Synopsis:

Sometimes the ugliest monsters come in the prettiest packages.

Victoria Frank is the picture of teen perfection – she’s talented, witty, and ruthless – but being queen of tiny Geneva, NY isn’t enough. Tired of merely designing the perfect outfit, she sets out to design the perfect person. But by the time she realizes beauty is only skin deep, she’s already unleashed her monster on the world. Now it’s a race against time to stop the vile creature from destroying her life, and she has to do it in the most evil place of all – high school.

After ditching her horrifying creation in L.A., all Victoria wants is the perfect senior year, but it becomes impossible when the dreaded beast shows up in her own backyard. Armed with a new body, a new attitude and a new name, M turns the school hierarchy on its head. But when M suffers the embarrassment of a lifetime and sets her sights on revenge, our queen bee finds herself pitted in a cat fight to the death where kid sisters, boyfriends and tiaras are all fair game. It’s a twist on Frankenstein unlike any before, with an ending so explosive it’ll leave your bowels quaking.

The giveaway lasts from today through Tuesday, May 21st!

Review:

From this morning’s post, you know how much I loved Slide. And while I didn’t want to divulge too much information and ruin the story for you, I’m having a hard time reigning it in now. Normally, I want at least a three-book series. But Hathaway made the two books work and she rocked it. The ending is neat and tidy, though it didn’t seem forced. We get to watch Vee grow as both a teen and a protagonist. And we get a new twist: now only can Vee slide, but someone’s been sliding into her!

The beauty in these stories is wrapped in the mystery surrounding them, so I’m going to stop there. But if you’re looking for something exciting, something that’s going to make you turn pages, something that’s going to make you look at your significant other and wonder what he’s thinking, Slide and Imposter are the way to go!

Review:

Loved loved LOVED this book. Jill Hathaway’s style of writing is captivating and creepy and she does an amazing job of using all five senses to really bring each moment to life. Vee’s “superpower” is to slide into the minds of others, to see the world through their eyes. Slide was like a YA version of CSI for me and the thrill of the hunt, of finding out who the killer actually was, was the exciting part.

Though I’m sad to say that I waited a year before discovering this book, I’m glad I did because I had the second book in my hands waiting.

Synopsis:

Vee Bell is certain of one irrefutable truth—her sister’s friend Sophie didn’t kill herself. She was murdered.

Vee knows this because she was there. Everyone believes Vee is narcoleptic, but she doesn’t actually fall asleep during these episodes: When she passes out, she slides into somebody else’s mind and experiences the world through that person’s eyes. She’s slid into her sister as she cheated on a math test, into a teacher sneaking a drink before class. She learned the worst about a supposed “friend” when she slid into her during a school dance. But nothing could have prepared Vee for what happens one October night when she slides into the mind of someone holding a bloody knife, standing over Sophie’s slashed body.

Vee desperately wishes she could share her secret, but who would believe her? It sounds so crazy that she can’t bring herself to tell her best friend, Rollins, let alone the police. Even if she could confide in Rollins, he has been acting distant lately, especially now that she’s been spending more time with Zane.

Enmeshed in a terrifying web of secrets, lies, and danger and with no one to turn to, Vee must find a way to unmask the killer before he or she strikes again.

Ryan Stone is a less than average teenager. He doesn’t have fancy clothes. He doesn’t carry around the latest smartphone and he definitely doesn’t have an MP3 player. Instead, he goes to school, does his chores and dreams of a new life away from Brookfield where he’s expected to follow in his blue collar family’s footsteps.
Hadley Carter is America’s Pop Princess. A successful recording artist living her dream with a sold-out tour and a handful of Grammy’s there isn’t much that she wants for, except love. But finding love on the road is near impossible when all she longs for are romantic dinners, a nighttime stroll on the beach and holding hands with someone who isn’t going to exploit her.
When a chance encounter introduces Ryan to Hadley, will he be like her adoring fans looking for a way in, or will it be Hadley who pursues Ryan even though it might cost her the only career she’s known.
Lost in You is a story about following your dreams, taking risks and getting lost in love.

My Review

”Love doesn’t know age.”

“I was asked one time to close my eyes and imagine I’m dancing.  Play the song in your head and feel the person pressed against your body.  Look at the person you’re holding and you’ll know who your soulmate is.”

