Meet Me At The River by Nina De Grammont (book review by Efterpi)

Author: Nina De Gramont
Release Date: October 13th 2013
Publisher: Atheneum
Pages: 384
Rating: 4 stars
Buy on: Amazon

We can't choose who we love - but can we choose to let go?

Stepsiblings Tressa and Luke have been close since they were little - and when they become teenagers, they slip from being best friends to being something more. Their relationship makes everyone around them uncomfortable, but they can't - won't - deny their connection. Nothing can keep them apart.

Not even death. Luke is killed in a horrible, tragic accident, and Tressa is suddenly and desperately alone. Unable to outrun the waves of grief and guilt and longing, she is haunted by thoughts of suicide. And then she is haunted by Luke himself.

He visits only at night. But when he's with her, it's almost like the accident never happened. Oh, there are reminders, from the way she can only feel him when he touches the scars on her wrist, to how she can't seem to tell him about life since he's been gone. As long as they're together, though, the rest - it fades away.

But during the day it is Tressa who can't grasp hold of the people around her. The same people who never wanted her and Luke together in the first place are determined to help her move on. Determined to help her heal. They just don't understand - one misstep, one inch forward, could leave Luke behind forever.

Reviews:

When I was working at a bookstore I was around 100's of books...between them was this one.

The storyline is simple and cliché – about a girl and a boy , the ''mean parents'' (this reminds me of stuff – probably he is reading this right now and he is either smilling or cursing :) , a weird mother and the boys death. Its a pretty cliché romance BUT (drumroll please) the writing is so beautifuly amazing, so superb and although I wouldn;t read this book the writing alone made me finish it within a day.

Meet Tressa the girlfriend left behind and has to cope with the death of her boyfriend. Meet Luke the dead boyfriend – he is dead I know – but what kind of a young adult novel would that be without the dead coming back to hunt us???? Right. What I have to say next may be confusing for some and not for others. Although Meet Me At The River has a touch of paranormal the whole plot is all about coping with grief and life. Coming of age like. The beautiful writing that I mentioned earlier helped a lot to shape the story.

Its a sad book. I didnt cry but my heart swell from sadness when paranormal and actual real life blended together. Tressa trying to find a way to cope with the loss and Luke trying to help her do it. How the people after an accident see you, how you get special treatment like you are a celebrity or simply because they think you are too fragile that if they push you even a tad you will break into a thousand little pieces.

There is a side story to the whole thing as well. Tressas mother and her adventures. This is the most important of all in order to understand Tressa and what shaped her. Why she didn;t quite fit with the rest and why Luke chose her. Make sure to pay extra attention to the family explaining otherwise you wont understand a thing.

This is a great read and although not The Fault In Our Stars (tears tears everywhere) this is a book worth reading.

Until The Final Hour: Hitler's Last Secretary by Traudl Junge (book review by Efterpi)

Author: Traudl Junge
Release Date: May 9th 2005
Publisher: Arcade
Pages: 250
Rating: 5 stars
Buy on: Amazon

In 1942 Germany, Traudl Junge was a young woman with dreams of becoming a ballerina when she was offered the chance of a lifetime. At the age of 22, she became private secretary to Adolf Hitler, and served him for two and a half years, right up to the bitter end. Her memoir, written not long after the war but set aside until recently, offers a unique and chilling glimpse of the human face of this man known to posterity as a monster.

Review: 

Being a ww2 history reader and enthusiast I came across this book in the library. The 2004 movie downfall was based on this unique memoir.

This memoir was written by Traudl Junge, Hitlers last secretary. She was in the service of Hitler from 1942 to 1945 and she experienced all kinds of things – from days of happiness and triumph to days of panic and despair to the final hours of the third reich and the final moments of Adolf Hitler and Eva Braun.

