Title: Ghost House
Author: Alexandra Adornetto (Twitter)
Publisher: Harlequin Teen
Publish Date: August 26, 2014
Genre: YA, Paranormal
Pages: 320
Source: Publisher

After the loss of her mother, Chloe Kennedy starts seeing the ghosts that haunted her as a young girl again. Spending time at her grandmother's country estate in the south of England is her chance to get away from her grief and the spirits that haunt her. Until she meets a mysterious stranger…

Alexander Reade is 157 years dead, with secrets darker than the lake surrounding Grange Hall and a lifelike presence that draws Chloe more strongly than any ghost before. But the bond between them awakens the vengeful spirit of Alexander's past love, Isobel. And she will stop at nothing to destroy anyone who threatens to take him from her.

To stop Isobel, Chloe must push her developing abilities to their most dangerous limits, even if it means losing Alex forever… and giving the hungry dead a chance to claim her for their own.

It's been a long while since I fell for a ghost story - or a paranormal story for that matter - so I figured it was high time I actually read a book like Ghost House again. It must be said before I review this book that I knew going in it would follow the somewhat stereotypical young adult paranormal formula. Why? Simply because it's far too seldom that I read a ghost story that scares the crap out of me but manages to charm me at the same time. So, I knew that we would see love, we would see drama and I was certain there would be a plethora of cliches, as well. Alexandra Adornetto is now a veteran author though, and with an avid fan base, I wanted to give this new series a chance.

Ghost House starts strong, developing a strong bond between readers and our protagonist Chloe, who can see ghosts. Though she's managed to turn them off and away for years, they're back in full force since the death of her mother, and she sees them everywhere. I liked that there was a delicate balance between the naiveté of Chloe, and this deep-seeded pain that ruled her actions, as well. She's torn between two worlds - the one she lives in, and the one that haunts her all the time. I understood her desire to escape it all. Furthermore, I was impressed to see that Chloe does develop through the story, and we get to see her mature and come into her own. Her explorations of her abilities and her desire to help Alex were definitely intriguing, and it was that degree of empathy that really hooked me on her persona.

In terms of secondary characters, Alex was a bit more tedious for me through Ghost House. I felt like he offered pretty much the standard insta-love connection to the story, and though I was intrigued by his backstory and his tragic past, I wanted to see more of a rich and layered personality from him. I also struggled a little with the budding relationship between Alex and Chloe, simply because I didn't see as strong of a connection from both sides. So, in the case of this novel, I was actually happy to see a love triangle develop - if only because it offered us a human counterpart to our ghostly lover. All that said though, I must admit that I felt the romance overshadowed the actual plot, which was a shame. What could have been a really strong ghost story about a girl coming into her own and helping the other side did, unfortunately, fall prey to a few too many cliches for me in the end.

Overall though, I must say that Ms. Adornetto's writing is much stronger this time around, in my opinion. I wasn't the biggest fan of the Halo series, and I think that she's learned to develop her characters better, which is a huge plus for me. That being said, I liked Ghost House, but I didn't fall absolutely, madly in love with it. I give it a strong 3 out of 5, and I definitely recommend it to fans of YA, especially those who enjoy lighter paranormal dramas.

I received this book free of charge from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This, in no way, affected my opinion or review of this book.

Title: The Dark World
Author: Cara Lynn Shultz (Twitter)
Publisher: Harlequin Teen
Publish Date: May 27, 2014
Genre: YA, Paranormal, Fantasy
Pages: 384
Source: Publisher

Paige Kelly is used to weird--in fact, she probably corners the market on weird, considering that her best friend, Dottie, has been dead since the 1950s. But when a fire demon attacks Paige in detention, she has to admit that things have gotten out of her league. Luckily, the cute new boy in school, Logan Bradley, is a practiced demon slayer-and he isn't fazed by Paige's propensity to chat with the dead.

Suddenly, Paige is smack in the middle of a centuries-old battle between warlocks and demons, learning to fight with a magic sword so that she can defend herself. And if she makes one wrong move, she'll be pulled into the Dark World, an alternate version of our world that's overrun by demons-and she might never make it home.

The Dark World is set in a very familiar city for many of us - New York City, which lends a touch of reality to an otherwise fantasy and paranormal-driven story. It must be said that I've steered clear of the genre as of late, simply because I've felt that the paranormal felt overdone and outplayed, but with an author like Cara Lynn Shultz at the helm, this novel begged a second look. From the start, it's clear to readers why Ms. Shultz is a fan favourite. With a clear, descriptive and distinct voice, she welcomes us into a world that's dark, alluring and seductive, all the while giving us a thrill ride of an adventure.

In many ways, I feel as though The Dark World succeeded. Paige was a fantastic protagonist with whom readers will easily empathize and associate. Her friendship with Dottie, the ghost, makes her quirky, likable and honest, all of which are characteristics I crave. Dottie, however, was a true delight, as well. She's the type of secondary character that shines so brightly that her light and her personality almost overshadowed that of Paige, until we watch as that light is slowly but surely dimmed throughout the story, giving us more resolve to better understand the Dark World. Enter Logan, and it seems like we have the perfect setup for a paranormal novel, since he's easily just as engaging as Paige.

With a backstory that rivals Paige's, Logan is brooding and handsome, but there's also a humour and flawed reality to his persona, as well, so as their relationship began to develop, I found myself rooting for them quite ardently. Therein, however, lies my one main issue with The Dark World. While we, thankfully, steer clear of the dreaded love triangle, Paige and Logan's connection and ensuing love story was so entirely all-consuming that I felt it began to overshadow the other, perhaps more pressing, elements of the novel. I found that while I was salivating for more details of the paranormal and the Dark World, we were instead given Paige or Logan's desire to better understand one another or to know that the other is safe. It was, frankly, an extremely co-dependent relationship that, to me, weighed the story down.

