The Kiss of Deception by Mary E. Pearson

Title: The Kiss of Deception
Author: Mary E. Pearson
ISBN: 9780805099232
Publisher: Henry Holt and Company
Series: The Remnant Chronicles #1
Released: July 8, 2014
Page #: 489
Source: ARC from the publisher

Summary:
"In a society steeped in tradition, Princess Lia's life follows a preordained course. As First Daughter, she is expected to have the revered gift of sight - but she doesn't - and she knows her parents are perpetrating a sham when they arrange her marriage to secure an alliance with a neighboring kingdom - to a prince she has never met.

On the morning of her wedding, Lia flees to a distant village. She settles into a new life, hopeful when two mysterious and handsome strangers arrive - and unaware that one is the jilted prince and the other an assassin sent to kill her. Deception abounds, and Lia finds herself of the brink of unlocking perilous secrets - even as she finds herself falling in love."
_________________________________________________
First Lines: (quote from the galley - see final version for edits)

"Today was the day a thousand dreams would die, and a single dream would be born.
The wind knew. It was the first of June but cold gusts bit at the hilltop citadelle as fiercely as deepest winter, shaking the windows with curses and winding through drafty halls with warning whispers."
Page 3
_____________________________________________
Review:

It's possible that this book has just claimed the spot for my favorite book ever, right now. This is me... attempting to write a review without gushing. Go!

Princess Lia is about to get married to a prince she has never met before. Her family is trying to create an alliance with a nearby kingdom, so it is her duty to marry this man and move away from everything she knows. She's never been much for royal protocol, so it's not surprising that she doesn't want this life. On the day of her wedding, she runs away. With the help of her friend Pauline, Lia finds a new home and a life she had only imagined. And one thing she wants the most - the possibility of love that is not forced on her.

This book was... in a word... brilliant. I mean, seriously. I love the kickass princess who defies her duty and finds a new life for herself. I love that she is willing to do anything to get what she wants. I love how fiercely Lia protects and takes care of her friend Pauline. I love that family is still important to her - even though she has run away from them. I love her devotion to her brothers and their families. I love how she's not willing to give up - even when she's facing probable death. She's just... amazing. And I want to know everything about her!

So, yes. She's got these two guys who arrive on the same night to the tavern where she is now working. They're very different and she cannot place why they stand out so much. But they both catch her eye. They are our two dashing love interests. Unfortunately, one is an assassin and there to kill her. Then there is the prince she just avoided marrying. She finds herself torn between the two and starts to really fall for one of them.

Honestly, about halfway through the book, I got the biggest shock when I realized that I had the guys figured out all wrong. There isn't a point before then that tells you exactly who is who... just hints as you go along. You can only imagine my shock when I realized which one was which. I think I actually exclaimed out loud and startled some coworkers at lunch. :) That alone made me think this book was brilliant - it had me going down the wrong path, only to turn the tables on me. Loved that!

The whole second half is sort grueling. Things seem dire... life is horrifying... Lia is on the trek of a lifetime - and may not make it much longer. It's seriously intense. Plus, there are still people out there trying to kill her. She's now in a world she doesn't understand in a situation she doesn't know how to get out of. This book ends on a serious cliffhanger. You really don't know whether she's going to make it much longer. I'm totally sucked in by the whole thing and I can't wait to get my hands on the next book. In a word, this book is breathless.

I've already recommended this book to many, many people. It was actually recommended to me first by one of my coworkers. I can't believe I put it off as long as I did. I really think lots of people will love this story as much as I did... and I imagine the next book is going to be just as amazing. _________________________________________________
Other Blog Reviews: 

Books YA Love
Rainy Day Ramblings
Ink and Paper
There Were Books Involved
Writer of Wrongs
Loving the Language of Literacy
The Lit Bitch
M. Kircher
In Case of Survival
Read. Breathe. Relax.

A Thousand Pieces of You by Claudia Gray

Title: A Thousand Pieces of You
Author: Claudia Gray
ISBN: 9780062278968
Publisher: HarperCollins
Released: November 04, 2014
Series: Firebird #1
Page #: 357
Source: My own copy

Summary:
"Marguerite Caine grew up surrounded by cutting-edge scientific theories, thanks to her brilliant physicist parents. Yet nothing is more astounding than her mother's latest invention - a device called the Firebird, which allows people to leap into alternate dimensions.

When Marguerite's father is murdered, all the evidence points to one person - Paul, her parents' enigmatic star student. Before the law can touch him, Paul escapes into another dimension, having committed what seems like the perfect crime. But he didn't count on Marguerite. She doesn't know if she can kill a man, but she's going to find out.

With the help of another physics student, Theo, Marguerite chases Paul through various dimensions. In each new world Marguerite leaps to, she meets another version of Paul that has her doubting his guilt and questioning her heart. Is she doomed to repeat the same betrayal?

As Marguerite races through these wildly different lives - a grand duchess in a Tsarist Russia, a club-hopping orphan in a futuristic London, a refugee from worldwide flooding on a station in the heart of the ocean - she is swept into an epic love affair as dangerous as it is irresistible."
______________________________________________
First Lines:

"My hand shakes as I brace myself against the brick wall. Rain falls cold and sharp against my skin, from a sky I've never seen before. It's hard to catch my breath, to get any sense of where I am. All I know is that the Firebird worked."
Page 1
______________________________________________
Review:

Dimension jumping to find your dad's murderer? Could you get anything more intense??

Marguerite's parents are scientists. Physicists, to be exact. She's always lived in a home with big thinkers... students of life... and some actual students of her parents. Her mother has found a way to allow a person to jump dimensions, but it's been used for evil. Marguerite's father was just murdered and the man responsible has stolen one of the dimension jumping devices (a Firebird) and he's lost to them now. She teams up with one of her parent's students set out to see if they can find him and bring him to justice.

Everything about this book blew my mind. In the best possible way. The whole concept of alternate dimensions that play out every other possible decision you've made (and everyone else in the world), is just completely mind blowing. There are dimensions where you didn't forgive that one friend and it changed the course of things. There are dimensions where your parents didn't meet - you can't visit those, you don't exist. There are dimensions where your ancestor didn't make it to America, so you're welcome to visit their lives in Russia. I mean, ANYTHING! It's crazy and the possibilities are endless. I think that's what makes this idea really cool for a book - they could literally go anywhere.

