I'm taking a short break!

Alright! For the rest of August I'm going to be taking a break from blogging. That's only like another ten days...  but it seems like a long time! I just need time to adjust to the new school year. I have my AP Classes, my SLE (Senior Legacy Project)... and I think I might join cross country? Yeah... I don't know about that last one, but I can always hope. Right? (:

Hope the short hiatus won't bother anyone too much. :D

Interview with Stephanie Parent (Author of Defy the Stars)

Today we're lucky to have an interview with Stephanie Parent, author of Defy the Stars!

Julia Cape: A dedicated classical piano student just trying to get through her last semester of high school while waiting to hear from music conservatories. 

Reed MacAllister: A slacker more likely to be found by the stoners’ tree than in class. 

Julia and Reed might have graduated high school without ever speaking to each other…until, during a class discussion of Romeo and Juliet, Julia scoffs at the play’s theme of love at first sight, and Reed responds by arguing that feelings don’t always have to make sense. Julia tries to shake off Reed’s comment and forget about this boy who hangs with the stoner crowd—and who happens to have breathtaking blue eyes—but fate seems to bring the two together again and again. After they share an impulsive, passionate kiss, neither one can deny the chemistry between them. Yet as Julia gets closer to Reed, she also finds herself drawn into his dark world of drugs and violence. Then a horrific tragedy forces Julia’s and Reed’s families even farther apart…and Julia must decide whether she’s willing to give up everything for love. (summary from goodreads.com)

1. What inspired you to write a retelling of Romeo and Juliet?

I had written a previous novel in verse and received feedback from editors that it wasn't "edgy" or dramatic enough for today's YA market, so I knew I needed to go further in my next novel. Someone in the publishing industry actually suggested the idea of a modern Romeo and Juliet story involving drug addiction. At first I wasn't sure about it, but then when I reread the play and was struck by how well the "poison" in the original play correlated with modern drug use. I was also frustrated with several recent YA books that I think portray Romeo and Juliet in an overly simple, one-sided way, and I wanted to explore Shakespeare's work in a deeper way.

2. Was there a reason why you decided to write Defy the Stars in verse rather than the tradtional style of YA novels?

I've always really loved free verse novels, and since I had written a previous novel in verse and also took a number of poetry classes in grad school, I felt fairly comfortable with the form. I hoped the verse would help me stand out in the crowded YA market, and I also thought it was the best way to tell this story. It was particularly helpful in allowing me to convey Julia's stream-of-consciousness thoughts and to portray the link between her dreams and waking life, and it was also a fun way to describe music. And the verse seemed especially appropriate for a retelling of Shakespeare, since he writes in blank, verse and is so poetic himself. Obviously I can only aspire to and not match Shakespeare's transcendent language!

3. Can you give us a twitterized summary of your book?

Two teenagers from very different backgrounds are drawn to each other despite the many forces pulling them apart.

4. Are there any characters in Defy the Stars that you connect with more than the others? Why?

I think I connect to Julia and Reed more than any of the other characters, although with both of them I relate to some aspects of their personalities more than others.  Like Julia, I can be a bit of a perfectionist and control freak, and like her, I was very involved in piano in high school—I actually attended a performing arts high school as a piano major, and I also studied at the Peabody Institute, the pre-college branch of the Peabody music conservatory Julia applies to in the book.  However, while I’ve always loved music, I never had quite the dedication to piano that Julia does, and I never intended to study it in college or pursue it as a career.  As for Reed, I relate to him in that I’ve struggled with depression and self-destructive tendencies, but I’m not nearly as much of a risk taker as Reed is, and I come from a much more stable home life!

5. What's next for you?

I’m currently working on a very different YA novel that’s not in verse, and I’ll be pursuing traditional publication for it with my agent.  I can’t say too much about it at this point, so I’ll just say that it retells a famous story from the distant past, but from a new perspective.  I also think it’s my favorite of all the projects I’ve worked on so far, and I’m really excited about it! 

Don't forget to check out my review of Defy the Stars

Review: Unwind by Neal Shusterman

Title: Unwind
Author: Neal Shusterman
Series: Unwind Trilogy, #1
Release Date: November 6, 2007
Publisher: Simon & Schuster Books For Young Readers
Format: Hardcover
Source: Library
Add: Goodreads

Connor, Risa, and Lev are running for their lives. 

