Blog Tour Stop:Fight or Flight by Jamie Canosa Review and Guest Post

Reading Level: YA or NA
Publisher: Self Published
Source: Author
First book in a possible series

Be smart.
Keep your head down.
And look out for number one.
These are the rules Jay has lived by for the past two years. The rules of surviving life on the streets. But when Em comes bursting into his life, in all of her disastrous glory, the rules go right out the window.
Survive.
Flee what’s been left behind
And never look back.
Em’s plan was simple. Though, it was easier said than done. The city streets are dangerous and unforgiving to a new arrival. Especially, a seventeen year old girl who’s never known anything but life in the suburbs. Sometimes, however, what’s lurking behind those white picket fences can be more frightening than any dark alley.
Both of them made the same decision when life got overwhelming—to run from their demons. Brought together by fate or circumstance, Em and Jay find the kind of love neither of them ever expected. But when those demons come back to haunt them and their love is on the line, which instincts will they choose to follow this time . . . Fight or Flight?

*Warning: This story includes mature language and themes, and is intended for mature audiences.

Review
My goodness this book was amazing. I had high expectations and this met them with ease. I loved it with all my heart. It was a well done, unique read with fabulous characters.

Both Em and Jay had horrible pasts. They have escaped to the streets with hope of a better life. Jay having lived on the streets for two years knows the way things work. He runs into Em and can't help but want to help her. Little does he know Em could change his life forever.

I was impressed with Jay and Em. I liked reading from both perspectives. They were really amazing characters by hey had such hard lives but they never gave up. I loved that they took things slow with no intention of ever getting together. Em had her moments where I questioned her. But, she just didn't want to have to rely on someone. I find that admirable and I liked how hard she tried to help even if it didn't turn out well most of the time. Is there somewhere I can find a Jay? He was drop dead amazing. I loved how caring he was. He didn't even know Em but he still wanted to protect her. Jay and Em were absolutely adorable. I was so happy they got their happy ending :).

This has an amazing storyline. No only did it have a unique story, I really felt like I could take something from it. There was some real life problems that I haven't really come across too much. I mean I've never experienced the streets or known someone on the streets. I thought that was such an honest yet fascinating concept. Even though this had its serious moments, it also had lots of cute and a few happy moments too. It was a good mix. The story wasn't incredibly fast but it did have some action moments. And I couldn't put it down because I was enjoying it so much. Overall I loved this with all my heart in case you can't tell. I thought it was amazing and I highly recommend!

 

Book Links:

Amazon-http://www.amazon.com/Fight-or-Flight-ebook/dp/B00BSIPULW/ref=sr_1_8?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1363090019&sr=1-8&keywords=jamie+canosa#reader_B00BSIPULW

Goodreads-http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/17374245-fight-or-flight

Author Bio:

Jamie Canosa is a full timeauthor of YA literature, which she absolutely loves. When she’s not writing orspending time with her family, she can usually be found with her nose in abook. She currently resides in Upstate NY with her husband, and their threecrazy kids . . . plus the dog, the bird, and the rabbit.

 

Her debut novel, Dissidence,was published in 2012 along with several novellas, including the first in her Heartand Soul series, ‘Temptation’.

 

AuthorLinks:

Blog-http://jamiecanosa.blogspot.com/

FB-https://www.facebook.com/AuthorJamieCanosa?ref=hl

Goodreads-http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6150972.Jamie_Canosa

GiveawayCode:

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Sever by Lauren DeStefano Review

Reading Level: Young Adult
Publisher: Simon and Schuster
Source: Bought
Final book in the Chemical Garden series
Time is running out for Rhine in this conclusion to the New York Times bestselling Chemical Garden Trilogy.
With the clock ticking until the virus takes its toll, Rhine is desperate for answers. After enduring Vaughn’s worst, Rhine finds an unlikely ally in his brother, an eccentric inventor named Reed. She takes refuge in his dilapidated house, though the people she left behind refuse to stay in the past. While Gabriel haunts Rhine’s memories, Cecily is determined to be at Rhine’s side, even if Linden’s feelings are still caught between them.
Meanwhile, Rowan’s growing involvement in an underground resistance compels Rhine to reach him before he does something that cannot be undone. But what she discovers along the way has alarming implications for her future—and about the past her parents never had the chance to explain.
In this breathtaking conclusion to Lauren DeStefano’s Chemical Garden trilogy, everything Rhine knows to be true will be irrevocably shattered

