Review: Kiss It by Erin Downing

Title: Kiss It
Author: Erin Downing
Publisher: Simon Pulse
Pub. Date: 6.15.2010
Genre: Contemporary YA
Keywords: Sexuality, Sex, Reputation, Love, Friendship, Choices, Fear
Pages: 273
Description (from Goodreads):

A girl’s gotta do who a girl’s gotta do.

Chastity Bryan has never been shy about going after what she wants. And when sexy, mysterious, so-not-from-this-town Sebastian walks into Chaz’s life, she knows in an instant that what she wants next is him. Chaz has no intention of playing for keeps—but she most definitely has intentions. Who needs true love when you’ve got true lust?

Sebastian has no idea what he’s in for—but maybe neither does Chaz….

Sometimes the greatest books come in the most unsuspecting little packages...

Yes, yes, yes! I seriously couldn't put KISS IT down, even though it would have been in my best interest because I have plenty of homework and whatnot to accomplish. Chastity Bryan is a breath of fresh air.

Chastity, or Chaz, is almost obsessed with the idea of sex and sexuality. To her, sex and love don't always occur in tandem, in fact, she prefers it that way. She's the type of girl that says when and she wants it now, especially when a new, hot boy moves to town and tempts her in all kinds of ways.

Okay, but wait! I know some of you out there are thinking this might just be a bit too much for me... This Chaz girl is more sexual than I like my main characters. I like them sweet and innocent and ignorant with their sexuality. Well, I admit, this might not be the book for you, BUT, if you can handle this side of Chaz, I can promise you that there is much more to her character. And, yes, there's teen sex in this book, but there's a point to it and I believe it's well done. This book sends a message to readers that's definitely worth hearing. 

One of my favorite aspects of this book is the fact that Chaz isn't perceived as loose or lacking morality. She keeps her sexual endeavors well under wraps... and Chaz is a lot more talk than actual action. She's smart, funny, sarcastic, and strong - that's what I appreciate in a main character, regardless of how raunchy some of her comments may be. But, even if her classmates knew of her preoccupation with sex and judged her for it, I had the distinct feeling that Downing wouldn't be encouraging the reader to do the same. Even though Chaz has a few things backwards and doesn't always make the wisest decisions, she's real and she sticks to her guns. Sexuality and a healthy dose of curiosity are normal and they shouldn't be condemned.

Erin Downing's KISS IT is a quick read, due to the fact that it's less than 300 pages and it's difficult to put down. I've got my fingers crossed that she's got more novels like this up her sleeve! Her previous two novels are part of the Simon Pulse romantic comedies, which are wonderful, but this novel puts Downing on a whole different level.

Review: Sea by Heidi R. Kling

Title: Sea
Author: Heidi R. Kling
Publisher: Penguin Putnam
Pub. Date: 6.10.2010
Genre: Contemporary YA
Keywords: Family, Loss, Natural Disasters, Volunteering, Relationships
Pages: 336
Description (from GoodReads):

Still haunted by nightmares of her mother's death, fifteen-year-old Sienna Jones reluctantly travels to Indonesia with her father's relief team to help tsunami orphans with their post traumatic stress disorder—something Sienna knows a lot about. Since her mother's plane went missing over the Indian Ocean three years before, Sienna doesn't do anything if it involves the ocean or planes, so this trip is a big step forward.

But the last thing she expects is to fall for Deni, a brooding Indonesian boy who lives at the orphanage, and just so happens to be HOT. When Deni hears a rumor that his father may be alive, Sienna doesn't think twice about running away with him to the epicenter of the disaster. Unfortunately, what they find there could break both their hearts.


I liked this book, but I just didn't love it.


My main problem with the book was Sienna. I just didn't feel a connection with her character... she felt one-dimensional and I didn't always find her very believable. I know she liked Deni and found him attractive and whatnot, but running away with him in a dangerous area when she barely even knows him? Maybe I'm jaded, but I simply didn't believe or understand her character.


I did, however, really appreciate the rest of this novel and plot. The focus on volunteering and the discussion of the tragedy that befell Indonesia and surrounding areas are very important topics and I commend Kling for including them in SEA. I felt inspired to go out and make a difference... regardless of how big or little. This novel has the potential to encourage readers to take notice of what's going on in the world and do their part to make it a better place and there's always more room for that in YA lit!


SEA is definitely worth exploring... and hopefully you'll have a deeper connection to Sienna than I did.

Review: The Ghost and the Goth by Stacey Kade

Title: The Ghost and the Goth
Author: Stacey Kade
Publisher: Hyperion
Pub. Date: 6.29.2010
Genre: Paranormal YA
Keywords: Ghosts, Seer, High School, Romance, Social Identity
Pages: 281
Description (from Goodreads):
Alona Dare–Senior in high school, co-captain of the cheerleading squad, Homecoming Queen three years in a row, voted most likely to marry a movie star… and newly dead.

