Between the Lines by Tammara Webber

Title: Between The Lines
Author: Tammara Webber
Genre: YA/Romance/Coming of Age
Release Date: Out Now!

Summary:
When Hollywood It Boy, Reid Alexander, arrives on location to shoot his next movie, his goals are the same as always—film another blockbuster hit and enjoy his celebrity status to the fullest while doing so. His costar is a virtual unknown with whom he had blazing hot chemistry during her auditions. The universe is lining up nicely to grant whatever he wants, as usual, until he’s confronted with unexpected obstacles on location like a bitter ex-girlfriend and a rival for the first girl to spark his genuine interest in years.

Emma Pierce just got her big break after more than a decade of filming commercials for grape juice, department stores and tampons, and more recently, bit parts in made-for-TV movies. Nailing the lead role in a wide-release film sent her agent, father and stepmother into raptures, and should have done the same for her. The Problem? Emma is experiencing a building desire to be normal, and starring in a silly, modernized adaptation of one of her favorite novels—opposite the very hot Reid Alexander—isn’t going to advance that aspiration.

Graham Douglas doesn’t fear playing the part of a nerdy dimwit; when it comes to choosing film roles, if it pays, he’ll do it. Besides, his friend Brooke Cameron snatched up the role of the bitchy hot girl and could use his help as a buffer, because her ex is the star. Graham has no problem keeping a handle on the situation, until he finds himself attracted to Reid’s costar, Emma, the girl Reid is pursuing full-throttle with his standard arsenal of charm, good looks and arrogance.

Review:
Hollywood IT boy, Reid Alexander, always gets what he wants, when he wants it and who he wants it with... that is until he met Emma Pierce.

Emma does not want to star in block buster movies. She would be content to work on live stage. Unfortunately her father won't hear of it.

Reid lands the lead role in a remake of "Pride and Prejudice" and is hopeful for his 'staring lady'. Emma, among other girls, try out for the role of Lizbeth. Reid picks up on the immediate chemistry between and really wants Emma in this role.

Reid gets his wish and Emma lands it. This will be her first BIG role and rise to stardom. This is what her father's been waiting for.

The movie producing begins and the chemistry is evident between Reid and Emma. He starts talking to her outside of the movie role and realizes she's more than he bargained for. She's a challenge and no one says no to Reid... or puts up a fight!

Emma makes friends easily with the cast, especially another male cast member who she spends a lot of time with - the crush worthy Graham! She soon discovers feelings for both guys and is not sure where or who to go to. Graham is sensitive to her and listens. Did I mention he's crush worthy? Reid is hot and is the IT guy. Both guys seems to make a play for Emma but will she be able to read 'between the lines' and know who she should really go for? The sensitive hot guy or the known player who has put his typical behavior on hold for her? You'll have to read to find out!

The Secret of the Keepers by Elizabeth Isaacs

Title: The Secret of the Keepers
Author: Elizabeth Isaacs
Genre: Angst/Fantasy/Romance/Drama
Release Date: Out Now

Summary:
The Kailmeyra Chronicles: Book Two--

Life for Nora couldn't be better; she has married the man of her dreams and loves living in the pristine land of Kailmeyra.
That is, until the darkness threatens her perfect world.

Now war is upon the land. She and Gavin must strengthen their clan and prepare to fight. But the enemy has an ally—one that not only wields power, but holds knowledge of the ancients' secrets. Secrets that could destroy creation itself.
As the darkness grows, doubt seeps in ... protectiveness hinders progress ... and the unthinkable comes to pass.
Bewildered and alone, Nora shoulders the responsibility of leading an entire race to war. As she struggles with decisions that seem impossible to make, she is haunted by one choice.

"No one has ever doubted that you would die for those you love. The question then becomes ... would you live?"

Review:
Princess Nora and Prince Gavin are now married and living in Kailmeyra. They become one with their thoughts and emotions. She finds it hard to think with her own thoughts when Gavin's are also running through her head, not to mention his feelings. Nora finds she has six lines of thought running at the same time; including a "wild child", who ends up being more of her inner warrior.

