Chain Reaction by Simone Elkeles

Chain Reaction by Simone Elkeles
Hardcover, 320 pages

Walker & Company

August 2011

Luis Fuentes has always been sheltered from the gang violence that nearly destroyed his brothers’ lives. But that hasn’t stopped him from other thrill-seeking behavior—like scaling a mountain in the Rockies or dreaming of a future as an astronaut. Nikki Cruz lives her life by three rules—boys lie to get their way, don’t trust a boy who says "I love you," and never date a boy from the south side of Fairfield. Then she meets Luis at his brother Alex’s wedding, and suddenly she’s tempted to break all her rules.Getting Nikki to take a chance on a south sider is Luis’s biggest challenge, until he finds himself targeted by Chuy Soto, the new head of the Latino Blood. When Chuy reveals a disturbing secret about Luis’s family, the youngest Fuentes finds himself questioning everything he’s ever believed to be true. Will his feelings for Nikki be enough to stop Luis from entering a dark and violent world?________________________________________________________

AS ALWAYS, Simone did an excellent job with this book. I could not put it down. I was glad I did not work the next day as I stayed up until 2am reading this book. Keep in mind I started it at 7pm.

Like the other two Perfect Chemistry novels this one features one of the Fuentes brothers, ties in the gang relations, not their typical girlfriend type of girl. If you have read the other two books than you can predict how this one will go however, don't let that stop you from reading it. Luis Fuentes is completely different from Alex and Carlos. For starters he is not a trouble maker and gets straight A's. That is all I will tell you about this book. I can not say anymore without ruining the story.

If you have read the books you may not realize it but, they should be read in order. The reason I say this is because aside from the first novel each one ties in the others. Chain Reaction really ties in the other two. If you are someone who has not read any in the series here the order they were released and that I believe you should read them:

Perfect Chemistry
Rules of Attraction

Chain Reaction

My only question with this novel after I finished was "Where is Simone going to take the series next if she continues? She has already covered all the Fuentes brothers."

EXCITING NEWS!!

SO for my first bit of this news. I thought I would share something not related to books or reading. I have started selling Scentsy. If you have never heard of it or were wanting to order feel free to check out my website http://LesaSymone.Scentsy.us if you have a facebook like my page Scentsy with Lesa-Symone. I am so excited to start this journey.

My second tid bit of news is that the book I am going to read next I have finally decided on it.

DRUM ROLL.

Shade by Jeri Smith-Ready

FINALLY CAUGHT UP!!!!

HEY ALL!!!!

I have finally posted all those reviews I owed you. I would have posted them sooner like promised however, I ended up getting pneumonia and I believe my health was more an important.

I did notice that my followers is slowly increasing. I have decided to do a giveaway for when I reach 500 followers. I am currently at 297 so let's get it going. Be sure to refer my blog to your friends. TELL TO REMEMBER YOU REFERRED THEM because when I do my giveaway I will have a spot for that too.

BUT I NEED 500 FOLLOWERS FIRST!!!

Time to go pick a new book to read and review for you all.
ENJOY THE LAST DAYS OF YOUR SUMMER!

--End of Story, Next Book!

The Ivy by Lauren Kunze and Rina Onur

The Ivy by Lauren Kunze and Rina Onur

Paperback, 336 Pages

HarperCollins Publishers

May 2011

Congratulations! You have been admitted to the most prestigious university in the world. Now what are you going to do?

Callie Andrews may not have money or connections or the right clothes, and she may have way too many complications in her love life, what with--

Gregory
the guy she loves to hate

Evan
the guy she'd love to forget

Clint
the guy she'd love to love

and Matt
the guy she really should love

--all vying for her attention.

But she has three fantastic roommates (best friends or her worst nightmare?) and a wholesome California-girl reputation (oops) and brains and beauty and big, big dreams.

Will it be enough to help her survive freshman year at Harvard?

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I don't typically read these type of stories but I thought "what the hell? Let's give this a try."

I should have just stuck with my normal books. This was just really hard for me to read because it was not my normal kind of book.

I did push myself through and read the whole thing. I felt what Callie felt. After awhile the story begin to grow on me however, at that point it was almost to the end.

There is another book in the series coming out or already out. I don't think I will be reading it.