In that vein, this book is set in so many places, it was probably really fun to write. An extremely tech savvy London. An extremely backwards Russia. A legit water world. And even one dimension that was so close to her own, Marguerite had some trouble identifying the differences. Can you imagine all of those things happening simultaneously and all you need is one little device to visit them all? It doesn't hurt that her parents are brilliant and they have the ability to open up these possibilities for her.

But it's not just about jumping around to see what's happening. She's searching for the man who murdered her father. A man she trusted. A man her parents trusted. A man that she becomes less and less convinced is guilty. In each new world, they have to find each other to figure things out. There's a larger tech organization that is involved in this whole scandal as well, but how deeply? As soon as one mystery is figured out, another one pops up. This book definitely kept me on my toes.

I'm not sure if this is going to become a series. This book wrapped up nicely and everything was figured out. No real cliffhangers here - which I highly appreciate. But it makes me wonder if there will be more about the Firebird. More about the possibilities. I've seen a few places that this is listed as #1, so I am hoping for more. I honestly think this is the best thing that has been written by Claudia Gray. I'm definitely up for another installment if there is going to be one. I'm highly recommending this one as it is.
______________________________________________
Other Blog Reviews:

That's Normal
Snuggly Oranges
There Were Books Involved
YA Midnight Reads
All Things Urban Fantasy
Alice Marvels
Bookish Broads
The Bookshelf Intruder
The Y.A. Bookworm Blogger
Reading Lark

Isla and the Happily Ever After by Stephanie Perkins

Title: Isla and the Happily Ever After
Author: Stephanie Perkins
ISBN: 9780525425632
Publisher: Dutton Books
Released: August 14, 2014
Page #: 339
Source: My public library

Summary:
"Hopeless romantic Isla has had a crush on introspective cartoonist Josh since their first year at the School of America in Paris. And after a chance encounter in Manhattan over the summer, romance might be closer than Isla imagined. But as they began their senior year back in France, Isla and Josh are forced to confront the challenges every young couple must face, including family drama, uncertainty about their college futures, and the very real possibility of being apart.

Featuring cameos from fan-favorites Anna, Etienne, Lola, and Cricket, this sweet and sexy story of true love - set against the stunning backdrops of New York City, Paris, and Barcelona - is a swoonworthy conclusion to Stephanie Perkins's beloved series."
________________________________________________
First Lines:

"It's midnight, it's sweltering, and I might be high on Vicodin, but that guy - that guy right over there - that's him.
The him.
His posture is as familiar as a recurring dream."
Page 1
________________________________________________
Review:

Stephanie Perkins is like a dream author for me. Every book I've read I have thought, "This is my favorite! How is she so good?! When does her next book come out? Why isn't everyone reading this already?" Hopefully they ARE!

Isla and Josh go to school in Paris, but they're both from New York. She's been watching him for years, hoping for him to notice her. Or, at least, more than just some girl in his classes. And when she gets her opening - and she isn't totally herself - she makes a move. It's a clumsy move, but it gets them talking and sets the future on course.

Man. I'm going to try not to gush here. Every step of the way, I was in love with this book. AM in love with this book. It's such a magical, romantic story about two people dealing with the ins and outs of true love. And it's not always pretty. You almost immediately fall in love with both of these characters and I cannot imagine something bad happening to either of them. Of course things fall apart in the middle, but in a way that makes sense.

Perkins is a master at the realistic romance story. And I absolutely adored the way she wove in characters from her previous novels. You don't need to know anything about them, and it's just a nod to the people who have read her other books. It's just so well done! (this is me. not gushing.)

One of the big things that Isla and Josh have to deal with is the college selection process. One of them knows exactly what they want and what it will take to get there. The other has no earthly idea and is contemplating just following the other person on their journey. I think that's an issue that many teens face - especially for those undecided people. It's nice to watch them work through those issues and figure out what it means for the two of them as a couple in the future. Lots of insecurities arise that I distinctly remember feeling as a teen.

There's something so magical about books that are set abroad - especially Paris. They're in this really cool situation there without parents and I think that's what fuels a lot of the story. They are on their own. They have to almost fend for themselves. It's very boarding-school-like, without seeming like an actual boarding school situation. The best of all worlds! And honestly, the immediate set-up had me hooked. The fact that she had just gotten her wisdom teeth out and was on medicine and wandering the streets... it's just so funny and I love the whole damsel in distress - but not really -thing.

Another thing I really enjoyed was Josh's graphic novel that he was working on. I am a person who reads a lot of graphic novels and I thought it was really cool to include that he is an artist who aspires to publish his work. I do think that's an area with growing interest right now - not just reading graphic novels and comics, but to create them. And how you do that effectively. Oh! And the fact that Isla is into comics, too! That was perfect. Thank you for making a girl character who likes things that are sometimes seen as "boy stuff!"

The romantic situations definitely push this book up to older teens, but I think it's fabulous and everyone should read it. Especially adults. I mean, it's just a solid romance that covers so much ground and is extremely well-written. I've said this before, but I'll officially read anything Stephanie Perkins writes. I've drunk the kool-aid. Give. Me. MORE! :)
________________________________________________
Other Blog Reviews:

Dear Author
Mostly YA Book Obsessed
The Pretty Books
Happy Indulgence Books
YA Love Blog
YA Midnight Reads
Bookshelf Fantasies
Consumed By Books
Starlight Book Reviews
Daisy Chain Book Reviews

The One by Kiera Cass

Title: The One

Author: Kiera Cass
ISBN: 9780062059994
Publisher: Harper Teen
Released: May 06, 2014
Series: The Selection #3
Page #: 323
Source: Checked out from my public library

Summary:
"The time has come for one winner to be crowned.
When she was chosen to compete in the Selection, America never dreamed she would find herself anywhere close to the crown - or Prince Maxon's heart. But as the end of the competition approaches, and the threats outside the palace walls grow more vicious, America realizes just how much she stands to lose - and how hard she'll have to fight for the future she wants."
____________________________________________________
First Lines:

"This time we were in the Great Room enduring another etiquette lesson when bricks came flying through the window. Elise immediately hit the ground and started crawling for the side door, whimpering as she went."
Page 1
____________________________________________________
Review:

**This review is going to have spoilers from books 1&2... it's pretty much unavoidable. So go read those first! And really, what are you reading this review for if you haven't yet?!?**

This final book in the series absolutely lives up to the excellence I have grown to expect from Kiera Cass. So many twists and turns that it basically gave me whiplash. But in the best possible way.

