Cover Love #18

Hosted by Bookshelvers Anonymous

Title: Predmediated

Author: Josin McQuein

Publication date: October 8, 2013

Publisher: Delacorte Books for Young Readers

A week ago, Dinah’s cousin Claire cut her wrists.

Five days ago, Dinah found Claire’s diary and discovered why.

Three days ago, Dinah stopped crying and came up with a plan.

Two days ago, she ditched her piercings and bleached the black dye from her hair.

Yesterday, knee socks and uniform plaid became a predator’s camouflage.

Today, she’ll find the boy who broke Claire.

By tomorrow, he’ll wish he were dead.

Why I love: 

The synopsis is very creepy and unlike what I usually read and gravitate towards. But the cover illustrates it so well and I can't help being drawn to it. The dirty, broken window with the girl's face solemnly looking through. She doesn't look like she has any regrets with what she just did and it's making me intrigued even more, forcing me to reread the synopsis many times. Her hair looks a bit gray to me though, which I'm not a fan for. I'll overlook it. If you're not a fan, reread the synopsis while glancing up at the cover, that might solve your problem. 

What cover are you loving this week? 

Top Ten Tuesday: Books at the Top of My Summer TBR Pile

Hosted by The Broke and the Bookish

It's been summer for a while now, but while making this list, I can't help exclaiming, "It's suuuuummeeeerrtimeeeee!"

So here's my list of books that I fully plan on reading this summer. New or old, I'm determined to read them.

These Broken Stars by Amie Kaufman and Meagan Spooner

I received an ARC of this one from the publisher a few months ago and have been staring at it on my bookshelf for a while now. Since I couldn't review this one until closer to the release date, I have been holding it off. However, I can't wait any longer and shall be devouring it soon. A space romance sounds summer-y to me. 

Zits: Chillax by Jerry Scott and Jim Borgman 

This came out about a month ago, but I've been wanting it ever since I heard there was going to be a new Zits book. Sure, it's comics. I don't care. I can picture myself going to the beach and reading this to my heart's content. 

Siege and Storm by Leigh Bardugo

Sequel to Shadow and Bone. The author is Leigh Bardugo. Do you REALLY need more information? Fine. I fell in love with the first book, I have heard only positive things about this one, I just bought Siege and Storm, and recently met Bardugo. I'm anticipating the swoon-age. 

Camp Boyfriend by J.K. Rock

I read the prequel novella on my iPad and was surprised how much I got into it because A. I usually am not as invested with ebooks as regular ones and B. My expectations weren't high. Since I already know I like the story and the main character, I look forward to this one even more. Summertime is specifically for camp books. 

The Program by Suzanne Young

A dystopian society about teen suicide with romance (obviously). Count me in! Actually, I was basically counted in months ago when I first saw it and started pining over it. I will buckle down and make sure I have this book in my hands in this summer. 

For Darkness Shows the Stars by Diana Peterfreund

It hasn't been in my library nor have I been able to get an interlibrary loan on it. That won't stop me though even if if I have to write a letter to my library, stating my absolute need for it. It sounds amazing since I love the original Persuasion and I'm a huge fan of retellings. Also, my sister snagged the companion book at BEA so I do have that waiting for me too. 

Unspoken by Sarah Brees Brennan

I feel like I see this one on at least one positive Top Ten Tuesday list a week. Additionally, I know that my trusted blogger friend Gillian LOVES this book so there's another incentive. I, Sunny, pledge that I will stop procrastinating and read this book by its rumored amazing author. Also, it involves an imaginary friend/love interest. Bonus points for originality and a great cover.

Code Name Verity by Elizabeth Wein

When I made its companion novel my Cover Love last week, I was bombarded by great comments saying that I HAVE to read this one. Of course, I also have my sister swooning about it whenever it's even mentioned. WWII stories (and anything related to WWII because hello, Captain America) are my thing and I'm excited just thinking about it. 

Steelheart by Brandon Sanderson 

LOOK! It's a male author. I don't have many chances to read books by men so I'm looking forward to this one. Also, the real reason is because it's a twisted superhero story. Thank goodness for BEA and sisters because my sister's copy is only a foot away from me right this second. 

