Teen Idol

Title: Teen Idol
Author: Meg Cabot

Grade: B
Rating: PG

Summary: (from amazon.com) Nothing much happens in the small town of Clayton, IN. At least not until major teen heartthrob, 19-year-old Luke Striker, comes to town to research a part for a new film project. Jen Greenley, a junior at the local high school and all-around friend to everyone, is assigned to show him around. The only problem is that no one besides Jen is supposed to know who he really is. Between keeping his identity a secret, lying to her best friend who's Luke's biggest fan, writing the advice column for the school paper, and developing a crush on her friend Scott who happens to already have a girlfriend, Jen is feeling a little overwhelmed.

My thoughts: Meg Cabot is one of my favorite authors and has been forever. Her writing is always unique, but this story had its pro’s and con’s.

The whole plot of Teen Idol was extremely unique. The main girl not being into the celeb added to the list of Pro’s.

The biggest con in this story would be the emptiness at points throughout the book. Pages on end would begin to seem pointless to me. Overall though a worthwhile read.
Recommendation: Middle School girls will love this book

Must Monday

What am I waiting for this week? Now you know :)

The Lost Sister by Megan Kelley Hall

Sisters are born, not chosen…
Maddie Crane is grappling with the disappearance of Cordelia LeClaire, and trying to escape the grasp of The Sisters of Misery—an insidious clique of the school's most powerful girls, whose pranks have set off a chain of horrific events, and who have Maddie in their sights…

Buy it: July 28th

How It Ends by Laura Wiess

All Hanna's wanted since sophomore year is Seth. She's gone out with other guys, even gained a rep for being a flirt, all the while hoping cool, guitar-playing Seth will choose her. Then she gets him -- but their relationship is hurtful, stormy and critical, not at all what Hanna thinks a perfect love should be. Bewildered by Seth's treatment of her and in need of understanding, Hanna decides to fulfill her school's community service requirement by spending time with Helen, her terminally ill neighbor, who she's turned to for comfort and wisdom throughout her life. But illness has changed Helen into someone Hanna hardly knows, and her home is not the refuge it once was. Feeling more alone than ever, Hanna gets drawn into an audiobook the older woman is listening to, a fierce, unsettling love story of passion, sacrifice, and devotion. Hanna's fascinated by the idea that such all-encompassing love can truly exist, and without her even realizing it, the story begins to change her.

Buy it: August 4th

Review: Identical

Title: Identical
Author: Ellen Hopkins

Grade: B
Rating: R

Summary: (from Amazon) Kaeleigh and Raeanne are identical down to the dimple. As daughters of a district-court judge father and a politician mother, they are an all-American family -- on the surface. Behind the facade each sister has her own dark secret, and that's where their differences begin.
For Kaeleigh, she's the misplaced focus of Daddy's love, intended for a mother whose presence on the campaign trail means absence at home. All that Raeanne sees is Daddy playing a game of favorites -- and she is losing. If she has to lose, she will do it on her own terms, so she chooses drugs, alcohol, and sex.
Secrets like the ones the twins are harboring are not meant to be kept -- from each other or anyone else. Pretty soon it's obvious that neither sister can handle it alone, and one sister must step up to save the other, but the question is -- who?


My thoughts: I had been very excited to read Identical forever. When Lexi said I could borrow her copy I was super happy. After reading this novel I realized it was both bad and good.

I loved the concept of such bold differences between the twins. However the shocking twist was a tad to weird for me. I am glad I read this novel, but also glad I didn’t spend $18 on it.

Recommendation: Fans of dark and searing novels will love Identical.

Pure

Title: Pure
Author: Terra Elan McVoy

Grade: B
Rating: Pg-13

Summary: (From Amazon.com) At 12, Tabitha and her friend Morgan put on their purity rings. Now the girls are 15, and neither has any intention of taking them off. Then another friend and ring wearer, Cara, confides she and her boyfriend have gone all the way, and all hell breaks loose. Morgan turns on Cara, and when Tabitha shows sympathy to Cara, Morgan drops her as well. First-time novelist McVoy takes on the hot topic of purity rings (hello, Jonas Brothers!) and examines it from many angles. Tabitha’s fast, funny, and very contemprary voice should be a hit with teens, but readers are privy to her every thought. In both narration and the occasionally meandering plot, this is a case where less would have been more. Still, McVoy is very successful at drawing characters kids will care about—even the parents are interesting. Anyone who has wondered about the ramifications of wearing a purity ring, both socially and religiously (and there’s much thoughtful writing about Christianity here), will be left with plenty to think about.

