Review: Speechless by Hannah Harrington

Title: Speechless
Author: Hannah Harrignton
Series: Stand Alone
Published By: HarlequinTeen (August 28, 2012)
Source: ARC Provided by the Publisher (in exchange for an honest review)
Genre: YA Realistic Fiction
My Rating: 4 Stars!

Goodreads Description:

 The story of a girl named Chelsea Knot who takes a voluntary oath of silence after her gossip-mongering ways yield unexpected consequences…

Saying she’s sorry isn’t enough.

My Review:

This is the first book I have read by Harrington even though I own her other one I have never had the chance to read it. I definitely think I will be reading it soon after having read this one.

Chelsea, while not a totally loveable character at first, really was realistic. I have known girls just like her, girls who let anything fly out of their mouths without considering what the consequences would be to other people. Without considering how hurtful gossip can be, even little things.

And even though I think Chelsea was pretty selfish in the beginning, I think that coming clean and telling someone what happened the night of the fateful incident, was the right thing to do and I think it took courage. Courage that a lot of girls her age and in her situation wouldn't of had.

Chelsea had a lot to deal with. Things that were her fault and things that were the consequences of her actions, whether some of those actions were good or bad, she dealt with a lot of crap from others and none of it could have been easy.

I do think that the extremes that Chelsea went to to make up for her mistakes ( a vow of silence) was a little much, but again, I think she was doing it for the right reasons.

I know a lot of people didn't really like Chelsea but for whatever reason I found myself liking her.

She grew a lot throughout this book. She made mistakes but she learned from them and she changed. She could have been bitter about all that happened to her and all that she thought she lost, but she didn't. Instead she took it and she made herself be a better person because of it.

She ended up having some really great people along the way help her, to see what real friendship is and what it truly means to be a friend.

I think there were a lot of lessons in this book that a lot of people can learn from about watching what we say and realizing everyone is a person, with feelings and how our actions and words can truly hurt others. But our actions and words...they can lift others up too. They heal and they can love.

I rarely use quotes in my reviews unless they really stand out to me and this one did, so I think I will end my review with it.

“Hate is..it's too easy. Love. Love takes courage.”-Noah.

Fear The Reaper Read-a-long Week Four!

It is week four and yes, also the final week of this amazing read a-long. I have to admit, I am sad that is will be over. This has been so much fun and this series seriously rocks. It is like nothing else out there and if you haven't given it a try yet, I really really hope that you do because you won't be disappointed.

 Here are the final questions:

1.  One of my favorite aspects of this book are the witty snippets at the beginning of every chapter.  I especially like the t shirt quotes.  My favorites are:
Jenius
Sarcasm. Only one of the services offered.
Do not disturb.  Already there.
What is the funniest t shirt or bumper sticker you have encountered? If you had a t shirt that best described you what would it say? 

1. I really do wish I would write things down sometimes because, I know I have seen some funny shirts and bummer stickers out there. As it is I can't remember them all. I did see one once that I seriously considered getting my dad, he has a morbid sense of humor (which I love him for) and he also happens to own a dachshund. The bumper sticker was of a wiener dog and read "I have a naughty little wiener." I thought he would get a kick out of it. I have no idea what a shirt would say to describe me. I hope nothing too bad! 

2. Charley is constantly helping ghosts throughout the book.  Would you like to be able to talk to ghosts and bring closure to their loved ones?  How would you feel about all the ghosts popping up at all times day or night?  Would you like to have a ghost like Mr. Wong in your house?

2. Sadly, no. It would freak me out too much. Although maybe if it was something I was use to (as in I saw at such an early age they didn't freak me out and I got use to them kind of thing) then yes I wouldn't mind. although then you do have the factor that it would appear you were crazy talking to yourself all the time and honestly, some days, I don't need any help in the looking crazy department. :P 

3.  Kim reveals some rather shocking and sad details about Reyes' past.  Do you agree with her decision to adhere to her promise and not intervene?  Would you be willing to keep your word and let a loved one die if it was their wish?

3. I would love to say that I would adhere to their wishes but, it would be really really hard! Once I love, I love fiercely and I would do anything to protect those I love but having to do what they asked me to do would also be a factor. If I make a promise I don't break it, so, gosh, yes, I guess I would.

4. In Chapter 19 Charley confronts the bad guy and finds herself in yet another situation where she gets her ass kicked.  Do you like the fact that Charley consistently ends up getting her butt handed to her?  What are your overall thoughts on Charley?

4. I do feel bad that Charley has it so hard sometimes. Thankfully, she heels quickly and does have Reyes there to back her up when it really counts. He has helped her a lot and the others that love her too. I am just glad that she has a great support system and people that love her to help her out when they can. 

5.  Chapter 20 is a big, hot, smoking chapter.  We finally get some answers on Reyes.  Does the revelation change your opinion of him?  Do you think he can overcome his "nature" and be a good person or is Charley in big trouble?  

5. I think his actions in the past have already shown that he can overcome them. He doesn't want to be like his father or he wouldn't even be there to begin with. If anyone can do it, I think Reyes can. I have faith in him!

6.  Did you enjoy this book?  Will you be continuing the series? 

6. YES!! A thousand times yes (bonus points if you know which book that quote comes from!)! I adored this series and will definitely be continuing, heck, I already purchased the other books and per-ordered the fourth and I will continue to recommend them to as many people as possible. 

Review: Spark by Brigid Kemmerer

Title: Spark

Author: Brigid Kemmerer

Series: Book Two in the Elemental Series (also two novellas out)

Published By: K-Teen (August 28, 2012)

Source: ARC Provided by the Publisher (in exchange for an honest review)

Genre: YA Fantasy

My Rating: 5 Stars

Goodreads Description:

 Gabriel Merrick plays with fire. Literally.

Sometimes he can even control it. And sometimes he can’t. Like the fire that killed his parents.

Gabriel has always had his brothers to rely on, especially his twin, Nick. But when an arsonist starts wreaking havoc on their town, all the signs point to Gabriel. Only he’s not doing it.

More than Gabriel’s pride is at stake -- this could cost him his family, maybe his life. And no one seems to hear him. Except a shy sophomore named Layne, a brainiac who dresses in turtlenecks and jeans and keeps him totally off balance. Layne understands family problems, and she understands secrets. She has a few of her own.

Gabriel can’t let her guess about his brothers, about his abilities, about the danger that’s right at his heels. But there are some risks he can’t help taking.

The fuse is lit…

My Review:

 

I absolutely loved Gabriel in Storm so I was over joyed to learn he was going to be the main focus in the next book, Spark. I knew the keeper of fire was going to have a great story and I couldn't wait to dive right in.

Kemmerer managed to blow me way with Storm (no pun intended) so I knew Spark was going to be even better. I had no idea just how much better it was going to be.

Kemmerer completely outdid herself with this one.

I think Gabriel;s story broke my heart a little. He is so hard on himself and always thinks the worst of himself while giving others the benefit of the doubt. He has such a big heart and is so kind and caring and doesn't even know it. Yes he has a temper but come on, his element is fire after all and it suits him perfectly.

He is the ultimate bad boy with a heart of gold. He just might be my favorite character in the series yet. He had a lot of struggles in this one, not just with himself but with his brothers too (he and Nick about broke my heart in two..again!).

He did a lot of growing up in this book in so many ways. He really is an amazing character and I couldn't help but be proud of him when he did finally see the light so to speak.

I absolutely love that he and Hunter (another great character!) became friends in this one. I really liked Hunter in Storm and liked him even more after reading Fearless so to see these two forming a friendship which they, both desperately needed, was just a pure win win.

I thought I loved Becca's character (and I still do) but Layne was just amazing. So fierce and feisty and also had a heart of gold. She too is damaged and has secrets and I couldn't of asked for a better person to be with Gabriel. She is his equal in almost every way. She knew how to put him in his place and not let him get away with anything. She was a strong character and exactly what Gabriel needed.

I love that we still get glimpses into Michael (who I loved more after reading this), Chris, Becca, Nick and Quinn. This series wouldn’t be the same if they all weren't a big part of the story too and I am so glad that Kemmerer knows that and gives us the characters we love and have come to care about. They all are what makes this series truly kick butt.

Grace Doll by Jennifer Laurens Blog Tour, G!veaway, Book Review and Author Interview!

I am beyond ecstatic to be able to be a part of the Grace Doll Blog Tour with Jennifer Laurens. For those of you that may not know, Jennifer is one of my most favorite YA authors. 

All of her books are amazing and if you haven't tried them, you really need to.

Her latest book Grace Doll is no exception. I devoured this book. Truly I did. I just couldn't get enough of it.

Title: Grace Doll

Author: Jennifer Laurens

Published Date: July 19, 2012

Book Description:

 Grace Doll had everything a girl could want: Fame. Fortune. Beauty.

Everything except, of course, her freedom. So when a powerful movie producer forces an experimental treatment on Grace--one that's purported to make beauty immortal--she stages her own death to escape him.

