Melissa has had a fantastic summer hanging out with her friends and making new ones. Life as she knows it will change when they all come together to begin their sophomore year at Dearborn High. Connections will be made and friendships will be tested. Will Melissa’s family and friends be able to help her through the challenges she will face in the upcoming months?

Overall Thoughts:
Such a quick and easy read!

Ciao is about a 15 year old girl named Melissa who is just starting her sophomore year in high school. She finds two new friends, Carrie and Giovanni, and they quickly become apart of the her group. We follow the gang as Jess finds her first boyfriend; Melissa is put in an awkward position of choosing who to be with romantically; and accepting a fate they may not want.

What I liked about this book:
This book was written in a journal entry format. Every page was Melissa's entry to her diary/journey and we would follow along through her telling us what happened on that day in her life. I had never read a book like that before so it was actually nice to see a change.

Also, the writing in this book was very crisp and clean. I clearly understood everything that was going on and I didn't have a problem imagining anything.

What I disliked about this book:
One of the downsides of writing a book like someone's journey entries is that the reader could easily feel disconnected to the plot because it's not really happening, we're just reading about it. So I thought that was an important fact to be careful about.

Verdict:
This was a very effortless novel that still managed to have difficult topics included into the plot.

Other books in series:

Melissa begins her freshman year with one goal in mind, getting Brian Jackson to be her boyfriend. She will soon learn that things don't necessarily turn out the way you plan them, the value of true friendship, and the importance of family.

Melissa has learned a lot since her freshman year began, but it isn’t over yet! Her world is about to change again with the birth of her new sibling, and she has to figure out how she will adjust to being the eldest of five kids. She, Jess, and Jimmy are inseparable, and she is having a fantastic time although she can’t help but miss Brian as she tries to learn how to deal with his relationship with Layla. Everything seems to be happening at once and that is when she is introduced to Ben Campbell, a senior at Dearborn High, who becomes an interesting distraction as he helps her deal with the new developments in her life.

Welcome Kahlen Aymes to Understanding Shae's Story!

Kahlen Aymes was born in the Midwestern United States and educated at a private university where she received a Bachelor's degree in Marketing and Business Administration.

Kahlen's always been creative with art, music, theater and writing. She decided to write a story as a way to build a network for a business venture. The reader support of her stories and her overwhelming desire to find out where her characters would take her, soon had the writing morphing the business. No one was more shocked than she was. When readers began nominating her work for online awards, it took her breath away and only made her love it more. It soon became clear that writing was, and should be, her focus.

Links:

Website: http://www.kahlen-aymes.blogspot.com/

 Twitter: http://twitter.com/kahlenaymes

Interview:

What/Who inspired you to write your book?

I don’t even know how or when I came up with it.  The series is based on a phrase; Don’t forget to remember me.  I had a long-distance relationship when I was just out of college and we used to tell each other these words.  I built this story around those words.  And then, I wanted to make them mean even more…

What would you say is your interesting writing quirk? 

I’m not sure if I have one.  I toggle.  I have more than one piece working at all times.  If I get blocked on one, I move to the other.  And…I write mostly in the wee hours of the morning.

Is there a message in your novel that you want readers to grasp? 

Just love. Consuming, undeniable love.

Summarize your book in 3 sentences or less. 

Ryan and Julia are best friends who must finally admit the deep, soul-searching passion they have for each other. When tragedy strikes and rips them apart, Ryan struggles to protect her from the past, even though Julia desperately searches to find it. When he is faced with losing her or letting go of their memories, Ryan must decide between the chance at a new future with Julia and clinging to the brilliant, beautiful past.

When did you first realize you wanted to be a writer? 

 It sort of snuck up on me. I started writing to network a business opportunity and after the readers started telling me I should publish…really was the first time I considered it.

Can you describe what you think makes a good story in 3 words? 

Emotion, conflict, resolution.

As a child, what did you want to do when you grew up? 

I always thought I wanted to be a lawyer or an architect.

 What are your current projects? 

I’m working on the third book in the Trilogy, A Love Like This and editing another finished novel that will publish right behind the series.

Give 3 interesting facts about yourself. 

I used to teach ballroom dancing.
I draw and cook…like Julia.
I work two jobs. (I consider writing a full time job…because it is.)

Hardest thing about being an author? 

The reviews. Reading is subjective and not everyone will love or even like what you write. It’s a fact of life…all writers know it and we accept it.  But…it’s still hard reading those reviews.

Most rewarding think about being an author? 

The reviews. When a reader tells me that I’ve touched them, made them laugh, cry and scream at the pages because they feel what the characters feel…there’s nothing better than that!

