The Book of Ivy (The Book of Ivy #1) by Amy Engel

Publisher: Entangled:Teen

Publication date: November 11th 2014 

After a brutal nuclear war, the United States was left decimated. A small group of survivors eventually banded together, but only after more conflict over which family would govern the new nation. The Westfalls lost. Fifty years later, peace and control are maintained by marrying the daughters of the losing side to the sons of the winning group in a yearly ritual. 

This year, it is my turn. 

My name is Ivy Westfall, and my mission is simple: to kill the president’s son—my soon-to-be husband—and restore the Westfall family to power. 

But Bishop Lattimer is either a very skilled actor or he’s not the cruel, heartless boy my family warned me to expect. He might even be the one person in this world who truly understands me. But there is no escape from my fate. I am the only one who can restore the Westfall legacy

Because Bishop must die. And I must be the one to kill him…

-Goodreads description

I reaaallly liked this book. A lot more than I thought I would which is always a nice thing to say after spending about 8 hours of your life reading while you could be doing more productive things......but that's what books do to you. Sigh...Anyway, before I go off on a tangent, I wanna keep this nice and short and say that it's definitely the kind of book that deserves it's place on the TBR list and it perfectly represents the outsider of the Dystopian novels that have come out recently.

The characterization was totally on point and no character was left underdeveloped, and if so, it was for clear and intentional reasons. Ivy, the protagonist, was definitely an intriguing character who had depth to her personality and questioned the principles of her society and the beliefs she had been told. What I enjoyed most though was that I was able to feel her slow transition throughout the book which was greatly paced so that the readers could really indulge in her emotions and actions. However, by far, my favorite character was Bishop. I mean, there are not really that many characters in this book at all, but still, Bishop is my man <3 When Ivy first meets him, he seems detached and indifferent but quickly, you start to see him for the lovable, amazing, honest, sweet, cute and humble guy he really is... I really need to give two thumbs up to Engel for the depiction of her characters. Truly well done! 

Whilst I loved the characters, the setting for me and some of the details were kind of iffy. Like if this is a dystopian world, there really shouldn't be so many things available..like jeans and bikini's and stuff like that. I get that a lot of resources were left behind but they say no one ever goes beyond the fence because it is likely they die..so did they bring all those jeans with them when they first arrived decades ago? I don't know..maybe, it's something I missed but this was something that really stood out to me and not in a good way. 

Despite these mistakes, I still believe that this book is a great read and encourage you to try it!

                                                                   - Alana xxx

The Young Elites (The Young Elites #1) by Marie Lu

Publisher: G.P. Putnam's sons

Publication date: October 7th 2014

I am tired of being used, hurt, and cast aside.

Adelina Amouteru is a survivor of the blood fever. A decade ago, the deadly illness swept through her nation. Most of the infected perished, while many of the children who survived were left with strange markings. Adelina’s black hair turned silver, her lashes went pale, and now she has only a jagged scar where her left eye once was. Her cruel father believes she is a malfetto, an abomination, ruining their family’s good name and standing in the way of their fortune. But some of the fever’s survivors are rumored to possess more than just scars—they are believed to have mysterious and powerful gifts, and though their identities remain secret, they have come to be called the Young Elites.

Teren Santoro works for the king. As Leader of the Inquisition Axis, it is his job to seek out the Young Elites, to destroy them before they destroy the nation. He believes the Young Elites to be dangerous and vengeful, but it’s Teren who may possess the darkest secret of all. 

Enzo Valenciano is a member of the Dagger Society. This secret sect of Young Elites seeks out others like them before the Inquisition Axis can. But when the Daggers find Adelina, they discover someone with powers like they’ve never seen. 

Adelina wants to believe Enzo is on her side, and that Teren is the true enemy. But the lives of these three will collide in unexpected ways, as each fights a very different and personal battle. But of one thing they are all certain: Adelina has abilities that shouldn’t belong in this world. A vengeful blackness in her heart. And a desire to destroy all who dare to cross her.

