Recommendation Saturday: standalones

Hi all! We’ve been thinking that there are some awesome book series out there, but there are even more amazing standalone books that are being begged to be read. So we thought we’d share our favorite standalones with you right here! Let us know down in the comments which one you’ve read or if you have a great book you would recommend.

11250317The Song of Achilles by Madeline Miller 

A tale of gods, kings, immortal fame, and the human heart, The Song of Achilles is a dazzling literary feat that brilliantly re-imagines Homer’s enduring masterwork, The Iliad. An action-packed adventure, an epic love story, Miller’s debut novel has already earned resounding acclaim from some of contemporary fiction’s brightest lights. Fans of Mary Renault, Bernard Cornwell, Steven Pressfield, and Colleen McCullough’s Masters of Rome series will delight in this unforgettable journey back to ancient Greece in the Age of Heroes.

9361589The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern

The circus arrives without warning. No announcements precede it. It is simply there, when yesterday it was not. Within the black-and-white striped canvas tents is an utterly unique experience full of breathtaking amazements. It is called “Le Cirque des Reves,” and it is only open at night.

Read a review about The Night Circus here. Continue reading

Book releases in May

New month, new books! Do you also have trouble keeping up with when which book comes out? We know the feeling… That’s why we will post an overview every month of the books on our tbr lists that come out in that month. Which book are you most excited for this month? 

May 5th:

16096824A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J. Maas

A thrilling, seductive new series from New York Timesbestselling author Sarah J. Maas, blending Beauty and the Beast with faerie lore.
When nineteen-year-old huntress Feyre kills a wolf in the woods, a beast-like creature arrives to demand retribution for it. (more)

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The Heir (The Selection #4) by Kiera Cass

Twenty years ago, America Singer entered the Selection and won Prince Maxon’s heart. Now the time has come for Princess Eadlyn to hold a Selection of her own. Eadlyn doesn’t expect her Selection to be anything like her parents’ fairy-tale love story. But as the competition begins, she may discover that finding her own happily ever after isn’t as impossible as she always thought. (more)

May 12th:

13638020End of days (Penryn & the End of Days #3) by Susan Ee

End of Days is the explosive conclusion to Susan Ee’s bestselling Penryn & the End of Days trilogy.
After a daring escape from the angels, Penryn and Raffe are on the run. They’re both desperate to find a doctor who can reverse the twisted changes inflicted by the angels on Raffe and Penryn’s sister. As they set off in search of answers, a startling revelation about Raffe’s past unleashes dark forces that threaten them all. (more)

May 17th:

24422492Never Never: Part Two (Never Never #2) by Colleen Hoover and Tarryn Fisher

Best friends since they could walk.
In love since the age of fourteen.
Complete strangers since this morning.
He’ll do anything to remember.
She’ll do anything to forget. (more)

May 19th:

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A Sense of the Infinite by Hilary T. Smith

By the author of the critically acclaimed Wild Awake, a beautiful coming-of-age story about deep friendship, the weight of secrets, and the healing power of nature.
It’s senior year of high school, and Annabeth is ready—ready for everything she and her best friend, Noe, have been planning and dreaming. But there are some things Annabeth isn’t prepared for, like the constant presence of Noe’s new boyfriend. (more)

23381003Nothing But Shadowhunters (Tales From The Shadowhunter Academy #4) by Cassie Clare

Simon challenges the setup of the Shadowhunter Academy and in doing so learns the story of James Herondale and Matthew Fairchild and the unusual way that they became friends and parabatai.

May 26th:

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P.S. I Still Love You (To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before #2) by Jenny Han

Lara Jean didn’t expect to really fall for Peter.
She and Peter were just pretending. Except suddenly they weren’t. Now Lara Jean is more confused than ever.
When another boy from her past returns to her life, Lara Jean’s feelings for him return too. Can a girl be in love with two boys at once? (more)

calloway sisters

Book releases in April

New month, new books! Do you also have trouble keeping up with when which book comes out? We know the feeling… That’s why we will post an overview every month of the books on our tbr lists that come out in that month. Which book are you most excited for this month? 

April 3rd:

22024901 Fuel the Fire (Calloway Sisters #3) by Krista and Becca Ritchie

Protect your family. At all costs.
It’d take the impossible to hurt Connor Cobalt, even for a moment.
At twenty-six, his narcissistic tendencies have made room for the people he loves.

Protect your family. At all costs.

And he loves Rose. But when his love is threatened, when his greatest dreams with her are compromised — what is the cost then? (more)

April 4th:

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Seth & Greyson (The Coincidence #7) by Jessica Sorensen

After being betrayed by someone he thought he loved, Seth leaves for college hoping to get a new start. But leaving his past behind is more complicated than he expected, and underneath his upbeat attitude, Seth struggles with opening up to people.
Then he meets Greyson. (more) Continue reading

Recommendation Saturday

Thank God It’s Saturday! Which means time for a good book! Don’t you know what to read this weekend? No fear, we have some killer recommendations for you. Which one do you want to read this weekend?

Amy’s pick: The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern

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Summary:

The circus arrives without warning. No announcements precede it. It is simply there, when yesterday it was not. Within the black-and-white striped canvas tents is an utterly unique experience full of breathtaking amazements. It is called “Le Cirque des Reves,” and it is only open at night.

Why should you read this book?

This book is unlike anything you have ever read. The writing style is original, as are the characters and the story is simply magical.

“Something about the circus stirs their souls, and they ache for it when it is absent.”

The moment you turn that first page, you’ll be hooked and you won’t be able to put the book down until you turn the last page.

I wrote a review for this book, which you can read here. Please, check it out. It’s definitely a book worth reading.

Continue reading

Recommendation Friday

Thank God It’s Friday! Which means time for a good book! Don’t you know what to read this weekend? No fear, we have some killer recommendations for you. Which one do you want to read this weekend?

