Little Do We Know by Tamara Ireland Stone

Little Do We Know by Tamara Ireland Stone
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I read this book for the August twitter chat to be held Sept 6 at 8PM EST with #yearofYA, come join us, in so many ways this awesome audiobook featured the 2 main characters Hannah and Emery as empowered females, supporting each other (with a fight in between). Narrators, Eevin Hartsough and Lori Gardner were really good voices for each of these teen girls. They both have a huge fight after being lifelong friends, go to different schools, live next to each other. As Hannah begins to question everything after Emory accuses her of blindly following her Dad (pastor) and not standing up for Emory---Stone did such a great job of showing how Hannah evolves through her family, friends and Aaron in a capella choir. Even more, Hannah is the one who "rescues and saves" Luke, Emery's boyfriend. I loved the way Emory kept a running list of the days she has been dating Luke and something special he says (she is also counting down when they break up for college) and enjoyed the rehearsals for Our Town with her friends. This book had so much teens will love- sports, romance, family drama, how friendships can crack apart, and the aspect of faith at home, in school, and in friendship! A must read, did not want it to end!!!

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The Lightning Dreamer by Margarita Engle.

The Lightning Dreamer: Cuba's Greatest Abolitionist by Margarita Engle
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I read this compelling novel in verse by Margarita Engle for my empowering female twitter chat with #yearofya to be held on 9/6 at 8PM EST, please join us as we talk titles that feature females in the lead, girls supporting each other or overcoming the many challenges young women face and oh was this book perfect as Gertrudis Gomez de Avellanda, known as Tula famed Cuban Abolitionist. Tula not only had being a female against her, but her family wanted her to acquiesce to whatever they wanted; no reading, arranged marriage, and speak out against the slavery through words, plays, and metaphors. I loved every single word- Tula was strong, compelled to speak out against the horrible slavery in Cuba and the orphans left at the nuns convent. Using the voices of Tula, her brother, her mother and her beloved nanny (who also served as cook, maid, seamstress, gardener) Engle evokes the love, anger, and hatred of systems designed to cage and strangle. A must read as all of Margarita Engles' profound books are!!!

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Opposition (Lux #5) by Jennifer L. Armentrout

Opposition by Jennifer L. Armentrout
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

What a great ending to a fantastic series- aliens falling in love with humans, aliens healing humans and they become mutated- hybrids with abilities like their Lux lovers and also sharing heartbeats and maybe death? Katy was such a strong female character throughout this series- I read this as part of the #yearofya book chat taking place Thursday 9/6 when we discuss books containing females who kick ass, support other females, and overcome many challenges. The bad guys were horror worthy causing death and suffering in a most excrutiating way, but then there were surprises - Arum, Hybrids, Origins who came to Katy and Daemon's aid to save the world. Armentrout has a new one coming out about Hybrid Luc and I can't wait to read The Darkest Star due out 10/18!

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Smoke in the Sun (Flame in the Mist #2) by Renee Ahdieh

Smoke in the Sun by Renee Ahdieh
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I listened to this awesome 2nd audiobook (excellently narrated by Nancy Wu) in the duology series Flame in the Mist for my empowering female twitter chat with #yearofya to be held on 9/6 at 8PM EST, please join us as we talk titles that feature females in the lead, girls supporting each other or overcoming the many challenges young women face and oh was this audiobook perfect with Hattori Mariko the strong female but also with lesser female characters who behind the scenes are intelligent, aware, and forthright in their agendas. Mariko is such a strong female character (within and to all who know her) and she also emboldens other females in the court and the Black Clan to be true to themselves and care for others. There is so much violence in this story, especially Emperor Roko's torture of prisoners that I gave this a horror classification as well. I loved the romance between Mariko and Okami and with Okami's reticence, Mariko stood firm, resolute, and almost embarrassed Okami to the become leader everyone saw. Thankfully when he finally escapes his torturous prison and finds gifts and letters hidden in his destroyed parents' home for his eyes only, Okami realizes what his true mission is and becomes the perfect strong leader needed in a time of battles and betrayals in court and the kingdoms bringing change to a feudal Japan wracked by evil within. Loved this book, could not stop listening!!!