Lovesick by Jake Coburn

Lovesick by Jake Coburn

Paperback, 228

Penguin US

Ted's drunk-driving accident has ruined his life. it cost him his basketball scholarship, ended his plans for college, and forced him into AA. but just when ted has resigned himself to his new life, Michael appears. the wealthy father of a bulimic Manhattan rich girl has a tempting proposition. He has agreed to pay for ted's college tuition, but there's one catch. ted has to secretly keep tabs on his benefactor's daughter, erica. A seemingly simple task, with only one minor problem: Ted never expected to fall in love.

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The back of this book told me I had to read it. However, it did not tell me the writing style. I did quite enjoy the story line. It was just really hard to read because of the writing style.

I typically don't have an issue reading books with emails, text messages and instant messenger conversations. I find them easier to read however, this book was different. They didn't seem to be needed.

I think the context of this book is a very good context on drinking and driving, lying, and scandals. I just couldn't read it because of the way it was written. It seem to take me forever to read it.

I Am Number Four by Pittacus Lore

I Am Number Four by Pittacus Lore

Hardcover, 480 pages

Harper Collins Publisher

January 2011

John Smith has just arrived in Paradise, Ohio, just another stop in a string of small towns where the 15-year-old has been hiding out from the Mogadorians. Those terrifying aliens are hellbent on destroying him and the other nine Loric children who have sought refuge on Earth. The Mogadorians are picking off the surviving kids in numerical order. The first three are dead and John's number is up. Will his Legacies, his defining super powers, develop in time for him to fight against the enemy? I Am Number Four is a breathless page-turner of a sci-fi novel that will have readers rooting for the teen alien who must unleash his fire power to save himself, his human friends, and the planet.

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First let me say DO NOT READ OR WATCH THE MOVIE THEN DO THE OTHER. I did that and found the book and movie identical. I watched the movie first then read the book. At first I loved it but then about halfway through found it getting really dumb and fast. It is like the movie and book were made together. Everyone who sees a movie that was a book knows there are always differences and sometimes ALOT of differences, however, I did not see that with this book.

You are probably thinking well that is every book readers dream to have their book and the movie match up. However, I can say we are all smart enough to know it won't happen and we want to see the differences.

I truly did enjoy the story line and all that but I did not like the similarities between the two. I really had to push through the book just to finish it. For that I can not give it more than three stars.

Where She Went by Gayle Foreman

Where She Went by Gayle Foreman

Hardcover, 264 pages

Penguin Group (USA), INC.

April 2011

It's been three years since the devastating accident . . . three years since Mia walked out of Adam's life forever.

Now living on opposite coasts, Mia is Juilliard's rising star and Adam is LA tabloid fodder, thanks to his new rock star status and celebrity girlfriend. When Adam gets stuck in New York by himself, chance brings the couple together again, for one last night. As they explore the city that has become Mia's home, Adam and Mia revisit the past and open their hearts to the future - and each other.

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I had been waiting for this book since I finished reading If I Stay. This time around the story is told from Adam's point of view. Instead of the chapters bouncing from hospital room to Mia's life up to the accident is bouncing from Adam being in New York to what happened to him after Mia left him.

You can really feel the heartache Adam went through when you read about those days. I found myself wanting to cry with him. When him and Mia meet up again and she tries to push him I kept wanting to scream "stupid girl be with Adam"

I loved this story just as much as the first one. I can't write much more about it in my review without giving away details. You shall just read it and find out.

Guest Post Winners and Reviews to look for.

So for the guest post giveaway only two people commented and both of you are the winners. However, Kathy I still need an email address.

By the end of this week I hope to have the following reviews posted for you:

I am number four

Where She Went

Lovesick

Ivy

So keep your eyes posted

Dark Days of Summer book tour.

Tonight I got to go to the Dark Days of Summer book tour with my friend, Ariel. (Must Love Books).

On this tour they are featuring the authors: Amy Plum, Tara Hudson, Aprilynne Pike, Veronica Roth, Ellen Schreiber, Kim Harrison, and Josephine Angelini. Not all stops on the tour will have all authors.

At our stop on the tour we had the privilege of having Amy Plum, Tara Hudson, Aprilynne Pike, Veronica Roth, and Ellen Schreiber.

I did not get a picture with Aprilynne Pike, honestly don't know why except maybe because I didn't have anything for her to sign.

Amy Plum and I...

Book:::Die For Me

Veronica Roth and I.....

Book::: Divergent

Tara Hudson and I.....

Book::: Hereafter---Just released June 7th

Ellen Schreiber and I.....

Vampire Kisses series

As well as the signing authors in the audience was book author Suzanne Young. I got a picture with her as well as a bookmark and a button/pin. Her personality makes me feel like if we were in school she would be one of my friends. She has the warm open personality I enjoy.