Paula’s pick: An Abundance of Katherines by John Green

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Summary:

Katherine V thought boys were gross
Katherine X just wanted to be friends
Katherine XVIII dumped him in an e-mail
K-19 broke his heart
When it comes to relationships, Colin Singleton’s type happens to be girls named Katherine. And when it comes to girls named Katherine, Colin is always getting dumped. Nineteen times, to be exact.

On a road trip miles from home, this anagram-happy, washed-up child prodigy has ten thousand dollars in his pocket, a bloodthirsty feral hog on his trail, and an overweight, Judge Judy-loving best friend riding shotgun–but no Katherines. Colin is on a mission to prove The Theorem of Underlying Katherine Predictability, which he hopes will predict the future of any relationship, avenge Dumpees everywhere, and finally win him the girl. Love, friendship, and a dead Austro-Hungarian archduke add up to surprising and heart-changing conclusions in this ingeniously layered comic novel about reinventing oneself.

Why should you read this book?

This is probably the funniest John Green book, and also so underrated. Everyone talks about TFIOS and Looking for Alaska but so little talk about this one…

Anyway, the characters are so natural and relatable even though they are completly weird and different from you. An maybe the story is not something that would happen to you on your day to day life but you can learn a lot from this story, not only maths (that you do learn them trust me) but lessons that will stay with you for life.

Alex’s pick: Shatter Me by Tahereh Mafi

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Summary:

I have a curse
I have a gift

I am a monster
I’m more than human

My touch is lethal
My touch is power

I am their weapon
I will fight back

Juliette hasn’t touched anyone in exactly 264 days.

The last time she did, it was an accident, but The Reestablishment locked her up for murder. No one knows why Juliette’s touch is fatal. As long as she doesn’t hurt anyone else, no one really cares. The world is too busy crumbling to pieces to pay attention to a 17-year-old girl. Diseases are destroying the population, food is hard to find, birds don’t fly anymore, and the clouds are the wrong color.

The Reestablishment said their way was the only way to fix things, so they threw Juliette in a cell. Now so many people are dead that the survivors are whispering war – and The Reestablishment has changed its mind. Maybe Juliette is more than a tortured soul stuffed into a poisonous body. Maybe she’s exactly what they need right now.

Juliette has to make a choice: Be a weapon. Or be a warrior.

Why should you read this book?

If you are looking for a great dystopian narration this book may not be for you, but if you are looking for a poetic and well-written read, go get Shatter Me as soon as you can. This book can be described as the journey Juliette, our main character, does from Shatter Me to Ignite Me, the last book in the series.

So, as much as it doesn’t really focus on world building and politics, it focuses on Juliette’s life. This makes it such an emotional, powerful and beautiful read that you will be crying and shouting how proud you are of the characters from the top of your lungs.

“I spent my life folded between the pages of books. In the absence of human relationships I formed bonds with paper characters. I lived love and loss through stories threaded in history; I experienced adolescence by association. My world is one interwoven web of words, stringing limb to limb, bone to sinew, thoughts and images all together. I am a being comprised of letters, a character created by sentences, a figment of imagination formed through fiction.”

Amy’s pick: The Iron King (The Iron Fey #1) by Julie Kagawa

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Summary:

Meghan Chase has a secret destiny; one she could never have imagined.

Something has always felt slightly off in Meghan’s life, ever since her father disappeared before her eyes when she was six. She has never quite fit in at school or at home.

When a dark stranger begins watching her from afar, and her prankster best friend becomes strangely protective of her, Meghan senses that everything she’s known is about to change.

But she could never have guessed the truth – that she is the daughter of a mythical faery king and is a pawn in a deadly war. Now Meghan will learn just how far she’ll go to save someone she cares about, to stop a mysterious evil, no faery creature dare face; and to find love with a young prince who might rather see her dead than let her touch his icy heart.

Why should you read this book?

I don’t even know why you haven’t read it yet, it’s brilliant! Julie is an artist with words, characters and storylines. It’s one of my favorite series and that’s why I think you should read it.

Meghan has always been the outsider at school, but suddenly her little brother gets kidnapped… and her best friend knows where he’s taken… to Never Never. The land of the faerie. On her quest to save her brother she finds out she’s the  daughter of mythical faery king Oberon, her best friend is no other than Robin Goodfellow from A Midsummer Night’s Dream and every creature who you’ve read about in the books, exists. And on top of that, she meets a gorgeous prince.. and well, we all know what happens when you meet a good-looking guy who happens to be a prince.

I read it a while ago, but it’s still unlike anything I’ve ever read. It’s original, funny, heartwrenching, intense and it leaves you craving for more. Will she find her brother? Will she ever go home again? Will she ever accept that she’s half-faerie or that her best friend lied to her her entire life? Questions like these make you want to read on and please, do, because Meghan is a great character and Robin is one of the best sidekick characters ever.

Rheeza’s pick: Rule (Marked Men #1) by Jay Crownover

Summary:

Opposites in every way . . . except the one that matters

Shaw Landon loved Rule Archer from the moment she laid eyes on him. Rule is everything a straight-A pre-med student like Shaw shouldn’t want—and the only person she’s never tried to please. She isn’t afraid of his scary piercings and tattoos or his wild attitude. Though she knows that Rule is wrong for her, her heart just won’t listen.

To a rebel like Rule Archer, Shaw Landon is a stuck-up, perfect princess-and his dead twin brother’s girl. She lives by other people’s rules; he makes his own. He doesn’t have time for a good girl like Shaw-even if she’s the only one who can see the person he truly is.

But a short skirt, too many birthday cocktails, and spilled secrets lead to a night neither can forget. Now, Shaw and Rule have to figure out how a girl like her and a guy like him are supposed to be together without destroying their love . . . or each other.

Why should you read this book?

For all the readers out there who love bad boy romance, well this is the best book for you! It is raw, angsty, sexy and fun. It is one of those books that is impossible to put down. I don’t even know why I have waited for so long to read it cause HOLY HOT TATTOOED GUYS it is so good! The best thing about it is the characters! All of them are so interesting and great and their friendship is squad goal, I love them so much ok! I devoured the entire series in one week cause yes, it is that awesome. The story is 10/10. It shows that two completely different people could totally fall for each other, how despite of every mistakes and challenges they’ve encountered they choose to fight for something they believe in. They’re both imperfect and it is beautiful to see because it is a proof that we’re all humans. I’m just happy that I read it really I wanna puke rainbows and cry tears of gold. And that closing line?

Look at me being all optimistic and shit.
Remy would be so proud.

It is such a Rule Archer thing to say lol I wanna squish him *sighs fondly and smiles like an idiot*

So I am telling you guys, read it and fall in love with these amazing characters and their beautiful stories!  I swear you will thank me later. 😉

Manu’s pick: Everything Leads to You by Nina LaCour

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Summary:

A love letter to the craft and romance of film and fate in front of—and behind—the camera from the award-winning author of Hold Still.

A wunderkind young set designer, Emi has already started to find her way in the competitive Hollywood film world.

Emi is a film buff and a true romantic, but her real-life relationships are a mess. She has desperately gone back to the same girl too many times to mention. But then a mysterious letter from a silver screen legend leads Emi to Ava. Ava is unlike anyone Emi has ever met. She has a tumultuous, not-so-glamorous past, and lives an unconventional life. She’s enigmatic…. She’s beautiful. And she is about to expand Emi’s understanding of family, acceptance, and true romance.

Why should you read this book?

First of all the cover! I mean this is probably my favorite cover ever, the coloring, the picture, the font, everything is beautiful. The writing style! This is the only book by Nina LaCour that I’ve read so far, and her style drew me in so much. The setting! Through the whole book we get an insight on the incredible world of film-making, and it’s explained so accuratly, and passionatly, because Emi really loves what she does. The plot! There’s a lot going on for these characters, and it never gets borning. The characters! My, oh my, how much I loved this characters! Emi is such an interesting girl. She just broke up with her on-off-on-off girlfriend, so she’s not in the best place, but you’ll see her growing up with every page. Ava is a mysterious character, beautiful and unique. The romance! This is a beautiful love story, it made me so happy, I’m smiling just thinking about it. And something I really loved is that, Emi likes girls, but that wasn’t emphasized too much it was simply a fact; I think it was beautiful to show how simple it can be, that love is love no matter what. Trust me with this one, you’ll love it!

calloway sisters

The best of 2014

This year is nearing it’s end, we’re only hours away from 2015. And what a year it was. So many new books that came out, and so many we loved! That’s why we put together a top 10 of books came out in 2014 that we loved. Buckle up, it’s gonna be an emotional ride.

1. Isla and the Happily Ever After

9627755Hopeless romantic Isla has had a crush on introspective cartoonist Josh since their first year at the School of America in Paris. And after a chance encounter in Manhattan over the summer, romance might be closer than Isla imagined. But as they begin their senior year back in France, Isla and Josh are forced to confront the challenges every young couple must face, including family drama, uncertainty about their college futures, and the very real possibility of being apart.

Featuring cameos from fan-favorites Anna, Étienne, Lola, and Cricket, this sweet and sexy story of true love—set against the stunning backdrops of New York City, Paris, and Barcelona—is a swoonworthy conclusion to Stephanie Perkins’s beloved series.

2. Silver Shadows by Richelle Mead

8709524Sydney Sage is an Alchemist, one of a group of humans who dabble in magic and serve to bridge the worlds of humans and vampires. They protect vampire secrets—and human lives.

In The Fiery Heart, Sydney risked everything to follow her gut, walking a dangerous line to keep her feelings hidden from the Alchemists.
Now in the aftermath of an event that ripped their world apart, Sydney and Adrian struggle to pick up the pieces and find their way back to each other. But first, they have to survive.

For Sydney, trapped and surrounded by adversaries, life becomes a daily struggle to hold on to her identity and the memories of those she loves. Meanwhile, Adrian clings to hope in the face of those who tell him Sydney is a lost cause, but the battle proves daunting as old demons and new temptations begin to seize hold of him…

Their worst fears now a chilling reality, Sydney and Adrian face their darkest hour in this heart-pounding fifth installment in the New York Times bestselling Bloodlines series, where all bets are off.

3. Full Measures by Rebecca Yaros

Three knocks can change everything…

“She knew. That’s why Mom hadn’t opened the door. She knew he was dead.”

Twenty years as an army brat and Ember Howard knew, too. The soldiers at the door meant her dad was never coming home. What she didn’t know was how she would find the strength to singlehandedly care for her crumbling family when her mom falls apart.

Then Josh Walker enters her life. Hockey star, her new next-door neighbor, and not to mention the most delicious hands that insist on saving her over and over again. He has a way of erasing the pain with a single look, a single touch. As much as she wants to turn off her feelings and endure the heartache on her own, she can’t deny their intense attraction.

Until Josh’s secret shatters their world. And Ember must decide if he’s worth the risk that comes with loving a man who could strip her bare.

4. Addicted After All by Krista & Becca Ritchie
Two addicts. One epic love story.

Prepare for the worst.

That’s what Lily and Lo try to do when Jonathan Hale schedules an “important” meeting. The problem: after being swept into the public eye and battling their addictions, they’re not sure what the worst is anymore.

In a sea of many changes—including Ryke & Daisy living with them—Lily realizes that the best part of her fluctuating hormones might just be the worst.

Her sex drive is out of control.

Loren knows that she’s insatiable, but he’s not giving up on her. She’s too much a part of him. And as he carries more and more responsibility, some of the people that he loves doubt his resolve.

In the conclusion to their love story, Lily & Lo stand side-by-side to fight, one last time, for their happily ever after.

5. The Retribution of Mara Dyer by Michelle Hodkin

15768409Mara Dyer wants to believe there’s more to the lies she’s been told.
There is.

She doesn’t stop to think about where her quest for the truth might lead.
She should.

She never had to imagine how far she would go for vengeance.
She will now.

Loyalties are betrayed, guilt and innocence tangle, and fate and chance collide in this shocking conclusion to Mara Dyer’s story.

Retribution has arrived.

The conclusion of the mysterious, intriguing and thrilling trilogy that had everyone wondering if they had completely lost their minds.

6. We Were Liars by E. Lockhart

16143347A beautiful and distinguished family.
A private island.
A brilliant, damaged girl; a passionate, political boy.
A group of four friends—the Liars—whose friendship turns destructive.
A revolution. An accident. A secret.
Lies upon lies.
True love.
The truth.

We Were Liars is a modern, sophisticated suspense novel from National Book Award finalist and Printz Award honoree E. Lockhart.

Read it.
And if anyone asks you how it ends, just LIE.

The perfect stand-alone that made our summer more interesting and heartbreaking. It gave us our share of Summertime Sadness, for sure.

7. City of Heavenly Fire by Cassandra Clare

8755785In this dazzling and long-awaited conclusion to the acclaimed Mortal Instruments series, Clary and her friends fight the greatest evil they have ever faced: Clary’s own brother.

Sebastian Morgenstern is on the move, systematically turning Shadowhunter against Shadowhunter. Bearing the Infernal Cup, he transforms Shadowhunters into creatures out of nightmare, tearing apart families and lovers as the ranks of his Endarkened army swell.

The embattled Shadowhunters withdraw to Idris – but not even the famed demon towers of Alicante can keep Sebastian at bay. And with the Nephilim trapped in Idris, who will guard the world against demons?

When one of the greatest betrayals the Nephilim have ever known is revealed, Clary, Jace, Isabelle, Simon, and Alec must flee – even if their journey takes them deep into the demon realms, where no Shadowhunter has set foot before, and from which no human being has ever returned…

Love will be sacrificed and lives lost in the terrible battle for the fate of the word in the thrilling final installment of the classic urban fantasy series The Mortal Instruments!

8. I’ll Give You the Sun by Jandy Nelson

20820994A brilliant, luminous story of first love, family, loss, and betrayal for fans of John Green, David Levithan, and Rainbow Rowell

Jude and her twin brother, Noah, are incredibly close. At thirteen, isolated Noah draws constantly and is falling in love with the charismatic boy next door, while daredevil Jude cliff-dives and wears red-red lipstick and does the talking for both of them. But three years later, Jude and Noah are barely speaking. Something has happened to wreck the twins in different and dramatic ways . . . until Jude meets a cocky, broken, beautiful boy, as well as someone else—an even more unpredictable new force in her life. The early years are Noah’s story to tell. The later years are Jude’s. What the twins don’t realize is that they each have only half the story, and if they could just find their way back to one another, they’d have a chance to remake their world.

This radiant novel from the acclaimed, award-winning author of The Sky Is Everywhere will leave you breathless and teary and laughing—often all at once.

9. Until Nico (Until #4) by Aurora Rose Reynolds  

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Sophie Grates has never had it easy, but she’s finding her way through life one step and one day at a time. That is, Until Nico comes in and flips her world upside-down. He forces her to see you cannot live life from the outside looking in, and sometimes you have to step out onto the ledge so you can really enjoy the view.

Nico Mayson knew the moment he saw Sophie Grates that she was the one. His whole life, he has been judged by what’s on the outside, so finding a beautiful woman who sees the real him only makes his feelings that much stronger.

Nico knows the kind of man he is, and the things he is capable of, and he will do everything in his power to help Sophie fight her demons so they can have their happily ever after. Everything in life worth having is worth fighting for.

10. Amour Amour by Krista and Becca Ritchie 

22888864“Every day,” he says lowly, “I hold a person’s life in my hands. The circus is based one-hundred percent off trust. I give it all to someone, and they give it all to me.”

The best aerial technique won’t land 21-year-old Thora James her dream role in Amour—a sexy new acrobatic show on the Vegas strip. Thora knows she’s out of her element the second she meets Amour’s leading performer. Confident, charming and devilishly captivating, 26-year-old Nikolai Kotova lives up to his nickname as the “God of Russia.”

When Thora unknowingly walks into the crosshairs of Nikolai’s after-show, her audition process begins way too soon. Unprofessional. That’s what Nik calls their “non-existent” relationship. It’s not like Thora can avoid him. For one, they may be partners in the future–acrobaticpartners, that is. But getting closer to Nik means diving deeper into sin city and into his dizzying world. Thora wants to perform with him, but when someone like Nikolai attracts the spotlight wherever he goes—Thora fears that she’s destined to be just background to his spellbinding show.

Recommendation Friday

Thank God It’s Friday! Which means time for a good book! Don’t you know what to read this weekend? No fear, we have some killer recommendations for you. Which one do you want to read this weekend?

Amy’s pick: Wings (Wings #1) by Aprilynne Pike

5056084Summary:

Laurel was mesmerized, staring at the pale things with wide eyes. They were terrifyingly beautiful—too beautiful for words.
Laurel turned to the mirror again, her eyes on the hovering petals that floated beside her head. They looked almost like wings.

In this extraordinary tale of magic and intrigue, romance and danger, everything you thought you knew about faeries will be changed forever.

Why should you read this book? 

Laurel thinks she’s just a normal teenage girl. As far as normal she can be, when she’s been homeschooled all her life and only eat vegetables. But then she moves away from her old house and has to go to school. She befriends this really cute guy, David and everything’s looking good until she discovers a small bump on her back. Days go by, and when she wakes up one morning, the bump is gone and is replaced.. by wings. Completely panicked, she calls the help of David, with the only clue that Laurel was adopted, found on the doorstep of her parents’ house when she was three. They find out with some research that Laurel is an advanced evolution of a plant. What the hell is she gonna do now?! Answers are found, when she makes a trip to her old house and meets Tamani. He tells her she’s a faerie, like him, and born in Avalon. Andwhat happens next.. you should read for yourself :).

