Hush, Hush by Becca Fitzpatrick

     About the book: A SACRED OATH, A FALLEN ANGEL, A FORBIDDEN LOVE
     Romance was not part of Nora Grey's plan. She's never been particularly attracted to the boys at her school, no matter how hard her best friend, Vee, pushes them at her. Not until Patch comes along. With his easy smile and eyes that seem to see inside her, Patch draws Nora to him against her better judgement. 
     But after a series of terrifying encounters, Nora's not sure whom to trust. Patch seems to be everywhere she is and seems 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 she 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 Nora her life. 

     Quote of the Book: "Keep in mind that people change, but the past doesn't." -Patch Cipriano

     My thoughts and opinion: I am really glad that I chose to read this book again! Every time I do, it's like getting on the Archangel roller coaster for the first time. I don't even know where to begin. 
     Nora is such a lucky girl; she has the best friend ever and she has Patch's interest. I really liked her cautious personality and how she tried to stay away from Patch, but couldn't. That part of her just made Patch more determined and it just made him more attractive! It was really amusing to read about Nora's growing curiosity for Patch and their meetings got more serious, in a sense. 
     Shockingly, I did not like Vee, even if she is Nora's best friend. Vee introduced Nora to Elliot Saunders and Jules and THAT started all the trouble. I guess Vee's wild personality balances out Nora's safe personality and their friendship is important. 
     Deborah or Miss Greene is a crazy lady. I never would have imagined her in a relationship with Patch. But then again, it's not like Patch isn't a good looking fallen angel so of course she was in a relationship with him. However, what did Patch ever see in her? Deborah is a psycho! 
     Jules is just as creepy. Creepy and stupid. All that time he spent explaining his genuis plan to Nora was wasted; he had loads of chances to kill Nora, but nooo. All the stupid bad guys have to take their time doing whatever. Poor Elliot; he had no idea what he got into. He was creepy as well. 
     And then, there's Patch. Where do I begin? Everytime Patch is with Nora, there is this spark that I really enjoyed reading. Seriously, Patch and Nora are meant to be! Patch's sarcasm and humor is wicked. I laughed the most at parts where there was Patch. And his attitude is smooth and Patch has charm, which he uses to get Nora's attention. Did I mention his awesome body? No wonder Nora couldn't resist Patch! There is also the fact that he can go into Nora's mind and speak to her. How cool is that! 
     Go, go, go and read this book! It will engulf you and you'll love this book; unless you don't like sexy, mysterious guys like Patch, I really recommend this book. And Patch becomes something else in the ending (which I don't feel like giving away) so I cannot wait to read the second book, Cresendo, even if it will be for the second time. Hush, Hush was a fantastic read with a lot of spiciness. 

Girls Dinner Club by Jessie Elliot

     About the book: Ingredients 
                                   -one rainy afternoon
                                   -one huge crush on a boy
                                   -a few secrets
                                   -a kitchen, preferably somewhere in Brooklyn
                                   -fresh laughter - as much as you want
                                   -one or two broken hearts
                                   -a pinch of salt
                                   -a good friend - or even better, three
The love of Junie's life for the past year is suddenly acting like a crazed puppy. 
Celia's dad has found the most ridiculous woman in all of Manhattan - and decided, after fifteen years of being single, to date her.
Danielle's hot-guy-in-a-band ex-boyfriend is trying to convince her that he's "changed."
Sometimes living life is a recipe for disaster. 
Sometimes girls just have to make their own recipes.

     Quote of the Book: "May you keep on cooking together for years to come." -Max Clarke

     My thoughts and opinion: I loved this book when I first read it and if it's possible, I think I love it even more this second time! Junie, Celia, and Danielle's friendship is so hard to come by these days and I just loved how they clicked together by random or fate. 
     Food was a really cool part of this book, too. I'd love to cook with my friends and enjoy it like Celia, Danielle, and Junie do. It really seemed like so much fun! 
     I hated the guys in this book (well besides Max, Henry, and Rob). Steve was a big jerk and Brian was too desperate and needy and I just didn't LIKE them. What in the world did Junie see in Brian and what in the world did Junie NOT see in Rob? Poor Rob though, but I seriously hate smokers and in the book, Junie does, too. So, I guess Brian had to go. And why did Danielle give that piece of trash her time of day when old habits die hard? She should have known that Steve was going to cheat on her again! 
     Henry was really funny and a great guy for Celia. He spices up Celia's mature behavior a bit. Who doesn't love a nice, fun British person once in a while? Their departure at the airport was heartbreaking for me to read! The way Elliot wrote it and how Henry started tearing and Celia was already crying puddles. 
     Another thing that made me cry was Nonna's death. I really loved a grandma character for Danielle because it's just warm and nice! Nonna was so wise and I wish I could ask her for some tricks and tips for cooking. Now, there's a strong woman!
     I love, love, love this book because of so many things! Just read it and you guys'll see what I'm talking about! It's a tasty, delicious, full of flavor book! 

