Montag, 26. Dezember 2011

Eternal Starling (Emblem of Eternity #01) - Angela Corbett

Title: Eternal Starling (Emblem of Eternity #01)
Author: Angela Corbett 
Rating: 4/5

Having two soulmates isn't exactly what Evangeline thought of as she started college. Now, stuck between Alex and Emil, she discovers that their fight of her heart isn't something that just happened some time ago. In fact, it happened centuries ago. As both boys try to make her trust them, Evie is in more danger than she is aware of.

First, I can not put down in words how much I adore this cover. It's one of the most beautiful I have ever seen, I think. So the cover itself deserves five stars. Unfortunately, the book only deserves four. Not unfortunately really: Four is a really great rating. In the beginning I even thought I might give this 4.5 but then I just had to remember the fact that I am not much of a fan of those "eternal love" stories that reaches over centuries and centuries.

The love triangle was also one of the greatest I have ever read. You can't decide which guy you should like more. Perhaps the majority of girls who read this book go with Alex. He is everything a mother would be happy to be her daughter's husband, I guess. But then there is Emil who just steals your heart within a second. I, myself, know that I couldn't decide which guy to like more. I loved them both. Whenever I thought a certain guy was better for Evie, the other one came around and changed my mind completely.

As mentioned I am not very thrilled about stories that include love that goes on since centuries. I know, it's supposed to be romantic and all that and I guess it is, my veins freeze when I read it also (which is a good sign, by the way. Romantic scenes have to make my blood and veins freeze). I don't know what it is that makes me like those stories so less, I just know that I like to read other stories better. However, this book was different. I really liked reading about their past relationships and feelings. Still, in the back of my mind I was between liking and not liking it. Weird, for sure.

In the beginning I thought that things between Alex and Evie went on a little too fast. Well, they went fast, as soon as Alex finally did something. You had to wait for that move quite a while. Then I was disappointed in him (you will be too, as soon as you read the book) and then Emil came in the picture. I couldn't help but wonder from the very first moment on if he was evil. I think most people who read this book will think about him as that aswell. It's how it always goes: Good boy comes first, claims to love the girl more than anything, he disappoints her, bad boy comes along the way and suddenly owns the girl's heart though he has no intention of giving her what she longs for, which is real love. I'm glad this book (or at least the first one until now) showed a different way during the story. I even wondered if Zach is a part of the whole good and bad side part. I'm excited to find out if I am right or not.

What annoyed me a little was Evie. Not Evie herself but the way she thought about things. She might aswell thought of herself as the queen of the world since both guys wanted her so damn bad. I wanted her to choose a guy and then move on, but my wishes may not be heard here. At some points, however, I agreed with her, which made her appear a little more friendly to me.

So, all in all this book was great. I am very glad that I read it. I'm also glad that it focused on the romance and not on some unnecessary parts like school or in this case college, 'cause honestly, I hate reading about school and college when I'm not interested in those things when it comes to books. There's enough school and college for all of us in real life.

Get your hands on that book! It'll make your heart melt, whether it's for Alex or for Emil.

Sonntag, 25. Dezember 2011

The One That I Want - Jennifer Echols

Title: The One That I Want
Author: Jennifer Echols
Rating: 3.5/5

Gemma doesn't have much expierence when it comes to boys. But when a guy like Max flirts with you, it's something you notice, right? Well, obviously it's not, because otherwise he wouldn't date her "best friend" Addison. The more time Gemma spends with them and Max's best friend Carter, the more she feels drawn to Max. Too bad she has got to keep her nose clean.

Oh, oh, oh. Perfect literature for girls. I've only read Going Too Far by Jennifer Echols, and I can't decide which book I like more. While Going Too Far had more aspects of an adult novel, The One That I Want reminds me of good old teenage shows like Lizzie McGuire. Don't we all miss the good old days?

I loved Gemma! (And I love the name Gemma itself) It was good to read about a girl who had issues with her looks and her weight and even though she was pretty rich, she couldn't buy herself friends and attention with that. Well, she had attention when she lost weight, but they couldn't really see her as what she wanted to be seen. That's why she stayed with Addison, the most horrible bitch I've ever read of I think. I'm still happy that Jennifer created a character like hers. Honestly, it's always good to read about mean people. You may not be sure of that, but you get all mad inside and I think that is what a book makes you want to read it on and on aswell. You want to know if that mean girl will end up in a trash bin, which she'd totally deserve. Just saying... Everybody knows a girl like Addison and sometimes I couldn't believe my eyes. Her comments were just eww. I wanted to wake up Gemma and tell her to tell Addison to screw off. I can understand that nobody wants to be lonely and have no friends, but seriously, that is no reason to stay with such a mean friend, if you can even call it a friend. I think you can not.

Carter is just like Addison in a male version. I couldn't stand him at all. This whole thing about being better than Max, or being better than anyone at all, it really annoyed me. Can't someone just once be happy with the life and things they have? I guess not.

And now, the wonderful and gorgeous Max. He was amazing! Alright, sometimes I didn't understand his acts and when he explained why he did certain things the way he did in the end, I almost wanted to scream at him, because I also want just once a guy to show and tell a girl how they feel. Not wait a whole life time for the right moment or never even tell her at all. Things like that only question love and that is never a good thing. I loved how he wanted to teach Gemma those life lessons, though he wasn't much older than her but pretend to be so much wiser. And I also loved how he and Gemma had those moments when they couldn't help but laugh over something funny that nobody else got right. Real connection here.

I loved this book a lot! I wasn't sure if this was something for me, but it totally was. The only thing I was really sad about was that there weren't so many scenes with Robert. He seemed like a really good friend, though that was different in the beginning. And Delilah was a really nice girl too. I could definitely see her and Gemma being best friends forever.

Freitag, 23. Dezember 2011

Catching Jordan - Miranda Kenneally

Title: Catching Jordan
Author: Miranda Kenneally
Rating: 3.5 - 4/5

Jordan Woods is not the typical girl. She doesn't like to go shopping or do any girly stuff. She rather plays football, as the only girl in her team. Even better than being able to play it, she is the leader and quaterback. Now all she else needs is a scholarship for her dream college. But how can she be able to focus on that, when there is a new guy who she immediately falls for? And worse, what if that guy actually steals her position since he is a quaterback aswell?

First, I don't really like to read about sports (probably because of my P.E. phobia - no joke!). I like football, though it's not a very popular sport over here, but I don't get it. I don't know the rules and the game itself seems to go on forever. Also, I hate that it's practiced in high schools, because students who do not practice it are being judged as nerds or whatever and the football jerks think they are the greatest and the leaders of the whole school. Same with cheerleaders. I know that seems like I am much of a stereotype, but I just know how people think. I wouldn't want to be friends with anyone who sees theirselves as something better than me.

In the beginning I liked Ty and I liked Jordan. I liked them as a couple. Thing is, they weren't even a couple. Excuse me, they should have talked and concidered a relationship, a serious one too, before doing the whole crap. Such as having sex, without even being on a date once. I'm not saying you should stay single your whole life or wait until marriage or something like that, but two make-up sessions and go to the next level just like that? Well, that's what I call a bitch. I don't mind if girls do that, but I will call them bitch anyway. Perhaps I'm a little harsh here, but I don't really care. You can't walk around calling other people sluts, like Jordan did, and then you go and do exact the same thing. She always said how she wanted something real and love and all that, and then they just fall over each other and rip off their clothes. I don't know what it is, but it makes me really mad. It's just a book, I know, but I also know people who are exactly like that and I always wonder how they can look into the mirror. What did their parents taught them? That it is okay to have sex with just anyone as long as you use protection? And some don't even do that. Guess I just waited for the moment to read about a teenage pregnancy in this book aswell. Gosh, seriously, I am so mad :P It's pointless actually.

I'm not saying that the guys are any better in this book. They lay the girls as they come. Ew. Enough said about THAT kind of behaviour.