Dear Mr. Knightley by Katherine Reay

Once again, thanks to BEA and Shelver going, she got this for my mom. My mom raved about this one and it sounds like the perfect light read. It's technically in letter form, but it reads like any contemporary, first person fiction. If you want to be specific, it could also be considered New Adult, but not with all the sexuality that NA is known for. And it involves Jane Austen references! WIN. 

EDIT: As this is about to be posted, I already finished this one. Yay for me who actually wrote her Top Ten Tuesday way earlier than usual! Also, the book? Absolutely addicting. 

Honorable mentions: The Archived by Victoria Schwab (I've had it on my shelf for the longest time and NEED to read it), Everbound by Brodi Ashton (I love sequels and this is another one), Dark Triumph by Robin LaFevers (another sequel that I can't wait to read!), A Long, Long Sleep by Anna Sheehan (repeatedly recommend by my other trusted blogger friend Alice)

What's on your summer TBR list? 

The Good, the Meh, and the DNF

Considering that I am not the greatest at promptly writing a review after I read a book, I have had some books completely unreviewed while others took a a bit longer than normal to write, trying to remember things about it. So instead of trying to write a full review on something that I don't have much to say on, I decided mini reviews would be the best route again.

The Good: 

Title: Defiance

Author: C.J. Redwine

Publication date: August 28, 2012

Publisher: Balzer + Bray

While the other girls in the walled city-state of Baalboden learn to sew and dance, Rachel Adams learns to track and hunt. While they bend like reeds to the will of their male Protectors, she uses hers for sparring practice.

When Rachel's father fails to return from a courier mission and is declared dead, the city's brutal Commander assigns Rachel a new Protector: her father's apprentice, Logan—the boy she declared her love to and who turned her down two years before. Left with nothing but fierce belief in her father's survival, Rachel decides to escape and find him herself.

As Rachel and Logan battle their way through the Wasteland, stalked by a monster that can't be killed and an army of assassins out for blood, they discover romance, heartbreak, and a truth that will incite a war decades in the making.

Mini review:

I either see trusted bloggers squeal about this book or excitedly exclaim over its not-out-yet sequel, Deception. I love the cover, I love the plot, I love the reviews on it. So why did I start it so late? I think it all boils down to expectations and wanting to leave it in some reverend spot in my mind. Why taint the image of it? However, I knew I had to buckle down and read it.

Defiance completed my expectations and went beyond it. It sucked my time away, left me in Rachel's world long after I finished it, and made me wanting the sequel instantly. I know there are negatives, there always is, but I was too enamored by the book that I did not care or notice that much. The POVs switched from Rachel to Logan, which I liked since I wanted to see both of their thoughts. Rachel was stubborn, feisty, and strong. Of course, along with that, she sometimes let her emotions and thinking dictate her actions, which can be stupid. However, that's what happens when you receive a strong heroine. Logan was sensitive, strong, and cute all wrapped up in one. I honestly don't see how you can want more from him.

Verdict: I WANT THE SEQUEL NOW. 

The Meh: 

Title: The Elite

Author: Kiera Cass

Publication date: April 23, 2013

Publisher: HarperTeen

Source: an ARC sent from Skye via YA Book Exchange

Thirty-five girls came to the palace to compete in the Selection. All but six have been sent home. And only one will get to marry Prince Maxon and be crowned princess of Illea.

America still isn’t sure where her heart lies. When she’s with Maxon, she’s swept up in their new and breathless romance, and can’t dream of being with anyone else. But whenever she sees Aspen standing guard around the palace, and is overcome with memories of the life they planned to share. With the group narrowed down to the Elite, the other girls are even more determined to win Maxon over—and time is running out for America to decide.

Just when America is sure she’s made her choice, a devastating loss makes her question everything again. And while she’s struggling to imagine her future, the violent rebels that are determined to overthrow the monarchy are growing stronger and their plans could destroy her chance at any kind of happy ending.

Mini review: 

With The Selection, I had annoyances reading it, but since I was addicted to the idea of it (reality TV is a guilty pleasure of mine and so are competitions), I tried to just enjoy the book. But when I was done reading it, I couldn't stop being aggravated with it. Despite all that, I wanted to read the sequel because it's like one of those interesting, but yucky snacks where you can't stop eating it, but you don't really know why you continue to do so.