The Second Civil War was fought over reproductive rights. The chilling resolution: Life is inviolable from the moment of conception until age thirteen. Between the ages of thirteen and eighteen, however, parents can have their child "unwound," whereby all of the child's organs are transplanted into different donors, so life doesn't technically end. Connor is too difficult for his parents to control. Risa, a ward of the state is not enough to be kept alive. And Lev is a tithe, a child conceived and raised to be unwound. Together, they may have a chance to escape and to survive. (Summary from goodreads.com) 

After years of hesitation... yes, I said years of hesitation. I finally decided to give Unwind a chance and it definitely didn’t disappoint. This was another time where I read the first few sentences of a synopsis and decided I didn’t want to read the book. As soon as I saw “second civil war”, I decided I didn’t want to read this book. Why, you might ask? Because for some reason I thought it was set in the 1860s, and I didn’t want to read a book about Abraham Lincoln. YEAH. I have no clue what goes through my mind half the time, but what I’m trying to say is that this book is worth the read... and just in case any of you were wondering. It’s not set in the 1860s!

Unwind is an incredibly thought provoking book, and it takes an entirely different direction than other Dystopian novels. The pro-life/pro-choice debate is something we’re all familiar with, but Neal Shusterman takes the debate up a notch by creating this world where unwinding is a daily practice. I won’t go into too many details, but unwinding is basically something that can happen between the ages of 13 and 18 and you’re organs are given to different donors so you’re technically still alive. The practice of unwinding is wrong on so many different levels, it’s unnatural, creepy, wrong... and did I mention creepy? Unwind never went into the realm of being unbelievable and I think that’s what creeped me out the most... because something like this could happen.

The characters in this book were all incredible. Connor, Risa, and Lev were all dealt a bad hand in life when their parents/guardians decided that they were going to have them unwound. They each have a unique voice and we get to see that through the many different narratives this book has. Connor’s a leader with an anger problem who’s never had anyone that really loved him. Lev is a tithe meaning he’s known about his unwinding his whole life and is okay with it since it’s a sacrifice to god. And then there’s Risa. She lives in a state home and however brilliant she may be is overlooked because of the overcapacity of kids. The combination of these three characters and then the not so random random POVS made sure that this book never got boring.

Unwind is a book I would recommend to anyone. If you’re looking for a thought provoking book with incredible world building and an amazing cast of characters this is the book for you. Just be warned this isn’t a light read. It’s intense and creepy and I can almost guarantee you’ll be cringing at parts, but that’s what was so great about this book. Fans of the Hunger Games will love this one! (don’t hate me for the comparison. It’s the only dystopian that I could think of that fit this dystopians sub-genre)

Favorite Quotes/ Moments:

"I was never going to amount to much anyway, but now, statistically speaking, there's a better chance that some part of me will go on to greatness somewhere in the world. I'd rather be partly great than entirely useless." - Samson Ward

Who else is INSANELY excited for the second book, UnWholly?

What do you think?

Have you read this book.

Are you planning on reading it.

Stacking the Shelves (#12)

Stacking the Shelves is a weekly meme hosted by Tynga's Reviews as way to share all the great books you've received throughout the week.

Kindle Books

Onyx by Jennifer L. Armentrout: OH MY GOODNESS. This was the only book I received this week and it was AMAZING. I can definitely see why everyone was raving about this book. Let may this.. Daemon Black in Obsidian has got nothing on Daemon Black in Onyx.

This week on the blog:

Review: Goddess Interrupted by Aimee Carter

Jersey Angel Blog Tour: Jersey Angel Playlist

Top Ten Book Romances That Would Make It In The Real World

ALRIGHT. This week was my worst week when it came to posting. I just got too caught up in trying to get ready for school and hanging out with friends that I completely neglected the blog. So yeah, I've got a ton of posts finished ahead of time, so hopefully this won't happen again.

What books did you get this week?

Have you read this one.

Leave links to your book hauls!

Please answer this survey question!
All you have to do is type in your answer. 

Top Ten Book Romances That Would Make it in the Real World

Top Ten Tuesday is a weekly meme hosted by The Broke and the Bookish.

Top Ten Romances That Would Make it in the Real World (Outside the book)

Beware. There might be spoilers for some love triangles.
Oh, and I started going in order. But after the first four couples it's kind of random....

1. Anna and St. Clair (Anna and the French Kiss): You didn't honestly think I'd go a week without mentioning my favorite book guy fictional couple. I think these two would make it in the real world just because they're probably one of the most normal book couples out there. Plus the world they live in is pretty darn close to the real one.

2. Hermione and Ron (Harry Potter Series): Alright, if you take away the fact that they're wizards and went to this super awesome wizarding school and fought "He Who Shall Not Be Named" they'd be a pretty normal couple. They were best friends before becoming a couple, and were always arguing. But somehow it worked for them. 

3. Lola and Cricket Bell (Lola and the Boy Next Door): For the life of me I can't remember Lola's last name, but that's not really important. Lola and Cricket are a pretty great couple and in all honesty they're a little too strange unique to be with anyone else. 

