Book Review: Perfect Chemistry

Title: Perfect Chemistry
Series: Yes!!
Author(s): Simone Elkeles
Genre: Fiction 
Publisher: Walker Books for Young Readers
Pages: 357
Challenges: 100+ Reading Challenge

Summary:   When Brittany Ellis walks into chemistry class on the first day of senior year, she has no clue that her carefully created “perfect” life is about to unravel before her eyes. She’s forced to be lab partners with Alex Fuentes, a gang member from the other side of town, and he is 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

My Thoughts:  This book was more than amazing. For awhile now I have been reading lots of paranormal fantasy and other types of fantasy so this great teen romance was a good fresh book. 
Alex and Brittany were very different and that is what was the best part because when they were together it formed a hot friction like romance that was easy and fun to read! The plot line was twisted and interesting although I did expect one thing but everything else I totally loved!
The writing was spectacular and the dual narrative intrigued me. 

Overall Rating: 5/5

One word/phrase sum up: heated romance 

X is for X-ray vison and other super hero powers!

Have to make this post short! I'm really busy! Anyway I have always wanted to be able to fly or become invisible like super heros but I never have considered X-ray vision!


Anyway, if you could have one super hero power what would it be?


And would you use it for good or .... evil?!?!?!

W is for Writing Breakthrough

I hade a moment yesterday. I was sitting in the library when I looked up and saw this girls who was way over dressed for the library and a story idea just hit me, it is wonderful and beautiful and exactly the type of inspiration I've been looking for!


Anyway I have half the outline done and need to fill in some details but, it is so close!

V is for Vampires!

I just love vampires! After reading Jessica's Guide to Dating on the Dark Side, and the entire Twilight Saga I am in love with VAMPIRES! If anyone saw the author interview with Beth Fantaskey at Tales of a Teenage Book Lover it was amazing!! But that is not my point one of the questions was If you could be one paranormal creature, what creature would you be and why? The response to that was: This will sound cliché, but I would definitely be a vampire. There’s just a certain romance about them. They’re dangerous and powerful, but not so different from humans that you can’t understand them. 

I just loved that answer because I think it just proves the point that vampires are amazing!!

So, what is your favorite paranormal creature? Why?

In My Mailbox

Hi! Sorry but I don't have many books this week because I'm playing catch up! This meme is hosted by Kristi at The Story Siren!


Here they are:

Perfect Chemistry by Simone Elkeles

Blue Bloods by Melissa De La Cruz

Dirty Little Secrets by C. J. Omololu

 

Wannabe Writers

Wannabe Writers is done by Sarah at Confessions of the Un-published!


Where I am in the writing process: Um... my current WIP is failing and has this long, pointless intro. I also hate the genre it is falling into so... that is definitely on hold. now I want to write a totally different story with a totally different idea and voice. 


My Current Problem: I just need some general tips on researching. Like: How to stay organized, what to really cover, etc.


Question of the Week: What do you give up in order to write?


My Answer: I don't really know. Probably TV time or time to read. Sometimes I listen to music then realize I should be writing. Other than that unless I am in a challenge I write when it works for me.

U is for Undercover Agent

I'm not sure if anybody here has read a book by Ally Carter but I would just like to say they are amazing! The fourth book to her series is coming out.... in June...I think!?


She also has a book called Heist Society that is not in the series but equally amazing.


Got to go watch for my Wannabe Writers Post!

T is for The Concert

Hi!!!!!! Oh My Gosh so I couldn't post yesterday because ... i went to the Carrie Underwood Concert! It was so cool and awesome! She had a million props like a car that she stood on as it floated above the crowd. She also had a swing that got higher up and swung back and forth as the song went on. The best part thought was she was actually good. I mean I have gone to several concerts(or seen them on TV) and they can't sing to save their life! Luckily for me Carrie Underwood was the exact opposite because she hit all her notes and could hold them for so long!


Anyway I will be posting about U today but I can't know busy! Thanks I think if the concert comes anywhere close to you, you should go!

S is for Shade

Everyone go over to Katie's Book Blog because she has an awesome Waiting On Wednesday for the book Shade.


Here it is (click here)

R is for Research

I am currently in the mix of researching a story idea because I don't like where my current story is going. Anyway I have little to say today and lots todo so bye!