So, America has made it to the final four girls in the Selection competition. It's amazing, but it seems like she might actually have a shot at winning this thing. The girls have finally become closer, but the king isn't overly happy with how they are behaving. And the uprising from the rebel groups has everyone on edge and worried about their safety. Not to mention the emotional roller coaster that is America's life. It's an epic conclusion to a wonderful series!

I wish there was a good way to describe this series to people who haven't read it yet. I often say it's like the Bachelor but set in the future when there are castes and royal families. It just doesn't do the story justice - and probably puts off people who aren't fans of the Bachelor (like myself). So we need to work on that, world. I think more people need to get as entranced as I am with it - I may have already converted a few people :).

One of the main themes of this last book is the rebels and the crazy things happening with the citizens of Illea. America starts to realize that she's making connections with important people and how she can help change the entire society. It's really uplifting and you can tell she's gaining confidence in herself and her relationship with Maxon. I love how she emerges as a strong woman through all of her insecurities.

In previous books, I feel like many of the relationships that are formed are tenuous and calculated. It's nice to see actual friendships develop that aren't quite so surface-focused. Those friendships are what really give this book a sweet, loving feeling. The competition is drawing to a close. The girls are getting close and understanding each other. America has become even more close with the people who serve her. There's just an overall feeling of calm and sweetness that hasn't been there in the last books.

Now, I say there was calm... I'm going to tell you that Kiera Cass tries to give you a heart attack in the last 30 pages. Like, dead. It almost worked. There is a ton of action and things start spiraling ... it's so intense! I know I can't say much more than that. But I did have at least six separate "OH NO!!!!" moments. So take that for what it's worth.

Seriously, if you haven't been reading The Selection series, I highly recommend you do so. The series is done now and there is an amazing conclusion. I'm definitely excited to see what this author has in store next.
____________________________________________________
Other Blog Reviews:

The YA Bookworm Blogger
The Indigo Quill
The Cozy Reader
A Sunny Spot
Writer of Wrongs
Beauty and the Books
Seeing Double in Neverland
The Readiacs
Queen Ella Bee Reads
My Crazy Bookish World

Exile by Kevin Emerson

Title: Exile

Author: Kevin Emerson
ISBN: 9780062133953
Publisher: Katherine Tegen Books
Released: April 29, 2014
Page #: 320
Source: ARC from the publisher

Blurb:
"Summer Carlson knows how to manage bands like a professional - minus the whole 'falling for the lead singer of the latest band' part. But Caleb Daniels isn't an ordinary band boy - he's a hot, dreamy, sweet-singing, exiled-from-his-old-band, possibly-with-a-deep-dark-side band boy. She also finds herself at the center of a mystery she never saw coming. When Calbe reveals a secret about his long-lost father, one band's past becomes another's present, and Summer finds it harder and harder to be both band manager and girlfriend. Maybe it's time to accept who she really is, even if it means becoming an exile herself..."
____________________________________________________
First Lines: (Quotation from the galley, check final book for edits.)

"Just after dinner on the night before the start of senior year, Dad polishes off his guacamole garden burger, looks at me seriously, and asks, 'So, now what, then?'"
Page 1
____________________________________________________
Review:

Summer has managed a band before - and she lost them to a big label. Now she has to start fresh and scope out new talent at her performing arts school. It's pretty easy to find someone new, but she has to contend with a lot of baggage. More baggage than she realized. But that also sets the new band up for future successes and a pretty epic treasure hunt. And quite a few shady characters mill around making things all mysterious.

I'm not a band girl. Well, not a rock band girl. I was the other kind of band girl...
Anyway, there's is a whole mindset of this book that is a little above my head. I mean, I get the basic concept. I understand the draw of the band. And I even can imagine the insane personalities that you encounter. But all of the rock references... yep, didn't get those. Something about Zepplin? Erm. A Beatles record? Okay. So I feel like there was something I missed out on a little bit, but it didn't keep me from enjoying the book.

I wasn't expecting the epic mystery element of this story. I think my expectation was just a cute story about musicians and touring and all that. Instead, this is a story about family and learning about what's important in life. I was a little impressed at how much deeper things went. Of course, you have to have the love triangle (which gets blown up) and the dramatics between the band members. And that there are several people who aren't who they say/think they are?! Gotta love that piece of intrigue!

There were a few times that I really wanted to strangle Summer. I get that she feels like she can't be herself around her parents. My parents were very understanding about things, so I have a hard time believing that her parents wouldn't understand her wanting to be a band manager. But that's just because of my own life experiences. I know a lot of families are more like hers, but it was hard to watch. I just wanted her to be truthful and loving. Instead she snuck around and lied to her parents. Oh god... does me noticing this make me old? Probably. But she's also constantly worrying about things and talking about how bad of an idea it is to date a band boy. And she does it anyway.

One very cool thing about this book - there is music that comes with it. Check it out: http://www.kevinemerson.net/2014/04/the-exile-soundtrack-is-here-three.html
I'm all about an interactive reading experience. No, the music isn't my taste (I'm an EDM fan), but it's still really cool. I know that sometimes authors put out soundtrack lists... but I haven't seen it done like this. I imagine that a lot of readers will really go for this.

All in all, this was a fun, entertaining story that I think people will really enjoy. I'm sure some of you will want to shake Summer as hard as I do, but the overall story is redeeming. This may be perfect for your beach reading this summer. (get it? summer? yolo.)
_________________________________________________
Other Blog Reviews:

Nerdy Book Club
Candace's Book Blog
Snuggly Oranges
Books YA Love
The Book Hookup
The White Unicorn
The Storybook Kingdom
Reviews from a Bookworm
YA Romantics
Sarah Elizabeth's Bookshelf

Second Star by Alyssa B. Sheinmel

Title: Second Star
Author: Alyssa B. Sheinmel
ISBN: 9780374382674
Publisher: Farrar Straus Giroux
Released: May 13, 2014
Page #: 248
Source: ARC from the publisher

Summary:
"An irresistible summer romance about two young men who refuse to grow up - and a troubled beauty who is trapped between them.

This contemporary seaside adventure about loss, lies, and first love is tinged with darkness and a touch of magical realism as it follows seventeen-year-old Wendy Darling on a search for her missing surfer brothers. Wendy's journey leads her to a mysterious hidden cove inhabited by a tribe of young renegade surfers, most of them runaways. Wendy is instantly drawn to the cove's charismatic leader, Pete, but she also becomes entangled with Pete's nemesis, the dust-dealing Jas, who lurks nearby. A radical reinvention of J.M. Barrie's classic, here is Peter Pan as you've never imagined it, a love triangle set in the endless summer of modern-day coastal California."
_____________________________________________
First Lines: (Quoted from the galley. See final version for edits.)


