Thursday, December 20, 2012

Swoon Thursday (1):

Disclaimer: All scenes written below are copyrighted to their author. I am in no way, shape, or form trying to take or manipulate these scenes into my own writing. All rights go to © Jean Haus


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. We want to know!

ALI: Swooning over In the Band by Jean Haus!  Pg. 227
         "You love your family enough to turn down a percussion scholarship. You place the drums like a demon. You're this wild mix of cute and sexy and beautiful....It's not too hard to hold someone who's already caught." -Romeo in response to Riley's insecurity. 

Fallen Too Far by Abbi Glines

Fallen Too Far by Abbi Glines
Read in: December, 2012
Format: eBook
Source: Bought
Star Rating: ★★

Synopsis: (from Goodreads.com)
To want what you’re not supposed to have…

She is only nineteen.

She is his new stepfather’s daughter. 

She is still naïve and innocent due to spending the last three years taking care of her sick mother. 

But for twenty-four year old Rush Finlay, she is the only thing that has ever been off limits. His famous father’s guilt money, his mother’s desperation to win his love, and his charm are the three reasons he has never been told no.

Blaire Wynn left her small farmhouse in Alabama, after her mother passed away, to move in with her father and his new wife in their sprawling beach house along the Florida gulf coast. She isn’t prepared for the lifestyle change and she knows she’ll never fit into this world. Then there is her sexy stepbrother who her father leaves her with for the summer while he runs off to Paris with his wife. Rush is as spoiled as he is gorgeous. He is also getting under her skin. She knows he is anything but good for her and that he’ll never be faithful to anyone. He is jaded and has secrets Blaire knows she may never uncover but even knowing all of that…

Blaire just may have fallen too far.

Prosecution: 

March of 2013 is WAY too far away. Y U do this to me??

Defense: 
I'm still crying as I type this. This novel/obsession/emotional train wreck has probably left me worse off than my last break up. My heart hurts, my head is pounding, and I feel so awake I could run five miles. Blair was well rounded and by the end of the novel, you could tell she was..different. No longer innocent. Honestly, she reminded me so much of a sixteen year old at the beginning, as though she hadn't grown since her mother became ill. By the end of the novel, she was older than her years and much more mature (which was a nice change). I would've been happy with the sweet little love story, which did ring a tune in sync with that of the Sea Breeze series. But that added bit of mystery and suspense was just the right clincher. Now everything was suspenseful, the ending was more heartbreaking (if a bit confusing). Could I just say, WHAT was up with the ending? DON'T LET HIM GO. ARE YOU CRAY? I am disappoint. 

BUTTTTT, there's another book after this.. (in like 3 months, cough, eternity) so maybe this little dilemma will situate itself and they'll have cute little rock star babies. I mean c'mon, I could see where that little unprotected incident could turn into a pregnancy. Please, Abbi, please?? 

Verdict: 
On par with Beautiful Disaster. I said it, ITS ON THE SAME LEVEL. On the same level with the best book I've read in, well, ever. Solid 5 stars and a new #2 favorite (Toodles, My Life Next Door, you're now a #3!!) Now excuse me while I go find my tissues, an Audrey Hepburn movie to calm me down, and some tea. 

Wednesday, December 19, 2012

WWW Wednesday! #1

Hosted by MizB at Should Be Reading 


To play along, just answer the following three (3) questions....     
* What are you currently reading?
* What did you recently finish reading?
* What do you think you'll read next?

What are you currently reading? 

Baby Bonanza   Baby Bonanza by Maureen Child
              Downloaded for Free on Amazon and surprisingly, I love it! There are hardly any grammatical errors and I hope to finish it tonight. c:

What did you recently finish reading?
In the Band In the Band by Jean Haus
            Currently a brand new favorite. I loved the music aspect (I listed to only A Day to Remember while reading it!) and the whole Riley is a brand new kind of heroine. She's punk a classy way and I thoroughly enjoyed this little novel. c: I reviewed (raved) it here.

What do you think you'll read next? 
Fallen Too Far (Fallen Too Far, #1) Fallen Too Far by Abbi Glines
             This may just be my newest obsession (at least, I'm hoping!). With the end of this post, I'll be shutting down my computer, making myself a cup of tea, and snuggling up with my Snuggie & Kindle to get started on this baby. I've only heard good reviews, so I've got some high expectations!


