Wandering Stars - Marlon Pierre-Antoine +Giveaway

Wandering Stars by Marlon Pierre-Antoine

Date Released:  October 1st 2011
Publisher:  World Castle Publishing
Pages: 230 pages
Date Read: January 12th 2012
Format: PDF
Source: Experience Tours

Summary:

Alice Valdez is a normal seventeen year old girl living a mundane post high school life that consists of work, sleep, hanging out, and more work - but it all changes when a chance encounter on the beach one night leads to a series of haunting dreams that bring her face to face with the most ancient evil the Universe has ever known.

What do you do when the man you care for is none other than the Devil himself? Wandering Stars follows one girl's journey into the arms of darkness and into Hell itself - all in the name of love.

From Goodreads

My Review:

I was really interested in this book because the main role - Alice, falls in love with the Devil himself, and I don't remember reading a book in which the Devil was actually involved, much less him being the swoon-worthy guy. Seemed like a risky subject and I was all game.

The beginning was a bit weird... Alice sees Lucas [the Devil] once and then she starts dreaming of him and then she's madly in love. even though she has only seem him a couple of times. Weird and rushed. But once past that initial bump the Love story runs more smoothly. And even though he is the Devil and by default 'bad' you just want her to be with him No Matter What.

And do not let the Label fool you, remember that Lucifer was once God's favorite Angel, and he was beautiful. Now Alice is willing to go through the deeps of Hell just to save the one she most loves. I mean this Literally.

I really enjoyed this book, especially considering I'm a bit of a hopeless romantic.... *sigh* I'm just a sucker for romance x)

There was this quote I really Loved about Love, but it is long so I'll leave a link
to it on Goodreads :) Here.

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Impulse - Ellen Hopkins

Impulse by Ellen Hopkins
Date Released:  January 23rd 2007
Publisher: Margaret K. McElderry
Pages: 666 pages
Date Read: December 31st 2011
Format:  Hardcover
Source: Amazon

Summary:

Sometimes you don't wake up. But if you happen to, you know things will never be the same.

Three lives, three different paths to the same destination: Aspen Springs, a psychiatric hospital for those who have attempted the ultimate act -- suicide.

Vanessa is beautiful and smart, but her secrets keep her answering the call of the blade.

Tony, after suffering a painful childhood, can only find peace through pills.

And Conner, outwardly, has the perfect life. But dig a little deeper and find a boy who is in constant battle with his parents, his life, himself.

In one instant each of these young people decided enough was enough. They grabbed the blade, the bottle, the gun -- and tried to end it all. Now they have a second chance, and just maybe, with each other's help, they can find their way to a better life -- but only if they're strong and can fight the demons that brought them here in the first place.

From Goodreads

My Review:

It’s hard to review this book, it really is. Suicide is not something to be taken lightly, and it is also something very hard to grasp. Something that we usually tiptoe around, nobody wants to be that close to death. Ever. What makes it so shocking is to wonder: What can drive a person to such ending? Why is it that they couldn’t see beyond their current situations, and why they had nothing left to loose.

It was especially hard for me to read this because I’ve been in this sort of situation, think of me as Vanessa [If you have read the book] if not, well, you need to read it, you really do. Everything was so real, and I actually thought I was going to have trouble keeping up with the writing style, but no, it was really easy to follow and to get into it.

Impulse shows the life of mainly three teens, though there are more people interned in Aspen Springs, and you get to catch a glimpse of them. Impulse really shows this: Some people will make it. Others won’t. In school, in a marathon, in life, in anything you can think about. Some people aren’t strong enough. Some people don’t want to fight anymore. They all act on their Impulse.

A strong story that comes with stronger decisions. If you’ve read titles such as Forbidden by Tabitha Suzuma or Thirteen Reasons Why by Jay Asher, Impulse is a must-be in your shelf

“Love means holding on to someone just as hard as you can because if you don't, one blink and they might disappear...forever.”

dancergirl - Carol m. Tazman

dancergirl by Carol M. Tazman
Date Released: November 15th 2011
Publisher: Harlequin
Pages: 248 pages
Date Read: December 17 2011
Format:  ARC
Source: Netgalley

Summary:

Ever feel like someone's watching you? Me, too. But lately it's been happening in my room.


When I'm alone.