The Dark World offers us many glimmers of true brilliance though, as well. Just when we think we've seen it all from the paranormal genre, Ms. Shultz gives us powerful new abilities, dangerous demons and an underworld that's eerie and just enticing enough to make us want more. So many tantalizing details are offered up, and it's clear to readers that the Dark World is dark, disturbing and gruesome. However, the writing is done so well that it has a near-cinematic quality to it - offering us a very visceral world to explore. 

In the end, I really enjoyed The Dark World, though I felt at times that it was simply setting the stage for future novels, rather than allowing itself to stand on its own. I think that Ms. Shultz has the ability to spin a remarkable new series from this premise though, and I'm desperate to read on and further explore the Dark World and Paige's journey. I give this a high 3.5 out of 5, and I definitely recommend it to all fans of YA, especially those who enjoy paranormal and fantasy.

I received this book free of charge from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This, in no way, affected my opinion or review of this book.

Title: The Break-Up Artist
Author: Philip Siegel (Twitter)
Publisher: Harlequin Teen
Publish Date: April 29, 2014
Genre: YA, Contemporary
Pages: 329
Source: Publisher

Some sixteen-year-olds babysit for extra cash. Some work at the Gap. Becca Williamson breaks up couples.



 After watching her sister get left at the altar, Becca knows the true damage that comes when people utter the dreaded L-word. For just $100 via paypal, she can trick and manipulate any couple into smithereens. With relationship zombies overrunning her school, and treating single girls like second class citizens, business is unfortunately booming. Even her best friend Val has resorted to outright lies to snag a boyfriend.

One night, she receives a mysterious offer to break up the homecoming king and queen, the one zombie couple to rule them all: Steve and Huxley. They are a JFK and Jackie O in training, masters of sweeping faux-mantic gestures, but if Becca can split them up, then school will be safe again for singletons. To succeed, she'll have to plan her most elaborate scheme to date and wiggle her way back into her former BFF Huxley’s life – not to mention start a few rumors, sabotage some cell phones, break into a car, and fend off the inappropriate feelings she’s having about Val’s new boyfriend. All while avoiding a past victim out to expose her true identity.

There's something about those feel-good stories that have great plots but spare you the depth and agony of many of the novels on our current to-be-read piles. That, essentially, is why I picked up The Break-Up Artist to read. I was surprised to find, however, that this was a book chock-full of emotion, relatable characters, a fun and engaging plot and a story of self-discovery that any one at any age can relate to. Author, Philip Siegel, has crafted a story that readers will enjoy, all the while rooting for the characters and hoping for a happy outcome - if only to spare ourselves from that awkward feeling of first love yet again.

Truth be told, I thought that I would have an inherent issue with our main character, Becca, because her actions, while justified to the masses, were often incredibly self-serving. Instead, I found myself admiring her snark, her wit, her cunning sense of self and the ultimate change of her persona through finding the one thing she sought to enjoy. The Break-Up Artist could easily have fallen into the trap of being too predictable and sugar-coated, but watching our disenchanted protagonist find and fall for someone was believable and exciting because it was a real, tangible connection - something that is too often lacking in young adult novels.

The Break-Up Artist is a novel where a secondary character definitely steals the show though, and it's been a while since I've read such a novel. Huxley, our resident mean girl, begins as what most readers will see as a trope. She's cruel, she's vindictive and she's shallow. And yet, as the story develops, we watch as Huxley's character becomes more well-rounded and fleshed out, and we better understand her persona and her actions, making her someone that we have an extremely difficult time not liking. 

I think that one of the biggest selling points of The Break-Up Artist, however, was simply that it felt so very real to me. The dialogue was spot-on, and the author gives readers a delicate balance of real life with a touch of stereotypical high school life, offering us a perfect mix of the two. While most of us don't want to relive our high school years because of just how uncomfortable and awkward they were, this is the type of novel that glorifies those awkward years, brings them to life and gives us characters with whom we can all relate and root for. Whether we were the invisible kid or the most popular student in school, it's a novel that's fun, engaging and rings true on a lot of levels.

Overall, I was pleasantly surprised by The Break-Up Artist. I went in looking for a palette-cleansing read, but I got a novel with a surprising amount of depth - and fun! It's definitely the type of book I'll re-read, purely for enjoyment. I give it a 4 out of 5, and I recommend it to all fans of YA, especially those who enjoy contemporary fiction.

I received this book free of charge from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This, in no way, affected my opinion or review of this book.

Title: The Secret Diamond Sisters
Author: Michelle Madow (Twitter)
Publisher: Harlequin Teen
Publish Date: February 25, 2014
Genre: YA, Contemporary
Pages: 382
Source: Publisher

Savannah. Courtney. Peyton. The three sisters grew up not knowing their father and not quite catching a break. But it looks like their luck is about to change when they find out the secret identity of their long-lost dad—a billionaire Las Vegas hotel owner who wants them to come live in a gorgeous penthouse hotel suite.

Suddenly the Strip's most exclusive clubs are all-access, and with an unlimited credit card each, it should be easier than ever to fit right in. But in a town full of secrets and illusion, fitting in is nothing compared to finding out the truth about their past.

The Secret Diamond Sisters is a novel packed to the brim with luxury, opulence and greed, all bound tightly together with a thin veil of discord that's both alluring and addictive to readers. It's an age-old story of the haves and the have-nots, offering readers the inside scoop on three sisters forced to learn to live in a life of luxury in a heartbeat, having always before lived modestly and without their father. With a very Gossip Girl-esque vibe, we're privy to the most exclusive clubs, restaurants and shops that Las Vegas has to offer - along with the unlimited drama that naturally goes hand-in-hand with it. 

Our three protagonists, Savannah, Courtney and Peyton couldn't be more different, and this offers a unique perspective into three different takes on their rags-to-riches story. Courtney was, largely, the most level-headed of the three sisters. Studious and smart, she offers readers a bit of a respite in the largely chaotic backdrop of the novel, which is much needed and much appreciated. Of the three, she felt the most normal and familiar to me, which made things a lot easier. Savannah was the most naive of the three, which was both a strength and hindrance to the novel. Her persona allowed us access and insight into how such a transformation might affect one who's personality is still developing. At the same time, however, it felt a bit cloying and suffocating at times, as well. Peyton was the resident badass of the three. Everything she did was meant to be rebellious and to anger her father, though I must say that her efforts felt weak and fell flat for much of the novel.