What did I like about this book? The friendships! I can say as much as I want about the characters being sluts, more or less, but the friendship between Jordan, Carter, JJ and Henry was flawless! I guess I liked it that much because most of my friends are boys too. Much easier to get along with them, I think. It became more of a girly thing when Carrie and Marie came in the picture, but that wasn't all too bad either. Friends should always care and support each other and that's what the characters do here, so point for that!

I also liked how hard Jordan tried to catch her dad's attention. She doesn't understand why her dad is being so supportive over her brother but not over her. He never watches her games and never ever tells her some nice words about her football succsesses. It is so sad how she tries and tries and tries. All she wants is his approval.

I would have put this book in my favourite list, but the reasons that I counted above made me not do that. I was so excited to read this book and now I'm a little disappointed. Not in the story itself, but in the way the characters were like. I guess it was Miranda's intention to write it like that and she was thinking something by doing it, but I didn't feel it. I just felt anger by reading some parts. Others were great. I'm not saying this book is bad. It is so not! I liked it. I know I mentioned and underlined the bad parts, or the parts that I didn't like, too much, but I can say it one more time: The book is NOT bad. All in all I liked it.

Mittwoch, 21. Dezember 2011

One Night That Changes Everything - Lauren Barnholdt

Title: One Night That Changes Everything
Author: Lauren Barnholdt
Rating: 4/5

Three weeks ago, Eliza found out that her boyfriend Cooper only dated her because of some rude society he wanted to join. As revenge Eliza decided to write some comments about him on her sister's website. Because of those comments, Cooper didn't get accepted at Brown and his society mates think it's Eliza's fault. To prove her that she messed with the wrong guys, they steal her notebook and make her doing all the things she wrote down there. Things she is afraid of. During the night Eliza finds out that maybe she judged her boyfriend too fast and also learns that fear is something you need to turn off sometimes.

Being someone's girlfriend just for a guy to get into some stupid society is just wrong. Every girl would be upset about being used like this. Cooper should have been honest with her, so it's only his fault that she wrote these comments about him, right? She has that right. No, she does not! I, personally, think that she should have at least talked to him. I can understand her, yeah, but he is trying his best to make her listen to him during the party and during the whole night. She just doesn't like him. On the other hand, every girl would be like that I guess. Him to explain things could make it worse. That is what everyone fears.

But then again you also learn that fear is nothing you should let lead your life. A good lesson in life Lauren is trying to teach you here. So actually Eliza should be kind of thankful, no matter how odd that sounds, that Tyler stealt her notebook. She would have never figured out the things on her own and without that night. Anyhow, at some points I wished Eliza would have told the guys to screw off. You shouldn't do something just because someone tells you to. Someone who is being a big ass aswell (meaning Tyler).

I loved the characters, of course especially Cooper, and I enjoyed reading this book very much. As I said there is a good life lesson being taught here, though that is always more easily said than done. But the idea of having no fear over everything and changes is nice.

As a massive Lauren Barnholdt fan, it's no surprise I loved One Night That Changes Everything. I liked Two Way Street a little more though. Anyway, I loved the story and I think it'd make a really good movie, actually. Of course I bet there is already a movie out there which is like this book and I just don't know about it yet.

Nothing else for me to say. Go on and read it!

Montag, 19. Dezember 2011

Alexander Death (The Paranormals #03) - J.L. Bryan

Title: Alexander Death (The Paranormals #03)
Author: J.L. Bryan
Rating: 4/5

Even though Jenny hardly knows him, Alexander is the person she trusts the most right now. He rescued her from the police, so that has to mean something. He is not her opposite, yet she can't help feel drawn to him. Perhaps also because Alexander helps her to remember some of their past lives and their deep connection back then.
In the meantime Seth is trying his best to find Jenny, which isn't the simplest task since Dr. Reynard seems to discover their secret.
It's time for the final battle between the good and the bad.

Eww. What a dumb summary of mine.

I can't believe it's over now. I loved this series so, so much. I think Alexander Death was the weakest book in the series, but I loved it anyways.

In the third book you first notice how deep the love of Jenny and Seth really is. I mean, you noticed it before but that was more like a typical first love thing. Now you truly understand that they belong together and what being the opposite for someone really means.

Though, I've got to confess that my favourite couple in the whole series was Tommy and Esmeralda. Or even Pedro and Esmeralda. Too bad Pedro is just a normal human :/ But wait! That means I can have him, right? :D I would have liked to read more of him.

So, Ashleigh is still in posession of Esmeralda's body, which really annoys me actually. Perhaps because I can't stand Ashleigh. Who could anyway? She is such a bitch and manipulates everyone around her. I'm surprised that she didn't find a way to rule the world during her past lives. Should have been easy for someone like her to get to that goal. Whatever.

Tommy doesn't really take any side in this fight. It seems as if he is on the bad side, but all he actually wants is Esmeralda and since she is on the bad side, because she is Ashlegh right now, he thinks that Jenny and Seth are the bad guys here.

Alright, so why on earth does Alexander have to disappoint me so damn much? I don't want to spoil anything, but you'll eventually figure out that he is not who he pretends to be. This crazy plan he is following, I still can't believe it. I don't even know what else to write, because I would spoil so much and I don't want to do that. To say a good thing, at least just one, I liked him in the beginning. That has to be enough positive stuff I said about him now :P

I don't know what should say about Seth and Jenny, really. They didn't change, they are still the main characters and they still want peace for everyone, which seems still absurd since Jenny's power is to hurt and kill people. But with Seth by her side it seems like a good power somehow. Doesn't make much sense I know.

Two small final confessions: #01. I don't like Heather Reynard, though I don't know why, but I'm not much into reading point of views from cops or even just doctors sides. That doesn't fit into teen paranormal books for me. But that's just how I see it. Heather's view was important for the books anyway. You wouldn't have understood some things otherwise. #02. I love Kisa! She is so adorable and I'm so sad that there wasn't much of her here.

As I said - I'm sad it ended, but the ending is good and I am happy that I read this fabulous series!

Samstag, 10. Dezember 2011

Never Bite a Boy on the First Date - Tamara Summers

Title: Never Bite a Boy on the First Date
Author: Tamara Summers
Rating: 3.5/5

You should expect that your parents, or even your pretend-to-be parents, wouldn't assume that you murdered someone, right? It's different with Kira's family. They all know how hard the whole vampire-being is for her and since she also allowed herself to turn her once love Zach without permission, they think that she killed that guy at her school. To prove that she isn't guilty she and her parents make a deal: She will find the killer herself. Now only that seems more impossible and harder than she thought, especially when this little Nancy Drew trip includes a bunch of new guys that wake her interest, and even worse, what if one of them was the potential murderer?

Let's make one thing clear: Don't get fooled by the cover! I know it's not thaaaaat appealing, but hey, could have been worse. I'm usually a person that judges books by it's cover first and then decide if I should read it or not. I'm glad I gave this one a go because it wasn't a pre-teen or dreamy teen or whatever novel, but a really good young adult book. So much hilarious scenes here and it's very exciting aswell. Yummy read!

Kira was turned one and a half year ago, back when she was Phoebe and not Kira. Her vampire-parents turned her because otherwise, she would have died in a car accident she had with her boyfriend Jeremy. After that she had to fake her funeral and so all of her former friends think she is dead. She can never go back to them. Then there's Zach, her second love. She turned him after he wanted to kill himself to become one of her kind. Thought that if she saw him suffering in pain, she'd agree to turn him and it worked out. Weird guy, huh? Yeah, but he is kind of cute too. He really wants to be with Kira forever and loves her, which made the end seem kind of awkward to me, but nevermind.

Alright, there are so many boys in this book, I was a little confused to be honest. Let's see who else there is. Milo, ohhhh what a hottie! Seriously, you can't help but fall for each of the guys in this book. Tamara made them appear so... I don't know. There is just something about every single one of them. Milo is the sweet one that cares a lot about Kira. There is this one scene that I adored when he baked for her, aww. If any boy reads this review, grab a pencil and a paper and note this: Majority of girls love guys that can bake! Muffins, brownies, no matter what. I assumed, more or less right from the start, that he was the murderer. If he really was, well, you gotta go and check that yourself. No spoilers, and that costs me a lot of energy.

