Book Review- Oh Yeah, Audrey!

I just finished reading Oh Yeah, Audrey! by Tucker Shaw for an Around the World ARC Tour.

From Goodreads:

It’s 5:00 a.m. on Fifth Avenue, and 16-year-old Gemma Beasley is standing in front of Tiffany & Co. wearing the perfect black dress with her coffee in hand—just like Holly Golightly. As the cofounder of a successful Tumblr blog—Oh Yeah Audrey!—devoted to all things Audrey Hepburn, Gemma has traveled to New York in order to meet up with her fellow bloggers for the first time. She has meticulously planned out a 24-hour adventure in homage to Breakfast at Tiffany’s; however, her plans are derailed when a glamorous boy sweeps in and offers her the New York experience she’s always dreamed of. Gemma soon learns who her true friends are and that, sometimes, no matter where you go, you just end up finding yourself.Filled with hip and sparkling prose, Oh Yeah, Audrey! is as much a story of friendship as it is a love letter to New York, Audrey Hepburn, and the character she made famous: Holly Golightly.

This book was super fast read.  I finished it in an hour and a half.  Which was both good and bad.  Good, meaning I enjoyed it, but bad because it meant that it was really light.  

The book was set over a course of 24 hours.  Which is a neat concept and all.  Except that we don't completely get to know Gemma. (I mean, I am usually really involved with seeing characters and scenes in my head, but she was always just a complete blank). And I think so much more could have been done to show us more of her.  Her mom recently died, which is heavy, but that subject was just so lightly touched on that it never really got deep.

Gemma's main group of friends were fun, but Dusty was just a plain old jerk.  If the book was going to be so short, I wish that it had been more of a one-night-in-New-York-love-story kind of thing.

That being said, I love Audrey Hepburn and New York City, so I enjoyed it.

I gave this book a rating of 3/5.

Oh Yeah, Audrey! will be released on October 14, 2014.

*FTC Disclosure: I was given this book for free for an honest review as part of the Around the World Tours.

Book Review- The Young Elites

I finished reading The Young Elites by Marie Lu tonight for an Around the World ARC Tour.

From Goodreads:

I am tired of being used, hurt, and cast aside.

Adelina Amouteru is a survivor of the blood fever. A decade ago, the deadly illness swept through her nation. Most of the infected perished, while many of the children who survived were left with strange markings. Adelina’s black hair turned silver, her lashes went pale, and now she has only a jagged scar where her left eye once was. Her cruel father believes she is a malfetto, an abomination, ruining their family’s good name and standing in the way of their fortune. But some of the fever’s survivors are rumored to possess more than just scars—they are believed to have mysterious and powerful gifts, and though their identities remain secret, they have come to be called the Young Elites.

Teren Santoro works for the king. As Leader of the Inquisition Axis, it is his job to seek out the Young Elites, to destroy them before they destroy the nation. He believes the Young Elites to be dangerous and vengeful, but it’s Teren who may possess the darkest secret of all.

Enzo Valenciano is a member of the Dagger Society. This secret sect of Young Elites seeks out others like them before the Inquisition Axis can. But when the Daggers find Adelina, they discover someone with powers like they’ve never seen.

Adelina wants to believe Enzo is on her side, and that Teren is the true enemy. But the lives of these three will collide in unexpected ways, as each fights a very different and personal battle. But of one thing they are all certain: Adelina has abilities that shouldn’t belong in this world. A vengeful blackness in her heart. And a desire to destroy all who dare to cross her.

It is my turn to use. My turn to hurt.

I found this book to be pretty dark at most points, although there was a little light.  I'm torn because I don't normally like dark books but there was something about this one that grabbed me.

I thought that the Elite was like their own little super heroes group.  I liked finding out what each Elite had as a super power.  I found them interesting.

As for Adelina, I'm not sure how I felt about her.  Because of her abusive past, she was so dark and her thoughts were so brutal.  But then when she was around Enzo and Rafaele there are hints of lightness.

I'm intrigued to see what is going to happen in the next book.  I think there's several ways it could go, especially with what was written in the epilogue!

I gave this book a rating of 3.5/5.

The Young Elite will be released on October 7, 2014.

*FTC Disclosure: I was given this book for free for an honest review as part of the Around the World Tours.