I can basically recap with these short sentences: America can't make up her mind about either guy. Maxon is beyond patient. Aspen resembles something slimy in my mind. Marlee's "shocking" revelation was like strobe lights in a cave (that make sense, don't deny it). The King was despicable. The rebels got better, but not to the standard I wished for. I was completely annoyed with America at least 90% of the time.

I just have to touch on one point before I move on to the next review and this might make it longer than "mini," but it has to be said. I wanted to grab a microphone and preach to the thousands after continual "feeling complaints" from America. The thing with America is that everything is based on her feelings of the moment. Unlike Rachel from Defiance, there is no backbone to them. She hops from boy to boy, back and forth, based on how she is feeling at the time. Maxon makes me so happy, I want to stay with him forever. Oh, Aspen always made me happy. Aspen is making me not feel good, I want to be with Maxon. Maxon is making me feel upset, I want to be back with Aspen. Aspen makes me feel safe, I should be with him forever. I love Maxon so that should make me feel happy, right? 

FOR THE LOVE OF CUPCAKES AND ALL THAT IS WRITTEN BY ALLY CARTER. She literally complained once, "Can't he see how unhappy he's making me?" I wanted to throw my ARC at the wall right then and there. You should never be with someone who's mistreated you, used you, etc. However, it makes me sick that so many girls are fawning over this behavior and I honestly hope they don't replicate it. Because, guess what, the key to having a long-lasting relationship is not based on feelings. It is not based on happiness. Ask any couple who has been married for a long period of time (no, that is not 3 or 7 or 10 years) if they were ever unhappy. Think to the elderly couples who have been married 50 or 60 years. Through thick and thin, in sickness or in health, for richer or for poor, through happiness or sadness, they stayed together.

If everyone based their relationships on whether or not they're happy, everyone would be alone. You should never base your decisions on how happy it makes you feel. Happiness comes and goes. Joy stays more constant, but relationships will struggle and that person will make you wish for a baseball bat in your hand sometimes. You stick through it.

Verdict: I have to rate it a "meh" because I still want to read the third book, but I felt that America's whininess tainted the whole book even more so. 

The DNF: 

Title: Falling Under

Author: Gwen Hayes

Publication date: March 1, 2011

Publisher: New American Library

Source: an ARC provided through ARCycling.

Theia Alderson has always led a sheltered life in the small California town of Serendipity Falls. But when a devastatingly handsome boy appears in the halls of her school, Theia knows she's seen Haden before- not around town, but in her dreams.

As the Haden of both the night and the day beckons her closer one moment and pushes her away the next, the only thing Theia knows for sure is that the incredible pull she feels towards him is stronger than her fear.

And when she discovers what Haden truly is, Theia's not sure if she wants to resist him, even if the cost is her soul.

Mini review: 

I first want to thank ARCycling for giving me this book and for the blogger who donated it.

Unfortunately, I couldn't get into it. I try to give books a chance and several chapters, but I don't think I even reached chapter 5 before I had to grab a different book. There are many books in my TBR pile that I need to catch up on so I simply did not want to sit through something that I had no connection to. 

We are shown and told repeatedly in the beginning of how sheltered Theia is, but I think it went too far in such a short period. I was bored. I wasn't invested, I didn't care, and I am truly trying to be polite, but Theia's narration was dull. I felt like I was wasting precious reading time. Yes, maybe I should have given it more time and maybe Theia would get better. However, I don't have regrets on it. 

I do suggest people give it a shot though. While I may DNF it, someone else might eat it right up. 

Verdict: What more can I say than I that I DNF'd it? 

Check back later this week for my Fierce Reads 2013 Tour recap! There shall be pictures :) 

Happy Father's Day! 

Wishlist Wednesday #17

Hosted by Pen to Paper

Title: Tandem

Author: Anna Jarzab

Publication date: October 8, 2013

Publisher: Delacorte Books for Young Readers

Everything repeats.

You. Your best friend. Every person you know.

