Waiting on Wednesday (8/15)

Hey guys!

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly event hosted by Jill @ Breaking the Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases we're eagerly anticipating.

*WoW button courtesy to Danny @  Bewitched Bookworms

***

I've been on a YA/New Adult Contemporary roll lately, but that doesn't mean I don't enjoy my angstsy Dystopians, Mysteries or Paranormal Romances anymore. So here's a book that grabbed my attention a while ago and I can't wait to read: 

What's Left of Me (The Hybrid Chronicles #1)

by Kat Zhang

Release Date: September 18th 2012
by: HarperTeen
Format: Hardcover, 356 pages

Goodreads: 

Eva and Addie started out the same way as everyone else—two souls woven together in one body, taking turns controlling their movements as they learned how to walk, how to sing, how to dance. But as they grew, so did the worried whispers. Why aren’t they settling? Why isn’t one of them fading? The doctors ran tests, the neighbors shied away, and their parents begged for more time. Finally Addie was pronounced healthy and Eva was declared gone. Except, she wasn’t…

For the past three years, Eva has clung to the remnants of her life. Only Addie knows she’s still there, trapped inside their body. Then one day, they discover there may be a way for Eva to move again. The risks are unimaginable–hybrids are considered a threat to society, so if they are caught, Addie and Eva will be locked away with the others. And yet…for a chance to smile, to twirl, to speak, Eva will do anything.

This one got me at  "two souls woven together in one body." It sounds fascinating, interesting and pretty awesome - in a creepy and heartbreaking kind of way. And the idea that one of those souls should be just fading away? Whoa! *shudder* I think this is going to be an intense, thoughtful and somehow psychological story, so I can't wait to add it to my Fall TBR pile. 

Also, bonus - how gorgeous is that cover? ♥

What are you waiting on this week?

xoxo

Waiting on Wednesday (8/15)

Hey guys!

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly event hosted by Jill @ Breaking the Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases we're eagerly anticipating.

*WoW button courtesy to Danny @  Bewitched Bookworms

***

I've been on a YA/New Adult Contemporary roll lately, but that doesn't mean I don't enjoy my angstsy Dystopians, Mysteries or Paranormal Romances anymore. So here's a book that grabbed my attention a while ago and I can't wait to read: 

What's Left of Me (The Hybrid Chronicles #1)

by Kat Zhang

Release Date: September 18th 2012
by: HarperTeen
Format: Hardcover, 356 pages

Goodreads: 

Eva and Addie started out the same way as everyone else—two souls woven together in one body, taking turns controlling their movements as they learned how to walk, how to sing, how to dance. But as they grew, so did the worried whispers. Why aren’t they settling? Why isn’t one of them fading? The doctors ran tests, the neighbors shied away, and their parents begged for more time. Finally Addie was pronounced healthy and Eva was declared gone. Except, she wasn’t…

For the past three years, Eva has clung to the remnants of her life. Only Addie knows she’s still there, trapped inside their body. Then one day, they discover there may be a way for Eva to move again. The risks are unimaginable–hybrids are considered a threat to society, so if they are caught, Addie and Eva will be locked away with the others. And yet…for a chance to smile, to twirl, to speak, Eva will do anything.

This one got me at  "two souls woven together in one body." It sounds fascinating, interesting and pretty awesome - in a creepy and heartbreaking kind of way. And the idea that one of those souls should be just fading away? Whoa! *shudder* I think this is going to be an intense, thoughtful and somehow psychological story, so I can't wait to add it to my Fall TBR pile. 

Also, bonus - how gorgeous is that cover? ♥

What are you waiting on this week?

xoxo

Review: Team Human by Justine Larbalestier and Sarah Rees Brennan

Hey guys!

How are you all doing? I haven't abandoned you (again), I've been in a  a little vacation this past week. And here's a book I got to read and really enjoyed:

Team Human

by Justine Larbalestier, Sarah Rees Brennan

Published: July 3rd 2012
by HarperTeen
Format: Hardcover, 352 pages

Goodreads:

Just because Mel lives in New Whitby, a city founded by vampires, doesn't mean she knows any of the blood-drinking undead personally. They stay in their part of town; she says in hers. Until the day a vampire shows up at her high school. Worse yet, her best friend, Cathy, seems to be falling in love with him. It's up to Mel to save Cathy from a mistake she might regret for all eternity.

