Peeks into Released

The Betrayal of Natalie Hargrove

by: Lauren Kate

A steamy Southern beauty makes one fatal mistake

Natalie Hargrove would kill to be her high school’s Palmetto Princess. But her boyfriend Mike King doesn’t share her dream and risks losing the honor of Palmetto Prince to Natalie’s nemesis, Justin Balmer. So she convinces Mike to help play a prank on Justin. . . one that goes terribly wrong. They tie him to the front of the church after a party—when they arrive the next morning, Justin is dead.
From blackmail to buried desire, dark secrets to darker deeds, Natalie unravels. She never should’ve messed with fate. Fate is the one thing more twisted than Natalie Hargrove.
Cruel Intentions meets Macbeth in this seductive, riveting tale of conscience and consequenc

“Deliciously twisted.” -Publishers Weekly

“Lots of adjectives can be applied to this debut effort—mean, smutty, decadent—and all of them should be taken as compliments.” -Booklist

May

The Beautiful Between


By: Alyssa B. Sheinmel


If high school were a fairy-tale kingdom, Connelly Sternin would be Rapunzel, locked not in a tower by a wicked witch but in a high-rise apartment building by the SATs and college applications—and by the secrets she keeps. Connelly's few friends think that her parents are divorced—but they're not. Connelly's father died when she was two, and she doesn't know how. If Connelly is the Rapunzel of her school, Jeremy Cole is the crown prince, son of a great and rich New York City family. So when he sits down next to her at lunch one day, Connelly couldn't be more surprised. But Jeremy has a tragic secret of his own, and Connelly is the only one he can turn to for help. Together they form a council of two, helping each other with their homework and sharing secrets. As the pair's friendship grows, Connelly learns that it's the truth, not the secrets, that one must guard and protect. And that between friends, the truth, however harsh, is also beautiful.

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Something like fate

by: Susane Colasanti

Lani, a reserved, grounded Taurus, and Erin, an outgoing, mercurial Leo, are best friends who couldn't be more different. Then Lani meets Jason, who has just started dating Erin. Lani and Jason have so much in common it's like they're joined at the soul, and they fall for each other quickly. To avoid the school rumor mill, they keep their love a secret through the summer, even after Erin goes away to camp and Jason breaks up with her. Lani gets wrapped up in her summer relationship with Jason, but not to the point where she loses herself. When Erin finds out the truth about what Lani and Jason did over the summer, she is furious with Lani, lashing out publicly, and leaving Lani fearful that her senior year will be fraught. Lani recounts both the thrill of romance and the terror of losing what little social status she has in an intelligent, fast-paced present-tense narration. Despite her suffering, she is determined to hang on to her fated relationship with Jason, which will resonate with readers attracted to bittersweet and tear-jerking romances.


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Spells

by: Aprillynne Pike

In clean, fresh prose, never wilting in momentum as some middle volumes do, this second installment stays fragrant throughout. Laurel's a faerie, and faeries are plants. On her back, a blossom sprouts annually; she binds it down under her shirt to keep the secret. Briefly visiting magical Avalon, where she was born (but which she doesn't recall), she studies plant lore and faerie society. As is traditional in supernatural romance, two boys want her: human David, warm and devoted, and faerie sentry Tamani, sizzlingly attractive and pining for Laurel's return. Trolls stalk and entrap Laurel and her loved ones in the human world, seeking revenge and the gateway into Avalon, while a slick human woman with a special-ops team helps defeat trolls but rouses Laurel's suspicion. As in Wings (2009), Pike brazenly codes physical deformity and asymmetry as evil, and her engagingly clear prose sometimes blunders into floridness when describing Avalon. Among the current cornucopia of supernatural romances (and despite the presumably unintentional humor of a heroine who literally tastes like nectar), though, this one blooms.

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Leaving Paradise

Leaving Paradise

by: Simone Elkeles

Caleb Becker spent the past year in juvenile detention.

Maggie Armstrong spent the past year in hospitals and physical therapy.

Two teens who were scarred one fateful night are going to have to face their greatest challenge yet- meeting up with each other again.

