Anywhere But Here by Tanya Lloyd Kyi

Cole is a high school boy who has lost his mom to cancer, recently broke up with his long-term girlfriend Lauren, and cannot wait to graduate and leave his hometown of Webster. He dreams of becoming a documentary film maker, and as part of his college application to film school, begins filming a documentary about the town.  What he finds out in the process of filming is totally not what he expected.  

This was a great coming-of-age novel told through a teenage boy's perspective.  Cole has had his share of heartbreaks in life and is trying to learn how to live with the pain and move on in order to fulfill his own dreams.  He faces many bumps in the road, but learns what it means to be a son, a friend, and a better person along the way.  

I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.  I enjoyed this book!  Cole starts off as an immature, selfish, but typical teenager dealing with tough circumstances.  In fact, he's a little annoying.  However, I liked the writing style, and I think Cole had to start out that way in order to show the character growth, as he developed throughout the story. Small town teenagers will definitely identify with Cole and his frustrations, and I liked the life lessons Cole had learned by the end.  

On-sale date: 10/15/13

Tandem by Anna Jarzab

Parallel universes collide in the first book of this original fantasy series. Sasha cannot believe it when the guy she has crushed on from afar, Grant, starts talking to her and eventually asks her to prom. Unfortunately, Grant is not who he says he is, and it is too good to be true. After prom, Sasha wakes up a prisoner, in the parallel universe of Aurora, where her “analog” (replica) in this universe is a princess, who is missing. The General offers her a deal- pretend to be Princess Juliana for the next six days and they will send her home. But what he doesn’t know is that Sasha has had dreams of being Princess Juliana most of her life, and she may be able to find Juliana and figure out what is going on. She just needs to figure out if her guard Thomas (Grant’s analog), who has already lied in order to get her here is trustworthy and willing to help her. 

This book was creative and fascinating. Parallel universes, analogs, politics, war, insurgents and the upcoming arranged marriage for the princess, surround this novel with mystery, intrigue, romance and excitement. 

*I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review. Release date: 10/8/13

Stained by Cheryl Rainfield

Sarah has endured so much in her life thanks to her birthmark. Bullied and ridiculed for the mark on her face, and then she gets kidnapped.

Horrifying and incredible, Sarah is an amazingly strong female character throughout this story! She is able to find her inner strength when she needs it and overcome everything she has been through. What a powerful story!

*I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.  Release date: 10/1/13

**portrays rape scenes

All the Truth That's in Me by Julie Berry

I love it when the main character has a unique voice! 

The story is told through Judith's point of view, after she has returned home from being kidnapped. As she is unable to speak, the story is more a narrative of her thoughts and memories.  This novel was gripping, suspenseful and just a little bit horrifying.  What a great combination!  

I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.  Publish date: 9/26/13

The Vow by Jessica Martinez

Heartbreaking and heartwarming all at the same time! Annie would do anything for her best friend Mo, and then she falls for Reed. Sometimes figuring out what the "right" thing to do is the hardest thing to do. 

This was a very emotional book, I loved the characters and their interactions. I felt so bad for Annie, trying so hard to do what she thought was right, but every option still held some type of heartbreak. Sometimes, staying true to yourself first is the only way to do the right thing.

*I received an advance copy in exchange for an honest review.

The Dream Thieves by Maggie Stiefvater (Book 2 in The Raven Cycle)

           

This book was released yesterday!

Let me start of by saying I was so excited to receive an advanced copy of Maggie Stiefvater's The Dream Thieves! I love this series, it is creative and fresh. I really enjoyed the first book in this series, The Raven Boys. I have been waiting for this book to come out, so to get to read it early was AMAZING!And let me tell you I was in no way disappointed. This book picks up where the first left off. The ley lines have been awakened, so Blue, Gansey, Ronan, Adam and Noah are ready to head back to Cabeswater and continue the search for Glendower. But of course, nothing turns out as expected, leading to more questions, danger and adventure! And then there is Ronan. Oh, my. And what exactly happened to Adam when he woke the ley lines? Well, you won't find any spoilers here, but let me tell you this book is a great ride!I love this series, the characters and plot are original and creative. I love Blue's eclectic family and I love the Raven Boys. I am eagerly awaiting the next installment of The Raven Cycle!

STYXX by Sherrilyn Kenyon

Whew... Finally finished!!  All 836 pages! This really could have been two novels!!

Dark and intense- in true Kenyon fashion, this isn't the Styxx everyone thought they knew. His story is just as or even more horrifying as Acheron's. The Dark Hunters series could go on forever and I'd keep on reading!!

“The strongest of metals is forged under the most violent of conditions, my lord. It is buried deep in the hottest coals and then beat and pounded until it is bent into shaped. Then it becomes the strongest, most lethal of weapons. A thing of absolute beauty and force.” 
― Sherrilyn Kenyon, Styxx

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