Nineteen Minutes - Jodi Picoult

TITLE: Nineteen Minutes

AUTHOR: Jodi Picoult

SUMMARY: Jodi Picoult, bestselling author of My Sister''s Keeper and The Tenth Circle, pens her most riveting book yet, with a startling and poignant story about the devastating aftermath of a small-town tragedy.

Sterling is an ordinary New Hampshire town where nothing ever happens--until the day its complacency is shattered by an act of violence. Josie Cormier, the daughter of the judge sitting on the case, should be the state''s best witness, but she can''t remember what happened before her very own eyes--or can she? As the trial progresses, fault lines between the high school and the adult community begin to show--destroying the closest of friendships and families. Nineteen Minutes asks what it means to be different in our society, who has the right to judge someone else, and whether anyone is ever really who they seem to be. - From Publisher

REVIEW: A must read!

This was one of those books where I loved but at the beginning it had some lull moments. I liked that Picoult jumped back in time to give us history but at the beginning I was so desperate to get into the actual shooting that I was a tad frustrated that I was being pulled out of the present to be in the past. However, this could also just be my small level of patience I have. I did enjoy the past segments as it got closer to the shooting. I found those more relevant however; after reading the book those early years of Peter showed events that happened that morphed and changed him and tied things together.

Content. This book was heavy. It broke my heart in more ways than one and just sorta rammed home the after effects. Often the news covers the current and you sorta forget that for the victims the sound of a loud bang will send them falling to their knees looking for cover long after the camera crews have packed up. That's heartbreaking and Picoult gave us so many moments of the after. Of Peter receiving letters, the court description and pictures and how it shook up the town. It was all overwhelming and Picoult never shied away from the content. I feel like if you're writing about such heavy issues that you need to fully dive in because not and skimming or glazing over takes away and trivializes the events.

As always Picoult writes in detail and definitely not one that you can sorta breeze through. Every page has important information and the characters go through lots of changes and there's twist and upsets and you end up feeling for people that you wouldn't normally feel for.

A potent and beautiful book about events that are horrific and painful. One of the best books I've read and a must read for all, especially if you're in a book club.

RATING: ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥

Hush, Hush - Becca Fitzpatrick

TITLE: Hush, Hush

AUTHOR: Becca Fitzpatrick

SUMMARY: For Nora Grey, romance was not part of the plan. She''s never been particularly attracted to the boys at her school, no matter how much her best friend, Vee, pushes them at her. Not until Patch came along.

With his easy smile and eyes that seem to see inside her, Nora is drawn to him against her better judgment.

But after a series of terrifying encounters, Nora''s not sure who to trust. Patch seems to be everywhere she is, and to know more about her than her closest friends. She can''t decide whether she should fall into his arms or run and hide. And when she tries to seek some answers, she finds herself near a truth that is way more unsettling than anything Patch makes her feel.

For Nora is right in the middle of an ancient battle between the immortal and those that have fallen - and, when it comes to choosing sides, the wrong choice will cost her life. - From Publisher

REVIEW: A brilliant start to this new series!

The character of Nora Grey sorta fell into the cookie cutter shape that seems to be drifting about in teen/ya genre. And I've got to admit I didn't really like that. I don't like reading about the same character in book after book and that makes me wish that perhaps things were changed up. That Nora was a bit different and wasn't the typical teen that was clumped in the reject group of HS. I do have to say that I liked that Nora's Mom wasn't what I expected. I expected her to be distant and not really take an interest in Nora's life but I enjoyed reading that her Mom was there, just simply trying to make ends meat for the family. Was a refreshing change, but didn't make up for Nora being the expected.

Patch, thankfully was not what I expected. He was probably the most refreshing of them all. I sorta popped him into dark/brooding sort and while he did have some of those qualities as the book progressed things were just exposed and I ended up loving him. I don't want to give too much away because no one likes spoilers in reviews but I am most looking forward to this series due to his character. Fitzpatrick wrote him full of angles and edges and while reading this I was never quite sure who he exactly was and what his motives truly were. She kept me on my toes and I love when the unexpected happens with a character that you feel will be expected. Make sense?

The story itself I found to be an enjoyable read. The plot was laid out nicely with a good pace. Things were in constant motion but I never felt like she tried to put too much into this book. She set the stage beautifully and left enough loose ends that her second book Crescendo is going to be eagerly anticipated by this reader.