The first draft of the book was composed in 1947 – barely two years after the end of WW2. It is written in that way that the author doesn't even judge, doesn't even comment on the events she witnessed. She just tells us the story, what happened and why it happened. In my opinion for this , for writing this way, is that after all this propaganda and after all the things she witnessed she wasnt fully aware of what exactly happened. Like she could not believe it – thus was not able to fully judge it , like she did in later years with interviews on documentaries.

The most interesting part of the story is the final month in the bunker. Where everything was falling apart, how everyone left Berlin, the state Hitler was in and how this powerful leader now lay in bed weak and alone, all of his followers already abandoned him and tried to negotiate with the enemy. Even his most faithfull men. How he seemed to not know whats going on and how he stopped having military meetings in contrast two years prior that he held military meeting with his commaders and all important people that could last hours with no end. It is interesting to see that Junge and the rest of the people in the bunker actually believed Hitler when he said that there will be one more army that will beat the enemy and that Germania will rise again – till the very last minute everyone waited for this army but nothing happened.

Some people condemn this memoir by stating that Traudl made Hitler appear human and almost feeling sympathetic about him – what most of us forget is that Hitler was a human being and although he was probably one of the most cruel leaders the history ever knew he had a sensitive side. In the book Traudl says that he was a fatherly figure that everyone admired and felt safe around. He was kind and always happy to give advice – he was even overly excited when people decided to get married. Even the movie received mixed reviews when it came to the acting of Bruno Ganz as Adolf Hitler – he made him too human for some , he made the audience feel sympathetic towards him and thats what I felt. I felt sorry for him, I felt sorry for the people around him.

Hitlers last secretary for him was an amazing read, I understood a lot of things about Hitler himself and how he acted than I did from all the other books I have read about the Third Reich. I recommend that to everyone out there interested in WW2.

Cover Reveal: Alex by Sawyer Bennett

So today I am super excited to share with you all the cover reveal of the first book in the Cold Fury series: ALEX written by Sawyer Bennett.

The book is Sawyer's debut with Loveswept, a publication of Random House.

Loveswept has many fabolous titles of great and enjoyable romance- Like The Stiletto book by Lauren Layne and The Escape Diaries by Juliet Rosetti.

Truth be told, every book I read so far from Loveswept I loved. So, I'm always excited when something new is cooking up!

Moreover, the Cold Fury series is going to be a series about hockey players! aren't they just totally drool worthy? At least in my mind (and in books) they are! :D

But why do I keep on prattling?

Well, ladies and gentlemen I ain't gonna hold you back from this hottie!

Loveswept (Random House) is thrilled to debut the cover of ALEX: A Cold Fury Hockey Novel by USA Todaybestselling author Sawyer Bennett! ALEX is the first in a sexy and exciting new series that’s hot enough to melt the ice…

ALEX (A Cold Fury Hockey Novel)

Loveswept Contemporary Romance

Written by Sawyer Bennett

On sale: October 14, 2014

ISBN: 978-0-553-39300-2

About ALEX:

Hockey star Alexander Crossman has a reputation as a cold-hearted player on and off the rink. Pushed into the sport by an alcoholic father, Alex isn’t afraid to give fans the proverbial middle finger, relishing his role as the MVP they love to hate. Management, however, isn’t so amused. Now Alex has a choice: fix his public image through community service or ride the bench. But Alex refuses to be molded into the Carolina Cold Fury poster boy… not even by a tempting redhead with killer curves.
 
As a social worker, Sutton Price is accustomed to difficult people—like Alex, who’s been assigned to help her create a drug-abuse awareness program for at-risk youth as part of the team’s effort to clean up his image. What she doesn’t expect is the arrogant smirk from his perfect lips to stir her most heated fantasies. But Sutton isn’t one to cross professional boundaries—and besides, Alex doesn’t do relationships… or does he? The more she sees behind Alex’s bad-boy façade, the more Sutton craves the man she uncovers.