While much of The Secret Diamond Sisters provides a fun and brainless escape for readers everywhere, there is also a delicate undertone of issues such as alcoholism, excess and greed. I feel that, if explored more in upcoming installments, this could be a strong asset to the novel and the series as a whole. For the time being though, we're given a plot that is rife with drama, tension and intrigue, which seems to never stop - fitting in the city that never sleeps. On the flip side, however, there was an air of pettiness, which often overshadowed the story. I enjoy a good rags-to-riches tale as much as the next person, but I want to have a firm grasp on the characters and their motives all the while. At times, I felt as though the characters that drove the plot were mere stereotypes of themselves, and I longed for a bit more depth.

It must be said, too, that there were some unsettling elements of The Secret Diamond Sisters. For example, Savannah, in her naivety, almost convinced herself to go too far with a guy, simply because she saw  how upset he was when she stopped him. Bear in mind that this is a young, 15-year-old character. It's hardly a message or feeling that I want to see broadcast anywhere. Furthermore, there is excessive underage drinking throughout the novel that is actually condoned by their father, so long as they don't overdo it. This is not uncommon in glitzy stories like this, but it felt stifling at times.

Overall, if you're looking for an engaging and entertaining whirlwind, The Secret Diamond Sisters will probably be the perfect novel for you. It won't teach you deep life lessons, but you will be sucked into a world that, let's be honest, we've all wished for at one time or another. I give it a high 3.5 out of 5, and I definitely recommend it to fans of YA, especially those who enjoy contemporary fiction.

I received this book free of charge from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This, in no way, affected my opinion or review of this book.

Title: Forever
Author: Karen Ann Hopkins (Twitter)
Publisher: Harlequin Teen
Publish Date: January 28, 2014
Genre: YA, Contemporary, Romance
Pages: 336
Source: Publisher

All I want is my happily-ever-after. That's all I've wanted since meeting Noah Miller.

From the day we met, the world has tried to keep Noah and me from being together, but now that I'm carrying his child, no one will be able to tear us apart. Or so I hope. But Noah and I have made some mistakes along the way, and the consequences are impacting the people we love. Worse, there's a storm on the horizon, and it's sure to cause serious devastation.

If we can get through this, we'll finally be Rose and Noah; a family, forever. But first we have to survive the road ahead. And happily-ever-after is a long way off.

This is the third novel in Karen Ann Hopkin's Temptation series, and I must admit that from the start, this has been a guilty-pleasure series for me. I'm generally the type of reader that wants rough, tough and gruff contemporary fiction, and I have a penchant for quickly discarding what might otherwise be considered sappy romance. However, Forever earned a spot on my review pile, simply because there is something inherently alluring about a forbidden romance - especially one that crosses cultures and beliefs. Forever, once again, brings us back to Meadow View with Rose and Noah as they attempt to navigate new obstacles blocking their paths to happiness, yet again. 

For those of you unfamiliar with the series, Forever and its predecessors are the tales of an Amish boy, Noah, who falls in love with an English (non-Amish) girl, Rose. While much of the setup for the previous novels felt a bit trite and cliche, this third and final installment in the series offered a surprising amount of new depth  to a pretty dramatic tale. Noah and Rose were rather reckless with their love for one another in the previous novels and, while they knew that their love would have consequences, they gave it little to no thought at all before. This time, however, we see Noah step up and mature, which I found really helpful for a series such as this. It would have been so easy for the author to simply settle for the drama of an unplanned pregnancy, but we actually get to see Noah take ownership of his actions and their subsequent repercussions. I was, however, still frustrated with Rose. There are serious strings attached to their relationship at this point, yet she still felt the need to hide it from her disapproving father. Colour me mad, but I would have loved to see the same level of maturity and growth from her as I did from Noah.

In terms of writing, Ms. Hopkins doesn't disappoint. Her prose is simple but sweet, and it has a delicate nature that doesn't feel overtly flowery or pretentious, but it weighs lightly on our hearts while it pulls us into this web of a story. Like I said before, this is not the type of series that I'd normally love, but it's engaging, and you can't help but root for two such characters. The ending was a bit neater than I might have liked. I like a bit of an open end, if only to keep me thinking about the story long after I close the book on the final page, but Forever gives readers what it's promises from the start - a happily ever after. I do wish we could see Rose and Noah grow a bit more together as friends, rather than just lovers, but I suppose that's asking a bit much of such a series.

Overall though, Forever is a fitting conclusion to a romantic forbidden love story. It was an interesting take on cross-culture relationships and, while often a bit cheesy, it was sweet, and it's a fast-paced read you can easily finish in a night. I give it a high 3.5 out of 5, and I recommend it to all fans of YA and contemporary romance novels.

I received this book free of charge from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This, in no way, affected my opinion or review of this book.

Title: Pawn
Author: Aimee Carter (Twitter)
Publisher: Harlequin Teen
Publish Date: November 26, 2013
Genre: YA, Dystopian
Pages: 346
Source: Publisher

For Kitty Doe, it seems like an easy choice. She can either spend her life as a III in misery, looked down upon by the higher ranks and forced to leave the people she loves, or she can become a VII and join the most powerful family in the country.

If she says yes, Kitty will be Masked—surgically transformed into Lila Hart, the Prime Minister's niece, who died under mysterious circumstances. As a member of the Hart family, she will be famous. She will be adored. And for the first time, she will matter.

There's only one catch. She must also stop the rebellion that Lila secretly fostered, the same one that got her killed …and one Kitty believes in. Faced with threats, conspiracies and a life that's not her own, she must decide which path to choose—and learn how to become more than a pawn in a twisted game she's only beginning to understand.