Can you share with us your favorite line(s) from the book? 

"I'm completely... and utterly in love with you."
"Night and day, you're all I think about.  I miss my best friend, but I want so much more with you.  From the moment we met, you’ve had me...captivated. It feels amazing to finally be able to say the words."

What would you say is the best part of your job? 

Meeting readers from all over the world. I love talking to them!

What do you think people search for in a book? 

I think different people look for different things.  But, I believe that we all want to get lost; to be so absorbed that the real world disappears for a while. We want to be able to relate, but also to fantasize. We want to experience things we’ve never experienced and love like we’ve never loved. We want to believe…that deep, heart-pounding, gut-wrenching, I’ll die if I can’t have you love…exists.

Ryan Matthews has everything he ever wanted. Close to graduation from Harvard Medical School and on the verge of marrying his gorgeous and accomplished girlfriend, Julia Abbott, his dreams are about to come true.

Julia is on the fast track as a fashion editor for a big New York magazine. Ryan plans to join her there to complete his residency at a major trauma center and all of their sacrifice is finally at it's end.

When tragedy strikes, their relationship is hurled into turmoil that leaves Ryan devastated as sorrow drives him to keep his distance, while Julia reaches out to find him again.

The second book of The Remembrance Trilogy follows Ryan and Julia's quest to rebuild their stunning past; an incredibly beautiful and heart-breaking romance, full of passion, intensity and truly immeasurable love. You'll be left spellbound, breathless and aching for more...

 MY REVIEW ON DON'T FORGET TO REMEMBER ME

Giveaway:

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1 Ebook copy of Don't Forget to Remember Me
Open Internationally
Ends 08/24/2012

The new Abby Abernathy is a good girl. She doesn’t drink or swear, and she has the appropriate percentage of cardigans in her wardrobe. Abby believes she has enough distance between her and the darkness of her past, but when she arrives at college with her best friend, her path to a new beginning is quickly challenged by Eastern University's Walking One-Night Stand. 

Travis Maddox, lean, cut, and covered in tattoos, is exactly what Abby needs—and wants—to avoid. He spends his nights winning money in a floating fight ring, and his days as the ultimate college campus charmer. Intrigued by Abby’s resistance to his appeal, Travis tricks her into his daily life with a simple bet. If he loses, he must remain abstinent for a month. If Abby loses, she must live in Travis’s apartment for the same amount of time. Either way, Travis has no idea that he has met his match.

Overall Thoughts:

Yes, I do understand all the hype surrounding this book. Yes, this is one of the best books I've read in a while. *Screams*

Beautiful Disaster is about a girl named Abby Abernathy who is just starting college in a completely new place with a completely new outlook on life. Because of her rather edgy and tough past, she's sworn to herself to be the perfect person, looking for her "happily ever after". Then, she runs into the complete opposite of that - Travis Maddox. He is danger incarnate, physically and emotionally.

When the pair first meet, it's pretty obvious what Travis' intentions are with Abby: A One Night Stand. Now Abby may have turned a new leaf, but she's still a tough person herself and ignores and/or dismisses all of Travis's advances. As time progresses, the two find themselves becoming closer and closer, quickly becoming best friends. But what happens when Travis's extreme lifestyle of violence, sex, and gambling starts reminding Abby of the one thing that she tried to get away from - her past.

What I liked about this book:

This book has everything! I'm trying not to become too fan-girly but I can't help it! This has become one of my favorite books! I was entertained literally from page 1! This is the classic story of bad boy falls in love with good girl but was so much more! It was emotional. It was intense. It was the most romantic and touching thing ever!

Travis starts out as this intimidating jerk, who is masked with tattoo-covered muscles and a dirty mouth to match. The more time he spends with Abby, the more we get to see the protective, shy, and lovable side of him. Abby, on the other hand, remains a static character in my opinion, which isn't a bad thing at all. She started out as a strong girl who turned a blind eye to Travis's charm, and ended as a strong girl who, in a way, tamed Mr. Travis Maddox a.k.a Ladies Man Extraordinaire.

What I disliked about this book:

I can honestly say that there was nothing I disliked about this book. It. Was. Brilliant.

Verdict:

This has become one of my favorite books of all time. It's the kind of book that you can't help but zoom through but once you're finished, you just want to slap yourself for reading it so fast!

5 TARGETS!

Sixteen-year-old Wren Sullivan can read minds, but when she moves from Southern California to Portland, Oregon, she meets Ever Casey—the one person whose mind is off-limits. Wren does know one thing about her mysterious classmate: he has a dark secret to hide. And the closer she gets to learning the truth, the more dangerous it is for her and everyone around her.

