Review: Fangirl

Author Rainbow Rowell
Format e-Book
Print Length 445 pages
Publisher St. Martin’s Press
Published September 10, 2013

A coming-of-age tale of fan fiction, family and first love.

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 fan fiction, 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 Cath 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 fan fiction 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? Writing her own stories?

And does she even want to move on if it means leaving Simon Snow behind?

My Opinion

Cath is one of those girls- a fan girl to Simon Snow. So much so that she even writes fan fiction for her followers. In high school it was so easy. She could bounce ideas off her twin sister, Wren and write her stories. Updating her blog almost daily. College on the other hand is a bit different.

Wren and Cath no longer share a room. Cath feels a bit abandoned by Wren and she is keeping to herself a lot. Her roommate Reagan, begins to worry about her and decides to take her under her wing. Reagan’s best friend Levi, takes an interest in her as well. Life happens and her blog is pushed aside. The tragedy occurs and she returns back the Simon Snow world.

I felt bad for Cather. She was the introvert twin, which is okay. Her life was hard after her mom left- moving to college was a HUGE change. Then her sister acts like the typical college freshman and Cather pays the price.

Levi is almost the perfect guy lead. Not the typical hottie but instead a nice guy, a popular guy, who is sweet and a gentleman. Except that one time, when he did something that was not gentlemen like. Yeah, it would have made me mad as well but seriously she takes it a bit too far.

Coming of Age tale that ultimately is a fun read, if you have the time.

My Rating 3 stars out of 5

Favorite Quote “I like that we’re not friends.” “Me, too,” Reagan said. “I’m sorry you ruined it by being so pathetic.”

Other People

Reagan- Cather’s roomie
Levi- Reagan’s bestie, once dated her
Courtney- Wren’s roomie and her new bestie, totally a bad influence
Nick- Cather’s writing partner, kinda shady

Swoon Thursday (22) Tempting the Bodyguard

The fabulous girls over at YA Bound created this super HOT meme. Here's how it works.

From the book you’re currently reading, or one you just finished, tell us what made you SWOON. What got your heart pounding, your skin tingling, and your stomach fluttering. 

Shout it out on Twitter with the hashtag #YABound, post it here in the comments, or grab the adorable button above and share it on your blog! I want to know & so do the gals at YABound!

“You have me,” he said, meaning it. The moment he said those words, he knew how true they were. She had him. Her mouth opened, but he snaked an arm around her waist and carefully hauled her up against him and kissed her.

Tempting the Bodyguard by J. Lynn Kindle Location 2142

Sometimes all it takes to make my heart go pitter patter is a few words.  Chandler nails it with this scene.

Waiting on Wednesday (23) A Cursed Awakened (Weird Girls, #0.6)

Hey y'all, thanks so much for stopping by my WoW!

Waiting On Wednesday is a weekly meme, hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine which spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.

Discover Cecy Robson’s sensational Weird Girls series—or return to where the magic first began—with this eBook original prequel novella about four sisters coming to grips with their unique supernatural powers.

Celia Wird shouldn’t possess the ability to transform into a tigress. Her three sisters should never be able to burst into flames, heal wounds, or transform common objects into deadly weapons. And yet they do.

Before they were born, the Wird Sisters were cursed by a spell that was intended to destroy them, not endow them with extraordinary powers. The sisters’ magic is untamed and explosive at best, and time is running out for them to take command.

Vampires have targeted Celia’s sweet, tragically human ex-boyfriend Danny. The sisters rush to his aid, but in order to take down the vamps, first they must face their dark past and break a spell that’s screwing up their powers. Except this curse wasn’t meant to be broken . . . and the witch who cast it isn’t done toying with them yet

Why I am waiting?

I adore this series, and would like to know more about Cecy’s curse. Plus her relationship with Danny seems just odd to me. A little bit more of a background there is needed for me to buy into it more.

Teaser Tuesday (22) A Cursed Awakened

Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme, hosted by MizB of Should Be Reading. Anyone can play along! Just do the following:

• Grab your current read

• Open to a random page

• Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page

• BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!)

• Share the title & author, too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers!

“Do yourself and your family a tremendous favor and keep far away from the supernatural world. It is no place for someone with your heart.”

A Cursed Awakened by Cecy Robson Kindle Location 1170

“Because bad things happen to good girls who stand against the dark ones.

A Cursed Awakened by Cecy Robson Kindle Location 874

I'll be honest, this novella has no swoony moments.  But I think for story development that is a good thing.  I like how the last tease foreshadows what is to come.