My thoughts: This book was nothing that I expected it to be. The purity ring concept was awesome but in some ways it felt like it was making the novel have a sense of immaturity. The girls in this book were 15 and 16, but I got the sense that they were still 12. Purity rings are a nice concept but the girls in the book took them too seriously. The rings were meant to be a promise between God and the girls but they let it get between them like middle school kids do. I believe it could have been better if there was a real aspect of sexuality instead of avoiding the subject like little kids. Overall a good book though.

Recommendation: I would recommend this novel to girls 13 though 16.

Up Next: Identical

Bonty Hunters

Title: Bounty Hunters (Left Behind)
Author: Jerry B. Jenkins

Grade: A
Rating: PG-13

Summary: (From Amazon) The series follows teens who were "left behind" and have nothing left but their new found faith in Jesus Christ. Determined to stand up for God no matter what the cost, they are tested at every turn. With background plots from Desecration, the cliff-hangers from book to book keep readers reading!

My thoughts: It had been a while since I read in this series. By book 34 you get a bit tired of the series. After reading this book I know it is time to go back to this series. All I can say is, What a cliff hanger.

Recommendation: Christian kids and teens will enjoy this adventurous series.

Up Next: Teen Idol

We have a winner

The Winner of Breathing is...

VERA!!!!

Please email me at princessashley9@gmail.com with your addy.

If I dont get your email by a week from Friday the runner up has been selected.

That would be: Cari.

Thanks to random student selector and all who entered, Keep following :)

Must Monday: 17

Here is what I'm waiting for this week!

Boys R Us (Clique Series #11) by Lisi Harrison

Kristen Gregory: When Massie and Kristen's SBFF (secret best friend forever) Layne are vying for the same boy, she has to make a choice. Life was easier when the boyfast was still on!

Unclaimed Hearts by Kim Wilkins

The rules for a young English woman in 1799 are simple: Do what you're told; stay out of the way; and don't, under any circumstances, ask questions.

Get a clue: Scavenger Hunt

To celebrate the launch of Twenty Boy Summer by Sarah Ockler, IÕm blogging clue #11 for the 20 Things in 20 Days Scavenger Hunt.

Answer clues and challenges to earn points toward the 20 Things grand prize, including 6 signed books from 2009 debut authors! Get a clue... June 11th-30th at 20 Things in 20 Days!TodayÕs clue:

Summer is a great time to discover new music! In Twenty Boy Summer, Matt used to share new music with Anna and Frankie, getting them totally hooked on the band, Helicopter Pilot. For 20 Things clue #11, check out a new song! Browse online, get a recommendation from a friend, pick something out of a movie -Ð anything. Tell us about the new song here in the comments (song title, artist, and what you like about it)! 2 points.Wait... today's a bonus clue day!

For a chance to earn more points, check out today's bonus clue at in BetweeN the pages.

And Then Everything Unraveled

Title: And Then Everything Unraveled
Author: Jennifer Sturman

Grade: A+
Rating: PG-13

Summary: (Barnes and Noble) Delia Truesdale has no idea her life's about to change forever. She's too busy enjoying the California summer. Her internet tycoon mother, T.K. Truesdale, is out of town, and that means Delia can spend all her time at the beach, surfing. That is, until everything unravels.

Her mother suddenly goes missing, and everyone thinks she's dead - excpet Delia, who knows T.K.'s way too organized to simply disappear. But Delia's still sent to New York to live with her two aunts - a downtown bohemian and an uptown ice queen.
And in case that's not bad enough, she also has to deal with a snooty new school and trying not to fall for the wrong guy. Oh, and finding her mother.

As she delves deeper into the tangle of conspiracies and lies surrounding T.K.'s disappearance, Delia begins to suspect that the wrong guy may be the right guy...and that some secrets - especially the dangerous ones - were never meant to be unraveled.

