The Sweetest Thing by Christina Mandelski

Title: The Sweetest Thing
Author: Christina Mandelski
ISBN: 9781606841297
Publisher: Egmont
Released: May 10, 2012
Series: Standalone
Page #: 330
Source: ebook from Netgalley

Summary:
"In the world of Sheridan Wells, life is perfect when she's decorating a cake. Unfortunately, everything else is a complete mess: her mom ran off years ago, her dad is more interested in his restaurant, and the idea of a boyfriend is laughable.

But Sheridan is convinced finding her mom will solve all her problems-only her dad's about to get a cooking show in New York, which means her dream of a perfect family will be dashed.
Using just the right amount of romance, family drama, and cute boys, The Sweetest Thing will entice fans with its perfect mixture of girl-friendly ingredients."
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First Lines:

"I make cakes. It's what I do. It's what I love.
But today, I'm standing over a mermaid, wondering what's wrong. She's as long as my arm, and beautiful - no doubt about that."
Page 1
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Review:

I am a total sucker for books that take place in bakeries or restaurants. There's something so sweet and innocent about that type of story (at least, that's the typical). Mix in a little family drama and this book fits perfectly in the genre - and I really enjoyed it.

Sheridan lives in a small town with her father and her grandmother close by. Her father is about to become a famous TV chef - and he's started to completely ignore her. Her grandmother owns the local bakery where Sheridan helps out when she can. But ultimately, she's an awesome cake decorator. Everyone in town knows to come to her. She's also looking for her mother who walked out on them years before. Then boys enter the picture and things get all confusing for her :).

I love that Sheridan decorates cakes. It's a really awesome artistic outlet that she sees as a connection to her mother. Not to mention that she's great at it. I think that addition to the story really gives this book a visual aspect that helps me picture everything else. You can also see how cake decorating has really shaped her life. From her childhood on... it's a great story element.

Then there's the boys... ah, the love triangle. When her life starts to get crazy - aka her dad talking about moving to NY - Ethan takes notice of her. He's the popular guy at school who had never spoken two words to her. But of course she's interested! Who wouldn't be?! Then you've got her best friend - Jack. Her dating Ethan has caused him to get hugely jealous and pretty much break off their friendship. Ohhhh the drama!

The fact that Sheridan is so family focused is very cool. She's worried about her mother returning to make them a whole family again. And she has her grandmother watching over her every move from her nearby apartment. But you can tell how much she loves them - and a lot of her worrying is about breaking up the family by her father's move for the TV show. It's all pretty endearing and I found myself really rooting for her to get the family she's always wanted.

All in all, I really enjoyed this story. It is a wonderful romance read - with some sugar thrown in. I read this book very quickly... mostly because I wanted to find out what would happen. It was such an easy and fun read - I'll be recommending this to anyone who is into romance and love triangles and, you know, cake decorating :). Really, it's worth a read and I look forward to more from this author!

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Other Blog Reviews:

Mrs. ReaderPants
Tumbling in Books
Lauren's Crammed Bookshelf
Anna Reads
Mandi Kaye Reads
Sophistikatied Reviews
The Sweet Bookshelf
The Garden of Books 

ALA Wrap

Well, last weekend was the annual conference for ALA in Anaheim, California. I was there mostly for work stuff, but the plus is going to the exhibits... and, of course, getting tons of books. So this is my little wrap up of the books I got while I was there.

I got tons that I am giving to librarians/students at work - probably raffling them off or something. But there were several that I wanted to keep for myself. Here are three that I was absolutely excited for (like, waiting for it forever kinda excited):

• The Diviners by Libba Bray (signed)
• Scarlet by Marissa Meyer - almost had a kitten when I saw this one. 
• The Crown of Embers by Rae Carson (signed)

And here's my stack (from the top):

