HOW TO DISAPPEAR By Ann Redisch Stampler

June 2, 2016 by Dani Young Leave a Comment

I received this book for free from Publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

How To Disappear by Ann Redisch Stampler
Published by Simon Pulse on 6/14/16
Genres: Mystery & Detective, Thrillers, Young Adult
Pages: 416
Format: eARC
Source: Publisher
Buy on Amazon

Nicolette Holland is the girl everyone likes. Up for adventure. Loyal to a fault. And she’s pretty sure she can get away with anything...until a young woman is brutally murdered in the woods near Nicolette’s house. Which is why she has to disappear.

Jack Manx has always been the stand-up guy with the killer last name. But straight A’s and athletic trophies can’t make people forget that his father was a hit man and his brother is doing time for armed assault. Just when Jack is about to graduate from his Las Vegas high school and head east for college, his brother pulls him into the family business with inescapable instructions: find this ruthless Nicolette Holland and get rid of her. Or else Jack and everyone he loves will pay the price.

As Nicolette and Jack race to outsmart each other, tensions—and attractions—run high. Told in alternating voices, this tightly plotted mystery and tense love story challenges our assumptions about right and wrong, guilt and innocence, truth and lies.

Short and Sweet

After finding a dead body near her houses, Nicolette feels she has no choice but to leave her home in Ohio and go on the run and into hiding. Jack is the son of a hitman, and he’s been sent on a mission by his brother; to find Nicolette and kill her.

Characters

Nicolette: The girl that everyone loves, who was in the wrong place at the wrong time. She has no experience in disappearing.

Jack: The son of a notorious criminal, who tries to stay on the right side of the law until he’s pulled into the family business. With no experience with murder, Jack has to outsmart Nicolette in order to find her.

My Thoughts

~This is literally a game of cat and mouse with Nicolette and Jack trying to outsmart each other. One is on the hunt and the other is on the run.

~The chapters alternate between Nicolette and Jack. They both have their own voices and values. I really liked reading both of their POVs mainly because we can get inside their heads. To see Nicolette’s ideas and where she’s going to hide and to find out how Jack plans on finding Nicolette where she’s hiding was so interesting!

~The romance I loved it. I ship the two of them so hard after reading this book. I loved it so much, I can’t stop thinking about the two of them. I think I like the romance so much, because they’re not meant to be together; he was sent to kill her!

love reaction sailor moon heart eyes

Overall

I loved this book so much, I read it in one sitting! I feel like I can read it again and again which is rare for me. It’s so good the plot and the characters were amazing! I was hooked from the beginning and couldn’t put it down. This is a must read I think everyone should go out and buy it and read it especially if you’re a fan of thrillers and mysteries!!!

thevoice excited yes christina aguilera the voice

My love for this book is pretty serious.

Filed Under: Reviews

THE MARKED GIRL By Lindsey Klingele

June 2, 2016 by Dani Young Leave a Comment

I received this book for free from Publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

The Marked Girl by Lindsey Klingele
Series: Marked Girl #1
Published by HarperTeen on 6/7/16
Genres: Fantasy & Magic, Romance, Young Adult
Pages: 400
Format: eARC
Source: Publisher
Buy on Amazon

When Cedric, crowned prince of Caelum, and his fellow royal friends (including his betrothed, Kat) find themselves stranded in modern-day LA via a magical portal and an evil traitor named Malquin, all they want to do is get home to Caelum—soon. Then they meet Liv, a filmmaker foster girl who just wants to get out of the system and on with her life. As she and Cedric bond, they’ll discover that she’s more connected to his world than they ever could’ve imagined…and that finding home is no easy task.

Short and Sweet

Liv is a filmmaker living in LA. While filming Liv notices three teenagers who seem out of place. Cedric is the prince from a realm called Caelum. Cedric and his friends are stuck in LA after coming through a portal from Caelum after his kingdom becomes under attack by a man named Malquin and creatures named wraths. Cedric and his friends now need to find a way home with Liv’s help.

My Thoughts

~Liv knew what she wanted she had goals. During some parts of the book I felt as if she wasn’t using her common sense.