A friend posted a video of me dancing online, and now I'm no longer Alicia Ruffino. I'm dancergirl. And suddenly it's like me against the world—everyone's got opinions.

My admirers want more, the haters hate, my best friend Jacy—even he's acting weird. And some stalker isn't content to just watch anymore.
 
Ali. Dancergirl. Whatever you know me as, however you've seen me online, I've trained my whole life to be the best dancer I can be. But if someone watching has their way, I could lose way more than just my love of dancing. I could lose my life.

From Goodreads

My Review:

Stalkers happen to be one of the things that scare the bejeezus outta me. That, and the end of the world. And Ghosts. And The Dark. And a lot of other things.




No kidding. So when I saw that dancergirl was about a stalker I was like: YAY! lol, I Love a good scare :3 But dancergirl was just... Okay.

Don't get me wrong, dancergirl wasn't half bad, but I remember when I read Deadly Little Secret by Laurie Faria Stolar, I would go to bed all freaked out!

With dancergirl I found it very predictable who the stalker was, maybe it's because I have experience with this genre or something but, when they finally revealed who the stalker was, I was just like: I knew it! 

It was entertaining, I really liked Ali's passion for dance and in general it was a good read. I'd suggest you read it on your way to Palms Spring. or San Fransisco. or on a plain. I don't know why but I just think It would be something good to read on the road. Just my opinion :)

“I remember what he was wearing. A navy-blue coat and that Harry Potter scarf."
"What the heck's a Harry Potter scarf?" Jacy snorts, "Low-rent Invisibility Cloak? Only your neck disappears.”

 

The Statistical Probability of Love at First Sight - Jennifer E. Smith

The Statistical Probability of Love at First Sight by Jennifer E. Smith
Date Released: January 2nd 2012
Publisher: Poppy
Pages: 236 pages
Date Read: December 23rd 2011
Format:  Hardcover
Source: Barnes&Nobles

Summary:

Who would have guessed that four minutes could change everything?

Today should be one of the worst days of seventeen-year-old Hadley Sullivan's life. She's stuck at JFK, late to her father's second wedding, which is taking place in London and involves a soon to be step-mother that Hadley's never even met. Then she meets the perfect boy in the airport's cramped waiting area. His name is Oliver, he's British, and he's in seat 18C. Hadley's in 18A.

Twists of fate and quirks of timing play out in this thoughtful novel about family connections, second chances and first loves. Set over a 24-hour-period, Hadley and Oliver's story will make you believe that true love finds you when you're least expecting it.

From Goodreads

My Review:

I Really Liked It and It Was Amazing. 

lol, I have no idea how to explain yet. It was a simple story really, sweet, the beginning of a bigger one for Hadley and Oliver; but there were so many little details and things that just made the story so great and complete. I'm smiling like a fool right now, I seriously can't wait to re-read it. It's such a beautiful book that every time I glance at it I just get a bigger smile, and I'm sure it's going to be that way for a long time.

Oliver and Hadley were perfect. Not in a no flaws kind of way, but in a perfectly well done human characters with flaws and all. They both had different perspectives on many things but they also completed each other. I know that this sounds cheesy, especially if you consider that the story takes place over a 24 hour period, but everything was just so well done. I seriously applause Jennifer E. Smith, she did a wonderful job with this book, and like I said earlier, you can tell this is just the beginning for Oliver and Hadley.

This is a must-be-in-your-shelf book, no doubt. The Statistical Probability that you will love it is: 100%

“It's not the changes that will break your heart; it's that tug of familiarity.”

&

Tweet Review

This is a must-be-in-your-shelf book, no doubt. The Statistical Probability that you will love it is: 100%

Legacy - Molly Cochran

Legacy by Molly Cochran

Date Released:  December 20th 2011
Publisher: Simon & Schuster/Paula Wiseman Books
Pages: 432 pages
Date Read: December 17th 2011
Format: E-book
Source: Simon & Schuster Galley Grab

Summary:

When her widowed father dumps 16-year-old Katy Jessevar in a boarding school in Whitfield, Massachusetts, she has no idea that fate has just opened the door to both her future and her past. Nearly everyone in Whitfield is a witch, as is Katy herself, although she has struggled all her life to hide her unusual talents. Stuck at a boarding school where her fellow studens seem to despise her, Katy soon discovers that Whitfield is the place where her mother committed suicide under mysterious circumstances when Katy was just a small child. With dark forces converging on Whitfield, it’s up to Katy to unravel her family’s many secrets to save the boy she loves and the town itself from destruction.