Review
I read a lot of reviews for this before reading. A lot of people had mixed feelings. I was a little worried honestly. But I had nothing to be worried about. I think this was a perfect conclusion! I really liked it.

With nowhere left to turn Rhine takes refuge in Vaughn's brothers home. Rowan's involvement in the underground resistance is growing every day. Little does Rhine know there's more to the resistance and her past than meets they eye.

Rhine has grown so much. She was so strong in this one. But at times it seemed like she had no other option than to follow along with everyone else and their plans. She tried to do what she thought was right but also ended up stuck with other people because she had no other choice. I mean she had no money so she really did have to rely on other. I thought her story was wrapped up well and I enjoyed it very much. I enjoyed Linden and Cecily most in this. They made an amazing addition to the story and for once I didn't hate them. I loved how Linden finally stood up for himself. I also loved how sweet and caring Cecily was. We never really got to see those aspects before. Vaughn played an interesting role in the story. He confused me quite honestly, it was hard to keep up. I did wish for more Gabriel because I loved him in past books. But, I liked the way his part was played. It was very small but it worked well with the story.

Past books in this series have really left a lot of questions. I liked that this one answered all my questions but it did her a little overwhelming! It was difficult to keep up with everything. The plot was so fast paced that it was impossible to put down. There was an insane amount of twists and turns. The world building was awesome. I even ended up shedding a few tears. Overall this was a fabulous read. It blew my expectations away. I very much enjoyed it. I am so sad to see this wonderful series end. But it couldn't have ended better!

Waiting on Wednesday: Nantucket Blue and Golden

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

I actually have two this week! I'm going to do both of them because their both contemporary :).

Golden by Jessi Kirby
Expected publication: May 14th 2013 by Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers
Love, tragedy, and mystery converge in this compelling novel from “an author to watch” (Booklist).
Seventeen-year-old Parker Frost has never taken the road less traveled. Valedictorian and quintessential good girl, she’s about to graduate high school without ever having kissed her crush or broken the rules. So when fate drops a clue in her lap—one that might be the key to unraveling a town mystery—she decides to take a chance.
Julianna Farnetti and Shane Cruz are remembered as the golden couple of Summit Lakes High—perfect in every way, meant to be together forever. But Julianna’s journal tells a different story—one of doubts about Shane and a forbidden romance with an older, artistic guy. These are the secrets that were swept away with her the night that Shane’s jeep plunged into an icy river, leaving behind a grieving town and no bodies to bury.
Reading Julianna’s journal gives Parker the courage to start to really live—and it also gives her reasons to question what really happened the night of the accident. Armed with clues from the past, Parker enlists the help of her best friend, Kat, and Trevor, her longtime crush, to track down some leads. The mystery ends up taking Parker places that she never could have imagined. And she soon finds that taking the road less traveled makes all the difference.

I loved In Honor with all of my heart! I also read and enjoyed Moonglass! So its safe to say I'm becoming a pretty big Jessi Kibry Fan. I've heard amazing things about this book. I can't wait to get my hands on it!