Many worlds. Many lives--infinite possibilities.

Welcome to the multiverse.

Sixteen-year-old Sasha Lawson has only ever known one small, ordinary life. When she was young, she loved her grandfather's stories of parallel worlds inhabited by girls who looked like her but led totally different lives. Sasha never believed such worlds were real--until now, when she finds herself thrust into one against her will.

To prevent imminent war, Sasha must slip into the life of an alternate version of herself, a princess who has vanished on the eve of her arranged marriage. If Sasha succeeds in fooling everyone, she will be returned home; if she fails, she'll be trapped in another girl's life forever. As time runs out, Sasha finds herself torn between two worlds, two lives, and two young men vying for her love--one who knows her secret, and one who thinks she's someone she's not.

The first book in the Many-Worlds Trilogy, Tandem is a riveting saga of love and betrayal set in parallel universes in which nothing--and no one--is what it seems.

Why I want: 

Really, it all comes down to the synopsis. A multiverse? The description makes me restless in my chair and I'm intrigued that the character has to "slip into the life of an alternate version of herself," but I'm already dreading the love triangle. Sometimes a love triangle is necessary, sometimes not so much. I'm seeing them too much lately so I'm even more wary. However, that doesn't stop me from making grabby hands whenever I see someone has it or snatched it up at BEA.

What are you wishing for this Wednesday? 

Rewind and Review - May and a little more

Hosted by Bookshelvers Anonymous

Hello, lovelies! So I haven't done one in a while since for whatever reason, I didn't see that Shelver was switching to a weekly thing so I was taken aback and didn't have time to prepare anything. This post will be longer than usual, adding a couple June items in there. I have been extremely excited to squeal over May! 

My Reviews

• The Time Between Us by Tamara Ireland Stone (a time traveling contemporary that I loved)
• The Book of Broken Hearts by Sarah Ockler (a good familial contemporary)
• Unravel Me by Taherah Mafi (an annoying heroine, but great sequel overall)
• The Lonely Hearts Club by Elizabeth Eulberg (a cute contemporary read)
• Mini reviews: P&P versions (two cute Pride and Prejudice retellings)

My Meme Posts

• Top Ten Tuesday - When You Need Something Light & Fun
• Cover Love #13 - The Cutting Room Floor by Dawn Klehr
• Wishlist Wednesday #16 - Fangirl by Rainbow Rowell
• Cover Love #14 - United We Spy by Ally Carter
• Top Ten Tuesday - Nicest Authors
• Wishlist Wednesday #17 - The 5th Wave by Rick Yancey 
• Cover Love #15 - Rose Under Fire by Elizabeth Wein

Other Fun Posts

• Bunch O' Giveaways #2 
• Author Interview with Marissa Meyer, author of The Lunar Chronicles
• Presenting a Blogger...Lauren @ Love is not a triangle

Stuff I Won

• A BRAND NEW CAAAR! Okay, not really. I won nothing...again. 

 

Stuff I Was Given

• Awaken by Meg Cabot
• Heaven Is Paved by Oreos by Catherine Gilbert Murdock
• Enchanted and Hero by Alethea Kontis
• Gallagher Girl notebook (these previous items were all given by Shelver from BEA)
• The Naturals by Jennifer Lynn Barnes (from Disney-Hyperion)
• Gilt by Katherine Longshore (ARCycling)

Traded

• Five Summers by Una LaMarche (Morgan via YA Book Exchange
• The Elite by Keira Cass (Skye via YA Book Exchange)

Bought

• Dairy Queen by Catherine Gilbert Murdock ($1)
• That Summer by Sarah Dessen ($2)
• Dreamland by Sarah Dessen ($2)
• Scarlet by AC Gaughen (Montana at Book Belles, $6)
• Sleepaway Girls by Jen Calonita
• Audrey, Wait! by Robin Benway
• Forever Princess by Meg Cabot
• All's Fair in Love War and High School by Janette Rallison
• Just One Wish by Janette Rallison
• How to Take the Ex Out of the Ex-Boyfriend by Janette Rallison (the last 6 books were on sale at Better World Books for a TOTAL of $11, all HCs!)