RATING: ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥

Hunting Grounds - Patricia Briggs

TITLE: Hunting Ground

AUTHOR: Patricia Briggs

SUMMARY: Anne Latham didn't know how complicated life could be until she became a werewolf. And until she was mated to Charles Cornick, the son--and enforcer--of Bran, the leader of the North American werewolves, she didn't know how dangerous it could be either...
Anna and Charles have just been enlisted to attend a summit to present Bran's controversial proposition: that the wolves should finally reveal themselves to humans. But the most feared Alpha in Europe is dead set against the plan--and it seems like someone else might be, too. When Anna is attacked by vampires using pack magic, the kind of power only werewolves should be able to draw on, Charles and Anna must combine their talents to hunt down whoever is behind it all--or risk losing everything... - From Publisher

REVIEW: I love the character of Anne, but I sorta wish we got more of her inner struggle.

It's not a secret that I'm in love with Brigg's Mercy Thompson series and that I'm also a fan of this series. I love her writing style and characters. My issue with Anne is that I want more of her turmoil. I feel like we got some of her inner conflict and her trying to deal with her past issues but I would love more. I would love to feel that oppressive feeling she gets when surrounded by dominates and her struggling with things. Meshing her human and wolf sides together. I guess, in short, I want her to be a bit more broken and for us, the readers, to get a better handle on how broken she truly is.

However, in no way do I think Briggs is gliding over her past or changing Anne's character I just want more. I did think we got some beautiful and touching moments in this installment but I'd like more. I'm a bit greedy that way.

What I have loved is Charles dealing with her. I love how off balance she makes him and I love reading how torn he is with trying to ensure he doesn't hurt her or scare her away with his past. It's all frustratingly beautiful.

As always, reading Briggs is pure reading enjoyment. I love her plots and characters and how she weaves things together. Will be eagerly awaiting more.

RATING: ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥

Generation Dead: Kiss of Life - Daniel Waters

TITLE: Generation Dead: Kiss of Life

AUTHOR: Daniel Waters

SUMMARY: The phenomenon that's been sweeping the country seems to be here to stay. Not only are the teenagers who have come back from their graves still here, but newlydeads are being unearthed all the time. While scientists look for answers and politicians take their stands, the undead population of Oakville have banded together in a group they're calling the Sons of Romero, hoping to find solidarity in segregation.

Phoebe Kendall may be alive, but she feels just as lost and alone as her dead friends. Just when she reconciled herself to having feelings for a zombie -- her Homecoming date Tommy Williams -- her friend Adam is murdered taking a bullet that was meant for her. Things get even more confusing when Adam comes back from the grave. Now she has romantic interest in two dead boys; one who saved her life, and one she can't seem to live without. - From Publisher

REVIEW: Some will love this second installment, I am not one of them.

The first book didn't hook me as much as I wanted it to and the second one didn't make the cut either. The concept was really cool and I like the political and acceptance issues that were brought in and think Waters did a good job is reminding people that while we may not understand things it doesn't mean we should try to destroy or shun it either. I just generally found the book boring. It had moments where it grabbed me but it didn't hold my attention. I often had to force myself to sit down and pick it up.

Along with lack of attention holding I found the concept of lusting after the zombie disturbing, which is odd because I'm always fine with it in the vampire genre.

Perhaps this series is better read with the understanding that the book is more a tale about acceptance. Because from that angle it's a real cautionary tale. From the perspective I read this with just left me bored.

Not sure I'll be snagging the next book, of course I said the same thing about the second book.

RATING: ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥

You Can Run But You Cant Hide: The Life and Times of Dog the Bounty Hunter - Duane 'The Dog' Chapman

TITLE: You Can Run But You Cant Hide: The Life and Times of Dog the Bounty Hunter

AUTHOR: Duane 'The Dog' Chapman

SUMMARY: Duane Chapman, aka Dog the Bounty Hunter, has had an amazing life. He had a troubled and trying upbringing, which led to an early life of crime, including numerous arrests for armed robbery and a murder conviction. While Dog claims to be innocent of the murder rap, he maintains that the 5 years he served for the crime changed his life. With a new-found respect for the law, Dog vowed to become a force for change and good. This inspired him to pursue a career in bounty hunting. Dog is now the owner of Da Kine Bail Bonds in Honolulu and self-proclaimed "Greatest Bounty Hunter in the World." Six thousand-plus captures over the past two decades have earned this highly intense, charismatic ex-con and born-again Christian such a distinction. He is also a devoted father of 12, and some of his older children work with him as bounty hunters, along with his equally charismatic new wife Beth. In YOU CAN RUN BUT YOU CAN'T HIDE, Dog details all this and more, giving his legion of fans all the details they've been waiting for. - From Publisher

REVIEW: I have a not so guilty love for this family and the show. Sure at times it's a bit crazy dramatic and over the top but isn't that sorta what makes all 'reality tv shows'? Who's the sluttiest? Who can have the most kids? How many lies can you tell on a little island? The crazier, the more people love. Of course my love for this family stems from a few areas and one is from the Stephanie Plum series. I easily picture the character Ranger being a Leland sort of guy. With that said, yes, I do realize that I at times live in a fantasy world of books. However, so do you, to a degree if you're reading this.

