The Kissing Tree by Prudence Bice

After five long years, Georgiana McLaughlin returns to the only place she's ever considered home the same place she stole a kiss from Ridge Carson under the "kissing tree." But this time he's a man, and reconciling their past is just the beginning. You'll find yourself applauding each new chapter filled with fun, romance, and adventure in this captivating, heartfelt tale of love, friendship, and finding your way back.

First line:
"Georgie ran behind the tree in a fit of giggles, slowly peeking around to see if he had followed her."

Cute romance.
Georgie is pulled from the only life and family she knows by her mother who is trying to recover from a broken heart to move to NYC. After five years, Georgie returns to help her grandfather on the cattle ranch he owns. Enter the boy, who also works on the ranch. Sparks start a-flyin' but Georgie is close to a man in NYC.
I was often confused by the switch in point of views and characters. It seems the author threw in a chapter or paragraph just to make sure we new backdrop. Sometimes Ridge, the main love interest, lost his Colorado accent. I didn't remember Georgie and her best friend getting back together but then suddenly it was convenient for the story and they were. 
But the biggest thing that took me out of the story was the convenient rescues. In the middle of a storm, far from home, petrified at the tree limb flying toward your head? No problem! Ridge is there! Hurt your foot and need it stitched? No problem! Ridge can stitch you right up! It got a little annoying toward the end. No person can have that great timing. 
This book was a clean romance which I give points for.

Rating: PG
V: No
L: No
S: No. Kissing

Liked:
Georgie
Grandpa

Disliked:
Convenience of being in the right place at the right time.

3 STARS

Destined by Aprilynne Pike

Tamani looked at her gravely, and reached up to tuck her hair behind her ear.

He hesitated for an instant, then his hands found the sides of her face, pulling her to him. He didn't kiss her, just held her face close to his, their foreheads resting together, their noses almost touching.

She hated how much it felt like good-bye.

Laurel now knows the truth: Yuki is a rare Winter faerie, the most powerful — and deadly — of all, and Klea plans to use her to help conquer and destroy Avalon. But Klea's reach extends far beyond one wild Winter faerie. With Tamani, David, and Chelsea by her side, Laurel prepares to face what may be Avalon's final days, in the stunning conclusion to the Wings series.

First line:
"Tamani pressed his forehead against the chilly windowpane, fighting back a wave of exhaustion."

Interesting series, characters and story. I liked the first book I think.  But this last one delivers and gives some closer. 
Klea is evil and feels justified in taking over Avalon. Yuki is her minion. Can either of them change?? 
Laurel and her friends must fight to preserve Avalon. There are a few twists and plots that I didn't expect. 
Who does Laurel pick? It's pretty obvious from the beginning of the book. 


RATED:PG 13
L: No
S: No, kissing
V: Fighting trolls and bad guys

Liked:
Laurel thinking up solutions
David & his sword
Chelsea helping

Disliked:
Klea didn't seem very bright
The big fight wasn't much of a big fight in the end

 3 STARS

The Ruins of Lace by Iris Anthony

The mad passion for forbidden lace has infiltrated France,
pulling soldier and courtier alike into its web. For those who want the best, Flemish lace is the only choice, an exquisite perfection of thread and air. For those who want something they don’t have, Flemish lace can buy almost anything––or anyone.

For Lisette, lace begins her downfall, and the only way to atone for her sins is to outwit the noble who now demands the impossible. To fail means certain destruction. But for Katharina, lace is her salvation. It is who she is; it is what she does. If she cannot make this stunning tempest of threads, a dreaded fate awaits.

The most lucrative contraband in Europe, with its intricate patterns and ephemeral hope, threatens to cost them everything. Lace may be the deliverance for which they all pray...or it may bring the ruin and imprisonment they all fear.


First line:
"It had been two months now." 

