From Goodreads: The demon Lilith has been destroyed and Jace has been freed from her captivity. But when the Shadowhunters arrive to rescue him, they find only blood and broken glass. Not only is the boy Clary loves missing–but so is the boy she hates, Sebastian, the son of her father Valentine: a son determined to succeed where their father failed, and bring the Shadowhunters to their knees.

No magic the Clave can summon can locate either boy, but Jace cannot stay away—not from Clary. When they meet again Clary discovers the horror Lilith’s dying magic has wrought—Jace is no longer the boy she loved. He and Sebastian are now bound to each other, and Jace has become what he most feared: a true servant of Valentine’s evil. The Clave is determined to destroy Sebastian, but there is no way to harm one boy without destroying the other. Will the Shadowhunters hesitate to kill one of their own?

Only a small band of Clary and Jace’s friends and family believe that Jace can still be saved — and that the fate of the Shadowhunters’ future may hinge on that salvation. They must defy the Clave and strike out on their own. Alec, Magnus, Simon and Isabelle must work together to save Jace: bargaining with the sinister Faerie Queen, contemplating deals with demons, and turning at last to the Iron Sisters, the reclusive and merciless weapons makers for the Shadowhunters, who tell them that no weapon on this earth can sever the bond between Sebastian and Jace. Their only chance of cutting Jace free is to challenge Heaven and Hell — a risk that could claim any, or all, of their lives.

And they must do it without Clary. For Clary has gone into the heart of darkness, to play a dangerous game utterly alone. The price of losing the game is not just her own life, but Jace’s soul. She’s willing to do anything for Jace, but can she even still trust him? Or is he truly lost? What price is too high to pay, even for love?

Darkness threatens to claim the Shadowhunters in the harrowing fifth book of the Mortal Instruments series.

My take – This book was a great follow up to the cliffhanger that was City of Fallen Angels (see review here).  Major geek out on several levels here!  Let’s see if I can break it down for ya’ll without spoilers:

Plot- for me, the action took a back seat in this book as it really focuses on relationships.  A little slow to get rolling, but definitely got up to steam at the end and kept me hooked.  Major progress on all the relationships, and some interesting developments that surprised me … yes, definitely the climax was a shocker.

Characters – Jace is once again not himself, and Clary is a little freaked out because she still loves him, and it’s his body and hotness and all, but the guy she loves is not in there … at least, the good part.  Clary gets to be reckless and play double agent to save her true love; Jace has a moment where he breaks free (and that right there was worth all the other angst).

Sebastian was also a little surprising because he was showed Clary his softer side.  We thought he was pure evil, but is he really? Mwaa haa haa…

Simon got a lot to do in this story (yay!) and his still-forming relationship with Izzy was so cute.  Of course, Izzy needs to stop acting so tough and tell him how she feels, just sayin’.

The Magnus and Alec story line was the hardest one for me – seriously, I wanted to thump Alec in the head for major stupidity.

Infernal Devices tie-in – Oh my gosh, hints that one of the Silent Brothers (Brother Zachariah) may be Will or Jem – I guess we will find out when Clockwork Princess comes out!!

See you in the STACKS!
Nancy

Check out her blog / twitter and our review of WABW!

Describe What a Boy Wants in five words.
Funny, Hottie, Friendship, Love, Lessons.

This is a truly fun book, was there any particular scene that had you rolling with laughter while writing?
A couple. Sebastian has the ability to make me laugh, which I guess it strange since he comes from my head. LOL. One of my favorites is when he and Jaden are escaping Alexandra’s dad. I was laughing at they tumbled down the tree together, “running for their lives” before being forced to dive into Aspen’s trunk. Another is when he starts to realize he’s in love and the girl is being “friend” with him and he’s thinking all sorts of thoughts he isn’t used to.

We love the cover! Can you tell us a little about the cover design process?
I know a cover artist and contacted her to make it. I filled out a form about the book and what I’d like. She made a couple mocks and while they were good, they weren’t “right”. They didn’t feel like Sebastian. It was really important to me to find something that totally felt like him and fit the book. I talked the ears off of a couple of my friends and we ended up finding the image. I KNEW it was exactly right. It is exactly how I pictured Sebastian right down to the eyebrow ring. I sent it to the designer and there you have it!

We heard you’re busy writing a companion novel, What a Boy Needs, with Jaden as lead. Can you give us any spoilers, fun tidbit, release date…we’ll take anything!!
I don’t have an exact release date, but it’s tentatively scheduled for mid-June. For a teaser can I say… Jaden + Sebastian + graduation + LMFAO’s Sexy and I know it = Trouble? lol.