What happens when the person who damaged you for life… becomes the person you trust the most?

My rating ****

Ever since I have read “Perfect Chemistry” I set a goal to read all the books by Simone Elkeles. I love her work. One of the best things about this book is that told through the alternating perspectives of Caleb Becker and Maggie Armstrong, which brings the story to a full circle. What I love about the characters in Elkeles’s stories is that none of them are perfect. All of them are painfully real and misunderstood. I guess I’m a sucker for the troubled cases.

I think it only took me four hours to read this book. I couldn’t put it down! With every page the book became more intriguing, mysterious and confusing at the same time. The characters went through so much and at the end of the day they have nobody else but each other, which in my opinion was a little bazaar since throughout the book you are convinced that Caleb is the reason they ended up that way.

What made that story for me were the supporting characters. The mother that would sacrifice everything for her daughter, the mother that cares only about appearances, while having a secret of her own, the sister with a secret, and my personal favorite, an older lady, that keeps everybody glued together.

What I disliked about the book was the ending, and I know there is a sequel coming this summer ( “Return to Paradise”), but I wish I would’ve gotten the closure I needed in this novel.

“Leaving Paradise” is a beautiful, captivating, mysterious and sexy novel. It made me laugh and cry uncontrollably. Loved it!

Just Listen

Just Listen

by: Sarah Dessen

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 everybody what really happened the night she and Sophie stopped being friends?

My rating: ***

For the past four months every time I went to the book store I kept looking at this novel but I was never fully convinced to purchase it. I know that Sarah Dessen is considered one of the best YA authors, however I always thought that the theme of her books wasn’t my thing. But I decided to give it a shot.

“Just listen” was a great novel. From the plot to the characters everything seemed very realistic. I think this novel confronts the real life issues that are still in a way taboo subjects, like eating disorders and rape. Also, the way the characters react to different situations is very similar to the way some of us react. People choose to keep things to themselves, not confront the issues, hoping that one day they will go away, just like the protagonist Annabel. I think because of that, the author chose to let us know the real secret almost at the end of the story, which in my opinion is a great way to build the suspense. Along with that, Whitney’s eating disorder, lost friendships and new exiting romance drew me more and more into that novel.

I loved the male character, Owen. Since I am a big fan of music myself I felt more of a connection to him. For me he was “the perfect guy”, honest, handsome and mysterious. He was the opposite of Annabel and I think that’s the reason they got along so great. However, I wish that their relationship was developed a little more than it was.

I think that this novel is in a way a lesson in someone else’s life. It teaches you that what we see on the outside is not always true, that there isn’t much difference between lies and keeping the truth hidden, and that today’s world puts a lot of pressure on teenage girls. Just Listen by Sarah Dessen is a story about secrets, consequences and relationships that keeps you wanting more with every page. Good read, would recommend.

Hush Hush

Hush, Hush

by: Becca Fitzpatrick

For Nora Grey, romance was not part of the plan. She's never been particularly attracted to the boys at her school, no matter how much her best friend, Vee, pushes them at her. Not until Patch came along. With his easy smile and eyes that seem to see inside her, Nora is drawn to him against her better judgment.

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

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

My rating *****

The first thing that drove my attention to this novel was the book cover. I love it! It looks mysterious, sexy and interesting…just like the novel itself. This book reels you in and its almost impossible to look away. The author managed to include all the important factors, which combined make up for an amazing plot. There is suspense, mystery, forbidden love, and of course dark, sexy quintessential bad-boy.

Patch is a very interesting and memorable character. From the very beginning of the book you know there is something a little off about him but you can’t just pinpoint it. Your gut tells you that he is not all good but you can’t help falling for him. Every time he was mentioned you couldn’t help but grin like a school girl. The way the author described the chemistry between Patch and Nora is thrilling. The back and forth bickering, flirting and desire makes up for a great read. Nora is very realistic and safe, which balances very well with Patch’s character.

I loved the plot. This novel is packed with a lot of action. Every time I thought that I had it all figured out new twist completely threw me off. “Hush, Hush” is definitely one of my favorite books.

