Sunday, October 28, 2012

Invisible Girl By Mary Hanlon Stone


 When poor Boston girl Stephanie is abandoned by her abusive mother and taken in by Annie?s Beverly Hills family, she feels anything but home. Her dark complexion and accent stick out like a sore thumb in the golden-hued world of blondes and extravagance. These are girls who seem to live life in fastforward, while Stephanie is stuck on pause. Yet when a new rival moves to town, threatening Annie?s queen-bee status, Stephanie finds herself taking sides in a battle she never even knew existed, and that feeling invisible is a wound that can only be healed by standing up for who she is. Brilliant newcomer Mary Hanlon Stone delivers a compulsively readable insider?s view of growing up in a world where money and privilege don?t always glitter.

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 Possible spoilers

   Stephanie is a 14 year old girl who has been abused and mistreated by her mother.Her mother walks out and her dad cannot handle to situation so he ships Stephanie off to an old friends house in Beverly Hills.Stephanie in coming there tries to fit in and be like the girls..while telling some lies to fit in.Suddenly she is found out and when a new girl moves to town she is bumped to the bottom of the group.Or was she?
   This is one of those books that would be great for a young girl to read.To know that its okay to not go with the flow.To appreciate what you have.I loved that Stephanie became such great friends with Amal and I especially loved that they took her under their wing.This book reminded me a bit of the movie Mean Girls in a sense.It is definitely worth reading I hope you enjoy it as much as I did.
 

Friday, October 19, 2012

Live Through This-Mindi Scott

When a relationship trespasses the boundaries of trust, the consequences are complex in this nuanced page-turner from “a formidable talent” (Booklist).If Coley Sterling’s best friend would stop hating her, if her dance-team captains would lighten up, if her friends would stop asking her about Reece, the geeky sax player she’s crushing on—then her life would be perfect. Right? After all, Coley’s stepdad is a successful attorney who gives Coley and her siblings everything, and her mother will stop at nothing to keep them all happy and safe—including having escaped ten years ago from the abuse of Coley’s real father.
     But Coley is keeping a lot of secrets. She won’t admit—not even to herself—that her almost-perfect life is her own carefully crafted faƇade. Now, Coley and Reece are getting closer, and a decade’s worth of Coley’s lies are on the verge of unraveling—along with the life she thought she knew.

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**POSSIBLE SPOILERS**(I usually try not to do spoilers but I cannot do this review without there being some..so be Forewarned!)

     This is a first book for me by this Author.In a short summary Coley has a huge secret and she doesnt know how to deal with it or how to stop it.So im so-so on how I enjoyed this book.I think Incest touchy subject for a YA author to do...its a touchy subject for any author.When this book starts out I automatically thought it was Coleys stepdad when it definitely turned out to be someone not expected.Bryan is Coley's older brother that is in college..Bryan is the cause of all of Coley's problems.
     I did have a few issues with this book.This is like I said a touchy subject..I feel like the book did not focus enough of the issue at hand.I know the book is about whats happening to Coley but I kept waiting for something more.I kept waiting for something to happen and it never did.It's hard to explain..basically I felt Like this was such a serious thing that perhaps there could have been more emotion,more interaction between Coley and Bryan.The point that I am attempting to get across is this is a book about incest but to me it felt rushed when there could have been more emotion and just something more.I also feel that unless the book is going to have a sequel it should have had a epilogue rather then ending on the note it did.
    Please by all means do not think I did not enjoy this books because I did.It was an enjoyable read on a subject not really written about.Take the time to read this one.

You can purchase Live Through This HERE on Amazon.