As a book lover and writer, what one book do you recommend the most? Why?
Oh wow. That is a tough question. I’m a HUGE boy point of view fan so those are always my favorites. I’m also very picky about the ones I like though. Though she hasn’t released a boy POV book yet, one of my heroes is Sarah Ockler. She writes so beautifully. I’m always telling people who much I love her work.

LIGHTING ROUND!!!

a book that made you cry – Drangonfly in Amber by Diana Galbaldon (adult) and Take Me There by Carolee Dean (YA).
do you act out the scenes you write – Sigh. Totally. It’s embarrassing when I write at Starbucks.
the best thing about The Hunger Games – The depth of human love, loyalty and sacrifice in some of the characters, particularly Katniss and Peeta. What they would do or sacrifice for those they love. It’s incredible.
worst job you ever had – working at a video store!
cartoon character you most identify with – Pepe Lepu (no I don’t stink, lol). I’m a huge romantic and obsessed with love

Thanks so much for letting me crash your blog today!

—

We love you and you’re welcome anytime!!!

Note:  You may have noticed that Nancy’s book on here changed, sorry about that!  That’s what I get for not asking questions about the title!!

The Immortal Rules

from goodreads - Allison Sekemoto survives in the Fringe, the outermost circle of a vampire city. By day, she and her crew scavenge for food. By night, any one of them could be eaten.

Some days, all that drives Allie is her hatred of them. The vampires who keep humans as blood cattle. Until the night Allie herself is attacked—and given the ultimate choice. Die or become one of the monsters.

Faced with her own mortality, Allie becomes what she despises most. To survive, she must learn the rules of being immortal, including the most important: go long enough without human blood, and you will go mad….

my take – Let me just say that, I love me some Kagawa!!! This book is stellar, from the writing to the plot to the characters to the world building – everything! Here’s what I really liked:

*World building. Oh. My. The world created is fantastic, so very dire and survival of the fittest that the addition of vampires and ZOMBIES seems reasonable and acceptable. Did I mention also, believable? There’s no poetic snoring on landscape descriptions or soliloquys on the injustice of the Fringers – just the facts with the right amount of emotion and verve.

*Plot. AHHH!!! It’s so simple, yet filled with enough intrigue and mystery to keep you on your toes. I liked the twits thrown at us, and how nothing came easy for Allie and I liked the ending.

*Allie/Kanin. Allie is one tough girl.  She’s not perfect, but in a world of eating roaches and spiders to stave off starvation, this girls has the street smarts needed to survive. She also has a heart, though she may hide that at times.

Kanin. I love that he is a vampire and I love the mystery that surrounds him. He’s a dangerous monster with a soft side lurking under his scary demeanor.

What I didn’t like – Yep, there was one thing I did not like:

*ZEKE. This guy (Allie’s main squeeze) was just a little too perfect. A little too good. A little too giving and nice. One could argue that there is a certain scene that makes him less than admirable, but I see his action as selflessness. Zeke needs some character flaws!! People, only Peeta can be THAT good.

This is a must read for vampire/apocalyptic lovers!!

Stacy

Get your drink ready and prepare for laughs, for we’re on a roll today and the fun doesn’t stop.

* SPOILERS abound and as always you can find us on itunes*

We are thrilled to be hosting YA superstar Amy Plum today!! She is the author of Die for Me, and the recently released sequel, Until I Die. We asked her the burning question that all inquiring minds want to know… American food vs French food.

American Food vs. French Food

I have to say, I miss good old southern breakfasts: grits, buttermilk biscuits, eggs, sausages, gravy, the works! You can get most American foods in France, but one thing I’ve never found here is grits.

When I moved from Paris to New York City, the things I missed most were cornichons (these little pickles that you eat with pâté), runny cheese, and saucisson sec (a cured sausage that has whole peppercorns in it). Now that I’m back in France, I eat all of those on a regular basis!

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Today’s scavenger hunt word is: this

For more information on the super awesome grand prize Amy is giving away, please visit her blog here.

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**GIVEAWAY!!!** **GIVEAWAY** **GIVEAWAY**

Want to win a signed paperback of Die for Me? Just read the rules and fill out the form. It’s that simple!

The Rules
*Open Internationally
*Must fill out the form correctly
*Open to those 15 years of age or older
*Winner will be notified via email, and will not be announced on the blog
*Winner chosen by Random Number Generator
*Giveaway ends May 15, 2012 at 11:59PM CEN

GIVEAWAY NOW CLOSED

From Goodreads.com:  Love is dangerous and trust is priceless in Holly Black’s “powerful, edgy dark” fantasy series (Publishers Weekly).