It is my turn to use. My turn to hurt.

-Goodreads description 

I really loved this book! I knew before I even started it that I would love it seeing as I loved the Legend trilogy by Marie Lu. I will say that I put off reading it because the premise just didn't seem that intriguing to me AT FIRST. But boy was I wrong. If I had to have any regrets, it would be not having started it earlier! The characters and narrative are just so intriguing and real that I couldn't put if down.

The main character, Adeline Amouteru, is a malfetto; one of the few survivors scarred by the fever that swept through the country. In a country drowning in corruption, hunger and fear, Malfetto's are condemned for their strange abilities which have been blamed for the nation's downfall with rumors stating that they are cursed. Adelina comes from a wealthy family, a humiliation to her once successful; father. With no eye and bringing a handful of dishonor upon her family, she is hated by her father, his love solely reserved for her younger sister. Driven by his misfortune, her father agrees to sell her off to a bidder.

Adelina, though, will have none of that and attempts to run away. The big word to look our for is attempt. Yep, she's gone for about a 15 minutes and dear old dad shows up. Busted. Until that is, she kills him..total bad-assery intact. Unfortunately, not soon after, she is caught by Inquisition Axis, a group that means to hunt down the Malfettos. Immediately, she is sentenced to an execution by fire. At the last moment, she is saved. When she awakes, she finds herself with a group of malfettos called The Young Elites, her saviors, run by Enzo, the group's leader, Adelina's love interest and the rightful heir to the throne. In order to see if she can truly control her powers, she is tested. If she passes, she will become a Young Elite.

Definitely a favorite of mine is the characters. There is not one character that is badly developed or unappealing. In fact, I can't think of one character I really disliked. Crazy,right? But, it's true. Gahhhh, I just can't. They were all so perfect! Adelina was a bad-ass. Enzo was sexy...dark..mysterious... and RAFFAELE - A hottie with a body but that has a completely...platonic relationship with our protagonist. And let's not forget evil but misunderstood Teren.

Other plus points are the setting which is perfectly integrated into the story and just fits right in. The magical element is also very mature in its portrayal- no faerie dust or pixies here, guys. And you know what? The dark stuff is exactly where it's at.

I feel like I don't even need to write any more. All I need to say is that you should definitely read it! Like..now...right now.
                                                                   - Alana xxx

The Retribution of Mara Dyer (Mara Dyer #3) by Michelle Hodkin 

Publisher: Simon and Schuster 

Publication date: November 4th 2014

Mara Dyer wants to believe there's more to the lies she’s been told.

There is.

She doesn’t stop to think about where her quest for the truth might lead.

She should.

She never had to imagine how far she would go for vengeance.

She will now.

Loyalties are betrayed, guilt and innocence tangle, and fate and chance collide in this shocking conclusion to Mara Dyer’s story.

Retribution has arrived. 

-Goodreads description 

It's finally freakin' here. After months of anxious waiting, Michelle Hodkin has finally blessed us with the last installment in her best-selling series. I can unquestionably say that I have never read a series like this within the Young Adult book realm and this book is definitely an attestation to her unforgettably suspenseful writing style. Whilst it is a love story that puts quite an emphasis on romance, it doesn't feel like you're reading a romance novel. It feels authentic in its approach, combining fantasy, mystery and thrilling plot twists to keep the reader on their feet till the end.

Having read the previous book - The Evolution of Mara Dyer - quite a long time ago, I was scared that I wouldn't be able to keep up with the plot. It starts off right where the 2nd book finished off and in truth, it can be pretty confusing and disorienting to place just what is happening as you begin the book. However, if you have read the 2nd book recently, you should definitely have no problem as even I was able to get back on track after the first few chapters of this 470 thrilling page turner. 

I particularly enjoyed the first half of the book as it was really different to anything I have read not only recently but in a veeeery long time. Within YA, I feel like there is an unwritten taboo about mental instability and insanity when combined with what is seen as a romance story. However, Hodkins is not afraid to dip her toe in the water, giving the reader a sense of the darkness the lurks within Mara's mind. I also love the fact she addressed real life issues within what is really a fantasy series. Rape amongst other controversial topics were delved into which is is a very risqué move on her part. So bravo to you Hodkins. 

The second half of the book was a bit of a let down for me compared to the fast-paced action and ominous atmosphere within the first part. This was a shocker for me as the initial half was not romance-filled and lets be honest, I'm a total romance chick at heart. However, it does not impact my overall thoughts of the book being an undeniably amazing ending to the series. Once again, I really enjoyed the secondary characters within the book such as Jamie and Stella as they brought comic relief to what were the most gruesome situations. Their contribution to the story is undoubtedly evident and a big reason why I was not as mentally scarred as I was. 

One thing I have to mention though is despite the usefulness of the Mara's flashbacks throughout the book, I did NOT enjoy them as they simply did not intrigue me. Nevertheless, this is due to my personal preference and subjectivity.

To conclude, a heart-stopping finale that lives up to Hodkin's reputation.

BTW, Linked below is an awesome free excerpt of Chapter 8 from the audiobook which I received from my friends over at Audible. Thanks!
                                                              - Alana xxx

Talon (Talon #1) by Julie Kagawa 

Publisher : Harlequin teen

Publication date: October 28th 2014 

Long ago, dragons were hunted to near extinction by the Order of St. George, a legendary society of dragon slayers. Hiding in human form and growing their numbers in secret, the dragons of Talon have become strong and cunning, and they're positioned to take over the world with humans none the wiser.

Ember and Dante Hill are the only sister and brother known to dragonkind. Trained to infiltrate society, Ember wants to live the teen experience and enjoy a summer of freedom before taking her destined place in Talon. But destiny is a matter of perspective, and a rogue dragon will soon challenge everything Ember has been taught. As Ember struggles to accept her future, she and her brother are hunted by the Order of St. George.

Soldier Garret Xavier Sebastian has a mission to seek and destroy all dragons, and Talon's newest recruits in particular. But he cannot kill unless he is certain he has found his prey: and nothing is certain about Ember Hill. Faced with Ember's bravery, confidence and all-too-human desires, Garret begins to question everything that the Order has ingrained in him: and what he might be willing to give up to find the truth about dragons.

- Goodreads description

Oh, Lordy, Lord. Where to begin? What can I say Julie, you deeply disappointed me with  this book. Before going into this, I was like, this will for sure be a solid read because of course, it Julie freakin' Kagawa. I absolutely loved the Blood of Eden series and quite liked the iron fey series too. I assumed that it would probably fall into place snugly between the two but boy, was I wrong. 

One of the reasons I wanted to read this book was  because of its the ravishingly delectable  cover- I mean, just look at it-  but also because it held substantial promise in terms of plot however it fell disappointingly short. And by short, I mean like face planting before take off. There is really nothing to say about this book but that it was boring, held no interesting character development- they're freakin' dragons, for God's sakes- and it seemed to drag on and on and on and on for an infinite amount of time. 

I considered stopping when I reached about 1/4 of the way through however I really wanted to see if the book would get increasingly better as I read which it sadly didn't. Having said that, if the 2nd book were to be released, I might pick it up because its one of those series. The kind where you know it will be bad but you can't help but want to find out what happens, even though you have basically no interest in the characters themselves. Weird, I know, but I've learnt to roll with it. 

An unsatisfying start to a series which should only be read if all others options have been exhausted.

                                                                                     - Alana, xxx

Snow Like Ashes (Snow Like Ashes #1) by Sara Raasch

Publisher: Balzer + Bray

Publication Date: October 14th 2014

A heartbroken girl. A fierce warrior. A hero in the making.

Sixteen years ago the Kingdom of Winter was conquered and its citizens enslaved, leaving them without magic or a monarch. Now, the Winterians’ only hope for freedom is the eight survivors who managed to escape, and who have been waiting for the opportunity to steal back Winter’s magic and rebuild the kingdom ever since.

