Stacking the Shelves #44

This is a weekly meme hosted by Tynga's Reviews, where you showcase all the books you've received in the past week. Check out my haul:

[click on image for info]

Paperback Copies for Review:

 

 

*Special thanks to Little Brown, St. Martin's Griffin, Harper Perennial, and Harcourt for these gifts.

Purchased at Building #19:

 

Both were under $2.00 and since I've always wanted to read them I decided why not. 

So, those are all the books I've gotten this week. What's in your haul?

Review: Stay by Deb Caletti

Stay

by Deb Caletti

Hardcover, 313 pages

Released: April 5th 2011

Publisher: Simon Pulse

Purchase: Amazon

*Purchased a copy on Amazon.

Synopsis via Goodreads:

Clara's relationship with Christian is intense from the start, and like nothing she’s ever experienced before. But what starts as devotion quickly becomes obsession, and it's almost too late before Clara realizes how far gone Christian is and what he's willing to do to make her stay.

Now Clara has left the city and Christian behind. No one back home has any idea where she is, but she still struggles to shake off her fear. She knows Christian won't let her go that easily, and that no matter how far she runs, it may not be far enough....

I was looking for a story that was intense, thought provoking, and in general have me at the edge of my seat. Stay did not deliver the intensity I wanted, but it had an interesting story that was realistic in every sense.

Here we have a young girl running away from a frightening situation and trying to sort out her life; where to go next and what steps to take to get there. Her relationship with her father becomes challenged with buried secrets and old, as well as new, friends shake things up a bit. 

I really liked the realness of Stay and the subject matter upon which the story was written. Many young girls and women face the horrors of a relationship gone wrong but never seem to be able to find the courage to take a stand before it's too late. Clara blamed herself for the increased possession and psycho-mental behavior. Like many, she believed it was her fault why Christian got the way he did. That she let it happened. And the best aspect of the story was her coming to the realization that it was in fact not her doing. 

Clara's character was acceptable, but I didn't develop any sort of connection. I was simply going along with her story because I wanted to see the outcome. I waited patiently to see if or when Clara as well as her father would stop running from Christian as well as from other things in their lives. Because, like I've mentioned before, the story wasn't all about Clara's unhealthy relationship with Christian, there were other pressing issues at hand. 

There was something else I liked about Stay, and that was the blooming romance and sense of belonging that Clara and her father started to experience in her new life. The attraction wasn't pulling me in at first, but I understood that based on her past troubles Clara wanted to go slow. And Finn was the right kind of guy that wanted to take it easy and make her feel as comfortable, and safe, as possible. The same was for her father. He held on to the guilt of what happened with Clara's mother. So, it was refreshing for him to rekindle the magic of friendship and return to the world of intimacy and dating.

Unfortunately, there were bothersome factors.

What bugged me about the book was the pace and the author's constant method of going into details that seemed to go on for too long. Sadly, I strayed on several occasions, reading while nothing was coming through or sticking with me. At times I felt a scene was too draggy when it should have moved along to the next. Also, while I did like the addition of footnotes personalizing the story even more, there were times I felt they were a little unnecessary for certain descriptions. But other than those few things, Stay was a good read and once again, I liked the realistic subject matter because I haven't read much on such topic and this book has invited me to do so more often. 

About the Author

Deb Caletti is an American writer born in San Rafael, California. She was a National Book Award finalist, as well as the recipient of other numerous awards including PEN USA finalist award, the Washington State Book Award, and SLJ Best Book award.

Deb went to Lake Washington High School in Kirkland, Washington, U.S.A., and graduated in 1981. She earned a BA in Journalism/Communications from the University of Washington in Seattle in 1985. She currently resides in Issaquah, Washington.

A series of television films based on Caletti's novels is currently in production.

www.debcaletti.com | twitter.com/debcaletti

Cover Reveal: Twisted Summer by Lucy V. Morgan

I'm taking part in the cover reveal for Lucy Morgan's upcoming novel, Twisted Summer, hosted by the awesome Giselle @ Xpresso Book Tours. What do you think of the cover? I love it!

Synopsis via Goodreads:

A dark new adult romance...

"You have to understand that we never meant for it to happen. We knew it was stupid. We knew it was wrong..."

Eighteen-year-old Danni Warren has big plans for her last summer before college: a cool job, a concert she wouldn’t miss for the world, and spending time with her beautiful girlfriend, Esme. But after one hell of an argument, Danni’s mother packs her off to stay with her estranged step-uncle, Gabe, in his lodge on the coast. So begins a weekend of the worst punishment imaginable: no phone signal.