 
This Girl in the Stacks is a BIG superhero fan and after seeing The Avengers this past Friday, I HAD to get the Joss Whedon Companion.  Trust me, if you are a fan of his work, you will want to read this; it’s one of the best critical pieces on Whedon’s vision and you get some sneak peeks into The Avengers.  (Please tell me I’m not the only superhero fan here!)

As I read the last word in this book I had two successive reactions:  1.) no, she didn’t and 2.) um, excuse me, where was Eric in this book?

That’s right, mama wasn’t happy.

Technically speaking, the writing was great. It’s typical Sookie standard.  There was some laughs, some banter, some action – it’s just the plot was boring, it didn’t light my fire.  I also wasn’t pleased with the direction Harris took the story. More specifically, who Sookie will end up with. While this may seem trite, you know this is one of the only reasons we read this series. It’s all about the ‘teams’ and whose side you’re on.

Now I know Harris has been preparing us fans for years, saying things like Sookie will do what’s best for Sookie, she will live a nice long normal life and she will not be turned   – y’all, it’s one thing to be told this, but it’s quite different to read them in action.

I basically view this book (and Dead Reckoning) as filler books. Harris is tying up storylines and, unfortunately closing off much loved relationships. I’m not just talking Eric, I see her separating from all her supe friends sans Jason and Sam, and maybe Bill.

To wrap up my thoughts I will leave you with a few possible outcomes for book 13:

1. Using the cluviel dor has consequences, therefore causing someone Sookie loves to die. Eric. Sookie is distraught and falls into the arms of Barry the Bellboy, I mean Quinn. And they have beautiful, bald-headed babies together.

2. Eric will man up and kick the Oklahoma Queen to the curb; it will be fraught with actions and blood spillage. The body count will be high. The only down fall is the cluviel dor consequence will be Eric becomes mortal and Sookie will have to protect him with her killer survival skills the rest of their lives.

3. Eric marries the Queen of Oklahoma, Bill continues to pine for Sookie, Pam refuses to move to Oklahoma and opens up a women’s pant suite store all while Sookie and Sam hook-up. Eventually, they get married.  Sadly, the consequence of using the cluviel dor is that Jason is no longer handsome and Michele leaves him.

4. The consequence of using the cluviel dor is that one by one each of Sookie’s former lovers and friends die in a freak accident (Eric while racking leaves, Bill explodes while pumping gas while talking on his cell phone, Tara asphyxiates putting on spanx etc). However, a la Dallas and Bobby Ewing she wakes up one morning and hears the shower running, she quickly pads to the bathroom to find Gran lathering up. Everything was a dream.

If you’ve read this book, please let me know what you think! Did you like it? Am I in the minority?

XOXO, Stacy

Somebody to Love

goodreads description – After her father loses the family fortune in an insider-trading scheme, single mom Parker Welles is faced with some hard decisions. First order of business: go to Gideon’s Cove, Maine, to sell the only thing she now owns—a decrepit house in need of some serious flipping. When her father’s wingman, James Cahill, asks to go with her, she’s not thrilled even if he is fairly gorgeous and knows his way around a toolbox. Having to fend for herself financially for the first time in her life, Parker signs on as a florist’s assistant and starts to find out who she really is. Maybe James isn’t the glib lawyer she always thought he was. And maybe the house isn’t the only thing that needs a little TLC.

my take – This is a great book for the beach or one to have in your car that you can pick up when you’re unexpectedly delayed and jump right in – it’s easy and breezy.

I instantly connected with Parker Welles; I have a thing for the emotionally neglected. While she may be a successful author and a trust fund baby, her life is far from perfect. Her dad treats her with indifference and her extended family our downright mean (spiteful) to her. Besides, her only friends are Ethan (her son’s father) and his wife Lucy. She is the epitome of loneliness.
James, the love interest, is one of those good American guys. He’s from a blue collar family, and worked hard for his education – he is handy with the tools, smart and successful. While he’s not squeaky clean, he is honorable and respectable. Plus, he has emotional baggage too. What’s not to like?

The relationship between Parker and James is a slow burn and eventually their chemistry is undeniable. Parker is pretty tough on James and a little judgmental (matter of fact I wanted to have a sit down with her a few time, but then I remembered her family and gave her a pass), but James handled her well.

The secondary characters and the small town setting were fun. Aunt Lavinia was a hoot, and we seriously need a Chantal book, and possibly a Malone one too.

