Review:The Fine Art of Truth or Dare

The Fine Art of Truth Or Dare

by Melissa Jensen

Published by: Speak

Released on: February 16th,2012

Pages:380 paperback

Buy here

Ella is nearly invisible at the Willing School, and that's just fine by her. She's got her friends - the fabulous Frankie and their sweet cohort Sadie. She's got her art - and her idol, the unappreciated 19th-century painter Edward Willing. Still, it's hard being a nobody and having a crush on the biggest somebody in the school: Alex Bainbridge. Especially when he is your French tutor, and lessons have started becoming, well, certainly more interesting than French ever has been before. But can the invisible girl actually end up with a happily ever after with the golden boy, when no one even knows they're dating? And is Ella going to dare to be that girl?

 

    The Fine Art of Truth or Dare sounds like a cute read and it was but it just wasn't as good as I expected. The first couple chapters we're introduced to Ella an art junkie who is in love with Edward Willing who happens to be dead. And her two best friends; Frankie and Sadie. I loved Frankie he was one of those characters you can't help but want to be friends with them in real life. Sadie I felt like we didn't get to know her as much as Frankie but I still liked her. Ella's like any other love struck teenage girl. She likes this guy Alex Bainbridge one of the most popular guys at Willing. I didn't really think much of Alex because I was sort of in and out of the book but in the end I neither liked him or disliked him. He was just kind of blah. He's pretty much like another stereotypical athletic-boy-who-is-dating-the-most-popular-girl-but-who-then-starts-to-fall-in-love-with-the-quiet-invisible-girl-and-makes-her-feel-special. Not that there's anything wrong with that but it's just so overused. Overall this book was ok it was pretty long for my taste but I rate it 3 out of 5 stars.

Happy Reading,

Ashlinn

Review: Perdition

Perdition

(Goddess of Night Novella:Book Two)

by Ley Mesina

Released on:March 8th 2012

Pages:45 PDF

Buy here

In the second installment of the Goddess of Night series, Lily ventures out into the Underworld determined to find Nyx and finally get the answers she’s been looking for.

Xander, Drew, and Roxy head out on a mission to rescue Roxy’s parents from the secret facility hidden below Devlond University.

The time has come. Secrets will finally be revealed and the world they once knew will change…  Forever.

   Perdition was a great second installment to the Goddess of Night Series. Immediately I connected with the characters again. I had forgotten some of the story because I read Reborn last summer but I immediately caught on. 

  I felt like I got to know Lily a lot better and I'm glad the book answered some remaining questions from the first book. Also I'm very happy that Xander and Lily's romantic relationship progressed. Overall I enjoyed the book very much and I'm looking forward to the third book. I rate this 4 out of 5 stars.

Have a wonderful weekend,

Ashlinn

P.s. I will be out of town for a couple days so I plan to 

read some great books!

Review: The Beginning of After

The Beginning of After

by Jennifer Castle

Published by:HarperTeen

Released on:September 6th, 2011

Pages: 432 Hardcover

Buy here

Sixteen-year-old Laurel’s world changes instantly when her parents and brother are killed in a terrible car accident. Behind the wheel is the father of her bad-boy neighbor, David Kaufman, whose mother is also killed. In the aftermath of the tragedy, Laurel navigates a new reality in which she and her best friend grow apart, boys may or may not be approaching her out of pity, overpowering memories lurk everywhere, and Mr. Kaufman is comatose but still very much alive. Through it all, there is David, who swoops in and out of Laurel’s life and to whom she finds herself attracted against her better judgment. She will forever be connected to him by their mutual loss, a connection that will change them both in unexpected ways.

   I haven't read a book in a long time that I couldn't simply put down but today I found one. The Beginning of After had me hooked from the beginning. The idea of losing people that are in your life everyday, and then they simply vanish because they have died scared the bejibus(not exactly a real word) out of me and also intrigued me. I know your thinking I'm might be a psychopath but it was interesting to see how Laurel dealt with her grief. I'm going to admit it I teared up more than five times. This book was honestly depressing in a sort of good way. What I mean by that is, it helped me realize all the good I have in my life and how much I take for granted.

