Lis Les Livres- Read Books!

Mostly YA reviews, but I'll dabble into other areas here and there. If you like books, we'll be friends.

Wait for You (Wait for You, #1)

Wait for You  -  Jennifer L. Armentrout, J. Lynn http://lisleslivres.blogspot.com/2013/06/review-wait-for-you-by-j-lynn-jennifer.htmlWhy do I keep on reading new adult fiction and expecting something new? So, I'm at the point of insanity according to Einstein I guess.Characters: I have to say, I keep on reading these books because I have stumbled upon some amazing characters. I like witty characters that can keep the funny diatribes coming.While Cameron seems very caring, he lacks in the wit department. Yes, he did have a few chuckle worthy lines, but he just didn't do it for me.Also, I'm a weirdo, I will fully admit that, and I started this book from the end, then back to the middle until I reached the end, and then started from the front until I reached the middle. I didn't find out the physical descriptions of the characters until I was more than halfway done because of this. This may sound vain, but I wasn't into it as much when I found this out. Whatever, I can picture the characters however I want in my head, so don't judge!Avery is kinda a dull character. She's not funny, and I think some of her actions were really stupid. But she is kind, which makes me like her.Plot: Well at least it didn't start off with a friend dragging the main character to a club to get her to hook up with someone. But yes, the characters live near each other, the girl has some dramatic past, the boy has some dramatic past that his playfully cocky attitude hides, the girl gets drunk and the guy is there,... But I still will admit to liking it just a bit. It's a guilty pleasure.Would I recommend this to a friend?Ehh, not the best new adult out there but it's ok. I'd recommend On Dublin Street by Samantha Young or The Edge of Never by J.A. Redmerski. While their plots are similar, those characters at least have got some fire and sarcasm.

Until Fountain Bridge (On Dublin Street, #1.6)

Until Fountain Bridge (On Dublin Street, #1.6) - Samantha Young http://lisleslivres.blogspot.com/2013/06/review-until-fountain-bridge-by.htmlCharacters: Characters include primarily Ellie, Adam, Braden, and Joss. If you've read the other On Dublin Street novels, you've figured out that Ellie is an absolute sweetheart and perky, maybe a little too perky for some folks. But she's much more relatable in this story, something I really enjoyed. You see her frustrated and hurt as opposed to her usually happy self which was getting a little boring for me. I love characters with depth, so Ellie in this light was refreshing. As for Adam, oh what a sweetie but an idiot! He has moments where he is kind and funny, but he was a tool at other times! He had his reasons,because he didn't want to lose Braden by dating his sister in the event that things went sour,but he acted so immature sometimes. I would have been exhausted trying to figure out his deal if I were Ellie, but I'm so glad they get together:) Just a little side note, what's up with the men in these books loving to get physical and throw punches? I don't like it.Plot: First, I enjoyed that it overlapped with On Dublin Street's plot. Well, obviously it had to since they got together during that book, but it was cool to see certain scenes twice. Again, Samantha Young brings the emotion and lots of tension. I love the drama! Writing: How do I always find myself ripping through the pages of her books? I just love the writing, with the occasion humorous but thrown in there even though neither Ellie or Adam are nearly as witty and audacious as Joss and Braden. One thing I did think was a little odd was that a few of the journal entries were from when Ellie was pretty young, and it was odd that she was talking of pretty mature content. And also, who writes diary entries that detailed? Something I wished there were more of has to be the commentary from Adam. After each chapter, he barely comments. I wish he would have laughed at some parts or had more funny and playful lines.Would I recommend it to a friend? Yes, I'm loving Samantha Young's work! If you're read On Dublin Street, you gotta read it!

My Other Blog

I just discovered BookLikes and it is super cool, kinda like Goodreads plus a blog.  HOwever, it is going to take me a bit to figure this site out and to get this blog up and running.  I never realized how much work I put into my other blog.  Until then, check that one out!

