Lovestruck Summer by Melissa Walker

Goodreads Description - Austin Music Fest
Yay, summer in Austin!
Good food, good times. Fun for everyone!
Okay, living with my sorority-brainwashed cousin, who willingly goes by "Party Penny," is not exactly what I had in mind.
All your favorite bands
But the cute musicians I've met totally make up for it . . . like Sebastian. Swoon.
All ages welcome
So why can't I stop thinking about Penny's friend All-American Russ and his Texas twang??
Saturday & Sunday, from noon to midnight
Don't wait up!


My Review:-

Favourite Quote: '"You look beautiful," says Russ.  And it's the simple sentence that you think will mean nothing, because maybe your mom has said it to you a thousand times, or your best friend says it when your're having insecure moment about your outfit.  But it's not like that - it's completely different when a guy says it.  I didn't know that until this moment, because it's the first time a guy has ever said it to me.  Three words just gave me goose bumps, and I feel like a girly girl for a second.'

Are you looking for a good romantic comedy that will have you laughing out loud, swooning over the male lead and has plenty of awwww isn't that sweet moments? Then look no further because Lovestruck Summer is that and more.

This book is a fun and quick read.  It’s plot is a little bit predictable but completely enjoyable and will make you feel good.  And if you were suffering a reading rut well this book will be the perfect cure.   It is also not all about love but also about not judging people before you know them and being not afraid to try something different.   

What makes this book stand out for me from other romantic comedy is the characters.  Priscilla aka Quinn 'lives her life in her headphones', obsessed with the alternative music scene.  She is a little bit different, smart and extremely stubborn.  Russ, is the all American boy from next door who doesn't mind a bit of country music.  He is a lot of fun, gorgeous and certainly keeps Priscilla on her toes. 

Their romance progresses at that nice natural pace and they connect over the simplest things.  There is a scene in the book where Russ takes Priscilla to a natural spring and they just talk about things they each like, it is so simple but at the same time it is beautiful and you can feel the chemistry. 

Another wonderful element of this book is the music.  Which is indie meets country.  If this book had a theme song it would be "Can't Help Falling in Love". 

Overall, Lovestruck Summer is just what I needed and more than expected.

Rating: 4/5

Want more info: Check out Melissa Walker website.

Some interesting info: Melissa Walker is releasing a new book called Small Town Sinners in 2011.  It sounds very different from this title but I excited to read it.  It also part of the contemp challenge.  Go check it out, especially the gorgeous cover.

In My Mail Box #6

In My Mailbox was created by Kristi at The Story Siren and inspired by Alea at Pop Culture Junkie.

Bought

The Sky is Everywhere by Jandy Nelson - I am in love with this book already. The edition I have is the UK one and it has blue print and colour photographs inside and the prose is beautiful.

Diary of a Crush (French Kiss) by Sarra Manning - This is a new arrival at my favourite bookstore and was an impulse buy.  It looks like a fun read.

A Little Wanting Song by Cath Crowley -  Cath Crowley is an Aussie writer.  I love Graffiti Moon by her so I am excited to read this.  For some reason it is the US edition but that is okay because I like it better.

I Now Pronounce You Somebody Else by Erin McCahan - Have read lots of amazing reviews for this. This is Erin McCahan first young adult novel and first published novel in a writing career that spans 17 years.

Blue-Eyed Devil by Lisa Kleypas -  Another impulse buy.  Secondhand copy that somebody was trading as I was paying for my books. Adult contemporary fiction - it is nice to change things up every now and then.

For Review

Eternal Flame by Cynthia Eden - I won my first signed book ever from Goodreads.  I even got some bookmarks.   I don't mind a bit of adult paranormal and this series looks great.   Her Night Watch series is described 'dark, sexy paranormal laced with gripping suspense'.

Delirium by Lauren Oliver - From Netgalley.  This is Lauren Oliver second novel and it is described as 'a high-stakes romance set in a dystopian world'.  Sounds very different from her first novel Before I Fall which was brilliant.

Don't forget to check out my Freefall  GIVEAWAY and interview with Mindi Scott.  Only one week left to enter!

I have been tagged!