I’m the girl you hated in high school. Is it my fault I was born with it all-good looks, silky blond hair, a hot bod, and a keen sense of what everyone else should not be wearing? But my life isn’t perfect, especially since I died. Run over by a bus of band geeks—is there anything more humiliating? As it turns out, yes—watching your boyfriend and friends move on with life, only days after your funeral. And you wouldn’t believe what they’re saying about me now that they think I can’t hear them. To top it off, I’m starting to disappear, flickering in and out of existence. I don’t know where I go when I’m gone, but it’s not good. Where is that freaking white light already?

Will Killian–Senior in high school, outcast, dubbed “Will Kill” by the popular crowd for the unearthly aura around him, voted most likely to rob a bank…and a ghost-talker.

I can see, hear, and touch the dead. Unfortunately, they can also see, hear and touch me. Yeah, because surviving high school isn’t hard enough already. I’ve done my best to hide my “gift.” After all, my dad, who shared my ability, killed himself because of it when I was fifteen. But lately, pretending to be normal has gotten a lot harder. A new ghost—an anonymous, seething cloud of negative energy with the capacity to throw me around—is pursuing me with a vengeance. My mom, who knows nothing about what I can do, is worrying about the increase in odd incidents, my shrink is tossing around terms like “temporary confinement for psychiatric evaluation,” and my principal, who thinks I’m a disruption and a faker, is searching for every way possible to get rid of me. How many weeks until graduation?


Stacey Kade's THE GHOST AND THE GOTH is just so. much. fun. 


I've come to appreciate novels in which the point-of-view switches between two or more characters, and I think that this tactic works really well with this particular novel. When characters are like Will and Alona, coming from totally different backgrounds with completely different views about people and their surroundings, and the reader knows their hatred is going to turn into some kind of smoldering attraction, being able to experience both characters' emotions and snarky thoughts makes the buildup so much more intense.


I liked Will right from the start of the novel, but Alona took a bit longer to grow on me. I was worried that I'd continue liking Will and Alona wouldn't grow on me, then the romantic plot line would fall flat, but not the case! There's more to Alona than meets the eye... Which is good because, even though Will is a teenage boy who appreciates Alona from the outside, the reader might want a bit more for him.


This novel isn't all ghosts, witty banter, and growing attraction though, there are some more serious elements as well. Kade seamlessly wove these elements into the supernatural plotline... It would spoilery to go into detail, but this aspect of the novel was done extremely well.


I'm anxiously awaiting the next installment of Will and Alona's story, QUEEN OF THE DEAD, which will be released this summer!

{Book Trailer} Tell Me a Secret by Holly Cupala

The book trailer for Holly Cupala's TELL ME A SECRET was released today... and I'm in awe. I've watched it multiple times in the last 10 minutes and I can't stop. It's absolutely gorgeous and, if I hadn't already read this amazing debut, I'd be scrambling to get my hands on a copy. Check out my review of TELL ME A SECRET and my interview with Holly!

Then watch the book trailer:

Are you freaking out? I'm freaking out. It's absolutely gorgeous!

_______________________________

Holly is currently hosting a huge contest! Prizes include:

Signed TMAS books!

TMAS t-shirts!

Fan-made bracelets by Hannah S!

Music that inspired the book!

Sneak Previews!

Bookmarks and Handmade Magnets!

and...

A Tell Me a Secret handmade necklace!

HOW TO WIN? Share the Trailer Love!

Click here to go to YouTube, then click the Share button to send to your Facebook, Twitter, MySpace, or blog! 5 pts each

Click here to tell us where you posted and enter to win!

Plus Holly will be featured at readergirlz for the entire month of August, with a live Twitter chat coming up!

Review: Tell Me a Secret by Holly Cupala

Title: Tell Me a Secret
Author: Holly Cupala
Publisher: HarperTeen
Pub. Date: 6.22.2010
Genre: Contemporary YA
Keywords: Teen pregnancy, Relationships, Family, Friendship, Secrets
Pages: 256
Description (from GoodReads):
Tell me a secret, and I'll tell you one…


In the five years since her bad-girl sister Xanda’s death, Miranda Mathison has wondered about the secret her sister took to the grave, and what really happened the night she died. Now, just as Miranda is on the cusp of her dreams—a best friend to unlock her sister’s world, a ticket to art school, and a boyfriend to fly her away from it all—Miranda has a secret all her own.

Then two lines on a pregnancy test confirm her worst fears. Stripped of her former life, Miranda must make a choice with tremendous consequences and finally face her sister’s demons and her own.