Please leave a comment with the link to your own  W...W...W... Wednesday down below! Or just answer the questions in the comment box down below, I love hearing about what YOU'RE reading!!!


In the Band by Jean Haus

In the Band by Jean Haus
Read in: December, 2012
Format: eBook
Source: Borrowed
Star Rating: ★★

Synopsis:
When Riley's parents got a divorce, everything changed. Riley had to step up and take care of a house, her little sister, and most of all, give up a great drum line scholarship. Angry and resentful, she takes classes at the local university and agrees to try out for the local band, Luminescent Juliet. But with the guitar player Romeo's crap attitude, the lead singers man whoring ways, and her own mothers spiral into depression, which will be the one thing to lead to her breaking point? 

Prosecution:
There were more grammatical errors towards the end which I really couldn't ignore like the few in the beginning. The story does tend to drag on for a bit where nothing really happens and you're suspended in lala land waiting for some action. (oh, did I say action? I meant freaking amazing scenes full of ROMEO.♥♥♥)

Defense:
Uhm, whoaaa?? Well, between Romeo being added to my short list of book boyfriends (sorry Travis, a lá Beautiful Disaster) and Riley's freak outs, this book has sky rocketed to my favorites list. Yes, that's right, the FAVORITES list. I mean, hello, somehow this novel is only 99 cents, but I'm sure I cried about 3 times. Her dad is a major stick up his butt and only seems to care about himself (no, the whole "love is blind" with the new girlfriend did not redeem him!) and Jaime was not nearly as lovable as the author tried to portray, but Riley and Romeo are a couple with a ton of chemistry. And Ali loves chemistry. 

BTDubs, I want a real life Chloe for a best friend. c:

Verdict: 
A brand new favorite for the New Adult shelf! There were no awkward hiccups in the story line, the characters were engaging and charming. Riley was awesome and fearless and Romeo was the perfect piece to her. The ending with the POV of Romeo during her audition was a perfection addition! 

Tuesday, December 11, 2012

Tuesday: The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly! #1


About the Meme: Hosted by: Lectus !




 This is a Monday Meme to show case 3 books on your shelf that you are going to read and talk about this week.

The Good: it could be a book that you just started reading and it is sooo damn good! Or, a book you've been waiting for and finally got.

The Bad: it could be a book that you are going to read because of its hype, it was recommended to you or any other reason BUT you are not sure you are going to like it because it's not your usual type of book/story/genre/thing.

The Ugly: it could be any book and for any reason. It's up to you!

Summerset Abbey 
The Good:
I was just recently (recently being ohhhh... a week?) approved to read this novel on Netgalley.com and it's my christmas/end of finals present to me. I'm SUPER excited to read it now that I've discovered a new found love for  novels set in England.  

City of Bones (The Mortal Instruments, #1)
The Bad: 
I am a little nervous to read City of Bones since the farthest I've dared to read about angels would be James Patterson's Maximum Ride series. However, I've heard great reviews and is being put on my TBR Soon pile!

Beauty Queens
The Ugly: 
Beauty queens on a deserted island who fight for survival, need I say more? I believe its going to be a lipstick enhanced version of Lord of the Flies, but we shall have to see!


That's all for this week, Darlings, check back next Tuesday for another weekly dose of.. The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly!♥
Ali.

Sunday, December 9, 2012

Just For Now by Abbi Glines (Sea Breeze #4)

Read in: December, 2012
Format: eBook
Source: Borrowed
Star Rating: ★★
Synopsis: 
Preston+Amanda= ?

Amanda Hardy, Marcus Hardy's little sister, has always wanted Preston Drake. He's her older brother's hot, untamed, talented, and...unattainable best friend. While she's been pining since she was sixteen, Preston has been running around with every willing skank he can get his hands on. But when she and Preston have one memorable night in an, um, storage unit, is there hope for them yet, even with the cougars, her mother's snobbery, her brother's protectiveness, and Preston's own hidden personal baggage? 