With his sun kissed good looks and sarcastic manner, twenty-nine-year-old Gabe isn’t anything like Danni expected. She wants to hate him—he’s her punishment for standing up to her mother—but between surfing lessons and beach hikes, they grow close. Maybe too close.

Now Danni’s questioning everything: old family secrets, her future, her strained relationship with Esme. One sun stained afternoon, Gabe and Danni go too far. And then everything else falls apart…

Release date: March 31st 2013

Self Published

About the Author

Lucy writes sharp contemporary fiction, usually with a liberal splatter of filth. She is a Lyrical Press author and a screenwriter.

Her upcoming new adult novel, TWISTED SUMMER, is a gutsy take on forbidden love starring an even gutsier heroine. 
Her contemporary series, encompassing CHAIRMAN OF THE WHORED and THE WHORED'S PRAYER, features slick London lawyers with a penchant for sensual violence. It's definitely on the darker side. BEAUTIFUL MESS, her current release, is a snarky, sexy friends-to-lovers romp. 
Lucy is currently working on new novels, and is developing a paranormal television series with producers (think The Vampire Diaries meets The 4400). 
She is still trying to kick her dirty Pepsi habit.

www.lucyvmorgan.com | twitter.com/lucyvmorgan

Review: My Life in Black & White by Natasha Friend

My Life in Black & White

by Natasha Friend

Released: June 28th 2012

Publisher: Viking Juvenile

*Purchased paperback copy using my Amazon gift card, courtesy of the awesome Henrietta @LeisureReads.

Synopsis via Goodreads

What if you lost the thing that made you who you are?

Lexi has always been stunning. Her butter-colored hair and perfect features have helped her attract friends, a boyfriend, and the attention of a modeling scout. But everything changes the night Lexi's face goes through a windshield. Now she's not sure what's worse: the scars she'll have to live with forever, or what she saw going on between her best friend and her boyfriend right before the accident. With the help of her trombone-playing, defiantly uncool older sister and a guy at school recovering from his own recent trauma, Lexi learns she's much more than just a pretty face.

I loved it. I loved it. I LOVE it. Beauty is indeed in the eye of the beholder. And My Life in Black & White gives a clear picture on a lesson that isn't stressed on enough in society, that appearance isn't everything. This is a fact that the female protagonist had to discover for herself in a very painful way. The aftermath was indeed a challenge, but her path to self-discovery was quite interesting.

Trust me when I say I'm shaking my head in this very moment, trying to come up with the best words to describe my feelings about Natasha Friend's thought-provoking novel. And the only sentences popping up more than ever are: "I enjoyed it!" "Oh, wow!" and "Finally! I see fireworks!" Why? you might ask. Well, I read this in two sittings (I really really had to tear myself away and prioritize, no matter how addicting the story was), and I never once felt bored. After the terrible accident (and might I add the details were very graphic) I just had to find out what happens next and how Lex would turn out by the end. It's the sort of book that excites you and pulls you in with the turn of every page. 

Characters! I liked every single one of them (yes, even the meanies). None were pointless and had me questioning their presence in the story. Aside from the main ones, the minors (who didn't seem so minor) were significant and affected Lex in one way or another. My ultimate favorite character that played a really really good part was Ruthie. Who would've thought that the sister everyone treated like a ghost would have such an impact on the sister everyone held on a pedestal.But once everything that placed Lex up so high came crumbling down it gave her a better view of the real and the fake. 

Following the betrayal she witnessed and of course the horrific accident, Lexie's reaction was understandable, justifiable, and most of all believable. As bad as it was, both events changed her a lot (for the better). It slowed her down and made her think more about who she was as a person and how she truly wanted others to view her. The one thing I admired most was that she became more aware. Overtime, she considered her every word and actions; especially with a friend she passed over casually before, and definitely with her sister and parents. I felt like I was going through the days with her, experiencing the hurt, rebuilding friendships, and even finding love again. Its just terrific writing and I admire this author for such a lively book.

My Life in Black & White is an eye-opener; a story that's painful and intriguing, yet thrilling and informative. This was my very first taste of Natasha Friend's writing but I'm without a doubt going to devour her other works now. For sure, this one is at the top of my "highly recommend" list. 

BLOG TOUR~The Forgotten Ones by Laura Howard

The Laura Howard Forgotten Ones blog tour is now running from April 30th - May 14th. See details below:

Synopsis via Goodreads:

Allison O'Malley just graduated from college. Her life's plan is to get a job and take care of her schizophrenic mother. She doesn't have room for friends or even Ethan, who clearly wants more. 

When Allison's long-lost father shows up, he claims he can bring her mother back from the dark place her mind has sent her. He reveals legends of a race of people long forgotten, the Tuatha de Danaan, along with the truth about why he abandoned her mother.