"I can smell the bonfire before I even get out of the car. It's dusk, and the sun is low on the water. According to my watch, it's only been four hours since I officially graduated high school."
Page 3
_____________________________________________
Review:

I'm not sure I've loved any retelling more than this one. It makes me wanna pack up and move to California to live the life of a surfer. With my zero athletic skill and pretty awesome stable job. Seems reasonable.

Wendy's twin brothers (John and Michael Darling, aww) went missing after traveling the coast to find a huge wave. It seems like they're gone forever, but Wendy can't accept that. She goes on a journey to find her brothers at whatever cost. She doesn't expect to find herself caught up in the surfer/runaway lifestyle, but she falls for it hard. Almost as hard as she falls for Pete. But soon she starts unraveling what may have happened and has no idea which way is up anymore.

I am going to admit that it's been a really long time since I've read/watched anything Peter Pan related, so I don't have the best knowledge of the story. That really didn't matter all that much to understand this book, but there were some things that brought back my memory of the original. The dog named Nana. The rival groups. The runaway kids. But I think this story is more subtle than that. It doesn't seem like an actual remake... just loosely pulling themes and characters from another. And I think it succeeds in that.

One of my favorite things about this story was the "second star" explanation. It made me really think about the original story and how the stars are such an important part of their lives. In this book, it's all about wishing on the stars. There is something very sweet, beautiful, and innocent about the way it's portrayed in this story. You find yourself wishing along with Wendy and hoping she finds everything she needs. 

While the book is based on Peter Pan, there's a lot that separates it. The setting is obviously California surfer culture... that easy, breezy lifestyle where nothing but the next big wave is important. It's easy to see how Wendy would fall down that rabbit hole. There's also the love triangle between Wendy, Pete, and Jas. The two tribe leaders that hate each other. One huge thing that seems different (unless I'm not remembering correctly) is the drug use. There's a drug called Dust that Jas sells to anyone willing and people almost immediately become addicted. It's actually an interesting cautionary tale in that way, but the semi-fantasy element of it makes it somehow more accessible.

I absolutely LOVED this book and I know it will find that perfect summer read sweet spot. There were some surprising twists and turns that keep you wondering what is going to happen next. In fact, the ending leaves you hanging a little bit - but in the best possible way. I've already got at least three or four people in mind that I need to pass this book to.
_____________________________________________
Other Blog Reviews:

Verbosity Book Reviews
The Reader Bee
Miss Fictional's World of YA Books
Cape Cod Scribe
Amanda's Daily Grind
Scott Reads It
Fiction Addiction
What Comes Next Reviews
The Busy Book Belle
The Airship Library

Fangirl by Rainbow Rowell

Title: Fangirl
Author: Rainbow Rowell
ISBN: 9781250030955
Publisher: St. Martin's Press
Released: September 10, 2013
Page #: 435
Source: Finished copy from the publisher

Summary:
"Cath is a Simon Snow fan.
Okay, the whole world is a Simon Snow fan...
But for Cath, being a fan is her life - and she's really good at it. She and her twin sister, Wren, ensconced themselves in the Simon Snow series when they were just kids; it's what got them through their mother leaving.

Reading. Rereading. Hanging out in Simon Snow forums, writing Simon Snow fanfiction, dressing up like the characters for every movie premiere.

Cath's sister has mostly grown away from fandom, but Cath can't let go. She doesn't want to.

Now that they're going to college, Wren has told Cat she doesn't want to be roommates. Cath is on her own, completely outside of her comfort zone. She's got a surly roommate with a charming, always-around boyfriend; a fiction-writing professor who thinks fanfiction is the end of the civilized world; a handsome classmate who only wants to talk about words... and she can't stop worrying about her dad, who's loving and fragile and has never really been alone.

For Cath, the question is: Can she do this? Can she make it without Wren holding her hand? Is she ready to start living her own life? And does she even want to move on if it means leaving Simon Snow behind?"
_________________________________________________
First Lines:

"There was a boy in her room.
Cath looked up at the number painted on the door, then down at the room assignment in her hand.
Pound Hall, 913."
Page 4
_________________________________________________
Review:

This is probably one of my favorite books I've read this year. I mean, that's not hard as I haven't read much. But it's definitely ranking and I think it will for a long time.

Cath and Wren are heading to college... separately. They've always done everything together and Cath isn't sure how life is going to be without her twin sister. She has a weird roommate who definitely hates her... and a new writing partner who seems content to let her do the heavy lifting. Not to mention that she doesn't have time to write her fanfiction like normal. It's all so different and Cath isn't sure she's cut out for it. 

This one is a little outside my norm. College vs. High School. The age difference isn't big, but there are a lot of elements that I'm not used to seeing. Everything is a first. Life in general is a little more frightening. You have to fend for yourself and not expect anyone else to care about you. This book really took me back to my college years and reliving those fears and triumphs.

While I think it really speaks to people who are either dealing with college or are through it, I think there is something that teens could really get out of this book. It's a very realistic view of the non-social side of college - which is totally where I was. And I know a lot of teens that will be there, too. So, it's sort of sweet in that way that it shows Cath's growth and how she learns to be an individual without her sister.

The whole fanfiction thing was awesome. I mean, how many people get sucked into reading fanfiction of extremely popular books?! I know I have. And it's cool to think that the author of one might be some college freshman who is just trying to make it through life. It also showed how stressful it could be to feel the need to stay on schedule with the story. As a Librarian, the whole copyright/plagiarism thing was very interesting. I've never really thought about fanfiction as being plagiarized. Not really. They aren't trying to sell their work, right? It would definitely make for an interesting conversation with a reading group or class.

There is, of course, a first real love. A least expected person. A friend. Someone who would do anything for Cath. I really found the whole relationship super sweet. They don't rush into anything. They are honest with each other. It's sort of how you hope relationships will go - even with all of the insecurities. I was just really impressed with that and it felt real.

This is just a really honest story. The girl's father certainly isn't perfect. The girls have their own issues to work out. Friends are made and lost. It feels like you're living right alongside of Cath. It's a well-crafted story and I'm officially a fan of Rainbow Rowell.
_________________________________________________
Other Blog Reviews:

Cuddlebuggery
Smart Bitches, Trashy Books
Nessa's Thoughts 
Dear Author
We're All Mad Here
Once Upon a Bookcase
Helen's Book Blog
Wondrous Reads
The Infinite Curio
Leisure Reads

Better Off Friends by Elizabeth Eulberg

Title: Better Off Friends
Author: Elizabeth Eulberg
ISBN:9780545551458
Publisher: Point/Scholastic
Released: February 25, 2014
Page #: 278
Source: ARC from the publisher

Summary:
"For Macallan and Levi, it was friends at first sight. Everyone says guys and girls can't be just friends, but these two are. They hang out after school, share tons of inside jokes, their families are super close, and Levi even starts dating one of Macallan's friends. They are platonic and happy that way.