My thoughts: I had heard nothing about this book at the time I received it. Then shortly after, many reviewers started receiving copies as well. I’m pretty skeptic when it comes to books out of my comfort zone. Mystery with a sense of murder is not usually my thing. All I can say after this is DAMN was a wrong. This was a fantastic novel that was deep on so many levels. I could not imagine the pain you would feel if someone told you simply, your mom is dead. Then being forced to live between two aunts who are as different as peanut butter and jelly! Poor girl… I loved how Delia was willing to go to any lengths to find the truth. The only part that bugged me was the end. There better be a sequel coming!!!!

Recommendation: Girls 13 or 14 and up can enjoy the many aspects of family loyalty. Be forewarned of teen drinking.

Slept Away

Title: Slept Away
Author: Julie Kraut

Grade: B
Rating: Tv-14

Summary: From Barnes and Noble: Laney Parker is a city girl through and through. For her, summertime means stepping out of her itchy gray school uniform and into a season of tanning at rooftop swimming pools, brunching at sidewalk cafes, and—as soon as the parents leave for the Hamptons—partying at her classmates’ apartments.But this summer Laney’s mother has other plans for Laney. It’s called Camp Timber Trails and rustic doesn’t even begin to describe the un-air-conditioned log cabin nightmare. Laney is way out of her element—the in-crowd is anything but cool, popularity seems to be determined by swimming skills, and the activities seem more like boot camp than summer camp.

Splattered with tie dye fall out, stripped of her cell, and going through Diet Coke withdrawal, Laney is barely hanging on. Being declared the biggest loser of the bunk is one thing, but when she realizes her summer crush is untouchably uncrushable in the real world, she starts to wonder, can camp cool possibly translate to cool cool?

Summer camp might just turn this city girl’s world upside down!

My thoughts: When I received this novel in the mail I was ecstatic. I had been waiting forever to get my hands on a copy of this (thanks again to my contact within the group). I slipped it into my “to be reviewed” pile and plowed through the books before it. I loved this book. Now when you see the B you are probably like “what?” Let me start off by telling you I have been grading books too easy. So sadly this was the first book where I decided to be tougher. It was almost an “A” but there were a couple to many times where I was not being drawn in enough. I loved the differences between the girls and the whole swap of popular to not. So many characters, so many differences.

Recommendation: Because of some major swearing and reference to the boy’s anatomy as the d-word I would say 13 or 14 at least before reading. Remember this is a general recommendation; some people mature at different times. Use your own common sense.

Up Next: Pure

Some important info

For Authors:

Reviews: I would love to review your book. I basically will try everything. Send me an email at princessashley9@gmail.com and I will give you the go ahead to send it to me.

Interviews: I love to interview you guys. Want an interview, email me! I prefer to read the book first but either way works :)

Kiss and Blog

Title: Kiss and Blog
Author: Alyson Noel

Grade: A+
Rating: Tv-14 for language

Summary: (From Amazon.com) While not as nasty as Cecily von Ziegesar's "Gossip Girl" series (Little, Brown), this is no sisterhood story either. Winter and Sloane have been best friends in Laguna Beach since third grade and they've conspired all summer to get into the A-list group as sophomores. Sloane is accepted and summarily dumps her former friend. Winter gets even with a blog, referring to Sloane as "Pink Princess." Readers know that Winter isn't really as mean-spirited as her blog; she's mostly devastated by the betrayal. Luckily, this novel takes a mostly funny approach to revenge and has a lot more going for it than shallow teens. Winter's mom is fixated on '60s culture, even though it was way before her time, and she runs a café that offers smoothies based on songs of that era. She has recently hired a 16-year-old, Rey, who befriends Winter. During an impulsive trip to New York to see her father (Why, oh why do so many chick-lit main characters have former rock stars as dads?), she has a fling with his art-gallery intern. Winter shows real growth throughout the novel and finds her way with new friends, a boyfriend, and even her mother. A good choice for reluctant readers, the story also has enough substance to appeal to any reader, whether or not they'd do in those who done them wrong.

My Thoughts: Kiss and Blog was nothing like I expected. It was soooo much better! We all know how the typical mean girl/ revenge story goes; this paved a new path for those categories. The revenge plot involving a blog was great. It was like Frenimies and Faketastic for older girls. The plot had you begging for more all the way through, you didn’t want it to end. Don’t miss this incredible novel. It was my first Alyson Noel book, and what a way to lose my A.N. virginity :P. For fans of the Gossip Girl series as well as those of books involving the “nerdy” girl. All will find love within.