Nantucket Blue by Lelia Howland
Expected publication: May 7th 2013 by Disney Hyperion
For Cricket Thompson, a summer like this one will change everything. A summer spent on Nantucket with her best friend, Jules Clayton, and the indomitable Clayton family. A summer when she’ll make the almost unattainable Jay Logan hers. A summer to surpass all dreams.
Some of this turns out to be true. Some of it doesn’t.
When Jules and her family suffer a devastating tragedy that forces the girls apart, Jules becomes a stranger whom Cricket wonders whether she ever really knew. And instead of lying on the beach working on her caramel-colored tan, Cricket is making beds and cleaning bathrooms to support herself in paradise for the summer.
But it’s the things Cricket hadn’t counted on--most of all, falling hard for someone who should be completely off-limits--that turn her dreams into an exhilarating, bittersweet reality.
A beautiful future is within her grasp, and Cricket must find the grace to embrace it. If she does, her life could be the perfect shade of Nantucket blue.

Ever since hearing about this book I've been dying to read! I haven't heard much but I am very excited to get my hands on this bad boy! It sounds adorable :).

Top Ten Tuesday (12)

Top Ten Tuesday is an original feature/weekly meme created by The Broke and the Bookish. We'd love to share our lists with other bookish folks and would LOVE to see your top ten lists!

Each week we will post a new Top Ten list that one of us will answer. Everyone is welcome to join. All that's asked is that you link back to The Broke and the Bookish on your own Top Ten Tuesday post AND add your name to the Linky widget so that everyone can check out other bloggers lists! If you don't have a blog, just post your answers as a comment. Have fun with it! It's a fun way to get to know your fellow bloggers.

 

This weeks topic is Top Ten Books I Recommend Most! This is probably gonna be mostly series! Also probably my most important and favorites :).

 

1. The Mortal Instruments by Cassandra Clare. No need for reason with this one!
2. Shiver series by Maggie Stiefvator. I know this series has gotten mixed reviews but I love it with all of my heart. This really should be anything Maggie Stiefvator but you get the point.
3. Tigers Curse by Colleen Houck. As you know I am very obsessed with this series for many reasons.
4. Beautiful Creatures by Kami Garcia and Margeret Stohl. This series also has mixed reviews but I don't care. It was an amazing series and even had a fabulous movie adaption.
5. Anything John Green. I expect to see this on most lists this week!
6. Anything Jennifer Armentrout. Not only because her writing is wonderful but she has the best characters ever :).
7. Graceling Relm series by Kristin Cashore. This too should be anything Kristin Cashore. I doubted her and then I realized her amazingness and now I shall never doubt her again!
8. Shatter Me by Tahreh Mafi. Hello amazing! That is all.
9. Angelfire by Courtney Alison Moulton. Because Angels rule!
10. Divergent by Veronica Roth. No need for reason with this one either!

 

I would also like to mention Michelle Hodkin, Stephanie Perkins, Myra McEntire, and Beth Revis. If you don't know some of these authors that's a problem and you should go give them some love :).

 

Asunder by Jodi Meadows Review

Reading Level: Young Adult
Publisher: Katherine Tegen
Source: Bought
Second book in the Incarnate series
DARKSOULS
Ana has always been the only one. Asunder. Apart. But after Templedark, when many residents of Heart were lost forever, some hold Ana responsible for the darksouls–and the newsouls who may be born in their place.
SHADOWS
Many are afraid of Ana’s presence, a constant reminder of unstoppable changes and the unknown. When sylph begin behaving differently toward her and people turn violent, Ana must learn to stand up not only for herself but for those who cannot stand up for themselves.
LOVE
Ana was told that nosouls can’t love. But newsouls? More than anything, she wants to live and love as an equal among the citizens of Heart, but even when Sam professes his deepest feelings, it seems impossible to overcome a lifetime of rejection.
In this second book in the Newsoul trilogy, Ana discovers the truth about reincarnation and will have to find a way to embrace love and make her young life meaningful. Once again, Jodi Meadows explores the extraordinary beauty and shadowed depths of the soul in a story equal parts epic romance and captivating fantasy.

Review
I was most excited to read this book out of all the books that came out in January! Incarnate left me dying for more and the wait for this has been killer. This was an amazing sequel. The storyline was epic. The characters were even better than before. It was perfect!