Get your copy of ALEX (A Cold Fury Hockey Novel)

Amazon | B&N | iBooks | Google Play | Kobo | Other retailers

About Sawyer Bennett

USA Today bestselling author Sawyer Bennett is a snarky Southern woman and reformed trial lawyer who decided to finally start putting on paper all of the stories that were floating in her head. Her husband works for a Fortune 100 company which lets him fly all over the world while she stays at home with their daughter and three big, furry dogs who hog the bed. Sawyer would like to report she doesn’t have many weaknesses but can be bribed with a nominal amount of milk chocolate.

Connect with Sawyer

Website | Facebook | Twitter | Street Team

Connect with Loveswept

Website | Facebook | Twitter | Street Team

Well isn't that just a hot cover? I feel myself blushing again and I haven't done that since I was sixteen, five years ago....So yeah.

Magic City: Recent Spells by Paula Guran (and many others) [Review by Sharon]

Author:  Paula Guran, Holly Black, Scott Lynch, Jim Butcher, Patricia Briggs, Elizabeth Bear (And many others I've never heard of)
Series: -
Number: -
Number of pages: 480
Publisher: Prime Books
Date published: 7 May 2014
Buy on: Amazon, Amazon UK
Rating: 1.5 stars

"Bright lights, big city… magic spells, witchcraft, wizardry, fairies, devilry, and more. Urban living, at least in fantasy fiction, is full of both magical wonder and dark enchantment. 

Street kids may have supernatural beings to protect them or have such powers themselves. Brujeria may be part of your way of life. Crimes can be caused (and solved) with occult arts and even a losing sports team’s “curse” can be lifted with wizardry. And be careful of what cab you call—it might take you on a journey beyond belief! 

Some of the best stories of urban enchantment from the last few years gathered in one volume full of hex appeal and arcane arts."

Review:

Before I start, I have to admit I really don't like this book. REALLY. 

Which is why I'm going to border on bitchy (assuming, I'll be able to control myself). 

You see that line I markered? That's a total lie, in my very honest and very direct opinion. 

This is an anthology with stories about magic. I don;t know what about you (though you might agree with me if you read Harry Potter as a child and fell in love with magic), but as I grew up over the years there were quite a few things that never changed for me. One of them is Magic. If you asked me when I was little kid I'd probably tell you- Magic is awesome(!). 

Because what is magic? it's about breaking limits, it's about a strong mind and stronger will, it can be about nature or defying nature, it's tricks of the mind, it can be a full-scale vicious battle, it can heal, it can hurt and kill, it can help, it can be about elemets, it can be science, it can be about the unexplained. Magic can have a terrible price, it can be your savior and your executioner. Magic can be about everything, anything and nothing in particular. The options are unlimited, infinte. 

Never have I imagined there would come a day I would say magic could be as boring as watching one of those Baby Mozart DVDs over and over again. Then again, I just said that magic had infinte number of options- maybe I should have seen the boring option coming around the corner chasing it's exciting and lively siblings. But I didn't see that option happening, I didn't think the day would come (I never wanted it to come). This anthology proved me wrong. Magic an be boring, people can be boring (and most times I think people are never boring- they are fascinating creatures).

This anthology proved me wrong. In regards of magic- this anthology is the doomsday of magic and everything magical. [maybe I exaggerated a bit. After all I can count on one hand a few stories that get 3 or 4 stars]

Still, I'm going to side step for a moment. Have you heard of the book Practical Magic? To cut a long story short it's a book about a family of strong women that casts spells. Their magic is small, subtle and even though Practical Magic is not an action packed book and even though it's very slow paced, I'd rather read any scene from it than read almost any story form this anthology. Yes, I am well aware of the fact I actually loved Practical Magic, but even so it had scenes about everyday life- like the scent of carameled apples carried on the wind in a summer noon.