In this powerful debut novel, stunning new talent Holly Cupala illuminates the dark struggle of a girl who must let go of her past to find a way into her own future.

TELL ME A SECRET is the story of a girl with a tragic past determined to find a hopeful future.

When I picked up TELL ME A SECRET I was expecting a straightforward story about a pregnant teen girl experiencing the issues that immediately jump to my mind: shocked parents, absent boyfriend, and maturity issues. Holly Cupala surprised me though; her debut is so much deeper than that. Miranda endures horrible treatment at the hands of her parents, classmates, and boyfriend, but she remains strong and fights for what she believes is right.

When Miranda first suspects she may be pregnant, she makes the decision to keep it a secret and avoids taking a prenancy test. She waits months to take the test, preferring to live in ignorance rather than face the facts. Though I was angered by Miranda's actions, I could understand why she made those choices. In fact, I've known teen mothers who waited as long as possible before finally taking the test, so I know that it isn't a far fetched idea. I'm thankful that, while Miranda didn't want to see the proof, she still knew, deep down, that she was pregnant and she avoided alcohol and other teratogens that could seriously harm the baby.

The novel is largely about Miranda's pregnancy, but it was her connection and relationship with her sister, Xanda, that I found most compelling. Xanda, and her death, have had an enormous impact on Miranda. Miranda constantly looks to her memories and the Xanda that resides in her mind for guidance. Xanda was definitely not a horrible person, but she also is not the person Miranda idolizes. It was interesting to see the vast differences between Miranda's childhood perceptions of Xanda and who she really was.. the good and the bad.

Holly Cupala proves that she can, and will, tackle difficult material with TELL ME A SECRET - I can't wait to see what she takes on next!

Grade: A- 

Review copy provided by publisher.

Contest: Win a copy of A Little Wanting Song by Cath Crowley!

Knopf has provided one finished copy of A LITTLE WANTING SONG to be won by a lucky reader at The Hiding Spot!

Prize:

(1) finished copy of A LITTLE WANTING SONG

How to Enter:
You MUST comment on my review of ALWS or the interview with Cath Crowley. (Only one comment is required.) Then you MUST fill out this FORM. If you neglect to comment on at least one of the posts or fill out the form, you will not be entered to win.


Extra Entries:
Not required. Extra entries are detailed on the entry form as well.
+5 entries - Comment on my review or interview (whichever you did not comment on for your original entry)
+4 entries - Old Follower/Subscriber (Thank you!)
+2 entries - New Follower/Subscriber (Welcome! You will gain 4 entries in the next contest you enter at The Hiding Spot as an Old Follower/Subscriber!)
+2 Follow me on Twitter (@thehidingspot)
+2 Follow Cath Crowley on Twitter (@CathCrowley)
+3 Tweet this contest. (Leave a link.)
+3 Link this contest on your sidebar, in a post, or on FB. (Leave a link.)


Details:
Contest will close August 5th, 2010. Open to US mailing addresses only. Sorry International readers!

Good luck!

Review: A Little Wanting Song by Cath Crowley

Title: A Little Wanting Song
Author: Cath Crowley
Publisher: Knopf
Pub. Date: 6.8.10
Genre: Contemporary YA
Keywords: Music, Love, Friendship, Grief, First Impressions
Pages: 228
Description (from GoodReads):
A summer of friendship, romance, and songs in major chords. . . .

CHARLIE DUSKIN loves music, and she knows she's good at it. But she only sings when she's alone, on the moonlit porch or in the back room at Old Gus's Secondhand Record and CD Store. Charlie's mom and grandmother have both died, and this summer she's visiting her grandpa in the country, surrounded by ghosts and grieving family, and serving burgers to the local kids at the milk bar. She's got her iPod, her guitar, and all her recording equipment, but she wants more: A friend. A dad who notices her. The chance to show Dave Robbie that she's not entirely unspectacular.

ROSE BUTLER lives next door to Charlie's grandfather and spends her days watching cars pass on the freeway and hanging out with her troublemaker boyfriend. She loves Luke but can't wait to leave their small country town. And she's figured out a way: she's won a scholarship to a science school in the city, and now she has to convince her parents to let her go. This is where Charlie comes in. Charlie, who lives in the city, and whom Rose has ignored for years. Charlie, who just might be Rose's ticket out.


I could tell by the description of A LITTLE WANTING SONG that I would enjoy it, but I had no idea how much I would come to love it.  Often, when I finish a good novel, I'll feel satisfied, but ALWS was different. Cath Crowly left me longing... longing for more of this brilliant, soulful novel and the characters I had come to love.