Interesting book with eight different view points, including a smuggling dog. 
Lace is illegal and worth more now than ever. Used as bribery, smuggled into France and made by nuns, Flemish lace is precious. 
I really liked all the different points of view and how they came together in the end. I'm not sure I liked or understood the ending. But the journey was intriguing. I had a hard time putting the book (ereader) down.
The book starts with a nun who is a lacemaker; her sister wants to buy her freedom; a soldier is charged with finding illegal lace but is an idiot; a desperate boy whose love is taken in exchange for lace; the count who needs the lace; the dog who carries the lace. And that's not all! 
The story is as intricate and woven and tight as the Flemish lace that has so many lives and dreams riding on it.
An interesting time in history that I hadn't ever heard about. Very interesting!

Rating: PG 
S: No; innuendo's about homosexuality, whores
L: No
V: Fights

Liked:
Learning some history from 1636 
The Dog

Disliked:
How lace ruined everyone

4 1/2 STARS

Thanks, Netgalley!

The Enchanted Truth by Kim Petrie

In this humorous and insightful tale, a modern day princess finds herself single and asking for magical intervention to change her sorry love life. Rather than casting a spell to bring Prince Charming to her rescue, a savvy fairy godmother gives the tenderhearted damsel an unexpected gift. By entrusting her true thoughts and desires to an unlikely confidant, the young royal soon discovers that the person who could make her life everything she dreamed it would be has been with her all along.

As author Kym Petrie herself realized, every woman needs a froggy friend and a secret journal—and enough adventures with the girls to keep her heart pounding and her mind racing. Life is meant to be about happy beginnings . . . you can never have enough of them.

First line:
"Once upon a time in a kingdom much like yours and mine, there lived a beautiful princess." 

Short, sweet parable of how we don't need to look for the a frog prince in our lives. We can learn the confidence we need to be ourselves. It takes serving others and not always thinking about ourselves to find ourselves.


Rating: G
V: No
L: No
S: No

Liked:
Short 

4 STARS

Thanks Netgalley!

Somewhere Over the Freaking Rainbow by L. L. Muir

Jamison is crushing on the new girl next door. Bad news-the neighbors are Somerleds--Amish-type cult-members killing off their own. Worse news-she's next in line for sacrifice. Jamison will have to rise above the coward he thinks he is to get to the bottom of it all.

Something is terribly wrong with Skye. She's experiencing emotions like the mortal teenager she's pretending to be. When she finally asks the right questions, she finds answers that will rock the Somerled world...

...and none of her options include Jamison, the boy who has stolen the heart she was never meant to have.

First line:
""You're such an idiot." Jamison shook his head."

Angels, crop circles and teenage love. Gotta love it!
I wasn't hooked until about 1/3 of the way into the book. I was put off by the main, male character. This book needed one more reader to correct a few things. For instance, in one place of the story, Jamison is sitting, then by the door in the next sentence than relieved he's sitting then he's blocking the door.
Other than that, the premise is interesting and the story is fast paced.
I'm looking forward to reading the next one!

Rating: PG 14
L: Swear words sprinkled throughout
V:  No
S: No; kissing

Liked:
Lanny
The angels

Disliked:

3 1/2 STARS

Michael Vey by Richard Paul Evans

My name is Michael Vey, and the story I’m about to tell you is strange. Very strange. It’s my story.
To everyone at Meridian High School, Michael Vey is an ordinary fourteen-year-old. In fact, the only thing that seems to set him apart is the fact that he has Tourette’s syndrome. But Michael is anything but ordinary. Michael has special powers. Electric powers.

Michael thinks he's unique until he discovers that a cheerleader named Taylor also has special powers. With the help of Michael’s friend, Ostin, the three of them set out to discover how Michael and Taylor ended up this way, but their investigation brings them to the attention of a powerful group who wants to control the electric children – and through them the world. Michael will have to rely on his wits, powers, and friends if he’s to survive.


First line:
""Have you found the last two?""

I started this book when it first came out but couldn't get past the first chapter. I decided to give it another try. I couldn't put the book down.
The story is about Michael, a teen boy with Tourette's and the power of electricity. He meets another 'electric child' and find they have a few things in common. When Michael's mom is kidnapped, he must rescue her.  He meets the man who wants to use the 'electric children' to rule the world.
Mr. Evans has created characters that you either like or hate.  There is depth to the characters. The story flows and it's hard to put the book down after Michael meets Taylor, the cheerleader who has powers too.
Great book for boys. Girls will like it too.