Prosecution: 
Honestly? I didn't enjoy it as much as I'd hoped to. Maybe it was the impossibly high bar from the previous books, but I was a little let down. Now, I'm not saying I didn't enjoy it, but it's not on my favorite's list.

Defense: 
That spark is still there. The emotions run high in yet another one of Mrs. Glines's romances. I couldn't help but get sucked into the drama and chaos that was Preston and Amanda's relationship. There wasn't as much chaos as with the other relationships, but I enjoyed the spark of new love and the confession of feelings. 

Verdict: 
Solid 4. It's not my newest favorite (obession) like the other novels, but still a solid addition to a well beloved series. c:

Monday, November 26, 2012

Cover Reveal, Hanging From the Family Tree: Tobias' Story by Ali Davis

Hello all of my darlings♥

Today I have my very first cover reveal thanks to Alison Davis. She has been SO excellent in allowing me to be one of the select few to help reveal her cover! Personally, I CAN'T WAIT to read her series and much luck to her in the future!
 (that's her)

The cover in question is Hanging From the Family Tree: Tobias' Story (oooh, ominousssss). 

Blurb:
Hanging from the Family Tree: Tobias’ Story, is a Young Adult fiction novel, based in a fictional English coastal town.

Hidden letters from 1812, the British Regency, tell the story of Alexander Ventus, member of a very rich and influential local family. Besotted with a local women, Elizabeth, who is deemed beneath him, he is forced into a marriage with another woman. Distraught she throws herself from a cliff. Followed years later by Alexander, burdened by his guilt.

Alexander Ventus is Tobias’ great, great, grandfather, and there is an alarming likeness to their lives. Tobias’ Story tells of his struggle to find his place in his family and to discover what it truly means to be a Ventus.

Expected publication: December 1, 2012 by lulu.com 


ANDDD as an added bonus, she added a picture of her series covers together!

Okay my lovelies, click here to purchase  Whispers on the Wind: Ari's Story & here to check up on the availability of Hanging From the Family Tree: Tobias' Story! 

Feel free to comment down below and say what you think about the cover!

Tootles,
Ali.♥

Sunday, November 25, 2012

Avalon by Lana Davison

Avalon (Avalon, #1)
Format: November, 2012
Format: eBook
Source: Author
Star Rating: ★★
The author sent me this book in exchange for an honest review. 

Synopsis: (from Goodreads.com)
Holly was forced to leave Avalon at the tender age of twelve, simply because she refused a union with her chosen one. She believes love ruins everything. Holly is sent to earth to live with her guardian family and lives on earth like any normal teenage girl, but she is different, she has a gift. In her senior school year, Holly attends boarding school in England and is introduced to a new student, Leo. She cannot understand why she is so drawn to his dark confident nature. His touch awakens a part of Holly she believed was dormant forever. All is not what it seems. What secret is Leo hiding? And is there more to Leo’s presence in her life?

Prosecution:
At times, the speech wasn't very natural and was a little stiff. I felt like the flow could get a little choppy while at other times it was flowing quite nicely.

Defense: 
Omigod. Just, wait, give me a moment. 
Okay, I'm back. Can I just say, I'm glad I read this book? Considering I'm not a huge fan of fantasy or paranormal, this was perfection. Holly acted like a teenage girl. Leo was a little creepy with his all "I NEED YOU NOW" marriage thing, but that could just be my inner fear of commitment. But yenno, Holly went along with it. The ending was just...mhmmm. c;

Verdict: 
Let's leave this short and sweet. A different kind of paranormal romance with a bit of a kick. I thoroughly enjoyed this YA novel, and I'm not even a big fan paranormal.  I MUST FIND THE NEXT ONE!

Saturday, November 24, 2012

If I Let You Go by Kyra Lennon

If I Let You Go
Read in: November, 2012
Format: eBook
Source: Freebie from Amazon.com 
Star Rating: ★★

Synopsis: 
Madison is having a pretty awful few weeks. Her boss just dropped a bomb on her saying he's moving to New York..and taking his almost 6 year old daughter, Tilly, with him. Madison has been Tilly's caregiver for the past three years. Not to mention she's about to lose her house, not to mention her sanity. 

Prosecution: 
There were way too many exclamation points where there shouldn't have been. Overall, it made Madison sound more chipper than she was. 