Wednesday, October 17, 2012

If I Lie By Corrine Jackson

A dramatic and powerful novel that explores the gray space between truth and perception.Cheater. Traitor. Slut.
     Quinn’s done the unthinkable: she kissed a guy who is not Carey, her boyfriend. And she got caught. Shunned by everyone she knows, Quinn loses her friends, her reputation, and her identity. Because Carey’s not just any guy—he’s a Marine who’s serving overseas, and beloved by everyone in their small, military town.
     But Quinn didn’t cheat. She could clear her name, but that would mean revealing secrets she’s vowed to keep—secrets that aren’t hers to share. So she stays silent, and waits for Carey to come home.
     Then Carey goes MIA, and Quinn must decide how far she’ll go to protect her boyfriend…and her promise.
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Review

   If I Lie is a story about Quinn and a secret that she is keeping for her boyfriend Carey.She was caught kissing another boy and has suddenly been labelled the town pariah.Then Carey..who is in the military goes MIA and everything just escalates.Should Quinn reveal Carey's secret or not? 
   From the moment I started this book I was enthralled.I was literally pulled inside this book.I felt Quinns emotions...When Quinn was being harrassed..I felt that,When her dad was being distant..I felt that.This book was so much more then what I expected. Quinn was so much stronger then what she thought she was.I fell in love with George and The whole military history aspect.What a way to bring that into the story.Im not sure how I feel about Carey and Blake.Carey I think was quite selfish in his need to protect his lie..However he had his reasons.Blake..Blake should have really done things differently.But perhaps it is because I am looking at this from a females point of view.
  From start to finish I was invested in the story.I would LOVE to have a sequel to it.Im not sure if it is possible but I would love to know how Quinn does in college and I think she deserves to have her own romance.Corrine Jackson..You have written a winner!I look forward to reading more of your books.

You can Purchase If I Lie HERE  from Amazon.
   

Tuesday, October 16, 2012

Learning to Breathe By J. C. McClean

Darcie Gilmore just wanted a fresh start.
When her mother packs them off to live in Dover Springs, Darcie is given the chance to start over.
However, having spent the last six months haunted by terrible nightmares and feeling isolated and alone, Darcie doubts that anything will be different. Even when she meets carefree Danny Fletcher, Darcie insists that she wants nothing to do with him.
But, when Darcie needs a favour and Danny is the only one who can help, the two must spend time together.
As they grow closer, Danny is determined to discover why Darcie is so private about her life but little does he know that he's not just breaking down her barriers ... he's helping her learn to breathe again.
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Review

    Learning to Breathe is the story of Darcie dealing with a traumatic incident and her emotions/nightmares.Danny is a new guy who Darcie meets who just wont leave her alone..and thats a good thing.She needs someone like Danny.
    This book does take place overseas..I want to say England?I however do not know..Just be prepared for language differences,It is by no means a bad thing.However some may say the author is not using correct wording etc.Well it is simply not true.A few things that I wish had happened.I wish that there had been a prologue where we the reader were able to know what happened to Darcie rather then wait until halfway through to figure it out..But again that is just personal taste.I also have to say there was a point in this beginning where it was slow..and then Something major happened and I just went Oh My God....this book is Great and by Golly if the book didnt take off and kept on running.Loved this story and I look forward to reading more by Joanne McClean.

You can Purchase Learning to Breathe HERE

October Is Bullying Prevention Month

You might ask why is a book blogger blogging about Bullying?As a victim of bullying in my childhood it is close to my heart.It breaks my heart when I hear that bullying is happening.What gives a human being the right to belittle another human being?When I was young I did not have the wonderful Young Adult books dealing with Bullying as topics..There are so many out now some authors to name a few are Mia Castile,Susan Colasanti,

http://www.pacer.org/bullying/resources/info-facts.asp

Bullying Info and Facts

Defining Bullying Behavior

What is bullying? At first glance, many people might think this behavior is easy to define. Their first image of bullying might be of a physically intimidating boy beating up a smaller classmate. While that can still be considered bullying today, parents need to know that bullying behaviors can be much more complex and varied than that typical stereotype. For example, harmful bullying can also occur quietly and covertly, through gossip or on the Internet, causing emotional damage. Let’s consider a few definitions of bullying.
Although definitions of bullying vary, most agree that an act is defined as bullying when:
  • The behavior hurts or harms another person physically or emotionally. Bullying can be very overt, such as fighting, hitting or name calling, or it can be covert, such as gossiping or leaving someone out on purpose.
  • It is intentional, meaning the act is done willfully, knowingly and with deliberation.
  • The targets have difficulty stopping the behavior directed at them and struggle to defend themselves.
Bullying can be circumstantial or chronic. It might be the result of a situation, such as being the new student at school, or it might be behavior that has been directed at the individual for a long period of time.

