Bloodlines by Richelle Mead

 3/5 Stars

Goodreads:

Sydney is an alchemist, one of a group of humans who dabble in magic and serve to bridge the worlds of human and vampires. They protect vampire secrets - and human lives. When Sydney is torn from her bed in the middle of the night, at first she thinks she's still being punished for her complicated alliance with dhampir Rose Hathaway. But what unfolds is far worse. Jill Dragomir - the sister of Moroi Queen Lissa Dragomir - is in mortal danger, and the Moroi must send her into hiding. To avoid a civil war, Sydney is called upon to act as Jill's guardian and protector, posing as her roommate in the last place anyone would think to look for vampire royalty - a human boarding school in Palm Springs, California. But instead of finding safety at Amberwood Prep, Sydney discovers the drama is only just beginning...

My Review:

I wish I loved this more. I loved loved loved Vampire Academy. I enjoyed Bloodlines, but just wish it drew me in more. 

Sydney's character was strong and I enjoyed her inner turmoil with her views on the Moroi and the typical alchemists' views. There were definitely parts that were predictable, but I also have high comprehension skills. 

I wished there was more Adrian. I guess he comes in more in the next book, but I was ready for him in this first book. 

Overall this was a good book and I'll definitely be reading the entire series. 

Obsidian (Lux #1) by Jennifer L. Armentrout

4/5 Stars

Goodreads:

Starting over sucks.

When we moved to West Virginia right before my senior year, I'd pretty much resigned myself to thick accents, dodgy internet access, and a whole lot of boring.... until I spotted my hot neighbor, with his looming height and eerie green eyes. Things were looking up.

And then he opened his mouth.

Daemon is infuriating. Arrogant. Stab-worthy. We do not get along. At all. But when a stranger attacks me and Daemon literally freezes time with a wave of his hand, well, something...unexpected happens.

The hot alien living next door marks me.

You heard me. Alien. Turns out Daemon and his sister have a galaxy of enemies wanting to steal their abilities, and Daemon's touch has me lit up like the Vegas Strip. The only way I'm getting out of this alive is by sticking close to Daemon until my alien mojo fades.

If I don't kill him first, that is.

My Unfortunately QUICK QUICK QUICK Review:

I am so sad that I didn't write a review for this book. I love this series. I remember loving the dialogue and the banter between Daemon and Kat. It was all just so real and fresh. I remember not wanting to stop reading. I've only read the first 2.5 books because the cliffhangers drive me insane! I need all the books in the series to be out before I continue. So, the author needs to write faster.

Love the series!

4/5 Stars

This is actually the #.5 of the series. I read it after I read Lux #1.

5/5 Stars

#2 in the series

The Avery Shaw Experiment by Kelly Oram

3/5 Stars

Goodreads:

When Avery Shaw’s heart is shattered by her life-long best friend, she chooses to deal with it the only way she knows how—scientifically.

The state science fair is coming up and Avery decides to use her broken heart as the topic of her experiment. She’s going to find the cure. By forcing herself to experience the seven stages of grief through a series of social tests, she believes she will be able to get over Aiden Kennedy and make herself ready to love again. But she can’t do this experiment alone, and her partner (ex partner!) is the one who broke her heart.

Avery finds the solution to her troubles in the form of Aiden’s older brother Grayson. The gorgeous womanizer is about to be kicked off the school basketball team for failing physics. He’s in need of a good tutor and some serious extra credit. But when Avery recruits the lovable Grayson to be her “objective outside observer,” she gets a whole lot more than she bargained for, because Grayson has a theory of his own: Avery doesn’t need to grieve. She needs to live. And if there’s one thing Grayson Kennedy is good at, it’s living life to the fullest.

My QUICK QUICK Review:

3 stars. I really liked this story. The only thing keeping me from rating it 4/5 stars were the scientific entries. I think the book would have been much much stronger without those.

Grayson is definitely swoon worthy. Favorite part was the college party.

He's With Me by Tamara Summers

2/5 Stars

Goodreads:

Just in time for summer comes the perfect beach read! Humor and romance abound in this fresh, fun take on summer love.