Release date: May 15th 2013

Purchase: Amazon

About the Author:

Laura Howard lives in New Hampshire with her husband and four children. Her obsession with books began at the age of 6 when she got her first library card. Nancy Drew, Sweet Valley High and other girly novels were routinely devoured in single sittings. Books took a backseat to diapers when she had her first child. It wasn’t until the release of a little novel called Twilight, 8 years later, that she rediscovered her love of fiction. Soon after, her own characters began to make themselves known. The Forgotten Ones is her first published novel.

laurahoward78.blogspot.com | twitter.com/laurahoward78

~TOUR SCHEDULE~

April 30 Road Race(Jenna's Junction Blog) *Interview

Conversations of a Reading Addict *Review & Playlist (blogger's choice of music)

My Library in the Making *Review & Favorite Quotes

The Quiet Concert *Blurb & Excerpt (blogger's choice)

Emily's Crammed Bookshelf *Blurb & Excerpt (blogger's choice)

May 1 Ever and Ever Sight *Review & Favorite Quotes

My Book Memoirs *Blurb

Living Life Bright *Blurb & Author Spotlight

May 2 I Have Lived a Thousand Lives *Guest Post
For The Love Of Film And Novels *Review & Excerpt (blogger's choice)
Ramblings of a Daydreamer *Review & Favorite Quotes
  Book Boyfriend Reviews *Review
Coffee, books and me *Blurb 

May 3 Delirious About Books *Blurb & Excerpt (blogger's choice)
YA Bookmark *Review & Playlist (blogger's choice of music)
Always YA at Heart *Review & Favorite Quotes
Dazzled by Books *Review & Excerpt (blogger's choice)
B.O.O.K.L.I.F.E *Blurb

May 4 Mr. Book Wonder *Interview
Books to Consider *Review & Dream cast (blogger's choice of actors)
Moosubi Reviews! *Review & Excerpt (blogger's choice)
Leeanna.me *Review
Snuggling on the Sofa *Blurb & Author Spotlight

*No stops on Sunday

May 6 LeBookSquirrel *Blurb & Excerpt (blogger's choice)
Snowdrop Dreams of Books *Review & Playlist (blogger's choice of music)
Pages Of Forbidden Love *Review & Favorite Quotes
Paperrdolls *Review & Excerpt (blogger's choice)

May 7 Writer of Wrongs *Guest post
Lost in Literature *Review & Excerpt (blogger's choice)
Forget the Housework, I'm Reading *Review
Books Live Forever *Blurb

May 8 The Girl in a Cafe *Review & Playlist (blogger's choice of music)
Library of a Book Witch *Review & Favorite Quotes
Reading Is My Breathing *Blurb & Dream Cast (blogger's choice)
Paperback Princess *Blurb

May 9 Kindred Dreamheart *Interview
Just a Booklover *Blurb
My Bookmark Blog *Review
Tumbling In Books *Blurb & Excerpt (blogger's choice)

May 10 Reading Under the Stars *Blurb & Favorite Quotes
New Adult Addiction *Review & Playlist (blogger's choice)

May 11 Jessabella Reads *Guest post
A Dream Within A Dream *Author Spotlight, Excerpt & Playlist (blogger's choice)
Reader Girls *Review & Favorite Quotes
Brandee's Book Endings *Review & Excerpt (blogger's choice)
Spellbound Author Nikki Jefford *Review

*No stops on Sunday

May 13 BRIANNA LEE BOOK REVIEWS *Review 
Candy Coated Book Blog *Review & Excerpt (blogger's choice)
Love, Literature, Art, and Reason *Review & Favorite Quotes
JennReneeRead *Review

May 14 Girls *Heart* Books *Review & Playlist (blogger's choice of music)
Book Crook Reviews *Review & Excerpt (blogger's choice)
Step Into Fiction *Review
Fueled by Fiction *Review 

~GIVEAWAY~

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Review: Never Say Never by Kailin Gow

This is the IFB stop on the Kailin Gow Never Say Never blog tour hosted by SupaGurlBooks. Check out my review below:

Never Say Never (The Never Knights Series)

by Kailin Gow

Published: August 13th 2012 

Publisher: theEDGEbooks.com

Purchase: Amazon 

*Paperback ARC provided by author for an honest review.