ALWS is told in alternating point-of-view by Charlie and Rose, two girls who are, at first glance, complete opposites, but, in truth, have more in common than either ever imagined. At first, I felt much closer to Charlie, which I think was primarily due to her music. Her lyrics are simple, but so incredibly full of truth and raw emotion; I could feel the power behind them. It's just a little wanting song/ It won't go on for all that long/ Just long enough to say/ How much I'm wishing for/ Just a little more Rose is much more guarded than Charlie and keeps her emotions tightly locked away. It wasn't until she allowed some of that emotion to show that I really connected with her. By the time I finished the novel, I had become so invested in Crowley's characters that it was almost painful to leave them behind.


Often, in YA literature, parents are mysteriously absent. Other times, they are completely horrid. There are, of course, exceptions, but, in my experience, those exceptions are few and far between. In ALWS, Rose and Charlie's relationships with their parent(s) profoundly affects their actions and beliefs. I'm extremely greatful that Crowley focused on this aspect of Charlie and Rose's life, since, in real life, this relationship definitely has an impact.


Since ALWS is told from two POVs, the romance is unique. Charlie's budding romance with Dave, one of Rose's closest friends, was absolutely perfect. Their relationship moves slowly, with shy smiles and wistful glances. The tension between the two was fantastic. If Charlie and Dave's relationship is a steady flame, Rose and Luke's is an explosion. It isn't that the couple doesn't care deeply for one another - they honestly do - there's just many unresolved issues between the two. While the romantic in me dislikes their rocky relationship, I could identify with Rose's fears and anxiety, allowing me to appreciate it.


A LITTLE WANTING SONG is a gorgeous novel that has captured my heart and refuses to let go.


Grade: A+

Review: Only the Good Spy Young by Ally Carter

Title: Only the Good Spy Young
Author: Ally Carter
Publisher: Hyperion CH
Pub. Date: 6.29.10
Genre: Contemporary YA
Keywords: Spies, Romance, Family, Secrets, Lies, Action
Pages: 240
Description (from GoodReads):
When Cammie Morgan enrolled at the Gallagher Academy, she knew she was preparing for the dangerous life of a spy. What she didn’t know was that the serious, real-life danger would start during her junior year of high school. But that’s exactly what happened two months ago when she faced off against an ancient terrorist organization dead set on kidnapping her.

Now the danger follows her everywhere and even Cammie “The Chameleon” can’t hide. When a terrifying encounter in London reveals that one of her most-trusted allies is actually a rogue double-agent Cammie no longer knows if she can trust her classmates, her teachers—or even her own heart.
In this fourth installment of the New York Times best-selling series, the Gallagher Girls must hack, spy, steal, and lie their way to the truth as they go searching for answers, recognizing that the key to Cammie’s future may lie deep in the past....


The Gallagher Girls books are my guilty pleasure reads. Ally Carter never ceases to impress and ONLY THE GOOD SPY YOUNG is a wonderful addition to the series!


Sometimes, in series, there will be a book or two that serves as a bridge between more exciting installments, but this isn't the case with Carter's books. Each one is as action-packed as the last, there are more hilarious discussions and one-liners, and the plot is always twistier than ever. OTGSY delivers everything that I've come to expect from a Gallagher Girls novel... and more.


There were definitely some twists that I didn't see coming. And there were some twists that I thought I saw coming, but I was totally wrong. And while some readers might be disappointed after realizing they've jumped to the wrong conclusions, I was thrilled! I'm rarely surprised by novels and Carter's twists had me turned completely around.


For those of you who haven't read these novels, I assure you that there are always plenty of scenes with cute, smart boys. For those of you who have read the books, you know I'm referring to Zach. We learn a lot more about this spy boy in OTGSY, much to my delight! I can never get enough of his and Cammie's poking at one another! The tension and chemistry between the two is always fun and is definitely one of my favorite aspects of the novel.


Carter always ends each Gallagher Girl novels on a note that will torture me in months I spend waiting for the next book. She's always sure to wrap up what's just happened in the current novel and then she introduces something huge and then promptly ends the book. Which leaves me all wound up because I must know what happens next! The ending of OTGSY is no exception and I'm extremely interested to see how the next book will turn out. It's going to be so much different than the previous books... there are so many options for what could happen next!


I highly recommend all of Carter's novels, including the first in her new series, HEIST SOCIETY. They're always fun and filled with strong female characters and cute boys!


Grade: A+


Cover Notes:
I love the covers of Ally Carter's books! The titles are always clever and the ransom-note style is definitely fun. They look so pretty together on my shelf!

Review: Glimpse by Carol Lynch Williams

Title: Glimpse
Author: Carol Lynch Williams
Publisher: Simon & Schuster/Paula Wiseman Books
Pub. Date: 6.22.10
Genre: Contemporary YA
Keywords: Suicide, Abuse, Sisters, Friendship, Blank Verse
Pages: 496
Description (from Amazon):

In one moment

it is over.