On top of trying to help Cathy (whether she wants it or not), Mel is investigating a mysterious disappearance for another friend and discovering the attractions of a certain vampire wannabe. Combine all this with a cranky vampire cop, a number of unlikely romantic entanglements, and the occasional zombie, and soon Mel is hip-deep in an adventure that is equal parts hilarious and touching.

Acclaimed authors Justine Larbalestier and Sarah Rees Brennan team up to create a witty and poignant story of cool vampires, warm friendships, and the changes that test the bonds of love.

My thoughts:

What a delightful read! Quick, fast-paced and lots of fun, Team Human is a treat for vampire lovers and readers who’ve had enough of vampires alike. An all around awesome read!:)

You know those books where the naive heroine falls in love with the supernatural being, despite him being all scary, dark and deadly, and there’s the best friend who tries to wake her up to reality and make her realize that what she’s doing is all sorts of wrong and dangerous? Well, this book is told from that BFF’s POV, which was unique, refreshing, interesting and oh, so hilarious! We get to see the romantic, dreamy love story as well as the outsider’s take on it. Like I said, lots of fun!

Despite being a tad different and having different interests in life, Mel and Cathy have always been best friends. All’s nice and good in their normal high school life (well, as normal as life can be in a vamp city). They keep to themselves and the vamps stay in their creepy side of the city. And then along comes Francis (I know, right?*) – and everything changes. Cathy’s little obsession with vampires becomes too much – she falls in love with him  instantly (insta-love? check!): he’s handsome, an old school vampire and likes the same things she likes. They’re so perfect for each other and she’s sure she’s finally found her soul mate! *face palm* Their relationship and adoration is so out there and sweet and um… cheesy (and a bit cliché), it’s almost nauseating to watch (and I'm not saying that in a bad way). Of course, the authors put all this in such a way that you can’t not be thoroughly amused by it!:))

“Pleasure to make your acquaintance.”
That was all he said. He gave yet another tiny head bow, then turned and walked away to the principal’s office or the little vampire’s room or wherever. I didn’t care. I had other things to worry about.
Namely Cathy, her big dark eyes open wide and glowing as if she had fireflies trapped inside her head.
“This year is going to be amazing,” she said with deep conviction.
Yeah. We were in trouble.

Except Mel is not amused. She’s disappointed. Aggravated. Annoyed. Incredulous. She can’t believe her BFF falls for all that old school nonsense. And she’s set to do her best to make her see things her way – the right way - before it’s too late and she makes something stupid she can’t reverse. 

Cathy’s eyes were bigger and shinier than ever. There would be no switching classes. I was going to have to keep watch over Cathy. I wondered how her mom would feel about me moving in.

But the more Mel tries to point out Francis’s flaws and to keep her away from him, the more Cathy loves him and becomes engrossed in that dreadful, obsessive relationship. It’s all so irritating (but so damn hilarious to read!). 

“He could be a vampire.”
“Yeah, I can see it,” I said. “He moves with the predatory grace of a penguin."

He had the kind of looks that made normal sensible thoughts turn into stupid poetry: hair like sunlight trapped in shadows and eyes that were an insane cornflower blue. A face like a sculpture on a tomb, all clean white perfect lines.

On top of that, she gets caught up in a crime mystery and before she realizes it, she’s way over her head. There are vampires, zombies, a may be murderer  and possibly Francis and his vamp family involved – yikes!

Thanks God there’s this funny, nice, sweet boy that seems to be as disturbed all this vamp nonsense as she is – despite him living with them and all. Maybe there’s a chance for thing to work out, after all. (that's all I'm saying about him, but I LOVED him! I mean, for once, I was Team Human as well. :D)

This book was like a parody of all the vamps books out there, that’s why I’m saying you can’t not enjoy it! Plot-wise, there’s not much going on (of course, there’s that mystery and a possible murder, but still… It’s lighter that your usual vampire story). Anyway, that’s not the point of this story. It's supposed to be light and fun! 