The Host: A Novel

The Host - Stephenie Meyer http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=3408527990356814051#editor/target=post;postID=5341950360298831518;onPublishedMenu=allposts;onClosedMenu=allposts;postNum=6;src=postnameCharacters: There were so many characters that I liked. We can make this like Twilight and say Team Jared or Team Ian, but these characters were not like the broody male creatures of Twilight. Nor we're the girls. The girls could kick some tail in this one!Wanda: I think Wanda is one of the few characters I can remember really relating to despite the fact that she's an alien. But that's really the whole point. What does it mean to be human? Wanda is selfless and caring, but she can be weak, especially in the beginning since Souls always try to do the moral thing. She's a great addition to the cave community because she reminds these humans who have focused so much on taking care of themselves that others are important too.Melanie: Melanie's a fighter, but more often than not, I found her too selfish. She only cared about Jared and Jamie. While caring for family is good, when you're stuck with a small community of survivors, you've got to work together. And really, her sass was just a bit too overdone.Jared: Everybody hates Jared, but is anyone thinking about the fact that he lost the girl he loves but has to see her physical body, the same face he used to love, but it's not the same person? Everyday, he was reminded of Melanie, but he couldn't ever talk with her. That would be rough. And he does get nicer towards the end, even kinda becoming friends with Wanda and respecting Ian.Ian: And then there's everybody going crazy for Ian. I loved that he was brave enough to let Wanda feel welcome early on. He has a strong moral compass. Maybe it was that but I always felt that Ian was made too soft. I think that was an error on Stephenie Meyer's part, but all the girls seem to love him.Jamie: I love this little boy, though he's really not that young. Yet, he still represents innocence and accepts Wanda quickly. He shows the importance of not being cynical as well as being caring. Jamie is hope for the future, and I would love to see him in the sequel.Plot: I have to warn you, this book is as thick as the bible. It took me easily over 2 months to finish it because it was so slow in the first half. I started it in early February, hoping to finish it by the signing/ movie tour, but I ended up finishing it in late April. The first few chapters are very confusing, trying to figure out who is narrating and what is going on. I was reading it in ebook form but all of the dialogue was in the same text, unlike the print book and other ebook formats, so it was very difficult to decipher when either Melanie or Wanda was thinking. Apparently, I just had the weirdest version ever! Regardless, the book does get better!For all of you Twihards that like Twilight for its easy and light reading, I still think you might like this. It is a bit more thought provoking just because it brings morals and ethics into the story. While young adults can definitely read it, this is an adult book that requires more philosophical thinking. I'm glad I read it now that I'm a little older than when it came out. I have to hand it to Mrs. Meyer, I really enjoyed this book even though I certainly felt like the middle was dragging on.Misc. Ok, what was Stephenie Meyer on when she came up with the names of he other planets? See Weed? Yeah, I think she was seeing some weed if you know what I mean. Frankly, the silliness of it took away from the book for me. I know, I know,it's sci-fi so it should be odd, but you obviously haven't read it if you don't agree!Movie: A lot of people were predicting that this was going to be the next Twilight, being penned by the same author. Well, it was an epic fail! The last time I checked, it received a 9% on Rotten Tomatoes, and was the 9th highest box office opening weekend. While I don't think that the movie deserved a 9%, the book was a thousand times better. I'm a little surprised it turned out so poorly. The author produced it,Andrew Nicool directed, and the cast was pretty good. Maybe I'm a little biased because I love the cast, kinda feeling a little connected to them having seen them on tour. You can't deny that Saorise Ronan is a Oscar nominated actress though!So,overall there was no character development. It was like Ian just smiled at Wanda and then they were in love. So the kissing scenes just got a little ridiculous and rushed. Even though I complained about the book being so long, the good thing about long books is that the characters get the chance to get to know each other and develop themselves. No such luck in the movie. But the cinematography was amazing!!! Such a beautiful set!Sequel: I don't really want a sequel. I am satisfied with the ending. It was written as a standalone, and it just seems to me that Stephenie Meyer wants to make more money.Would I recommend this to a friend? Yes, if you can withstand long books it is very good, something hat you can think about even after you finish it. Stephenie Meyer called it sci-fi for people who don't like sci-fi and I would concur.

