Paranormalcy [book review]

Paranormalcy
Author: Kiersten White

Synopsis: Evie's always thought of herself as a normal teenager, even though she works for the International Paranormal Containment Agency, her ex-boyfriend is a faerie, she's falling for a shape-shifter, and she's the only person who can see through paranormals' glamours.

So much for normal. (via Goodreads)



Rating: ★★★★★

Oh bleep, how can I describe how AHHHH-MAZING Paranormalcy is? I couldn't put this book down for the life of me; it's addicting. For starters, all the supernaturals are very different and have very strong personalities. Evie has a witty way that pulls you in from start to finish. Each page will leave you wanting more. So in 5...4...3...2...1 go grab a copy of Paranormalcy and READ IT!

xoxo

you know you love me

Doris

ps. Supernaturally (sequel to Paranormalcy) is expected to release in September 2011.

Unearthly [book review]

Unearthly

Author: Cynthia Hand

Synopsis: In the beginning, there's a boy standing in the trees...

Clara Gardner has recently learned that she's part angel. Having angel blood run through her veins not only makes her smarter, stronger, and faster than humans (a word, she realizes, that no longer applies to her), but it means that she has a purpose, something she was put on this earth to do. Figuring out what that is, though, isn't easy.

Her visions of a raging forest fire and an alluring stranger lead her to a new school in a new town. When she meets Christian, who turns out to be the boy in her dreams (literally), everything seems to fall into place--and out of place at the same time. Because there's another guy, Tucker, who appeals to Clara's less angelic side.

As Clara tries to find her way in a world she no longer understands, she encounters unseen dangers and choices she never thought she'd have to make--between honesty and deceit, love and duty, good and evil. When the fire from her vision finally ignites, will Clara be ready to face her destiny?

Unearthly is a moving tale of love and fate, and the struggle between following the rules and following your heart. (via Goodreads)

Rating: ★★★★★

What can I say about Unearthly? It's one of those books that captivated me and left me hanging at the end. Cliffhangers -__- And even though it's an angel book, it really doesn't feel like it. You'll see what I mean once you start reading it and I do expect you to read it so chop chop. Overall the story was written PERFECT! Cynthia describes everything in a way that makes you feel like it's happening to you (cool right.) Any who, I'm definitely adding Tucker Avery to my fictional crush list. I've never been into cowboys much but damn Tuck makes the only exception.

you know you love me

xoxo

Doris

If We Kiss [book review]

If We Kiss

Author: Rachel Vail

Synopsis: What would happen if we kiss?

Kevin led me quickly around the side of the building,then stopped. I managed not to crash into him. I tried to look calm, cool, unperturbed. I told myself not to laugh. "Wha...what did..."

And then he kissed me.

If We Kiss is the story of Charlotte (Charlie to her friends), who finds herself falling for a boy who is off-limits. Her best friend is in love with him, and her mother and his father are dating. Still, Charlie can't help but wonder, what would happen if we kiss? (via Goodreads)


Rating: ★★★

Okay, you know how when we were younger we, girls, would analyze every single detail involving what boys said or didn't say to us? (Don't shake your head ladies you know it's true.) Well this is exactly what happens in If We Kiss. This was a cute story but I think it would be more appealing to girls around the age group of 12-15.

I should have read this book in the 9th grade; it would have saved me all that drama.

you know you love me

xoxo

doris

ps. I just want to add that I STILL analyze everything a guy says or doesn't say. Not just analyze either, I OVER-analyze. #thatisall

-B

The Hunger Games [book review]

The Hunger Games
Author: Suzanne Collins

Synopsis: Could you survive on your own, in the wild, with everyone out to make sure you don't live to see the morning?

In the ruins of a place once known as North America lies the nation of Panem, a shining Capitol surrounded by twelve outlying districts. The Capitol is harsh and cruel and keeps the districts in line by forcing them all to send one boy and one girl between the ages of twelve and eighteen to participate in the annual Hunger Games, a fight to the death on live TV.

