Boy by Blake Nelson

Boy by Blake Nelson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Gavin Meeks is such a believable teen; he is cute, plays tennis, has friends, and life feels pretty good. This book takes place during Gavin's sophomore, junior and senior year. I liked Gavin's thoughts, his conversations - he was a good kid who finds are pretty easy, but one day he meets Antionette after her brother has killed himself and Gavin's life changes. Because he is tall, Blond and is popular, he never wants for girl friends, but Antoinette keeps hammering away that Gavin's friends are not "real" people. Gavin's fall from grace when he kisses his best friend's girlfriend has him questioning what he wants to do in life, so he picks up a camera, becomes friends with Richie a sometime photographer and starts to hang out with Antoinette and Kai. As a librarian my students loved Blake Nelson books - they speak to teens of life and high school and this book is perfect for teens! With lots of mistakes, drama, and soul searching, Gavin's 3 years of high school will resonate with teens.

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Now I Rise (The Conqueror's Saga #2) by Kiersten White

Now I Rise by Kiersten White
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I loved this 2nd audiobook in Kiersten White's The Conqueror Saga! Fiona Hardingham's narration of men, women and children in epic historical fiction saga is thrilling as the narrative pits Lada Dracul against the world once again. Other than her loyal soldiers - her brother Radu has chosen to stay with Sultan Mehmed even though Radu's piercing love for Mehmed will never be returned, no one but Lada will herlp her become Wallachia’s prince and oh what a brutal path she weaves to achieve her kingdom. I can't say I really like any of these 3 main characters, they are very flawed - Mehmed and Lada are both egotistical and Radu was just such a pitiful character. The only 3 deep characters are Nasira and Fatima, a strong lesbian couple; Nasira marries Radu and she totally supports Radu and is completely honest with him about Mehmed even though Radu does not listen. The 3rd authentic character is Cyprian from Constantinople and Radu is just really disappointing with his constant choice of Mehmed over everyone. The siege for Constantinople changes the spying Radu but his choice of Mehmed even after is unbelievable and tragic. I loved the historical research that made this book one I could not stop listening to, and I can't wait for the next book!!!

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Her Final Breath (Tracy Crosswhite #2) by Robert Dugoni

Her Final Breath by Robert Dugoni
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I so enjoy this series and Robert Dugoni's detective mystery. His writing keeps me turning the pages; the characters, tough Tracy, partner Kins, jerk boss Nolasco, and lawyer boyfriend Dan & his dogs captivated me in this 2nd book- already have the 3rd book on hold! Tracy and her team are investigating prostitute murders by a perp called The Cowboy since he uses rope to hog tie his victims. The plot is slick, chilling and Tracy goes above and beyond (no matter what) to prove who the murderer is; there is danger all around-- all mystery lovers will enjoy and keep on wanting more of Dugoni's thrillers.

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Under Rose-Tainted Skies by Louise Gornall

Under Rose-Tainted Skies by Louise Gornall
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I ached for Norah and her OCD and agoraphobia; she really is a prisoner in her home and her mind, until the day Luke moves next door!!! Gornall's book was especially poignant when I read the Author Notes and she writes what she knows because she lives with mental health struggles. Norah's inner voice, her anguish, depression, crushed me. As she tries to fight/overcomemove forward with her sickness, I rooted for her (also Luke was such a sweet, supportive teen who "got" Norah) and you will too. This is a must read for teens!

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Strange the Dreamer by Laini Taylor

Strange the Dreamer by Laini Taylor
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

This was a 5 star book for me until the last 2 1/2 pages. The book was beautiful in its world building (Lazlo's time with the monks, Weep in Lazlo's mind and the real Weep), characters (Hated Minya, loved Lazlo and Sarai and so many more) and the magic, fantasy, gods, and ghosts. Now back to my 3 star rating...this book was tantalizing (some in a good way but also some in a bad way) and since Lazlo's life was tough but as a dreamer he always searched for the good in everything...hence the ending completely undid me and since the story was steeped in the darkness of the Godslayer and the daily world of the blue gods and goddesses and Lazlo's early life, there were quite a few ways to make the ending more redemptive than it was. Especially when you wait for another book in the series, it is nice to have a cliff hanger with a positive spin. The characters and the readers did not deserve this ending, I know it says "to be continued" but I will be waiting in dread and it would have been nice to tweek the ending just a little to have me waiting with a smile on my face. Those of you who know me as a reader and reviewer, I rate most books 4 & 5 so when I have to give a book a 3, it really hurts me, just like this ending did. I hope Laini Taylor can give a better ending to Book 2 and 3 if there will be more in this series. Again I loved the story, the characters, just would have liked a better ending (it could have been easily written that way, for Lazlo, Sarai and the reader).