Adult books:

• The American Heiress by Daisy Goodwin ($2)
• That Certain Spark by Cathy Marie Hake ($2)
• Serendipity by Cathy Marie Hake ($2)
• Cassidy by Lori Wick (2 of them for $2.50. One for me, one for my little sister)
• Sabrina by Lori Wick ($.50)
• An Amish Christmas by Cynthia Keller ($1)
• The Long Road Home & A Gathering of Memories 2-in-1 by Lori Wick ($1)
• Maid to Match by Deanne Gist ($.50)

A Few of My Favorite Blog Moments

• Getting another author to agree to do an interview, which resulted in me learning more about the series!
• Having a favorite blogger of mine on here. I love interviews, if you can't tell. And she is the absolute sweetest!
• Meeting some more fantastic and great bloggers through the internet. You guys are so nice.
• My Nicest Authors list which resulted in the sweetest tweets by the authors on the list. THAT is why they are on there. I couldn't stop smiling all day. 
• All the BEA tweets on Twitter AND getting things from BEA, thanks to my sister.
• Finding out about Better World Books...although that might be a bad thing for my self-control.
• Realization that I had more comments wishing me luck on my ACT than the actual review because that's how sweet everyone is. 
• Update: I took my ACTs yesterday and no matter how I do, I know I literally did EVERYTHING (6 hours each Saturday for a month and major prepping during the week) I could to prepare. I don't exactly feel confident that I got the score I wanted (where I live, if I get a 29, I get 100% of tuition paid for in my choice of school if it's in my state. Right now, I have 75%from last time).

~*~

After this fantastic month and beginning of June, I feel all warm and fuzzy inside. Bloggers, without a doubt, are some of the nicest people I have ever been in contact with. Authors, at least the ones I have had Twitter conversations with, are as well. I'll be laying off the thrift store, but I do know the rest of June will be fantastic as well (I see a second author event in my future!). However, I am immensely grateful for everything that I have received this month and experienced and for the people I have talked to. 

I hope the rest of your June is lovely and you have a marvelous summer!

*Due to all the books that I have accumulated this month and hectic schedule I have, I didn't post pictures or include links. Sorry!* 

Cover Love #15

Hosted by Bookshelvers Anonymous

Cover Love is hosted at Bookshelvers Anonymous and is a bi-weekly blog hop where we show and squeal about covers we love. To join, click on the link above and submit your post at Bookshelvers Anonymous.

Title: Rose Under Fire

Author: Elizabeth Wein

Publication date: September 10, 2013

Publisher: Disney-Hyperion

While flying an Allied fighter plane from Paris to England, American ATA pilot and amateur poet, Rose Justice, is captured by the Nazis and sent to Ravensbrück, the notorious women's concentration camp. Trapped in horrific circumstances, Rose finds hope in the impossible through the loyalty, bravery and friendship of her fellow prisoners. But will that be enough to endure the fate that’s in store for her?

Elizabeth Wein, author of the critically-acclaimed and best-selling Code Name Verity, delivers another stunning WWII thriller. The unforgettable story of Rose Justice is forged from heart-wrenching courage, resolve, and the slim, bright chance of survival

Why I love:

I just can't stop staring at it. I honestly, really can't. I still haven't read Code Name Verity, although I'll be fixing that soon, but this companion novel is everything I like. It's mysterious with the red scarf flying in the wind on the gate, it displays some WWII on the cover with the planes, and everything about this cover just screams pretty to me. I love everything about it and even though compared to others, it's not exactly eye-catching, it definitely catches my eye every time. 

What cover are you loving this week?

Mini reviews: P&P versions

With school craziness (yes, it is summer and I am still doing school) and ACT prep (for the second time) along with trying to maintain a social life, I actually got into the nasty habit of reading books and then forgetting to review them. I told myself I'd review everything I could get my hands on. Alas, I just put it off...then forgot. So to make up for that, I decided to do two mini reviews of Pride and Prejudice retellings because you can never have too many Mr. Darcy characters Jane Austen retellings.