Overall Thoughts:

I was pleasantly surprised with this book. Don't let the cover fool you!

For Ever is about 16 year old Wren Sullivan who just moved from California to Portland, Oregon with her mom. When she arrives, she's not surprised that she can read the minds of anyone that she makes eye contact with because she's been doing that for most of her life. But what she is surprised to find out is that a guy named Ever Casey is completely silent to her. She can't hear his thoughts, instead it appears that like he can hear hers instead.

When Wren is constantly put in danger, it seems like Wren is always there to save her but then goes right back to acting like the unemotional, stoic jerk that he was before. But what happens when Wren comes to the startling conclusion that he may not be completely human?

What I liked about this book:

I, personally, found a lot of myself in Wren. She's a little more negative than I am, but we're both pretty shy and laid-back people who don't like to be the center of attention so I liked that I could kind of relate to her.

What I disliked about this book:

For the first half of the book, Wren remains a complete enigma, which isn't necessarily a bad thing. It was just drying me insane, trying to figure out what he is or what he could really do. All is revealed though!

Verdict:

This is a really easy read, with a completely novel plot! 

Dirty Little Secret is a weekly meme hosted by Under the Covers. Every Thursday we get to know other bloggers & our readers more intimately by asking them questions, hoping to reveal their dirty little secrets.

Q: Which Disney hero would you like to take to your bed? I mean, on a date?

I'll take one Aladdin please! First, he grew up on the streets as a beggar (*coughs* or thief... *coughs*), meaning that he's had to work for everything that he's gotten so he's smart and appreciative. No ego on this hero :) Now, take a second and look at those arms - he's strong and his outfit always has a no shirt policy to it, which I won't complain about. Lastly, his sidekick is Abu... the cutest and most conniving monkey in the world! If that's not a winning combination, then I don't know what is!

Ryan Matthews has everything he ever wanted. Close to graduation from Harvard Medical School and on the verge of marrying his gorgeous and accomplished girlfriend, Julia Abbott, his dreams are about to come true.

Julia is on the fast track as a fashion editor for a big New York magazine. Ryan plans to join her there to complete his residency at a major trauma center and all of their sacrifice is finally at it's end.

When tragedy strikes, their relationship is hurled into turmoil that leaves Ryan devastated as sorrow drives him to keep his distance, while Julia reaches out to find him again.

The second book of The Remembrance Trilogy follows Ryan and Julia's quest to rebuild their stunning past; an incredibly beautiful and heart-breaking romance, full of passion, intensity and truly immeasurable love. You'll be left spellbound, breathless and aching for more...

Overall Thoughts:

This is easily one of the most tender and moving books I've ever read! I feel like I've been to hell and back with Ryan and Julia. It's like their troubles became my own and their triumphs made me feel victorious... crazy, I know but true!

Don't Forget to Remember Me picks up right where The Future of Our Past left off. A vicious car accident has caused Julia to forget some of the most important memories of her life and the most important person in her life, Ryan Matthews. With advice from Julia's doctor, Ryan regrettably decides to play down their relationship in front of her even though it pains him to do so. As time progresses, Julia finds herself falling back in love with the man who is said to only be her best friend, and Ryan finds himself pulling away from her for her own protection. Can the two lovers survive when every memory they've ever shared seems to be lost forever?

What I liked about this book:

Calling this book emotional and a tearjerker would be the biggest understatement of the century. I cried so much that I had to constantly remind myself that it wasn't happening to me, and that it was fiction. I feel like I know Ryan and Julia personally, as oppose to them being made-up characters.

The plot is detailed and brilliant in every way. The characters were passionate and emotional. The story was extremely tragic yet romantic, and just... the epitome of genius.

What I disliked about this book:

I felt super lonely while reading this book! Reading about Ryan and Julia's relationship and how completely consumed and obsessed they were with each other, made me want to reevaluate my own love life!

Verdict:

This is an absolute "Must-Read" in my opinion! I honestly have no idea how Aymes is going to outdo this book with the last installment of this trilogy, A Love Like This.

5 TARGETS!

Welcome to the Summer Wrap-Up Read-A-Thon hosted by Jude at In Between Reading and Writing and Jennifer at Some Like it Paranormal. 

At this stop, I'll be hosting the Summer Vacations Challenge! Just tell me your ideal vacation inside of a certain book!

This automatically popped inside of my head right when I read the challenge. Not very unique but eh... who in the world would not love to visit Hogwarts for vacation!

Also, I just finished reading this book a couple days ago and loved it! Look at the background on the cover... I would love to visit that beautiful place as well!

