The Locket by Stacey Jay Review

  The Locket by Stacey Jay

 Publish date: February 3, 2011
Publisher: Razorbill
Pages: 288

Summary: (from Goodreads)

On her seventeenth birthday, Katie discovers a locket and decides to wear it for good luck. But when her boyfriend Isaac finds out she cheated on him - with their mutual best friend Mitch, no less - he dumps her, leaving her devastated.

And then a miracle happens. The locket burns on Katie's chest and she feels herself going back two weeks in time, to the night she cheated with Mitch. At first, Kate is delighted to be a better girlfriend to Isaac this time around. But as other aspects of her life become inexplicably altered, she realizes that changing the past may have had a dangerous effect on her present.

Can she make things right before the locket destroys everything - and everyone - she loves?

Review: 

Before I read The Locket Ｉ was expecting a quick contemporary that I would enjoy. However this book was dark with shocking turn of events that I was completely not expecting. I loved the events in this book that I didn't see coming because it prevented it from being typical. Dangerous and frightening twists left me going WTF?! and I could not stop myself from turning the pages quickly to see what would happen next.

The book starts off a little on the meh side. It wasn't entirely engaging but nonetheless was interesting enough that I wanted to find out more. It's where you reach the climax where things start to get weird. Katie's new present after using the locket isn't entirely the same. She's gone back in time but the events of her new "present" has changed. Door signs aren't the same color as before... The drink her friend orders isn't the same... She's sick when she was fine before... These little details make Katie frightened and she starts to worry that maybe using the locket wouldn't be a good idea after all. Whiles these little changes are happening in the book I kept predicting what they might mean and if they would contribute to the plot in any way.

Katie wasn't my favorite character. She lacked personality and confidence because she's so insecure about herself dating the hottest boy in school. About three quarters of the book was about her trying to please her boyfriend and worrying whether or not Isaac would be happy about this or mad about that. Along with the events that unraveled in the book, Katie started to change. I was happy that Katie gradually matured and started becoming the heroine she never realized she could be. 

I loved the romance that was included to prevent this book from being too dark. There were light and happy moments that complemented this book beautifully. Although major events that occurred were in the extremes, it really makes you realize that anything could happen in life.  I'm glad Katie found herself at the end of the book, and she finally realized who it was that could make her happy and truly be herself.

Rating: 3/5

Gossamer by Renita Pizzitola Blog Tour & Review

A Lyrical Press Young Adult Paranormal Romance

Gossamer by Renita Pizzitola

Published by Lyrical Press Inc.

Format: eBook

Source: Given by publisher for an honest review and participation in blog tour.        

SUMMARY: 

Kyla Ashbury is nearing her eighteenth birthday when a mysterious boy appears at school. Her instant attraction to him inexplicably awakens something inside her and she discovers her true identity.

Now, armed with the knowledge of her past, she is forced to leave behind the life she has always known for a new one filled with temptation, faery charm and magic, and a future she wasn't prepared for.

Kyla is left with a difficult decision... but no matter which path she chooses, someone will get hurt.

Review: 

I always like a good faery book. Especially since lately I've only been reading sci-fi. I started this book with high hopes, however, this book fell a little short.

The writing itself, was a little amateur. The writing was wordy and choppy because the author used "it is" or "would have" instead of "it's" or "would've" every time, especially during dialogue. It made the characters sound stiff and gets rid of the emotion they were trying to express. I was a little surprised at the length of this book. I don't think I can really call it a novel because it was quite short. The beginning was dragged out too long, resulting in an abrupt ending that was a little frustrating, there was so much that was not resolved. I kept thinking "Is this really the end of the book? Will there be a second book?" Perhaps that was the author's intentions, to leave the reader with a cliffhanger forcing them to guess their own endings. I am disappointed at the plot, there was nothing really exciting about it. It was just another romance novel about a love triangle among two friends. It was a little like the book Angel Burn; guy saves girl from danger because of her abilities, and they end up falling in love. 

The beginning was like a typical cliche novel. Kylie, the damsel in distress, doesn't know she's half-faery until she meets new guy, Grant, who she falls in love with at first sight. However, the Queen B (and B not in the good way), Cerise, also wants Grant. They end up having a rivalry but of course Grant came for Kylie. And then Kylie's world turns upside down when Grant tells her she's half faery and she needs to go back to the faery world. I wasn't very fond of Kylie, she always wanted to cry every time she saw Grant or have some kind mixed emotions inside her, it was like she didn't have a backbone. 

