Book Review: Back to You by Priscilla Glenn

Back to You by Priscilla Glenn

When Lauren Monroe first laid eyes on Michael Delaney back in high school, she had every reason to stay away from him; within minutes of their first encounter, his volatile actions confirmed his notorious reputation. But Lauren saw something in him that caused her to question his bad-boy persona, and against her better judgment, she took a chance. She had no way of knowing that the unlikely friendship they formed would become so important to her.

Or that it would end so painfully.

Eight years later, when Lauren begins her new job at Learn and Grow Day Care, Michael is the last person she expects to see. Refusing to revisit the hurt and confusion of their past, Lauren vows to keep her distance from him. But staying away from Michael proves to be more difficult than she thought, despite her lingering grief and her instincts for self-preservation.

As Lauren and Michael recall the friendship that changed them forever and the events that tore them apart, will they finally be able to heal? Or will the ghosts of Michael’s past prove to be too much to overcome?

Do you ever pick up a book that lines up perfectly with your mood? This book hit the mark for me. Like really hit the mark -- I loved every minute of it from beginning to end.

“And she couldn't help but smile at the irony of the fact that the baddest boy in school could somehow always make her feel like the world was good.”

Seriously, in my mind this book is a gem. 

The book starts in present day with the MC, Lauren, getting a new job at a daycare. It is at this daycare that her old best friend Michael (and the guy that jerked her heart out) decides to enroll his daughter. So the past friendship, drama, and pain comes roaring back to life for these two characters. They slowly form a loose friendship, but it is guarded.

Every other chapter flashes back to their high school days. Michael the bad boy with a tough rep cannot help but form a friendship with the sweet, but persistent Lauren. Every scene has the two growing closer and closer. Leaving the reader with hope, yet knowing something is about to happen because of what we see of there relationship in the present.

Michael and Lauren are quite the pair. I love them both. I loved reading about their high school days. It may be my favorite part of the book. Friendship that flirts with the lines of possible young love.

Their love didn't happen instantly either, but builds over a lot of time. And this is a lot more realistic and relatable than star-struck lovers that only met two days before. I am looking at you Twilight-ish relationships. ("Yes, you are exactly my brand of heroin.” Seriously, Edward? Still not bashing, I like the books and the movies and all...but seriously?! End rant.)

My heart did that weird flip floppy motion a lot. You know what I am talking about? Then one were you can't help but love the fictional character. New book boyfriend candidate.

The chapters set in present day showed how much the characters changed and matured over this long period of time as the grew into adulthood. And, how lovely and realistic that, some habits just cannot be broken. Or sometimes we do things we do, because of our pasts.

This Book twisted and clawed at my heart. Melted my heart. Stole it. Made me laugh and cry. Made me nostalgic. It was just brilliant. 

I definitely recommend it. It shows the true beauty of a love that grows and forgives, a love that is willing to trust again.

I already want to reread it.

Stacking The Shelves [4]

 

Stacking The Shelves is a weekly meme hosted by Tynga's Reviews. This meme allows readers to show off the new books that they have recently added to their already crammed book shelves. So jump over there to see the guidelines and to link up. Then be sure to check out what everyone else has added.

My haul this week:

   

|If I Stay by Gayle Forman|

|Bloodlines by Richelle Mead|

|Silence by Becca Fitzpatrick|

|Linger by Maggie Stiefvater|

I am really excited about all four of these.  I am especially excited to catch back up with Patch.

What does your haul look like this week? Leave your link and I'll be sure to stop by

WWW & WoW [2]

W. W. W. Wednesdays [2]

W.W.W. Wednesdays is a weekly meme hosted by Should Be Reading. To join, answer the following questions:

• What are you currently reading?

• What did you recently finish reading?

• What do you think you’ll read next?

My answers:

What are you currently reading?

 

I am 34% done with Last Sacrifice by Richelle Mead.

Sorta bittersweet -- loving all these Rose and Dimitri scenes though.

I am listening to Stories I Only Tell My Friends

by Rob Lowe. 

 And it is epic. Lowe also is the narrator

  and he adds in voices for all the different characters.
 Love it so far.

What did you recently finish reading?

Dare You To by Katie McGarry 

This book was kinda like meeting your best friend for the first time. Slow at the start, but then *BAM* a beautiful friendship forms. The book started a bit slow, but then becomes *BAM* a beautiful, heart-tugging read.

McGarry does it again. (Full review-- here)

What do you think you’ll read next?

I am not totally sure, but probably Specials by Scott Westerfeld

Time to find out what happens to Tally.

What is your WWW?

Feel free to post a link and I'll be sure to drop by.




Waiting On Wednesday [2]

Waiting on Wednesday is a meme that highlights upcoming releases that we are excited to read. This meme is hosted by Breaking the Spine.

This week I am waiting on:

Breathless by Brigid Kemmerer

Too many secrets. Not enough time.

Nick Merrick is supposed to be the level-headed one. The peacemaker. Since it’s just him and his three hotheaded brothers against the world, that’s a survival tactic.

But now he’s got problems even his brothers can’t help him survive.

His so-called girlfriend, Quinn, is going quick as mercury from daring to crazy. Meanwhile, Quinn’s dancer friend Adam is throwing Nick off balance, forcing him to recognize a truth he’d rather shove back into the dark.

He can feel it—-the atmosphere is sizzling. Danger is on the way. But whatever happens next, Nick is starting to find out that sometimes nothing you do can keep the peace.

Expected publication: May 2013

I love this series and these characters. And I am so excited to finally get to read Nick's story.Who's your favorite Merrick brother? 

And what are you waiting on this Wednesday?

Book Review: Dare You To by Katie McGarry

Dare You To by Katie McGarry

Summary (from Goodreads): 

"I dare you..." 

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

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

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

This book was kinda like meeting your best friend for the first time.  

Slow at the start, but then *BAM* a beautiful friendship forms. The book started a bit slow, but then becomes *BAM* a beautiful, heart-tugging read.

McGarry does it again. It is nice to see a story with the roles reversed though. We see so many stories about the good girl and the bad-boy (not complaining because I love those too). But this was a nice change up. 

Ryan is the town's golden boy, while Beth is seen as the misfit and rebel. 

Beth gives off this real tough attitude (plus she cusses like a sailor). 

Beth having to move in with her uncle and his wife, along with the dare Ryan made to get a date with Beth -- keeps them crossing paths and slowly forming feelings.

But things are not always what they seem and in true McGarry fashion these characters are dealing with A LOT. 

"I love Isaiah's safety and I love his calm..."

My first problem?

Isaiah.

I love, love Isaiah.

And his tattoos.

He does make an appearance in this book. How could he not make an appearance in Beth's story after PTL? And I love their friendship and how he takes care of Beth. So I wasn't so sure about this Ryan guy and his relationship slowly forming with Beth.

"He does the one thing I hoped for and dreaded: his hand tangles with mine..."

But trust me, Ryan will grow on you. And he ends up being a real classy guy. Even with the dare going, he can be quite charming. Beth and Ryan are so different, but well-matched.

McGarry has an awesome talent of making the characters pain feel real. That was certainly true in PTL, and the same is true here. And that is what makes Beth so relatable. She may come of mean and cold. But you can relate to her pain. And understand her loyalty to her mom. Beth is such a complex and layered character. The romance was great, but seeing Beth grow, struggle, learn, break, lose, gain and just deal was the best part of this novel. She faces so much, but her strength shines through -- rough around the edges or not, she is strong.   

"She has been running from me from the moment I met her."

Other things I love:

--Beth's relationship with her Uncle -- I would get angry some, but ultimately loved his role.

--Baseball -- any story with baseball is good in my book.

--Ryan's jeep -- I want a jeep so bad. And muddin' sounds amazing.

--Lacy -- she goes into the awesome friend category.

Wanted More:

--Echo and Noah -- they appear some, but not lots.

--Beth's relationship with Alison to be expanded on 

End-thoughts:

This is a beautiful story that forces two characters to face their past and embrace their futures. It is about realizing that we cannot harp on the choices of others, but ultimately we are responsible for our own lives.

Copy provided by Harleqiun Teen via NetGalley for an honest review. 

Poetry Monday [1]

  Poetry Monday

A place to show off favorite poems new and old.

Robert Frost (1874–1963). Mountain Interval. 1920.

 

1. The Road Not Taken

  

TWO roads diverged in a yellow wood, 

And sorry I could not travel both 

And be one traveler, long I stood 

And looked down one as far as I could 

To where it bent in the undergrowth; 

 

Then took the other, as just as fair, 

And having perhaps the better claim, 

Because it was grassy and wanted wear; 

Though as for that the passing there 

Had worn them really about the same, 

 

And both that morning equally lay 

In leaves no step had trodden black. 

Oh, I kept the first for another day! 

Yet knowing how way leads on to way, 

I doubted if I should ever come back.

 

I shall be telling this with a sigh 

Somewhere ages and ages hence: 

Two roads diverged in a wood, and I— 

I took the one less traveled by, 

And that has made all the difference. 

Robert Frost is one of my favorite poets. I actually had to memorize this piece for my High School senior English class. And even though, I was first annoyed by the memorization I grew to love repeating it. It is still one of my favorites today. I

Feel free to leave one of your favorites in the comments. 

Coming Up: Book Review on Dare You To

 

Stacking The Shelves [3]

 

Stacking The Shelves is a weekly meme hosted by Tynga's Reviews. This meme allows readers to show off the new books that they have recently added to their already crammed book shelves. So jump over there to see the guidelines and to link up. Then be sure to check out what everyone else has added.

This past week has been pretty hectic. I did manage to add some really great titles to my TBR pile though.

|Identity by Ted Dekker|

"My name is Christy Snow. I'm seventeen and I'm about to die."

Dekker is my best friend's favorite author. He writes some gritty and intense mysteries/thrillers. But the awesome thing is that he falls under the Christian fiction category. So it is edgy, but has lot of heart. I have enjoyed the books that I have read by him in the past. So when I saw this book for free on amazon I snatched it up (and like a good friend, I texted my bestie and let her know that she could pick this up for free). At last check, it is still free on amazon here.

|Dare You To by Katie McGarry|

"I dare you..." 

This is the first ARC that I have received from Netgalley. I applied but wasn't really expecting to get it, but earlier this week I got an e-mail that said I was approved.  Sooo excited!!!!! Isn't the cover amazing? 

 Be sure to check back for my thoughts!

 The NON-SPOILER review will be up in a few days, probably Monday or Tuesday.

What does your haul look like this week? Leave your link and I'll be sure to stop by

TTT

 

This meme is hosted by The Broke and the Bookish

This week the topic is: 2013 debut books we are dying to read

I don't know about dying to read, but a lot of these look really interesting. What's on your list?

|Infinite Sky by C.J. Flood|

|How My Summer Went Up in Flames by Jennifer Salvato Doktorski|

|Nobody But Us by Kristin Halbrook|

|Uses for Boys by Erica Lorraine Scheidt|

|Wild Awake by Hilary T. Smith|

|45 Pounds (More or Less) by K.A. Barson|

|Blaze (or Love in the Time of Supervillains) by Laurie Boyle Crompton|

|Mind Games by Kiersten White|

|The Rules for Disappearing by Ashley Elston|

|Strands of Bronze and Gold by Jane Nickerson|

Stacking The Shelves [2]

 

Stacking The Shelves is a weekly meme hosted by Tynga's Reviews. This meme allows readers to show off the new books that they have recently added to their already crammed book shelves. So jump over there to see the guidelines and to link up. Then be sure to check out what everyone else has added.

This week I don't have a lot to show off. University started back which costs a nice chunk of change --- sigh. I guess I could post all of the books I picked up for classes, but let's be real I probably only going to read the minimum amount of pages there.

 Anyway, I present this weeks haul:

|I'm Not Her by Janet Gurtler|

A few people that I follow have reviewed this book. So when I found it on amazon for cheap, I decided I wanted to read it too. Anything that touch on subjects this heavy is going to be an emotional read. It reminds me of my sister's keeper (movie, since I haven't read the book), which I bawled.  