Recommendation: Any high school girl can find their inner mean girl in this story.

Up Next: Sleep Away

Breathing

Title: Breathing
Author: Cheryl Renee Herbsman

Grade: A
Rating: PG

Summary: Savannah has always had a hard time breathing. Ever since her daddy up and left her, her mama, and her brother her lungs have been super tight. When Jackson shows up things seem like they are going to be okay. Savannah is breathing again. Until circumstances pull them apart. Can Savannah learn to breath on her own?

My thoughts: Because asthma has been my battle for as long as I can remember I felt very connected with this novel. I could practically feel the fear Savannah felt as her lungs began to tighten. The whole dating rules thing was also connectable to me. I’m only 15 so I still live with my parents. We too have the “no boys in the house alone” rule. I know that it can be annoying as does Savannah. This story had so many different concepts to it; it was hard not to be effected. Be it the dating rules, the asthma, or the strained friendship there was something for everyone. A girl as young as 12 could take in many important lessons this amazing story has to offer.

Recommendation: Girls 12 and up should enjoy this wonderful and entrancing novel.

Wednesday Wishlist

Brutal by Michael Harmon

With her martyr-doctor mother gone to save lives in some South American country, Poe Holly suddenly finds herself on the suburban doorstep of the father she never knew, who also happens to be a counselor at her new high school. She misses Los Angeles. She misses the guys in her punk band. Weirdly, she even misses the shouting matches she used to have with her mom.

Girls by Tucker Shaw, Clare Boothe Luce

Meet Amber: She’s a flake, she’s the barista at the hottest coffee shop in Aspen, and she serves up gossip even hotter than grande skim lattes.

Five Minutes More by Darlene Ryan

The trauma of her father's suicide sends D'Arcy into a physical and emotional tailspin. She learns that her father was diagnosed with ALS and drove his car off a bridge because of it. This revelation makes D'Arcy withdraw from her boyfriend and friends. At the same time, she begins to talk more with class geek Seth, whose later suicide attempt only fuels her depression.

Diamonds by Ted Michael

At Long Islands’s private Bennington School, the Diamonds rule supreme. They’re the girls all the boys want to date and all the girls want to be. And fortunately for Marni, she’s right in the middle of them. Best friends with the ringleader, Clarissa, Marni enjoys all the spoils of the ultrapopular: boys, power, and respect. But then Marni gets a little too close to Clarissa’s ex-boyfriend, Anderson.

Being Nikki

Title: Being Nikki
Author: Meg Cabot

Grade: A
Rating: Pg-13

Summary: Nikki, or should I say Em, has it all. Not only is she on every billboard in town, she is about to star in a lingerie fashion show. Every girl dreams of having the kind of body capable of doing that. The sad thing is though; Nikki/Em just wants a certain guy to notice her. But when he does will it is too late? The drama increases when the real Nikki’s mom disappears. Nobody said it was going to be easy, Being Nikki.

My thoughts: I honest to god loved this book. Anyone who knows me knows I’m a realistic fiction addict and pretty stuck in my ways. Being Nikki drug me into the realms of a place I have kept my self from traveling. It was awesome to explore all the unique matters Being Nikki had to offer. As for Meg, what a well rounded author!

Recommendation: I would say this is a great novel for anyone in 7th grade and up. There are some tense scenes that could possibly be scary for the younger crowd.

Up Next: And Then Everything Unraveled

Must Monday

Two fab books this week, I'm pining for well on Vacation!
Nothing Like You By Lauren Strasnick
When Holly loses her virginity to Paul, a guy she barely knows, she assumes their encounter is a one-night stand. After all, Paul is too popular to even be speaking to Holly…and he happens to have a long-term girlfriend, Saskia. But ever since Holly's mom died six months ago, Holly has been numb to the world, and she's getting desperate to feel something, anything—so when Paul keeps pursuing her, Holly relents. Paul's kisses are a welcome diversion…and it's nice to feel like the kind of girl that a guy like Paul would choose.
Buy it October 20th

Tricks by Ellen Hopkins

Buy it August 25th

Review

Mean Girls
Hayley DiMarco

Grade: B
Rating: PG

Summary: (From Amazon) Why is it so tough to be a girl? Whether it's at school, in the mall, or even online, girls are mean to each other. Most girls will admit that they have been a victim of a mean girl. In fact, many will say that all girls are basically mean. Whether they're teasing a girl because of how she looks, making up rumors to torment others, or launching an online campaign to destroy their target, girls can be just plain ruthless. This one-of-a-kind book has helped end the cycle of meanness for tens of thousands of girls. Mean Girls is a call to spiritual strength. A call to stand firm. It calls girls to face the beasts in their lives head on. In short, it's the answer girls need for the problem they never thought could go away.

