2011 November | Pages of Forbidden Love

Rock and a Hard Place

November 30, 2011 By Alexa 3 Comments

Title: Rock and a Hard Place

Author: Angie Stanton

Publisher: Angie Stanton

Publication Date: May 2011

Classification: YA Novel

Challenge: Outdo Yourself

Summary from Goodreads:

One day while watching the Interstate exit for her dad’s long awaited return, Libby’s life is rocked when Peter Jamieson steps off his tour bus and into her life. After a couple chance meetings with Peter, Libby shifts from her perfect behavior and breaks rules to find out more about him.

Peter longs for normalcy away from the screaming fans who know nothing about the real him. He is amazed to discover Libby has never heard of him or his band. Soon their friendship turns to love. Peter battles his families growing interference to spend time with Libby, while she struggles with her eccentric aunt who turns more bizarre each day.

My Thoughts:

When I opened up this book from Angie, who sent it to me for review, I was shocked by the fact that the book was only about 150 pages. I always seem to find that shorter novels are not as in-depth because they are so short and things must happen so quickly. I’m happy to say that I judged Angie’s novel completely wrong, just because it was short didn’t mean it wasn’t full of action, emotions, and romance at every turn.

In fact, the reason that I enjoyed this novel so much was for the emotional rollercoaster ride that the reader is sent on as they read this novel. From the beginning the reader really feels for Libby as she struggles with the fact that her mother and sister are dead and she her father has left her behind at her crazy Aunt’s house. While she is sitting around at a park one day she meets Peter, who claims he is the lead singer in a band. Of course Libby has removed herself from the world so she has no idea who Peter even is, this fact makes Peter very excited because he is tired of meeting girls that just fling themselves at him. Libby is the girl who is different, she is the one who is going to change everything.

A very quick romance starts up between the two and you can’t help but fall right along with Libby and Peter. Of course because of Libby’s present state and Peter always being gone for concerts there are several bumps in the road, some that I never saw coming.

Overall, this story is told in opposite view points from Libby and Peter, it was great to see both of them and what they were feeling as they were together and during the times they were forced apart. It was heartbreaking to watch some of the things that Libby had to go through. Of course this is offset by the pain that Peter is feeling over Libby. The emotions in this story are beautiful, there were several times where I was brought very close to tears. The only reason I probably didn’t cry when I wanted to was due to the fact that I was at work while I read this book. I consumed this book, read it in one day, and let me tell you I’m up for more writing from Angie. She proved me wrong about shorter novels and I really enjoyed her characters, her writing, and the powerful emotions. The mark of a great book to me is one where I feel those intense emotions of pain, heartbreak, love and loss. Since I was able to be so emotional with this story and connect so well this story gets 5 hearts from me.

Filed Under: Young Adult (YA) Review

Double Clutch

November 29, 2011 By Alexa 2 Comments

Title: Double Clutch

Author: Liz Reinhardt

Publication Date: September 2011

Classification: YA Novel

Challenge: Out Do Yourself

Summary from Goodreads:

What happens when you fall for the perfect guy…twice…in one day?

Brenna Blixen spent her freshman year homeschooling in Denmark; now that she’s back in the States, she’s determined to make her sophomore year unforgettable. And by unforgettable, she imagined awesome classes, fun friendships, and maybe a little romance.

What she got was a whole lot of romance, and all at once.

My Thoughts:
I liked this story right off the bat when Brenna met not one, but two cute guys in one day at the two different schools that she attends. First there is Saxon, who is a dreamy bad boy, who can help but fall for that right! Then there is Jake, a very sweet, shy, artistic guy, total opposite of Saxon. I instantly liked both of them for very different reasons, I was very torn between the two of them. I know what you are all thinking, Another love triangle? Well yes but I personally feel that this one works out well and it is great fun watching Brenna try to balance her life between these two very different, strong, male leads.

