Review: Something, Maybe by Elizabeth Scott

Title: Something, Maybe
Author: Elizabeth Scott
Pub. Date: March 24, 2009

Summary:

Everyone thinks their parents are embarrassing, but Hannah knows she's got them all beat. Her dad made a fortune showing pretty girls--and his "party" lifestyle--all over the Internet, and her mom, who was once one of her dad's girlfriends, is now the star of her own website. After getting the wrong kind of attention for far too long, Hannah has learned how to stay out of sight...and that's how she likes it.

Of course, being unknown isn't helping her get noticed by gorgeous, confident Josh, who Hannah knows is her soul mate. Between trying to figure out a way to get him to notice her, dealing with her parents, and wondering why she can't stop thinking about another guy, Finn, Hannah feels like she's going crazy. She's determined to make things work out the way she wants....only what she wants may not be what she needs.

Review:

I must admit that I thought Something, Maybe was a bit of a let down. Since her first novel Elizabeth Scott’s writing, story, and everything else seems to get better and better with time, so after reading Living Dead Girl I was expecting to be blown away by Something, Maybe and I wasn’t.

I guess that if I could find one word to describe it that word would be average. Trust me, I never thought I’d use that word to describe one of Elizabeth Scott’s books, but it is. It was like something I’ve read a million times before. You know, girl has crush on the not-so-charming boy she thinks the world revolves around and doesn’t like the boy who is perfect for her, then girl realizes not-so-charming boy isn’t all that great and see’s how wonderful the other boy is for her and falls for him. Bam, instant fairy tale ending.

It was a bit upsetting because I was expecting so much more.

Though the other relationships in the book, like the ones with her mother and father, more than made up for her typical boy ‘problems’. Elizabeth Scott really delve into the family problems Hannah was handed and it made her a relatable character. I thought it was a book that parents should read to see how their actions can and do affect the lives of their children. I really felt for Hannah and the problems with her father that she couldn’t fix, it was heartbreaking to see that someone could be so cruel and mean to their child, and without a second thought.

So if you’re looking for a book with more family troubles than boy troubles then I would pick this book for you; though fans of Elizabeth Scott will love it regardless.

I’m really excited for the release of Love You, Hate You, Miss You and I’m hoping that it will be tons better than Something, Maybe.

Update

Hey guys! I just thought I'd give you all a small update on what's going on over here with my GED and slow posting.

The reason there was no In My Mailbox post was because I didn't get any books in the mail last week, which sucked a bit. Though today more than made up for it because I got four books in the mail, and I'm waiting for a couple more to arrive.

There should me a review for Something, Maybe up tomorrow, but if there isn't then I apologize. I know it will definitely be posted before the weekend.

Each day this week I've taken a GED practice test for a different subject and I'm surprised by how it's going! Especially since I'm not the best test-taker in the world. I actually did better in Math than I did in Language Arts, which blew my mind! Who knew I was better at math than sentence structure?

Anyway, I would appreciate it if you y'all could keep me in your thoughts while I take the rest of the practice tests and continue studying like a dog.

Waiting On Wednesday (12) Generation Dead: Kiss of Life by Dan Walters

Generation Dead: Kiss of Life by Dan Walters
Pub. Date: May 12, 2009

The phenomenon that's been sweeping the country seems to be here to stay. Not only are the teenagers who have come back from their graves still here, but newlydeads are being unearthed all the time. While scientists look for answers and politicians take their stands, the undead population of Oakville have banded together in a group they're calling the Sons of Romero, hoping to find solidarity in segregation.

Phoebe Kendall may be alive, but she feels just as lost and alone as her dead friends. Just when she reconciled herself to having feelings for a zombie -- her Homecoming date Tommy Williams -- her friend Adam is murdered taking a bullet that was meant for her. Things get even more confusing when Adam comes back from the grave. Now she has romantic interest in two dead boys; one who saved her life, and one she can't seem to live without.

I loved the first book in this series and I can't wait for the release of the sequel! Plus, with my obsession of zombies it makes the book that much cooler.

Waiting On Wednesday is hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine.

Slow Down

I thought it would be fair of me to warn everyone that there will be a shortage in posts and I don't know how long! It won't be too long, I swear.