Defense:
FINALLY, an editor for an indie author that knows how to edit. I didn't find any misspelled words or unintentional sentence fragments. The story was uplifting, a little angsty, the flow was choppy at some points but overall worked well. 

Verdict: 
A short novel perfect for those cozy winter nights. Not as angsty or emotional as Abbi Glines' novels or Beautiful Disaster by Jamie McGuire, but still could be classed as "Not an Emotional Breakdown but still worth the rollercoaster". The ending is completely predictable but still totally worth the .99 being charged on Amazon now. 

Like my review? Go "Like" it on Goodreads! c: 
http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/439864846

Thursday, November 22, 2012

Easy by Tammara Webber

Read in: November, 2012
Format: ebook
Source: Bought
Star Rating: ★★
Synopsis: 
Jacqueline is a cello playing college sophomore who just had her heart broken by Kennedy. Her boyfriend of three years. Now she's failing economics and needs a tutor. In steps Landon. 

*There's a lot I left out in this synopsis, but shoot me later. I can explain. I WILL NOT SPOIL THIS BOOK. 

Prosecution: 
The story was a little predictable, which did disappoint me. I don't know why, but I likened this novel with Beautiful Disaster. No idea whyyy, but I did feel a little let down by the plot and I kind of just skimmed through a lot of it. I felt a little flustered while reading it because of all of the problems the character was handling. There were just way too many in one chapter.

Defense: 
My god, the feels. As the author wrote in her acknowledgements "The creation of good fiction begins with raw, honest emotions." She nailed it. The terror, the love, the anxiousness. I could just FEEEELLLLL it all the way through. While Jacqueline's boy drama did get irritating, I perked up during the danger zone scenes. On a personal note, I did see a lot of similarities between my relationship and Jacqueline's and Kennedy's. I'll worry about that later.

Verdict: 
I wish I could give this novel more stars, but none of the characters clicked with me and the plot was predictable. I loved the honesty in which the author wrote. However, the scenes were well described and the plot well rounded. 

Tuesday, November 20, 2012

Barbie Girl by Heidi Acosta

Read in: November, 2012
Format: eBook
Source: Promo code given by Author
Star Rating: ★★★

Thank you Heidi Acosta for posting your Smashwords code in ♥Teen Romance♥!

Synopsis: 
Dylan wants Katie. Katie wants Tyler. Barbie just wants to leave. 

With Barbie's failing grade in math and Dylan known as a math whiz, of course she'd go to him. But Barbie, the rumored slut, is using one card she can. She can get Katie to notice him. Dylan agrees, tentatively, and Third, his best friend, is all for. 
Slowly, but surely, Dylan is finally being noticed by Katie. But is Barbie okay with that and even more so, is Dylan? 

Prosecution: 
Fire the editor. Seriously. 

Defense: 
This book is like an onion. Slowly, Barbie's and Dylan's memories and interactions are being pulled back to give a raw and in depth look into their lives. At first, Barbie is portrayed as a party girl, getting high and moving on. But as the story progresses and continues, Barbie is shown as what she is. She's just down on her luck and trying to get away from her mother, brother in tow. Dylan, I didn't connect with him as much as I did with Barbie. This was really just Barbie's story and included Dylan. I found him a little uptight and kind of annoying at times and really just seemed to be tolerating everyone in his life. He wasn't as there for Barbie as he should have.
Third was absolutely beautiful. I'm such a sucker for someone who really has a soft side while trying to hide it. Even though he's Dylan's best friend, he still takes care of Barbie. That's what a real man does and I'm more than happy that Barbie has that. 

Verdict: 
This was a surprise. I thought I would read a flippant, air headed mess of a book. I love that my opinion was changed. I loved the cover, yes, but just from reading the synopsis for it, I found it kind of flippant. No, this book is so much more than that. It covers so many different topics, from love to abuse, and even one shocking event at the end. I highly recommend it, typos and all.

I'll Be Here by Autumn Doughton

Read in: November, 2012
Format: eBook
Source: Bought
Star Rating: ★★★
Summary: 
Willow James is having a bad week. Her boyfriend of two years, Dustin, has recently broken up with her and Alex, her former crush, is now coming out of the woodwork. Willow goes through changes involving her life, her outlook, and even herself. 

