. But, I think Eclipse is the only book from the series that had a nice film adaption.

3) I am Number Four by Pittacus Lore. As you may notice all my other pictures are of the books covers, but let's be honest. Alex Pettyfer is the star of I am Number Four and that boy is just too gorgeous to not be featured here. I loved the book and the movie. The movie was different from the book, but I enjoyed it in it's own right. I also enjoyed two hours of Alex.

4. Confessions of a Shopaholic by Sophie Kinsella. I adore this series. It's so funny and charming. I also love the movie. Yes, it's frilly, but so fun.

5. Pride and Prejudice. I love the book so, so much. I read it every year. I fall in love with Mr. Darcy over and over. I also love pretty much all adaptions of the novel. I love the Kiera Knightely version, but I also adore Colin Firth BBC version. Love. Love. Love.

Now...I'm going to list 5 books that are going to be movies that I'm excited for.

6) Beastly by Alex Flinn. Alex Pettyfer. I love the book, I love Beauty and the Beast, I love Alex Pettyfer. It will be great!

7) Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows part 2. That's truly all I need to say. I will be to be pried away from the movie theatre seat. I won't want to leave because leaving will mean that the series that has held on to my heart for 13 years of my life will be over.

8) City of Bones- Cassandra Clare. I love this series so much, I love Jace so much. I can't wait to see it on the big screen one day. I hope when that happens Alex Pettyfer will be Jace. But, even if he's not, I know I'll still love seeing the badass shadowhunters fight! Still hoping<3 Also, I just like to excuse of posting pictures of Alex. :)

9) The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins. So, I know this out won't be out for a long while, but seriously. It's the Hunger Games. It will be amazing.

And, I'm drawing a blank. Hm. Hm. Hm. So my list is going to be nine!



Falling Under-Gwen Hayes (ARC)

Title: Falling Under
Author: Gwen Hayes
Source of ARC: Good Golly Miss Holly
Rating: 2.8ish
Cover rating: 4 (It's very pretty)
Description: 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.

Review: Ugh. That little noise pretty much sums up my experience with Falling Under. I'm going to start with the things I liked about this book first.

I can't tell you how interesting I think black roses are. I think their contrast and irony are insanely intriguing. I've seen very few black roses in person, but they are beautiful...in a dark way. I loved the way they were used in this story. I thought it was fitting and slightly romantic. However, for me this is where the romance stopped.

Haden sounds gorgeous. There is no doubt about that. I have to admit his "bad boy" antics got my attention quite a bit, but I just...couldn't fall for him.

Hayes did a nice job with her writing. It flowed well and had character.

However, this is where the "good" stopped for me. There were many things I disliked about this novel. The largest was Theia, the main character. I wouldn't go as far as calling her weak, but seriously. Where the hell are the strong girls at? That don't take shit from any guy. Where are my Katniss'(Hunger Games), Megs(Going Too Far), and Remys (This Lullaby)? Where are they? Why are there not more girls like them? They're tough, independent and can actually form a thought existing outside of a boy. They will gladly walk away from the boy if it is not the right situation for them. They have self preservation. Theia has none. She "falls in love" with a boy after, like, a week? This is genuine or real. I found no believability in their love. I found it to be pure lust. I'm seriously sick of girls letting boys drag them around and then they fall in love with them. When they don't even know each other! I'm sick of girls having no confidence in themselves or don't even have enough thoughts of self worth. I love it when some sweet girl (Brittany;Perfect Chemistry) gives the bad boy a hard time and doesn't let him get away with his crap (Alex;Perfect Chemistry). I do not like when a girl lets the boy use her as a toy, much like Theia did. I should stop before I complain even more.

I found there were too many cliches in this novel for my taste. I do not mind cliches if there is some sort of a twist. This was your standard bad boy corrupting a virginal girl. A virginal girl who in the span of a week forgets her morals and values that she carried with her to that point. The bad boy notices the girl that no other boy has noticed even though she's beautiful.

This novel is very Twilight-esque in some ways. I do not think this is a copy of Twilight, but there are similarities in the love and protagonists.

I did not like the dynamic with Theia's father in the slightest. It was weird, just...weird.

Honestly, the most captivating thing I found in this novel that I wanted more of was Donny and Gabe. I wanted to know their story. I wanted Theia to be more like Donny. Now she is a girl to be admired.

Don't let my review turn you away from this book, you may like it. I suggest you give it a try.