However, I did find a few things unrealistic:
1. Her book about the Holly Rollers (which was A+ with me!) was made into a movie; however she didn’t go to the premier, or remember its opening weekend? Umm, is there really an author out there like that?
2. Her flower arrangements skills. Does a summer camp class really make you a better florist than your aunt who has been doing it for 30 years?
3. Again, with the flowers – this time her new business. As a small business owner I know how hard it is to open a small business, how was she able to open one so quickly after that summer in Gideon’s Cove?
4. After her and her son’s trust funds were lost, she had to move was left a small cottage with $11,000 to her name she never once had an emotional breakdown – you know, the kind with lots of tears and snot.

Overall, this is a good choice for a lazy summer day!

XOXO, Stacy

**REBRAODCAST** **REBROADCAST** 

We’re going deep in the archives to pull out today’s show, one of our first (and favorite!) interviews. Julie Kagawa oozes awesome, just listen and we’re sure you’ll agree.

In this episode, we talked mostly about The Iron Fey series, but she did give little hints of her vampire dystopia to come (at the time), The Immortal Rules!

We had a great time with Julie Kagawa, she is super sweet and super talented. The YA community is fortunate to have her!!

*as always you can find us on itunes*

First of all, we just adored this book!!  We love fun mysteries!
Ooo, thank you!  I’m so glad.  The Lola series is SO much fun to write!

Where do you get your mystery ideas from? Is it ripped from the headlines? CSI? News?
TOTALLY ripped from the headlines, then mixed and mashed up until it’s not recognizable anymore J   There is a nudist resort REALLY close to where I used to live, so that, of course, planted a nice seed.  What fun to have a mystery centered there!

We hear you are a fan of Nancy Drew.  So we have to ask, Ned Nickerson or Edward Cullen?
Um, Jack Callaghan.  Sorry, I gotta be loyal to my favorite hero.  J  I do love me some Manny Camacho, too.  Ned or Edward… bah, just boys.

Tell us about Lola in 5 words.Salsa-dancing, black-belt, smart, sexy PI.   (note how I hyphenated to make it work)

How much of you do you put in your books?  Even if it’s none, we still want to be BFF’s because we think you‘re cool.
LOL, well, thanks!  Lola is a lot me, and vice versa.  She’s who I want to be sometimes, and I definitely infused her with my values, dreams, love of family, sexiness… Haha!  Just kidding.  Honestly, every lead character I write has a bit of me in them, and in return, they give me a bit of themselves.

We think Lola is hilarious! Do you ever laugh out loud while writing for Lola?
I do!  And I blush, sometimes.  And I cheer.  I LOVE Lola!

Tell us there is another Lola book in the works?  *crosses fingers*
Can I just say, I love you!  Yes, working on book 4 (no need to have read books 1 and 2 before you jump into book 3.  You can always go backwards).  Drop Dead Lola, or maybe What Lola Wants.  Not sure, still working on the title, but the story’s coming along.

What are you reading these days?
Finishing Mao’s Last Dancer by Li Cuxnin, and it is SO good and So fascinating!  Love it.  It’s a book club choice, of course, because my free time is spent reading things like Obsidian, by Jennifer L. Armentrout, The Marriage Bargain, by Jennifer Probst, and other hot and steamy reads. **blushing**

Lightning Round, Holly Black Style!

Mountains or Beach - Beach

A book that made you cry - Mao’s Last Dancer, most recently.  Before that, Night Road by Kristin Hannah.  Oh my God.

A book that scared you - Silence of the Lambs

A la Barbara Walters, if you were a tree what kind would you be - ROFLOL!  Lilac

All-time favorite movie - Joy Luck Club.  Or Gone With the Wind.

Harry Potter, Hunger Games, or Lord of the Rings - Harry Potter.  Total comfort movie, like pot roast.

Love Triangles or Soul mate - Soul Mate!  Did I mention Jack Callaghan?

You’re the bomb, thank you for having me and loving Lola and Bare-Naked Lola!

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*Finishes downloading The Marriage Bargain by Jennifer Probst on Kindle* *blink blink* Melissa is quite witty if you ask us and has some worthy book recommendations. Oh, and we recommend the title Drop Dead Lola for the next book!

Make sure and follow Melissa on twitter, goodreads, facebook, and check out her website. Oh, and don’t forget to add Bare-Naked Lola to your goodreads account.

*****GIVEAWAY!!!********

We get to giveaway one e-book of Bare-Naked Lola! Read the rules and fill out the form. It’s that simple!