Overall, this wasn't a memorable book because nothing exciting really happened. Although, I did enjoy the romance in it. I would save this book for a rainy day.

Rating: 3/5

Twenty Boy Summer by Sarah Ockler REVIEW

Twenty Boy Summer by Sarah Ockler

Not in series

Release Date: June 1st, 2009

Published by Little, Brown Books
Format: Hardcover, 290 pages

Source: Library

Summary from Goodreads:

"Don't worry, Anna. I'll tell her, okay? Just let me think about the best way to do it."

"Okay,"

"Promise me? Promise me you won't say anything?"

"Don't worry." I laughed. "It's our secret, right?"

According to her best friend Frankie, twenty days in Zanzibar Bay is the perfect opportunity to have a summer fling, and if they meet one boy every day, there's a pretty good chance Anna will find her first summer romance. Anna lightheartedly agrees to the game, but there's something she hasn't told Frankie--she's already had that kind of romance, and it was with Frankie's older brother, Matt, just before his tragic death one year ago.

Beautifully written and emotionally honest, this is a debut novel that explores what it truly means to love someone and what it means to grieve, and ultimately, how to make the most of every single moment this world has to offer.

Review:

First off, I absolutely loved the beautiful setting the story was taking place in. Sarah described it with so much detail that I imagined myself standing there on the beach.

Anna was always the strong one. If Anna and I were to meet somewhere in real life, I think we would've become great friends. We relate to each other so much! To be honest, I'm not really the outgoing type, which is the same as Anna. And among my group of friends, I was always considered to be the strong one, or "the rock". I was amazed by how well Anna was able to cope with Matt's death. Even though she was heartbroken on the inside, she showed no signs of pain on the outside, and the guilt she must've endured because she promised to not tell Frankie about Matt's relationship with her.

I found Frankie to be obnoxious and irritating because of the way she coped with her brother's death. She didn't turn out like Anna, strong and controlled. She turned all boy crazy and obsessed about things that didn't matter. I found it idiotic of her to start the twenty boy summer challenge. I mean, what's the point of it? In fact, I think it would've been a waste of a summer to be sitting around on the beach attracting any of the male species.

I understand that the author was trying to get the main message of Anna & Frankie trying to cope with Matt's death and trying to forget. But I just couldn't help thinking that it was too repetitive. Anna writes in her journal to Matt. Frankie is looking out for new boys. What else is new?

Overall, this wouldn't be a book that I LOVED. But it was definitely enjoyable because it taught me that if I've lost someone dear to me, I shouldn't let it get in the way of me living. Of course I'll be sad, but we can't stop living.

Rating: 3/5

Cover: 4/10

Character(s) I liked: Anna, Sam, Matt

Character(s) I disliked: Frankie

First Sentence: Frankie Perino and I were lucky that day. - page 1

What the author's up to:

Blog//Twitter//Facebook//Goodreads

Before I Fall by Lauren Oliver REVIEW

Before I Fall by Lauren Oliver

Not in a series

Release date: March 2nd, 2010

Published by Harper Collins

Format: Hardcover, 470 pages

Source: Library

Summary from Goodreads:

What if you had only one day to live? What would you do? Who would you kiss? And how far would you go to save your own life?
Samantha Kingston has it all: the world's most crush-worthy boyfriend, three amazing best friends, and first pick of everything at Thomas Jefferson High-from the best table in the cafeteria to the choicest parking spot. Friday, February 12, should be just another day in her charmed life.

Instead, it turns out to be her last.

Then she gets a second chance. Seven chances, in fact. Reliving her last day during one miraculous week, she will untangle the mystery surrounding her death-and discover the true value of everything she is in danger of losing.

Review:

Sam is a popular girl that dies on February 12th, or Cupid Day. In fact, she dies 7 times. And she gets 7 chances to really learn the value of life.

I wasn't sure about this book when I started reading it. It seemed like any other book about a snobby girl craving popularity. I couldn't help being annoyed with Sam because she only cared about how many roses she had on Cupid Day or whether she'd do the deed with Rob. She didn't see all the nice people in her school because her friends were brainwashing her.