These days, it seems as though dystopian novels are a dime a dozen and, for the most part, we don't complain because such stories offer us this incredible glimpse into a potential future society; albeit fictional. However, over time, we've watched as many dystopian novels have become watered down and mere shells of what the genre implies. Luckily for us, Pawn does no such thing. Offering readers a broken, fragmented society, a young heroine with the the entire world hanging in the balance and a shot at the ultimate redemption for all, this novel embraces what the dystopian genre us and clings to its shattered reality.

I've read The Goddess Test series by Aimee Carter before, so I was certain we would be given a world in which we could lose ourselves yet again, and I wasn't disappointed. While not altogether different than other different dystopian backstories, Pawn welcomes us into a world in which a test administered to teens determines their future in either poverty or the elite. There is a clever twist to this test though, giving readers a more snide and sadistic turn to this rather commonplace backdrop. There is a score in the novel which a person can get that transforms them into something else entirely. It means their past is erased, their future is pre-determined, and they are funneled down one path alone. 

Kitty, for the most part, is an incredibly likable and accessible protagonist. Throughout Pawn though, we watch as she's transformed into this new person and, in doing so, almost becomes another being entirely. While we can sense that she is the same person, as her moral compass remains intact, we watch as her disposition is slowly but surely altered to fit that of her new identity. Sometimes quiet and comfortably normal, it is a pleasure for us to watch as her status is elevated, and she has the opportunity - and power - to change the future of her people.

Pawn plays host to a whirlwind plot, as well. The pacing is superb, and we're never in one place or one time for too long. Just as we think we know enough, we're thrust into a new scenario, a new plot twist, or another carefully and strategically-revealed secret. Each element is planned out with precision and leads us to the next, but it does so without offering too much foreshadowing so as to give anything away. There is a sweet love interest in this story, but it was refreshing to find that, while it plays a significant role, it's not the end-all, be-all by any means. It was, however, established at the forefront of the story, which I found a bit out of place.

Overall, I was really quite impressed by the depth of Pawn. Ms. Carter has most definitely tightened up her writing style since her previous novels, and the prose itself is clear and fluid. Despite the minor hiccup with the relationship development, I enjoy the story. I give it a 4 out of 5, and I highly recommend it to fans of YA, especially those who enjoy dystopian novels.

I received this book free of charge from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This, in no way, affected my opinion or review of this book.

Title: Waterfell
Author: Amalie Howard (Twitter)
Publisher: Harlequin Teen
Publish Date: October 29, 2013
Genre: YA, Paranormal
Pages: 360
Source: Publisher

Nerissa Marin hides among teens in her human form, waiting for the day she can claim her birthright—the undersea kingdom stolen from her the day her father was murdered. Blending in is her best weapon—until her father's betrayer confronts Nerissa and challenges her to a battle to the death on Nerissa's upcoming birthday—the day she comes of age.

Amid danger and the heartbreak of her missing mother, falling for a human boy is the last thing Nerissa should do. But Lo Seavon breaches her defenses and somehow becomes the only person she can count on to help her desperate search for her mother, a prisoner of Nerissa's mortal enemy. Is Lo the linchpin that might win Nerissa back her crown? Or will this mortal boy become the weakness that destroys her?

Mermaids are quite the rarity in young adult fiction, or so I've discovered in my 3+ years as a book blogger. And, when they are broached, so often we see the age-old tale of the Little Mermaid. Rarely do we see an author craft a story rich with mythology, backstory, danger and intrigue, but Amalie Howard has done exactly that with Waterfell. The novel gives us a new type of mer-creature; one that is so vastly different from the glimmering and beguiling sea folk we've come to expect from the few stories that present to us tales of mermaids. 

Nerissa, our heroine, is of the Aquarathi, a breed of underwater creatures that most might consider mermaids and men. However, her true form under the sea couldn't be further from the image that comes to mind. When Nerissa takes on her true form and claims her birthright, she becomes a sea serpent…and a massive one at that. The biggest strength of Waterfell was Ms. Howard's ability to paint such a vivid picture of this breed of paranormal creatures. Not only are we given the Aquarathi though, we're also given a distinct backstory that truly presents Nerissa's claim in the limelight for us.

Perhaps even better, when Waterfell describes the destruction that her kingdom endured, we see true evil. The author paints a world that's dark and menacing, but all the while haunting and alluring, all of which pulls us into this twisted underwater world. Written in a clear and distinct voice, there is a cold and articulated danger that we sense from page one, and it's easy to see why Nerissa has become so very self-sufficient, strong and independent.

Therein, however, lies my issue with the book. We are offered so very much with Waterfell. We are welcomed into a terrifyingly beautiful underwater world full of drama and strife. We have a fantastic heroine in whom to find hope and promise. And yet, we're offered a completely average love interest in Lo. While so much of the story is excels, and we're excited that this might just be the mermaid book to break the mold and make a strong case for this realm of the paranormal, Lo fell very flat. He was beautiful, and he somehow conquered Nerissa's steely exterior. Unfortunately, I felt that the romance was too much, and it overshadowed much of the positives of the novel, simply settling it to rest on its laurels.

Overall, Waterfell was a good book. It gives us a great premise and a vivid world, but it fell prey to the same fate that befalls so many books within the genre today. It could have done with less romance and more mystery, in my humble opinion. I give it a 3.5 out of 5, and I recommend it to fans of YA, especially those who enjoy paranormal romance.

I received this book free of charge from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This, in no way, affected my opinion or review of this book.

Title: Crash Into You
Author: Katie McGarry (Twitter)
Publisher: Harlequin Teen
Publish Date: November 26, 2013
Genre: YA, Contemporary
Pages: 474
Source: Publisher

The girl with straight As, designer clothes and the perfect life-that's who people expect Rachel Young to be. So the private-school junior keeps secrets from her wealthy parents and overbearing brothers...and she's just added two more to the list. One involves racing strangers down dark country roads in her Mustang GT. The other? Seventeen-year-old Isaiah Walker-a guy she has no business even talking to. But when the foster kid with the tattoos and intense gray eyes comes to her rescue, she can't get him out of her mind.

