The Boys Next Door

With the cold, biting promise of winter on the horizon, everyone is preparing earnestly to keep themselves warm during the shorter days and I have just the thing to keep you warm on the inside. The Boys Next Door by Jennifer Echols is the perfect romance to warm your heart and bring summer to your winter, whether it be snowy, like it will soon be here in lovely Canada, or beachy warm in your Carribean beachhouse (oh, how I wish...). Sweet, simple, and adorable, this book tells a great tale of summer romance that will have you laughing, crying, and smiling non-stop.

Finally summer is here and Lori can't wait to put her carefully constructed plans for the boy next door into place. After years and years of waiting for Sean to notice her to be the love of his life as she believes she is, she decides that it's time to give him a little push. Now, armed with a new wardrobe and a couple of new skills nabbed from magazines, Lori is sure that her plan to win over the guy she adores is perfect. Plus, now that his brother, the equally gorgeous Adam, has agreed to help her make Sean jealous, things are just too easy. Or are they? It seems Sean's got his eye on something--or rather, someone else for his summer and Adam seems to have plans of his own. Could it be that the perfect summer romance could also be the perfect summer disaster?

Seemingly a cliche summer story at first, this novel was entirely surprising, and not in a bad way. It was wonderful how the ending was not necessarily one that you could pinpoint, as it was constantly switching angles and possibilities were becoming more and more extensive. It was crazy and wild but so on point that it certainly brought a new meaning to "the perfect summer romance". A phenomenal book to start off your jolly winter and to keep you warm all season long.
Rating: 8/10

Significance

Oh. My. Goodness. This is one of the best teen romance novels that I have read all year.

"Teen romance?" You say

Yes, I do.

"Werewolves, vampires, and fairies then." You say

No, absolutely, shockingly not!

Significance by Shelly Crane was hilarious, addictive, and full of romance, just my treat. Brilliantly written and overflowing with everything a good book needs, this book is one that you NEED to pick up, even if it is only available through e-book. It will blow your mind with a new wave of paranormalcy that will have you craving the second.

Maggie's seventeenth year is nothing like she expected. Her mom left their family, her father is severly depressed, and her boyfriend of nearly three years dumped her for a football scholarship. It's only by sheer luck that she is even graduating high school. She doesn't think she has anything left until she is on her way to meet up with a friend for "finally a first date" and in steps Caleb. After saving him from nearly being flattened into the pavement, she is intrigued by him but soon learns that he is off-limits as he is the cousin of her date that she is supposed to be heading to. However, off-limits soon turns to no-limits when they shake hands and the world blows up for Maggie. She is now Caleb's significant. His other half. His soul mate. And she can't live without him. She is about to enter the world of Aces, which wasn't formerly dangerous but her imprint with Caleb has stirred the pot and things are about to go wild. What happens when you've just found your other half and you might be forced to live without it?

This book was just plain terrific. It blew my mind and stole my heart. Everything about this book was done well and that is a feat to accomplish with a book where someone goes from just meeting a person to wanting to give everything to save that person's life. Crane pulled this off spectacularly and brought a whole new world into view. Utterly phenomenal. And I understand your hesitation. An e-book? You mean, online? YES! Put it on your iPod, your tablet, your smartphone, your computer, do whatever you need to do to get this book! And for only $0.99 on Amazon. I'd say that it's a great purchase. Trust me.

Rating: 9.5/10 (Would be a 10, if not for some minor spelling errors)

Raised by Wolves

Ever since the dawn of the Twilight era, werewolves have been degraded to the same level as vampires. What once could have been an amazing book about a werewolf and its life, now has eyes rolled at it and is labeled a cliche. Well, I'm here to change your view on that perspective once and for all. Jennifer Lynn Barnes' Raised by Wolves is roaring with fantastic witticism, phenomenal romance, and a brilliantly-thought-out plot. It's addictive and exciting in a whole other category from most of the supernatural genre and easily shoved its way into my top favourites.