   I didn't know exactly what to expect but I think I got a lot more out of it then I originally thought I would. This wasn't an amazingly well written book but it's just right for someone who likes somewhat of an easy read in the sense of the writing style. One of the only things that bugged me was in the book she show's text messages from Laurel's friends and not every teenager texts like this: "city 2mrw? goin stir craZ alrdy." It was really quite annoying and that's an actual example from the book. The only other thing that bugged me was in the summary it claims her best friend and her drift apart but that's not really what happened at all. If anything I'd want a best friend just like Meg. Overall this book was a nice weekend read made me sad at times but I really did enjoy this. I rate it 4/5 stars. Check it out or if you already have leave me a comment on your thoughts!

Bonjour and Happy Reading,

Ashlinn :)

Long Time

It's been a long long time since I've posted on here. It's really quite sad because I haven't read any books that I can post about. Anyways, it's such a beautiful day where I live and I'm in the mood to read all day but unfortunately can't because I have to study for finals, oh yeah and school ends on the 25th! YAY! Summer here I come... I'm going to be home all summer so I plan to read but who knows with me I just really have to be in the mood. Thanks for all the followers I have that have stuck by BBBBooks :)

Happy Reading,

Ashlinn :)

Review:Freshman Year&Other Unatural Diasters

Freshman Year&Other Unnatural Diasters

by Meredith Zeitlin

Published by:Putnam Juvenile

Released on:March 1st,2012

Pages:288 hardcover

Buy here

Kelsey Finkelstein is fourteen and FRUSTRATED. Every time she tries to live up to her awesome potential, her plans are foiled – by her impossible parents, her annoying little sister, and life in general. But with her first day of high school coming up, Kelsey is positive that things are going to change. Enlisting the help of her three best friends — sweet and quiet Em, theatrical Cass, and wild JoJo — Kelsey gets ready to rebrand herself and make the kind of mark she knows is her destiny.

Things start out great - her arch-nemesis has moved across the country, giving Kelsey the perfect opportunity to stand out on the soccer team and finally catch the eye of her long-time crush. But soon enough, an evil junior’s thirst for revenge, a mysterious photographer, and a series of other catastrophes make it clear that just because KELSEY has a plan for greatness… it doesn’t mean the rest of the world is in on it.

Kelsey’s hilarious commentary throughout her disastrous freshman year will have you laughing out loud—while being thankful that you’re not in her shoes, of course…

    This was such a cute and fun read! Kelsey is a relatable character to any teenage girl out there. Her friends were also so funny! I mean every teenage girls has gone through at least one of the embarrassing moments in life. I mean I have my fair share, I embarrass myself daily. No joke. I loved that it started off just when she was starting high school and then her first day because I'm a freshman too! Although none of the crazy stuff has happened to me yet it did make for some exciting moments. I can relate to Kelsey so well because going into high school is such a scary thing, I was scared out of my pants the first week! But high school is awesome and super fun if you make it that way.


   I thought this book was very well written and is a must read for incoming freshman or girls in high school. I rate this 4 out of 5 stars! Check it out.

Happy reading y'all!

Ashlinn

Review:The Son of Neptune

The Son of Neptune by Rick Riordan

(#2 The Heroes of Olympus)

Published by:Hyperion Books

Released on:October 4th,2011

Pages:513 Hardcover

Buy here

Seven half-bloods shall answer the call,
To storm or fire the world must fall.
An oath to keep with a final breath,
And foes bear arms to the Doors of Death.

Percy is confused. When he awoke from his long sleep, he didn't know much more than his name. His brain fuzz is lingering, even after the wolf Lupa tol him he is a demigod and trained him to fight with the pen/sword in his pocket. Somehow Percy manages to make it to a camp for half-bloods, despite the fact that he has to keep killing monsters along the way. But the camp doesn't ring and bells with him. The only thing he can recall from his past is another name: Annabeth 

Hazel is supposed to be dead. When she lived before, she didn't do a very good job of it. Sure, she was an obedient daughter, even when her mother was possessed by greed. But that was the problem - when the Voice took over he mother and commanded Hazel to use her "gift" for and evil purpose, Hazel couldn't say no. Now because of her mistake, the future of the world is at risk. Hazel wished she could ride away from it all on the stallion that appears in her dreams.