I have to start studying and taking practice tests for my GED. God help me. Then, I shall be taking the real thing. Just thinking about that makes me want to faint!

At least I have a little book, it's a saint, that will help me along the way.

Waiting On Wednesday (11) Nothing But Ghosts by Beth Kephart

Nothing But Ghosts by Beth Kephart
Pub. Date: 06/23/2009

Ever since her mother passed away, Katie's been alone in her too-bit house with her genius dad, who restores old paintings for a living. Katie takes a summer job at a garden estate where, with the help of two brothers and a glamorous librarian, she soon becomes embroiled in decoding a mystery. There are secrets and shadows at the heart of Nothing But Ghosts, symbols hidden in a time-darkened painting, and surprises behind a locked bedroom door. But most of all, this is a love story-- the story of a girl who learns about love while also learning to live with her own ghosts.

Doesn't this one sound amazing? Plus the cover is absolutely gorgeous! I've seen a few people getting this already and I'm incredibly jealous.

Waiting on Wednesday is hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine.

In My Mailbox (For Last Week)

The Forest of Hands and Teeth by Carrie Ryan

In Mary's world there are simple truths. The Sisterhood always knows best. The Guardians will protect and serve. The Unconsecrated will never relent. And you must always mind the fence that surrounds the village; the fence that protects the village from the Forest of Hands and Teeth. But, slowly, Mary’s truths are failing her. She’s learning things she never wanted to know about the Sisterhood and its secrets, and the Guardians and their power, and about the Unconsecrated and their relentlessness. When the fence is breached and her world is thrown into chaos, she must choose between her village and her future—between the one she loves and the one who loves her. And she must face the truth about the Forest of Hands and Teeth. Could there be life outside a world surrounded in so much death?

A lot of screaming and jumping up and down was involved when I got this in the mail.


MySpace/OurPlanet: Change Is Possible

You can change the world. Here's how.
Our climate is changing and human actions are the cause. Maybe you don't know why, or what to do about it. We do. In fact, we wrote a book about it (this book, the one in your hands). We'll harness your green intentions and push you beyond turning off the AC every once in a while. It's all in here:

• how to keep the planet healthy
• facts and info
• real-life stories
• suggestions and challenges
• eco-tips from MySpace users around the globe.

Everybody who submitted a tip got their username in this book, btw.
Each of us has the power to make a difference—open this book, arm yourself with knowledge, and start now. (Seriously. What are you waiting for?)

For more information on In My Mailbox click here.

Review: Severed Ties by Kevin Krohn

Title: Severed Ties
Author: Kevin Krohn

Summary:

"Severed Ties" tells the story of Nyne Harper, a college freshman living with her widowed father. At the tender age of two, she lost her mother tragically in a house fire, believed to have been retaliation against her father for blowing the whistle on a large corporate cover-up. The two have been on the run since, trying to piece together some semblence of a normal life while constantly looking over their shoulders. Now an adult, Nyne is ready to quench her thirst for revenge and protect the only family she has left. The question will be, is she prepared for what her life is about to become?

(From Amazon)

Review:

Severed Ties was so unique to me--the plot, the characters, and the writing were so original! Even though it was short-less than two hundred pages-it was filled to the brim with everything a much larger book could hold. The action, suspense, romance (it played only a small part though), and the shock were all there, just packed into a smaller book.

I didn't understand Nyne, or her reasoning, very well. She is someone who has to pay close attention to detail, yet she doesn't know the truth of her on life? Wouldn't it take just a quick search on the internet for her to find out? Also, I couldn't understand how she could justify her killing. You killed my 'family' so I'll kill yours? I mean, I completely understand her need for revenge, or justice, but to such an extreme?

Nyne's father, to put it nicely, is a jerk. At the beginning I couldn't understand why he would let her do this, let alone train her for it. Shouldn't that've been some kind of warning sign for her? I know that he somewhat messed with her, but still I don't understand how she could see that as being okay.

Of course, in the end you start to understand everything that has happened. Now, I don't want to give too much away so I will just tell you that the ending was a huge shock for me. I think I might have even gasped out loud. I'm eager to see what Kevin Krohn has in store for the sequel!

Do You Hear The Bells?