Le Fantome de L'opera

Le fantôme de l'Opéra - Gaston Leroux, Frank Milani, Paulette Collet, Kyle Gell http://lisleslivres.blogspot.com/2013/03/review-phantom-of-opera-by-gaston-leroux.htmlI suppose I will do this review in English though I read it in French. Don't give me too much credit, I read the adapted version for intermediate French students. As I call it, the stupid people's version. No offense intended. Je me moque.Characters:Because it can get confusing-Raoul=Vicomte (de Chagny)Erik=phantomDaroga=PersianAlright, Christine is kinda stupid to believe that her father had sent the Angel of Music. I guess the same can be said for anything else a person can blindly have faith in. Personally, I don't think it is pragmatic to do so. Christine's belief in the Angel of Music lead Erik to take advantage of her. I have nothing to say about her except that she is super naive and the damsel in distress. As for Raoul, biggest cry baby ever. Literally, it seemed as though he were crying every other chapter. Erik is the only character with some depth, having a reason for wreaking havoc. In addition, he is extremely cunning. He is definitely my favorite character because both Christine and Raoul played stereotypes, the helpless girl and the rich guy who is equally as useless. He reminds me of Scott from Keeping Up with the Kardashians which is probably the lowest insult a person can be given . Honestly, I am not of fan of this love triangle. Pas du tout! A good love triangle makes you torn between the bases as if you were the character at the top. Even though I liked Erik, he is still violent and demanding, so I didn't want him to end up with Christine either.Plot:Maybe I just was tired of learning French grammar, but I thoroughly enjoyed reading this. I was impressed by the suspense and mystery, especially considering the time period in which it was written. I imagine this was considered a horror story, actually frightening the then audience. This truly is a beautiful story about hardship, love, suspense,... Tolerate the characters and you will enjoy it.Would I recommend it to a friend? Yes, I'm thinking about reading the real version. Whether I'll read it in English or French I'm not sure about.

Undone: An Unraveling Novella

Undone - Elizabeth Norris http://lisleslivres.blogspot.com/2013/03/review-undone-by-elizabeth-norris.htmlHonestly, I don't care too much for the first two stories. I love Ben, but he sounded like a smitten teenager. Well he is a teenager can't deny that but he sounded kind of crazy, being in love with a girl he had never spoken to before. With Ben, it was more than an infatuation His feelings weren't a crush. It's really sweet that Janelle saved him when they were younger, but if you've never interacted with someone, how can you love them or expect them to love you? Some might even call his watching her a teensy bit stalkerish. But I still love Ben and am glad Janelle got to meet him and end up truly loving him. The final story, however, was great!!!!! It takes place after Ben has left Janelle. He finally returns to his birth place, reuniting with his family. Personally, I can't imagine what that feeling would be like, to finally see your son after years of him missing, possibly thinking he was dead. And to think that real people may have to experience this because of crazy people abducting children and such. Anyway, the novella overlaps with Unbreakable, and there is a massive cliffhanger!!!!! Grr, I can't wait until it comes out.Also, there is a two chapter teaser of Unbreakable at the end of this. Of course, Elizabeth did it to us again!! Cliffhanger...P.S. Did anyone else find it strange that the novella cost money? I did. They're almost always free on the author's website. Only $1.99, but still weird!Would I recommend it? Yeah, the first two stories weren't absolutely terrible. And the last one makes up for it.

Beautiful Creatures (Beautiful Creatures Series #1)

Beautiful Creatures (Beautiful Creatures Series #1) - http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=3408527990356814051#editor/target=post;postID=6399654259776792068;onPublishedMenu=allposts;onClosedMenu=allposts;postNum=8;src=postnameCharacters: Bland, boring, banal. I feel bad to use those harsh words, but I must be honnête. Ethan Wate- He's the typical Southern boy (though he is without an accent despite the movie portrayal) who is enamored by our heroine, Lena Duchannes. The problem I have with him is that he isn't unique, and he is super quick to fall in love with Lena. I personally do not believe in love at first sight, so I tend not to like characters who claim to be in love instantly. Yes, Ethan has a few cute lines in which he professes his love for her, but they're not that original... Things like "I kept ___ with me since the day we met."Lena Duchannes- I guess some might call her melodramatic, but I'll defend the girl: Your fate being decided on your 16th birthday is kinda a big deal. Anyway, I feel like I really didn't get to know Lena. She's one of those characters who has trouble making friends with others and is therefore reserved. Yet, she does have a bit of a playful side when she gets back at the mean girls. I wish the story was narrated by Lena, because she seems a heck of a lot more complex and interesting than Ethan."Link" Lincoln- Here we have our comic relief, though he isn't actually funny, that is goofy but totally has Ethan and Lena's back. This type of character is so over done. My feeling is that if you use it, you better do it well. Unfortunately, the ladies failed at making Link funny.Plot: I swear I could have taken some scissors though it would be total sacrilege, cut out 300 pages worth of the middle, glued the remaining pages together, and the book would still have made sense. I don't know if the authors just like to write, but the plot probably didn't require 300 of the 600 pages. That is why it took me 2.5 months to read. It dragged on and on. I'm really proud of myself for finishing it.