Thanks to my awesome friend, Nomes over at Inkcrush I was tagged for this blog award.

So now I get to pass on ten things about me that you don't know:

1. I can not click my fingers.  I don't know why it won't work for me.

2. I am afraid of not spiders or snakes (I don't have a problem with either of them) but FROGS.  Yes the green slimy jumpy kind.  I scream and run away like the girl I am when I see one.

3. I have no middle name.  My first name is Nichole (but I get called Nic) and was always jealous of the kids who had middle names for some reason.  Now that I am older I don't mind.

4. My mother and her family are from Germany. 

5. I have only ever seen snow once.  It was in Paris and I thought is was so beautiful until I went outside and it was freezing.  And when we went to leave Paris our flight got grounded because of the snow and we had to spend the whole day waiting for our flight.  I am definitely a hot weather girl.

6. I love snorkeling.  I have been lucky enough to snorkel in Fiji and Thailand and it is one of the best experiences in my life.    That picture to above is one of the places in Thailand I went snorkeling.

7. On the same subject, when I was kid I was swimming in the ocean when there was a shark siting (there would always be at least one).  I froze and the shark swam past my and touched my legs.  My sister had to drag me out of the water.  We later found it is was a certain type of shark that wasn't dangerous.

8. I was once in an all girl rock band although we never got out of the garage.

9. Six degrees to Brad Pitt (well less than 6).  Back in 1989 part of The Delinquents was filmed on my street when I was a kid.  I met Charlie Schlatter who dated Jennifer Aniston who married Brad Pitt. It makes my crush on Brad Pitt seem less impossible.

10.  One of my relatives was an Australian contortionist aka rubber man who could bend his body to fit into a box.

I am tagging: AJ at Collections, Kare at Epic Book Nerd and Alexa at Not Enough Bookshelves.

Dear Santa....

Can you believe it is nearly Christmas time already.  So it is time to order some good Christmas reads to help get into the holiday spirit.  Here are some picks that I wouldn't mind Santa leaving in my stocking.  

Let It Snow  -  Sparkling white snowdrifts, beautiful presents wrapped in ribbons, and multicolored lights glittering in the night through the falling snow. A Christmas Eve snowstorm transforms one small town into a romantic haven, the kind you see only in movies. Well, kinda. After all, a cold and wet hike from a stranded train through the middle of nowhere would not normally end with a delicious kiss from a charming stranger. And no one would think that a trip to the Waffle House through four feet of snow would lead to love with an old friend. Or that the way back to true love begins with a painfully early morning shift at Starbucks. Thanks to three of today's bestselling teen authors John Green, Maureen Johnson, and Lauren Myracle the magic of the holidays shines on these hilarious and charming interconnected tales of love, romance, and breathtaking kisses.

                      

Secret Santa - Noelle, a hopeless romantic, just knows that her gifts have to be from her senior crush! And geeky Froggy thinks the game is the perfect way to get super-popular Celia to fall for him...except she thinks his gifts are from Jake, the school's resident bad boy, and starts to crush on him! Romantic mishaps abound, but all is revealed the night of the Winter Dance, where there's more than one surprise waiting under the mistletoe

Dash & Lily's Book of Dares - “I’ve left some clues for you.
If you want them, turn the page.
If you don’t, put the book back on the shelf, please.”

So begins the latest whirlwind romance from the New York Times bestselling authors of Nick & Norah’s Infinite Playlist. Lily has left a red notebook full of challenges on a favorite bookstore shelf, waiting for just the right guy to come along and accept its dares. But is Dash that right guy? Or are Dash and Lily only destined to trade dares, dreams, and desires in the notebook they pass back and forth at locations across New York? Could their in-person selves possibly connect as well as their notebook versions? Or will they be a comic mismatch of disastrous proportions?

Rachel Cohn and David Levithan have written a love story that will have readers perusing bookstore shelves, looking and longing for a love (and a red notebook) of their own.