I am ecstatic to announce some very good news to you all!

My brother and his girlfriend of almost three years are getting married on Friday (yes, they chose Friday the 13th to get married). I wasn't too keen on the idea when I heard, which was a little over a week ago, but I've gotten used to the idea since then and now I can't wait.

They aren't doing anything big, not at all, they're just getting married at the court house and then we're all eating out after all. We secretly got them a cake and I can't wait to see their faces when we show them. We also bought her bouquet because she had no idea what to get, which is also a surprise; it's just three roses, maybe more, and some greenery, nothing big.

So if you guys could keep my brother and his fiancee (gosh, I am not going to get used to calling her that) in your thoughts, send them good vibes, pray for them, whatever, I would really appreciate that.

Gah! I'm so excited!

Waiting on Wednesday (10) How It Ends by Laura Wiess

Sorry folks, but no cover this week!

How it Ends by Laura Wiess

Seventeen-year-old Hanna has been in love with Seth for as long as she can remember, but now that she and Seth are in an actual relationship, love isn’t all it’s cracked up to be. Seth is controlling and all they seem to do anymore is fight. If that’s what love is, Hanna doesn’t want any part of it. Besides, she has something else on her mind: graduation. But she’s been ignoring the school’s community service requirement, and now she needs to rack up some hours in a hurry.

Hanna volunteers as a caretaker for her neighbor Mrs. Schoenmaker—an elderly woman with advanced Parkinson’s whose husband can’t always be there to watch over her. While caring for Mrs. S., Hanna becomes mesmerized by an audiobook that the older woman is listening to, a love story of passion, sacrifice, and complete devotion. She’s fascinated by the idea that love like that really exists, and slowly, the story begins to change her. But what Hanna doesn’t know is that the story she’s listening to is not fiction—and that Mrs. Schoenmaker and her husband’s devotion to each other is about to reach its shattering, irrevocable conclusion....

Spellbinding, timeless, and achingly poignant, How It Ends is a story of how love ends, how it begins, and how people and events have the ability to change who we are without our even realizing it.

I haven't been this excited for the release of a book in a long time. I loved Laura Wiess's last two books, Such a Pretty Girl and Leftovers, so I'm dying to read her newest one. It sounds different from her other books, but it has to be good because it's Laura Wiess! I can't wait!

How it Ends is set to be released on August 4th, 2009.

Waiting on Wednesday is hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine.

Review: Wintergirls by Laurie Halse Anderson

Title: Wintergirls
Author: Laurie Halse Anderson
Pub. Date: March 19, 2009

Summary:

“Dead girl walking,” the boys say in the halls.
“Tell us your secret,” the girls whisper, one toilet to another.
I am that girl.
I am the space between my thighs, daylight shining through.
I am the bones they want, wired on a porcelain frame.

Lia and Cassie are best friends, wintergirls frozen in matchstick bodies, competitors in a deadly contest to see who can be the skinniest. But what comes after size zero and size double-zero? When Cassie succumbs to the demons within, Lia feels she is being haunted by her friend’s restless spirit.

Review:

If I could describe Wintergirls in one word it would be: haunting. But it’s also beautifully disturbing, if that makes any sense. I finished reading it a couple of days ago and I still can’t get it out of my head.

I wish it was simple for me to describe why I like it, but it isn’t. I had a connection with it that had me loving from the start. I don’t know if it was the cover, or the fact that it was written by Laurie Halse Anderson, or even because of my love for dark books; maybe it was all of those things combined.

The story, as I said before, is haunting; I could not get enough of it. I felt empty, and sad when I finished it, wondering when I would read a book that I love as much as I loved this one.

Laurie Halse Anderson seems to only get better over time—her writing was phenomenal, the plot was otherworldly, her characters were so complex. She could make the simplest things, like two blank pages, seem utterly genius. She is…a mastermind.

I really don’t want to give anything away, so all I’m going to say is that you better read it when it’s released or you will seriously be missing out on an amazing book.

In My Mailbox

The Stolen One by Susanne Crowley

Kat's true identity is a secret, even from her. All she has ever known are Grace and Anna and their small village. Kat wants more - more than hours spent embroidering finery for wealthy ladies and more than Christian, the gentle young farmer courting her.But there are wolves outside, Grace warns Waiting, with their eyes glowing in the dark . . . and Grace has given Kat safety and a home when no one else would.

