Teaser Tuesday Pieces of Us by Margie Gelbwasser

No one can talk about anything except the "rumors", but Chloe and I know they're not rumors. In History we talk about being innocent until proven guilty. Our teacher throws up her hands. "Forget this. Who thinks he did it?" We look at each other and raise our hands. She does too.


This weeks teaser comes from page 236 of the ARC so it may be different in the edited edition.




Summary from Goodreads:
Two families. Four teens. 
A summer full of secrets. 

Every summer, hidden away in a lakeside community in upstate New York, four teens leave behind their old identities…and escape from their everyday lives. 

Yet back in Philadelphia during the school year, Alex cannot suppress his anger at his father (who killed himself), his mother (whom he blames for it), and the girls who give it up too easily. His younger brother, Kyle, is angry too—at his abusive brother, and at their mother who doesn’t seem to care. Meanwhile, in suburban New Jersey, Katie plays the role of Miss Perfect while trying to forget the nightmare that changed her life. But Julie, her younger sister, sees Katie only as everything she’s not. And their mother will never let Julie forget it. 

Up at the lake, they can be anything, anyone. Free. But then Katie’s secret gets out, forcing each of them to face reality—before it tears them to pieces.

Miz B hosts Teaser Tuesday every week, check her out for the official rules.  I never seem to be able to stick to the rule about only 2 sentences.

I love reading teasers so let me know where I can view yours in the comments. Have a great day!

Neurotic Review: Saving June

Author: Hannah Harrington
Release Date: November
Genre: YA Contemporary
Published By: Harlequin
Source: Received for review through NetGalley
Summary from Goodreads:


‘If she’d waited less than two weeks, she’d be June who died in June. But I guess my sister didn’t consider that.’ 

Harper Scott’s older sister has always been the perfect one so when June takes her own life a week before her high school graduation, sixteen-year-old Harper is devastated. Everyone’s sorry, but no one can explain why. 

When her divorcing parents decide to split her sister’s ashes into his-and-her urns, Harper takes matters into her own hands. She’ll steal the ashes and drive cross-country with her best friend, Laney, to the one place June always dreamed of going California. 

Enter Jake Tolan. He’s a boy with a bad attitude, a classic-rock obsession and nothing in common with Harper’s sister. But Jake had a connection with June, and when he insists on joining them, Harper’s just desperate enough to let him. With his alternately charming and infuriating demeanour and his belief that music can see you through anything, he might be exactly what she needs. 

Except June wasn’t the only one hiding something. Jake’s keeping a secret that has the power to turn Harper’s life upside down again.

My Thoughts:


Saving June is funny, heartbreaking, intense, romantic, exasperating, and just plain awesome! There is so much to love about this book:

The Characters:
June is sarcastic in that hilarious snarky way. Her grief feels so real you just want to hug her and tell her everything will be okay, even if you aren't sure that it will be. 
Jake is complicated, adorable, and so freakin annoying at times that you just want to kiss him or shake him or both. 
Laney, Harper's best friend is one of those girls that are sometimes a little over the top, occasionally a little irritating, but always lovable and above all -- loyal.    
The Music: 
Jake plays guitar, works in a music store and just generally loves music so there are quite a few great conversations on the road about the music he likes and what certain songs mean to him. I had to download so many of the songs from the play lists in the back of the book. 
The Plot:
The plot of Saving June is without a doubt realistic. I loved all of the little stops that lead to adventures for the trio on the way to California, it really made for a great road trip book. With the death of Harper's sister June being the entire reason for the road trip, there are definitely some intense and sad moments, but the way the author throws humor in with the grief makes for a real, honest feeling story. I laughed, I cried and I honestly loved this book!

Book Beginnings on Friday 1/27/2012

How to participate: Share the first line (or two) of the book you are currently reading on your blog or in the comments. Include the title and the author so we know what you're reading. Then, if you would like, let us know what your first impressions were based on that first line, and let us know if you liked or did not like the sentence. The link-up will be at A Few More Pages every Friday and will be open for the entire week.

Thanks to Becky at Page Turners for starting this meme and to Rose City Reader for inspiring it!

PAGE 1

The panoramic view outside the windows of the bus showed a world that wasn't mine.

Page 56

Blake smiled at her, her hand in Cam's. Apparently the last two had taken her advice and had been talking, a lot. 

The Friday 56

Rules:

• Grab the book nearest you. Right now.
• Turn to page 56.
• Find the fifth sentence.
• Post that sentence (plus one or two others if you like) along with these instructions on your blog or (if you do not have your own blog) in the comments section of Freda's Voice
• Post a link along with your post back to Freda's Voice

Don’t dig for your favorite book, the coolest, the most intellectual. Use the CLOSEST.

GIVEAWAY! and Review of Angelina's Secret

Angelina's Secret 
Author: Lisa Rogers
Release Date: February 1, 2012
Genre: YA Paranormal
Published by: Spencer Hill Press
Source: I was given an ARC by Spencer Hill Press for an honest review.
Summary from Goodreads:


As a child, Angelina spent years in counseling learning that Josie, her imaginary friend, wasn't real, but it turns out her childhood friend wasn't imaginary after all. 

Now Angelina has to accept she's either (A) crazy or (B) able to see ghosts. Wanting to believe in her sanity, she chooses (B) and welcomes Josie back into her life. But even Josie can't help her deal with Shelly, the spirit of a confused teenager, and things go very, very wrong. 

When Angelina finds herself in a psychiatric hospital, she faces a choice: she can spend the rest of her life pretending to be someone she isn't, or she can embrace who she is and take a chance that she may never get to go home.


My Thoughts:



 Angelina's Secret is a  gripping tale of a girl that desperately needs someone to trust and believe in her.  While I was never on the edge of my seat with suspense I was still really enthralled with this story. I was kept guessing through out the entire book on whether or not I believed she was seeing ghosts(you'll have to read this one to find out for yourself). Even though I knew Angelina was about to end up in a mental hospital I still couldn't help feeling how heartbroken Angelina was when she woke up to discover that not only did no one believe her but that they all thought she was crazy. 

One thing that had me feeling so badly for Angelina was her mother, she enraged and confused me. She never once thought that Angelina could be telling the truth and it seemed to me at times that she was more upset that Angelina was closer to her "imaginary" friend than she was to her. Talk about self absorbed. I'm not sure if Lisa Rogers intended for Angelina's mother to come across that way or if I just found her to be like that. I would love to know what other readers thought of the mom. 

Overall I really enjoyed Angelina's Secret. The romance was minimal which I really liked in this book because that enabled the plot to focus more on Angelina, her friend, and her stay in the mental institution.  I haven't  read another young adult novel like this one and even though I sometimes felt like the writing was a little stiff I was still able to lose myself in the story. If you find yourself looking for something a little different than the YA Paranormal romance that is really prominent right now then I urge you to find a copy of Angelina's Secret. 

I will be giving one lucky reader my ARC of Angelina's Secret! This giveaway will end on February 1st at midnight and is only open to U.S. residents. Thanks everyone and good luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Waiting on Wednesday (1/25/2012) Onyx (Lux #2)

Author: Jennifer L. Armentrout
Summary from Goodreads:

Being connected to Daemon Black sucks… 

Thanks to his alien mojo, Daemon’s determined to prove what he feels for me is more than a product of our bizarro connection. So I’ve sworn him off, even though he’s running more hot than cold these days. But we’ve got bigger problems. 

Something worse than the Arum has come to town. 

The Department of Defense is here. If they ever find out what Daemon can do and that we're linked, I’m a goner. So is he. And there's this new boy in school who’s got a secret of his own. He knows what’s happened to me and he can help, but to do so, I have to lie to Daemon and stay away from him. Like that's possible. Against all common sense, I'm falling for Daemon. Hard. 

But then everything changes… 

I’ve seen someone who shouldn’t be alive. And I have to tell Daemon, even though I know he’s never going to stop searching until he gets the truth. What happened to his brother? Who betrayed him? And what does the DOD want from them—from me? 

No one is who they seem. And not everyone will survive the lies…


I haven't reviewed Obsidian yet but O.M.G!!! I really loved it! I haven't written my review yet because I didn't want to just say I LOVED it over and over again so I am letting it swirl around in my brain a little so I can get the words just right. Needless to say though I am DYING for book 2! 

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly meme hosted by Breaking the Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that we (bloggers) are anxiously awaiting. So what book are you excited about right now?

Teaser Tuesday Notes to Self (1/23/2012) Notes to Self by Avery Sawyer

I began to watch for signs for Highway 44, which would take us to the ocean. I hadn't been in almost a year, which was weird since it was only an hour away. I liked knowing it was there, though. I couldn't imagine living in a state that didn't reach the ocean. It was a giant reset button.

Teaser from page 124

Miz B hosts Teaser Tuesday every week, check her out for the official rules.  I never seem to be able to stick to the rule about only 2 sentences.

I love reading teasers so let me know where I can view yours in the comments. Have a great day!

New Beginnings Releases Today (Blog Hop)

Sam Hendry is not looking forward to starting at her new school. Things go from bad to worse as the day of truth arrives and all of her fears come true... and then some.

When Sam meets a different group of people who immediately accept her as a friend, she begins to feel more positive.

With her new friends and interests, will Sam finally feel able to face the bully who taunts her, and to summon up the courage to perform on stage?

Join Rebecca Today for her online launch party here! She will be celebrating with a writing contest and giveaways! 