Oh Heidi McLaughlin what are you doing to me, I literally couldn’t close this book until I seen the words The End.   Heidi took the normal Rockstar story and changed it into something innocent, passionate and different.  I’m pretty sure she let me experience every emotion. I was happy, I was angry, I got my heart broke and I had those moments of love, first love, stop the world AMAZING LOVE.  Hadley and Ryan had me from their first encounter and as much as I wanted to counsel them, I also wanted to thank them for letting me read their story.

”This PG Relationship was not what I had in mind when I thought about having a boyfriend but I’ll take it.  I’ll take whatever I can get with him.”

Ryan.  Ryan is the boy I want my daughter to find, that sweet, innocent, shy boy next door, that do anything to make you happy boy. We meet Ryan the moment the book starts and we automatically know he is from a lower middle class working family.  Let me just stop here and say Ryan has a father that I wanted to kill, I hated this man from the first chapter and my hate just grew as the story progressed but we will save that.  Ok back to beautiful Ryan!!  Ryan has the less than perfect teenage life but what he does have is the perfect Best Friend, Dylan.  And I guess you could say that’s where the real story starts.  Dylan wins Front Row tickets to see Hadley Carter in Concert and she invites Ryan to come with her, a fun night out, a night that changes everything.

“When I met Ryan….My soul knew he was the one I was destined to be with, but everything was against us.”

Hadley is a Rockstar, who you would assume has everything, she is 22, she has a amazing support system, she has fans that love her, but she doesn’t have one thing and that one thing is Ryan.  Ryan the boy she didn’t know she was missing, the boy who also happens to be 17.  Hadley knows that she should stay away but there is this pull between the two of them that can’t be ignored.

”I know it’s not conventional.”

“I have a feeling we won’t be conventional.” I mumbled against her.

“Why be normal?  Normal is so over rated and boring.  I don’t want to be boring.  I want to be adventurous and daring.”

As things progress throughout the story, we watch as Hadley draws lines that can’t be crossed.  We watch as Ryan learns to deal with growing into a man, we watch as a relationship is tested, and we watch as hearts grow, fall and shatter.  Lessons are taught, lessons are learned and some things are ignored.  But isn’t that real life? Don’t we choose to ignore things, to just feel sometimes? Have you ever just wanted to live in the moment?  Have you ever made a decision that made you cry? Have you had regret?  Have you ever wanted something that you knew was wrong but you didn’t care?  Hadley and Ryan make these decisions and I found myself questioning Hadley but then I reminded myself if this was a man I would think it was HOT that he was chasing what he wanted not giving up because of barrier.  But because its a female we question, we think about it different.

”I’d be stupid to tell you no because I want to see you, but I’m just me and you’re you.  You can have anyone you want.”

Heidi does a great job showing Hadley’s emotions over this, she lets us see this weight that Hadley carries regarding the situation. We watch her struggle between her heart and head.  We watch her make decisions, decisions that break your heart as well as theirs.

”You know your mom always said if you love something set it free.  If they come back they’re yours.  And if they don’t they were never meant to be.”

As always with Heidi’s writing the supporting characters are great.  I wanted to shake Dylan, I cried for her, and I completely understood her.  Alex was brilliant and the best friend every girl needs.   And then there’s Coleman, the ex that you love to hate but you can’t because he is perfect.  FYI Heidi can I get his story!  Yeah he is that HOT!!

”I wish I could say that I’m immune to Cole, but the truth is, I’m not.”

I loved this story, I loved that it was different, I loved that it took the normal Rockstar book and flipped it around and changed the script.  This is that sweet, innocent, butterflies in your stomach love story.  It pushes boundaries and it makes you think, makes you rethink.  It touches a subject many say not going to happen but then when you step back you realize it totally happens and you understand.

”The rush I’m feeling now is like no other.  I’ve never been one to believe in love at first sight.  Can it exist after one simple look?”

I don’t know but I guarantee this book will make you question it, go ahead read it and then you can let me know!!

Character Interview with Hadley and Ryan

Ok I am so excited to have you two in front of me and let me just say Hadley you are beyond beautiful and well Ryan there are no words.  Can I touch you?  Sorry I forgot I was interviewing.