But during the middle, I got a little more into it. It was inspiring to read the transformation and how much mature Sam came to be, during the 5th time she had to relive February the 12th as well as seeing her gain more courage throughout the book, fearless and trying to live out her remaining days of her life without any regrets. She came to treasure and value her family more, and she even made a couple of new friends that on any average day, she would completely ignore, or even make fun of. It was tragic to read the ending, since Sam had to sacrifice herself to save someone else.

The writing was brilliant. I enjoyed this book, but there wasn't enough pizazz for me to say that I loved this book. In fact, I think Sam reliving February the 12th seven times was a bit too much, there could have been some days that the author could've taken out, particularly at the beginning, since it was there that I became really frustrated and annoyed with Sam's character. The ending wasn't all that great, I know that the ending was supposed to leave me feeling wow'ed and touched and shocked all at the same time, but honestly, it just didn't do it for me.

Rating: 3/5

Cover: 4/10

Character(s) I liked: Kent, Izzy, Sam

Character(s) I disliked: Sam, Rob

First Sentence: They say that just before you die your whole life flashes before your eyes, but that's not how it happened for me.

What the author's up to:

Blog//Facebook//Myspace//Twitter

The Girls by Tucker Shaw REVIEW

Happy Mothers Day to all the lovely mothers out there, who have supported us every step of the way, and is our inspiration that keeps us going <3

SOURCE: LIBRARY

The Girls was a drama filled novel which I enjoyed reading. I liked that it was short, which allowed to finish it quickly.

Mary was my favorite character, because even though she is the richest girl in her school, she doesn't take it to her head, and use her money for granted. For example, whenever she buys lattes, she always goes to the cheap coffee shops because buying lattes at an expensive coffee shop that tastes the same isn't worth the extra money. I honestly felt really bad for her because she's such a nice girl, yet her boyfriend cheated on her! She's basically the whole package! Nice, smart and pretty. And that got me really mad, how her boyfriend would cheat on her, and Mary was trying so hard to pretend like every things okay. Peggy is an aspiring chef, who is overprotective of Mary, her best friend. And she often gets jealous when Mary is close to other girls. I liked how the story also added Reno, the restaurant that Peggy and Mary works in, which was an interesting setting for a lot of the drama to unfold. Peggy works in the kitchen, being Chef Jackie's sidekick. I was simply in awe from Peggy's ability to taste food and critique it like an expert.

The story was well-written, I couldn't stop reading it! It was surprisingly addicting. I also liked how at the end of the book, there were a lot of recipes, like Chef Jackie's onion soup. Honestly though, the ending was a little rushed. But if you're looking for a fun yet drama-filled read, that'll suck you in, definitely read this book.

Rating: 3/5

Cover: 7/10

Character(s) I liked: Chef Jackie, Mary

Character(s) I disliked: Crystal, Sylvia

First line: Mary Moorhead became my best friend the day I arrived at Maroon Bells School for Girls in Aspen, Colorado, last September. - page 1

Summary: from Goodreads

Meet Mary: She’s beautiful, and her ski-star boyfriend is cheating on her.

Meet Crystal: She’s a townie, and she’s cheating with Mary’s boyfriend.

Meet Sylvia: She’s nasty, and she’s got something up her Prada-designed sleeve.

Meet Amber: She’s a flake, she’s the barista at the hottest coffee shop in Aspen, and she serves up gossip even hotter than grande skim lattes.

Meet Peggy: She’s Mary’s best friend, and she has no idea how to cope with all these girls.

A modern retelling of the classic play The Women (which featured not one male in the cast), The Girls is a quick-witted, stylish comedy about friendship, love, and most important, gossip! An elite Aspen prep school sets the stage for jealousy and intrigue as the lives of many girls tangle into a wickedly fun mess (in which no boys ever appear).

How to Ditch Your Fairy by Justine Larbalestier REVIEW

SOURCE: LIBRARY

First off, I'm giving mad props to Justine because of all the creative fairies she's created just to accompany the books-- and the characters. Who would've ever heard of a parking fairy (finding the perfect parking spot), or a clothes-finding fairy (speaks for itself)? Also, it must've took her a lot of time to not only create these creative fairies, but also creating a whole new world!