The Rules
*Open Internationally
*Must fill out the form correctly
*Open to those 15 years of age or older
*Winner will be notified via email, and will not be announced on the blog
*Winner chosen by Random Number Generator
*Giveaway ends May 10, 2012 at 11:59PM CEN

 GIVEAWAY NOW CLOSED

Masque of the Red Death

description - While struggling with the demons from her past, Araby finds a reason to survive after a devastating plague has decimated the population and no one is whom they seem to be.

Stacy’s take - One of the first things that draw you into this flambeaux story about disease and death are the depths of the characters. The first chapter alone introduces us to Araby, and we soon discover she has demons – a past that she is trying to numb herself from. Oblivion is her peace.

The other characters as well have shrouded pasts. However, a book with a bunch of characters with desperate beginnings is not in itself interesting. In this book it’s the way each character deals with their past in the present. How they fuel their passion going forward. It’s astonishing the many different ways Bethany Griffin can spin a tortured past to a productive future, or counter productive, as the case maybe.

My favorite characters are Elliot, Araby, Araby’s father, April and the nasty Reverend Malcontent. In that order.

favorite scene - In one particular passage Araby and Elliot are in Prince Prospero’s boat, surrounded by crocodiles. We learn so much about Elliot; his fears, his desires. We can see his internal tug-a-war. This scene is touching and creepy, but gives us a glimpse inside to who Elliot is.

one complaint - Araby takes a vow of chaste because of the death of Finn, however her resolve doesn’t seem to stand on firm ground.

XOXO

Bitterblue (Graceling Trilogy) by Kristin Cashore
Publisher: Penguin Group (USA) Incorporated
Release Date: May 1, 2012

I enjoyed Graceling and Fire and so did Shannan and Stacy.  So we were SO excited to snag an ARC for this book at the midwinter ALA in Dallas!  We passed it around, and enjoyed it as much as the first two!  Poor little Bitterblue, she is running her late father’s kingdom but it seems to be nothing but paperwork … or is it?  Cashore brings in the characters from the other two books to make it feel like a family reunion.

Deadlocked by Charlaine Harris
Publisher: Penguin Group (USA) Incorporated
Release Date: May 1, 2012

Is this the next-to-last or the next-to-next-to-last Sookie book?  Either way, as Harris wraps up the series, I’m getting excited to find out WHAT HAPPENS NEXT.  Does Sookie end up with Eric?  Bill?  Dermot? A new unknown?  We know she’s not going back with Alcide or Quinn … and is she really recovered from that fairy attack?  AAAGH!  Tell me already!  Anyways, this book is in my hands and I’m reading it ASAP.

Insurgent (Divergent trilogy) by Veronica Roth ,
Publisher: Katherine Tegen Books
Release Date: May 1, 2012

Did you love Divergent?  I did too!  *grins*  I am so NOT a Dauntless (I’d love to think I’m half Amity half Erudite), but I love Tris for breaking out and doing the unexpected.  I can’t wait to see what happens next to Tris … and Tobias … and that cliffhanger - AAAUUUGGGGH!  Yep, again – in my hands and I’m reading it this week.  Or tomorrow.  Or maybe I’ll just quit typing this post and sneak away for a bit to read …

City of Lost Souls by Cassandra Clare
Publisher: Margaret K. McElderry Books
Release Date: May 8, 2012

Clary and Jace and Simon.  Isabelle.  Alec.  Magnus.  Sebastian.  Need I say more?  Well, I suppose I could, because you want to know why you should read this series, right?  And if you’ve read it, you know.  The first trilogy is a whole unto itself; Clare began the second three-story arc with City of Fallen Angels (review here).  So read that review and you’ll know why I have to have this book the minute it comes out.

The Hunt by Andrew Fukuda
Publisher: St. Martin’s Griffin
Release Date: May 8, 2012

So I broke my self-imposed moratorium on vampires last month, and it was gooood.  So good, in fact, that this month there is another vampire book I have heard exceptionally good buzz about and want for my very own.  *pets copy of book*  A boy posing as vampire in a world where humans are nearly extinct – and if he’s discovered, he’s lunch.  Then he is picked to go on a “hunt” for said humans – yah, that sounds freaking awesome!!

So what are YOU looking forward to reading this month?  Let us know in the comments!

So…what are you reading?

So, we’ll be reading Fracture by Megan Miranda for our first book!  As I mentioned in the video, Kate from Ex Libris, Sarah from Sarah’s Random Musings, and Jen from A Book and a Latte will be joining in on the discussion for this book.  All of these lovely ladies have read Fracture already and reviewed it on their blogs – plus we majorly owe them for helping us out with this idea!