Defining “Harassment” Including Harassment based on Disability

The Office for Civil Rights (OCR) and the Department of Justice (DOJ) have stated that bullying may also be considered harassment when it is based on a student’s race, color, national origin, sex, disability, or religion.
Harassing behaviors may include:
  • Unwelcome conduct such as: Verbal abuse, such as name-calling, epithets, slurs
  • Graphic or written statements
  • Threats
  • Physical assault
  • Other conduct that may be physically threatening, harmful, or humiliating
Students have protection under federal laws.

Know the Laws

Many states have laws that address bullying. The content of each law varies considerably. This interactive map from the Olweus* website contains information on each state’s bullying and harassment laws:
*Dan Olweus, a native of Norway, is considered a pioneer in bullying research and has implemented a model of his bullying prevention program in the United States

Three Steps to Take If Your Child is Being Targeted by Bullying at School

It is important that parents approach this situation in a calm manner and that parents keep records of facts in the situation. It is helpful if parents and school staff work together to resolve the issue. Parents can use the following steps to resolve the issue.

I. Work With Your Child

Thank your child for telling you. Tell your child that the bullying is not his or her fault. Talk with your child about the specifics of the situation and ask:
  • Who is doing the bullying?
  • What happened? Was it
    • Verbal bullying?
    • Physical bullying?
    • Cyberbullying? (Meet directly with the principal if this is the case.)
  • What days and times were you bullied?
  • Where did the bullying take place?
Also find out how your child responded to the bullying and if other children or adults might have observed the bullying. Does your child know the names of these people?
Keep a written record of this information.
Practice possible ways for your child to respond to bullying. PACER offers a “Student Action Plan” that walk through potential action steps.
Tell a school staff (teacher, principal, other staff).
Go to step two if needed.

II. Work With The School

Meet with your child’s teacher:
  • Discuss what is happening to your child using information from Step One.
  • Ask what can be done so your child feels safe at school.
Keep a written record of what happened at this meeting, including names and dates.
Make an appointment to meet with the principal to discuss the bullying situation:
  • Share information from Step One.
  • Mention your work with your child regarding the situation.
Share the outcome of your meeting with the teacher.
  • Mention how the situation is impacting your child
  • Does not want to come to school o Is fearful he or she will be hurt
  • Complains of stomach aches, headaches, etc.
  • Has other new behavior as a result of bullying
Ask if school has a written policy on bullying and harassment. If so, ask for a written copy.
Ask what the school can do to keep your child safe at school, on school bus, etc.
Go to step three if needed.

III. Work With District Administration

Write a letter or send an email to district superintendent requesting a meeting to discuss the situation. Include name of child, age, grade, school, your address and phone number, background information of the bullying situation and how you have tried to resolve it.
This letter should be as brief and factual as possible. Include the times you are available for this meeting. Send copies of this letter to the principal, special education director (if child is receiving special education) and chair of the school board. Be sure to keep a copy for yourself.
Prepare for this meeting by organizing the information you have kept and the questions you want to ask. Remember to ask what can be done to keep your child safe in school so he/she can learn.
Decide if you want to take someone with you. Clarify their role (e.g., take notes, provide support, contribute information about your child). Be sure to keep a written record of this meeting, including who was present, what was discussed and any decisions that were made.
If after taking these three steps, the bullying issue has not been resolved, you may wish to contact a parent center or advocacy organization for assistance.
*Email is an acceptable way of contacting persons.

Tuesday, October 9, 2012

Awakening the Mobster (Mobster Series) By Amy Rachiele

A breathtakingly beautiful man is standing right next to me-holding me, reassuring me, protecting me. Antonio is my savior. Having him with me makes the ickiness that’s stuck in my stomach tolerable.
Megan, Awakening the Mobster

Loving Megan and caring for Erin like the sister I never had is dangerous. These feelings cause you to think. But I was raised, Don’t think, just do!
Antonio, Awakening the Mobster

What draws and binds people together-circumstance, experience, blood? Can you change what you’re made of or is it predestined? If you fight it, will it just come back to you ten-fold?
Antonio and Megan are running. Running away. Megan’s father told them to. Antonio and Megan fly to South Bend, Indiana. They are hiding out at Notre Dame until it’s safe to come home. But will it ever be safe with the line of work Antonio and Megan’s father do. There is no escaping the mob. It’s part of your existence.