Frank is a klutz. His grandmother says he is descended from heroes and can be anything he wants to be, but he doesn't see it. He doesn't even know who his father is. He keeps hoping Apollo will claim him, because the only thing he is good at is archery - although not good enough to win camp war games. His bulky physique makes him feel like an ox, especially infront of Hazel, his closest friend at camp. He trusts her completely - enough to share the secret he holds close to his heart.

Beginning at the "other" camp for half-bloods and extending as far as the land beyond the gods, this breathtaking second installment of the Heroes od Olympus series introduces new demigods, revives fearsome monsters, and features other remarkable creatures, all destined to play a part in the Prophesy of Seven

I reviewed the Lost Hero here

My Review-

         I had many predictions coming into this because at the end of The Lost Hero there was a huge cliffhanger. I think because it has been a while since I had read the first book I forgot some things but that's ok. We were introduced to two new demigods; Hazel and Frank. Each chapter switched to a different character so Percy, Hazel then Frank. I really do enjoy reading from different points of views because you get the picture from different angles.Anyways I truly do like Frank and Hazel maybe more so than Jason, Piper, and Leo. I felt like these two characters were more etched out and had more depth to them. Ahhh Frank was awesome he is that sweet boy who you always smile and laugh at because their adorable. As I was thinking about the ending I couldn't help but feel the last 50 pages or so were completely rushed. Like Riordan spent 400+ pages on descriptions and backgrounds stories but when it came to the interesting dramatic part he blew over it. Regardless of that blurp I liked the book a lot and rate it 4/5 stars! The next book The Mark of Athena is scheduled to come out October 2nd,2012!

Updates!

Hey everyone ,

You all probably forgot this blog existed but anyways I took a little hiatus and now I'm hopefully back! I have been reading a couple different books lately so there will be some reviews coming up! And during the summer I plan to be very pro-active with my blog.

Happy reading,

Ashlinn

Review:Random

Random by Charong Chow

Released on:December 19th,2011

Buy here

After falling for the new guy at school, sixteen-year-old Tierney uncovers the truth surrounding the drug-fueled death of her best friend, Jeremy. Random, a contemporary expose of teenage life in Los Angeles, begins with a not-so-innocent truancy and builds - through complex, interwoven relationships - to a shock ending that sets Tierney up as a young female noir protagonist.

My Review-
Random was overall ok. I was excited to read the book because it has a really good plot but I was kinda disappointed. Mrs.Chow has a different writing style it's kind of one that you love or hate. The beginning was a little strange I thought it was kind of unnatural but the last chapter was probably the best in the book. It's very sad that this is based off a real life event in Mrs.Chow's life. Thanks for the copy Mrs.Chow

Happy Reading and don't forget to follow me on twitter and goodreads!

Ashlinn

Review:Sweetness

Sweetness by Lindsay Paige

(#1 Bold as Love Series)

Published by:CreateSpace

Released on:November 11th,2011

Pages:108 paperback

Buy here

Emily wished she was invisible. But after moving to a new town with her dad, a charming boy makes it impossible for her to disappear. Despite her feelings of unworthiness, Emily soon finds herself drawn to the safety of Jake's world.

Good looking and the star of the hockey team, Jake has a lot going for him. What most people don't see is the difficult life he has at home. When quiet Emily steals his heart, Jake vows to help her discover she is worthy of love.

Just when the two of them realize the sweetness of their relationship, they are put to the test. Only together can they overcome their haunted pasts to fight for a future together.

 My Review

Sweetness was a very sweet story about high school senior Emily, who has gone through multiple traumatic experiences in her life. Her mother practically abandoned her and she moved into her father's house. There at her she meets the hottie of the school Jake who is the star hockey player. Emily was very skeptical of Jake in the beginning. She wondered why he talked to her and asked so many questions. After all, most people think she's a freak. As their relationship develops Jake's seven year old brother Drake is introduced and immediately him and Emily have a connection. Jake is very surprised to see how carefree she is with Drake and wonders why she's quiet and reserved with him. In the end it's one of those classic love stories.

I really liked the characters in this book. Jake and Drake were definitely my favorites. The one thing that I loved about Emily was how she learned to love life again and understand people are going to bring you down. Overall I really enjoyed this book was a really fun and quick read. I rate this book 5 out of 5 stars! Thank you Ms.Paige!
 