Giveaway:

a Rafflecopter giveaway Contest Details:
Advance Readers' Edition
US Only
Ends August 13, 2012

"There is no pain in this death, only peace, knowing I am going to die with the one I love the most." - Katriona Wilde. Katriona Wilde has never wondered what it would feel like to have everything she's ever known and loved ripped away, but she is about to find out. When she inadvertently leads her sister and best friend through a portal into a world she's dreamed of for six years, she finds herself faced with more than just the frightening creatures in front of her. Kate's forced to accept a new truth: her entire life has been a lie, and those closest to her have betrayed her. What's worse, she has no control over her new future, and it's full of magic and horrors from which nightmares are made. Will Kate discover and learn to control who she really is in time to save the ones she loves, or will all be lost?

Overall Thoughts:

I was intrigued about this story from the amazing cover, but after reading the book, the summary is just the same.

Wilde's Fire begins with the main character Katriona going camping with her sister, Brit, and her best friend, Brad. All the while, she gets these flashes of nightmares, the same nightmares that she's been having for the last 6 years without fail. Periodically, she sees these random flashes of light, and out of pure curiosity, she leads herself and her camping companions to the source of that light: A portal to another world, filled with dark, evil creatures. Once Katriona realizes this, she attempts to push Brit and Brad back out of the portal, but only Brit makes it out...

What I liked about this book:

It easily catches your attention even from the prologue, and the characters were believable, especially Kate! Also, I really liked how she herself is a vulnerable and innocent person, who's been thrust into this parallel universe which she has no knowledge of other than from her nightmares!

What I disliked about this book:

I was a bit worried about Kate and Arland's relationship in the beginning. When you have a really imaginative story and plot, it sometimes overrides the characters and their relationships. But I really liked their romance, it was pure.

Verdict:

This was a very easy story with a beautiful cover that easily engrosses you. 

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I am participating in the Summer Wrap-Up Read-A-Thon which is sponsored by Jude at In Between Reading and Writing and Jennifer at Some Like it Paranormal. It lasts from August 4th to August 12th. I'll be posting regularly, participating in challenges and giving updates on my reading list!

To Be Read List:

Feature & Follow is a weekly meme hosted by Parajunkee's View and Alison Can Read!

Q: Do your reading habits change based on your mood? Do you read a certain genre if you are feeling depressed or happy?

No, they usually don't. Whenever I'm feeling down and out or sad, I do think I tend to get more picky with the books that I read at the time. Because I more than likely want to get my mind off of whatever is making me all moody, I'll probably take that extra second to scour through books to find the one that will be the best and most exciting so it can take me away from my issues... but I don't go to one particular genre.

Gemma seems to have it all—she’s carefree, pretty, and falling in love with Alex, the boy next door. He’s always been just a friend, but this summer they’ve taken their relationship to the next level, and now there’s no going back. Then one night, Gemma’s ordinary life changes forever. She’s taking a late night swim under the stars when she finds Penn, Lexi and Thea partying on the cove. They invite her to join them, and the next morning she wakes up on the beach feeling groggy and sick, knowing something is different.

Suddenly Gemma is stronger, faster, and more beautiful than ever. But her new powers come with a terrifying price. And as she uncovers the truth, she’s is forced to choose between staying with those she loves—or entering a new world brimming with dark hungers and unimaginable secrets.

Overall Thoughts:

This was the first book I'd ever read by Amanda Hocking, but it definitely won't be the last! I completely fell in love with this story!

Wake is about a sixteen year old girl named Gemma who is strong, beautiful, and a competitive swimmer. All of these characteristics cause three mysteriously alluring women - Penn, Lexi, and Thea - to choose her to become like them. A siren. Gemma has always been one to push the rules but never break them so when she starts breaking curfew and hanging out with those three girls, her older sister, Harper, becomes alarmed, especially because she doesn't trust them. She gets extremely protective of her sister and tries everything to prevent her from going to them. The sirens have the beauty of any goddess, the voice of any angel, and the confidence to do anything. Once Gemma starts hanging out with them, she discovers that she does as well. When they demand for her to runaway with them, she's torn because of her love for her family and boyfriend, Alex, and then people start to disappear...

What I liked about this book:

I found each and every character to have depth and were well personalized. The author did an amazing job with getting us familiar with each one, from the main character (Gemma) to a supporting character (Marcy, Harper's antisocial coworker and friend).

Also, I really loved each relationship. Gemma and Alex's relationship wasn't like most Young Adult love. It wasn't fast and instant, it was slow and cute. It wasn't cool and uber-romantic, it was shy and adorable. Even though Alex was described as a total hottie, he was still self-conscious but protective of her. On the other hand, Gemma and Harper's relationship was so strong it was admirable. They're complete opposites, but they also complete each other.