Daniel. Uhm... He is gorgeous, yeah, a little too gorgeous maybe. He wasn't so much in the picture and I'm not sure if I find that good or bad. Both, I guess. You know that there is something that he doesn't tell Kira. He seems too much to himself. I really don't know what else to say to him. I liked him more and more but he isn't as good as Milo for example.

Rowan is a poor little guy, really. He struggles with so many things and he is scared of, well actually everything and everyone. A poet. Hope you didn't put the paper and pencil away yet, because girls love poets too! Though the line he wrote is a little weird, but it's what he saw and is struggling with, so understandable. At least a little bit. He should move on, though.

Did I forgot anyone? I don't think so. I really, really liked Never Bite a Boy on the First Date. The book idea is great because the "detective-vampire-books" I know all include adults that tour in clubs and fall upon each other all the time without really looking forward to a relationship. I'm really sick of reading those and so this one was a quick refreshing read. Definitely going to keep looking for some other books by Tamara Summers. Lovely!

P.S. Never bite a boy or a girl on the first date! So absolutely not sexy!

Dienstag, 6. Dezember 2011

The Day Before - Lisa Schroeder

Title: The Day Before
Author: Lisa Schroeder
Rating: 3.5/5

Distraction: That's what Amber needs. A little something that takes all her thoughts away, even if it's just for a short period of time. Amber decides to drive to the beach for just one day only. She would have never assumed that this trip and the guy she meets during that, Cade, might change everything she used to believe in.

This book is very . . . poetic. I never read anything like this before, but I liked it very much. There is a good balance between reading about the things happening in Amber's life and the romance between her and Cade, which is, by the way, adorable in so many ways.

Once you understand what this book is about you can totally relate with Amber and understand her actions and her choices. I also really liked this whole "close your eyes, taste the flavor and I'll tell you what kind of person you are" thing. Maybe because I believe it's true too.

I would have never guessed Cade's reasons for taking a day off. I was shocked when he told Amber but touched at the same time. He is a good person and I can see why Amber fell for him in the first place. Both characters have a story of their own, but that doesn't mean their stories can't match. In fact, they do.

I liked this book a lot. It makes you want to believe in destiny, because you really want to believe that's just how Amber and Cade could have met - it's their destiny. And I'm also glad that they don't see their romance as this one-day-only-and-then-run-off thing. It's the real thing, you can feel that while reading The Day Before.

Though I always find it a little risky to write about life and life choices and all that, this book really had me. Nice stuff! The only thing that I regret is not reading this during a summer night. That would have matched so perfectly.

Samstag, 3. Dezember 2011

We'll Always Have Summer (Summer #03) - Jenny Han

Title: We'll Always Have Summer (Summer #03) 
Author: Jenny Han
Rating: 3/5

Belly and Jeremiah have been a couple for two years now. Belly always thought that everything was perfect between them and they could be honest with each other, but then she finds out that Jeremiah cheated on her during spring break. And even though he should hate him, no matter how many times he'll apologise, she says yes when he proposes to her all of a sudden. The wedding is set for August and they find theirselves back in Cousin where everything between them (and also between Belly and Jeremiah's brother Conrad) began. With him also back on board, Belly has to figure out what and who she more disires.

Okay, uhm... Least favourite book of the series to be honest. It's not that I didn't like it, it's just that I wished for a different ending and some things to happen differently. Jere, Jere, Jere. You really disappointed me here. While his character was my favourite in first two books, Jenny Han made him appear as the bad boy in this one. He cheated on Belly... Seriously? He claimed to love her so much in the second book and now I should believe that he changed his mind for the short week of a spring break? Unlikly. He was so different in the other books, I don't want to accept him the way Jen pictures him in We'll Always Have Summer. I just won't! I'll pretend like I never even read the lines that said he cheated. Pretend to never have read the phrases in which it seemed like he only wanted to marry her, so she'd finally sleep with him. As if that is all you expect from a relationship. Old drama, baby.

I'm not sure what to think of all this. I really don't know. Belly loved both brothers her whole life. She was with Conrad and now she's with Jeremiah. Hmm.. I assume she only said yes to the proposal because she knew that if she said no, things would get worse. But what's worse than cheating on someone? God, again I ask myself why Jeremiah would do something like that. Also the beginning seemed to take off so fast and then it just went on and on and on. While you read the first few pages, you get a lot of information that your brain has to deal with (Including the fact that someone as honest as Jeremiah seemed to be, cheated on the love of his life Belly. I really need to stop it now!) 

Taking those thoughts aside, I was a little annoyed by how Belly doesn't really know what she wants. If she would have been honest about her feelings and just took a little time off to actually understand those feelings, there wouldn't have been such a mess. Though that mess is perhaps exactly what was so fascinating in the first two books. This time you get a front row seat inside of Conrad's head and can see the things happening in Cousins through his eyes. Well, I liked that, as I always like it when you read a boy's view of things, but I didn't buy it. He loves Belly, I get that, but saying she was the only one he ever loved ten on a rating of ten. Again that seems very unreal to me. I'm probably being a little too critical here, I know. It's just that I really wanted an awesome last book, and I didn't get it. Don't get me wrong, I liked it anyways. Why am I explaining myself? Three stars is still good.

From the first book on I always kind of knew it would end this way. I wasn't the only one with that intuition, I guess. I hoped for another ending though, even if I can't think of another ending myself either. Maybe that's why it ended like it ended, but people would now tell me that it ended like this because it was meant to be. Uhm, whatevery. So again, I don't say this book was bad. It was not! I don't really know what I expected or what I wished for, but I'm glad that Jenny Han knew what she wanted and wrote that book. I had a great time by reading this series, so thank you Jenny for that! If there is one place I'd like to visit now, it's definitely a magical place like Cousins. :)

Freitag, 2. Dezember 2011

Crush Control - Jennifer Jabaley

Title: Crush Control
Author: Jennifer Jabaley
Rating: 4/5

Willow and her mom are moving back from Vegas to Worthington after nine years of taking the audience of Vegas' night life into the magical world of hypnosis. It feels strange to be back, but fortunately Willow got Max, the guy who has always been her best friend. Now back in town, and even since quite a couple while, she has different, bigger, feelings for him. But the guy of her dreams is dating another girl and obviously not thinking about Willow any other way than being her friend. Willow decides to give into all that teenage drama stuff and plans on making Max jealous. It's dangerous but she decides to hypnose Quinton, that super hot guy she also has a little thing for. The hypnose actually starts to work but soon our little magican's got to face that hypnosing people might not be the right way to get what you want.

Such a simple book idea and such a dumb summary and also way too long. Grr.. Anyhow, I loved this book!

It's a tough situation for Willow: Feeling those things for Max and yet not be able to tell if he feels the same and all that. I think every girl can relate to that, or at least most of the girls in the world anyway. Max is basically the only reason why Willow is happy about moving and then she finds out he has a girlfriend. Shock! But, stop! Quinton might be the perfect solution.

He is everything a girl is looking for. He has got awesome looks and practically every girl wants to be with him. So when he doesn't make a move on his own, Willow makes a move with the help of hypnosis. She helped Mia, a cheerleader, to lose her fear of falling because of hyponosis and so when Quinton asks her to hypnose himself aswell, she takes action and tells him a little more than to lose fear of something.

It doesn't take a long time to see if and how it worked. So much be told, it worked. It worked just fine! A little too fine perhaps 'cause though Quinton is really cute and stuff, it isn't really him. Willow sees that some time too and wants to undo the hypnose. The thing is, she doesn't know how. Along with her friend Georgia she tries different options. Who would have ever thought that undo hypnose might be even more trickier than actually doing one?

So, uhm, yeah.. I loved this book! I wanted to read it for a very long time and I finally did, yay! I've never really thought that a book about hypnosis, even though it's still young adult (perfect young adult!), could be so cool. I love how Georgia and Willow try to undo everything. Then I also couldn't decide which guy I'd have prefered for Willow. Probably Quinton because he is content in this book and Max is more in the background during the middle of the story. Both are awesome guys, and it doesn't happen too often that I don't care about which guy a girl choses. I'd have been happy with any couple here, but it's a nice ending. :)

Loved, recommended and thank you Jennifer for creating a book like Crush Control. I couldn't put it down a single second.