Characters wise-- It's very rare for me to dislike a main character, but I really didn't like Charlie. She was a snob and had a bad attitude. All Charlie ever did was complain and complain some more. Even though she had a reason to hate her parking fairy, she shouldn't hate on Fiorenze when she barely knew her! She made Fiorenze really sound like a snob, saying how because she was mega-rich, she didn't give boys the time of day. But every time I read about how Fiorenze was in school, she didn't sound like a snob at all! More like super shy... or super annoyed with boys. It must've been extra surprising for Charlie when she found out how nice Fiorenze was, and how much she hated HER fairy. I liked Rochelle on the other hand though, if she wasn't so nice, I'd envy her with her clothes-shopping fairy. Poor Fiorenze, because she had the every-boy-will-like-you fairy, every girl in school hated her. But she was trying so desperately to find friends, and Charlie, didn't even bother to give her a chance!

The story was great! I liked the idea, and the plot. But I just couldn't help myself from being annoyed by Charlie.... UGH! Honestly, as much as I hate to say it, this story doesn't leave an impact for me, because it was one of those light, fun reads. But I enjoyed it while I was reading it, and would recommend anyone looking for a light, fun and humorous read.

RATING: 3/5

COVER: 5/10

CHARACTER(S) I LIKED: Rochelle, Fiorenze

CHARACTER(S) I DISLIKED: Heather, the "Heatherettes", Charlie

FIRST LINE: My spoffs looked funny in the top, which is odd because my spoffs are tiny - page 1

SUMMARY: from Goodreads

Everyone in New Avalon has a fairy. Though invisible, a personal fairy is vital to success. It might determine whether you pass a math class or find the perfect outfit. But all fourteen-year-old Charlie can do is find parking spaces—and she doesn’t even drive. At first, teaming up with Fiorenza (who has an all-the-boys-like-you fairy) seems like a great idea. But when Charlie unexpectedly gets her heart’s desire, she’ll have to resort to extraordinary measures to ditch her fairy.

Out of Sight, Out of Mind (Gifted #1) by Marilyn Kaye REVIEW

SOURCE: LIBRARY

I was a little annoyed at Amanda, since she was always acting so snobbish, even though she had a reason to be. I see what the authors trying to do, but I can't help but to be irritated with Amanda sometimes. Tracy is your typical shy girl... who dresses horribly. It was a little heart-wrenching to know how her family treated her after her mother had septuplets(!). It'd kind of make you feel invisible. Jenna is your average bad girl... or is she? She just wants to look tough, but she's actually a total softy... which is rather interesting.

The plot of this story, not to mention the whole series is fun, and not too boring. The way that the author wrote this book was fun to read, and I just gobbled it up in no time (did I just say gobbled?). I'd have to admit though, that their powers--- I mean, gifts, are a little too original. There'd be more humor in it if the author made up really random powe-- gifts for each of the characters.

Overall, Out of Sight, Out of Mind was definitely a fun read. If you're looking for a book that isn't too intense to possibly fry your brain with details, then you should read this book. And I'm looking forward to reading the second book and finding out more about Jenna.

RATING: 3/5

COVER: 5/10

CHARACTER(S) I LIKED: Emily, Jenna

CHARACTER(S) I DISLIKED: Amanda

FIRST LINE: Sometimes, I look in a mirror, and there's nobody looking back. - page 1

SUMMARY: from Goodreads

Queen of Mean Amanda Beeson, 13, gets the shock of her life when she wakes up one morning to find herself in the body of one of her victims, Tracey Devon. Amanda discovers that Tracey, ignored at home and school, has the ability to become invisible. When Amanda finds herself in a special class that Tracey usually attends, it becomes clear that at Meadowbrook Middle School the definition of “gifted” has a whole other meaning. Can Amanda rescue her one-time target from obscurity and get her own life back on track? In order to do so, she will have to reveal her own startling gift and take her rightful place among Meadowbrook’s very secret clique.

Personal Demons (Personal Demons #1) by Lisa Desrochers REVIEW

SOURCE: FRIEND

I had such high expectations for this book because 1) It sounded so convincing, the characters and plot and all. 2) When a friend raves about a book a lot, it's sure to capture my attention. She would always say how once you read it, you wouldn't want to put it down. Honestly, I felt a little bad because I was somewhat disappointed at this book.

Frannie was a stubborn character, and she was always acting tough, and being sarcastic. Sometimes, I was a little annoyed at Frannie's character (haha!), and it made think in my head; just say yes already! Luc's character surprised me a little, being a demon, he sure didn't seem like one at all. So I think that was the interesting part of the story, it's like the characters have an identity crisis... And Gabe, the angel; sarcastic, yet you could tell that he had an angelic charm to him. His sarcasm did put me off though... considering he was an angel and all...