What I disliked about this book:

There wasn't really anything I disliked about this book, other than how unsettling the ending was. Don't get me wrong, I loved the ending! I was just mad... because it ended and it wasn't a "happily ever after" kind of ending. Gr.

Verdict:

I read this book within a day because I physically and mentally couldn't put it down.

4 TARGETS!

Four of the five daughters of England's Queen Victoria and Prince Albert were regal, genteel, and everything a princess should be. But one was rebellious, scandalous, and untamed.

This is her story. . . .

To the court and subjects of Queen Victoria, young Princess Louise—later the Duchess of Argyll—was the "Wild One." Proud and impetuous, she fought the constraints placed on her and her brothers and sisters, dreamed of becoming an artist, and broke with a three-hundred-year-old tradition by marrying outside of the privileged circle of European royals. Some said she wed for love. Others whispered of a scandal covered up by the Crown. It will take a handsome American, recruited by the queen's elite Secret Service, to discover the truth. But even as Stephen Byrne—code name the Raven—vows to risk his life to protect the royal family from violent Irish radicals, he tempts Louise with a forbidden love that could prove just as dangerous.

In the vein of Philippa Gregory, Mary Hart Perry tells the riveting story of an extraordinary woman—a princess who refused to give up on her dreams, including her right to true love.

Overall Thoughts: 
Historical Romance is not a genre I normally tend to gravitate to, but this novel has definitely restored my faith in it!

The Wild Princess mainly centers around one 23-year-old woman named Princess Louise. She has four other sisters, but - out of them all - is considered to be the most daring and feisty. The novel begins with her being forced to marry the Marquess of Lorne, who is a very attractive and gentle man. Once the two are wedded, Louise discovers something about Lorne that is slightly unsettling, and now she's stuck with him for the rest of her life because divorce was such a rare and "frowned-upon" thing. Also, Louise has reason to believe that her mother, Queen Victoria, knew about Lorne's little indiscretion and still continued to force the marriage onto her.

When the palace and royal family are deadly threatened by Irish radicals, Stephen Byrne - an agent of the Queen herself - comes into the story. It becomes his duty to protect and serve in favor of the royal family, which he takes extremely serious. As time progresses, a blue-eyed and fiercely wild woman catches his eyes - the very married, Princess Louise.

What I liked about this book: 
I was slightly worried when I started this book, but I know now that it was for no reason. Some of the hardest things about historical fiction is that it can sometimes be too detailed and have too many characters, which just ends up confusing me but I am glad to say that this book didn't. I was never confused, and it completely grabbed my attention right from the beginning!

Also, Princess Louise was a treat. I loved her! She was protective and intense, and I really liked reading about her.

What I disliked about this book: 
I understand that this is a fiction novel so I should treat it as such... but I was still disappointed to find out that Stephen wasn't an actual person. I liked him.

Verdict: 
I loved the story line. I loved the pacing. But most of all, I really loved the characters!

 

Author Online:

 

Website

Facebook

Twitter

Goodreads

Finding a new home has never been so dangerous.

Andromeda has spent all seventeen years of her life aboard a deep space transport vessel destined for a paradise planet. Her safe cocoon is about to break open as Paradise 21 looms only one month away, and she must take the aptitude tests to determine her role on the new world and her computer assigned lifemate. As a great-granddaughter of the Commander of the ship, she wants to live up to her family name. But, her forbidden love for her childhood friend, Sirius, distracts her and she fails the tests. The results place her in a menial role in the new colony and pair her with Corvus, “the oaf”.

But when Andromeda steps foot on Paradise 21, her predestined future is the least of her worries. Alien ghosts from a failed colonization warn her of a deadly threat to her colony. And when Sirius's ship crashes on the far ridge in an attempt to investigate, she journeys to rescue him with Corvus.

Andromeda now must convince the authorities of the imminent danger to protect her new home. What she didn't expect was a battle of her own feelings for Sirius and Corvus.

Can she save the colony and discover her true love? 

Author Bio: 

Aubrie Dionne writes science fiction fantasy with romantic elements. Her writings have appeared in Mindflights, Niteblade, Silver Blade, Emerald Tales, Hazard Cat, Moon Drenched Fables, A Fly in Amber, and Aurora Wolf. Her books are published by Inkspell Publishing, Entangled Publishing, Lyrical Press, and Gypsy Shadow Publishing. She’s also a professional flutist in New England.