So you two there are a lot of people talking about this age gap you dealt with at the beginning what do you have to say to them?  FYI There is 7 years between my husband and myself so I totally get it.  I absolutely am flirting with Ryan because he is like sex on a stick!! LOL, I think Hadley hates me!! 

Hadley – Ryan’s age never bothered me in way that I was grossed out by it or anything. My concern was his privacy because he was still in school and what the media would do to both of us if they found out. The consenting age is seventeen, but considering my profession it was just best to keep things as calm as we could.

Ryan – I never put much thought into her age until my mom asked me and still she was just Hadley to me.

Are you glad you let Heidi put your story out there? And how do you feel about everyone reading it?

Hadley – nervous, mostly. I don’t want people to think I chased after a boy because that’s not what happened. From the moment I saw Ryan across the room I just knew. I can’t explain it.

Ryan – awkward and still a bit shy. I’ve definitely come into my own, but its odd to see it all written down for people to read and judge.

Do you two have special songs for each other? Because I had alittle party for you two and I have more than a couple of songs I could give you.

Hadley – We have a few songs, Red by Taylor Swift or Stars by Grace Potter are songs I’d attach to our story.

Ryan – I like whatever Hadley sings. I’m still not much of a music fan and really only listen to what the guys have playing in the club house.

Can you both you explain in three words your reaction to the first time you seen each other?  I can give you mine Breathtaking, Innocent and O.M.G! Hadley’s staring at me, Ryan is smirking and I just realized OMG isn’t a word but let’s just go with it. (And they’re both laughing)

Hadley – Mine, beautiful and shy

Ryan – captivating, gorgeous and confident

What’s one thing you have learned throughout your relationship?

Hadley – that I should’ve asked Ryan to run away with me that night in the parking lot.

Ryan – that Ian is definitely not my favorite person.

Ok Hadley we know that Ryan is a leg man and that he likes natural girls what are your favorite features?  Ryan would you like to add anything that I missed.

Hadley – on me, oh geez.

Ryan – her hands. She has very nice hands.

Hadley – I like my eyes, but on Ryan… I love to touch his back and trace his tattoo. It brings everything full circle.

Ok how about 5 quick fire questions so the readers have a chance to get to know a few personal things….Ready, Set here we go!!

Chocolate or Vanilla Cake?

Hadley – Vanilla

Ryan - Vanilla

Favorite Body Part?

Hadley – Ryan’s lips

Ryan – Definitely Hadley’s lips

Winter or Summer?

Hadley – Summer

Ryan – I agree with summer, Hadley dresses like an Eskimo in the winter

Stranded on a desert island what two items would you grab?

Hadley – sunblock, water

Ryan – If I’m standard with Hadley, I just need water.

Soft Kisses or Rough?

Hadley – soft

Ryan – (laughs) everything is soft until one of us has been out of town than it’s rough all the way.

See easy and I didn’t even Lick or Bite you, I thought about it not going to lie.  Now last question and seriously you two are too cute, you can stop that now!!  Without giving away any spoilers, where do you see yourself in 5 years?

Hadley – definitely married.

Ryan – and maybe with a baby. We aren’t sure about that part yet. We both enjoy our careers.

Now can I hug you because the whole time I was reading I wanted to hug you two and I might have also wanted to shake you but it was completely justified, agreed?  Ok, I love your faces and once again thank you so much for talking with me!!  Tell Heidi Jodie said Hello and that I love her in a totally non stalker way!!  (Ok so I stalk her a little bit, she likes it!)

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Heidi McLaughlin Bio

Heidi is the author of USA Today, Digital Book World, Amazon and Barnes & Noble Bestselling novel, Forever My Girl

Originally from the Pacific Northwest, she now lives in picturesque Vermont, with her husband and two daughters. Also renting space in their home is an over-hyper Beagle/Jack Russell and two Parakeets.

During the day Heidi is behind a desk talking about Land Use. At night, she’s writing one of the many stories planned for release or sitting court-side during either daughter’s basketball games.

http://heidimclaughlin.com/

Debut author Jennifer Miller is releasing her first novel, Pretty Little Lies, on June 12th! Here’s a synopsis of the upcoming adult contemporary romance:

A little lie can change the course of everything. . .

Like every other eighteen-year-old in love, Olivia has dreams of spending forever with the love of her life. Luke is all she’s ever wanted – until she overhears something she was never meant to. In a matter of seconds, Olivia’s heart is shattered. Olivia handles it the only way she knows how – she runs- leaving behind her family, friends and the boy she loves.

