GReads Recommends... {7}

Need something new to read?  It's a new month, so I thought I'd list a few recommendations from my reading pile.

I read quite a few YA books before I started this blog, but never wrote reviews for them.  I thought I'd dig around in that pile to suggest a few oldies, but goodies for you all.

Lament by Maggie Stiefvater

Sixteen-year-old Deirdre Monaghan is a painfully shy but prodigiously gifted musician. She's about to find out she's also a cloverhand—one who can see faeries. Deirdre finds herself infatuated with a mysterious boy who enters her ordinary suburban life, seemingly out of thin air. Trouble is, the enigmatic and gorgeous Luke turns out to be a gallowglass—a soulless faerie assassin. An equally hunky—and equally dangerous—dark faerie soldier named Aodhan is also stalking Deirdre.

Sworn enemies, Luke and Aodhan each have a deadly assignment from the Faerie Queen. Namely, kill Deirdre before her music captures the attention of the Fae and threatens the Queen's sovereignty. Caught in the crossfire with Deirdre is James, her wisecracking but loyal best friend. Deirdre had been wishing her life weren't so dull, but getting trapped in the middle of a centuries-old faerie war isn't exactly what she had in mind . . . {taken from goodreads.com}

Before the wolves of Mercy Falls, there were faeries in Stiefvater's literary world.  I was a bit hesitant on this book because I had read Shiver prior to Lament, and was worried it wouldn't live up to the beauty of her secondary series - I was wrong.  Lament flows just as effortlessly and rhythmic as everything else Maggie touches.  If you're a fan of her writing, or just interested in a dark faerie world - I suggest picking this one up.

One Night That Changes Everything
by Lauren Barnholdt

Two years ago, when Eliza Sellman was in ninth grade, her dad found out he was being transferred and the family was going to move. Having always been shy and not so confident about her body, Eliza took that opportunity to start a list in her private notebook of all the things she planned on doing when she moved but had always been afraid to—like wearing a miniskirt and asking guys to dance; singing karaoke in front of strangers; posting a photo of herself on her Facebook wall in a bikini...you get the idea. New town, new Eliza, right? Well, she'll never know because the transfer fell through and they didn't move. But Eliza kept adding her goals and secret fears to the list in the notebook.

Now it's two years later, and in that time Eliza has had and lost her first boyfriend. But this was more than your average breakup...turns out the sweet and cute Cooper was only dating her as a hazing stunt by a secret society. Eliza got her revenge by posting some pretty nasty (and only sort-of true) stuff about Cooper online. That posting has had major consequences and now Cooper and his buddies have stolen her private notebook and won't give it back until she performs all the things on her list in one night. It's torture...until Eliza steals something from the boys she knows they'll want to trade her notebook for. What starts out as a night of humiliation turns into a night of revelations as Eliza learns what Cooper was really thinking when they dated, the real reason he's stolen her notebook, and how freeing—and life-changing—it can be to do the things you fear the most. {taken from goodreads.com}

I love books that are told in a 24 hour time period.  You know going in to it that there is a time frame, and only so much can happen during that amount of time.  It's exciting & so much fun to follow.  This book in particular listed things Eliza had to accomplish by the end of the night -- which were so much fun to read about.  Behind the tasks, were some deeper issues that were touched upon too.  I really enjoyed this book for it's theme & execution.  So much fun to read!

Nothing Like You by Lauren Strasnick

When Holly loses her virginity to Paul, a guy she barely knows, she assumes their encounter is a one-night stand. After all, Paul is too popular to even be speaking to Holly...and he happens to have a long-term girlfriend, Saskia. But ever since Holly's mom died six months ago, Holly has been numb to the world, and she's getting desperate to feel something, anything—so when Paul keeps pursuing her, Holly relents. Paul's kisses are a welcome diversion...and it's nice to feel like the kind of girl that a guy like Paul would choose.