Please visit her website: 

www.authoraubrie.com

Goodreads: 

http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/2964057.Aubrie_Dionne

Twitter: 

@authoraubrie

Blog: 

http://authoraubrie.blogspot.com

Giveaway: 

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Contest Details:
Key ring
Limited to US and UK

In My Mailbox is a weekly meme hosted by The Story Siren. Every week you are to share the books you received that week. It could either be ones you bought, or gotten at the library, and ones that you'd receive to review on the blog.

Stacking the Shelves is a weekly meme hosted by Tynga's Reviews. Every week you are to share the books you've added to your collection.

Netgalley: 

Ironskin By Tina Connolly

I can tell that this book will be a huge hit once it comes out! The summary is so epic as well as the cover!

Beautiful Disaster By Jamie McGuire

Danny from Bewitched Bookworms made a post about the awesomeness of this book and I had been wanting to read it for awhile so I decided to get it.

Blog Tour:

The Wild Princess By Mary Hart Perry

I'm not a big historical romance junkie but... I dabble. And this book just sounded really interesting!

Whispers in Autumn By Trisha Leigh

Love of cover + Love of summary = One excited Shae :)

Leave the links to your post in the comments so I can stop by!

Kathleen Hayson thinks her biggest problem is her mother. The only runner up—her mouth. With a wit sharper than her mother's perfectly manicured nails, her clever remarks create more problems than they solve.

But it's not her clever remarks landing her knee-deep in trouble. This time, Josh Colby is to blame. Kathleen's former childhood friend has become the school's most stuck up jerk. Before, she'd have told him to piss off and write his own stupid letter to the town slut/minister's daughter. Now Kathleen's escalating problems at home force her to reevaluate how flexible her principles are. She agrees to write the controversial letter Josh has requested.

Enter Rigel, a smartass magical creature who invades her room one night, promising he has come to help. When a boy Kathleen hates turns up dead and her mother goes missing, the letter becomes a key piece of police evidence—implicating Kathleen. As she fights her way out of a web of lies, the trust she has in those closest to her shatters. In the end, she's pushed to a terrible choice: who lives, and who else dies.

Overall Thoughts:

This was a very quick and unconventional read with thrilling, hair-raising moments!

Four in the Morning is about a girl in high school named Kathleen Hayson, who is the epitome of sarcasm. Her mother is a pretty terrible person, who verbally abuses Kathleen about her weight and her smart mouth, and her father is always absent because of work reasons. Because of that, Kathleen has always used her sarcasm and bitterness to guard her, and is often seen as mean and unapproachable because of it. Then she meets a little creature named Rigel, who looks like any other skunk but is not. He has the knowledge and sense of any human being, and is also able to speak (in a British accent, may I add). This little beast turns Kathleen's life upside down...

What I liked about this book:

This book surprised me a lot. By just looking at this cover, I would have guessed that it's a more serious novel with little to no comedic points, but I was wrong. Kathleen was hilarious... and mean, but still funny nonetheless. Also, I loved Rigel! He was the complete opposite of Kathleen; he was sophisticated, and proper, and petite.

What I disliked about this book:

I wished that Rigel was introduced in a better way so that it was more believable. He kind of just popped up out of the blue which made him hard to grasp.

Also, I wished that the author explained more of the character's backgrounds, besides Kathleen. It would have given a better insight into them and how they function.

Verdict:

It was very different and I liked it!

Where to purchase:

Buy

Where to find Christi:

Website

Twitter

Giveaway:

There's another giveaway on the Dark Minds Book Tours where they will giving a physical copy of Four in the Morning to one lucky winner! Click HERE if you'd like to enter!

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Orphaned at the age of six, Jane Williams has grown up in a series of foster homes, learning to survive in the shadows of life. Through hard work and determination, she manages to win a scholarship to the exclusive Birch Grove Academy. There, for the first time, Jane finds herself accepted by a group of friends. She even starts tutoring the headmistress’s gorgeous son, Lucien. Things seem too good to be true.
They are.

The more she learns about Birch Grove’s recent past, the more Jane comes to suspect that there is something sinister going on. Why did the wife of a popular teacher kill herself? What happened to the former scholarship student, whose place Jane took? Why does Lucien’s brother, Jack, seem to dislike her so much?

As Jane begins to piece together the answers to the puzzle, she must find out why she was brought to Birch Grove—and what she would risk to stay there…

Overall Thoughts:

I really wanted to love this book and it had it's moments where I did, but I couldn't connect with it as much as I wanted.