He did sound English, but it was hard to tell with older vampires, because in the past lots of rich Americans sounded English. Most vampires claimed to have been royalty or one of the Astors or something equally snotty. Astonishing how few peasants and regular people got vamped back in the olden days, when it wasn’t regulated.

Mel is such a great heroine, I loved reading from her POV! She’s smart, witty and she has the best lines. Of course, she’s also determined, caring and very loyal to her friends – she’d do anything to help them. There’s a little romance for her as well, a romance so much nicer and easier to take! LOL 

I shot to my feet and grabbed her hands. “I’ll kill him.”
Cathy’s shoulders shook. “I—I—”
“I’m taking the un out of undead. I swear,” I said.

So if you want a quick, different, highly entertaining read about vampires, give this book a try - you won't be disappointed!;)

*The vampire inclined his head to both of us in a way I knew Cathy would shortly be describing as “courtly.”
“Permit me to introduce myself. My name is Francis Duvarney.”
“Heh, Francis,” I said.
The cornflower eyes iced over.
“Not funny,” I continued. “Obviously. Not a funny name. Does anyone ever call you Frank? Frankie?”
“No,” he said, the word coming down like an icicle dropped on my head from a height, though he wasn’t all that tall.

And one of my favorites: 

Let’s examine what a prize that [becoming a vampire] is one more time: no more direct sunlight ever again, no more laughter. You get eternity, but you don’t have the sense of humor to enjoy it! Also, vampires don’t eat food. You never get to eat chocolate again. Ever.
I’d rather die.
All the vampire wannabes and vamposeurs mystify me. Who would choose the possibility of immortality over chocolate?

Go Team Human, right?:))

Book Excerpt 

Get the book: Amazon  / Book Depository

Find the authors: Justine Larbalestier: Website / Blog / Twitter

Sarah Rees Brennan: Facebook / Twitter / Tumblr

Happy reading!

xoxo

Review: Team Human by Justine Larbalestier and Sarah Rees Brennan

Hey guys!

How are you all doing? I haven't abandoned you (again), I've been in a  a little vacation this past week. And here's a book I got to read and really enjoyed:

Team Human

by Justine Larbalestier, Sarah Rees Brennan

Published: July 3rd 2012
by HarperTeen
Format: Hardcover, 352 pages

Goodreads:

Just because Mel lives in New Whitby, a city founded by vampires, doesn't mean she knows any of the blood-drinking undead personally. They stay in their part of town; she says in hers. Until the day a vampire shows up at her high school. Worse yet, her best friend, Cathy, seems to be falling in love with him. It's up to Mel to save Cathy from a mistake she might regret for all eternity.

On top of trying to help Cathy (whether she wants it or not), Mel is investigating a mysterious disappearance for another friend and discovering the attractions of a certain vampire wannabe. Combine all this with a cranky vampire cop, a number of unlikely romantic entanglements, and the occasional zombie, and soon Mel is hip-deep in an adventure that is equal parts hilarious and touching.

Acclaimed authors Justine Larbalestier and Sarah Rees Brennan team up to create a witty and poignant story of cool vampires, warm friendships, and the changes that test the bonds of love.

My thoughts:

What a delightful read! Quick, fast-paced and lots of fun, Team Human is a treat for vampire lovers and readers who’ve had enough of vampires alike. An all around awesome read!:)

You know those books where the naive heroine falls in love with the supernatural being, despite him being all scary, dark and deadly, and there’s the best friend who tries to wake her up to reality and make her realize that what she’s doing is all sorts of wrong and dangerous? Well, this book is told from that BFF’s POV, which was unique, refreshing, interesting and oh, so hilarious! We get to see the romantic, dreamy love story as well as the outsider’s take on it. Like I said, lots of fun!

