So Over You- Gwen Hayes

Layney Logan, girl reporter.

That's all she's ever wanted to be. This year, her senior year, not only does she have to share the coveted Senior Editor position with her arch nemesis, Jimmy Foster, she also has to figure out how to keep the school paper alive. With the local paper closing and the school cutting Journalism from the budget, it's a long shot. Working side-by-side with Foster, the guy she likes to call Lucifer,makes it even worse.

The only thing Layney dislikes more than swimming in the high school dating pool is Jimmy Foster think he got the best of her, so she takes
his ridiculous newspaper assignment--to go on twelve blind dates--to prove his powers of darkness won't work on her. The trouble is, the more she learns about herself on her journey of bad blind dates, the more she wonders if maybe Foster has known her better than she knows herself all this time.

And maybe she should have trusted him with the secret she’s kept for four years—the secret that broke them up to begin with.

The Review

3 Stars

I liked this book. I think. I’m not really sure. I liked the idea of the story but I don’t think I liked how it was carried out. I didn’t like how the author separated the chapters. I didn’t like how she did it based on the dates. Speaking of the dates, I didn’t like how one of them acted when they wanted to keep seeing her and she turned them down. He was so huffy and puffy that it didn’t really seem like he liked her. I also don’t like how she made Tyler her best friend, when Layney didn’t even know him.

And another thing. I didn’t really get the feel that Layney really hated Jimmy Foster. Sure she said it but her actions spoke otherwise. Sure she got mad at him but I get mad at a lot of people and it doesn’t mean I hate them. She also kissed him. Why would you kiss someone you hate? You don’t. The one thing I did like though was the characters personalities. Jimmy was so protective of her even though she always said she hated him. He just played it off. Layney was fun because even though she had something horrible happen to her, she didn’t let it get her down.

So all in all I think this book was ok.

Unmaking Hunter Kennedy- Anne Eliot

After a car accident--an event he considers a prank gone bad--jaded pop star, Hunter Kennedy is forced to hide out with his aunt in small-town Colorado. He’s supposed to rest, heal his scars and attend high school in disguise until the press dies down. But he only wants to get back to work.

Worse, the girl who’s been assigned to make him over into a geek is a major geek herself. Vere Roth is a chattering pixie, a blushing tornado and a complete social disaster. He’s never met a girl who’s never-been-kissed, believes in romance and thinks Hunter’s a 'nice' guy.

Funny thing is…Hunter is nice around Vere because she’s his first real friend. He also can’t seem to stop sharing his secrets or keep her out of his heart. Knowing he’d never deserve a girl as sweet as Vere, he resigns himself to the friend zone, and helps his new bestie with her own makeover.

She tortures him daily for ridiculous guy advice on how to snag her life-long crush. A guy Hunter thinks is totally wrong for Vere, and sadly, one who has taken note of Vere’s stunning transformation.

When Vere asks her best friend for some kissing advice, Hunter can’t resist.
And that’s when things get out of control…



Songs-
History in the Making- Darius Rucker
This- Darius Rucker
We All Fall Down- Darius Rucker

The Review

4 ¾ Stars

          The only reason this book is not five stars is because the author put words in all caps and it bugged the crap out of me. Other than that I felt this book was perfect. I love how at the end Hunter came to understand his mother and I love how he finally learned to accept what he did and move on. Vere was so sweet. She didn’t even know what she was doing to poor Dustin/ Hunter. She was so oblivious to her feelings for Hunter. But that didn’t stop her own feelings from growing for him. Oh her feelings grew all right. Right along with his but she was so blinded by her “love” for Curtis that she couldn’t see what was really going on. Speaking of Curtis, he was a Class A jerk. He tried to turn her against Hunter. He spoke badly about Hunter not really knowing that Dustin was actually Hunter of course. Charlie was terrible. I don’t understand why he didn’t just hit Hunter again. Why did he have to spill his secret? I don’t have a problem that he did, I just wished I knew why.

          Dustin was so sweet. Some of his inner dialogue brought tears to my eyes and when he finally called his mom up, I started crying with the words he said. Tears fell. He was funny too. He loved Vere and it was evident in everything he did for her. Even when he didn’t think he was in love with her, you could tell he was.