~ I don’t know what to say about Cedric. He was focused on getting home but he was pretty worried about Liv’s safety too and I don’t know if that was for his own motives to get home or if he genuinely cared.

~ I was not a fan of the romance at all I was not feeling it. Cedric was already engaged to Kat, and then liv starts to develop feelings for him knowing this. I just feel like it won’t end well for the three of them.

the-grinder no nope smh head shake

~ Kat was an okay character she wasn’t bad but she wasn’t great either.

~Merek was probably the most annoying character in the book. It was like having a group of optimist and one pessimist on the side just spreading a cloud of negativity.

~ At one point the group finds out that someone has been betraying them and I feel like only a few characters were using common sense and not trusting the betrayer but the other characters were acting like it was okay. Ugh!

latelateshow facepalm james corden

Overall

I liked this book but I thought it was missing something. It was interesting to see how Liv would help Cedric and his friends get back to Caelum. I would read the sequel mainly because this ended in a cliffhanger.

Filed Under: Reviews

RUINED By Amy Tintera

May 2, 2016 by Dani Young Leave a Comment

I received this book for free from Publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

Ruined by Amy Tintera
Series: Ruined #1
Published by HarperTeen on 5/3/16
Genres: Action & Adventure, Fantasy & Magic, Romance, Young Adult
Pages: 368
Format: eARC
Source: Publisher
Buy on Amazon

Emelina Flores has nothing. Her home in Ruina has been ravaged by war; her parents were killed and her sister was kidnapped. Even though Em is only a useless Ruined—completely lacking any magic—she is determined to get revenge.

Her plan is simple: She will infiltrate the enemy’s kingdom, posing as the crown prince’s betrothed. She will lead an ambush. She will kill the king and everything he holds dear, including his son.

The closer Em gets to the prince, though, the more she questions her mission. Her rage-filled heart begins to soften. But with her life—and her family—on the line, love could be Em’s deadliest mistake.

Short and Sweet

Em’s parents were killed and her sister was kidnapped and all Em wants now is to get her sister back and revenge. To get her sister back Em puts a plan in motion to infiltrate a rival kingdom and pose as the Prince’s betrothed. While in the kingdom of Lera, Em plans on killing Cas and the rest of the royal family to get her sister and salvage what’s left of the Ruined kingdom.

What I liked

~Em. She was fearless I mean she was posing as another princess in enemy territory! She was also a pretty kickass heroine and she was skilled at fighting! Which makes up for the fact the she didn’t have Ruined powers. Em was also caring she wasn’t heartless even though she was on a mission for revenge.

~Cas. Ahh Cas I mean from the description he sounds pretty cute. Anyway I think when Cas got a different point of view on things thanks to Em he started to realize what was right and what was wrong. He also had to question things and people in his family. Cas was a lot smarter than people gave him credit for.

~Olivia. Em’s sister. We don’t meet her till the end but she’s pretty badass too. Olivia unlike her sister has Ruined power and shes one of the most powerful.

~ The plot it was so good and at some points it got so intense!

What I didn’t like

~ Nothing! This book was so good!!!

Quotes

~”Please don’t die, she prayed. Not yet.”

~ “You and I, we’ve barely started. When we’re done, they’ll all be on their knees, begging for forgiveness.”

Overall

This is a must read, after I started it and got through the first few chapters and knew what I was in for I couldn’t put the book down! It’s now one of my favorite books of 2016. There’s plenty of action from the start, a little romance, some violence, and a few twists. Ruined is an excellent start to a series and I’m already ready for the sequel! I would recommend it to readers who like fantasy and stories of revenge.

Filed Under: Reviews

DOWN WITH THE SHINE By Kate Karyus Quinn

April 19, 2016 by Dani Young Leave a Comment

I received this book for free from Publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

Down with the Shine by Kate Karyus Quinn
Published by HarperTeen on 4/26/16
Genres: Fantasy & Magic, Young Adult
Pages: 368
Format: eARC
Source: Publisher
Buy on Amazon

Think twice before you make a wish in this imaginative, twisted, and witty new novel from the author of Another Little Piece.