This is MATURE YA (underage drinking, language, sexual content, violence)

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REVIEW

      I was totally Blown away with Mobsters Girl..Book 1 of this series.Quite frankly Im above blown away..Im in outer space blown away.From the moment I started this on my kindle until the time I finished I found myself yet again Immersed in Awakening the Mobster.The pace is fast yet easy enough to keep up with.The entire time I felt like I was in the middle of everything going on.I loved the sizzling romance between Megan and Antonio.You can just feel the masculinity rolling off Antonio. I kept hoping something would come of Vito and Erin..perhaps in book 3?Each character left a great impression..sometimes authors have a hard time introducing characters but not Amy.She is able to do it and it's as if the characters have been there the whole time,but they do not overpower the main characters.Oh and the shower scene was molto caldo.Without giving spoilers away..You know what?Im not giving spoilers away.Read the book.Its so worth it.Im waiting on pins and needles for book 3.I cant help but hope to see a wedding in Antonio and Megan's future.Thank you Amy for writing an amazingly great series and characters that I have fallen in love with.

You can Purchase Awakening the Mobster HERE on Amazon
and Mobsters Girl  HERE

Sunday, October 7, 2012

Emerge-Lila Felix



Jenna has spent too long being complacent and accepting. Her mother and step-father constantly belittle and berate her for simply being alive. She passes through life keeping everyone and everything at arm’s length because it’s just not worth the questions or the pity party. She takes what they dish out and just tries to survive.
She has thought up a million different ways to get away from them, but lacked the motivation and the sheer will. Like a fast moving tornado, her motivation comes in the form of a boy who cares for her as none other has and who shows her a glimpse of hope, a glimpse into a life she never thought she could have.
But is her new motivation enough to get her out…

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REVIEW 


    Oh My Goodness.I Did NOT want to put this book down.Holy Jehoshaphat.I know im not being as  eloquent as I could be.Lila has created a story that is heartbreaking yet has that rainbow with the pot of gold you are waiting for.Emerge is a story about Jenna who has to deal with a horrible home life...Dont even get me started on her mom..and I use that term loosely or her step dad. Then She meets Carlos..Enter her Rainbow.Without giving to much of the book away..lets just Say Carlos is a wonderful guy and he is her sunshine on a rainy day. I loved that there was an epilogue..In fact that was one of my favorite parts.I think my only issue with this book is that it had to eventually end.Well done Lila..I look forward to reading your next book...so get to writing!I mean that in the nicest possible way.

You can Purchase Emerge HERE

Friday, October 5, 2012

Its FRIDAY!Whats happening in the book world?

Its Friday!Whats happening in the World of Books?Let's Take a Peek!!!

Its Release Day for Cambria Hebert!!! Bewitched Has released!!!

A Heven and Hell short story. Heven and Hell # 2.5
For years, I accepted that Heven was more popular than me. I never liked it but I lived with it. I walked in her shadow, I stood by her when no one else would. When I finally thought her spotlight was mine things began to change. She began to change. Now she hardly ever calls me back, she spends all her time with her hot new boyfriend and everyone at school thinks she’s back on top. She had it all. But apparently she wants more. She wants Cole – my boyfriend. What’s worse is that it looks like she got him. I’ve had enough and she’s going to be sorry. Why? 
Because I am bewitched.

You can pick up your Copy HERE

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Lindsay Paige's Sweetness(Bold As Love series) is FREE today!

 Emily wished she was invisible. But after moving to a new town with her dad, a charming boy makes it impossible for her to disappear. Despite her feelings of unworthiness, Emily soon finds herself drawn to the safety of Jake's world.

Good looking and the star of the hockey team, Jake has a lot going for him. What most people don't see is the difficult life he has at home. When quiet Emily steals his heart, Jake vows to help her discover she is worthy of love.

Just when the two of them realize the sweetness of their relationship, they are put to the test. Only together can they overcome their haunted pasts to fight for a future together.