Orphaned as an infant during Winter’s defeat, Meira has lived her whole life as a refugee, raised by the Winterians’ general, Sir. Training to be a warrior—and desperately in love with her best friend, and future king, Mather — she would do anything to help her kingdom rise to power again.

So when scouts discover the location of the ancient locket that can restore Winter’s magic, Meira decides to go after it herself. Finally, she’s scaling towers, fighting enemy soldiers, and serving her kingdom just as she’s always dreamed she would. But the mission doesn’t go as planned, and Meira soon finds herself thrust into a world of evil magic and dangerous politics – and ultimately comes to realize that her destiny is not, never has been, her own.

-Goodreads Description

Like so many of the books I've been reviewing this month, Snow Like Ashes is a book that I had been looking forward to reading for a very long time. The concept seemed unique and I could see Raasch writing being a similar kind of style as Sarah J.Maas's Throne of Glass series. This was enough of a push to get me started but the fantasy genre aspect to it really hit the nail on the head.The high-fantasy genre, as you can probably tell, has really captivated me recently and I just can seem to get enough of the captivating world-building and the action, not to mention the romance ;) So, I was excited when I was finally able to get my hands on this bad boy which I am happy to say succeeded in all the right ways. 

Despite my utter satisfaction, I will admit that this book is pretty long, 422 pages long to be exact and there was deemed to be at least some parts that felt dragging. The beginning, although advancing pretty quickly into the action stages, had some character development issues. Meira, the protagonist of the story, is a badass who can hold her own in any situation however her character can feel flat at the start. A particular peeve of mine was her constant need to state that she was meaningless and was not useful in any aspect that mattered in order to recapture their kingdom, Winter. Whilst I admire a humble attitude, the endless echoes of these thoughts were quick to get on my nerves. As the narrative progressed, I did find that this was minimized but it is something you have to deal with. Besides this tiny annoyance, I was really able to connect with her humorous charisma and her dedication to the cause. 

Whilst the summary might outline a love triangle, readers quickly realize that this is not quite so accurate.  Mather, the king of Winter, is Meira's age and has grown up with her his whole life. Little do they know, they both harbor feelings for one another. Just as they begin to recognize the potential of their mounting relationship, the group of refugees once again face threats which force them to flee. This leads her to meet Theron, a noble, intelligent and oh-so-handsome prince from a rhythm kingdom. 

Lastly, the concept of the seasons as kingdoms didn't sit with me very well at first. Not only did I view it as childish but quite dull :/ Buuuuuut, after reading the book, I can 100% assure you that it gets better with time, trust me :)

Great read with interesting characters and strong story line!
                                                                          - Alana, xxx

Exquisite Captive ( Dark Caravan Cycle #1) by Heather Demetrios

Publisher: Balzer+Bray 

Publication date: October 7th 2014

Forced to obey her master.
Compelled to help her enemy.
Determined to free herself. 

Nalia is a jinni of tremendous ancient power, the only survivor of a coup that killed nearly everyone she loved. Stuffed into a bottle and sold by a slave trader, she’s now in hiding on the dark caravan, the lucrative jinni slave trade between Arjinna and Earth, where jinn are forced to grant wishes and obey their human masters’ every command. She’d give almost anything to be free of the golden shackles that bind her to Malek, her handsome, cruel master, and his lavish Hollywood lifestyle.

Enter Raif, the enigmatic leader of Arjinna’s revolution and Nalia’s sworn enemy. He promises to free Nalia from her master so that she can return to her ravaged homeland and free her imprisoned brother—all for an unbearably high price. Nalia’s not sure she can trust him, but Raif’s her only hope of escape. With her enemies on the hunt, Earth has become more perilous than ever for Nalia. There’s just one catch: for Raif’s unbinding magic to work, Nalia must gain possession of her bottle…and convince the dangerously persuasive Malek that she truly loves him. Battling a dark past and harboring a terrible secret, Nalia soon realizes her freedom may come at a price too terrible to pay: but how far is she willing to go for it?

Inspired by Arabian Nights, EXQUISITE CAPTIVE brings to life a deliciously seductive world where a wish can be a curse and shadows are sometimes safer than the light.

-Goodreads description

Ahhh...where to start? Truly, I enjoyed this book a lot. I think that it isn't often when you come across a jinni-inspired book in YA, even in high fantasy which is partly why I decided to pick this one up on my recent trip to B&N. Having read some iffy reviews on goodreads, I had hoped for the best; the best being mediocre to acceptable. I am happy to report that it far exceeded my expectations. As I began reading, I couldn't help but feel as if the style and tone of the book mirrored something I had read before but I just couldn't... quite put my finger on it. After reading some other reviews, I came upon a reviewer who had compared it to Laini Taylor's books....YES, THIS IS EXACTLY LIKE THAT. Now, while I don't see myself rating Exquisite Captive as highly as the Daughter of Smoke and Bone series, it still lands pretty high on my list of favorite YA fantasy's of the year.

The book is written in third person and follows the story of Nalia, who is a Jinni slave on the Dark Caravan, and the only surviving Ghan Aisouri after her caste was massacred by the Ifrit. Having escaped her near death, she is brought through the portal leading to Earth where another dreadful future awaits her. She is sold as a slave to grant wishes for her master, the undeniably handsome and mysterious Malek who has some secrets of his own hiding in the dark. Nalia wants nothing else but to be free of her master so that she can return to Arjinna and save her brother, who has been imprisoned by the Ifrit. However, without her master demanding his third wish, she is bound to him for eternity. Unable to bear the thought of leaving her brother for dead, she strikes a deal with the enigmatic Raif who promises freedom in exchange for an object which could supply the revolution with an undeniable advantage and change the world for all Jinni.

*First of all, I just quickly want to say that I love that this was written in third person. Personally, I think more writers should employ this as it build suspense for the readers and keeps them more engaged *

Nalia is our strong and brave protagonist who is a Ghan Aisouri, a Jinni with access to all four of the elements. Its needless to say that she is a badass, able to hold her own against her master as well as other Jinni. However, at the same time, the reader is able to experience a vulnerability to her character as she feels like she belongs nowhere, not on Earth or in Arjinna. This softness made her all the more likable as it really helped her character develop in between her tough and harsh exterior. 

In terms of romance, I'm sad to tell you that there is a love triangle..... yep, a love triangle. The first is Malek, her cruel yet irresistible master whilst the other is Raif, the leader of the revolution. Now, while I might get some heat for this, I totally ship Malek and Nalia. Although I am aware that Malek was callous and brutal and ruthless, he never really crossed the line for me. Whilst he might have pushed her against a wall to hard and held her wrists too tight, it was never without reason as you'll discover in the book. I just can't come to hate him when I know that he is trying to make amends for behavior which isn't really his fault. Despite that, he still takes ownership of his mistakes all the while being positively charming and downright charming.  Knowing my feeling on the romance, I'm just gonna skip out on Raif. He's nice and everything but I just wasn't able to make a connection to him like I did to Malek. 

Overall, I'd give this a double thumbs up for its unique concept and romance. Definitely recommend.
                                                                          -Alana,xxx
                 

Rites of Passage by Joy N. Hensley

Publisher: Harper Teen

Publication date: September 9th 2014

Sam McKenna’s never turned down a dare. And she's not going to start with the last one her brother gave her before he died.

So Sam joins the first-ever class of girls at the prestigious Denmark Military Academy. She’s expecting push-ups and long runs, rope climbing and mud-crawling. As a military brat, she can handle an obstacle course just as well as the boys. She's even expecting the hostility she gets from some of the cadets who don’t think girls belong there. What she’s not expecting is her fiery attraction to her drill sergeant. But dating is strictly forbidden and Sam won't risk her future, or the dare, on something so petty...no matter how much she wants him.