Review: Rebel Belle

Author Rachel Hawkins
Format e-Book
Print Length 345 pages
Publisher Putnam Juvenile
Published April 8, 2014

Harper Price, peerless Southern belle, was born ready for a Homecoming tiara. But after a strange run-in at the dance imbues her with incredible abilities, Harper's destiny takes a turn for the seriously weird. She becomes a Paladin, one of an ancient line of guardians with agility, super strength and lethal fighting instincts.

Just when life can't get any more disastrously crazy, Harper finds out who she's charged to protect: David Stark, school reporter, subject of a mysterious prophecy and possibly Harper's least favorite person. But things get complicated when Harper starts falling for him—and discovers that David's own fate could very well be to destroy Earth.

With snappy banter, cotillion dresses, non-stop action and a touch of magic, this new young adult series from bestseller Rachel Hawkins is going to make y'all beg for more.

My Opinion

On the night that she is suppose to be named Homecoming Queen Harper Price stumbles upon a horrible murder. One in which the victim tries to kiss her and then she gets attacked. No one will believe her though, since all evidence disappears. Besides the homecoming queen cannot get all weird, especially with her family history.

Who doesn’t love a book that mentions World of Warcraft? Not only have that, but a female paladin, sign me up. Harper is a noob with the whole paladin protection service and to be honest does not want to protect her charge, David Stark- who is totally not related to Tony stark. Stark is Harper’s niemizes and has been since grade school. Their rivalry has continued in highschool with the valedictorian slot up for grabs. Why they hate each other no one can say- they just like ti better that way.

Harper really is a sweet southern belle. Not an ounce of meanness in her body- she can’t even be mean to the gal trying to steal her man. I have to say the only issue I had with the book is the mention of a hummingbird cake. Having grown up in the south, I have never heard of this famous southern cake before. I even looked it up- my only rational is that I was raised by Yankees in the south. So that could be the reason I haven’t heard of it before.

A fabulously entertaining tale that will cause you to want to sit on your front porch with a cold glass of sweet ice tea, some cake and the quiet hum of the crickets as you read.

My Rating 4 out of 5 stars

Favorite Quote “Well, bless your heart,” he drawled in a not very nice (if kind of accurate) imitation of my accent.

Other People

Bee- Harper’s bestie extremely supportive
Ryan- Harper’s boyfriend, I kinda don’t like him-but for no reason at all
Saylor- David’s guardian and Mage, only he doesn’t know it

Jumping Genres in June Giveaway Hop

Jumping genres is not easy- in fact for some it is rather hard.  Shouldn't we stick to our tried and true genres- the ones that makes us happy.  The ones that rarely ever disappoint.  It is sorta like going to a restaurant and ordering the same meal again- you know you love it, so why try something new.  What if?  What if there is something on the menu that you like more than your usual- you just don't know it because you won't branch out.  Think of all of the great things you would be missing out of if you don't try something new.  How did your usual genre anyway?  You had to branch out at least once.  Here are a few books that made me  grateful for jumping genres.

Since jumping genres is so hard, such a risk for this giveaway hop I will giving away an Amazon gift card.  Hopefully, it will help you to jump genres.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Now that you are entered to win, hop along to other great stops on this fabulous giveaway hop.

Book Boyfriend (21) Logan

• Join the Book Boyfriend meme
• Pick your book boyfriend for the week
• Current read or not
• Tease us with something about your boy
• Don't spoil the book
• Link up with us

He hates making her cry!

“That’s my scary face,” I pouted. “It’s supposed to be terrifying.”

“No, your scary face is when you’re crying,” Logan said seriously, all hint of teasing gone. “Because it terrifies me that I made you cry.”

He helps Paige put her jewelry on.

Logan flicked his fingers towards my wrist. “The bracelet? You need help getting that on? You want to wear it now, right?”

He can fight demons yet his girlfriend’s daddy scares him.

“And if he scares you, just remember that my dad is wearing a free shirt for a frozen fish company, and he’s allergic to shellfish. This is the big scary man you’re dealing with.”

“I’m not trying to cook him a nice shrimp dinner. I’m trying to be respectful, so he doesn’t forbid you to be my girlfriend,” he mumbled, and I felt that twinge in my heart again, for the insecure, wounded side of Logan he hid so well.

Logan is an adorable demon hunter. It is cute watching him navigate through the maze that is a first relationship.

