Review: Airports, Exes, and Other Things I’m Over

 

 

 

 

 

Synopsis:

A bad storm, two canceled flights, stuck in an airport with a hot stranger and the guy who broke her heart… what could go wrong?

After Sari caught her boyfriend Zev cheating on her, their romantic Florida vacation was ruined. She can’t get back to NYC soon enough. Unfortunately, mother nature may have different plans. A huge storm is brewing in the Northeast, and flights all over the country are getting canceled—including Sari’s. She winds up stuck at the airport for hours. With Zev!

When another stranded passenger (a hot NYU guy) suggests a connecting flight to Boston, Sari jumps at the chance. But when her mom freaks out about her traveling alone, she has no choice—she has to include Zev, and somehow survive being trapped with the guy who broke her heart!

Rating: 5-stars

Review:

Airports, Exes, and Other Things I’m Over by Shani Petroff is one YA romance that swept me up quickly. I couldn’t read fast enough. The plot was that juicy…and addictive. The characters felt real. Their dilemmas had me laughing, crying, and left wondering what next.

A young finds her her boyfriend in an unexpected situation. To Sari, it looked like betrayal and felt like it too. Her boyfriend, Zev, tried to explain but Sari wasn’t having any of it. She just wanted to leave immediately and be rid of him. But love, if  real, doesn’t back down nor die. Nor does it give up that easily. Sari will have to find the answers to how to deal with the shocking betrayal and decide where her and Zev’s fate lie.

Shani Petroff had me hooked. This book was a lot of fun. I really like the teenagers that were created. First love, kisses, and the confusion of what to do in those cases led me back to a time when I too, was that young. Overall, I recommend this romantic and heartfelt tale to all readers.

Review: I’m Not Missing by Carrie Fountain

 

 

 

 

Synopsis:

When Miranda Black’s mother abandoned her, she took everything—the sun, moon, and stars—and Miranda found shelter in her friendship with Syd, who wore her own motherlessness like a badge of honor: Our mothers abandoned us. We won’t go begging for scraps.

When Syd runs away suddenly and inexplicably in the middle of their senior year, Miranda is abandoned once again, left to untangle the questions of why Syd left, where she is—and if she’s even a friend worth saving. Her only clue is Syd’s discarded pink leopard print cell phone and a single text contained there from the mysterious HIM. Along the way, forced to step out from Syd’s enormous shadow, Miranda finds herself stumbling into first love with Nick Allison of all people and learning what it means to be truly seen, to be finally not missing in her own life.

Rating: 4-stars

Review:

I’m Not Missing by Carrie Fountain is a heartfelt YA novel. I followed a young Latina girl as she went through abandonment from her mom and her so-called best friend, Sydney. The girls relationship felt more one-sided. Miranda was more of a friend to Sydney than Sydney was to her. I was glad that Miranda didn’t have such a toxic friend in her life. It was sad but in a good way. Miranda is a protagonist that was easy to love. She’s bright, kind, and energetic. Her life seemed empty until she fell in love with a guy. Nick is a top boy scout and is headed to Harvard. Miranda is headed to Brown. Their colleges are pretty close…and it’s up to them to see where their stars lay.

Carrie Fountain had me falling in love with her characters. A young girl trying to step out into the light after being hidden away by a friend. Sydney was rude, obnoxious, and overbearing. She kept her friend in the dark, literally. The two girls had one connection other than that, they were complete opposites. I cried, laughed, and cheered as Miranda found herself. She totally blossomed by the ending. Overall, this novel was spectacular.

Review: The Scent of Rain

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Synopsis:

Rose Madsen will do anything to keep from being married off to one of the men in her Fundamentalist Mormon (FLDS) community, even endure the continued beatings and abuse of her mother. But when her mentally handicapped baby sister is forced to strangle the bird she loves at the behest of the Prophet, Rose frees the bird and runs away.

Adan Reyes will do anything to escape the abusive foster care system in Phoenix, even leaving his good friends and successful high school athletic career behind him. Ill-prepared for surviving the desert, Adan hits the road only to suffer heat stroke. Found by a local handyman, he catches a glimpse of a mysterious girl–Rose–running through town, and follows her into the mountains where they are both tracked and discovered by the men of the FLDS community.

With their fates now intertwined, can Rose and Adan escape the systems locking them into lives of abuse? Will Rose be forced to marry the Prophet, a man her father’s age, and be one of dozens of wives, perpetually pregnant, with no hope for an education? Will Adan be returned to the foster home where bullying and cruelty are common? Is everyone they meet determined to keep them right where they belong or are some adults worthy of their trust?

Rating: 4-stars

Review:

The Scent of Rain by Anne Montgomery is an intriguing novel about Mormons and their cults. Young girls are expected to marry older men with dozens of wives. This is sexual abuse and outrageous. Inside this story is about one young woman with dreams of her own who escapes that life and runs for it. Animal cruelty is also found here, as well. I felt outraged. It was both sad, frustrating and frightening to read. This kind of stuff still happens, today. The writer has done her research into these topics that are covered in her novel. It is both an eye opener and a nightmare. The plot itself was engaging. I was hooked on following Rose, the main protagonist and her new found friend, Adian. Together, they both are running away from their lives. Escaping from things they should not have to worry about but do. Overall, this book was a good read. I recommend it to readers everywhere.

Review: Nature’s Confession

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Synopsis:

The epic tale of two teens in a fight to save a warming planet . . . the universe . . . and their love. A cli-fi quest full of romance, honor, and adventure.

 

LitPick 5-Star-Review Award winner
#1 Top Fiction Read (ARC) of 2014, Marinovich Books

 

Best of a New Genre, included in “12 Works of Climate Fiction Everyone Should Read”
Eco-Fiction Honorable Mention
5-Star Foreword review

When a smart-mouthed, mixed-race teen wonders why the work that needs to be done pays nothing compared to the busywork glorified on holovision news, the search for answers takes him on the wildest journey of anyone’s lifetime. Their planet is choked with pollution. They can’t do anything about it . . . or can they? With the girl of his dreams, he inadvertently invents living computers. Just as the human race allows corporations to pollute Earth into total desolation, institute martial law and enslave humanity, the two teens set out to save civilization. Can they thwart polluters of Earth and other fertile planets? The heroes come into their own in different kinds of relationships in this diverse, multicultural romance. Along the way, they enlist the help of female droid Any Gynoid, who uncovers cutting-edge scientific mysteries. Their quest takes them through the Big Bang and back. Will Starliament tear them from the project and unleash ‘intelligent’ life’s habitual pollution, or will youth lead the way to a new way of coexisting with Nature?

Nature’s Confession couldn’t be more timely, amidst the largest climate change march in world history when world leaders converged for an emergency UN Climate Summit in New York City. With illustrations and topics for discussion at the back of the book, JL Morin entertains questions about busywork; economic incentives to pollute; sustainable energy; exploitation; cyborgs; the sanctity of Nature; and many kinds of relationships in this diverse, multicultural romance.

Rating: 4-stars

Review:

Nature’s Confession by J. L. Morin is an interesting science fiction read. There are a lot strong messages about our environment. I actually liked that. Many of us forget about the impact of our action on/in our environments. Pollution is one major issue that we still have not found a solution for…our cities are so polluted no one thinks of the pollution as an issue. Because they have grown so used to it. If you can’t see the stars at night, there is too much pollution where one lives. J. L. Morin entertained me as I dug further into the book while bringing up these issues. I found it engaging to read. Not many fictional writers bother to address real world issues like pollution into their stories. Overall, I recommend Nature’s Confession to readers everywhere.

Review: Billion Dollar Cowboy

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Synopsis:

A Billionaire Can Buy Anything…

Colton Nelson was twenty-eight years old when he won the Texas Lottery and went from ranch hand to ranch owner overnight. Now he’s desperate to keep the gold diggers away. It shouldn’t be too hard to find a pretty girl and hire her to pretend to be his one-and-only.

Or Can He?

Laura Baker’s got mixed feelings about this–she’s on the ranch to work, not to be arm candy. On the other hand, being stuck for a while in the boondocks with a gorgeous cowboy isn’t half-bad.

What neither Colton nor Laura expects are the intensely hard lessons they have to learn about the real cost of love…

Rating:  4.5-stars

Review:

Billion Dollar Cowboy by Carolyn Brown is a heartfelt tale. Hot, charming, and hilarious…The teenage girl featured in this story made me laugh out loud a lot. She helped bring together the new couple. One is her older brother and the other is her brother’s employee. Both suffered loss and grief. They are stubborn as hell and sparkle any room. Their personalities made me fall in love with them. Their flaws made them feel real. I loved how Carolyn Brown captured the true cowboy ways and family life in this novel.Sibling rivalry, addiction, facing fears, and finding love were some of the major themes featured inside this book. It was funny, sweet, and engaging from the start. Overall, I recommend this story to those looking for a romance featuring cowboys and happily ever after.

 

 

Review: Weightless

Synopsis:

When 15-year-old Carolyn moves from New Jersey to Alabama with her mother, she rattles the status quo of the junior class at Adams High School. A good student and natural athlete, she’s immediately welcomed by the school’s cliques. She’s even nominated to the homecoming court and begins dating a senior, Shane, whose on again/off again girlfriend Brooke becomes Carolyn’s bitter romantic rival. When a video of Carolyn and Shane making out is sent to everyone, Carolyn goes from golden girl to slut, as Brooke and her best friend Gemma try to restore their popularity. Gossip and bullying hound Carolyn, who becomes increasingly private and isolated. When Shane and Brooke—now back together—confront Carolyn in the student parking lot, injuring her, it’s the last attack she can take.

Sarah Bannan’s deft use of the first person plural gives Weightless an emotional intensity and remarkable power that will send you flying through the pages and leave you reeling.

Rating: 4-stars

Review:

Weightless by Sarah Bannan is a novel everyone should read. It’s about bullying, manipulation, and disaster. Loss, grief, uncertainty and coming of age themes are woven into the plot. One girl went from being a typical teenager to dying. Bullying happened. Maybe, she was to blame as well. But the horrifying elements of the attacks against her made me cringe.

Carolyn Lessing was popular. Loved and hated. Yet, it all began with dating a senior. From there her life changed dramatically. Drama increased. From a jealous ex to thrown glass, Carolyn experienced it all. Blood, taunting, and harassment never stopped. I felt sorry for Carolyn. She didn’t deserve what she received.

Sarah Bannan took me back to the era of being a high schooler. That’s a time, I would love to forget. I thought I had it bad…until, I read this book. Carolyn suffered worse. Her whole life got torn to shreds and inside out…

No one helped her.

The worst part, she really didn’t seek for help either.