4. Echo Emerson and Noah Hutchins (Pushing the Limits): These two are a new favorite of mine and I think they have a pretty big chance of surviving outside of the books. They went through so much together, the kind of the things that bond you for life. Plus they're just extremely cute together...

5. Amy and Roger (Amy and Roger's Epic Detour): We really didn't get to see much of their actual relationship in this book, but I think they'd make it in the real world.

6. Adam and Mia (If I Stay, Where She Went): Another couple who've been through so much together and still made it out together.Hope that makes sense? It's just you don't have that kind of history and not make it... Well at least I hope that's what would happen

7. Meghan and Ash (The Iron Fey Series): If you take away the Nevernever and all the fairy business these two have a big chance of making it in the real world. Plus it's ASH!

8. Rose and Dimitri (Vampire Academy Series): Rose and Dimitri are seriously perfect for each other, and anyone that's read this series can see that. They'd definitley make it in the real world.

9. Belly and Conrad (The Summer Series): I don't know about you, but it was pretty obvious to me who Belly was going to end up with. Anyways... I could see them working out in the real world.

10.Lena and Sawyer (The Vincent Brothers): This is a relationship that I really really enjoyed. It started out rocky... like really rocky, but they made it work and that's what I loved the most about it. So, yeah. I think they'd work out.

What do you think?

Would any of these couples make it in the real world.

Leave links to your top tens and tell me what couples you think would make it!

Jersey Angel Blog Tour: Jersey Angel Playlist!

Title: Jersey Angel

Author: Beth Ann Bauman

Publisher: Wendy Lamb Books

Page Numbers: 208

It's the summer before senior year and the alluring Angel is ready to have fun. She's not like her best friend, Inggy, who has a steady boyfriend, good grades, and college plans. Angel isn't sure what she wants to do yet, but she has confidence and experience beyond her years. Still, her summer doesn't start out as planned. Her good friend Joey doesn't want to fool around anymore, he wants to be her boyfriend, while Angel doesn't want to be tied down. As Joey pulls away, and Inggy tours colleges, Angel finds herself  spending more time with Inggy's boyfriend, Cork. With its cast of vivid and memorable characters, this tale from the Jersey shore is sure to make some waves. (summary from goodreads.com)

Hi! Today we're lucky to have an exclusive look into the Jersey Angel music playlist!

Mercy by Duffy

Firework by Katy Perry


Want U Back by Cher Lloyd


Cool by Gwen Stefani


Born This Way by Lady Gaga


Starships by Nicki Minaj


LOVE the music picked for this playlist, and it really makes me want to read the book. :D

Want more Jersey Angel? Be sure to check out the other tour stops at these blogs!

Bound 2 Astound - 8/11

The Book Girl - 8/12

Ramblings of a Teenage Bookworm - 8/14

Fall Into Books - 8/14

Doodle's Book Blog - 8/16

The Literature Lion - 8/17

Doodle's Book Blog - 8/18

I absolutely love her taste in music, all of these songs are so upbeat. 
Leave a comment and let me know which one is your favorite!

Review: Goddess Interrupted by Aimee Carter

Title: Goddess Interrupted
Author: Aimee Carter
Series: The Goddess Test, #2
Release Date: March 27, 2012
Publisher: HarlequinTEEN
Format: Paperback
Source: Won in giveaway
Add: Goodreads
Rating: 4/5

Kate Winters has won immortality. But if she wants a life with Henry in the Underworld, she'll have to fight for it. Becoming immortal wasn't supposed to be the easy part. Though Kate is about to be crowned Queen of the Underworld, she's as isolated as ever. And despite her growing love for Henry, ruler of the Underworld, he's becoming ever more distant and secretive. Then, in the midst of Kate's coronation, Henry is abducted by the only being powerful enough to kill him: the King of the Titans. As the other gods prepare for a war that could end them all, it is up to Kate to save Henry from the depths of Tartarus. But in order to navigate the endless caverns of the Underworld, Kate must enlist the help of the one person who is the greatest threat to her future. 

Henry's first wife, Persephone. (summary from goodreads.com)

Goddess Interrupted is the second book in the Goddess Test series by Aimee Carter. This book is set six months in the future and Kate is finally returning to the underworld to be with her husband, Henry. If only things were so easy, when she’s on the verge of being crowned queen of the underworld, disaster strikes. And now it’s up to Kate and her two best friends, James and Ava, to save everyone. But the only way to do so is by seeking the help of Henry’s first wife and Kate’s sister, Persephone.

