Eve and Adam by Katherine Applegate and Michael Grant

Release Date: October 2, 2012

Publisher: Fiewel and Friends
Pages: 304
Buy The Book: Amazon

Sixteen-year-old Evening Spiker lives an affluent life in San Francisco with her mother, EmmaRose, a successful geneticist and owner of Spiker Biotech. Sure, Evening misses her father who died mysteriously, but she’s never really questioned it. Much like how she’s never stopped to think how off it is that she’s never been sick. That is, until she’s struck by a car and is exposed to extensive injuries. Injuries that seem to be healing faster than physically possible.
 
While recuperating in Spiker Biotech’s lush facilities, she meets Solo Plissken, a very attractive, if off-putting boy her age who spent his life at Spiker Biotech. Like Evening, he’s never questioned anything... until now. Solo drops hints to Evening that something isn’t right, and Emma-Rose may be behind it. Evening puts this out of her mind and begins her summer internship project: To simulate the creation of the perfect boy. With the help of Solo, Evening uncovers secrets so big they could change the world completely.

When I heard about this book at the beginning of the year, I knew it was something I had to read! I was so intruiged by the idea of a girl creating her very own Adam! I devoured this book in a day, which for me is a really huge deal.

I loved the sci-fi elements to the story, the genetic manipulation and the scientific elements. It could have been really confusing but the author did an amazing job writting it in such a way that I didn't feel like I needed a degree in genetacism to comprehend it. I enjoyed seeing what a teen girls perfect boy would be, and what her "Adam" would turn out like. Would he be anything like what'd my perfect boy would be?

The main character, Evening ("Eve") was a like able character. I loved her loyalty and devotion to her best friend Aislin, doing just about anything for her! Solo was my favorite character in this story. He lives at Biotech and has a first hand point of view. I really loved his character and felt he had so much potential for growth and I can't wait to learn more about him in this series! I really enjoyed that this story was told from both Eve and Solo's points of view. It wasn't confusing at all, but really added to the story! And then there's Adam, with his own personality. But you'll have to read the book to find out all about him! ;)

I thought the story was brilliantly done! It wasn't over the top, or understated, it was just perfect! The story was such a quick read, it seemed like I read it in no time and I immidiately wanted much more! It's the kind of book you can't put down once you start reading it. It was a totally original sci-fi adventure that I'm sure you'll have a blast reading! I can't wait to read the sequel Adam and Eve and find out more about these character's and their world!

Blog Tour Review: Nerve

Nerve by Jeanne Ryan

Release Date: September 13, 2012

Publisher: Dial Books (Penguin)
Pages: 304
Buy The Book: Amazon

A high-stakes online game of dares turns deadly
 
When Vee is picked to be a player in NERVE, an anonymous game of dares broadcast live online, she discovers that the game "knows" her. They tempt her with prizes taken from her ThisIsMe page and team her up with the perfect boy, sizzling-hot Ian. At first it's exhilarating--Vee and Ian's fans cheer them on to riskier dares with higher stakes. But the game takes a twisted turn when they're directed to a secret location with five other players for the Grand Prize round. Suddenly they're playing all or nothing, with their lives on the line. Just how far will Vee go before she loses NERVE?
 
Debut author Jeanne Ryan delivers an un-putdownable suspense thriller.

OMG OMG OMG! Nerve is seriously such an amazing book. I could not put it down, literally! I stayed up until 4 am reading because I just had to finish it. I kept telling myself "just one more chapter!" , before I knew it I was at the last page with my jaw hanging open. Needless to say, I showed up at work at 6 am, a total zombie, but it was sooo worth it! And if I had it all to do over again, I'd do it!

I absolutely am head over heels for this book! The story was so amazing! In some ways it reminded me of Hunger Games ( freaking amazing!!!) but yet, it's definitely it's own book. I loved how the author combined social networking site's (think facebook!) where we tell everyone every last thing about us, from what we are eating, drinking, watching, reading and so much more! I can only imagine if a game of real life Dare's was created from my facebook posts, and broadcast live for the world to see. I am pretty certain it would involve me actually eating glitter!