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Death and Night (Star-Touched Queen series) by Roshani Chokshi

Death and Night by Roshani Chokshi
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I loved this treat, a novella at the end of Crown of Wishes! Once again, Priya Ayyar awesomely narrated the chance meeting of Death & Night (both destined to be alone) and their attraction to each other despite what the future has foretold. I loved the fact that Gupta re-appeared in this lovely little tale.

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Back in Black (SBC Fighters #5) by Lori Foster

Back in Black by Lori Foster
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Another great Lori Foster romance with an irreverent male, Drew who needs his image cleaned up if he is to remain the head of the SBC. Gillian has been hired to reshape Drew and she has her work cut out for her! Also a subplot about another aspiring fighter meeting Audrey who is involved in a group trying to clean up violent sports.

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A Crown of Wishes (Star-Touched Queen #2) by Roshani Chokshi

A Crown of Wishes by Roshani Chokshi
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I listened to this lush 2nd book in The Star-Touched Queen series gorgeously narrated by Priya Ayyar in a tale fraught with desires & wishes, a pair of royals from enemy countries band together to help themselves (and their kingdoms). Protagonists Vikram (OMG, loved his strength and cunning) and Gauri (loved her obstinance and might) join The Tournament of Wishes in a mythical kingdom containing many forms of magic, deceit, Indian folklore, fantastic & bizarre creatures, adventure, mayhem, magic, and mystery. Ayyar's narration was pitch perfect and I can't wait to hear more of her audiobooks. Don't miss this one, it is epic and the magnetism between Vikram and Gauri dripped with tension and yearning!

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What To Say Next by Julie Buxbaum

What to Say Next by Julie Buxbaum
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I just loved Tell Me Three Things by Julie Buxbaum so as soon as I knew she was writing another YA novel, I pre-ordered it and dove right in. I read this wonderful, serious, funny, definitely sad book in one day, but the SAD was integral to the story of Kit Lowell sitting at David Drucker's lunch table. Kit is popular but grieving the death of her dad and really can't deal right now with her friends' company, sympathy, etc.(not that she tells them this). Kit sitting with David (OMG, their growing friendship was palpable, sweet, engrossing) changes his (and Kit's) life. David and Kit were such authentic characters; you rooted for them, wanted to punch them (you will see), and you hoped & prayed their friendship was string enough to survive reality that is HS life. The book is told in alternating chapters by Kit & David and really spoke to me about them as real teens. David was such a great character, being on the spectrum of autism (which he doesn't really think he has) and totally supported by his family was so nice to see in YA literature. But I really liked the way Buxbaum let us see David's thoughts (and desires) about Kit. She becomes the reason he really tries to be more normal- his sister is away at college & they do a lot of FaceTime- Miney helps & supports David. Due to his sister's deep abiding love- David keeps a notebook on his thoughts of his classmates, who to talk to, and who to stay away from. He has been bullied by Justin & Gabriel since middle school and this is detailed in his notebook too. But as he comes to wonder & rely on seeing and talking to Kit everyday at lunch (his sister tells him to text Kit too) you see his awkwardness but since he is so intelligent and his sister has tried to drum normalness into him, David becomes so much more to Kit and to the reader. You feel his loneliness, his yearning, his intelligence as he begins to look Kit (and others) in the eye, uses his headphones less, look around as he walks in the school halls. I really enjoyed the new David with clothes and haircut (just as everyone else does, but Kit already saw that David) and I loved David's honesty when he told Kit she was beautiful and in his thoughts how he loved her just as she was (with or without makeup, nice clothes, smiling or crying) I just could not put this book down, Kit and David are two protagonists I really enjoyed getting to know, teens will like the HS drama, develop empathy for those who are different and despise the horrible bullying for teens like David.

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Labyrinth Lost by Zoraida Cordova

Labyrinth Lost by Zoraida Córdova
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Wow, I loved this book about witches (girls are brujas and boys are brujos), magic, and family. Taking place in Brooklyn, Alex does not want the magic that will be hers on her DeathDay ceremony and what she does to stop the magic is horrendous - she inadvertently banishes her family to LosLagos (a magical underworld). In order to get her family back, determined, confused Alex joins with bad boy brujo, Nova and her best friend, Rishi, entering the mysterious underworld and performs much magic trying to defeat the enemies who keep her family and many others prisoners. I loved the Latin American culture, gods and goddesses, and assorted creatures - I look forward to the 2nd book!

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My Sister Rosa by Justine Larbalestier

My Sister Rosa by Justine Larbalestier
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

OMG! What a terrifying sick read, my heart broke for Che, a nice, normal 17 yr old teen in a totally dysfunctional family, with the daily torment of psychopath sister, Rosa. Oh she is such a sinister character, but not many people see her evil (she is a cute 10 year old blonde with curls and a sweet smile) or believe Che. So Che has had to worry his whole life and try to circumvent Rosa without letting her see/know what he truly thinks/feels. Thankfully when Che, Rosa, Sally and David (they must call their rentals by their first names) Che meets his benefactors family and becomes friendly with Leilani and her little sister, Maya (they instantly dislike Rosa) while Rosa targets May's twin as her "best friend" and begins working out at the gym and meets Sojourner. I love Larbalestier's other books Liar & Razorhurst and would really love to see this book as a series! Totally creepy, teens will love this book.

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Dash of Peril (Love Undercover #4) by Lori Foster

Dash of Peril by Lori Foster
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

When Dash meets Margaret Peterson, head of a police unit and hard as nail, what will happen as they work together to uncover corruption? I love the Love Undercover series by Lori Foster and this book did not disapppoint!

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My Sister's Grave by Robert Dugoni

My Sister's Grave by Robert Dugoni
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I am definitely going to read this series, I could not put this book down! Tracy Crosswhite is a thoroughly likable hard headed detective who has suffered (felt responsible) for the last twenty years about her sister's disappearance and murder. Even though Edmund House was convicted and is serving his sentence, Tracy still has questions that were not resolved during the trial. Dugoni's thriller was consuming; I read it in two days and am going to be reading the other books in this series. For a great mystery and detective story, this series fills the bill!

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Before I Let Go by Marieke Nijkamp

Before I Let Go by Marieke Nijkamp
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Thank you to NetGalley and Sourcebooks Fire for providing an advance copy of Before I Let Go by Marieke Nijkamp. I love mysteries and psychological thrillers; Nijkamp did not disappoint with this taut, compelling YA novel of two best friends living in a very small, creepy Alaskan town, Lost, that is not inviting to newcomers and shuns those who leave. After growing up in Lost, Corey moves to Fairbanks, a new school and life, when her mom accepts a better job but both Kyra and Corey promise to wait for each other. With Kyra’s unexpected death, Corey rushes back to Lost and through flashbacks, diary entries, letters, phone calls, and emails we see their close, enduring friendship and the town’s suffocating secrets and lies. Kyra’s storytelling and painting give the reader a rich history of Lost. The crippling grief and loss Corey feels over Kyra’s death is compounded by the town’s new worship of Kyra’s foretelling of the future in her paintings. But Lost never accepted Kyra with her bipolar diagnosis before, so what happened over the 7 months Corey was enjoying her new life in Fairbanks? Teens will not be able to put down this riveting mystery as Corey unceasingly searches for the truth from the town that now views her as a traitor. There were really no likable characters in this mesmerizing mystery but Corey’s steadfast quest for truth (she is guilty also) holds the reader captive from the first page to the last page, highly recommended!

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Getting Rowdy (Love Undercover #3) by Lori Foster

Getting Rowdy by Lori Foster
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Love getting my fill of romance novels & Lori Foster's series Love Undercover is one of my favorites. Rowdy Yates & Avery Mullins work together in his new bar and we all fall in love with their personalities and friends. Could not put this down!

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Hideous Love: The Story of the Girl Who Wrote Frankenstein by Stephanie Hemphill

Hideous Love: The Story of the Girl Who Wrote Frankenstein by Stephanie Hemphill
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I read this historical fiction novel in verse about Gothic novelist, Mary Wollstencraft Shelley famous for writing, Frankenstein for my July twitter chat (books with unique formats) with #yearofya on 7/25 at 8PM EST. Stephanie Hemphill's novel in verse was both enlightening and exciting- Mary flees her unhappy life with her love, already married Percy Shelley (famed Romantic) poet and leaves her family horrified she would do such a thing. Mary's resilience, wit and all encompassing knowledge kept her by Percy's side as they wrote, read and discussed all matters with other famous writers of the time. But she was also hemmed in by the norms of the time - her novel did not bear her name, and later she was excluded from being a part of the literary circle she came to love. I loved all the material Stephanie Hemphill included at the end - Author Acknowledgments talked about Mary, gothic novels & the enduring nature of Frankenstein. A synopsis of the characters (Mary's family & community)in Hideous Love, A Time Line of Books by Mary Shelley, Suggested Further Reading. I think I am going to try to read Wicked Girls also for this chat, love the Salem Witch Trials!!!

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