When Lennie brings a few jars of her uncles’ moonshine to Michaela Gordon’s house party, she has everyone who drinks it make a wish. It’s tradition. So is the toast her uncles taught her: “May all your wishes come true, or at least just this one.”

The thing is, those words aren’t just a tradition. The next morning, every wish—no matter how crazy—comes true. And most of them turn out bad. But once granted, a wish can’t be unmade . . .

Short and Sweet

Lennie has the power to grant wishes she just doesn’t know it, until she goes to a party with her uncles’ moonshine. At the party Lennie toasts to everyone’s wishes and learns that all of these wishes have consequences that come with them. Lennie then has to find a way to make everything right again.

What I liked

~Lennie, she was a strong character and was determined to fix her mistakes.

~The moonshine that grants wishes was an interesting concept to me.

What I didn’t like

~Some of the humor was off to me.

~The romance was NOT working for me. It was like when you force someone to spend a lot of time with you but you guys still don’t like each other and then you realize you do like each other and ten minutes later you decide you actually don’t like them. Yeah it was something like that.

Overall

I can’t decide whether to give this book 3 or 3.5 hearts. The ending was pretty good, but there were still some aspects I didn’t like. In the end Down With The Shine definitely supports the phrase, “be careful what you wish for!”

Filed Under: Reviews

WILD SWANS By Jessica Spotswood

April 19, 2016 by Dani Young Leave a Comment

I received this book for free from Publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

Wild Swans by Jessica Spotswood
Published by Sourcebooks Fire on 5/3/16
Genres: Contemporary, Realistic Fiction, Romance, Young Adult
Pages: 304
Format: eARC
Source: Publisher
Buy on Amazon

The summer before Ivy's senior year is going to be golden-all bonfires, barbeques, and spending time with her best friends. For once, she will just get to be. No summer classes, none of Granddad's intense expectations to live up to the family name. For generations, the Milbourn women have lead extraordinary lives-and died young and tragically. Granddad calls it a legacy, but Ivy considers it a curse. Why else would her mother have run off and abandoned her as a child?

But when her mother unexpectedly returns home with two young daughters in tow, all of the stories Ivy wove to protect her heart start to unravel. The very people she once trusted now speak in lies. And all of Ivy's ambition and determination cannot defend her against the secrets of the Milbourn past...

Short and Sweet

Ivy plans on having the time of her life before her senior year starts. But things don’t always go as planned. Ivy is struggling trying to find her calling in life and feeling the pressure of the Milbourn legacy in her family. Ivy’s mother left when she was young, so she was raised by her Grandad. When her mother returns, with two young children or Ivy’s half sisters, her life is turned upside down.

What I liked

~Ivy, she wasn’t perfect (who is?) but she was a strong character and stood her ground.

~Connor, he’s Ivy’s love interest and he was honestly so sweet and supportive.

~I liked how most of the issues in the story were resolved.

~Ivy’s best friend Claire she’s funny and a feminist who isn’t afraid to speak her mind. (Look at the quote below)

~Also liked getting to know the background on some of the characters like Ivy’s mom and some of the other Milbourn women.

~ It touches on gender identity and feminism and body image.

What I didn’t like

~The ending I mean it was good I just wish we got to know more. An epilogue would have been nice.

Quotes

“When it comes to the family legacy – that it’s a gift, not a curse; that the Milbourn women were extraordinary, not doomed.”

“And that better be the only wiener you put in your mouth. We do not give blow jobs so that boys will like us!” Claire roars, and Connor nearly chokes on his beer.

Overall

Wild Swans is a feel-good book with realistic friendships, romance, and family. I recommend this to anyone who enjoys YA coming of age stories and contemporaries.

Filed Under: Reviews

BRIGHT BLAZE OF MAGIC By Jennifer Estep

April 12, 2016 by Dani Young Leave a Comment

I received this book for free from Publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

Bright Blaze of Magic by Jennifer Estep
Series: Black Blade #3
Published by Kensington Books on 4/26/16
Genres: Fantasy & Magic, Paranormal, Romance, Urban Fantasy, Young Adult
Pages: 368
Format: eARC
Source: Publisher
Buy on Amazon

Bad Things Always Come In Threes…

As a thief, I'm good at three things: hiding in the shadows, getting in and out unseen, and uncovering secrets. I put these skills to work for the Sinclair Family, one of the magical mobs that run the tourist town of Cloudburst Falls.