Sixteen-year-old Katniss Everdeen, who lives alone with her mother and younger sister, regards it as a death sentence when she steps forward to take her sister's place in the Game. But Katniss has been close to death before--and survival, for her, is second nature. Without really meaning to, she becomes a contender. But if she is to win, she will have to start making choices that will weigh survival against humanity and life against love. (via Goodreads)



Rating: ★★★★★

Oh my Peeta. Why, oh why did it take me so long to find you. I...Let me stop myself before this review turns into my crushing on Peeta Mellark and how he's so wonderful *le sigh* and yada, yada, yada. Back to business. The Hunger Games is so different from what I'm use to reading! For starters, it deals in the future an there is like NO United States (freaky but in a good way.) HG has tons of action, suspense and a brave protagonist, Katniss; who is fierce yet sweet with her sister and Rue. Well I have to admit that I cried a couple of times. There were some scenes that are emotional.

I have to thank @VampireLove10 for being a book bully and pushing me to read The Hunger Games. Without her I would have never read this incredible book and known about Peeta.
Now it's my turn to be a book bully: If you haven't read HG then I suggest you do ASAP! You'll fall in love with this book and once you do, you'll be begging for more!

you know you love me

xoxo

Doris

Hex Hall [book review]

Hex Hall
Author: Rachel Hawkins

Synopsis: Three years ago, Sophie Mercer discovered that she was a witch. It's gotten her into a few scrapes. Her non-gifted mother has been as supportive as possible, consulting Sophie's estranged father--an elusive European warlock--only when necessary. But when Sophie attracts too much human attention for a prom-night spell gone horribly wrong, it's her dad who decides her punishment: exile to Hex Hall, an isolated reform school for wayward Prodigium, a.k.a. witches, faeries, and shapeshifters.

By the end of her first day among fellow freak-teens, Sophie has quite a scorecard: three powerful enemies who look like supermodels, a futile crush on a gorgeous warlock, a creepy tag along ghost, and a new roommate who happens to be the most hated person and only vampire on campus. Worse, Sophie soon learns that a mysterious predator has been attacking students, and her only friend is the number-one suspect.

As a series of blood-curdling mysteries starts to converge, Sophie prepares for the biggest threat of all: an ancient secret society determined to destroy all Prodigium, especially her. (via Goodreads)



Rating: ★★★★★

First book I read for the new year, 2011, and I really liked it. It was a fast paced read that had me laughing at the sarcastic Sophia Mercer; she's quite a unique protagonist. Hex Hall deals with witches, faeries, shape shifters and vampires all in ONE school. Can you say DRAMA? And if that's not enough, try figuring out who the "bad guy" is. Yeah, it's a mystery you should solve like, right now. So go read it!

you know you love me
xoxo
Doris

PS: The sequel to Hex Hall is Demon Glass and it will be released March 1, 2011.

I love the cover!

Perfect Chemistry [book review]

Perfect Chemistry

Author: Simone Elkeles



Synopsis: When Brittany Ellis walks into chemistry on the first day of senior year, she has no clue that her carefully created "perfect" life is about unravel before her eyes. She is forced to be lab partners with Alex Fuentes, a gang member from the other side of town, and he's about to threaten everything she's worked so hard for--her flawless reputation, her relationship with her boyfriend, and the secret that her home life is anything but perfect. Alex is a bad boy and he knows it. So when he makes a bet with his friends to lure Brittany into his life, he thinks nothing of it. But soon Alex realizes Brittany is a real person with real problems, and suddenly the bet he made in arrogance turns into something much more.



In a passionate story about looking beneath the surface, Simone Elkeles breaks through the stereotypes and barriers that threaten to keep Brittany and Alex apart. (via Goodreads)





Rating: ★★★★★



Let me start by copying what's on the back of the book.

"At Fairfield High School, on the outskirts of Chicago, everyone knows that south siders and north siders aren't exactly compatible elements. So when head cheerleader Brittany Ellis and gang member Alex Fuentes are forced to be lab partners in chemistry class, the results are bound to be explosive. But neither teen is prepared for the most surprising chemical reaction of all--love. Can they break through the stereotypes and misconceptions that threaten to keep them apart?

'Miss Ellis?' Mrs. Peterson says. 'It's your turn. Introduce Alex to the class.'