Eventually they realize they're best friends - which wouldn't be so bad if they didn't keep getting in each other's way. Guys won't ask Macallan out because they think she's with Levi, and Levi spends too much time joking around with Macallan and maybe not enough time with his date. They can't help but wonder... are they more than friends or are they better off without making it even more complicated?

From romantic comedy superstar Elizabeth Eulberg comes a fresh, fun examination of a question for the ages: Can guys and girls ever really be just friends? Or are they always one fight away from not speaking again - and one kiss away from true love?"
_________________________________________________
First Lines: (Quote from the galley, see final version for edits)

"I was probably the first kid ever excited for summer to be over. There was too much free time that summer, which can lead to too much thinking, especially for a loss-stricken eleven-year-old."
Page 3
_________________________________________________
Review:

This is probably one of the biggest questions in the universe. Can guys and girls be just friends? And are they really just friends on both sides, or does one always like the other more? I feel like this has never been answered in the history of the world. Guess it's different for everyone.

For Macallan and Levi, their friendship is instant. They bond over a tv show and they just never let up from there. A friendship that starts in middle school will always be tested once you get to high school and beyond. Things change, friends change, relationships change... and these two are facing some of the biggest decisions in life. Now that they are starting to feel more deeply about each other, will they take things to another level or try to keep their best-friendship in tact?

I imagine that this is one of the most relatable topics for anyone, anywhere... ever. Hasn't everyone had that friend that they sort of wondered would be more? Ahem, maybe this is just relatable to me. :) Anyway, it's an interesting topic and I was wondering how the author would handle it. I don't know that I love how things ended up, but I'm not going to spoil that for you here. It just wasn't what I was expecting.

Also, there are asides at the end (or beginning) of each chapter in the form of IMs or Texts or something between the two main characters. It's as though they are writing this story together and looking back on those times with either fondness or despair. But it's unclear where they are looking back from... are they adults? Are they just immediately after this story happens? It's a little like the adult looking back on their stupid mistakes as a teenager. I'm not sure how that's going to read for an actual teen. Preachy? I'm not sure how much those added to the story - and I kind of thought they weren't needed.

Beyond that, I thought this was an interesting story. It does cover a lot of ground. You start in seventh grade and it goes pretty far through high school. That's a lot of time in such a short book. I guess I'm not sure I understand the need to pull in that much of the story. You do need to know where the characters have come from to know why they way they are. I just wonder if there was a different way to do that. When they were in the young stages, I sort of had a hard time remembering that they weren't older teens.

So, with all of that being said, I still liked the story. I loved the relationship between the main characters. I love the realistic way that they dealt with relationships with people outside of the two of them. It seemed very authentic. So that was well done and I know a lot of romance lovers who will really get into this story. It obviously wasn't my favorite for some formatting and general storytelling reasons, but I think this one will find a home with those chick lit girls.
_________________________________________________
Other Blog Reviews: 

Paperback Treasures
The Librarian Who Doesn't Say Shhh!
The Cozy Reader
Once Upon a Twilight
Winterhaven Books
Ticket to Anywhere
Mostly YA Book Obsessed
Nick's Book Blog
I am a Reader
Katie's Book Blog

Fan Art by Sarah Tregay

Title: Fan Art
Author: Sarah Tregay
ISBN: 9780062243157
Publisher: Katherine Tegan Books
Released: June 17, 2014
Page # 355
Source: ARC from the publisher

Summary:
"Senior is almost over and Jamie Peterson has a problem: He's fallen for his best friend. As much as he tries to keep it under wraps, everyone seems to know where Jamie's affections lie, and the giggling girls in art class are determined to help him get together with Mason. But Jamie isn't sure if that's what he wants - because as much as Jamie would like to come clean to Mason, what if the truth ruins everything? What if there are no more road trips, taco dinners, or movie nights? Does he dare risk a childhood friendship for romance?"
____________________________________________________
First Lines: (Quote from the Galley - see final copy for changes)


"'Nah,' I say about the brunette at the next table. 'Isn't she more your type?' But the truth is, even though Mason's my best friend, I don't know his type. He doesn't date - he says it's just asking for drama."
Page 1
____________________________________________________
Review:

This book has pretty much everything that librarians love - adorable first relationships, a fight against censorship, poetry and a literary magazine... What more could you want?!

Jamie is head-over-heels in love with his best friend Mason. But no one but his mom knows that he's gay. Then a girl in his art class draws a graphic short story that sends everything reeling. There are Senior pranks, parties, practical jokes, mixed signals... and everything great that comes with high school. :)

So, my favorite thing about this book is insanely silly. It's not the point of the story - or even anything that's mentioned, but it rang true for me. There's something that happens the Senior year of high school that brings everyone together - no matter your social standing. Cliques sort of disappear a little and you have an understanding of each other. That's how mine was and that's how it seems in this book. Maybe I just loved that because it was reminiscent for me. But I think there's something so sweet about a class sort of bonding right before they separate forever. (old person nostalgia)

This is definitely going to be your "feel good" book of the summer. It's such a quick story that you will probably devour it in one beach day. Most of the characters are so sweet and genuine. It's really how you hope life will always be... but this is much more fairy tale than all that. You will want to become best friends with all of the characters. Maybe not one or two, but the majority.

There were a couple of things that didn't seem very realistic to me. Like, a teenager printing out pictures. Not just posting them somewhere online. I mean, I understand getting them printed for your locker or whatever... but to have not seen them before that moment seems unreal. Also, there was a mention of flipping a phone closed. Does anyone still have a flip phone? I haven't laid eyes on one in years. So there were a couple of little things that pulled me out of the fantasy land story. But otherwise I really thought it was consistent. Maybe those things will be changed in the final version.