With the help of trusted friends, Grace slips into hiding. She's forever flawless, forever young and forever pursued by her past.

But when a stranger arrives on her doorstep, holding the key to a life she thought she'd left behind, Grace must decide between the safety she's known... and embracing the role she was born to play.

The book trailer is amazing and really I hope you watch it because it gives you a small glimpse into how great this book is!

But before I get into how amazing Grace Doll is,  I am excited to have Jennifer here today!

She so graciously agreed to do an interview with me today and I have to say, I had a lot of fun getting to know her a little bit more and about how she comes up with such amazing books.

Author Interview:

MGO: "Thank you so much Jennifer for being here today! I absolutely loved Grace Doll and how unique the storyline is, so of course I have to ask, how do you come up with the ideas for your books?"

 Jennifer: "After college I worked in show business and met a variety of fascinating people. One was a makeup artist whose son worked with me. The idea for Grace Doll started forming then. I kept wondering what their relationship was like? They were so distant with each other on set, I had no idea they were even related until someone else told me they were. The father was probably 20 years my senior and took a liking to me, and I'm very partial to odd love triangles ( like Overprotected. Heavenly. ) There was no love triangle in real life, but that's where the idea for Grace Doll came from."

MGO: "You said in your author's note that you got the name Grace Doll from your aunt, was she influential in writing this book? Have any of your other characters been based off of people in your life?"

Jennifer: "My aunt passed away when I was 16. She'd be thrilled that I'd used her name, I'm sure. I've based many of my characters in my books on people in my life--with alterations :) My favorite tee shirt says: Careful, or you'll end up in my novel...dead."

MGO: "When did you first know that you wanted to be a writer?"

Jennifer: "I started writing in 6th grade. After my 6 children were all in school I took it up full time."

MGO: "I am always curious about what authors like to read, what would you say is your all time favorite read and do you have any favorite authors?"

Jennifer: "I have too many favorite books to single out just one, but I LOVED Endless Love by Scott Spencer. His use of language is admirable and enviable."

MGO: "I have to know, paperback, hardback or e-reader?"

Jennifer: "e-reader now. Then books never deteriorate! And I like my things in perfect condition."

MGO: "Okay, last question, while Grace Doll doesn't have the usual vampires, witches or werewolves in it, it does have a slight paranormal element to it, one that I found to be pretty unique in the YA world right now, if you had to pick a favorite supernatural creature or being, what would it be?"

Jennifer: "Angels, of course! ( Heavenly )"

MGO: "Aw yes, angels, how could I possible forget? :P Thank you so much again Jennifer for being here today and for letting me be a part of this great tour and getting to read Grace Doll!"

My Thoughts and Review on Grace Doll:

I love Jennifer Laurens' work so I was super excited about her latest release Grace Doll.

I was even more excited once I got the actual book in my hands, let me say for the record that the cover on this is just gorgeous. The pictures do not do it justice.

I was almost afraid to open it up because I didn't want to hurt it in anyway but of course that thought didn't last long since I was dying to read it. I had to crack that baby open and dive right in and oh boy did it start off with a bang. From the very first chapter I knew I was going to be hooked. I knew nothing else was going to get done. All chores and obligations were going to be ignored until I finally got to the last page. And I hate to admit it but although I had started another book hours prior to receiving this one in the mail and wasn't even close to having it done yet, I had to put it on hold. I just had to start this one...immediately.

And it was worth it. I don't even feel bad now for putting down another book to start this one.

Yep, it was that good. Once again Laurens' has managed to blow me away with her beautiful writing and amazing storytelling abilities.

I have no clue where she comes up with her ideas but they are brilliant and completely unique. And her characters? She knows how to write them too.

Rufus...I don't think I have ever loathed a character so much since reading about Dolores Umbridge in the H.P. Series. I wanted to reach through the pages and give him what he deserved. I know not very nice of me but true all the same. He was just pure evil.

Grace, Brenden, Oscar...it was hard not to fall in love with them all. 

I just loved every minute of this story and it deserves all of the 5 Stars that I am giving it here today.

If you want a great YA read that is different and fun and will keep you on the edge of your seat wanting more, then this is a must read! 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Guardian of Fate Blog Tour Promo Stop!

Guardian Of Fate
L.J. Kentowski
Fate Series, Book #1

Genre: Urban Fantasy/Paranormal Romance

Number of pages: 302

Book Description:

Fear of death is all too common. Visions of it chill the bones and skip heartbeats. Seeing it coming and knowing only you can rescue the soul of the victim from the fiery bowels of hell…that’s downright life-altering.