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Bruja Born by Zoraida Cordova

Bruja Born by Zoraida Córdova
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I read this awesome 2nd book in the Brooklyn Brujas series for my empowering female twitter chat with #yearofya to be held on 9/6 at 8PM EST, please join us as we talk titles that feature females in the lead, girls supporting each other or overcoming the many challenges young women face and oh was this book perfect as sisters Lula, Alex and Rose struggle mightily. Lula uses her magic to bring back her boyfriend, Maks, after a bus crash that kills everyone but her. But is that really what happens? As Lula finds Maks and keeps him close, other more sinister things are afoot- why does Lady de la Muerte say Lula has upset the balance? Why does her heart hurt and the magic her family used to heal her not seem to be working? Why does Maks break up with her before the crash telling her "You're not the same person I fell in love with. It's like your fire is gone." Bruja Born was even better than Labyrinth Lost, the female power was strong, wicked, and to know them is to love them.
I loved the relationship between Lula and her sisters as brujas, they fight, they shout, they stick together. Readers will love the addition of the Thorne Hill Alliance and The Knights of Lavant; Nova is back, Lula's Dad has more time but there is still uncertainty about him, and Rose really will surprise everyone! I could not stop turning the pages of this urban fantasy; so looking forward to the 3rd book in this spectacular series (reminds me so much of another series I love-Daniel Jose Older's ShadowShaper series!!!)

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Ms Marvel (Vol1) by G. Willow Wison

Ms. Marvel, Vol. 1: No Normal by G. Willow Wilson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I read this for our August twitter chat #YearofYA being held Thursday 9/6 at 8PM EST, empowering females and as a result of this kick ass heroine, I am happily and hungrily going to read the other many volumes, can't wait! I love Kamala, her insecurities (her parents), her righteousness (helping others) and her evolution as Ms Marvel!!! Read it now, you will love the story, illustrations everything!

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Origin (Lux #4) by Jennifer L. Armentrout

Origin by Jennifer L. Armentrout
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

The tension and good feels for Daemon and Katy really ramped up in this 4th book of the Lux series. Katy has been captured and taken by/to Daedalus for testing purposes- the DOD really want to see what hybrid Katy can do and they are hoping Daemon will try to find her so they can test him too. What they put Katy through is awful (she knows what Bethany went thru and how it eats at her thoughts and self worth) and Daemon will stop at nothing to get to get to Katy. Daemon seeks out Luc, who we find out is an Origin (really scary stuff). If Daemon can get him the H11 serum he promises he will get him to Katy and OUT. This series has me gripped with all kinds of feels and it will you too! Can't believe I never knew about this series!!! The latest book will be out this fall and it is about Luc, can't wait---but I still have #5 Opposition on my shelf to read, can't wait!

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At the Edge of Everything by Jeff Giles

The Edge of Everything by Jeff Giles
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

OH did I love this awesome audiobook, narrated by Hallie Ricardo. What a wonderful stirring plot- super kick ass Zoe and her brother Jonah, meet Lowland assassin (has no name, can't read or write, raised in a cage) who they name X when he saves them from Stan, awful man who X has come to take his soul. The dual story of Zoe and her family's loss of their father and X's Lowlands life were riveting. I loved Zoe's fervor, she was strong in her words and love for X; while knowing her and talking to her has changed (and saved) X's life--but there will be repercussions to this relationship. I also loved Ripper, who trained X and Banger, X had to take his soul but they are friends. I can't wait for Book 2

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Little Fires Everywhere by Celeste NG

Little Fires Everywhere by Celeste Ng
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