The parts where I was disappointed; sometimes, the author would definitely repeat a lot. Sometimes even in the same exact words. And the characters always felt the same emotions and feelings. Which might not seem as a big deal, but its always those small details in the story that improves it. It was also weird to see how fast Frannie and Luc became friends... It was like Frannie was saying to herself; that guy, I'm gonna be his friend today! A lot of things did resolve pretty quickly, like you could tell that the author was trying to rush the story at some parts. Also, for those who believe in Christianity, you may be offended by this book, because it almost makes God look like a bad guy... o.o

There were also good parts to it too. This book is actually really action-packed, especially in the middle, when Frannie wasn't so confused about this whole "tagging" thing. It was really well described so it really made me feel like I was right there in the story, watching the whole thing unfold. I loved how the story was told in both Luc and Frannie's perspective. I thought that that way, everything would be described a lot better then if it was only told in Luc's perspective, or Frannie's perspective.

Overall, I'm really excited to read the second book in the series, and see what happens next. This was a great debut novel from Lisa Desrochers!

Rating: 3/5

Cover: 8/10

Character(s) I liked: Matt, Grandpa, Riley

Character(s) I disliked: Beherit, Belias, Avaira

FIRST LINE: If there's a Hell on Earth, it's high school. - page 11

SUMMARY: from Goodreads

Frannie Cavanaugh is a good Catholic girl with a bit of a wicked streak. She has spent years keeping everyone at a distance --even her closest friends--and it seems as if her senior year is going to be more of the same ... until Luc Cain enrolls in her class. No one knows where he came from, but Frannie can't seem to stay away from him.

What she doesn't know is that Luc is on a mission. He's been sent from Hell itself to claim Frannie's soul. It should be easy -- all he has to do is get her to sin, and Luc is as tempting as they come. Frannie doesn't stand a chance. But he has to work fast, because if the infernals are after her, the celestials can't be far behind. And sure enough, it's not long before the angel Gabriel shows up, willing to do anything to keep Luc from getting what he came for. It isn't long before they find themselves fighting for more then just Frannie's soul

But if Luc fails, there will be Hell to pay... for all of them.

Megan Meade's Guide to the McGowan Boys by Kate Brian REVIEW

SOURCE: LIBRARY

The plot is interesting. About a girl that has to live with 7 boys because her parents was shipped to South Korea, and so, she has to learn to bond with these 7 boys.

Megan's character is fun, and caring, and she is determined. Very determined. She's always trying her best to find something that will help her be closer to these boys, but sometimes, you might be annoyed with her determination... if that makes sense. Her bonding, with Evan especially, causes the most trouble. But she doesn't realize, that when Evan has a girlfriend, that sometimes she needs to back off. She finds love with one of the brothers, but in the end, it just leads to heartbreak because they aren't supposed to be together. The story is filled with plenty of drama. Love, hurt, and sadness. The ending was resolved kind of quickly, but overall, it was an ending that would have to do.

At some points, the writing was repetitive. And sometimes, the writing would be a little.... childish? There were some parts where she would repeat what she wrote. That was probably the main flaw of it.

Overall, Megan Meade's Guide to the McGowan Boys is a fun read. It's not the type of novel that would leave an impact, but while you're reading it, you'll definitely enjoy it. Kind of like a on -the-beach type read.

RATING: 3/5

Cover: 4/10

FIRST LINE: (prologue) "Megan, we need to talk"

Character(s) I liked: Miller, Aimee, Finn

Character(s) I disliked: Hailey, Doug

SUMMARY: from Goodreads

Boys. 7 of them, to be exact.

Megan is used to moving from place to place -- it's typical for an army brat. But she drew the line at South Korea. She insists on staying in the States to finish her last two years of high school. So her parents made arrangements for Megan to live with their friends, the McGowans... and the McGowans' 7 sons.

Turns out, living with 7 boys might as well be a foreign country! The boys are messy. They are cliquey (who knew?). And worst of all, two of the oldest boys are H-O-T. (A problem considering they are supposed to be Megan's "brothers.") Megan is definitely in enemy territory. She needs to win over the boys' hearts without totally crushing her own.

And when Megan starts falling for one of them, sibling rivalry takes on a whole new meaning...

What is a girl to do?