Prosecution: 
I found Willow to be a little too wishy washy and Alex wasn't really explained as much as I would have liked. What made him tick, besides being jealous?

Defense: 
I loved this book. Seriously, I did. It is free on amazon, is well written, little to none grammatical errors, and a great flow. The authors flow is smooth and the story moves easily along. The characters are likable and they interact easily with each other. 

Verdict: 
I found this book to be more enjoyable than I thought it would be. The characters were cute and the entire story just worked well together. This book is an entirely worth the download. It's free and even if it wasn't, I'd still highly recommend it!

Sunday, November 4, 2012

After Adam by Katie Aleo

After Adam (A Teen Summer Romance)
Read in: November, 2012
Format: Ebook
Source: Bought from Amazon
Star Rating: ★★★

Synopsis: 
Anna is going through a tough time. A little over a year ago, her boyfriend of two years, Adam, dies. She has basically been secluded and avoided by her peers. Now, her absentee mother has decided to parent and forces Anna to get a job at the Shack. Little does she know, Camp Stellar, Adam's older brother, has decided to work there on his summer break from college.

Prosecution:
Her best friend, Hannah, is not a character I especially liked. She's bossy, selfish, annoying, self centered, and controlling. Anna is confused about her relationship with Camp, yet all Hannah can do is worry about herself. 

Defense: 
The story line was good enough. Anna was a likable character. There's really not much to say about it. It's cute and it's a great way to pass an afternoon, but there's no real sparkle to the novella. 

Verdict: 
2.5 Stars. It was likable enough, but really, it'll be forgotten in the other haze of beach reads. I'd ask the author to look for a better story line or find a better way to make her novella sparkle with an interesting detail or a plot twist. 
Which, let's be honest, After Adam was lacking in sparkle and a real plot. 
But, I enjoyed the authors writing style and for a self published author, she had a great writing voice with only a few grammar errors. Bravo, Ms. Aleo! 

Sunday, October 21, 2012

Prom by Laurie Halse Anderson


Prom
Read in: October, 2012
Format: Hardback, 215 pages
Source: Public Library
Star Rating: ★★★
Synopsis:
Ashley Hannigan is a new kind of character. She's tough, bold, and that Irish temper flames through her personality. But her caring heart has her help out her best friend, Nat. Nat is short for Natalia, a little Russian girl with a crazy sewing Grandma and a struggling single father. She's head of the Prom committee is a lot soft around the edges while Ashley is a fighter.

In Ashley's viewpoint, the school is split not between popular kids and dorks, but instead by the normal kids, read: at-risk, and the smart kids. The smart kids will make it somewhere. The normal kids will stay stuck in this poverty ridden, drug pumping, low income neighborhood. But Prom is the one event where all kids come together- even if Ashley will refuse to go. But she's not above helping out..if only a little.

Prosecution:
TJ is a POS. Ashley is ungrateful through a lot of the story, which really grated on my nerves.

Defense:
Her mother, though well intention, is a little much, in a cute overly pregnant kind of way. Her family is so adorable. The writing is humorous and I loved her attitude throughout it all. But most of all, her sense of direction changed and it was heartfelt. Before, she as content with living with TJ, getting knocked up young, and struggling the rest of her life. But at the end, she was really working towards a goal.. besides getting excited for a new and air conditioned costume at the EZ-CHEEZ-E.

Liked my review? Go "like" it on Goodreads!
http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/377762607

Sunday, September 30, 2012

Fancy by Vanna B.

Read in: September, 2012
Format: Ebook
Source: Won through Freado.com
Star Rating: ★★★

fan·cy/ˈfansē/: elaborate in structure or decoration.


Synopsis: (from Goodreads.com)
Maribel “Fancy” Alvarez is a trendy socialite who has it all: enviable looks, popularity and a closet full of designer threads. She lives an amazing life. At least that’s what she’s led everyone to believe. Fancy goes to great lengths to keep up a façade of perfection, but when a series of unfortunate events rattles her world, everything begins to fall apart.