Ever since she was four, when her parents were ripped to shreds in front of her, Bryn has been raised as a human in a werewolf world. Taken in by the Stone River Pack's alpha, Callum, and living in a community with mostly werewolves she has seen it all, or so she thought. Everything she thought she knew gets turned upside down when she discovers a mysterious new werewolf locked up in the alpha's basement. "I got bit," he says, and everyone knows that you don't get turned into a werewolf from a bite. Do you? It's all up to Bryn and Chase as they unravel everything that Bryn thought was real in the world only to uncover the one thing that may link Bryn's past to this strange wolf and change her life forever.

This book has no limits and is full of surprises! You will go through so many different emotions, you could be mistaken for having mood swings. The ups and downs, the goods and the bads, everything a good book is and more, Raised by Wolves. You will not be disappointed, I guarantee that!

Clockwork Angel

Clockwork Angel by, the ever-enjoyable, Cassandra Clare was released in late 2010 with much speculation in her band of followers about how the world of Nephilim and Downworlders would be different in the year of 1878 and I am here to report that Clare's world is still as spellbinding as ever with a writing style that is stronger than most authors out there. Changing the era of a story is always a risky move due to many complications like the language of the time or even the circumstances at the time. Research is always key to these Historical Fictions and Clare pulled it off spectacularly.

For Tessa Gray, 1878 is not a happy year. Everything from her aunt dying to her brother mysteriously disappearing, the young sixteen-year-old is even more confused than most especially after she is taken captive by the eccentric Dark Sisters. The sisters reveal to Tessa that she has power beyond her wildest imaginations and are preparing her to "marry" the elusive Magister, who wants Tessa and her power for his own. Tessa is only hours away from this plan taking place until everything is disrupted by Shadowhunters who rescue her from her dreadful fate. Taken in by the Nephilim until they can find her brother, Tessa soon learns more than she could have hoped about the mysterious world around her and soon finds herself in the middle of a battle between good and evil, herself being the prize. Tessa will face everything from falling into a trap to falling in love and will risk everything she knows and loves to protect this world she is now perpetually tied to.

This novel will have you laughing and crying and, for those who have read the Mortal Instruments, reminiscing of other characters that we have all become so fond of. This book is incredible and bewitching. You will be captivated from page one and will be breathless by the end. I find myself saying this more and more recently but this book is certainly a must-read. You will not regret reading this. A promise, from me to you.

Rating: 10/10

Rachel Vincent

This is a new type of post for the blog, an author review. Why, you might ask? The answer is simple, I am very excited to announce the arrival of the long-awaited author that makes everyone tingle with excitement, love, anger, hatred, sadness, and every other emotion that there is. Rachel Vincent is one of the best authors that I have read in a long, long time. She has two series out currently that I guarantee you will L-O-V-E. In her adult series (NOT appropriate for those under the age of 14), Shifters (Stray, Rogue, Pride, Prey, Shift, and Alpha), you will find strong ties of action, romance, and sarcasm; three of my most favorite things. In her young adult series, Soul Screamers (My Soul to Take, My Soul to Save, My Soul to Keep, My Soul to Steal, and the accompanying e-novellas, My Soul to Lose and Reaper), you will find much of the same focuses as in her adult series with a little more of the teen juice, as I like to call it, thrown in the package. Both series' will leave you breathless for the next and crying endlessly when they end. They are just THAT GOOD!

Outlander

PARENTS: THIS NOVEL IS NOT FOR YOUNGER READERS: 16+

For the avid book reader, great books are always a toughy. After you read that one really good book, it's next to impossible to find another book that can compare. Well here I am to tell you that I've found it! The next book that is sure to rock your world is (drumroll please!) Outlander by Diana Gabaldon. The iconic Historical Fiction, Romance, and Adventure novel has already captured millions of readers world-wide and there's no question in my mind as to why. This novel is so addictive and thrilling that you can never seem to stop. One novel with everything, you say? Indeed, it is, my friends; indeed, it is.