But this anthology? It's boring. At first I thought I'll write about each story. Well, no more. I really don't have the power or the time (to waste) on writing about Charlie boy and his nineteen cousins that are as ugly as him. I'm also not going to talk too much about his four somewhat not ugly cousins. Maybe, just maybe, I'll talk a little his Good Looking cousin.

SO, first of all I'd like to point out the stories written by: Elizabeth Bear, Amanda Downum, Jim Butcher and Holly Black. These stories were midldly interesting and quite well written though nit very original. In comparison to Charlie Boy and the rest of teh cousins they stand out well. But you know what? I give them 3 stars and still feel like I was VERY generous. 

Once again I'm going to side step for a moment. So when I was in the 11th grade my whole grade went out to some trip (for five days). You may cal it some sort of camoing trip. They boys and the girls were separated and hardly saw each other during that week- there wasn't any interaction between us. Now, the girls were split to small group of 12, and each had her own guide. All the guides were girls, and there was the guy who was like chief guide. The chief guide was the only guy we saw and had interaction with for a whole five days. He wasn't good looking, he was below avarage. Still, he was the only guy we could see for a mile long, s naturally, most of the girl had a crush on him. 

The fact is that when you surround someone with other people that are way more stupid than him, even if that someone isn't a genius suddenly he will be the smartes guy on the block which is why he will be considered as really smart. 

So yeah, everything is relative. Fact is, if you're company is stupid it does not mean that you are smart. Which is why I give these stories only 3 stars and I feel it's generous. Because these stories were surronded by stories I would have given minus infinte stars to originally. So in a relative way they are better. But if I take them outside if that scale and put them in my normal everyday scale the fact remains that I wouldn't have given them 3 stars. 

Another story is the one written by Scott Lynch, which is also a 3 stars one. But, unlike the others it is a solid 3 stars story. It is well written in a creative world, and the only thing that stopped me form giving it more was the same reason I gave only 2 stars to his latest book in the Locke Lamora series. Because Scott Lynch writes a story that is planned from start to finish, he makes his characters do and say what needs to be done and said in order to achieve the story he wanted, however it feels soemwhat forced. Because he does not let his characters ahve free reign. They do and say things in a way that does not fit them. Yes, I know they are his characters so he probably knows them better. But I can't ignore that sense of wrongness I felt while I read the Locke Lamora books and this Short Story. 

The last story I'll talk about is Seeing Eye by Patricia Briggs. This story is a solid 4 stars for me. I'll call it the seventh cousin of Charlie Boy. It's my favourite, it's Mister Hot Guy. Seeing Eye is quite well known, and as well written. But as much as I might praise it (and I could write poems of it's beauty), it is not worth to but this book just to read this shorty. You can read it in other anthologies (as well as the new Mercy Thompson book that would come out soon and contains all the Mercy Universe short stories). Fans of Mercy Thompson would love it. Others would enjoy teh well developed characters, the conflict and the great world that is learned/explained here so effortlessly. Which leads me to the most important thing- I understand what this story is doing will all this boring bunch. You know how sometimes people hang out with the golden, well liked, popular kid hoping that in someway some of his popularity will rub off on them? Well, this is the golden boy, case in point it is puted and teh seventh story- right where you might lose you patience and would like to throw the book out the window, it is so good you'll keep reading afterwards in the hope of uncovering another jem in this aweful anthology. Personally, I think that instead of putting it with this bunch of well meaning but stupid fellows, the teacher should have just required from them the same level of quality. It might sound bad, But hiding behind your Mama's skirt has never made anyone independant. 

Now, as for Charlie Boy (the first story and a great example to all the other ugly cousins) is a street wizard that protect humanity from all the things that go bump in the night. Sounds amazing, right? So many possobilities! Well, Charlie thought (for no apprent reason) it was important to tell me that he brush his teeth every night (when he wakes up), that he sees the world as it really is- with demons and other creatures (That are supposedly dangerous, but truth is Charlie would kill you of boredome before any of them will get a chance to even lay a finger on you), he tells us about Red (the working girl). But that's really as exciting as it got. Nothing happens with Red, actually nothing practically happens beside Charlie walking the streets.
And truthfully, When I walk the street it tends to be more interesting.