Teenagers are cruel. They’re not saints. That image and philosophy can be seen on every page. I was shocked. These things actually happen to teens everywhere. Some have it even worse than Carolyn did. A life is changed and gone forever, a community destroyed, a family never whole, and the memory will haunt forever…

Weightless by Sarah Bannan is a great read. I was hooked. I didn’t like the tormentors much. Their personalities probably describe how real ones act and feel. But it just made me move as far away from them as possible. I’m still wanting to know why they did it. The book left me wondering why…so much pain and hurt was felt. It’s a sad novel.

Review: Haunting the Deep

 

 

 

 

 

 

Synopsis:

The Titanic meets the delicious horror of Ransom Riggs and the sass of Mean Girls in this follow-up to the #1 New York Times bestseller How to Hang a Witch, in which a contemporary teen finds herself a passenger on the famous “ship of dreams”—a story made all the more fascinating because the author’s own relatives survived the doomed voyage.

Samantha Mather knew her family’s connection to the infamous Salem Witch Trials might pose obstacles to an active social life. But having survived one curse, she never thought she’d find herself at the center of a new one.

This time, Sam is having recurring dreams about the Titanic . . . where she’s been walking the deck with first-class passengers, like her aunt and uncle. Meanwhile, in Sam’s waking life, strange missives from the Titanic have been finding their way to her, along with haunting visions of people who went down with the ship.

Ultimately, Sam and the Descendants, along with some help from heartthrob Elijah, must unravel who is behind the spell that is drawing her ever further into the dream ship . . . and closer to sharing the same grim fate as its ghostly passengers.

Rating: 4-stars

Review:

Haunting the Deep by Adriana Mather is deeply engaging. Spooky, intriguing, and mysterious scenes keep me turning the pages. I love historical events. Here, the writer has brought another historical event to life. The terror of the horrible fate is relived once again. That alone brought chills to my spine. Then, there was the drama that the teen, Sam, faced. Someone is causing her trouble and if it’s not stopped soon, she could be added into that terrible fate…

Adriana Mather’s writing is good. I felt intrigued. My curiosity got the better of me as I continued to read. The main protagonist, Sam is very likable. Sam seems like a very normal teenage girl her age. She goes through the same issues every teen girl goes through…which makes t easy enough to connect with her. Themes of witchcraft and bullying are found on these pages. The ties to Salem witch trials and the Titanic made this one spectacular read. Overall, I enjoyed following the characters. I can’t wait to see what comes next. I recommend Haunting the Deep to readers everywhere.

Review: The Breathless

 

 

 

Synopsis:

No one knows what really happened on the beach where Roxanne Cole’s body was found, but her boyfriend, Cage, took off that night and hasn’t been seen since. Until now. One year—almost to the day—from Ro’s death, when he knocks on the door of Blue Gate Manor and asks where she is.

Cage has no memory of the past twelve months. According to him, Ro was alive only the day before. Ro’s sister Mae wouldn’t believe him, except that something’s not right. Nothing’s been right in the house since Ro died.

And then Mae finds the little green book. The one hidden in Ro’s room. It’s filled with secrets—dangerous secrets—about her family, and about Ro. And if what it says is true, then maybe, just maybe, Ro isn’t lost forever.

And maybe there are secrets better left to the dead.

Rating: 3-stars

Review:

The Breathless by Tara Goedjen is a dark interesting read. The pages are deep and spooky. The plot was okay but it dragged a lot to me. I felt like I was going slow pace in a creepy horror film. This novel, was originally intended to be a suspense title. Yet, it wasn’t. Many explanations for things were left out completely. Plus, the scary factor was turned up full notch. Dark magic, Gothic mystery, and secrets that will entice readers every time. I was curious. My curiosity got the better of me with this read. It was good but could have been written better in my opinion. The characters were mysterious. Nobody but one person knows the real answers. Then, a book provides some interesting facts…and it’s like things may fall into place after all. But then, like I said, some more explanations were needed in several spots. I wasn’t sure of some things. Overall, this was an intriguing yet dark tale. If you’re a fan of Stephen King, the scary factor of this book would be your fit.

Review: The Dragon Stone Trilogy

 

 

 

 

 

 

Synopsis:

The bestselling Dragon Stone trilogy is now available in one complete set. This fantasy series has sold over 100,000 copies in the US and the UK! Discover this epic fantasy series by bestselling author Kristian Alva!

This set includes:

1. Dragon Stones: Book One of the Dragon Stone Saga
2. Return of the Dragon Riders: Book Two of the Dragon Stone Saga
3. Vosper’s Revenge: Book Three of the Dragon Stone Saga

PRAISE FOR THE DRAGON STONE SAGA

“…Very adventurous and intriguing. I’m a bit jaded on dragons and fantasy, but this one gives it a new, original twist, and is worth picking up!” –The Book Ninja

“Dragon Stones had me hooked from the first chapter. The ending was a great twist and cliffhanger, so I really can’t wait for the next book!” –Peace Loves Books

“I thoroughly enjoyed this book right from the get-go all the way through to the end!” –Mommy Bookworm’s Thoughts

“I enjoyed the Dragon Stone series. If you read and enjoyed the Inheritance series, you will enjoy this series as well”-The Rogue One

ALSO BY KRISTIAN ALVA

CHRONICLES OF TALLIN TRILOGY
Book 4: The Balborite Curse
Book 5: Rise of the Blood Masters
Book 6: Kathir’s Redemption

THE SHADOW GRID TRILOGY
Book 7: The Shadow Grid Returns (forthcoming)
Book 8: The Fall of Miklagard (forthcoming)
Book 9: Sisren’s Betrayal (forthcoming)

Rating: 4-stars

Review:

The Dragon Stone Trilogy (books 1-3) were amazing. The plots are addictive. Exciting, engaging, and the characters were fun to follow. I can see this series being popular among children, as well as teens, and some adults. The fantasy genre is one that will never fade. Kristian Alva created three interesting novels that sucked me into her world of writing. I can’t wait to see what happens next in this series. The writing was done well except for some grammatical errors. However, the overall product was worth every penny. I recommend The Dragon Stone Trilogy to all readers.

Review: Before I Fall

Synopsis:

With this stunning debut novel, New York Times bestselling author Lauren Oliver emerged as one of today’s foremost authors of young adult fiction. Like Jay Asher’s Thirteen Reasons Why and Gayle Forman’s If I Stay, Before I Fall raises thought-provoking questions about love, death, and how one person’s life can affect so many others.
For popular high school senior Samantha Kingston, February 12—”Cupid Day”—should be one big party, a day of valentines and roses and the privileges that come with being at the top of the social pyramid. And it is…until she dies in a terrible accident that night.
However, she still wakes up the next morning. In fact, Sam lives the last day of her life seven times, until she realizes that by making even the slightest changes, she may hold more power than she ever imagined.
Named to numerous state reading lists, this novel was also recognized as a Best Book of the Year by Amazon.com, Barnes & Noble, The Daily Beast, NPR, and Publishers Weekly. It has been optioned for film by Fox 2000 Pictures.
Supports the Common Core State Standards.

Rating: 4-stars

Review: 

Before I Fall by Lauren Oliver is a stunning YA novel. Inside, I was immediately sucked into the protagonist’s mind. Everything, she said, did, or felt….felt like I was doing it all. Creepy in a way. This book is packed high with emotions. Anger, loss, love, and sadness. Every page was engaging. Entertaining. The ending was epic. The pacing of this book felt a bit slow. It was mostly a steady pace all the way through it. Lauren Oliver does have a talent for writing. I opened up this title and got lost. Teenagers go through so many dramas and emotions that I felt like I was on a rollercoaster ride. Ups and downs…craziness everywhere. Strong, bold, and dramatic. The effect worked. I was hooked. Before I Fall, is a recommended read. Beware you may need a tissue box….

Review: The Marelous Paracosm of Fitz Faraday and the Shapers of the Id

Synopsis:

Fitz Faraday, his best friend Hollis, who comes from the wrong-side-of-the-tracks, and his hoped-to-be-girlfriend Josey, the new girl in town, are taken through harrowing events and thrilling misadventures, as they learn about life, love, death, the inner workings of the psyche, and the flimsiness of reality. After witnessing the murder of Professor Oliver Crowley, who has invented a way of bringing thoughts into physical reality, Fitz and his friends must exonerate the town bully, who is being framed for the murder. Using Professor Crowley’s inventions, Fitz soon learns he can bend the field of Id, a sea of golden dreams and wishes. Fitz finds himself drawn inside a new world he never knew existed. He hopes he will be able to use that world to help his friends and even his enemies. To do so, he must master Crowley’s technique of “Thought becomes light and light becomes physical.”

Rating: 5-stars

Review:

The Marelous Paracosm of Fitz Faraday and the Shpaers of the Id by Aaron J. Lawler is a fascinating tale. Engaging, entertaining, and well-written. This coming of age novel is one that clearly keeps a reader’s interest and hooks them further into the plot. A group of teens trying to solve a murder peeked my curiosity. Not only is this book full of mystery, mayhem, and murder but also of a fantasy. Wonderfully woven…the characters are well-developed. I definitely recommend this read to readers worldwide. I’m an adult, and I loved it. 

Review: The Angry Fighter’s Story

Synopsis:

Bullied at a young age, David develops a hot temper and needs an outlet to challenge his aggression into. When he learns about his Uncle’s past, David decides to follow in his footsteps and become a champion fighter, but it won’t be an easy journey. Can David live out his dream?

Rating: 5-stars

Review:

The Angry Fighter’s Story by Bill Vincent is well-written. His novel reminded me of The Karate Kid but at an older age. Just like The Karate kid, David, too was bullied by kids in school. Always coming back injured. Then, David’s life takes a turn for the better. He has an aunt and he discovers about a fighter in his family. The aunt has him trained. Soon, David goes on a new journey. The transformation was great. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this piece of fiction by Bill Vincent. His main charcater was well-developed. Emotionally entertaining. Engaging to read. Overall, I recommend The Angry Fighter’s Story to all. 

Review: Dear Yvette

Synopsis:

All sixteen year old Yvette Simmons wanted was to disappear. Problem is: she has too many demons for that. Yvette’s life changed forever after a street fight over a boy ended in a second degree murder charge. Forced to start all over again, she’s sentenced to live in a group home far from anything or anyone she’s ever known. She manages to keep her past hidden, until a local cutie, known as Brooklyn, steps in. Slowly, Yvette lets him into her heart and he gives her the summer of her dreams…

 

But in Yvette’s world things are never as they seem. 