Rating: PG
L: No
S: No
V: Some fighting

Liked:
The story
Tourette's syndrome

Disliked:
Nichelle

4 1/2 STARS

Every Day by David Levithan

Every day a different body. Every day a different life. Every day in love with the same girl.

Every morning, A wakes in a different person’s body, a different person’s life. There’s never any warning about where it will be or who it will be. A has made peace with that, even established guidelines by which to live: Never get too attached. Avoid being noticed. Do not interfere.

It’s all fine until the morning that A wakes up in the body of Justin and meets Justin’s girlfriend, Rhiannon. From that moment, the rules by which A has been living no longer apply. Because finally A has found someone he wants to be with—day in, day out, day after day.

With his new novel, David Levithan has pushed himself to new creative heights. He has written a captivating story that will fascinate readers as they begin to comprehend the complexities of life and love in A’s world, as A and Rhiannon seek to discover if you can truly love someone who is destined to change every day.

First line:
"I woke up."

Very unique story.
A love story from the viewpoint of a different person. Every day.
"A" wakes every morning in a different teen body. "A" can access memories of the host's body and figure out the daily routine. "A" is very conscientious of not getting in the host in trouble, going along with the flow, until "A" meets Rhiannon. "A" falls in love with her and wants to see her everyday. But every day "A" is someone new. How will this work out?
Each chapter gives us the day number (6028) and the person and soon the person's life. One parent, grandparent, clothing, school, friends, obese, gay, depressed etc. Yes, Levithan shows us extremes of teen society but he writes their stories well.
"A" is respectful to the host body and family. Sometimes he helps them, other times he restrains himself from teaching them a lesson.
The ending was abrupt, like there is a sequel. I loved the ending with "A" and Rhiannon. Very thoughtful.
I couldn't put this book down.

Rating PG 15
V: No
L: No
S: No. Gays kissing. A non-detailed make-out session

Liked:
Clean read. No sexual details, no language,
Intriguing story
Explored a little bit of different teen societies
Gift at the end

Disliked:
"A" couldn't stop thinking/seeing/obsessing about Rhiannon
Trying to get Rhiannon to break up with her boyfriend

4 STARS

Thanks Netgalley!

Prequels: Consecrated, Refuge and Renegade by Angie Lofthouse

 
Consecrated:
Carly Emerson never imagined she would lose her two-year old son to faceless android soldiers, nor did she ever consider that keeping her temple covenants might break her heart. When aliens attack, Carly is asked to bear a child who will be hidden in an underground refuge—without her. The grief stricken mother must make a choice: keep her covenants and die or take a chance at survival on her own.

Refuge:
When Earth falls to alien invaders, young newlywed Vivi Thayer is called to serve as a group leader in a hidden, underground refuge. There she is charged with raising a generation chosen to carry on the work of God. Facing the criticism of the other, more experienced, women in the refuge, Vivi struggles with feelings of guilt and inadequacy. When a heartbreaking loss brings Vivi to her breaking point, she must learn to accept the role God has chosen for her or leave the refuge behind forever.

Renegade:
Seventeen year old Kwetoo'unuv Walker has nothing on his mind but hunting and girls. And how to avoid getting caught skipping school. But when Earth is attacked by alien invaders and Kwetoo'unuv watches his parents die to keep him alive, life becomes much more complicated. As the world falls before his eyes, he receives a vision from the Great Wolf, Toovuts, compelling him to put aside his fears and become the man God wants him to be. Because in the coming alien occupation, strength and wisdom will be Kwetoo'unuv's only chance to survive.




Three novellas are from the excellent writer, Angie Lofthouse. These prequels come before DEFENDERS OF THE COVENANT. All excellent stories with an LDS plot in a science fiction story.

I hope Angie never quits writing. She writes clean, intriguing stories. She's an excellent storyteller. If you like science fiction, Angie's stories will thrill you.

Here is a link to Angie's website.

What I Didn't Say by Keary Taylor

Getting drunk homecoming night your senior year is never a good idea, but Jake Hayes never expected it all to end with a car crash and a t-post embedded in his throat.