Suzanne Young and I...

Book::: Naughty List, So Many Boys(Naughty List novel), and coming out on June 21st---A Need So Beautiful

Guest Post from Kimberly Miyasaki Lee and Jennifer Dustow w/a Giveaway

Guest Post- About Us

Hi, I'm Jennifer Dustow. And I'm Kimberly Miyasaki Lee. We have recently published the first book in our Safe Passage Trilogy: Vibrational Passage. First of all, no. We are not tin foil hat wearers. Until Prada or Louis Vuitton figures out how to make them fashionable, we are just two writers who enjoy an entertaining story. Conspiracy theories aren't just for the die hard extremists, you'd be surprised how many people you know who have their own conspiracy theories. However, most of them don't share their thoughts in mixed company for fear of being ridiculed and having rotten vegetables thrown at them while being run out of town. We actually think conspiracies are fun, taken with a grain of salt.

Sure, reality can bite sometimes, and so most of us go to the movies or open up a good book to escape for just a while to maintain our sanity. But this escapism can sometimes lead the mind to wander (uh-oh) and then wonder about the world at large.

While our country is at war, our economy is a mess, and natural disasters continue to wreak havoc, one might wonder... are all these events random or perhaps somehow linked?

Our true inspiration for Vibrational Passage came from all the conversations we have had about the what ifs of life. You know, when you hear a news story, sometimes there's a story behind the story that can't be reported for various reasons. Kim's experience as a journalist gave her the unique behind the scenes knowledge of the part of the news that couldn't be reported. The juicy stuff, that of course never actually goes to print or makes it on the evening news for various reasons. Take that and magnify it to the big world picture, and one has to wonder how much of the truth we are aware of. That's pretty much the seed of the idea we planted to create Vibrational Passage.

About The Book

Physicist and geneticist Dr. Walden Sinclair disappears on 9/11. Trapped in time and space, he reaches out to Emma Lange for help. She discovers secret Hitler documents and a government weapon capable of changing future world events. In a race against time, she must find a way to protect the children under the Autism Spectrum, who possess a vital key in this deadly power struggle.

Vibrational Passage Giveaway!

Want a chance to win Vibrational Passage? Well here you go. To enter, leave a comment below answering the following question:

What is the craziest conspiracy theory you have ever heard... and actually believe?

1. +1 entry for answering the question (required).

2. +2 entries for becoming a follower of this blog and Kim and Jenn's blog (click here).

3. +3 entries for tweeting about this contest, blogging about it (please tell us where!).

4. Giveaway is open to everyone.

5. Please include your email address in your comment.

We'd love to hear from you and will choose the top three best answers. The contest ends June 11, 2011 at midnight (EST). Winners will be announced on June 12, 2011. Three lucky readers will win a free Vibrational Passage ebook. Good luck!

I am officially BACK!

Sorry it took so long to come back. But I am back. Surprised I was able to get through at least the 4 books I have since I moved into my own place. Now that my work has settled down a bit and the "honeymoon" period of living has worn off I have been reading more again. So my reviews will keep coming now.

Anna and the French Kiss by Stephanie Perkins

Anna and the French Kiss by Stephanie Perkins

Hardcover, 384 Pages

Penguin Group Inc.

December 2010

Anna was looking forward to her senior year in Atlanta, where she has a great job, a loyal best friend and a crush on the verge of becoming more. So she's less than thrilled about being shipped off to boarding school in Paris--until she meets Etienne St. Clair. Smart, charming, beautiful, Etienne has it all.... including a serious girlfriend.

But in the City of Light, wishes have a way of coming true. Will a year of romantic near-misses end with their long-awaited French kiss.

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First, I must say I want a guy like St. Clair. Awwwww.

Okay, this book is fueled with emotions. I found myself getting pissed at certain characters when they didn't do something I wanted them to do or did something stupid. I got giddy for Anna at the times when St. Clair was acting as if he didn't have a girlfriend. I really loved and got giddy when they were on Thanksgiving break (that's all you get for that part).

I loved how when the students went to places in Paris it was never the same place and if St. Clair was there you got a bit of a history lesson on the place. It made me feel as if I were on a tour in Paris, although I wasn't.

This has become my favorite book of 2011, so far. The year is far from over.

Rock Hard by Olivia Cunning

Rock Hard by Olivia Cunning

Paperback, 448 Pages

Sourcebooks, Inc.

April 2011

Trapped together on the Sinners tour bus for the summer, Sed and Jessica will rediscover the millions of steamy reasons they never should have it quits in the first place...