The Dare's started off low stakes, and got pretty intense! I was flipping through the pages as fast as possible to see if Vee would jump through their hoops, or walk away from the game and all the incredible swag. I really felt for Vee as a character. I could see exactly WHY she wanted the prizes so desperately, and why she kept jumping through all the hoops the Nerve creators threw at her. And then there's the her in game partner, the smoking hot Ian. I seriously liked this guy! He wasn't just the cute, mysterious guy. Even though his character seems totally shady, I was rooting for him the entire time! And Vee's best guy friend that may like her as more than just a friend? Well, you'll just have to read the book to see what happens!

The pacing to this book was wonderful! It kept my attention from the beginning and the story moved along at a great pace that held my interest until the very last page. I loved the plot, the characters, and everything about this book. It was perfection and I loved every last bit of it!

Review: The Turning

The Turning by Francine Prose
Release Date:September 25, 2013
Publisher: Harper Teen
Pages: 256
Buy The Book: Amazon

Jack is babysitting for the summer on an isolated island with no Wi-Fi, no cell service, and no one else around but a housekeeper and two very peculiar children. He immediately senses something sinister-and it's not just the creepy black house he's living in. Soon he is feeling terribly isolated and alone, but then he discovers there are others. The problem is, he's the only who can see them. As secrets are revealed and darker truths surface, Jack desperately struggles to maintain a grip on reality. He knows what he sees, and he isn't crazy…Or is he?

Where does reality end and insanity begin? The Turn of the Screw reinvented for modern-day teens, by National Book Award finalist Francine Prose.

I love a good scary read, so that combined with the fact that it is a retelling had me all hyped up! Plus, I totally adore the creepy cover. Eeek! I curled up with this and a hot cup of tea and was in for an interesting night indeed!

First off, the story is told through a series of letters that the main character Jack writes to his father and his girlfriend. I always love when stories are told through letters so I loved that aspect of it, although I wish we'd have seen Jack's hand writing. That would've made it even better! Because these are letters of Jack's time on the island, we get a male point of view which is always refreshing and very welcomed in YA. I really enjoyed seeing things from Jack's eyes and feeling the suspense and curiosity that he must be going through.

The story isn't so much about Jack himself, as it is about past events that have happened on the island and mysterious goings on. I think because of the cover I was expecting a super scary book and had myself all prepared for one. This was more suspenseful and mysterious than anything else. Like a good Alfred Hitchcock film. There were times where I was wondering what was real, if anything, and I had several theories planned out.

I won't give away anything, but the ending left me satisfied but still thinking "wait, what???" I've never read The Turning of the Screw, so I have nothing to compare it with, but this retelling was well written and entertaining!

Nail Your Books (5)

Nail Your Books is an original feature that I created to show off off some awesome book related nail ideas! It can be anything from a book inspired design to a really cute matching nail polish. This feature combines my love of both books and nail polish. Some people match their nails to their outfit, I match mine to my books!

Hello Lovelies!

This week's edition of Nail Your Books was inspired by The Turning by Francine Prose. We've been having so much rainy weather, that I was in the mood for a little bit of a darker, creepy read! The cover toatally inspired me! I loved all the contrasting shades and how the lights and the title sort of seem to "glow" in this great spooky way! I couldn't help but create a very special mani to match this book.

The Supplies

Seche Clear, Crystal Clear Base Coat
Wet N Wild Fergie Collection in Grammy Gold

Wet N Wild Fergie Collection in Heels of Steel

Wet N Wild Fergie Collection in Tonight's Gonna Be A Good Night

Seche Vite Dry Fast Top Coat

Make up sponge

Toothpick

Foil

To make this look we'll be using a method of painting called gradient. It's really easy, super fun, and it looks incredible! It's super versatile and the possabilities are endless. I adore it! To best explain how to do this method I will refer you to a really awesome nail blogger that I love, The Nailasaurus. Her tutorial is super easy, and best of all, its a picture tutorial! What could be simpler? So make sure you go HERE to check it out!