His biggest regret about it all? What he never said to Samantha Shay. He's been in love with her for years and never had the guts to tell her. Now it's too late. Because after that night, Jake will never be able to talk again.

When Jake returns to his small island home, population 5,000, he'll have to learn how to deal with being mute. He also finds that his family isn't limited to his six brothers and sisters, that sometimes an entire island is watching out for you. And when he gets the chance to spend more time with Samantha, she'll help him learn that not being able to talk isn’t the worst thing that could ever happen to you. Maybe, if she'll let him, Jake will finally tell her what he didn't say before, even if he can't actually say it.

First line:
"There were three things that I knew for sure about Orcas Island:"

What would you do if you made a stupid decision that cost you your voice? That is what happened to Jake Hayes. 
This story is from Jake's point of view. He goes through hard times, makes life altering choices and learns that others can have a worse life than him.
Plus, service helps you think out side of yourself.
Jake has had a crush on Sam for years. He never got to tell her he loved her. Now that he's a mute, he won't get the chance. 
Jake went through the normal phases of hating himself, feeling sorry for himself, loving life, understanding more about himself, serving others, loving someone and getting hurt by that someone.
Some of the events were a little unrealistic to me but they worked to drive the tension up.
The focus of this story is very much on the teen romance and the effect decisions have on our lives.
Don't drink and drive!


RATED: PG 15 
V: No
L: A few words
S: kissing, making out,

Liked:
Jake
Hard issues that shouldn't happen to teens
Jake's family


Disliked: 
Kinda lost one of the characters

3 1/2 STARS

Thanks to Netgalley!

Endlessly by Kiersten White

Evie's paranormal past keeps coming back to haunt her. A new director at the International Paranormal Containment Agency wants to drag her back to headquarters. The Dark Faerie Queen is torturing humans in her poisonous realm. And supernatural creatures keep insisting that Evie is the only one who can save them from a mysterious, perilous fate.

The clock is ticking on the entire paranormal world. And its fate rests solely in Evie's hands.

So much for normal.

First line:
"So here's the thing about dragons: I know absolutely nothing whatsoever about them."

I bleeping loved this book. I enjoyed the sassiness, sarcasm and bravery of Evie.
I also enjoyed the clean read of the series. No swearing, innuendos, violence, crassness or potty humor.
Evie wants to be a normal teen girl. But the paranormal and human world are in danger. Evie pretends it doesn't affect her. As long as Lend, her boyfriend, is by her side, nothing affects her. So what happens when Lend is cursed? Evie must find a cure and to do that she has to set a few things straight in the cosmic world.
Some of Evie's chooses from the other two books are back as consequences. You can't upset the balance of the world without feeling/seeing/hearing the consequences. Evie mourns her choices and goes ahead with her plans and tries to make good decisions.
There are a few twists in this book! Enemies are allies, allies seem to have deserted the fight and the love comes from a different direction.
Good, clean, quick read! 


Rating: PG 13
S: No
L: No
V: No

Liked:
Evie
Reth
Jack
Lend falling asleep every time Evie came in the room

Disliked:
Everything hinges on Evie

4 1/2 STARS

The Kill Order by James Dashner

The prequel to the New York Times bestselling Maze Runner series.

Before WICKED was formed, before the Glade was built, before Thomas entered the Maze, sun flares hit the earth and mankind fell to disease.

Mark and Trina were there when it happened, and they survived. But surviving the sun flares was easy compared to what came next. Now a disease of rage and lunacy races across the eastern United States, and there’s something suspicious about its origin. Worse yet, it’s mutating, and all evidence suggests that it will bring humanity to its knees.

Mark and Trina are convinced there’s a way to save those left living from descending into madness. And they’re determined to find it—if they can stay alive. Because in this new, devastated world, every life has a price. And to some, you’re worth more dead than alive.

First line:
"Theresa looked at her best friend and wondered what it would be like to forget him."