Lexie has always had a crush on Jake, her brother Colin's best friend. But she knows Jake thinks of her like a sister, and has never made a move. But when beautiful alpha girl Bree McKennis sets her sights on Jake, he has to come up with a plan to turn her down...without incurring the wrath of the most popular girl in school. That's when Colin comes up with the plan: Lexie can pretend to be Jake's girlfriend. But Lexie has never had a real boyfriend, let alone a pretend one! Can she manage to convince Jake that they're meant to be...and avoid getting killed by Bree McKennis?

My QUICK QUICK QUICK Review:

This is definitely a young adult book. It would be perfect for 7th and 8th graders who are young. This book was very basic.

Night School (Night School #1) by C.J. Daugherty

4/5 Stars

Goodreads:

Allie Sheridan’s world is falling apart. Her brother’s run away from home. Her parents ignore her. And she’s just been arrested.

Again.

This time her parents have had enough. They cut her off from her friends and send her away to boarding school, far from her London friends.

But at Cimmeria Academy, Allie is soon caught up in the strange activities of a secret group of elite students.

When she’s attacked late one night the incident sets off a chain of increasingly violent events. As the school begins to seem like a very dangerous place, she finds out that nothing at Cimmeria is what it seems to be.

And that she is not who she thought she was.

My QUICK QUICK Review:

I would say this is an older young adult- more a teen book. Great read. I saw 1 stars all the way up to 5 stars with this book. I gave it 4. I really enjoyed it. The characters were real, and there was enough mystery for me not to be able to predict everything. It did keep me guessing. I'll definitely read more in the series.

Reasons I Fell for the Funny Fat Friend by Cassie Mae/ Becca Ann

1/5 Stars

Goodreads:

It’s stupid to fall for your brother’s ex. It’s even worse to enlist another’s help to win the ex over. But Brody is desperate and Hayley, his partner in American Sign Language, is more than willing to lend him a few tips.

She’s the school’s matchmaker,’ and with her bizarre and positive personality, Brody finds her easy to talk to, even about the most awkward situations. Hayley’s tips seem to be working, but as Brody learns more about his matchmaker, he starts finding reasons to spend time with her, and not the girl he thought he was in love with.

But Hayley isn’t ready to fall for anyone. Labeled the “Funny Fat Friend” within her group, her self image makes it impossible for Brody to share his feelings without Hayley shrugging it off as a joke.

Convincing her Brody can, and did, fall for the “Funny Fat Friend” turns out to be harder than simply falling in love.

Written by Cassie Mae under the pen name Becca Ann

My QUICK Review:

I almost gave up on this book because it just didn't have the "real" vibe. Maybe it was the dialogue, maybe it was the prose. Not sure exactly. The writing just all seemed pretty juvenile. Then I looked at the authors and saw their ages. That may play into it a little.

Overall the story line was good -- that has potential. But the writing itself, not so much.

Amplified by Tara Kelly

4/5 Stars

B&N:

When privileged 17-year-old Jasmine gets kicked out of her house, she takes what is left of her savings and flees to Santa Cruz to pursue her dream of becoming a musician. Jasmine finds the ideal room in an oceanfront house, but she needs to convince the three guys living there that she's the perfect roommate and lead guitarist for their band, C-Side. Too bad she has major stage fright and the cute bassist doesn't think a spoiled girl from over the hill can hack it. . . .



In this fresh new novel by critically acclaimed author Tara Kelly, Jasmine finds out what happens when her life gets Amplified.

Babe in Boyland by Jody Gehrman

4/5 Stars

B&N:

Natalie boldly goes where no girl has gone before in this fresh, funny peek inside the male mind!

Natalie writes the relationship column for her high school newspaper. Then she is accused of knowing nothing about guys and giving girls bad relationship advice, so she decides to disguise herself as a guy and spend a week at Underwood Academy, the private all-boys boarding school in town. And in the process, she learns about guys, though in ways she never expected. But when she starts to fall for her dreamy roommate, things get even more complicated. The fun doesn't stop in this light, lively offering for teen girls.

My Review:

So... this was a really cute book...even though it was extremely similar to that 80s movie Just One of the Guys.

Geek Girl by Cindy C. Bennett

4/5 Stars

B&N:

Jen's life of partying and sneaking out has grown stale. So on a whim, Jen makes a bet to turn Trevor, a goody-two-shoes geek, into a "bad boy." As she hangs out with Trevor, however, she finds it's actually kinda fun being a geek. But when Trevor finds out about the bet, Jen must fight for the things she's discovered matter most: friendship, family, and, above all, love.