         

Mistletoe  -      Glittering white snowflakes. The handsome blond ski instructor. The sparkle on a cashmere skirt. Hot cocoa and kisses in front of a crackling fire. The holiday season is the ESSENCE of magic...and romance. Four of today's bestselling teen authors -- Melissa de la Cruz (THE AU PAIRS), Aimee Friedman (SOUTH BEACH), Hailey Abbott (SUMMER BOYS), and Nina Malkin (6X) -- bring us delectable tales of love and lust and holiday cheers (and tears) in this one-of-a-kind collection that teens will devour faster than a plate of Christmas cookies.                                

Ex-mas - Two Exes. One holiday adventure.

Merry Ex-Mas?

Seventeen-year-old Lila Beckwith's parents just left for vacation, and Lila's all set to throw the holiday party of the season. But when her Christmas-obsessed little brother, Cooper, discovers that global warming is melting the North Pole, he and his best friend, Tyler, take off on a runaway mission to save Santa.

Lila has to get Cooper safely home before her parents get back on Christmas Eve. But the only person who can help her is Tyler's older brother, Beau -- a.k.a. Lila's musician, anti-everything ex-boyfriend.

It'll take more than a Christmas miracle for Lila and Beau to overcome their differences and find their fugitive brothers. But could a journey destined for disaster help these polar opposites fall in love...all over again?

What are you planning to read this Christmas? 

YA Outside the Lines

YA Outside the Lines

I break tradition
Sometimes my tries
Are outside the lines

We've been conditioned
To not make mistakes
But I can't live that way, no


YA Outside the Lines is one of my favourite blogs.  It is a blog by authors of young adult fiction pushing the boundaries and writing from the heart. 

It is a great place to learn more about your favourite authors and why they write the stories they do.  Tara  Kelly author of Harmonic Feedback (one of my favourite books) just did this wonderful post.  Here is a little bit from it:

'Now every time I write a book, I look through that box. It’s weird how a pair of jeans or an old note from a friend can put me right back in the moment. Almost like I’m living it all over again.

I write for the freaks. The kids who come from tough homes. The kids who feel like they don’t fit anywhere. The kids who use art to express themselves. The kids who don’t know who they are or what they want to do. The kids who just want someone to ‘get it’. It’s my hope that one of my books will inspire them to write one of their own. Because I know they have a lot to say…'

It also a good places to keep up to date with author events and books news.  Here is a list of all the amazing authors involved:

• Wendy Delsol
• Tara Kelly
• April Henry
• Janet Gurtler
• holly cupala
• Danielle Joseph
• Rosemary Clement-Moore
• Alisa M. Libby
• Lauren Bjorkman
• J OConnell
• Trish Doller
• Jennifer Echols
• R.A. Nelson
• Cheryl Renee Herbsman
• Barbara Caridad Ferrer
• sarah_porter
• Jan Blazanin
• laurenstrasnick
• Stephanie Kuehnert
• Emily Whitman
• Julie Chibbaro

So drop by YA Outside the Lines and get to know your favourite authors a little better.  Big thanks to Cass at Words on Paper who brought this blog to my attention. 

The Iron Queen by Julie Kagawa

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The Iron Queen (Iron Fey #3) by Julie Kagawa

Goodreads Description - My name is Meaghan Chase.

I thought it was over.That my time with the fey, the impossible choices I had to make, the sacrifices of those I loved, was behind me. But a storm is approaching, an army of Iron fey that will drag me back, kicking and screaming. Drag me away from the banished prince who's sworn to stay by my side. Drag me into the core of a conflict so powerful, I'm not sure anyone can survive it.

This time, there will be no turning back.
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My Review:-

Favourite Quote: "His forehead bumped softly against mine, his brilliant silver gaze searing into me. “I plan to keep you, from everyone, for as long as I’m alive. That includes Puck, the false king, and anyone else who would take you away.” One corner of his mouth quirked, as I struggled to catch my breath under his powerful scrutiny. “I guess I should’ve warned you that I have a slight possessive streak.”

The Iron Fey series is one of my all time favourites. So I was extremely excited to get ARC but was also a little worried that it wouldn't live up to the previous books.  But there was no need to worry as The Iron Queen was AWESOME.  It had the same action packed and surprise filled plot but it was also was more emotional (tears were shed) and had loads more delicious romance (yay!) than before.

My favourite element of this series is the magical world Julie Kagawa has created. I love all the different creatures. There are so many it is hard to keep up.  Here is just a few: gliders, spider hags, packrats, gremlins, iron beetles, clockwork golems, hacker elves, dragons, iron horses, gryphon, musket elves, wireman….  Kagawa makes you wish that you were character in this book exploring Nevernever.  And if you asked me which character I would love to explore Nevernever with I couldn't pick.  I am constantly changing my mind about who is my favourite.   Ash, Razor, Meghan, Grim, Puck, they are all amazing.

Meghan in the beginning is a little insecure (not in a bad and whiny way) but as the story goes on she becomes strong, confident and courageous.  Ash is still the same gorgeous dark faery but he seems a little more open and happier.  Puck however is a little more brooding this time but still manage to bring a sense of mischief and fun when he is around.  Grim, definitely hasn’t changed as Puck says ‘He’ll show up when we least expect him, being all cool and mysterious I wouldn‘t worry about that furball.”  We are also introduced to some new characters Glitch and Razor. I have especially taken a liking to Razor, a gremlin, he is both cute and crazy and I want one.

The romance is beautiful.  Although sometimes I would have liked a little more details. Hint, hint for next time (I can only hope Julie Kagawa is reading this).

Oh my what an ending. I won't say anything else but that I am very happy that Julie Kagawa is writing The Iron Knight.

Overall, fans of this series won’t be disappointed. And if you love fey tales or fantasy and you haven’t read this series you really need to do so immediately.

Rating: 5/5

Thank you to Netgalley and Harlequin Teen for providing me with a copy.

For More Info check out:  Julia Kagawa's website

Waiting on Wednesday

 "Waiting On" Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted by Breaking the Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.

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All You Get Is Me by Yvonne Prinz
Release Date: 1st January, 2011

What happens when a city girl is transplanted onto a ramshackle organic farm in the middle of nowhere? Everything.

Sixteen-year-old Roar has been yanked from her city life and suddenly she’s a farm girl, albeit a reluctant one, selling figs at the farmers' market and developing her photographs in a rickety shed. And then she witnesses a crime that will throw the whole community into an uproar. Caught among the lure of a troublemaking friend, her love for a brooding boy, and her complicated feelings about her father’s human rights crusade, Roar is going to have to tackle it all. And with a camera around her neck, she’s capturing it all, too.

Yvonne Prinz and her novel The Vinyl Princess have ignited the teen blogosphere and entertainment media. Once again, she’s taken the pulse of culture and emerged with a book that is timely, quirky, and unforgettable.
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What are you waiting for?

Why? With the name 'Roar' the main character sounds interesting and quirky.  And I have heard the brooding boy name is 'Forest'.  The blurb is intriguing and of course I love the cover.

Six Impossible Things by Fiona Wood

Goodreads Description -

Fourteen year old nerd-boy Dan Cereill is not quite coping with a reversal of family fortune, moving house, new school hell, a mother with a failing wedding cake business, a just-out gay dad, and an impossible crush on Estelle, the girl next door. His life is a mess, but for now he's narrowed it down to just six impossible things...

My Review:-

Favourite Quotes: ‘Something large and happy has unfolded in my chest, erupting in a smile that won’t quit. I can’t remember ever feeling so light-hearted. Or is my heart full? Or bursting? Not aching, that’s for sure.’

5 stars is not a high enough rating for this. There is something special about Six Impossible Things. Maybe it is the extraordinary writing or the touching and funny plot or maybe it is the unforgettable characters but either way this book is absolutely brilliant.

One of the reason I loved this book is because of the writing - interesting, quirky, witty, humorous and engaging.  Fiona Wood has been writing television script for popular Aussie TV shows for the last ten years.  And you can tell that she is an experienced writer as she knows how to draw you into Dan's world and make you never want to leave.  I could happily stayed surrounded by this wonderful bunch of characters.

And what well crafted characters they are, even the secondary.  Dan, is a sweetheart. Why didn't I know any boys like that when I was teenager?   He is impossible not to love.  I really empathize with him as his world is turned upside.  Being a teen is hard enough without you Dad declaring his gay, your Mum's business failing, moving house, changing school, suddenly becoming poor and of course crushing on the impossible girl, Estelle.  But despite all those struggles Dan is a hopeful character.  You will be cheering him on, laughing with him (okay sometimes at him) and want to hug him when things go wrong.  

And his crush on Estelle is super sweet.  He likes her for more than just because she is beautiful but because she is interesting and smart. I  love the prologue where Dan talks about Estelle and list all these little crazy facts about her.  And that kissing her is always at the top of his list of things to do even if it seems impossible.   The romance just makes you smile.

Overall, AMAZING.  Please Fiona Wood hurry up and write more books.  I want more!

And because I loved the writing so much I going to leave you with another favourite quote:   'My problems are like waves - just as one disappears with a snarl and a hiss there’s another shaping up to knock me down'.
 
Rating: 5/5 stars

For More Info: Fiona Wood's website

Want to read more amazing reviews: Inkcrush, Lost In Stories and My Girl Friday 

Some news: Fiona Wood is currently working on her second novel now. 'It’s called ‘Pulchritude’ – what an ugly word for beauty…'   I can't wait!

In My Mail Box #5

In My Mailbox was created by Kristi at The Story Siren and inspired by Alea at Pop Culture Junkie.

BOUGHT:

Ghost Town by Rachel Caine - Morganville Vampires is one of my all time favourite series.  So I screamed with excitement when my copy arrived.  And yes I have read it already and my review will be up this week some time.

Beatle Meets Destiny by Gabrielle Williams - This is by an Aussie author and it has been getting rave reviews.  

Six Impossible Things by Fiona Wood - Another Aussie YA contemporary fiction.  I have already devoured this book and it was one of my fave reads of 2010.  Review will be up tomorrow.

Let It Snow by John Green, Maureen Johnson, Lauren Myracle - This is my Christmas read.  Three Christmas stories of humour, love, romance and kisses.  You can't go wrong especially if one is by John Green.  I will be posting some other Christmas recommendations in the next few days so stay posted for that.

Lovestruck Summer by Melissa Walker - Looks liked a good summer read since it is going to be a long hot summer here.

FOR REVIEW (from Netgalley)

The Iron Queen by Julie Kagawa - Another favourite series.  This book is amazing so far.

Awaken by Katie Kacvinsky - Set in the future.  Looks thought provoking and also like it will have a beautiful romance.

Here Lies Bridget by Paige Harbison - A story about second chances.

What did you get in your mailbox?



Interview with Mindi Scott & Freefall Giveaway!

The awesome Mindi Scott was kind enough to do an interview with me for her amazing debut novel  Freefall.   And because I loved Freefall so much I am giving away a copy opened INTERNATIONALLY (to all places that The Book Depository ships to).  I hope you enjoy this interview and don't forget to check out my review for Freefall.

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How do you come back from the point of no return?

Seth McCoy was the last person to see his best friend Isaac alive, and the first to find him dead. It was just another night, just another party, just another time where Isaac drank too much and passed out on the lawn. Only this time, Isaac didn’t wake up.

Convinced that his own actions led to his friend’s death, Seth is torn between turning his life around . . . or losing himself completely.

Then he meets Rosetta: so beautiful and so different from everything and everyone he's ever known. But Rosetta has secrets of her own, and Seth will soon realize he isn’t the only one who needs saving . . .
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Why YA?
The summer that I decided to start write seriously (2004), I was at the library nonstop.  I read over 100 books of all different types.  I found that contemporary YA resonated with me and felt the most natural, so I gave it a try. I love it!
 
What inspired you to write Freefall?
Seth and his story came about in a backward way, which I think most people wouldn't expect.

This story was inspired by the character Rosetta, who appeared from nowhere, like some characters seem to do!  At that time, I was finished with my first (unpublished) manuscript, which was about a kind of messed up girl.  I didn't feel like being in the head of another kind of messed up girl right exactly then, so I decided that I would write Rosetta's story from the point of view of the boy who would love her.

It didn't take long before I realized that letting her story drive the novel wasn't fair to the narrator I'd chosen.  He needed an arc that wasn't all about trying to "save" her, otherwise, this was never going to work.

So, really, Rosetta wasn't created to help Seth find his purpose, meet his goals, etc.; it was supposed to have been the other way around!

I love the cover of Freefall.  And also on the pages that numbers and the title get lower on each page like they are falling.  Did you have any say in the book design?
I love everything Pulse came up with, but I had no say whatsoever in it!  My editor and I discussed that Marketing was going to go for a "mood piece" with the cover and that the characters wouldn't be depicted.  They really wanted this book to be something that a girl or a guy might pick up.

The words and pages numbers falling was a really cool surprise when I got to see the unbound galleys.  My editor told me that the interior designer had done something special with and I was excited to realize that if you flip the edge of the pages quickly, you can watch the words fall!
 
Music is a important part of Seth's life.  Did you have a playlist while writing? And what were some of the songs on it?
I do listen to music while I write and I try to mix it up a lot or I go crazy.  After all, with drafting and several rounds of revisions, I was actively involved with this book for about a year and nine months. 

The songs from those days that will always remind me of Seth are:  everything ever by Social Distortion ("Bad Luck," in particular), nearly every song from the Sam's Town album by The Killers, "Free Fallin'" by Tom Petty, and "It's Been Awhile" by Staind. (And that last one is always embarrassing for me to admit, for some reason.  But, seriously, the lyrics and the whole mood are just so very Seth-hungover-and-staring-at-glow-in-the-dark-stars-on-his-ceiling to me.)

What I loved most about Freefall were the characters.  So realistic and honest.  Which character do you see the most of yourself in and why?
Thank you!  I had a friend once tell me that she thinks Rosetta and Kendall are comprised of different parts of me.  While I don't entirely agree (they really are fictional characters; I swear it!) I think that the way I behave and speak is more like Rosetta. The way that I feel sometimes is probably more like Kendall.

Rosetta was my favourite character.  I want to know more.  Do you plan on writing Rosetta story?

I'm certainly interested in writing a novel from Rosetta's point of view, but 1) it might be awhile before I'll have any idea whether the publisher will want to see anything else set in the Freefall world and 2) I have to figure out a unique journey for Rosetta in order to justify writing it.  I very deliberately made a strong parallel in the things that Seth and Rosetta needed to overcome, but that also means that I'd need something fresh so that it doesn't feel like the same story again, you know?

You are part of The Contemps Challenge.  What are some of your favourite YA contemporary books?
Nick & Norah's Infinite Playlist (Cohn/Levithan), Looking for Alaska (John Green), Guyaholic
(Carolyn Macker), What My Mother Doesn't Know (Sonya Sones), This Lullaby (Sarah Dessen), Sloppy Firsts (Megan McCafferty), Rats Saw God (Rob Thomas), Flash Burnout (L.K. Madigan), and Amy & Roger's Epic Detour (Morgan Matson).  I could go on and on.

What are you working on next? 

I am working on more YA novels.  I have a few in the works, but I don't yet have another contract, so I'm not sure which might become my next published novel.  The one I'm working on most seriously at this time is another contemporary.  This one is about a girl who can't tell the truth out of fear of what it will cost her.  That's vague, I know, but I suck at writing my own pitches, so I'll have to wait and see if my agent/editor can do better when the time comes! 

The subject matter is darker and more difficult in some ways (except there isn't anyone dealing with death this time around), and the girl POV is definitely a huge switch for me, but my agent feels like it will be a good follow up to Freefall.  I hope he's right.

Thank you again Mindi Scott for doing this interview with me.  My first ever! Now onto the giveaway.

One lucky person will win a copy of Freefall.  To enter all you have to do is fill out this FORM.  You must be 13 years or older to enter.  This competition closes on 6th December, 2010.  Please read my giveaway policy before entering.

Follow Friday #5

I am loving Follow Friday as I have found lots of amazing blogs through it.  Follow Friday is hosted by Parajunkee's View.  ParaJunkee also asks us follower's to answer a question each week, so today's question for the follow is:

How long have you been book blogging?

One month today!  I have been posting reviews and chatting books on Goodreads for over year when I decided to give blogging a go.   

 

Make sure you comment and follow so I can return the favour (I might be a little bit late this week as I am going away for the weekend but I promise to stop by your blog when I get back). 

 

Thanks for stopping by my blog and while you are here check out my interview with Mindi Scott and FREEFALL GIVEAWAY.  Have a great weekend!

Raincheck on Timbuktu by Kirsten Murphy

Goodreads Description - Lucy has her life all planned out -

* perfect job at 21
* engaged to ideal man at 26
* married at 27 and a half
* building ideal home at 28 (fully equipped with a stereo surround-sound wide screen TV and a comfortable, yet stylish couch)
* birth of perfect daughter at 30

What does not neatly fit into her organised life is a mother with a bombshell, an ex-best friend with an unfortunate liking for low-life boyfriends, a series of badly dressed, metallic-eyeshadowed teachers and a (very) friendly boy next door.

Mini Review:-

Favourite Quote: "You know when you put something on lay-by and you look forward to paying it off and picking it up in a few weeks?  That's how I feel about my life.  I've been looking forward to picking it up my brand new life for a while now.  Once I get my new life I'll be fun, interesting and happy - perfect".

This is a book that just make you smile.  Raincheck on Timbuktu is funny, smart and such a truthful coming of age story that really captures all the emotions and confusions of being a teen.  It has a wonderfully bunch of characters but I adored Lucy and really felt for her as she learned to let go of the past and started living in the moment.  To me this is an Aussie classic.  I only wish I had read this as a teen.

Rating: 5/5

Want to find more awesome Aussie YA check out Nomes @ Inkcrush amazing list of books.

Waiting on Wednesday #4

 "Waiting On" Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted by Breaking the Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.

Starcrossed by Josephine Angelini
Set on the island of Nantucket, STARCROSSED tells the tale of Helen Hamilton, a young woman whose destiny is forever altered when she meets Lucas Delos and tries to kill him in front of her entire high school. Which is terribly inconvenient, not only because Lucas is the most beautiful boy on the island, but also because Helen is so achingly shy she suffers physical pain whenever she is given too much attention.

Making matters worse, Helen is beginning to suspect she’s going crazy. Whenever she’s near Lucas or any member of his family she sees the ghostly apparitions of three women weeping bloody tears, and suffers the burden of an intense and irrational hate. She soon learns that she and Lucas are destined to play the leading roles in a Greek tragedy that the Three Fates insist on repeating over and over again throughout history. Like her namesake, Helen of Troy, she’s destined to start a war by falling in love. But even though Lucas and Helen can see their own star-crossed destiny, they’re still powerfully attracted to each other. Will they give up their personal happiness for the greater good, or risk it all to be together?

 Why? Gorgeous cover, starcrossed lovers and interesting concept involving Greek mythology.  Sounds like an awesome read.

What are you waiting on?

The DUFF by Kody Keplinger

Goodreads Description - Seventeen-year-old Bianca Piper is cynical and loyal, and she doesn't think she's the prettiest of her friends by a long shot. She's also way too smart to fall for the charms of man-slut and slimy school hottie Wesley Rush. In fact, Bianca hates him. And when he nicknames her "Duffy," she throws her Coke in his face.

But things aren't so great at home right now. Desperate for a distraction, Bianca ends up kissing Wesley. And likes it. Eager for escape, she throws herself into a closeted enemies-with-benefits relationship with Wesley.

Until it all goes horribly awry. It turns out that Wesley isn't such a bad listener, and his life is pretty screwed up, too. Suddenly Bianca realizes with absolute horror that she's falling for the guy she thought she hated more than anyone.


My Review:-

My Favourite Quote: "No matter where you go or what you do to distract yourself, reality catches up with you eventually".

I have never heard of the term The Duff (The Designated Ugly Fat Friend) before I bought this book.  I thought maybe it was just a term used in the States.  But apparently not. It is even used here in Australia.   As I was paying for the book at the counter, the owner of the bookstore said  'we used to use the same phrase 20 years ago.  Every group has a DUFF'.