You can get it HERE

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Thursday, October 4, 2012

Death and the Girl Next Door-Darynda Jones


Darynda Jones, author of The New York Times bestselling series that began with First Grave on the Right, brings us Death and the Girl Next Door, a thrilling Young Adult novel garnering high praise and early buzz from major authors
Ten years ago, Lorelei's parents disappeared without a trace.  Raised by her grandparents and leaning on the support of her best friends, Lorelei is finally beginning to accept the fact that her parents are never coming home.  For Lorelei, life goes on.
High school is not quite as painful as she thinks it will be, and things are as normal as they can be.  Until the day the school's designated loner, Cameron Lusk, begins to stalk her, turning up where she least expects it,  standing outside her house in the dark, night after night.  Things get even more complicated when a new guy—terrifying, tough, sexy Jared Kovach—comes to school.  Cameron and Jared instantly despise each other and Lorelei seems to be the reason for their animosity.  What does Jared know about her parents?  Why does Cameron tell Jared he can't have Lorelei?  And what will any of them do when Death comes knocking for real?  Thrilling, sassy, sexy, and inventive, Darynda Jones's first foray into the world of teens will leave readers eager for the next installment.

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Review 3 stars

Im not sure how I feel about this book.I liked it and yet I felt a bit let down by it.Perhaps its the fact that I've read books dealing with these types of angels before.I kept waiting for the romance..the history and it never came.I kept waiting for these two guys to fight over Lorelei romantically and they didnt.In fact they fought..so much it got old because it seemed trivial what they were fighting for.The book was a bit confusing until the ending..It would have been better to have more history of the angels.I kept waiting for the big build up and there never was..it flitted from one thing to another like the snap of a finger.I did enjoy the wittiness of the characters..they were pretty hilarious.I just feel the book could have delved a bit more into the characters then it did.I love the cover as well..I think thats why i expected  more romance then there was.

Monday, October 1, 2012

My Favorite Mistake By Chelsea M. Cameron

Taylor Caldwell can't decide if she wants to kiss her new college roommate or punch him.

On the one hand, Hunter Zaccadelli is a handsome, blue-eyed bundle of charm. On the other, he's a tattooed, guitar-playing bundle of bad boy. Maybe that's why Taylor's afraid of falling in love with him, or anyone else. She doesn't want to get burned, and even though her other roommates adore him, she wants him gone before it's too late.

Hunter himself has been been burned before, but the fact that Taylor calls him out on his crap and has the sexiest laugh ever make him decide maybe love isn't a lost cause. They make a bet: if she can convince him she truly loves or hates him, he'll leave the apartment--and leave her alone. The problem is, the more time they spend together, the less she hates him, and the more she moves toward love.

But when the man who holds the key to Taylor's fear of giving up her heart resurfaces and threatens to wreck everything, she has to decide: trust Hunter with her greatest secret, or do everything in her power to win that bet and drive him away forever.

My Favorite Mistake is a New Adult Contemporary Romance complete at approx. 103,000 words and is suitable for ages 18 and up. Contains violence, language and sexual situations. 

Other books by Chelsea M. Cameron:
Nocturnal (Book One in The Noctalis Chronicles)
Nightmare (Book Two in The Noctalis Chronicles)
Whisper (Book One in The Whisper Trilogy)

Coming Christmas 2012: Silence, Book Two in The Whisper Trilogy.

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Review

    This is the first book I have had the pleasure of reading by Chelsea M. Cameron and I adored it.I was able to get lost while reading this book and everything else faded away.That in my humble opinion is the sign of a good..no a great book.
    Taylor is going to college and she is in a coed dorm...never expecting to actually have a guy,Hunter have to room with her the her other 2 roommates.Taylor and Hunter's chemistry is off the charts.They have the whole love/hate thing down pat.Taylor and Hunter are both dealing with their own issues which makes them both a bit weary of relationships.I dislike giving spoilers so I'll keep my mouth shut on how the story unfolds..but let me just say...Taylor can pack a punch!
    I think my only critique is that the book ended a bit soon for my tastes.I would have loved an Epilogue or even perhaps a book 2. Its a must read! I would say it is definitely a Mature book due to language and sexual happenings.