This book is filled with details from Dog's life that I sorta assumed but never realized how far he was down that rabbit hole until I read this. The guys life has been interesting and colorful to say the least. I love that he didn't hold anything back. You either love him or hate him and he's okay with whichever you chose.

I'm not a big fan of biographies that are ladled with straight facts. I enjoy having the subjects life told to me like a story. As if I'm sitting there and they are almost predicting what my next question will be. Dog wrote this book just like that. It kept me interested while still being very informative.

So, for those of you that hunker down and watch Dog the Bounty Hunter marathons on A&E you'll definitely want to pick this up to read, bra.

RATING: ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥

Feast of Fools - Rachel Caine

TITLE: Feast of Fools

AUTHOR: Rachel Caine

SUMMARY: The wait is over. dig into the feast...

In the town of Morganville, vampires and humans live in relative peace. Student Claire Danvers has never been convinced, though especially with the arrival of Mr. Bishop, an ancient, old-school vampire who cares nothing about harmony. What he wants from the town's living and its dead is unthinkably sinister. It's only at a formal ball, attended by vampires and their human dates, that Claire realizes the elaborately evil trap he's set for Morganville. - From Publisher

REVIEW: A great re-start to a series I was starting to get bored with.

When I first started reading this series I loved! It was fun and different and I found the scenarios that this motley crew got themselves involved in was humorous and always made for a fast paced, enjoyable read. However, the last book or two left me wanting more and a bit disappointed and bored. Thankfully this book definitely picked up and did some nice changing around with the characters and story line. I feel as though this series has been re-energized.

The new characters that Caine brought onto the canvas were perfect and just what was required. The beginning villains, while still are no where near being redeemed, were starting to be predictable. This new group is harder and far more blood thirsty.

All around I've starting to once again love this series and I'm looking forward to getting all caught up!

RATING: ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥

Betrayals - Lili St. Crow

TITLE: Betrayals

AUTHOR: Lili St. Crow

SUMMARY: he's no angel...

Poor Dru Anderson. Her parents are long gone, her best friend is a werewolf, and she's just learned that the blood flowing through her veins isn't entirely human. (So what else is new?)

Now Dru is stuck at a secret New England Schola for other teens like her, and there's a big problem—she's the only girl in the place. A school full of cute boys wouldn't be so bad, but Dru's killer instinct says that one of them wants her dead. And with all eyes on her, discovering a traitor within the Order could mean a lot more than social suicide...

Can Dru survive long enough to find out who has betrayed her trust—and maybe even her heart? - From Publisher

REVIEW: This series is rapidly becoming one of my favorites.

I am a huge fan of the way Crow is constantly building up relationships before twisting them. She's managed to do this with almost every person that interacts with Dru. Sure, she's got the tension of romance but that doesn't consume the book, just adds the delicious variables that make Dru's choices that much harder. I love when author's can keep this reader on her toes. I often felt that when I was just starting to grasp a character she'd add a nice little bomb in there. Never did those bombs seem out from left field, just explained some little moment that happened previously that I never took much stock in.

The plot in this one at times did hit a bit of a lull. However, there was more than enough action to keep me engaged and those moments of lull are often hard to avoid especially if they are used to explain things later.

Definitely cannot wait for the third book. Crow has created a wonderful world, with vivid characters and a plot that is dark and twisted and keeps you reading and guessing.

RATING: ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥

Blood Ties - Kay Hooper

TITLE: Blood Ties

AUTHOR: Kay Hooper

SUMMARY: New York Times bestselling author Kay Hooper takes us to the outer reaches of fear in her latest thriller, as the Special Crimes Unit finds itself targeted by a monster intent on destroying both Noah Bishop and his people.

The elite Special Crimes Unit, the FBI's most controversial and effective team, is a group of mavericks and misfits trained to use their unique psychic abilities to hunt the worst monsters imaginable-human ones. Led by the enigmatic Noah Bishop, the SCU has earned a reputation for pitting their skills and cunning against killers that other cops fear. But this time Bishop and his agents face an enemy who has them in his sights, a trained sniper with a deadly plan-and more than one ace up his sleeve.