Ana surprised me in this. She really grew into an amazing characters. I loved how confident she was. She was so strong, never giving up on what was important to her. And, never letting anything affect her. I don't think the newsouls could have a better protected or leader. My feelings for Sam are a little mixed now. He wasn't bad as a character at all but, he had some moments that annoyed me. And to be honest I'm not sure why. I love him though and want these mixed feelings to go away. This had some great side characters. I loved that I didn't know who was good and who was bad. I hope to see some of them in the next book!

I think I loved Asunder's storyline more than Incarnate which is surprising. I loved all the action and suspense. I literally couldn't put this down. It was so fast paced and well done. I loved it. I had high expectations and this made them look easy. Overall this was beyond amazing. I could fangirl all day. It had everything an amazing sequel needs. I highly recommend this one! Even if you didn't enjoy Incarnate. Give this one a shot!

Discussion Post: Long reviews VS Short reviews

I know I write short reviews! But my reviews have been something I've been trying hard to work on! I do like them short. I know a lot of my reviews are the same. A lot of the times I feel the same way about most books. I either love it or its just okay. And most of the time when I love it I love it for the same reason as I love other books.

Am I the only one intimidated by long reviews? I swear its hard for me to read long reviews. If its more than like 4 paragraphs I don't want to read it. Unless their short paragraphs. I just find them harder to relate too when their long. I know lots of people like to see long reviews but their really just not for me. I like reviews that have valid points but don't drag on. But, I also don't like too see terribly short reviews! If a review is like two paragraphs, I think it's too short. I can understand if you just didn't have much to say about a book. And if you write a short review but talk enough about the storyline and characters. Then it's not a bad review.

Reviews are really my favorite part of a blog! I love to read reviews of books I've read. I don't really read many reviews of books I haven't read but I am trying to read more. I find it easy to relate too and leave a comment for a review of something I've read. I enjoy them more. I also love seeing a review for a book someone really loved! I love seeing people share the love. I love writing super fangirly reviews so I really enjoy reading those too. I also enjoy reading in between reviews. Those are when you liked a book but it wasn't amazing. I like seeing how people handle a book they didn't really enjoy without being mean. I think my favorite part of a review is the characters. Having good or bad characters is important to me when reading a book. Because the characters are really my favorite part :). But I like to know how fast paced the story is too. When a story is slow its harder to stay interested.

What do you guys like too see in a review? What's your favorite part? And, which do you prefer long or short reviews? Let me know in the comments!

Boundless by Cynthia Hand Review

Reading Level: Young Adult
Publihser: Harper Teen
Source: Bought
Last book in the Unearthly series
The past few years have held more surprises than part-angel Clara Gardner could ever have anticipated. Yet from the dizzying highs of first love, to the agonizing low of losing someone close to her, the one thing she can no longer deny is that she was never meant to live a normal life.
Since discovering the special role she plays among the other angel-bloods, Clara has been determined to protect Tucker Avery from the evil that follows her . . . even if it means breaking both their hearts. Leaving town seems like the best option, so she’s headed back to California - and so is Christian Prescott, the irresistible boy from the vision that started her on this journey in the first place.
As Clara makes her way in a world that is frighteningly new, she discovers that the fallen angel who attacked her is watching her every move. And he’s not the only one. . . . With the battle against the Black Wings looming, Clara knows she must finally fulfill her destiny. But it won’t come without sacrifices and betrayal.
In the riveting finale of the Unearthly series, Clara must decide her fate once and for all.

Review
I couldn't have imagined a better ending. I was a tad worried for this. And, now I feel stupid for even doubting it. OMG it was so good. They storyline was like drop everything and fan girl amazing. The characters were as amazing as always especially Clara. Even though I'm sad to see this series end, the perfect conclusion makes it better.

This one concludes Clara's story. She's decided to go to college with Angela and Christian decides to tag along. She wants to keep Tucker safe and believes leaving town is the best way. Little does she know there's a battle looming in the future and she has quite the fight ahead of her. Clara finally must face her destiny whether she wants to or not.