Isaiah has secrets, too. About where he lives, and how he really feels about Rachel. The last thing he needs is to get tangled up with a rich girl who wants to slum it on the south side for kicks-no matter how angelic she might look.

But when their shared love of street racing puts both their lives in jeopardy, they have six weeks to come up with a way out. Six weeks to discover just how far they'll go to save each other.

Rachel and Isaiah have built their lives in careful facades. They both have buried secrets - hidden pain - and they know that bringing them to life will only spell trouble. While Rachel is from the right side of the tracks and Isaiah is from, well, the opposite, there is a sort of undeniable, kinetic tension that draws them together. But nothing worth having comes easy, and Isaiah and Rachel will have to decide just how important they are to one another.

It's no secret that the second book in this series stole my heart. When I first heard that Isaiah was going to be the focus of this novel, I had a moment of pause, and they I realized that I was pretty excited about it. Katie McGarry, yet again, delights her ardent fans with a novel that offers us what we love most - love in its purest, finest and most raw moments. Fleshing out to polar opposite characters who have a painfully beautiful love for one another, Crash Into You will envelop you in a world of drama, rich, unbridled tension and passion. 

Isaiah is one of those characters that just speaks to my soul. On the outside, he's rugged and rakish with tattoos and piercing eyes, but on the inside, he's warm, tender and soulful. That's honestly the best way that I can describe his persona because his warmth and his character brings Crash Into You alive in the very best way. We fall for him from book one, but it's his rich energy that keeps us coming back for more. I was pretty sure that, by her description, I would Rachel. Entitled teens are usually a pet peeve for me, but there was a sadness about her that added depth to her quiet, pure and rather innocent persona. Her personality perfectly balanced with Isaiah's, and their complementary natures made the story - and the romance - soar for me. Another thing I loved about Crash Into You is that there are soft, sweet moments between the couple and then times when your adrenaline is fueled with heart-pounding drama. It provided a well-rounded storyline and, ultimately, solidified the fact that Isaiah and Beth would never have worked in a story like this. Rachel and Isaiah, however, created a sort of solid ground, or an eye to the storm that raged around them. There love was like coming home in Crash Into You, and while we see cameos of previous characters, these two take center stage. Last but not least, I have to mention how much I loved the secondary characters. They added such a dimension to the story, drove me nuts at times, but altogether sold me on the fact that I absolutely must know more about West.

Overall, yet again, Katie McGarry has stolen my heart with her writing. Crash Into You is even more rich and emotional than its predecessors, and I can't wait to see what we get with the next story. I can't help but give this one a 5 out of 5 and highly recommend it to all fans of YA, especially those who enjoy contemporary fiction.

I received this book free of charge from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This, in no way, affected my opinion or review of this book.

Title: Ink
Author: Amanda Sun (Twitter)
Publisher: Harlequin Teen
Publish Date: June 25, 2013
Genre: YA, Paranormal
Pages: 377
Source: Publisher

On the heels of a family tragedy, the last thing Katie Greene wants to do is move halfway across the world. Stuck with her aunt in Shizuoka, Japan, Katie feels lost. Alone. She doesn’t know the language, she can barely hold a pair of chopsticks, and she can’t seem to get the hang of taking her shoes off whenever she enters a building.

Then there’s gorgeous but aloof Tomohiro, star of the school’s kendo team. How did he really get the scar on his arm? Katie isn’t prepared for the answer. But when she sees the things he draws start moving, there’s no denying the truth: Tomo has a connection to the ancient gods of Japan, and being near Katie is causing his abilities to spiral out of control. If the wrong people notice, they'll both be targets.

Just when Katie is certain that her life can't get any worse...it does. After her mother's death, Katie has no choice but to give up her hometown, her friends, her customs and move in with her aunt, an English teacher in Japan. Not only does Katie need to learn the new customs of this foreign country, but she can't speak the language, the culture is entirely different and her entire life has been turned upside down. But Katie's new life in Japan is just beginning - and she may never be able to leave.

When I first received Ink for review, I wasn't sure if it would be the right sort of fit for me. I've yet to read a surprising paranormal story in a while and, for the most part, the genre seems a bit burned out. However, I was pleasantly surprised by the world that Amanda Sun has created within the pages of this novel. Bringing a vivid country alive through meticulous descriptions, careful research and a very clear and apparent love of the culture, Ink draws you in from the very first page. The prose is as finely-crafted as the artwork of Ink, itself, and you're certain to be mesmerized by this delightful and completely foreign world. 

If you look around the blogosphere, the reviews of Ink are kind of a mixed bag. They seem to sway to opposite ends of the spectrum - either really good, or really poor. After reading it though, I can definitely understand why this seems to have happened. Ink is a rich and extremely descriptive novel, and it must be said that the true power of the novel lies within the incredibly detailed world that the author has created. The writing style is fluid and accessible, and Japan almost feels tangible, as the words envelop us in a culture that is so vastly different from our own. I can't tell you how many times I was pleasantly surprised to see that the foods, sights, vernacular and general life of the Japanese culture were so true to real life...and yes, I had to research it myself to see that it did. There was a definitive insta-love vibe to Ink though, and that definitely rubbed me the wrong way at first. Don't get me wrong, I can definitely see why she falls for Tomohiro, as he's a definitive heartthrob, but still - we all know how I feel about insta-love. However, upon further research, Ink seems to follow in the vein of lots of manga and such cultural dramas, in which such love stories are more commonplace. Because of that, I could reconcile myself with it a bit. I'll be honest and say that I was left with a lot of questions at the end of Ink, but they're the sort that make me want to read on, and the author's writing style is wonderful enough for me to want to do so, as well.

Overall, Ink was a refreshing take on the genre. While, yes, it won't work for everyone, and some parts didn't necessarily work for me, I quite enjoyed this book. I give it a 4 out of 5, and I recommend it to fans of YA, especially those who enjoy paranormal and paranormal romance. Fans of Korean and Japanese dramas, as well as manga will probably enjoy this one, as well.