Love at First Click by Elizabeth Chandler

3/5 Stars

B&N:

I could no longer deny what the heat in my cheeks meant when I was around Flynn. I was falling for my sister's boyfriend.

There's just something about Flynn. Yes, he's a tall, unbelievably gorgeous, dark-haired football player, but . . . he's also sweet and nice and super easy to talk to. It's lucky I'm the photographer for the school paper, because my camera likes Flynn almost as much as I do. Unfortunately for me, so does my sister, and there's no way I can nab Flynn with her in the picture.

But could this be the real thing?

Bittersweet by Sarah Ockler

4/5 Stars

B&N:

Once upon a time, Hudson knew exactly what her future looked like. Then a betrayal changed her life and knocked her dreams to the ground. Now she’s a girl who doesn’t believe in second chances, a girl who stays under the radar by baking cupcakes at her mom’s diner and obsessing over what might have been.

So when things start looking up and she has another shot at her dreams, Hudson is equal parts hopeful and terrified. Of course, this is also the moment a cute, sweet guy walks into her life—and starts serving up some seriously mixed signals. She’s got a lot on her plate, and for a girl who’s been burned before, risking it all is easier said than done.

It’s time for Hudson to ask herself what she really wants, and how much she’s willing to sacrifice to get it. Because in a place where opportunities are fleeting, she knows this chance may very well be her last....

Thirteen Reasons Why by Jay Asher

5/5 Stars
B&N:

Clay Jensen returns home from school to find a mysterious box with his name on it lying on his porch. Inside he discovers cassette tapes recorded by Hannah Baker–his classmate and crush–who committed suicide two weeks earlier.

On tape, Hannah explains that there are thirteen reasons why she decided to end her life. Clay is one of them. If he listens, he'll find out how he made the list.

Through Hannah and Clay's dual narratives, debut author Jay Asher weaves an intricate and heartrending story of confusion and desperation that will deeply affect teen readers.

My Review:

I read this book when it first came out (a couple of years ago), and I loved it. I have no idea how I missed putting it in this blog!

It became one of my favorite books. I loved how raw it was. Also, the format of it was incredibly interesting. The way the author had to the story go from present time, to past, and then with the tapes and listening to Hannah...just amazing.

I can't believe it was the author's first book.

In fact, it stayed in hard cover extra long because the sales were doing so well (I emailed the author about when it was going to be put into paperback way back when, and that was his answer.).

I do recommend this book to my 8th grade students because I fell it leaves a lasting important message (Also- see the book Speak for another one all teen girls should read!).

There is one really "adult" part. It's only a line or two, but you can see why the author puts it there. I explain this to the students. (Also, I keep this book behind my desk so that I can monitor who wants to read it and such. I also always have a discussion with the students after they read it.) The author put this part (hot tub scene) in the book to really show Hannah finally giving up.

Again, this is one of the most amazing books I've read and will keep recommending it.

A Match Made in High School by Kristin Walker

2/5 Stars

B&N:

When the principal announces that every senior must participate in a mandatory year-long Marriage Education program, Fiona Sheehan believes that her life can't get any worse. Then she marries her "husband": jerky jock Todd, whose cheerleader girlfriend, Amanda, has had it in for Fiona since day one of second grade. Even worse? Amanda is paired with Fiona's long-term crush, Gabe. At least Fiona is doing better than her best friend, Marcie, who is paired up with the very quiet, very mysterious Johnny Mercer.
Pranks, fights, misunderstandings, and reconciliations ensue in an almost Shakespearean comedy of errors about mistaken first impressions, convoluted coupling, and hidden crushes.


My Review:

I could see how this may be a "cute" read for younger girls, but I found the main female character wicked annoying. I don't know how she calls herself a good friend. She constantly only talks about herself with her friend ignoring what's going on in her friend's life completely. The character of Todd was pretty funny in some instances.

One other thing that really annoyed me was how the main character treated a particular boy throughout the book and especially at the end of the book. It was like all of a sudden her opinion changed and she "settled" for him. Not a great message to send to young people.

Crossed (Matched Trilogy Series #2) byAlly Condie

3/5 Stars

B&N:

In search of a future that may not exist and faced with the decision of who to share it with, Cassia journeys to the Outer Provinces in pursuit of Ky - taken by the Society to his certain death - only to find that he has escaped, leaving a series of clues in his wake.