As Sam struggles to prove herself, she discovers that some of the boys don’t just want her gone—they will stop at nothing to drive her out. When their petty threats turn to brutal hazing, bleeding into every corner of her life, she realizes they are not acting alone. A decades-old secret society is alive and active… and determined to force her out.

At any cost.

Now time's running short. Sam must decide who she can trust...and choosing the wrong person could have deadly consequences.

-Goodreads desciption 

First of all, I wanted to say sorry for being MIA for almost two weeks...Ahhh! I've had so much on my plate lately and haven't been able to read AT ALL. I know, torture, right? What was even more agonizing was that I had started this book which I had been waiting ageeeeeees to read and then I had to just...leave it. But let me just say, it was well worth the wait. This book grabbed my attention way before it was even published and only continued to shock and please me as I kept reading. Rites of Passage is one of those books that will make you realize just how easy you've got it compared to those working to serve and protect. 

The book is set at the DMA, a military academy, typically with an all male enrollment; that is until McKenna enrolls. Sam McKenna is not only one of the first girls to attend the Denmark Military Academy but she also follows in the footsteps of her military father and brothers who have upheld an esteemed family legacy. I'd have had my ass kicked the first hour, seeing how the DMA rolled. 

Coming to the DMA, she is accused, abused, yelled at, beaten, pushed beyond ANYONE'S boundaries and pretty much anything else you could think of. Despite these roadblocks, she meets every challenge heads on, without a single complaint. Frustration? sure, who wouldn't? Doubts? yes. But, not once did she back down and even take into consideration quitting. Me? I would have been out of there after the first smoke show. Hell, I would have hit the road having to wake up at 0500. Yep, I'm that lazy. So, I was really able to appreciate our heroine's strong character, sense of motivation and fierce attitude. 

Another aspect I was totally digging was the romance. Although it started off as a love triangle, it quickly became clear who was the main love interest. And, boy, did he succeed at that. Drill was dreamy and sweet but still had that tough, protective shell that was super intriguing. I won't lie, the forbidden aspect of the romance also played a part in choosing this book. However, it ended up being so much more. Rites of passage became a book that didn't need to have a very big physical side to the relationship because it already drew me in with its emotional intensity and that's not something I can say often. This attests perfectly to Hensley's writing as while her style was simple, it brought with it a torrent of feelings that were inescapable. 

Definitely recommended for ANY reader of YA! Happy Reading!

                                                                   - Alana xxx

The Fine Art of Pretending (The Fine Art of Pretending #1) by Rachel Harris

Publisher: Spencer Hill Contemporary

Publication date: September 30th 2014

According to the guys at Fairfield Academy, there are two types of girls: the kind you hook up with, and the kind you're friends with. Seventeen-year-old Alyssa Reed is the second type. And she hates it. With just one year left to change her rank, she devises a plan to become the first type by homecoming, and she sets her sights on the perfect date—Justin Carter, Fairfield Academy’s biggest hottie and most notorious player.

With 57 days until the dance, Aly launches Operation Sex Appeal and sheds her tomboy image. The only thing left is for Justin actually to notice her. Enter best friend Brandon Taylor, the school’s second biggest hottie, and now Aly’s pretend boyfriend. With his help, elevating from “funny friend” to “tempting vixen” is only a matter of time.

But when everything goes according to plan, the inevitable “break up” leaves their friendship in shambles, and Aly and Brandon with feelings they can’t explain. And the fake couple discovers pretending can sometimes cost you the one thing you never expected to want. 

-Goodreads Description 

First of all, I want to start off by saying that I went into this book with pretty high expectations. I'd be lying if I said I hadn't been looking forward to reading 'The Fine Art of Pretending' since I first read the summary on goodreads. So, although it is well-written and enjoyable, I was still disappointed and felt like the story was underdeveloped. Now don't get me wrong, there were a lot of intricacies within the plot and a lot of stuff took place in its 256 pages but I felt like none of them were handled with maturity which made it lacking in emotional response. I know you're probably thinking, 'Why would a 16 year old want a to read a soul-wrenching, heartbreakingly moving book?', well the answer is A LOT OF THEM. The best contemporary writers are able to adapt their writing to development changes in society and I felt like this particular book fell a few feet short on that account. Not only were some of the characters childish at times, their concerns over petty issues were annoying and short-sighted. 

