The Vincent Boys

Title: The Vincent Boys
Author: Abbi Glines
Rating: 3.5/5
Summary: Being the good girl isn’t all it’s cracked up to be. Ashton Gray has grown weary of playing the part to please her parents, and to be worthy of the town’s prince charming, Sawyer Vincent. Maybe That’s why she’s found herself spending time with Sawyer’s cousin, Beau, while he’s away for the summer camping with his family. Beau is nothing like her perfect boyfriend. He’s the sexiest guy she’s ever seen, dangerous in ways she’s only day dreamed about, and the one guy she should stay away from. 

Beau never envied Sawyer his loving parents, his big nice home, or his position as quarterback. He loves him like a brother. Which is why he's tried everything in his power to keep his distance from Sawyer’s girlfriend. Even if he has loved her since the age of five, Ashton is Sawyer’s girl, so therefore she’s off limits. But when Sawyer leaves for the summer, Ashton, the one girl Beau would move Heaven and Earth for, decides she wants to get into trouble. Stabbing the one person who’s always accepted him and stood by him in the back, is the cost of finally holding Ashton Gray in his arms. Is she worth losing his cousin over?.... Hell Yeah.

My Thoughts: A really close friend of mine had recommended this book to me, and I'm so glad she did! The Vincent Boys follows the life of Ashton Gray, a high schooler who is torn between 2 cousins, Sawyer and Beau Vincent.
Over-all the book was, to sum it up, not complicated. There was no gloom doom over an impending death threat or a battle between two mythical creatures over one girl. The book was simple, and so I have decided to keep my review simple too. 
This was a nice story about a girl who wants to be herself. A girl who loves a boy and finally realizes that he’s what she needs. It reminds me of a soap opera of sorts…a guilty pleasure. I’m interested to see if the next book develops these characters further, if we get to know more about Sawyer and how things turn out. And, of course, I look forward to more Beau!
Favorite Quote: “She started walking toward me and perfect white teeth caught her full bottom lip between them. I’d fantasized about those lips way too many times. She’d barely covered up her long tanned legs with a pair of shorts that made me want to go to church this Sunday just to thank God for creating her.” 

Hallowed (Unearthly #2)

Title: Hallowed (Unearthly #2)
Author: Cynthia Hand
Rating: 4/5
Summary: For months Clara Gardner trained to face the fire from her visions, but she wasn't prepared for the choice she had to make that day. And in the aftermath, she discovered that nothing about being part angel is as straightforward as she thought.

Now, torn between her love for Tucker and her complicated feelings about the roles she and Christian seem destined to play in a world that is both dangerous and beautiful, Clara struggles with a shocking revelation: Someone she loves will die in a matter of months. With her future uncertain, the only thing Clara knows for sure is that the fire was just the beginning.

In this compelling sequel to "Unearthly," Cynthia Hand captures the joy of first love, the anguish of loss, and the confusion of becoming who you are.

My Thoughts: The highly-anticipated sequel to Unearthly , Hallowed is just as great, and in a lot of ways, greater than its predecessor. 

Hallowed picks up right where Unearthly left off, soon after Clara and Christian mess up their respective purposes. Clara chose Tucker, and that inevitably has consequences with the Powers That Be. More details on the angel hierarchy and history are given in this one, and the myth lover in me devoured those tidbits. 

The level of intensity in Hallowed is not for the faint of heart. The dangers have increased, the emotional turmoil has gone beyond the boiling point, and the amount of tears shed have broken the dam. Hallowed is about choices and decisions. Hallowed is about fulfilling purposes, believing in faith, and most of all trusting in a higher power. And like with most things, Clara has choices. One of those choices is the inevitable: Christian or Tucker. 

I was prepared to write a breakdown about the differences and similarities between Christian and Tucker, but you know what? Unlike most love triangles, Hand has written this in a way where either choice isn’t so bad. She has allowed me, the reader, to accept the inevitable and face reality. I think this is the only story where I was okay with the choices and decisions that Clara had to make, when it came to these two. 

Favorite Quote: "Tucker--the man is definitely Tucker; I'd know that butt anywhere---leads him around the pasture." 

All in all, this sequel is a MUST READ!

Tempest (Tempest #1)

Title: Tempest (Tempest #1)
Author: Julie Cross
Rating: 4/5
Summary: The year is 2009.  Nineteen-year-old Jackson Meyer is a normal guy… he’s in college, has a girlfriend… and he can travel back through time. But it’s not like the movies – nothing changes in the present after his jumps, there’s no space-time continuum issues or broken flux capacitors – it’s just harmless fun.

That is… until the day strangers burst in on Jackson and his girlfriend, Holly, and during a struggle with Jackson, Holly is fatally shot. In his panic, Jackson jumps back two years to 2007, but this is not like his previous time jumps. Now he’s stuck in 2007 and can’t get back to the future.

Desperate to somehow return to 2009 to save Holly but unable to return to his rightful year, Jackson settles into 2007 and learns what he can about his abilities.