Book Review: Hush, Hush

Title: Hush, Hush
Series: Yes
Author(s): Becca Fitzpatrick
Genre: Fantasy
Publisher: Simon & Schuster Children's Publishing
Pages: 391

Challenges: 100+ Reading Challenge

Summary:  For Nora Grey, romance was not part of the plan. She's never been particularly attracted to the boys at her school, no matter how much her best friend, Vee, pushes them at her...until Patch comes along.
With his easy smile and eyes that seem to see inside her, Nora is drawn to him against her better judgment, but after a series of terrifying encounters, Nora's not sure whom to trust. Patch seems to be everywhere she is, and to know more about her than her closest friends. She can't decide whether she should fall into his arms or run and hide. And when she tries to seek some answers, she finds herself near a truth that is far more unsettling than anything Patch makes her feel.
For Nora is right in the middle of an ancient battle between the immortal and those that have fallen - and when it comes to choosing sides, the wrong choice will cost her life.

My Thoughts: Wow. Wow. Wow. I am still totally stunned by how amazing this book is. It was better then Twilight, and right up in their with Fire, Graceling, the Harry Potter Series! Although I do see how some people can relate this to Twilight I think it was ten times better. Nora the main character was much more independent and strong which made me love her for showing through with Girl Power! 

Patch, was like a much, much hotter bad-boy version of Edward. I was so happy with the ending and everything part of this book! I especially loved Nora and Patch's crazy relationship that had tons of actin and just enough steamy gooey lovely scenes.

I loved this book so much I will just give you a checklist:

• Plot Line- Loved, loved, loved it!
• Characters- well developed, realistic, and amazing! (I loved Vee she was very hilarious!)
• Ending- Ahhhhhh LOVED IT SOOOO MUCH I AM SCREAMING WITH JOY
• Relationship- I am totally envious of Nora!
• Writing- this is why I write so I can be like this author
• Everything- so amazing  my heart is beating out of excitement 

Overall Rating: 5/5

One word/phrase sum up: AMAZING!!!!!!!!!!!!

Q is for Quill and Ink

One thing I have always wanted just to have is a Quill and ink. I have always wanted to write letters on pretty fancy stationary in ink because ever since fifth grade and I actually did it. I mean it was barely legible, and there was ink splotches everywhere but, it was so much fun!! 

Also if anyone has any good quotes put them in the comments because I love all different types of quotes!

P is fr Procrastinating

I am the worlds worst procrastinator. I mean that is why I publish all my A to Z posts at the end of the day because I keep thinking oh I'll do it soon or tonight but trust me I really do try not to but I just can't. It is complete madness. Anyway I finished Hush, Hush this weekend so lets hope I can review it soon.

Wannabe Writers

Wannabe writers is a great meme hosted by Sarah at Confessions of the Un-published. There is more information over at her blog so check it out!


Where I am in the writing process: I'm 7,440 words in and everything I wrote was written yesterday. I have been  really busy all week!


My current problem: My main character is pretty rich and I am currently describing her massive house but, how do I do that? I mean it is massive so where do I start and what should I make sure to include?


Question of the Week:Character descriptions. How do you describe a characters appearance? And how do you work it into a story without making it sound fake? How much is too much? Why can't I just say "she had blue eyes blond hair" the end? And where do you work it into a story? When your MC (main character) first meets said character? And where do you work this in for your MC? And do you even need to work this in for your MC?


My Answer: I often do it when they first meet person and describe only the basics eyes, hair, body type etc. Sometimes my character doesn't even realize how pretty the other person's eyes are. They just see the person's eye color than later as they grow to that person they notice all the romantic descriptions. For the main character I have her looking in the mirror insulting herself, and people complimenting her about certain characteristics like eyes, and hair. Other than that I let the main character describe a person with a first glance that acts as the first impression kinda.

O is for Ongoing Debates

Has anyone ever had an ongoing debate with someone because they are so much fun. My friends and I often "fight" about little discussions that can be as serious as world wars or as fun and little as who gets the last bit of pop corn. They are so much fun!


Anyway, check out my other bigger post for today which would be my Wannabe Writer's post.

N is for Nothing to post about!

Wow I thought this challenge would be a piece of cake!! Wow was I wrong! I can barely think of anything to write that hasn't already been done!!! I was going to do New Moon but a blog that I follow has already done that. Anyway I'm reading Beautiful Creatures, and it is amazing!

Everyone have a fun weekend I am going to write like crazy so I can say I did something this week!

M is for Movies Murdering Books

The one thing that really bugs me is some movies that are made from books, and they murder the books.


