Review and Giveaway: American Girl on Saturn

Check out the rest of the tour schedule!

American Girl on Saturn by Nikki Godwin

Publication Date: August 29th, 2013

Genre: YA Contemporary

Amazon/Barnes and Noble

The summer after graduation is supposed to be that first real taste of freedom - but not for eighteen-year-old Chloe Branson. Just as that breeze of freedom is making its way into her galaxy, her secret-service-agent dad drops a meteor-sized bomb of bad news on her and her sisters. An attempt has been made on the lives of Canadian boyband, Spaceships Around Saturn, during their USA tour, and the guys have to go into hiding ASAP. The only problem? In the midst of the crisis and media frenzy, their dad volunteered to hide the guys...in their house.

Six-year-old Emery is as ecstatic as any self-proclaimed Saturnite would be, but Chloe and her seventeen-year-old sister Aralie watch their summer plans crash and burn like a falling star. The SAS guys aren't happy with the situation, either. Bad boy Jules picks fights with Aralie about everything from his Twitter followers to his laundry, and heart-throb Benji can't escape Emery's fangirlisms for more than three minutes.

But after the super-cute Milo kisses Chloe during a game of hide-and-seek, she finally understands what Emery means when she talks about SAS being "out of this world." If this is what Saturn feels like, Chloe doesn't want to come back to Earth.

----Review----

I loved this book so much, I... just... gah! American Girl on Saturn exceeded my expectations by, like, a universe. I literally would not be separated from my e-reader while reading. And under the rare circumstance I had to set this gem of a book down I was not a happy camper, to say the least!

American Girl on Saturn's strongest aspect is the characters. There are quite a few, yet I felt like I get to know each of their unique personalities. This is quite a feat! I recently finished a novel with a lot of characters, and they got all mixed up in my head thanks to their lack of personality and originality. Thankfully, this book was the opposite!! First, we have the three sisters. Chloe Branson is our main character and I enjoyed her point of view. Her personality was very relatable! 

Next we have Aralie, the middle sister. She was awesome! Not only did she have a lot of spunk, she also made me laugh several time! I smiled through her arguments with Jules and the boys. And how can we forget the adorable Emery? She is the ultimate fan girl of Spaceships Around Saturn, (and, shh don't tell anyone, but she might also like Harry Styles. Just don't tell Benji!) Emery is the ultimate annoying but cute-as-a-button little sister.

And, now, we have the member of the band! I loved Jules, Milo, Benji, Tate and Noah! I actualy loved how the whole band was portrayed. They, like a lot of famous teens, are constantly on Twitter and a few (*cough*Jules*cough*) have some oversized egos. Don't worry these egos are taken care of by the sisters, particularly Aralie. Also, each boy had their quirks. Noah doesn't talk, at all, until he has finished his glass of strawberry milk each morning! Also, they all have different personality traits. Milo is sweet, Noah is pretty humorous, and Jules is the "bad boy" etc.

Sometimes contemporary books get a bit boring to me after 50 or so pages. This was not the case for American Girl on Saturn. As I said before, the book was so addicting I didn't want to put my book down. Also, I have already re-read the book once, and I rarely books twice on my e-reader, it's a weird pet peeve. So, the fact that I re-read this book, on my e-reader, and in the span of three weeks is high praise!

Overall, this an awesome book! I would recommend this to lots of people, especially fans of bands! (I know I am going to tell my cousin about this book, as she is a big fan of One Direction. Maybe I should buy her a copy for Christmas?) Anyone in need of a cute and engaging read should look into American Girl on Saturn. And the ending is so sweet and satisfying... *sigh* I have just skimmed it while readying myself for this review and I still love it.

4.5/5 Stars

----Giveaway----

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Thanks for reading!

-Emily

Feature and Follow Friday #24

Hosted by Parajunkee and Alison Can Read

Q: Reading Nook Tour: Give us a tour of your favorite reading spots.

What? I have so many though... Okay, I'll pick the top two!

Reading Nook Number One:

Reading Nook Number Two:

Yep, those are my reading nooks! On my bed and on the ground by my bookcases are the two places you will find me curled up with a book!

Where do you read?

-Emily

Review and Giveaway: Six Months Later

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Six Months Later by Natalie D. Richards

Publication Date: October 1st, 2013
Genre: Young Adult Suspense
Publisher: Sourcebooks Fire
Amazon/Barnes and Noble

Chloe didn't think about it much when she nodded off in study hall on that sleepy summer day. But when she wakes up, snow is on the ground and she can't remember the last six months of her life. Before, she'd been a mediocre student. Now, she's on track for valedictorian and being recruited by Ivy League schools. Before, she never had a chance with super jock Blake. Now he's her boyfriend. Before, she and Maggie were inseparable. Now her best friend won't speak to her.

What happened to her? 
And why can't she remember? 

----Review----

Six Months Later was quite an amazing read! Natalie D. Richards has created a wonderful plot, well developed characters, and a story that will leave you breathless. I cannot recommend Sic Months Later highly enough to fans of mysteries, thrillers, and contemporaries. 