All in all, this is a fun story about a boy in love. He's awkward, he's adorable, you will root for him till the end. I'm definitely recommending this one for your summer beach read.
____________________________________________________
Other Blog Reviews:

Istyria Book Blog
Technicolor Moments
Overflowing Bookshelves
What a Nerd Girl Says
Finding Bliss in Books
Sassyreads

The Beginning of Everything by Robyn Schneider

Title: The Beginning of Everything
Author: Robyn Schneider
ISBN: 9780062217134
Publisher: Katherine Tegen Books
Released: August 27, 2013
Page #: 335
Source: ARC from the publisher

Summary:
"Varsity Tennis captain Ezra Faulkner was supposed to be homecoming king, but that was before—before his girlfriend cheated on him, before a car accident shattered his leg, and before he fell in love with unpredictable new girl Cassidy Thorpe."
__________________________________________________
First Lines: (Quote from the ARC, subject to change)

"Sometimes I think that everyone has a tragedy waiting for them, that the people buying milk in their pajamas or picking their noses at stoplights could only be moments away from disaster. That everyone's life, no matter how unremarkable, has a moment when it will become extraordinary - a single encounter after which everything that really matters will happen."
Page 1
__________________________________________________
Review:

Y'all, I really loved this book. It is laugh-out-loud hilarious, so very sweet, and definitely heartbreaking. I'm going to try not to gush during this review... we'll see if that works out.

Ezra has a horrible accident that keeps him from doing what he loves - playing tennis. His whole life is flipped upside down. His friends aren't who he thought they were, old friends resurface, and others prove themselves to be interesting allies. And there's a girl who comes along and changes his outlook on everything - Cassidy. She is nothing like any of the girls he has known before and he realizes quickly how special she is. But there are secrets and tragedies that will try to pull them apart.

Can I just emphasize how clever and hilarious this book is? Seriously. I ended up reading out loud more quotes from this book to my unsuspecting coworkers than they probably wanted. You know, even when it was dealing with heavy issues, there was still a lighter tone that made sense. It was just a lighthearted, fantastic story.

There is something so awesome to me about a romantic story written from the guy's perspective. I mean, girl romance stories are good and everything - I'm definitely into those, too. But when you're reading from a guy's perspective, there is something more genuine and sweet about it. Especially when the girl is someone so awesome and unexpected. It's that discovery and understanding that really comes across well with this sort of book.

It was sort of awesome that many of the main characters are part of the debate team. They were the coolest people in the story, for sure. And I kind of hope that will translate for many teens who think those kids are uber dorks. Their conversations were so smart and clever that I almost couldn't handle it. And I loved the whole time that they were at a weekend debate contest. It really took me back to my days of traveling with hs groups. 

I'm pretty much going to recommend this book to anyone who loves YA realistic lit. It's a really solid book that made me remember why I have loved realistic stories in the past. It just felt real and genuine... ugh, so good! I cannot wait to see what else this author comes up with. I'm definitely a fan as of right now. 
__________________________________________________
Other Blog Reviews:

Lily's Book Blog
Cuddlebuggery Book Blog
Alluring Reads
The Flyleaf Review
Rather Be Reading
Annette's Book Spot
The Midnight Garden
Book Fixation
Bookish Comforts
The Eater of Books!

Fire with Fire by Jenny Han and Sibhan Vivian

Title: Fire with Fire
Author: Jenny Han and Siobhan Vivian
ISBN: 9781442440784
Publisher: Simon and Schuster
Released: August 13, 2013
Series: Burn for Burn #2
Page: 518
Source: eARC from Edelweiss

Summary:
Lillia, Kat, and Mary had the perfect plan. Work together in secret to take down the people who wronged them. But things didn't exactly go the way they'd hoped at the Homecoming Dance.

Not even close.
For now, it looks like they got away with it. All they have to do is move on and pick up the pieces, forget there ever was a pact. But it's not easy, not when Reeve is still a total jerk and Rennie's meaner than she ever was before.

And then there's sweet little Mary…she knows there's something seriously wrong with her. If she can't control her anger, she's sure that someone will get hurt even worse than Reeve was. Mary understands now that it's not just that Reeve bullied her-it's that he made her love him.

Eye for an eye, tooth for a tooth, burn for a burn. A broken heart for a broken heart. The girls are up to the task. They'll make Reeve fall in love with Lillia and then they will crush him. It's the only way he'll learn.
It seems once a fire is lit, the only thing you can do is let it burn..."
_______________________________________________
First Lines: (Quote from the ARC, subject to change)


"I couldn't decide what to wear. At first I thought casual, like jeans and a button-down; then I thought no, in case his parents are there I should wear a dress, something somber like my gray scoop neck with the skinny belt."
Page 1
_______________________________________________
Review:

So, that quote up there really doesn't give this book justice. It may have changed in the final version... but it sounds sort of vapid. Which is not at all what this book is. In fact, I loved this book. It was a great follow up to an amazing story of revenge.

The plan that Lillia, Mary, and Kat concocted sort of blew up in their faces. They ended up hurting people more than they intended to. They wanted to give them a taste of their own medicine... but ended up physically hurting some people. There is some definite guilt, but then opportunities present themselves to continue the revenge scheme. It's too good to pass up, but will it go too far again?

I really loved this book. It's such a fast paced story that I hardly noticed that it's 500+ pages. You spend the first book getting to know these three girls - and how different they are. They are in totally different cliques in school, but they have grudges against the same people. And this second book, you see how their friendship grows even more. And see how their lives start to really intertwine.

At the end of the first book, you get a hint about the supernatural aspect of Mary's involvement. She is the one that caused the accidental injuries. And you get a lot more of that in this book - and you start to really wonder about her Aunt. She's sort of New Age-y and Mary starts to notice how different she is being treated and starts to become almost scared of her.

I was a little worried about this second book - because of the whole sophomore slump. But really this book is just as good, maybe better, than the first one. There's more romance. More scheming. More drama. More mystery. Just MORE! And it's awesome. There is a huge twist at the end of this book... Obviously I'm not going to talk about it, but it's major. And it makes you rethink the entire course of the story. I really look forward to seeing how it is treated in the next book.

If you're a fan of YA chick lit with an edge, this is definitely the series for you. I love each and every one of our main girls. They are so different, but you really understand where each one is coming from. Which is one of the things that makes this book good for so many different readers. They can see themselves in any of the characters. Anyway. So good. Definitely give this series a try.
_______________________________________________
Other Blog Reviews:

Rather Be Reading
Itching for Books
Lose Time Reading
Novel Sounds
The Quiet Concert
I Eat Words
The Social Potato Reviews
Maji Bookshelf
Sarah Elizabeth's Bookshelf
Page Turners Blog

The F- It List by Julie Halpern

Title: The F- It List
Author: Julie Halpern
ISBN: 9781250025654
Publisher: Feiwel and Friends
Released: November 12, 2013
Page #: 248
Source: ARC from the publisher

Summary:
"Alex and Becca have always been the best of friends. But when Becca does something nearly unforgivable at Alex's dad's funeral, Alex cuts ties with her and focuses on her grieving family.

