Throw Away Teen By Shannon Kennedy

She’s disposable...and she knows it.

A survivor of too many foster homes, B.J. Larson is content living at the youth center where your status is determined by how long your arrest record is. And hers is lengthy. Then she’s placed in a home in the small town of Stewart Falls, Washington—with foster parents who will “love” her, not just the money the state pays for her care.

Yeah, right!

B.J.’s not stone stupid. She knows a scam when she sees one. Kids like her never get “real homes,” much less “real families.” She learned a long time ago that adults can’t be trusted. Besides, B.J.’s too smart to take chances. And isn’t love the biggest risk of all?
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 5 STARS

   This is the story of B.J Larson who is a ward of the state and who is possibly being adopted by Liz and Tom.B.J hasnt had affection,she has acted out to get out of bad foster homes.She has been beaten down.B.J doesnt know what it is to be loved and to love herself.In this story you will watch as B.J overcomes her fears,finds love and the best of all..learns to love herself.
   First of Wow.What an emotional story.What an amazing Debut by Shannon Kennedy.If all of her future releases are this amazing..well she is going places.The best part of the story is I felt B.J's emotions..her turmoil.When an author is able to make you feel so strongly about something,I say thats a sign of an great author.Liz and Tom..they are what I would hope all soon to be adopt/foster parents would be.If that was the case the world would be such a better place.There was one person in the story I couldn't stand.. however I will let the reader figure that one out and not spoil it.
  I highly highly recommend Throw Away Teen.Its emotional,it makes you angry..it sucks you in.You do not want to miss out on this.Shannon Kennedy,You have written an amazingly great book.I look forward to your next work and you have me as a fan.

You can Purchase Throw Away Teen HERE

Touched-Corrine Jackson

Time may not heal all wounds--but she can.You'd think being able to heal people with a touch would be a blessing. But to 17-year-old Remy O'Malley, it's more like a curse.
Every injury Remy heals becomes her own. She lives in fear of the day she's forced to mend a wound from which she can't recover--and she's desperate to keep her amazing ability a secret.
Enter Asher Blackwell, a scarred eighteen-year-old with dangerous powers of his own. Asher seems to know more about Remy's abilities than she does--and maybe more than he's letting on. If she opens up to him, she might find out what it truly means to be a Healer. But she'll also expose herself to capture by an old and very determined enemy. And if they catch her, they won't just injure her.
They'll kill her.
Corrine Jackson is a San Francisco transplant, having lived on both coasts from Southern California to New York City. For the last seven years, she has sharpened her marketing talents at Alcone Marketing, where she has won several industry awards. She has bachelor's and master's degrees in English, and is in her third year of Spalding University's MFA program. A recipient of a West Chester Poetry Conference scholarship, she is also the former Editor-in-Chief of two literary magazines, including Statement (CSU, Los Angeles) and Dash (CSU, Fullerton).
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   Touched is a story about Remy..Remy has the special ability to heal..But her healing comes with a price.After something horrific happens to her she goes to live with her father where She meets Asher..she learns that perhaps she isnt the only different person in town.
   I Loved touched.It was such an enjoyable read..definitely a page turner!Remy was quite the character I instantly fell in love with her.Who doesn't love when someone cares more about others then themselves?Im so happy that she was able to live with her dad and his family and found out what it is like to be in a real loving family.Asher...Well Asher was just awesome.Im not going to lie..he reminded me a tiny bit of Edward Cullen in some of his actions and some things he said..but not enough to actually be like a copy Edward Cullen so that was good..Plus Asher just kind of has this Im sexy and I know it song running off of him.(Im joking..okay maybe im not.) I believe this is a first for me with healers and protectors and Im hooked.Im hoping there will be a second book to the series as I feel the story was left to continue on and im eager to see what happens when Remy goes looking for her Grandfather.I would definitely suggest this book if you like supernatural romance and a great story line that you just want to hop in too.

You can Purchase Touched HERE on Amazon.

Drum Roll Please!!!Trapped By Ella James COVER REVEAL!!!