I have read many reviews that compare this book to Twilight, which I think it’s absolutely inaccurate. Those two novels have nothing in common, besides having supernatural characters. in my opinion this novel is more similar to “Fallen”, and after reading both of them I think “Hush, Hush” is better.

I know that there will be a sequel “Crescendo” coming out sometime this year and usually I like series but with this one I wish the author would stop after this. The reason I say this is because since the Twilight series every YA author is pushing to write a series to compete with it and that’s just not going to happen. So, I would hope they would stick to writing great novels not series.

April

The Karma Club

by: Jessica Brody

Madison Kasparkova always thought she understood how Karma works. Do good things and you'll be rewarded, do something bad and Karma will make sure you get what you deserve.

But when Maddy’s boyfriend cheats on her, nothing bad comes his way. That’s why Maddy starts the Karma Club, to clean up the messes that the universe has left behind.

Sometimes, though, it isn’t wise to meddle with the universe. It turns out Karma often has plans of its own.

April

Will Grayson, Will Grayson

by: John Green, David Levithan

One cold night, in a most unlikely corner of Chicago, two teens—both named Will Grayson—are about to cross paths. As their worlds collide and intertwine, the Will Graysons find their lives going in new and unexpected directions, building toward romantic turns-of-heart and the epic production of history’s most fabulous high school musical. Hilarious, poignant, and deeply insightful, John Green and David Levithan’s collaborative novel is brimming with a double helping of the heart and humor that have won both them legions of faithful fans.
Publishers Weekly

April

Rules of Attraction

by:Simone Elkeles

Carlos Fuentes doesn't want any part of the life his older brother, Alex, has laid out for him in Boulder, Colorado. He wants to keep living on the edge, and carve his own path?just like Alex did. Unfortunately, his ties to a Mexican gang aren't easy to break, and he soon finds himself being set up by a drug lord.

When Alex arranges for Carlos to live with his former professor and his family to keep him from being sent to jail, Carlos feels completely out of place. He's even more thrown by his strong feelings for the professor's daughter, Kiara, who is nothing like the girls he's usually drawn to. But Carlos and Kiara soon discover that in matters of the heart, the rules of attraction overpower the social differences that conspire to keep them apart.

As the danger grows for Carlos, he's shocked to discover that it's this seemingly All-American family who can save him. But is he willing to endanger their safety for a chance at the kind of life he's never even dreamed possible?

Before I Fall

Before I fall

By: Lauren Oliver

What if you had only one day to live? What would you do? Who would you kiss? And how far would you go to save your own life?
Samantha Kingston has it all: the world’s most crush-worthy boyfriend, three amazing best friends, and first pick of everything at Thomas Jefferson High, from the best table in the cafeteria to the choicest parking spot. Friday, February 12 should be just another day in her charmed life.
Instead, it turns out to be her last.
Fortunately, she gets a second chance. Seven chances, in fact. Reliving her last day during one miraculous week, she will untangle the mystery surrounding her death—and discover the true value of everything she is in danger of losing.

My rating ****

Every once in a while you stumble across a book that makes you re-think your whole life. Everything that you do, all the relationships you have and what is your goal in life. For me, “Before I fall” did just that to me.

One the beginning I was thinking that reading the same day over and over might be a bit boring and cliché, but each day was different, exiting and intriguing. One of my favorite parts of this novel was the friendship between the girls. It was the kind of friendship each of us would die to have, however, at the same time it is so realistic. None of them are perfect, just like us. However, they all bring out the best in each other. I have read many reviews which disliked the protagonist, Sam.

I think these people are lying to themselves. All of us, doesn’t matter how old we are, at some point we were all bullies; mean, selfish, heartless humans. The most important point in this novel is the change. The change that occurs inside of Sam , while she relives the same days seven times.

This was an amazing read. I could talk about this novel for hours. It makes us realize the importance of life, and every moment. Life is precious. Every decision we make if affecting other people, not only us. Of course, we can’t live our lives thinking about other people all the time but sometimes we should consider it.