Cassia's quest leads her to question much of what she holds dear, even as she finds glimmers of a different life across the border. But as Cassia nears resolve and certainty about her future with Ky, an invitation for rebellion, an unexpected betrayal, and a surprise visit from Xander - who may hold the key to the uprising and, still, to Cassia's heart - change the game once again. Nothing is as expected on the edge of Society, where crosses and double crosses make the path more twisted than ever.

My Review:

So, I loved the 1st book...this book was only OK. I think in the beginning it was pretty good...but then it got slower. I ate up the 1st book, but this one went relatively slow for me. The first book kept me wanting to turn every page and stay up all night to finish, this one...not so much. But, it was still good. Just not amazing. I will read the last book once it comes out.

Matched (Matched Trilogy Series #1) by Ally Condie

4/5 Stars

B&N:

Cassia has always trusted the Society to make the right choices for her: what to read, what to watch, what to believe. So when Xander's face appears on-screen at her Matching ceremony, Cassia knows he is her ideal mate . . . until she sees Ky Markham's face flash for an instant before the screen fades to black. The Society tells her it's a glitch, a rare malfunction, and that she should focus on the happy life she's destined to lead with Xander. But Cassia can't stop thinking about Ky, and as they slowly fall in love, Cassia begins to doubt the Society's infallibility and is faced with an impossible choice: between Xander and Ky, between the only life she's known and a path that no one else has dared to follow.

My Review:

I really really liked this book. I had it for a bit, but just wasn't into reading it. Then I read one of my students reviews on it, and I was interested. And I must say, I am happy she read the book because it got me to read it! I thought the author did a great job with the relationships between the characters. I did notice a bunch of similarities to the book The Giver which were interesting to catch.

The Enemy (Enemy Series #1) & The Dead (Enemy Series #2) byCharlie Higson

3 1/2 Stars

B&N: The Enemy

In the wake of a devastating disease, everyone sixteen and older is either dead or a decomposing, brainless creature with a ravenous appetite for flesh. Teens have barricaded themselves in buildings throughout London and venture outside only when they need to scavenge for food. The group of kids living a Waitrose supermarket is beginning to run out of options. When a mysterious traveler arrives and offers them safe haven at Buckingham Palace, they begin a harrowing journey across London. But their fight is far from over—the threat from within the palace is as real as the one outside it.
Full of unexpected twists and quick-thinking heroes, The Enemy is a fast-paced, white-knuckle tale of survival in the face of unimaginable horror.

B&N:The Dead

The disease only affects people sixteen or older. It starts with the symptoms of a cold. Then the skin begins to itch, and spots appear--spots that soon turn into pus-filled boils. But the worst part is the headache, the inner voices that tell you that you need to eat them . . . the young ones.
When the Disaster strikes, the world turns upside down for Ed, Jack, Bam and the other students at Rowhurst School. The parents and older siblings they left back at home are dead--or worse. Once the teachers go on the attack, the kids know it's time to escape and make their way to the city. It's got to be better in London . . .
or will it be worse?

Higson's terrifying, utterly compelling prequel to The Enemy introduces an all-new cast of characters and sets the stage for a dramatic third book in the series.


My Review:

I must say, I did enjoy reading these books. Yes, it was pretty gross...the author described the disease pretty well. What I really liked about these books though was the psychological aspect of what these kids were going through and what they had to do to survive.

Also, one thing that shocked me, was the author did not stick to the rule of the "main" character can't die. And no, that doesn't give it away because there are a few main characters.

The 2nd book actually takes place one year before the 1st book which I thought was kind of neat. By the end of the 2nd book, you could see where the two came together.

Overall- I suggest this series. I'll definitely be reading the 3rd book in the series.

The Boyfriend Thief by Shana Norris

3/5 Stars

Goodreads Summary:

Avery James has her life planned out: this summer she'll work with a humanitarian program in Costa Rica, next year she'll graduate at the top of her class, and after that, college and medical school. Perfect, planned, total order.