Thoughts: I actually kind of liked parts of this book. It was not “A” worthy but it was a good read. I liked how it really got deep down into aspects that many shy away from. It is important for us girls to see what we are doing to contribute to the bullying situation. For example; in 6th grade I had a bully. Everyday she would torment me and make me late for class. I thought she was just an evil B**** and could deal with it on my own. I fought back and was nasty to her. One day she wrote, “die bit**” on my locker and I finally panicked. So maybe I wasn’t as mean as she was, but I could have stopped it from the start if I’d have taken a step back and told my mom. It was shortly after that, that my grandma bought me this book. It’s taken me forever to read it but it was worth my time.

Recommendation: I would tell all girls in grades six through nine to pick up a copy of this book. It really touches on some tough subjects that we could all use help through. I also would tell your mom to buy the adult version.

Mail Call

No mail call as I'm in Texas :) Cant wait to tell you what I got when I come back.

Review:

The Blonde of the Joke
Bennett Madison

Grade: B-
Rating: R for extreme f-bombs and sexuality

Summary: (from barnes and noble) The reinvention of good-girl Valentina Martinez comes in the guise of a hootchie makeover and shoplifting, all thanks to her naughty new best friend Francie Knight, who walks into class the first day of school wearing nothing but an aqua tube top and gold hot pants. Francie takes Val under her wing: She cuts and bleaches her hair, bestows on her similarly skimpy clothes, and the two hit the mall. Readers may well be dumbfounded that Val so easily slides into the life of a criminal, but Madison builds Val's desperation for attention and friendship so convincingly that they have no choice but to go with it. The Gap, Spencer Gifts and other familiar suburban haunts all fall victim to their exploits; Madison's snarky, near-satirical tone, chock-a-block with dozens of hilarious "oh no she didn't!" moments, keeps the plot from getting too cautionary. What results is a ridiculous, riotous, tongue-in-cheek mad dash through the mall where everything is not as it seems and where the cheap jokes and the bounty grow like apples on trees.

Thoughts: I really enjoyed most parts of this novel. In my opinion the swearing was a bit excessive but it was also needed as description in certain parts. The sexual nature of this book leaned a tad toward the creepy side. At sometimes they made the characters sound 13 or 14. I don’t know any 14 year olds who dress so trampy and deal with sexual advances in these ways. The story could have kept my attention a little better if the plot wasn’t so “out there”. Yes shoplifting is at large in teens, but what the hell is with the Holy Grail crap? I have never heard of a teen who shoplifts in search of freaking holy item. Whatever floats your banana boat I guess?

Recommendation: This book could be enjoyed by high school students who don’t mind how out there the plot tended to be. I would say nobody under 14 should read it but in the end it’s up to you or your parents judgment. My 12 year old sister will NOT be reading my copy anytime soon.

Up Next: Jewel Treasured by her Family

Vacation Post

Hey everyone! As of when you read this I'm either on a plane, at the airport in Denver, at an airport in Austin or at my cousins house. I have set my blog to post for me :) I will have computer access so feel free to email me!

Bye guys!

Wednesday Wishlist

Paparazzi Princess (Secrets of My Hollywood Life Series #4)
by Jen Calonita

As the last season of Family Affair comes to a close, prime-time teen star Kaitlin Burke is no closer to deciding what she wants to do after the show ends. Struggling with careerchoices and bummed over a ridiculous catfight with her BFF, Liz, Kaitlin is so mixed up she even starts to semi-bond with her archnemesis, Sky. Worst of all, she falls in with two of Hollywood's biggest party fiends when one of them asks her, "Don't you ever do what you want to do?" Shopping sprees and the Tinseltown nightlife seems fun at first, but soon Kaitlin realizes that being a paparazzi princess just might be her downfall.