I think I enjoyed Clara most in this. I've always liked her but, she was pretty epic in this one. She had so many amazing things to her. I loved how she c,I bed to normal life even if she had to fight for it. I loved how caring she was to everyone. I loved how she always tried to stay strong no matter how hard it was. My feelings for Christian have remained the same. I enjoyed him as a character but I don't think he's right for Clara. He was a excellent partner in crime to Clara. Oh Tucker, I shall love you forever and ever. You have been the best addition to this story and I shall miss you terribly. Really, I'm gonna miss all these characters terribly.

As I said earlier this one had an amazing storyline. I could not stop reading. I ended up staying up till 3am to finish. But, I really didn't like how big if a role Angela played. It felt like the story was wrapped around her even though it wasn't. I liked that their was action but she's never been my favorite and where her story went really surprised me. I will say this was a perfect conclusion. It wrapped up the story perfectly. All my questions were answered. Overalls Boundless equals wonderful amazingly awesome read. I highly recommend.

Just Like Heaven by Clarissa Carlye Review

Reading Level: YA or NA
Self Published as of GoodReads
Source: Author
Stand Alone
Arthur Cooper is the star quarter back and all round heart throb of Collinswood High School. Demi Mitchell is the A-student girl who likes poetry and dreams of following in her lost mother's footsteps of becoming a nurse. When Arthur and Demi's worlds collide they touch each others lives in a way neither of them could ever have expected.
But what happens when you don't get the happy ending? When the love of your life leaves...can you pick up the pieces and is there any hope for a future?
In this heart warming and sometimes tear jerking story, follow the lives of these 2 young adults fresh out of high school as their lives intertwine with each other and touch those around them, finding true love in each others arms, promises hard kept and ultimately coming to grips with the difficult decision on what is truly the most important thing in life.
This is a story of young love you will not soon forget.

Review
I'm conflicted with this one. The storyline was predictable and way too fast. I felt like I was watching a movie. I pushed myself to finish for two reasons. One, so I could be done and two, so I could see how it all wrapped up. But, it was very adorable and the characters were very well done. Those are important things in my book and almost made up for the bad stuff.

This one tells the story of Arthur and Demi. They don't intend to fall for each other. But, they do. And they have an amazing roller coaster of a relationship. And an even bigger adventure along the way.

I loved Demi. I thought she had a great personality. I loved how hard she worked even when things didn't go as planned. She made the best of what she had. And she took responsibility for her actions but didn't let others of the hook. Now I can't say the same for Arthur. He was really only a okay character. He had his great moments and his make me want to slap him moment. I think the relationship between Arthur and Demi was a little in unrelatable. It moved really fast. I found myself annoyed with their choices. But the truth is that stuff does actually happen. I did like how real some parts were. I also liked the character development and the cuteness.

This one had a predictable storyline. I knew what was going to happen at the halfway mark. Things moved so fast. At times a day would pass at others a week or a year. It was hard to keep up with time and character perspective. The thing I liked most about this story was that it was cute. I'm a sucker for cuteness. I do think this one could have been better but it wasn't by an means a terrible read.

Waiting on Wednesday: Isla and the Happily Ever After by Stephanie Perkins

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

My pick this week is:


Isla and the Happily Ever After by Stephanie Perkins
Expected release date: September 17th, 2013
from Dutton

From the glittering streets of Manhattan to the moonlit rooftops of Paris, falling in love is easy for hopeless dreamer Isla and introspective artist Josh. But as they begin their senior year in France, Isla and Josh are quickly forced to confront the heartbreaking reality that happily-ever-afters aren’t always forever.

Their romantic journey is skillfully intertwined with those of beloved couples Anna and Étienne and Lola and Cricket, whose paths are destined to collide in a sweeping finale certain to please fans old and new.

I've been waiting for this book for what seems like forever. It will be 2 years when it comes out. If you read Lola when it came out like I did you know exactly how I feel. Now don't think I'm complaining. I think Stephanie Perkins can do no wrong and if it means we get an amazing book she can take as long as she likes (but please, please don't let it be pushed back again). Also there's no complaining from me because I want to put off saying goodbye to these characters. They're my babies :).

The old covers were super cute, but I really like the new ones, too. They're pretty but simple.

What are you waiting on this week? Have you been waiting for Isla as long as I have? What do you think of the new covers? Tell me in the comments!

Top Ten Tuesday (11)

Top Ten Tuesday is an original feature/weekly meme created by The Broke and the Bookish. We'd love to share our lists with other bookish folks and would LOVE to see your top ten lists!

Each week we will post a new Top Ten list that one of us will answer. Everyone is welcome to join. All that's asked is that you link back to The Broke and the Bookish on your own Top Ten Tuesday post AND add your name to the Linky widget so that everyone can check out other bloggers lists! If you don't have a blog, just post your answers as a comment. Have fun with it! It's a fun way to get to know your fellow bloggers.

 This weeks topic is Top Ten Books I Had to Buy That Are Still Unread on My Shelf. Why do I keep getting the sad topics?

1. We Will Always Have Summer by Jenny Han- I bought this book last year around the time it came out and I still haven't read it. I don't remember much about the first too so a reread will probably be necessary before I finally get around to it. Since it is a summer read maybe I'll find time for it in the summer.
2. The Serpents Shadow by Rick Riordan- I know, I know. I feel like a major jerkaholic for still not reading this. I'm a huge Rick Riordan fan and I love this series. I couldn't tell you why I still haven't picked this one up. Maybe because it's the last one and I don't want to say goodbye?
3. Perfect Chemistry by Simone Elkeles- I got the first one for Christmas last year and I haven't read it yet. It sucks because I've heard really good things about it.
4. Darker Still by Leanna Renee Hieber- I love retellings and I'd been wanting to read this one for ages before I finally got it but I still haven't read it :(.
5. This is Not a Test by Courtney Summers- I got this one a couple months ago at a blogger meet up at a bookstore because they all said it was amazing. I haven't read it yet, though. Zombies aren't really my thing (actually they freak me out) but I loved The Forest of Hands and Teeth series so if this one has the same feel to it, I'll be sure to love it.

That's all I could think of for now. Most of the unread books I own (and trust me there's a lot) are from conferences.

What's your top ten for the week? Are any of ours the same? Anything you want to say to convince me to bump one of these up on my stack? Let me know in the comments!

Now I'm off to buy Clockwork Princess (finally).

Stephenie Meyer and Lauren Oliver Events!

We had some amazing events this past week! Lauren Oliver was at a local library. I (Jasmine) had never met her so I was very excited. Sadly we were running a little late and missed some of her discussion and were at the very back of the line. We did get to hear the Q and A though. She answered some great questions including future books and the Delirium TV show. I'll be honest when I say I had somewhat given up on the show. Only because I don't want to pitch a fit about them changing things because it really doesn't do much. Of course I still planned on watching but I wasn't worried about what they changed. After hearing Lauren speak about it, I'm actually growing more and more excited! She sounds very happy and thinks it will do well. For now we wait and see. The line was incredibly long. I think we ended up waiting at least an hour and a half if not two hours! But, it was worth it! We got to socialize a little. Sadly, we didn't see many blogger friends( Although we did run into the amazing Lindsey Cummings author of The Murder Complex) but, we did make some new friends with the people behind us and saw a few people from the Opal Release party. Eventually we made it to the front and got our books signed. Lauren was so nice and it was amazing to meet her! We have a few pictures for you guys :).

Lauren speaking.

Us with Lauren!

Jasmine's signed books. She signed Delirium thanks for coming, Pandemonium was actually already signed, Marissa had it signed for me at a previous signing and it says you best friend is the best, Requiem is signed do not read the ending first because I told her how  badly I wanted to be in the know and finally know how it ends that I almost read it during the Q and A. Luckily Marissa stopped me. (Marissa says you're welcome :))

 

Marissa's signed books.