Some of the boring stories were about Fae- in the TinkerBell, and Shakespear style. Well, if you read Fever by Karen Marie Moning you'll probably understand how boring that is. If you have yet to read Fever, I say- Go read it now instead of wasting you time on this boring excuse of a book.   

A review copy was provided by the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. 


This review is also on: LeafMarks, BookLikes, GoodReads

Teaser reveal: Worth the Fall by Claudia Connor

SO, today I'm going to share with you something hot!

The Accidental Reader is hosting a teaser of a new book that's coming out on 9th September 2014!

We'll start with a bit of information about the book:

WORTH THE FALL

The McKinney Brothers: A Loveswept Contemporary Romance

Written by Claudia Connor

On Sale September 9, 2014

978-0-553-39091-9

Prepare to be swept away by a talented debut author with a passionate, powerful story to tell.
 
They meet on a beach. . . . Abby Davis isn’t wearing a skimpy bikini or sipping umbrella drinks, not when she’s busy chasing around four little ones. And Matt McKinney isn’t looking for fun—he’s a Navy SEAL, a grown man with a long list of missions . . . and fallen brothers.
 
They only have a week. . . . Abby has brought her children to this beach to start over, to give them the enjoyable memories they deserve. Matt’s been sidelined by a combat injury, and haunted by the best friend he lost and the promise he made: to remain a SEAL—focused and dedicated. This leaves no time for what he’s always wanted: a family.
 
But a week is all it takes. . . . Matt opens her heart while Abby soothes his soul. And though they plan to say good-bye when the week is over, something magical happens on that beach, something neither can forget. Something utterly, completely worth falling for.

Well, isn't this just a hot cover? I have to admit, covers like this one really embarrass me...so you can imagine how happy I am not that there are ebooks. I can stare at the cover all I want and people won't know what I'm doing :P

Now, to the teaser :D

" Settle down. He’s only a man.

Using the upper body strength she’d honed at the gym, she strained to crank the stubborn umbrella. She could do it. She’d done it yesterday. For God’s sake.Don’t look completely incompetent.

“Need some help?”

“No, I’ve got it.”

He moved in behind her until he stood so close she felt the loose strands of her hair catching on his chest. Abby inhaled hot skin and male deodorant—a heady, masculine combination that had her struggling to focus.

“Let me help you.”

“I can do it.” She tried to sound forceful and confident, but it came out breathy and—

“I know you can, but I can help.” His words whispered against her cheek. His arms came around her and he easily raised the umbrella, his body brushing hers with each turn of the crank. Then his arms were gone, leaving a strange void.

She turned to face him. He was so close. Nothing between them but the warm breeze. His sunglasses hung around his neck, revealing chocolate-brown eyes. Beyond beautiful, deep and rich, fringed with black lashes. A strong man with soft eyes. Eyes that could talk a girl into anything.

“Hey, Matt. Where’s our castle? I brought my football. Can we throw in the water?” Jack shot off his questions, oblivious to the fact the two adults in front of him stood like frozen statues.

Matt’s eyes held her captive another long second before he turned his attention to her son and she let herself breathe.

“Yeah, sure. One sec.” He walked the few feet to where he’d left his beach chair and came back with two. “There.” He set up the chairs under her umbrella. “You’ll like it better with a chair.”

“Thank you. If you tell me how much, I’ll—”

“You’re welcome.”

“Matt—” She reached for her beach bag, but he stopped her with a hand on her arm.

“Abby.”

Her mind went blank at the feeling of his hot hand on her skin and the sensation he was touching her everywhere.

“Matt!” Jack was about to burst a blood vessel.

“Coming.”