The only problem: getting the rest of the money she needs for the trip before the deadline. Hannah Cohen, her biggest competition for the valedictorian title, makes an unexpected offer: If Avery can win over Zac Greeley and make him break up with Hannah before the end of the school year, a check for five hundred dollars is all hers. Faced with the prospect of spending yet another summer working as a giant hot dog, it's an offer Avery can't refuse.

Zac is nothing like Avery expected. Within his chaotic world of midnight slushie runs and spontaneous dance parties, her total order is quickly falling apart while Hannah seems poised to get everything she wants. But just how much is Avery willing to give up for the perfect, planned life?

My Review:

This is definitely a book I'll recommend to my 8th grade girls. It's cute and I can totally see some girls relating to this. It has the friendship problems, family problems, and boy problems all in one, and the author does a wonderful job of keeping it "real".

That Boy by Jillian Dodd

3/5 Stars (I'd say 3 1/2 stars)

Goodreads Summary:

That Boy is a contemporary romance about falling in love with the boys next door.

You know, being friends with two cute boys does have its benefits.

There's Danny. Danny is a golden boy in every way. He has dreamy blue eyes and blonde hair that always looks perfect, even when it’s windblown or been stuck under a football helmet. He’s the boy every girl crushes on. The boy I get into trouble with, the boy I fight with, the hot quarterback no girl can resist, not even me. Being with Danny is like being on an adventure. He has a bright, contagious smile and abs to die for. He’s pretty much irresistible.

Equally crush worthy is Phillip. Adorable, sweet Phillip, who I have known since birth. Phillip has dark hair, a perfect smile, brown eyes, and the sexiest voice I have ever heard. He’s the boy I talk to every night before I go to sleep. The boy who rescues me, the boy who can read my mind, the boy who is always there for me, the boy who tries to keep me out of trouble, the boy who irritatingly keeps getting hotter, and whose strong arms always seem to find their way around me. And when he gives me that grin, I can never say no.

One boy will give me my very first kiss.
One boy will teach me to make out.
One boy will take me to prom.
And finally, one boy will ask me to marry him.
They will both be my best friends.
But only one of them will be the boy I fall in love with.
Only one of them is That Boy.

My Review:

I liked this book. Although, the main female character annoyed me sometimes. Overall, I really liked how the author portrayed the 2 boys. They were so different, but I could see why she was best friends/loved them both. There was a HUGE shocking turn in the plot that came out of left field. I cried actually and had to keep reading (until 4 a.m.) so that I could go to bed and not have sad dreams.

This was a longer book than I thought it would be (I read on my Nook, so I never actually know how many pages there are in the book until I open the file).

There's part of me that really liked the book, but then another part that just liked it. Back and forth. :)

The Boyfriend Game (First Kisses) by Stephie Davis

4/5 Stars

Goodreads Summary:

I rested the ball on my hip and walked back toward the equipment shed. In the dark.

Alone. With a boy.

I would be completely freaking out over varsity soccer tryouts if it weren't for the new student, Graham, who's helping me practice. He has the most amazing green eyes, curly brown hair, and perfect legs. Plus, we have lots in common, since all we both care about is soccer! Well, that's all he cares about. But my heart beats so fast when we're on the field together . . . and I don't think it's just from all the running around.


My Review:

This was an extremely quick read (I don't even think it had 200 pages to it), but it was also a wicked cute read. The author did a fantastic job at portraying what teens come across with dating, friends, and a change of heart w/ what's really important to them. I've read another from this author (Fast Girls and Smart Boys) which was good as well.

It looks like she focuses on teen girls who enjoy sports, but who also are figuring out what they want and who they are in life.

Definitely an author to recommend to my students.

Pride & Popularity by Jenni James

4/5 Stars

Goodreads Summary:

Chloe Elizabeth Hart despises the conceited antics of the popular crowd, or more importantly, one very annoying self-possessed guy, Taylor Anderson, who seems determined to make her the president of his fan club! As if! Every girl in the whole city of Farmington, New Mexico, is in love with him, but he seems to be only interested in Chloe.

This modern high school adaptation of Pride and Prejudice is a battle of wits as Chloe desperately tries to remain the only girl who can avoid the inevitable—falling for Taylor.

My Review:

The author did a great job at keeping with the plot of Pride and Prejudice, but she also put a spin on some of the characters and their relationships. The funny relationship between Chloe and Taylor was very well done. I really enjoyed reading this book and plan to read the rest of her Jane Austen Diary books