Everyone knows Victor Draconi wants to take over all the other Families--and kill every last Sinclair. What they don't know is that I'm on to him, and no way will I let the man who murdered my mom get away with hurting all the other people I care about. Especially when I've got places to break into, stuff to steal, and Devon Sinclair fighting right by my side…

Short and Sweet

Its time for the final battle! Lila and the Sinclair’s know that Victor Draconi is going to strike, but when? Everyone is trying to figure out how to stop Victor especially because they know what he’s planned. Everyone has to band together even the other families to stop Victor and his plan to take over Cloudburst Falls.

What I liked

~The characters! I love them all so much especially all of their different personality’s.

~ There was non-stop action.

~There was always something happening, which kept me on the edge of my seat!

~The scenes were so detailed that I can picture them in my head.

~The Lochness! So misunderstood by people but just wants a friend! I’m glad Lila realized how sweet the lochness actually is.

~The romances! I love all of the romances so much, I shipped them so hard! Devon and Lila, and Deah and Felix!

What I didn’t like

~That it was the last book.

Overall

I loved this trilogy so much! I love all of Jennifer Estep’s books! This book was an amazing ending to a great series. I’m so sad to have to leave these characters behind but this is a series I can definitely read again! This book was thrilling and action packed adventure. With touches of romance, humor, and mystery. Would definitely recommend this series!!!

Filed Under: Reviews

THE BLOOD OF HYDRA By Michelle Madow

April 8, 2016 by Dani Young 1 Comment

I received this book for free from Publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

The Blood of Hydra by Michelle Madow
Series: Elementals #2
Published by Dreamscape Publishing on 4/18/16
Genres: Fantasy & Magic, Mythology, Romance, Young Adult
Pages: 215
Format: eARC
Source: Publisher
Buy on Amazon

Finding out that her new school had her in a special homeroom for witches was strange enough, but now Nicole must face the realization that she has the rare power to kill with just a touch. It's a secret she needs to keep not only from the Head Elders, but from the super-sexy witch Blake, who she's had undeniable chemistry with even before he broke up with his long-term girlfriend, the vengeful witch Danielle.

Now Nicole and the four others gifted with powers over the elements, including Blake and Danielle, must stop a series of monsters that they previously believed to be dead from rising once again and destroying the mortal world. Three magical items are needed, including the blood of the slain hydra - ingredients that they must journey to the dangerous, mystical islands in Greece to retrieve.

The monsters they face on this journey will be more threatening than anything they've encountered yet. But with the fate of the world on their shoulders, it's up to the Elementals to return home victorious. Will they find the ingredients they need? Can Nicole and her friends pull off this mission while the tension between her, Blake, and Danielle threatens to ruin everything? And how long will it be until Nicole is forced to use her ability to kill in front of everyone, revealing the true darkness of her powers?

Short and Sweet

The Blood of Hydra begins where the Prophecy of Shadows left off. The Elementals have now learned how to use their powers which helps them especially because the portal between Earth and Kerberos has weakened. Monsters are now able to cross through the portal and Nicole and her friends must figure out how to send them back to Kerberos permanently. The group then has to go on a mission to find ingredients to make a weapon to deal with the monsters. The Elementals travel to Greece and during the mission the group meets a few friends and Gods along the way.

What I liked

-Seeing the Elementals grow and learn more about their powers.

-The group working as a team.

-Nicole ‘s archery skills.

-The adventure the Elementals go on.

-The new characters.

-The ending

What I didn’t like

– Nothing bothered me about this book. I think I may like it more than the first.

Overall

I thought this book was amazing! I really loved the story and the adventure we get to go on looking for this new weapon to send back the monsters from Kerberos. I also love the magic and mythology aspects its so different. There was also some intense scenes when going to the different islands for the ingredients to make the weapon. I can’t wait to read the third installment.