 My ARC of the Spindlers says 'beware of the evil Spindlers' which makes me want to read it, Pandemonium says 'I'm glad you'll finally have your own copy of Pandemonium', and Requiem says 'Take down the walls' which I'll be sure to do! It was so lovely to meet her again and isn't her signature pretty?

 

 

Now for Stephenie Meyer! This signing was absolutely huge! The total was said to be 600 people! We had gone and gotten the priority tickets so we had a wrist band with the letter H on it. I'm pretty sure they went all the way down to L and who knows how many people were in each group. They lined our group up then took us upstairs. They had all the groups weaved in and out of rows of books. It was actually very orderly which made me pretty happy. They handed out sticky notes and we waited. I think we waited for at least two hours after arriving which was honestly better than I expected. Eventually we got to a point in line when we could see Max and Jake at their table. Which caused a frenzy of fangirling! I'm pretty sure Max Irons waved at me and it might have made my life (he would have waved at me (Marissa) too but I had to look away to avoid spontaneous combustion from blushing too much). We got to Stephanie and she was really nice! Jasmine talked about how old she was when she read Twilight and how it didn't make Stephanie feel old. Marissa's age made her feel old, though. I (Marissa) got to thank her for getting me into reading which is something that I never, ever thought I would be able to do. We even managed to get a picture with all three of us. Then we moved on to Max and Jake and the ability to talk left us. Their hotness is amazing. Jake is adorable and Max has the best accent ever. If I could have someone calling me 'love' or saying to take care in an accent like his everyday I would be a very happy girl. Which is why my mom said after that I would definitely not be studying abroad in England. They signed our posters and off we went. This might have been the best signing ever. Meeting Stephanie Meyer is definitely something to cross off the book bucket list. It was such an amazing experience and we both would do it over a million times if we could. Now onto the pictures!

 

 

Just a little of the crowd (and the top of Marissa's head)

Us with Stephenie

Jasmine's signed books

Jasmine's books

 

Marissa's books. Seriously if there was a fire my old, beat up, and now signed copy of Twilight would be something I grab.

 

 

Marissa's wristbands from both events. I was certainly sad to cut these off.

Blog Tour Stop: Spy Island Review and Giveaway

Reading Level: Young Adult
Publisher: CreateSpace
Source: Author
StandAlone
An adventurous girl in the West Indies risks her life to save a German U-boat deserter and stumbles into a nest of German spies hell-bent on taking over her tranquil island.
In 1916, Abigail Maduro plunges headfirst into the dangerous world of espionage when she travels to the West Indies to live with her Aunt Esther and witnesses a brutal murder at the hands of a notorious German spy. Vowing revenge, Abby embarks on a career as a spy hunter, not realizing that St. Thomas is a hotbed for German spies and saboteurs who use their Hamburg-America steamers to run clandestine missions against the Allies. But Abigail has more pressing problems of her own. She's forced to work as a seamstress, and is on the constant receiving end of her aunt's vicious tirades. Her only salvation are the two aging servants, Nana Jane, the daughter of an African slave with a taste for gossip, and Cooky Betty, the rotund, back-talking cook who samples most of what she makes.
A chance encounter with a mysterious stranger hurls Abby to the center of the conflict. Erich Seibold claims to be a stranded sailor in desperate need of shelter. Despite the danger, Abby hides Erich in the basement of her house and friendship blossoms between the two outsiders, even after Abby learns that he is a deserter from a German U-boat. The local German Consul, Lothar Langsdorff, also discovers Erich's true identity and blackmails him into committing sabotage and murder. When Erich is arrested, Abigail attempts a daring breakout to free him. But with Langsdorff still on the loose, Abigail relies on wits, bravery and a little island magic to save her island from a dangerous German spy.

Review
I honestly didn't think I was going to like this one. The first half was slow and it was difficult to push through. But, once I got to the second half, I really enjoyed the story. I thought it had a great concept and wonderful characters.

This one tells the story of Abbie Maduro. Her life suddenly takes a turn for the worse, and she's forced to live with an ancient relative. She had quite the adventure not only on the island but getting there as well.