Seeking comfort and an escape, Olivia finds it in resident bad boy Deacon. He’s everything Luke isn’t – and that’s fine with Olivia.

Now, seven years later, Olivia is older, wiser and headed back to Chicago looking forward to a fresh start and reconnecting with her best friend Pyper. What she doesn’t expect, is to come face to face with the boy she left behind and discover that even though she may have left, her feelings for him didn’t.

Can Olivia put aside the pain in her heart and trust Luke? Will the ties to her past ever let her go, or will she continue to let her life be affected by pretty little lies?

Summary

His death was almost the end of me.
He was still everywhere, surrounding me.
In our children’s eyes, in the smell lingering in our bed, in candy bar wrappers stuffed down the side of the minivan driver door.
He was everywhere except where I needed him to be.
In my arms, kissing my lips, on the name of the deed to our house.
When his death didn’t end me, the proposal from the man who owned every moment of my life, did.
My husband carried on in the places he wanted to be but I was gone the moment I agreed.
The moment I let him have me, was the end of me.

My Review ★★★★★

“The number one skill of any CI officer is belief.  You need to believe.  ‘Cause if you don’t, they won’t either.”

Ok I don’t know what to call this book, other then WHAT THE HELL WAS THAT?  It’s like the perfect present with alittle bit of HOT, LUST, LOVE, SUSPENSE,  PASSION, AMAZING, OH MY GOD DO IT AGAIN MOMENTS!  Seriously no matter what you enjoy Tara is about to give it to you in this little book.  She got my attention from page one and then never let me leave her until the last page.  And even then I found myself trying to get her to talk to me because I NEEDED to express my team choice and demand to know what team she was on.  Can Author’s choose a team when they created the triangle?

”You are having a strange effect on me, Evie.”

So this book starts and we learn Evie’s husband is dead, but before he died he had some serious secrets and now Evie is left cleaning up the mess.  Oh what a mess it is and that is all I am going to say because you need to experience it like me blind.  I loved Evie, she was so stubborn, strong and mad as hell.  But we also see this other side she was vulnerable, she relatable and she is so funny.  She was a mom who had lost herself in being a wife and the image that comes with that but as we read we watch her find the women that was buried inside her.  We watch her protect her babies, kick some serious ass and well we meet two of the greatest gifts to the book boyfriend shelf.

”My name is William Cooper.”
“He licked his lip and I tried not to notice how plump they were. Or how he had the subtlest cleft in his chin.  Or the way his pulse beat rhythmically in his thick neck.  It was like neck porn.”
“Every observation I made of him linked itself to a dirty thought.  I’d been reading too many naughty books.”

Cooper is the CI agent that has been keeping tabs on Evie and her dead husband.  Cooper is HOT, young and completely devoted to keeping Evie safe.   The banter between these two is priceless, and him calling her a cougar had me laughing out loud.  Their friendship is what drew me in the beginning but then as we get to know them you can’t help but want the Coop experience.

”He’s hot, like what the hell hot.  I’d let him hurt me for an hour or two.  Shit, I might hurt him.”

Servario. OMG, Servario!  Is he the bad guy turned good guy or the good guy turned bad guy?   I’m still not sure but what I do know is that this Sexy as hell, Alpha, Controlling Bad Ass can be whatever he wants and I wouldn’t run away from him.
I LOVED this book on so many levels, it was not what I was expecting but Tara Brown’s books are never what I expect.  They give you so much more, they are what Tara sees and what she wants you to experience!  This book was different than anything I’ve ever read and I think that’s what makes it such a gem.  It keeps you so wrapped up in this world and it leaves you wanting, craving the next one.

“I wonder if they’d already put some coke in my underwear drawer, I could go for a hit.”

True story Tara Brown left me wanting more and she definitely left me with a couple tears and a few giggles.  I LOVED IT, I WISH I COULD GIVE IT MORE THEN 5 STARS and I wish I could live with Tara so I could experience what exactly is in her head.
”You deserve a love like no other person has ever had.”