Time passes, and Alex finally decides to forgive Becca. Then she's hit with another shocker: Becca has cancer. It also turns out Becca has a bucket list, one she doesn't know she'll be able to finish now. That's where Alex comes in, along with a mysterious and guarded boy who may just help Alex check a few items off her own bucket list.

Julie Halpern writes about illness, loss, love, and friendship with candor and compassion. Here is an unforgettable book about living fully, living authentically, and just... living."
________________________________________________
First Lines:

"The only thing worse than having my best friend sleep with my boyfriend the night of my father's funeral would be if she killed my dad herself. Becca didn't, which was the one thing that redeemed her."
Page 1
________________________________________________
Review:

I honestly wish this book had a different title. This book was really, really good and I wish I could buy it for every high school... but alas. We'll see if I can sell anyone on it. Straight up, this book was fabulous.

It's the story of Alex and Becca - best friends forever. After an insane summer, Becca finds out that she has cancer. This throws both of their lives into a tailspin. Alex wants to do anything to help Becca and only thing they come up with is to help Becca complete her bucket list that she had been making since she was nine. Some of the stuff on the list is super silly and easy, other stuff is a bit more risque. But Alex wants to help out and is willing to do anything.

I really appreciated that this book was written from the perspective of Alex. Sometimes I worry that teen stories about things like cancer will be really heavy and intense and sad. That truly does not describe this book. Alex is the perfect leading lady and she has an outlook on life that is unstoppable. She would probably be the perfect friend to have around when something like this happens. She's hilarious and understanding and loving... a recipe for a fabulous friend.

While there are parts of this book that are a little more edgy, I really think that the life lessons and situations will speak to anyone in high school. And I really did worry that the title was an indication of major f-bomb usage in the story. But it really is only used in normal contexts. There are some books I have started that I couldn't get through because of the intense amount of language - which is not the way anyone speaks. This book felt real and honest when it comes to the way people actually talk. I very much appreciated that.

I also thought it was cool the way Alex treated her life after finding out about Becca. Like anyone, she wondered about how shallow she was when thinking about stupid stuff while Becca was dealing with a huge issue. She knew how she was supposed to feel and had a hard time putting her own needs aside. Which really is how I think most people feel in those types of situations. The author just did a great job putting a lot of reality into this story.

You've also got a pretty awesome love story to top things off - which helps Alex complete some of the more risque items on Becca's bucket list. It's not all butterflies and rainbows, either. Real stuff happens and they deal with it the way many people would. And there's an adorable relationship that starts up with Becca and her next door neighbor. Which is super sweet and makes you want to meet a guy like him.

I haven't read anything by this author before, but I really think she does an amazing job with realistic fiction. Things feel authentic and everything rings true. I may have to go back and pick up some of her other stuff now. If you can get past this title, I really think lovers of realistic fiction will be all about this book.
________________________________________________
Other Blog Reviews:

The Reading Addict
The Bookaholic Blurbs
Reading Junky's Reading Roost
Istyria Book Blog
Page Turners Blog

The Infinite Moment of Us by Lauren Myracle

Title: The Infinite Moment of Us 
Author: Lauren Myracle
ISBN: 9781419707933
Publisher: Amulet Books
Released: August 27, 2013
Page #: 318
Source: ARC from the publisher

Summary:
"For eighteen years Wren Gray has been the model daughter, which in her family means all As, zero boyfriends, and early acceptance into a pre-med program. But as high school graduation nears, so does an uncomfortable realization. Pleasing her parents once overlapped with pleasing herself, but now... not so much. Wren needs to honor her own desires, but how can she if she doesn't even know what they are?

Charlie Parker, on the other hand, knows exactly what he wants. A gentle boy with a troubled past, Charlie has loved Wren since the day he first saw her. But a girl like Wren would never fall for a guy like Charlie - at least not the sort of guy Charlie believes himself to be.

And yet certain things are written in the stars. And in the summer after high school, Wren's and Charlie's souls will collide. But souls are complicated, as are the bodies that house them...

Deeply sexy and achingly romantic, this gorgeous novel, from one of young adult literature's most distinctive voices, explores that time between high school and college when life seems to be just beginning, and everything - including true love - is possible."
__________________________________________________
First Lines: (Quote from the ARC, subject to change)

"It was all ending: High School.
It was all beginning: everything that came next. 
This was true for every senior at Atlanta's Southview High School, not just Wren."
Page 1
__________________________________________________
Review:

I got way more than I bargained for with this book. I should have read the whole description, probably... as it mentions how sexy it is. So there's that... but it was really a good read.

Wren has always done what her parents told her to do... until now. They want her to go to college at Emory and she wants to go help people in Guatemala. She's never done anything against them, including getting involved with guys. And then Charlie Parker happens right after graduation. He's sweet and really cares about her and they fall in love. Quickly. They are so in love that they really question their decisions about what to do after high school. Do they want to make a forever commitment right now?

I really do think that this is a realistic portrait of a post high school relationship. There's the intense love portion, the questioning each other, the worrying about each other's past, the wondering about the future, the immediate connections... It just feels very real.

One thing that I sort of didn't understand was Wren's compliance with her parents throughout high school. I guess it's possible that the whole teen angst thing didn't come up for her. But didn't we all question things our parents said throughout that time? Wasn't that exactly when you started rebelling? I just can't imagine Wren waiting until after high school to start doing something. Especially considering how her parents treated her...

I just need to mention the sexier parts of this book. I only feel the need to talk about it because of the age-range many of the vendors and review sources have put on it. I have seen a few that say this book is appropriate for grades 7 and up. Honestly... I would say more like grades 10 and up. It's pretty specific about sexual situations. I know that it's true to life and all that... but I feel like the emotional stuff and the ... yeah, it's just for way older teens.

There are definite things in this book that are great life-lessons regarding sex. Things like protection, getting tested, it being with someone you love deeply and all of that. So it's not a bad message at all. And I think it's well done. I just wasn't prepared for some of the terminology and I worry that it might be seen as too racy by some librarians/parents. But the love story is sweet and well thought out.