Trapped is book two in the Here Trilogy (YA Sci-Fi Romance)

Release Date: December 2012

Link to Here, book one: http://www.amazon.com/Here-Paranormal-Romance-Trilogy-ebook/dp/B007A0I86Q/ref=pd_sim_kstore_4

Link to Ella's site: www.ellajamesbooks.blogspot.com

Ella on FB: www.facebook.com/ellajamesauthorpage

Twitter: author_ellaj

(CONTAINS SPOILERS - DO NOT READ BEFORE READING HERE):

When Milo Mitchell falls for the beautiful, tuxedo-clad guy she found wandering her family's rural Colorado property, she never dreamed he was a scout from another galaxy, or that their relationship would leave him with an impossible choice: eradicating humankind, or initiating the end of his own people. 

Nick's job is finding the elements his people need to power their elaborate interweb of minds. Being a scout means he is capable of traveling to other planets on his own. It also means that, unlike The Rest, he has access to primitive feelings and individual desires. For eons, he was part of the whole, but when he encountered Milo, his obsession with her changed everything.

Nick's partner, Vera, is capable of independent thought, but not compelled by it. She is satisfied with her existence as one of The Rest, and she won't agree that humans are worth sparing; not when their planet has a precious cache of the gold her people need so badly. 

While Vera tries to force Nick into endorsing an Earth invasion, working behind the scenes to tie his hands, and the Department of Defense lays a trap for them with Milo's mom as bait, Nick and Milo are waging their own war - against a primal desire that can only lead to one thing: heartbreak.

Ella's Author Bio:
I'm a 20-something sci-fi nerd with a journalism degree and a serious York Peppermint Pattie addiction. I spend my days baby-wrangling and dog-chasing and my nights tapping on my laptop and hanging out with my writer/editor husband. A fun day for me involves lots of writing, running, and researching topped off with some quality Kindle time. My life's goal is to find an empty cottage in an enchanted forest, install a solar panel for my laptop, and move in - never to be seen again - except in sweatpants.


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I am very much looking forward to this sequel!If you havent read HERE yet please take the time to do so before reading Trapped.Ella James is such a Talented Author..I hope you enjoy her books as much as I have.

The Starter Boyfriend By Tina Ferraro

17 year-old Courtney is completely stressed. There's the rift with her softball teammates, homework, housework, her part-time job at the tux shop, her dad’s upcoming wedding...enough! Would it be too much to ask for someone special in her life, a boyfriend she could talk to, count on, even lean on a little?

The best she’s got is a blue-eyed surfer boy who seems to save his biggest moves for his board, and a “friend date” to Homecoming with a guy still in love with his ex. Oh, and then there’s the tuxedo mannequin in the shop window, who happens to be reliable and an amazing listener.

When the mannequin gets stolen in a senior prank, Courtney finds herself in a midnight pursuit along beach boulevards, trying to save more than the mannequin, but the job she’s come to love. After turning to the unlikeliest of people for help, and finding that surfer boy is as resourceful as he is good-looking, her load begins to lighten. In fact, she soon might find not only what she needs, but what she wants, too.

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This is a cute read.Courtney has a job at a tux rental place that she loves and a certain Mannequin who is the strong and silent type.Courtney has alot going on..school,college,friends and her dad remarrying.I enjoyed the story.Although I feel at times it could have slowed down a bit and had a bit more romance.I loved the part when Courtney goes riding in the car with Tux and He is taken.Hilarious.All in all a cute read..If your looking for a good,lighthearted story then this is your story,Babycakes.Oh and the Cover is beautiful.

Sacred By Elana K. Arnold

Growing up on Catalina Island, off the California coast, Scarlett Wenderoth has led a fairly isolated life. After her brother dies, her isolation deepens as she withdraws into herself, shutting out her friends and boyfriend. Her parents, shattered by their own sorrow, fail to notice Scarlett's pain and sudden alarming thinness. Scarlett finds pleasure only on her horse, escaping to the heart of the island on long, solitary rides. One day, as she races around a bend, Scarlett is startled by a boy who raises his hand in warning and says one word: "Stop."