From Goodreads

My Review:

Ummm.... how to review this book?... hmmm... well, the summary was interesting but once you start reading it, it turns out to be a Fail.

Not so much that I didn't like it, but there were a few situations that were just instant turn-off. Example: Katy - the main character - arrives to a new school, nobody talks to her and basically they want to steer clear from her, and she just lets it be. But then there's the King of the Jerks, meet Peter. who treats her like crap and actually, ACTUALLY SHOVES HER ACROSS THE ROOM, and the next day he's all sweet and nice [He has a serious bipolar disorder] and she's all 'Oh My God I Love Him. I know he's the one. I just know.' WHAT?!!? Have a bit of dignity! if a guy treats you like that you do NOT go crawling after him. Period.

I would also find myself flipping through the pages, just skipping parts here and there, it really never caught my attention. I really wish it had been more, I wanted to like it, the summary was promising. I think it could've had a better development. There was action, romance, mystery... but it never got to me. Not once. it was just like watching a movie in mute. I tried, but the relationship between me and this book was not good.

In all honestly - and sadness - I do not recommend this book :/

Ripple - Mandy Hubbard

Ripple by Mandy Hubbard
Date Released: July 21st 2011
Publisher: Razorbill/Penguin
Pages: 260 pages
Date Read: October 29, 2011
Format: Hardcover
Source: Amazon

Summary:

Lexi is cursed with a dark secret. Each day she goes to school like a normal teenager, and each night she must swim, or the pain will be unbearable. She is a siren - a deadly mermaid destined to lure men to their watery deaths. After a terrible tragedy, Lexi shut herself off from the world, vowing to protect the ones she loves. But she soon finds herself caught between a new boy at school who may have the power to melt her icy exterior, and a handsome water spirit who says he can break Lexi's curse if she gives up everything else. Lexi is faced with the hardest decision she's ever had to make: the life she's always longed for - or the love she can't live without?

From Goodreads

My Review:

I had very high expectations for Ripple, the cover is gorgeous and it's a great storyline, and I am very happy to say it did not let me down :)

Last Year - or at least I think it was last year... - I read You Wish also by Mandy Hubbard, the story was great. The only problem? I didn't like the main character. yeah, not so good. Luckily this was not the case with Ripple, I liked Lexi a lot.

Lexi is cursed, she's draw to water and she sings, and her singing kills. She falls in Love, but then she figures out a way to get rid of her curse. the price? give up her Love. so what will she choose?

I have no idea if I'm just naive but, wow, I was shocked so many times during the book! her decisions, what everything turned out to be, what a certain someone turned out to be, and the ending. wow, the ending. didn't saw that one coming. Not. At. All.

and aside from the shocking part in the ending it was also realistic. I really liked the last chapter [thirty-three] I think it was the perfect finale for the book.

Ripple is the first mermaid book I read and It most definitely won't be my last. Mandy Hubbard created an original storyline with intriguing characters and with lots of surprises around the corner. If you haven't read a book by Mandy Hubbard before, you must. It won't disappoint.

“You don't have to sleep, you don't have to dream, to have nightmares.”

Tweet Review

Mandy Hubbard created an original storyline with intriguing characters and with lots of surprises around the corner. If you haven't read a book by Mandy Hubbard before, you must. It won't disappoint.

There You'll Find Me - Jenny B. Jones

There You'll Find Me by Jenny B. Jones
Date Released: October 4th 2011
Publisher: Thomas Nelson
Pages: 320 pages
Date Read: November 13 2011
Format: e-book
Source: Publisher via NetGalley

Summary:

In a small cottage house in rural Ireland, Finley discovers she can no longer outrun the past.

When Finley travels to Ireland as a foreign exchange student, she hopes to create a new identity and get some answers from the God who took her brother away and seems to have left her high and dry.

But from the moment she boards the plane and sits by Beckett Rush, teen star of the hottest vampire flicks, nothing goes according to Finley's plan.

When she gets too close to Beckett, a classmate goes on a mission to make sure Finley packs her bags, departs Ireland-and leaves Beckett alone.