Donnerstag, 1. Dezember 2011

A Season Of Eden - J.M. Warwick

Title: A Season Of Eden 
Author: J.M. Warwick 
Rating: 4/5

Eden is willing to step beyond the line. She just can't help it. She is feeling things for James and even the fact that he is her music teacher doesn't make her want him less. And he is also just four years older than her. Four years is nothing really, is it? There is something flickering in Mr. Christian's eyes that makes her hope. Prays be heard when they meet at public places. Of course, no one can know about them being that close.  Soon Eden realizes that music isn't the only thing she can learn about when she's with him.

What a crappy summary, but I'm still overthinking what I just read. WOW. It was in my "dying to read"-shelf and now I also know why. J.M. Warwick created a raw diamond here.

I'm not much into Eden's attitude. Hooking up with boys, dumping them before they dump you and all that. But hey! Everybody does what everybody thinks is right. When she dumped Matt I felt a little sorry for him. That didn't last a long time though. He was just as Eden. (He's never been dumped by a girl before.) While I guess for some it seemed like she was obsessed with Mr. Christian, I thought she was actually growing into a teenage girl that falls in love head over heels. I think of Mr. Christian to be her first, honest, big love. The way she thinks about him is cute and every girl will see themselves in that. Of course it's exciting to read about their "relationship" growing and all that, but it also felt real. You don't want them to break up or even fight. You just want them to be together. The sooner, the better.

I bet James felt so insecure when he got his job at this school. I mean he is twenty-two. I never had a teacher that young. Not even close. James is really shy and you can't help but adore him as a matter of fact. I wouldn't have minded a hint from his point of views, but that's my personal wish speaking there, so just ignore that. You picture him playing the piano as J.M. Warwick describes he does. It's kind of a fresh thing to read about someone who is not into rap music and all that, but rather stays at all these classical songs. I wouldn't want to sing stuff like that if I joined a choir though. When I found out he still lived with his mother I was a little shocked. Not quite that turn on, huh? His mother is a lovely person anyway.

Still, I'm asking myself how they both got through the time before the graduation. Those who read this book already will know what I mean. Seeing the other one and remembering everything that happened, without being able to help yourself but wonder what it'd feel like again but you just don't do it. You just leave it like that and pretend like there wasn't a connection at all. Tough one.

One more thing, I really couldn't stand Stacey. And to be honest, I wasn't much of fan of Eden's dad either. No father should choose a woman over his own daughter. (I know what I am talking about, believe me.) And Stacey taking things that belonged to Eden's mom, oh well, excuse me but what a bitch! I'm glad that Eden's dad somehow saw that he was mistreating his daughter. Better late than never.

This was my second teacher/student book and I loved it even more than the first one I read, which was Teach Me by R.A. Nelson. I assume it has to do with the fact that this book wrote during the romance going on and not giving you a look on how it ended and why. At least that's not the main point. I like that the ending is opened up to you and your dream ending. If it ended bad or good, I know I would have had my issues with that. So, of course I wanted a happy ending, but now I can think of one myself. Glad that J.M. Warwick left that up to us readers. Amazing book!

Two-Way Street - Lauren Barnholdt

Title: Two-Way Street
Author: Lauren Barnholdt
Rating: 4/5

Jordan broke up with Courtney a couple of weeks ago. No surprise that Courtney doesn't want to go on a road trip with him, though it'd only take three days to finally start college and get over him. Her parents want her to go with him anyway and so she has no other choice. All that's left to do is to pretend like she doesn't care about his new MySpace girlfriend.
Jordan still loves Courtney. He would never tell her in person anyway. Not after what made him break up with her. Some fact she doesn't know about. Some fact that would make her hate him. He wants to spend the last days with Courtney, though he knows it's not good for her and not good for him either.

Two-Way Street is my favourite Lauren Barnholdt book! I loved it so, so much. I couldn't put it down. I love it when a book is written from both point of views, and I love it even more when that includes a boy's point of view. It was awesome!

Courtney is like most girls. Actually, she is just like all the girls I know and love (or sometimes do not). She loves her ex-boyfriend, which is understandable since he didn't break up with her that long ago. Takes some time to get over that and Courtney thinks she'll be stuck on him forever. Which is probably true. She is so afraid of this trip. Not afraid but definitely anything but thrilled. How should a road trip help her to get over him? It's kind of hilarious how she wants to make him jealous with Lloyd. His "I miss you" sentences are cute, but I loved Jordan and Courtney as a couple from the first moment so there is really no other match for me here. She is not into Lloyd anyway. She was just right before she met Jordan. Note here: I love that this book isn't just about the trip. Lauren also writes about how Jordan and Courtney met and how their relationship grew more serious and serious until it fell apart. God, I want to re-read the book already. Lauren, you're a genius! Seriously.

So now it's about Jordan. Isn't he just gorgeous? Again that type of guy that prefers hook ups until he meets "The One" that changes everything he believed in. In real life, I'd hate this guy. Of course not if I was the girl that he'd give everything up for, but if I wasn't, then I would hate him. I guess you get my point. So, he broke up with Courtney. Not because he has a got a new girlfriend that he found on MySpace, though that is what Courtney and everyone else but his best friend B.J. thinks. He only made that reason up because the real reason is way too hard to handle or to tell. All he wants is to protect Courtney from the truth because he still loves her so freaking bad. It's so cute how he looks after her when she is not feeling well and throws up all the time. I love his character so very very much. I could repeate it and repeate it and repeate it: Lauren, you're a genius! A fabulous genius!

This book proved how talented Lauren Barnholdt is and why I'm such a big fan and why I'd pick up any of her books anytime. I think I discovered my love for road trip books now, thank you! I'll definitely re-read this book and I seriously can't wait for that. Advice to everyone: Buy this book! Stop at whatever you're doing right now, just get your hands on Two-Way Street now!

Mittwoch, 30. November 2011

Along For The Ride - Sarah Dessen

Title: Along For The Ride
Author: Sarah Dessen
Rating: 3.5/5

Auden needs a break. That's why she decides to visit her dad and her stepmother, including their new-born baby girl Thisbe. In the first few weeks her mother seemed to be right: People never change. Her dad is more focused on his work than on his wife and his new daughter, just like Auden's mom told her. All those negative thoughts make Auden staying up really late until sunrise. Then she meets Eli, who isn't much of day person either.


I needed some time to finish this book. Two days is a lifetime for me. I wasn't so sure to pick up this book. I liked This Lullaby and Keeping The Moon, but That Summer disappointed me a lot. I'm glad to announce that Sarah Dessen made up for that and is on my top list again!

What I really don't get is why Germany named this book Because Of You. Why did they have to change the title? I like Along For The Ride much better. Guess that's one of the reasons why I read it in English.

First, I can't believe that Auden never bowled. How can someone not love to bowl? I mean, I understand that she didn't do all the things other teenagers do. To be honest, I don't think that you always have to go along with the float, that's kind of boring. And I also think that she didn't do some things on her list because she was allowed to do them anyway. Like breaking curfew. How can you break curfew if you don't even have one?

Enough of that, uhm.. The only characters I liked in this book were Auden and Eli. Perhaps Maggie aswell. That doesn't mean I didn't enjoy this book, I did. But i.e. Auden's dad is really much a... I'm not going to use that word. He is an author and puts his work over everything, even his family. He never looks after his new-born daughter which is one of the reasons I'd have thrown him out. Eli's mom was right: It takes two people to make a baby, so why did he leave Heidi with all the stuff? It wouldn't have hurt to take the baby once or twice. I wondered how he was with Auden, but her parents only explain how it was with her brother Hollis. And then there is Auden's mom who thinks way too dark about everything. You can have an opinion, that isn't a bad thing, but she made the impression like she forced Auden to have the same opinion about everything. I'm happy that she lightened up during the story.
(Notice: There are a lot of books in which the parents of the main character are authors.)

A little note for Heidi: I imagined her to be Heidi Montag (who I actually do not dislike actually) in the beginning. All blond, not a clue how to raise a baby. I'm glad I was wrong with the negative thought here.

Eli is just wonderful. I didn't understand Auden in that "I-better-stay-away-from-him"-part. He is everything you're looking for: Charming, always listening, and hell yeah, even a pro at riding bikes. That bike thing is the main point here. Eli lost his best friend at an accident. He thinks it's his fault because he rode and ever since the tragedy, nobody saw him riding a bike again. It changes though when he meets Auden. Cute, cute, cute!

I probably should have written a lot more, but all I can say is that this book is great. If Keeping The Moon wouldn't be my number one favourite by Sarah, then this one would be.

Montag, 28. November 2011

The Sky Is Everywhere - Jandy Nelson

Title: The Sky Is Everywhere
Author: Jandy Nelson
Rating: 4/5

How do you deal with your sister's death? That is the main question for Lennie, whose sister Bailey died a couple of weeks ago. Lennie always looked up to her sister and now she is just gone. Who should lead the way now? She feels like she's lost. When Toby, Bailey's boyfriend, shows up, Lennie and he immediately feel comforted by the other one's present. He might be the only one who really understands what's going on inside of Len. But then there is this new guy Joe, who seems too good to be true. Feelings grow and feelings fade and in the end Lennie has got to make the right decision, not just the one out of pain.

Oh, I loved this book! I don't know what took me so long to finally read it. It was better than I expected, though I really didn't have any expectations for this book.

Actually, I'm not that into books where someone just died and you don't know how to deal with the grief and the pain. But with this book it just felt right to me. The story is really great and the characters are so real and honest. Lovely.

Whenever I read a book that includes a love triangle, I instantly know which guy or girl I prefer. It was very difficult for me here. In the beginning I liked Toby better, but then it seemed to me that he just wanted Lennie to be Bailey. Like he had this image of his girlfriend inside his head and couldn't see the real Len through that. I felt so sorry for her when I thought like that. I mean, he seemed quite hot, yeah, but then again you think: "Jerk, back off! You don't deserve her!" It was a decision out of grief, I understand that, but I wished for him to truly love how Len was.

On the other hand there is Joe. I don't like that name, because I always think of a mid-thirty rocker guy (perhaps because there is a guy in a German show whose name is Joe and is a mid-thirty rocker guy :P), but nevermind. He was that gorgeous guy that suddenly comes around the corner and you just want him and Lennie to kiss and live happily ever after already. It's a little more complicated with this guy though. His ex-girlfriend betrayed him, poor guy, and he never ever wants to feel like that again. Honestly, you just wait for him to cry or freak out or something. For me, he was a little too smooth, but I loved his character anyway. He was just as crazy from his thoughts as Lennie.

Now the main character Lennie. Well, I haven't got a lot to say. I liked her, but I was a little annoyed by her obsession about Bailey sometimes. Maybe because I just don't relate to that since I don't have any sisters or brothers. I wouldn't want to know her pain though. Her grandma was a little bit too harsh with her I think. Saying she was selfish and pretened like she was the only one who had a hard time. I never got the impression that Lennie was selfish. All she ever thought about was Bailey and if she could ever forgive her, if she even watched over her and all that. Since I'm an athetist, this wasn't a part for me either.

Though there are some points I didn't like or didn't relate to, I loved this book very much. The writing is really beautiful and the story itself also makes you think. It sounds weird, but I even dreamed about the story when I went to sleep and wasn't finished with the book yet. Whenever that happens I know that I've found a real beauty. I hope to read more from Jandy Nelson very soon.

Sonntag, 27. November 2011

So Over You - Gwen Hayes

Title: So Over You
Author: Gwen Hayes
Rating: 3.5/5

Layney Logan wants to be a reporter. Or the best reporter actually. The thing is, the school paper is dying and they need a good story and they need it now! Jimmy Foster has got the perfect idea: Twelve blind dates for every month of the year and find out what girls really want when it comes to boys. Layney doesn't know what's worse - to meet high school boys and not being intrested in them period, or spending time with her ex-boyfriend Jimmy. With memories coming back she is suddenly asking herself what she really wants.

Every girl clicks with Layney's character. At least that's what I assume. I sure did. She's full of doubts and her life includes issues. Not tons of it, but enough to feel tired. Maybe that's why she is holding on to this reporter thing. It's what she does the best and what she plans to do in the future. I didn't like her view on the future at first. Having everything planed like that and call herself married with the "job". This is something a thiry year old can tell me, but not a teenage girl. I was happy whenever I had the feeling that she loosened up a little. But I completely understood why she acted like she did when she told her shocking story in the end. I hadn't expected that! She dealt with it quite good.

Jimmy, I think, is the kind of boy every girl falls for. For good reason. “I told her I liked the way your name made my heart jump.” How cute is that? If you read about him first you'll think he is kind of a jerk. Teasing and joking around too much. But he is a good soul and has a pure heart. He wants to protect Layney so bad. He understands her perfectly and gives her the space she needs, never forcing her to make decisions she's not ready to make yet. The end of Layney's report should have said: Jimmy is the guy girls want! Because it's the truth, though sometimes you just wanted to punch him for making unfriendly comments, or comments that girls get the wrong way.

So Over You is a very realistic young adult story. I liked it a lot and I'm actually a little disappointed by myself for not picking this book up earlier. It didn't do as good for me as for my friends on Goodreads, but it didn't fail either.

This was my second Gwen Hayes book, and I am proud to say that she can write both genres damn well - Fantasy and Young Adult. Will I read her other books? Sure thing!

Looking For Alaska - John Green

Title: Looking For Alaska
Author: John Green
Rating: 3/5

"I whispered, 'Do you want to be my girlfriend?' And she said, 'Yes please,' and smiled." - Miles to Lara

Miles Halter isn't much of a popular guy. In order to change that, he decides to go to a boarding school in Alabama. What he didn't expect was that a girl like Alaska could turn his world upside down. His new friend and roommate Chip, known as the Colonel, warns him. Things with Alaska would never be what Miles imagined. She is acting strange sometimes, yet Miles still want her. But then everything changes and Miles has to face that remembering last people's words isn't always an advantage.

My summary basically sucks. It's really tough to describe this book anyway. Tried my best.

John Green, what can I say? It's not that I didn't like this book, I did. But I assume I'm just not that into all these we're-all-so-mortal-books.

What I liked the most was the fact that John Green has a great point of view for me here: A boy admitting his love to a girl without having slept with her yet. I loved that, because in a lot of other books, you always read the boy admitting his love after they slept together or they sleep together and he never admits his love. I don't like the idea of that. It's simple: Whether you love someone or not. Why should you wait that long to tell the person of your dreams? What's to fear? Enough said now, just wanted to make clear that I liked it.

Miles, Lara and Chip are my favourite characters here. Chip pretends to be that super cool guy, though he actually can be sensitive too. I imagined to hear Lara's accent through the book. I bet she is a cute little girl and you'd never expect her to do some naughty things. Not even sneaking out at night or something. And then there is Miles. I wanted to hug him and comfort him, but sometimes he has those weird point of views (I'm using the sentence point of view too often!). At least he respects women and he also seems really cute. Gosh, I'm out of words lately.

The idea of this so called labyrinth was tempting to me. Probably because I think about life that way sometimes too. I caught myself thinking about the things the characters are taught in class. And I agree with them - when you're older you just hope to find the way out of that labyrinth and a great firework waiting for you, saying you made it. And then you'll look behind and see the people you left there and the memories are fading away until they are PUFF! gone. So, this book makes you think about life and the journey of life.