• Zom-B by Darren Shan
• Devine Intervention by Martha Brockenbrough
• Miss Fortune Cookie by Lauren Bjorkman
• Rift by Andrea Cremer
• Drama by Raina Telgemeier
• Amber House by Kelly Moore
• The Dark Unwinding by Sharon Cameron
• Darkwater by Catherine Fisher
• Amelia Anne is Dead and Gone by Kat Rosenfield
• The Dark is Rising by Susan Cooper
• Lost Girls by Ann Kelley
• Tap Out by Eric Devine
• The Hunt by Andrew Fukuda
• Smashed by Lisa Luedeke
• Adaptation by Malinda Lo
• The Crown of Embers by Rae Carson
• Throne of Glass by Sarah Maas
• Soulbound by Heather Brewer
• The Diviniers by Libba Bray
• Scarlet by Marissa Meyer

So many exciting things to add to my TBR pile! Not that I needed any more ;). Off to do some reading!

The Lifeguard by Deborah Blumenthal

Title: The Lifeguard
Author: Deborah Blumenthal
ISBN: 9781453247334
Publisher: Whitman, Albert & Co
Released: March 01, 2012
Series: Standalone
Page #: 268
Source: ebook from Netgalley

Summary:
"It's an unsettled summer for Sirena. Back in Texas, her family's splitting apart, but here in Rhode Island, at the cottage of her free-spirited aunt, it's a different world. There are long days at the beach and intriguing encounters with him. Pilot. He's the lifeguard with shamanic skills. He both saves her and makes her feel lost at sea. Sirena explores her obsession with Pilot and discovers his mysterious--almost magical--gifts."
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First Lines:

"Dangerous Rip Currents: Stay Out of the Water
It was close to one hundred degrees, but swimmers were heeding the signs all along the beach. As far as the eye could see, no one was in the water."
Prologue
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Review:

I really wanted to love this book. My husband is from Rhode Island and I thought I would be able to relate to the story. Unfortunately, I had a hard time getting into it. In the beginning, there was a lot of setting up for the story. It felt a little disjointed, but I assumed that's how we would be setting up for the rest of the book.

It's the story of Sirena. Her family is in total upheaval - her parents are getting a divorce and she's been sent away to spend the summer with her aunt in Rhode Island while her friends are away at camp. But she soon develops a huge crush on Pilot, the lifeguard at the beach. She spends her time trying to figure him out... and unknowingly learns about herself in the process. 

While this story is all about Sirena's relationships with the people of the town, you don't get a whole lot of interaction. Most of the story is used to talk about her past and the things that have happened to her. Or her thoughts about people. The dialogue is a bit sparse, it seems.  I understand that her time at her aunt's house was really farily lonely. And the people she did come in contact with was in passing. She seemed to be uninterested in gaining friendships - which makes sense as she's only there for the summer.

But in the end of the book, all of these people seemed to take on a much more important role in her life than I previously understood. Antonio became a mentor and father figure? You only see her talking with him a handful of times. And her relationship with Pilot seems to come out of nowhere. She obsesses and obsesses and the one day he touches her face, so now they're together. It just felt really inconsistant. Oh, and it bothered me that Mark (the aunt's boyfriend) decided he was a best friend to her at the end of the story. How and when did that happen? It seemed very out of the blue.

I think my word for this book was "insincere." I just wanted more depth and more meaningful relationships with the other people in the story. Or at least, I want to be shown the building of those relationships. What you get is the beginning and the end... no real middle.

Sirena's character really had me confused most of the time. She seemed to be so naive and child-like... yet, she was turning seventeen. I got that she was crushing and dealing with sadness and all of that, but she never seemed to understand the world around her. I do appreciate that she grew toward the end - she did seem to change for the better. Maybe her relationship with Antonio facilitated that, but it did give her more dimension.

The ghost story was really what had me most interested. It was curious and vague, but it all comes together in the end. I think that was the best part of the entire book. Learning more about the town and the people living there might have helped make this story more full for me. That seemed to be where things made the most sense.