 

Brooklyn has a few secrets of his own and Yvette’s past comes back with a vengeance. Will she face life head-on? Will she return to her old ways? Or will an unexpected letter decide her fate?
“Simone’s story is reminiscent of Sistah Souljah’s groundbreaking The Coldest Winter Ever…a hard hitting tale of the inner city’s unforgiving streets.” —Library Journal 

 

“Simone knows how to tell a story…and she can also bring the drama.” —RT Book Reviews

Rating: 5-stars

Review:

Dear Yvette by Ni-Ni Simone is an interesting YA novel. An urban fiction read that has all of the drama, action, and stakes readers want. Criminal activity, past murder charge, and the difficulty of restarting a life. Yvette Simons will have a challenge at every corner. Staying away from everything she knew will prove hard. Then to add to the intensity of the plot, she finds herself attracted to a good looking guy. But whether he will break or make her new life is for readers to see…

Ni-Ni Simone has a way of capturing the street life of young adults inside of her books. The teens come to life. Their choices are scary and drastic. I was left to holding my breath waiting for anything to tilt Yvette’s life. A life that felt like is was hanging onto a thin thread. Intriguing, exciting, and believable. The plot was like a rollercoaster ride. Overall, I recommend this to readers. 

Review: Heels, Heartache, & Headlines

Synopsis:

It’s a showdown for the spotlight as Hollywood’s elite Pampered Princesses scramble to outshine each other for the ultimate crown. But being on top is never what it seems…

Heartbroken and humiliated, teen supermodel London Phillips is done with her pity party and ready to move on. But between the mean-spirited media, a shocking realization about her billionaire ex, and a vengeful obsession, London’s discovering that while confessions are good for the soul, deception is so much sweeter… 
When it comes to juggling her cuties, Rich Montgomery is the queen. But now she’s fallen for a bad boy who comes with more drama than she ever did–and her fairytale love affair soon turns into a nightmare. Will she find a way out, or will pride get the best of her? 

Spencer Ellington could teach an advanced class in revenge. So when she’s shunned by her frenemy, Heather Cummings, again, backstabbed by her bestie, Rich, and sucked into her parents’ sordid antics, she’s ready to roll up her designer sleeves and pull out all the stops. After all, frenemies fight. Divas wage war… 

Rating: 4.5-stars

Review:

Heels, Heartache, & Headlines by Ni-Ni Simone Amir Abrams is a juicy YA read. A Comtemporary African American piece of literature that speaks real teenage language. The drama is high and the risks…make this a hot read. Nobody likes a diva. After reading this tale, I saw why. All the trouble that comes a diva’s way can turn her faster than a blink of an eye. The three divas inside were different but similar in ways. 

Ni-Ni Simone Amir Abrams has created three realistic queen bees. All trying to win the top place. However, that will prove most difficult as each girl has a secret. That could make or break them. Love enters their worlds and complications arise. Matters will need solving or they’ll escalate further than the girls thought. Betrayal, romance, and frenemies are popular themes found in this entertaining novel. Exes, bad boys, and revenge…are in the air. Heels, Heartache, & Headlines is full of action, drama, and some adult like material. I was fascinated with London’s, Rich’s and Spencer’s lives. One big emotionally exciting ride from beginning to end. Overall, I recommend it to readers. 

Review: Holding Up the Universe

Synopsis:

A New York Times Bestseller

From the author of the New York Times bestseller All the Bright Places comes a heart-wrenching story about what it means to see someone—and love someone—for who they truly are.
Everyone thinks they know Libby Strout, the girl once dubbed “America’s Fattest Teen.” But no one’s taken the time to look past her weight to get to know who she really is. Following her mom’s death, she’s been picking up the pieces in the privacy of her home, dealing with her heartbroken father and her own grief. Now, Libby’s ready: for high school, for new friends, for love, and for EVERY POSSIBILITY LIFE HAS TO OFFER. In that moment, I know the part I want to play here at MVB High. I want to be the girl who can do anything.  

Everyone thinks they know Jack Masselin, too. Yes, he’s got swagger, but he’s also mastered the impossible art of giving people what they want, of fitting in. What no one knows is that Jack has a newly acquired secret: he can’t recognize faces. Even his own brothers are strangers to him. He’s the guy who can re-engineer and rebuild anything in new and bad-ass ways, but he can’t understand what’s going on with the inner workings of his brain. So he tells himself to play it cool: Be charming. Be hilarious. Don’t get too close to anyone. 
Until he meets Libby. When the two get tangled up in a cruel high school game—which lands them in group counseling and community service—Libby and Jack are both pissed, and then surprised. Because the more time they spend together, the less alone they feel. . . . Because sometimes when you meet someone, it changes the world, theirs and yours.
Jennifer Niven delivers another poignant, exhilarating love story about finding that person who sees you for who you are—and seeing them right back.
Rating: 5-stars

Review:

Holding Up the Universe by Jennifer Niven is one brilliant masterpiece. Her story is one that should be read by all. The meanings of true love, acceptance, and finding strength in oneself are found. The tale features two high school students. Each with their own set of issues. High school is tough enough without all the drama and issues that a person is dealt with in life. Obesity is one popular topic discussed inside this read. Then, there’s a new one I haven’t heard of before…the way Jennifer Niven wove them into her book was wonderful. I got to see the bad and good sides to each character. One of the characters, Jack, has a lot going at his home. A dad who cheats and there’s his memory of remembering who is who. Imagine not remembering who was your friend versus your enemy…

Holding Up the Universe was realistic in every way. It wasn’t a happy little fairy tale. Neither character was perfect. That in itself, made this book stand out to me. Raw, believable, and engaging. Then, there’s the female leading character, Libby. The fattest girl her age. Self-image is scary. Especially, when a girl is way over the normal weight. Getting down to normal weight would be the toughest obstacle…yet Libby doesn’t let that stop her from living. I wanted to root for both Jack and Libby. They inspired me in ways. Life’s hard, so push back harder. They both accept one another and each other. That was one of the highlights. Acceptance. Humans need that as much as they need to socialize. Overall, I really enjoyed reading Jennifer Niven’s work. I highly recommend it to others. 

Review: The Garden City Rules

Synopsis:

Kathryn “Kat” is bursting with excitement and anticipation to begin high school. She is hoping, as most girls do, for acceptance, popularity, and, most of all, a boyfriend. But the sudden death of her father changes everything. Her family begins to unravel. Her mother becomes absent, and she finds herself in trouble and sent away.

Devotedly, Steve, her oldest brother, rescues her and takes on the responsibility of raising her and her brothers. They keep a watchful and protective eye over her as she begins her long awaited high school years. High school brings her everything she wanted—acceptance, popularity, and a boyfriend—as she struggles to pick up the pieces of her past.

Rating: 5-stars

Review:

The Garden City Rules by Michelle Courtney is a contemporary YA piece that readers won’t be forgetting any time soon. The plot immediately draws readers into its emotional rollercoaster ride. Sad, tragic, and beautifully written. There was so much inside this book. I was easily able to identity with not just the main character but all of the characters. Their story took me in deeper. I felt their pain, their frustrations and the tensions were real. Growing up while trying to do what’s right for one’s siblings is hard. Without parents in the picture, it’s left to the older or oldest sibling to carry the burden. Life is hard enough without losing people one loves. But as the story progressed, it went from sad to peaceful. The understanding and love was powerful. Watching the characters grow, was interesting. Definitely, a page turner. Michelle Courtney not only wrote about loss and grief,  it also about struggling with popularity, acceptance, and dating. Responsibility was another important theme. This book was super easy to read. The plot went by faster than I thought.  The Garden City Rules is one read that I highly recommend to readers worldwide. 

Review: I Was A Bitch

Synopsis:

After waking up from a coma, Lacey Jones discovers that she is the ruling queen bitch of high-school and in the middle of a love triangle with two guys. If only she hadn’t lost all memory of it!

When Lacey Jones wakes up after a horrific accident, she realizes that she’s lost all memory of the last two years. In this time, she has turned from a wallflower into the gorgeous and popular Queen Bee of her high school. Adding to the confusion, she is confronted with two guys who claim to love her; her football star boyfriend and the mysterious and attractive Finn.
Now, Lacey has to figure out who she can trust as she starts to put her life back together and slowly discovers what really happened on the night of the accident.
Will she be able to resist her developing feelings for Finn and stay loyal to her boyfriend?
Rating: 5-stars

Review:

I Was A Bitch by Emily Ruben was the most fantastic drama emotional coaster that I have ever read. Okay, that was a mouth full of a sentence but it’s true. Emily Ruben sent me deep into her character’s life. From the title, readers like myself can guess what happens…but none are like this beginning. Compelling from the start to end. It led me wanting to know…kept turning the pages and before I knew it, I had finished. I was beyond pleased with this novel. The young woman’s tale wrapped itself into my heart and soul.  I felt her confusion and wonderment as she realized her situation. Imagine waking up, and thinking your one thing when, you’re actual not. Then people come bursting in and your left thinking exactly who was I…

Lacey was a teenage girl who was the baddest bitch in high school territory. Somehow that life crashed and she found herself in the current state of confusion. Lacey grew up…her personality changed and her direction towards others did so as well. I loved her for that. The realization of who she really was and who she wanted to be was a huge question throughout the book. I was definitely rooting for this queen bee. Lacey has a way of drawing in readers like myself to her. Something about her…keeps one interested. I don’t want to give away too much, but this was overall the best read ever. I Was A Bitch is a novel all females need to read, regardless of their age. I found myself wanting to re-read the entire story again. It felt so real that it was hard to put down…I can see this becoming a big screen picture. I really hope it does. Emily Ruben is indeed a talented writer. She baited, lured, and hooked me into it. I can’t wait to read more of her work in the future. I Was A Bitch is a must read for all.

Review: Waiting for a Lifetime

 

Synopsis:

Sunny Siebel isn’t an ordinary girl – she can see what others can’t. She has the ability to see and communicate with the deceased.

Only sharing the company of lost spirits waiting to move on, her life changes when she meets a Reaper for the first time and realizes what she has been missing – why she is so different – when she falls in love. What she didn’t expect was how their connection would change her.

Acquiring comfort and solace in her newfound love, Sunny finds herself running from heaven itself while getting caught in the middle of an even larger plot that not even her assailants see coming.

Rating: 5 stars

Review:

Waiting for a Lifetime by Samantha Markham is a brilliant YA fantasy. I couldn’t believe the raw talent that this writer had until, I read her debut novel. This tale takes readers on a young woman’s journey in life. Her mother died and she can see and talk to ghosts. No one knows she can except her. Until, she meets him. The reaper captain. Appears to be her age, yet his age is much older than Sunny Siebel would have thought. But that doesn’t keep her attraction to the new strange guy in front of her. Something about her ability to see ghosts attracts the reaper closer to her. Their friendship is instant and something deeper begins to develop. Something that isn’t looked upon as good by the world from which the reaper comes from…it’s banned to be in a relationship with a human. But then again, Sunny ends up susprising both herself and the reaper when an unknown power escapes from her hands.  Waiting for a Lifetime describes this novel perfectly. The waiting of the two characters in finding each other is indeed like and will be a lifetime. Samantha Markham’s characters are believable and her world of fiction is highly entertaining. An deeply engaging tale that brings paranormal an YA issues together beautifully. I enjoyed reading it. Look forward to reading the next grand adventure by this writer. Overall, I recommend this story to readers everywhere.

Review: Just Juliet

 

Synopsis:

The coming out story that will completely change the way you look at love.

Juliet represents the road less traveled. Will Lena take it?

Lena Newman is 17, her best friend’s a cheerleader, her boyfriend’s a football player, and as far as everyone is concerned, her life is sorted. But that’s before she befriends the new girl. Juliet is confident, slightly damaged, drop-dead gorgeous and a lesbian.

Lena realizes that her interest goes beyond just friendship. She sets off on a path of self-discovery where the loyalty of those closest to her will be tested.

Rating: 5 stars

Review:

Just Juliet by Charlotte Reagan is the kind of genre I normally don’t read. However, the story was well-developed and well-written. I liked how realistic the characters were. Love is not pretty. It’s more of a complicated knot that gets more twisted before it’s smoothed out…into fineness. I noticed that the writer captured the high school drama right down to its raw yet ugly form. Being in love is tough then add the attraction to the same sex and it’s worse. Worse as in hard for others around the main characters to accept as okay. People don’t choose who they fall in love with. Love isn’t a fashion statement it’s part of who that person is and if we can’t let them be who they are then love isn’t real. Experiencing what may be right for one is a scary path. Then add insecurity and drama to it and well, it makes for an interesting tale. Unfortunately, this tale came off so real, that it was frightening in a way. Charlotte Reagan definitely knows what goes on with teenagers and how they react to situations. She masterfully captured everything exactly the way it should be. Just Juliet is a YA coming of age book that I highly recommend to readers worldwide.

 

Review: The Boyfriend Bet

 

 

Synopsis:

This Entangled Teen Crush book contains multiple PDAs, after-school detentions, and gambling on the side. Warning: betting on a boyfriend is bad for your health. Zoe Cain knows that Grant Evertide is way out of her league. So naturally, she kisses him. Out of spite. Not only is Grant her brother’s number-one nemesis, but he has zero interest in being tied down to one girl. She’s shocked and secretly thrilled when they start spending more time together. Non-exclusively, of course, but that doesn’t mean Zoe can’t change his mind, one PDA and after-school detention at a time. Zoe’s brother claims Grant is trying to make her his “Ringer,” an oh-so-charming tradition where a popular guy dates a non-popular girl until he hooks up with her, then dumps her. Zoe threatens to neuter Grant with hedge clippers if he’s lying but Grant swears he isn’t trying to trick her. Still, that doesn’t mean Grant is the commitment type even if winning a bet is on the line.”

Rating: 5 stars

Review:

The Boyfriend Bet by Chris Cannon is a YA that readers must not miss. Here, readers will get to experience two best friends not sure on whether they would be a great match or not. Their journey is one that I greatly enjoyed. Filled with choices, trust, honesty, and attraction. Teenagers experience it all in this sweet tale. It all started with a girl’s choice in making her brother angry by dating a guy he hates. But there lies the problem…that hated guy lures her in like no other. He makes her want things. A friendship turns into best friends and then something more. Can love come out of the equation or will the first choice have been a mistake all this time? Chris Cannon’s writing is superb. I couldn’t get enough of the main characters. The older brother’s way of protecting his little sister is annoying but warm-hearted. However, he needs to learn to let his sister do things for herself. If she makes a mistake, it’s on her. Not him. Then there’s the question of whether the guy really is into her or not. That alone leaves room for doubt which turns into mistrust. Relationships as readers will find out in this story is that there has to be, trust first, then communication, if anything is to come out okay. Overall, I highly recommend this dazzling contemporary novel to all.

 

Review: A Tragic Kind of Wonderful

 

Synopsis:

For sixteen-year-old Mel Hannigan, bipolar disorder makes life unpredictable. Her latest struggle is balancing her growing feelings in a new relationship with her instinct to keep everyone at arm’s length. And when a former friend confronts Mel with the truth about the way their relationship ended, deeply buried secrets threaten to come out and upend her shaky equilibrium.

As the walls of Mel’s compartmentalized world crumble, she fears the worst–that her friends will abandon her if they learn the truth about what she’s been hiding. Can Mel bring herself to risk everything to find out?

In A Tragic Kind of Wonderful, Eric Lindstrom, author of the critically acclaimed Not If I See You First, examines the fear that keeps us from exposing our true selves, and the courage it takes to be loved for who we really are.

Rating: 5 stars

Review:

A Tragic Kind of Wonderful is one of the best YA tales that I have read. Here, readers will meet a deeply flawed character who has one heck of a journey to find herself. Courage, love, and friendships are easier said than done. When one has a mental disorder such as being bipolar, that brings a lot of insecurity to a teenage girl. Teens go through enough stress and inner turmoil without adding to it. But this, new flaw, will be the disaster or the realization she doesn’t have to be alone anymore. It’s tough keeping people out of one’s circle. Especially, when that said character wants to be around them. Friends can come and go. Who’s to say they will stay if they find out Mel’s deep secret? Then there’s that good guy that every teenage girl wants in her life…David. David is another great character. He struggles with the fact his grandma is being taken care of by others. It puts him in an awkward situation. But his grandma is okay and the girl helping his grandma fascinates him more than anything. But as with all good things, there’s always the deep dark side to that must come with it. Eric Lindstrom takes readers deep into his character’s mind and heart. Feeling and hearing everything through Mel’s eyes. I loved getting to know her and to watch her grow. Facing her struggles is tough but I kept my hopes up…Overall, A Tragic Kind of Wonderful is exactly that. Tragic but wonderful too. I highly recommend this YA story to all.

Review: You Know Me Well

 

Synopsis:

Who knows you well? Your best friend? Your boyfriend or girlfriend? A stranger you meet on a crazy night? No one, really?

Mark and Kate have sat next to each other for an entire year but have never spoken. For whatever reason, their paths outside of class have never crossed.

That is until Kate spots Mark miles away from home, out in the city for a wild, unexpected night. Kate is lost, having just run away from a chance to finally meet the girl she has been in love with from afar. Mark, meanwhile, is in love with his best friend Ryan, who may or may not feel the same way.

When Kate and Mark meet up, little do they know how important they will become to each other — and how, in a very short time, they will know each other better than any of the people who are supposed to know them more.

Rating:  4 stars

Review:

You Know Me Well by both Nina LaCour and David Levithan is a great read. I thought it was wonderful that they portrayed two opposites sexes, each dealing with feelings towards their same-sex. Here, I experienced what struggles both internally and externally teens face when in love with the gender. Different, new, and a deeper understanding develops after reading this novel. However, I wanted to feel a connection with the characters…one the would stay with me even after I finished reading the story. That didn’t happen for me in this tale.

Inside this engaging title, You Know Me Well, readers get to meet two friends. One is a guy and the other is a girl. Both are dealing with their relationships that nobody but them know about…Kate is in love with another girl and Mark loves his another guy. Each friend is there supporting the other one to go after the one they love. Nina LaCour and David Levithan have crafted a realistic, honest, and gritty tale. One that readers will definitely enjoy time and time again. The main theme that stuck out with me was being true to one’s self and taking the risk of going after what makes one happy. Overall, this was a fun read and I recommend it to others.

Review: Stolen Lives

 

Synopsis:

Three fourteen-year-old boys, Brett McGovern, Stephen Bailey and Michael Erickson are inextricably linked by the abduction and murder. Brett, who was abducted from Indianapolis, fears that his captors will decide to kill him. More recently, two boys from a Milwaukee, Wisconsin suburb, Stephen, and Michael, have been abducted, and the detectives on the case know that if they are not found within 24 hours, any chance of finding them is remote and they will be gone forever. A fourth boy, George Tokay, a Navajo, holds a key piece to this puzzle and doesn’t realize it.

Pete Kelliher and his team of FBI agents from the Crimes Against Children Unit have been tracking the murders of children for the past two years. He believes that if they can find these two boys, they might find the answers to the questions that have been eluding them. He and his team race to find Stephen and Michael before they disappear forever. There isn’t much to go on, and each time he gets a break, potential witnesses are found dead. As Pete and his team investigate, the stories of these boys are like loose threads on a sweater: pull the wrong one and it unravels completely. Slowly, Pete comes to the realization that one or more members of his own team might be behind it all. There are injury and death, some of which is Pete’s fault and that causes him to question his effectiveness and his future.

Rating: 5 stars

Review:

Stolen Lives by Joseph Lewis is a remarkable piece of fiction. It takes things that have happened and puts it into a new twist, inside this fictional world. The terror and events are similar to ones we find in our world, today. Real stories inspired this talented writer to bring about the issues into a work of fiction. Readers will be trapped within the walls of every scene once they opened up the book. The plot is full of intrigue, danger, and suspense. Crime fiction at its best.

Here inside this thriller, Stolen Lives, brings to life real problems in a way that will have readers on the edge of their seats. Dark, sad, and definitely an eye opener. Joseph Lewis brings to readers’ attention that boys too are abducted and sexually abused just like girls are. The world is never a safe place, but when those who should be protecting may be the cause of danger…everything spirals out of control. The story has a way that wrapped itself completely around me. It sucked me in from page one and wouldn’t release me until the last page. There’s plenty of action and mystery that hooked me right away. The ending was great…and left me wondering what’s to happen next. Joseph Lewis’s writing was superb. His characters drew me into the plotline. The dialogue was easy to read and follow along. Overall, I highly recommend this masterpiece to readers everywhere.

 

Review: Sky (Me Against The World

 

Synopsis:

We got a glimpse of Sky in “I Hate That I Love You” but now we get to hear her full story. Lauren was dealt a bad hand from birth but when she runs away and finds the life she always wanted, things start to change. Her life changes overnight when Sky’s born. Sky had the things Lauren would stay up at night crying, and dreaming about… A family that loved her, anything she wanted at her fingertips but most of all Sky had a safe home. Lauren never felt safe at night until she met Mrs. Carter and Jalen but one day that was all taken from her and her life as she knew it would never be the same. Sixteen, with a heart full of pain and revenge on her brain Sky’s forced out in this cold world trying to find her way. Will she find her way in this mean world or will she get swallowed alive?