Girlfriend Material by Melissa Kantor

If Kate were Lady Brett Ashley, the devastating heroine of Hemingway's The Sun Also Rises, she'd spend her summers careering around the Riviera in her coupe, breaking hearts by the dozen—because why not? In reality, Kate's never even had a boyfriend, and she'll be spending the summer abetting her mom's lame ploy to make her dad jealous: running off to Cape Cod and crashing at the seaside home of her wealthy friends, the Cooper-Melnicks. To add to the shame, the Cooper-Melnicks' gorgeous daughter Sarah is a bit like Lady Brett, and she seems less than thrilled to hang out with her new houseguest. Any dreams Kate once had of a perfect summer are ruined.

Bleed by Laurie Faria Stolarz

Over the course of a single summer day, ten teenagers in Salem, Massachusetts, will discover important truths about themselves and each other.

This Is What I Want to Tell You by Heather Duffy Stone

Nadio and his twin sister, Noelle, always had a unique bond. And somehow, Keeley Shipley fit perfectly into their world. But when Keeley spends the summer in England, she comes home changed, haunted by a dark memory. As she and Nadio fall in love, they try to hide it from Noelle, who's jealously guarding a secret of her own. Slowly, a life-long friendship begins to crack under the crushing weight of past trauma, guarded secrets, jealousy, obsession . . . and an unexpected love that could destroy them.

Interview

Today we have Mandy Hubbard, author of Prada and Prejudice here for an interview. Her book has now been released so go buy a copy!

If you were stranded on an island what character from Prada and Prejudice would you want with you and why?
Alex, the Duke of Harksbury! Although it does seem a little weird (he's 19 in the book, and I am 26) so let's assume he's older than me on the island. What? It's MY island, right?

Where did the idea of Prada and Prejudice come from?
In 2005 I read my first regency romance, and gobbled up dozens more quickly thereafter. However, I really wanted to read about someone more like me---someone who thought and talked like I did--so I decided to plunk a modern teen into the setting I'd fallen in love with. The result is PRADA & PREJUDICE.

If you were to write a colaberation sequel with another author who would you choose?
Cyn Balog, author of FAIRY TALE (coming in June from Random House). We're actually working together on an entirely different novel, and our styles gel really well.

Who was your biggest supporter along the way?
Cyn Balog, hands down. My hubby was pretty awesome too (when asked if he thought I'd ever be published, he'd simply answer, "Of course.") but no one can really understand the passion and the rollercoaster ride like another writer/author. Cyn and I were critique partners for years, and then she sold her novel in Fall 2007. By mid 2008, I was feeling left behind--and then sold my book in June. My book actually comes out a week and a half before hers, so we've been able to compare notes all along the way.

When writing do you ever get jealous of the characters you create?
Oh, gosh yes! I am really obsessed with falling in love--which is why I write romantic books--so I always want to be my characters. There's nothing like brand-new love to make your heart race.

I know I have seen a few reviews out there already. Have you had to handle any negative ones?
Not yet! I know they will come, but amazingly, everything has been positive so far. I'm waiting for the other shoe to drop, so to speak.

If you could play a part in prada and Prejudice if a movie came along who would you pick?
I would love to be an extra in one of the ball scenes, wearing the fancy dresses! I'll leave the real acting to people who can, you know, act.

When did you know you had to be a writer?
I didn't start writing until I was 20 years old. It didn't even occur to me that I could "be" a writer until I was 22.

Must Monday

Two great books this week!

Second Skin by Jessica Wollman

So Sam stole the skin from Kylie. Now she’s the most popular girl at school, while Kylie’s social life takes a serious hit. Sam can barely recognize herself. Her old geek clique is history—but are her new friends really people she can count on? The skin is clinging tighter to her each day . . . can Sam get it off before it’s too late?

Buy it July 14th.

Crazy Beautiful by Lauren Baratz-Logsted

In an explosion of his own making, Lucius blew his arms off. Now he has hooks. He chose hooks because they were cheaper. He chose hooks because he wouldn’t outgrow them so quickly. He chose hooks so that everyone would know he was different, so he would scare even himself.

Buy it September 7th!