In one moment

it is gone.

The morning grows

thin, grey

and our lives-

how they were-

have vanished.

Our lives have

changed

when I walk in

on Lizzie

my sister

holding a shotgun.

Twelve year old girl Hope's life is turned upside down when her older sister Lizzie becomes an elective mute and is institutionalized after trying to kill herself.
**This is not the full Amazon description. I have had an impossible time finding a good description of GLIMPSE - one told the entire plot and the other told aboslutely nothing. I urge you NOT to read the full Amazon description as it is quite possibly the worst novel spoiler I have ever seen!

It isn't often that I am so emotionally overwhelmed by a novel that I want to simultaneously hug it to my chest and throw it across the room. I was riveted by Hope and Lizzie's heartrending story and, even though it was difficult to read, I found that I was unable to tear my eyes from the pages.


I found it hard to determine if it was the book's content or the age of the narrator that called to my protective side, but it was there in full force. Williams' depiction was so vivid that I found myself completely invested in the characters, which caused many frustrated tears. I wanted to protect Hope and Lizzie from their awful, selfish mother and prevent the tragic events that I felt were sure to unfold.


I haven't read very many books written in verse, but, after GLIMPSE, I may have to. Williams' writing had a much more powerful impact written in blank verse than it would have in any other format. I'm astounded by how the deletion of superfluous words can hone text into a dangerous weapon that cuts straight to the reader's heart.


GLIMPSE is left me swollen-eyed and emotionally drained, but in no way regretting my soggy state. It's often the difficult reads that leave a permanent mark, opening the reader's eyes to an issue or situation that they'd rather avoid. My eyes are officially open. 

Grade: A


Cover Notes:
It fits the novel perfectly. It makes me teary-eyed just looking at it.

Buy It!

Amazon

Contest: Win a copy of Everlasting by Angie Frazier!

Angie Frazier is generously donating a signed copy of EVERLASTING to one lucky reader at The Hiding Spot!

Prize:

(1) Signed hardcover copy of EVERLASTING

How to Enter:
You MUST comment on my review of EVERLASTING or the interview with Angie Frazier. (Only one comment is required.) Then you MUST fill out this FORM. If you neglect to comment on at least one of the posts or fill out the form, you will not be entered to win.


Extra Entries:
Not required. Extra entries are detailed on the entry form as well.
+5 entries - Comment on my review or interview (whichever you did not comment on for your original entry)
+5 entries - I've been awaiting EVERLASTING's release for months. Comment on this post telling me about a book you waited months for or are currently waiting for.
+4 entries - Old Follower/Subscriber (Thank you!)
+2 entries - New Follower/Subscriber (Welcome! You will gain 4 entries in the next contest you enter at The Hiding Spot as an Old Follower/Subscriber!)
+2 Follow me on Twitter (@thehidingspot)
+2 Follow Angie Frazier on Twitter (@angie_frazier)
+3 Tweet this contest. (Leave a link.)
+3 Link this contest on your sidebar, in a post, or on FB. (Leave a link.)


Details:
Contest will close June 29th 2010. Open to US and Canadian mailing addresses only. Sorry International readers!

Good luck!

Interview: Angie Frazier (Author of EVERLASTING!)

After months of waiting, I'm thrilled to finally have debut author Angie Frazier here to discuss her debut, EVERLASTING! Be sure to check out my review of the novel too!

________________________

A Brief Bio

Angie lives in New Hampshire with her husband and two daughters, their big black lab, and a pair of highly destructive cats. Her debut young adult novel, EVERLASTING, is the result of an overactive imagination, an addiction to historical research, and dozens of vintage travel posters plastered to the ceilings of a cottage she rented one long, snowbound winter.

_____________________

The Interview

Give a short statement describing EVERLASTING.

EVERLASTING is a romantic adventure set in the Australian wilderness in 1855. After Camille Rowen loses her father in a shipwreck, she learns there might be an ancient stone that could bring him back to life. She also find out that her mother, whom Camille always believed was dead, is in fact alive and has the key to the stone. Camille and Oscar, her father’s loyal (and of course handsome!) first mate, set out into Australia to find her mother and the stone before Camille’s father’s rival can beat them to it.


The setting of EVERLASTING is integral to Camille’s story. How does the time period in which Camille lives shape her actions and personality? In what ways would Camille be different if her story was set in modern day?
I love this question! Yes, the time period is important. In that period young ladies were expected to marry and have babies and please others. If women went against the norm, they were ostracized and set apart. And though Camille has always had a separate kind of freedom sailing aboard her father’s ships, she doesn’t want to bring shame down onto her father or his business, and truthfully, herself. She knows what she wants, but she’s afraid to go after it and lose everything she’s ever known. If the story was more modern day, then the different social classes and the conflict between Camille and Oscar wouldn’t be the same or hold the same weight.