But things aren't so simple with Saskia around. Paul's real girlfriend is willowy and perfect... and nothing like Holly. To make matters worse, she and Holly are becoming friends. Suddenly the consequences of Holly's choices are all too real, and Holly stands to lose more than she ever realized she had. {taken from goodreads.com}

The story-line for this book felt very real & emotional for me.  I took a lot of personal things from it as well.  Every now and then I can appreciate a book that explains the ugly side to teenage sex.  It's not always rainbows and butterflies - sometimes it's messy & regretful.  My heart went out to Holly in this story, and I found myself really connecting with her.  If you're in need of a book that makes you feel more than just what's written on the page, I highly recommend this one.

Crave by Laura J. Burns & Melinda Metz

Shay could never do the things her friends could--never try out for sports, never go to parties, never fall in love. Because of the mysterious and incurable blood disorder she was born with, she can barely make it through three days of school a week.

But now, her doctor-turned-stepfather has a brand-new treatment that he thinks will change everything. And it does. As soon as the new blood starts pumping into Shay's veins, she has visions of a different life...Gabriel's life. She sees an orphanage, loss, fangs, blood, and lust that she can't explain.

Is Gabriel real? And if he is, could he really be what she thinks he is? {taken from goodreads.com}

If you're looking for an interesting twist on the vampire tale, I recommend picking up this book.  I'll admit, I was first drawn to this one due to that hottie on the cover -- but the story-line intrigued me, too.  There's a hidden secret about Shay, that she doesn't even know yet.  This book is definitely a page-turner to find the truth.  Added bonus: the authors of this book also wrote the Roswell High books, which later become the popular tv show Roswell.

Let me know if you've read any of these books mentioned, and what your thoughts about them are.  I'm always open to new recommendations myself - so feel free to leave some more in the comments below.

GReads Recommends... {6}

Need something new to read?  It's a new month, so I thought I'd list a few recommendations from my reading pile.

Since we're a little more than half way through the year, I thought I'd list a few of my favorites... The Best I've Read So Far! Let me know if you've read any of these YA titles & what you thought of them.  I have many faves, these are just a few that I felt needed more attention on my blog.  

Unearthly by Cynthia Hand

In the beginning, there's a boy standing in the trees...

Clara Gardner has recently learned that she's part angel. Having angel blood run through her veins not only makes her smarter, stronger, and faster than humans (a word, she realizes, that no longer applies to her), but it means she has a purpose, something she was put on this earth to do. Figuring out what that is, though, isn't easy.

Her visions of a raging forest fire and an alluring stranger lead her to a new school in a new town. When she meets Christian, who turns out to be the boy of her dreams (literally), everything seems to fall into place—and out of place at the same time. Because there's another guy, Tucker, who appeals to Clara's less angelic side.

As Clara tries to find her way in a world she no longer understands, she encounters unseen dangers and choices she never thought she'd have to make—between honesty and deceit, love and duty, good and evil. When the fire from her vision finally ignites, will Clara be ready to face her destiny?

Unearthly is a moving tale of love and fate, and the struggle between following the rules and following your heart.{taken from goodreads.com}

This paranormal book about angels totally took me by surprise.  It's probably my favorite new paranormal read so far this year.  I loved the dynamics of the characters and how you're constantly guessing who is what & how it all fits together.  Plus Tucker sorta, kinda took my breath away :-)

Not That Kind of Girl by Siobhan Vivian

Natalie Sterling wants to be in control. She wants her friends to be loyal. She wants her classmates to elect her student council president. She wants to find the right guy, not the usual jerk her school has to offer. She wants a good reputation, because she believes that will lead to good things.

But life is messy, and it's very hard to be in control of it. Not when there are freshman girls running around in a pack, trying to get senior guys to sleep with them. Not when your friends have secrets they're no longer comfortable sharing. Not when the boy you once dismissed ends up being the boy you want to sleep with yourself - but only in secret, with nobody ever finding out.