Here Lies Bridget- Paige Harbison (ARC)

Title: Here Lies Bridget
Author: Paige Harbison
Rating: 3
Cover rating: 4
Description: Heroine, Bridget Duke, rules her high school, but when she crashes her car and ends up in limbo, she must confront the people she has wronged, all of whom want her to go to hell. The outcome of these meetings will decide her final destination.

Well, to be honest, this book didn't do much for me. I was bored in some parts, but entertained in others. I thought the beginning dragged on too much, but I understand why it did. We had to understand Bridget as much as possible.

I didn't like Bridget very much, she was your typical bitch, but had no redeeming qualities at all. I couldn't relate to her or feel much sympathy for her.

I enjoyed the other cast of characters, they were all interesting and brought other aspects to the book. Although, I didn't enjoy the ending with any of the supporting characters. I disagreed with all of them for the part on their decisions with Bridget.

The plot was interesting, but not unique. The writing was very well done. She is a talented writer. If she continues to write, I will read more of her books.

Over all, this book wasn't for me, but I don't think it's totally worth writing off. I'd suggest giving it a try, it may be for you.

Prom and Prejudice-Elizabeth Eulberg

Title: Prom and Prejudice
Author: Elizabeth Eulberg
Rating: 5!
Covering rating: 5
Description: After winter break, the girls at the very prestigious Longbourn Academy become obsessed with the prom. Lizzie Bennet, who attends Longbourn on a scholarship, isn’t interested in designer dresses and expensive shoes, but her best friend, Jane, might be — especially now that Charles Bingley is back from a semester in London.

Lizzie is happy about her friend’s burgeoning romance but less than impressed by Charles’s friend, Will Darcy, who’s snobby and pretentious. Darcy doesn’t seem to like Lizzie either, but she assumes it’s because her family doesn’t have money. Clearly, Will Darcy is a pompous jerk — so why does Lizzie find herself drawn to him anyway

Will Lizzie’s pride and Will’s prejudice keep them apart? Or are they a prom couple in the making? Whatever the result, Elizabeth Eulberg, author of The Lonely Hearts Club, has concocted a very funny, completely stylish delight for any season — prom or otherwise.

Out of the almost 30 books I've read this year, Prom and Prejudice is no doubt my favorite. Right now, it is sitting nice and pretty on my "favorites" shelf in my closet. I've already read it twice and actually itching to read it again! I can't express my love for this novel enough. I laughed, I swooned, I teared up, and I had a silly smile on my face the entire time I read it.

I absolutely adored The Lonely Hearts Club, but this novel surpassed Elizabeth's debut. I'm also a huge fan of Pride and Prejudice. I love the book. I love the BBC Colin Firth adaption. I love the Keira Knightley adaption! William Darcy makes me swoon and blush as he falls for Lizzie. He's charming, charismatic
(if he lets you get to know him!), sweet, funny! He's so many wonderful things. And, I'm talking about both novels. Eulberg brings Will into modern times perfectly, but still keeping his inner core the same lovable Darcy. Darcy is one of my all time favorite literary crushes. He's wonderful things, but at the same time, he has flaws! And at key points, his flaws tumble out by the bucket load, but through all that...I fall for him every single time.

I admired Eulberg's writing in this novel. I was blown away by how wonderfully she adapted my favorite classic. She kept it modern, but yet, some of the conversation held some of the older language which I thought was divine. I loved the little differences in the characters. I loved how she made them her own. I can't applaud her enough. I can't wait to see what is in store for Elizabeth Eulberg next. I can't wait to watch her exciting career unfold. I actually hope to meet her in March! (!!!!!) I may die of excitement or embarrassment when I try to convey to her how much I love her work, but I know I'll be stumbling over all my words. Authors intimidate me, they are the biggest celebrities in my eyes!

Lizzie. Oh, darling Lizzie. Her wit and loyalty came with her into this modern adaption of Pride and Prejudice. She took her great qualities and made them shine. I was most nervous about the adaption of Lizzie. She is such a strong female, I hoped that Eulberg would be able to portray her like the Elizabeth Bennet I know so well. And, she did. It was the same Lizzie with a few changes.

I thought about this book in my mind for days and still every time I think about it, I want to read it all over again. I would give it 5 stars over and over. I strongly recommend this to any Jane Austen fan. Eulberg does her proud.