First one:

Title: Prom & Prejudice

Author: Elizabeth Eulberg

Publication date: January 4, 2011

Publisher: Point

It is a truth universally acknowledged, that a single girl of high standing at Longbourn Academy must be in want of a prom date.
After winter break, the girls at the very prestigious Longbourn Academy become obsessed with the prom. Lizzie Bennet, who attends Longbourn on a scholarship, isn't interested in designer dresses and expensive shoes, but her best friend, Jane, might be - especially now that Charles Bingley is back from a semester in London.
Lizzie is happy about her friend's burgeoning romance but less than impressed by Charles's friend, Will Darcy, who's snobby and pretentious. Darcy doesn't seem to like Lizzie either, but she assumes it's because her family doesn't have money. Clearly, Will Darcy is a pompous jerk - so why does Lizzie find herself drawn to him anyway?

Mini review: 

If you have read any of my posts recently, you would have noticed that I have started paying attention to a new (to me) author: Elizabeth Eulberg. I reviewed one of her books here and put her on the Nicest Authors list here because she deserves it (she even sent me a sweet tweet!). So I saw that she wrote a book about one of my favorite stories and knew I had to pick it up at the thrift store for only $2! That's besides the point. The point is, Eulberg writes great fluff books. I can pick up her book, be wrapped up in the story, but it also gives my mind a break, in a good way. 

If you want another cute, fluffy read, then this is your kind of book. Sometimes what I need to get myself back into the reading game is to read a book like this one because I don't have to think hard, I just get to enjoy the story. I also adore retellings.

My issues were slim considering it didn't have any glaring annoyances, but I would have wished some more swooning Darcy moments. We definitely got some, but not to the standard I would have liked being that I love to squeal over him. But, like I said, this one was a fast and light read, a book you like to have on the beach or to get away from some doom and gloom fantasy book. Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed it.

Verdict: A fast and cute book that does a good job modernizing a special classic. 

Second book:

Title: Epic Fail

Author: Claire LaZabnik

Publication date: August 23, 2011

Publisher: HarperTeen

At Coral Tree Prep in Los Angeles, who your parents are can make or break you. Case in point:

- As the son of Hollywood royalty, Derek Edwards is pretty much prince of the school--not that he deigns to acknowledge many of his loyal subjects.
- As the daughter of the new principal, Elise Benton isn't exactly on everyone's must-sit-next-to-at-lunch list.

When Elise's beautiful sister catches the eye of the prince's best friend, Elise gets to spend a lot of time with Derek, making her the envy of every girl on campus. Except she refuses to fall for any of his rare smiles and instead warms up to his enemy, the surprisingly charming social outcast Webster Grant. But in this hilarious tale of fitting in and flirting, not all snubs are undeserved, not all celebrity brats are bratty, and pride and prejudice can get in the way of true love for only so long.

Mini review:

I had been pining to read this for the longest time since, as I stated above, I love retellings and I love this plot. Thankfully, I wasn't disappointed. Epic Fail was filled with humor, cuteness, and a vacuum that liked to suck my time away because it was so enjoyable. 

Once again, I didn't really care for how Darcy was represented via Derek considering that he didn't have as much mystery to him. From the very beginning, I felt like Derek was a good guy and I know he is, but...what about the insults? All he really did was glare and snub a bit. What about the "barely tolerable" line or another off-putting remark? Nothing he did actually deserved hatred and even though Elise goes on about how unlikable he is and how rude he is, she seemed to be always trying to get to know him, which felt odd to me. 

One other thing I would like to add before I give my thumbs-up approval was the dramatic Webster plot was highly disappointing. It felt like since it was a part of the original, the author knew she had to put it in there, but didn't know how. It felt rushed and anticlimactic, which let me down a bit. 

However, overall, I really liked and enjoyed this one. It was cute. It was breezy. It was witty. 

Verdict: A thumbs-up for everything I just mentioned above PLUS my (yes, real) middle name is Elise.

Winner: Epic Fail, but Prom & Prejudice was very close behind. 

Did I also forget to mention that I finished each one of them in about a day, staying up way too late because I thought they were adorable? I even watched Pride and Prejudice related movies and references because who doesn't love P&P?! I went on a bit of a Pride and Prejudice overload.

Do you have a favorite Pride and Prejudice retelling?