What does your haul look like this week?

Quick View: Spirit Bound (Vampire Academy #5) by Richelle Mead

I know that many bloggers and readers have already read (and reviewed) many of the books that I am just now picking up to read. That being so, I have decide to just give a short review of the book and what I thought, instead of a full review. 

Quick View: Spirit Bound (Vampire Academy #5) by Richelle Mead

Warning: Minor spoilers ahead if you have not read the previous four books.

 

“I'll find you. There is no place in this world you can hide from me. I'm watching." 

“A year. We'd known each other only a year, but we'd lived a lifetime in it.”

“He has no right to threaten my boyfriends. I'm eighteen. An adult. I don't need his help. I can threaten my boyfriends myself.” 

I am such a fan of this series. How could I not be?  Rose is strong, fierce, and snarky. I love how she doesn't take crap from anyone and chases her goals no matter what the cost. Such a great MC and heroine to cheer for because she is driven and loyal. Then you add in all the characters and drama, and you have this great world and plot that keeps you turning pages. 

This book, however, read a little bit slower than the others. I think many people state that it is book 4 that they found slow. But I sailed through that one loving Rose's heart. Don't get me wrong I still enjoyed this one a whole lot. It was packed with a lot of action.  It was almost like I needed a break between the "highs." Especially if things were not going according to the little plan in my own head.  

At one point I even clutched the book to my chest in pure happiness. While others, I felt just as frustrated as the main character Rose.

The last twist I did NOT see coming. And even though the twist is frustrating, I appreciate what Mead has created. The dynamics and drama that will arise is going to make for a great last book. And ultimately, I am crossing my fingers for a happy ending (I may be slightly crushed if not).

Since this book did end on a twist, I can't wait to pick up the Last Sacrifice.

Thoughts? 

wednesday memes

W. W. W. Wednesdays [1]

W.W.W. Wednesdays is a weekly meme hosted by Should Be Reading. To join, answer the following questions:

• What are you currently reading?

• What did you recently finish reading?

• What do you think you’ll read next?

My answers:

What are you currently reading?

 

I am 66% done with Spirit Bound (Vampire Academy #5) by Richelle Mead.

And just let me say: Aaaahhhhhhhhhh!  That roughly translates to: "so freakin' good."

I am 10% done with Catching Jordan (Hundred Oaks #1) by Miranda Kenneally. 

What did you recently finish reading?

Back to You by Priscilla Glenn 

This book was fantastic, fantastic, fantastic. Seriously, can I give it 6 stars? Review will be up soon!

What do you think you’ll read next?

Last Sacrifice (Vampire Academy #6) by Richelle Mead.

How could this not be my next read?

Again, ahhhhhhhh -- This now translates to: "so freakin' excited."

Waiting On Wednesday [1]

Waiting on Wednesday is a meme that highlights upcoming releases that we are excited to read. This meme is hosted by Breaking the Spine.

This week I am waiting on:

Golden by Jessi Kirby

Summary (from Goodreads): Seventeen-year-old Parker Frost may be a distant relative of Robert Frost, but she has never taken the road less traveled. Valedictorian and quintessential good girl, she’s about to graduate high school without ever having kissed her crush or broken the rules. So when fate drops a mystery in her lap—one that might be the key to uncovering the truth behind a town tragedy, she decides to take a chance.

Expected publication: May 14th 2013 by Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers

"Nothing Gold Can Stay"? Love that poem!

Book Review: Taking Chances by Molly McAdams

Taking Chances by Molly McAdams

Summary (from goodreads): Eighteen year old Harper has grown up under her career Marine of a father's thumb. Ready to live life her own way and experience things she's only ever heard of from the jarheads in her father's unit; she's on her way to college at San Diego State University. 

Thanks to her new roommate, Harper is introduced to a world of parties, gorgeous guys, family and emotions. Some she wasn't expecting yet, and others she never knew she was missing.

She finds herself being torn in two as she quickly falls in love with her boyfriend Brandon, and her roommate's brother Chase. Covered in tattoos, known for fighting in the Underground and ridiculously muscled...they're exactly what she was always warned to stay away from, but just what she needs. Despite their dangerous looks and histories, both adore and would do anything for Harper, including stepping back if it means she's happy. 

Her first year away is turning out to be near perfect, but one weekend of giving in to heated passion will change everything.

Add this to your TBR pile on Goodreads by clicking the cover.

So this book...

This book turned me into a book snob. And I am usually NOT that person. Grammar rules are not my strong suit, so I don't pick errors out easily. And as long as the plot is progressing, I am happy. Basically, it is easy for me to go with the flow of a book. But this book, I had those moments of: " That is SO unrealistic" or the "Seriously, seriously?!?" 

So it took a little while for me to finally just accept everything and to "relax" into the storyline. And even then, I would still have moments of disdain. 

This book is the the king (or at least on the Royal Court) of love triangles. *beats head against wall* Seriously, why do I do this to myself? Two great guys both liking the same girl. The girl that I sometimes called stupid (you see the snob part now, huh?). 

Harper is our main heroine (the one I wanted to slap some sense into). Anyway, she is finally moving out from under her protective father's roof to go to college. She is your typical "new-to-the-real-world" girl that show up in these sorta books. And her college roommate is quick to take her in and show her the ropes. Parties, guys, and makeup. Harper meets two great guys, Brandon and Chase. And even though she is dating Brandon (who I love -- which may be why I get so upset), she cannot seem to stop the feelings that are forming for (you guessed it) Chase.

Before even picking this book up, I wasn't sure if I wanted to read it. I mean you can look at the cover and see that cheating is going to be an issue. I was not sure how comfortable I was actually going to be with that concept. But at last, I decided after reading other reviews that I wanted to give it a try. They promised a major twist, and plus I am a sucker for a bad-boy meets the good girl storyline.  

And that twist. Man, it was just that, a twist. A warning...this book will take your heart, smile at it gently, maybe poke it a couple of times, and then slam it down into the ground. Hard. And there you have it--the twist.

And even after all of this -- I read. It was like I couldn't look away. I do not know why since I hated on the beginning and had my heart gutted in the middle. But with all things considered the author wrapped up the ending pretty well. 

So I have mixed feelings about this book. I feel that some people will hate it and others will probably love it. Give it a chance if you are looking for an intense, emotional read. The characters stayed with me even after I had finished. 

I ended giving 3 out 5 stars on Goodreads. You can also see a couple of spoilers about this book on my review there. If you want to get a clearer idea before reading, check it out. But be warned.

Also, if you have already read this (or plan to read it soon) give me some feedback. I want to know what you think -- how did you feel about this read?

P.S. If grammar and the like is your strong suit, please do not cringe too hardly at my own writing. I am planning on reading Grammar Girl's Quick and Dirty Tips for Better Writing one day. Don't know if will help, but it couldn't hurt.

Stacking the Shelves

Stacking The Shelves is a weekly meme hosted by Tynga's Reviews. This meme allows readers to show off the new books that they have recently added to their already crammed book shelves. So jump over there to see the guidelines and to link up. Then be sure to check out what everyone else has added.

This week I am going to bend the rules a bit and post the books I have picked up this Christmas season. I apparently have a hard time saying no to the good deals that have been running amuck throughout stores this year. I am especially a sucker for amazon's under $3 deal. Some irrational fear in my head says if I don't get it now the price will shoot up by the time I want it. I try to bargain shop. That should count for something, right?

 Add all that to my Christmas gifts and you have this month's haul.  

Ebooks:

From the store:

Won:

I won this by entering a random drawing on Goodreads. It was delivered this past month. I am really behind on this series. I was sooo excited anyway -- I told my mom, roommate, and twitter that I won. 

I have only read five of these so far. I need another break just to get all of these books read. I am most excited about finishing the Vampire Academy series. I am reading the 5th one now -- they keep getting better and better. So I hope the ending does not let me down. And both Christmas reads were very delightful and cheery. 

What did you get this season? Feel free to post or leave the link to your page.

Happy 2013!