I enjoyed how Saxon was always calculating and how he always wanted to be one step ahead of everyone. He doesn’t even try to pretend he is the “good” guy, he knows exactly who he is, and it certainly isn’t the good little boy that follows the rules. In fact, Saxon is surprised that he is even falling for Brenna or Blixen as he likes to call her. She is beautiful, funny, witty, but she is way too pure for Saxon. Of course he claims that he wants her, but his motives are certainly not innocent. Saxon is a player and he just wants to get her out of his system. I know he sounds like such a bad guy but he has his moments where he shines, moments where my heart went out to him.

Then we have Jake, sigh, who wouldn’t want to be with the shy artist type. Personally I have never tried this type of guy because I’m a very loud person so this would never work for me but I loved Jake’s story, his past. He has a past that is very sad and he reminds me of a special someone in a few ways (*cough Johnny cough*). Jake has already gone throught the nights that he spent drunk and fooling around with numerous girls and he is ready to change. His character really stand out the whole novel. I loved watching his moments of greatness and watching him struggle to be exactly who he wants to be. Plus he freakin races motocross! (Many of you don’t know this about me but I’m OBSESSED with motocross, can’t wait till it returns in Dec. So I really loved reading about the motocross race in this story, I felt like I was physically there watching the race and holding my breath!)

I know all I have been doing is talking about the guys in this book but, I enjoyed that both of these guys weren’t perfect. They had their flaws and that is why they were so perfect for me. As a reader you often don’t get to see a male character break down and have a real moment, both Saxon and Jake have moments where they are human and break down. I love that the author, Liz, included this in the story, it made these two guys so powerful to me. I loved watching the emotions of all three characters, but I think I was just so wrapped up in Saxon and Jake and their story.

Overall, I did enjoy this novel but it does focus a lot on just a romance aspect. I love romance, if I could only read one genre of books for the rest of my life, it would be romance, but there needed to be a little more story line there for me. I liked watching the romance unfold but, I felt like at times it could have used a little bit more plot elements. All said and done this was a good contemporary romance for older teens, I give it 4 hearts and I can’t wait to read the second book.

Filed Under: Young Adult (YA) Review

YA Contemporary Challenge 2012

November 28, 2011 By Alexa 3 Comments

So I’m all set to join my third and last challenge for 2012.

Honestly, last year I joined way too many challenges so I’m trying to limit myself this year.

I want to join this lovely challenge because it is co-hosted by Reading Angel, and because I love contemporary book.

SIGNING UP:

Head on over to Reading Angel’s Post

There are different levels that you can choose to challenge yourself in:

Level 1: 5+ books

Level 2: 10+ books

Level 3: 15+ books

Rules:

You can read any contemporary YA novel that is published between January 1, 2012and December 30, 2012 but you must read them in 2012! (All formats accepted: paperback, ARC, e-book)

Books included:

We have created a spreadsheet (organized by release date) for contemporary YA books published in 2012. If there is a book that is not on the spreadsheet that you know fits the guidelines, let us know and we will add it. There is also a Goodreads list. You can use either one. Currently the spreadsheet has more books on it.

I’m going to go for level one because I already have several challenges to meet this year so 5 books is plenty for me.

Some of the titles I’m super excited about:

1. The Statistical Probability of Love at First Sight

2. The Fine Art of Truth or Dare

3. Fracture

4. A Midsummer’s Nightmare

5. Isla and the Happily Ever After

6. The Girl I Used to Be

7. Dead to You

Filed Under: Uncategorized

The Mist

November 28, 2011 By Alexa 2 Comments

Title: The Mist

Author: Stephen King

Publisher: Signet

Publication Date: Oct 2007

Classification: Adult Novel

Summary from Goodreads:

It’s a hot, lazy day, perfect for a cookout, until you see those strange dark clouds. Suddenly a violent storm sweeps across the lake and ends as abruptly and unexpectedly as it had begun. Then comes the mist…creeping slowly, inexorably into town, where it settles and waits, trapping you in the supermarket with dozens of others, cut off from your families and the world. The mist is alive, seething with unearthly sounds and movements. What unleashed this terror? Was it the Arrowhead Project—the top secret government operation that everyone has noticed but no one quite understands? And what happens when the provisions have run out and you’re forced to make your escape, edging blindly through the dim light?