The boy—intense, beautiful—is Will Cohen, a newcomer to the island. For reasons he can't or won't explain, he's drawn to Scarlett and feels compelled to keep her safe. To keep her from wasting away. His meddling irritates Scarlett, though she can't deny her attraction to him. As their relationship blossoms into love, Scarlett's body slowly awakens at Will's touch. But just when her grief begins to ebb, she makes a startling discovery about Will, a discovery he's been grappling with himself. A discovery that threatens to force them apart. And if it does, Scarlett fears she will unravel all over again.
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REVIEW-5 stars

   Sacred is a story about Scarlett who has just suffered a great loss and is having trouble dealing with living.Will comes into the picture and somehow always shows up when she needs it.They have a connection that both feel very powerfully.This is the first book I have read by this author and cannot wait to read more.
   I really enjoyed this story.I feel it was a great read.I felt Scarlett's pain,I felt her sadness.I look very forward to reading book 2 when it is released.I cannot wait to see what choices are made and how the rest of the story plays out.Job well done Elana K. Arnold.Your story had me glued to it and that in my humble opinion is the sign of a Great Writer.

You can purchase Sacred HERE

Love and Skate-Lila Felix

On the rink she’s tough, she’s a leader, she’s fast and she’s the epitome of a rebellious girl. But Nellie’s been hurt, only once, but it was enough to make her look at life through different eyes and off the rink she’s a timid girl who loves with no pretenses.
A long time ago Owen Black was betrayed by the girl he thought he loved and the guy he called his best friend. The anguish set off a domino effect of negativity in his life and he never has fully recovered. He meets Nellie Forrester and thinks he can let it go for her.
But how can you love someone when the wounds from your past are still wide open?

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 REVIEW 5 STARS
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   Ive said it before and I'll say it again.Lila Felix has talent!Reading her books is so enjoyable..they flow so smoothly.I love Nellie..I love her many many hair colors and that she is tough enough to play Roller Derby and yet sweet enough to still be super feminine Owen..Well Owen like all of Lila's male characters is just AHMAZING.Im repeating myself with another review I've written about Lila's book but I'll go ahead and say it.I love that Lilas characters find each other somewhat early in the book.I adore watching their relationship develop.I have yet to read a book by Lila that I don't enjoy and I've read everything she's published.Keep on writing Lila.You have written yet another winner and I look forward to your next story.

You can Purchase Love and Skate HERE

Torn Souls-Crystal Cattabriga

This book is dedicated to all the children who have lost their lives from being bullied and the one who will find the strength and courage to continue on.....

The unspeakable acts of bulling can destroy a life. So many children are affected in the world and together we can make a difference. Let’s be the change we want to see in the world...

Julia Stone’s life has been turned upside down ever since her parents decided to move out of the country and into the city. The life she knew was gone and starting over was something she wasn't prepared for. The thought of a new school, new teachers and even new friends was terrifying, but after a few weeks things didn't seem all that bad. Julia had met a boy and his name was Alex. He wasn't a jock, he wasn't even the
smartest kid in school, but he was nice and he made her laugh. Alex and Julia hung out all the time, eventually becoming best friends. They even made a pact never to keep secrets from each other, but for Julia it was harder than she thought. She had a secret that was destroying the very cord of her soul. Her life as a teenager was being ripped apart by the kids in her school. Julia was being bullied mentally and physically. The thought of going through the next three years in high school being bullied continuously wasn't something she was prepared to do. The choice was simple, and she wasn't about to do it alone.

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4 stars

   Torn Souls is a book about bullying and a how Julia,Alex(her friend) and her parents take charge and make change.I Liked the summary of this book and I enjoyed the topic of it.Bullying is real and it does need to stop.I had a few issues with the book.I think it focused way to much in the beginning about Julia and her parents move.I believe the book could have worked without so many details of the move.I was almost 30% or more done with the book and the main character and her parents still had yet to move out of the house.I feel it dragged the book down to be honest.I could have done with 1 or 2 chapters at the most dealing with the move,the packing etc.Basically sometimes less is more.I feel like if all the extra things about the moving could have been taken out then the author could have focused more on the bullying which I feel was quite rushed.For a book on bullying you need to have the bullying stand out and I think I personally would have liked to see it stand out a bit more.I didnt feel the angst,the emotions of a girl being bullied.The summary built the book up so much plus the title built the book up so much that I kept waiting for something extraordinay to happen.I also would have liked to see more of a relationship start between Julia and Alex as well. I am a huge Anti Bullying advocate,I loved reading about Julia's stand against her bullying.I loved what happened with Julia's Bill as well.