In My Mailbox- August 25, 2014

In My Mailbox: Here's what I got in my mailbox last week

MONDAY

Illusions (Wings #3)- Aprilynne Pike--received from friend

Rapture (Fallen #4)- Lauren Kate--received from friend

Silence (Hush, Hush #3)- Becca Fitzpatrick--received from friend

The Pledge- Kimberly Derting--received from friend

Clockwork Prince (The Infernal Devices #2)- Cassandra Clare--received from friend

Independent Study (The Testing #2)- Joelle Charbonneau--received from friend

The Essence (The Pledge #2)- Kimberly Derting--received from friend











FRIDAY

Blackbird (Blackbird Duology #1)- Anna Carey--review for an Around the World ARC Tour

The Young Elites- Marie Lu--review for an Around the World ARC Tour











SATURDAY

Welcome to the Dark House- Laurie Faria Stolarz--review for an Around the World ARC Tour

The Sunday Salon- August 24, 2014

The Sunday Salon

I survived the first week of First Grade!  It was great having my kiddos back and meeting the new ones! I stayed after school pretty late every day since I'm new the grade level and its like being a first year teacher all over again.  So I didn't get in as much reading as I'd like.  But I did finish one very good book!


I finished and reviewed the following book last week:

The One (The Selection #3) by Kiera Cass 











I am currently reading The Young Elites by Marie Lu and up next is Oh Yeah, Audrey! by Tucker Shaw.

Book Review- The One

I finished reading The One (The Selection #3) by Kiera Cass yesterday.

From Goodreads:

The highly anticipated third book in Kiera Cass's #1 New York Times bestselling Selection series, The One will captivate readers who love dystopian YA fiction and fairy tales. The One is perfect for the fans who have followed America's whirlwind romance since it began—and a swoon-worthy read for teens who have devoured Veronica Roth's Divergent, Ally Condie's Matched, or Lauren Oliver's Delirium.

The Selection changed America Singer's life in ways she never could have imagined. Since she entered the competition to become the next princess of Illéa, America has struggled with her feelings for her first love, Aspen—and her growing attraction to Prince Maxon. Now she's made her choice . . . and she's prepared to fight for the future she wants.

Find out who America will choose in The One, the enchanting, beautifully romantic third book in the Selection series!

Once again, this book so reminded me of the Bachelor series!  And I'm a fan of the show, so that's a good thing!  I couldn't quite remember everything that happened in the previous two books but it didn't matter too much.

Looking back on my review, at the end of the Elite, I wasn't really fond of either Aspen or Maxon.  But in this book I really liked Maxon.  I thought he was so sweet to America and his intentions were well meant.  Aspen, however was still just okay.

There were definitely some twists in this book.  In fact, at one point, I was at work reading on break and I literally gasped out loud and covered my mouth.  Break was over right at the point and I was frustrated because I just wanted to keep reading!

I thought that this was a trilogy, but I see that a fourth book is coming out next year and a fifth book is in the works!  And there are a couple of novellas/short stories to keep me busy too!

I gave this book a rating of 4.5/5.

*FTC Disclosure: I received this copy of the book from a friend.

In My Mailbox- August 18, 2014

In My Mailbox: Here's what I got in my mailbox last week

MONDAY

Wolf at the Door (Wyndham Werewolf #7)- MaryJanice Davidson--PaperbackSwap










SATURDAY

Famous Last Words- Katie Alender--review for an Around the World ARC Tour

The Jewel- Amy Ewing--review for an Around the World ARC Tour

The Sunday Salon- August 17, 2014

The Sunday Salon

Tomorrow is the first day back with the kids.  Not looking forward to summer truly being over but I'm glad that at least I'm with the majority of the same kids again.  I'm excited to see them.

I finished and reviewed the following books last week:

Stitching Snow by R.C. Lewis

The Prince (The Selection #0.5) by Kiera Cass 

The Guard (The Selection #2.5) by Kiera Cass 











I am currently reading The One by Kiera Cass and up next is The Jewel by Amy Ewing.

Book Review- The Guard

I finished reading The Guard (The Selection #2.5) by Kiera Cass today.

From Goodreads:

Before America Singer met Prince Maxon . . .
Before she entered the Selection . . .
She was in love with a boy named Aspen Leger.