My Thoughts:

In the world of writing, often times, especially now, novels are translated into visual format i.e. the big screen (a movie). For what once used to be saved for only a certain few books that merited such noble distinction, it would seem that most movies were first transcribed in written form. People argue amongst themselves which is better; the book or the movie? Some prefer the vivid descriptions which a book supplies while others enjoy the visual presentation which a movie consists of. Stephen King is of course no stranger in the literary world and neither is he in the cinematic world. Many of his books have been turned into movies: Pet Semetary, Cujo, The Green Mile, just to name a few. However, one book in particular ranks amongst my favorites of his work; The Mist. I must admit, I watched the movie first and was instantly hooked. Perhaps it was the solid performance demonstrated by Thomas Jane and Maricia Gay Harden or maybe it was the awe inspiring visuals and the unique way in which it was filmed. Acclaimed filmmaker, Frank Darabont, now widely known for his work on the hit television show ‘The Walking Dead, directed this film and it now proudly has a place in my blu-ray collection. But that is all neither here nor there. I happen to be in a predicament; book or movie? Which happened to be better of the two? The book…..or the movie?

Some people that side with how the books are better than the movies cite on reason in particular; the loss of crucial plot elements in its transition from pages to cinema. Thankfully, this was not the case in regards to this book. I even watched the movie while reading the book for some scenes because it happened to be that spot on. If one requires such an example, one need not look any further than the expiation scene. Trust me, you will know what I am talking about once you read the book. It is a critical point in the book as it seems to generate more of a conflict than just the mist alone.

How could I be so dense?! THE MIST! Of course! That is one of the main points of the book, obviously. I am unsure of what gave that away. Maybe it was the title of the book. I’m not sure. Either way, in addition to the strong lead character of David Drayton and the intense and often times maligned moral views of Mrs. Carmody, The Mist itself is as big a character as any. The Mist comes to symbolize the end of days to some, as foretold in the book of Genesis, while to some it represents a new and haunting threat, perhaps something alien in nature. The Mist puzzles the characters at first, but once the first drop of blood is shed, it begins to frighten them until even the most rational of human beings resort to irrational measures. Desperate times, desperate measures; that sort of thing. The religious theme which might seem to be subtle at first eventually comes out in full force, but not in an overbearing sort of way. It does so in a very well executed fashion.

As I mentioned, there are two other main characters of importance but I only wish to go into detail about one of them. David Drayton is perhaps the main character of the novel. He and his son Bill are trapped in the convenience store throughout most of the novel. Although David is one of the main characters, he is not the most crucial of characters in my estimation. That dubious honor would go to Mrs. Carmody, the false prophet as some might call her. At first she is just viewed as being just another character but quickly into the reading once the Mist happens to claim its first victim, she begins to take on a whole new role. She becomes the books antagonist and acts as a catalyst for the dramatic turn of events which plague David Drayton and many of the other trapped patrons of the convenience store. She slowly begins to warp the minds of many inside the store, calling for repentance for the end is near and eventually, a blood sacrifice. One sacrifice is not enough for poor Mrs. Carmody, as more blood is to be spilled due to her incessant preaching of ‘the word of God’. She is my favorite character in the book because she is critical to shaping the events outside of the Mist itself. Evil lives outside in the Mist and within the vulnerable walls of the convenience store, no one is safe from the persecution of Mrs Carmody. She is a real delight.

The book is visually captivating and vivid in detail but not so vivid and graphic that it becomes annoying. The imagery is kept in check by the sharp dialogue and the random bouts of dramatic action and suspense. I was not happy with a certain part of the book which involved David Drayton cheating on his wife with another woman as I felt that severely weakened the moral integrity of the character. I was able to look past that and perhaps the ending of the book made up for it. The ending to the movie pissed me off, for lack of a better word. Well it either pissed me off or left saying, “No f’n way did that just happen!” I guess it depends on my mood. The ending to the book left things ambiguous as to the fate of the characters. To some that might annoy them; to me that is more poetic as I am left wondering quietly (our aloud, again depending on my mood), “What happens next?”.

I would rate this book a 4. Its just right, but its short length and hurried scenes left a bit to be desired. I would recommend this book to anyone that is looking for a good, quick thrill.