This book was completely different from the first one. We finally get to learn more about the underworld and the greek gods. This might seem a little strange, but in the first book the gods were made out to be fairly... innocent, so I was relieved to see that they aren’t as innocent as they seemed. I know, it sounds weird but when I think of greek mythology... I think of all the fights/scandals, so it was nice to see that brought to life. The pacing was alright and the setting was incredible! Getting to see the underworld and how it changes depending on each person was amazing and I enjoyed that aspect of the book.

Kate and Henry are probably one of my least favorite book couples... ever. They lack that special something that makes me obsess want to want their relationship work out. Henry still carries a torch for his first love Persephone and because of that it’s hard for his and Kate’s relationship to actually grow. But you can’t really blame their problems on him alone, it’s more like a lack of communication. If Kate would have spoken up to him sooner about how she felt, then maybe just maybe, things could have been better for them. Despite the whole not liking their relationship aspect, I really liked Kate's character. She's grown so much since the first book and while sometimes she can be a bit whiny, I really admired how she dealt with her problems. Because let's face it, how many of us would be able to keep our cool if we were in her shoes with the whole Henry still loves Persephone situation.

My favorite part of this book had to be the introduction of Persephone. The addition of her character was like the spark that ignited the powder keg (like my World History reference?!), once her character was introduced the drama really began. She didn’t really get along with any of the characters, and was always arguing with them which was definitely funny, but it also gave us the impression that she’s spiteful, bad-tempered, catty a little bratty. But as the book progresses you see that she’s none of those things and really just tells things how she’s it, and doesn’t try and sugar coat things. That alone was one of the reasons why she was my favorite character in the book.

Goddess Interrupted is a book that I know a lot of people enjoyed, so if you’re interested in the series don’t let the fact that I didn’t enjoy it too much put you off. I’ll definitely be reading the next book in this series because the ending was CRAAZZZY. I mean what the heck, was anyone expecting that to happen? APRIL 2013, WHY ARE YOU SO FAR AWAY?

Favorite Quotes / Moments:

"It hurts being the one who loves more" - Kate.

AH! It was moments like this quote that made me feel so bad for Kate and the situation she was in.

What do you think?

Did you enjoy this book. 

What did you or didn't you like about it.

Are you planning on reading this book?

Stacking the Shelves (#11)

Stacking the Shelves is a weekly meme hosted by Tynga's Reviews as way to share all the great books you've received throughout the week.

For review:

The Lost Prince by Julie Kagawa: ALRIGHT. SO I'M REALLY EXCITED FOR THIS BOOK. Not only is it the first review copy I've been approved of from Netgalley, but it's the freaking Iron Fey series... well Call of the Forgotten but still... IT'S EXCITING. I can't wait to read this book, but I don't know how I'm going to feel reading about not so little anymore Ethan Chase.

This past week on the blog:

8/6: Swoon Alert: Dimitri Belikov (Vampire Academy series)

8/7: Top Ten Posts That Will Help You Get to Know ME.

8/7: Review: Defy the Stars by Stephanie Parent

8/9: Review: Pushing the Limits by Katie McGarry

8/9: Swoon Alert: Noah Hutchins (Pushing the Limits)

8/10: Review: Bloodlines by Richelle Mead

So, I only got one book this week but I'm okay with that. Are you looking forward to reading The Lost Prince? Are you a fan of The Iron Fey series?

Leave links to your book hauls!

Review: Bloodlines by Richelle Mead

Title: Bloodlines
Author: Richelle Mead
Series: Bloodlines, #1
Release Date: August 23, 2011
Publisher: Razorbill
Format: Paperback
Source: Bought
Add: Goodreads
Rating: 4/5

I wasn't free of my past, not yet. 

Sydney's blood is special. That's because she's an alchemist - one of a group of himans who dabble in magic and serve to bridge the worls of humans and vampire. They protect vampire secrets - and human lives. But the last encounter Sydney had with vampires got her in deep trouble with the other alchemists. And now with her allegiances in question, her future is on the line. 

When Sydney torn from her bed in the middle of the night, at first she thinks she's still being punished for her complicated alliance with dhampir Rose Hathaway. But what unfolds is far orse. Jill Dragomir - the sister of Moroi Queen Lissa Dragomir - is in mortal danger, and the Moroi must send her into hiding. To avoid a civil war, Sydney is called upon to act as Jill's guardian and protector, posing as her roommate in the unlikeliest of places: a human boarding school in Palm Springs, California. The last thing Sydney wants is to be accused of sympathizing with vampires. And now she has to live with one.  

The Moroi court believe Jill and Sydney will be safe at Amberwood Prep, but threats, distractions, and forbidden romance lurk both outside - and within - the school grounds. Now that they're hiding, the drama is only just beginning.