Despite being a tad different and having different interests in life, Mel and Cathy have always been best friends. All’s nice and good in their normal high school life (well, as normal as life can be in a vamp city). They keep to themselves and the vamps stay in their creepy side of the city. And then along comes Francis (I know, right?*) – and everything changes. Cathy’s little obsession with vampires becomes too much – she falls in love with him  instantly (insta-love? check!): he’s handsome, an old school vampire and likes the same things she likes. They’re so perfect for each other and she’s sure she’s finally found her soul mate! *face palm* Their relationship and adoration is so out there and sweet and um… cheesy (and a bit cliché), it’s almost nauseating to watch (and I'm not saying that in a bad way). Of course, the authors put all this in such a way that you can’t not be thoroughly amused by it!:))

“Pleasure to make your acquaintance.”
That was all he said. He gave yet another tiny head bow, then turned and walked away to the principal’s office or the little vampire’s room or wherever. I didn’t care. I had other things to worry about.
Namely Cathy, her big dark eyes open wide and glowing as if she had fireflies trapped inside her head.
“This year is going to be amazing,” she said with deep conviction.
Yeah. We were in trouble.

Except Mel is not amused. She’s disappointed. Aggravated. Annoyed. Incredulous. She can’t believe her BFF falls for all that old school nonsense. And she’s set to do her best to make her see things her way – the right way - before it’s too late and she makes something stupid she can’t reverse. 

Cathy’s eyes were bigger and shinier than ever. There would be no switching classes. I was going to have to keep watch over Cathy. I wondered how her mom would feel about me moving in.

But the more Mel tries to point out Francis’s flaws and to keep her away from him, the more Cathy loves him and becomes engrossed in that dreadful, obsessive relationship. It’s all so irritating (but so damn hilarious to read!). 

“He could be a vampire.”
“Yeah, I can see it,” I said. “He moves with the predatory grace of a penguin."

He had the kind of looks that made normal sensible thoughts turn into stupid poetry: hair like sunlight trapped in shadows and eyes that were an insane cornflower blue. A face like a sculpture on a tomb, all clean white perfect lines.

On top of that, she gets caught up in a crime mystery and before she realizes it, she’s way over her head. There are vampires, zombies, a may be murderer  and possibly Francis and his vamp family involved – yikes!

Thanks God there’s this funny, nice, sweet boy that seems to be as disturbed all this vamp nonsense as she is – despite him living with them and all. Maybe there’s a chance for thing to work out, after all. (that's all I'm saying about him, but I LOVED him! I mean, for once, I was Team Human as well. :D)

This book was like a parody of all the vamps books out there, that’s why I’m saying you can’t not enjoy it! Plot-wise, there’s not much going on (of course, there’s that mystery and a possible murder, but still… It’s lighter that your usual vampire story). Anyway, that’s not the point of this story. It's supposed to be light and fun! 

He did sound English, but it was hard to tell with older vampires, because in the past lots of rich Americans sounded English. Most vampires claimed to have been royalty or one of the Astors or something equally snotty. Astonishing how few peasants and regular people got vamped back in the olden days, when it wasn’t regulated.

Mel is such a great heroine, I loved reading from her POV! She’s smart, witty and she has the best lines. Of course, she’s also determined, caring and very loyal to her friends – she’d do anything to help them. There’s a little romance for her as well, a romance so much nicer and easier to take! LOL 

I shot to my feet and grabbed her hands. “I’ll kill him.”
Cathy’s shoulders shook. “I—I—”
“I’m taking the un out of undead. I swear,” I said.

So if you want a quick, different, highly entertaining read about vampires, give this book a try - you won't be disappointed!;)

*The vampire inclined his head to both of us in a way I knew Cathy would shortly be describing as “courtly.”
“Permit me to introduce myself. My name is Francis Duvarney.”
“Heh, Francis,” I said.
The cornflower eyes iced over.
“Not funny,” I continued. “Obviously. Not a funny name. Does anyone ever call you Frank? Frankie?”
“No,” he said, the word coming down like an icicle dropped on my head from a height, though he wasn’t all that tall.