 A couple examples:


Twilight: I know some people really love this movie but I really don't. In fact I really hate this! The acting is bad and they cut out some of my favorite scenes from the book. I also hate how the actors look scary and pained it frustrates me because they should happy and in love!


New Moon: It was better than Twilight but it was not good enough! They also cut out about a million of my favorite lines but, it was half decent and Taylor Laughter was very very hot!


What is your least favorite book based movie?


By the way the Harry Potter movies were actually amazing and showed off the book nicely!

L is for Lollipops

My favorite food to eat while chomping away at a book or typing out my first draft or doing anything is a lollipop. Just any flavor of a Tootsie pop is okay with me as long as they last forever! The thing about a lollipop is it doesn't disappear like other small candies, it lasts for a long time!


My question for you is: What is your favorite candy or food for reading, writing, or anything?

K is for Keeping Up

In a swim race you don't have to be in the lead the entire time. I mean you can that is great but sometimes you need to stratigize. Some questions you need to consider: How fast is the person in first going? Answer: Fast. How fast do you need to go? Answer: Faster. In long siatance races you have to pace yourself. Build it up then attack. Almost like a plot line build it up slowly then speed it on up until your reader is sucked into a fast pace plot line then they solve the issue and you speed up to the ending to keep their attention. That is how a connect the two sides of me writing and swimming there is very little to connect them with so that is the only thing I coul think of.

By the way I finally posted my review check it out!

Book Review: The Last Song

Title: The Last Song
Series: None
Author(s): Nicholas Sparks
Genre: Fiction
Publisher: Grand Central Publishing
Pages: 390
Challenges: 100+ Reading Challenge

Summary:  #1 bestselling author Nicholas Sparks's new novel is at once a compelling family drama and a heartrending tale of young love.Seventeen year old Veronica "Ronnie" Miller's life was turned upside-down when her parents divorced and her father moved from New York City to Wilmington, North Carolina. Three years later, she remains angry and alientated from her parents, especially her father...until her mother decides it would be in everyone's best interest if she spent the summer in Wilmington with him. Ronnie's father, a former concert pianist and teacher, is living a quiet life in the beach town, immersed in creating a work of art that will become the centerpiece of a local church.The tale that unfolds is an unforgettable story of love on many levels--first love, love between parents and children -- that demonstrates, as only a Nicholas Sparks novel can, the many ways that love can break our hearts...and heal them.


My Thoughts:  This book twists and pulls at your heart as you take a roller coaster ride through a young girl maturing into a young adult. Through the book I was both frusturated and totally happy as Ronnie made both good and bad desicons. And the end... lets leave it at the fact I'm still crying. This would be the second Nicholas Sparks book I have read and this one surpased the other by miles.

The characters were very well developed and I loved how he was in 3rd person the entire book but switched view points so I could really seep into the minds of the characters. Ronnie and Will's relashionship was special and unique from the beggining and I loved it as bad New Yorker fell in love with the sweet rich southern boy.

Overall the plot was very well developed and made me cry and squeal at different times.

Overall Rating: 5/5

One word/phrase sum up: Heartbreaking and up-lifting

J is for Judging books by their covers

I am really bad about this because every time I book I see the cover, The title fades away and everything on the cover stands out! It is really bad to because I have read a couple of really great books with pathetic covers. Anyway i have a short post today because I am going to post my review in The Last Song by Nicholas Sparks!


See ya!

In My Mailbox

Hi another week of in my mailbox from the The Story Siren. I didn't get many books this week but I hope you have some advice about them.

Fallen by Lauren Kate

The Last Song by Nicholas Sparks

The Forest of Hands and Teeth by Carrie Ryan

I've also got some great books on hold that I am waiting for!

Thanks Have fun reading

I is for Ice Cream

Okay I am really not a creative person so, i'm going to blog about the ice cream I had last night. It was Hudsenville (spell check) mint chocolate ice cream and it was amazing. The only toppings I put on it were some gooey, yummy hot fudge!! Anyway everyone should check out the Wannabe Writers post below this because that is my real post of the day


That is not my  ice cream but I kinda wish it was!

Wannabe Writers

Wannabe Writers is my weekly meme. It's a writing group for the un-published and anyone is welcome to join. It's a place where future authors can ask questions, share stories, and get feedback. Click (here) to find out how it works.


Where I am in the writing process: I'm 6, 374 words into my first draft, and some of it is total crap but, there is some good stuff!