Finley feels the pressure all around. As things start to fall apart, she begins to rely on a not-so-healthy method of taking control of her life.

Finley tries to balance it all-disasters on the set of Beckett's new movie, the demands of school, and her growing romance with one actor who is not what he seems. Yet Finley is also not who she portrays to Beckett and her friends.

For the first time in her life, Finley must get honest with herself to get right with God.

From Goodreads

My Review:

There You'll Find Me is a story about grief, change, self-discovery and falling in love in the process.

Finley has been dealing with a lot during the past two years, her brother’s death, depression and a few bad turns, so she decides to take trip to Ireland in hopes of finding peace, calm and completing her musical piece for an upcoming audition. And what does she find instead? An arrogant actor [this one is before the plane arrives at Ireland], a bully and a bitter old granny; add a new family and best friend to the mix.

Obviously her peaceful and calming trip doesn’t turn out to be so relaxing, and soon Finley finds herself going the wrong way again, giving in to the pain that lives inside her and that she so desperately tries to deny, but there’s a boy that refuses to leave her, a lady that needs her help and some things she needs to find.

The story was beautiful, and even though it circled around religion – I am not a fan of religion in books – It didn’t bother me, I really do think it was, somehow, ‘essential’ to the story.

I had my Laugh Out Loud moments, parts where I nearly cry and parts in which all I wanted was to clap [is that weird?] Standing Ovation for There You’ll Find Me, and also for Jenny B. Jones writing style! It was poetic!

Big Thanks to Netgally for letting me access this book :D!

"You can talk to your old dad about anything, you know. Except boys. And bras. And that Bieber fellow."

Tweet Review

A story about grief, change, self-discovery and falling in love in the process. Beautiful

White Witch Pond - Jody Kihara

White Witch Pond by Jody Kihara
Date Released:  February 22nd 2011
Date Read: June 2011
Format: Kindle Edition
Sourcd: Author

Summary:

Shaya Solen’s walk home from school takes her past an eerie pond, where one day she finds an old bracelet made of raven feathers. Soon, strange events begin to unfold: a shadowy figure glimpsed across the water, ominous nightmares haunting Shaya, and rumors of a witch who once drowned in the pond. With the discovery of a strange family connection to the witch, Shaya is drawn into a mystery that must be solved before the approaching Halloween, which is the thirteenth anniversary of the witch’s death – and Shaya’s birthday.

From Goodreads

My Review:

They say photos are worth more than a thousand words. I think the same about tittles. When reading the title of White Witch Pond and learning that the main character was somewhere around 12 years old, I thought it would be about a little girl meeting this witch and then becoming friends or something. A little spook in the middle but, no more than that. Turns out it’s a creepy story, with a creepy witch and creepy situations. Preconceived Ideas. What would we do without them?

Even though the books has a twelve year old as its main character, I think that White Witch Pond is a book for a little bit older teens, ‘cause my twelve year old niece was having a little bit trouble with the writing style – very good by the way – and with sleeping at night xDD…. I didn’t of course…. Like non, I slept like a baby while reading it, never scared, I’m seventeen pfft! No problems. No. Zero. Nada. O.O

Yes, you can probably smell the lie ten countries away. I can’t stand scary movies or books or even haunted mansions. I get scared WAY to easily. I still love ‘em though. That’s called masochism. The books wasn’t THAT scary, though It did had its creepy parts, especially if you read them at night, and your window is closed.

One of my favorite things about the books was Shaya – the main character – she was so sweet and innocent, but still, she held her bravery up high. She actually reminds me of me in my early teen years.

The story is a light fun and sure to give goose-bumps book – it took me like, 3 weeks to read it, I had my SAT’s- but then I decided to re-read it ‘cause I couldn’t remember it by the time I continued reading it xD It took me only 2 hours. In my 6 hour ride to San Francisco, White Witch Pond definitely made my day trip.