Busy, full, action-packed book. Seriously, these poor characters hardly every had down time. Mark mentioned a few times he couldn't remember when he slept last.
A group of people find themselves thrown together in survival mode after sun flares fried the earth and inhabitants. The story is told mostly from Mark and Alec's constant adventures with nightmares Mark has about his past life catching us up.
These characters aren't fully formed except maybe Mark. He's scared a lot but fights through and tries his best.
The story is from one drama to another to another, each one escalating higher. I found myself consciously loosening my grip on the reader as I read the PDF.
Everyone is crazy in the book and determined to hurt others.
There isn't much world building either. I couldn't picture the places well. But that may be my own fault.
My very favorite part? The prologue. I loved the voice and the storyline. I hoped the rest of the book was like the prologue but it wasn't. I wonder if James just didn't have time to put everything in KILL ORDER that he wanted to.
KILL ORDER help explain what happened with the crazies and those who were immune, etc. But the story of Thomas and Theresa wasn't. James gave a little tidbit about Thomas as a toddler and his mom.

Rating: PG 14

Liked:
The Prologue
Trina


Disliked:
Constant action
Convenience of some tools to get out of trouble
The government in the book

3 1/2 STARS

Thanks Netgalley!

CaribbeanCrossroads by Connie Sokol

New college grad Megan McCormick just got dumped. Hard.

Swearing off men and relationships, Megan is coaxed into performing on a cruise ship where she meets the star performer, Bryant Johnson. Handsome and charismatic, he looks like trouble, but she can't deny the intense attraction between them.

Urged to find a wife and run the family lumber business, Bryant is torn between his family's expectations for his life and his own. However, when he meets spunky, but love-skittish Megan McCormick, settling down doesn't look so bad.

Just when Megan begins to trust again, and Bryant makes some big decisions regarding his future, her former fiance returns with a malicious surprise, taking Megan and Bryant to their own CARIBBEAN CROSSROADS

First line:
"The blind date was late."

Cute summer read! Love Connie's humor and wit.

Megan is disillusioned by love with good reason. She was part of a game of see-how-many-girls-you-can-get-engaged-to. Rude.
Megan's best friend talks her into taking a job on a cruise ship. She hesitates at first but gives in. There she meets Bryant. Shallow, surfer dude, or so she thinks.
They come to like each other but will it work once they reach port?
Want a good, summer, by-the-pool book? Pick up this book!

RATING: PG
V: No
L: No
S: Kisses

Liked:
Humor
Wit
Bryant

Disliked:
Nothing

4 STARS

Paige by Annette Lyon

After a bitter divorce from her unfaithful husband, Paige moves from Utah to California with her two little boys and vows to make a fresh start. She finds a job at a dental practice that helps her get back on her feet, but it's the friends she makes at her new book club who help her realize how strong she is and who give her support to carry on as she faces the challenges of being a single mom. She also meets Derryl, a wonderful, kind, attentive man who treats her right, something her ex never did. Yet Paige struggles to figure out who she is as a woman rather than a wife, how to help her boys adjust to a broken home, and whether she can ever trust a man or love again. As Paige leans on the book club ladies and Derryl's ever-present care, one thing becomes clear: healing from the past requires more than a change of address.

First line:
"I sat on a padded bench on one side of the chapel with my boys." 

I'm really enjoying the Newport Ladies Book Club series. This is the third book I've read and totally love reading the characters viewpoints from one book to the next.
 Paige is a newly divorced LDS mother of two. Her husband cheated on her, divorced her and married "the other woman." Punk. 
Paige is kind, insightful and service-oriented. She helps her new friends even when she's busy with her own problems and life. Like, a cute guy wanting to go out with her. :) But why is she going out with him, she wonders. What is her motivation?
The woman in the book club turn to her for help. Paige is stronger than she thinks. She's a good person who will do anything for her boys then her friends.
Paige finds happiness in her belief system, which I can relate to. I can't believe her first calling was to nursery! She's able to look inside herself and get over hurt and move on, even a little bit.
(I hope Ruby gets her own book!)