And one of my favorites: 

Let’s examine what a prize that [becoming a vampire] is one more time: no more direct sunlight ever again, no more laughter. You get eternity, but you don’t have the sense of humor to enjoy it! Also, vampires don’t eat food. You never get to eat chocolate again. Ever.
I’d rather die.
All the vampire wannabes and vamposeurs mystify me. Who would choose the possibility of immortality over chocolate?

Go Team Human, right?:))

Book Excerpt 

Get the book: Amazon  / Book Depository

Find the authors: Justine Larbalestier: Website / Blog / Twitter

Sarah Rees Brennan: Facebook / Twitter / Tumblr

Happy reading!

xoxo

Review: Over You by Emma McLaughlin & Nicola Kraus

Hey!

Over You

by Emma McLaughlin & Nicola Kraus

Pub: August 21st 2012
by HarperTeen
Hardcover, 304 pages

Goodreads:

After the grand explosion of her relationship, seventeen-year-old Max Scott developed what every girl in the history of the world has been waiting for: a way to get over being dumped. Now Max is the go-to guru for heartbroken high-school girls all over NYC. But when her ex unexpectedly shows up in her neighborhood, Max’s carefully controlled world starts to unravel. With her clients’ hearts hanging in the balance, Max will have to do the seemingly impossible: get over him once and for all.

Brilliant at bringing humor to the trials and tribulations of the lovestruck, #1 New York Times bestselling authors Emma McLaughlin and Nicola Kraus have crafted a tale that will resonate with any girl who has ever been in love or had her heart broken. It brims with smart observations, features a pitch-perfect teen voice, and will attract fans of Jenny Han, Sarah Mlynowski, and Lauren Barnholdt. Readers are sure to fall head-over-heels for this sharp spin on breaking up, making up, and getting even.

This was a fun, quick, chic read! It’s the kind of book you read by the pool, sipping a cool cocktail and daydreaming about cute boys, big cities, fancy fashion, parties and vacations... A perfect summer read! (after all the tragic, intense books I’ve read lately, I really needed something light and entertaining).

Told in 3^rd person POV, Over You is a contemporary story about friendship, young love, relationships, break-ups, broken hearts and learning to move on.

I haven’t read many Young Adult books told in 3^rd person POV before, so it took me a little while to get used to the writing style. But once I got into the story, I started to really enjoy it and I couldn’t put it down until I finished it! Of course, it also helped that Max was a very likeable character and it was easy to relate to her.  She’s smart, sassy, independent, confident, determined and a lot of fun to follow around! She’s always up to something, always in action. She started her own business - granted, it’s not really a business, more like a means to help girls in post-break-up distress, but still - she’s put to work some pretty impressive entrepreneurial skills.

Max sighs contentedly as she makes her way to Union Square, her tasks for the night completed. She relishes the feeling of being worn out by a full day of work, looks forward to getting into bed and waking up fresh tomorrow to tackle this new challenge of getting Bridget over the boy-next-door. Which is way worse than boy-from-camp, boy-in-school-play, or even boy-in-homeroom. She’s learned that there’s bound to be a strategy, she just has to think long and hard and shake down what the world has to offer.

She always tries to find the best solution for everything, but she’s also caring and reliable, so people look up to her and ask for her help frequently (I could have used a friend like her back in high school):

“This is your schedule,” Max says forcefully. “Up! Out of bed! And directly downstairs to the kitchen for a sugar-free caffeine beverage—”
“Sugar free?” Bridget asks through a mouthful of egg.
“No Coke. No Red Bull. No Frappuccinos. We can’t risk you getting artificially hyped and doing something ill advised.”[…] Little known fact: dehydration and depression go hand in hand.” She flashes a rapid succession of slides. “Virginia Woolf, Sylvia Plath, Courtney Love. Crazy? Maybe. Depressed? Probably. Dehydrated? Definitely. It’s astounding how the lack of electrolytes can suck a girl’s mojo. In conclusion, every morning, without fail. Caffeine. Protein. Shower. Real clothes. Water. CPSRW. I’m tacking it to the ceiling over your bed.”