Did you do that? Great! Now your ready for an awesome and super fun mani! I always  make sure to start off by using a great clear base coat so my nails don't get stained. I like to use Seche Clear but you can use whatever you have. Next I applied 1 coat of Wet N Wild Fergie Collection in Grammy Gold. I am totally obsessed with this collection and have made it my personal aim to collect every polish in it! This is truly the prettiest gold polish I own and I adore it!

Once that dries you will go back over the gold using the gradient method. I used foil to put my polish on, and then used the toothpick to blend just like in the tutorial. A little trick that I recommend, is to soak your make up sponge in water and wring it out before you start. The moisture in the sponge keeps it from soaking up ALL the polish you will put on your sponge, so that more of it makes it onto your nail. For my gradient I chose to place the darker color at the base of my nails rather than the tips. That's totally a personal preferance so just do whatever you like!

Go over your nails with this gradient technique as many times as you want, until you get the desired affect! I went over each nail twice. It's okay if your nails start to look like a wall of paint that's been sponged to death. Mine did to, but a top coat will fix it, I promise! ;) Once your gradient dries, put 1 coat of Wet N Wild Fergie Collection in Tonight's Gonna Be A Good Night ( my fave glitter EVER!!!) on top. Once that is dry , seal it with a good top coat and voila!

I know it takes a few extra steps but it is totally worth it! This mani is breathtaking in person, and I cannot tell you how many people stopped me to ask how I did it. You seriously will not regret it!

I love how this captures the darkness and the eery light peeking through. It was totally fitting for this book, and it looked amazing! 

So what do you think of my book inspired mani? Will you be trying this one out? I'd love to know! So make sure you leave me some comment love and don't forget to stop back by tomorrow for my review of The Turning.

Happy Reading!

Review: Waiting

Waiting by Carol Lynch Williams
Release Date: May 1, 2013
Publisher: Simon and Schuster
Pages: 352
Buy The Book: Amazon

After her brother’s death, a teen struggles to rediscover love and find redemption in this gripping novel.


Growing up in Africa and Latin America as the children of missionaries, London and Zach were as close as could be. And then Zach dies, and the family is gutted. London’s father is distant. Her mother won’t speak. The days are filled with what-ifs and whispers: Did Zach take his own life? Was it London’s fault?

Alone and adrift, London finds herself torn between her brother’s best friend and the handsome new boy in town as she struggles to find herself—and ultimately redemption—in this authentic and affecting novel from award-winning novelist Carol Lynch Williams.

Waiting is a book i have been anxiously "waiting" to read. Pun in intended! HA! Anyways...I was so thrilled to finally make time for this book. I believe it's told in verse, although don't quote me on that! This is one of those books that has a message to it, which I love.

The story felt so real, and I really felt for the main character London. Her story was utterly heart breaking and haunting. Her brother has commited suicide and her family life is thrown into chaos. Her dad stays out late, her Mom sleeps all day and ignores her. London blames herself, and I just wanted to hug her and tell her it is NOT her fault! I wanted to tell her Dad that he needs to hug his little girl and talk to her. I wanted to tell her Mom, "Shame on you for being a bad mother!" *sighs* London desperately misses her brother, and the family that they were BEFORE her brother took his life.

I can only imagine how devestating this could be to a family. I think it would be impossible to not blame yourself or have millions upon millions of "what if" questions. Each member of the family is going through grief and depression in their own way. London is fortunate to have a really great friend, who is trying so hard to keep her afloat. She also meets a new family at school who really help her to see that she may not have the family she was used to, but she still is a part of a loving family of close knit friends! And of course there is a love triangle going on!

This book takes you on the ups and downs of loosing a loved one. The grieving process, and how it changes your life and those of others around you. I loved the message of the story and really enjoyed it even though it was a bit of a darker read.