I think the beginning is set up amazingly. The first chapter sucked me in, and then once I got to the second chapter... well let's just say I was a goner. There is a reason I read this book in one sitting. I bet most you will read it like I did, with your eyes glued to the page and the tendency to ignore the things happening around you.

The characters were very enjoyable. Chloe was, well, kind of a wreck most of the novel, but who could blame her? She forgot six months of her life! Despite that, I liked her very, very much. She was smart, realistic, and an overall memorable character. Adam was another one of my favorite characters! I wasn't too sure about him at first. However, I grew to really like him as we are introduced to him properly. I won't say more for fear of spoilers, but I promise all of you will love him!!!

I can't not mention Maggie. She was so sweet, and I really felt for her. Maggie is Chloe's former best friend. They were very close, but when Chloe wakes up it seems they are not friends any more, and it seems to be all Chloe's fault. You can see how broken stuttering yet strong Maggie is, and I was rooting for the friendship to be rebuilt the entire time.

Now, let's mention the plot. Well, long explanation short, it was pure genius. Just... no words. This has been the best mystery/suspense I have read in a while, maybe since I read Rebecca a few months ago! I was kept guessing, which is an enormous treat for me! Even in some of my favorite thrillers, I figure out the twist, no matter how masterful, before the characters. However this was not the case in Six Moths Later!

Overall, this is a shining diamond! Six Months Later exceeded my already high expectation, and the I was so happy I had the chance to read this book. The novel has such a killer plot and awesome characters! If this book sounds up your alley, go pick the story up!

4.5/5 Stars

The Author:
Natalie D. Richards won her first writing competition in the second grade with her short story about Barbara Frances Bizzlefishes (who wouldn't dare do the dishes.)  She later misplaced her writing dreams in a maze of cubicles and general office drudgery. Natalie never forgot about Barbara or those dishes, and eventually she found her way back to storytelling, following the genre of her heart, teen fiction.  When she's not writing or shopping her manuscripts, you can probably find her wading through the towers of dog-eared paperbacks that have taken over her bedroom. Natalie lives in Ohio with her amazing husband and their three children, who inspire her every day to stick with her dreams.

----Dream Cast----

I have never done a dream cast before! This is so exciting! For some of these actors though, you would need to dye their hair, add contacts, etc.

Chloe: Emma Stone

Maggie: Evanna Lynch

Adam: Sam Klaflin (or Jake Abel?)

Blake: William Mosely

----Giveaway!----

The Question: If you woke up and realized you missed the entire six months, what would be the first thing you hoped you did during that time?

(1) Autographed book of Six Months Later by Natalie D. Richards

(1) Starbucks Gift Card

Some promo goodies

US/CAN ONLY

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Good Luck! Thanks for reading!

-Emily

Review: The Book of Broken Hearts

The Book of Broken Hearts by Sarah Ockler

Publication Date: May 21st, 2013
Genre: YA Contemporary
Amazon/Barnes and Noble

When all signs point to heartbreak, can love still be a rule of the road? A poignant and romantic novel from the author of Bittersweet and Twenty Boy Summer.

Jude has learned a lot from her older sisters, but the most important thing is this: The Vargas brothers are notorious heartbreakers. She’s seen the tears and disasters that dating a Vargas boy can cause, and she swore an oath—with candles and a contract and everything—to never have anything to do with one.

Now Jude is the only sister still living at home, and she’s spending the summer helping her ailing father restore his vintage motorcycle—which means hiring a mechanic to help out. Is it Jude’s fault he happens to be cute? And surprisingly sweet? And a Vargas?

Jude tells herself it’s strictly bike business with Emilio. Her sisters will never find out, and Jude can spot those flirty little Vargas tricks a mile away—no way would she fall for them. But Jude’s defenses are crumbling, and if history is destined to repeat itself, she’s speeding toward some serious heartbreak…unless her sisters were wrong?

Jude may have taken an oath, but she’s beginning to think that when it comes to love, some promises might be worth breaking. 

----Review----

This novel was powerful and well-written, however, the book didn't stand out from all the other contemporaries. I will try some more Sarah Ockler, as this book did have some good parts and I have heard so much praise.

 The tragic part was the father's case of Alzheimer's. This frequently left me in tears. We see how the illness effects the family. I felt like the reactions from family and friends Papi's condition were very realistic, and the father's episodes were heartbreaking and real. Please note that, in my opinion, the disease was the most impressive part of The Book of Broken Hearts, along with the diversity of the characters!

The romance aspect was sweet, but not very developed in my opinion. Emilio was a sweet, flirty love interest, yet he just didn't do it for me. Most of the time he felt... bland, there was only one scene where I felt connected to him. I loved the feeling! However, Emilio Vargas will never stand out in the crowd of young adult love interests. Then again, I felt like this book wasn't about the romance. It is about family and overcoming great obstacles.

Also, I had very conflicting feelings about Jude.  I enjoyed the characters and middle mostly, however, the ending just didn't do it for me. It seemed a little too... macho I guess. Kind of overdone.  Don't get me wrong, it is a beautifully written ending, just not realistic for me. Also, there was a lot of other things I wanted to know that weren't mentioned or concluded well.