It is 1945 and finally, the war is over for young Claire Randall, previously a combat nurse, and she is over-joyed to be on a second honeymoon with her husband of seven years in Scotland. With Frank always caught up in his historical research, Claire is left alone to find adventures of her own and does she ever. After discovering a small stone circle, Claire is captivated by it's presence and thinks nothing of harmlessly touching a random boulder, that is until she finds herself transported to another time, the Scottish Highlands of 1743. Catapulted into a time of clans and war, she is now a Sassenach--"outlander"--to the famous MacKenzie Clan. Now Claire, being accused by all parties of being a spy, must find a way back to her time before she loses her life or even her heart. You see, Claire finds herself drawn to a young Scot, Jamie Fraser, and is torn between a husband she may never see again, or a desirable young man, with a flaming head of hair, that shows her a love to last for the ages.

This novel is NOT for a young audience but I encourage you with the every bit of my bookworm self to read this novel. It's joyous and tragic, beautiful and ugly, romantic and intriguing, satisfying and frustrating. It's everything the perfect book is. Outlander by Diana Gabaldon is just so amazing, there are no words beyond extraordinary to describe it. This is a MUST READ.

Rating: 20/10

Mockingjay

Mockingjay by Suzanne Collins is a chilling and thrilling finale to the Hunger Games Trilogy. This sensational novel sizzles this epic tale to a close and will leave you gasping for a little bit more, even after you know it's over. The heart-racing action, the tangled romance, and the terrible tragedies all work together to bring a fantastic ending to a fantastic series. Suzanne Collins will be highly praised for this novel.

(SPOILER ALERT: FOR THOSE WHO HAVEN'T READ Hunger Games OR Catching Fire, DO NOT READ ANY FURTHER!)

Katniss Everdeen has been in and out of the Hunger Games arena more times than was thought possible and her actions have shaken Panem to its core. Now a rebel, hiding in the once-thought-destroyed District 12, there is a high price for her head in the Capital and it's all thanks to the Mockingjay. Once, a symbol for hope in Katniss' life, the Mockingjay has become a symbol for a universal rebellion and so has Katniss. The rebels are gaining strength, slowly but surely, with Katniss in the lead but does she have the right head for it? See, Katniss' old Hunger Games partner, Peeta, is causing some commotion in favor of the Capital and it has brought Katniss to her knees. Will the rebellion be able to continue with its leader in shambles or will the Capital have its way once and for all?

This novel couldn't have been better. The fast-paced, heart-wrenching story will bring you to tears and make you feel like you've actually become a part of Katniss Everdeen's life. The detailed and well-written plot makes this world seem completely realistic and Suzanne Collins, I'm going to outright thank you for such a fantastic series. The terrible lives of the people of Panem and the rebellion for a change parallels so well to our own world, it seems too realistic at times and that is what all authors try so hard to achieve. This was an outright extraordinary novel and I recommend it to anyone and everyone. So much for Team Edward vs. Team Jacob; I'm all for Team Gale vs. Team Peeta.

Rating: 10/10

I Am the Messenger

I Am the Messenger by Markus Zusak was recommended to me from a close friend who shares common interests with me with the proposal that "I would LOVE it". It took me about a week to read this 368 page book because nothing really held a captivation for me. With a scattered storyline and a weak writing technique, Markus Zusak did not make it onto any of my lists for I Am the Messenger. However, the overall story itself had a very interesting proposal and kept me rooting, somewhere in my mind, for the "romance" as it usually does.

Ed Kennedy is just an innocent, underage taxi driver who just happens to be in the wrong place at the wrong time. Caught in a bank robbery, Ed and his friends are in no real danger from this terrible thief but something tells Ed to do something and that is how Ed ends up stopping the robber and saving the day. Picture in the newspaper and a warm feeling in his heart, Ed doesn't expect anything to really come from his heroism but, of course, something always does. It is then that Ed begins to receive the cards in the mail; and, no, I'm not talking about a "Thank-You" card or a "Happy Birthday" card, I mean a playing card. An Ace of Spades to be exact. Now, Ed is caught up in a dangerous loop of events in which he, again, plays the hero. A lonely old woman, a poor mother, a batty old theater-owner, and a girl who needs to learn to love, all of these Ed must face along with many others. Will Ed be able to do his job? If so, what is his reward? Surely something must come out of his services, right?