Two way Street

Two way street

By: lauren Batnholdt

There are two sides to every breakup.

This is Jordan and Courtney, totally in love. Sure, they were an unlikely high school couple. But they clicked; it worked. They're even going to the same college, and driving cross-country together for orientation.

Then Jordan dumps Courtney -- for a girl he met on the Internet.

It's too late to change plans, so the road trip is on. Courtney's heartbroken, but figures she can tough it out for a few days. La la la -- this is Courtney pretending not to care.

But in a strange twist, Jordan cares. A lot.

Turns out, he's got a secret or two that he's not telling Courtney. And it has everything to do with why they broke up, why they can't get back together, and how, in spite of it all, this couple is destined for each other


My rating ****

When I first came across this novel I was a little bit skeptical about it. After reading the synopsis, let’s just say I wasn’t intrigued. However, after a little bit of research I found some positive reviews, so I decided to give it a read. Im glad I did.

It was a quick and enjoyable read. The characters and details are well- developed. The unique style of writing allows you to grasp the whole picture of the story. I love how the chapters are divided into Jordan and Courtney chapters as well as present and past. Courtney and Jordan are totally different from each other and maybe that’s the secret to their chemistry. She is the ultra-organizer, perfectionist, who has to have everything done on time. Jordan on the other side takes his life day-by-day; he is carefree and loves rap music. The author makes a reference to a popular networking site myspace, which makes the book very relatable and realistic.

One of the things that I loved the most about this novel is that it was hilarious!! I couldn’t stop laughing. I think everyone of us can relate to that “I hate you, but I love you” situation. What makes the plot much more interesting are the secrets, family ties, and best friends.

However, I wished the ending was developed a bit more…

Upcoming Release

Linger

by: Maggie Stiefvater

In Maggie Stiefvater's Shiver, Grace and Sam found each other. Now, in Linger, they must fight to be together. For Grace, this means defying her parents and keeping a very dangerous secret about her own well-being. For Sam, this means grappling with his werewolf past . . . and figuring out a way to survive into the future. Add into the mix a new wolf named Cole, whose own past has the potential to destroy the whole pack. And Isabelle, who already lost her brother to the wolves . . . and is nonetheless drawn to Cole.

At turns harrowing and euphoric, Linger is a spellbinding love story that explores both sides of love - the light and the dark, the warm and the cold - in a way you will never forget.


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The Short Second Life of Bree Tanner: An Eclipse Novella

by: Stephanie Meyer

Fans of The Twilight Saga will be enthralled by this riveting story of Bree Tanner, a character first introduced in Eclipse, and the darker side of the newborn vampire world she inhabits. In another irresistible combination of danger, mystery, and romance, Stephenie Meyer tells the devastating story of Bree and the newborn army as they prepare to close in on Bella Swan and the Cullens, following their encounter to its unforgettable conclusion.

Willow

Willow

by: Julia Hoban

Seven months ago, on a rainy March night, sixteen-year- old Willow's parents drank too much wine and asked her to drive them home. They never made it—Willow lost control of the car and her parents died in the accident. Now she has left behind her old home, friends, and school, and blocks the pain by secretly cutting herself. But when Willow meets Guy, a boy as sensitive and complicated as she is, she begins an intense, life-changing relationship that turns her world upside down.

Told in an arresting, fresh voice, Willow is an unforgettable novel about one girl's struggle to cope with tragedy, and one boy's refusal to give up on her

My rating *****

For me this novel was like a journey to discover the truth about self-injury. This is a first for me. Never before i have read such a intense and compelling story about a cutter. On the begining i wasnt sure how intersted i might be in this particular theme, i was afraid i might abandon this book before giving it a chance. Im glad i didnt, because from the first chapter i was hooked.

I think the characters in this novel are well developed, interesting, and very mature despite their age. I was trully moved by the relationship that Willow and Guy had from the very first meeting. Julia Hoban is a very descriptive writer so everyscene in this book is graphic. I love it.

Great read, looking forward to more novels from this author.