Just One Day

Just One Day - Gayle Forman http://lisleslivres.blogspot.com/2013/01/review-just-one-day-by-gayle-forman.htmlActual Rating 4.5 starsCharacters: Allison: Allison is a really relatable character. She's always done what's she's been told and done it without complaining. But, inside is a totally new girl waiting to come out, and Willem is the guy to break her free. Willem: So, just as the book title says, the audience only gets to know Willem for one day. I don't think that I really got to know Willem too well. Right off the bat, Willem comes off as a total playboy. Yes, he did have his sweet moments and could be witty, but he still remains a stranger with a possibly drama-filled past? Well, he did still manage to get me interested in his back story with his charm. Needless to say, I'm excited for Just One Year. I think I'll come to love him, like I did with Adam from If I Stay. I thought he was a sweet guy in it, but I didn't really know him. Once he told his story in Where She Went, I absolutely fell in love with him!Plot: The plot was not what I was expecting. I thought there would be more of a focus on the romance, but they literally only spent one day together. The book was really about her becoming herself and not pretending to be what others wanted her to be. The phrase on the back of the book sums this book up perfectly. It said something like "While looking for him, she found herself." I will admit that the part of the book right after the one day got a little boring. However, her travels of self-discovery were actually really inspiring for teenage girls. At least they were for me. I know I feel like I have to live up to expectations constantly, and this book made me want to go on my own trip throughout Europe to learn about myself. I really admire the courage and determination Allison has to decide to travel by herself.Plot issues: Something that I can say from experience: Allison being able to pick up enough French to get around France is total bologna. With one summer intro class under her belt, she's able to speak a pretty good deal. When I went to France this summer, it felt like everything I had learned disappeared. I had known 3 times as much French as Allison, but she's able to find out what she needs.Also, how she manages to track Willem down seems too unrealistic. Trying to track down someone whose last name you don't know seems a little bit harder than this makes it out to be.Would I recommend this to a friend? Yes, this a really cute book. I love the aspects of European travel, but I truly enjoyed reading about Allison's transformation. I can't wait to read more about Willem in the next book. This one leaves on such a cliffhanger that really won't be answered until the final book of the series if the next is the same timeline as Just One Day.

Making His Mark

Making His Mark - Jennah Scott http://lisleslivres.blogspot.com/2013/01/blog-tour-review-making-his-mark-by.htmlAuthor Interview: http://lisleslivres.blogspot.com/2013/01/blog-tour-author-interview-jennah-scott.htmlCharacters: Alexis: She is more outgoing, being friends with a bunch of guys. She puts up a facade, but she's actually very sensitive. The trait that I like about her a lot is her kindness, not just to Bo, but everyone. She's an elementary school teacher, which tells you a little something about her patient personality.Bo: Bo definitely has his moments of being sweet, but he acts really dumb sometimes. There's no other way to say it. He's lucky that Alexis overlooks this. regarding him, the one trait that I liked was his loyalty to the people he loves and that he wants to make them proud. I appreciate that diversity of these characters. It's refreshing to read about Native Americans.Plot: *Spoilers*I'm pretty sure that epic kiss happened in the 2nd chapter. I was utterly confused. How can you go from being enemies to kissing each other? Where's the build-up for the climactic kiss? Along the same lines, it seemed like Bo was in love with Alexis extremely fast. The pacing of this book was way too quick!! I realize that this is adult fiction, but wow, this book is largely made up of sex scenes! Now, I'm totally for a few here and there to build up tension and anticipation, but that got lost for me because of the frequency.I was expecting Alexis' reasons for not wanting to get involved with Bo to be more dramatic than they were. I guess I read too much fiction involving drama,trauma, death and other serious issues, so this plot seemed very plain and disappointing. Overall, I had issues with the plot. I thought it was less than mediocre.Writing: I haven't been addressing this too often, but I felt the need to say that the D was neglected. That's right, there were endless diction errors. I don't know if I received the finished product, but the horror! Crystal, captious Crystal, would die! I get that self-published books might have errors, but these took away from the story. I cringed at the book when I found a mistake, and unfortunately that was often. Now, I'm going to feel really embarrassed if there are any typos in this review.Cover: I was surprised to see such clean, ink-free models for a book surrounding the topic of tattoos. I expected Bo to at least have one. Would I recommend this to a friend? No, I'm sorry. I feel terrible for giving a bad review on a blog tour, but I must be candid.