Slut or saint? Winner or loser? Natalie is getting tired of these forced choices - and is now going to find a way to live life in the sometimes messy, sometimes wonderful in-between. {taken from goodreads.com}

I was pleasantly surprised by this YA contemp.  I thought I was going to be reading about a teenage girl, maybe laugh a few times, and swoon a few more.  Boy was I wrong!  This story packed a powerful punch, with a realistic voice that I found to be very compelling.  I highly recommend it for all teenage girls. So much goodness is seeping from these pages.

Divergent by Veronica Roth

Beatrice "Tris" Prior has reached the fateful age of sixteen, the stage at which teenagers in Veronica Roth's dystopian Chicago must select which of five factions to join for life.

Each faction represents a virtue: Candor, Abnegation, Dauntless, Amity, and Erudite. To the surprise of herself and her selfless Abnegation family, she chooses Dauntless, the path of courage. Her choice exposes her to the demanding, violent initiation rites of this group, but it also threatens to expose a personal secret that could place in mortal danger.

Veronica Roth's young adult Divergent trilogy launches with a captivating adventure about love and loyalty playing out under most extreme circumstances. {taken from goodreads.com}

If you have not read this book yet than I need to ask WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR?!  I already know it's going to top the lists of best YA of 2011.  It's no secret.  The story is brilliant, the characters are amazing, and this author is full of so much talent.  This is a masterpiece of greatness.

Saving Francesca by Melina Marchetta

Francesca is stuck at St. Sebastians, a boys' school that's pretends it's coed by giving the girls their own bathroom. Her only female companions are an ultra-feminist, a rumored slut, and an an impossibly dorky accordion player. The boys are no better, from Thomas who specializes in musical burping to Will, the perpetually frowning, smug moron that Francesca can't seem to stop thinking about.

Then there's Francesca's mother, who always thinks she knows what's best for Francesca—until she is suddenly stricken with acute depression, leaving Francesca lost, alone, and without an inkling who she really is. Simultaneously humorous, poignant, and impossible to put down, this is the story of a girl who must summon the strength to save her family, her social life and—hardest of all—herself.{taken from goodreads.com}

This book introduced me to the amazing Melina Marchetta.  This author is one that I will recommend to anyone who is a lover of books that make you feel something beyond the written word.  Her stories grab a hold of your heart and pull at every pulsating beat possible.  I have so much admiration for this author's work.  Though The Piper's Son is my favorite, it was this book that I first encountered and fell in love with (it's a prequel to the later).

Interested in knowing more of my thoughts? Check out my reviews here:

• Unearthly
• Not That Kind of Girl
• Divergent
• Saving Francesca

GReads Recommends... {5}

Need something new to read?  It's a new month, so I thought I'd list a few recommendations from my reading pile.

Most people know music is a close second to my love for reading.  So when I come across books that involve music in the story, I am beyond ecstatic!  I thought I'd recommend a few of my fav YA reads that incorporate music for other music-holics like myself :-)

The Lonely Hearts Club by Elizabeth Eulberg

Love is all you need...or is it? Penny's about to find out in this wonderful debut.

Penny is sick of boys and sick of dating. So she vows - no more. It's a personal choice...and, of course, soon everyone wants to know about it. And a few other girls are inspired. A movement is born; The Lonely Hearts Club (named after the band from Sgt. Pepper). Penny is suddenly known for her nondating ways...which is too bad, because there's this certain boy she can't help but like... {taken from goodreads.com}

With the subtle hints of The Beatles mixed in through out this book, I really enjoyed this story.  If you're looking for something light, care-free, and with a mix of feel-good emotions; then I suggest picking up The Lonely Hearts Club!

Amy & Roger's Epic Detour by Morgan Matson

Amy Curry thinks her life sucks. Her mom decides to move from California to Connecticut to start anew—just in time for Amy's senior year. Her dad recently died in a car accident. So Amy embarks on a road trip to escape from it all, driving cross-country from the home she's always known toward her new life. 

