The Best Reader [Search results for Perfect Chemistry] 

By: Simone Elkeles

I’ve always been a complete wimp with a capital W, and I still am. My mom took me to a “stranger-danger” movie when I was seven and I freaked out. I used to hide behind trees if I saw a car drive by when I walked to my friend Dayna’s house.

I’m still afraid of rollercoasters, because they’re scary. When I was a kid I refused to go into the “scary house” and put my hand in the “eyeball jar” in order to get my Halloween candy. And in 5^th grade I threw up and had to go home early from Tracy’s sleepover party when everyone watched the horror movie Beyond the Door (seriously, the girl in the movie was possessed and her head turned completely around 360 degrees… can you blame me for puking?).

I called 911 last year when I heard noises in my basement, but then realized I forgot that my assistant was working in my house that day. To make a long story short, my life is full of scary stories… or maybe I just have an overactive imagination and freak myself out unnecessarily because I am, after all, a storyteller.

For research this weekend, I’m going to put on a bulletproof vest and ride with the undercover detectives from the Chicago Police Department’s Gang Homicide/Sex crime division. Wish me luck that I don’t barf on the detectives if I see some scary stuff! ~Simone Elkeles

Perfect Chemistry by Simone Elkeles
Publisher: Walker Books for Young Readers (December 23rd, 2008) Reading Level: Young Adult Hardcover: 368 pages Series: Perfect Chemistry, book #1 A fresh, urban twist on the classic tale of star-crossed lovers.
When Brittany Ellis walks into chemistry class on the first day of senior year, she has no clue that her carefully created “perfect” life is about to unravel before her eyes. She’s forced to be lab partners with Alex Fuentes, a gang member from the other side of town, and he is about to threaten everything she's worked so hard for—her flawless reputation, her relationship with her boyfriend, and the secret that her home life is anything but perfect. Alex is a bad boy and he knows it. So when he makes a bet with his friends to lure Brittany into his life, he thinks nothing of it. But soon Alex realizes Brittany is a real person with real problems, and suddenly the bet he made in arrogance turns into something much more.
In a passionate story about looking beneath the surface, Simone Elkeles breaks through the stereotypes and barriers that threaten to keep Brittany and Alex apart.

Prize:

• 1 winner will receive a signed copy of Perfect Chemistry.

• You must be at least 13 to enter.
• Name and email must be provided and counts as 1 entry.
• Extra entries are possible and links must be provided.
• Contest is US ONLY and ends November 13th.
• Once contacted the winner will have 48 hours to respond with their mailing address.
• The form must be filled out to enter.

- Thanks so much Simone for participating and for the donation!

Find Simone Elkeles
Simone Elkeles / Twitter / Myspace / Goodreads / Facebook

Purchase Perfect Chemistry
Amazon / The Book Depository / Barnes & Noble

* Check out Lisa's Haunted Halloween post.

*Reminder: If you are interested in the COMMENT CONTEST, remember to include your email address with your comment for an extra entry! Please read full entry rules here.

Chain Reaction by Simone Elkeles
Publisher: Walker Books for Young Readers (August 16th, 2011)
Reading Level: Young Adult
Hardback: 336 pages
Source: Publisher
Series: Perfect Chemistry #3
Rating: 5 of 5 stars
Luis Fuentes has always been sheltered from the gang violence that nearly destroyed his brothers’ lives. But that didn’t stop him from taking risks—whether he’s scaling a mountain in the Rockies or dreaming of a future as an astronaut, Luis can’t stop looking for the next thrill.

Nikki Cruz lives her life by three rules—boys lie to get their way, don’t trust a boy who says “I love you,” and never date a boy from the south side of Fairfield. Her parents may be from Mexico, but as a doctor’s daughter, she has more in common with her north-side neighbors than the Latino Blood at her school. Then she meets Luis at Alex’s wedding, and suddenly, she’s tempted to break all her rules.

Getting Nikki to take a chance on a southsider is Luis’s biggest challenge, until he finds himself targeted by Chuy Soto, the new head of the Latino Blood. When Chuy reveals a disturbing secret about Luis’s family, the youngest Fuentes finds himself questioning everything he’s ever believed to be true. Will his feelings for Nikki be enough to stop Luis from entering a dark and violent world and permanently living on the edge?

Review: What can I really say about this series when I'm sure you have all heard how epically awesome it is? If you haven't picked up Perfect Chemistry, do it! This series is one of my all-time favorites and I'm amazed at how Simone Elkeles tells a story. Chain Reaction is packed with passion, danger, and characters you will quickly grow to love.

Chain Reaction introduces us to the youngest of the Fuentes boys, Luis. Aww, Luis is just such a heartwarming character. One of the best things about this series is that we never have to say goodbye to the previous characters. Their stories carry onto the next books flawlessly even though the focus is on a different character. So if you are a fan of Alex and Carlos, don't worry, they are in here as well.