I did forget to mention that we will be podcasting about the book and our thoughts as well as answering some questions in a post.  And please, any questions or comments you want us to discuss in a post or during the podcast, let me know!  It’s kind of like taking requests during a concert, but since I am neither musically inclined or famous, I may be stretching that metaphor a bit thin!  You get what I’m saying, right?

So let’s get reading!  And also – don’t forget that you can send me suggestions on names for this occasional YA book club.  Something quirky and clever for things like this never seems to strike me when I need it to, so your help is really appreciated.  And yes, I will totally thank you via video – this naming stuff is serious business!

We talk about The Murder Complex, her publishing journey, her favorite books to read, #TeamDauntless, Teen Shiver and MORE!! She may have also said of us, and we quote, “y’all are beautiful, fabulous and young!!”  This is one of many reasons why we love her!

For more information on Lindsay check out her blog, follow her on twitter, see what the ladies of Teen Shiver are up to and add The Murder Complex to your goodreads feed!

*as always, you can find us on itunes*

publisher: Balzer + Bray (Harper Collins)

author website: Heidi Ayarbe

buy me: amazon barnes&noble

from amazon:  Sanctuary.

A one-word text message: That’s all Michal “Mike” Garcia needs to gather a crowd. Mike is a seventeen-year-old bookie, and Sanctuary is where she takes bets for anyone at Carson City High with enough cash. Her only rule: Never participate, never place a bet for herself.

Then Josh Ellison moves to town. He pushes Mike to live her life, to feel a rush of something—play the game, he urges, stop being a spectator.

So Mike breaks her one rule. She places a bet, feels the rush.

And loses.

In an act of desperation, she and Josh—who has a sordid past of his own—concoct a plan: The pair will steal from Carson City’s elite to pay back Mike’s debt. Then they’ll give the rest of their haul to those who need it most. How can burglary be wrong if they are making things right?

Wanted will thrust readers into the gritty underbelly of Carson City, where worth is determined by a score, power is derived from threat, and the greatest feat is surviving it all.

my take: In typical Heidi Ayarbe style, she takes a subject I know little about and makes me feel like I should be the voice for all the people who can’t or won’t speak up. I feel love for the characters whether you agree with their actions or not. I want to adopt every character in her books and cook them a home cooked meal (does picking up Boston Market or Chick-Fil-A count?).  Ayarbe makes me feel for a character even when, as I generalize about that group, and in this case, bookies, I tend to disregard them and wish they would all go to jail.

Oh, not so with my dear protagonist Mike that Ayarbe melts my heart with. In a book where you think you know the ending, in a book where you think you are conservative, and in a book where you lean to the left, you’ll only think about the kids and how you can help them at the end of Wanted or any of Ayarbe’s books for that matter.  They aren’t preachy.  It’s just a story told.  A story that probably comes closer to the truth than anything I imagine.  Next time you hear about incidents in the news, maybe, just maybe you’ll think about the person and the circumstances that got them there. And maybe just maybe our world will change bit by bit.

Love, StackGirl Shannan who still ranks Compromised by Heidi Ayarbe as one of my most favorite books

What a Boy Wants

goodreads description - Courtesy of watching his mom’s relationships, Sebastian Hawkins knows what girls need to do to get a guy. He has what he considers a PHD in hooking up. When he needs extra cash for a car, Sebastian starts up an online venture as The Hook-up Doctor, to anonymously help girls land the guy of their dreams. Of course, his services don’t offer a happily-ever-after guarantee. He’s seen firsthand getting together never means staying together.

And then he falls in love…

Writing

Nyrae not only has the mechanics of writing down, she also the ability to bring the words alive in a realistic way, full of emotion with lots of teen angst. WABW is a fun read, and there were definite moments when a chuckle would escape my lips and I would say, “That Sebastian” and shake my head.

Sebastian

Oh, that Sebastian. He’s arrogant and cocky, and he’s bought into his whole persona of being the Hook Up Doctor.  It definitely takes him by surprise when he becomes one of those sappy boys, the ones who he constantly made fun of for being in love. I enjoyed reading his inner monologue, it was funny and sweet. His growth as a character may not be off the charts, but he does grow and learns something about himself along the way.

The BFFS – Sebastian, Pris, Aspen and Jaden

The friendship between Sebastian, Pris, Aspen and Jaden is real and endearing.  They are a tight knit group who will always have each other’s back. They even have a Pre-Party Plan, which is hilarious  and genius.