Waiting on Wednesday (29)

"Waiting on Wednesday" is a weekly meme, hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating. 

Hello and Happy Wednesday everyone!!! :)

I am so excited about my pick this week. I am dying to read it and so happy to share my obsession over it with YOU! haha

Dance Of Shadows by Yelena Black

Vanessa Adler isn’t so sure she really belongs at the School of American Ballet. But dance runs in her family. It’s been a part of her life for as long as she can remember. Her grandmother and mother were prima ballerinas, and her older sister Margaret was, too. That is, until Margaret mysteriously disappeared from school three years ago. Vanessa is heir to the family’s gift and the only person who can fulfill her sister’s destiny. She has no choice.

But she never could have guessed how dangerous the school is. The infamous choreographer, Josef, isn’t just ruthless with his pupils, he guards a sinister secret, one in which the school’s dancers—prized for their beauty, grace, and discipline—become pawns in a world of dark, deadly demons.

I am such a huge fan of books that bring you into the world of dance and performing arts. I think it's because I've always wanted to be a dancer! I'm just way too lazy! haha But oh how I'd love to be long, lean and graceful. *sighs* Anyways, back to the book... The cover is seriously amazing!!! I would totally frame it! And the story sounds amazing! I love how there's something dark and sinister to it that makes it totally different from the other books on the market. Can't wait to curl up with this on a stormy night! Eeeek!

Look for this to release on November 27 from Bloomsbury.

What books are you looking forward to reading? I'd love to know, so leave me a comment! :)

Review: Through To You

Through To You by Emily Hainsworth
Release Date: October 2, 2012
Publisher: Balzer + Bray
Pages: 272
Buy The Book: Amazon

Camden Pike has been grief-stricken since his girlfriend, Viv, died. Viv was the last good thing in his life: helping him rebuild his identity after a career-ending football injury, picking up the pieces when his home life shattered, and healing his pain long after the meds wore off. And now, he’d give anything for one more glimpse of her. But when Cam makes a visit to the site of Viv’s deadly car accident, he sees some kind of apparition. And it isn’t Viv.

The apparition’s name is Nina, and she’s not a ghost. She’s a girl from a parallel world, and in this world, Viv is still alive. Cam can’t believe his wildest dreams have come true. All he can focus on is getting his girlfriend back, no matter the cost. But things are different in this other world: Viv and Cam have both made very different choices, things between them have changed in unexpected ways, and Viv isn’t the same girl he remembers. Nina is keeping some dangerous secrets, too, and the window between the worlds is shrinking every day.

As Cam comes to terms with who this Viv has become and the part Nina played in his parallel story, he’s forced to choose—stay with Viv or let her go—before the window closes between them once and for all.

Okay first of all, the cover to this book is absolutely haunting! Don't you agree? Okay..now on to the book itself! The story is pretty amazing! You guys know I have been in love with the TV show Awake and devistated that it got cancelled. This totally satisfied my need for more Awake/parallel universe's. It is similar in all the right ways, and different in all the right ways!

The character's are so multi-dimensional. They have one life, and one set of characteristic's, and then in their parallel universe...they are them! But...different! There are still things that are fundamentally the same, but yet they are their own seperate person too. That was so fascinating about this story. You thought you had the character's pegged, and then other aspect's of them were revealed in a parallel universe. Eeek!

I really liked Cam. He was broody, and sullen, then again, who wouldn't be? He was a bit lost, but the whole time your heart went out to him. He was a great guy, who was in a lot of pain. Nina was a total mystery to me. I loved that!  I was constantly guessing about her and enjoying reading on as layers to her character were revealed. And Viv seemed like a perfect dream that was too good to be true.

The first part of the book started off a little slow for me. But this gives us time to learn the back story and get to know the characters. I loved the ending to this book. Like whoa! It kept me totally riveted and gripping the pages. I was shocked and totally surprised. I can see why this book has already been optioned for film! Really great debut from Emily Hainsworth. I am looking forward to reading much more from her!