Rated: PG

Liked:
The whole series
Annette Lyon
Good, clean, uplifting read

Disliked:
Waiting until November to read ATHENA

4 1/2 STARS

Palace of Stone by Shannon Hale (Princess Academy #2)

Coming down from the mountain to a new life in the city seems a thrill beyond imagining. When Miri and her friends from Mount Eskel set off to help the future princess Britta prepare for her royal wedding, she is happy about her chance to attend school in the capital city. There, Miri befriends students who seem so sophisticated and exciting . . . until she learns that they have some frightening plans. They think that Miri will help them, that she "should "help them. Soon Miri finds herself torn between loyalty to the princess and her new friends' ideas, between an old love and a new crush, and between her small mountain home and the bustling city. Picking up where "Princess Academy "left off, this incredible stand-alone story celebrates the joys of friendship, the delight of romance, and the fate of a beloved fairy tale kingdom.

First line:
"Miri woke to the insistent bleat of a goat."

AH! Another book from Shannon Hale!
Smart, clever, classy, intriguing and I could go on.
Revolution! The hot word in Miri's new world. Miri gets caught up in her new life and loses sight of who she is and where she's come from. She feels the pressure of bettering herself so she can return home and better her village. In the meantime, she is being used to promote a revolution that could hurt the people she loves. How will Miri and her smarts get her out of trouble?
Peder and many other girls from Mount Eskel also went with Miri. Peder wants to learn to be a sculptor. Miri wonders if he will ever like her. Timon, a city boy, catches her eye and they are drawn to each other. Until he betrays her (like I knew he would! User!).
Miri has to rally those around her to make a change for the better before her village is sent into poverty again. Can she do it before more lives are lost?
And where does she really want to leave? Mount Eskel or the castle? Can she be both people?
Good, clean read. Loved this book! THANK YOU SHANNON HALE!


RATING: PG
V: Fighting
L: No
S: A couple of kisses

Liked:
Everything!

Disliked:
Nothing

5 STARS

Thanks, Netgalley!

Of Poseidon by Anna Banks

Galen is the prince of the Syrena, sent to land to find a girl he's heard can communicate with fish. Emma is on vacation at the beach. When she runs into Galen — literally, ouch! — both teens sense a connection. But it will take several encounters, including a deadly one with a shark, for Galen to be convinced of Emma's gifts. Now, if he can only convince Emma that she holds the key to his kingdom . . .

Told from both Emma and Galen's points of view, here is a fish-out-of-water story that sparkles with intrigue, humor, and waves of romance.

First Line:
"I smack into him as if shoved from behind."

Mermaid, I mean, Syrena story. In this book they are not called mermaids, thankyouverymuch.
A lot of sass and funniness in this book as well as a different look at those who live underwater.
Emma is a clumsy human. Galen is a hot syrenian prince. They meet on the day Emma's best friend is killed.
Emma is independent, sassy, fun and in serious trouble of falling for a bossy guy named Galen.
Galen is strong, attractive, twin brother who is from the ocean. He feels a connection to Emma and finds clues to the fact she is one of them. But not because really, she might be his enemy.
Each character has his or her own voice. I sometimes got confused because there are a lot of names and history. 
Also, the change in point of view from chapter to chapter confused me a little until I got use to it.

RATING: PG 13
V: No
L: No
S: kissing

Liked:
New mermaid story
Emma's character arc

Disliked:
Cliffhanger!

4 STARS

Enclave by Ann Aguirre

In Deuce’s world, people earn the right to a name only if they survive their first fifteen years. By that point, each unnamed ‘brat’ has trained into one of three groups–Breeders, Builders, or Hunters, identifiable by the number of scars they bear on their arms. Deuce has wanted to be a Huntress for as long as she can remember.

As a Huntress, her purpose is clear—to brave the dangerous tunnels outside the enclave and bring back meat to feed the group while evading ferocious monsters known as Freaks. She’s worked toward this goal her whole life, and nothing’s going to stop her, not even a beautiful, brooding Hunter named Fade. When the mysterious boy becomes her partner, Deuce’s troubles are just beginning.

Down below, deviation from the rules is punished swiftly and harshly, and Fade doesn’t like following orders. At first Deuce thinks he’s crazy, but as death stalks their sanctuary, and it becomes clear the elders don’t always know best, Deuce wonders if Fade might be telling the truth. Her partner confuses her; she’s never known a boy like him before, as prone to touching her gently as using his knives with feral grace.