It starts with an unspeakable series of grisly murders across three states, a trail of blood leading, finally, to the small Tennessee town of Serenade. There, two more brutal killings lure the SCU into what may be the ultimate trap.

One of the first investigators on the scene, Special Agent Hollis Templeton, is willing to push herself as hard and as far as necessary. Risking more than her life to help and protect her SCU colleagues, Hollis must cope with her own psychic abilities, which are evolving in unprecedented ways, an attraction to the most complex man she's ever known, and a serial murder investigation that turns very, very personal.

In her time with the SCU, Hollis has shown an uncanny ability to survive even the deadliest attacks. But what she can't know is that this killer intends to destroy the team from within.

The clock is ticking. The body count is rising. And as Bishop and his agents race to uncover the true identity of their enemy, not even their special senses can warn them just how bloody, and how terrifyingly close, the truth will be. - From Publisher

REVIEW: Hooper is a mastermind at creating vivid characters with a storyline that has you engaged and begging for more. Blood Ties is the newest installment from Hooper's Noah Bishop Series and if you've enjoyed the previous books you'll love this one.

This book, like Blood Dreams & Blood Sins, is part of a bigger story arc and something Hooper hasn't done until this trilogy with her Bishop Series. The story continues with familiar foes and a new enemy that's working at destroying Bishop and the SCU. While I loved having a huge story line that spanned three books, I wish the release dates were closer. Often I'd find myself trying to remember what happened in book one and that took away from the story, not a lot but enough that I took notice.

With having such a connected storyline it did allow for us to get to know some newer characters better and have more word time with some favorites. For example, Hollis. She's always been one of my favorites and I loved that we got lots from her in this book. Hooper always writes her characters so real that you feel like you're going through the story with them. I'm always so eager to learn about the new characters she brings to the canvas; and even for the characters that have been around for a while, she still manages to give them scenes that allow them to grow.

This is the twelfth book in this series and the plot and characters haven't eroded and Hooper is still finding villainous foes to pit against the talent of the SCU.

Here's to hoping that the next book in this series comes fast!

RATING: ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥

sTori Telling - Tori Spelling

TITLE: STori Telling

AUTHOR: Tori Spelling

SUMMARY: She was television''s most famous virgin -- and, as Aaron Spelling''s daughter, arguably its most famous case of nepotism. Portraying Donna Martin on Beverly Hills, 90210, Tori Spelling became one of the most recognizable young actresses of her generation, with a not-so-private personal life every bit as fascinating as her character''s exploits. Yet years later the name Tori Spelling too often closed -- and sometimes slammed -- the same doors it had opened.

sTORI telling is Tori''s chance to finally tell her side of the tabloid-worthy life she''s led, and she talks about it all: her decadent childhood birthday parties, her nose job, her fairy-tale wedding to the wrong man, her so-called feud with her mother. Tori has already revealed her flair for brilliant, self-effacing satire on her VH1 show So NoTORIous and Oxygen''s Tori & Dean: Inn Love, but her memoir goes deeper, into the real life behind the rumors: her complicated relationship with her parents; her struggles as an actress after 90210; her accident-prone love life; and, ultimately, her quest to define herself on her own terms.

From her over-the-top first wedding to finding new love to her much-publicized -- and misunderstood -- "disinheritance," sTORI telling is a juicy, eye-opening, enthralling look at what it really means to be Tori Spelling. - From Publisher

REVIEW: Let me start off by saying, "Donna Martin Graduates!". There. I feel much better.

I never found Tori Spelling to be all that engaging until a.) later 90210 episodes where we got more from her character and b.) watching reruns of her Tori & Dean reality shows. I am that proverbial cat where curiosity generally gets me every time, so I had to pick up this book. I'm glad that curiosity was once again my friend and I didn't end up cursing my inquisitive nature. I ate through this in one reading and pretty much hit all the emotions on the wheel, yes I did get teary eyed and perhaps a tear was shed... or two.

I remember watching an episode of her reality show where she's at a book signing for her second book and fans are saying that she's just so real and normal. I rolled my eyes but after reading this book I wish you could retract past eye rolls because they were right. She is rather normal for having the upbringing that she did.

For all you Spelling haters out here, I can't say this book will change your view point on this Hollywood blonde but it's certainly entertaining. She has a refreshing voice and it read honest and real. I feel, after reading this, that perhaps she's a bit misunderstood and truly funny. Tori's got a way of sharing a story that makes you feel like you're in her inner circle of friends, having a few drinks on a roof top hotel bar while another Tori powwow is had. I didn't find her pretentious or snobby, the book was far more down to earth; with her taking blame, admitting wrongs and sharing her heart.