Then a stranger appears in their cottage, bringing the mystery of Kat's birth with her. In one night, Kat's destiny finds her: She will leave. She will journey to London, and her skill with the needle will attract the notice of the magnificant Queen Elizabeth - and of the wolves of the court. She will discover what Grace would never tell her.Everything will unravel.

Gorgeous by Rachel Vail

Allison Avery--otherwise known as the "interesting-looking" Avery sister--is sick of everything. She's the middle sister stuck between two pillars of beauty, sh has an impossible crush on an older boy, her "best friend" is the bossiest girl ever, and her mom's job is on the line. Allison is definitely ready for a change, but how far is she willing to go to have it all?

Radiant Darkness by Emily Whitman

Persephone is the daughter of Demeter, the goddess of the Earth, but she is just like every teenager. She spends her days gossiping with friends, and looks forward to growing up. On the day it is tradition that a girl offers her childhood to Artemis in order to prove she is ready to be a woman, she is heartbroken when Demeter says she is not ready. Persephone is sick of her sheltered life and her controlling mother.

When a handsome stranger finds his way into their gardens, Persephone knows she should tell her mother, but she cannot. She has never spoken to a man before, and her attraction to the stranger is too much to resist. He returns to see her often and they meet whenever Persephone can sneak away. When Persephone discovers who he is, she is terrified—he is Hades, the God of the Underworld. Hades urges her to join him in the Underworld as his Queen.

Wondrous Strange by Lesley Livingston

Kelley Winslow is living her dream. Seventeen years old, she has moved to New York City and started work with a theatre company. Sure, she's an understudy for the Avalon Players, a third-tier repertory company so far off-Broadway it might as well be in Hoboken, but things are looking up—the lead has broken her ankle and Kelley's about to step into the role of Titania the Fairy Queen in Shakespeare's A Midsummer Night's Dream. Faeries are far more real than Kelley thinks, though, and a chance encounter in Central Park with a handsome young man will plunge her into an adventure she could never have imagined.

For Sonny Flannery, one of the Janus Guards charged by Auberon, the King of Winter, with watching over the gate into the lands of Faerie that lies within Central Park, the pretty young actress presents an enigma. Strong and willful, she sparks against his senses like a firecracker and he can't get her out of his mind. As Hallowe'en approaches and the Samhain Gate opens, Sonny and Kelley find themselves drawn to each other—and into a terrible plot that could spell disaster for both New York and Faerie alike.

Silver Phoenix by Cindy Pon

No one wanted Ai Ling. And deep down she is relieved-despite the dishonor she has brought upon her family-to be unbetrothed, free, and not some stranger’s subservient bride banished to the inner quarters.

But now, something is after her. Something terrifying-a force she cannot comprehend. And as the pieces of the puzzle start to fit together, Ai Ling begins to understand that her journey to the Palace of Fragrant Dreams in search of her beloved father-missing these many months-is so much more than that. Bravery, intelligence, the will to fight and fight hard . . . she will need all of these things. Just as she will need the new and mysterious power growing within her. She will also need help.It is Chen Yong who finds her partly submerged and barely breathing at the edge of a deep lake. There is something of unspeakable evil trying to drag her under. On a quest of his own Chen Yong offers that help… and perhaps more.

Click here to learn more about In My Mailbox, hosted by The Story Siren.

Review: Confessions of a Shopaholic by Sophie Kinsella

Title: Confessions of a Shopaholic
Author: Sophie Kinsella

Summary:

Becky Bloomwood has a fabulous flat in London's trendiest neighborhood, a troupe of glamorous socialite friends, and a closet brimming with the season's must-haves. The only trouble is that she can't actually afford it -- not any of it.

Review:

It has been a very long time since I’ve read a book that has made me laugh out loud so many times, in public no less, and hold my head in shame and embarrassment for the character. Rebecca Bloomwood was an insane, fun, and hilarious character that I immediately clicked with; although, I must admit, she did get on my nerves several times because of her shopping habits. She amazed me with the lengths that she would go to buy something.

The relationship that she forms with Luke Brandon is very confusing to the reader, and Rebecca, at times; mostly, it’s because Luke would lead her on and then push her away. Not to mention that fight that they have towards the end! It made me want to jump up and scream with happiness because Rebecca was finally giving him what he deserved, she put him in his place.

Unlike GG, and Vamps all the label-naming wasn’t annoying, it didn’t get on my nerves. I think that it actually helped you to understand the obsession that she had with clothes and shopping.

The whole book was heaps of fun to read and made me that much more excited to see the movie (I’ve made it my mission to see it they day it’s released…even it it’s by myself). All I’m saying is that they better stick to the book very closely because if they do, then it will be amazing.

I can not wait to read the rest of the books in the series.

Waiting On Wednesday (9) Love You, Hate You, Miss You

Love You, Hate You, Miss You by Elizabeth Scott

You know, I always thought I told you everything, but there are some things I should have said but never did. I should have told you about the time I lost your new sunglasses. I know you really liked them. I should have apologized the time I ruined your brand-new skirt, the one with the beading. I should have apologized for a lot of stuff.

I’m sorry. I’m sorry for everything.

What sounds like another amazing book by Elizabeth Scott. I'm incredibly excited for this one!

Completely Missed Out

I did not realize that my review for Skeleton Creek was my 100th post! I can't believe that I've actually lasted this long! Never in my wildest dreams did I think that I would make it to my 100th post; it's pretty shocking to me.

I don't even have a speech planned! But first off, I would like to thank Jesus for making this all possible...nah, I'm kidding with you! But, yay!

The Ranger’s Apprentice eBook

This year Penguin has decided to be totally awesome again and offer another free eBook, but this time it's running for an entire month! I have to say that I've never heard of the book, but I'm definitely intrigued enough to read it.


Ranger's Apprentice: The Ruins of Gorlan

He had always wanted to be a warrior. The Rangers, with their dark cloaks and shadowy ways, made him nervous. The villagers believe the Rangers practice magic that makes them invisible to ordinary people. And now fifteen year-old Will, always small for his age, has been chosen as a Ranger's apprentice. What he doesn't realize yet is that the Rangers are the protectors of the kingdom. Highly trained in the skills of battle and surveillance, they fight the battles before the battles reach the people. And as Will is about to learn, there is a large battle brewing. The exiled Morgarath, Lord of the Mountains of Rain and Night, is gathering his forces for an attack on the kingdom. This time, he will not be denied . . . .

I've embedded the eBook below if you feel like reading it here, but if not then click here and go to the official site--you can read it there too! The offer runs until the 15th, so hurry up and read it while there's time left!

Ranger's Apprentice: The Ruins of Gorlan

Publish at Scribd or explore others: eBooks fantasy young adult

Review: Skeleton Creek by Patrick Carman

Title: Skeleton Creek
Author: Patrick Carman
Pub. Date: February 10, 2009

Summary:

Strange things are happening in Skeleton Creek . . . and Ryan and Sarah are trying to get to the heart of it. But after an eerie accident leaves Ryan housebound and forbidden to see Sarah, their investigation takes two tracks: Ryan records everything in his journal, while Sarah uses her videocam to search things out. . .and then email the clips for Ryan to see.

In a new, groundbreaking format, the story is broken into two parts -- Ryan's text in the book, and Sarah's videos on a special website, with links and passwords given throughout the book.

Review:

I kept putting off Skeleton Creek for the one reason that I didn't like it: I wasn't at a computer, or had one available, when I was supposed to be reaing it, wich made it incredibly frustrating for me. It was a bit annoying that I couldn't continue reading the book if I hadn't seen the video yet.

When I first started reading it I started to change my mind about the book, but then I saw the first video, which I thought was horribly cheesy; I knew what was going to happen long before it actually did. Of course that may not be the case for the targeted age group.

But then I got back to read the story and I gradually felt myself being pulled into the story and after awhile I started getting excited to watch the short videos that intertwined with the story.

The acting at times wasn't so bad, but other times I felt a bit embarrassed to be watching them; though, some one younger might not think that.

I have to say that it was a perfect book for young, reluctant readers with the perfect cliffhanger ending-even I couldn't believe it had ended like that-that will have them excited for the sequel.