Joining Amy on the road trip is Roger, the son of Amy's mother's old friend. Amy hasn’t seen him in years, and she is less than thrilled to be driving across the country with a guy she barely knows. So she's surprised to find that she is developing a crush on him. At the same time, she’s coming to terms with her father’s death and how to put her own life back together after the accident. Told in traditional narrative as well as scraps from the road—diner napkins, motel receipts, postcards—this is the story of one girl's journey to find herself. {taken from goodreads.com}

Once again I am featuring this AMAZING book on my blog. One of the aspects of this book that makes it so outstanding is the playlists thrown in through out the story, as Amy & Roger make their way across America.  Morgan Matson has literally inserted scraps of paper with them written down.  I love that!  Plus I love that a lot of the music can be found on my iPod :-)

This Lullaby by Sarah Dessen

When it comes to relationships, Remy doesn't mess around. After all, she's learned all there is to know from her mother, who's currently working on husband number five. But there's something about Dexter that seems to defy all of Remy's rules. He certainly doesn't seem like Mr. Right. For some reason, however, Remy just can't seem to shake him. Could it be that Remy's starting to understand what those love songs are all about? {taken from goodreads.com}

This is my favorite Sarah Dessen book.  I loved the relationship between Remy & Dexter so, so much. Remy comes across as someone who is cold and not willing to open up, but it's Dexter who is warm and easy-going.  His silliness comes through in his music and instantly pulls Remy in.  If you are new to Dessen, I suggest starting with this book.  It's an instant favorite.

Lovestruck Summer by Melissa Walker

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! {taken from goodreads.com}

I enjoyed this book for many reasons. One, it's set in Austin, Texas - not far from where I live.  Two, the indie-music scene is well represented. And three, there's a summer romance!!  Lovestruck Summer may have a cheesy cover, but the story between the pages was an instant hit with me.

Audrey, Wait! by Robin Benway

When her ex writes a break-up song about her that rockets up the charts, Audrey is suddenly famous--she can't go out without being mobbed by fans and paparazzi. 

Readers can take a wild ride with Audrey as she makes headlines, confronts her ex on MTV, and shows the world who she really is. This irresistible, fast-paced novel has a totally hot new paperback cover! Its the song everyones singing. And its about her! But for Audrey, becoming famous overnight equals total, life-changing disaster. . . {taken from goodreads.com}

Telling you that I love this book is an understatement.  The writing is hilarious and brilliant.  The characters are so relate-able and instantly you find yourself falling in love with them.  The music through out is GENIUS!  Robin Benway has titled each chapter with a lyric from a different song.  It sets the tone for what you're about to read and makes it very difficult to put down.

Shade by Jeri Smith-Ready

Love ties them together. Death can't tear them apart.

Best. Birthday. Ever. At least, it was supposed to be. With Logan's band playing a critical gig and Aura's plans for an intimate after-party, Aura knows it will be the most memorable night of her boyfriend's life. She never thought it would be his last.

Logan's sudden death leaves Aura devastated. He's gone.

Well, sort of.

Like everyone born after the Shift, Aura can see and hear ghosts. This mysterious ability has always been annoying, and Aura had wanted nothing more than to figure out why the Shift happened so she can undo it. But not with Logan's violet-hued spirit still hanging around. Because dead Logan is almost as real as ever. Almost.

It doesn't help that Aura's new friend Zachary is so understanding—and so very alive. His support means more to Aura than she cares to admit.

As Aura's relationships with the dead and the living grow ever complicated, so do her feelings for Logan and Zachary. Each holds a piece of Aura's heart...and clues to the secret of the Shift. {taken from goodreads.com}

Jeri Smith-Ready knows how to bring the epicness of music in her writing.  She incorporates it within her characters in every thing she writes.  That aspect right there, immediately draws me to her books.  I loved the edgy, raw music represented through out Shade.  It sets the tone for some pretty emotional moments.  Every book needs a soundtrack, and this one is playing at full volume.

GReads Recommends... {4}

Need something new to read?  It's a new month, so I thought I'd list a few recommendations from my reading pile.