Just Listen by Sarah Dessen

     About the book: Annabel Greene is the girl who has everything. At least, that's what she portrays in her modeling shoots. But Annabel's life is far from perfect. Her friendship with Sophie ended bitterly, and her older sister's eating disorder is weighing down the entire family. Isolated and ostracized at school and at home, Annabel retreats into silent acceptance. Then she meets Owen -- intense, music-obsessed, and determined to always tell the truth. And with his guidance, Annabel learns to just listen to herself and gains the courage to speak honestly. But will she be able to tell everyone what really happened the night she and Sophie stopped being friends?

     Quote of the Book: "I'm just doing the best I can, under the circumstances." -Owen Armstrong   

     My thoughts and opinion: This book took me longer than I thought it would. Probably because I had first-day-of-school stuff to worry about. First of all, I love Owen and Annabel together. I thought Rolly and Clarke's relationship wouldn't last for a minute, but it was cute. 
     I'd like to be friends with Owen; he just seems like a cool guy who loves music (and has his own radio station! How cool is that!). He's such a patient guy, too. If I had a sister like Mallory, I wouldn't be able to stand her bubbly energy. Annabel frustrated me a bit in the story. She blocked out Owen so much that I was even feeling Owen's pain and hurt! I'm glad that Owen broke down Annabel's walls, even if it was a slow process. 
     Second of all, I was amazed at how Annabel was once friends with Sophie. Throughout the book, I thought, "She got you all these wonderful things like popularity, invitations to parties, and boys. So what?" I can't imagine ditching my best friend for someone who has Sophie's kind of attitude. The funny thing was, I kind of thought of Sophie as a younger version of Kirsten. However, that would be too mean to lump them together; Kirsten is not as horrible as Sophie is. 
     Finally, I loved seeing The Truth Squad again! That's one of the best things about reading books from the same author; he or she would most likely bring up other characters from other books. So, I was really happy I got to read about Remy, Dexter, and the rest; I got to read how they were doing. It is sort of like a sequel, but it's a sequel inside another book! 
     I recommend this book to quiet, shy people who love or don't love music. If you guys don't love music (I don't know what is wrong with y'all), but if you don't, that's okay. I did not think music was such a big part in this book; it was there, but it's not a major thing. Now, saying that, I still love Just Listen. Sarah Dessen did not disappoint because it was a musical read and eat; my taste buds are still singing!

My Life, the Theater, and Other Tragedies by Allen Zadoff

     About the book: There's life and death. And then there's theater. 
     Adam Ziegler thinks the best way to live is behind the scenes. Since his father died two years ago, Adam has retreated into the world of high-school theater, finding his place high on the catwalk, running the spotlight. 
     But then he spies an actress, Summer, rehearsing for the spring production, and he falls for her--hard. Just as Adam's about to make his move, one of the leads breaks her ankle, and Summer is propelled to stardom. There she comes under the spell of Derek Dunkirk, the rich-kid student designer with the British accent. 
     With a rival like that, what chance does an average crew guy have? To get the girl and maybe even save the show, Adam will have to overcome his fears, defy his best friend, and break his theater's golden rule: Techies and actors don't mix. 
     Using his signature combination of insight and humor, author Allen Zadoff explores the complexities of finding your way through life, love and high school as Adam struggles to find the courage to step out of the shadows and into the lights. 

     Quote of the Book: I decided to make a new segment (part?) for my reviews and it'll just be a quote I liked from that book. Since I, usually, am obsessed about cool, inspiring, quirky, making-you-think-about-it quotes, I thought I could do that for my book reviews! 
     "He tips the invisible hat to me and goes out. The theater doors click shut behind him. The ghost light flickers. I imagine the bulb burning, leaving me alone here in a dark theater. I start to feel afraid. I should go home now. I should call someone, like Mr. Apple said. But I don't. I climb." -Adam "Z" Ziegler