The sequel, Ghost in the Machine, will be released in September '09.

In My Mailbox

I had the best week ever in books!

Because I Am Furniture by Thalia Chaltas

Anke's father is abusive. But not to her. He attacks her brother and sister, but she's just an invisible witness in a house of horrors, on the brink of disappearing altogether. Until she makes the volleyball team at school. At first just being exhausted after practice feels good, but as Anke becomes part of the team, her confidence builds. When she learns to yell "Mine!" to call a ball, she finds a voice she didn't know existed. For the first time, Anke is seen and heard. Soon, she's imagining a day that her voice will be loud enough to rescue everyone at home-including herself.

Wintergirls by Laurie Halse Anderson

“Dead girl walking,” the boys say in the halls.

“Tell us your secret,” the girls whisper, one toilet to another.

I am that girl.

I am the space between my thighs, daylight shining through.I am the bones they want, wired on a porcelain frame.

Lia and Cassie are best friends, wintergirls frozen in matchstick bodies, competitors in a deadly contest to see who can be the skinniest. But what comes after size zero and size double-zero? When Cassie succumbs to the demons within, Lia feels she is being haunted by her friend’s restless spirit.

Flygirl by Sherri L. Smith

Ida Mae Jones dreams of fl ight. Her daddy was a pilot and being black didn't stop him from fulfilling his dreams. But her daddy's gone now, and being a woman, and being black, are two strikes against her.

When America enters the war with Germany and Japan, the Army creates the WASP, the Women's Airforce Service Pilots-and Ida suddenly sees a way to fl y as well as do something signifi cant to help her brother stationed in the Pacific. But even the WASP won't accept her as a black woman, forcing Ida Mae to make a difficult choice of "passing," of pretending to be white to be accepted into the program. Hiding one's racial heritage, denying one's family, denying one's self is a heavy burden. And while Ida Mae chases her dream, she must also decide who it is she really wants to be.

Audrey, Wait! by Robin Benway

When funny, charming, absolutely-normal Audrey Cuttler dumps her boyfriend Evan, he writes a song about her that becomes a number-one hit-and rockets Audrey to stardom!

Suddenly, tabloid paparazzi are on her tail and Audrey can barely hang with her friends at concerts or the movies without getting mobbed-let alone score a date with James, her adorable coworker at the Scooper Dooper. Her life will never be the same-at least, not until Audrey confronts Evan live on MTV and lets the world know exactly who she is!

Peace, Love, and Baby Ducks by Lauren Myracle

Growing up in a world of wealth and pastel-tinted entitlement, fifteen-year-old Carly has always relied on the constancy—and authenticity—of her sister, Anna. But when fourteen-year-old Anna turns plastic-perfect-pretty over the course of a single summer, everything starts to change. And there are boys involved, complicating things as boys always do. With warmth, insight, and an unparalleled gift for finding humor even in stormy situations, beloved author Lauren Myracle dives into the tumultuous waters of sisterhood and shows that even very different sisters can learn to help each other stay afloat.

Let it Snow: Three Holiday Romances by John Green,

Maureen Johnson, and Lauren Myracle

Sparkling white snowdrifts, beautiful presents wrapped in ribbons, and multicolored lights glittering in the night through the falling snow. A Christmas Eve snowstorm transforms one small town into a romantic haven, the kind you see only in movies. Well, kinda. After all, a cold and wet hike from a stranded train through the middle of nowhere would not normally end with a delicious kiss from a charming stranger. And no one would think that a trip to the Waffle House through four feet of snow would lead to love with an old friend. Or that the way back to true love begins with a painfully early morning shift at Starbucks. Thanks to three of today's bestselling teen authors-John Green, Maureen Johnson, and Lauren Myracle-the magic of the holidays shines on these hilarious and charming interconnected tales of love, romance, and breathtaking kisses.

The Secret Rites of Social Butterflies by Lizabeth Zindel

When does truth become gossip?

Maggie's parents have just split up, and she's moved from New Jersey to New York City with her mom. Desperate to make new friends and to distract herself from troubles at home, she falls in with a group of social butterflies at the ritzy private school she now attends. These girls keep a top-secret record of their classmates' most intimate details on a wall in one of their apartments. Maggie's friends insist they are collecting the truth-not gossip-about the lives of today's teenagers. But she soon learns that certain information in the wrong hands can do irreparable damage.