Dark Companion is about a teenage girl named Jane Williams who grew up in a town called Helmsdale, also known as "Hellsdale" because it was a pretty poor and rough place. It was the kind of neighborhood that was used to drugs, prostitution, and other bad things. The story begins with Jane being absolutely miserable in her foster home due to her evil and verbally abusive foster mom, and we learn that Jane is a hardworker in school and makes extremely amazing grades. One day, she is chosen to be granted a full scholarship with free room and board at a school named Birch Grove Academy for Girls, which of course Jane jumps at.

Once she arrives at Birch Grove Academy, she instantly notices the obvious differences between herself and the other spoiled, rich Birch Grove girls. She then meets Mrs. Radcliffe who is the head mistress of the school and the teacher of a class called Night Terrors. Jane learns that there was once a girl named Breneeta "Bebe" Browning, who was also from Helmsdale and disappeared to supposedly run off with a long lost uncle. Also, she learns about a lady named Claire Mason, who was from Helmsdale and was married to Jane's chemistry teacher, Mr. Mason, until she supposedly committed suicide. Like anyone, Jane begins to question why the two people who she has the most in common with, up and disappears.

As time progresses, she becomes closer and closer to both of Mrs. Radcliffe's sons, Lucien "Lucky" and Jacob "Jack", who are complete opposites. Lucky is blonde, popular, cocky, extremely beautiful, and pretty selfish. Jack on the other hand is adopted, dark-haired, laid-back, funny, and eccentric. Jane finds herself attracted to Lucky and it seems that every person around her wants them to become closer for some unknown reason, but she totally connects with Jack alot more than she ever does with Lucky. Soon enough, Jane learns that the Radcliffe's are not who they appear to be and that Jack is alot more protective of her than she is aware of, especially when Janes finds herself being watched...

What I liked about this book:

Jack was my favorite character out of them all. He was really refreshing because he was the only one who didn't seem to have some kind of hidden agenda. I was so obsessed with him that I found myself searching for parts on the pages where his name appeared (sad, I know).

The ending of the story was so climactic and exciting. It was the best part of the entire book and I wished that the rest of the book was like that as well.

What I disliked about this book:

To sum it all up, this book had a great concept and great characters but lacked flow and sequence. For example, someone would say something totally critical and important and "big reveal-like" but then Jane would go on as if that didn't happen. Like, what? Aren't you going to address what they just said? No? *Groans* Fine!

Also, I really disliked Jane and Lucky's relationship. Basically, Jane was slightly obsessed with Lucky and obsessed with pleasing him even if it meant that he could disrespect her. Every time she didn't do something "correctly" and Lucky would scold her, she would just try harder to earn it. I just wanted to scream at her, "Jane, open your eyes. He doesn't want you, he wants someone else. Look at Jack! He likes you, protects you, makes you laugh! What is wrong with you?"

Verdict:

This book had great moments that were super thrilling and exciting with energetic and colorful characters, but lacked details and flow which made it slightly hard to connect with it.

3 1/2 TARGETS!

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Excerpt:

When people met me, they saw an unassuming, hardworking, well-spoken girl. But inside I was still shrieking with rage for everything that I'd had to do merely to have the crumbs that others carelessly dropped.

I pressed down my fury until it metamorphosed, as soft messy carbonate does, into a diamond - a diamond so hard it could cut through steel and with such clarity that I could use it as a lens to see the world as it truly was, cruel and capricious.

It was rage that got me to Birch Grove Academy for Girls and out of Hellsdale. I nestled into my bed, knowing that rage would help me survive here too.

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Llona Reese is used to living on the run. After the Vykens killed her parents, she knew they would eventually come for her too. But she never felt ready to face them---until now. Defying the Auran Council and everything she's been taught, Llona must learn to use her power over light as a weapon if she wants to survive.

Giveaway:

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Contest Details:
Ebook Copy
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Ends 07/30/2012 (1 WEEK!)

There's an even bigger giveaway on the blog tour schedule page where the author is giving away 5 hard copies of FRACTURED LIGHT and an awesome necklace! Click HERE to enter!

Feature & Follow is a weekly meme hosted by Parajunkee's View and Alison Can Read!

Q: Christmas in July! Someone gives you a gift card for two books (whatever that costs). What two books will you buy?

Halfway to the Grave By Jeaniene Frost

This has been out for a super long time and is kind of random, I know. I've been wanting to read this for a while but have never really gotten the chance and everyone seems to absolutely love it. 

Hidden (House of Night, #10) By P.C. Cast + Kristen Cast

I know this series has been getting a lot of slack saying the authors should end the series already and on some level, I guess I agree but I still like it and would totally pre-order it!

Leave your links in the comments and I'll stop by and follow!