I could say how I wished for different things to happen in Looking For Alaska, but I like it as it is and I'm happy John Green wrote it like that. The way he thought was right and it is. Some parts made me want to smile, some made me really sad and when I closed my eyes, I pictured the story perfectly. So, even though I gave this book three stars only, those are good three stars. I'm looking forward to read other books by John Green. Those are my final words. I wonder if Miles would remember them. :P

Mittwoch, 23. November 2011

It's Not Summer Without You (Summer #02) - Jenny Han

Title: It's Not Summer Without You (Summer #02)
Author: Jenny Han
Rating: 4/5

It's the kind of shock nobody wants to know of or even feel: Susannah, best friend of Belly's mom, died. It doesn't seem fair. To Belly, Susannah was a second mother. If she feels so strong pain already, she doesn't know how Susannah's sons Jeremiah and Conrad are dealing with it. The answer comes along - one day Jeremiah calls Belly and tells her that Conrad ran off. Jeremiah and Belly are searching for him and soon they find theirselves back at where everything started - at Cousins Beach.

I don't know what to say actually. I liked the second book even better than the first. That's probably because there are also views from Jeremiah's point of view and since he is my favourite character in this book, I really liked those parts. If you asked me, he is the better match for Belly. I don't even know why she started something with Conrad. Of course I'm feeling sorry for his loss in this book, but he doesn't behave that friendly and nice. I don't like him all too much as you can see.

Again, I liked the flashbacks like Belly remembering her prom with Conrad. Sometimes the flashbacks confuse me, but I like them anyway.

I'm excited to read the third and final book of this series. Can't wait to get my hands on it.

Montag, 14. November 2011

The Summer I Turned Pretty (Summer #01) - Jenny Han

Title: The Summer I Turned Pretty (Summer #01)
Author: Jenny Han
Rating: 4/5

Oh, how I long for summer now!

It's the same thing each summer: Belly, her brother Steven and their mom visit her mom's friend Susannah at the beach. Those two months have always been the best for Belly, especially because of Susannah's sons Jeremiah and Conrad. They never really saw her the way she wanted to, but this summer everything changed. Both act different when she's around now and Belly herself got to admit that she likes it. But who of those two does she like better? And what's the deal with Susannah lately? One summer to find out.

The more I think about it, the more this book reminds me of the How To Ruin series by my ultimate favourite author Simone Elkeles. Since I read the second book of this series aswell, I can say that I like the Summer series a little better. At least that's what my brain tells me right now.

The story is simple: Two boys (two brothers by the way) want the same girl. And whooo - I liked this book a lot! Five stars might be overrated, so that's why only four stars for me.

Belly is the kind of character I love and hate at the same time. She is cute and stuff, but I'm not sure if 'd want to be friends with her if she existed. Sometimes I wondered if she knew what she wanted herself. Obviously, she did not and that's what made me want to scream.

Conrad is the popular one, I think. You know, all the girls want him and he could have them all, yet it seems like he is afraid to open his heart for someone. No big surprise here, his first love broke his heart. Guess that had him crush hard. Great crated character, but I hated him though. His personality is bleh to me.

Jeremiah. Characters like his make me want to be a witch like Sabrina and ask my aunts to bake him. He is super sweet and I'm feeling sorry for him at so many parts. I hated how Taylor always called him Jeremy. Jeremiah is a good alternative name and rarely used. I liked that. He cares so much for Belly and they even might belong together in my eyes, but I wouldn't be happy with them as a couple then again. It's confusing, I know.

So . . . It's definitely a book for girls. I wouldn't mind boys reading this kind of books too. Maybe they'd finaally understand us girls a little better then. Think about it guys ;) Reading this book wanted me to be back in summer, lie on the beach and see the waves in front of my feet. It's a really cute book and I also loved the view of it - those turning backs to Belly's childhood. I'm glad I found this one.

Sonntag, 13. November 2011

The Vincent Boys (The Vincent Boys #01) - Abbi Glines

Title: The Vincent Boys (The Vincent Boys #01)
Author: Abbi Glines
Rating: 4/5

One of the best books I read so far. :)

Ashton Gray has the perfect life. That also includes the perfect boyfriend, Sawyer. But Sawyer is on a trip with his family for a while and just then Beau, his cousin and the bad boy in town, shows up and turns Ashton's world upside down. With him she doesn't feel like she has to be perfect. He doesn't want her to be something she is not. She sees her as she is.

Beau loves Ashton since they were kids. He never had the guts to ask her out anyway, leave alone tell her how he feels about her. When his cousin Sawyer is out of town, he sees the perfect chance to get closer to the girl of his dreams. Even though he knows she means trouble and is also well aware of the fact that she is too good for him.

OH MY GOSH! I loved this book so much! I had high expectations and I wasn't disappointed a bit. This books has the main thing for teens - love triangle and a lot of drama, oh yes! We all love that, don't we?

Ashton, Beau and Sawyer. First I love the name's choice. I mean, you don't read these names very often in books or anywhere else. Good choice Abbi!

Ashton - She really can't decide who she loves more and what is right or wrong. She wants everyone to be happy with her choices, even though sometimes those make her unhappy herself. She doesn't care. She needs to be the good girl everyone wants her to be. There were parts when I wanted to yell at her and tell her she should quit all the good-girl-show, but that's what the drama is about. Lovely character though because teenage girls totally get her.

Sawyer - What a softie! I'm happy he doesn't appear that often in the beginning, he would have ruined everything. His character takes the drama a little further and makes everything more explosive in my opinion. So not a bad thing! I'm happy with the way he is and he is very cute too. The way he teels Ashton he plans a future with her and stuff. Very cute, but not quite that what girls are looking for. Well, they are looking for that, but the relationship has to be special too. It just wasn't with those two for me and for everyone else I think. I felt bad for him anyway. Poor Swayer.

Beau - Don't get fooled by his name! He is everything but good or nice or whatever. I bet if he'd exist, he'd be damn hot. I can't help but like characters like his. Those typical bad boys who you want to punch because they slept with so many girls until they realize: "Hey, I love someone else and want to spend the rest of my life with her." I like the parts of his kind of view even better than those of Ashton. He has a cute way to think of things, especially of Ashton of course. And once again I wonder why real guys can't be like that.

Four stars because I think the thing between Ashton and Beau took off a little too fast. But actually there is nothing I can add. I adored this book, I'd definitely recommend it and it's just amazing! And the cover is extraordinary as well, so thumbs up for that. I wish there was a second book, but story's over, told and done.

Samstag, 12. November 2011

Fall For Anything - Courtney Summers

Title: Fall For Anything
Author: Courtney Summers
Rating: 4/5

This book is different from what I expected it to be. In a good way, of course.

Eddie Reeves' father, a famous photographer, is dead. He commited suicide. No one had a clue and no one knew his plans. Now all there's left is Eddie questioning herself Why? No father would leave his daughter behind, right? While she tries to find out anything she meets Culler Evans, the only student her father has ever taught. Along with him and Milo, her best friend who found her next to her dad the night he commited suicide, Eddie's on a search for answers. But can her questions be answered if she finds herself more attrachted to Culler than she'd like to admit? What if you sometimes just better leave things as they are?

I'm a little depressed since I wrote a very long review and my internet just deleted like everything of it. Whatever. This was my second Courtney Summers book I read (my first was Some Girls Are) and even though I gave both four stars, I think I liked Fall For Anything better. It takes you on a journey and is mysterious in some kind of way. I love that. You sink into it and don't want to put the book down. Maybe that explains why I read it all at once.

The characters. Eddie - I disliked her in the beginning, but then I grew warm with her. Sometimes I was a little annoyed that she seemed to get used to her father's death, and in the next moment she freaked out completely. But perhaps that made her seem more real even.

Milo - The perfect best friend, I think. Everybody wants a friend like Milo. Yet I think he was a little too cute. Yes, you can be too cute, it's possible. He was too soft. Since I don't know any guy like that, he was more like a fantasy character to me.

Culler - Oh, my favorite! I was disappointed by him in the end, but I loved him during the story. I don't know why, but there was something about him. What I disliked about him was how he talked too much about Eddie's father being his big idol. But he was his idol, so that's just how it goes.

All in all I liked the book a lot! I'm happy I finally got to it. The story was brilliant, though I'll never be all too happy with the end. Hope Courtney won't take that too harsh - I'm never quite happy with endings or couples. Something is always wrong for me.