I have a special place in my heart for those broken boys in YA novels, especially when the story is told from their POV.  Check out some of these books that I've read, a & few others that were recommended to me. (Thank you to Kari Olson & Hannah Moskowitz for some of these awesome suggestions!)

Where She Went (If I Stay #2)
by Gayle Forman

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 Julliard'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.

Told from Adam's point of view in the spare, lyrical prose that defined If I Stay, Where She Went explores the devastation of grief, the promise of new hope, and the flame of rekindled romance. {taken from goodreads.com}

One of the best characters, in one of the best stories, written by one of the best authors.  Need more convincing?  Pick up If I Stay first to get the full scoop on this story & then prepare yourself for greatness in it's sequel, Where She Went.

Freefall by Mindi Scott

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 when 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 soon realizes he isn't the only one who needs saving . . . {taken from goodreads.com}

Yes, you're seeing this book mentioned for the second time on this feature -- because it's THAT good.  I can't mention my favorite male POV novels & not throw this one in.  If there was ever a broken boy I wanted to heal so badly, it would be Seth.  Read this book & tell me you don't agree -- I dare you.

The Piper's Son
by Melina Marchetta

Thomas Mackee wants oblivion. Wants to forget parents who leave and friends he used to care about and a string of one-night stands, and favourite uncles being blown to smithereens on their way to work on the other side of the world.

But when his flatmates turn him out of the house, Tom moves in with his single, pregnant aunt, Georgie. And starts working at the Union pub with his former friends. And winds up living with his grieving father again. And remembers how he abandoned Tara Finke two years ago, after his uncle's death.

And in a year when everything's broken, Tom realises that his family and friends need him to help put the pieces back together as much as he needs them. {taken from goodreads.com}

Telling you that I love this book is an understatement.  From that gorgeous cover, to that unbelievably lost soul named Thomas Mackee -- I am simply blown away by this novel.  If you have not been introduced to the fabulous Melina Marchetta, then stop what you're reading & grab this book NOW.

Leverage by Joshua C. Cohen

The football field is a battlefield

There’s an extraordinary price for victory at Oregrove High. It is paid on—and off—the football field. And it claims its victims without mercy—including the most innocent bystanders.

When a violent, steroid-infused, ever-escalating prank war has devastating consequences, an unlikely friendship between a talented but emotionally damaged fullback and a promising gymnast might hold the key to a school’s salvation.

Told in alternating voices and with unapologetic truth, Leverage illuminates the fierce loyalty, flawed justice, and hard-won optimism of two young athletes. {taken from goodreads.com}

-- This recommendation comes form Kari Olson of A Good Addiction

Crash into Me by Albert Borris

Owen, Frank, Audrey, and Jin-Ae have one thing in common: they all want to die. When they meet online after each attempts suicide and fails, the four teens make a deadly pact: they will escape together on a summer road trip to visit the sites of celebrity suicides... and at their final destination, they will all end their lives. 

As they drive cross-country, bonding over their dark impulses, sharing their deepest secrets and desires, living it up, hooking up, and becoming true friends, each must decide whether life is worth living - or if there's no turning back. {taken from goodreads.com}


-- Recommended by Kari Olson from A Good Addiction

The Perks of Being a Wallflower
by Stephen Chbosky

The author captures the voice of a boy teetering on the brink of adulthood. Charlie is a freshman. And while's he's not the biggest geek in the school, he is by no means popular. He's a wallflower--shy and introspective, and intelligent beyond his years, if not very savvy in the social arts. We learn about Charlie through the letters he writes to someone of undisclosed name, age, and gender, a stylistic technique that adds to the heart-wrenching earnestness saturating this teen's story. 

Charlie encounters the same struggles that many kids face in high school--how to make friends, the intensity of a crush, family tensions, a first relationship, exploring sexuality, experimenting with drugs--but he must also deal with his best friend's recent suicide. Charlie's letters take on the intimate feel of a journal as he shares his day-to-day thoughts and feelings. {taken from goodreads.com}

-- This recommendation is from author Hannah Moskowitz, who also writes male POV's.