Hearts, Flowers, and Romance

Hello all!
I have scheduled posts starting tomorrow with Prom and Predijuce by Elizabeth Eulberg. But, for today, I am announcing an awesome upcoming event hosted by a friend of mine, Gabrielle, over at The Mod Podge Bookshelf.

She will be hosting a huge Valentines Day event called Hearts, Flowers, and Romance. Plenty of authors will be stopping by to chat with her including: Susane Colasanti (!!), Deb Caletti, Jennifer Echols, and Sara Bennett Wealer! There are also a lot more authors, but to get the full list you must stop by her blog! I also know that she is going to have some great prizes lined up! Including a signed finished copy of Delirium(!!) by Lauren Oliver. I'm going to encourage all of you NOT to enter, so I can have a higher chance of winning that one! :) Just kidding...kind of. :)

Have a wonderful day and check back tomorrow for a review! :)

Debut author challenge&random things

Hello all!

I have decided to take part in the debut author challenge hosted by The Story Siren. My review for this month is my Across the Universe by Beth Revis review. It is the post below this one.

I also want to take a second to welcome you all to 2011! My reading goal this year is 250 books, I have already read 21. That makes me about 8% done!

I am CRAVING a wonderful YA contemporary read. So please, suggest something for me! Actually suggest anything, I need more books. Please :)

I hope this year brings you all magical and wonderful things.

Across the Universe by Beth Revis

Title: Across the Universe
Author: Beth Revis
Rating: 3.5 (This is a very hard book to rate.)
Cover rating: 5

Description: Seventeen-year-old Amy joins her parents as frozen cargo aboard the vast spaceship Godspeed and expects to awaken on a new planet, three hundred years in the future. Never could she have known that her frozen slumber would come to an end fifty years too soon and that she would be thrust into the brave new world of a spaceship that lives by its own rules.

Amy quickly realizes that her awakening was no mere computer malfunction. Someone--one of the few thousand inhabitants of the spaceship--tried to kill her. And if Amy doesn't do something soon, her parents will be next.
Now Amy must race to unlock Godspeed's hidden secrets. But out of her list of murder suspects, there's only one who matters: Elder, the future leader of the ship and the love she could never have seen coming.
 
Frex. I wanted to enjoy this book more than I did. Honestly, I feel disappointed. I have read nothing but glowing reviews for this novel, but I have to admit, I don't feel the same. So, if you're looking for another glowing 5 star review, I'd recommend not reading on. Before I delve into my review I'd like to say I actually wanted to give the cover rating a 2. I gave it a 5 because it is undeniably beautiful, but I wanted to give it a two because I find it misleading. The characters on the cover are so drawn into each other, so wanting of each other. I did not find that in this book.
 
I know so many people are going to disagree with just about everything I am going to say in this review, but to each their own right? I have been waiting for this book to come out. I squealed when I saw it on the shelves on Barnes and Noble. I bought it right away and I just knew that it was going to come home with me and sit on my "favorites" shelf. It's not though.
 
I did enjoy the story, a lot. The writing is beautiful. Revis did a splendid job with the story telling, plot, and overall description. I think my main problem with the novel is that it is so plot driven. Don't get me wrong, I love plot. I love substance, which this story has. Yes, the characters are realistic, but I felt that there could have been more development. More emotion. When Amy is reanimated without her parents? Is she upset? Yeah, she is, but if that were me, or really any real human being. They would be going crazy. The emotions would be flickering all over the place. She'd want them to stay frozen, she'd want to wake them up. I didn't get that. She was upset, she was sad, she grieved, and then moved on.
 
I wanted more out the love story. I wanted to know more about Jason. I wanted more in general. I felt as if the entire novel is this huge build up and then it just....ends. For me it was a long, drawn out mystery. The mystery was intriguing. I read this novel in one sitting. I'm writing this review at 4:30 AM when I have to wake up early tomorrow. But, we have this mystery that drags us through the novel and then within 10 pages, it's just...over. Done.
 
Once again, I wanted more out of the love story. And, once again, huge build up to just kind of fall. Now, I do respect and understand Amy. The last sentence she thought about them. I think it was perfect, it works for the time. But, their first kiss? It happened too fast to be followed by nothing.
 
I will read the two remaining books. Hell, I'm even going to buy the two remaining books. I think Revis has set up a great story. I feel that there is potential. I know down to my bones that it's going to be great, but this first installment fell flat for me.