I love this book. Laurel is a really awesome character. She’s girly and delicate, but also strong and protective of her friends and family. And two hot boys in a book, is never wrong. We got David, he’s human and normal. Sweet, and good-looking and totally crushing on Laurel. The other way around too, Laurel loves David. But then you meet Tamani and hell, he’s one fine faerie, I’m telling ya. He also messes with Laurel’s brain, and I mean that in the way Laurel starts getting feelings for him. Tamani has them too, always has, but since Laurel is with David, and she loves him, she can’t act on her feelings. It’s a bit of a love triangle, but it’s not a sappy, worse written one. This one is actually good. Apart from the lovestory it has a ton of action and faerie stuff in it, so it’s a really nice read!

Alex’s pick: Thirteen Reasons Why by Jay Asher

1217100Summary:

Clay Jensen returns home from school to find a mysterious box with his name on it lying on his porch. Inside he discovers thirteen cassette tapes recorded by Hannah Baker, his classmate and crush who committed suicide two weeks earlier.

On tape, Hannah explains that there are thirteen reasons why she decided to end her life. Clay is one of them. If he listens, he’ll find out how he made the list.

Through Hannah and Clay’s dual narratives, debut author Jay Asher weaves an intricate and heartrending story of confusion and desperation that will deeply affect teen readers.

Why should you read this book?

This book is one of my favorite ones; it’s really dark and different from all the others I have read before. I think the plot is perfectly explained in the summary so I’m not going to repeat that in other words, plus I’m a big fan of getting in a story without knowing everything about it. I have been told that listening to the audio book of this novel enhances the experience, so I’m looking forward to do that soon enough and if you have, let me know!

The main promise of the book is to learn the 13 reasons why Hannah Baker decided to end her life. It’s really intriguing and I finished this book in one sitting, I also cried a lot so if you’re an emotional mess like me, please have some tissues near you and lots of chocolate. But if you’re going to feel uneasy about a book that deals with suicide maybe this book isn’t for you, but I highly recommend it to anyone who is interested in this matter.

“You can’t stop the future
You can’t rewind the past
The only way to learn the secret
…is to press play.”

 

 Rheeza’s pick: Beneath the Burn by Pam Godwin

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Summary:

They meet by chance. The timing is wrong.

Three years later, she finds him again, but their separation was poisoned with narcotics and bloodied by enslavement.

Her freedom gambled away, Charlee Grosky escapes the international businessman who held her captive. But his power reaches beyond her protective barriers and threatens everyone she has come to love.

Jay Mayard wears his tortured secrets under his rock god facade. Drugs are his release, even as he seeks to be the man forged of the steel only she can see.

In a celebrity world filled with paparazzi, groupies, and drugs, Jay and Charlee must face their worst fears. When the battle is over, what will be left…Beneath The Burn.

 Why should you read this book?

If you are not a fan of dark romance then put this book down.

Beneath the Burn is intense, emotional, raw and gritty. Jay and Charlee are perfectly imperfect characters.  This is not a Stockholm syndrome book that most of dark romance genre is mostly about. Charlee’s captor is evil and he can burn in hell. The way Jay and Charlee heal each other is the most beautiful thing ever.

“You showed me beauty in survival. I’ll show you strength in healing.”

Their connection is amazing, powerful and steamy. They both have harrowing past but their resilience are so admirable, you cannot help but feel invested on them especially Charlee. She is one of the strongest female characters that I have ever read. No doubt this book is twisted, there are some parts that are highly disturbing but the author was able to balance it with lightness and love. It has a twisted plot but there is an underlying tone of goodness and realness that you cannot help but become obsessed over it and root for the main characters to overcome everything.

Due to some explicit content this book might not be for everyone, but all I can say is that I absolutely loved it. Pam Godwin is an author that I am looking forward to read much more of her work!

Manu’s pick: The Sky Is Everywhere by Jandy Nelson

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Summary: 

Seventeen-year-old Lennie Walker, bookworm and band geek, plays second clarinet and spends her time tucked safely and happily in the shadow of her fiery older sister, Bailey. But when Bailey dies abruptly, Lennie is catapulted to center stage of her own life – and, despite her nonexistent history with boys, suddenly finds herself struggling to balance two. Toby was Bailey’s boyfriend; his grief mirrors Lennie’s own. Joe is the new boy in town, a transplant from Paris whose nearly magical grin is matched only by his musical talent. For Lennie, they’re the sun and the moon; one boy takes her out of her sorrow, the other comforts her in it. But just like their celestial counterparts, they can’t collide without the whole wide world exploding.

This remarkable debut is perfect for fans of Sarah Dessen, Deb Caletti, and Francesca Lia Block. Just as much a celebration of love as it is a portrait of loss, Lennie’s struggle to sort her own melody out of the noise around her is always honest, often hilarious, and ultimately unforgettable.

Why should you read this book?

This is an heartbreakingly beautiful read. If you know me you know I always recommend this book to everyone because it’s honestly one of the most amazing books I’ve ever read. I found it thanks to Tahereh Mafi (who wrote the Shatter me trilogy), and I had to read it. I wasn’t disappointed. I’ve read it four times and it gets better every single time. Jandy Nelson’s writing is flawless, it’s awe-inspiring. It’s a book about loss, and how much loss changes you. Lennie is only 17, so when her sister dies she has no idea how to cope with grief, she writes poems, sometimes about peaces of her life with her sister Bailey, or whatever comes to her minds, and then she leaves them around town. Those poems are probably my favorite thing about this book.

Who wants to know that the person you love and need the most can just vanish forever.

The Sky Is Everywhere has a special place in my heart, I hope it’ll stay with you too!

Paula’s pick: Easy (Contours of the Heart #1) by Tammara Webber

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Summary:

When Jacqueline follows her longtime boyfriend to the college of his choice, the last thing she expects is a breakup two months into sophomore year. After two weeks in shock, she wakes up to her new reality: she’s single, attending a state university instead of a music conservatory, ignored by her former circle of friends, and failing a class for the first time in her life.

Leaving a party alone, Jacqueline is assaulted by her ex’s frat brother. Rescued by a stranger who seems to be in the right place at the right time, she wants nothing more than to forget the attack and that night – but her savior, Lucas, sits on the back row of her econ class, sketching in a notebook and staring at her. Her friends nominate him to be the perfect rebound.

When her attacker turns stalker, Jacqueline has a choice: crumple in defeat or learn to fight back. Lucas remains protective, but he’s hiding secrets of his own. Suddenly appearances are everything, and knowing who to trust is anything but easy.

Why should you read this book?

Well, firstly Lucas is adorable and also hot. He has tattoos, he is an artist and he is smart. HE HAS EVERYTHING! He is a mysterious an it’s entertaining to see how Jacqueline (not Jackie) unravels him. Plus the story has an element of tension to it and leaves you wanting more, more, more and to get to the end.

I highly enjoyed reading this book, it is a light reading that makes you fall in love but also makes you want to die because you want a guy like Lucas, it’s perfectly understandable though. I personally picture him as Robert Sheehan, what about you?

Recommendation Friday: Amour Amour by Krista & Becca Ritchie

Thank God It’s Friday! Which means time for a good book! Don’t you know what to read this weekend? Then this might be the book you’re looking for.

Amour Amour Cover FINAL

Summary:

Love is a circus

“Every day,” he says lowly, “I hold a person’s life in my hands. The circus is based one-hundred percent off trust. I give it all to someone, and they give it all to me.”

The best aerial technique won’t land 21-year-old Thora James her dream role in Amour—a sexy new acrobatic show on the Vegas strip. Thora knows she’s out of her element the second she meets Amour’s leading performer. Confident, charming and devilishly captivating, 26-year-old Nikolai Kotova lives up to his nickname as the “God of Russia.”

When Thora unknowingly walks into the crosshairs of Nikolai’s after-show, her audition process begins way too soon. Unprofessional. That’s what Nik calls their “non-existent” relationship. It’s not like Thora can avoid him. For one, they may be partners in the future–acrobatic partners, that is. But getting closer to Nik means diving deeper into sin city and into his dizzying world.

Thora wants to perform with him, but when someone like Nikolai attracts the spotlight wherever he goes—Thora fears that she’s destined to be just background to his spellbinding show.

Why should you read this book?

The answer is simple. First of all, it’s a Krista and Becca  book. Second, it’s about a circus. Third. It includes a Russian God. Do we need to say more?
Amour Amour came out today and we know a lot of us have already started reading it (maybe even finished), but for all of you who haven’t yet, or don’t know Krista and Becca (yet).. This is your chance! It’s a standalone book, so it’s a good opportunity to get to know these two talented sisters and their writing style. We’ve only just started reading it and we’re already in love!

Happy reading this weekend!

With love, ‘

calloway sisters

Recommendation Friday

Thank God It’s Friday! Which means time for a good book! Don’t you know what to read this weekend? No fear, we have some killer recommendations for you. Which one do you want to read this weekend?

Amy’s pick: I’d Tell You I Love You, But Then I’d Have To Kill You (Gallagher Girls #1) by Ally Carter

I'd Tell You I Love You But Then I'd Have To Kill You

Cammie Morgan is a student at the Gallagher Academy for Exceptional Young Women, a fairly typical all-girls school-that is, if every school taught advanced martial arts in PE and the latest in chemical warfare in science, and students received extra credit for breaking CIA codes in computer class. The Gallagher Academy might claim to be a school for geniuses but it’s really a school for spies. Even though Cammie is fluent in fourteen languages and capable of killing a man in seven different ways, she has no idea what to do when she meets an ordinary boy who thinks she’s an ordinary girl. Sure, she can tap his phone, hack into his computer, or track him through town with the skill of a real “pavement artist”-but can she maneuver a relationship with someone who can never know the truth about her?
Cammie Morgan may be an elite spy-in-training, but in her sophomore year, she’s on her most dangerous mission-falling in love.

Why should you read this book?

There’s really only one reason why you should read this book/series: spies. Girl spies. Some killer spy action, that’ll make you want to be a spy too. I mean, who wouldn’t want to know how to kick the bad guy in the nuts, while cursing him out in Japanese? *raises hand* I know I do.
It’s just a fun story. Cammie can hack into computers and knows how to kill someone. She speaks fourteen languages, but the only language she doesn’t know.. is boy language. There’s a cute guy in town and Cammie has got her eyes set on him. But how do you date a guy that is completely ordinary opposed to her, a spy? Luckily, she gets help from her two best friends and a new girl, who happens to be the daughter of the future president.

This book will make you laugh. It will make you wish this school existed, so you could enroll there (just like Hogwarts). But you should know, if you read this you’ll become a Gallagher girl. And, once a Gallagher girl, always a Gallagher girl.

Alex’s pick: This Much is True (Truth in Lies #1) by Katherine Owen

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Both on the verge of fame. A ballerina who lies. A baseball player who believes her. Well, the truth changes everything.

Since Valentine’s Day, Tally Landon has owned the most tragic story at Paly High. Now, she just wants to graduate, pursue her ballet career in New York, and leave this personal tragedy of hers far behind. Her best friend convinces her to attend one last party–a college party–where she meets Stanford’s latest baseball wonder. Tally has a little fun at this guy’s expense when she lies about her age and who she really is, intent on being someone else for just one night. After all, what’s the harm in a few innocent lies, especially when she’s so good at telling them?

Lincoln Presley’s future is all mapped out. There is only baseball. With the big leagues circling with a lucrative offer, the star pitcher is solely focused upon securing his future. His cousin’s party serves as a welcome distraction but then he sees the girl from Valentine’s Day–the one he rescued from the burning wreckage on the 101. He can’t quite hide his disappointment when she appears to look right through him, obviously not remembering him at all. Linc vows to learn her name at least. What would be the harm in getting to know this girl? What’s the worst that can happen?

Fate brings them together. Fame & lies tear them apart. One truth remains…

Why should you read this book?

Katherine Owen is best known as the Queen of Angst and if you read this book you will completely understand why. This isn’t a warm, fluffy with a lot of steamy scenes New Adult book this is an I-will-break-your-heart-a-thousand-times kind of read and I don’t regret any of it. I loved everything about it, the author’s writing is outstanding, the characters feel so real and raw and the story could be based in real life facts.