I really don't know what my problem was besides those little complaints, the book just plain didn't leave an impression on me. At all, really. Do you know that read that you know a lot of people will like, and that something is wrong with you because your mind keeps straying? Yeah, that was The Book of Broken Hearts to me.

Overall, this book had factors I liked... and factors I didn't. The Papi's Alzheimer's tore at my heart, and I loved the character diversity yet the romance and ending were very "meh". I would recommend this novel to big-time contemporary fans. There were strengths and flaws.

3.5/5 Stars

Also, please note that the synopsis is misleading. I feel that this book is about so much more than just a pact to ignore the Vargas brothers.

Thanks for reading!

-Emily

Top Ten Tuesday #22

Hosted by The Broke and the Bookish. 

Topic: Top Ten Best Sequels Ever! Ooh, I love this list!

I enjoyed Cinder but I loved, loved, loved Scarlet. Red Riding Hood and cyborgs? Oh, yeah! The Golden Lily has more magic, mysteries, and Adrian in it! Also, Clockwork Prince was, like, the book that got me invested in Shadowhunters!

Hallowed was an amazing angel read. And Demonglass was just as fun and awesome as Hex Hall, which is saying something. Then, Awake at Dawn was so addicting! These paranormal books are all topnotch.

Cross My Heart and Hope To Spy is one I have re-read so many times. However, I have read In the Hand of the Goddess even more times. I love the Alanna series! And The Exiled Queen was... spectacular.

As you see, I only did #2 in series, because if I did all sequels... well, this would be a long list! (Later Harry Potter, Percy Jackson etc.)

See you next time!

What are your favorite sequels?

-Emily

Blog Tour: The Right Kind of Wrong

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Please Note: Normally, I am a YA book blog, but today I wanted to mix in some NA! 

The Right Kind of Wrong by Jade Eby

Publication Date: June 27th, 2013
Genre: New Adult Contemporary
Amazon/Goodreads

Nothing stays hidden forever. 

Kara Pierce has held onto the same dream since she was a little girl: to be the next Katie Couric.

Vince Gage, a budding filmmaker whose I-don't-give-a-shit attitude cancels out his charm, almost ruined it for her once, and now he’s back, threatening to do it again.

When the two of them are paired together for a college competition with a $20,000 prize, the only thing they agree on is winning.

They return to Iowa where Kara grew up to research her grandfather's service in World War II, instead they find themselves in the middle of a family scandal kept quiet for far too long.

As Kara and Vince investigate the scandal deeper, they realize the price of uncovering the truth is so much more than they bargained for.

----Excerpt----

"Hey, I wanted to ask you something."

"Anything, dear."

"You know how I always told Grandpa that I'd write about him one day?"

"Of course I do."

"Well, I'm finally going to do it. I'm working on a project for my multi-media class and I've chosen Grandpa and World War II as my topic." 

"That's fantastic! Your grandfather would be so proud."

Proud? No. He would be disappointed it took me this long to do something I've always wanted to do. And at the insistence of some silly boy, too. I take a deep breath. "I'm coming back home to do some research. I need to look through some of Grandpa's old war stuff and I wondered if you'd be up to some interviews."

She coughs in surprise. "You're actually coming home?" My chest constricts so tightly, I wish I could reach inside myself and pull my lungs to safety. !is is why I don't go home. "Yeah, Grandma. I'm coming home."

"Oh Kara, I'm so happy to hear that. I've missed you so much. I didn't..." She stops for a minute. "I didn't think you were ever coming back. Your father even—"

"I miss you, too. We'll be leaving here next week. Okay? We only have a week and a half to get everything done, so I won't have a lot of time to hang out."

"Who is we?"

Oops. "Oh. Well. I kind of have a project partner.

"That's great, honey! I'm excited to meet her."

"It's a guy. His name is Vince." 

----Giveaway----

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Fairytales: Snow White

Fairytales
We all know a little bit about fairytales, whether from the disney films or the grimm brother's original tales. However, these fairytales never grow old, especially as you find more and more editions with amazing illustrations and interpretations. There are also so many fairy tale retellings in the YA world which keeps these timeless tales alive. What is your take on the tales?

Snow White
This copy of Snow White was illustrated by Camille Rose Garcia and boy is it gorgeous!

Stacking the Shelves #25

Hosted by Tynga's Reviews! 

I was pretty darn sick this whole week. *sigh* However, I did receive some pretty awesome books thanks to my amazing family and my english assignment. The Greek Mythology book was for my English class, and then I spied a beautiful copy of Snow White...

Bought or Gifted

Young Adult

To Be Perfectly Honest by Sonya Sones

Burn for Burn by Jenny Han and Siobhan Vivian

Zoe Letting Go by Nora Price

Envy by Elizabeth Miles

Days of Blood and Starlight by Laini Taylor

Sea Glass by Maria V. Snyder

Other

Snow White by The Grimm Brothers

Greek Gods and Heroes by Rouse

How was your week?

-Emily