Filed Under: Adult Review

Saints and Sinners Guest Post + Giveaway

November 27, 2011 By Alexa 1 Comment

Today I am over at Ashley’s blog to talk about Derek and Lucas from the Born at Midnight series.

I also have a giveaway up so you can decide between these two steamy guys.

Go check it out HERE

Filed Under: Uncategorized

IMM 52: Vlog!

November 26, 2011 By Alexa 9 Comments

Big thanks to Kristi @ The Story Siren for this great weekly theme.

Thanks to Kensington Teen for the awesome books this week!

Filed Under: In My Mailbox (IMM)

2012 YA/MG Fantasy Reading Challenge

November 26, 2011 By Alexa 1 Comment

I’ve decided to join another challenge!

I know I didn’t want to do that many challenges this year but I think I actually have the time this year to do them and do them right.

So the rules of this challenge are:

- Read 10 YA or MG fantasy that are released in 2012
- Post a review on a personal blog or Goodreads
- The challenge runs from January 1, 2012 to December 31, 2012
- Anyone can join at any point throughout the year

Signing Up:

Please visit this POST

I hope to start to read more books in Erica’s favorite genre!

For certain I know I’ll be reading Destined by Aprilynne Pike which counts for the challenge.

What are you waiting for, go sign up!

Filed Under: Uncategorized

Vampire Knight Volume 8

November 24, 2011 By Alexa Leave a Comment

Title: Vampire Knight Vol 8

Author: Matsuri Hino

Publisher: Shojo Beat

Publication Date: November 2009

Classification: 18+ Manga

Challenge: Outdo Yourself

Summary from Barnes and Noble:

After trying to recall her past, Yuki’s hallucinations become more vivid and she tries to strangle Zero during a fit of madness. Locked in her room, all she can see is a world dyed in blood, but Kaname comes for her. He tells her it’s time to wake up and sinks his fangs into her neck…

My Thoughts:
As Yuki continues to struggle to find out just who she is she finds that she is seeing blood all over everything in her world. Kaname of course comes to her rescue, but in a very odd way. He actually ends up doing the unthinkable, biting into her neck. This of course will change Yuki’s world forever, and slowly the reader will learn more about Yuki’s past as well as some interesting facts about Kaname.

Of course this volume is just as secretive as all the ones before. Kaname still doesn’t want to show the reader that much about himself but very slowly little pieces come into the light. The reader will also start to see more of the vampires as everyone is starting to get involved in a battle that is going to soon take place. This battle is going to be with Rido, a character we have never met before. Turns out this man is Kaname’s Uncle and at one point Kaname calls him his master. So things get a little confusing because the reader knows very little of what is actually going on with this new character.

Overall, this volume was a shocker in many ways. Kaname bites Yuki and the reader will find out some surprising facts. However, I wonder if some of the things I learned are actually true or not. Ugh I wish Kaname would just come out and tell us more about him but I guess that would ruin his character. He is meant to be the dark and mysterious guy. Of course Zero is also in this volume more in the background still dealing with his twin brother and trying to find a way to accept what Yuki has become. Can Zero still love Yuki after what Kaname has done to her? Must Yuki really be Kaname’s lover? I certainly hope that I get more answers to my questions in the next volume. Overall for great artwork and a good storyline this one gets 4.5 hearts from me.

Filed Under: Manga

Jenny Pox

November 23, 2011 By Alexa 6 Comments

Title: Jenny Pox

Author: JL Bryan

Publisher: CreateSpace

Publication Date: July 2009

Classification: YA Novel

Challenge: Outdo Yourself

Summary from Barnes and Noble:

Jenny’s touch spreads a deadly supernatural plague. She can’t control her power, so she devotes her life to avoiding contact with other people in her small Southern town. Her senior year of high school, she meets the one boy she can touch…but if she’s going to be with him, Jenny must learn to use the horrific power inside her to survive his devious, manipulative girlfriend, who secretly wields the most dangerous power of all.