The forbidden romance between Camille and Oscar is definitely one of my favorite aspects of the novel. Camille’s father sees the connection between the two and does not approve. When he is claimed by the sea, Camille and Oscar grow even closer, but Oscar still pulls away out of respect for Camille’s father and for Camille herself, despite his deep love for her. What does this say about Oscar? Do you think that Camille’s father would have eventually come to terms with their relationship?
I don’t think Oscar is only tiptoeing around his feelings for Camille out of respect for her and her father, but also for himself. He knows as well as Camille does that he has nothing to offer her—and 1855 was a day and age when money and position and dowries were all still very relevant and a big factor in marriages. If Oscar was to admit his feelings, if Camille confessed hers to him, and if anything happened between the two of them, then how could Oscar go back from there? He’s protecting himself with his stoic, protector-like persona. And I think Camille’s father would have eventually accepted their relationship, but it would have come at a high cost, and hurting her father or disappointing him would have been torture for Camille.

Character names often contribute to my perception of a character. The main characters, Camille and Oscar, have particularly unique names. Was it difficult to decide names for your characters and is there a particular reason, other than the time period, that contributed to your decision?
If I remember correctly I came up with their names pretty quickly. I wanted something burly and rough for the lead guy, and Oscar fit perfectly. For my main female character, I wanted something sweet yet sexy. I’m actually not sure if Camille or Oscar were popular names during that time period, but I really liked them!


Can you tell us anything about your next YA novel?
Well, my next YA is going to be the second Everlasting book coming out next summer. I couldn’t end Camille’s story just yet. I don’t think I can say anything more about it just yet, but there should be at least a title soon to share.


My blog is dedicated to my personal hiding spot, books. Who, what, or where can be credited as your personal escape from reality?
My escape consists of reading in bed on a Sunday morning with a cup of coffee or tea while my girls eat breakfast and watch PBS cartoons. Just give me an hour and I’m ready to go for the whole day!

_______________________

Thanks, Angie!

To learn more about Angie and EVERLASTING, check out her website and my review.

Review: Everlasting by Angie Frazier

Title: Everlasting
Author: Angie Frazier
Publisher: Scholastic
Pub. Date: 6.1.10
Genre: Historical YA
Keywords: Love, Loss, Adventure, Quest, Magic
Pages: 336
Description (from GoodReads):
Sailing aboard her father’s trade ship is all seventeen-year-old Camille Rowen has ever wanted. But as a girl of society in 1855 San Francisco, her future is set: marry a man she doesn’t love, or condemn herself and her father to poverty.

On her final voyage before the wedding, the stormy arms of the Tasman Sea claim her father, and a terrible family secret is revealed. A secret intertwined with a fabled map, the mother Camille has long believed dead, and an ancient stone that wields a dangerous—and alluring—magic.
The only person Camille can depend on is Oscar, a handsome young sailor whom she is undeniably drawn to. Torn between trusting her instincts and keeping her promises to her father, Camille embarks on a perilous quest into the Australian wilderness to find the enchanted stone. As she and Oscar elude murderous bushrangers and unravel Camille’s father’s lies, they come closer to making the ultimate decision of who—and what—matters most.
Beautifully written and feverishly paced, Everlasting is an unforgettable journey of passion, secrecy, and adventure.


When I first heard about Angie Frazier's debut novel, it didn't even have a cover. All that I knew about the novel was from the short description listing on GoodReads, but I was drawn to the story. To be honest, the description strongly reminded me of the movie Pirates of the Caribbean, which left me intrigued. I'm happy to report that EVERLASTING lived up to my expectations... and actually was a bit like the movie..


I'm usually not a fan of historical YA. Generally, the pace moves too slowly and fails to hold my attention, but EVERLASTING triumped where so many others failed. I'll admit to my attention wavering in a couple spots, but I was quickly pulled back in. Most of the time, once I've lost interest, I can't bring myself to return to the novel, so it's impressive that Frazier could recapture my attention. I think the adventure - and Frazier's inclusion of magic and romance - added excitement and remedied the issues I usually experience with this type of novel.


Oscar and Camille's relationship was definitely the aspect I found most memorable. I'm always drawn to forbidden relationships, especially if they're filled with tension and longing looks. I loved their scenes together!


Frazier has succeeded in writing a tale of epic adventure and romance! It pains me that after waiting months to read EVERLASTING, I'm now waiting (again!) to read its sequel.


Grade: A-


Cover Notes:
Since Oscar and Camille's romance was my favorite aspect of the novel, I like that they are the focal point of the cover. I think the font used for the title is gorgeous as well!