Will Grayson, Will Grayson
by John Green & David Levithan

One cold night, in a most unlikely corner of Chicago, two teens—both named Will Grayson—are about to cross paths. As their worlds collide and intertwine, the Will Graysons find their lives going in new and unexpected directions, building toward romantic turns-of-heart and the epic production of history’s most fabulous high school musical.

Hilarious, poignant, and deeply insightful, John Green and David Levithan’s collaborative novel is brimming with a double helping of the heart and humor that have won both them legions of faithful fans. {taken from goodreads.com}

-- Another recommendation from author Hannah Moskowitz


If you've read any of these book, please let me know what you thought in the comments.  Or if you have more male POV books to recommend, please share!

GReads Recommends... {3}

Need something new to read?  It's a new month, so I thought I'd list a few recommendations from my reading pile.

I love me some good YA romances! The kind that make you stop reading & sigh a heavy sigh of "wow that was awesome!"

Forget You by Jennifer Echols

There’s a lot Zoey would like to forget. Like how her father has knocked up his twenty-four- year old girlfriend. Like Zoey’s fear that the whole town will find out about her mom’s nervous breakdown. Like darkly handsome bad boy Doug taunting her at school. Feeling like her life is about to become a complete mess, Zoey fights back the only way she knows how, using her famous attention to detail to make sure she’s the perfect daughter, the perfect student, and the perfect girlfriend to ultra-popular football player Brandon. But then Zoey is in a car crash, and the next day there’s one thing she can’t remember at all—the entire night before. 

Did she go parking with Brandon, like she planned? And if so, why does it seem like Brandon is avoiding her? And why is Doug—of all people— suddenly acting as if something significant happened between the two of them? Zoey dimly remembers Doug pulling her from the wreck, but he keeps referring to what happened that night as if it was more, and it terrifies Zoey to admit how much is a blank to her. Controlled, meticulous Zoey is quickly losing her grip on the all-important details of her life—a life that seems strangely empty of Brandon, and strangely full of Doug. {taken from goodreads.com}

All I have to say is... hot, steamy scene in the backseat of a car.  Like woah!  Jennifer Echols knows how to write delicious love scenes, yet keeping it real.  Those basketball shorts were another thing.  Seriously though, I LOVED this book.  It's probably my favorite of her's that I've read so far.  The relationships are so broken & misguided, yet so raw & emotional.  I think I need to re-read this one pretty soon.

 

Amy & Roger's Epic Detour
by Morgan Matson

Amy Curry thinks her life sucks. Her mom decides to move from California to Connecticut to start anew--just in time for Amy's senior year. Her dad recently died in a car accident. So Amy embarks on a road trip to escape from it all, driving cross-country from the home she's always known toward her new life. Joining Amy on the road trip is Roger, the son of Amy's mother's old friend. Amy hasn't seen him in years, and she is less than thrilled to be driving across the country with a guy she barely knows. So she's surprised to find that she is developing a crush on him. At the same time, she's coming to terms with her father's death and how to put her own life back together after the accident. Told in traditional narrative as well as scraps from the road -- diner napkins, motel receipts, postcards--this is the story of one girl's journey to find herself. {taken from goodreads.com}

Probably my most favorite road-trip turn romance YA novel out there!  The story itself is phenomenal, but the tension building between Amy & Roger as the miles pass on the road is INSANE.  The build-up is almost as good as the finale (almost).  Definitely read this book if you have not already.  It's a huge favorite of mine.

Perfect Chemistry by Simone Elkeles

When Brittany Ellis walks into chemistry class on the first day of senior year, she has no clue that her carefully created “perfect” life is about to unravel before her eyes. She’s forced to be lab partners with Alex Fuentes, a gang member from the other side of town, and he is about to threaten everything she's worked so hard for—her flawless reputation, her relationship with her boyfriend, and the secret that her home life is anything but perfect. Alex is a bad boy and he knows it. So when he makes a bet with his friends to lure Brittany into his life, he thinks nothing of it. But soon Alex realizes Brittany is a real person with real problems, and suddenly the bet he made in arrogance turns into something much more.