She and her crew are always planning or working on something, so there’s no dull moment throughout the book. Max is resourceful, intuitive and likes to have everything under control – and if she doesn’t, she acts like she does – there’s people counting on her, after all. She’s positive and creative and always has a back-up plan. Or she used to – up until now.

Their latest case proves to be a little more challenging that the previous ones they’ve worked on. There may be more people and *gasp!* even some real feelings involved. So everything starts to be a little more complicated. 

Max had to moved a lot over the years, so she didn’t get the chance to build strong relationships.  Now it’s easier for her to just keep a cool façade and not to get attached to anyone. So when she faces what her ‘clients’ endure everyday and her perfect image begins to slip, her life gets a bit out of control and suddenly there’s too much to handle on her own. 

Guys are so confusing! She looks over at the pile of bananas. It’s so clear which fruit are good and which ones are rotten. You can see it before you make your investment. Why can’t boys be more like bananas? Why do you have to put your heart out there before you find out you picked a bad one?

She’s the kind of girl who always knows what to say and how to make people feel better, but when it comes to her own personal problems, she struggles to find a solution, to use her own advice or to  actually trust someone. But that’s when she starts to realize what she’s been missing all along; who cares about her and is always there for her, no matter how much she tries to keep them at a safe distance. Because, after all, there’s always more to a story than meets the eye. 

Since the story was told in 3^rd person POV, we got some glimpses from other characters as well, which was refreshing and interesting, but in the same time, a little confusing. You get caught up in Max’s story and then BAM! There’s Taylor pacing around the room, talking to his best friend and having second thoughts about… something (spoiler). And then BAM! There’s Ben not wanting to admit that he has feelings for someone. And then we’re back to Max. Without any warning. Anyway, these sequences were few and far between and in the end, proved to be very helpful for the conclusion of the story, but still, they were confusing. 

Ok, bottom line: we have humor, wit, fashion, romance, friendship, loyalty, likeable characters, original plot and a writing that flows effortlessly - all the ingredients necessary for a delightful summer read! (actually, this is a perfect read for those days when you need a breather from all the dramas and paranormals and dystopians and post-apocalyptics and the like;)).

*Review copy provided by the publisher HarperCollins and Edelweiss in exchange for my honest opinion. Thank you!
**All quotes were selected from the Advanced Reader e-proof and they might be different in the final published edition. 

Happy reading!
xoxo

Review: Over You by Emma McLaughlin & Nicola Kraus

Hey!

Over You

by Emma McLaughlin & Nicola Kraus

Pub: August 21st 2012
by HarperTeen
Hardcover, 304 pages

Goodreads:

After the grand explosion of her relationship, seventeen-year-old Max Scott developed what every girl in the history of the world has been waiting for: a way to get over being dumped. Now Max is the go-to guru for heartbroken high-school girls all over NYC. But when her ex unexpectedly shows up in her neighborhood, Max’s carefully controlled world starts to unravel. With her clients’ hearts hanging in the balance, Max will have to do the seemingly impossible: get over him once and for all.

Brilliant at bringing humor to the trials and tribulations of the lovestruck, #1 New York Times bestselling authors Emma McLaughlin and Nicola Kraus have crafted a tale that will resonate with any girl who has ever been in love or had her heart broken. It brims with smart observations, features a pitch-perfect teen voice, and will attract fans of Jenny Han, Sarah Mlynowski, and Lauren Barnholdt. Readers are sure to fall head-over-heels for this sharp spin on breaking up, making up, and getting even.

This was a fun, quick, chic read! It’s the kind of book you read by the pool, sipping a cool cocktail and daydreaming about cute boys, big cities, fancy fashion, parties and vacations... A perfect summer read! (after all the tragic, intense books I’ve read lately, I really needed something light and entertaining).

Told in 3^rd person POV, Over You is a contemporary story about friendship, young love, relationships, break-ups, broken hearts and learning to move on.