Filed Under: Reviews

FLAWED By Cecelia Ahern

March 17, 2016 by Dani Young Leave a Comment

I received this book for free from Publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

Flawed by Cecelia Ahern
Series: Flawed #1
Published by Feiwel & Friends on 4/5/16
Genres: Dystopian, Fantasy & Magic, Young Adult
Pages: 336
Format: eARC
Source: Publisher
Buy on Amazon

Celestine North lives a perfect life. She's a model daughter and sister, she's well-liked by her classmates and teachers, and she's dating the impossibly charming Art Crevan.

But then Celestine encounters a situation in which she makes an instinctive decision. She breaks a rule and now faces life-changing repercussions. She could be imprisoned. She could be branded. She could be found FLAWED.

Short and Sweet

Ah where do I even begin? Flawed is about Celestine who lives in a dystopian society where poor judgements and mistakes are not allowed. If you are found guilty of such mistakes you’ll be branded Flawed. “The Flawed are regular citizens who have made moral or ethical mistakes in society.” Our sweet perfect protagonist makes a bad decision one day and now she may be found to be something she never thought she’d be. FLAWED!

What I liked

~The last half of the book I mean when you get halfway through the book is when Celestine begins to seem a little smarter.

~Toward the end things start to pick up.

~When Celestine starts to figure things out.

What I didn’t like

~Celestine at the beginning of the book I mean OMG. This girl was so into herself I can’t even explain how ridiculous it was. “I’m just perfect. That’s all.”

confused really golden globes tom hanks golden globes 2014

~The beginning was slow.

~This society is also ridiculous I mean really the flawed have to shop in there own little space at the grocery store.

Quotes

Lets look at a few quotes. Shall we?

“Do they swap stories of how Flawed they are? Show their brands and laugh with pride, or are they ashamed, as they should be?”

“I see the large F symbol on his armband and I shudder, annoyed with myself for ever thinking someone like him could possibly be related to me.”

WHAT DO YOU MEAN!!!?? Ugh

star trek the doctor facepalm voyager ds9

Overall

I mean it gets better towards the end but Celestine still does things that make you question how she’s an A student. I guess this book is a hit or miss depending on who you are and what you like. I would read the sequel just to see what’s going to happen next.

Filed Under: Reviews

A STUDY IN CHARLOTTE By Brittany Cavallaro

February 25, 2016 by Dani Young Leave a Comment

A Study in Charlotte by Brittany Cavallaro
Series: Charlotte Holmes #1
Published by Katherine Tegen Books on 3/1/16
Genres: Mysteries & Detective Stories, Romance, Thrillers, Young Adult
Pages: 336
Source: Publisher
Buy on Amazon

Jamie Watson has always been intrigued by Charlotte Holmes; after all, their great-great-great-grandfathers are one of the most infamous pairs in history. But the Holmes family has always been odd, and Charlotte is no exception. She’s inherited Sherlock’s volatility and some of his vices—and when Jamie and Charlotte end up at the same Connecticut boarding school, Charlotte makes it clear she’s not looking for friends.

But when a student they both have a history with dies under suspicious circumstances, ripped straight from the most terrifying of the Sherlock Holmes stories, Jamie can no longer afford to keep his distance. Danger is mounting and nowhere is safe—and the only people they can trust are each other.

There’s a mystery to be solved my friends! I really enjoyed reading this book I read it in one day. I love mysteries, and what’s better than a book with the greatest mystery solving duos great great grandkids? The book kid of started out slow for me especially the first chapter but chapter 2 is when it starts to pick up. Charlotte Holmes and James Watson are brought together when a fellow classmate is murdered and they’re being framed. The thing I really loved most about this mystery was the fact that the culprit was using Sherlock Holmes stories to commit the murders.

What I liked

~ Charlotte Holmes! She’s smart, strong, and her deduction skills are amazing! (If only I was a Holmes)

~ James Watson! I mean he’s the narrator, he’s pretty smart himself and of course very knowledgeable when it comes to recalling his great great grandfathers stories.