I received this book free of charge from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This, in no way, affected my opinion or review of this book.

Title: Pushing the Limits
Author: Katie McGarry
Publisher: HarlequinTeen
Publish Date: July 31, 2012
Genre: YA, Contemporary
Pages: 384
Source: Publisher

No one knows what happened the night Echo Emerson went from popular girl with jock boyfriend to gossiped-about outsider with "freaky" scars on her arms. Even Echo can't remember the whole truth of that horrible night. All she knows is that she wants everything to go back to normal.

But when Noah Hutchins, the smoking-hot, girl-using loner in the black leather jacket, explodes into her life with his tough attitude and surprising understanding, Echo's world shifts in ways she could never have imagined. They should have nothing in common. And with the secrets they both keep, being together is pretty much impossible.

Yet the crazy attraction between them refuses to go away. And Echo has to ask herself just how far they can push the limits and what she'll risk for the one guy who might teach her how to love again.

Echo was the IT girl. She had it all plus the world at her feet. Popular and pretty, Echo lived in the thick of it until the one night when everything changed and the entire facade was ripped away. Left with horrible scars on her arms and a nearly no memory of what happened, Echo just wants to go back to normal. Noah, however, changes things again. He's bad news, and Echo knows it, but there's this attraction and chemistry between them that she just can't deny. It might just be enough to bring a little bit of hope back.

Hey, remember when I said I hated contemporary fiction? I reserved the right to change my mind and...holy HELL...Pushing the Limits slapped me in the face with one heck of a wakeup call. Author, Katie McGarry, has crafted a fine work of fiction, seamlessly weaving the complexities of the teenage experience, internal drama, external turmoil and vivid characters into one mesmerizing story. Better yet, the drama, though intense, is real and alive, inviting you into the characters' worlds for a firsthand glimpse at their transformations. With an overriding theme of love and the ability to change, Pushing the Limits brings the genre into a new light for me.

When you think about it honestly, Pushing the Limits features everything I hate about contemporary fiction. The drama, the romance, the seemingly endless emotional turmoil - all of it usually deters me from reading contemporary novels. With Pushing the Limits, however, the story somehow toes the line from start to finish, never overstepping into the realm of being cloying. Echo (LOVE her name, by the way) was a fantastic character, lending an air of depth to what could have been a very shallow and boring plot. She's multi-layered, rich and dynamic, and the turmoil that simmers below the surface makes her easy to relate to while giving her an air of vulnerability. Then there's Noah. Good Lord. What is it with bad boys named Noah?! In all honesty though, Noah seemed every bit the bad boy, but there was this gentle sweetness to him, despite the rough edges. It was almost as though it was a little shell of protection for him, too, as he desperately wants to put the remnants of his shattered family back together. And when Noah and Echo are together, the chemistry is electric. Honestly, the dynamic between the two characters simply leaps from the pages. Pushing the Limits is alive. It's painful, heartbreaking, soulful, sweet and utterly romantic. It's one of those books that will break your heart and put it back together again.

There aren't too many books on my shelf that I will read time and time again, but I can guarantee that this will be one of them. I give it a flawless 5 out of 5, and I highly recommend it to all fans of YA, especially those who enjoy contemporary fiction and romance.

I received this book free of charge from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This, in no way, affected my opinion or review of this book.

Title: Goddess Interrupted
Author: Aimee Carter
Publisher: Harlequin Teen
Publish Date: March 27, 2012
Genre: YA, Mythology
Pages: 304
Source: Publisher

Kate Winters has won immortality. But if she wants a life in the Underworld with Henry, she’ll have to fight for it.

Becoming immortal wasn’t supposed to be the easy part. Though Kate is about to be crowned Queen of the Underworld, she’s as isolated as ever. And despite her growing love for Henry, ruler of the Underworld, he’s becoming ever more distant and secretive. Then, in the midst of Kate’s coronation, Henry is abducted by the only being powerful enough to kill him: the King of the Titans.

As the other gods prepare for a war that could end them all, it is up to Kate to save Henry from the depths of Tartarus. But in order to navigate the endless caverns of the Underworld, Kate must enlist the help of the one person who is the greatest threat to her future. Henry’s first wife, Persephone.

Kate and James spent the whole summer traveling through Greece as friends, but now as the summer winds down, it's time for her to return to the Underworld...and to Henry. She is to be crowned the new Queen of the Underworld, but nothing is as simple as she could of hoped. All Hell breaks lose, and Henry is abducted, leading for Kate, James and Ava on a wild chase to save him before it's too late. Unfortunately, Kate finds that she needs the help of someone she loathes the most - Henry's former wife, Persephone. With her future on the rocks and Henry's life in the balance, immortality might not be everything she'd hoped it would be...and far more complicated.

Guys, I'm a sucker for mythology. I really am. When done properly, it's an incredible adventure, which is why I enjoyed the first book in this series so much. It took Greek mythology and turned it upside down, transforming it into something new. With Goddess Interrupted, author Aimee Carter is switching things up, yet again. With touches of mythology, twists of drama and romance that equal parts gorgeous and maddening, Goddess Interrupted is a maze of an adventure. Featuring solid world-building and intense action, this novel is for all those who want the perfect blend of entertainment and depth to keep your literary appetite satiated.

As I said, I really, really enjoyed The Goddess Test. I thought it was entirely unique. No, it most certainly was not true to Greek mythology, but it was entertaining, and the literary lover in me admired the twist on the classic. That said, Goddess Interrupted was even less true to Greek mythology than the first installment, and part of the ingenue I loved from book one was lost in book two, leading to my disappointment. Unfortunately, I also had a bit of an issue with Kate in book two. She had a strong demeanor in the first novel, leading me to become invested in her story. In Goddess Interrupted, however, she was weaker, meeker and more doubtful of Henry's love than ever. As you all know, I don't like weak female characters, and she seemed to loser her spine a lot in this one. A highlight for me in this installment were the actual action scenes, which were descriptive and intense, making for a very visual experience. That is when I became most invested in the story because the meat of the novel - the heart and soul - rested there.