Guiltily I have to admit all the 90210 information (Luke Perry starting a fist fight at her families annual Christmas party) made me delighted. I fully admit to having a behind the scenes addiction and this book gave me lots of goodies.

All around I loved this book and will be picking up her second and third book. "sTori Telling" made me a bit of a fan of this quirky blonde.

RATING: ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥

Shiver - Maggie Stiefvater

TITLE: Shiver

AUTHOR: Maggie Stiefvater

SUMMARY: For years, Grace has watched the wolves in the woods behind her house. One yellow-eyed wolf - her wolf - is a haunting presence she can't seem to live without. Meanwhile, Sam has lived two lives: In winter, the frozen woods, the protection of the pack, and the silent company of a fearless girl. In summer, a few precious months of being human -- until the cold makes him shift back again. Now, Grace meets a yellow-eyed boy whose familiarity takes her breath away. It's her wolf. It has to be. But as winter nears and the temperature drops, Sam must fight to stay human or risk losing himself, and Grace, forever. - From Publisher

REVIEW: The parallels of awesomeness I'm about to draw will blow your mind. Okay, so that's total bull. Unless it does blow your mind in which case go me! I digress. While I read this book I realized a few things that unknown to me, defined this brunette from an early age and something that caused my fandom heart to burst with wonderful nostalgia while I read this.

Lets start with a defining moment. When I was little, like kindergarten age, I remember going on family vacationsw or driving out to my Uncle's cabin and listening to Meat Loaf. It was my Mom's favorite and while the cassette cover disturbed me (young children should not be exposed to rippled men on motorcycles bursting out of hell, it's begging for them to have a love for the speed racer/bad boy types) I loved the music. One of my favorites was "You Took the Words Right Out of My Mouth (Hot Summer Night)". The song started with the following: "[Boy:] On a hot summer night, would you offer your throat to the wolf with the red roses? // [Girl:] Will he offer me his mouth // [Boy:] Yes. // [Girl:] Will he offer me his teeth? // [Boy:] Yes. // [Girl:] Will he offer me his jaws? // [Boy:] Yes. // [Girl:] Will he offer me his hunger? // [Boy:] Yes. // [Girl:] Again, will he offer me his hunger? // [Boy:] Yes! // [Girl:] And does he love me? // [Boy:] Yes. // [Girl:] Yes. // [Boy:] On a hot summer night, would you offer your throat to the wolf with the red roses? // [Girl:] Yes. // [Boy:] I bet you say that to all the boys!". I didn't get all the implications or smuttiness that the song implied I just thought it was about Red Riding Hood or something like that. This was the start of my wolf love. Now when I read a werewolf novel I know I'm loving and enjoying the book if this song jumps in my head. This song was on instant reply while I read Stiefvater's book.

Her characters were easy to fall for and from the first few paragraphs I knew this would be unlike other books I'd read from this genre and/or category. I liked how Stiefvater set this book up for the series. I felt like I got lots and really started to learn about the characters without being worried that in the next installments I'd get bored. I absolutely loved how Stiefvater didn't make Grace a whiner. She has her issues but was still written lovable and even with her at times absent parents that whole story line wasn't written like others I've read. Somehow I found it to be fresh, perhaps because it managed to stay balanced while giving it meat and adding to character development.

I also loved the style of this book, how we got chapters written in Grace's POV and others in Sam's, again, I liked the balance and insight that I got. Sometimes when it's all first person I get the longing to know what the other is thinking or feeling. I got that with this, yet I never found myself confused or that it tore my focus.

My favorite thing about this book, other than listening to Meat Loaf on replay, was the romance between Grace and Sam. Their whole journey and how he watched her for so long and she waited for him and how they longed for each other but figured it to be impossible was so Buffy & Angel. It was early seasons BtVS and how their budding romance was full of chaste kisses and simply being in each others presence. I found that far more romantic than if they just jumped into making out. The build up of it all was wonderful and filled in gaps where the plot may have slacked a bit. When there was a little plot slack I found I didn't care because I was so engaged in these two as both individuals and as a pair.

Easily, the best teen/ya romance I've read. I wish more were like this.

Definitely recommend this book to others. I think those that enjoy this genre will love this first book and Linger (book 2) is now on my must snag list. I hope with book 2 we get more from other characters, as the cast has a slew of potential.

RATING: ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