I really loved Abbie. I thought she was a great, well done character. I liked how strong she was. I liked how adventurous she was. She was just a genuine good person. I absolutely adored her aunts household staff. Cooky Betty and Nana Jane made a great addition to the story. I think the story really came to life when Erich came in. He made the book for me. His life story was so interesting and I loved the relationship between him and Abbie.

So the synopsis for this didn't give much to go off. I had no idea what to expect. I thought the main premise of the story was spies. But, it didn't really seem like it was. It was more about the war going on and Abbie's story. There was quite a few Germans but it wasn't classified if they were spies or not. I think that was a little misleading. I did think the concept was unique and pretty fast paced. There was a fair share of action and suspense. The characters were all well done. Overall I do think this was a great read. The first half wasn't very good but the second made up for it!

Author Bio:
Sophie Schiller grew up in the West Indies amid aging pirates and retired German spies. She was educated at American University, Washington, D.C. and now lives in Brooklyn, NY.

Sophie Schiller FB page: https://www.facebook.com/SchillerSophie

Sophie Schiller Blog: http://sophieschiller.blogspot.com/

Book Buy Link: http://www.amazon.com/Spy-Island-Sophie-Schiller/dp/1481181718/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1361725381&sr=8-1&keywords=spy+island

Giveaway!
We have one ecopy of Spy Island to givraway! This one is US and INT.

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/29e2b512/" rel="nofollow">a Rafflecopter giveaway

Unravel Me Tahereh Mafi Review

Reading Level: Young Adult
Publisher: Harper Collins
Source: Bought
Second book in the Shatter Me series
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it's almost
time for war.
Juliette has escaped to Omega Point. It is a place for people like her—people with gifts—and it is also the headquarters of the rebel resistance.
She's finally free from The Reestablishment, free from their plan to use her as a weapon, and free to love Adam. But Juliette will never be free from her lethal touch.
Or from Warner, who wants Juliette more than she ever thought possible.
In this exhilarating sequel to Shatter Me, Juliette has to make life-changing decisions between what she wants and what she thinks is right. Decisions that might involve choosing between her heart—and Adam's life.

Review
I'm having some mixed feelings with this one. I've been waiting so long for it and I was so excited to finally be able to read it. I've been hearing such amazing things. But I didn't like it as much as I liked Shatter Me. It was beautifully written and the storyline was fantastic. I'm not sure why I didn't like it as much as I thought I would. It was still a amazing sequel.

So this one continues Juliette's story. Juliette, Adam, Kenji, and James have arrived at Omega Point with no idea what to expect. Not only do they discover more about themselves but they also get thrown into a war they aren't sure they can win.

Juliette really surprised me. She had a tough time adjusting to Omega Point. And, at times I got a little frustrated with her. I wished she would finally step up and let go of that fragile side. Eventually she did and I loved her even more. I do really like the fragile side because her thoughts are so complex. But with this story that didn't work. She had to toughen up and fast. I loved getting to learn more about her and her power. I kinda missed Adam. He wasn't as huge of a part and I missed him. He was having a harder time with certain things. That really drew him and Juliette apart. I missed their closeness. Okay so I know pretty much everyone became Team Warner. I did enjoy him a lot more because I felt like we really got to know him. But I'm still Team Adam! He's too complex for me. I don't see him as a very good match for Juliette either.

I found this ones storyline vastly different than the first book. It was very exciting. There was all kinds of action and suspense. And, there was tension between characters. This never slowed. It was literally impossible to put down. It was very fast paced. It was pretty hard to predict where the story was going. There was lots of steamy which is always good. I'm not sure why I didn't enjoy this one. I think because I really liked the closeness between characters in the first book. This one had less of that but more action. So I'm pretty conflicted with my feels. Overall though, it was an amazing read. I'm so happy I finally got to read it. Now I'm in the know :). I highly recommend this one. Especially if you like broken and complex characters or a very action filled plot!