I haven’t read many Young Adult books told in 3^rd person POV before, so it took me a little while to get used to the writing style. But once I got into the story, I started to really enjoy it and I couldn’t put it down until I finished it! Of course, it also helped that Max was a very likeable character and it was easy to relate to her.  She’s smart, sassy, independent, confident, determined and a lot of fun to follow around! She’s always up to something, always in action. She started her own business - granted, it’s not really a business, more like a means to help girls in post-break-up distress, but still - she’s put to work some pretty impressive entrepreneurial skills.

Max sighs contentedly as she makes her way to Union Square, her tasks for the night completed. She relishes the feeling of being worn out by a full day of work, looks forward to getting into bed and waking up fresh tomorrow to tackle this new challenge of getting Bridget over the boy-next-door. Which is way worse than boy-from-camp, boy-in-school-play, or even boy-in-homeroom. She’s learned that there’s bound to be a strategy, she just has to think long and hard and shake down what the world has to offer.

She always tries to find the best solution for everything, but she’s also caring and reliable, so people look up to her and ask for her help frequently (I could have used a friend like her back in high school):

“This is your schedule,” Max says forcefully. “Up! Out of bed! And directly downstairs to the kitchen for a sugar-free caffeine beverage—”
“Sugar free?” Bridget asks through a mouthful of egg.
“No Coke. No Red Bull. No Frappuccinos. We can’t risk you getting artificially hyped and doing something ill advised.”[…] Little known fact: dehydration and depression go hand in hand.” She flashes a rapid succession of slides. “Virginia Woolf, Sylvia Plath, Courtney Love. Crazy? Maybe. Depressed? Probably. Dehydrated? Definitely. It’s astounding how the lack of electrolytes can suck a girl’s mojo. In conclusion, every morning, without fail. Caffeine. Protein. Shower. Real clothes. Water. CPSRW. I’m tacking it to the ceiling over your bed.”

She and her crew are always planning or working on something, so there’s no dull moment throughout the book. Max is resourceful, intuitive and likes to have everything under control – and if she doesn’t, she acts like she does – there’s people counting on her, after all. She’s positive and creative and always has a back-up plan. Or she used to – up until now.

Their latest case proves to be a little more challenging that the previous ones they’ve worked on. There may be more people and *gasp!* even some real feelings involved. So everything starts to be a little more complicated. 

Max had to moved a lot over the years, so she didn’t get the chance to build strong relationships.  Now it’s easier for her to just keep a cool façade and not to get attached to anyone. So when she faces what her ‘clients’ endure everyday and her perfect image begins to slip, her life gets a bit out of control and suddenly there’s too much to handle on her own. 

Guys are so confusing! She looks over at the pile of bananas. It’s so clear which fruit are good and which ones are rotten. You can see it before you make your investment. Why can’t boys be more like bananas? Why do you have to put your heart out there before you find out you picked a bad one?

She’s the kind of girl who always knows what to say and how to make people feel better, but when it comes to her own personal problems, she struggles to find a solution, to use her own advice or to  actually trust someone. But that’s when she starts to realize what she’s been missing all along; who cares about her and is always there for her, no matter how much she tries to keep them at a safe distance. Because, after all, there’s always more to a story than meets the eye. 

Since the story was told in 3^rd person POV, we got some glimpses from other characters as well, which was refreshing and interesting, but in the same time, a little confusing. You get caught up in Max’s story and then BAM! There’s Taylor pacing around the room, talking to his best friend and having second thoughts about… something (spoiler). And then BAM! There’s Ben not wanting to admit that he has feelings for someone. And then we’re back to Max. Without any warning. Anyway, these sequences were few and far between and in the end, proved to be very helpful for the conclusion of the story, but still, they were confusing. 

Ok, bottom line: we have humor, wit, fashion, romance, friendship, loyalty, likeable characters, original plot and a writing that flows effortlessly - all the ingredients necessary for a delightful summer read! (actually, this is a perfect read for those days when you need a breather from all the dramas and paranormals and dystopians and post-apocalyptics and the like;)).

*Review copy provided by the publisher HarperCollins and Edelweiss in exchange for my honest opinion. Thank you!
**All quotes were selected from the Advanced Reader e-proof and they might be different in the final published edition. 