Another 'ugh' point was the dreaded love triangle. Sigh. Why, Miss.Harris, Why, oh why, must you have included a love triangle? Haven't we experienced enough of this over-used and over-rated convention? Honestly, it was going so well until Aly decided to physically involve another love interest, Justin. While I am 100% against the concept, I liked Justin and thought the he brought a little extra something to the table. 

What I did like, however, was the dual POV's which were used to alternate between the two main characters, Aly and Brandon. Every time I read a book with varying viewpoints, I gain more and more respect for the author and appreciate the look into the minds of different characters. To me, there is nothing more frustrating than having to read a book in which you are either unaware of another person's feelings or are unclear on their intentions. For that reason, I felt satisfied with my understanding of how Aly and Brandon's relationship worked and was hooked on their easy and appealing banter.

Overall, an entertaining read but not recommended for those looking for a truly immersive novel.

        - Alana, xxx

Dare You To (Pushing the limits #2) by Katie McGarry 

Publisher: Harlequin teen

Publication date: May 28th 2013

Ryan lowers his lips to my ear. "Dance with me, Beth."

"No." I whisper the reply. I hate him and I hate myself for wanting him to touch me again....

"I dare you..."

If anyone knew the truth about Beth Risk's home life, they'd send her mother to jail and seventeen-year-old Beth who knows where. So she protects her mom at all costs. Until the day her uncle swoops in and forces Beth to choose between her mom's freedom and her own happiness. That's how Beth finds herself living with an aunt who doesn't want her and going to a school that doesn't understand her. At all. Except for the one guy who shouldn't get her, but does....

Ryan Stone is the town golden boy, a popular baseball star jock-with secrets he can't tell anyone. Not even the friends he shares everything with, including the constant dares to do crazy things. The craziest? Asking out the Skater girl who couldn't be less interested in him.

But what begins as a dare becomes an intense attraction neither Ryan nor Beth expected. Suddenly, the boy with the flawless image risks his dreams-and his life-for the girl he loves, and the girl who won't let anyone get too close is daring herself to want it all...

-Goodreads description

Oh, my. Don't I just love little ole Katie McGarry.

Today, I’m gonna share with you one of my favorite reads in YA contemporary. ‘Dare you to’ is the second book of McGarry’s pushing the limits series and for me, it is by far the best. If you are hesitant to start up a new series, don't worry, the book can be read without reading the accompanying texts. It tells the story of Beth, whom we meet in the previous book, and Ryan, a baseball phenomenon at Bullit County High School. One of my favorite aspects of the book was the immediate chemistry felt between Beth and Ryan and their easy transition between humor and intimacy.  

Having said this, Beth and Ryan are both hard to like in the beginning, but I almost immediately warmed up to Ryan. Beth, on the other hand, is another story. I tried, I really did, but her personality just never appealed to me in the way that it should have. Don’t let this be the deciding factor though, as it still remains one of the best books I have read in the past year. Another thing that surprised me was I am someone who tends to stay dedicated towards the first love interest introduced. So, you could say I was confused when I found myself shipping Ryan and Beth instead of Isaiah. Uggghhhh....What are you doing to me, Katie?!