My curent problem: I'm still having a problem with names. The names of everyone but my main character are okay but, my main characters is really bad. So, if anyone has a name for a brunette with blue eyes that is into sports (very into sports) and is very independent. She is also from a wealthy family that doesn't love each other but, her dad is an alcoholic, her mom is depressed, her step-dad is an egotistic hot shot, her younger step-sister is mean, and through it all her older step-sister is really nice and caring. Anyway if you have anything I could use please tell me.


Sarah's question this week: When do you drop a story line, give up and move on to something new?


My answer: Sarah, for you specifically, you can drop the story line because you said you have two other first drafts completed that you could probably edit like crazy. Even if you just set the idea down, and went and edited your other stories you could still come back to it with a fresh mind, and a completed novel already behind you. I know it wouldn't exactly fit into your 50k/50 days challenge but it would be best for you.

Blog Hop!

This is my first week joining a great meme called the book blogger hop hosted by Crazy for Books!

This is my first week and event though I am an "old" blogger by there standards I am still pretty new at all of it. 

Thanks!

H is for How to Train Your Dragon

I don't usually go to movies for little children in animation but I went to this one and it was adorable!!! The little "vikings" boy was little and cute next to his massive viking friends. I also loved his dragon toothless because he was amazingly cute and reminded me of my dog, Simon!


This movie is the 2nd best animation movie I have ever seen!! The best, you might ask would have to be Wall-e. My friends and I mocked it then I saw it... don't ask me why, and I loved it!! 


Anyway have a good day and watch this adorable movie!

G is for Glee

Has anyone seen Glee!?! Last night at 4 they were on Oprah and they rocked the house! For anyone who hasn't seen Glee it is on Fox and is about a group of high school "freaks" that are apart of their high school glee club. The plot line is hilarious and I'm always dying of laughter from start to finish. Anyway, just to let you know Glee is starting their new season next Tuesday on Fox and I am really exited!

F is for Foreshadowing: Good or Bad

As many of you may know I am currently attempting to write a novel. Right now I am about 5,000 words into my first draft(only about 5% of the way there probably less) Anyway, I was getting to a point where my MC(main character) was thinking about something that could happen in the summer. So, while I was typing I wondered, is foreshadowing good or bad. I'm hoping most of you know what foreshadowing is. It pretty mush means when the author lets you in on something that could occur later in the book.


So here is my question: Is foreshadowing good or bad?


For all writers out there please just give me some insight on your opinion and readers please tell me if you enjoy a book with or without it.

E is for Everyone loves Cullen quotes!!

Has anybody ever gone to a Hallmark store just to look at the cute quotes or maybe you are guilty of looking up adorable quotes from the Twilight books. Well... if your not: 1. You are not like me, and 2. I know your lying. Anyway I'm just going to post some of the most adorable lovely quotes.

My all time favorite Cullen quote!!

If you can't read it it says: Look after my Herat I've left it with you

Just a collection of amazing quotes from Edward Cullen

All my favorite Emmett Cullen quotes!! Ahh you gotta love him!

The most adorable half-human, half-vampire baby EVER!!




Anyway there is your daily fill of Cullen Quotes!

D is for Dumb moments

Have you ever had an honest to god dumb moment because if you haven't I can share a few first hand experiences. Just last night I was playing pool with my cousin an just as I went to hit it, I lifted up the my hand holding it down, and the pool stick flung up and missed EVERYTHING!! Within the same game, all I had to do was hit the 8 ball in to win. So, I got ready and as I started to hit it, I hit it to low, and the nice white ball bounced right over the white ball and off the table!! Everyone spent the next 5 minutes laughing at me!! But I couldn't tell them to stop because I was laughing at myself!! It was so funny and dump but, all I have to say is that I have done way worse!!! 

News!!

I was just exploring Kristen Cashore's site and found this bit of info: \Book 3, tentatively titled Bitterblue and currently in progress, is a companion book to both Graceling and Fireand takes place in the seven kingdoms six years after Graceling. As you may have gathered, the protagonist is Bitterblue. Yes, Katsa, Po, and others from Graceling whom I'm not yet willing to name do appear in the book. I don't know yet when it'll be coming out, and heartily invite you not to ask ^_^. That's all I can say about it at this point.




I'll have to watch for more news!! I love her books!!