The enemy is coming and their clan is trying to prepare. She receives a gift from the King of Spiders (and it's not fully explained what that gift is, but the reader assumes it's the gift of ancient language), she helps her clan discover and use the energy around them... but is it enough? Malachi delivers one of the best lines in the book: "No one has ever doubted that you would die for those you love. The question then becomes ... would you live?"

War is coming and the clan must prepare. The enemy falls in the line of energy and love but will the clan have enough to win? The first 1/2 of the book was quite slow with a lot of character building, but come the second half it exploded and took me on a ride. There is a huge traitor in their rankings, whom you will not be surprised at, which was a bit disappointing. This enemy knows the clans secrets and can cause major havoc if allowed to do so. Will the traitor be stopped? Will Nora survive this war? You must read to find out.

This book really reminded me of a revamped Lord of the Rings. If you enjoy this type of read then this is the book for you.

Hunted by Cheryl Rainfield

Title: Hunted
Author: Cheryl Rainfield
Publisher: WestSide Books
Genre: Supernatural, Romance, YA, Drama
Release Date: October 27, 2011

Summary:
Caitlin, a Paranormal teen, and her mom are on the run from government Para-troopers, who chase down, torture and imprison all known Paranormals. Caitlin and her mom must move frequently to avoid detection, but she enrolls in the local high school as they hide in plain sight in a seedy motel, hoping for some sense of normalcy before taking off again. Caitlins dad, also a Para, was murdered by a mob when he spoke out for para rights. In the commotion, a woman snatched Caitlins brother Daniel and no one knows where he is or if he is even still alive. Caitlins mom loses her Para abilities from the shock of these terrible events. When Paras begin to be murdered by the Para Reaper, Caitlin is in even greater danger; at school, anti-Para classmates make accusations that cost some students their freedom and sometimes their lives. As if things aren t complicated enough, Caitlin falls for a classmate, Alex, a Normal, and thus dangerous for her to be with for fear of betrayal. As the government crackdowns worsen, Caitlin finds her long lost brother, right in the halls of her own high school. He is now a powerful government Para, something he tries to hide from her at first. Caitlin knows Daniel is changed and damaged, but trusts him until she learns of his intentions towards Normals. The two ultimately clash in a massive power struggle that pits the siblings against each other. Will Caitlin vanquish her powerful brother and save the Normals, or will the future be bleak for Alex and all of his kind?

Review:
Hunted really took me by surprise. It was a GREAT story and Ms. Rainfield was brave to pull her own life experiences into this book. It gives you a perspective you didn’t quite see coming (at least it did for me).

On with the review. Hunted was a wild ride, chase scenes, running from the enemy… you were right there with Caitlin every step of the way. You felt her fear, felt her anger, felt her remorse…
Think of XMen crossed with Hitler and you have Hunted. Paranormals have been exposed and the Normals hate them, absolutely HATE them! The extent of the hate went as far as a “Para-Cleansing Day”; the day all Paranormals (captured ones) were tortured and killed in front of Normals. If they weren’t killed they were made into para-slaves. The “lucky” ones were not caught but remain on the run all the time.

Caitlin and her mom fled town after town, constantly changing their names. Each place they land Caitlin is enrolled in school and her mom took a job, trying to fit in with the Normals. Caitlin found an unusual friendship in school with a girl and a boy. She also found another Paranormal who seems hell bent on making everyone have equal rights… or does he? The further Caitlin digs into this Paranormals past the more she finds out about him. Some of it super scary, some of it she can relate with. There’s also a Para-Reeper; someone who is sucking the soul out of Paranormals, litterally, until the body shrivals up!

Will Caitlin be able to dodge the police and para-trackers long enough to keep herself and her mom safe? Will her new friends find out about Caitlin’s secret and turn her in? Para-Cleansing day is coming… Caitlin is fighting for a change and wants equal rights; wants to be the same as Normals. Can she inject change or will the para-trackers finally catch Caitlin and make her a para-slave? You MUST read this book and find out!

“Spellbound by this one! HUNTED’s got my vote for the sharpest, most thought-provoking fantasy I’ve read in a long time. It’s hard not to fall in love with resilient, defiant Caitlyn, whose voice is as tough as it is pure. Vividly realized and tightly wound, HUNTED builds tension on the edge of a knife. Its cut-glass style will hook you, and its brave and provocative themes are sure to stir up both emotions and conversation.”

-Adele Griffin, Author of Where I Want to Be, National Book Award finalist, Kirkus Best Book, ALA Best Book

“In this suspenseful parable of prejudice and oppression, Rainfield creates
unique, appealing characters we root for until the satisfying end.”

–Pam Bachorz, author of Candor, 2011 YALSA Popular Paperback

That Boy by Jillian Dodd

Name: That Boy
Author: Jillian Dodd
Genre: YA/Romance/Coming of Age
Publisher: Jillian Dodd
Release Date: May 2011

Summary: You know, being friends with two cute boys does have its benefits.

There’s Danny. Danny is a golden boy in every way. He has dreamy blue eyes and blonde hair that always looks perfect, even when it’s windblown or been stuck under a football helmet. He’s the boy every girl crushes on. The boy I get into trouble with, the boy I fight with, the hot quarterback no girl can resist, not even me. Being with Danny is like being on an adventure. He has a bright, contagious smile and abs to die for. He’s pretty much irresistible.

Equally crush worthy is Phillip. Adorable, sweet Phillip, who I have known since birth. Phillip has dark hair, a perfect smile, brown eyes, and the sexiest voice I have ever heard. He’s the boy I talk to every night before I go to sleep. The boy who rescues me, the boy who can read my mind, the boy who is always there for me, the boy who tries to keep me out of trouble, the boy who irritatingly keeps getting hotter, and whose strong arms always seem to find their way around me. And when he gives me that grin, I can never say no.

One boy will give me my very first kiss.
One boy will teach me to make out.
One boy will take me to prom.
And finally, one boy will ask me to marry him.
They will both be my best friends.
But only one of them will be the boy I fall in love with.
Only one of them is That Boy.

Review:
This book made me laugh OUT LOUD and it also made me cry. How often do you find yourself doing that in a GREAT book? I was not expecting this at all.
Starting out as children in this book you gain the idea Jayden (or JJ) is the girl next door and her neighbor is Phillip, a guy any girl would be nuts to not crush over. Then moves in her enemy, Danny. Danny thinks Phillip shouldn’t be friends, let alone BEST friends, with a girl and makes this point… a lot… until she punches Danny in the nose! He realizes he’s completely wrong about her and lets her in and together, all three play football. (I’m not sure where Ms Dodd came up with the idea of strip football but it is genius and wish I would have thought of it myself!)
Back to the review…
These kids grow up together from elementary into college (Huskers). They all look out for one another and it all is realistic. You don’t get the gushy gooy stuff (which I hate). The author kept the characters realistic and makes you want to relate to them. I find myself comparing my childhood to what I have read in “that boy” and how many similar situations I encountered.
I thought this would a fun book to read, a little outside what I would normally pick up… and that it was! I was pleasantly surprised and felt like I completely connected to the character, JJ. You are that girl and you want to be that girl. It is written in first person (the action is told from her point of view). You find yourself crushing on both boys. This would be a great weekend read and an even better summer or winter break read. I say go get it today and enjoy the story!

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The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern

Title: The Night Circus
Author: Erin Morgenstern
Publisher: Doubleday
Genre: Adult Fiction, Romance, Historical, Supernatural
Available: September 13, 2011

Summary:
The circus arrives without warning. No announcements precede it. It is simply there, when yesterday it was not. Within the black-and-white striped canvas tents is an utterly unique experience full of breathtaking amazements. It is called Le Cirque des Rêves, and it is only open at night.

But behind the scenes, a fierce competition is underway—a duel between two young magicians, Celia and Marco, who have been trained since childhood expressly for this purpose by their mercurial instructors. Unbeknownst to them, this is a game in which only one can be left standing, and the circus is but the stage for a remarkable battle of imagination and will. Despite themselves, however, Celia and Marco tumble headfirst into love—a deep, magical love that makes the lights flicker and the room grow warm whenever they so much as brush hands.