In a passionate story about looking beneath the surface, Simone Elkeles breaks through the stereotypes and barriers that threaten to keep Brittany and Alex apart. {taken from goodreads.com}

This book is FULL of PASSION. Seriously you guys.  I was a little skeptical when I first read the synopsis for it (and I'm not a fan of that cover either), but the story between these pages exudes heat & tension like nobody's business.  Simone knows her stuff.  Though these books may be a bit borderline on whats appropriate for young adults, this OLDER adult sure did enjoy it!

Let me know if you've read any of these, or if you know of some more steamy YA romances worth recommending!  I'd love to know about them :-)

GReads Recommends... {2}

Need something new to read?  It's a new month, so I thought I'd list a few recommendations from my reading pile.

This month I am pulling from my, "oh this book is so dark & heavy, yet SO emotionally rewarding!" pile. Yes my friends, I am a lover of dark YA contemps.

Freefall by Mindi Scott

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 when 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 soon realizes he isn't the only one who needs saving . . .

I am a HUGE pusher of this book.  I feel like it hasn't gotten the attention it deserves among the book blogging community.  If you haven't read Mindi's debut novel, Freefall -- then what are you waiting for??  She does a superb job of speaking in a teenage boy's voice.  I found this story to be real & compelling.  Definitely a tear jerker, but so definitely worth it!


Cracked Up to Be by Courtney Summers

When “Perfect” Parker Fadley starts drinking at school and failing her classes, all of St. Peter’s High goes on alert. How has the cheerleading captain, girlfriend of the most popular guy in school, consummate teacher’s pet, and future valedictorian fallen so far from grace?

Parker doesn’t want to talk about it. She’d just like to be left alone, to disappear, to be ignored. But her parents have placed her on suicide watch and her counselors are demanding the truth. Worse, there’s a nice guy falling in love with her and he’s making her feel things again when she’d really rather not be feeling anything at all. Nobody would have guessed she’d turn out like this. But nobody knows the truth. Something horrible has happened, and it just might be her fault.

This was my first novel written by Courtney Summers that I read & I am so, so glad that I did.  This woman is the epitome of dark YA contemps that should be glorified by all.  Her writing is so unique & brilliantly laid out.  I love the rawness in her words & the depth of her stories.  Read this & then every thing else by this fabulous lady!

The Sky Is Everywhere by Jandy Nelson

Seventeen-year-old Lennie Walker, bookworm and band geek, plays second clarinet and spends her time tucked safely and happily in the shadow of her fiery older sister, Bailey. But when Bailey dies abruptly, Lennie is catapulted to center stage of her own life—and, despite her nonexistent history with boys, suddenly finds herself struggling to balance two. Toby was Bailey's boyfriend; his grief mirrors Lennie's own. Joe is the new boy in town, a transplant from Paris whose nearly magical grin is matched only by his musical talent. For Lennie, they're the sun and the moon; one boy takes her out of her sorrow, the other comforts her in it. But just like their celestial counterparts, they can't collide without the whole wide world exploding.

This remarkable debut is perfect for fans of Sarah Dessen, Deb Caletti, and Francesca Lia Block. Just as much a celebration of love as it is a portrait of loss, Lennie's struggle to sort her own melody out of the noise around her is always honest, often hilarious, and ultimately unforgettable.

This book literally exploded off the pages for me while reading it.  I was grief stricken right along side Lennie & felt the turmoil she faced when trying to decide which boy she needed to seek comfort from.  This story is beautifully written, so much that I can't believe it's Jandy's first.  I cried like a baby while reading this book, but oh man -- it left a huge impact on me when I finished.

Recovery Road by Blake Nelson

From acclaimed author Blake Nelson, the story of girl meets boy...in rehab.