She’s fighting to stay independent—he’s determined to protect her no matter what…

Brooke Richards survived the earthquake that took her parents and most of her leg, but she needs time to regroup. A trip to Florida for a state-of-the-art prosthesis and to visit her best friend Linda seems ideal. But the trip turns traumatic when Brooke witnesses Linda’s boat disintegrating in a fiery explosion.

Police officer Garrett Ciavello believes the blast was intentionally set to hide something Linda found on a dive. When Brooke offers her expertise in underwater archeology, Garrett accepts her help with the investigation. But since his fiancée’s death years ago, Garrett has become overprotective, and as they are drawn to each other, Garrett realizes he will risk anything to keep Brooke safe.

Brooke is fiercely independent. Garrett is fiercely protective. Will they heal each other’s wound and find a killer…before it’s too late?

Overall Thoughts:
This was a very unpredictable story with thrilling twists!

Beneath the Surface is about a young woman named Brooke Richards who is an underwater archaeologist. The thing is: She doesn't go underwater anymore. Why? Two years ago, both her parents died in an earthquake, which severed her left leg in half causing her to have a prosthetic for the rest of her life.

The story begins with two of Brooke's best friends severely injured when their boat explodes right when they were so close to finding a mysterious box in the ocean. Then enters Detective Garrett Ciavello! It becomes his job and personal mission to find out what's inside the box and who tried to harm the closest people to finding that out. But it seems to become rather difficult for him to concentrate on the task at hand when he's constantly fearing for Brooke's life, which he's determined to protect...

What I liked about this book:
I could totally see everything in this book as if it were happening right in front of me. It was very visual.

Also, I really liked how protective Garrett was of Brooke even in the beginning when he didn't know her that much. It was so sweet!

What I disliked about this book:
I found the plot to lag a little at times, not too much though.

Verdict:
Good concept with good visuals!

Blog Tour:

Smitten with Reading Reviewing Shelf My Cozie Corner Books, Books, and More Books   The Story of A Girl...
 Understanding Shae's Story Purple Penguin Reviews  ¡Miraculous! A Date with A Book Love to Read Romance   T B R Lissette E. Manning   Words I Write Crazy  Ramblings of an Amateur Writer

Giveaway:

Additionally, a grand prize drawing of a Beneath the Surface tote bag filled with goodies for one commenter, drawn randomly, who comments on all 10 blogs that day:  $25 Amazon gift card, autographed copy of Beneath the Surface, Beneath the Surface apron, notepad and pen, Romance Trading Cards, and autographed bookmark.

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Christian Davison has a plan for his life.  He is determined to become an attorney and to one day take his place as partner in his father’s law firm.  Nothing will stand in his way, not even Elizabeth Ayers and their unborn child.

After Christian cuts her from his life, Elizabeth spends the next five years struggling to provide for her daughter and willing to sacrifice anything to give her child a safe, comfortable life.

For five years, Christian has regretted the day he walked away from his family and will do anything to win them back just as Elizabeth will do anything to protect her daughter from the certain heartache she believes Christian will bring upon them.

When Christian wrestles his way into their lives, Elizabeth is faced with asking herself if it is possible to forgive someone when they’ve committed the unforgivable and if it is possible to find a love after it has been buried in years of hate.  Or are there some wounds that go so deep they can never heal?

They say everyone deserves a second chance.

Overall Thoughts:
This was absolutely the most touching and emotional book I've read in a while! I cried so much while reading it.

Take This Regret is about a woman named Elizabeth Ayers who is desperately in love with a man named Christian Davison, and one day finds herself pregnant with his child in a very critical time in both their lives - College. They both study to become attorneys for different reason, but the most contrasting thing between the two of them is: Elizabeth would gladly give up her career for her child, Christian would not.

He ends up giving her an ultimatum - True love or Motherhood... she chooses the later. Little does Elizabeth know, they'll be meeting again in the future and Christian, now a changed man, will want both, her and their child, back.

What I liked about this book:
This book was so touching and heartbreaking. The plot hit close to home because I, personally, had to go through the same exact thing growing up, except the parents were switched. Regardless, I honestly believe this story will touch anyone and everyone who reads it not just people of divorced homes.

Also, I really loved Elizabeth. I think it's important to like the main character or at least understand them and I became attached to her. She was so deserving and strong and heartfelt.

What I disliked about this book:
In the beginning, I thought I would hate Christian with a passion because of what he did, but while I was reading the book, I found myself wanting to hate him but never really being able to, of course I wanted to slap him around a little bit (A little bit = A lot) but I just felt sorry for him and wanted him to just... be good.

Verdict:
The writing was impeccable. The emotion was felt through the pages and completely believable in every way. The characters are people who stay with you even when you finish the book, especially Elizabeth!

Giveaway:

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