But it’s not long before the people who shot Holly in 2009 come looking for Jackson in the past, and these “Enemies of Time” will stop at nothing to recruit this powerful young time-traveler.  Recruit… or kill him.

Piecing together the clues about his father, the Enemies of Time, and himself, Jackson must decide how far he’s willing to go to save Holly… and possibly the entire world.

My Thoughts: The hardest books to review for are the one's you love the most. In Tempest Jackson Meyer carries a recessive gene known as the Tempest gene. This gene is capable of producing certain symptoms or abilities such as time travel and advanced memory. When Jackson begins to experiment with his new found abilities, he’s faced with the dangers that come with time jumping and exposes himself to a whole new world filled with lies, intrigue and danger that not only risks those he cares for most, but also the fate of events which he can alter during his time jumps. 
To put it simply:
Jackson loves Holly
Holly loves Jackson
But, time loves Jackson a little too much.
After accidentally time-traveling into the past, Jackson finds himself stuck in 2009, before he met Holly: the love of his life. 
Overall, I really loved this book. The whole time travel plot really cleared up but at the same time, there are so many interesting mysteries. I'm really excited to see where Cross goes with this series. But Oh Dear God the ending...it killed me. It really killed me. Can't wait for the next book!  

A Million Suns (Across the Universe #2)

Title: A Million Suns (Across the Universe #2)
Author: Beth Revis
Rating: 4.3/5
Summary: Godspeed was fueled by lies. Now it is ruled by chaos. 
It's been three months since Amy was unplugged. The life she always knew is over. And everywhere she looks, she sees the walls of the spaceship Godspeed. But there may just be hope: Elder has assumed leadership of the ship. He's finally free to enact his vision - no more Phydus, no more lies. 

But when Elder discovers shocking news about the ship, he and Amy race to discover the truth behind life on Godspeed. They must work together to unlock a puzzle that was set in motion hundreds of years earlier, unable to fight the romance that's growing between them and the chaos that threatens to tear them apart. 

In book two of the Across the Universe trilogy, New York Times bestselling author Beth Revis mesmerizes us again with a brilliantly crafted mystery filled with action, suspense, romance, and deep philosophical questions. And this time it all builds to one mind-bending conclusion: They have to get off this ship.

My Thoughts: This book was so FREXING good! And yes, I used the word frexing, (fricking in the future) Before I read A Million Suns, I HATED Sci-Fi, its a true but sad fact. 
A Million Suns (the Across the Universe trilogy) by Beth Revis is a wondrous sequel to the first book.It continues the story of Elder and Amy -- both on the Godspeed -- a huge ship traveling toward another "Earth" for the thousands of passengers to settle. They have been traveling for hundreds of years, and generations have been born and have died on the ship. Amy is unfrozen by Elder (In Across the Universe) and now she is stuck on a dying ship without her parents.  Throughout A Million Suns, Amy and Elder try to save Godspeed to fight for their lives. *Cue dramatic music*


AHHHHHH! I really, REALLY want to tell you what Elder discovers in this book. OH FREX! But, I don't want to ruin it for you guys, so READ THIS BOOK! It really is one of the best ones I've read in a while. Beth Revis is the master of surprise! You have to read this book to find out why. I couldn't put this book down. Even after reading it, I was thinking about it all day. The ending is a cliffhanger! I can't wait for Book 3.

Bittersweet

Title: Bittersweet
Author: Sarah Ockler 
Rating: 3/5
Summary: Once upon a time, Hudson knew exactly what her future looked like. Then a betrayal changed her life, and knocked her dreams to the ground. Now she’s a girl who doesn’t believe in second chances... a girl who stays under the radar by baking cupcakes at her mom’s diner and obsessing over what might have been. 

So when things start looking up and she has another shot at her dreams, Hudson is equal parts hopeful and terrified. Of course, this is also the moment a cute, sweet guy walks into her life... and starts serving up some seriously mixed signals. She’s got a lot on her plate, and for a girl who’s been burned before, risking it all is easier said than done. 

It’s time for Hudson to ask herself what she really wants, and how much she’s willing to sacrifice to get it. Because in a place where opportunities are fleeting, she knows this chance may very well be her last...
My Thoughts: Hudson Avery once had what she considered the best in life---the perfect family, perfect best friend, and even being the best figure skater in Watonka. But one event changed it all: from being on top, Hudson's life changed drastically which led her to give up ice skating, her family, and her best friend. 

Three years later, Hudson found herself as the Cupcake Queen of Watonka, helping out her mother in Hurley's, their diner. Her life may be imperfect compared to the past, but everything went well for Hudson... until she received the letter that might change her life again. Given another chance at her dreams, Hudson will make decisions which will help her define her real happiness in life. 

Favorite Quote:  "It takes forty muscles to frown, and only twelve to jam a cupcake in your mouth and get over it."

Perhaps one of my favorite things about the book was that each chapter came with its own cupcake recipe. I SWEAR, I will make all of them one day!