Review

Title: Isabelle’s boyfriend
Author: Caroline Hickey

Grade:B
Rating:pg

Summary:
When the guy you love is with some other girl you don’t like what is left to do?
Taryn has found her soulmate. Epp is the kind of guy we all love. He’s the hotter then fire athlete. The little problem is: He’s already taken by a gorgeous girl. Taryn decides to become friends with Epp’s girlfriend, Isabelle. Things begin to change all around. Taryn has new friends and is going on dates. She also gets her first kiss. Life is just going perfect for her in everyway. There is just a tiny problem: Epp has yet to dump Isabelle. Will it EVER happen?

Thoughts: Overall this was a nice read. The rivalry wasn’t extremely obvious and it was just fairly enjoyable. It was in no way a “mean girls” story because the girls were not flat out mean or nasty. The behind the scenes back stabbing did tend to become a little boring.

Recommendation: High school girls, read it!

Currently reading: Dreamland

No weekly mail call, but even better..

I was on Blog Talk Radio this morning!

I had so much fun and want you all to hear what it was like!

http://www.blogtalkradio.com/Acros

What do you think?

Review: Hottie

Hottie
Jonathan Bernstein

Grade: B
Rating: PG

Summary: (Barnes and Noble) Alison Cole's got it all: She's gorgeous, dating a steamy surfer boy, and has just been crowned Beverly Hills High Freshman Class President. Then during a special "symmetry" surgery, a lightning bolt zaps her, and Alison instantly transforms into Hottie-that is, a totally sizzling superhero with the power to shoot fire from her fingers!

Shunned as a Pyro-Freak, Alison must adopt dorky David Eels as her crime-fi ghting sidekick. Worse, she's falling for the one guy who wants to "extinguish" her forever, Junior Class President of Cuteness- and wannabe fi refi ghter-T. Hull. But she doesn't realize that a supervillain's lurking. . . .

Has Hottie met her match?

My thoughts: This novel was incredibly well written but not my thing. I don’t really like most books that could come across as fantasy or such so this was just different. I think most people could enjoy the quirks and characters. I guess I just don’t have much to say because to me it was just… average.

Recommendation: I would recommend this to girls in 7th grade and up who like books with a little fantasy spin on them.

Contest re minder

Dont forget, there is a contest till the 20th located here: http://booksaremylove.blogspot.com/2009/06/contest.html

Wednesday Wishlist

Here is what I'm wanting this week...

Beach Blondes by Katherine Applegate

Summer Smith is in for the best summer of her life. Between the cold weather and her boyfriendless existence in Minnesota, Summer is ready for sun, sand, and boys in the Florida Keys. And by the end of the first day, she has more than enough to keep her busy:

Tan Lines by Katherine Applegate

Summer can't wait to get back to the Florida Keys. She, Marquez, and Diana have already decided to get an apartment so they can spend the whole summer together. But even with her friends by her side, Summer is in for more boy trouble.

Exclusively Chloe by J. A. Yang, J. Yang

Chloe-Grace can't help it—she's spectacular. How could she not be with celebrity parents who have been the queen and king of Hollywood for years? And Chloe is a celebrity all unto herself as well— she's the first celebrity-adopted kid in Hollywood. But now Chloe's sixteen, and she is tired of every undesired moment of the world's attention. She wonders what it would be like to be a "normal" kid in a regular school. To really understand it, though, she would need to go undercover. So after getting a "make-under" at the hands of her mother's fabulous stylist, she enters the "real" world. But she soon finds out that there is just as much drama there as there is in Hollywood....

The Real Real by Emma Mclaughlin, Nicola Kraus

When Jesse O'Rourke gets picked for a "documentary" being filmed at her school in the Hamptons she's tempted to turn down the offer. But there's a tuition check attached to being on the show, and Jesse needs the cash so she can be the first in her family to attend college. All she has to do is trade her best friend for the glam clique she's studiously avoided, her privacy for a 24/7 mike, and her sense of right and wrong for "what sells on camera." . . . At least there's one bright spot in the train wreck that is her suddenly public senior year: Jesse's crush has also made the cast.