Don't miss this digital original novella set in the captivating world of Kiera Cass's #1 New York Times bestselling Selection trilogy. This brand new 64-page story begins just after the group of Selected girls is narrowed down to the Elite and is told from Aspen's point of view. The Guard also features a teaser to The One, the thrilling conclusion to The Selection trilogy.

Aspen irritated me in this novel.  I didn't remember too much about how I felt about him so I just now went back and re-read my reviews.  And apparently I didn't see what America liked about him.  And I still don't.  He seems so sure that America loves him but I'm not.  And then when America ran into the forest with Rebels behind her, he didn't go immediately after her.  If he really loved her, he could have gone and just used the excuse that he was trying to save one of Maxon's favorites.

Glad I read it, but now I'm ready for The One!

I gave this book a rating of 3/5.

*FTC Disclosure: I bought this book.

Book Review- The Prince

I finished reading The Prince (The Selection #0.5) by Kiera Cass yesterday.

From Goodreads:

Before thirty-five girls were chosen to compete in the Selection...

Before Aspen broke America's heart...

There was another girl in Prince Maxon's life...

Don't miss this thrilling 64-page original novella set in the world of the New York Times bestselling novel The Selection. Also features a teaser to The Elite, Kiera Cass's hotly anticipated sequel to The Selection.

I don't feel like this synopsis was accurate.  I mean, it did mention Maxon's mom a little bit.  But I feel like it was more about how Maxon was feeling about the whole selection.  And it really made me like him more.  I liked reading about his vulnerability and his nervousness about finding a wife.  And I liked reading about his first meeting with America.  I easily could have enjoyed a longer story but it was nice getting this glimpse inside his head.

I gave this a rating of 3.5/5.

*FTC Disclosure: I bought this book.

Book Review- Stitching Snow

I just finished reading Stitching Snow by R.C. Lewis for an Around the World ARC Tour.

From Goodreads:

Princess Snow is missing. 

Her home planet is filled with violence and corruption at the hands of King Matthias and his wife as they attempt to punish her captors. The king will stop at nothing to get his beloved daughter back—but that’s assuming she wants to return at all.

Essie has grown used to being cold. Temperatures on the planet Thanda are always sub-zero, and she fills her days with coding and repairs for the seven loyal drones that run the local mines.

When a mysterious young man named Dane crash-lands near her home, Essie agrees to help the pilot repair his ship. But soon she realizes that Dane’s arrival was far from accidental, and she’s pulled into the heart of a war she’s risked everything to avoid. With the galaxy’s future—and her own—in jeopardy, Essie must choose who to trust in a fiery fight for survival.

I love fairy tale retellings.  And I could tell right away that I would like this version of Snow White.  I was right!  There were so many fun references and links to the fairy tale.

This book reminded me a lot of Cinder by Marissa Meyer.  They both were a retelling of a fairy tale and had a main character who loved to tinker with machines and who had a secret past.  And I really enjoyed this one.

I enjoyed Essie.  I didn't really see her secret past coming but I should have.  And Dane's as well!  I thought they were cute together. I also really liked the seven drones, which was like the seven dwarfs.  One of them is even named Dimwit, which of course makes you think of Dopey.

Overall, it was a fun story.  The plot held my attention and I read it in two sittings!  I'd be interested to see what would happen when (if?) they make a sequel!

I gave this book a rating of 4/5.

Stitching Snow will be released on October 14, 2014.


*FTC Disclosure: I was given this book for free for an honest review as part of the Around the World Tours.

In My Mailbox- August 11, 2014

In My Mailbox: Here's what I got in my mailbox last week

MONDAY

Never Again (Wizards of Nevermore #1)- Michele Bardsley--Bookmooch

Now or Never (Wizards of Nevermore #2)- Michele Bardsley

Stitching Snow- R.C. Lewis--review for an Around the World ARC Tour

Falling Into Place- Amy Zhang--review for an Around the World ARC Tour











TUESDAY

Black Ice- Becca Fitzpatrick--review for an Around the World ARC Tour











FRIDAY

One Past Midnight- Jessica Shirvington--review for an Around the World ARC

The Sunday Salon- August 10, 2014

The Sunday Salon

It's over!  Summer is gone :(  I am so sad. I feel like I really didn't a chance to just relax.  Summer is 9 weeks.  I spent 3 weeks traveling, a week and half packing my classroom, a week unpacking my classroom and a week training and testing incoming Kindergartners.  That only really left 2 and a half weeks to relax.  Not long enough!