Sarah Ockler has written a wonderful and truly inspiring novel. Bittersweet is THE book for everyone. 

Bloodrose (Nightshade #3)

Title: Bloodrose (Nightshade #3)
Author: Andrea Cremer 
Rating: 3/5
Summary: Calla has always welcomed war. 

But now that the final battle is upon her, there's more at stake than fighting. There's saving Ren, even if it incurs Shay's wrath. There's keeping Ansel safe, even if he's been branded a traitor. There's proving herself as the pack's alpha, facing unnamable horrors, and ridding the world of the Keepers' magic once and for all. And then there's deciding what to do when the war ends. If Calla makes it out alive, that is.
My Thoughts: Picture this: Your laying down in your bed, reading Bloodrose by Andrea Cremer. Everything has gone down PERFECTLY; Shay and Calla are together and although Calla was slutty at times, Shay a little too protective, and Calla left everyone's life in mortal danger just to be with Shay, the climatic battle is over now. You have got about, 40 pages left and figure that the author will use it to tie up some loose ends. Suddenly. BAM! A new plot arises, disturbing your serene happiness. BAM! Shay and Calla's love life may be over. BAM! (spoiler) Cala, Shay, and the rest of the pack must remain in their wolf form forever and not have any humanity.
WHAT THE (INSERT WORD OF YOUR CHOICE ) HAPPENED?
I'm going to try to go through character by character:
Calla:  "Oh, I would wait until the war ends, then I make the choice." Umm, yeah while you're basically letting Shay rip your clothes off.  Calla DID NOT know what she wanted, she keep going back and forth. She's kissing the other behind the other guy's back and she gets OH SO MAD when they try to rip each others throat out. Like hello, you can't expect them to not fight over you!
Shay: A little to incompetent, and too over protective
Ren: All I can say is, I don't speak evil of the dead.
Adne & Conner= PERFECTION


Now, because this is a YA book REVIEW blog, not a rant blog, but feel free to express your feelings via email. (supercalifragiliciousreads@yahoo.com)

Cinder (Lunar Chronicles #1)

Title: Cinder (Lunar Chronicles #1)
Author: Marissa Meyer
Rating: 4/5
Summary: Humans and androids crowd the raucous streets of New Beijing. A deadly plague ravages the population. From space, a ruthless lunar people watch, waiting to make their move. No one knows that Earth's fate hinges on one girl... Cinder, a gifted mechanic, is a cyborg. She's a second-class citizen with a mysterious past, reviled by her stepmother and blamed for her stepsister's illness. But when her life becomes intertwined with the handsome Prince Kai's, she suddenly finds herself at the center of an intergalactic struggle, and a forbidden attraction. Caught between duty and freedom, loyalty and betrayal, she must uncover secrets about her past in order to protect her world's future.
My Thoughts: Set in a world were androids and humans walk side by side in the city of New Beijing, a deadly plague looms over the city, with death just around the corner. A young mechanic- Cinder lives with her “wicked” stepmother, and being a cyborg is made more of a second-class citizen. But when her path crosses with Prince Kai and her sister falls ill to the plague, Cinder’s life and past start to intertwine with the future of those of the city and even the worlds.
I love Cinder. Shes intelligent, humorous and extremely endearing. I loved her spirit, she was not meek or a pushover. 
And then there's Prince Kai. With his easy smile and his impartial character, I was pretty much in love with him instantly. And his winning qualities didn’t stop there! He was also so kind and caring and charming...and did I mention handsome? 
Marissa Meyer has created a TRULY engrossing take on this classic fairytale. The book was very well written, and descriptive, I had a movie playing in my head while reading. The only con I can find is that the next book will not come out until 2013. Oh my poor soul! 

The Statistical Probability of Love at First Sight

Title: The Statistical Probability of Love at First Sight 
Author: Jennifer E. Smith
Rating: 3.5/5
Summary: Who would have guessed that four minutes could change everything?

Today should be one of the worst days of seventeen-year-old Hadley Sullivan's life. She's stuck at JFK, late to her father's second wedding, which is taking place in London and involves a soon to be step-mother that Hadley's never even met. Then she meets the perfect boy in the airport's cramped waiting area. His name is Oliver, he's British, and he's in seat 18C. Hadley's in 18A. 

Twists of fate and quirks of timing play out in this thoughtful novel about family connections, second chances and first loves. Set over a 24-hour-period, Hadley and Oliver's story will make you believe that true love finds you when you're least expecting it.
My Thoughts: The Statistical Probability of Love at First Sight is a cute, funny book that reads like a romantic comedy. Hadley Sullivan's life changes when she misses her flight to London  by 4 minutes. Hadley, now stuck at JFK meets Oliver, a native European who is on his way home.
Although the book is predictable, it has a certain captivating air around it that makes you want to know more. Throughout the book, we journey through Hadley's character and all the pain she felt after her parents divorced. 
Most interesting thing of the book: It takes place over the course of  24 hours. Yes, 24 HOURS! 
For fans of Anna and the French Kiss, and romance in general, this is a book for you.