     My thoughts and opinion: I can't believe it took so long to find this book and it took so long for me to finish reading it. Kind of funny if you think about it. I got so caught up watching Pretty Little Liars and Chopped. Not anymore. My main focus now is reading and reviewing as many books as I can before school starts.
     Let's get started on this book. I loved all but two characters. Derek and Summer. Even though Summer is the love interest of Adam "Z" Ziegler, I hated her for leading him on and then just cutting him off when it got close to the production day! Why would you lead a guy on in the first place?? And Derek, the Brit, is just as stupid. He takes credit for good work that he didn't even do; he points fingers at the techies when something goes wrong. I'm sticking to my Australians; hopefully they won't be as arrogant as Derek is in the book. But then again, I can't lump ALL British people in with Derek. 
     I really loved Grace though. Even if she made a poor choice with Derek, she recovered brilliantly. You guys don't even know how much I wished for Grace and Adam to become a couple. Oh well. Reach, Adam's best friend, needs to be with SOMEONE so I think Grace and Reach would be a much more hilarious couple. Besides, to me, Reach is a little more miserable than Adam in the love department. 
     I have no idea what drove me to check this book from the library. Maybe the cover? Although it looks really cheesy; like High School Musical cheesy. But it was a nice read and eat. 
     I recommend this to those who like the theater, but not too obsessively. It doesn't have THAT much drama and theater stuff in it. So, overall, I thought My Life, the Theater, and Other Tragedies was a light bite. 

This Lullaby by Sarah Dessen

     About the book: When it comes to relationships, Remy doesn't mess around. After all, she's learned all there is to know from her mother, who's currently working on husband number five. But there's something about Dexter that seems to defy all of Remy's rules. He certainly doesn't seem like Mr. Right. For some reason, however, Remy just can't seem to shake him. Could it be that Remy's starting to understand what those love songs are all about?

     My thoughts and opinion: This is my second time reading This Lullaby and I've got to say...Dexter and Remy were really meant to be together! And reading about their relationship and how it seems to be a horrible one yet it wasn't, that I loved. I definitely cannot be a Remy since I can't bargain and I can't fold my feelings and emotions up. And I think I am more like a mix between Dexter and Remy's mother. 
     Like Lola and the other Joie workers, I do admire Remy's "cold, hard bitch / hard-ass" attitude. I really liked that part where she strictly told a customer that only one time was open and Remy told her to take it or leave it. Definitely not a people-pleaser, Remy. 
     Also, I'd like whatever she's eating to have such an arm! Like Remy's mother, I have, not terrible, but not a good aim. Maybe it's from drinking all those Zip drinks! However, I don't like Diet Coke that much so oh well.
     Dexter and Remy's relationship is such a wonderful one because it's totally unexpected for the two to pair up. Dexter with his wild, clumsy self and Remy with her clean, precise nature. But it clicks together; that's why I love them together. They balance each other out and it just works. It's easy yet beautiful. 
     Also, like any other book, I hated two characters. Yep. Don and Patty. Even their names are lame. They deserve each other. I just wished that Remy's mom didn't get hurt; even though I couldn't feel exactly what Remy felt, it was painful to read about Barbara seeming so sad and shocked. I desired to pelt every single one of those Ensure bottles at Don; maybe I could have gotten some help from Remy. 
     And then there was Dexter's band. What a fun-loving bunch. While reading this book, I thought to myself "It would be so cool if Remy's group of friends started dated all of Dexter's band." Of course, in this dream world, Scary Mary wasn't there. If she wasn't, it could have somehow worked. 
     Overall, I loved This Lullaby. Sarah Dessen never fails to delight me with her books which is why she's one of my favorite authors! Dessen always delivers and I really received the message in This Lullaby. You'll be humming song lyrics after having a taste of this book!

Wolves, Boys and Other Things That Might Kill Me by Kristen Chandler

          About the book: KJ Carson didn't plan on writing about the wolves living in Yellowstone National Park. She'd been really good at minding her own business for the past sixteen years. But when shaggy-haired Virgil shows up in her journalism class -- increasing the population of West End, Montana, to 948 -- KJ finds herself doing things she'd never imagined. She's getting up before dawn to go wolf watching, writing newspaper articles about the highly controversial wolf reintroduction program, and kissing the boy who helps her do it all. She may be in over her head, but she's finally following her heart. 
     And then a shotgun blast reminds her where she is: a place where the only good wolf is a dead wolf . . .  and anyone who defends them is threatened with a similar fate. In the past, KJ would've turned tail and run, but now there's more than just her own life at stake. Is she interested in the wolves because she's falling for Virgil? Or is she falling for the wolves themselves? 
     Debut author Kristen Chandler introduces a refreshing heroine and a love that's as precarious as it is out of the ordinary. 

     My thoughts and opinion: KJ is an interesting nickname. But I'd rather people call me that than Katherine Jean. Such a mouthful for other people to address me by. Virgil is also an interesting name for a guy. But I wouldn't mind being friends with Virgil. He seems like a cool guy who is a photographer with blond hair. Yup, I'd like a friend like that! ;-) 
     I kind of like the setting in this book because it's a small town near Yellowstone. Now, I have been to Yellowstone this summer and I have to say, it was breath-taking. There's nothing like the trees, the air, the nature, and you. Like what Sam, KJ's father, says, "It's just good to be out." However, the people in KJ's town just bugs and annoys me. I guess living in a small town means you can't make mistakes and lose your reputation because one mistake and you're practically exiled and looked down upon; I could never handle that. 
     Also, I really wish I knew how to row. If only I could get rowing lessons from KJ...Although, I don't think I would be a very good student. Rowing is tiring and I'm pretty lazy with my arms. 
     The wolves caught my attention, too. Actually I picked up this book because of the strange, black wolf on the cover. Normally, I don't read books with animals; it's not often I would be able to find one at the library. So, I felt like reading a book with wolves. Like, why not? 

     Reading Wolves, Boys and Other Things That Might Kill Me made me feel ashamed because I hate people who shoot animals. So obviously I hated ranchers like Kenner and his family. But my mind has been opened to understand how the ranchers feel; they must feel hopeless when their cattle get ripped to pieces by wolves. This book literally put me in the ranchers' shoes and I realized why they think of wolves as vicious creatures. 
     Wolves, Boys and Other Things That Might Kill Me was a fantastic read and had a woodsy, outdoorsy taste to it. I would love to actually bring this book with me to Yellowstone, find a gigantic tree, and just sit there, reading until sunset. 

Lola and the Boy Next Door by Stephanie Perkins

     About the book: Budding designer Lola Nolan doesn't believe in fashion . . . she believes in costume. The more expressive the outfit -- more sparkly, more fun, more wild -- the better. But even though Lola's style is outrageous, she's a devoted daughter and friend with some big plans for the future. And everything is pretty perfect (right down to her hot rocker boyfriend) until the dreaded Bell twins, Calliope and Cricket, return to the neighborhood. 

     When Cricket -- a gifted inventor -- steps out from his twin sister's shadow and back into Lola's life, she must finally reconcile a lifetime of feelings for the boy next door. 

     My thoughts and opinion: Let me just say...I WAS SO THRILLED TO FIND OUT THAT ANNA AND ST. CLAIR SHOW UP IN THIS BOOK! Anna and St. Clair are in the book, Anna and the French Kiss, also written by Stephanie Perkins. (What's so wonderful about this blog is that I have a reason to reread some of my favorites so I could review them!) It took me a LONG time to realize that it wasn't a coincidence that Lola's friends at the movie theater have the same names as the couple in Anna and the French Kiss. I think up to the part where Lola notices Anna writing in a left-handed notebook was when it hit me. I remember every character I read that is left-handed because it allows me to relate somewhat to them. 

     I admired Lola's style. She has spunk and I was interested how Cricket, the nervous nerdy inventor, would look next to her. I would never have the guts to wear something that is wild. If it's wilder than a skirt, then count me out! I would like to learn how to make my own clothes though. Shopping is such a pain especially for my wallet. 
     Now. Cricket is the type of person that I hate because of his indecisiveness and his fear of committing to a relationship. However, I also love Cricket because of his sincerity and how he is like an open book. Plus tinkering with objects and being tall helps him stand out. I liked that about him. 
     Who knew Max would turn out that way? I sort of LIKED him at first, but not anymore. Near the end of the book, Max, despite his sweet protective/jealousy side and his moody/emo/rocker side, would never be a good match for Lola. Then again. Lola is to blame as well. She should have ended things with him sooner. 
     What's with the characters in this book, leading people on? 
     Oh well. I liked them, but maybe not in the same way for everyone. 
     Lola and the Boy Next Door was also interesting because Lola has two fathers. I am absolutely for the gays and getting to read a book with a character having gay parents was a first for me. Unusual but enjoyable. But I gotta say, TWO PROTECTIVE FATHERS? I don't think Lola ever gets away with anything. Hahahaha. 
     This is a fun book and Stephanie Perkins amazed me yet again. I'd love to get seconds on this book!