Live Through This by Mindi Scott

Release Date: October 2, 2012

Publisher: Simon Pulse
Pages: 304
Buy The Book: Amazon

When a relationship trespasses the boundaries of trust, the consequences are complex in this nuanced page-turner from "a formidable talent" ("Booklist")

Sometimes hiding the truth requires more than a lie . . .

From the outside, Coley Sterling’s life seems pretty normal . . . whatever that means. It’s not perfect—her best friend is seriously mad at her and her dance team captains keep giving her a hard time—but Coley’s adorable, sweet crush Reece helps distract her from the annoying drama. Plus, she has a great family to fall back on—with a stepdad and mom who would stop at nothing to keep her and her siblings happy and safe.

But Coley has a lot of secrets. She won’t admit—not even to herself—that her almost-perfect life is her own carefully-crafted façade. That for years she’s been burying the shame and guilt over a relationship that crossed the line. Now, Coley and Reece are getting closer, and as Coley has the chance at her first real boyfriend, a decade’s worth of lies are on the verge of unraveling.

Mindi Scott offers an absorbing, layered glimpse into the life of an everygirl living a nightmare that no one would suspect in this unforgettable powerhouse of a novel.

I've been really excited about Live Through This since I first heard about it earlier this year. The wait was killing me! But this book totally lived up to all the hype I had built up in my own head! In fact, it actually surpassed all my expectations for it.

This review however, is somewhat hard to write. There is a HUGE plot twist to the story, in fact, I'd say the entire book centers around it. But it isn't mentioned in the synopsis, only very cleverly alluded to. I don't want to spoil it for any of you who haven't read this yet, so I won't mention it. But....holy cow!!! When you read this, come back and let me know so we can discuss! In the mean time, HOLY COW! lol

The story itself was really well done. I really liked the main character Cole, I sympathized with her, I cried with her and for her. The author, Mindi Scott, did an amazing job portraying the character's emotions and feelings. Her hopes and fears. I adored her boyfriend Reece, he was so sweet and patient and careful with Cole. I think in many ways he understood her in ways that no one else around her could. He had pateince with her, and a very strong bond of love held these two together. I think that's what made their story so beautiful.

This was such a fast read for me. Once I got into the story I wanted more and more. When the BIG issue happened I kept reading faster and faster to find out what would happen. How would Cole deal with this? Will she be okay? What will happen to her? I was dying to know and I tore through this book at lightening speed to find out. The ending I thought was simple, beautiful and totally perfect!

I never thought I would read a book dealing with this particular issue (again, don't want to spoil the book!). But I thought the author did a really amazing job writting about it. What really touched me even more than the story itself, was the letter in the beginning from the author herself, explaining that this actually happened to her. And then I understood, how she was able to convey all the emotions of this situation so clearly in her writting. Because she herself, had been through it too!

All in all I thought the story was amazingly well written! It was a quick read that haunted me and I couldn't put it down until I had read every last word.

Review: Blind Spot

Blind Spot by Laura Ellen

Release Date: October 23, 2012

Publisher: Harcourt
Pages: 356
Buy The Book: Amazon

There’s none so blind as they that won’t see.

Seventeen-year-old Tricia Farni’s body floated to the surface of Alaska’s Birch River six months after the night she disappeared. The night Roz Hart had a fight with her. The night Roz can’t remember. Roz, who struggles with macular degeneration, is used to assembling fragments to make sense of the world around her. But this time it’s her memory that needs piecing together—to clear her name . . . to find a murderer. This unflinchingly emotional novel is written in the powerful first-person voice of a legally blind teen who just wants to be like everyone else.

This is the second story I've read about a blind teen, and I have to say they have both been fantastic! In Blind Spot the main character Roz, was born with an eye condition which made her eye sight very poor. She was eventually diagnosed as being legally blind. She can see, but everything is blurry, and she can't quite make things out. Being diagnosed legally Blind, of course for Roz means she will never be able to drive and do things most teens can. But then again, Roz is no ordinary teen!

Because of her "disability" Roz is put in a special ed class, much to her horror! There she meets fellow class mate Tricia, cape wearing, dancing on tables Tricia, who will forever change Roz's life. Tricia's body is found floating on the surface of a river and Roz is convinced it was murder! She takes it upon herself to find out exactly what happened to Roz, sometimes putting herself straight in the path of danger!

I loved everything about this book. Starting with the cover, which is gorgeous and totally haunting! I liked the character's, from the main character Roz, to the victum Tricia, to the wheel bound Fritz ( love me some Fritz!) , Jonathan the popular hottie that you love to hate, and Greg *sighs* Greg! There is some romance going on in the book, but not too much! It's done perfectly! 

This book was a little bit of everything and I enjoyed it so much. It was suspenseful, mysterious, thrilling, with a healthy dose of laughs and a romance or two! All with an amazing cast of characters that I adored! The story itself was well done. The mystery element was great and not something I saw from the first few chapters. It took me quite a while to figure it out and there were still some things I hadn't figured out. The pacing was wonderful! I think if I hadn't had to work I probably would've devoured this one all in one day.

Overall, I really enjoyed this one but what stood out to me the most was the plucky cast of character's! They definitely made the story!

Review: Eve and Adam

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.