The Edge of Never

The Edge of Never - J.A. Redmerski http://lisleslivres.blogspot.com/2013/01/review-edge-of-never-by-ja-redmerski.htmlFinally a new adult that is tres bon!I just couldn't sleep last night, and maybe wanting to stay up to read thisamazing book was part of it. Yes, it was 3 AM but I had to finish it!Characters:Camryn- I really liked her. She's kind and smart, but shy and scared of gettingclose to anyone after the tragedies she's faced in the past. Yet, after spendingtime with Andrew, she starts to let her guard down and becomes more adventurousand free-spirited.What I didn't like about Camryn- For being such a smart person, she was kindadumb, not paying close enough attention to her surroundings at the bus stop orjust having too much faith that people aren't dangerous. Why would you go on aroad trip with some guy you just met?Andrew- Even though he's funny, audacious even, and playful, Andrew has hisissues too. He's deep at times, making me fall harder for this fictitiouscharacter.Whether you want to call him whipped or simply very caring, he treats Camrynlike gold, how every girl should be treated.And his physical description! A green eyed, fit, gorgeous guy who looks likeKellan Lutz according to Camryn's best friend;)What I didn't like about Andrew- There were two instances where he usedviolence. I understand the first time was out of defense, but the second? I justdon't get bar fights.His stubbornness got me so angry towards the very end if the book! What he didwas so stupid, but I do understand his reasoning.Asher- He is barely in he book, but I quite enjoyed the few moments he ismentioned. He beautiful like his brother Andrew and very kind and loving towardshis family and even a nonmember, Camryn.Plot: I'm a sucker for road trip stories. Perhaps that why I thought the firstfew chapters before Camyrn sets out on her journey are boring. Just my personalopinion, but I think they could have been cut out all together. Camryn hadenough misfortune in her life without her friend stabbing her in the back.I honestly did not see that curveball at the end coming.Overall, this is a beautiful, beautiful story about finding love,forgiveness and enjoying life.Writing: Ms. Redmerski did a splendid job crafting the characterization and thechanging relationship between Camryn and Andrew. Not to mention that she wrotefunny, funny characters. I caught myself laughing out loud numerous times at thewitty banters between the main characters or the crazy things Andrew teasedabout.Cover: I just wanted to mention this because if doesnt have the typicalappearance of a new adult fiction book, where the models are pictured veryintimately together. This cover is beautiful, as it should be to match thecontent.Would I recommend it to a friend? I just said i stayed up until 3 to finish it.Of course I would!

Dance of Shadows (Dance of Shadows - Trilogy)

Dance of Shadows - Yelena Black http://lisleslivres.blogspot.com/2013/03/review-dance-of-shadows-by-yelena-black.htmlCharacters: I don't know if its just me, but I love these modern books with eccentric male friend characters. They're just characters (drum rimshot). Not that any of Vanessa's friends were particularly memorable because they were laugh out loud funny, but I like seeing the social progress in literature these days. Like I said, the characters weren't special, but they certainly had intriguing motives that piques my interests in reading the sequel. Definitely by the end of the book, the characters have developed to the point where they have potential to be loved by readers. Plot: Until the very, very, not kidding about this, end the plot revolves around Vanessa getting inured with her new school and the trials of coping with her sister's absence. I thought that was dragging on. I wanted the action and more romance. Zep and Vanessa weren't pictured enough together, so their feelings didn't seem believable enough to to have significance. I didn't become attached to these characters at all. Overall: This book disappointed me, but I have hope that the sequel could save the series.Would I recommend this to a friend? I'll get back to you on this. If the sequel's good, yes. If it stink, non!