So, if you’re looking for a never ending pain read, this is it! It will make you cry, shout at your book, sob and hug your pillow for comfort. This is a story about how fame, stubborness, lies and ambition can ruin an epic couple’s love. It sounds really tragic, right? But if you are anything like me, you will love this book and welcome the pain.

“Falling. Failing. Losing. I feel them all.” 

Rheeza’s pick: Tangled (Tangled #1) by Emma Chase

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Drew Evans is a winner. Handsome and arrogant, he makes multimillion dollar business deals and seduces New York’s most beautiful women with just a smile. He has loyal friends and an indulgent family. So why has he been shuttered in his apartment for seven days, miserable and depressed?

He’ll tell you he has the flu.

But we all know that’s not really true.

Katherine Brooks is brilliant, beautiful and ambitious. She refuses to let anything – or anyone – derail her path to success. When Kate is hired as the new associate at Drew’s father’s investment banking firm, every aspect of the dashing playboy’s life is thrown into a tailspin. The professional competition she brings is unnerving, his attraction to her is distracting, his failure to entice her into his bed is exasperating.

Then, just when Drew is on the cusp of having everything he wants, his overblown confidence threatens to ruin it all. Will he be able untangle his feelings of lust and tenderness, frustration and fulfillment? Will he rise to the most important challenge of his life?

Can Drew Evans win at love?

Tangled is not your mother’s romance novel. It is an outrageous, passionate, witty narrative about a man who knows a lot about women…just not as much as he thinks he knows. As he tells his story, Drew learns the one thing he never wanted in life, is the only thing he can’t live without.

Why should you read this book?

*WARNING: Your cheeks and stomach will ache. Whoever is it with you will probably call a professional help to see if you are not crazy. The cause: laughing so hard you cry.*

This is the first book of the tangled series and I can honestly say it is one of my favorites because it is witty, lighthearted, sexy and downright hilarious. I love love love looooove it! What part of this book do I wanted to highlight because of the awesomeness? EVERYTHING! Seriously, every single line is priceless! I can’t even choose a favorite quote to cite! Drew’s POV is a gift from the book gods. I don’t even know how to begin describing him. He’s obnoxious, cocky and a bit of an asshat but you can’t help but fall in love with him. He is that loveable and charismatic! And all of his thought processes are brilliantly entertaining! You can’t help but be captured by his story-telling. Kate Brooks is my type of favorite heroine, takes no bullshit, strong and smart. If you haven’t read it yet then do it now because you don’t know what you are missing, it’s the best like OMG ugh!!!!! GAH! but *nods* yah just do it! I swear you will enjoy it!

 

Manu’s pick: More Than This by Jay McLean

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*Mikayla*
In one night my fairytale ended. Or it may have begun. This is my story of friendship and love, heartbreak and desire, and the strength to show weakness.

*Jake*
One night I met a girl. A sad and broken girl, but one more beautiful than any other. She laughed through her sadness, while I loved through her heartbreak.

*This is our story of a maybe ever after.*

He was right. It made no difference whether it was 6 months or 6 years.
I couldn’t undo what had been done. I couldn’t change the future.
I couldn’t even predict it.
It was one night.
One night when everything changed.
It was so much more than just the betrayal.
It was the Tragedy.
The Deaths.
The Murders.
But it was also that feeling.
The feeling of falling.

Why should you read this book?

This is one of my favorite series.

I felt like I should start by saying that. But, you know, I love painful books, books that keep you up in the middle of the night because you just can’t go to sleep not knowing if your loved characters are gonna be okay. This was one of those heartbreakingly beautiful books for me. Just rereading the summary now left me teary eyed, so…

First of all, the characters (!!!) I loved the characters so much, all of them. The main plot is kinda tragic, but I always ended up laughing out loud.

Mikayla is this broken girl, that went through one of the worst things that could happen in life, but she’s strong; she doesn’t let everyone see how broken she really is, she tries to go on, she keeps laughing. Jake helps her, he carries the weight of her loss on his shoulders like if it were his own.

The side characters are unique too, and you’ll be happy to know (I freaked out) that the other books are about them! The last book that came out, More Than Forever, is my favorite; it’s about Lucy and Cameron, and trust me, when you first read about them in More Than This you can’t help loving them, (Lucy is a addicted to books like we are and she reads some books that I read and I was seriously screaming) and their story is just amazing (sorry I’m so emotional thinking about these books, it’s hard to properly write this).

Anyway, please give this series a chance, and hopefully you won’t regret it.

Paula’s Pick: Wonder by R.J. Palacio

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You can’t blend in when you were born to stand out.

My name is August. I won’t describe what I look like. Whatever you’re thinking, it’s probably worse.

August Pullman wants to be an ordinary ten-year-old. He does ordinary things. He eats ice cream. He plays on his Xbox. He feels ordinary – inside.

But Auggie is far from ordinary. Ordinary kids don’t make other ordinary kids run away screaming in playgrounds. Ordinary kids don’t get stared at wherever they go.

Born with a terrible facial abnormality, Auggie has been home-schooled by his parents his whole life, in an attempt to protect him from the cruelty of the outside world. Now, for the first time, he’s being sent to a real school – and he’s dreading it. All he wants is to be accepted – but can he convince his new classmates that he’s just like them, underneath it all?

Why should you read it?

Man I can’t tell you how much I cried with this book, but it was a lot. It also made me laugh and jump around it contains so much emotion.

I think it is a book everyone should read at least once in their lives because it contains so many life lessons, and even though it is narrated from a 10-year-old kid’s point of view anyone can learn something. In that way it reminded me a lot of The Little Prince which is my favorite book and it is my favorite aspect of it.

With that being said I hope you read this book and absorb everything it has to tell you because you will be a changed person after it. It actualy restored my faith in humanity.

calloway sisters

Recommendation Friday

Thank God It’s Friday! Which means time for a good book! Don’t you know what to read this weekend? No fear, we have some killer recommendations for you. Which one do you want to read this weekend?

Alex’s pick: Eleanor & Park by Rainbow Rowell

15745753Two misfits.
One extraordinary love. 