Review: Chameleon

Author Kelly Oram
Format e-book
Print Length 356 pages
Publisher Bluefields
Published June 25, 2013

For small-town rebel Dani Webber magic and monsters are no more real than the Easter Bunny… until the day she accidentally stops time. Dani quickly discovers that not only do supernaturals exist, but she herself is one of them. This is great news for her life-long best friend Russ, who can finally come clean about his own supernatural status and his undying love for her. Before the two can start to enjoy the long overdue relationship, Dani is taken by a powerful council of supernaturals who believe she is the Chosen One destined to save them from extinction.

As if being kidnapped and expected to save the world isn’t bad enough, an ancient prophecy warns of the Chosen One’s dark nature: “Only the truest love will keep her an agent for good.” The council believes they know who this “true love” is and, unfortunately, that person isn’t Russ. The mysterious, powerful and devastatingly handsome Seer is the last person Dani wants in her life, but when she starts having visions of a horrific future, she has no one else to turn to for help.

Soon Dani finds herself torn between two very different boys with two very different opinions of whom she can trust. With the visions getting worse and time running out, Dani is forced to put aside her feelings and work with both the Seer and Russ before an ancient evil is unleashed upon the earth.

My Opinion

Dani Webber got one heck of a birthday surprise. Her best friend Russ reveals he is a warlock. She gets sick and discovers that she is a supernatural too. But what kind of supernatural she is well, that is to be determined. As she grows in her powers her cravings to be around other supernatural will grow stronger.

The supernatural Council kidnaps her for her own protection. After almost dying she wakes up married to the seer, Gabriel. This of course makes Dani suspicious of the Council and all that they do. Dani begins to have visions like Gabe. The Council refuses to believe her visions. Since the council will not help her, she and Gabe set out along with Russ to fix the things in her visions.

Okay, I will be honest I was not feeling the Gabe/Dani love. I felt more like she had Stockholm Syndrome but hey their attraction works for them. I felt incredibly bad for Russ- lost his mom, lost his gal- who was his bestie, finds out horrible things about his daddy.

Dani is a likeable gal and I loved how she questioned authority. I did not like how Gabe went along with the Council the whole time. I felt like he did not have a backbone at all.

My Rating 3 out of 5 stars

Favorite Quote “What do you suggest I do instead? Run upstairs and jump into the Seer’s bed like a good little slave girl and pop out some uber-powerful babies so that the council can claim them too? I don’t think so.”

Other People

Russ- Dani’s best friend and a warlock
Duncan- vampire, Dani’s guardian
Alex- Russ’ daddy, a warlock
Councilor- lead councilman, kinda a jerk

Swoon Thursday (21) Gone With The Wolf

The fabulous girls over at YA Bound created this super HOT meme. Here's how it works.

From the book you’re currently reading, or one you just finished, tell us what made you SWOON. What got your heart pounding, your skin tingling, and your stomach fluttering. 

Shout it out on Twitter with the hashtag #YABound, post it here in the comments, or grab the adorable button above and share it on your blog! I want to know & so do the gals at YABound!

"But you said your life would be shortened if you didn't bond with someone."

Drake couldn't hold back, not now. Not when the pressure in his chest was this tight.

"If I knew I was never going to see you again, I'd choose to die tonight, with the state of you still on my tongue, the feel of your body still on my hands,

and your sent lingering in my nose, than live another day without those things."

Gone with the Wolf Kindle Location 1871

Drake is a little intense here- but the situation calls for it.  I could not imagine finding the one what I was fated to be with, destined to be with and then to have to fight for them.

Waiting on Wednesday (22) Silver Shadows

Hey y'all, thanks so much for stopping by my WoW!

Waiting On Wednesday is a weekly meme, hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine which spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.

Sydney Sage is an Alchemist, one of a group of humans who dabble in magic and serve to bridge the worlds of humans and vampires. They protect vampire secrets—and human lives.

In The Fiery Heart, Sydney risked everything to follow her gut, walking a dangerous line to keep her feelings hidden from the Alchemists.

Now in the aftermath of an event that ripped their world apart, Sydney and Adrian struggle to pick up the pieces and find their way back to each other. But first, they have to survive.

For Sydney, trapped and surrounded by adversaries, life becomes a daily struggle to hold on to her identity and the memories of those she loves. Meanwhile, Adrian clings to hope in the face of those who tell him Sydney is a lost cause, but the battle proves daunting as old demons and new temptations begin to seize hold of him. . . .

Their worst fears now a chilling reality, Sydney and Adrian face their darkest hour in this heart-pounding fifth installment in the New York Times bestselling Bloodlines series, where all bets are off.