Madeline is sent away to Spring Meadows to help with a drinking and rage problem she has. It's a pretty intense place, but there is the weekly movie night in town--where Madeline meets Stewart, who's at another rehab place nearby. They fall for each other during a really crazy time in their lives. Madeline gets out and tries to get back on her feet, waiting for Stewart to join her. When he does, though, it's not the ideal recovery world Madeline dreamed of. Both of them still have serious problems. And Stewart's are only getting worse....

This book gives a real look at the ugly side of rehab & the effects it has on teenagers.  I loved the rawness of Blake's words & how devastatingly accurate he portrayed this scenario.  Though the subject matter was tough to get through at times, I think what I appreciated most was the true ending.  Life is not wrapped up in pretty bows.  It's messy & it hurts.  But at the end of the day, we all somehow survive.

GReads Recommends... {1}

I love it when I read a book & then want to tell the whole world about it.  It's the reason behind this blog - so that I can suggest great books to great people!  I decided to host this event, "GReads Recommends..." once a month to showcase books I've read in the past that I think others may enjoy too.  Have a look & hopefully you'll find something new to read!  Let me know in the comments if you have read or plan on reading the books mentioned below.  Enjoy!

When It Happens by Susane Colasanti

Sara and Tobey couldn't be more different. She is focused on getting into her first-choice college; he wants to win Battle of the Bands. Sara's other goal is to find true love, so when Dave, a popular jock, asks her out, she's thrilled. But then there's Tobey. His amazing blue eyes and quirky wit always creep into her thoughts. It just so happens that one of Tobey's goals is also to make Sara fall in love with him. Told in alternating points of view, Sara and Tobey's real connection will have everyone rooting for them from the minute they meet!

This book was a fun, loveable read for me! It was my first Susane Colasanti book that I picked up & I really enjoyed her easy writing style. Plus there's a lot of musical references made through out the book - and hello! we all know how much Ginger loves music :-)

The Smart One and the Pretty One by Claire LaZebnik

When Ava Nickerson was a child, her mother jokingly betrothed her to a friend's son, and the contract the parents made has stayed safely buried for years. Now that still-single Ava is closing in on thirty, no one even remembers she was once "engaged" to the Markowitz boy. But when their mother is diagnosed with cancer, Ava's prodigal little sister Lauren comes home to Los Angeles where she stumbles across the decades-old document.

Frustrated and embarrassed by Ava's constant lectures about financial responsibility (all because she's in a little debt. Okay, a lot of debt), Lauren decides to do some sisterly interfering of her own and tracks down her sister's childhood fiancé. When she finds him, the highly inappropriate, twice-divorced, but incredibly charming Russell Markowitz is all too happy to re-enter the Nickerson sisters' lives, and always-accountable Ava is forced to consider just how binding a contract really is . . .

Yup, this is a non-YA book that you see featured on GReads!  I tend to pick up adult books every now & then :-) I really loved this story about two sisters who are complete opposites, yet still so much alike.  The story was charming & the writing was brilliant.  If you're looking for an easy chick-lit to read, I suggest picking up this one!

Caleb + Kate by Cindy Martinusen-Coloma

As the popular darling of the junior class and heiress to the five-star Monrovi Inn empire, Kate has both everything and nothing. She's bored with school and life...until she locks eyes with Caleb at a school dance.

Caleb is new to Kate's exclusive prep school, and it's clear he doesn't fit in. In fact, he and his dad work in maintenance for Kate's father. And while Caleb knows better than to spend time with the boss's daughter, it seems that every time he tries to back away, something pulls him right back in.

When their parents demand that they are to stay away from each other, they learn of a fight between their families that occurred more than fifty years ago. It's a mystery Kate doesn't understand...but a legacy Caleb has endured his entire life.

I enjoyed this modern re-telling of Romeo & Juliet.  Though the story was predictable, I found it to be sweet & endearing.  I felt that this story presented a good message for both the young, & the older crowd.