Here is a list of everyone joining in on the blog hop!

Congratulations Rebecca!!!!

Neurotic Thoughts: The Rise of Renegade X by Chelsea Campbell

The Rise of Renegade X
Author: Chelsea Campbell
Release Date: May 11, 2010
Genre: YA Superhero
Published By: EgmontUSA
Source: The Lovely Jessica from ShutUp! I'm Reading
Summary from Goodreads:

Sixteen-year-old Damien Locke has a plan: major in messing with people at the local supervillain university and become a professional evil genius, just like his supervillain mom. But when he discovers the shameful secret she's been hiding all these years, that the one-night stand that spawned him was actually with a superhero, everything gets messed up. His father's too moral for his own good, so when he finds out Damien exists, he actually wants him to come live with him and his goody-goody superhero family. Damien gets shipped off to stay with them in their suburban hellhole, and he has only six weeks to prove he's not a hero in any way, or else he's stuck living with them for the rest of his life, or until he turns eighteen, whichever comes first.

To get out of this mess, Damien has to survive his dad's "flying lessons" that involve throwing him off the tallest building in the city--despite his nearly debilitating fear of heights--thwarting the eccentric teen scientist who insists she's his sidekick, and keeping his supervillain girlfriend from finding out the truth. But when Damien uncovers a dastardly plot to turn all the superheroes into mindless zombie slaves, a plan hatched by his own mom, he discovers he cares about his new family more than he thought. Now he has to choose: go back to his life of villainy and let his family become zombies, or stand up to his mom and become a real hero.


My Thoughts:


Damien Locke, future super villain has grand plans to attend Vilmore, the elite boarding school for up and coming super villains. Unfortunately the X that appears on his thumb the night of his sixteenth birthday turns his life upside down. Now he will have to prove himself a villain or a hero.


My absolute favorite part of The Rise of Renegade X has to be main character Damien. His hysterical sarcasm had me laughing out loud more times than I can count. Truly the characters of this book were amazing. From Damien's mad scientist mother to his shape shifting ex girlfriend they just don't get better than this. 


I also really enjoyed Chelsea's ability to make me feel like I was a part of each of the scenes as if I were standing in Golden City watching the events take place instead of just reading about them. Never have I had so much fun rooting for the "villain" of a story. I am super stoked that Chelsea is working on book 2. 


If you haven't picked up a copy of The Rise of Renegade X I highly recommend that you do, and then get ready for a wild ride and a lot of laughs! 


Get your copy at B&N or Amazon
Visit Chelsea at her site here
Read some more glowing reviews here and here and here

Waiting on Wednesday (1/18/2012) Bite Me

Or the Obvious Title for a Novel About a Vampire and a Werewolf 
Author: Lori T. Strongin
Summary from Lori's site:

“Talbot blamed his mother for the fact he’d spent most of the summer impersonating a nun.”

So begins Bite Me, a humorous urban fantasy YA novel set at Hedgehill University for Paranormal Creatures.

In this Animal House meets Christopher Moore-esque story, freshman Talbot Osbourne is under pressure to find a summer job, an affordable apartment, and to not flunk out; otherwise he’ll face the wrath of his werewolf clan back home.  Buddhist, vegetarian vampire Julian St. George has problems, too, but his are more of the being-stalked-by-a-psychotic-slayer type.  After he ousts the intruder from his home, Julian figures that’s the last of that.

Wrong.

Talbot and Julian are forced to partner on a class assignment to study humans in their natural habitat.  That is, a strip club.  But while these two co-eds try to live their para-normal lives and pass their classes, the slayer targets both the university and the club, taking out students with any kind of supernatural abilities.  After Julian’s home is destroyed and he’s nearly killed, the vampire and werewolf form an unlikely—and probably unholy—duo to catch the stalker before the psycho slays them.  If they don’t kill each other first, that is.

Between surviving an apartment with cannibalistic furniture, zombie squirrels, and a strip club where the drinks are scarier than the suspects, Talbot and Julian struggle to catch up to the slayer, who always seems one stake ahead of them.

Throw in a shapeshifter with ferret envy, a nymphomaniac wizard who makes people’s clothes disappear, and the ghost of a five-year-old with the potty mouth of a sailor, and these boys are in for the summer of their lives.  Or deaths.

Bite me is scheduled to release on January 30, 2012

To view the book trailer and to read the first 2 chapters of Bite Me visit Lori's site here

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly meme hosted by Breaking the Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that we (bloggers) are anxiously awaiting. So what book are you excited about right now?

Teaser Tuesday (1/17/2012) Obsidian by Jennifer L. Armentrout

The spark of pain cleared the haze from my head and the fear from last night doused my veins in ice water. I lay there for several moments, taking deep, calming breaths as I tried to gain control of my spiraling emotions. I was alive--thanks to Daemon, who apparently was also my pillow.