I can't say I'd recommend this book to fans of blah and blah. I'd recommend it to everyone, who I know have a fabulous taste in books! Four stars!

Montag, 7. November 2011

Book of Shadows (Wicca / Sweep #01) - Cate Tiernan

Title: Book of Shadows (Wicca / Sweep #01)
Author: Cate Tiernan
Rating: 3/5

I don't know why I'm giving this only three stars. Maybe because I'm a little annoyed by Morgan's parents and her "best friend" Bree. I'd have given it four stars, but since there are a lot more books of this Series, I bet it'll happen with one of them.

Morgan is a Junior at high school and since high school girls fall in love very easily, it's no big surprise that Morgan finds herself falling for the new guy Cal. Only that there seems more to it. When he invites her and some other students (which also includes Morgan's best friend Bree) for Wicca meetings, she senses that she is special by owning some special powers. Bree (who has a crush on Cal aswell) wants her to stay away from Cal and the coven he is setting up, but what if this is Morgan's destiny?

I liked this book a lot. Morgan is a very good character, I like the way she thinks and stuff. Cal is that typical mysterious guy every girl is falling for, even in the normal world. He could talk a little more perhaps. But he is just fabulous! As I already said, I didn't like Bree that much, just because I wouldn't stand a girl like her in reality too.

I will definitely keep up with this series. At first I was a little afraid that it might disappoint me, but it so did not! Cate Tiernan is a great author and I'm glad I discovered this series. It's something different from other paranormal books and yet the same kind of idea. The book itself is special. Worth reading, all the way!

The Coven (Wicca / Sweep #02) - Cate Tiernan

Title: The Coven (Wicca / Sweep #02)
Author: Cate Tiernan
Rating: 3/5

So many hateable characters in the second book, oh no!

Morgan Rowlands is a powerful blood witch. No way denying that, it's undeniable and even Morgan has to face that. But how can she possibly be a blood witch if her parents aren't? There's only one logical explanation: She must have been adopted. Along with her boyfriend and coven member Cal she tries to get some information. She never expected that the truth might change her life.

Good thing: For the first time in my life I am happy with the first matched couple in a book. Normally, I like the second matched couple better or wish for two to come together who'd never ever make a couple. So plus point for that!

"You're the kind of girl that you don't notice is beautiful until you get real close. And then all of a sudden it hits you" he whispered "And you think. Goddess, make her mine ."
I absolutely love Cal. Seriously, he is so damn cute and sweet and romantic. Why can't real boys be like that? So unfair! There are some parts where I thought: "Morgan, watch it! He just likes you because you're a witch." I'm scared of what's to come up next.

I also start to like Robbie a little more, but he seems to have a crush on Bree. So not understandable and forgivable at all. I'm not sure if I ever disliked a character as much as I do with Bree. I mean, I like that Cate created her but she is such a bitch. Why would Morgan ever want to be a friend with someone like her?!

I don't know what else to say. Not sure if it's better than the first one. I like them both so much. But this one was a better read for me because I loved those Cal parts. So, much more romantic in this book. There's more adventure here and cate takes you on a fabulous reading trip. I'd recommend it anytime, to any fans of Charmed and other paranormal shows. It has so much high school sparks and yet so many mysterious and dark parts aswell. Just great!

Donnerstag, 3. November 2011

Bloom - Elizabeth Scott

Title: Bloom
Author: Elizabeth Scott
Rating: 4/5

It took me two months to finally read this book. Great decision, yay me!

Lauren has the perfect life. She gets good grades, has a great boyfriend and actually everything seems just perfect. And even though her mom left a long time ago, she should be happy, right? Unfortunately Lauren isn't happy at all. She feels like she is lying to herself by pretending to be the perfect girl. But keeping the Status Qou seems the right thing to do. It's what people expect of her.

But then Lauren sees and old face again - Evan, who is the son of Mary, one of the oh-so-many old girlfriends of her dad. Maybe he can be the one to teach her that sometimes the imperfection make you seem perfect to someone when you least expect it.

It's a shame that I read Bloom now. I should have gotten my hands on it sooner! Strange thing is that this book doesn't include any new, special things and yet it's very good. I loved Evan but Lauren seemed so stubborn sometimes. A little too stubborn maybe. I disliked her father, though he was very gentle in the end. All in all Elizabeth created some very good and different characters here. I would have wished to meet Lauren's mom, but well, can't have it all I guess.

It's the second Elizabeth book that I read. Can't wait to read her other novels. And for all those who can't decide if they should read Bloom - what the hell are you waiting for?! :D

Freitag, 28. Oktober 2011

Lola and the Boy Next Door - Stephanie Perkins

Title: Lola and the Boy Next Door
Author Stephanie Perkins
Rating: 4/5

It's official - I am a fan of Stephanie Perkins books. After I read Anna and the French Kiss I wasn't so sure what to think of her books. I mean, I really liked it, but this one was much better I think. I got into the book right from the start and I loved it a lot :)

Lola Nolan is a little rebel. At least that's what her parents (or better said her uncles, since they aren't her biological parents) would say. She dressed nothing like the other girls her age do. Also other girls her age date guys in the same age, but not Lola. She loves her boyfriend Max, who is five whole years older than her. Not that this tiny fact matters to her. She's happy with him and everything seems just great. She should have known better: One day the Bell family moves back to San Francisco. Even worse - back into their old house which is right next door to the Nolan's home. And along with the old neighbours, her old crush on their son Cricket starts to flicker inside Lola's heart again. But what if the love for him was never really gone?

Way too many great aspects in this book. Stephanie makes sure you smile and find yourself near to tears in this book. Super lover of Anna and the French Kiss will be happy to read about Anna and St. Clair aswell. I absolutely loved Cricket! He is so damn cute. And also there are some parts where I couldn't help it but I felt a little bad for Max. The main character, Lola, is just crazy! In a good way of course. She has visions of the perfect costume and if this was a movie, I bet the dress would be amazing! Really liked her character.

People who love young adult stories, happy endings and funny reads HAVE to buy Lola and the Boy Next Door! I'd recommend it anytime 'cause it's an awesome books that needs a place in everybody's bookshelf.

Montag, 24. Oktober 2011

The Espressologist - Kristina Springer

Title: The Espressologist
Author: Kristina Springer
Rating: 3/5

Jane's job also at the same time her talent - coffee. Not coffee itself, but Jane's special talent is to know more about a costumer, than the costumer him or herself knows. The drink you order tells your story and makes people judge you, at least that what Jane truly believes in. What proves it more to her is that the matches she makes, so the couples she sets together like her best friend Em and another great friend Cam, are based on that take-your-order-and-I-tell-you-what-you-are-thing. When her boss discovers her secret talent, he orders her to make it his gain. Soon she also matches regular costumers as a Holiday promotion. The only thing that's now bothering Jane is that though she matches people, where is that special someone that may belongs to her?

I don't know why this is compared to Emma by Jane Austen. Honestly, I never read any books by Jane Austen, so I can't add anything to that.

I really liked The Espressologist and I also like that word a lot :D The book idea was very good and I also believe that somehow you can guess what a person is like by what he or she orders. But being matched with someone that way might take things a little too far for good. I'm glad it worked for the couples in the book at least. Not sure how that'd be in real life. Test needed here, oh yes!

So, I can't say a lot about the characters. I liked Jane, I liked Cam, but Em annoyed me a little. Even though I don't think there is anything she has to forgive Jane for, first she never wants to see her again and then in the next second she acts like her best friend again. That's what I disliked a bit. Derek is probably what a real boss would be like too. Strange and yet sometimes you want to hug him. (Mainly because it wouldn't be that strange if he's not that much older than yourself, but be careful, never hug your boss :P)

I liked the cover, I liked the book and the idea, the characters, but something was missing. That's why only three stars. The spark just didn't have it on me, but it's a very cute book and I'm glad I picked it up. No regrets there. If you can't decide what to read up next, then this is a good chill read to get your head off of thoughts. So sit back, imagine sitting with your favourite kind of coffee or Frap or whatever in a comfortable chair (or even in the coffeehouse where Jane works at) and read The Espressologist.