Buy It!

Amazon/IndieBound

Review: The Summer of Skinny Dipping by Amanda Howells

Title: The Summer of Skinny Dipping
Author: Amanda Howells
Publisher: Sourcebooks Fire
Pub. Date: 6.1.10
Genre: Contemporary YA
Keywords: Love, Summer, Family, Secrets, Coming of Age
Description (from arc):

After getting dumped by her boyfriend, sixteen-year-old Mia Gordon is looking forward to spending a relaxing, boy-free summer in the Hamptons with Corinne, her gorgeous and popular cousin. But Corine has better things to do – like ditch Mia at a party.
That’s where Mia meets boy-next-door Simon Ross. After devising a secret signaling system, Mia and Simon meet up nightly to swim in the cool, dark ocean and lie on the beach, talking and looking at the stars. Neither feels like they belong in the exclusive resort community.
Mia isn’t looking for love that summer, but she finds it. She finds a funny, artistic boy who lives boldly. She finds someone who understands her. And she finds herself.

I’m impressed. When I first saw The Summer of Skinny Dipping, I found myself judging it by its cover. It looks suspiciously like many other novels that often feature vapid, annoying characters and an overrated romance. I was so, so wrong. The best part? I knew that Mia would fall for Simon, it’s right in the description, but I could not put this book down. I found it ridiculously easy to identify with Mia and I wanted to examine the details of her summer… to see the how and why behind her love for Simon and the growth she experiences.


The novel starts with Mia heartbroken over the loss of her boyfriend. I’ll admit to being skeptical upon discovering that their relationship only lasted for two months and that Mia claims to have been in love with him. I’ll admit it: I scoffed. Then I remembered what it was like to be sixteen. I would have felt exactly the same way. Plus, I can’t fault Mia’s immaturity; I wasn’t far into the novel before Howells writes her character into the loss of that naïveté.


I’m stunned by Howells’ deftly written coming-of-age tale. There are many YA novels in which the main character spends the summer in the Hamptons, or some similar summer destination, and learns startling truths about herself and the sparkling world that she once thought was so perfect, but I don’t think I’ve enjoyed any as much as Howells’ portrayal. Mia begins the novel with a skewed perception of everyone around her, including herself. Slowly, she begins to see her family as they really are… and finds she couldn’t be further from the truth. So yes, this story has been told before. The difference is the fact that Mia’s voice is perfectly pitched and so real that it reads like a whole new experience.


And then there is the romance between Mia and Simon. I knew it was there all along, yet it still managed to sneak up on me. And punch me in the stomach and leave me gasping. There are so many things going on in this novel that I felt like I was in a hurricane of emotions praying to reach the eye of the storm. Then I finally did, only to be ripped back into the raging storm when I least expected it. *sob*


I’m not sure that my review of this novel is entirely coherent, particularly the bits about the romance, but maybe that’s for the best. I hope it prompts you to pick up this novel, if only because you are so confused that you feel you must discover what I’m blathering on about.


Grade: A


Cover Notes:
As mentioned above, I’m not a fan of the cover. It looks like one of the typical summer back reads, but it’s so much more. I hope it doesn’t dissuade readers!

Buy It!

Amazon

Interview & Contest: Lee Nichols (Author of DECEPTION!)

I'm thrilled to be participating in the DECEPTION blog tour and to have the opportunity to conduct a brief interview with the novel's author, Lee Nichols. Be sure to check out my review too!

A Brief Bio
Lee Nichols is the author of five novels for adults, including the bestselling TALES OF A DRAMA QUEEN. She makes her YA debut in this month with DECEPTION: A Haunting Emma Novel. Follow her on Twitter at LeeXNichols or Friend her on Facebook at Lee Nichols.

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Give a short statement describing DECEPTION.

When seventeen-year-old Emma Vaile's parents go missing, she discovers she can see and control ghosts, and that her parents knew this all along. She's thrown into a secret world of ghostkeepers and has to solve an other-worldly mystery. Oh, and lose her best friend and fall for the wrong guy, while trying to maintain a B average at an exclusive prep school.

Emma doesn’t seem particularly worried about the disappearance of her parents, which surprised me. Is the situation one that Emma is accustomed to from years of similar trips? If so, what does this reveal about Emma’s parents? If not, what does Emma’s lack of anxiety reveal about her?
They have gone on long trips before, without being much in touch with her. They're techno-phobic, so she isn't shocked they aren't answering their cell, and she's kind of overwhelmed by everything else that's happening to her. I don't think there's a lack of anxiety. She's constantly trying to figure out where they are and then worries that they're involved with some terrible things that are happening. But yes, their relationship is essentially flawed, even though she loves them and they love her.