Thanks Nayrae for giving us a fun, easy book to read!!

 Stacy, just keeping it real…

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Today marks day 2 of my YAY 4 YA tour. Missed day one? Check out Novel Novice  for a full explanation about this week long event and a chance to meet the characters of the Chosen Ones. Don’t forget that you have a chance to win Chosen Ones book swag by leaving comments in the comments section on my blog concerning today’s topic.

Today, I am stoked to be visiting Girls in the Stacks. What a witty name for such an awesome blog. I am excited to share what book bloggers have to say about the Chosen Ones. As a blogger myself with the highly successful Novel Novice, I can’t express how much respect and admiration I have for bloggers who help spread their love of reading to the masses. What a powerful tool in our informational age.

Below are some excerpts from what others have had to say about the Chosen Ones. You can see for yourself when the Chosen Ones hits the shelves on June 12th:

Chosen Ones, is deep, beautiful and intoxicating. Tiffany Truitt has a gift to communicate an emotional written story. This book was nothing short of AMAZING! WinterHaven Books

Full of suspense, danger, drama, and even forbidden love thrown in, Chosen Ones was everything I had expected from the book blurb. Chosen Ones is deliciously tormenting that will make you feel hopeful and heartbroken at same time. Pages From My Thoughts

Chosen Ones packs a powerhouse of emotions and eerie intrigue. It stole my heart. The Bookaholic

I really, really liked this. It has to be my favourite dystopian. It is so well written and easy to read even though there is a lot of information involved. Tiffany did a great job at the world building. Paranormal Book Fan

Another great book with an awesome kick ass character! The world that Truitt has created is dark and intense. Good Choice Reading

I was not disappointed, this book is incredible and without a doubt one of the best debut’s I have ever read. K-Books

Tess is a fantastic and strong heroine. I loved how her mind worked, how she reasoned situations, and figured things out for herself. She’s very relatable. Her relationship with James was powerful and passionate, and at times, tender. I couldn’t flip the pages fast enough as I anxiously devoured every scene with them, wondering if this would be the moment they got caught. A tense, thought provoking, highly evocative read that stirs every emotion, Chosen Ones is un-put-downable, and a must for Dystopian lovers. Trisha Wolfe, YA author

Don’t forget to head over to my blog and discuss your favorite YA books. Go review crazy for a chance to win some neato prizes including a signed Mortal Instruments poster by Cassandra Clare!!

The Selection

from goodreads -  For thirty-five girls, the Selection is the chance of a lifetime. The opportunity to escape the life laid out for them since birth. To be swept up in a world of glittering gowns and priceless jewels. To live in the palace and compete for the heart of the gorgeous Prince Maxon.

my take - Fans of Matched and The Hunger Games (and the TV show, The Bachelor) will see lots of familiar  elements in The Selection by Kiera Cass. Things like, a love triangle, a caste system, doting attendants (think subdued versions of Octavia, Venia and Flavius) and a country in turmoil – however, that doesn’t mean that The Selection is a copy cat book. It’s not, it definitely has its own originality.

How it’s different:

1.) The world building. The world Cass has created is not as dire as in The Hunger Games, or so controlled like that of Matched where citizens have no freedoms of choice and are limited in knowledge. Citizens of Illea are informed, and their only repression comes from their caste fate, not strict government control. Albeit it can be argued that they are controlled, but it’s not so much big brother is watching with spies or secret cameras.

2.) The story. It’s basically The Bachelor in a readable YA format and instead of a rich guy, it’s a rich Prince looking for his future Queen. However, the difference comes in that each girl is pampered, respected and protected – and the rebel attacks. We don’t know much about the rebels, except that there are two types – the Northerners and the Southerners. I believe by book two we will have a better understanding of the rebels and what it is they want/looking for and maybe even see a turncoat or two.

3.) America and the ending. America (the MC) is a strong, stubborn heroine which is not unlike that of Cassie and Katniss. Yet, the difference is that America comes from a loving home with strong (though at times strained) family ties. She’s devoted to her family and takes pride in her “talent,” her musical abilities. America is also honest with herself, and that honesty is apparent by the end of the book. The ending (which is NOT a cliffhanger) shows her courage, sense of adventure and ability to keep a level-head.

side-note: I’m not a fan of the love triangle, and in this case it’s really killing me – I like them both! Okay, maybe I like Maxon slightly more (he was the star of this book), but my allegiance could easily be swayed with the next book!!