Rating: 5 stars

Review:

Sky (Me Against The World) by Keyanna Ford is truly a deep insider’s view, to the ugly side of our world. Sure we know about crimes that are committed but when a family turns against a child…that’s the worst kind of crime of all. A seven-year-old girl runs away from after her mom’s boyfriend tries touching her in a way no man should. Yet the mother knows and let it happen anyway. Luckily, the little girl finds an elderly woman who takes her. Once she’s safe inside with the older woman, the little girl’s life changes forever. For once she is treated like a child and loved. However, happy endings never last in real life. Again the world has returned to blow Sky a cruel hand. The elderly woman is now suffering from cancer and is dying…then, there’s the elderly woman’s son, who has become an uncle to little Sky. While they’re at home they get a terrifying call…Uncle was shot and didn’t survive the surgery…Little Sky is now a teen and lost the only good she had in life. Now, it’s up to her to find a good life or to fall back in the dark.. Keyanna Ford’s writing is superb. Her novel is African American literature but it presents real life scenarios, that all need to be more aware of… and I loved how well-developed the tale was. This was a fast-paced story that will grab readers’ hearts and suck them in whole. I loved reading every page…addictive, sad, and well-written. Overall, I highly recommend Sky (Me Against The World) to readers everywhere.

 

Review: The Girls by Emma Cline

 

Synopsis:

Northern California, during the violent end of the 1960’s. At the start of summer, a lonely and thoughtful teenager, Evie Boyd, sees a group of girls in the park, and is immediately caught by their freedom, their careless dress, their dangerous aura of abandon. Soon Evie, is in thrall to Suzanne, a mesmerizing older girl, and is drawn into the circle of a soon-to-be infamous cult and the man who is its charismatic leader. Hidden in the hills, their sprawling ranch is eerie and run down, but to Evie, it is exotic, thrilling, charged—a place where she feels desperate to be accepted. As she spends more time away from her mother and the rhythms of her daily life, and as her obsession with Suzanne intensifies, Evie does not realize she is coming closer and closer to unthinkable violence.

Emma Cline’s remarkable debut novel is gorgeously written and spellbinding, with razor-sharp precision and startling psychological insight. The Girls is a brilliant work of fiction.

Rating: 5 stars

Review:

The Girls by Emma Cline…is indeed a sensational hit. From the first page readers like myself are hit with a strong intensity to know what’s to come of the girls. Including the one that is telling readers about them. Curiosity prickling my mind. The main character, Evie Boyd, makes the girls she sees like an exotic painting that to others can be too bold while other would stare at it with an awe. Evie Boyd is in held in awe of the girls. Something deep lured her straight to them. An imaginary magnet that constantly pulled her to them. So many real life issues were woven into this story. An average girl failing her parents. No raw talents. No exotic beauty. Plain, short, and simple. Parents divorced. Neither seems to notice their daughter and when they do, she’s only a disappointment to them. Sensing that doesn’t help a person achieve anything.  A father with a younger woman who came back wearing the lipstick that belonged to Evie’s mom. A mother going through changes so rapidly that her daughter hardly knew what her mom did when not around her. Then the group of girls that belonged to a cult…were like air that Evie so desperately needed. They caught her attention and dragged her into a world sadder than the one she already knew.

Emma Cline’s writing is superb. It transferred me straight into the life of Evie Boyd. Everything that happened to her felt like I was her. The emotional toll is deep. A thought provoking novel that silently sends messages to its readers. What not to do and how time can go by faster than people thought. Realistic portrayals of life’s issues with the family and teens is strongly evident here.  Growing up…like Evie Boyd did…was like growing up alone. Isolation instantly felt and brought on by her parents. Her lack of abilities and plainness drew Evie into a world none of hope to find. The sighting of the girls brought her mind swirling with more questions than answers. The way the girls presented themselves drew Evie’s divine attention. But like the saying goes…curiosity kills the cat…so too, will Evie’s curiosity plunge her into a darker world. I loved reading every moment of this coming of age story. The Girls by Emma Cline overall, is a must read for all. Once readers read this book, there’s no turning back. I highly recommend it to all.

Review: The Alienation of Courtney Hoffman

 

Synopsis:

Fifteen-year-old Courtney Hoffman is determined not to go insane like her crazy grandfather did—right before he tried to drown her when she was seven. But something is happening to her. She’s being visited in her bedroom at night by aliens who claim to have shared an alliance with her now-dead grandfather. And Courtney knows that aliens aren’t real, which means she must be going crazy. And her mother and her new boyfriend have zero tolerance for craziness.

Then Courtney meets Agatha Kirlich, a mysterious older girl with sleuthing skills and alien-obsession issues of her own, and together—armed with ancient stories of a human-alien bloodline, a few photographs, and the creepy tattoo left on Courtney’s rib cage by her grandfather before he disappeared—the girls embark on a mission to uncover the truth about Courtney’s alien visitors. Ultimately, Courtney must put her fears aside, defy her mother, embrace her true identity, and risk everything in order to save herself—and the world.

Rating: 5 stars

Review:

The Alienation of Courtney Hoffman by Bradley G. Stefani is an interesting read for all ages. Yes, it’s geared for teens but as an adult, I enjoyed reading it. The main character, a teenage girl, is growing through a difficult time period in her life. She just lost her grandpa whom many deem crazy. Yes, he was a bit crazy but this tale proves he was also a genius as well. A grandpa who gave his granddaughter a tattoo that she knows nothing about…and the talk of aliens. Who believes in aliens…and where’s the proof? As Courtney live each day she is taunted with the nightmares. Her mother and mother’s boyfriend treat her like a crazed lunatic. A mother who puts her daughter into an asylum, based on the trauma her daughter is going through and because her boyfriend is a Doctor.  A Doctor who is more than beats the eye. The mother is clueless and it’s up to her daughter to save the world and to prove the Doctor is evil…

The Alienation of Courtney Hoffman is addictive, well done, and highly suspenseful. I found myself turning the pages faster with every turn. Bradley G. Stefani writes a story that drags readers into the characters drama and sweeps them off their feet into the danger ahead. Absolutely loved reading this tale. Courtney feels alienated from her peers and family and once she lands into the world her grandpa was in, she finds a peace that makes her life normal. Funny, crazy, but well-developed. Overall, I highly recommend this YA novel to all.

 

Review: The Girlfriend Request

 

Synopsis:

Emma has been best friends with Eli since she moved to his neighborhood ten years ago. Tired of being cast in the role of the girl next door, Emma creates a fake Facebook profile in the hopes of starting an online friendship with Eli, which would hopefully lead to more. Like…way more. From friend request to In a Relationship–it all seemed so completely logical when she’d planned it.

Eli can’t figure out what Emma is up to. He’s pretty sure she’s the one behind the Facebook profile, but then again, why would she do something so drastic instead of just admitting she wants to be more than friends? And who the heck is this new guy he saw her with? Eli starts to think that just maybe…he missed his chance with the girl next door.

Two best friends, one outlandish ruse. Their status is about to become way more than It’s Complicated…
This Entangled Teen Crush book contains one fake Facebook profile, two best friends who secretly crave each other, and a dreaded sex talk with parents…boy crush in the room included. Pushing a relationship beyond the friend zone has never been so crazy…

Rating: 5 stars

Review:

The Girlfriend Request by Jodie Andrefski is incredible. The story is about young love and friendship. A young girl is tired of being just seen as a friend…she wants to be more than best friends with Eli. Eli is the boy that lives next door to Em and they have been friends since first grade. Em decides to jump-start her life if she ever wants to be girlfriend material. But what happens when she creates a fake profile, dates another guy to make her guy jealous, and can’t get a grip on her feelings…It’s no wonder Eli doesn’t know exactly how Em feels about him. She can’t straight out tell him she’s in love with him. Eli starts to notice the way Em looks at him and how she looks…he’s feelings as well as her’s, get more complicated and heated with every page. This YA contemporary romance is a definite must read for all. I am an adult and I loved it. It took me back down to those awkward teenage years and felt the rush of falling in love again. Wow. Jodie Andrefski’s writing is superb. I highly recommend this fabulous laugh-out-loud and heart melting journey to readers everywhere.

 

Review: Can You Keep A Secret?

 

Synopsis:

R.L. Stine has built his legacy on scaring children and teenagers. Now he’s back with another spine-tingling tale of horror in this new Fear Street book about temptation, betrayal, and fear.

Eddie and Emma are high school sweethearts from the wrong side of the tracks. Looking for an escape their dreary lives, they embark on an overnight camping trip in the Fear Street Woods with four friends. As Eddie is carving a heart into a tree, he and Emma discover a bag hidden in the trunk. A bag filled with hundred-dollar bills. Thousands of them. Should they take it? Should they leave the money there? The six teens agree to leave the bag where it is until it’s safe to use it. But when tragedy strikes Emma’s family, the temptation to skim some money off of the top becomes impossible to fight. There’s only one problem. When Emma returns to the woods, the bag of money is gone, and with it, the trust of six friends with a big secret.

Packed with tension and sure to elicit shivers in its readers, this new Fear Street book is another terrifying tale from a master of horror.

Rating: 5 stars

Review:

It has been a long time since I have read R.L. Stine’s novels. So, when I saw an opportunity to read this one I grabbed it. I wasn’t disappointed that I did. R.L. Stine has always been known for writing the most fearful edge of your seat novels. I loved his books for kids and I surely fell in love with this one for adults. Can You Keep A Secret? is just as dark, scary, and intense as all of the previous novels by this talented writer. Readers will be lost in the words with the characters and taken on a suspenseful nightmare as the plot unfolds.

Can You Keep A Secret? by R.L. Stine keeps readers wondering which of the friends took the bag of money that only two found. As an unforeseen conflict arises, Emma finds herself wanting to take the money to help her family. However, the money is gone…and with it is readers guess as to who and why. This novel is full of secrets, horror, and twists and turns. Especially at the ending, readers will find several surprises waiting in store for them. R.L. Stine brilliantly wraps the conclusion of the entire story and then leaves readers with a sense as to what happened next? Temptation, fear, and betrayal are deep roots of this stunning read. Death, danger, and the truth will keep readers turning the pages in a race to figure it all out…but sometimes, we don’t see it until it’s told to us or seen with our very own eyes…just like with Emma, Eddie, and her other friends.

Review: Hot Mess

Synopsis:

Anna McCormick seems like a cliché from her basic coffee orders to her relentless drama; however she is more than meets the eye. Join the journey of Anna and Trevor Sullivan through the laughs, tears and heartbreak. Meet the Claire town crew – each character is more interesting than the next!
Warning: you may not be able to put this book down!

Rating: 5 stars

Review:

Hot Mess is exactly that. Anna McCormick is what guys want…but she falls for one guy or think she has and can’t let go of him…even when the worst happens. One bad thing happens after another. Madeline Antonia Rosenberg’s YA novel is full of craziness, drama, and emotions flying everywhere. It’s addictive, funny,  and realistically captures the whole teenage life all in a hot bubble. There’s another guy that wants Anna. He’s sweet and she obviously feels something for him…but she won’t let herself heal…or will she?