Bloodlines picks up about a month after the events of Last Sacrifice and for those of you who have read that book... you know how it ends. But even if you haven’t read the Vampire Academy series it’s pretty easy to get a hang on what’s happening in this book.

Set at a steady pace this book was an easy and enjoyable read. I loved getting to know more about the alchemists. Ever since I read Blood Promise when Sydney was first introduced I’ve been dying to know more about the inner workings of the alchemists society. This mixed with the adjustment of having to go to a regular high school and keep her and the moroi/dhampirs secret was really interesting. Although a lot of the book was predictable, it didn’t take away from the story.

Sydney’s character was such a breath of fresh air after reading the Vampire Academy series in Rose’s POV. She’s so sheltered, and it makes pretty much everything she does hilarious! There was this one scene where this guy was trying to ask her out, and she was just so oblivious. With anyone else it wouldn’t have been believable, but with her it was. I also like how she sticks by her morals throughout the whole book, but when she’s put into a situation where she needs to act quickly that she doesn’t hesitate to do things that may make her feel uncomfortable.

This wouldn’t be a review of Bloodlines if I didn’t dedicate a little time to my favorite green-eyed moroi... ADRIAN IVASHKOV. Darn you Monica for getting me addicted to Adrian. He was probably on his way to becoming one of my all time favorite characters before I had even read Bloodlines, and now that I have he’s ensured a spot on my list. Everything that he says is pure genius... no seriously. I wish that I was as creative as him with the things I say.

Also the secondary characters in this book were great. Jill and Eddie are two characters from the Vampire Academy series that I really enjoyed reading about, so I was really excited when I found out Eddie they were going to be in this book. There was also another alchemist; Keith, who was a rather... rude character.

The only complaint I have about this book was how nothing happened until almost the end of the book. But in all honesty, now that I’m looking back on it this book was really setting the pace for the rest of the series. Instead of focusing on action and drama, the book focuses on character development. There was also a lack of romance in this book, but there’s no way I can complain about that. Richelle Mead is building believable relationships between her characters, so when the time comes if Adrian and Sydney the characters decide to start a relationship it’ll be a natural progression.

Bloodlines was an excellent start to this series, and I can’t wait to read more about Sydney, Adrian, Eddie, and Jill’s adventures. Vampire Academy fans will LOVE this book... and fans of Adrian Ivashkov will love it even more because we get to see that he’s more than the party boy everyone makes him out to be.

Favorite Quotes / Moments

"Takes a lot of tries before you hit perfection." He paused to reconsider that. "Well, except for my parents. They got it on the first try." - Adrian Ivashkov

"How?" I demanded. "How could you have screwed this one up?"

"When I got in, they said the manager was on the phone and would be a few minutes. So, I sat down and ordered a drink."

This time I did lean my forehead against the steering wheel.

"What did you order?"

"A martini."

"A martini." I lifted my head. "You ordered a martini before a job interview?"

"It's a bar Sage. I figured they'd be cool with it." - Adrian and Sydney.

What do you think?

Are you excited to read the spin-off to Vampire Academy?

Have you read this book already?

Swoon Alert: Noah Hutchins

For today's Swoon Alert I'm featuring.... NOAH HUTCHINS from Pushing the Limits by Katie McGarry.

Who is Noah Hutchins?:

Noah Hutchins is your classic bad boy. He's labeled as a drug using, trouble maker who uses girls and who has "emotional problems", but there is SO much more then what meets the eye. Once you start to peel away the layers of defenses he has set up, you'll see that he's really not as bad as he seems... and you will swoon. 

Guys like Noah Hutchins ticked me off. He used girls, used drugs and had made me feel like crap this morning. Not that I should be surprised. I'd had a couple of classes with him last semester. He'd stride into the room like he owned the earth and smirk when girls fell all over themselves in his presence. 'What a jerk.' As if he heard me from across the room, his dark eyes met mine. His shaggy brown hair fell over them, but I could tell he was looking at me. The stubble on his face moved as he smiled. Noah had muscles, looks and trouble stalking him. Somehow, he made jeans and a T-shirt look dangerous. Not that I was into girl-using stoners. - Echo Emerson

Random Facts:

He's seventeen years old.

Has shaggy brown hair that falls in his eyes.

Dark brown... chocolate brown eyes.

Works at a burger place.

His parents died. He and his two brothers were placed into the system and separated.

He wants to gain custody of his brothers when he turns 18.

He is a stoner, but stops smoking to impress Echo.

Quotes that make him worthy of a swoon alert:

OKAY. I tried to pick out quotes that wouldn't ruin the book for you in case you haven't already read it, so here they are. And I figured any quotes mentioning Echo's scars would be okay considering they're mentioned in the synopsis of the book.