Why I am waiting?

Umm did you not read Fiery Heart? Did you not understand the cliffhanger? I mean seriously Richelle Mead knows how to keep the reader invested in her series.

Teaser Tuesday (21) The Gramm Curse

Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme, hosted by MizB of Should Be Reading. Anyone can play along! Just do the following:

• Grab your current read

• Open to a random page

• Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page

• BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!)

• Share the title & author, too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers!

It will take someone stronger than diamonds to cut through what I've constructed, someone stronger than me, and Jezi just doesn't have that kind of strength.

The Gramm Curse by Candace Knoebel Kindle Location 77

Maybe Jezi isn't the one for you," he grunts, "but one of these days, little bro, someone's gonna come along and hit you so hard in the heart, you're going to be reeling from it. When that happens, I', gonna be there to tell you I told you so.

The Gramm Curse by Candace Knoebel  Kindle Location 456

I want to feel bad to Jexi I really do. I can't though, she is a manipulative and bad person. Yeah, she got a raw deal, but it is how you handle the cards that you are dealt with that matter. She is handling those cards poorly.

Review: The Dark World

Author Cara Lynn Shultz
Format e-ARC
Print Length 384 pages
Publisher Harlequin Teen
Published May 27, 2014

Paige Kelly is used to weird--in fact, she probably corners the market on weird, considering that her best friend, Dottie, has been dead since the 1950s. But when a fire demon attacks Paige in detention, she has to admit that things have gotten out of her league. Luckily, the cute new boy in school, Logan Bradley, is a practiced demon slayer-and he isn't fazed by Paige's propensity to chat with the dead. Suddenly, Paige is smack in the middle of a centuries-old battle between warlocks and demons, learning to fight with a magic sword so that she can defend herself. And if she makes one wrong move, she'll be pulled into the Dark World, an alternate version of our world that's overrun by demons-and she might never make it home.

My Opinion

My first thought was “I see dead people.” Here is a story about a gal- Paige, who saved a child’s life by paying for it with her own. They were able to revive her- her reward for saving the child’s life was to be able to communicate with dead people. The problem with that though is that no one else sees them- so she becomes ostracized and isolated. So much so that her parents switch schools that she is in, unfortunately a dead girl also goes to that school. The mean gal of the school Pepper catches Paige talking to the dead girl and Paige instantly becomes a weirdo and a freak. Yet more isolationism, except this time she has Dottie- the dead gal to keep her company. There is a boy at school that seems to like Paige, although Paige writes it off as wishful thinking. Dottie begs Paige to consider Logan, she wants her bestie to have a boyfriend.

Three new students show up to school, thank goodness Paige will no longer be the new kid. But there is something weird about these new kids- weirder than Paige. Every time one of them is around Paige she cannot see or talk to Dottie. Paige doesn’t know it yet but she is a Traveler- one who can travel between our world and the Dark World. The Dark World is an alternative world that spirits are trapped in if a demon caused their death. The Regent Queen of the Dark World sent her minions to capture Paige. Logan means to stop them.

Logan did not remind me of a lot of YA heroes. Logan is a sweet hero- he is not mean to Paige. He is not possessive of her. At times it was if she was an afterthought to him. This is not a bad thing per say although it did cause a few mixed singles to occur. Paige for her part dealt with the punches that were sent her way. She had a few what the heck moments but ultimately met the challenges.

So why the three stars? Well for starters her parents and Logan’s guardian. Umm…Paige’s dad especially is too much of a helicopter parent. I just wanted to shake him and say seriously buster back off. Then you have the extreme opposite with Logan’s guardian, Rego. What is his deal, yo? Seriously, I wanted to shake him and say this is your best friend’s son- STOP sending him into danger. Secondly, Aiden wasn’t baddie demon enough for me. I mean the Regent Queen wants Paige man up and get her. Finally, the ending what a cliffhanger.

With the cliffhanger of an ending, you cannot help but check to see when the second book will be published. So in the respect it is a fabulous ending. There are so many questions left open that you are mad though- what will happen to our favorite Demon Hunter and Traveler? Will they survive this next task?

My Rating 3 out of 5 stars

Favorite Quote Ladies and gentlemen, step right up to stare at Paige D. Kelly, the freak of the week.

Other People

Pepper- mean gal, hates Paige because she doesn’t care what others thinks
Dottie- Paige’s dead bestie
Aiden- demon who is trying to capture Paige
Travis- a jock at school that gets killed protecting Paige
Rego- Logan’s guardian