Overall, Goddess Interrupted wasn't a bad book, but it was a weaker sequel than I had hoped for. The bane of my existence is when a series loses its merit as it goes. I give it a 3 out of 5, and I'd recommend it to fans of YA, especially those who enjoy twists on Greek mythology and romance.

I received this book free of charge from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This, in no way, affected my opinion or review of this book.

Title: New Girl
Author: Paige Harbison (Twitter)
Publisher: Harlequin Teen
Publish Date: January 31, 2012
Genre: YA, Contemporary
Pages: 304 Pages
Source: Publisher

They call me 'New Girl'...Ever since I arrived at exclusive, prestigious Manderly Academy, that’s who I am. New girl. Unknown. But not unnoticed—because of her. Becca Normandy—that’s the name on everyone’s lips. The girl whose picture I see everywhere. The girl I can’t compare to. I mean, her going missing is the only reason a spot opened up for me at the academy. And everyone stares at me like it’s my fault.

Except for Max Holloway—the boy whose name shouldn’t be spoken. At least, not by me. Everyone thinks of him as Becca’s boyfriend but she’s gone, and here I am, replacing her. I wish it were that easy. Sometimes, when I think of Max, I can imagine how Becca’s life was so much better than mine could ever be. And maybe she’s still out there, waiting to take it back.

She’s the New Girl. It’s hard to be that girl, in and of itself, but it’s even harder when the It girl disappears and her absence opens the spot for the new girl at the prestigious school. Life is complicated and messy at Manderly Academy with conniving, lying and deceitful students, dark secrets and a messy underbelly that, for some reason, the new girl has become a part of. For some reason though, the New Girl is slipping into Becca’s shoes. It’s both a gift and a curse though because if, God forbit, Becca ever returns, the New Girl is going to have to retreat into the shadows again because Becca rules Manderly…and a new girl is always a new girl.

New Girl is a treacherous take on contemporary fiction, brimming with twists and turns that threaten to send the story spiraling out of control at any given second. This is the second novel I’ve read by Paige Harbison, and it’s no less challenging than the first. The author is skilled at crafting artfully dislikable characters, which I’m assuming was her intention. There’s a deep-seeded animosity that fuels New Girl along, spreading the characters thin through intense angst and discord. Rather than give us the calm before the storm that we seek, New Girl thrusts the reader into a full-on onslaught of bitter teenage rivalry and sinks its teeth into you from the start.

New Girl was quite the challenging read for me. I’m going to state that outright because I have an extremely difficult time becoming invested in largely unapproachable characters. That said, there were a few breaths of fresh air throughout. The “New Girl,” herself, was actually a rather sweet character. Though we don’t learn her name until the very end of the book, which was either really clever or completely convoluted (I haven’t quite decided), the new girl shields us from the torment that Becca and her cronies wield daily. Becca was one of those characters that I wanted to kick in the face…multiple times. Her cruelty, manipulative nature and overall foul demeanor made me loathe her from the start, and I struggled to reconcile with the fact that everyone seemed entirely content to continue doing her bidding despite it. She, quite literally, reigned over the school, and that was difficult for me to read. Furthermore, there was a lot of weakness going on with many of the characters. For instance, the new girl very frequently caved to Max’s insistence, making her appear weak. I wanted to like Max and the new girl’s blossoming romance, but because of the stop-and-go nature of it, the dominant vs. submissive personalities and the weakness I saw throughout, I just couldn’t relate. At times, New Girl was over-the-top outrageously dramatic, then completely flat at other times. I felt that changing from the past to the present, as well as the switch between perspectives was a gutsy move for a novel like New Girl and, ultimately, it lost me because I felt the novel was too stunted to carry the weight of the challenge.

Overall, New Girl was a pretty well-written novel, though I struggled to find the true meaning of the book. I enjoy a challenge, but for me, it was too messy to carry the weight of such heavy drama. Clever in much of its approach to bullying and teenage relationships/drama though, New Girl will definitely find its place in many a YA shelf. I give it a 2 out of 5, and I recommend it to fans of YA, especially those who enjoy contemporary fiction and the novel, Here Lies Bridget.

I received this book free of charge from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This, in no way, affected my opinion or review of this book.

Title: Legacy
Author: Cayla Kluver
Publisher: Harlequin Teen
Published: June 21, 2011
Genre: YA, Historical Fantasy
Pages: 304
Source: Netgalley

The first boy disappeared on the day of his birth, on a night when the pale yellow moon of the nighttime sky turned red and bathed the heavens in the ghastly color of blood, on the same night the Kingdom of Cokyri abruptly ceased its merciless attack.

Across the land of Hytanica, under the shadow of the crimson moon, infant boys continued to vanish. Not until the blood had faded from the sky did the disappearances stop and the bodies of the murdered infants were found outside the gates of the city, a final word from the greatest enemy Hytanica had ever known. For the next sixteen years, peace reigned, but one mystery remained unsolved. The Cokyrians had abducted forty-nine newborns, but returned only forty-eight bodies.

Now, as seventeen-year-old Princess Alera of Hytanica is besieged from all sides by suitors vying for the Throne, a teenage Cokyrian boy, Narian, is encountered within the walls of her Kingdom, a boy who will show Alera a world where women serve a purpose and not just a husband. As Narian helps Alera find her voice, she struggles against an arranged marriage that will shatter the life she has scarcely begun to live. And when Narian's shocking past is uncovered, and war with Cokyri looms once more, he must fight to defy a fate ordained at his birth.