Hot Mess is a must read. An exciting yet intriguing new read that will instantly lure readers into the story. The plot is well told and the characters will grab your attention from page one. I hope Madeline Antonia Rosenberg creates more novels about these characters and what happens next to them…The ending will keep readers wondering…what next. Overall, I loved reading this romantic yet messy read, and I highly recommend it to readers everywhere.

Review: Clean

 

Synopsis:

High school senior Lanny Keating has it all. A three-sport athlete at Lauserville High School looking at a college football scholarship, with a supportive family, stellar grades, boy band good looks… until the fateful day when it all falls apart.
Seventeen-year-old Trevor Ladd has always been a publicly declared zero and the high school bad boy. Abandoned by his mother and sexually abused by his legal guardian, Trevor sets his sights on mere survival.

Lanny seeks out Trevor’s companionship to avoid his shattered home life. Unwilling to share their personal experiences of pain, the boys explore ways to escape, leading them to sexual experimentation, and the abuse of illegal drugs and alcohol. Their mutual suffering creates a lasting bond of friendship and love.

When the time finally comes to get clean and sober or flunk out of high school, only one of the boys will graduate, while the other spirals downward into addiction.
Will Lanny and Trevor find the strength to battle their demons of mind-altering substances as well as the emotional vulnerability?

Clean takes the reader on a gritty trip into the real and raw world of teenage substance abuse.

Rating: 5 stars

Review:

Clean by Mia Kerick is amazing. This contains some M/M romance, teen angst, and teenage substance abuse. Mia Kerick has masterfully woven all three of these areas into a magnificent novel that shows readers the true realistic yet ugly side teens abusing substances, alcohol, and sex. A well-written story that drags readers deep into a place where two male students…total opposites end up meeting each other. They both are struggling deeply with their own family issues and to solve those issues they spiral downward. They go from one bad thing to the next and soon they are left to change their ways or spiral further away from life itself.

Mia Kerick’s novel, Clean, is an inspirational teenage story that will affect many lives. Teens think there is no hope or a way of getting out of their bad situations…but there is indeed a way to climb out that doesn’t involve drugs or alcohol. Both boys in this novel, soon realize that they need to get clean…and that they have each other. Somehow that helps them and is enough to pull them both back up..maybe, just maybe they can finally have peace. Overall, I highly recommend this read to readers worldwide.

 

Book Review: Nirvana by J.R. Stewart

Nirvana by J.R. Stewart is a masterpiece unlike any other I have ever read. Readers will instantly be drawn into this stunning high quality of fiction with many interesting themes to keep readers hooked all night long. J.R. Stewart’s novel takes reality and evil to a whole new level.  The plot is complex, fast-paced and intriguing. Suspense that leaves you breathless and your adrenaline pumping like a roller coaster ride at a theme park. Readers will never know what to expect next with this talented writer. I definitely recommend this bone chilling read to readers everywhere.

Nirvana is the most captivating novel of all. Nothing is what it seems. Nightmares will seem like a thing of the past, after reading this story. The first book in a trilogy series, readers will see tons of technology as they follow the characters. Technology takes over life. Simple things we don’t take for granted are gone and the danger is very real. Nirvana is a place where virtual reality is taken to new heights. Follow Larrisa on her search for whether or not her husband, Andrew, is still alive or hiding within Nirvana and why. Many people want her to believe he’s dead and make his death a reality just by signing a piece of paper. But, then there’s Serge who has secrets and desires that may help Larissa find the truth. J.R. Stewart’s fictional world is one that will be remembered for a life time. For fans of Avatar and Hunger Games, this is for you. I can’t wait to read the next brilliantly well-written book in this intoxicating new series. I loved reading Nirvana. Overall, I rate this spectacular work five out of five stars.

Leslie the Slayer

Growing up, I had to learn how to fight without using weapons. My parents had me taking gymantics, ballet, dance, theater and many other things. Of course these all seem harmless and perfectly normal right? Well, it’s more than meets the eye. My parents had me enrolled in all those things for a reason. I also took swim classes as well.To anyone else, I was just an over active normal bright student.However, no one knew the real me know why I did all the things I do.

It’s not like I can go around junior shouting, “I’m a vampire slayer!”

I should receive an award and plague for that but that’s not ever going to happen. No one knows there are vampires living among us humans. Only the slayers do. My family happens to have generations among generations of them. All we are is a big family of normal people who make it their life’s choice to go after vamps. Wow, so interesting. We can’t even share how many vamps we slayed with anyone without them thinking we’re nuts. Unlless, you really want to be locked up in a psych ward somewhere or with many endless conversations with a doctor who is clueless that there really are blood sucking meancing vamps around.

Usually, one can find them at grave yards. My life since I was five was all about training and training me to be a slayer. I officialy don’t get the title until I turn the sweet sixteen. Lucky me. At least, I have two years before then. Or so I thought.

All my hope vanished when the new guy arrived in school. His family is extremely wealty for the live up in the old mansion that no body else could afford. His parents are supposedly in real estate. But, I have seen the homes here and most are filled or going to stay vacant. It would take tearing down and rebuilding some of the vacant homes to sell the lots. Now, unless his parents were going to adopt those homes as their new pet project they had to be making money in some other ways. Like drugs or something…

“Hey, Lise. Have you seen the new guy?!” Avery was pretty much head over heels over the new guy and it’s only his first day.

“Yeah, so what?” I didn’t care. I wasn’t looking to make buddies with a stranger. Slayers have rules.

#1 Never ever approach a stranger unless you know everything about them first. 

This is to keep from dying at the hands of a possible vamp.

Oh, yeah. I almost forgot. I am also a tech geek. The kind that wears the big black rimmed classes, with my shoulder length burnette curls. I always wear my hear up in either a bun or pony tail. I have been made fun of by guys at school for looking like a librarian. Yeah, boys are so mature…

“So, what?!” Her extreme disappointment in my joy of seeing the new guy was going to have to wait until lunch.

“Yeah, so what. Anyways, see ya at luch, Avery.”

Walking towards my computer science course, I had a bad feeling develop inside my gut. My gut was always right. So, what could possible go wrong? Little did I know it would have to do with having the new guy being assigned to partner with me. How am I ever going to live this day up with Avery? She’ll want to know everything about the new…and as it turns….so do I.

Book Review: The Heart Thief by S. Lee Benedict

The Heart Thief by S. Lee Benedict is one incredible and gripping read! A story of monsters, magic and the possibility of something much worse than death exist. Readers beware this stunning plot will drag you deep into a world in which fantasy and science fiction will bring the horrors and fears that will leave you holding onto your seat tightly. An intriguing tale of how one young man loses his brother and is attending a new school. But then things get much more intense as Ezra wakes up to find lead under his fingertips from a new drawing he doesn’t remember doing. A drawing that becomes real. Soon Ezra is following a trail to find a killer and thinks that one of his classmate’s father, a German scientist, is the one responsible. But as with all cases, Ezra will need proof before going to the police.

The Heart Thief by S. Lee Benedict is an enchanting world that allures readers instantly. S. Lee Benedict’s writing is one that will capture the hearts of readers all over the world. His scenes are vivid, detailed, and horrifying. The plot is well written and brings out such a realistic quality to the novel that readers will struggle with telling what is fantasy and what is real. I enjoyed reading this suspenseful tale and highly recommend to booth teens and adults alike. This is a must read for all. The main character Ezra is just an ordinary teenage boy who goes about life struggles like the any in his age would until strange things begin to happen. Ezra is one of the most believable characters I have seen in any fantasy novel. Overall, I rate The Heart Thief a five out of five stars.

Book Review: Deceived by L.A. Starkey

Deceived  is a fabulous novel telling the two of how two twin brothers are part of a prophecy. Torn to fight and hate they have one thing in common…their one mate. They can reach her barley touching her dreams. Samantha is the lost Pandora’s daughter, completely unaware of her heritage. She is in a human world struggling with believing what is or isn’t true. Both Marcus and his twin brother Nicolas want her. Which one of the brother’s will win her heart? And what happen’s when one of them does win her heart? Will Samantha choose one of the brothers? And what about guarding her heart against everyone so as not to have it broken again? Time is running out, where will Samantha and the two brothers be when all is said and done?

Greek mythology, romance, and mystery all wrapped into one incredible story. A story that will leave readers breathless and never wanting to put the novel down. I loved reading this young adult novel. Following Samantha and her journey of discovering who she really is and where her heart leads her is compelling. The two brothers, Marcus and Nicolas add to the plot making for an interesting read. A fascinating world, so much like our very own but magically told in way that is addictive and alluring. Readers will want to read Deceived and find out what goes on between the brothers, the prophecy, and Samantha.

L.A. Starkey has created a well written plot with characters that come to life. Scenes that are vivid and beautifully told. A must read novel for all. I can definitely say that this one amazing story can be a cross-over novel. So much of the story can be related by all. Overall, I rate this novel a five out of five stars.

Book Review: More Than This by Jay McLean

Inside Out is the perfect title for the perfect novel. A young teen, Mikayla, has experienced the loss of everyone she loves and knows. There was only person who witnessed it all. And he is the only one who can comfort Mikalya. Jake falls in love with Mikayla and tries doing his best to prove to her that he is the one for her heart. But will Mikayla finally be able to give him her heart or will she lose the only one person who loves her? This story is of a loss and love. Teens go through so much emotional pain as they grow up to be the adults we want them to be. Jay McLean portrays this and much more throughout this spectacular highly emotional novel. I loved reading this story. It’s a story that one will never forget and can easily relate to. I would recommend this brilliantly well-written story for others to read. The characters and plot were so perfectly put together that it was hard to put the novel down. A very addictive read indeed. Overall, I rate this book a five out of five stars.

Today’s Writing

Write about what happens when your character who is a high school student gets into a car with his or her friends. Once they get into that car on that day, they will never be coming back.  

 

– Write about how their is a love triangle connected to this high school student’s death.

– Who committed the murder and why? What are each one of the friends motives?

– Write about how a trial comes to start. Does evidence from the prosecutor prove that one of the guilty is innocent? Why? And how? What other shocking truths come out in the court room? How are the parents of the missing teen holding up?

– Was the death really over someone the missing teen loved or was it more gruesome than that?

– Has this type of violence been happening before in the same area? 

– Where was the missing teen’s body? What new evidence comes to light?

– What sinister things are about to occur, now that the body has been found?

– Will someone pose as the missing teen and kill others? Saying it was the ghost coming back for revenge? How much is truth and how much are lies?