Sonntag, 16. Oktober 2011

Lust (Seven Deadly Sins #01) - Robin Wasserman

Title: Lust (Seven Deadly Sins #01)
Author: Robin Wasserman
Rating: 3/5

My rating might seem low, but this book was actually really good. I won't compare it to any other similar series, since I'm quite of sick reading all these comments that compare this series to Gossip Girl. Seriously, teenage drama is teenage drama. All are the same, not just one that copies the other.

I was surprised that this book was "big". I mean there are seven books of it, so I'm impressed that Robin Wasserman really wrote 229 pages. Nice.

The main part of the story is that everybody wants everybody else (explains why it's called Lust) and I found myself excited about finding out who wants who and who gets who. For example: There is Adam. He is in love with his girlfriend Beth and yet he finds hiself drawn to Kaia, the new girl at school who is, by the way, my least favourite character in this book. That's just because I don't like girls like her. Harper prefers hook ups but is secretly crushing on Adam. Beth friend's think she slept with Adam long time ago and yet she is still a virgin, fearing that Adam might break up anytime soon. Miranda's got a crush on Kane, but he wants everybody but her to make out with. I'm a little sad that Miranda's story isn't such a big part here, same with Kane. The main characters are Harper and Adam and probably Beth as well.

I'd recommend this book to whoever wants to have a nice fresh read and likes teenage dramas. I liked this book, it was great and that's why I'm going to read the other six books too.

Envy (Seven Deadly Sins #02) - Robin Wasserman

Title: Envy (Seven Deadly Sins #02)
Author: Robin Wasserman
Rating: 3/5

In the second book of the series, you get a deeper view on the characters and their stories. In addition, Robin also writes more about Miranda and Kane in this book, which I'm grateful for since they didn't take the big roles in the first book.

Harper is still wanting Adam to finally want her. So along with Kane (who still wants a little challenge named Beth, who is Adam's girlfriend) she creates a masterplan that somehow involves Kaia at some point of the story then. Kaia herself is doing her best to make the French teacher Mr. Powell losing sleep over her. (Or actually with her... Small word game here.) Still, all Miranda can see is Kane, and yet her best fiend Harper tells her to look for a little fun with someone else.

I'm not sure I liked this one better than the first. They're both good. Fact, there was more "Lust" in this book, than in "Lust" itself.

Montag, 10. Oktober 2011

Teach Me - R.A. Nelson

Title: Teach Me
Author: R.A. Nelson
Rating: 3.5/5

For Carolina "Nine" it's not that hard to earn the good grades while everyone else seem to have their mind on else what but school. Then something cuts her off aswell. Not that much something as someone: her English teacher Mr. Mann. The way he talks like he truly believes what he says and the way he seems to understand her point of views, she just can't help but fall for him. She doesn't even know how it happens, but suddenly Caroline and Mr. Mann are having this huge affair that nobody else knows about and can't. He always confesses how much he loves her, but why does he break things off so quick one day?

This is my first teacher/student book and I really, really liked it. It took a while for me to get into that book but then it just clicked.

Carolina loves Richard (Mr. Mann) so much, it's horrible. Horrible in a good way, I mean. It's heartbreaking that things went as they did. I admit, sometimes she appeared like some kind of freak and stalker person. She seemed really obsessed with Mr. Mann after his decision not to keep their relationship going. I didn't really understand why she was that obsessed. Of course, she is a teenager and they feel things differently and perhaps a little stronger than adults. So the grief is stronger for them aswell. Though, to me it never seemed that Mr. mann was THAT into her. She should have relaxed a bit, 'cause some things she did, just crossed an invisible line. But those things also made her appear more real. I liked the parts with her best friend. He is so cute!

Mr. Mann is the bad guy here! If there had been a pont of view from his side I'd think different about it maybe, but I doubt it. As I said he didn't seem to be into her that much, which is quite sad. Also, I couldn't understand his reasons. I would have loved to spit in his face by the time I finished this book. Yet I liked his character in the beginning.

Teach Me was the first novel by R.A. Nelson that I read and I liked it a lot! He has this special way to express things with his writing, so I'm gonna keep track with his other books, I guess. The ending isn't open and yet it isn't 'closed' either. You can wish for your favourite ending yourself and I know what's mine. Some last words: I loved the story and I want more books like that! Recommended to everyone who likes books that are nothing like you expected and are exciting to read.

Montag, 12. September 2011

Good Oil - Laura Buzo

Title: Good Oil
Author: Laura Buzo
Rating: 4.5/5

The main reason why I wouldn't give this gorgeous book five stars straight is because I'm not so sure what to think of the ending...

Amelia Hayes starts her first job and falls in love with another worker, whose name is Chris. He is single, he is charming, he is everything she wants but there's a problem: The age difference. Amelia is only fifteen and Chris is twenty-one. Now while Amelia doesn't care, she can't seem to convince Chris with her point of view. This love would be meant to fail, right?

My summary sucks, I know. Who cares about that right now? You have to read this book. Have to, have to, have to! I don't know what it is but australian authors seem to have something special. I bet it's the country itself. Laura Buzo created the perfect scenareo. Such a yummy read.

Amelia... Well, after all she is just a teenage girl and I'm feeling sorry for her for having such a huge, I mean really huge, crush on Chris. I don't blame her - he is gorgeous! I love how stubborn she is. How she really just wants him and no one else, especially not any guy at her school like her best friend would assume to her. She does her thing and nobody can do a thing about that. You rule Amelia!

What can I say about Chris? Date me!!! Seriously, there would be a big fight between me and Amelia if this guy really existed. He is such a hottie, whoa! He has conflicts of his own and tries real hard to deal with that. After his girlfriend took off he is searching for the right and perfect woman. While you read this book you just want to grab him, hand him to Amelia and make him see that she is the one. But it's his journey.

Alright, enough talking, now buy it! I loved this book so much. This whole thing about the age though Amelia loves him so much is just written in the most perfect way you could imagine. I think this story wouldn't work as a movie, it's a great book and it should stay a book. I wouldn't mind a second book. Actually I am secretly hoping for one.. Please Laura, write a second book! As I said I didn't like the end all too much, but there's just something about every book that I don't like as much as the rest. One of my all-time-favourite books anyway :) Pure gold!

(By the way, am I the only one who thinks that the girl on the cover looks like Blake Lively?)

Donnerstag, 18. August 2011

Thirteen Reasons Why - Jay Asher

Title: Thirteen Reasons Why
Author: Jay Asher
Rating: 3/5

Clay's crush Hannah committed suicide and if that's not bad enough, one day Clay finds a box on his porch that has thirteen audio tapes inside. He discovers that Hannah recorded these tapes and explained her thirteen reasons of why she decided to commit suicide and Clay is part of these thirteen reasons. Soon, he'll find out the whole truth about Hannah's mysterious suicide.

I don't know why everyone seems so obsessed with this book. I liked it too, but I wouldn't go as far and give it five stars. No. Perhaps because I don't think that suicide is a resulution for anything. My opinion.

Clay never told Hannah how much she meant to him, but there was this one action that ruined everything. At least that's what he thinks. Now he'll never have another chance to prove Hannah, that he could have been the one for her. It's sad. And Hannah, well, I don't know if recording audio tapes is the right way. To me, it seemed as if she wanted everyone to feel even more guilty about her suicide. Actually, it just proves that she wasn't as strong as she thought she was, 'cause otherwise she would have tried to deal with her problems, but well, I guess Jay Asher wanted to show the teenage way about thinking about certain things concerning life.

I liked that in the end, Clay saw how wrong he was by not doing anything about his crush on Hannah. You should always be honest and take your chances before they are gone. I think that is what Jay Asher tries to tell us here too. As bad as the past and the past happenings seem, there is always a light, even if it's just a spark. That special spark is waiting for you to make it become a shining fire. So, over all, three stars, though I'd say it deserves half a point extra :)