"I won't tell anyone. I promise."

Noah brushed my hair behind my shoulder and tucked a straggling curl behind my ear. It had been so long since someone touched me like he did. Why did it have to be Noah Hutchins and why did it have to be now?

"Look at me."...... "You didn't do that, did you? It was done to you?"

No one ever asked that question. They stared. They whispered. They laughed. But they never asked. My entire world collapsed around me as I answered, "Yes"

-This is the quote that MADE me want to read this book, and it definitely didn't disappoint. This was also the point in the book where I knew Noah was going to be one of my favorite book guys.

Wrapping my arms around her, I walked her backward into the brick. "Tell me you chose me, Echo."

-Noah has a tendency of backing Echo into walls, lockers, bricks... you know, whatever's most convenient.

"You're my world, so I'd say that even things out."

.........

It had been so long since I'd let myself fall for anybody. I gazed into her beautiful green eyes and her fear melted. A shy smile tugged at her lips and at my heart. Fuck me and the rest of the world, I was in love.

"If you're scared, tell me. If you need to cry and scream, then do it. And you sure as hell down't walk away from us because you think it would be better for me. Here's the reality, Echo: I want to be by your side. If you want to go to the mall stark naked so you can show the world your scars, then let me hold your hand. If you want to see your mom, then tell me that too. I may not always understand, but damn, baby, I'll try."

- I think I might need to update my list of my favorite declarations of love because I'd be lying if that wasn't one of the best I've read in awhile. 

SO. I hope you all can see why Noah Hutchins is worthy of a Swoon Alert. He's got that whole bad boy who isn't really bad thing going on, and he's really sweet... PLUS he's one of the only people who tries to find out more about Echo and her scars... I LOVE HIM. If you haven't gotten a chance to read Pushing the Limits yet.... DO IT. You won't be disappointed.

Check out my review of Pushing the Limits by Katie McGarry

Add it to your TBR on Goodreads

Have you read this book yet?

What did you think of Noah Hutchins?

Are you planning on reading this book.

Does he sound worthy of a swoon alert?

Review: Pushing the Limits by Katie McGarry

Title: Pushing the Limits

Author: Katie McGarry

Series: First in Companion.

Release Date: July 31, 2012

Publisher: Harlequin Teen

Format: Hardcover

Source: Bought

Add: Goodreads
Rating: 4.5/5

"I won't tell anyone, Echo. I promise." Noah tucked a curl behind my ear. It had been so long since someone touched me like he did. Why did it have to be Noah Hutchins? His dark brown eyes shifted to my covered arms. "You didn't do that-did you? It was done to you?" No one ever asked that question. They stared. They whispered. They laughed. But they never asked. 

So wrong for each other...and yet so right. 

 No one knows what happened the night Echo Emerson went from popular girl with jock boyfriend to gossiped-about outsider with "freaky" scars on her arms. Even Echo can't remember the whole truth of that horrible night. All she knows is that she wants everything to go back to normal. But when Noah Hutchins, the smoking-hot, girl-using loner in the black leather jacket, explodes into her life with his tough attitude and surprising understanding, Echo's world shifts in ways she could never have imagined. They should have nothing in common. And with the secrets they both keep, being together is pretty much impossible.Yet the crazy attraction between them refuses to go away. And Echo has to ask herself just how far they can push the limits and what she'll risk for the one guy who might teach her how to love again. (summary from goodreads)

ALRIGHT. I’ve said this before, but I’ll say it again. Pushing the Limits was probably one of my most anticipated contemporaries since I found out Etienne St. Clair was going to be in Lola and the Boy Next Door. And for those of you who read this blog... you know I don’t joke about St. Clair. Pretty much every review I read for this book talked about how fantastic it was, and I hate to jump on the bandwagon with everyone else but I agree. I don’t think I’d go as far as to say that it’s the best contemporary I’ve ever read, but Katie McGarry definitely took me on an emotional roller coaster with this book.

Echo and Noah are two of my favorite characters of the year... actually I could probably group them in with my very large list of favorite characters. They’re flawed and there’s no denying that fact.. but there was just something so admirable about them. The romance between the two of them would have bothered me in any other book, but in Pushing the Limits it just worked. There was an instant attraction between the two of them, but they fought it off for awhile. And when they did give in to it... well let’s just say sparks flew.

Echo is one of the most broken characters that I think I’ve ever read about. Something happened to her, something that she can’t remember and since then nothings been normal in her life. She’s a social outcast because of the scars on her arms, her dad and stepmom are having a baby, and her friends put conditions on their friendship. There’s just so much crap going on in her life and the worst part about it is that she can’t remember why everything is the way it is. Sometimes I just wished that Echo would stand up for herself and be that stubborn girl she is with Noah.