Happy reading!
xoxo

In My Mailbox #10: The AH-MAZING! edition

Hey!

In My Mailbox is a weekly meme hosted by Kristi @ The Story Siren and inspired by Alea @ Pop Culture Junkie, where we share the books we got in the mail the previous week.

So this should be part 2 of that long overdue IMM post. It's a few weeks worth of books and I think it's the best haul yet! So many amazing books (most of the books I already read/listened to got 5 stars!)
*Links send to Goodreads

The Unbecoming of Mara Dyerby Michelle Hodkin 

(Finally! Yes, there was a lot of squealing and book petting involved when I got it. 

The cover is gorgeous in person and the book was indeed mind blowing. 

My favorite debut of the year so far!)

Carrier of the Mark by Leigh Fallon

*** 

Poison Study (Study, #1) by Maria V. Snyder

Storm Glass (Glass #1) by Maria V. Snyder  

(Thanks to Harlequin Teen Australia!)

The Emerald Talisman (Talisman, #1) by Brenda Pandos

Descended by Blood (Vampire Born #1) by Angeline Kace

Half-Blood (Covenant #1) by Jennifer L. Armentrout

Daughter of Smoke and Bone by Laini Taylor 

Dark Eden by Patrick Carman (NetGalley)

Blood Rights (House of Comarré #1) by Kristen Painter (NetGalley)

Crave (The Clann #1) by Melissa Darnell (NetGalley)

Where Demons Fear to Tread by Stephanie Chong (NetGalley)

Dearly, Departed (Dearly #1) by Lia Habel (NetGalley)

The Pledge (The Pledge #1) by Kimberly Derting (S&S GalleyGrab)

Audiobooks:

Twisted (Intertwined #3) by Gena Showalter

Second Grave on the Left (Charley Davidson #2) by Darynda Jones 

Three Days to Dead (Dreg City #1) by Kelly Meding 

The Demonica Series by Larissa Ione

Phew, I should be back on track now!:)

What did you get in your mailbox?

Have a wonderful week!
xoxo
 

In My Mailbox #10: The AH-MAZING! edition

Hey!

In My Mailbox is a weekly meme hosted by Kristi @ The Story Siren and inspired by Alea @ Pop Culture Junkie, where we share the books we got in the mail the previous week.

So this should be part 2 of that long overdue IMM post. It's a few weeks worth of books and I think it's the best haul yet! So many amazing books (most of the books I already read/listened to got 5 stars!)
*Links send to Goodreads

The Unbecoming of Mara Dyerby Michelle Hodkin 

(Finally! Yes, there was a lot of squealing and book petting involved when I got it. 

The cover is gorgeous in person and the book was indeed mind blowing. 

My favorite debut of the year so far!)

Carrier of the Mark by Leigh Fallon

*** 

Poison Study (Study, #1) by Maria V. Snyder

Storm Glass (Glass #1) by Maria V. Snyder  

(Thanks to Harlequin Teen Australia!)

The Emerald Talisman (Talisman, #1) by Brenda Pandos

Descended by Blood (Vampire Born #1) by Angeline Kace

Half-Blood (Covenant #1) by Jennifer L. Armentrout

Daughter of Smoke and Bone by Laini Taylor 

Dark Eden by Patrick Carman (NetGalley)

Blood Rights (House of Comarré #1) by Kristen Painter (NetGalley)

Crave (The Clann #1) by Melissa Darnell (NetGalley)

Where Demons Fear to Tread by Stephanie Chong (NetGalley)

Dearly, Departed (Dearly #1) by Lia Habel (NetGalley)

The Pledge (The Pledge #1) by Kimberly Derting (S&S GalleyGrab)

Audiobooks:

Twisted (Intertwined #3) by Gena Showalter

Second Grave on the Left (Charley Davidson #2) by Darynda Jones 

Three Days to Dead (Dreg City #1) by Kelly Meding 

The Demonica Series by Larissa Ione

Phew, I should be back on track now!:)

What did you get in your mailbox?

Have a wonderful week!
xoxo