Synopsis via Goodreads:

What girl wouldn't want to be surrounded by the sexy guys from the hottest teen rock sensation in the country? 18-year-old Never "Neve" Knight, not only is surrounded by the hottest boys to hit the music charts, but she is the band's lead singer. As the band's lead singer and manager, Never formed and shaped the band to where it is today, a band on the rise and on the brink of being signed by a label. As one of the guys, she knew each of the band members since they were all snot-nose ten-year-olds. While her boys were the cutest guys and they would protect her like knights, she couldn't date any one of them and ruin the chance at being signed with the record label of her dreams.

That changes when one of the band members suddenly drops out of the band, and in walks Danny Blue, with his dreamy blue eyes, hot body, and British accent. Suddenly, Never's solid world has turned to mush, and her rule for not dating one of her band members is seriously challenged. Can she keep her head straight and get her band signed with a label without losing her heart?

~My Review~

Funny, musical, crafty, and rock out entertaining. Kailin Gow delivers a fantastic new age treat for lovers of contemporary romance with an edge. 

This is the second Kailin Gow book that I've devoured and once more I'm taken aback by the fast paced witty writing style, as well as the addicting story being unfolded. I enjoyed the idea of music being the centerfold of everything (I can't stress enough of my love for music in novels), and how intrigued the main character kept me.

Never "Neve" Knight, first of all weird name but I like different things, is the lead singer of a rock band on the verge of taking off. Being a female vocalist in a band has never been easy, especially when trying to keep your relationship with the band members on a friendly, professional level. It certainly complicates things and I've seen a few bands in "reality" shatter to pieces because of that. So, the fact that Neve tries so hard to maintain that focus on music only is indeed difficult for her and even tested once Daniel comes in the picture.

Character wise, everyone caught my attention. I immediately connected with the main character, her emotions and what her intentions were. Aside from her, You can understand other characters like the members of the band, their feelings about the situation, and of course, the guy Neve was so taken by.

The cool thing about this book is that the story isn't just about a band trying to breakout. Neve is the daughter of a musician but chooses to accomplish her goals by not using her family name.  Mind you she's also just started college as well. So, in my opinion, the novel is about working hard, going after what you want, holding on to true friendships, discovering love, and overall growth. Music was a beautiful thing in the book but I doubt I'd make it to the end if there wasn't more going on. And of course I have to mention that ending, it left me sad and pissed off. I simply can't wait to find out what happens next.

About the Author

Kailin Gow uses her author platform to bring awareness to issues affecting young adult and women. She has appeared on national radio as a regular guest on topics such as body image, self-esteem, dating and sexual relationships, bullying, and more; often brought up in her fiction books for young adults and women. She has won multiple awards from the International Book Awards and the Green Book Festival. Selling over half a million books, Kailin Gow has been a bestselling author of over 100 distinct books which includes the Desire Series, PULSE, Wicked Woods, and the Frost Series. She has been professionally published since 2001. She was one of the first authors for young readers to write books for girls with supernatural elements. Her first book series about extraordinary girls guided by an angel in 2001, was a success, selling thousands of print copies in days, and inspiring girl book clubs around the U.S. In 2003, she came out with more series, including The Fairy Rose Chronicles, about fairies in Feyland. Her books have been recommended by PBS Kids, US Mental Health Association, the PTA, and homeschooling associations in the United States. 

www.kailingowbooks.com | @kailingow

Review: Beneath the Glitter by Elle & Blair Fowler

Released: September 4th 2012 

Publisher: St. Martin's Griffin

Purchase: Amazon | Book Depository

*Paperback ARC provided by the publisher for an honest review.

Synopsis via Goodreads:

Welcome to a place where dreams are made.  And where nothing—and no one—is ever what it seems.

After their make-up and fashion videos went viral on YouTube, sisters Sophia and Ava London are thrust into the exclusive life of the Los Angeles elite.  Here fabulous parties, air kisses, paparazzi and hot guys all come with the scene. Sophia finds herself torn between a gorgeous bartender and a millionaire playboy, and Ava starts dating an A-list actor.  But as they’re about to discover, the life they’ve always dreamed of comes with a cost.

Beneath the glitter of the Hollywood social scene lies a world of ruthless ambition, vicious gossip…and betrayal.  Someone close to them, someone they trust, is working in the shadows to bring the London sisters falling down. And once the betrayal is complete, Sophia and Ava find themselves knee-deep in a scandal that could take away everything they care about, including the one thing that matters most—each other.

An enthralling, lighthearted, irresistible, and romantic story surrounding two rising stars that are not only close sisters but best friends facing an adventurous journey together. 

Beneath the Glitter was very enjoyable, not that I'm surprised. This novel has some similarities to the lives of the Fowler sisters and what it is they do, so fans of contemporary, chick lits, and quick paced funny reads will certainly find delight in this one. 