It got me thinking about what role I played in my group.  Was I The Duff? But after reading this I realised it is not a bad thing thanks to Keplinger.  As Bianca says "I was the Duff.  And that was a good thing .  Because anyone who didn't feel like the Duff must not have friends.  Every girl feels unattractive sometimes.......I should be proud to be the Duff.  Proud to have great friends who, in their mind, were my Duffs."   That is just one of the reasons why I loved this book.

The DUFF is funny, smart, honest, and a heartwarming.  It is about all the important issues that all teens deal with - love, friendship, family and insecurities.  Sounds like an emotional read but it is not really.  It had that lighter fun feel to it.  A book that you will want to pick up and read again just to feel good.  And I am amazed this is Keplinger debut novel and she was only 17 when she wrote it.  It is a effortless read that had a nice pace and was always entertaining.  

Bianca, is instantly likeable character that cause me laughter and heart ache.   I think Wesley sums her up perfectly "What you are is an intelligent, sassy, sarcastic, cynical, neurotic, loyal, compassionate girl". She is confused at times and definitely has some family issues but completely relatable.  Bianca doesn't deal with her issues and rather bottles them up inside and looks for other ways to escape them.
 
Now on to my dear Wesley.  He makes a great distraction for Bianca.  I have to admit at first I disliked him with a passion but as he grew on Bianca, he grew on me too.  Definitely a sweetheart (well kind of) hiding as a bad boy.   And when you put Bianca and Wes together sparks fly.  These two would have to be one of my favourite literary couple because of their witty banter.
 
The only tiny issue I had with this book was the ending.  I liked Bianca and Wes' ending that wasn't the problem.   But rather the secondary characters - all there issues seemed to be resolved perfectly especially Bianca's Dad and Toby.  It was just a tiny bit too perfect because we all know not everybody gets happy endings.

Overall, The DUFF is a fantastic debut that you shouldn't miss.

Rating: 4.5/5

Note: Lots of colourful language and sex scenes.  So if you are sensitive to this maybe this book isn't for you.

Want more info: Check out Kody Keplinger website.

Keplinger is working on her second novel called A Midsummer's Nightmare.   Here is what Keplinger says in an interviews about it  "I had a story about a girl who has a one-night stand with a boy who later becomes her stepbrother. My next project is very much inspired by the dark, twistedness of my favorite movie EVER–Cruel Intentions"  Check out Old people writing for teens interview with Keplinger.

In My Mail Box #4

In My Mailbox was created by Kristi at The Story Siren and inspired by Alea at Pop Culture Junkie.

The Year of Secret Assignments (aka Finding Cassie Crazy) -

Three female students from Ashbury High write to three male students from rival Brookfield High as part of a pen pal program, leading to romance, humiliation, revenge plots, and war between the schools.

I found a second hand copy the other day.  Jaclyn Moriarty is an Aussie author and I love her books.  So I can't wait to read this one!


Other than that it was a quite book week.  I didn't have a chance to go book shopping which helped me save some money for Christmas which is fast approaching and also because I have a huge reading pile.

 I was actually looking through my books and realised I have some amazing books hiding there.  Here is a pic of just some of my books in my reading stack:

I have a few piles like that.  Some I am actually afraid to read like Some Girls Are and Sweethearts.  I know they will be awesome but they are going to make me cry and be completely gut wrenching. 

So I have a question -  Do you put off books you are dying to read because you know they are going to be heart breaking read?

Cover Crazy: Pretty Faces

I love making lists and voting on all the different ones on Goodreads.  So I have created my own meme highlighting Aussie authors and also debut authors.  This week it is also about pretty faces which was inspired by my current read, The DUFF.   Here are some of the best Aussie titles that are all about pretty faces:

                                         

I like the artistic touch on A Little Waiting Song, it really draws you in.  Scout is pretty (I have it in my reading stack) but it doesn't stand out as much as the other titles.  The Sweet, Terrible, Glorious Year I Truly Completely Lost It reminds of The DUFF with the whole bubblegum thing and definitely is a cover you look twice at.  But for me Posse is my favourite.  It is just gorgeous with the light and the hair blowing across the picture.  I also like the placement of the font.

Which is your favourite cover?

Goodreads Links:-

The Sweet Terrible Glorious Year I Truly Completely Lost It

Posse 

A Little Wanting Song

Scout