Review:Happy Birthday to You

Happy Birthday to You by Brian Rowe

(#3 Birthday Trilogy)

Released on:December 2nd,2011

Pages:293 PDF

Buy here

Newlyweds Cameron and Liesel Martin aren't able to celebrate their wedding bliss for long. Not only is Liesel unexpectedly pregnant... they're also facing the end of humanity!

Liesel's evil witch sister Hannah has cast a spell to make all humans on Earth age a whole year with every day. It's up to Cameron and Liesel to stop her... and save the world! Who will survive? And who will perish?

Here it is at last... the third and final epic chapter of the Birthday trilogy... Happy Birthday to You!

   This is the third and final story in the Birthday trilogy. This one was especially emotional because everything was coming to a close and the world could've possibly ended. Cameron has been through aging to 80 and almost dying and almost dying at the age of 1. Now everyone else is aging a year each day and Lisel and Cameron are the only one who can stop it. I wish I could tell you all what happens in the end but I don't want to ruin it. This was not my perfect ending but it was still a good ending. I rate this 4 out of 5 stars because it made me cry my eyes out.Thanks Mr.Rowe for the copy and all the other books!

Happy Reading y'all!

Ashlinn

Review: The Beautiful Code

The Beautiful Code by Sadie Hayes

(#3 Start-Up Series)

Published by:Backlit Fiction

Released on:December 20th,2011

Pages:64 kindle

Buy here

Set against the fast-paced, winner-take-all world of Silicon Valley, where today’s software geek is tomorrow’s billionaire, The Start-Up chronicles the meteoric rise of Adam and Amelia Dory, a talented brother and sister team. With only each other to rely on, the naive eighteen-year-olds must make their way through a treacherous world of money, power, and envy.

This suspenseful and exciting episode is the third installment in an ongoing serial story.

  

     This is the third installment of the Start-Up series about two siblings who are making it big in the tech world. I was excited too read this one because book 2 had a cliffhanger at the end. And boy does this one have as well. Amelia and Adam Dory travel to the beautiful Hawaii to do some business. During this time they meet competitors,learn about their business and learn about everyone's love life. Overall I enjoyed the book and I like the series well enough to keep on reading but I don't discourage you to try them out. I rate this 3 out of 5 stars. Thank you Ms.Hayes for a copy!

Happy reading,

Ashlinn

1 Year Blogoversary!!!

 Happy Birthday to my blog!Happy birthday to my blog!Happy birthday,happy birthday!Happy birthday to my blog!

Lol anyways it has been an official year since my first post and day I started!

I really wish I could do a giveaway but not this year, I'm so sorry about that. But I'm hoping by next year I can start!Yay!Thank you to all my followers and viewers and I hope to have another wonderful blog year :)

Happy Reading,

Ashlinn

Review: Wildefire

Wildefire by Karsten Knight

(#1 Wildefire Series)

Published by:Simon&Schuster

Released on:July 26th,2011

Pages:393 Hardcover

Buy here

Every flame begins with a spark.
Ashline Wilde is having a rough sophomore year. She’s struggling to find her place as the only Polynesian girl in school, her boyfriend just cheated on her, and now her runaway sister, Eve, has decided to barge back into her life. When Eve’s violent behavior escalates and she does the unthinkable, Ash transfers to a remote private school nestled in California’s redwoods, hoping to put the tragedy behind her. But her fresh start at Blackwood Academy doesn’t go as planned. Just as Ash is beginning to enjoy the perks of her new school—being captain of the tennis team, a steamy romance with a hot, local park ranger—Ash discovers that a group of gods and goddesses have mysteriously enrolled at Blackwood…and she’s one of them. To make matters worse, Eve has resurfaced to haunt Ash, and she’s got some strange abilities of her own. With a war between the gods looming over campus, Ash must master the new fire smoldering within before she clashes with her sister one more time… And when warm and cold fronts collide, there’s guaranteed to be a storm.


  I know I am totally late on the Wildefire boat but better late than never:
Ashline Wilde or commonly known as Ash(which I think is better fit for her) is our main character. Her older sister Eve comes back into her life and shakes up her semi-normal life. Something terrible happens and Ash has to transfer to a boarding school in the middle of the Californian forest. Finally finding peace at school after making the tennis team and making new friends Ash thinks life is is perfect now. After a terrifying encounter along with some of her new friends she finds out that are all mythology characters being reincarnated after their deaths.WOW!


I thought the idea of this book was really interesting and also because the main character and I share the same name!I also think its kind of interesting because Ashline is an Irish name and shes Polynesian. I really like Ash mainly because of her kick-assness and sarcasm. And the other supporting characters as well, they all added amazingness to the story. Also Colt,her love interest sound amazingly wonderful! And man can I say that last chapter was freaking amazing, wow what a bunch of cliffhangers! I am so excited for Embers&Echoes which comes this summer. Hopefully it will be published around my birthday!I rated this 4.5 out of 5 stars!

Happy reading and have a good week!

Ashlinn

Review:Notes to Self

Notes to Self by Avery Sawyer

Released on:November 20th,2011

Pages:103 PDF version

Buy here

Two climbed up. Two fell down.

One woke up.

In the aftermath of a traumatic brain injury, Robin Saunders has to relearn who she is and find out what happened the night everything changed

 *I received this book for review from author*


Notes to Self was an amazing story. It was so full of raw emotion and I think Avery Sawyer wrote the book wonderfully. Robin Saunders experiences a terrible situation with her best friend Emily.The tag line is two climbed up.two fell down.one woke up.Robin is left with this terrible guilt after the accident when Emily is still comatose and Robin is awake. Life was truly sucking for her; her classmates blamed HER for the accident, her father hasn't been in the picture in years and doesn't know about the accident and Robin can't seem to remember a thing about the night and parts of her life. But things lighten up after a while and the story ends on a very happy note. I loved this book a lot and I think it has a very valuable message. We all take the little things for granted; waking up every morning,eating,seeing our loved ones,going outside to see the world and so many other every day things. Robin made such a valid point about appreciating the little things. Anyways I rated this book 5 out of 5 stars, this book is a really heart felt read and truly makes you think about life.

Happy Reading,

Ashlinn

 .

In My Mailbox #9

** In My Mailbox is a weekly meme hosted by Kristi at The Story Siren. It's a great way to showcase the books you've gotten over the week, whether they are bought, borrowed or free. **

This week I bought 6 books and got 1 book for review. You can find the goodreads link by clicking on the title.

Bought:

Switched by Amanda Hocking  

#1 Trylle Trilogy,love the cover!

Pretty Little Secrets by Sara Shepard 

 Takes place between Book 4 and 5, short story collection.

Ruthless by Sara Shepard

#10 Pretty Little Liars series

Shiver by Maggie Stiefvater

#1 Wolves of Mercy Halls Trilogy, I know I finally got this!

The Beginning of After by Jennifer Castle

Sounds amazing and a tear jerker!

Uncommon Criminals by Ally Carter

#2 Heist Society Series, can't wait to read!

For Review:

Sweetness by Lindsay Paige

#1 Bold as Love Series

So question for my readers, what book would you like to see me review first

because I'm totally stumped!?

Have a great week and happy reading!

Ashlinn

Review:Where She Went

Where She Went by Gayle Forman

(#2 If I Stay)

Published by:Dutton Juvenile

Released on:April 5th,2011

Pages:260 Hardcover

Buy here

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

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

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.


 Sorry for the hiatus but when its close to the end of the year I'm a busy girl. Anyways about a week ago I finished Where She Went which is the sequel to If I Stay by Gayle Forman. I loved it, even more than If I Stay. Instead of Mia's point of view we get a look inside Adam Wildes "crazy celebrity" life. We learn that things aren't so,what's the saying?Cherry?Peachy?As it all seems. One night while both in New York they meet and wander across New York where things are discussed about where their relationship went and where it stands now. Adam is furious that Mia left but yet still understands. Mia is of course sorry and wants to reconnect and talk about his life. Adam isn't even talking to the band,his girlfriend is always off doing her own thing. And when he's alone all he can think about it her and what happened. Overall it was a great book I rate it 5 out of 5 stars!

Have a Happy New Year!

Ashlinn