~ The mystery I was reading trying to figure out who was smart enough to pull this off!

~ The writing is also amazing!

What I didn’t like

~ James had a bit of a temper, I guess I understand some of the reasons why he got mad but others I just thought he could have been more understanding.

~ Charlotte had her secrets but it took a while to get them out of her. Just when I thought I knew her she tells us more.

Favorite Quote

~ “Access tunnels?” I said. “You really should explore more. We’ll remedy that. but not now.”

Overall

I would recommend this book especially if you love mysteries. I’m ready for book 2 and too see what other mysteries this new duo solves! This book was great and had me wanting more!

Filed Under: Reviews

BEHOLD THE BONES By Natalie C. Parker

February 22, 2016 by Dani Young Leave a Comment

I received this book for free from Publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

Behold the Bones by Natalie C. Parker
Series: Beware the Wild #2
Published by HarperTeen on 2/23/16
Genres: Fantasy & Magic, Gothic, Mystery & Detective, Paranormal, Young Adult
Pages: 368
Source: Publisher
Buy on Amazon

Candace “Candy” Pickens has been obsessed with the swamp lore of her tiny Louisiana town for . . . forever. Name any ghostly swamp figure and Candy will recite the entire tale in a way that will curl your toes and send chills up your spine.

That doesn’t mean Candy’s a believer, however. Even though she and her friends entered the swamp at the start of summer and left it changed, Candy’s the only one who can’t see or feel the magical swamp Shine. She’s also the only one who can’t see the ghosts that have been showing up and spooking everyone in town ever since. So Candy concentrates on other things—real things. Like fighting with her mother and plotting her escape from her crazy town.

But ghosts aren’t the only newcomers in Sticks, Louisiana. The King family arrives like a hurricane: in a blur and unwanted—at least by Candy. Mr. King is intent on filming the rumored ghostly activity for his hit TV show, Local Haunts. And while Candy can’t ignore how attracted she is to eighteen-year-old Gage King and how much his sister, Nova, wants to be friends, she’s still suspicious of the King family.

As Candy tries to figure out why the Kings are really in town and why the swamp that had previously cast her aside now seems to be invading every crack in her logical, cynical mind, she stumbles across the one piece of swamp lore she didn’t know. It’s a tale that’s more truth than myth, and may have all the answers . . . and its roots are in Candy’s own family tree.

This book is exactly what I needed to get me out of my slump! Candace Is such a strong character I loved getting to see everything from her point of view. Getting to read about all of my favorite characters again like Sterling and Abigail. So many things happened in this book that had me on the edge of my seat. I was so happy to be reading another book about Sticks and the way Parker brings this world to life and weaves all of the creepiness is amazing!

What I Liked

~ Getting to be in Candy’s head

~ The mystery surrounding the ghost that are all of a sudden coming from the swamp and the King family

~ The friendship that Candy, Sterling, and Abigail have #FriendshipGoals

~ Finding out about Candy and her connection to the swamp

What I didn’t Like

~Nothing! Everything was amazing!

Favorite Quotes

~ Sterling trots along beside me muttering half sentences I don’t understand. “Cut that out before we get up there, Saucier,” I chide. “You sound cracked.”

~ ” Five minutes in town and you’re already running with the worst. I don’t know if I should compliment you or condemn you.”

Plus many more!

Overall

This was definitely one of my most anticipated books of 2016 and it doesn’t disappoint! I love the characters and the ending was great and something I wasn’t expecting. I just hope that there’s another book in the series and its about Abigail! This book is a definite must!!!

Filed Under: Reviews

HOW TO DISAPPEAR By Ann Redisch Stampler

THE MARKED GIRL By Lindsey Klingele

RUINED By Amy Tintera

DOWN WITH THE SHINE By Kate Karyus Quinn

WILD SWANS By Jessica Spotswood

BRIGHT BLAZE OF MAGIC By Jennifer Estep

THE BLOOD OF HYDRA By Michelle Madow

FLAWED By Cecelia Ahern

A STUDY IN CHARLOTTE By Brittany Cavallaro

BEHOLD THE BONES By Natalie C. Parker

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