The story itself doesn't sound that bad put like this, but it isn't a book I'd really recommend. Sure, there are some sweet moments and it isn't an incredibly bad novel, but the ideas are just too mixed up and hard to follow. To some, this may be an excellent read and many may enjoy this novel, however, I would say otherwise. I Am the Messenger is a good tale of finding yourself in the strangest of situations but is it really put together well?

Rating: 5.5/10

Reading and Movie Lists for August 2010

With a sprained wrist and some pretty crappy weather, you can only imagine the amount of reading and movie watching I have gotten done. So, without further ado, here are your Lists for August 2010!

Reading List:

1. Private by Kate Brian
2. City of Bones by Cassandra Clare
3. I'd Tell You I Love You, but Then I'd Have to Kill You by Ally Carter
4. Stray by Rachel Vincent
5. Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins
6. Strange Angels by Lili St. Crow
7. The A-List by Zoey Dean
8. Shiver by Maggie Steifvater
9. Jessica's Guide to Dating on the Dark Side by Beth Fantaskey
10. The Vampire Academy by Richelle Mead

Movie List:
1. SALT
2. Sorcerer's Apprentice
3. Knight and Day
4. Bandits
5. Avatar
6. Star Trek
7. Step Up
8. Cop Out
9. Despicable Me
10. Valentine's Day

So, here you go. Some movies to keep you in suspense and a reading list to make you laugh and cry, the perfect way to prepare yourself for another school year.

My Soul to Keep

Rachel Vincent is a witty new author that I'm currently loving and it is quite obvious that you will too. After finishing My Soul to Take my heart was pounding loud and strong as I fell in love with Nash and Kaylee. As the series continued with My Soul to Save it was apparent that I would soon be reviewing this series for you all and then I reached the most recent novel, My Soul to Keep. This series is scrum-diddly-liscious, a perfect read to add to your summer reading list. Readers will be entranced by the love between the characters, the witty banter, and the suspense of it all. No lights will be turned out tonight as you find yourself captivated deeper and deeper into Rachel Vincent's ever-promising delectable young adult series.

Kaylee Cavanough always thought that she was just the awkward teenager with no mom and an absent father, living with her aunt, uncle, and crazy-popular cousin. However, Kaylee has a secret, one that she's never shared with anyone...until now. Until that dreaded night at the club, no one knew that Kaylee had been admitted to the mental health care unit once before after a "break down" at the local mall; but now, Kaylee is having trouble keeping it a secret as she suddenly has the urge to scream again, as a local party girl drops dead on the floor at the night club Kaylee just happened to be at. All of Kaylee's fears seem to be on the verge of coming true, she will scream and everyone will know about her "trip", Nash Hudson--gorgeous Nash Hudson who picked that particular night of all nights to dance with her--will never look at her again like the way he was looking at her at that moment, and everyone will label her as a freak. She is so sure that this is all about to happen when Nash leads her outside and calms her, somehow, and then everything is fine. Not. Kaylee is a bean sidhe or a banshee, as you may call it, and when people die near her, she screams for their soul. All of this would've been fine and dandy to know about but it just so happens that she'll have to use her gift now more than ever as girls across town just start to drop all around her. Dead. Now armed with the help of her new boy toy, her best friend, and the local reaper, Kaylee must figure out who is taking all these poor souls and save them before it's too late. 

Kaylee Cavanough is the newest heroin on the scene and I'm certain she'll be number one on a lot of lists very soon. Girls will swoon for Nash Hudson and hearts will also be stolen by Tod, the mysterious grim reaper as the story progresses. Sure to make a lot of lists soon enough, My Soul to Keep is an amazing third novel in this amazing series by Rachel Vincent. This third novel will make you laugh, cry, and yell; triggering more emotions than FANG and Twilight combined. 

Rating: 10(can I go higher?)/10