I finished and reviewed the following books last week:

Elly in Love by Colleen Oakes 











I am currently reading Stitching Snow by R.C. Lewis and up next is Oh Yeah, Audrey! by Tucker Shaw.

Book Review- Elly in Love

I finished reading Elly in Love by Colleen Oakes today for a BookSparks Summer Reading Blog Tour.


About the book: 

Curvy wedding florist Elly Jordan has had quite a year. First, she had to design her ex-husband’s wedding to the mistress who split them up, and then she  roke up with the hottest musician this side of St. Louis. Three months have passed since then, and now Elly is primed for what promises to be the best wedding season of her life. Helped by her loyal friends, Elly is on the verge of opening a chic flower boutique uptown when BlissBride, a popular wedding reality show, asks her to design the wedding of a famous—make that infamous –celebrity. Elly is about to get everything she’s ever wanted, when a stranger shows up at her store with a request that changes every aspect o f her life–including her budding relationship with deli owner Keith. As she struggles to stay calm in the midst of growing chaos, Elly will learn the true meaning of love and sacrifice.

I enjoyed being able to read this sequel right after the first book.  I was looking forward to seeing how Elly and Keith's relationship played out.  I really like them together.  Keith is so good for her, and to her.  And as for his big secret, I definitely didn't guess it!

As for the stranger that shows up.  I didn't like him at all.  I think we were supposed to feel empathy for him, but there was nothing likable about him.  He was just lazy and I was surprised that Elly put up with it.

I liked reading about BlissBride and the famous celebrity.  I DID have empathy for her.  She was likable, even with all of her faults.

One of my bigger pet peeves of the first book was that it mentioned over and over again how overweight Elly was.  I think the author did a better job of not overdoing it this time.  And I'm glad that in just like every good chick lit, there's a happily ever after.

I gave this book a rating of 3.5/5.

*FTC Disclosure: I was given this book for free for an honest review as part of the BookSparks Summer Reading Challenge Book Tour.


Praise for the book:

 “Elly is so endearing that you can’t help falling in love with her. I thoroughly enjoyed being on her journey as she dealt with love, loyalty, friendship and following her dreams. Elly in Love is a delightful story and I can’t wait to see what’s next for this character!” – Susie Orman Schnall, author of On Grace


Buy the book: 

Amazon for paperback 


About the author:

 Colleen Oakes is the author of the Elly in Bloom series and the YA fantasy Queen of Hearts Saga, both published via SparkPress, a BookSparks imprint. She lives in North Denver with her husband and son. When not writing, Colleen enjoys swimming, traveling, and immersing herself in nerdy pop culture. She is currently at work on the last Elly novel and her second YA fantasy series, Wendy Darling.

Connect with the author:
~ Facebook
~ Twitter 
~ Website
~Goodreads

In My Mailbox- August 4, 2014

In My Mailbox: Here's what I got in my mailbox last week

MONDAY

Romeo Redeemed (Juliet Immortal #2)- Stacey Jay--received from friend

#scandal- Sarah Ockler--received from friend

Steadfast (Spellcaster #2)- Claudia Gray--received from friend

Only Everything (True Love #1)- Kieran Scott--received from friend

The Bone Season- Samantha Shannon--received from friend

City of Heavenly Fire (The Mortal Instruments #6)- Cassandra Clare--received from friend

Trial by Fire (The Worldwalker Trilogy #1)- Josephine Angelini--review for an Around the World ARC Tour










TUESDAY

Elly in Bloom- Colleen Oakes--from publisher for review

WEDNESDAY
Real Vampires Don’t Wear Size Six (Glory St. Clair #7)- Gerry Bartlett--PaperbackSwap












SATURDAY

Oh Yeah, Audrey!- Tucker Shaw--review for an Around the World ARC Tour

The Sunday Salon- August 3, 2014

The Sunday Salon

I can't believe it's already August!  It makes me so sad.  With all the vacations and the extra week of having to pack up my classroom and now going back an extra week early to unpack, I feel like I didn't really get a summer.  I need more time off!

I finished and reviewed the following books last week:

The Revealed by Jessica Hickam 

Elly in Bloom by Colleen Oakes











I am currently reading Elly in Love by Colleen Oakes and up next is Oh Yeah, Audrey! By Tucker Shaw.