Beautiful Disaster (Beautiful, #1)

Beautiful Disaster (Beautiful, #1) - Jamie McGuire http://lisleslivres.blogspot.com/2012/12/review-beautiful-disaster-by-jamie.htmlI haven't really posted any negative reviews, so here I go with the first.Characters: Most readers of this have also read Fifty Shades, so that brings up me comparing the main characters. Travis and Christian are both controlling despite their really sweet moments. I cannot love these men because I would be scared of them lashing out. Needless to say, I'm not a fan of them.Abby's like Anastasia, the sweet good girl type of character. She seemed weak to me. Whether it was from her love of Travis or not, she was not a strong, independent woman that could take care of herself. I don't like to see these servile characters in my books. I want to see a strong female lead, a role-model for others. Note: I had when Travis calls Abby Pigeon! Sure there was a semi- cute reason why she's called that, but I hate it.Plot: Oh so predictable and melodramatic at times. I'm all about the predictable love stories, but the characters really did not contribute to making me feel positively about this bookWould I recommend this to a friend? No. This was badNew ADult: So this is one of those new adult genre books. I'm really into the idea of it because I like a balance between the innocent YA and the explicit Adult Romance, but this was so disappointing. I'm willing to try this genre again, so I'm crossing my fingers for next time.

On Dublin Street (On Dublin Street, #1)

On Dublin Street (On Dublin Street, #1) - Samantha Young http://lisleslivres.blogspot.com/2012/12/review-on-dublin-street-by-samantha.htmlMy rating: 5 of 5 starsActual rating: 4.5 stars!Characters: I liked Jocelyn for being sassy, but her stubbornness got very frustrating! However, she's got legitimate reasoning for keeping up walls. And I admire that she doesn't try super hard to look good, and she's not tall and stick thin. And Braden... Seriously, why don't people like him exist? He starts off really flirty and arrogant, kind of annoying, but it becomes evident that he's a truly devoted and loving person towards the people he cares about;) He comes off as if he would be very controlling, but he proves to be so much better than desperate for control Christian Grey. Lastly, the guy's actually very intelligent, not to mention gorgeous.Ellie, Braden's brother and Jocelyn's roommate, wins for best supporting character. She was so cheery and sweet, a girl that makes everyone smile.Plot: So you think you have another 50 Shades, but this actually had a decent plot. I actually wasn't expecting a couple of the major conflicts. Again, I want to stress that this was a ROMANTIC DRAMA, not just pages filled with sex (but I'm definitely not saying that the amount of intimate scenes didn't get to be a little too much). The Drama that constantly kept my interest. Writing: I always find writing of a book in which the other characters speak a different dialect super interesting. I learned some new Scottish words:) I did find it kind of funny when Jocelyn said something an American obviously wouldn't say, but Samantha Young did a pretty good job of writing an American character when she's from Scotland.*To the minds that want to be devoid of profanity, you're in for a treat. KiddingGenre: This is technically adult fiction but I was having a little debate with myself (don't pretend you don't do it too) about whether or not this was adult fiction or new adult fiction. The characters acted pretty young, but were older than college age, yet I'll still argue that this can be new adult.I'm having a dilemma. YA is getting kinda boring because the most exciting thing to happen is a little peck, but then adult fiction is on the complete opposite end of the spectrum, with explicit sex on every page. Perhaps I should venture into this new adult genre.

On Dublin Street

On Dublin Street  - Samantha Young http://lisleslivres.blogspot.com/2012/12/review-on-dublin-street-by-samantha.htmlMy rating: 5 of 5 starsActual rating: 4.5 stars!Characters: I liked Jocelyn for being sassy, but her stubbornness got very frustrating! However, she's got legitimate reasoning for keeping up walls. And I admire that she doesn't try super hard to look good, and she's not tall and stick thin. And Braden... Seriously, why don't people like him exist? He starts off really flirty and arrogant, kind of annoying, but it becomes evident that he's a truly devoted and loving person towards the people he cares about;) He comes off as if he would be very controlling, but he proves to be so much better than desperate for control Christian Grey. Lastly, the guy's actually very intelligent, not to mention gorgeous.Ellie, Braden's brother and Jocelyn's roommate, wins for best supporting character. She was so cheery and sweet, a girl that makes everyone smile.Plot: So you think you have another 50 Shades, but this actually had a decent plot. I actually wasn't expecting a couple of the major conflicts. Again, I want to stress that this was a ROMANTIC DRAMA, not just pages filled with sex (but I'm definitely not saying that the amount of intimate scenes didn't get to be a little too much). The Drama that constantly kept my interest. Writing: I always find writing of a book in which the other characters speak a different dialect super interesting. I learned some new Scottish words:) I did find it kind of funny when Jocelyn said something an American obviously wouldn't say, but Samantha Young did a pretty good job of writing an American character when she's from Scotland.*To the minds that want to be devoid of profanity, you're in for a treat. KiddingGenre: This is technically adult fiction but I was having a little debate with myself (don't pretend you don't do it too) about whether or not this was adult fiction or new adult fiction. The characters acted pretty young, but were older than college age, yet I'll still argue that this can be new adult.I'm having a dilemma. YA is getting kinda boring because the most exciting thing to happen is a little peck, but then adult fiction is on the complete opposite end of the spectrum, with explicit sex on every page. Perhaps I should venture into this new adult genre.