Abby tried unsuccessfully to unglue her eyes as he walked down to the water. Matt’s sleek body dove through the waves as he played with Jack, and each time she held her breath, waiting for him to resurface. When he did, he burst through the water looking like a Greek god, chiseled out of smooth stone and coming to life right before her.

But the way he smiled at her son and gave him high fives made him even more beautiful. And the way she’d felt standing between his arms . . . Ridiculous, but still the word “safe” came to mind.

“Abby?”

He stood in front of her, drops of water clinging to his arms and chest, dripping down the ridges of his stomach.

Jack ran up beside him. “We’re swim buddies. Right, Matt? Matt says you should always swim with a buddy.”

Matt’s raised eyebrows and the smirk he was fighting told her she’d been busted for gawking. “Do you want to come out? The water’s great.”

“Um, no. No, thanks. I’m not a strong swimmer. I mean I can swim, I just—”

“I’ll be your swim buddy.” He grinned and she caught a hint of dimples.

Oh, Lord.

“The ocean still hasn’t grown on you, huh?”

She swallowed hard. “It’s growing.”  "

Oh my....*licks lips* 

Claudia Connor attended Auburn University, where she received her undergraduate and masters degrees in early childhood education, and completed her studies in Sawbridgeworth, England. Always a lover of happy endings, she enjoys movies, reading, and spending her days putting on paper the stories in her head. She lives near Memphis, Tennessee, with her husband and three daughters.

Connect with Claudia

Facebook | Twitter

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Website | Facebook | Twitter

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Stolen Songbird by Danielle L. Jensen [Review by Sharon]

Author:  Danielle L. Jensen
Series: The Malediction Trilogy
Number: 1
Number of pages: 480
Publisher: Strange Chemistry
Date published: 1 April 2014
Buy on: Amazon, Amazon UK
Rating: 5 stars

"For those who have loved Seraphina and Graceling comes another truly fabulous fantasy...

For five centuries, a witch’s curse has bound the trolls to their city beneath the ruins of Forsaken Mountain. Time enough for their dark and nefarious magic to fade from human memory and into myth. But a prophesy has been spoken of a union with the power to set the trolls free, and when Cécile de Troyes is kidnapped and taken beneath the mountain, she learns there is far more to the myth of the trolls than she could have imagined.

Cécile has only one thing on her mind after she is brought to Trollus: escape. Only the trolls are clever, fast, and inhumanly strong. She will have to bide her time, wait for the perfect opportunity.

But something unexpected happens while she’s waiting – she begins to fall for the enigmatic troll prince to whom she has been bonded and married. She begins to make friends. And she begins to see that she may be the only hope for the half-bloods – part troll, part human creatures who are slaves to the full-blooded trolls. There is a rebellion brewing. And her prince, Tristan, the future king, is its secret leader.

As Cécile becomes involved in the intricate political games of Trollus, she becomes more than a farmer’s daughter. She becomes a princess, the hope of a people, and a witch with magic powerful enough to change Trollus forever."

Review:

I want to clarify a few things before I start this review

1. I know some people do not love the cover, personally, I think it's gorgeous. 

2. This book is long. Then again, so are many other books. and I don't mind the lentgh. IMO, if a book is well written and well developed- I don't care how long it is. 

3. In the blurb there is comparison to both Serephina and Graceling. I have yet to fully read the former, but I skimmed through it and though it looks like a great book I doubt I'd love it. As for the latter, I read it and throughky enjoyed it- but it's a far cry from being a favourite of mine. Which is why I was somewhat hesitant to read this book. What made me want to read it anyway? The rest of the blurb that sounded just right up my ally. This is one of those times I'm glad I listened to my instinct. 

Now, then. 

I will not tell you that I couldn't put this book down, because I could and I did quite a few times for various reasons (it was late, I was busy, my eyes were tired, I had a headache). 

Truth be told most books can be put [and are put] down. However, the real question is how fast did I want to pick it back up again? the answer is every five minutes. 