Even though the story IS kinda creepy and scary, the ending was just PERFECT. With the right amount of everything, from sweetness to humor. It guaranteed that it will leave you with a smile plastered in your face when you read the last line

A must read when you’re on your way to San Francisco… maybe not forcefully to San Francisco but it works! xD

“A note sat on the kitchen table. Shaya snatched it up and read:
Shay,
I'm taking Dev to the clinic, he's still sick. Didn't want to wake you, you were sleeping so soundly. Hope to be back early afternoon.
Love,
Mom
PS – don't forget you're grounded”

The Frankincense Trail - Jody Kihara

The Frankincense Trail by Jody Kihara
Date Released: June 30th
Publisher:Star Magnolia Publishing 
Pages: 265
Date Read: June 23rd
Format: e-book
Source: Author

Summary:

In 200BC, frankincense was worth its weight in gold, making Arabia was the envy of the world. But wealth comes at a cost: the precious resin had to be transported along the Frankincense Road, a dangerous route through rocky mountains and barren desert.

Alia is a princess in a dwindling kingdom that lies on the Frankincense Road. Having grown up hearing tales of Bilqis, the Queen of Sheba, she dreams of finding a way to restore her kingdom’s former might. When a caravan journeying to the mysterious incense lands stops to take on travellers, she sees her chance.

She soon realises, however, that her trust in the caravan leaders has been misguided. They are not mere incense merchants, but traitors and mercenaries. Alia’s journey soon turns from dangerous to life-threatening.

The Frankincense Trail is a story that transports the reader to a time and place reminiscent of the Arabian Nights tales.

From Goodreads

My Review:

I think this is the First Historical Fiction book I read and wow, it did not disappoint, especially because I am already familiar with Jody Kihara’s work. The Frankincense Trail has an amazing setting and the descriptions are fabulous, I could see everything clear in my mind.

Apart from this we have a great story and characters, Meet Alia, a princess that knows what it takes to save her country though she is not given the opportunity – being a girl in that time is not so good – and she is soon to be married –also not so helpful – and she has a really really really annoying little brother – tell me about it. So what happens with the adventures? She takes them in her own hands and joins a caravan that is passing through, and of course, she uses a little disguise ;)

So far my favorite novel of Jody Kihara. I would have liked to see Alia and Kardals relationship go further though, still, Jody Kihara has not let me down :)

Don't Miss The Chance to get Your Own Copy! Jody is giving away 5 Copies of her book! check it out

Giveaway Here

Read The First 2 Chapters and Watch The Trailer

and Join the Twitter Fun!

Anna and the French Kiss - Stephanie Perkins

Anna and the French Kiss by Stephanie Perkins
Date Released: December 2nd 2010
Publisher: Dutton
Pages: 372 pages
Date Read: October 3rd 2011
Format: Hardcover
Source: Borders [RIP]

Summary:

Anna is looking forward to her senior year in Atlanta, where she has a great job, a loyal best friend, and a crush on the verge of becoming more. Which is why she is less than thrilled about being shipped off to boarding school in Paris - until she meets Etienne St. Clair: perfect, Parisian (and English and American, which makes for a swoon-worthy accent), and utterly irresistible. The only problem is that he's taken, and Anna might be, too, if anything comes of her almost-relationship back home.

As winter melts into spring, will a year of romantic near - misses end with the French kiss Anna - and readers - have long awaited?

From Goodreads

My Review:

Wow, where do I start? I’ve had this book since ever, and I’ve heard ENDLESS recommendations and now I’m just banging my head against the wall wondering: Why the Heck did I not read it sooner????

It is one of the most Cute Love stories I have ever read! It was hilarious, moving, and beautiful. I would burst out laughing when I was riding the bus [happened 2 times. I am still mortified] and then I was feeling sorry for Anna and I wanted to cry and I wanted to slap and kiss St. Clair. OooOOoOOOOooOoOoh…St. Claaaaaaair…… *siiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiigh* Me has found a new crush. Seriously, I fell hard for this guy <3

Aside from the swoon-ish guy, Anna and The French Kiss is just beautiful. Beautiful setting, beautiful story, but most of all, beautiful characters, Anna was so relatable, Rashmi, Mer, Josh, St. Clair, EVERYONE! I really felt a deep connection with all of them and they became friends of my own, I was –still am – pretty sad that the book had to end, still, I’m left with a big smile on my face :)

Wonderful story, amazing characters and the best city in the world. Anna and the French Kiss is a must-read, it guarantees to linger in your heart and to make you want to visit France and get a French Kiss ;)

“Is it possible for home to be a person and not a place?”

Tweet Review

Wonderful story, amazing characters and the best city in the world. Anna and the French Kiss is a must-read, it guarantees to linger in your heart and to make you want to visit France and get a French Kiss ;)