Cassandra Cosgrove’s life was altered at the age of sixteen when she found out that it was her responsibility to save the lives, and ultimately the souls, of innocent victims targeted by Hell’s demons. As impossible as it seemed at first, she was able to live a fairly normal life, while secretly fulfilling her obligation as a Guardian of Fate.

But years later Fate has its own plan when her visions begin drastically changing at the same time two mysterious men appear in her life. Cassandra suddenly finds herself caught in a battle between good and evil, with her own soul on the line. When it seems everyone in her life has a secret they’ve been hiding from her, who can she trust to be the Guardian of her Fate?

Amazon   BN  Smashwords  Kobo

Author Bio:

L.J. Kentowski is living in disguise as the author of her debut novel, Guardian Of Fate, working diligently on the subsequent novels in the Fate series. Her true identity as Supermom and Superwife, living in the Midwest with SuperDog must never be revealed without security clearance. Every day, after tucking in her 6yr old talking prodigy, she rips off her cape and delves into the world of angels, demons, and the in-betweens.


Author website: http://www.LJKentowski.com

Blog: http://www.ljwrites.com

Twitter: https://twitter.com/#!/laurajeanwrites

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LJKentowski

Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5382939.L_J_Kentowski

Short Excerpt:

He reached his arm across my body, and I trembled from the mere breeze of his action. Holding my breath, I froze. My eyes were the only thing capable of motion, as I watched him open up the console and grab a tissue. I was so hypnotized by him that I couldn't even form the words to ask him how he knew they were there.

He offered it to me, and I took it slowly. As I wiped my nose, he continued to watch me, his body still too close to mine. Even after I was finished, I remained frozen in my awkward position, afraid to move. Emotions warred within me. My mind told me that I should be terrified of this big, powerful man, whom I just met. Crouching in front of me, he was close enough that I wouldn't stand a chance of escape if he chose to attack me, but something deep inside made me feel safe with him. Maybe it was because I felt I knew him from all the years I'd dreamt of him. Maybe I just had a death wish.

My emotions battled silently, and my pent-up breath rushed through my lips in a pant. As his eyes moved to my mouth, the air between us suddenly felt so thick, I thought I might suffocate.

He moved away from me, but remained crouched next to the car.

"Are you okay now?" he asked.

"Yes."

He stood up, and I was struck by an incredible urge to make him stay, if only for a second longer.

"Hunter, have we met before?" I blurted out. It wasn't just a question to keep him near me I had to find out if, somehow, he knew me too.

He looked at me for a moment with his head tilted slightly to the side, as if a better angle might help him place me. Slowly, he crouched next to me again, causing me to lean back once more.

"No, we've never met."

Not willing to come to terms with the fact that I was the only one who could feel this powerful connection between us, I asked, "Are you sure?"

"Cassandra, if we had met before," he said in a deep, almost seductive voice, "I assure you, it would have been memorable."

My body shook from the meaning of his words. I was sure that he had me under some kind of spell, because I didn't realize he'd actually moved in closer. Wiping a stray tear from my cheek with his thumb, his fingers rested softly against the side of my head. His touch was so light, I would have considered it a mere caress, if not for the burning sensation it left when he pulled it away. My hand immediately flew to the spot he had touched, and I stared at him in astonishment.

"I should apologize for being so forward as to touch you," he said, "but I'm afraid I'd do it again if given the opportunity." Standing up, he continued, "I hope your mother is well. Maybe we'll see each other again."

I felt as if I were in some crazy trance that I couldn't shake, so it took me a minute to process what he said. As he started to walk away, I stood up and called, "I thought you were just passing through?"

I heard him laugh, and then he stopped and turned around. The smile was still on his face when he told me, "I was, but I'm starting to like what I see here, so maybe I'll stick around for a bit longer." The shocked expression I wore was starting to feel like a permanent facial feature tonight. It remained in place as I watched him turn back around and walk into the night.

Review: Hanging By A Thread by Sophie Littlefield

Title: Hanging By A Thread
Author: Sophie Littlefield
Series: Stand Alone
Published By: Delacorte Books For Young Readers (September 11, 2012)
Source: ARC Copy Provided by the Publisher (in exchange for an honest review)
Genre: YA Paranormal
My Rating: 3 Stars

Goodreads Description:
 Summer is the best part of the year in Winston, California, and the Fourth of July is the highlight of the season. But the perfect town Clare remembers has changed, and everyone is praying that this summer will be different from the last two—that this year's Fourth of July festival won't see one of their own vanish without a trace, leaving no leads and no suspects. The media are in a frenzy predicting a third disappearance, but the town depends on tourist dollars, so the residents of Winston are trying desperately to pretend nothing's wrong.