As Deuce’s perception shifts, so does the balance in the constant battle for survival. The mindless Freaks, once considered a threat only due to their sheer numbers, show signs of cunning and strategy… but the elders refuse to heed any warnings. Despite imminent disaster, the enclave puts their faith in strictures and sacrifice instead. No matter how she tries, Deuce cannot stem the dark tide that carries her far from the only world she’s ever known.

First line:
"I was born during the second holocaust." 

Another intriguing dystopia
Deuce lives in a time overrun by fear and zombies (did not know this story had zombies). Deuce has trained all her life to be a Huntress. Finally, at age 15, she earns her name and her right to protect her enclave. But being a huntress is not what she thought. Killing zombies or 'freaks' is one thing, but to kill other humans because they are weak and can't help the enclave is another. 
Deuce is paired with a loner called Fade and her whole world shifts as they fight together and break rules together.
Deuce learns the hard truth about her place in society, the lies and the what is real. Not until she goes 'topside' does she fully understand what is behind the elders lies. 
I enjoyed so many aspects of this book. I couldn't put it down even though in my head I thought, great, another dystopian. 
The naming ritual was unique. I also loved how Deuce described her world and I had to try and figure out what the objects were according to my world. 
I had no idea this was a trilogy. Ms. Aguirre doesn't leave us on a cliff at the end of the book. I can read the next one or not without feeling like I'm missing something. I will read the next one, I think.


Rating: PG 13
V: Yes but not Halo gory. Death, fighting
L: No
S: kissing

Liked: 
Naming ritual
Deuce
Fade's story
Worldbulding

Disliked:
Having to wait to read more!



41/2 STARS

The False Prince by Jennifer A. Nielsen

THE FALSE PRINCE is the thrilling first book in a brand-new trilogy filled with danger and deceit and hidden identities that will have readers rushing breathlessly to the end.

In a discontent kingdom, civil war is brewing. To unify the divided people, Conner, a nobleman of the court, devises a cunning plan to find an impersonator of the king's long-lost son and install him as a puppet prince. Four orphans are recruited to compete for the role, including a defiant boy named Sage. Sage knows that Conner's motives are more than questionable, yet his life balances on a sword's point -- he must be chosen to play the prince or he will certainly be killed. But Sage's rivals have their own agendas as well.

As Sage moves from a rundown orphanage to Conner's sumptuous palace, layer upon layer of treachery and deceit unfold, until finally, a truth is revealed that, in the end, may very well prove more dangerous than all of the lies taken together.

An extraordinary adventure filled with danger and action, lies and deadly truths that will have readers clinging to the edge of their seats.

First line:
"If I had to do it all over again, I would not have chosen this life."

Loved. This. Book.
Reminded me of the Attolia series, which I also loved. Both are clever, witty, smart and I fell in love with the main characters in both.
The book opens on the day Sage's life changes. He's paid for and taken from an orphanage to learn to become the false prince. From the first day, Sage had to use his brain and muscle to stay alive and keep his benefactor, Connor, on his toes.
Sage also has to compete with two other orphans. One is brainy, one is all brawn. Sage is clever. But Connor is not impressed with him. From the beginning, the two clash and Sage is constantly testing Connor and his patience.
I figured out some of the twists but am totally not clever to figure out everything.
I'm ready for the next book! And this series will be in my personal library.

Rating: PG
V: No
L: No
S: No

Liked:
Everything Sage
Storyline

Disliked:
Having to wait for the other two books

5 STARS

Simple Skincare, Beautiful Skin by Ahmed Abdullah MD

Millions of individuals describe themselves as being confused about the steps necessary to improve the appearance of their skin. After all, the average consumer is regularly confronted with advertisements and recommendations for a dizzying array of skincare products, not to mention conflicting messages about the skincare practices that are most helpful. It’s no wonder most individuals are unsure of what their skin needs; uncertainty that often leads to the implementation of regimens that do more harm than good.

In Simple Skincare, Beautiful Skin: A Back-to-Basics Approach, Dr. Ahmed Abdullah presents readers with the scientific facts related to skincare. By highlighting the most relevant pieces of information in an approachable manner, he intends to create an empowered consumer – one capable of making smart choices about the products they use and the skincare practices they employ. After all, as Dr. Abdullah reminds readers throughout the book, beautiful skin can only be expected from healthy skin.