I do think that girls who love romance will be all about this story. Charlie is exactly the kind of guy that we all hope for, I think. :) So this book will definitely find an audience. Not to mention the author has a great following. I have read some of her stuff in the past and loved it. It's a quick, full-of-feeling love story that will strike a chord with many girls.
__________________________________________________
Other Blog Reviews:

Sarah Reads Too Much
Rather Be Reading
The Book Belles
Bewitched Bookworms
The Reader's Den
Writer of Wrongs
The Reading Vixens
Alexa Loves Books
Readers in Wonderland
Queen of Contemporary

Crash by Lisa McMann

Title: Crash
Author: Lisa McMann
ISBN: 9781442461680
Publisher: Simon Pulse
Released: January 8, 2013
Page #: 233
Series: Visions #1
Source: ARC from the publisher

Summary:
"Jules lives with her family above their restaurant, which means she smells like pizza most of the time and drives their double-meatball-shaped food truck to school. It's not a recipe for popularity, but she can handle that. What she can't handle is the vision.

Over and over, Jules sees a careening truck hit a building and explode... and nine body bags in the snow.

She has no idea why this is happening to her or if she's going crazy. It hardly matters, because the vision is everywhere - on billboards, television screens, windows - and she's the only one who can see it.

But it's not until the vision starts coming more frequently, and revealing more clues, that Jules knows what she has to do. Because now she can see the face in one of the body bags, and it's someone she knows.
Someone she's been in love with for as long as she can remember."
__________________________________________________
First Lines: (Quote from the ARC, subject to change)


"My sophomore psych teacher, Mr. Polselli, says knowledge is crucial to understanding the workings of the human brain, but I swear to dog, I don't want any more knowledge about this."
Page 1
__________________________________________________
Review:

It has been a while since I read the Wake trilogy by McMann, but I honestly think she is one of the best authors of YA out there today. Granted, I haven't read a couple of her books, but from what I've read, she's fantastic.

Jules works in the family pizza place. They have a huge rivalry with another family pizzeria across town. And her family isn't exactly normal - they have some pretty big secrets. But Jules has now got something she can't share with anyone. She is seeing a vision - just one... of the same huge crash over and over. It's easy to ignore at first, but finally she gets a chance to see some of the details. And what she sees changes everything - now she has to figure out how to stop it from happening.

I feel like the Wake trilogy had the same sort of premise, but with dreams. Or something close to it. Again, it's been a while, so I don't fully remember. BUT! The thing is, after reading this book, I don't even really care. McMann is just so good at crafting a story that it feels like a whole new idea. She truly doesn't pull any punches and will leave you breathless.

I really loved the whole Romeo and Juliet feel between the two teens and their family restaurants. But I loved even more the resolution in the end when you find out why that rivalry exists so much. There's something so appealing about that unrequited love that you just feel for Jules. She is fearless and loyal almost to a fault. But I loved getting to know her and I cannot wait for the next story.

One of my favorite characters was Trey, Jules' brother. He is always there to back her up and you can feel how much he loves her. Their sister Rowan is also pretty cool and I hope there is more about her in the future books. But Trey really shows what sibling love is all about. I'm not sure how many teen sibling relationships are that great (coming from experience), but it's refreshing to see.

If you haven't read any of McMann's books, I highly suggest you pick this one up. They aren't very long, and the story sucks you in till you finish it in one sitting. Just well crafted romance, thriller, mystery, drama.... and some humor thrown in to taste. Crash is a great book that I plan on recommending around to just about everyone who loves YA lit. Including you. Go find a copy while I weep over the fact that the next book doesn't come out for another three months.
__________________________________________________
Other Blog Reviews:

Kaylafultz's Blog
Dazzling Reads
Maji Bookshelf
Pure Imagination
Conversations of a Reading Addict
The Teen Book Guru
Booking It With Hayley G
The Sweet Bookshelf
The Starry-Eyed Revue
Chaotic Reader

Forgotten by Cat Patrick

Title: Forgotten
Author: Cat Patrick
ISBN: 9780316094610
Publisher: Little Brown and Company
Released: June 14, 2011
Duration: 6 hours, 19 minutes
Source: Audiobook from my public library

Summary:
"Each night at precisely 4:33 am, while sixteen-year-old London Lane is asleep, her memory of that day is erased. In the morning, all she can "remember" are events from her future. London is used to relying on reminder notes and a trusted friend to get through the day, but things get complicated when a new boy at school enters the picture. Luke Henry is not someone you'd easily forget, yet try as she might, London can't find him in her memories of things to come.

When London starts experiencing disturbing flashbacks, or flash-forwards, as the case may be, she realizes it's time to learn about the past she keeps forgetting-before it destroys her future."
___________________________________________________
First Lines:

"Aren't Fridays supposed to be good?
This one started badly.
The note on my nightstand didn't tell me anything useful. My eyelids wanted to stay closed; my favorite jeans were in the hamper; and there was no milk in the fridge."
Page 7
___________________________________________________
Review:

For whatever reason, I actually didn't know what this book was going to be about. But it was available from my library's audio collection - so I gave it a go. I should really start paying more attention to the summaries before I actually read/listen to a book. I still really liked it... but in a different way than I expected :).

London forgets everything at 4:33am every day. She has to leave herself notes and clues about things that have happened and are important. Then one day she meets a guy - someone she really doesn't want to forget. But there's one kicker - she can remember things from the future. She knows what is going to happen to people. And this guy isn't in her future. She can't see him.

I had assumed this book was going to be very mysterious. And while there is a little bit of that element, it's much more than that. In fact, it comes across more as a love story.A girl just trying to be normal and have a normal relationship. But she finds out more about herself than she thought possible. But she has to keep her secret from this guy... What would he do if he found out about her?

Can you imagine not remembering anything from your past? Truly nothing?? That seems amazingly scary. I think anyone would do the same as what London does - take notes. Keep folders of your information. Make sure that everything is written down every night so you can remember it the next day. And the idea of deliberately forgetting something is even more intense. It's also crazy to think that she can scan her future memory for clues about things that have happened in the past. What a trip!

I really enjoyed this story. I think the concept is cool and really blows my mind. And to think that there was a reason for it - and maybe a way to fix it is even more insane. I thought this was well done and the story really pulled me in. I'm definitely a fan of Cat Patrick now and I need to go find everything else she's written. I will definitely be recommending her book on - especially if you like YA romance with a little meat to it.
___________________________________________________
Other Blog Reviews:

Chapter by Chapter
Turn the Page
The Story Siren
Dreaming in Books
The Book Goddess
Tabitha's Book Blog
Reading Lark
Presenting Lenore
A Dream of Books
Christina Reads YA