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FIRST OFF IF YOU ARE A CONSERVATIVE PERSON WHO DOESN'T CARE MUCH FOR SEXUAL NOVELS OR ANY TYPE OF SEXUAL ACTIVITIES DESCRIBE IN BOOKS THEN STOP READING THIS REVIEW RIGHT NOW THIS BOOK IS NOT ONE YOU WANT TO READ..

This book is every bit as good as Backstage Pass. I will admit though Jessica and Sed are more sexually adventurous than Myrna and Brian were. I am not going to give any spoilers but if you are going to read this you will understand how adventurous they are when you get to the Eiffel Tower scene. OOOoooo. That pretty much sums up that scene.

Both of the books so far in the series fit into what one of my friends calls girl porn. See guys are drawn more to the typical cliche of videos and internet for porn like substances. Whereas, many girls I know love erotic novels. These truly fit into "girl porn".

Backstage Pass by Olivia Cunning

Backstage Pass by Olivia Cunning

Paperback, 384 pages

Sourcebooks Inc.

October 2010

FIVE STUNNING GUYS, ONE HOT WOMAN AND A FEVERISH ROMANCE...

For him, life is all music and no play...

When Brian Sinclair, lead songwriter and guitarist of the hottest metal band on the scene, loses his creative spark, it will take nights of downright sinful passion to release his pent-up genius...

She's the one to call the tune....

When sexy psychologist Myrna Evans goes on tour with the Sinners, every boy in the band tries to seduce her. But Brian is the only one she wants to get her hands on...

Then the two lovers' wildly shocking behavior sparks the whole band to new heights of glory....and sin...

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FIRST OFF IF YOU ARE A CONSERVATIVE PERSON WHO DOESN'T CARE MUCH FOR SEXUAL NOVELS OR ANY TYPE OF SEXUAL ACTIVITIES DESCRIBE IN BOOKS THEN STOP READING THIS REVIEW RIGHT NOW THIS BOOK IS NOT ONE YOU WANT TO READ..

To sum this book up in one sentence would be "Porn on paper."

Except that does it no justice. Yes, this is a very dirty, dirty novel but the storyline is what captivates you attentions. If you want a book with sex in it this is definitely your book. I absolutely loved that is was not a cheesey storyline so to speak and that the sex wasn't just sex it actually had a purpose.

Olivia also did a very good job with details. I could honestly imagine all the sexual things they were doing in this book. I also enjoyed how she made Myrna not be a fangirl just stalking the band. She had a purpose for being with the on tour and it wasn't just sex with Brian.

This is by far now my favorite erotic novel. I have read a few other erotic novels in the past but they had cheesey storylines and the sex seemed to be there just because it was an erotic novel whereas this one Olivia had a purpose for the sex. It was there for the storyline and helped build the storyline. I absolutely loved this book and look forward to reading the next one in the series.

Hold Me Closer, Necromancer by Lish McBride

Hold Me Closer, Necromancer by Lish McBride

Hardcover, 352 pages

Holt, Henry & Company

October 2010

A prank brings Sam to the attention of Douglas, a creepy guy with an intense violent streak. Turns out Douglas is a necromancer who raises the dead for cash and sees potential in Sam. Then Sam discovers he's a necromancer, too.

Sam leads a pretty normal life. He may not have the most exciting job in the world, but he’s doing all right—until a fast food prank brings him to the attention of Douglas, a creepy guy with an intense violent streak.

Turns out Douglas is a necromancer who raises the dead for cash and sees potential in Sam. Then Sam discovers he’s a necromancer too, but with strangely latent powers. And his worst nightmare wants to join forces . . . or else.

With only a week to figure things out, Sam needs all the help he can get. Luckily he lives in Seattle, which has nearly as many paranormal types as it does coffee places. But even with newfound friends, will Sam be able to save his skin?

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This is most definitely not your typical paranormal novel. Ultimately, that is what drew my attention to even buying the book. I have found lately I am getting annoyed with the vampire, werewolves, wraiths, etc paranormal books.

I loved how this novel doesn't start with the main character knowing exactly what paranormal creature they are. In fact, Sam was clueless about it which I loved about it. I also really loved that everything about it is so realistic like. I mean like, Sam's place of employment is a fast food restaurant the author did a really great job illustrating the atmosphere at the restaurant. It seemed believable, realistic, something that can happen.

There is not really anything negative I could say about this novel just because it was different so I was wanting to read it.