My Thoughts:

I knew I had to read this book after hearing from both Ashley @ The Bookish Brunette and Loretta @ Between the Pages about how amazing the book was. Now normally Ashley and Loretta like books that are a little out of my own personal taste range, meaning they like zombies and some grotesque things. I tend to shy away from all of this stuff because well I’m a Disney princess girl and zombies, blood, guts hanging out, faces falling off, people puking up blood, yeah none of that really works for me. However, JL Bryan might be bringing me over the to darker side of life, lol.

Now that my personal baggage is out of the way I can start the review by saying that this book wasn’t entirely what I expected but I still thought the story was great. So obviously the story is about Jenny who can actually kill people of they touch her skin for long enough, this has kept her isolated from everyone for her entire life. This is until she gets to learning more about Seth, who is already dating a evil bitch named Ashleigh.

Most of the book plays out in alternate view points between Jenny and Ashleigh. This often involved being in Ashleigh’s head far more than I wanted to be. Seriously, Ashleigh is twisted to the max, she is suppose to be about love and Christian values and I couldn’t help but laugh a little during the whole novel while Ashleigh turns the idea of Christian values on its head due to the fact that she does some very unChristian thing, and by some I mean she is the opposite of a religious leader. Of course this queen bee makes live very difficult for Jenny and the entire town.

Now I loved Jenny and Seth and sometimes it broke my heart to watch how neglected and out of place Jenny was and felt for good portions of the novel. I just could not imagine everything that Jenny must have to live with and the horrors she has faced due to Ashleigh and her crew running the school. I also enjoyed that the author was not afraid to step on the lines that divide a teen book from an adult one. There are some sexual scenes in this one which didn’t bother me but might not be appropriate for younger teens.

Now almost everything worked for me in this twisted high school drama except for the fact that on the sidelines, Jenny sometimes had to do some nasty things with her disease powers that didn’t sit quite well with me. (keep in mind I love flowerly and pretty stories, I don’t do gore or scary things) As the novel went on I got used to some of Jenny’s powers and by the end of the book, while I wasn’t thrilled with the disgusting things she could do, it really didn’t bother me all that much near the end, hence JL Bryan’s take over of my former ways!

One more small thing that started to annoy me a little as the novel went on was the fact that at times Ashleigh’s bitchy personality and her quest for world domination got to me. It is mentioned over and over how evil she is and the things she is doing to unsuspecting people in town throughout the whole novel. I like that she is evil and that we really get to understand how bad she really is but at one point I was saying “ok I get it the girl is evil, can we move forward a little”. This problem cleared itself up by the ending, and wow what an ending it was, it completely turned the whole novel, everything I had been reading, on its head. I immediately forgot some of my small concerns about the novel and was floating on a cloud of bliss. Needless to say I loved the ending and I thought it was great how this all came together in the end and now I’m currently dying to read the second book, Tommy Nightmare.

Overall, I did have a few minor details in the book that I didn’t care for, mostly due to personal opinion, but I still thought the novel was great in the end. It really does put everything into prespective on how people are not always what they seem. This book gets 4.5 hearts from me and I can’t wait to go get book two.

Filed Under: Young Adult (YA) Review

2012 Twilight Series Challenge

November 22, 2011 By Alexa 3 Comments

Lately, due to Breaking Dawn Part I being released in theaters, everyone is talking about the Twilight Series.

Personally I read the books before the hype started to gather about them but I do greatly enjoy this series.

The last time I actually picked up one of the Twilight books in the series to read was back a week after Breaking Dawn released in 2008ish. So it has been several years since I have read the books.

I have been thinking lately that I would love to go back to re-read this series to see how I feel about it now that paranormal stories have overtaken the teen book world.

I always wonder if I will still enjoy the books or if I’m jaded now after all the paranormal stories.

Will I still love Twilight?

In order to find out the answer to my questions I plan on re-reading the series in 2012.

I thought it would be a great reading challenge to create for the 2012 year.

I would love to make this a big event where I have discussions each month on one of the books and I would possibly see if people want to do guest posts and also do great giveaways.

Signing Up:

So if you would like to commit yourself to reading the four books that make up the Twilight Series then please feel free to grab the button, write up a post on your blog saying you are going to participate, and then come back here and link your post to sign up.

Button: