(ARC) THE MYSTERY OF HOLLOW PLACES BY REBECCA PODOS

T H E  M Y S T E R Y  O F  H O L L OW  P L A C E S
BY REBECCA PODOS
Category: Young Adult
Genre: Mystery
Expected Publication: January 26th, 2016 by Balzer & Bray
Format Acquired: ARC
Source: HarperCollins International

All Imogene Scott knows of her mother is the bedtime story her father told her as a child. It's the story of how her parents met: he, a forensic pathologist, she, a mysterious woman who came to identify a body. A woman who left Imogene and her father when she was a baby, a woman who was always possessed by a powerful loneliness, a woman who many referred to as troubled waters.

When Imogene is seventeen, her father, now a famous author of medical mysteries, strikes out in the middle of the night and doesn't come back. Neither Imogene's stepmother nor the police knows where he could've gone, but Imogene is convinced he's looking for her mother. She decides to put to use the skills she's gleaned from a lifetime of her father's books to track down a woman she's never known, in order to find him and, perhaps, the answer to the question she's carried with her for her entire life. 

Rebecca Podos' debut is a powerful, affecting story of the pieces of ourselves that remain mysteries even to us - the desperate search through empty spaces for something to hold on to.

"They could be lonely wherever they were, But not us, Immy. We have each other. So we'll never, ever have to feel that way."

I haven't read any mystery book in a while, so I thought, why not start the year with one? Besides, the title and synopsis of the book look interesting, so I decided to start reading this one.

The Mystery of Hollow Places is about a girl named Imogene, who is in search of her missing father. She looked up into the clues that she thought her father left for her, and, later on, found herself also searching for her mother who left them when she was two. I think it's really sad, not knowing the real reason why her parents ran away, and there she is, searching for clues, trying to track one of them so she could find the other. 

"I think he left the heart for me not as a clue, but as a map. Hoping just this once I would see it too, the picture in the stars, and use it to find my way to him."

Things got more exciting when Imogene used her dad's own novels to track him down. That's a really smart move for a girl of her age. and she's got a very positive character. I like that, unlike others who easily give up and start self-pitying for themselves when things get tough. Plus, there's Jessa, her only friend whom she can really rely on, who helped her more than enough. Jessa's character is like those Queen B's at high schools, but I liked her because of the things she did for Imogene.

"I don't know what it adds up to, but I know it leads somewhere. And how do I know that? Faith. In Dad, and in mysteries."

I also like the fact that this book didn't give any focus on romance, but gave a small hint of it. It didn't lose it's emphasis on Immy's search for her missing parents even though she's with a guy she's interested with -- Chad, Jessa's brother. Also, Lindy, her stepmom, played a huge role in this book. She has always been there for Imogene even when her father went missing. She tried to understand her and did her best to help with the case. In short, she's not one of those stepmoms you'd hate.

This book is about mental illness and depression, and how it can affect a person and his or her family, how selfless one may become because of it, how that person no longer cares about how the others would feel, as long as he/she knows it's for the better.

I'm glad this book didn't disappoint me. Take note, this is the author's first novel and she did a great job! Imogene now belongs to the strongest female characters I know. She's a smart and tough girl for her age! I admire her fighting spirit! I totes recommend this to everyone who's into mystery and positive girl fighting spirit.

"This Valentine's Day. . .maybe a stone heart counts as a Valentine after all."

4 out of 5 Pandas

ABOUT THE AUTHOR: REBECCA PODOS

Rebecca Podos' debut YA novel, THE MYSTERY OF HOLLOW PLACES, is forthcoming from Balzer + Bray (HarperCollins) on 1/26/16. A graduate of the Writing, Literature, and Publishing program at Emerson College where she won the M.F.A. Award for Best Thesis, her fiction has been published in Glimmer Train, Glyph, CAJE, Paper Darts, Bellows American Review, and Smokelong Quarterly. Past Awards include the Helman Award for Short Fiction, the David Dornstein Memorial Creative Writing Prize for Young Adult Writers, and the Hillerman-McGarrity Scholarship for Creative Writing. She works as a YA and MG agent at the Rees Literary Agency in Boston

STATIC BY S.K. ANTHONY

S T A T I C

BY S.K. ANTHONY

Category: Young Adult
Genre: Urban Fantasy

Series: The Luminaries #2
Published September 17th, 2015 S.K. Anthony
Acquired Copy: Kindle Edition
Source: Author (Thanks, Katherine!)

Kevin Pierce is a teleporter, a ladies’ man, and a loyal friend . . . or so he thought.

As a genetically altered Luminary, he helps the government bring down some of the most dangerous criminals. Not very challenging if you have his special abilities. But when a group of rebel Luminaries attacks his Organization the fight for survival begins.

One shattering event after another tests the depth of his relationships, his sanity, and his powers. Emotionally torn, Kevin must choose carefully where his loyalty lies. In the middle of all the unexpected chaos, he gets the biggest shock of his life when he’s faced with a betrayal he never saw coming. Angry, injured, and ready to even the score, Kevin goes Static . . .

Kinetic was released more than a year ago, and I've been wondering when will the next book be released since then. I kept bugging Katherine (sorry. . .NOT sorry! ^_^) about the next book and she told me the reasons why it wasn't out yet during the time I asked her. I loved Kinetic that's why I was really anticipating this book. And when I finally heard the news about Static, I was so happy and excited to finally read it. Honestly, I needed to skim some parts of Static and reread my review to prepare for this book.

Static is about Kevin (my loves!) who have the power to teleport. . .and attract ladies! But seriously, this is also about whom Kevin (my loves!) can trust and where is loyalty truly lies. Since Kinetic, I observed that his powers, skills, and abilities improved. Plus, he's got a partner, Ryan, a sensor and an amplifier. And yes, she's a girl. Moving on, I felt sad when Kevin was betrayed by people he trusted so much and that he can't even decide if he still wants them to be part of his life. Just imagine someone you never expected to lie to you, to betray you. . .that's just. . .hard.

I loved that the first few chapters of this book were action packed already --- because that's what I'm looking for. Kinetic gave me a whole lot of action so I expected more from Static and I wasn't disappointed about what I read. And this one got more futuristic and the world building just got even better! There were also scenes of Annie and Nick! I recommend this one, and, of course, the first book, to those who wants action and more action. :)

ABOUT THE AUTHOR: S.K. ANTHONY

 S. K. Anthony is a writer, a reader and a make-stuff-up-er who lives in New York with her husband and toddler twins. She is a wine connoisseur, which just really means she knows she loves it, and a caffeine addict. When she isn’t busy with her family she finds herself being transported into the world of imagination. Well, either that or running away from spiders…she is convinced they are out to get her!

Blog ~ Facebook ~ Goodreads ~ Twitter ~ Google + ~ Pinterest

WHEN THE CHIPS ARE DOWN BY BETH RINYU

WHEN THE CHIPS ARE DOWN
BY BETH RINYU
Category: New Adult
Genre: Contemporary, Romance
Published March 14 2015 by Beth Rinyu
Format Acquired: Kindle book
Source: Natalie of Love Between the Sheets c/o Beth Rinyu
Purchase: Amazon / Banes and Noble / Kobo / The Book Depository

Melanie Hanson's life didn't go quite the way she had planned. Her cheating ex-husband traded her in for a newer model and she’s in over her head dealing with the drama that comes along with raising her twin teenage daughters.

The last thing she is looking for or needs in her life is a man - or is it?

Ben Wilder is the boy that Melanie loved to hate throughout high school, the boy that all the girls loved and the boy that didn't give Melanie the time of day, unless it was to tease her. When she runs into him once again she realizes...he’s not a boy anymore. Older and wiser, she’s determined not to fall for her secret crush from all those years ago. But sometimes our heart has different plans than our head. Will she finally get her happily ever after with the man she least expected to have it with?

Take a humorous journey with Melanie and her daughters as their lives begin to parallel and they discover that although they may be separated by a generation their struggles are still the same.

Yet another book from one of my favorite romance authors, Beth Rinyu. I can't help but get excited to read this the day I learned about it.

This is a story about a mother who faced divorce after 16 years of marriage. This is heartbreaking for most of the mothers out there, but her twin daughters helped her get through it. To be honest, I mostly enjoyed the POVs of her daughters since they're most likely my age (or not, LOL I'm 21 and feeling 16!). Anyway, she may have wasted some years for her cheating husband, but they say, when something good was taken away from you, something better comes along. Hell yes, something someone better came along. And this someone came from her past. Like, I-hate-those-highschool-days past.

Excerpt

I tried my best to ignore him, but I could feel his eyes settling on me. I took a deep breath when he got up and sat next to me. “Well, at least I know your real name now.” I shook my head, still trying to avoid eye contact. “So, how’s your ass doing?”

“What!?” I finally turned my head and looked directly at him.

“From your fall the other day.” I looked away. “Was I really that much of an ass to you during high school that you are still carrying a grudge all these years later?”

“Don’t flatter yourself. It has nothing to do with you.”

“Oh, okay. So, are you bitchy like this to every guy you come in contact with?”

“Yeah, maybe I am! What’s it to you?”

He held his hand up in defense. “Doesn’t matter to me one bit, sweetheart, but you’ve clearly been shafted by a guy a time or two to have an attitude like that. I mean, don’t get me wrong. The bitchy ones are better in bed with all that pent-up aggression.” He smirked and took a sip of his beer.

“Oh, you are such a pig, you know that? You are the same arrogant ‘I’m so in love with myself’ jock you were back in school! Well, reality check. Despite the fact you may have never grown up, most women have. So your good looks, perfect body, and smooth talking will no longer work.” He chuckled loudly. “What’s so funny?”

“I think you just admitted you thought I was good-looking and had a perfect body.”

“No. That’s not what –” He had me feeling so flustered. “I meant MEN, in general!”

“Whatever you say, princess.”

“My name is Melanie! Oh, wait. Maybe you’ll remember Smellanie better!”

His grin widened. “Ahhhh, now I remember you! You were that cute little blonde girl who used to sit in front of me in French class. You were the little goody two-shoes who always knew exactly how to respond in perfect French to the teacher, while the rest of us struggled to maintain a D average. You know you really didn’t smell, right? That was just a nickname for you.”

“I know I never smelled, thank you very much!”

“Well, Smellanie, can I say that you are just as cute now as you were back then?”

“No, you may not!”

THE COVER IS ABSOLUTELY GORGEOUS! MY FAVE COVER AMONG BETH'S BOOKS!

ABOUT THE AUTHOR: BETH RINYU

Ever since I can remember, I have always enjoyed Creative Writing. There was always something about being able to travel to a different place or become a different person with just the stroke of a pen - or in today's world a touch of the keyboard. I am the author of The Exception To The Rule, An Unplanned Lesson, An Unplanned Life and Drowning In Love, A Cry for Hope. and A Will To Change. 

My life is not as interesting as my books or the characters in them, but then again whose life is? I'm a mom of twin teenage boys, a crazy Border Collie and a cat with an identity crisis! I guess you can say writing is my form of Calgon! 

Thanks for taking the time to learn about my books and me! If you decide to read them (and I hope you do!) please be sure to go on and review it for me - yes, even if you don't like it!

Facebook / Twitter / Blog / Goodreads

4 out of 5 Pandas

WHERE MY HEART BREAKS BY IVY SINCLAIR

WHERE MY HEART BREAKS
BY IVY SINCLAIR
Category: New Adult
Genre: Contemporary
Published August 29th 2013 by Smith Sinclair Books
Format Acquired: e-Galley
Source: NetGalley
Purchase: Amazon / Barnes and Noble / The Book Depository

If there were a course in screwing up your life, Kate Spivey would get an A+. 

Trust is in short supply for Kate at the start of the summer before her senior year of college. Her parents sentenced her to spend it under the watchful eye of her aunt at the famous Willoughby Inn. It was further proof that she was a prisoner in, and not the decision maker of, her life. Nothing she does is good enough to prove that she learned from the mistakes of her past. 

Almost immediately, Kate finds that her new summer home holds another person who understands the unfairness of her situation better than most. Reed Black has had his own share of tragedy and regrets, but instead of trying to fight his reputation, he embraced it. 

Sparks fly between Kate and Reed, but his mixed signals remind Kate that she needs to watch her step. He is one temptation she can't afford to indulge in, no matter how strong her attraction to him. If she isn't careful, she'll lose more than her heart.

A sweet story about two entirely different and broken strangers, I love how the friendship between Kate and Reed developed into something romantic because of that book. It's pretty amazing how two people's relationship becomes stronger because of a book. 

Kate's parents sent her away to her aunt for summer. This is some sort of punishment for Kate because of her misbehavior during college and they said that she needs to learn from them. On her way to Willoughby Inn, she had a problem with her car and that's when she met Reed, the hottie who helped her with her car trouble. She thought she'd never see him again, but of course, she's wrong about that.

Reed Black is so sexy that she can't fulfill her mission which is to behave. People warned her about him, that he is a dangerous man that she shouldn't let her guard down whenever she's with him. Well, he may had a dark past but this doesn't stop them from being friends. They knew they feel something for each other, they just can't take the risk to tell each other the truth.

I also love the fact that a book played a big part in their relationship. The way they reenact some scenes on the book made me like the story even more. If you're looking for a fast but cute and romantic read, you should give Where My Heart Breaks a chance.

4 out of 5 Pandas

Review: THE EMPRESS CHRONICLES by Suzy Vitello

THE EMPRESS CHRONICLES

BY SUZY VITELLO

Series: The Empress Chronicles #1

Genre: Young Adult, Historical Fiction

Published September 4th 2014 by Diversion Books

Purchase: Amazon / Barnes and Noble / iBooks / Kobo

In this dazzling first book in the EMPRESS CHRONICLES series by the author of THE MOMENT BEFORE, one courageous girl seeks keys to the past to unlock the future…

When city girl Liz is banished to a rural goat farm on the outskirts of Portland, the 15-year-old feels her life spiraling out of control. She can’t connect to her father or his young girlfriend, and past trauma adds to her sense of upheaval. The only person who seems to keep her sane is a troubled boy who is fighting his own demons. But all of this changes in one historical instant.

One-hundred fifty years earlier, Elisabeth of Bavaria has troubles of her own. Her childhood is coming to a crashing end, and her destiny is written in the form of a soothsaying locket that has the ability to predict true love. But evil is afoot in the form of a wicked enchantress who connives to wield the power of the locket for her own destructive ends.

When Liz finds a timeworn diary, and within it a locket, she discovers the secrets and desires of the young Bavarian princess who will one day grow up to be the legendary Empress of Austria. It is in the pages of the diary that these two heroines will meet, and it is through their interwoven story that Liz will discover she has the power to rewrite history—including her own…

Readers of books like Rachel Harris’s MY SUPER SWEET SIXTEENTH CENTURY will love THE EMPRESS CHRONICLES

MY REVIEW

Okay, I have to admit, during the first few chapters, I was bored. But eventually, the story of Liz and Sisi's life got me hooked. I love how the author connected Liz from the present and Sisi from the past through Sisi's diary that Liz found in her doctor's office. Even I would be obsessed in someone's story if I found the real diary of that person. Through Vitello's writing, I've clearly seen how history repeated itself with two different persons with similar fate, plus the part where the present can change the way things happened in the past.

I never thought reading a historical fiction for the first time would give me these emotions I cannot explain. I feel so sad, sorry, and empty. I cannot imagine how Sisi dealt with the things that happened to her. The moment when she's to do everything for the sake of love, to be reunited once again with him... On the other side of the story, I feel glad for Liz when she was able to overcome her fears and face them. But I feel like I need to see more of what will happen to her and Cory... if they would experience the same thing... if they would have the same fate as Sisi and Count S. 

Because I wanted everything to slowly sink in, I read two chapters per night from this book - one from Sis's POV and one from Liz' POV. I felt sad most of the time. The air that surround me while reading The Empress Chronicles felt cold and empty. This is one of those books that I need want to read and I'm glad I did because I love sad and tragic love stories. Yes, I torture my heart with sad stories.  I even borrowed a copy of the real Sisi's diary from a friend because I am so intrigued with what really happened to her. This is such a heartbreaking story and I NEED THE SECOND BOOK ASAP.

MY RATING

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Suzy Vitello

Suzy Vitello is a proud founding member of a critique group recently dubbed The Hottest Writing Group in Portland, and her short stories have won fellowships and prizes (including the Atlantic Monthly Student Writing Award, and an Oregon Literary Arts Fellowship).

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/suzyvitello

website: http://www.suzyvitello.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SuzyVitelloBooks

Twitter: @suzy_vitello

Review: The FIFTY SHADES OF GREY Trilogy by E.L. James

Since Christian Grey will be portrayed by one of my man crushes, Jamie Dornan, while Anastasia Steele will be played by the gorgeous Dakota Johnson and will hit the screen next Valentines Day, let me write a short and quick review of the trilogy. Short and quick, because I don't actually write reviews under Erotica and BDSM. But I guess we can always make exceptions. :)

Click on the covers to redirect to their Goodreads links.

FIFTY SHADES OF GREY TRILOGY BY E.L. JAMES

When literature student Anastasia Steele goes to interview young entrepreneur Christian Grey, she encounters a man who is beautiful, brilliant, and intimidating. The unworldly, innocent Ana is startled to realize she wants this man and, despite his enigmatic reserve, finds she is desperate to get close to him. Unable to resist Ana’s quiet beauty, wit, and independent spirit, Grey admits he wants her, too—but on his own terms.

Shocked yet thrilled by Grey’s singular erotic tastes, Ana hesitates. For all the trappings of success—his multinational businesses, his vast wealth, his loving family—Grey is a man tormented by demons and consumed by the need to control. When the couple embarks on a daring, passionately physical affair, Ana discovers Christian Grey’s secrets and explores her own dark desires.

Erotic, amusing, and deeply moving, the Fifty Shades Trilogy is a tale that will obsess you, possess you, and stay with you forever.

Fifty Shades of Grey introduced us to the billion dollar businessman, Christian Grey, CEO of his own company, the Grey Enterprises Holdings, Inc. And to Anastasia Steele, a smart lit-major student who interviewed Mr. Grey in behalf of her best friend, Kate. Christian has a thing for brunettes so when he met Ana, he knew he can't just let her go. He did everything to spend time with her, while Ana, on the other hand didn't understand what Christian really wants from her if he's not into serious relationships.

“I gasp, and I'm Eve in the Garden of Eden, and he's the serpent, and I cannot resist.” 

Ana soon discovered Christians wants and needs from her. I think most of this book is about sex -- Ana's first time, Christian's unusual tastes and erotic fantasies, his "playroom", and the Dominant-Submissive contract between Christian and Ana. Yes, the sex is hot but no hint of romance was shown, just pure lust.

“There's a very fine line between pleasure and pain. They are two sides of the same coin, one not existing without the other.”

And I guess that's why a lot of people hates the first book and thinks this is just another crazy, book porn. So, I always encourage people to read the second and third book.

But why?

In the second (Fifty Shades Darker) and third book (Fifty Shades Freed), the spark between Christian and Ana started to lit. Romance was developed on the second book and a lot of issues were tackled to make the readers understand the reason behind Christian's behavior. Aside from this, I love how Christian became Ana's creepy but hot as hell boss. The sarcasm between these two whenever they send each other e-mails, is cute (I don't even know if cute is the right term). Also, in the second book, Christian tried his best to change his ways to prove his sincerity to Ana. Besides, Christian looks so cute when he tries to do sweet things to Ana. He's quite irresistible!

“This is me, Ana. All of me...and I'm all yours. What do I have to do to make you realize that? To make you see that I want you any way I can get you. That I love you.” 

As I continued to read the third and final installment *sobs* Fifty Shades Darker, I realized that all this time, what we see is that Christian is the boss. That he's in control of everything, that he holds the power. But if you actually try to read between the lines, Ana is the real boss. In the end, it is her that holds the power. She sets boundaries for him, and all this time, while Ana has been constantly defying Christian in many ways, Christian can't defy her. He's always waiting for her approval when he wants to do or change some things. Ana has triggered the great change in Christian's life.

“My world was ordered, calm, and controlled, then you came into my life with your smart mouth, your innocence, your beauty, and your quiet temerity ...and everything before you was just dull, empty, mediocre ...it was nothing.” 

 I love how this book progressed from lust to love. I love how the characters developed and grew up. Just when I thought this is about sex, when I finished the three books, I knew there's more than sex -- love. I totally agree that there will always be someone out there who will change us into a better person and will make us feel that we are worthy of love and compassion. There will always be someone who will not take away our privilege and freedom to control and take hold of some things, but instead, they will share it with us. We'll just realize that we wanted to share it with that someone. Thank you, E.L. James for this love story. I'm glad it's a happy ending. :)

“Anatasia

You Are My More

My Love, My Life

Christian”

MY OVERALL RATING

Review: NO ONE'S HERO by Kelly Walker

No One's Hero
by Kelly Walker
Series: Chadwell Hearts #2
Genre: New Adult Romance
Published May 22nd 2014 by Kelly Walker
Format Acquired: Kindle Edition
Source: Bought from Amazon Kindle
Purchase Links: Amazon / Barnes and Noble / Kobo / The Book Depository

Tired of living for the one who died, Lexi Feron is ready to throw caution to the wind. For eighteen years she’s been careful not to upset her fragile family, all the while knowing she’ll only ever be half of enough. Now, she’s done with careful. College is her chance to escape, to be free. To love. To live. 

Someone wants her to die. 

Kevin Morrison is haunted by the one he didn’t save. The one he wasn’t supposed to love. The mistake he can never take back, but is determined never to make again. A cushy job guarding a college freshman is exactly what he needs to get his confidence back. He’s just got to keep her safe until the drug dealer out for revenge goes on trial, then he can move on and forget all about her. 

She has other plans. 

No matter how much Lexi insists she doesn’t need a bodyguard, especially not one as mercurial as Kevin, she might be exactly what he needs. Because despite his best efforts, the spunky girl with a smart mouth and reckless streak awakens something in his heart that he thought was lost. But what if the real danger to Lexi, is Lexi? 

To save her life, he'll have to surrender his heart. 

MY REVIEW

I loved No One's Hero so much that I hope Kelly didn't grow tired of me fangirling on her over the internet. But seriously, she's one of the most awesome authors ever!
Moving on...

No One's Hero covers the story of Kevin and Lexi. Based on what I still remember (Well, it's been a long time since I read No One's Angel so forgive me LOL) Lexi is one of the witnesses against Angel's ex-boyfriend, Nick. Nick's men are in search for Lexi while he's in jail so Lexi really needs some sort of protection. This is where Arion kinda hired his friend, Kevin to serve as Lexi's bodyguard while she's in college. Lexi didn't want this, but she can't do anything about it so she just hates Kevin just as she hates the whole situation. Yet, she still can't deny the chemistry that instantly builds up between them.

"For whatever stupid reason, there's chemistry between us that I can't deny, and it's making it hard to him. And I definitely want to hate him."

Lexi is tired of her life living behind the shadow of her twin sister who is long dead and gone. She's excited for college so she can finally break free of her parents and enjoy her life. But she got it all wrong. She's not coming to college alone, Kevin will be there to guide and protect her. Well, if I were Lexi, I wouldn't care at all. A bodyguard as hot as hell like Kevin? Why not! WHY. THE HELL. NOT. She wants to be free, yes. But she and Kevin can be friends, right? Or more than that. But Kevin knows his limits and he cannot go beyond them or Arion himself will kill the fuck out of him. Not literally, but he'll still be dead.

"I don't keep my distance from you because you're flawed, I keep my distance from you because I am. . .I see you for how amazing you are, and I know if I let myself, I will fall for you and you'll become my breath, the only thing I need to survive. . ." 

I had fun reading about Lexi and Kevin's cat and dog fights. Lexi may have been stubborn at some times but Kevin never gave up on her. He's determined to protect her whatever happens. Anyway, Lexi and Kevin had a hard time getting along with each other but they eventually figured it out. They got along with each other, had fun, and went all the way to those hot, steamy and romantic situations. Well, at first, Lexi just wanted Kevin to cross one of her checklist: college sex. But Kevin never took advantage of Lexi. Aside from this, I love how the author did it again: combining romance and crime without getting the story confusing for the readers.

"I'm not a saint, Lexi, and I'm trying to make this as easy as possible on you."

"I won't break."

No One's Hero is a great read for those seeking action and romance at the same time. Not a lot of action per se, but the plot twist will definitely keep you going. I totally recommend this book and I am excited for the next installment, No One's Surrender!

MY RATING

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Kelly Walker

Kelly Walker is a YA and NA author of several romantic titles, including the Souls of the Stones series. She has an unhealthy appreciation for chocolate, and a soft spot for rescued animals. Her best lessons on writing came from a lifetime of reading. She loves the fantastical, and the magical, and believes a captivating romance can be the most realistic magic of all. Kelly, her husband and her two children share their Virginia home with three dogs who walk her, and two cats who permit her to occasionally share their couch.

Author Links:

Website | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads

{Blog Tour} (ARC) Review: SAY WHAT YOU WILL by Cammie McGovern

Say What You Will
by Cammie McGovern
Genre: Young Adult Contemporary
Published June 3rd 2014 by Harper Teen
Format Acquired: ARC
Source: received from Publisher (Thanks, Sarah and Megan!)

John Green's The Fault in Our Stars meets Rainbow Rowell's Eleanor & Park in this beautifully written, incredibly honest, and emotionally poignant novel. Cammie McGovern's insightful young adult debut is a heartfelt and heartbreaking story about how we can all feel lost until we find someone who loves us because of our faults, not in spite of them.

Born with cerebral palsy, Amy can't walk without a walker, talk without a voice box, or even fully control her facial expressions. Plagued by obsessive-compulsive disorder, Matthew is consumed with repeated thoughts, neurotic rituals, and crippling fear. Both in desperate need of someone to help them reach out to the world, Amy and Matthew are more alike than either ever realized.

When Amy decides to hire student aides to help her in her senior year at Coral Hills High School, these two teens are thrust into each other's lives. As they begin to spend time with each other, what started as a blossoming friendship eventually grows into something neither expected.

MY REVIEW

(Thanks to HarperCollins International for sending me an ARC of this book! Please take note that this in no way affected my review.)

FEELS.

THE. FEELS.

ALL. THE. FEELS.

“This feeling will pass. The fear is real but the danger is not.” 

Amy Van Dorn is not like any other girl you've known. She's not normal. Literally. She's born with cerebral palsy. She can't barely walk, she can't talk. She uses some kind of wheelchair with a Pathway computer, with a human generated voice who automatically interprets whenever she types whatever she wants to say. Because of her condition, she don't have friends. So her mother hires people to watch over her and assist her at school. Until one day, they finally decided to hire students instead to make her feel more comfortable and uh, less awkward.

Matthew, one of the students who were hired by Amy's mother [Nicole] to be friends with her, has issues of his own to deal with. He has OCD. He keeps doing weird things, like tapping the lockers down the hallway, endless counting of things, washing hands and checking the faucet more than once. He do these thinks because he's afraid. He's afraid of hurting other people, or that other people might get hurt becuase of him.

Say What You Will introduced me to a whole new world of contemporary romance. Amy has a wide optimism, despite her disabilities. She's positive about everything. She's not even afraid of what the future might bring for her. She's a one strong and positive female character that will inspire every girl out there, disabled or not, to keep looking at the brighter side of life. On the other hand, Matthew doesn't know where Amy gets her wide optimism. He's so curious about Amy, her sickness, and most of all, her life. He didn't understand why she's very positive.

As they get to know each other along the way, little by little, they finally understood each other's issues. They may have hurt each other in a while, but they always find a way to make it up. I love the way they sent each other texts and e-mails. I love how they help each other's problems. I love how their friendship bloomed into something they never expected. I love the twists in the story! Didn't see them coming!

I admit, it's really hard to write a review that could justify this book. I never thought I could feel this way for both main characters in a book. I want more from their heart-melting love story!

MY RATING

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Cammie McGovern

Cammie McGovern was a Stegner Fellow at Stanford and received the Nelson Algren Award in short fiction. Her work has been published in Redbook, Seventeen, Glimmer Train, TriQuarterly, and other publications.

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