She’s always been taught to use what she’s got to get what she wants but deep down inside Fancy knows there is truly more to her than just a beautiful face and perfect body. Will she abandon the superficial lifestyle she’s come to know or succumb to the temptation of the almighty dollar?

Fancy chronicles the life of a woman torn between the person she is and the person she wants to be. This iconic story will resonate with readers who, like Fancy, have battled issues within, as well as outside influences, while struggling to find themselves amidst a world of chaos.

Prosecution: 
As with many debut novels, NO CONTRACTIONS. The character was immature and really seemed to take after her mother. I didn't like how she just completely dropped out of college once she found out she was pregnant, that was kind of random.

Defense: 
I LOVEDDD the story line! We watch as Fancy flounders through life. Then, suddenly, she's thrust into a situation where it's not just her anymore. The ending was amazing! I can't wait for the next book! The wake up call she receives is a well needed one and although I'd have loved to see more of a growth in the character, her mindset will hopefully evolve sooner rather than later. 

Verdict: 
A perfect step into Urban Fiction. Just from reading the synopsis, I really didn't believe I'd like it. Hence, why it too me so long to get to it. But I finished the book in about an hour and I must say I'm glad I read it! Just can't wait for the next book to find out what happens to Maribel/Fancy or if she comes into contact again with Trinity, Brittany, or Aaron. Vanna B. has laid the stepping stones to a great saga, one I will be looking forward to! 




Friday, September 21, 2012

While It Lasts by Abbi Glines

While It Lasts (Sea Breeze, #3)
Read in: September, 2012
Format: eBook
Source: Borrowed
Star Rating: ★★★★★

The third installment in the Sea Breeze series. Ladies, Cage York is back..

Synopsis: From Goodreads.com 
Maybe driving home after a few (or more) shots of tequila had been a bad idea, but hell, he did it all the time. The cops had to have been freaking bored to have pulled him over. He wasn’t even swerving! That’s Cage York’s story and he’s sticking to it.

Unfortunately, his baseball coach isn’t buying it. Cage has a free ride to the local junior college for baseball -- or he did, until he’d gotten a DUI. Now, Cage has to decide: does he drop out and give up his dream of getting noticed by a college in the SEC, and possibly making it into the Major Leagues -- or does he give in to his coach’s demands and spend his summer baling hay?

Eva Brooks planned out her life step by step when she was eight years old. Not once over the years had she lost sight of her goals. Josh Beasley, her next door neighbor, had been the center of those goals. He’d been her first boyfriend at seven, her first kiss at ten, her first date at fifteen, and her first tragedy at eighteen. The moment she’d received the phone call from Josh’s mother saying he’d been killed along with four other soldiers just north of Baghdad, Eva’s carefully planned life imploded in the worst way possible.

Cage isn’t real happy with his closet-sized bedroom in the back of a foul smelling barn, or his daily interactions with cows, but he knows that if he doesn’t make his coach happy then he can kiss his scholarship goodbye. Only a sick and twisted man would decide his punishment was to be working on a farm all summer. No hot babes in bikinis waiting to meet a Southern boy to make her vacation complete. Just him and the damned cows.

Oh -- and an uptight, snarky brunette with the biggest blue eyes he’s every seen. But she doesn’t count, because as hard as he’s tried to charm her out of her panties - he’s pretty sure she’d rather see him hung from the rafters than let him get a taste of her pretty little lips.

Prosecution: 
This time..none. There was no wishy washy feelings involved. 

Defense: 
Eva has gone through a hard time. She lost the love of her life and it completely crushed her. By the time Cage York shows up, she's still a hermit. Still hates pretty much any guy. But she's trying to move past it. With Cage, she moves, little by little. It starts out as disgust, moves on to attraction, blossoms into love (or lust, whichever way you want to look at it). Their chemistry was feasible and their banter entertaining. 

Verdict: 
In my opinion, the BEST book of the series. Cage is a GREAT character and Eva the straw to his berry. An altogether too short read and I absolutely can't wait for the fourth installment in the series! 