 

 

Book Review: The Clique by Valerie Thomas

The Clique is a sensational YA novel that should be read. The characters demonstrate what happens to teens as decisions and choices pop up in life. Sometimes we are forced into doing things we do not want to do. Our decisions have major consequences that pull us down. But then when they seems to be going for the worse we somehow manage to pull ourselves back up and out of our troubles. It may take a while but, we will eventually get there. I loved reading this story about a group of girls and how things didn’t go so perfect for them. It showed a realistic side of teens and their dramas. I enjoyed reading on and learning how one of the girls changed a lot. She went from being carefree to being a mature young adult. Her realizations and her thoughts were interesting to read. Readers will love this stunning book! Its believable, intriguing, and shows the reality of life. Plus, all the characters are easy to connect with. Fun, sassy, and absolutely enjoyable are the words I would use to describe Valerie Thomas’s plot. I definitely would recommend her novel to all readers! I rate this book a 5 out of 5 stars!

Book Review: Cry Baby Cry…or Not by DeWandus Johnson

Cry Baby Cry or Not is a stunning realistic novel about life’s choices and decisions.  DeWandus Johnson, has a well written plot that shows us that sad but very real world that we live in. I found the characters to believably real and intriguing. This stunning book is a about a girl whose mother is born both blind and deaf and ends up pouring al her hate and anger at the world into her daughter. That is until her daughter can’t take it anymore and decides to leave. The daughter is soon caught up in a dangerous world that is both sad and ugly. Gangs, violence, and so much is seen by this girl.  One gangbanger in particular sets his sight on her and is instantly attracted to her because of her loyalty. Her personality draws in him closer as well.  Readers will enjoy reader this one girl and her adventure in life and where her decisions and choices lead her. I would definitely recommend this book to readers because it shows the realistic side of our world like it is today, that many do not see. I rate this book a 5 out of 5 stars.

Misgivings

Mira was not you’re average girl. She had a body that had more fat than two average girls combined. But she was super smart, and had the sweetest personality ever. Yet no one wanted to be Mira the fat girl’s friend. Not one girl talked to her. Even the goth girls ignored her. And the guys..well they just didn’t look at her. They see her but it was more like she was a piece of glass. Mira struggled with her weight.

She tried every diet program and she constantly tried working out. She lost some weight, but she was still so cury all over. Her thighs still big. Her arms were small. Her bust was bigger than the rest of the girls in her high school. Mira took on swim and despite her curvy figure managed to score second place for her team. Mira felt good. But she felt completely alone.

Until one day at her locker. She heard a bunch of girls sighing and giggling. What now?, Mira thought. If her weight wasn’t bad enough it was that she now had to wear glasses. It was that or contacts. And Mira couldn’t do contacts. Her glasses were the lastest fashion. Black frames that were ovalish. It made her blue eyes pop out more. Made her look good. But Mira still felt on the bottom of the social ladder. Turning around, she quickly noticed a guy.

OMG. This was what the girls were sighing about. He was built like a greek God. He could have any girl in school. He could even model. Wow.. “He’s pretty hot isn’t he?,” Jenny asked her. Starring at the guy before her, all Mira could do was nod.

Jenny and the girls walked away. Shash- shaying the butts as as they walked past the new guy. Giggling too. Mira didn’t blame them. The guy could melt any girls heart.

Not paying any attention as she turned back around, Mira tripped over something. Catching her before she fell all the way, Lucas helped her. “Are you okay?”, he asked. Looking up, Mira saw him. Omg! Did he just come to her rescue? Then remembering he asked her a question, she said, “yes, thank you.”

Then turned and walked away as quickly as possible. Leaving Lucas to star after her. She didn’t stay to gawk at him nor did she stay around trying to flirt her way with him either. It left him feeling puzzeled. Yet she might just be the only girl in the school who he could actually like. She might prove to be unlike all the wide eyed beauties trying to catch him.

Remember Me Part 3

Julia arrived at school the next morning. Heading to her locker, there was a sticky note attached. Meet me at the back of our library in the custodian’s closet. Rushing to the library, Julia ran as fast as she could wit her books in her arms. Who wanted to meet her and why? Why the back of the library in the small custodian’s closet? Nearing the back of the library, Julia knocks on the door. Then watching it open she steps in. And then blind folded. “Who are you? And why meet here? And why blind fold me?”, Julia asked.

“It doesn’t matter who I am. Just know that Matt killed Luke. He talked about it for days and then had us tags along and do the dirty work for him. We changed Luke’s brakes with ones that didn’t work. And another one placed something into Luke’s gas tank. It was just suppose to be a car accident that injured him. Not a murder. ”

“But why did you guys do it? Where’s the evidence to prove it?And why are you telling me now?”, Julia asked the stranger.

“Here’s the evidence that you will need. Call home sick now and take it to the police. Before Matt finds out what’s been done.”

Then hearing a door open and shut behind her,Julia takes the blind fold off. Looking down in her hands was a huge manilla envelope. She had to go to the nurse’s office. Before Matt did find out. Having a tattle tail isn’t good for Matt. Nor was it good for the one who gave her the evidence. If Matt ever found out, the informer would pay..just like Luke did. Except probably worse. It was up to her now to give the police what was in her hands.

Hiding the envelope using her jacket, Julia rushes to the nurse station and calls home. Asking her mom to come pick her up. It was an emergency! Five minutes later, Julia’s mom picks her up. Then as Julia tells her mom everything, that happened just today, her mom drives to the police station. Walking with her mom inside the station the soon meet with a detective working Luke’s case. Inside the envelope the detective finds all the pictures of evidence that would put Matt behind bars forever. As well as his friends who took part in it.

Thanking Julia and her mom, the detective gets a call. There’s been another accident. Another student was found head this morning. About the time when Julia called her mom. Julia tells the detective about how she got the evidence. The detective agrees that is wasn’t an accident, but an attempt at a cover up.

Getting a force together the detective and other officers head out to arrest Matt and his buddies.

Remember Me Part 2

Jake just walked right through me! Impossible, but so..true! It was chilly when he did so, but I did feel a sense of goodness too. Jake was just standing there. In the kitchen, like his death never happened. I have so got to be hallucinating.

“You’re not hallucinating, you are seeing me. And yeah I’m dead. But we have a bigger problem.”

“Like trying to prove that Matt killed you”,I asked.

“Yeah there’s that and we have to stop him before he does it again.”

“Does what again?”, I asked him.

Too late though. Jake’s ghost disappeared. Matt was up to something else again. But what?
Oh no, Jake probably meant murder. If Matt murdered Jake, and he was up to it again..then I had to be the one to stop him. Otherwise another student will die. But when, who, and why? I already knew he killed Jake and the reason why, I just needed to figure out how and when he did it. Maybe it might lead me to what Matt was going to do next.

Logging onto my lab top, there weren’t any messages from Jake this time. I go to Facebook, checking to see if Matt posted anything. Looking for any clues.. Wait! Hold on..backing it up, there was a post by Matt, announcing his big after school party. Everyone is invited. Matt’s parents were going to be out of town for a few days. That would give him, enough time and the place to distract others from his plan of murdering. Does Matt do the killing by himself or do his best friends help him?  So many questions..with many different variables. Only by attending, would I be able to find out more. Time to go undercover and solve Jake’s murder once and for all. Also, by going I might be able to stop another from happening..
Unless, Jake can give me more clues. This could be dangerous. I know what Matt is like. I would never want to be left alone with the jerk especially a murdering jerk.

The Outcast Part 2

Jeff took his things out of his bag into a room that Susie was kind enough to let him have. The police investigation into the old man’s death has been a shocker to everyone. Jeff missed him. The old man surely knew how to make a home feel like a home. The woman police officer said she would tell him if they found out anything as long as he stayed home with Susie. Susie spent her nights crying about the old man just as much as Jeff did. Men aren’t suppose to cry, he thought. Real men have feelings and we show them at different times, he remembered hearing the old man tell him. Smiling he fell asleep.

It wasn’t even two hours after he slept that he heard a loud crash. What the hell..
Getting up with a baseball in hand he heads over to Susie’s room. No sign of her.

Heading towards the kitchen, he sees Susie laying on the floor. Running to her side, he notices she’s still breathing.

“Susie, who did this to you?”, he asked her. Watching her eyes flicker he waits for a response. Nothing. “Just wait, I’ll call the police. You will be fine,Susie. Hang in there!”

Running to the phone, he dials 911. “Hi, I need an ambulance quickly…Susie’s been attacked. I think someone broke…”
“Hold on we are sending am ambulance , the police are on their way”, the emergency responder said.

Jeff didn’t get to hear the rest.. the intruder was holding a gun. It was someone he recognized..

Who broke into the house at night? And why? Was it one of the street gang? If so, what is the person’s motive for the robbery and killing? Find out more in part 3.

Here’s a writing challenge for you: write how you would have written this scene better. Then add what happens next. Post your response down below in the comment area for feedback!

Finding Prince Charming Part 2

Lilly Green was excited to see Zach at lunch. He was drop dead gorgeous and so far proved to be smart. Just by ignoring pretty, yet mean Sydney. Every guy in school drooled over her. It was surprising in a really good way, that Zach was disinterested in her. The most popular girl in school. He choose instead to ask the invisible dork. Me. 
Placing her books into her locker, Lilly heads over to the cafeteria to meet up with Zach.

Meanwhile, Zach was at the cafeteria doors waiting for that girl from his class. Damn it. Why didn’t, he ask her for her name. She was pretty in a natural beauty way. She was smart. When she answered her questions right, her smile was dazzling. A smart, pretty, and one hell of a decent girl. Finally, a girl who was real. Not fake. Like that horrible Sydney chick. Damn. Spoke too soon.

Heading over to him, was Sydney walking like she was a say goddess. As if, Zach thought. Then laughing out loud at his own thoughts. Sydney says, Hey Zach, laughing at my joke about Lilly being such a silly nilly.

Zach stopped laughing. Looking at Sydney, and taking a step close enough to her he said, ” You are the worst silly nilly willy ever to exist, Sydney the blackened kidney.”

Lilly having just step through the doors, and looking from the distance thought that she was wrong. Zach did like Sydney way better than her. From the distance it looked like Zach was kissing Sydney. Of course only Sydney knew that Lilly saw her and Zach. And so to make matters worse for Zach, she hugs him! Lilly seeing that runs off. Zach break in free from Sydney sees Lilly’s back. Dam it, he thought. Running after her, he shouts, “Wait, Lilly! It’s not what you think!”

Lilly turning around says, ” if that’s true then why did it look like you were kissing her? And Sydney hugged you.What am I suppose to think,Zach?”

Seeing the hurt on her face made Zach wanted to comfort her. To hold her in his arms and explain himself.