I loved the narration by Jennifer Lim but was not a fan of the story. I really did not like most of the characters, the only 1 I loved was Izzy, she was a feisty heroine, misunderstood by her family and transformed by her friendship with artist, Mia who (along with her daughter) rents from Izzy's family. Her sister, Lexie is self-absorbed, while Trip is an athlete who is mean to his brother, Moody. Moody really disgusted me when he turned against Pearl; not once does he regret how he behaves toward Mia & he further spews lies and invective to Izzy and Trip. Elena Richardson was a horror as a self important mother who believed herself a mover and shaker with her Shaker ideals- she almost hated Izzy and drove Mia and Pearl away. The whole part dealing with the adoption was tough for all involved. I loved Ng's first book, Everything I Never told you, not so much this one.

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Opal (Lux #3) by Jennifer L. Armentrout

Opal by Jennifer L. Armentrout
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Book 3 of the Lux series was so darn good- I could not put it down!!! Once again Katy and Daemon are put into positions where they are blackmailed into helping Blake get Chris s well as Dawson rescuing Beth. Onyx was ever present destroying Katy's powers and rendering her without a voice from screams. The romance heats up which I definitely loved but the danger is ever present; now that she has been mutated; she must be afraid and be very careful. The ending was so so awful; I have to get the next two books immediately. I love this series; also love Jennifer L. Armentrout books!!!

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War Storm (Red Queen #4) by Victoria Aveyard

War Storm by Victoria Aveyard
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I did not really love this final in the series they way I loved the other 3 books- I read it on my kindle and it seemed like forever to get through the narrative- some was the same over and over again- the war, Mare & Cal (together or not), Maven (get him!!!) Evangeline (her family woes & Elane woes) but other parts I did love Monfort, Davidson, Farley, Kilorn, and the Red Guard. A great series but a disillusioning end.

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Walk the Edge (Thunder Road #2) by Katie McGarry

Walk the Edge by Katie McGarry
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I loved characters Breanna and Razor- good girl and bad motorcycle boy, oh my! Katie McGarry crafted such a great edge of your seat story. Breanna is caught in a compromising photo with Razor and is being blackmailed by icky Kyle (and four others) to write all his papers or he will post the picture online and all college hopes and dreams will be gone as well as family recriminations. The slow sexy way McGarry has these two teens burn was just so sweet and delicious. I could not stand Breanna's family, brothers, sisters, mother and father and their treatment and abuse of Breanna. The way Razor protects her, builds her up, and trusts her implicitly was just so awesome. One of my favorite McGarry books and romances!

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Opal (Lux #3) by Jennifer L. Armentrout

Opal by Jennifer L. Armentrout
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Book 3 of the Lux series was so darn good- I could not put it down!!! Once again Katy and Daemon are put into positions where they are blackmailed into helping Blake get Chris s well as Dawson rescuing Beth. Onyx was ever present destroying Katy's powers and rendering her without a voice from screams. The romance heats up which I definitely loved but the danger is ever present; now that she has been mutated; she must be afraid and be very careful. The ending was so so awful; I have to get the next two books immediately. I love this series; also love Jennifer L. Armentrout books!!!

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Little Fires Everywhere by Celeste Ng

Little Fires Everywhere by Celeste Ng
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

I loved the narration by Jennifer Lim but was not a fan of the story. I really did not like most of the characters, the only 1 I loved was Izzy, she was a feisty heroine, misunderstood by her family and transformed by her friendship with artist, Mia who (along with her daughter) rents from Izzy's family. Her sister, Lexie is self-absorbed, while Trip is an athlete who is mean to his brother, Moody. Moody really disgusted me when he turned against Pearl; not once does he regret how he behaves toward Mia & he further spews lies and invective to Izzy and Trip. Elena Richardson was a horror as a self important mother who believed herself a mover and shaker with her Shaker ideals- she almost hated Izzy and drove Mia and Pearl away. The whole part dealing with the adoption was tough for all involved. I loved Ng's first book, Everything I Never told you, not so much this one.