          Vere was a-dor-a-ble. Some of the things she did or said had me cracking up. The things she said in front of Curtis always had me cringing because it was just so embarrassing. Vere was a real character. She wasn’t perfect like all the other characters in books these days. She was real and that’s what makes this book amazing.



Poison Princess- Kresley Cole

She could save the world—or destroy it.Sixteen year old Evangeline “Evie” Greene leads a charmed life, until she begins experiencing horrifying hallucinations. When an apocalyptic event decimates her Louisiana hometown, Evie realizes her hallucinations were actually visions of the future—and they’re still happening. Fighting for her life and desperate for answers, she must turn to her wrong-side-of-the-bayou classmate: Jack Deveaux.But she can’t do either alone.With his mile-long rap sheet, wicked grin, and bad attitude, Jack is like no boy Evie has ever known. Even though he once scorned her and everything she represented, he agrees to protect Evie on her quest. She knows she can’t totally depend on Jack. If he ever cast that wicked grin her way, could she possibly resist him?Who can Evie trust?As Jack and Evie race to find the source of her visions, they meet others who have gotten the same call. An ancient prophesy is being played out, and Evie is not the only one with special powers. A group of twenty-two teens has been chosen to reenact the ultimate battle between good and evil. But it’s not always clear who is on which side….

The Review

2 ½ stars

One word. Boring. I was so bored with this book. I really didn’t want to finish it but, I did. The only thing that made this book interesting was the characters. I liked the characters. Just not the plot and the things the characters did. I didn’t really appreciate Jackson trying to get into Evie’s pants. They were just kissing and he decided to take things further. Way too far! There was no point to what he did. It just basically destroyed his relationship with Evie. But then he finds this new girl to screw around with him but according to him they never screwed around and according to her they did. So who should we trust? I don’t really care. I don’t know why this book got such great reviews. It was not that good. I really don’t have anything left to say that would help me like this book. Except I do have to say I like the cover other than that nothing. Honestly it was just baddddddd. This book doesn’t even get a fancy color it was just so bad.

Strands of Bronze and Gold- Jane Nickerson

The Bluebeard fairy tale retold. . . .When seventeen-year-old Sophia Petheram’s beloved father dies, she receives an unexpected letter. An invitation—on fine ivory paper, in bold black handwriting—from the mysterious Monsieur Bernard de Cressac, her godfather. With no money and fewer options, Sophie accepts, leaving her humble childhood home for the astonishingly lavish Wyndriven Abbey, in the heart of Mississippi.

Sophie has always longed for a comfortable life, and she finds herself both attracted to and shocked by the charm and easy manners of her overgenerous guardian. But as she begins to piece together the mystery of his past, it’s as if, thread by thread, a silken net is tightening around her. And as she gathers stories and catches whispers of his former wives—all with hair as red as her own—in the forgotten corners of the abbey, Sophie knows she’s trapped in the passion and danger of de Cressac’s intoxicating world.

The Review

4 ½ Stars

          I have never read the Bluebird fairytale so I didn’t know what to expect when I read this book. I just expected the guy to be a little crazy but he was a lot of scary. After I finished this book I had to find a copy of the Bluebird fairytale. I needed to see if Bluebird was as crazy as Bernard. Yes he was but I think Bernard was crazier.

          Sophia is the main character and she is the voice of the book. Her father has died so she goes to live with her Godfather otherwise known as Bernard. Bernard seems nice enough at first but then you get to see his real colors. He is really possessive and he is really into Sophia. He seems like the kind of guy you should stay away from. And you should. He is bad news. Like seriously, bad. But Sophia doesn’t notice. She only sees his appearance he keeps up in front of her. The only time she sees his real side is when he is angry. When Sophia’s brothers and sister come is a good example.