Book Review: Sings with Stars

Title: Sings with Stars

Series: It is a series 

Author(s): Bethany Greenier

Genre: Fantasy/ Auto-Biography 

Publisher: Self published 

Pages: 205

Challenges: 100+ book challenge, and the 2010 debut author challenge  

Summary: What if you found a peep hole into another world? For seventeen year old Gigi Storme, that’s exactly how it feels, every time she holds certain mysterious objects at Mr. Whitley’s Junk Emporium. Gigi is different. How and why, she doesn’t know or understand, but she feels it. 

So does everybody else.

Gigi’s life is about to change forever,  with a clandestine meeting of a stranger she has longed to meet and an attack upon Mr. Whitley, her only friend.  These events bring to light the truth that Gigi is from a magickal realm.  In this new world she must face unexpected betrayal, learn to love, and undergo a series of magickal initiations to unlock her own abilities.  

Gigi will confront an unknown, but hauntingly familiar enemy with devastating powers, and she must overcome her own dark heritage in the process. 

Gigi will finally discover exactly what it is about her that is different, and how it could be the very thing that saves her and everyone around her.  Where and who she comes from will have less to do with where she'll end up, than her own choices...

My Thoughts:  This book was a wonderful magical story. The characters and scenery flowed off the page into my head to create a magical image of Gigi’s world. Dispite the fact it was written in 3rd person I was very much effected by the emotions the characters thought to themselves. The book had an unexpected ending that left me begging for the next book in the series. Bethany Greenier did an amazing job of writing out an intense love story and every other relationship within the book. Several times throughout the book I could feel my heart bend as my favorite characters went through pain, loss, and many other vividly described details and emotions.

In the end the book’s great writing, characters, and plot line left me begging for more of the wonderful land created within the pages.

Overall Rating: 5/5

One word/phrase sum up: Magickal 

Wannabe Writers

Wannabe Writers is my weekly meme. It's a writing group for the un-published and anyone is welcome to join. It's a place where future authors can ask questions, share stories, and get feedback. Click (here) to find out how it works.

Where I am in the writing process: Right now I am 3,533 words in. I have created a new text on my side bar that contains my most recent update. Totally uninspired right now.

My current problem: Settling on a plot. There are about 5 different elements that I could add in right now but... I don't know if I should. There are also about 3 different endings I could have to but they are all half- decent but not amazing. Any solution?

Question this week:  How do you know when you're good enough?

My answer: You don't you write because you must. Because you have a passion for it and love what you are doing and what you have created with your little world. You write because the characters you created deserve an ending or the rest of the life you have set out for them. You write because you must.

Have fun writing and good luck on the 50k in 50 day challenge!!

C is for Clumsy

Clumsy: This blog will share a little bit about me and one of my key characteristics. I am clumsy. 5 broken bones and way to many bruises to count can prove it. The other day my friends and I were practicing my "model" walk and I was so giddy and happy that when  I turned around ran straight into a wall. I can go on and on about the list of very dumb things I have done because I have 2 left legs but I won't because well... there are way to many.
Once upon a time when I was really little I went through the I want to be a ballerina stage (thank god I outgrew that quickly). Anyway, in class we didn't spin or twirl we mainly stretched and jumped but out of class I twirled and twirled and hit wall after wall after wall. There was no end to how truly horrible I am at dancing.

B is for Bending Corners

Bending Corners: All of you are going to think I'm crazy after this post but I'm not. Anyway, I am a firm believer in using a bookmark for keeping the page in your book. I would like to know what do you do to keep the page? I just have a firm opinion that you shouldn't bend the corner of a book. Bending the corner of a book wears it down and causes the next reader a less enjoyable reading experience. I mean bending the corner hurts the book!! And I know what your thinking, Books are inanimate objects they will not feel anything! but really they will.  So, the next time that you go to a bookstore or even have a spare piece of paper, get a bookmark!

Thank you

Another Challenge

That's right, another one. Today I signed up for Home Girl's Book Blog's 100+ reading challenge. I might be late but I will put in what I already read.
If you look on the side bar there will be a list of all the books i have read!! 


Thanks,


Swimmer

A is for Awesome

Awesome: This will be day 1 of arlee bird April A to Z challenge. (Click here for info and to sign up!) The premise of it is that everyday(except for sunday) I will blog about the letter of the day. Today is the first day and the letter is A so.... I decided to fill you guys in on this awesome challenge. The topics could be totally related to this blogs usual topics(books and writing) or totally random. I think tomorrow I will talk about Bananas, Boats, or Books. 

Anyway, I also want to say the book I'm reading right now is awesome so look out for the review.