Noah Hutchins. He seems like your typical bad boy at first glance. He smokes, drinks, and is a player. But underneath that facade he’s just as broken as Echo. He lost his parents and his little brothers and him were put in foster care. Due to some unfortunate incidents he’s only allowed to see his brothers once a month. Throughout the whole book he’s fueled by his goal to gain custody of his brothers. The thing that bothered me was that he didn’t stop to think how his brothers would react to being pulled out of the home they’ve been living in for three years. Don’t get me wrong... he had great intentions and I loved how much he loved his family. It’s just I wish he would have thought it out more than he did. But he did grow throughout the book and I loved seeing him decided between what he thought was right and what was right.

I loved the contrasting element of Noah and Echo’s friends. Before her accident Echo was one of the most popular girls in school and had everything including great friends. But after her accident she only had a few friends and if you ask me only one of them acted like a real friend. And then there was Noah who had these two amazing best friends yet they’d only known each other for a short amount of time. I don't know why, but after everything that happened in this book the idea of who you're friends really are stuck with me. 

Pushing the Limits isn’t a book you want to miss. It’s got everything you could want in a book. Compelling characters, a swoon worthy romance, and a mysterious element. I only stopped reading this book once and that was to get a snack and more sticky notes... I have a lot of sticky notes in my copy. Fans of contemporary books will not be disappointed by this book.

Favorite Quotes / Moments:

"Luke used to give me butterflies. Noah spawned mutant pterodactyls." - Echo Emerson

What do you think?

Have you read this book.

What are some of your favorite contemps?

Review: Defy the Stars by Stephanie Parent

Title: Defy the Stars
Author: Stephanie Parent
Series: No.
Release Date: August 1, 2012
Publisher: Self-published
Format: Kindle book.
Source: Author for honest review.
Add: Goodreads
Rating: 4/5

Julia Cape: A dedicated classical piano student just trying to get through her last semester of high school while waiting to hear from music conservatories.  

Reed MacAllister: A slacker more likely to be found by the stoners’ tree than in class. 

Julia and Reed might have graduated high school without ever speaking to each other…until, during a class discussion of Romeo and Juliet, Julia scoffs at the play’s theme of love at first sight, and Reed responds by arguing that feelings don’t always have to make sense. Julia tries to shake off Reed’s comment and forget about this boy who hangs with the stoner crowd—and who happens to have breathtaking blue eyes—but fate seems to bring the two together again and again. After they share an impulsive, passionate kiss, neither one can deny the chemistry between them. Yet as Julia gets closer to Reed, she also finds herself drawn into his dark world of drugs and violence. Then a horrific tragedy forces Julia’s and Reed’s families even farther apart…and Julia must decide whether she’s willing to give up everything for love. (summary from goodreads.com)

Books written in verse always surprise me. For some reason I think that they won’t be able to convey the same amount of emotions as a traditional novel, but I’m ALWAYS wrong. Defy the Stars is written in verse, and it continued my streak of great verse novels.

Defy the Stars is a retelling of Romeo and Juliet written in verse. I loved the way the story was told, it wasn’t a complete retelling of the original story. Just snippets, and those snippets helped to contribute to the overall theme of the book. When the story begins, it’s already at the end of Julia and Reeds story. But then we get to go back four months and see how everything happened. I was definitely shocked at how some parts of the story played out.

Julia and Reed were both pretty ordinary characters. Julia is a concert pianist and is always pressured by her parents into being perfect. Then there’s Reed. He’s the classic bad boy. He does drugs, ditches class, and is a musician. Reeds character just broke my heart, so many bad things have happened to him and nothing ever worked out for him. Just thinking about it makes me want to cry. I think part of the reason why Reed and Julia started a relationship is because both of their lives were so screwed up to begin with that they were... clinging to whatever sense of normalcy that they could find.

Julia and Reed’s romance was the only the thing that bothered me about this book. Sure they had this instant attraction, but they didn’t need to fall in love so darn fast! I don’t even know if love is the right word... maybe just an insane amount of attraction? Their relationship may have bothered me, but it just worked for this story. If they had more time together I think their relationship could have grown into something fantastic.

This book is intense. At first it was kind of like “okay, this is a cute verse book”, and then about 30% into the book things started to change. It was a natural change that never seemed forced. There was some drug use, and I don’t normally say this but I wish there had been more of it. Not that I condone that kind of thing, I just wanted to see more of how it affected the characters.