This is a must read for lovers utopia/dystopia genres and maybe even those of reality TV.

The Language of Flowers

Our discussion covers all the main themes of the book, plus we talk about The Camellia Network, co-founded by Diffenbaugh.

For more information we highly suggest listening to our interview with Vanessa, we promise you will be inspired by her – she is made of awesome.

*SPOILERS abound and as always you can find us on itunes*

From Goodreads:  Why be the sheep, when you can be the wolf?

Seventeen-year-old Ismae escapes from the brutality of an arranged marriage into the sanctuary of the convent of St. Mortain, where the sisters still serve the gods of old. Here she learns that the god of Death Himself has blessed her with dangerous gifts—and a violent destiny. If she chooses to stay at the convent, she will be trained as an assassin and serve as a handmaiden to Death. To claim her new life, she must destroy the lives of others.
Ismae’s most important assignment takes her straight into the high court of Brittany—where she finds herself woefully under prepared—not only for the deadly games of intrigue and treason, but for the impossible choices she must make. For how can she deliver Death’s vengeance upon a target who, against her will, has stolen her heart?

My Take:  This book came along just when I needed it.  A grand adventure, a heroine who becomes empowered, and a romance that sizzles.  I only had a couple of nits to pick, but it didn’t detract from my enjoyment of this book.

Ismae is a beaten down but still independent girl when she arrives at the convent, and she resolves never again to be at the mercy of others.  She trains hard and learns she has a natural immunity to poisons, which makes her assistant to the convent’s poison maker.  She is smart but naive in the ways of the world, having only known hardship and distrust from her father.  Her talent for, er, executing people gets her assigned to a mission.  She sees a mystical “marque”  that the god of Death puts on the people who must be punished for their misdeeds (punish=death).

Duval is (of course) handsome, honest, and equally talented at political intrique and fighting.  His relationship with Ismae starts off as an uneasy alliance, but blossoms into love.  More worldly than Ismae, he brings her to court as his pretend mistress.  His desire to protect his half-sister the Duchess, and keep her on the throne of Brittany, is his driving force.  Duval is a clear cut good guy in a book full of characters with ulterior motives and intense ambitions.

The adventure is full of political intriques, backstabbing, treachery, fighting and, of course, poison.  Ismae’s blind faith in the convent is soon tested, and she realizes that the world is not as black and white as the Reverend Mother says it is.  Learning to think for herself is scary, but Ismae follows her heart (and her God) to do what she thinks is right.

There will be a sequel, and on Ms. LaFevers’ website it says it is about a character who plays a small role in this book.  I believe there is also a third book coming, and I have a hunch who it will feature but we will have to see.   

See you in the STACKS,
Nancy 

about: Yesterday’s News is one of the greatest bestsellers of all time in Sweden with more than 800,000 copies sold – 1 in every 4 Swedish woman has already read it!

The main character Agnes has most things in life: a family who is always there for her, a good job at a fancy restaurant, a boyfriend who loves her, and a best friend whom she knows inside out. Or does she? All of a sudden things begin to crumble, one by one, and soon nothing is as it was. Her boyfriend Tobias leaves her for a big busted singer, and she is fired by Gerard, the sexist and abusive owner of the restaurant where she works. She gambles everything she has on the success of the newly opened restaurant, but the road to the glowing review which will open the door to fame and fortune has, to say the least, unexpected twists and turns.

my take:  Yesterday’s News is a huge hit in Sweden and when given the opportunity, I was anxious to see if what was popular in Sweden would interest me. (The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo series, that hails from Sweden, may have made me a little more than anxious to see what this book beholds.)

Let me tell you though, there is nothing similar about this book and The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo.  This is an easy chick-lit read. I read it in an afternoon while the kids were home.  The story follows the struggles of Agnes when it seems all was going well in her life. She develops some nice relationships, goes through some peculiar situations, and we get some interesting behind-the-scenes of the restaurant business.

It’s all about A, her family and her friends in a few months of her life. It’s really just a story. Things happen but aren’t built up where I cried or anything. I felt for Pablo my favorite character in the book followed by Maddie. I liked Agnes and her work ethic. I thought she was kind and makes stupid and smart decisions like all of us do.  She was definitely real. Her BFF was a good story to follow also. I liked her part and revelations about her own life.

The translation needs some work, but I was reading an advanced copy and I’m sure all those kinks will be worked out for the final book.  Overall, Yesterday’s News is a good chick-lit read where you get to see a moment in time of Agnes, how she handles her work, her relationships with her friends, and her love for her family.

Shannan