Teaser from page 100


Just gotta say I am LOVING this book so far!

Miz B hosts Teaser Tuesday every week, check her out for the official rules.  I never seem to be able to stick to the rule about only 2 sentences.

I love reading teasers so let me know where I can view yours in the comments. Have a great day!

Guestpost by: The Lovely Mary Ting author of Crossroads and Between

What was the best birthday party you ever had?  Why was it the best?

My best birthday party was my 40th surprise party thrown by my husband, about two years ago. I just told you how young I am…lol!!!  My husband told me in advance to save that date so we can attend his friend’s daughter’s birthday party at the Jazz Kitchen in Downtown Disney. We got dressed up and I even made a Twilight bracelet, knowing she loved Twilight and headed to the party. When we arrived, he held the door for me to enter. Everybody yelled, “Surprise!” I stood there frozen as I glanced the private room. I was so happy to see my family and friends. I started to tremble from being overjoyed and from having all eyes on me. At this point I still couldn’t move until my mom stood in front of me and hugged me. Tears of happiness flowed as I turned to thank my husband. My children, Joshua and Kaitlin looked just as surprised. I wish you could have seen their faces, they were also in shock. They didn’t know either…lol!!!  Each table was decorated with beautiful arrangements of flowers. The cake was specially made to match the theme. He even went to Michael’s to purchase activities for the young ones to do. He even made up games to revolve around me. I couldn’t imagine a more perfect way to celebrate my 40^th. As you all may already know, Michael’s character is based on my husband. He is my guardian angel…hehe!!!

Not only is Mary here with her fabulous guest post but she is also giving away 3 signed copies of Between and a beautiful snowflake pendant to go with each book. Click here to enter the giveaway!

Thanks for stopping by Mary and congratulations on Between!

You can read my review of Between here

You can read my review of Crossroads here

Information on how to follow the author :)

www.marytingcrossroads.com

www.facebook.com/crossroadsbook

twitter @maryting

www.marytingbooks.blogspot.com/

goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/11283685-crossroads

Book trailer- Crossroads  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HEIfaQdh_nk&feature=player_embedded

Neurotic Thoughts: Dead To You by Lisa McMann

Expected Release Date: February 7, 2012
Genre: YA Contemporary
Published By: Simon Pulse
Source: Borrowed from my sweet sweet daughter
Summary from Goodreads:


Ethan was abducted from his front yard when he was just seven years old. Now, at sixteen, he has returned to his family. It's a miracle... at first. Then the tensions start to build. His reintroduction to his old life isn't going smoothly, and his family is tearing apart all over again. If only Ethan could remember something, anything, about his life before, he'd be able to put the pieces back together. But there's something that's keeping his memory blocked. Something unspeakable..


My Thoughts:


Lisa McMann became one of my favorite authors with her Dream Catcher series and I couldn't wait for her to write another novel. So obviously I was very excited to get my hands on Dead To You. 


Dead To You starts off with a bang. Ethan is being reunited with his family after years of everyone thinking that he had been killed by his abductors. Things at his new house are awkward and everyone is struggling with Ethan's arrival. The book goes on to talk about day to day activities of the family trying to get to know each other again, going to counseling, Ethan starting school, and meeting up with an old friend. 


While I was enjoying reading Dead To You I realized that I wasn't really connecting with it on a personal level. I mean usually with these kinds of books I'm bawling hysterically with not just snot but hiccups too. The writing was great and the plot solid, I definitely recommend this book.  Dead To You is a fast read that really kept me interested and looking back I wonder if I didn't get emotionally invested  because either a) the book was written from Ethan's point of view and not his mothers or b) if McMann wrote the book like this on purpose. The problem with option b is I can't really explain what I mean by that without revealing some major spoilers. So if you've read Dead To You and want to talk about it let me know I'd love to see what you think. 


If you've just read this and are wondering "so did she like it?" My answer is yes I really did I just didn't react to it the way I expected. If you are a fan of Lisa McMann I think you'll be glad you picked up Dead To You. 

Waiting on Wednesday (1/11/2012) In Too Deep by Amanda Grace and Mandy Hubbard

I never meant for anyone to get hurt. All I wanted to do that night was make a play for Carter Davis. His heartless rejection was mortifying, but people got the wrong idea when they saw me leaving his bedroom, crying. That’s how rumors of rape started. 

Now girls at school are pouring out their sympathy to me. Guys too. But not everyone’s on my side. The school has become a war zone and the threats are getting scary. What began as poetic justice has morphed into something bigger-forcing me to make a terrible choice.




Expected Publication: February 8, 2012 by Flux


Add this book to your goodreads shelf here

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly meme hosted by Breaking the Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that we (bloggers) are anxiously awaiting. So what book are you excited about right now?