Defy the Stars is a book that I really enjoyed, but I’m not going to lie and say that everyone’s going to love it. It’s one of those books that’s hit or miss, you’re either going to really like it... or not enjoy it at all. Fans of Ellen Hopkins, and Gayle Forman will most likely enjoy this book!

What do you think?

Does it sound like a good book.

Are you a fan of verse novels?

Top Ten Posts That Will Help You Get to Know ME

Top Ten Tuesday is a weekly meme hosted by The Broke and the Bookish.

Top Ten Posts on My Blog That Would Give You the Best Picture of Me.

1. Top Ten Declarations of Love in YA.

This is one of my favorite posts because it kind of just shows how much of a hopeless romantic I am. Declarations of love are my favorite and you can see it in this post.

2. Review: Hex Hall by Rachel Hawkins

It's not often that I just let loose and let my personality show in a review, but this is one of the few that I've done that with. I enjoy writing these reviews more so I've been trying to let my sarcastic nature show in them.. but it's harder then it sounds. :P

3. Review: Saving June by Hannah Harrington

This one doesn't showcase much when it comes to my personality. It's the first review I posted on this blog... actually it's the first anything I posted and I like to look back on it so I can see just how much I've improved. Major confidence boost sometimes.

4. Review: The Fine Art of Truth or Dare by Melissa Jensen.

Again this is a review that doesn't really showcase my personality... but it's still important to me. It was the first "negative" review I wrote and it was really hard. You know finding that combination of constructive criticism while showing your opinion.

5. Top Ten Blogs/Sites I Read That Aren't About Books.

OKAY. So this post kind of just shows what I'm doing online when I'm not blogging. I go to a technology based high school so we're always on the computer... and these are websites that I frequently visit when I should be working.

6. Review: Slammed by Colleen Hoover

Just one of my favorite books and I think it was a pretty well written review.

7. Swoon Alert: Sawyer Vincent

It's no secret that I LOVE fictional guys. So I started this thing where I talk about an exceptionally swoon worthy guy. It doesn't have any set days and I just post them whenever I read about a good guy. Sawyer Vincent was my first pick and well he was great. BTW: If you wanted to check this out or my post on Dimitri Belikov it would be much appreciated.. They haven't been a hit so far!

What are some of your favorite posts that you've published?

Leave links to your Top Ten Lists!

Swoon Alert: Dimitri Belikov

Today's Swoon Alert features.... Dimitri Belikov!

Dimitri Belikov is one of my all time favorite book guys. I just finished the Vampire Academy series a few days ago... and it was amazing. Dimitri is different from the usual book guys. He's respectful and follows the rules... most of the time. I like that the only time he ever loses control is when he's with Rose. 

Description:

Silent brooding type.
Around 6'7. 
24 years old. 
He's Russian.

"He was older than us, maybe mid-twenties, and as tall as I'd figured, probably six-six or six-seven. And under different circumstances - say, when he wasn't holding up our desperate escape - I would have thought he was hot. Shoulder-length brown hair, tied back in a short ponytail. Dark brown eyes. A long brown coat- a duster, I thought it was called."

-Rose Hathway, Vampire Academy. First impression of Dimitri.

Random Facts:

He's a fan of Western novels.

Wears a duster like a cowboy.
He's a Dhampir. (half vampire)
Described as a "god" when he fights.

Favorite Quotes / Moments

"One of the few downsides of being awakened is that we no longer require to sleep; therefore we no longer dream. It's a shame, because if I could dream, I know I'd dream about you."
 - Dimitri Belikov, Spirit Bound. (This quote is from when he was kind of creepy, but it was still really sweet.)

Rose: "The spell. Victor said you had to want me... to care about me... for it to work. Did you? Did you want me?"
Dimitri: "Yes, Roza. I did want you. Still do. I wish... we could be together."
- Vampire Academy

Dimitri: No it won't happen to you. You're too strong. You will fight it, just like you did this time."
Rose: "I only did it because you were here, I can't do it by myself."
Dimitri: "You can, you're strong - you're so, so strong. It's why I love you."
- Shadow Kiss

"Wait until next time," he warned. "I'll do things that'll make you lose control within seconds."
- Dimitri Belikov, Last Sacrifice.

"I put up a wall to keep you safe. It worked for awhile - until my heart finally started accepting other emotions. And it all came back. Everything I felt for you. It had never left; it was just hidden from me until I was ready.
- Dimitri Belikov, Last Sacrifice.

What do you think of Dimitri?
Is he worthy of a swoon alert?

Don't forget to vote for him in the YACrushTourney today!
http://ya-sisterhood.blogspot.com/

If you haven't read the Vampire Academy series by Richelle Mead yet... do it. I highly recommend it!

OH! And don't forget to share your favorite Dimitri moments.. if you have any!