Why did you choose to write ghosts into Emma’s story, rather than another paranormal creature or twist?
Because I wanted to write something sort of Gothic, and to me that meant an old house, mystery, and ghosts.


How many novels do you intend to write about Emma? Are you currently working on any other projects?
There are three books total in the Haunting Emma series. Deception is out June 8th, Betrayal in March 2011, and I'm currently writing Possession, which will be published late 2011


My blog is dedicated to my personal hiding spot, books. Who, what, or where can be credited as your personal escape from reality?
Oh, definitely books.

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CONTEST

Prizes provided by Bloomsbury!

Prizes:

There will be two winners. Each will receive a finished copy of DECEPTION. This contest is open internationally, so one copy will go an entrant from the US and one will go to an International entrant.

How to Enter:

You MUST comment on my review of DECEPTION or the interview with Lee Nichols. (Only one comment is required.) Then you MUST fill out this FORM. If you neglect to comment on at least one of the posts or fill out the form, you will not be entered to win.

Extra Entries:

Not required. Extra entries are detailed on the entry form as well.

+5 entries - Comment on my review or interview (whichever you did not comment on for your original entry)

+4 entries - Old Follower/Subscriber (Thank you!)

+2 entries - New Follower/Subscriber (Welcome! You will gain 4 entries in the next contest you enter at The Hiding Spot as an Old Follower/Subscriber!)

+2 Follow me on Twitter (@thehidingspot) Leave your @name for verification.

+2 Follow Lee Nichols on Twitter (@leexnichols) Leave your @name for verification.

+3 Tweet this contest. (Leave a link.)

+3 Link this contest on your sidebar, in a post, or on FB. (Leave a link.)

Details:

Contest will close June 25th 2010. OPEN INTERNATIONALLY.

Good luck!

Review: Deception by Lee Nichols

Title: Deception
Author: Lee Nichols
Publisher: Bloomsbury
Pub. Date: 6.8.10
Genre: Paranormal/Mystery YA
Keywords: Ghosts, Love, Murder, Mystery, Powers
Pages: 310
Description (GoodReads):
When Emma Vaile's parents leave on mysterious business trip, it gives her the perfect excuse to be a rebellious teen. Throw some parties, get a tattoo (or maybe just a piercing), and enjoy the first few weeks of her junior year. Then her best friend stops talking to her, the cops crash her party, and Emma finds herself in the hands of a new guardian—her college-age "knight in J.Crew armor," Bennett Stern—and on a plane to his museum-like mansion in New England. After enrolling at Thatcher Academy, Emma settles in by making friends with the popular legacy crowd. But she can't shake the strange visions that are haunting her. She has memories of Thatcher she can't explain, as if she's returning home to a place she's never been. Emma doesn't trust anyone anymore—except maybe Bennett. But he's about to reveal a ghostly secret to Emma. One that will explain the visions . . . and make Emma fear for her life.

DECEPTION has reminded me that it has been entirely too long since I’ve read a good ghostly mystery. When I picked up the novel I thought it looked good, but I wasn’t prepared for how much I would end up enjoying it! I found myself furiously flipping pages and, when I found myself on the last page, lamenting my wait until the next installment.



At first, I wasn’t sure how well I was going to like the author’s treatment of the dialogue. It seemed almost inconsistent: casual one moment and formal the next. Eventually, I either stopped noticing or started to like it, I’m not sure which. As I read, it started to flow very realistically and it was easy to imagine that Emma was sitting next to me narrating the story.


I really enjoyed Nichols’ portrayal of ghosts and Emma’s powers. I’m impressed that each YA ghost novel that I’ve read brings something new to the table. It seems almost easy to differentiate paranormal creatures like vampires and weres, but ghosts require a bit more creativity. Now that the scene has been set, I’m excited to discover what Emma will face in the next book and to see a greater exploration of her powers.


I have mixed feelings about DECEPTION’s romantic plot line. At the beginning of the novel, Emma was extremely immature, which had me worried. I thought that her relationship with Bennett would turn out to be only a school girl crush on her older brother’s friend. Thankfully, Emma morphed throughout the novel. By the end, I could definitely see how a relationship between the two could develop. Nichols throws readers for a bit of a loop at the end of the novel, so I’m desperate to see how Emma and Bennett will find a way around the complication presented.


And holy cliffhanger! I raced to that last page, only to find a cliffhanger of epic proportions! I adore cliffhangers.


Grade: A-


Cover Notes:
I’d pick it up based on the cover. The house in the background is a bit awkward - it’s almost too bright – but I like that the focus on the girl’s face and the wispy smoke.

Buy It!

Amazon/IndieBound

Check out my interview with Lee Nichols and enter to win your own copy of the novel.