Like my review? Go "Like" it on Goodreads. c: 
http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/381708102

Tuesday, September 18, 2012

Red Dirt Rocker by Jody French

Red Dirt Rocker
Read in: September, 2012
Format: eBook
Source: Amazon.com
Star Rating: ★★★

Synopsis: from Goodreads.com

Red Dirt Rocker is a contemporary and inspirational American dream-come-true story geared toward a Young Adult audience. Based, in part, on the true and incredible adventures of teen MTV musician Forrest French, this hip and vibrant page-turner filled with pop culture references will draw the young reader in as they see the story unfold through the eyes of this straight-edge teenager from a tiny, hick, country town, whose life is about to change forever.

His strict dad raised him to be a football jock—his free spirited mama raised him on classic rock. Small town athlete and teen musician Forrest French finds himself torn, having to decide between public high school, sports and his simple, country life in Coweta, (aka Cow-Town) Oklahoma; his deep Southern roots and strong family ties, or the jet-setting life of an MTV rock star. While dealing with the team bully and facing the fickleness of teen dating relationships, Forrest depends on his faith to keep a cool head. In this story filled with teen angst and teen hopes, Forrest holds fast to his beliefs as he hangs on for the ride of his life in the upside-down, backward and thrilling world of rock-n-roll.

Red Dirt Rocker illustrates to its Young Adult audience that they can be accepted and successful with straight-edge flair, be they athlete, band geek, cheerleader, or aspiring rock star. Experience a shotgun ride right alongside Forrest as he embarks on his rock-n-roll dream and finds that a beautiful heart and strong values may just win over superficial beauty and popularity in the end.

Prosecution: 
Forrest, while he seemed like a great guy, didn't really seem to have any flaws. Heather ONLY had flaws. Sophie was sweet..but that was it. I just wanted more character development. 

Defense: 
I'm defending my prosecution. It was told by his mom. His number one fan, his numero uno, the lady who gave birth to him, raised him, washed his underwear. Its understandable that he had no flaws because that's her baby! Heather and Sophie..honestly, what female acts anything but sweet around the boyfriends parents? You want them to like you! But Heather's character traits were probably told through Forrest to his mom. I don't know, who knows? Is she real, isn't she? That's for you to decide. Unless you live in Coweta, Oklahoma. 
His mom was adorabs! I liked reading the change in his dads viewpoint on his music and football. It was really an inside scoop on a personal relationship.

Verdict: 
Overall a quick and easy read. Its a sweet little biography into Forrest French's 16 and a half year old existence. He gets discovered by MTV, goes to Sweden, meets KISS, all with his band "Cellar Door is Gone"..which is based off of "Crooked X". Just putting that one out there. c;

oHey, look at this little gem I found. c; Check out those curls!...Jealous.

Saturday, September 15, 2012

Tap Out by Eric Devine

Tap Out
Read in: September, 2012
Format: Ebook
Source: Netgalley.com
Star Rating: ★★

Synopsis: 
Seventeen-year-old Tony Antioch lives in Pleasant Meadows, a trailer park where questions aren't asked since everyone already knows the answers from their own experience. He dreams of rescuing his mother from her constant stream of abusive boyfriends but in reality can barely duck the punches that are aimed at himself.

When Tony is coerced into joining his friend Rob's Mixed Martial Arts class, he is surprised to find that he has a talent that he actually wants to develop. But with a meth-dealing biker gang that is hungry for recruits and a vicious cycle of poverty and violence that precedes him, Tony is going to need a lot more than blood and guts to find a way out.

Gritty, powerful, and unapologetic, Tap Out explores what it takes to stay true to oneself and the consequences of the choices made along the way in order to do so.

Prosecution: 
Ugh. Tony... I hate whiny characters. And this guy is WHINY! He's sitting there degrading himself the whole time, he's locked in this little internal battle with himself. Rob wasn't very well developed. He was just kind of this interchangeable Bro for Tony. Chaz...what do I even say? Who does that!? 

Defense: 
I loved the MMA aspect of this story. The incorporated fight scenes are pretty great. But..that was really the only thing I liked about the book..

Verdict: 
3 Stars. A well written, typo-free novel about one boys fight to save himself from the cycle of poverty. Everything stereotypical about a poor boy is found in this novel with teen pregnancy, gangs, drugs, and MMA. Nothing truly magnificent, but a quick read. 