Luis was always the good Fuentes boy. He's smart, determined, and hopeful when it comes to his future. To Luis, nothing is more important than his family and we can easily see the love he has for his mother and brothers. The chapters alternate from Luis's point of view to Nikki's. This is something I really enjoyed throughout the series because sometimes books add too many POV's and it all gets confusing. Simone keeps readers' attention right where it should be.

Nikki has been hurt badly in the past by a boy from the wrong side of town. She has closed herself off from boys in an attempt to keep from getting hurt again. If there is one thing she knows, it's to never date a gang member. But Luis comes in with his unique personality and changes her way of thinking about guys in general. Maybe things are more complicated than they seem when it comes to the gangs. On one hand Luis seems like a typical teenage boy, and on the other he comes off as much more mature and level-headed. For Nikki, it is the first time someone gets through the walls she has built around herself and it scares her.

Of course, like Simone's previous books in this series, the gang is never far away and it seemed that even though Luis wants nothing to do with them, they are after him. The way Simone is able to represent the life of a gang member never fails to amaze me. You can feel the danger and the fear of the characters. The conflict and drama seems so real that it's impossible to not have your heart racing as you read.

As Luis and Nikki try to build their relationship, it seems that danger is always lurking nearby and Luis can't let Nikki get hurt. He is all too familiar with what the gang can do when they don't get their way.

Chain Reaction couldn't have presented a better conclusion for this heartpounding, fiercely romantic series. Simone Elkeles delivers a forbidden romance story in a way I have never witnessed before. Full of intriguing characters, action-packed drama, and alluring romance, the Perfect Chemistry series should not be passed up! You will have no choice but to fall in love with the Fuentes boys.

Find Simone Elkeles
Simone Elkeles | Twitter | Goodreads | Facebook

Purchase Chain Reaction
Amazon | Barnes & Noble | The Book Depository

Book Trailer

The cover of Destined, House of Night book 9, was just released and oh la la, HOTNESS! I am still a fan of this series and even Heath (who is on this cover). I mean c'mon, he's HOT! This series lost me somewhere around the middle but don't give up! It does get better (in my opinion) so if you are thinking of picking these books back up, do it!

Destined (House of Night #9) by P.C. Cast and Kristin Cast Publisher: St. Martin's Press (October 25th, 2011) Hardcover: 336 pages Add it on Goodreads
In Destined, the forces of Light and Dark collide as their epic struggle focuses on Tulsa's House of Night. Zoey is home where she belongs, safe with her Guardian Warrior, Stark, by her side and preparing to face off against Neferet. Kalona has released his hold on Rephaim, and, through Nyx's gift of a human form, he and Stevie Rae are finally able to be together if Rephaim can truly walk the path of the Goddess and stay free of his father's shadow.

But is Zoey really safe? Does she truly know those who are closest to her? And will love win when it is tested by the very soul of Darkness? Find out what s destined in the next thrilling chapter of the House of Night series.

Here is the cover for A Beautiful Evil, book 2 in the Gods & Monsters series by Kelly Keaton. Very spooky!

A Beautiful Evil by Kelly Keaton Publisher: Simon Pulse (February 21st, 2012) Hardcover: 320 pages Add it to Goodreads
A power she can’t deny. A destiny she’s determined to fight.

When Ari first arrived in the dilapidated city of New 2, all she wanted was to figure out who she was. But what she discovered was beyond her worst nightmare. Ari can already sense the evil growing inside her—a power the goddess Athena will stop at nothing to possess.

Desperate to hold on to her humanity and protect her loved ones, Ari must fight back. But Athena’s playing mind games, not just with Ari but with those she cares about most. And Athena has a very special plan for the brooding and sexy Sebastian.

Ari is determined to defeat Athena, but time is running out. With no other options, Ari must unleash the very thing she’s afraid of: herself.

And a section of this post I will title "Book I Just Want to Talk About 'Cause it Sounds Amazing"!
I picked up, and finished, Chain Reaction by Simone Elkeles on Tuesday and Wow, it is awesome! The Perfect Chemistry series is one of my all-time favorites! I realized that I love that type of love story. When I went looking for more like it, I discovered KISS CRUSH COLLIDE by Christina Meredith. First, let's check out the cover.

*fans self* loveeee it! And now, the summary.
Kiss Crush Collide by Christina Meredith Publisher: Greenwillow Books (December 27th, 2011) Hardcover: 336 pages Add it to Goodreads Leah has the life most high school girls would kill for—popularity, glowing grades, a rich, athletic boyfriend. So why does she feel like she can’t breathe? And why can’t she stop thinking about the boy from the country club? The one who isn’t her boyfriend, the one that her mother would never, ever approve of, the one that her perfect older sisters would never, ever look at twice. The one who is always looking back at her. Irresistible attraction, smoldering glances, the bad boy and the good girl—Kiss Crush Collide has everything that a steamy forbidden romance should, and then some.