A board-certified plastic surgeon actively practicing in the United State and Dubai, and an internationally recognized aloe researcher, Dr. Abdullah has been promoting a back-to-basics approach to skincare for nearly 15 years though his practice, his skincare brand, and his skincare clinics. Simple Skincare, Beautiful Skin: A Back-to-Basics Approach represents a collection of some of his most effective advice.


First line:
"For centuries, humans have been searching for the exact formulation of ingredients that will erase the signs of aging from their faces."

Dr. Abdullah explains the ingredients in skincare products, what they do, which ones are good and which to stay away from. The doctor also addresses the myths behind certain products.
He claims the only regime we need, men and women, is a simple four step one:
Cleanse
Exfoliate
Moisturize
Protect

I like the simpleness. Then he takes us on a tour of the ingredients and how they work.
This book was easy enough to read and understand. I'll read my skincare labels with a newer understanding of what is good.
Dr. Abdullah also spends quite a bit of time explaining and talking about aloe vera.

3 1/2 STARS
Thanks to Netgalley for the ebook.

A Long Way from Chicago by Richard Peck

What happens when Joey and his sister, Mary Alice -- two city slickers from Chicago -- make their annual summer visits to Grandma Dowdel's seemingly sleepy Illinois town? August 1929: They see their first corpse, and he isn't resting easy. August 1930: The Cowgill boys terrorize the town, and Grandma fights back. August 1931: Joey and Mary Alice help Grandma trespass, poach, catch the sheriff in his underwear, and feed the hungry -- all in one day. And there's more, as Joey and Mary Alice make seven summer trips to Grandma's -- each one funnier than the year before -- in self-contained chapters that readers can enjoy as short stories or take together for a rollicking good novel. In the tradition of American humorists from Mark Twain to Flannery O'Connor, popular author Richard Peck has created a memorable world filled with characters who, like Grandma herself, are larger than life and twice as entertaining.

First line:
"You wouldn't think we'd have to leave Chicago to see a dead body."

Oh. My. Hilarious.
Grandma's antics and paybacks were hysterical. I loved her! And her grand kids learned a lot from her, never mind they weren't always honest. But somehow, Grandma balanced out the not-so-honest with heartwarming service.



Liked:
Grandma!
Grandma's antics

Disliked:
Got lost in some of the words but it wasn't a big deal

4 STARS

CROSSED by Ally Condie

Chasing down an uncertain future, Cassia makes her way to the Outer Provinces in pursuit of Ky--taken by the Society to his sure death--only to find that he has escaped into the majestic, but treacherous, canyons. On this wild frontier are glimmers of a different life and the enthralling promise of a rebellion. But even as Cassia sacrifices every thing to reunite with Ky, ingenious surprises from Xander may change the game once again.
Narrated from both Cassia's and Ky's point of view, this hotly anticipated sequel to Matched will take them both to the edge of Society, where nothing is as expected and crosses and double crosses make their path more twisted than ever.

First line:
"I'm standing in a river. It's blue. dark Blue. Reflecting the color of the evening sky."

Another good read from Ally Condie.
Ky is taken to be a village decoy and will die. Cassia is making her way across several provinces to find Ky. Cassia and Ky tell their stories in alternate chapters.
Each character is new and crisp and real. And do you know what I really liked? There was no misunderstandings between the chracarters like we have in junior high and sitcoms. Real dialogue, real characters, real problems.
 Secrets are kept to save each other and given when needed. Ky and Cassia come to know and understand some of their weaknesses and come to terms with them.
Ms. Condie writes beautifully and pens many amazing lines in this book. Sometimes too many and I have to stop and reread them. There was a lot of internal dialoguing in this book. It was slower paced than Matched, I thought but more info into the characters and why they act--and react--the way they do.
I'll read REACHED when it comes out.

Liked:
Cassia
More insight into characters

Disliked:
Slower book
Waiting for the next one


Rating: G
V: Death, fighting
L: No
S: No

4 STARS
I will re