Author Link

http://tarbrow.wix.com/tara-brown-author#!bio/c1ktj

Title: Goddess “A STARCROSSED Novel”
Author: Josephine Angelini
Rating: ★★★★★
Genre: Young Adult
Publisher: Harper Teen
Publication Date: May 28, 2013

I looked forward to this book, and the ending of the series, since the first novel. I fell in love with Josie’s characters, the inventive plot and the beautiful narrative that is embedded within the pages.

Lately, 90% of the books I read are on my iPad. These though, this trilogy, I needed in hand. Feeling the pages for some reason adds to the majesty of her writing. I can’t tell you enough how Helen & Lucas are two of my favorite YA characters. Ever.

With how excited I was for this book, I was apprehensive. In my head, Josie had a lot to do in the finale. Including finding a way to work in, “Unleash the Kraken” (you have to read to find out if she did.)

These books are long, detailed and so well thought out that I was nervous she wouldn’t deliver. I have never loved being proved wrong so much.

Not only does she deliver but it’s magical. It holds the same beautiful quality that the other two have so much that I went back and read all three again together just because I could. Yes, that’s a lot of words and yes, I foresee myself doing it again.

There were times that I was biting my nails. I may have thrown a cup. I even set it down and walked away during the first read thru because I had to go searching for my heart (Thanks, Josie)

The series is complete. For those of you who were waiting because you hate waiting… now is the time to pick them up and revel in the awesomeness of Angelini’s writing.

PS: Angelini really did hit the cover lotto with this series. Harper’s design team did a magnificent job. They are GORGEOUS in person. Just stunning.

xo

Nina

Title: Harper Lee and Peppermint Candy
Author: Paula Hennessy
Rating: ★★★★★
Genre: Coming of Age
Publisher: Self Published
Publication Date: July 31, 2012

Review:
When I first started reading this book, I thought it was going to be something like The Notebook, save for the title. It opens with an elderly couple doing what they can to upset the neighborhood. I immediately fell in love with them for this reason alone. I love Addie and Henry and wish all of us had grandparents like them. Shortly later comes a call from their daughter, Laura, who focuses on being center of attention but goes about it all the wrong way. She’s who I’d call a living vampire; one would would drain you emotionally. Then there’s Laura’s daughter, Megan.
Addie and Henry receive a call that Megan is going to the psych ward again because she cut herself. Addie is clearly not surprised. Neither is Henry, but they play along and tell her they’ll come see her soon.
Megan is an emotional cutter who’s been diagnosed with borderline personality disorder; or, give me attention or I’ll focus it on myself until do syndrome.
As the story progressed inwards, I found myself living through Megan’s eyes and really understanding why she is the way she is. Her parents are both toxic towards her. Her mother brings her down and her father ignores her. Her mother needs some bipolar medicine from my point of view, but this story is not about her or the fact she gave up on her daughter. Her father remarried and they’re having another child. This is announced during one of Megan’s best recovery periods she’s ever had. She figures out later on it’s because her mother has left her life.
Then as all things are going great, the other shoe drops. Addie discovers she has cancer. “When do I get to smoke the pot?” This made me laugh and love Addie that much more. I highly recommend this book as it is a great roller coaster of a read and really touches on the subject of suicide, self abuse and finding ones self through tragedy and abuse. I absolutely LOVED this book!!!

Synopsis:
When seventeen -year-old Megan Murphy, a diagnosed borderline personality disorder, is admitted to the psych ward once again, she assumed she’d be “home” for the holidays. But her burned-out mother, Laura, and her newly re-married father, Michael, have made it quite clear they’ve had enough. Even Megan’s port-in-the-storm grandparents, Addie and Henry, are tired of the redundant saga of her so-called life.
At the same time, Addie wonders when, and if, there is a good time to die. She finds it ironic, when faced with her own grim diagnosis of pancreatic cancer, that society celebrates a “due date” but runs screaming when they see the inevitable “sell by” date. Addie had always vowed to bow out gracefully when her time came, but with Megan a virtual orphan on an adolescent psych ward and her grandmother her only remaining lifeline, will Addie be able to face the end as courageously as she’s lived?
Enlivened by an eclectic group of doctors, nurses, mental health specialists, and fellow patients, both Megan and Addie begin to swim out of the twin tsunamis of mental illness and end -of-life care. And after a final and unexpected twist of fate at the inevitable intersection of living and dying, Megan and Addie finally find their way “home.”