'This is Alejandro Fuentes. When he wasn't hanging out on street corners and harassing innocent people this summer, he toured the inside of jails around the city, if you know what I mean. His secret desire is to go to college and become a chemistry teacher, like you, Mrs. Peterson."

Brittany flashes me a triumphant smile, thinking she's won this round. Guess again, gringa.

'This is Brittany Ellis,' I say, all eyes now focused on me. 'This summer she went to the mall, bought new clothes so she could expand her wardrobe, and spent her daddy's money on plastic surgery enhance her, ahem, assets. Her secret desire is to date a Mexicano before she graduates.'

Game on..."

THAT caught my attention! I was like "sarcasm? I'm in!" Boy am I glad I picked up this great read! The story line might have a familiar feel to it, because the whole two different worlds between a gangster and popular rich kid falling in love has been done before. Don't let that discourage you though, because even if it has a similar ring to it, it's different on it's own. There's so much I loved about the book that I want to point out! I love how it's written with both Brittany and Alex's point of view. I love how there's Spanish in this book (even though the language might be a bit too mature.) I love the HOT chemistry between Alex and Brit. By the way, I caught on to why the book was titles Perfect Chemistry halfway into the book. I know, FAIL! LOL. Any who, I can go on and on. But I'll let you resume your busy life schedules. I do however want to recommend that you pick up this book when you're in the mood for a good love story(:

ps. towards the end of the book clean off any mascara or eyeliner and have some tissue ready!

sealed with love

xoxo

B

Trickster's Girl [book review]

Trickster's Girl
Author: Hilari Bell

Synopsis: In the year 2098 America isn't so different from the USA of today. But in a post-9/11 security-obsessed world, "secured" doesn't just refer to borders between countries,it also refers to borders between states. Teenagers still think they know everything, but there is no cure for cancer, as Kelsa knows first-hand from watching her father die.

The night Kelsa buries her father, a boy appears. He claims magic is responsible for the health of Earth, but human damage disrupts its flow. The planet is dying.

Kelsa has the power to reverse the damage, but first she must accept that magic exists and see beyond her own pain in order to heal the planet.



Rating: ★

Trickser's Girl seemed more alluring to me at the time I read the synopsis and requested it. Maybe it was the title, maybe it was the cover. Yes, I tend to often judge books by titles, and covers. Usually I dislike reading books set in the future. They seem too unreal, or too, I don't know, weird? Like this book, it was just weird to me. The writing was good, but I wasn't a big fan of the story line. It seemed too bipolar, mixing the future with magic and cancer cures and nature. Am I making sense? This is probably the hardest time I've had writing a review. I guess you'll have to read the book for yourself to understand where I'm coming from(:

sealed with love

xoxo

B

Crossing Lines [book review]

Crossing Lines

Author: Paul Volponi

Synopsis: What do you do when bullying goes too far?

Adonis is a jock. He's on the football team and he's dating one of the prettiest girls in school. Alan is the new kid. He wears lipstick and joins the Fashion Club. Soon enough the football team is out to get him. Adonis is glad to go along with his teammates...until they come up with a dangerous plan to humiliate Alan. Now Adonis must decide whether he wants to be a guy who follows the herd or a man who does what's right. (via Goodreads)

Rating: ★★★★

I don't know exactly where to begin, there's so much I want to say about this read. It was a great, great book. It felt so real, I could put myself in so easily because scenarios like these happen on an every day basis in high schools across the country. There's always bullying and sometimes you feel so bad but hold back and do nothing about it. I think everyone can relate to this book whether you're the bully, the bullied or the hero. I also loved the fact that in a sense this book was masculine. The main character, Adonis, wasn't anywhere near perfect like you read in most books these days. I think that's a part of why it felt so real. He wasn't dreamy, he was a normal high school teen. The only complaint I had was that I'd have to re-read some of the parts dealing with Adonis and his father conversating. I wouldn't catch on quick to the comments lol. Guy talk!

I reccommend everyone to read this book. It makes you want to take a stand and be a hero!

Crossing Lines

Paul Volponi

releases June 9, 2011

sealed with love

xoxo

B