Sophia and Ava are far from each other but quite alike at the same time. Both share the same admiration and consideration for the other, and of course, the sister bond is something to always love in any story. The eldest London plays that role remarkably well. Her decisions are never made unless carefully thought out, while the youngest London, Ava, is more of the risk taker so to speak. What I love about the sisters is their protectiveness for each other and their need to motivate and encourage the other. Of course there were times when the relationship was tested but they managed to overcome their issues and not lose their focus on what's more important to them.

I know plenty of people are saying this novel is all about fashion and beauty but not true. Sure there's reference to the aforementioned and going to hip parties around L.A, but that is apart of their brand. Aside from the cuteness, there are other aspects of the novel contributing to an interesting story and that I think helps to balance things out. 

I would say Beneath the Glitter is more about the relationship of the sisters, how becoming stars takes them into a world where they might trust the wrong people, love the wrong guys, but find some keepers along the way. Again, it focuses on the importance of family and friends, not to mention staying true to yourself. I've learned a great deal of that throughout the story, especially from one character in particular. Giovanni.

Giovanni was kind of like the wise character offering good and meaningful advice to Sophia. Everything he said made sense, and along with the sisters', Giovanni's character had relevance  in the story. 

I also enjoyed the romance side. I liked how both sisters ended up with guys they deemed as perfect in the beginning but towards the end realized perfection wasn't always right. But, I felt that the end was a bit rushed where Ava's part was concerned when her feelings were requited. That was my only issue with the book, other than that, I loved the fact that it's obviously going to continue, being that the ending wasn't exactly an ending to a story. So, can't wait to read the next and I do recommend you read this one.

Review: Defy the Stars by Stephanie Parent

Defy the Stars

by Stephanie Parent

Kindle Edition, 325 pages

Published: August 1st 2012

Purchase: Amazon 

*Ecopy provided by Author for an honest review.


Synopsis via Goodreads:

Julia Cape: A dedicated classical piano student just trying to get through her last semester of high school while waiting to hear from music conservatories. 

Reed MacAllister: A slacker more likely to be found by the stoners’ tree than in class.

Julia and Reed might have graduated high school without ever speaking to each other…until, during a class discussion of Romeo and Juliet, Julia scoffs at the play’s theme of love at first sight, and Reed responds by arguing that feelings don’t always have to make sense. Julia tries to shake off Reed’s comment and forget about this boy who hangs with the stoner crowd—and who happens to have breathtaking blue eyes—but fate seems to bring the two together again and again. After they share an impulsive, passionate kiss, neither one can deny the chemistry between them. Yet as Julia gets closer to Reed, she also finds herself drawn into his dark world of drugs and violence. Then a horrific tragedy forces Julia’s and Reed’s families even farther apart…and Julia must decide whether she’s willing to give up everything for love.

Defy the Stars is written in an edgy free-verse style that will appeal to fans of Ellen Hopkins and Lisa Schroeder; however, the writing is accessible enough to speak to non-verse fans as well. The novel’s combination of steamy romance and raw emotion will appeal to fans of Gayle Forman, Simone Elkeles, Jennifer Echols, and Tammara Webber. With a story, language and form that both pay homage to and subvert Shakespeare’s play, Defy the Stars is much more than just another Romeo and Juliet story.

~My Review~

My musical interest is unlimited, and any story that has music in the mix is bound to get my attention. Defy the Stars stands on its own as one of the most exhilarating, thought-provoking, and fascinating story portraying the life of a young girl coming into her own and deciphering what it truly is she wants in life.  

What's so wonderful about Stephanie's writing, other than the fact that the story's written in verse, is how instead of chapters things are taking place throughout the course of months. I think that's a cool way of showing growth in the main character's life over the particular period of time leading up to her graduation, as well as how her relationships fair. Whether its with her friends, family, and Reed. 


Reed and Julia together is beautiful but somewhat dangerous. His situation is not to be taken lightly. Reed isn't a bad guy, in my opinion, its just the stuff around him that's bad. I think music is what connected the two on another level, aside from their strong chemistry. 


Julia is an interesting character. I loved how playing the piano was something she decided to do on her own as oppose to being pressured into it by her parents. Though, she does seem pressured in other ways, whether its living up to their expectations of excelling, or establishing a relationship with someone they deem as respectable, focused, and up to their liking. Julia is a teen so of course her way of discerning certain things will leave you with questionable expressions, but nonetheless, her ability to rise above all else is quite remarkable.

So, what else can I say about this novel? The setting is brilliant, the plot is far from generic, the characters are relatable. Stephanie Parent offers an interesting view on what happens with teens in society, no matter their background, If you're up for a rather realistic read then this is a story for you.