With graceful and honest writing and an electric love story, this is a book about growing into your own skin. For fans of Perfect Chemistry ( <---THAT'S ME!), Sarah Dessen ( <--- THAT'S ME TOO!), and John Green (<--Haven't read anything by him yet).
Gotta love a good forbidden romance! So how many of you want to get your hands on this book???

Bookperk News

You all probably know I'm a huge fan of the Bookperk site from HarperCollins. I've purchased a signed (by the movie cast) version of I Am Number Four and a signed copy of Guy Fieri's cookbook from them already. They add new offers all the time and I just wanted to mention a few of the new ones.

You can USE GOOGLE to see the current deals going on. If you haven't signed up, you can use that link as well. It's good to at least be signed up because amazing deals pop up all the time and sometimes they have very limited quantities.

As expected, yesterday was a fantastic day! Sheila and I spent some time in the Blogosphere before we headed to the Javits Center to check it out and plan our route.

Then we went and found an "off the beaten trail" Mexican restaurant in Times Square to have a nice quiet sit down meal.

We returned to the hotel and relaxed a bit before going to the Strand Bookstore which is known for it's 18 mile long bookshelves. The advertisement doesn't give the bookstore justice. Wall to wall and ceiling to floor — there are books everywhere! It was fantastic, but after walking 40 blocks it would have been nice to have a place to sit and relax. But finding none we we stopped for frozen yogurt before heading to the Jefferson Marketplace Public Library.

While approaching the library I looked to Sheila and said "Look at that castle! Wouldn't it be great if that was the library!" And it was! It was a magnificent library except for the fact that there were no bathrooms for adults. There was one that you could use if you had a child, but despite Sheila's protests, I could not pretend to be an kid.

At the TAC I met some fantastic authors, the first of which was Lauren Oliver! Ooo how I loved her (and I haven't even read her book yet)! (Before I Fall)

Then I met Simone Elkeles (who couldn't believe I was a teacher!). This woman is hilarious! (Perfect Chemistry)

Then I met Kody Keplinger the amazing 18 year old author of DUFF (Designated Ugly Fat Friend).

And Courtney Sheinmel — author of Positively!

Barry Lyga (Goth Girl Rising). This guy cracks me up! He's like the Dane Cook of authors!

Violet Haberdasher, author of Knightley Academy! This looks like a fantastic book! It's the only one I bought there! (I'm quite proud... of the fact I only bought one.)

For answering a question I won a prize pack: "Sea," "Perfect Chemistry," "Fixing Delilah Hannaford," and "The DUFF." But Courtney generously donated a copy of "Positively" as well! And then I bought (using my Educator discount) "Knightley Academy."

On our way home, Sheila and I stopped at Olive Garden for dinner. After a fantastic meal we were faced with a new dilemma: neither of us have ever hailed a taxi! So we did what any other Minnesotans would do and asked the hostess. This hostess was so polite... she even showed us HOW!

We are now officially pros.

For the second week in a row, I'd like to welcome Amber from Just your Typical Book Blog as this week's Guest Reviewer!

************************** When Carlos Fuentes returns to America after living in Mexico for a year, he doesn’t want any part of the life his older brother, Alex, has laid out for him at a high school in Colorado. Carlos likes living his life on the edge and wants to carve his own path—just like Alex did. Then he meets Kiara Westford. She doesn’t talk much and is completely intimidated by Carlos’ wild ways. As they get to know one another, Carlos assumes Kiara thinks she’s too good for him, and refuses to admit that she might be getting to him. But he soon realizes that being himself is exactly what Kiara needs right now.

Being a huge fan of the first book in this series, Perfect Chemistry, I was more than thrilled when I finally got my hands on this. It's hard obviously not to compare the two books together because it's the same series and they're a lot of like.

This time around we're introduced to a bad boy named Carlos. Oh... where do I begin with him? Alex has nothing when it comes to this Fuentes brother. While borderline obnoxious, the things that would fly out of this Carlos's mouth had me laughing and sometimes blushing like mad. Sparks start to fly shortly with Kiara who was your average girl without being a typical Mary Sue. The reaction between the two were always amusing and sometimes extremely steamy. Which is why I would recommend this more for older teens rather than younger due to some scenes in the book.