Take a Chance on Me (Gossip Girl by Cecily von Ziegesar

The Carlyle triplets have made a lot of new friends in Manhattan-and more than a few enemies. O stole his best friend's girlfriend, and A dethroned the queen bee. Now a line has been drawn down Fifth Avenue, and it's all-out war. Only here, the battles are fought with icy glares and vicious rumors. It's the Upper East Side, and all's fair in love and scandal...

Contest

Okay so now that you just saw "contest" I know you want the deets. This is a NEW follower contest. But OLD followers dont stop reading. Here's what I want to happen.

If your an old follower:
Tell all your friends about this, for everyone that comes, follows and comments saying you lead them here you have one entry. Leave me a comment if you know they did just so I have your email.

If your a new follower:
There are two options.
1. Leave a commet with your name and email if nobody told you about the contest.
2. Leave the above comment but also include who lead you here.

This is open to US and Canada only because my boss is being a fruitcake and forgets to pay me till 2 weeks later :(

Anyway enter to win.... Breathing.

Winner announced the 20th.

Must Monday

It's that time again! This week there will be 4 books!

Prada and Prejudice by Mandy Hubbard

To impress the popular girls on a high school trip to London, klutzy Callie buys real Prada heels. But trying them on, she trips...conks her head...and wakes up in the year 1815!

There Callie meets Emily, who takes her in, mistaking her for a long-lost friend. As she spends time with Emily's family, Callie warms to them—particularly to Emily's cousin Alex, a hottie and a duke, if a tad arrogant.

But can Callie save Emily from a dire engagement, and win Alex's heart, before her time in the past is up?

Along for the Ride by Sarah Dessen

It's the summer before college and Auden goes to her father's house in the small coastal town of Colby for some well-earned R&R. Having no plans other than to preread textbooks for her first-semester classes at Defriese University, the would-be bookworm's solitude is quickly disrupted by Thisbe, her colicky new half sister. Strolling the boardwalk with a fussy baby and late night coffee runs at the Gas/Gro lead to chance encounters with the locals, whose main pastime revolves around Colby's bike park. Auden's curiosity is piqued by Eli, a bike-shop worker whose reserved, solitary nature seems to match her own. Her social sphere widens when Heidi, her sleep-deprived stepmom, asks for some bookkeeping help in her fashion boutique, and Auden is drawn into the circle of girls who work and hang out there, including Maggie, the clerk also bound for Defriese in September, and sidekicks Leah and Esther. Auden joins in on evening rituals of "store-going," eating junk food, and house parties while keeping her budding relationship with Eli to herself.

Totally Fabulous by Michelle Radford

If you had the power of mind control, could you resist using it? (Didn't think so. Fiona Blount feels your pain.)

Fiona is coming to America! Her long-lost-now-found father is bringing her from London to meet his family. Of course, there's a secret agenda for her trip: Fiona has inherited her dad's psychic abilities and is off to ESP boot camp. Good thing she doesn't take after the rest of his family—a pretty moody bunch. Fiona knows she shouldn't be using her power of compulsion until she has more training, but if she can make people happier, isn't it almost her duty to do so? She's sure that with just a little bit of nudging, they'll all be on their way to being totally fabulous—but is she totally deluded?

Girl Stays in the Picture by Melissa de la Cruz

If you can't be a mega teen superstar sensation then maybe you'll be lucky enough to join her entourage.

Devon — one name only, please — is the latest and jail-bait-est pop star to hit number one on the Billboard chart, and she's making her big-screen debut in Juicy. But after her stint in rehab, the studio isn't so sure she's their girl anymore. If they cut any more of her lines, she'll be a silent film actress! Can Devon regain her star status? She needs to watch her back and make sure that flash doesn't catch her causing a scene, and we don't mean the kind you can yell "Cut!" after.

Livia has lost the weight and gained the attitude in the Hollywood party scene. Her dad's an Oscar-winning producer, and with a hot Beverly Hills boyfriend on her arm as well as her photos all over the pages of Gosizzle.com, Livia looks like she has a perfect life. But looks can be perfectly deceiving....

And there's fresh-faced Casey, who left a job bagging groceries at the Piggly Wiggly to play personal assistant to her best friend...and Devon's rival. She's got the biggest crush on the biggest star of the film — a hot Brit known for loving and leaving. Will Casey stay true to herself while trying to find a place in his universe?

Stars. They're just like us. But what does that mean for the rest of us? Stay tuned, people.