You can Purchase Torn Souls HERE

Perchance By Lila Felix

Remi Harris has a plan. Graduate high school, go to college, become a history teacher, be self-sufficient unlike her mother who is a struggling single mom. And the word ‘boy’ has no place in her plan.
Cooper Neal has been sent to his estranged father’s house to spend his Senior year getting to know him. And maybe, just maybe, there will be some cute girls in the small town.
Cooper sees Remi and he falls hard. Remi sees Cooper and wonders if she can do both. The question is; will he ruin her plans, or be a part of them?

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REVIEW-5 STARS

   Perchance is once of those feel good books..that once you put down you want to pick it right back up and start over at the beginning.Perchance is about Remi who all she wants to do is graduate and go to college and be nothing like her mother.Cooper,Is meeting his father for the first time in 17 years.For both of them are in for unexpected surprises.
   My favorite thing about this book is that the good romantic stuff starts right away.You don't have to wait  until the very ending for something to happen.I loved Cooper,In all honesty you rarely find a 17 year old like that and that made him stand out..in a good way.Remi I just wanted to give her a big hug..Unfortunately that's impossible..okay I did hug her in my head.I adored Coopers Grandmother she was wonderful..her role in the book was small and yet huge at the same time.
   Lila Felix has written a book that will wrap you up and have you rooting for the main characters.I'd be here typing the same things over and over if I tried to explain just how much I loved this book.Haven't read it?Read it.Enjoy it!Love it!


You can Purchase Perchance HERE

Beautifully Broken By Amanda Bennett

WARNING: THIS BOOK CONTAINS ADULT LANGUAGE, CONTENT, AND SITUATIONS. 17+ RECOMMENDED

“Darkness swept through my vision as my short lived life passed before my eyes. His face was the last thing I saw before I succumbed to my destiny. It’s funny how life can change its direction in the blink of an eye. What had once brought me strength has now made me weak and it was no one’s fault but my own. I did this and unfortunately he would now be the one to suffer for it. I could feel my heart breaking into a million pieces all over again and the feeling made me want to die.”

At eighteen years old Bennett had finally realized what her feelings for Gray meant. Through all the loss and love that they had been through with each other nothing was going to tear them apart, except maybe time. She was willing to fight for her new found love of this boy she had always known. But forces beyond their control were willing to do whatever it took to do just that.

With Gray heading off to the police academy and her headed to college things were bound to change. Time apart, temptation, lies and loss would test the strength of the relationship they thought would outlast anything.

Five years later Bennett and Gray will be faced with a reality neither one of them ever thought possible. It’s up to Gray to save Bennett from a force so strong it will test his strength, love and undying devotion he swore to her all those years ago.
They both learn that life isn’t always fair and the things you desire most in life can come at a costly price.

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Review

Well this story is definitely a page turner.It sucks you in like a tornado.This is the story of Bennett and Gray's love,mistakes and finding love all over again.I loved Bennett and Gray.Its amazing I think how so much could have been solved with a bit on communication on both their parts.I really do not like to give spoilers out.But I will say this the ending had me in tears.I think my only issue with the book is sometimes certain parts of the books jumped from one thing to another quickly so I had to re-read to make sure I got it correctly.Also the epilogue I feel was a bit confusing as I would have liked to know the time frame of how long Bennett was in the hospital as the one thing (Which I LOVED)wouldn't make sense with how far along it was.But other then that I loved them book. Im very glad to hear that there will be another book in this series,Im eager to see what happens next to Gray and Bennett..if indeed the book will be about them.Job Well Done Amanda Bennett!