Time Walker (Spirit Bound)

Time Walker (Spirit Bound #1) - Meghan Ciana Doidge http://lisleslivres.blogspot.com/2012/12/review-time-walker-spirit-bound-1-by.htmlCharacters: The characters were my favorite part of this book. They are very likable, but I would choose Finn over Beth as my favorite. Blasphemy, you say? Well, I liked that Finn starts out elusive but warms up to Beth quickly, even making fun, flirty comments with her. Yet, he knows the appropriate time to be serious and evidently cares for his sister. Beth also shares this compassion towards her siblings and fights for them. She is portrayed as the underdog, trying to battle herself. Honestly, who can root against an underdog?Ms. Doidge delineates the relationships between the siblings perfectly: We love to mess with our siblings and are competitive, but the truth in the matter is that we love them regardless because they're family.And, yes, I found myself getting angry with the author if I thought that one of the characters were seeing their last pages in the story.Plot: It started out a little slow for my tastes, but it sure did pick up! Reminding me of Looper, the basis of the plot is formidable. It's quite thought provoking. I thought,"What if I were a time walker? What if I knew I would drastically change in the future? Would I try to prevent myself from becoming that way, but would I actually make my future worse in the efforts to do so?"Writing: This book is very easy to read, flowing pretty well. I do appreciate the occasional SAT vocabulary words being thrown in :)Overall: I have to give it to Meghan Ciana Doidge, this was a pretty good book! I'm very skeptical of books that aren't published by the renowned publishing houses even though there have been some terrible works that have been published by them. I'm definitely going to have to try some more independents. I love indie movies, so why not try indie books (Is that the proper term? :)).*Additional info: The price of Spirit Binder will be lowered to $.99 the week following the 12-7-12 release of Time Walker.Buy the BookI have Spirit Binder ready to be read. However, I just don't know when I will be ready to read it.This was the first time we were requested to do a review, and it was such a lovely experience! It was fun to be like an editor for a little while. Thanks and best wishes, Meghan.

Sam Cruz's Infallible Guide to Getting Girls

Sam Cruz's Infallible Guide to Getting Girls - Tellulah Darling

http://lisleslivres.blogspot.com/2012/11/review-sam-cruzs-infallible-guide-to.html

I got this one from Netgalley. Overall, I thought it was very cute.Characters: Any girl reading this will start to hate Sam from page 1. He's a womanizer, but after awhile it becomes evident that he has reasons for the way he acts. Additionally, some of the remarks he makes, though inappropriate, are funny. On the other hand, I kind of liked Ally. I could commiserate with her nerdiness, but I didn't like that she let one guy change her. Frankly, I didn't like the person she became- a girl who tried to treat guys as sexual conquests.Plot: The plot was so predictable. I knew from the beginning Sam and Ally would end up together, but I still found it super cute. I'm a sucker for these happy ending stories, though. I found that the plot seemed a little bit too rushed with the book being too short to develop the story and characters.Writing: The writing was pretty basic, but crude at many points. The content was mature to say the least. I like that this book was told through alternating POVs. Would I recommend it to a friend? I would recommend this to someone who likes corny, predictable romances.

Currently reading

Shatter Me
Tahereh Mafi
Unbreakable
Elizabeth Norris
The Great Gatsby
F. Scott Fitzgerald