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Onyx (Lux #2) by Jennifer L. Armentrout

Onyx by Jennifer L. Armentrout
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I could not put this book down!!! I want to devour the rest of the books because I hear the final book in the series will be out soon!!! The anxiety, fear, and dread amped up for Katy, Dee, Daemon as they try to stay under the radar. Katy now has abilities since Daemon healed her, and a new kid Blake begins to show interest in her. Katy's mom is dating Will (watch out!!!). I loved the hot chemistry between Katy and Daemon, those kisses will certainly be remembered for a long time. Such a great read- the action gets more intense and you fall in love with the characters! Can't wait to read #3 Opal- maybe Opal will stop the Onyx (it takes away the Lux abilities - like kryptonite) please!!!

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Cooper's Charm (Love at the Resort #1) by Lori Foster

Cooper's Charm by Lori Foster
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

What a great beach read- I loved sisters Phoenix and Ridley; opposites in many ways but such a strong bond. Phoenix has run from an assault to try to work out her life AFTER at the fun resort- she meets Cooper Cochran, the owner and there is immediate interest on both sides. I loved Phoenix's glasses, her can do attitude, love of dogs and Cooper!!!. Their romance was slow, delicious and filled with a mysterious someone who is out to get Phoenix. Phoenix is hired immediately and Cooper has done his research so he lets her know is she needs his help just let him know. As head of the landscape maintenance crew she is a tireless worker. Cooper is interested immediately and continues to enjoy everything about Phoenix. Once her sister, Ridley comes and begins working there too; she meets Baxter, the scuba diver coach and they fall for each other, but oh is Ridley a trip! There is so much to enjoy about this romance- the 2 couples, the dog, who is trying to hurt Phoenix, and the sizzling romance provide great reading!

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Monday's Not Cominig by Tiffany D. Jackson

Monday's Not Coming by Tiffany D. Jackson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I think this book has traumatized me; Jackson's story of Claudia's "search" or "journey" for her best friend (they have the strongest sisterly bond) when she returns from her annual summer vacation visiting her grandmother is fraught with so much mental anguish for Claudia (and me) because no one worries about where Monday is except Claudia. It also does not help that there is so much evasiveness by adults (parents, school, agencies) with this ripped from the headlines story of the awful life children suffer (and hide the truth) from. As the reader goes from Chapters titled by month, or The Before, or The After, or One Year Before the Before (or Two Years Before the Before) poor Claudia finds that maybe her best friend held many secrets from her and she asks herself why? as she learns more and more about Monday and her life in the Ed Borough, the urban ghetto. Once again, I really did not like most of the adults in this story (the only one who was really concerned and acted upon it time and again was 7th grade English teacher, Ms Valente) even her mother and father were walls Claudia came up against time and time again in her search for Monday. I highly recommend this book, it will open many teens eyes to the harsh existence many of their classmates endures and will hopefully create empathy and awareness to deal with this all too real problem in our world.

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Knockout by K. A. Holt

Knockout by K.A. Holt
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Just as I loved House Arrest so did I love Knockout which continues the family drama of Timothy and Levi. Holt is a master at novels in verse. I did not want to stop reading; I laughed with Levi but I also cried for Timothy's lost life. The characters, plot and action will thrill middle school readers and this novel in verse nails it with each word. My heart loved the interaction between the brothers writing back and forth (using Timothy's journal) was so real with words they could not say. Levi's friendship drama with his lifelong friend had many different kinds of moments, all so fraught with their tight bond being tested. I really liked the mom this time around, she annoyed me in House Arrest, but she listened to Timothy's counsel and that was progress for all involved. These 2 books are books I want to read again and again---love the family dynamics, the lifelong medical condition of Levi's (he wants to be normal in so many ways) and the progression to a satisfying end!!! Highly recommended!

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