True love or not, the game must play out, and the fates of everyone involved, from the cast of extraordinary circus per­formers to the patrons, hang in the balance, suspended as precariously as the daring acrobats overhead.

Written in rich, seductive prose, this spell-casting novel is a feast for the senses and the heart.

Review:
I have no idea where to begin. This book completely captivated me and drew me in. I love the writing style of Erin Morgenstern and felt like I was there in the circus watching the performances, witnessing the challenge, crying with Celia, learning with Marco...

Imagine walking into Cirque de Soleil in 1890. Imagine everything playing out in black and white (like a silent movie) with splashes of red. Now imagine magic is real and anything is possible!

Celia and Marco have a destiny to play out a cruel challenge. They do not know of each other and have been training for this challenge their entire lives. Neither Celia or Marco know or understand what this challenge is, how it will play out, who it will all effect and how it may draw in.

When Marco sees Celia across the room he knows instantly, without a doubt, she is his challenger, but he is instantly attracted to her. She sees Marco in his bowler hat watching her, always staying in the dark corners not posing as a threat but she knows there's more to him, but what?

When they brush against each other, fierce winds pick up and mysterious things begin to happen. Can they fulfill their destiny in this challenge and keep their feelings for each other at bay or will they give into their desires and let everything fall, including the circus?

You MUST read this book when it comes out! Here is a link to to pre-order it today! I cannot tell you enough how wonderful this book was and how excited I am, personally, to see it come to life on film. Summit entertainment (who brought you Twilight) will be producing this film. It has been set for a release date of 2013. The audio book of The Night Circus will be read by Jim Dale, who read the "Harry Potter" series.

Book Trailer


Jim Dale


Erin Morgenstern presenting her book

Boy vs Girl by Na'ima B. Robert

Title: Boy vs Girl
Author: Nai'ima B. Robert
Genre: Coming of age/Family/Drama
Publication Date: March 2011 (OUT NOW)

Description:
Farhana swallowed and reached for the hijab. But then she saw with absolute clarity the weird looks from the other girls at school, and the smirks from the guys. Did she dare? And then there was Malik... What should she do about him? Faraz was thinking about Skrooz and the lads. Soon he would finally have the respect of the other kids at school. But at what price? He heard Skrooz's voice, sharp as a switchblade: "This thing is powerful, blud. But you have to earn it, see? Just a few more errands for me..." They're twins, born 6 minutes apart. Both are in turmooil and both have life-changing choices to make, against the peaceful backdrop of Ramadan. Do Farhana and Faraz have enough courage to do the right thing? And can they help each other - or will one of them draw the other towards catastrophe? This powerful novel explores the idea of honour and what it means to different generations of Muslim families.

Review:
This book was something I normally would have not picked up but I'm glad I was able to read it. I was moved by the Muslim customs in this book and it allows you to put yourself in their position, regardless of your religious upbringing.
What struck me is the Muslim culture suffers from so much racism; even bringing their children up in different countries they are still expected to follow the Pakistani way, even if the opposite sex is Muslim and white, black, brown or whatever. They are not and will not be a part of their families. I felt myself shuttering when the families absolutely refused to hear anything otherwise.
The story of the book covers from a male and female perspective; twin boy (Faraz) and girl (Farhana). He wants to be accepted at school but at what cost? He has fallen into the 'gang' crowd. As much as he wants out, especially with Ramadan in full swing, he does not have the courage to stand up for himself and say no. He finds himself beating up guys with bats and selling drugs.
His sister is struggling with her identity as a Muslim. She wants to wear the hijab (headscarf) but her mother refuses to hear of it. If she defies her and wears it what will happen with her social status at school? She's been told she is supermodel beautiful but wearing the hijab will force the eyes of boys (and girls) to look the other way. Is this really what she wants?
As they are struggling to come into their own a horrible accident happens and threatens to take the life of one of the twins. Will the family pull together to overcome this or will they fall completely apart?
No matter what your religious background I highly recommend reading this book, especially to the YA crowd. Gangs, drugs, peer pressure is everywhere...