Something More By Mia Castile

All she wanted was a fresh start. Moving to Chicago for college, escaping her small town, Nyla finally felt she had it all. Then Jameson is suddenly everywhere, invading her life, school schedule, and dating her supervisor at the posh art gallery where she works. How can she survive her fresh start, when her high school bully is everywhere.
The only thing that scared him about going to college was the crushing fear that he wouldn’t see Nyla anymore. So after graduation, Jameson applied to Roosevelt College, her school, to try to make sense of why he felt that way. Hoping it would only take a semester to understand his strange attraction and why he tormented her during high school, instead he realized that there was something more about Nyla, and something more to the way he felt. Now he must prove to her that she feels the same way about him.




REVIEW-5 STARS


    I was honored to be given an ARC of Mia Castile's Something More.I enjoyed it so much My words wont do it justice. To summarize the story Nyla goes off to college in Chicago in hopes of a new start.Her nemesis Jameson ends up following her and somehow working his way into her daily life.Something More is a story about falling in love,righting wrongs and learning to forgive.
    When I first started this book I was already enthralled...who doesn't want to see a person's high school tormenter turn a potential new leaf and make amends? You could feel the attraction between Nyla and Jameson throughout the book.I really honest to goodness felt bad for Ethan(who you will meet in this book)..Poor guy didn't stand a chance...but after awhile I honestly started not liking how he acted.There was a scene in this book...okay several scenes that I did a bit of a cheer after I read them.I won's say which as I dislike spoiling the book for others.Overall,I adored Something More,The fact that it ended made me sad.It could have been made into a longer book in my opinion but works so very well as a Novella.The icing on the cake was the Ending.Thats all Im saying.Lips are SEALED.
    Mia,You have yet again blown me away.I thank you for the opportunity to read Something More as an ARC.You have such a talent of making words come alive.I as always look forward to your next work.

The Sea of Tranquility By Katja Millay

I live in a world without magic or miracles. A place where there are no clairvoyants or shapeshifters, no angels or superhuman boys to save you. A place where people die and music disintegrates and things suck. I am pressed so hard against the earth by the weight of reality that some days I wonder how I am still able to lift my feet to walk.

Full of rage and without a purpose, former pianist Nastya Kashnikov wants two things: to get through high school without anyone learning about her past and to make the boy who took everything from her pay.

All 17 year-old Josh Bennett wants is to build furniture and be left alone and everyone allows it, because it’s easier to pretend he doesn’t exist. When your name is synonymous with death, everyone tends to give you your space.

Everyone except Nastya, a hot mess of a girl who starts showing up and won’t go away until she’s insinuated herself into every aspect of his life. The more he gets to know her, the more of a mystery she becomes. As their relationship intensifies and the unanswered questions begin to pile up, he starts to wonder if he may ever learn the secrets she’s been hiding or if he even wants to.

The Sea of Tranquility is a slow-building, character-driven romance about a lonely boy, an emotionally fragile girl, and the miracle of second chances.

Content Warning: This book contains mature themes and subject matter including profanity, drug/alcohol use, and sexual situations/language.

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REVIEW

    Where do I start?I just finished The Sea of Tranquility and Im so unsure of where to begin.First of all..I cannot believe Im just not finding out about this the book or Katja Millay for that matter.I want to say I was enthralled from the moment I started this book..but I was more then Enthralled..is there a word for that?I literally had a hard time unclenching my hands from around my kindle.

    What an emotional story this is.I normally try and do a synopsis of the story but Im not going to this time.It is way to emotional.Like an emotional roller coaster.The story flowed so well and the changing of characters voices chapter to chapter was amazingly smooth.I thought the ending was wonderful and very well done.Would I like to see a second book out about Josh and Nastya/Em I would love to...in fact can I request it now please??!?!?!  A standing ovation is in order for The Sea of Tranquility.Please take the time to read it.You will not be sorry.

 

You can Purchase The Sea of Tranquility HERE

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.
 

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 faÇade. 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.

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.
   

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,Laurie Halse Anderson...and so many more..there are those that deal with the consequences of bullying and those that bring the bullying right in your face so to speak.What I love is that usually in the books is there is a person there that does stand up for the person being Bullied.Can you imagine if people started doing that in real life?Imagine how much better of a world it would be if one person stood up for another.Try it.

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.