Stephanie Kuehnert week on Shooting Stars Mag, plus a contest!

Alright so this whole week over at Shooting Stars Magazine is Stephanie Kuehnert week. In honor of her first release, I Wanna Be Your Joey Ramone that's being released on July 8th. of next week! Aren't you excited? I know I am! I've been wanting to read this ever since I first saw the cover back in like December I believe. Anyway I'm getting off track here. Shooting Stars Magazine already has four posts up to kick off Stephanie's week. Including an author guest blog with Melissa Walker (author of the Violet series) so be sure to check that out!

Now for the big news. A huge contest is also being held. The prize being around 10 gift cards of $10 each to some of your favorite places. The people donating these gift cards are us book reviewers, myself included. Here's a list of what's put together so far:

And Another Book Read: Tasha (Barnes N Noble)

Shooting Stars Mag: Lauren

Reading Mania (ElainaReads): Elaina

The Compulsive Reader

Bookluverreviews: Chelsie

The Story Siren: Kristi

B is for Books: Breanna (me!)

Teen Troves: Mollie and Ariel

Lauren (from Shooting Stars Magazine) might be adding one or two more reviewers to this list later on this week. So keep an eye out for what you could win in this contest! All you have to do to enter is buy Stephanie's book. Amazon is already shipping copies out, isn't that crazy? So go and order one now! Once you have your book take a picture of you with the book or of your receipt and be sure to send it in to Lauren at Lauren51990@aol.com The contest is open until July 30th. so you have plenty of time to get your copy. The winner will be announced sometime during the first week of August! So go pre-order your copy now to enter! Also be sure to check out Stephanie Kuehnert on her website at www.stephaniekuehnert.com or on her Myspace at www.myspace.com/theblacknotebooks.

Fake Boyfriend

Fake Boyfriend by Kate Brian
I give it 4 out of 5 stars.

Lane, Vivi, and Curtis have had it with Isabelle's boyfriend, Shawn Littig (aka Sluttig). Over the past four years they have broken up numerous times. The beginning of each break up happening in a more nasty way. Like on her sixteenth birthday when he crashed her new car on the way to her party. This time Shawn has hooked up with some girl that Isabelle knows right across the street from her for her to see. Of course they break up again but this time Lane and Vivi have had it. They hate seeing Isabelle crushed once again by "Sluttig".

While hanging out in Vivi's room on Myspace she has a brilliant idea (or at least Vivi thinks so). They should make up a fake boy and put him on Myspace. Lane doesn't think it's such a great idea but lets Vivi do it anyway. They name him Brandon and put most all of the things that Isabelle likes in a guy on his page. Then they have Vivi's younger brother (who is a junior at their school) Marshall send her a message as Brandon because neither of them are guys and can't think of anything to say that a guy would actually say. Isabelle instantly takes to "Brandon".

As time goes on they realize that they need to find a guy to play Brandon in real life if they have any shot of keeping Isabelle away from Shawn seeing as she's desperate for a prom date and has always thought she'd go with Shawn anyway. And she doesn't think that Brandon would want to take the time to drive up to see her just to go to prom with her. So Vivi and Lane go on the search for a Brandon. They finally find him in the form of Jonathan, a somewhat preppy guy that Isabelle wouldn't really go for. In the next two weeks before prom they have turn him into a believable Brandon that Isabelle will just fall head over heels for. But in the process Vivi develops a crush that screw up their whole plan. Can they really pull this off without hurting Isabelle once again?

This book was great. I really wasn't expecting the book to end the way it did either. Which was nice. I was more happy with the ending that actually happened then the ending that was in my head. Isabelle was such a dramatic character at times but it was great. I could totally sense the crush coming on with Vivi and Jonathan too. I knew that would make an interesting ending to the book. This was a great light read, and I really liked it. I need to read something else by Kate Brian now.

Leftovers

Leftovers by Laura Wiess
I give it 5 out of 5 stars!

Blair and Ardith are best friends who come from two different families. Blair's parents are never around and her mother is fighting her way to the top to become a judge, and nothing will stand in her way. At one point she even forbids Ardith to ever come to the house again.

Ardith has had to spend her whole life with a mother who always pushes things aside and never faces what's happening in her families' lives, a drunken father who will jump at the chance to feel up basically any teenage girl, and a brother who pretty much takes after his father and will go for pretty much any girl he lays his eyes on, including Blair the one time she comes to Ardith's house. Ardith has to lock herself in her room most of the time to escape the rowdiness of her house with all the parties that are always going on.

Blair and Ardith have committed an unforgiveable act in the name of love and justice when a dear friend is hurt in a horrible car wreck. They think that committing this horrible act will finally set them free of their crappy lives and will bring justice to the situation at hand. But will it?

This book was so good. I literally couldn't put it down. I walked around the house with it all day today whenever I had a chance to read it. It was so easy to dive in to Blair and Ardith's lives and see how crappy they felt from day to day. I cried twice during this book. It usually takes a lot for me to cry from a book so doing it twice for one is big for me, lol. It's such a deep read and it really makes you think. I just really liked it. If I keep going now I'll just repeat myself in one way or another so I'm done. Definitely read this book if you're into deep emotional stuff.

Beautiful Disaster

Beautiful Disaster by Kylie Adams
I give it 5 out of 5 stars.

Beautiful Disaster is the third and final book in the Fast Girls Hot Boys series. It picks up from where the second book in the series Bling Addiction has left off. It follows the lives of the "fabulous" 5 students at Miami Academy for Creative and Performing Arts in the last few months of their high school career. The fabulous 5 being Vanity St. John, Max Biaggi Jr., Pippa Keith, Dante Medina, and Christina Perez. But only four out of the five of them will make it to graduation day alive. The question is who?

Max has a hard time when his sister Sho ends up in a coma after taking some drugs that somebody made at one of Max's infamous parties. Pippa blackmails Max's father for almost raping her on his private jet and decides to take off to New York without finishing high school. Christina jumps off of a roof hoping to kill herself to escape the fact that her mother is sending her to some camp that is supposed to specialize in "degayification" only to get caught up in some Christmas lights and saved by a random guy who happened to be nearby. Dante ends up leading the police to a room where Vanity is tied up and about to be killed by some druggie who made a sex tape of her a while back. And after Dante saves Vanity they start a relationship together.

Right before their graduation day one of them is killed. And their lives are all changed forever.

I haven't read the first two books in this series but this one was great. I finished it in a day it was that good. It was also a short book as well, so that helped too. But it was amazing. It moved at such a fast pace and it was a real page turner. I loved the 5 main characters, especially Max. They were all great and each of the story lines involving them were strong. This book is definitely intended for older readers ages 16 and up. It's a great Summer read so if you're without something to read during Summer I would highly suggest this series. The first two books are probably just as great as this one is.

The Midnight Twins (ARC)

The Midnight Twins by Jacquelyn Mitchard
I give it 4 out of 5 stars.

Meredith and Mallory are Identical twins born on either side of midnight on New Year's Eve. One born at 11:59 and the other at 12:01 am. It's now 13 years later and the girls are best friends but they have completely different interests. Also, like many Identical twins they can read each others minds. But they also have the exact same dreams. Up until one New Year's Eve when a fire breaks out at the house that they are babysitting their cousins in. Someone purposely started the fire and the twins have a pretty good idea who that someone is.

After the fire Mallory starts seeing strange images and scenes in her head involving David, the guy that they believe started the fire that the twins almost died in. These scenes are so strange but Mallory believes that they are actually going to happen. But Meredith isn't seeing the same things or even having the same dreams anymore. Instead she is seeing scenes involving David that are less creepy.

Over the next few months Mallory keeps seeing the strange scenes in her head that are getting more disturbing, like what seems to be David almost raping a girl. She even starts having blackouts after seeing the frightening images. She tells Meredith that they need to confront David but Meredith isn't too sure about the idea. Will confronting David help the disturbing scenes to finally stop or will they continue on forever?

I was lucky enough to win this ARC in a contest. I read it in like 2 days, it was great. Having Identical twins myself it was fun to read about Identical twins. The characters in this book were strong and Mallory and Meredith were easy to love. A bit of the book was confusing towards the middle. Mallory and Meredith had nick names that I found to be confusing at times. But the storyline was great and I loved the ending. I really hope Jacquelyn writes a sequel to this one.

Kissing Snowflakes

Kissing Snowflakes by Abby Sher
I give it 4 out of 5 stars.

Samantha Levy (or as she calls herself, Levy) is being dragged on her dad's honeymoon with his new young wife Kathy and her brother Jeremy. They're all going up the Bishop Inn in the mountains to ski. Sam is none to thrilled about the idea to bring along herself and her brother on her dad's honeymoon during her Winter Break of all times. She is also not so fond of young cherry Kathy who keeps trying to be all "buddy buddy" with her.

But before Sam left home her best friend Phoebe and herself decided that while she was gone she would find a boy to kiss and just have fun with. Seeing as how the only kiss that Sam has ever had was in a school play and after that play she found the boy that she kissed in the corner with a new sexy exchange student.

While taking a beginners skiing class Sam meets Drew. Drew is a very attractive ski teacher who claims to have been at the Olympic try outs. All the girls are giggling and flirting with him. And when he starts focusing on Sam she is utterly shocked. But it turns out all Drew wants is to get into Sam's pants and she is definitely not ready for that. Meanwhile, back at the Bishop Inn there is an incredibly annoying guy named Eric that helps run the place with his father. At first he drives Sam crazy with him butting into her life all the time, like when she's being a brat to Kathy. And telling her that she's not acting the way that she should be. But in the long run, is Eric all that bad? After Sam has a minor ski accident she's about to find out what Eric is really like. And she just might like it.

I bought this book a while ago because I'd heard about it. This book was pretty good, it didn't disappoint me. I liked Sam's character and I how Drew was such an ass. Well I didn't like how he was an ass to Sam, hopefully you know what I mean. I especially liked Eric though, I could tell from the beginning that he was a nice guy. Sam just wasn't about to realize that any time soon because she was so caught up with Drew. This was a really fast read for me, but good just the same. It's definitely a good Summer read even though it's set during the Winter. It's light and quick and overall a sweet book. The only thing I didn't like about it was some of the things Sam said when she was talking to Drew. I don't know, some it was just strange. But it was still a good book.

The Temptress Four (contest!)

Theres this new book out called The Temptress Four by Gaby Triana. I haven't read it yet but I've heard many great things about it. Its about these four girls who have been friends since they were young that have just graduated from high school. To celebrate they are going on a Caribbean Cruise ship called The Temptress. But the night before the trip they see a fortune teller who not only knows the girls are about to go own a trip but also that one of them will not be making it back alive.

This book sounds amazing to me! I can't wait to read it. And right now Gaby herself is having a contest to win a copy of The Temptress Four, a cute totebag, and a $25 gift certificate to itunes! The contest ends on June 30th. So go enter now! And get yourself a copy of The Temptress Four. =)

Kiss Me Kill Me

Kiss Me Kill Me by Lauren Henderson
I give it 5 out of 5 stars!
(I really don't love every book that I read, it just seems like I do)

Scarlett Wakefield is like most every other 16 year old teenage girl, with a few exceptions. She has two best friends (Alison and Luce) that aren't really popular just like she is. She is heavily involved in gymnastics and is feeling alright about her life for the most part. As alright as she can feel without having her parents that is. For the new year Scarlett has three resolutions, one being to finally get her first kiss. And hopefully from a guy that she has had a crush on for a while, Dan McAndrew.

Out of nowhere the popular girls in her school call her over to their little group one day and end up inviting her to a party that's coming up soon. Scarlett of course jumps at the chance knowing that Dan is going to be there. Well Scarlett finally gets her wish along with something terrible. Right in the middle of kissing Dan he drops dead, he pretty much suffocates in Scarlett's arms.

Scarlett is pretty much chased out of her school and sent to attend school at her Grandmother's school. While there and obsessing about Dan's death, thinking it's her fault like everyone else thinks she discovers something: A letter in her desk addressed to her containing only four words. But four words that have a strong impact on Scarlett. Then, with the help of a new friend (Taylor) Scarlett sets out to find out what really caused Dan McAndrew's death.

Wow, I have to say that I loved this book. I always love a good mystery. And this one was really a page turner. I finished it in about a day, granted it is Summer and I do have more time to read. But still, I don't usually read one book in a day. I love Scarlett's character, she was so great. I couldn't help but to feel bad for her after Dan's death. Thinking that you killed a guy just from your kiss? Thats some pretty heavy stuff for a 16 year old to be going through. Not to mention all the harassment she got from her former classmates after Dan's death. I loved this whole book, seriously. There wasn't one part that was dull to me. The whole thing was a page turner. I'd recommend this book to any teenage girl that loves a good mystery and hot guys, lol. Seriously though, this was hands down an amazing book. And I can't wait to read more by Lauren Henderson. =)

The Looking Glass Wars

The Looking Glass Wars by Frank Beddor
I give it 5 out of 5 stars.

Alyss Heart lives in Wonderland in a place called Wondertropolis with her parents King Nolan and Queen Genevieve. But her Aunt Redd who was practically thrown out of the family when she was young is determined to take over Wonderland. On Alyss' seventh birthday Redd does just that. Both of Alyss' parents are killed in Redd's wrath and Alyss and Hatter (Genevieve's loyal assistant) barely escape through an emergency looking glass portal. Once out of the portal Alyss realizes that Hatter isn't with her. They were somehow separated while in the portal.

For years Hatter searches for Alyss while Alyss ends up being adopted by a family with two other children that make fun of her for talking about Wonderland all the time. Meanwhile back in Wonderland Redd is wrecking havoc sending anyone who believes in white magic to torturous camps to work until they die. Some of the Wonderlanders have formed an army called the Alyssians and Hatter is still on the search for princess Alyss.

Many years later Alyss is 20 years old, has pretty much blocked everything about Wonderland out of her mind, and is about to be married to a wealthy Prince named Leopold when Hatter finally finds her. All of a sudden she finds herself back in Wonderland about to fight the biggest battle she has ever seen. With the fate of Wonderland resting in her hands.

When I first heard about this book it sounded interesting. Frank Beddor got the idea to write it from the old fairy tale Alice in Wonderland. While this book heads in a different direction than the original fairy tale it is even more amazing. It was full of action and all the other elements that any great book has. The characters are all incredibly strong, especially Alyss. Redd was especially easy to hate which was awesome. I always love to hate the evil characters in books like this. This book is the first in a trilogy and the second book Seeing Redd is out now as well. So go go get your hands on them and read them! You won't be disappointed. Granted I haven't read the second book yet but I'm sure it's just as great as the first.

Francey

Francey by Martin Dubow
I give it 5 out of 5 stars!

"At its heart, a love story or three, Francey is moreover a tale of mystery, betrayal, murder, and sorrow."

Francey is a mature beyond her years sixth grader who has an incredibly close bond to her father Rick. Rick is a fabulously known architect who has recently been asked to build a manor for Lord Crimson who is a rich and sorrowful member of English royalty. But Rick is not to build just any manor. He has been asked to build a manor that imitates a seventeenth century manor that keeps showing up in Lord Crimson's dreams that practically haunt him every day. Meanwhile, Francey is having these horrible nightmares that somehow turn out to be memories.

It turns out that Francey has taken on the persona of Susan Sebastian, a seventeenth century noblewoman. And Francey's nightmares are about her lover, Edward Delaney who was murdered because of their love. Francey also takes on one of Susan Sebastian's amazing attributes; her ability to draw amazingly well. But if Francey's nightmares continue at the force with which they are coming on something terrible is bound to happen. With the help of Lizzie (Francey's teacher) and Alex (Lizzie's younger brother) will Rick be able to save Francey in time?

Oh my goodness, this book was amazing! It was a pretty quick read but great just the same. It covered everything readers love; mystery, love, betrayal, murder. Not to mention the fact that the characters themselves were amazing. Rick and Francey's relationship was just perfect for this book along with Lizzie and Alex's relationship as well. Francey was such a strong and loveable character from the beginning. I absolutely adored her. I loved all the suspense and mystery in this book. I highly recommend this book to anyone who loves reading about the seventeenth century and artistry. And of course anyone who loves a great love story. I can't wait for Martin's next book!

Contest!

Enter to win a copy of Undone by Brooke Taylor at Midnight Twilight. All you have to do is leave a comment. So hurry up and go enter already! The contest ends on June 29th. =)

Lullaby

Lullaby by Jane Orcutt
I give it 4 out of 5 stars

Merrilee Hunter is 15 years old and pregnant. Nora Rey is happily married to Steven. Their marriage is only missing one thing, a baby. For years they have tried everything to conceive but nothing has worked. Even adoption hasn't seemed to work for them seeing as they're an older couple. Everything changes for them when they get a call from the adoption agency saying that they have been chosen to be parents.

After meeting Merrilee for the first time Nora becomes attached to her, and not just because she is carrying her and Steven's baby. While Merrilee doesn't offer to say much about her life before she met Nora and Steven Nora just knows that Merrilee is a wonderful girl who deserves to be loved for always. The more time that Merrilee spends with Nora and Steven the closer they get until one day something awful happens...

I randomly checked out this book from the library a while back. I'm definitely glad that I did. This book was good, not to mention heart-wrenching. Merrilee was such a sweet girl, you just couldn't help but to love her. The ending definitely surprised me. I didn't really ever see it coming. This book was relatively short, I finished it within one day. But that didn't make it any less good. I was expecting a bit more out of this book once I started reading it, but it was still a great read.

The Host

The Host by Stephenie Meyer
I give it 5 out of 5 stars!

Earth has been invaded by aliens, these small little silvery souls who need a host to survive. The hosts on the planet Earth are us, the humans. The whole planet is being taken over by these small creatures living inside human bodies. One of the aliens named Wanderer is living inside Melanie Stryder's body. But there is one big problem, Melanie refuses to leave her body. Wanderer is swept up in all of Melanie's emotions and memories, not to mention all of her rude comments.

Soon Melanie has her on this long and dangerous trip to go find what is left of her family and the man that she loves, Jared. Once Wanderer finds who Melanie is looking for a bunch of things start to happen, not all of them too great. But with Melanie's help and the help of the others with them Wanderer starts to learn what being human is all about.

I absolutely loved this book. The first 100 pages or so were a bit slow, but the book quickly changes after that. There was a point where I just didn't want to put it down. All of the characters have strong personalities and the writing is just amazing. Stephenie Meyer really is a genius. I would definitely recommend this book to anyone who likes the Twilight series. It's a great read.

My first post

Alright, so I have officially joined the blogging world. Woohoo, go me! Anyway I'm currently reading The Host by Stephenie Meyer, I'm almost done with it so I should have a review up soon. Hopefully since it's the summer now I'll be able to read a lot more and be able to start reviewing. So yep, thats it for now.