I believe this book will be good for those looking for a light romance/beach read. Otherwise, it might be a bit too incomplete for the intense reader. This is all my opinion, of course. I hope it resonated better for other people. :)

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Other Blog Reviews:

Anything But Normal
Bookworm Blogger
A Cupcake and a Latte
That Artsy Reader Girl
The Crazy Dream Blog
The Book Barbies
Getting Your Read On
The Book Scoop

Innocent Darkness by Suzanne Lazear

Title: Innocent Darkness

Author: Suzanne Lazear

ISBN: 9780738732480
Publisher: Flux
Released: August 08, 2012
Series: The Aether Chronicles #1

Page #: 391

Source: ebook from Netgalley

Summary:

"If one girl lives, the whole world dies.

Sixteen-year-old Noli braddock and her best friend Steven "V" Darrow just wanted to take a flying car out for a joy ride. They had no idea it would result in Noli getting sent to reform school to mend her hoyden ways. While at the dreadful school, Noli's innocent Midsummer's Eve wish summons Kevighn, a mysterious man who takes Noli with him to the Realm of Faerie. At first Noli believes she has been rescued. But the sinister reason behind the handsome huntsman's appearance quickly becomes clear - he wants to use Noli as a blood sacrifice to restore his dying world. V, who has secrets of his own, shows up to help Noli escape and return to the mortal realm - but first, they must navigate the dangerious intrigues of the Otherworld. If they are successful, Noli will live. But the entire Otherworld civilization will perish."

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First Lines:

"Whatever happened, she could not allow them to catch her, nor could a single drop of her blood spill upon the ground. The only sounds were of her labored breath and the hum of night in the wildwood. Soon, the horns and hoof beats of pursuit would follow."

Page IX (Prologue)

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Review:

How can you NOT pick up this book - the cover is gorgeous! Well, if you like steampunky things. Which I believe I do :). The girl on the cover isn't quite what I pictured, but she'll do.

So, this is a steampunk fairytale set in 1901 LA. Noli and V are besties who are constantly getting into trouble. This time, though, it's the last straw. Noli gets sent away and V realizes she may be in more trouble than her mother thinks. Which is true - she's accidentally pulled into Otherworld. And Kevighn is there to make sure she never gets home. V - who has been harboring huge secrets - realizes he must go on a quest to save Noli. And, of course, to tell her how he feels about her.

I had some difficulty really picturing the setting. Of course, this story is much more character driven, so there may be a reason for that. But alone, LA during the early 1900s is hard for me to grasp... even if there werent airships and hovercops and such. Honestly, it was much easier once we got into the Faery world - at least then I have some reference points. But I'm not sure that it detracted from the story - as I said, the setting is definitely secondary. And just as a note, the whole steampunk thing sort of disappears halfway through the book. I mean, it's still there, but it's just thrown in for flavor.

Helloooo love triangle. Seriously. On one hand, you have V - Noli's best friend from childhood. He's handsome, studious, and all around romantic. He's had feelings for Noli for about forever... and it's finally time to let her know. On the other hand, you have Kevighn. He's the suave, smooth talking, liar of a man who wants to trap Noli into doing his bidding - namely, dying. But he soon realizes his feelings for her are deeper than that... even after all of the women he has been with. I'm definitely Team V. Who wants a liar - even if he is sexy? I mean, please :).

Now, as for these guys... they are the ones that push this book for only older teens. You've got some seriously sexual situations - enough that it might be a bit much for some readers. One has some serious drug use that makes him much more experienced and adult. Again, that makes the book geared toward older readers. I'm not sure how much these two things add to the story, but it may help you understand their characters a little bit more. And can I just say - V's character is drastically changed from the beginning to the end of the book. I'm still trying to decide if it's believable or not...

I am excited to find out what happens in the next book. Luckily, you're not left with any huge cliffhangers. There is a definite conclusion and you can sort of infer where the story is going to go. But there are a few things I'd like to hear the rest of. But this book works well as a standalone. At least, in my opinion.

I've just looked at a few other reviews and it seems like the general view is that the book is good, but not fantastic. I very much agree. And someone mentioned the two most overused words - "dollymop" and "hoyden." It really felt like those were the only words Noli would use to describe herself. And for me that made her seem a bit one dimensional - even though I know there was much more to her. For someone who proclaimed to be atypical and unconcerned with giggly, girly things. I guess I was hoping for more from her - more attitude, less tears.

For those of you into historical romance, I definitely recommend this book to you. Again, it is better for older teens because of some content...  And I know I have mentioned some things I didn't like about this book, but it was a fast and entertaining read. I think many people will really get into it. And with the whole coming series, it will probably be popular. I would just love to see more development and consistancy in the next book.

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Other Blog Reviews:

Beauty and Books

Refracted Light Review

Diary of a Book Addict

The Reclusive Reader

The Phantom Photographer

The Wandering Fangirl

Waiting on Wednesday (111)

"Waiting on Wednesday" is hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine. Here's what I'm waiting on this week...

Spark (Sky Chasers #2)

by Amy Kathleen Ryan

To be released: July 17, 2012

Summary from Barnes and Noble:

"Waverly, Kieran and Seth are in a race against time – and with the future of humanity hanging in the balance, there’s no room for mistakes…

After a desperate escape from the enemy ship, Waverly has finally made it back to the Empyrean. The memory of home has been keeping her alive for the past months… but home is nothing like she left it. Forced to leave their captive parents behind on the New Horizon, she’s returned only to find that Kieran has become a strict leader and turned the crew against Seth. What happened to the Kieran she thought she knew? Now Waverly’s not sure whom she can trust. And the one person she wants to believe in is darkly brilliant Seth, the ship’s supposed enemy. Waverly knows that the situation will only get worse until they can rescue their parents – but how?

Before they have time to make a plan, an explosion rocks the Empyrean, and Seth and Waverly are targeted as the prime suspects. Can they find the true culprit before Kieran locks them away… or worse? Will Waverly follow her heart, even if it puts lives at risk? Now more than ever, every step could bring them closer to a new beginning – or a sudden end."

I am so excited about this second book in the series! If you haven't read Glow yet, I highly recommend it. It's a crazy space adventure - that is more about the characters than the sci fi aspect. I think just about anyone can get into it. And I know this sequel is going to be amazing! Now all I have to do is get my hands on it :).
What are you waiting on this week?

Waiting on Wednesday (110)

"Waiting on Wednesday" is hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine. Here's what I'm waiting on this week...

Quarantine: The Loners

by Lex Thomas

To be released: July 10, 2012

Summary from Barnes and Noble:
"It was just another ordinary day at McKinley High—until a massive explosion devastated the school. When loner David Thorpe tried to help his English teacher to safety, the teacher convulsed and died right in front of him. And that was just the beginning.



A year later, McKinley has descended into chaos. All the students are infected with a virus that makes them deadly to adults. The school is under military quarantine. The teachers are gone. Violent gangs have formed based on high school social cliques. Without a gang, you’re as good as dead. And David has no gang. It’s just him and his little brother, Will, against the whole school.
In this frighteningly dark and captivating novel, Lex Thomas locks readers inside a school where kids don’t fight to be popular, they fight to stay alive."


While there are tons of dystopian and post-apocalyptic books out right now, I think this book sounds very exciting. I love that it's set in a school and that they carry a virus that kills adults. I cannot wait to get my hands on this one... it sounds epic!

What are you waiting on this week?

Out This Week (June 17-23)

There aren't tons of things coming out this week, but the ones that are look awesome. Here's what we've got:

•  6.19.12 Just Flirt by Laura Bowers
• 6.19.12 Soulbound (The Legacy of Tril #1) by Heather Brewer

•  6.19.12 Something Like Normal by Trish Doller
• 6.19.12 Blood Moon (The Drake Chronicles) by Alyxandra Harvey

•  6.19.12 The Wild Queen: The Days and Nights of Mary, Queen of Scots by Carolyn Meyer
• 6.19.12 Burn Mark by Laura Powell

• 6.19.12 Back to Me (Kimani Tru) by Earl Sewell
• 6.19.12 This is Not a Test by Courtney Summers

Thumped by Megan McCafferty

Title: Thumped
Author: Megan McCafferty
ISBN: 9780061962769
Publisher: Balzer + Bray
Released: April 24, 2012
Series: sequel to Bumped
Page #: 290
Source: My public library

Summary:
"It's been thirty-five weeks since twin sisters Harmony and Melody went their separate ways. Since then, their story has become irresistible to legions of girls: twins separated at birth and living different lives, each due to deliver sets of twins... on the same day! In a future where only teens can 'bump,' or give birth, babies mean money, status, and freedom.

Married to Ram and living in religious Goodside, Harmony spends her time trying to fit back into the community she once loved and believed in. but she can't seem to forget about Jondoe, the guy she fell in love with under the strangest of circumstances.

To her adoring fans, Melody has achieved everything she always wanted: a big, fat contract and a coupling with Jondoe, the hottest bump prospect around. but this image is costing her the one guy she really wants.

Cursed by their own popularity, the girls are obsessively tracked by their millions of fans, who have been eagerly counting down the days to their 'Double Double Due Date.' Without a doubt, they are two of the most powerful teen girls on the planet, and there's only one thing they could do that would make them more famous than they already are:
Tell the truth."
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First Lines:

"I face my reflection, an engorged distortion I barely recognize anymore.
'I'll do it this time,' I say to the mirror.
I mean it too. I'm alone here in my bedroom. The blades are sharp enough and there's no one here to stop me but myself."
Page 1
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Review:

When I read Bumped, I was sort of surprised how I enjoyed this story. Thumped took it to the next level and I'm happy to report that the author did an awesome job with this second book. If you haven't read Bumped, you'll probably be really confused. So go read that first and get back to me :).

Harmony and Melody are twin sisters who were separated at birth and raised in vastly different societies. After they reunited, they have become famous. They're both due to have sets of twins of their own - on the same day (ish). But Melody has a huge secret and it's starting to eat away at her. Harmony has found that she can't just get her old life back. The girls can't do anything without media attention - and that's what they're banking on.

There could not possibly be any more romantic tangles in this book. Everyone is wishing for someone else and nothing starts out the way it should. She likes him, he likes her, she's married to him, and so on... it's a crazy, crazy web. I had a couple of spots where I couldn't remember which sister was which and who she liked. But it's a lot of fun and gives you that romantic romp that we all so love.

I kind of love the slang in these books. They make everything about being pregnant seem cute and fluffy and awesome. And since that is the main focus, even the non-preg stuff relates back to it somehow. It's really clever. There are a few words I've decided to work into my regular rotation :). I also love that Lib - the agent - speaks in all caps. Don't we all know someone like that? It makes his character memorable and real.

On the surface, this book is just about teens getting pregnant. Well, more like they have to for the sake of the human race. But there's also the whole paradigm shift from today - that contraception isn't even available. That teens HAVE to do it. And that they should feel ashamed if they don't procreate - whether or not they are in love with the person they make babies with. It's a hard thought to get my mind around... but then, there are plenty of teens having babies already these days (I sound like I'm 100 years old, but it's true).

The ending of this book - which I won't spoil - makes everything seem a lot more real. I think that helped me come to grips with the world they are living in. From here, the whole concept of the story seems so far fetched and sci-fi. But really, things are put into perspective and people aren't just taking things at face value. It was a great conclusion to a wonderful story. And it really makes you think about what life would be like in this sort of reality... which isn't so far off.

If you haven't read Bumped, I highly recommend that you do so. These two books are super-fast reads, so make sure you have Thumped nearby. After reading this second book, I think the story as a whole is very worth reading. If nothing else, the discussions that this could bring up with a teen book group would be amazing. I would be very interested to see what teens thought of this. Anyway, fun books with an interesting message. Give it a shot!
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Other Blog Reviews:

Diary of a Book Addict
Break the Binding
Fabbity Fab Book Reviews
Reading Everywhere
West Allis Public Library
Starry Sky Books
Rather Be Reading
Breathless Book Reviews
Laura's Review Bookshelf

Waiting on Wednesday (109)

"Waiting on Wednesday" is hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine. Here's what I'm waiting on this week...

Insignia

by S.J. Kincaid

To be released: July 10, 2012

Summary from Barnes and Noble:

"More than anything, Tom Raines wants to be important, though his shadowy life is anything but that. For years, Tom’s drifted from casino to casino with his unlucky gambler of a dad, gaming for their survival. Keeping a roof over their heads depends on a careful combination of skill, luck, con artistry, and staying invisible.

Then one day, Tom stops being invisible. Someone’s been watching his virtual-reality prowess, and he’s offered the incredible—a place at the Pentagonal Spire, an elite military academy. There, Tom’s instincts for combat will be put to the test and if he passes, he’ll become a member of the Intrasolar Forces, helping to lead his country to victory in World War III. Finally, he’ll be someone important: a superhuman war machine with the tech skills that every virtual-reality warrior dreams of. Life at the Spire holds everything that Tom’s always wanted—friends, the possibility of a girlfriend, and a life where his every action matters—but what will it cost him?"

This sounds like such a fun techie/sci fi/mystery book! I could really use one of these right about now. I'll definitely be checking this one out.

What are you waiting on this week?

Out This Week (June 10-16)

Lots of awesome series books coming out this week - along with some great looking new authors. Check it out...

•   6.12.12 Lies Beneath by Anne Greenwood Brown
• 6.14.12 Stronger (A Super Human Clash) by Michael Carroll

• 6.14.12 My Life Next Door by Huntley Fitzpatrick
• 6.12.12 Reunted by Hilary Weisman Graham

•  6.12.12 Rapture (Fallen #4) by Lauren Kate
• 6.14.12 The Vindico by Wesley King

• 6.12.12 The Golden Lily (Bloodlines #2) by Richelle Mead
• 6.12.12 Timepiece (Hourglass #2) by Myra McEntire

•  6.12.12 For Darkness Shows the Stars by Diana Peterfreund
• 6.12.12 The Master of Misrule by Laura Powell

•   6.12.12 Crazy by Amy Reed
• 6.14.12 Tokyo Heist by Diana renn

Waiting on Wednesday (108)

"Waiting on Wednesday" is hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine. Here's what I'm waiting on this week...

Title: Such a Rush

Author: Jennifer Echols

To be released: July 10, 2012

Summary from Barnes and Noble:
"High school senior Leah Jones loves nothing more than flying. While she’s in the air, it’s easy to forget life with her absentee mother at the low-rent end of a South Carolina beach town. When her flight instructor, Mr. Hall, hires her to fly for his banner advertising business, she sees it as her ticket out of the trailer park. And when he dies suddenly, she’s afraid her flying career is gone forever.


But Mr. Hall’s teenage sons, golden boy Alec and adrenaline junkie Grayson, are determined to keep the banner planes flying. Though Leah has crushed on Grayson for years, she’s leery of getting involved in what now seems like a doomed business—until Grayson betrays her by digging up her most damning secret. Holding it over her head, he forces her to fly for secret reasons of his own, reasons involving Alec. Now Leah finds herself drawn into a battle between brothers—and the consequences could be deadly.
Engrossing and intense, Such a Rush is a captivating story from an author with a rising star."

This book sounds like so much fun! I mean, a girl who flies planes? I'm in. Definitely excited for this book - I haven't read anything by this author, but I've heard good things.

What are you waiting on this week?

The Selection by Kiera Cass

Title: The Selection
Author: Kiera Cass
Publisher: Harper Teen
Released: April 24, 2012
Series: The Selection
Page #: 327
Source: My public library

Summary:
"For thirty-five girls, the Selection is the chance of a lifetime. The opportunity to escape the life laid out for them since birth. To be swept up in a world of glittering gowns and priceless jewels. To live in a palace and compete for the heart of gorgeous Prince Maxon.

But for America Singer, being Selected is a nightmare. It means turning her back on her secret love with Aspen, who is a caste below her. Leaving her home to enter a fierce competition for a crown she doesn't want. Living in a palace that is constantly threatened by violent rebel attacks.

Then America meets Prince Maxon. Gradually, she starts to question all the plans she's made for herself - and realizes that the life she's always dreamed of may not compare to a future she never imagined."
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First Lines:

"When we got the letter in the post, my mother was ecstatic. She had already decided that all our problems were solved, gone forever. The big hitch in her brilliant plan was me. I don't think I was a particularly disobedient daughter, but this was where I drew the line."
Page 1
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Review:

So, I started this fantastic book less than 24 hours ago. It's one of those books you want to LIVE in... but alas, it had to end. Now all I can do is wait around for the second book to come out... in a year. Sigh.

America is a five. Meaning, she's in the fifth caste. There are eight castes and her family is only steps from the servant caste and the homeless. When the lottery starts to find a wife for the Prince, she isn't thrilled like other girls. She is already in love - to a boy in a lower caste and no one can know. But she's convinced to enter and her card is drawn! She leaves everything behind to meet a stranger who will one day rule the country. Romance awesomeness ensues.

There are some bones to this book that seem similar to other stories... like The Hunger Games - the selection of people from different districts... or towns. Then the whole country watches to see what happens. Of course, in this case, being chosen is actually a good thing. Then you've got the whole reality tv thing going on like any of the many dating shows that are on right now. Though, if one were writing about reality shows, this is the way to do it. Typically, I hate those shows, so obviously the author did something right :). 

I was honestly expecting this book to be historical fiction. I guess it's because of the cover, but I wasn't really disappointed once I really got into the story. And I think the whole king & queen thing constantly set my mind in England. Plus, aren't princes supposed to have awesome European accents? Exactly. So I had to constantly remind myself of the setting, but that didn't take away from the story at all.

America is awesome. She is all about being an individual when everyone around her is trying to fit into a mold. She finds the humor in just about everything. I found myself smiling or laughing through this book - there is so much lively banter :). She's also caring and protective - which are traits that come out later on in the story. She's just very well written and a person I wish was real. We'd totally be friends, I'm sure. 

This book is super heavy on the romance. Which was wonderfully done. I absolutely loved the way the scenes with the guys were written. They were so very different - and her reaction to them was very different. She sees one guy as a means to an end (getting her family better status). The other does the exact opposite. The ending is so conflicted... Speaking of which...

About 20 pages from the end, I was super worried I was going to hate it. Things start happening that I really didn't see coming and I got super nervous. But instead, you got a humongous cliffhanger. I mean, it's a doozie. On the plus side, I didn't get pissed at her choice... I just wanted about 100 more pages. Or more. I'm good with more, too. :)

I'm pretty sure I will be mentioning this book to everyone I talk to in the next few days. I already explained it to my husband and he barely reads road signs, much less books. I've got a list of people in my head that I need to recommend it to. The book is amazing and I quite literally did not want it to end. I may have to break down and purchase a copy... cause I feel like I'm going to want to reread it (which I never do). So, when does the countdown start for the next book... ?
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Other Blog Reviews:

Read. Breathe. Relax.
Book Nerd Reviews
The Book Cellar
Diary of a Book Addict
The Young Folks
My Life is a Notebook
My Reading Room
A Journey Through Pages
A Little Shelf of Heaven

Out This Week (June 3-9)

Here are some awesome books coming out this week: 

 

• 6.5.12 Shadow and Bone by Leigh Bardugo
• 6.5.12 Messy by Heather Cocks and Jessica Morgan

•  6.5.12 A Long Way From You by Gwendolyn Heasley
• 6.5.12 Arise by Tara Hudson

•  6.5.12 A Midsummer's Nightmare by Kody Keplinger
• 6.5.12 Monument 14 by Emma Laybourne

•  6.5.12 A Girl Named Digit by Annabel Monaghan
• 6.5.12 Transcendence by C.J. Omololu

• 6.5.12 Stunning (Pretty Little Liars #11) by Sara Shepard
• 6.5.12 All Those Lives by Sarah Wylie