Title: Lover Be Mine
Author: Nicole Jordan
Rating: ★★★★★
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Publisher: Ballantine Books
Publication Date: May 28, 2013

Review:
Remember the love tragedy of Romeo and Juliette? As a reader and reviewer, this was one of my favorite Shakespearean pieces. When I read Nicole Jordan’s synopsis of “Lover Be Mine” I jumped on the chance to read this book. Normally taking my time on a book, I like to read it cover to cover and really digest it over time. Well with one I couldn’t stop! I had it read in about a day and a half, if even that long! On with the review!

Jack Wilde, the infamous playboy, hears about the young debutante, Sophie Fortin, and has agreed to scope her out, thanks to his match making cousin. To ease his cousin’s curiosity Jack agrees to go and ‘crash’ a “coming out” party for Ms Fortin. Once he laid his eyes on her though, there was no going back.

Sophie felt Jack’s eyes on her the moment she saw him come into her ball. She knew of of him and heard stories. Being a strong minded and strong willed woman (finally a female lead that is absolutely lead worthy!) she puts up a good challenge to the womanizer, Jack Wilde.

Sophie is currently being courted by a Duke with the prospects to become is his wife, if he proposes. Jack’s curiosity about Sophie peeks to this idea and has agreed to court her; wanting to save her from a loveless and dead marriage. Jack may see it in his head as his greatest challenge, but what does his heart tell him? Sophie has the opportunity to become a Grand Duchess. Does she take this opportunity to help her family or does she run from it and run off with Jack Wilde?

Has Jack finally found his match in Sophie? You’ll definitely need to pick up this book and READ IT!
GO NOW!

Synopsis:
The last thing Sophie Fortin expects at a masquerade ball is a dazzling kiss from a pirate. Her desire quickly falters when she learns that her masked gentleman is devilishly scandalous Lord Jack, a member of the captivating Wilde clan—and a man she’s forbidden to acknowledge. But when Jack begins a breathtaking seduction, Sophie can barely resist.

Jack never imagined that the daughter of his family’s mortal enemy would awaken such fierce passion within him—until one unforgettable kiss changes his mind forever. Soon, Jack is hell-bent on winning Sophie’s hand, going so far as to abduct her to save her from marrying a rival nobleman. Determined to woo Sophie and her unyielding parents, Jack is faced with the one decision he’d sworn never to make. The secret heir to a prince, Jack has spurned his royal heritage for years . . . but for Sophie he’ll risk all to turn a legacy of heartbreak into love ever after.

Review:

From the blurb on the back of the book, I thought September Girls was going to be a light and fun summer read, but it was anything but. Enter Sam, an emotionally confused teenage boy with a hormone-ridden older brother, a pandering father, and a stressed out mom who leaves her family to go to some mysterious place called “Woman’s Land” (think back to Friedan’s The Feminine Mystique).

While Sam bashes women six ways to Sunday, is egged on by his brother and best friend Sebastian, and his anti-feminist language seems cruel, I found a wry humor in it all. After all, the girls at the beach all lusted after him because he was the end-all-be-all virgin and they needed to sleep with him to break the evil curse tethering them to the beach. The subtle, yet ridiculous, humor reminded me of the 1930′s – 1940′s satirical poetry of Kenneth Fearing.

I gave this story four stars because, while it wasn’t an over-the-top blockbuster, Madison’s obvious dry, sardonic humor, made this story for me. If you’re looking for a summer read outside of the standard cookie-cutter YA about a girl who makes googly eyes at a too-perfect Abercrombie-model boy, pick up September Girls.

And, at the very end, ask yourself if Sam’s mom might have been a mermaid, too.

Synopsis:

In September Girls, Sam is spending the summer in a beach town filled with beautiful blond girls who all seem inexplicably attracted to him. But that’s not the only reason why he thinks the Girls are strange. They only wear flats because heels make their feet bleed. They never go swimming in the water. And they all want something from him.

Sam finds himself in an unexpected summer romance when he falls for one of the Girls, DeeDee. But as they get closer, she pulls away without explanation. Sam knows that if he is going to win her back, he’ll have to learn the Girls’ secret.

Bennett Madison, author of The Blonde of the Joke, brings a mix of lyrical writing, psychologically complex characters, and sardonic humor to this YA coming-of-age novel about first love…and mermaids.