Review: Cursed

Cursed by Jennifer L. Armentrout

Release Date: September 18, 2012
Publisher: Spencer Hills Press
Pages: 312
Buy the Book: Amazon

Dying sucks--and high school senior Ember McWilliams knows firsthand. After a fatal car accident, her gifted little sister brought her back. Now anything Ember touches dies. And that, well, really blows.

Ember operates on a no-touch policy with all living things--including boys. When Hayden Cromwell shows up, quoting Oscar Wilde and claiming her curse is a gift, she thinks he’s a crazed cutie. But when he tells her he can help control it, she’s more than interested. There’s just one catch: Ember has to trust Hayden's adopted father, a man she's sure has sinister reasons for collecting children whose abilities even weird her out. However, she’s willing to do anything to hold her sister's hand again. And hell, she'd also like to be able to kiss Hayden. Who wouldn't?

But when Ember learns the accident that turned her into a freak may not've been an accident at all, she’s not sure who to trust. Someone wanted her dead, and the closer she gets to the truth, the closer she is to losing not only her heart, but her life. For real this time.

I've always heard such amazing things about Jennifer Armentrout. Seriously, I think everyone who has read her is a fan girl. I guess I've just been too lazy to pick up any of her books. However, because of my obsession with Once Upon A Time, I am ALL over anything fairy tale-y. So when I heard about Cursed I squealed with delight! When it showed up at my door through an arc tour, I ripped open the package and read out loud to a captive audience. Namely, my bun Toby. He seriously sat there totally entranced by the story. But we'll talk more about that later...

Back to the story that is Cursed! I can totally see why Jennifer has such a huge following of devoted fans. Her writting is extrordinary! She has an amazing ability to weave a story that sucks you in. She makes you believe in her world and feel like your right in the middle of it! *sigh*

One thing that the author excels at, is writting her characters. They were incredible and unique! Ember was a complex yet strong heroine. I can't even imagine not being able to hug my family and friends. For me, there is nothing more comforting after a REALLY bad day ( you know that kind I'm talking about) and collapsing on the couch and crying into my Mom's shoulder as she wraps her loving arms around me. akdjflkdj; A life without that? Blasphemy! Sheer blasphemy! Okay, maybe not literally, but still! I don't think I could be as strong as Ember. Not being able to touch anyone, not having a Mom who is present, having to take care of her family. She was a strong kick butt heroine!

I loved Ember's sheer will power. She had this horrible curse, but yet she never gave up. She didn't let it handicap her. She perservered. As someone who struggles with a "curse" of poor health, it can be easy to just give up and quit fighting. Her strength, and her sheer will really encouraged me. No matter how sick I am, or how bad a day I am having, it could totally be worse! What if every person I touched died?

The infamous steamy love story that Armentrout is oh-so famous for was totally there! I'm not gonna get really into it, but WOW! I totally GET it now! The chemistry and sexual tension was incredible! Jennifer is a brilliant writer and I enjoyed this book tremendously!

If your a fan of dark fairy tales, or just a good romance, totally pick this one up!

On a side note, I've been pretty absent lately as you probably noticed. Life got kinda crazy but I'm trying to get myself back into the swing of things. While I had a blogging vacation I got an adorable Holland Lop rabbit that I named Toby. I am totally obsessed with his cute little face! 

One of our favorite things to do is watch episodes of Lie to Me. We love our crime tv shows! hehe

As you can see....Toby is hooked! 

I never would've thought it, but he has the same love for Cursed by Jennifer L. Armentrout that he has for Lie to Me!

Here Toby is curled up on the couch listening to me read aloud. I Could read for hours and he'd lay there totally entranced. And if I stopped he'd nudge me with his nose.

Here's a shot of him inching his way closer to me and lifting up his floppy ears to get a better listen.

That is one contented Toby! All we have to say is, we want MORE!!!

Have you read Cursed? Are you planning to? Let me know what you think in the comments!