Another question is while reading the book and after reading it, did it hunt me? The answer is like villagers hunting a witch in the old times. 

Stolen Songbird is this amazing book that achieved so many things I always want to see in a book I read, I'll try to explain. 

I. A Great Heroine

Cécile was great, she was fun and realistic and smart. She was nice, and courageous, full of life. She was brave. While she was kidnapped, she fought her captor. When she arrived in Trollus she soon realized that she might not be able to escape as fast as she'd want, but she didn't give up hope on escaping. 

She learned about the trolls and Trollus realizing that while she's there she might as well get to know the gameboard and the players. 

II. A Wonderful Hero

Tristan. oh, Tristan. He was so many things- kind, brutal, caring, manipulator, politician, honest. At first I appreciated him as a character and later on I came to love him. 

Through the book, Tristan is playing a dangerous game. 

III. A Mature Realtionship

Triatian's and Cécile's relationship developes under the most horrible conditions, and yet, the development is nothing short of spectacular. 

“I cringed, though; for as much as I did not want to marry a troll, I was just as certain the troll didn’t want to marry me.” 

They start as strangers, enemies even, thrust together in an unlikely situation that each of them wish he could have escaped. They becoming begrudging alliances, working together to achieve their goals. 

Slowly, they become friends and evetually lovers. Even then, they are both aware of the fact that their circumstances aren't ideal and it stands between them.  

But their love is true. 

IV. The Setting

I just loved the setting. Trollus exist underneath a mountain, and it's folklore and the Troll's origin are interesting, well thought of and simply enchanting. 

"Not all of them were deformed, but they were monsters still, every one of them."

Trollus is this magical place covered in darkness, horrors and empty beauty. 

"At his side stood an exceptionally lovely troll, long black curls cascading over her jeweled velvet clothing. Her expression was vacant and unseeing, and I shivered as a dreamy smile crossed over her lips."

The Trolls are these crazy, intelligent, beautiful yet terrifying creatures. They are cruel, they choose to be cruel, they are evil that chose to be evil. I was afraid of the dark while I was reading the book. 

V. Side Characters

The side characters, the supporting characters are standing out just as much as the main ones. 

“I think it is our nature to believe evil always has an ugly face,” he said, ignoring my question. “Beauty is supposed to be good and kind, and to discover it otherwise is like a betrayal of trust. A violation of the nature of things.”

There's Tristan's cousins, who become good friends with Cecile. 

And then, there is Tristan's childhood friend that on first impression might seem like the beautiful mean girl that Cecile is supposed to hate, but actually she has more to her than that and it was sheer joy to read that. 

I need the next book like ten years ago, and I'm willing to bribe in any way imaginable in order to get my hands on an early copy. Yup, you heard that right. 

A review copy was provided by Strange Chemistry through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! 

This review is also on GoodReads. BookLikes

Copied by S.M. Anderson [Review by Sharon]

Author:  S.M. Anderson
Series: -
Number: -
Number of pages: 248
Publisher: Curiosity Quills Press
Date published: 10 December 2013
Buy on: Amazon, Amazon UK
Rating: 3 stars

"Adopted off the black market, Alexander Mitchell, has no idea his DNA is copyrighted and property of military weapons giant Texacom Defense. Nor that his DNA is being used to develop an army of clones. When the company discovers he was not properly disposed of 17 years ago, they send an assassin copy, BETA23, to terminate Xan and cover it up.

After he narrowly escapes BETA23’s first attempt, Xan teams up with Lacey, a genetically engineered genius he’s surprised to find common ground with— only they’re awkward together. Half of the time she stares at Xan like the science project he is and the other half…let’s just say Xan can’t keep his eyes off her lips.

When they manage to capture a company copy by luck and sheer stupidity on Xan’s part, Lacey is determined to see the good in their prisoner to the point she believes BETA23 can be persuade to give them the intelligence they need to keep the company forever off Xan’s back. Xan’s not sure if he can trust the darker version of himself, not when it means gambling with the lives of his family and the possibility of losing Lacey."