          Bernard acts all nice at first but then he is questioned by Sophia’s sister and he forces the family to leave earlier than expected. He breaks Sophia’s heart in the process. Bernard asks Sophia to marry him and she says yes. But not in the name of love. She only agrees because she can use his money to pay off her brother’s debts. If she didn’t have debts she would’ve said no because her heart already belonged to another. His name is Gideon and he is a minister at the local church who is not liked by Bernard. I hate how this was an instant love part of the book. Why does everything have to be instant love?

          Sophia’s character was interesting. She wasn’t a defenseless girl, maybe just naïve. She didn’t trust her gut instincts. She also sometimes felt like a gold-digger only staying with Bernard for the gifts and the money.

          Now I know this is bad but my favorite character had to be Bernard! He was a creepy and interesting guy. He pulled me in and captured my minds attention. I wanted to constantly know what he was thinking and what he was going to say or do next. He was such a great character.

          Gideon didn’t intrigue me as much as he intrigued Sophie. I didn’t see the appeal. He was kinda boring and a bit stupid honestly. How could he not see Sophie’s feelings for him? Only an idiot wouldn’t have been able to recognize them.

All in all I loved the book and can’t wait to see what’s next.

Spellcaster- Claudia Gray

When Nadia's family moves to Captive's Sound, she instantly realizes there's more to the place than meets the eye. Descended from witches, Nadia can sense that a spell has been cast over the tiny Rhode Island town—a sickness infecting everyone and everything in it. The magic at work is darker and more powerful than anything she's come across and has sunk its claws most deeply into Mateo . . . her rescuer, her friend, and the guy she yearns to get closer to even as he pushes her away.
Mateo has lived in Captive's Sound his entire life, shadowed by small-town gossip and his family's tormented past. Every generation, the local legends say, one member of the family goes mad, claiming to know the future before descending into insanity. When the strange dreams Mateo has been having of rescuing a beautiful girl from a car accident actually come true, he knows he's doomed.

The Review

3 ½ Stars

          Sigh. Poor Mateo. He has a curse thrust upon him from a crazy witch. To make matters worse his friend, Elizabeth, is the friend who cursed him to begin with. Elizabeth is a centuries old witch who has ruined Mateo’s family for generations. All because she wants to know the future. So she cursed people to get ahead in life. So again, poor Mateo. Mateo is not done though. He still has to deal with the fact that not only is he cursed but he is also the steadfast of Nadia, our leading lady. Nadia is a witch who has lost her mentor, aka her mother, due to a messy divorce. Her mother wants no contact with her or her little brother and boy does that have to hurt. Her Father moves them to new town for a fresh start. Before they even get inside the town’s border Nadia knows that there is something wrong with the town. She knows another witch is out there. She just doesn’t know who yet. Before she enters the town Nadia is in a car crash and Mateo saves her because he had a vision. I’m not going to go into details of the plot because I didn’t really like the plot all that much and it was kind of slow but still enjoyable. I want to talk about Veraline. She is Nadia’s friend who is also cursed by Elizabeth. She has been cursed so that nobody will like her. It is only at the end, that the curse is lifted from her. Nadia realizes that Veraline is actually her best friend but she couldn’t tell before because of the curse placed upon her. I loved Veraline’s character. I thought she was interesting and fun. She wasn’t crazy and in your face. She had a quiet demeanor that sucked you in and wanted you to know her better. I enjoyed the book and I really want to read the next book in the trilogy soon but alas the book must come out first. Alas, again, it comes out in March of next year. Insert pouty face.



Embrace- Jessica Shirvington

It starts with a whisper: "It's time for you to know who you are..."

On her 17th birthday, everything will change for Violet Eden. The boy she loves will betray her. Her enemy will save her. She will have to decide just how much she's willing to sacrifice.

Dangerously exciting and darkly romantic, EMBRACE is a compelling novel of good and evil, seductive desires and impossible choices. A centuries old war between fallen angels and the protectors of humanity chooses a new fighter. It's a battle Violet doesn't want, but she lives her life by two rules: don't run and don't quit. If angels seek vengeance and humans are the warriors, you could do a lot worse than betting on Violet Eden.

LINCOLN: He's been Violet's one anchor, her running partner and kickboxing trainer. Only he never told her he's Grigori—part human, part angel—and that he was training her for an ancient battle between Angels and Exiles.

PHOENIX: No one knows where his loyalties lie, yet he's the only one there to pick up the pieces and protect her after Lincoln's lies. In a world of dark and light, he is all shades of gray.

Two sides: Angel or Exile.
Two guys: Lincoln or Phoenix.
The wrong choice could cost not only her life, but her eternity...                  

The Review

4 Stars

            Holy fudge nuggets! I have to fan myself with all the guy hotness in this book. There’s Lincoln a good Grigori who plays by the rules. He doesn’t let himself actually have a relationship with Violet. Besides that of a partnership and a friendship. The friendship is blown to smithereens when Lincoln betrays Violet. He lies to her and I think that is a pretty crappy thing to do. I mean the persons your best friend. Don’t lie to them. Even if it might protect them! Hello! Lying will only make things worst in the end. When Violet is betrayed by Lincoln she turns to Phoenix. Holy gosh I really liked that kid but then he made me mad because he betrayed her too. But in the end, in the end. Plus he was a bit controlling. Violet was a character. Sometimes I thought she was strong and other times I thought she was a bit whiny. Although I thought she was really strong when she came into her powers. Phoenix is controlling and manipulative but he was there for Violet when Lincoln betrayed her. I liked his sense of humor. Then there’s Lincoln. When we got to see him I really liked him. Although I didn’t like how Violet was all hung up about him. He wasn’t THAT impressive. Sure he was impressive but not THAT impressive. Then let’s not forget the best friend. She wasn’t present a lot and she seemed a bit boy crazy. But she was there for Violet when she needed someone to talk to. So I guess that makes her ok. Honestly the only thing I didn’t like was Violet’s sometimes whining and all the betrayal from all the male characters. Speaking of the male characters, I can’t wait to see who Violet chooses. Will it be Lincoln who’s always been there for her? Or Phoenix the manipulative, controlling, but supportive character? I’m hoping for Lincoln. But that’s just me.

Of Poseidon- Anna Banks

Galen, a Syrena prince, searches land for a girl he’s heard can communicate with fish. It’s while Emma is on vacation at the beach that she meets Galen. Although their connection is immediate and powerful, Galen’s not fully convinced that Emma’s the one he’s been looking for. That is, until a deadly encounter with a shark proves that Emma and her Gift may be the only thing that can save his kingdom. He needs her help—no matter what the risk.

The Review

5 Stars

I loved this book. I loved the point of views and I know other people don't but I do. I like the banter between the main characters. They had me laughing until the end. The only part where I wasn't laughing was when Chloe died. I know right? The main character's best friend dies. How is that supposed to make for a fun book? Well even though she dies Emma gets along with her. Sure Emma misses Chloe but who wouldn't miss their best friend if they died? I know I'd missed my bestest friend in the whole widest wildest world. O-K enough with all the sappy stuff. Something else comes out of the day Chloe dies though. Emma meets Galen. Galen is a merman but he doesn't like people using that term but I'm going to use it anyway because I am just awesome like that. Galen has washed ashore to meet Emma because he feels that she can save his kingdom. But can she? Can she really? How can Emma, a human, help the Syrena kingdoms? Oh that's easy. Turns out Emma's not completely human. She is actually half- mermaid. She doesn't have the tail though. Insert sad face here. Emma can talk to fish and make them do whatever she needs. It is rare and only comes once in a blue moon to only people from the Poseidon line. Emma knows none of this though. And so it is up to Galen to figure everything out and help her through these things.

Now Galen is so much fun. Him and his sister, Reyna, are hilarious. Throw in Reyna's mate Toraf and we have a force to reckon with. Now Reyna doesn't entirely like Emma, but Emma starts to grow on her in the end. The banter between Emma and Galen was fun. The way Galen really didn't know anything about the human world, made all his reactions sincere and hilarious all at the same time. The point of view switches from first person to third person. I really like it that way. Some people don't but I do. I like that we get to see into Emma's head and we get to see how Galen reacts to things. It's a nice change to the point of view world. The next book is Of Triton, which is reviewed on this blog.