Liked my reivew? Go "like" it on goodreads! 
http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/415052747

Tuesday, September 11, 2012

Because by Low by Abbi Glines

Read in: September, 2012
Format: Ebook
Source: Bought
Star Rating: ★★★★★

To say I like this book would be an understatement. You "like" something on Facebook. You "like" shopping at Wal-Mart. You "like" going to the orthodontist. No, I LOVED this book. I ate, drank, BREATHED this book for two days. Two DAYS. I'm a little ashamed it took me that long to read this gorgeous masterpiece, but another story for another time. 

Synopsis: (from Goodreads.com)
In my debut novel, Breathe, Sadie may have fallen in love with the teen rock star, Jax Stone, but readers fell head over heels for Marcus Hardy. This is his story…

Marcus Hardy had hoped to enjoy a year away at college while he put the summer he’d rather forget behind him. But instead, he’s jerked right back to the coastal town of Sea Breeze, Alabama due to a family crisis. His dear ol' dad found himself a girlfriend only a few years older than Marcus. So now his sister needs help dealing with their mother who is mentally falling apart. The only bright spot to returning is the fascinating red head who sleeps over several times a week. The problem is she's sleeping in bed with his new roommate, Cage York. 

Willow “Low” Foster needs a place to live. Running to Cage’s apartment every time her sister kicks her out isn’t exactly a long term solution. Juggling her courses at the local community college and a part time job doesn’t produce excess income. But Cage has a new roommate and suddenly sleeping over at her best friend’s apartment isn’t such a bad thing. Not when she gets to see those sexy green eyes of Marcus Hardy’s twinkle when he smiles at her like he wants her there. 
Even though Cage seems a little territorial where Low is concerned, Marcus finds time to spend with Low without upsetting his roommate. Cage may use his small college baseball star persona to sleep with every hot female in his path but he’s still under the disillusion that when he’s through sowing his wild oats, he’s going to marry Low. Marcus intends to change that assumption for both Cage and Low. Until his carefully laid plans come crashing down with a revelation he never expected. He’ll have to choose between Low or his family. Because once the truth comes out.... there’s no other choice.

Persecution:
As with all of Abbi's novels, I get so bored with the constant to and fro. I get that it's a relationship; there's a drama. I UNDERSTAND. But, really?

Defense: 
MARCUS HARDY. Another prime male specimen thanks to the awesome imagination of Abbi Glines! His and Low's chemistry throughout the whole novel nearly burned up my Kindle! 

Verdict: 
FIVE STARS. So much better than Breath! Wonderful, wonderful, wonderful. Excuse me while I pack a bag and move to Alabama so I can get a look at those college boys! c;

Liked my review? Go be a doll and "like" it on Goodreads! c: 
http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/381963149

Saturday, September 8, 2012

Speechless by Hannah Harrington

Read in: September, 2012
Format: Ebook
Source: Netgalley.com
Star Rating: ★★★

Synopsis:
Chelsea Knot is, well, a big mouth. She spreads scandal and gossip like other people spread germs and bad luck. But all of that changes on the night of her best friend, Kristen's party. After the fall out of her actions, Chelsea is a major social pariah. I mean, even the lowest of the low won't be seen with her. Until she meets Asha and Sam..

Prosecution: 
Chelsea. Such a complicated character! One minute I'm doing a rah- rah, you've made the right decision dance and the next I'm ready to dump her on the side of the road. Let's start with her backstabbing. Okay, there isn't much during the book, but its a pretty big conflict because she's, you know, all of a sudden guiltyyy of her previous (read: years long) actions. But her parents are these great, supportive, all around good people? Did they not teach you morals or are you too selfish to learn them yourself?... Just seemed sketchy.
Sam: Didn't click with you. You were kind of annoying, too. 

Defense: 
Asha. Asha is ADORABLE! I loved her! She was the perfect offset to annoying Chelsea. The writing style was quick and easy to follow. I couldn't find anything wrong with the plot. Chelsea's actions at the end of the novel do kind of justify her attitude. Kind of. Almost.

Verdict:
3 Stars. Didn't tickle my whisker. It was a quick read, but it wasn't as in your face and amazing as I hoped it to be.

Liked my review? Go "Like" it on Goodreads! c: 
http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/394706437
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