Remember Me Part 1

It started last fall, during swim team practice. We had a new student. He was average. He was kind, an excellect swimmer, and a good student. At our swim practice he showed up. The coach told him he will be our captian bcause he was so good. That comment from the coach angered, Matt. Matt was the rich kid in school. Most girls drooled over him. But he was a jerk. He decided to fix it. Where Jake, couldn’t be captain. 
The next day at school students were whispering. Having no idea what they whispered about, I asked one of them.
” You haven’t heard?”
“Heard what?”, I asked.
“That Jake, the new kid was found dead this morning.”
Omg..no! This wasn’t happening! I had to tell coach that Matt was behind it. But there was only one major problem. I needed proof. Evidence that Matt had motive. I can’t just say he did because he was jealous. Which was true. The police would need more than that.
And so, I decided to follow Matt everywhere. Keeping tabs on everything he said, did, and went. Some would say, that I went crazy.
After having followed Matt for a week, I found nothing unusual or proving he did it.
Getting home from school, I ran up to my room. Dropping my bag down I move to my labtop. As I flipped it open, a message appeared.
Remember me.

I couldn’t figure out who wrote that or how it got there on my labtop. So, I just erased it and did my homework.
Then again. I recieved another message..

Remember me, Julia? I’m Jake.

OMG!! What type of prank was this? If I ever found out Matt did this, I swear I will call the police. Evidence or not.

Feeling shaken, I head downstairs and make a sandwich. Tuna. Maybe, I’m just hallucinating due to lack of food? Fat chance!

The door bell rings, just as I bit down into my sandwich.

Heading to the door, I open it. Only to see Jake! But Jake was dead!! Right??

“Hey, Julia can I come in?”, he asked me.
All I could do was stand there thinking omg! What’s happening. And before I knew it..
Jake walks right through me. I felt a bit of a chill wash over me as he did.
Omg..Jake is a ghost! Ghosts don’t exist. Or do they?

The Outcast Part 1

Jeff Burris, was one of many kids who were left to grow up alone on the streets. He had to learn to fight or to be beaten up. Now sixteen, Jeff has learned to make his way up in the world. He started helping an elderly man cut his lawn. He soon was offered a job as a shop assistant at the man’s store in town…
Until there there was a robbery. The police found a gang of street kids who claimed the Jeff had given them keys to break in.
The police took the keys the kids had and indeed they were the shop’s keys.
Jeff didn’t do it. He wondered how the others he knew got them. And why did they say he gave them the keys. He would never hurt the older man like that. The older man was generous enough with paying Jeff. He also gave Jeff a free room to live in and made him an assistant. The older man’s trust meant a lot to him. The police went to inform the shop owner of the event. But when there they found the shop owner dead. Laying on the floor, blood everywhere, Jeff ran to the old man’s side. No pulse. The police took a look around and some asked the neighbors questions. Jeff was heart broken. First, the shop is broken into and stolen from. Second, the gang blamed him for the crime. And now someone had killed the only person who had cared about Jeff.
What’s going to happen now? Will the police arrest me for both crimes? Who did this?
Jeff’s tears and sadness turned slowly to anger.
The police took the body away and told Jeff that he wasn’t to leave town. And that he needs to grab his stuff and find another place til there were done investigating the house.
Jeff feeling numb went to his room and took a bag of cloths and a picture of him and the old man at a baseball game. As Jeff remembered that day, the tears came down even more…
Where will I go? He thought. A police woman came in and asked him if he was okay.
“Yeah, I’m..”
“It’s okay.Things like this happen all the time. We will find the murder and most likely the one who gave the keys to that street gang.”
“You, think I’m innocent?”
Looking at Jeff’s eyes, she felt his pain. “Yes, I do. I knew the old man. And he thought the world of you. Like his own son. He talked about you a lot.”
“Thanks..where do I go now?”
“The next door neighbor, Susie. She said she’d take you in, in a heartbeat. Plus, she said how could you survive without her good cooking?”
Laughing for the first after everything that happened, Jeff felt a touch better. “Yeah her cooking is the best.But it won’t be the same with out him..”
“Come on, I’ll walk you over.And I promise I’ll tell you everything we find out.”

Finding Prince Charming Part 1

Lilly Green, was the high school’s geek. She always had her head stuck in her books. She answered every question perfectly. And she talked like a college professor whenever a student tried talking to her. None of the guys wanted to date her. She was too smart, too nice, too weird. Well, Lilly Green has changed. She now only answers when called upon, and reads when there’s nothing else to do. And answers in short sentences and only elaborates when asked. She also dresses more girly. New Lilly was still the old same Lilly only looked and spoke differently.
Lilly wanted to be different. She wanted to be liked by a guy. She wanted a friend.
All that changed when, she got to her World Literature class.
A new student was sitting in her seat!
Not just a student. A goood looking guy. Oh…my..gosh!
Someone pinch her!
The guy had to choose that moment to look up at her and smile.
Wow! The guy has an awesome smile. Feeling like she was staring too long she heads past him two seats back..until she trips over Syndney’s backpack.
Way to go me, Lilly thought. The guy seeing what happened got up and pulled Lilly up from the floor.
“Are you okay?”, he asked her.
“Yeah, yeah I’m fine.Thanks.”
Quickly turning around to sit in a seat, the guys moves over to sit by her.
” Hi, I’m Zach.”
“Hi, I’m..”
“She’s weirdo Lilly, I am Sydney.Hi. So, you are new?”
“Yeah, I’m new”.
Lilly turning to face the front felt like an utter fool. First tripping then being mocked in front of Zach.
Opening her notebook, a neatly folded note was placed on her desk. Grabbing it, Lilly reads it.
Sit with me at lunch?-signed Z
Glancing up she catches Zach eyes. Nodding at him, he smiles back. Feeling way better, Lilly can’t wait til lunch time.

Novel Writing Challenge 4

Sam, a young 15-year old, who was short, skinny, small chested, super white skin and dark black shiny hair that went past her shoulders a touch had beautiful green alluring eyes. She was a quiet teen, who loved reading, writing, drawing, and swimming. She was the invisible girl at her local public high school. None of the guys asked her out. Thinking they would probably scare her because of her quiet nature. She aced all her school subjects and helped her swim team to the Nationals every year. This year, being a freshman, was tough. Girls were dressing in low tops, short skirts, and wore lots of makeup. Guys were..well the were the same as always. Some were jerks, others were nerdy, and a few were decent guys. Sam only had her academics and swim team to preoccupy her time. Nothing more. Would it be so bad to like a guy? Her mom and dad asked her during dinner yesterday. Sam simply said she wasn’t interested. And the few good guys were not interested in her. So why date? 

Heading to her AP English class, Sam bumps into someone. Someone..who turned out to be a guy. A very good looking guy. Who smelled good. His brown hair in a messy but sexy style, his plain top the fit perfectly over his biceps, and his eyes were so..blue.

“Sorry, I wasn’t paying any attention to where I was going. I’m new here.”

“Hi, I’m Sam. And it’s fine. I was rushing and not paying attention either.”

“I’m Blake. Nice to meet you, Sam.”

Smiling at her and feeling a blush coming on Sam said, “Yeah, it was nice meeting you too. Do you..um..”

“Need help with where to go”, he finished for her.

“Yeah, do you?”

“Yeah, I can definitely use a beautiful lady’s help”, he said smiling even bigger at her.

Laughing and shaking her head slightly,Sam asked him where he was headed. After sharing his schedule with her. They found out they shared a lot of the same classes. They agree upon meeting up for lunch by the cafeteria’s doors. Not believing her luck, Sam felt excited about lunch with her new friend. AP English, Environmental Science,  and Physics went by faster than usual. Heading to her locker to put her books away, Sam walks to the cafeteria’s doors. There she sees, Blake standing there waiting for her. 

“Hey, Sam.”

“Hey, Blake.”

Smiling they get into line and take their lunches to a small table by the side windows. 

“So, how did your classes go?”, asked Sam.

“Great, except for the super blonde chick that is more fake than silicon boobs.”

Laughing, Sam feel great. So far, Blake seemed to be cool. Especially when he said the most popular girl in school was faker than plastic boobs. Really? Where do you guys come up with these phrases. 

“Yeah, so how was your  classes?”, he asked her.

“They were good as usual. Thank you for asking.”

Smiling up at her, Blake felt great. This girl was more real than a lot of the girls in the whole school. And she doesn’t load her face with all that makeup stuff girls put on. She’s pretty just like she is. Her green eyes twinkle when she’s in a good mood. Sam not knowing what to say next asked him if he’d be interested in joining the swim team this year. 

“Are you on the swim team?”

“Yeah, I’ve been on the swim team since 6th grade. I enjoy being in the water. Plus, I enjoy the competition meets as well. We as a team have placed in the Nationals every year so far.”

“Wow, that is impressive. I think I would like to join. When and where do I sign up?”

“Come tomorrow after school is over to the school’s gym at 3:30. We will be having sign ups and try outs.”

“Awesome count me in!”

Sam couldn’t believe his enthusiasm for joining the swim team. He was super excited it seemed.  

The next day after school was over both Sam and Blake headed over to the school’s gym together. Sitting next to each other on the second bleacher they wait and listen as the coach called out names and had everyone try out in the swimming pool. 

“Blake McCain”, the coach yelled. 

“That’s me. Wish me luck.”

“Good luck, Blake!”

Heading over to the coach to introduce himself,he then started doing laps as the coach insisted. Watching him swim, was amazing. He swam with confidence and grace. Sam was impressed. It wasn’t soon before Emily Sanders walked over with her groupie. 

“So, you meet the new guy, Blake”, Emily asked Sam.

“Yes, I have”, Sam briefly stated. Not really caring what Emily had to say.

“Well, did you know that the reason Blake is here at our school is because he was responsible for his girlfriend’s death at his other school. Though they couldn’t find enough evidence to arrest him. But everyone there thinks he killed her. After all, he was the last person to see her alive. And.. she was seeing another guy. The other guys was Blake’s best friend. So that’s a motive to kill his girlfriend, right?”, Emily asked.

Sam suddenly feeling dizzy, couldn’t believe what she just heard. “You’re lying!”

“Am I?”, Emily asked Sam.

“Yes, you are. You are lying because Blake isn’t interested in you.”, Sam retorted back.

“Well, then I guess to prove that I’m not lying all you would have to do is look it up, or..ask Blake himself”, Emily replied back.

Write all this and what happens next. Does Sam believe what Emily told her? Does she ask Blake straight out? And if so, does he give her an honest reply or make her feel that he’s hiding something. Could Blake really be responsible for his girlfriend’s death?  Write all this and more in your response down below in the comment area using only 2500 words!!

Best of luck!!!