Eleanor… Red hair, wrong clothes. Standing behind him until he turns his head. Lying beside him until he wakes up. Making everyone else seem drabber and flatter and never good enough…Eleanor.

Park… He knows she’ll love a song before he plays it for her. He laughs at her jokes before she ever gets to the punch line. There’s a place on his chest, just below his throat, that makes her want to keep promises…Park.

Set over the course of one school year, this is the story of two star-crossed sixteen-year-olds—smart enough to know that first love almost never lasts, but brave and desperate enough to try.

Why should you read this book?

The reason why I chose to recommend this book is because I think it’s such an original YA contemporary. We are normally used to our typical shy drop-dead beautiful main character with her mysterious and bad boy love interest. And I’m not saying I don’t enjoy that kind of books because I’m a sucker for those stories. But sometimes it feels like I am always reading the same stuff and Eleanor & Park is just a novelty in the contemporary world. The characters will make you swoon, laugh, cry and if you have ever felt like an outcast you’ll definitely feel somewhat identified with the characters. Just give it a try if you haven’t already, it will surprise you.

Amy’s pick: Ruby Red by Kerstin Gier

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Gwyneth Shepherd’s sophisticated, beautiful cousin Charlotte has been prepared her entire life for traveling through time. But unexpectedly, it is Gwyneth, who in the middle of class takes a sudden spin to a different era!

Gwyneth must now unearth the mystery of why her mother would lie about her birth date to ward off suspicion about her ability, brush up on her history, and work with Gideon–the time traveler from a similarly gifted family that passes the gene through its male line, and whose presence becomes, in time, less insufferable and more essential. Together, Gwyneth and Gideon journey through time to discover who, in the 18th century and in contemporary London, they can trust.

Why should you read this book?

Why not, is the question! First of all, Gwyneth (or Gwendolyn in  German & Dutch. I don’t know why they translated it, I love Gwendolyn a lot more) is such a relatable character. She’s sweet, but awkward around guys and reading from her point of view, it’s just so funny!

“You were talking to that niche in the wall again, Gwyneth. I saw you.”
“Yes, but it’s my favorite bit of wall, Gordon. I’d hurt its feelings if I didn’t stop and talk to it.”

Also, there’s a super cute guy making an appearance. Gideon de Villiers is his name. Maybe it’s me, but that name does things to me. Gideon also has the timetravelling gene, but from another family. And he is one good looking boy. At first, you probably won’t like him, BUT keep reading. He’ll grow on you *wink*.

And the third reason.. it’s just a really awesome, fun and original book. I have never read something like this before. It has action, humor and romance. That’s the best combination for a book, right? To get you even more excited: it’s the first in a trilogy. The sequels are Sapphire Blue and Emerald Green.

Manu’s pick: Angelfall (Penryn & the End of Days #1) by Susan Ee

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It’s been six weeks since angels of the apocalypse descended to demolish the modern world. Street gangs rule the day while fear and superstition rule the night. When warrior angels fly away with a helpless little girl, her seventeen-year-old sister Penryn will do anything to get her back.

Anything, including making a deal with an enemy angel.

Raffe is a warrior who lies broken and wingless on the street. After eons of fighting his own battles, he finds himself being rescued from a desperate situation by a half-starved teenage girl.

Traveling through a dark and twisted Northern California, they have only each other to rely on for survival. Together, they journey toward the angels’ stronghold in San Francisco where she’ll risk everything to rescue her sister and he’ll put himself at the mercy of his greatest enemies for the chance to be made whole again.

Why should you read this book?

I think Angelfall is one of my favorite books in its genre. There’s a lot of action, a smartass and badass heroine you can’t help but love, evil angels invading our planet, and a seriously hot and amazing archangel that will make you swoon. For once, we have the female character saving the guy and doing everything she can to rescue her little sister, and nothing can stop her. And let me tell you, the ending was one of the most emotional, heartbreaking endings I’ve ever read, my heart is still suffering from it. So, please read it and I’ll be here to cry some more with you!

Rheeza’s pick: Bully  (Fall Away #1) by Penelope Douglas

bullyBully is about Tate and Jared, and what a pair! Childhood best friends and now high school enemies! Jared was sweet, caring and friendly and one summer at his dad’s, he changed. Now he lived to torment her. After a year away, Tate returns and when she realized her hope that Jared would finally stop is futile, she finally stands her ground!

Isn’t it about time you fought back?

Why should you read this book?

I never thought I would love this book so much but boy I was in for a treat! Not only that the story is engaging but it is really just a well written book so hat offs to Ms. Penelope.  It has the perfect blend of angst, romance and the chemistry between the two character is off the chart HOT but also heart wrenching *clutches chest emotionally*! But I’m warning you, it is impossible to put this book down! So don’t blame me for your sleepless night, though it will be definitely worth it! It is a relevant and strong book. Bullying is a sensitive topic and in reading this, you cannot help but feel and think. It will stay with you.

Paula’s pick: Reclaiming the sand by A. Meredith Walters

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Ellie McCallum was a bully. No connection to anyone or anything. A sad and lonely existence for a young woman who had come to expect nothing more for herself. Her only happiness coming from making others miserable.

Flynn Hendrick lived a life completely disconnected even as he struggled to become something more than that boy with Asperger’s. He was taunted and teased, bearing the brunt of systematic and calculated cruelty, ultimately culminating in a catastrophic turn of events that brought Ellie and Flynn’s worlds crashing down.

But then Flynn and Ellie grew up.

And moved on.

Why should you read this book?

Two words: Flynn Hendrick. If you are like me and cry and love easily this book is what you need, because it’s cute and the flashbacks are sad (I personally recommend to listen to Say Something through some of the scenes or the whole book). A thing I loved about this book is the character development in both Ellie and Flynn (although you can see the process more in the first one) it’s also really clear in Flynn’s character and it feels real. The background story for both of them is extremely sad but they get through it, it’s a book full of hope. So I hope that if you decide to read it you love it.

calloway sisters