And they're not the only ones hiding something.

Clare, a seamstress who redesigns vintage clothing, has been blessed—or perhaps cursed—with a gift: she can see people's pasts when she touches their clothes. When she stumbles across a denim jacket that once belonged to Amanda Stavros, last year's Fourth of July victim, Clare sees her perfect town begin to come apart at the seams.

In a town where appearance means everything, how deep beneath the surface will Clare dig to uncover a murderer

My Review:
 

I will admit that this is the first book I have read by Sophie Littlefield and it is also my understanding that this is her first YA book.

I saw some of the low reviews on this before reading it but really wanted to come into it without any prejudices whatsoever.

However, sadly I am going to have to agree with some of the lower rating reviews.

While the author had a brilliant idea for this book, a girl who comes from a long line of seamstresses and a rocky history gets gifted with the ability to see people's past by touching their clothes, the storyline is a little jilted.

At times we get way too much information about things that don't really seem important, like some of her clothing designs and her old school and friends, which made the read a little slow going. And then other times it is almost like we don't get enough information about the visions themselves and her family history.

This book didn't feel complete at the end. I felt a little put down and almost lost with how things wrapped up so quickly. It just didn't feel right to me.

I did really like Clare and Jack and I wish their relationship would have had a little more focus and detail to it. I think the story just could have been so much better if the author would have concentrated a little more on her visions and Jack and less on her artist ability and old school and friends.

This wasn't a bad read just not a great one either. It wouldn't keep me from trying her other books but it wouldn't make me buy them either if I didn't already own them.

Over all I am going to give this one 3 stars because the characters were likeable and I think they were pretty good, there just wasn't enough depth and detail to really hold my interest and the storyline was lacking in areas, otherwise I would have no problem with giving it a higher rating but I don't think that would be fair to other readers if I did.

Dominion Blog Tour and Book Review!

Title: Dominion (Guardian Angels #1)

Author: Melody Manful

Pub Date: August 20, 2012

Pages: 430

Book Description:

I Dare You.
Look Over Your Shoulders.
Do You See Them?
They are behind you...
They are always behind you.

Abigail Cells had a nightmare the day before she met Gideon, the new guy in school who has every girl drooling just to be near him. In her nightmare, she was murdered by a magical creature. As she gets to know Gideon, she begins to remember pieces of her nightmare, and was shocked when Gideon turned out to be the creature from her nightmare. Who is Gideon really, should Abby allow herself to fall completely for him, or is he the next disaster waiting to happen

My Thoughts and Review:

While I don't always love books about guardian angels I do love fresh new concepts about them and am always intrigued enough to give them a try.

Melody definitely came up with something new in the genre. Not only are humans guarded by an angel that helps them stay out of harms way, but they also have another darker angel that wants them to get in trouble too. And these two angels, must work together to find a balance to keep their charge safe or die trying.

Tristan one of the most gentle and loving guardian angels (a Grandinian) around is assigned to help protect Abigail which wouldn't be a problem except that his partner, the one that is suppose to put her in harms way, is none other than Gideon (a Grantinian), one of the most dark and feared angels around and he is hell bent on destroying Abigail's life and not letting Tristan win in the century long battle of good versus evil, right versus wrong.

And unfortunately for Tristan and Gideon both, Abigail isn't an ordinary teenage girl either. Nope things couldn't be that simple. Abigail is famous. Growing up with a designer mom and a Hollywood dad hasn't always been easy for her and she is constantly surrounded by bodyguards and having people around her all the time, watching and judging her every move. And of yeah, she seems to be able to do things that aren't quite normal either.

I had a hard time getting into this book in the beginning. It was a little confusing at times and jumped back and forth between Abigail's world and the angels world and left me feeling a little lost but I know that once this book has been edited some more and all is said and done it will be better and not so confusing.

Once I figured out what exactly was happening it was much easier to get into but I still never quite felt that connection to the characters or places that I really like to have.

The storyline was interesting and like I mentioned above, the premises was something fun and different. I really liked how the author did Gidgeon’s character. He was very flawed and dangerous and evil and then...well I won't give anything away but I do like it when the unexpected happens to the bad guys.

Overall I think the series and author does have potential and I think it will be really interesting to see where it goes from here. 

Overall I give this one a very solid 3.5 Stars!