Alera is the princess and heir to the throne of Hytanica, and now at age of seventeen, she has one year to find a suitable husband who meets her father's standards to rule the kingdom at her side. Unfortunately, there is only one such man that meets his standards, and Alera can't stand the mere sight of him. With her days of freedom numbered, Alera finds herself concentrating on political affairs once the Cokyrians begin infiltrating the palace. But there's a rumour floating around - there is a mole, and nobody is sure who they can trust anymore. Alera finds the one person who can tell her what she needs to know, Narian, and he's a Cokyrian. Though he's the enemy, and she's just a woman, she finds herself discovering a world that she's never known...and she was never supposed know.

I was, I must admit, first intrigued by Legacy based on the cover because I'm a huge cover slut. That said though, this book was so much more than the cover. Written by author, Cayla Kluver, when she was just fifteen years old, Legacy defies the author's age and fits well into the realm of historical fantasy - a difficult genre to write. With lyrical and poetic prose, a relatable and heartening protagonist and a world of adventure far more vast than the world we live in, Legacy has all the makings of a fantastic fictitious world. This coming-of-age tale is one filled from start to finish with mysteries, lies, intrigue and a touch of romance that blooms throughout.

Alera was a fabulous protagonist for Legacy. She was the perfect balance between snarky and tempestuous and quirky teen on the verge of adulthood. Because she was living in a world where women are inferior to men, Alera's struggle was that much more harrowing because you could sense her inner struggle to live up to her potential while trying to reconcile it with the values and beliefs under which she was raised. The introduction of Narian in Legacy was perfect to complement Alera's struggle. He was, technically, the enemy, but as a prisoner, Alera was given a unique upper hand that allowed her to sense the power she might have had if she'd been born into the Cokyrian society. Narian is making Alera grow up in the wake of the prophecy that could destroy Hytanica, and while Cokyri was supposed to be the enemy, I couldn't help but love them for what they did for women. From start to finish, the secondary characters in Legacy like Steldor, Alera's suitor, kept me guessing and longing desperately for book two. It's also important to note how thorough the world-building was. Clearly defined and illustrated, I felt like I was able to step into Alera's world, which is quite a feat.

I was a bit worried about the length of Legacy, but I didn't get bored on a single page, and it never felt tedious. All in all, I think Legacy was a beautiful read that deserves far more credit than it's received thus far. With two more books to come in the series, I'm eagerly anticipating what's next. I give this book a 5 out of 5, and I highly recommend this book to fans of YA, especially those who enjoy historical fiction and fantasy, as well as fans of books like Graceling.

I received this book free of charge from the publisher and Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. This, in no way, affected my opinion or review of this book.

Heroine, Bridget Duke, rules her high school, but when she crashes her car and ends up in limbo, she must confront the people she has wronged, all of whom want her to go to hell. The outcome of these meetings will decide her final destination.
Taken from GoodReads.

Here Lies Bridget is the story of teenage Bridget who rules her small town high school by fear. She's manipulative, catty, superior, and is used to getting what she wants, when she wants it, and from whom she wants it. She never thought anyone would dare to argue back. When a series of her lies and manipulations spirals out of control and she begins to lose her grip as queen bee, Bridget makes a rash decision landing her in a limbo with a jury of her peers. Can she redeem herself in time, or will she pay the ultimate price for her actions?

I've been really excited to read Here Lies Bridget for a while now, and I was so excited to see it was on NetGalley. The story of teenage bullying is, by no means, a new story, but Here Lies Bridget takes a different approach and tackles the question of whether or not there is redemption for these bullies. Written by Paige Harbison, this story takes a new approach with an engaging voice and completely unique insight into a bullying teenager's mind.

I've got to be honest. I'm on the fence about Here Lies Bridget. In theory, it's a great story. That said, I absolutely hated Bridget. I rarely, if ever, actually hate the MC. This story presented a unique challenge for me though. Written in first person, I had to somehow get inside the head of a character I loathed. Then, as I watched her make these calculating decisions, never giving a crap thought to what her actions might cost her, suddenly when the situation turns on her, she recants. Her sudden change in demeanor...I just couldn't reconcile myself with it in such a short period of time, and I only saw it as self-preservation. I also have to admit that the character of Anna threw a wrench in the plot for me because, while I thought it was unique, I'm still confused about her interaction with the other characters.

Here Lies Bridget is a quick read, and it's really not bad, but I can't give a rave review about it. I think the ultimate problem was a pacing error. If we're meant to hate a character and see a transformation, I need time to see that transformation come about, and I just didn't. I give Here Lies Bridget a 3 out of 5, and I'd recommend it to fans of YA and contemporary fiction. This book releases on Februrary 1, 2011.

I received this book free of charge from Harlequin Teen and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. This, in no way, affected my opinion or review of this book.

In My Mailbox is an amazing weekly meme hosted by Kristi from The Story Siren that features the books we have received during the week. It's so much fun because we get to see what our fellow bloggers stumbled upon this week and add even more to our piles of books! Without further ado, this week I received the following books:

Delirium - (For Review - Thank you, HarperTeen & NetGalley) - Before scientists found the cure, people thought love was a good thing. They didn’t understand that once love -the deliria- blooms in your blood, there is no escaping its hold. Things are different now. Scientists are able to eradicate love, and the governments demands that all citizens receive the cure upon turning eighteen. Lena Holoway has always looked forward to the day when she’ll be cured. A life without love is a life without pain: safe, measured, predictable, and happy.

Here Lies Bridget - (For Review - Thank you, Harlequin Teen & NetGalley) - Heroine, Bridget Duke, rules her high school, but when she crashes her car and ends up in limbo, she must confront the people she has wronged, all of whom want her to go to hell. The outcome of these meetings will decide her final destination..

Branded - (For Review - Thank you, Keary Taylor) - Night after night, Jessica stands trial before a council of vindictive angels for deeds she didn’t commit. Condemnation brings a branding as they dementedly laugh and point but exaltation starts a war over her soul. These are Jessica’s nightmares. Alex is everything Jessica could ever want and she’ll do anything to be with him. Even tell him the truth about angels, why she never sleeps, and the scar on the back of her neck.

What did you get in your mailbox this week? Leave me a link, and I'll be sure to check it out!