Tales of the Madman Underground: An Historical Romance 1973 by John Barnes

Wednesday, September 5, 1973: The first day of Karl Shoemaker's senior year in stifl ing Lightsburg, Ohio. For years, Karl's been part of what he calls "the Madman Underground"-a group of kids forced (for no apparent reason) to attend group therapy during school hours. Karl has decided that senior year is going to be different. He is going to get out of the Madman Underground for good. He is going to act-and be-Normal. But Normal, of course, is relative. Karl has fi ve after-school jobs, one dead father, one seriously unhinged drunk mother . . . and a huge attitude. Welcome to a gritty, uncensored rollercoaster ride, narrated by the singular Karl Shoemaker.

Ranger's Apprentice: The Siege of Macindaw: Book 6 by John Flanagan

After years as a Ranger’s apprentice, Will is now the protector of his first fief. Not long into his service, everything that can go wrong does: Keren, a renegade knight, has taken over Castle Macindaw, a strategic gateway to the North—poisoning the royal family in the process—and is holding Will’s friend Alyss captive. The situation grows direr when Will uncovers Keren’s secret alliance with the Scotti, who have plans to plunder Araluen. Time is of the essence, and Will must recruit a motley crew to rescue Alyss and reclaim Castle Macindaw—before the Scotti can make it their own.

Frozen Fire by Tim Bowler

It starts with a phone call. "I'm dying," a voice tells Dusty. Who is he and how has he gotten her cell number? Dusty wants no part of this strange boy . . . until he begins saying things that only someone who knows her intimately could say-things that lead her to think he knows the whereabouts of her brother, who disappeared over a year ago. Suddenly drawn in, Dusty very much wants to save this boy. Trouble is, she cannot find him. Part human, part spirit, he won't let himself be found. He is too dangerous, he says. There are mobs of people who agree and who want to see this boy dead . . . and who will hurt anyone who stands in their way.

Along for the Ride by Sarah Dessen

It's been so long since Auden slept at night. Ever since her parents' divorce - or since the fighting started. Now she has the chance to spend a carefree summer with her dad and his new family in the charming beach town where they live.

A job in a clothes boutique introduces Auden to the world of girls: their talk, their friendship, their crushes. She missed out on all that, too busy being the perfect daughter to her demanding mother. Then she meets Eli, an intriguing loner and a fellow insomniac who becomes her guide to the nocturnal world of the town. Together they embark on parallel quests: for Auden, to experience the carefree teenage life she's been denied; for Eli, to come to terms with the guilt he feels for the death of a friend.

I just want to thank Jillian for all of the books above!

Severed Ties by Kevin Krohn

At two tears of age Nyne Harper tragically lost her mother in a house fire. She only survived because she was rescued by her father. Fast forward eighteen years and met Nyne Harper college freshman by day, a killer by night. Determined to take down the corporation that killed her mother, Nyne will stop at nothing to get her revenge.

I couldn't find a larger picture for the cover for this book, sorry.

Something, Maybe by Elizabeth Scott

Everyone thinks their parents are embarrassing, but Hannah knows she's got them all beat. Her dad made a fortune showing pretty girls--and his "party" lifestyle--all over the Internet, and her mom, who was once one of her dad's girlfriends, is now the star of her own website. After getting the wrong kind of attention for far too long, Hannah has learned how to stay out of sight...and that's how she likes it.

Of course, being unknown isn't helping her get noticed by gorgeous, confident Josh, who Hannah knows is her soul mate. Between trying to figure out a way to get him to notice her, dealing with her parents, and wondering why she can't stop thinking about another guy, Finn, Hannah feels like she's going crazy. She's determined to make things work out the way she wants....only what she wants may not be what she needs.

Contest Mix Up

It turns out that Thao wasn't eligible to enter for the Kisses and Lies contest, so I'm gonna have to pick another winner! I just want to apologize for that mix up everyone.

So our new winner, thanks to Random.org is:

Sharonanne!

I've sent you an email so make sure you check your inbox!