Evidence of McGarry’s expertise is clear in the interlinking of her story lines. I loved that I was able to still be part of Noah and Echo’s story from book one, even though we changed POV’s in ‘Dare you to’. Many authors finish a book and then just leave us hanging which can just get you pulling your hair in rage! You spend all that time developing a character's story line and then we don't even get to figure out what happens to them...no, that's just not right. And Miss. McGarry certainly seems to agree with me! Honestly, I have to admit that I think she is one of the best contemporary authors within the domain of Young Adult Contemporary to date. 
'Dare you to' has a definite thumbs up from me and is recommended for any fans of Katie McGarry and Simone Elkeles. Happy Reading!                                                
                                                     - Alana, xxx

Bruised by Sarah Skilton 

Publisher: Amulet/Abrams 

Publication date: March 5th 2013

Imogen has always believed that her black belt in Tae Kwon Do made her stronger than everyone else--more responsible, more capable. But when she witnesses a holdup in a diner, she freezes. The gunman is shot and killed by the police. And it's all her fault.

Now she's got to rebuild her life without the talent that made her special and the beliefs that made her strong. If only she could prove herself in a fight--a real fight--she might be able to let go of the guilt and shock. She's drawn to Ricky, another witness to the holdup, both romantically and because she believes he might be able to give her the fight she’s been waiting for.

But when it comes down to it, a fight won’t answer Imogen's big questions: What does it really mean to be stronger than other people? Is there such a thing as a fair fight? And can someone who's beaten and bruised fall in love?

- Goodreads description 

After having skimmed by the cover of Bruised for the last 2 years on my TBR list, I finally decided to give it a try. I had read mostly glowing reviews about its brutally in depth journey through the side affects of PTSD and decided, hey , why not? Maybe I'll just give it a try. 

Sadly, although I enjoyed the book, for me, it's not a read that will stick for long. Whilst Imogen coped with the traumatic situation in an entirely reasonable way, her attitude was off-putting and overall dampened any sort of emotional connection I could have made with her character. I also struggled to understand some of her more "justifiable" actions and to be frank, I think so did the other characters. The main concept of the story is that Ricky is the only one who seems to understand her. But really, I don't even think HE understands what the hell is going on. And that's saying something. 

So far, I might have made it seem like a completely futile novel but the authors' writing style is a bright beacon of light to this otherwise average read. Despite our disappointing protagonist, Skiltons' technical ability can not be denied. Bruised was well-written and certain ideas were well developed within the story line. However, I did get the feel that the author was juggling with too many ideas at once. While I think we can all appreciate a complex storyline, in this case, it was unaccounted for and unnecessary. Why include them if they can't be developed to their full potential anyway (unless of course your planning a sequel)?  When PTSD is already such a gripping and potent issue, there is really no need to intertwine high school drama or childhood memories. 

A good read for any contemporary YA fans with an itch for an intense story line! 

                                                               - Alana, xxx

    Eleanor & Park by Rainbow Rowell

Publisher: St. Martin's press

Publication date: February 26th 2013

Two misfits.

One extraordinary love.

Eleanor... Red hair, wrong clothes. Standing behind him until he turns his head. Lying beside him until he wakes up. Making everyone else seem drabber and flatter and never good enough...Eleanor.

Park... He knows she'll love a song before he plays it for her. He laughs at her jokes before she ever gets to the punch line. There's a place on his chest, just below his throat, that makes her want to keep promises...Park.

Set over the course of one school year, this is the story of two star-crossed sixteen-year-olds—smart enough to know that first love almost never lasts, but brave and desperate enough to try.

-Good reads description 

I really, really liked this book. Everything from the unique storyline to the intriguing characters captivated me from start to finish. I honestly don't think that I have read any book quite like this. Although the Fault in Our Stars comes close, the situation is so completely different that it can't possibly be compared. 

In the book, Eleanor and Park's relationship really blossomed. In the beginning, the bus rides were just plain awkward and cringe-worthy - neither of them really knew how to approach the situation- which by the way, is a totally normal response, although the 21st century seems to think that it is completely natural to become best friends after, like, 5 freaking seconds... like, no.That just doesn't happen. It doesn't. Anyway rant over, their relationship really was special in so many ways. Eleanor wasn't afraid to be herself and soon Park was allowing his individuality to shine through too. Together not only were they incredibly funny but shared a passion and intimacy that was unreal. 

A definite read for all YA book lovers! 

                                                                      -Alana,xxx