Review

This is a book about Nature versus Nurture and many other seintifics dilemas, e.g; Does a genetically engineered person have a soul? a personality? a will of his own? What about clone? Does it have a right to live?

While not attempting to answer this questions in a definite and directive way, this book does raise them and gives us some points to think over. 

This is a well-written, action packed book. 

The question is, why only 3 stars? 

First I'd like to clarify that 3 stars is not a bad rating, it means the book was OK and is certainly worth reading. 

However, it also means the book either does not stand up as something unique on it's own or that I just didn't love it. This time it's both. 

The book started out so promising I was sure it would be a 4 stars for me. It didn't disappoint, it just didn't meet my expectations. 

Futhermore, while I can't say for sure how many books were written in the previous couple years in the same genre with the same blurb (clones, Nature vr. Nurture, genetic engeneering). The fact remains that all in all over the years there were many books written in that criteria. Some were better, some were worse. Some were just like this one. Which means, that in my opinion, this book failed to add something new to the genre-which was what I hoped it would do- thus, it failed to amaze me. 

On a more personal ground, Xan was nice character and while the book was a little confusing at first nothing was spoon-fed to me. I appreciate it, because I really do hate it when authors mock my intelligence. 

All in all, great YA light sci-fi book to read. And I do rec it. 

What happened the first time I read the book 

Thank you so much for Curiosity Quills Press for approving me on NetGalley for this one, and for sending me a digital copy when I missed the archive date. You are the best!

This review is also on: GoodReads, BookLikes

Don't Put That In There by Aaron E. Carroll & Rachel C. Vreeman [review by Sharon]

Author: Aaron E. Carroll & Rachel C. Vreeman
Series: -
Number: -
Number of pages: 288
Publisher: St. Martin's Press
Date published: 1 July 2014
Buy on: Amazon, Amazon UK
Rating: 4 stars

"People have more access to medical information than ever before with an abundance of printed and online resources, and yet we still believe "facts" about our bodies and sexuality that are just plain wrong. Don’t PutThat in There! takes on these myths and misconceptions, and exposes the truth behind some of those weird and worrisome things we think about our bodies, such as:
•The average penis size is seven inches
•Squeezing breasts is all fun and games
•You shouldn’t have sex before the big game
•Anal sex will give you cancer
•Two condoms are better protection than one
•Pubic hair doesn’t turn gray
•Sex can give you a heart attack
•Only men have wet dreams 
•You can’t break your penis 
•You can run out of sperm
With the perfect blend of authoritative research and a breezy, accessible tone, Don’t Put That in There! is full of enlightening, practical, and quirky facts that will debunk some of the most perennial misconceptions we believe about sex and sexuality"
Review:

Well, 

Written in a funny approchable way, Don't Put That In There!debunk all sorts of sex myths I never had. 

Maybe, that came out a little wrong. 

So let's start at...well, I'm not sure. 
What made me want to read this book was sheer curiousity as to what myths there are regarding sex? Beside the funny name and the cover promised something that while being informative will also be easy to read. 

Was that promise delivered? YES!

There are Many myths regarding sex, sexuality and the whole things involving it. I was surprised at how many (thankfully, I didn't hold any of them).

I think this book is necessary, especially for teens and people slightly-OK! just older- because sometimes you want to know something and you don't feel comfortable asking anyone. 

To those of you that will say- But we have the internet,yes, you are right. But guess what folks? the internet is FULL of information and not all of it true or relevant to what you want to know. 

Not to every question you'll find the correct answer. So, in situations like this (in order to avoid awkward moments) you can read this book. 

I say, it's a must in every home (Or building). 

A review copy was provided by NetGalley and St. Martin's Press. Thank you!

This Review is also on: GoodReads BookLikes