Even though the plot is slightly cheesy, it still kept me glued. But you know what? I love cheesy. I can't see anyone putting this book down because while Kiara and Carlos's attraction wasn't as powerful as I thought it would be, I had to know what's going to happen to them. Simone Elekes knows how to make you care about her characters up until the very end. Did I think Rules of Attraction topped Perfect Chemistry? No, but it was still a great read. I'm so looking forward to reading the last installment of the Fuentes brothers.
************************
Again, HUGE thanks to Amber from Just your Typical Book Blog! Please stop by and share some book love! Also, check out her original review.
If you're interested in becoming a Guest Reviewer, please visit this page and email me at google at gmail dot com for more information!

Some if you may have already seen the behind the scenes footage from the Chain Reaction book trailer but I wanted to post it anyway because who doesn't want to see those Fuentes boys in action??

Part 1

Part 2

Previous books in the series.

Perfect Chemistry and Rules of Attraction

Chain Reaction by Simone Elkeles
Publisher: Walker Books for Young Readers (August 16th, 2011)
Reading Level: Young Adult
Hardback: 336 pages
Series: Perfect Chemistry #3
Luis Fuentes has always been sheltered from the gang violence that nearly destroyed his brothers’ lives. But that didn’t stop him from taking risks—whether he’s scaling a mountain in the Rockies or dreaming of a future as an astronaut, Luis can’t stop looking for the next thrill.

Nikki Cruz lives her life by three rules—boys lie to get their way, don’t trust a boy who says “I love you,” and never date a boy from the south side of Fairfield. Her parents may be from Mexico, but as a doctor’s daughter, she has more in common with her north-side neighbors than the Latino Blood at her school. Then she meets Luis at Alex’s wedding, and suddenly, she’s tempted to break all her rules.

Getting Nikki to take a chance on a southsider is Luis’s biggest challenge, until he finds himself targeted by Chuy Soto, the new head of the Latino Blood. When Chuy reveals a disturbing secret about Luis’s family, the youngest Fuentes finds himself questioning everything he’s ever believed to be true. Will his feelings for Nikki be enough to stop Luis from entering a dark and violent world and permanently living on the edge?

Find Simone Elkeles
Simone Elkeles | Twitter | Goodreads | Facebook

Purchase Chain Reaction
Amazon | Barnes & Noble | The Book Depository

Return to Paradise by Simone Elkeles
Publisher: Flux (September 1st, 2010)
Reading Level: Young Adult
Paperback: 302 pages
Source: Publisher
Series: Leaving Paradise #2
Rating: 5 of 5 stars
Caleb Becker left Paradise eight months ago, taking with him the secret he promised to take to his grave. If the truth got out, it would ruin everything.

Maggie Armstrong tried to be strong after Caleb broke her heart and disappeared. Somehow, she managed to move on. She's determined to make a new life for herself.

But then Caleb and Maggie are forced together on a summer trip. They try ignoring their passion for each other, but buried feelings resurface. Caleb must face the truth about the night of Maggie's accident, or the secret that destroyed their relationship will forever stand between them.

Review:

We all know that Simone Elkeles is a brilliant author. Her stories are always raw, honest, and emotional. I picked up Leaving Paradise (book 1) after reading the first two books in her Perfect Chemistry series and while I didn't fall in love with this story as much as those, it was still amazing.

I was excited to see where Caleb and Maggie end up after finishing Leaving Paradise but it took me a while to get to read this book. I was still able to dive right in and pick up where book 1 left off without being confused or forgetting many of the details. Return to Paradise takes place 8 months after Caleb left Paradise. He has tried to escape the town, his parents, and the pain of seeing Maggie. But, as we know, you can't hide from your problems. Caleb is soon in trouble again and his own real option is to go on a summer trip with some other teens.

Maggie has somehow gained even more strength since Caleb left. She was hurt, but found ways to heal. She even joined a summer trip to help share her story of the accident, but she never expected to see Caleb there.

When Caleb and Maggie see each other again I could literally feel their anxiety. As much as they may have thought they had moved on, it was obvious that the feelings were still there. I admired Maggie's determination and resistance of Caleb. He attempted to push her buttons but she remained composed and refused to let him rule her emotions. The trip opens up the thing they each tried to keep locked up — the accident and what happened after Caleb got out of the juvenile detention center. But, with some help from the other teens on the trip, they do eventually learn a lot about themselves.

Endings can make or break and entire book for me. I despise if an ending (especially of an entire series) is rushed. I was extremely satisfied with this ending. I obviously won't say what happened, and there are several surprises, but it was gratifying.

Don't think that this is just a clear-cut story. Simone placed a lot of surprises and twists along the way. And, we meet some new characters that bring a lot of life to the story.

Recommended: Contemporary readers looking for something with a deeper plot. Read Leaving Paradise first. Also, if you haven't checked out Simone's other series, Perfect Chemistry, go do that.NOW!

Website | Twitter | Goodreads | Facebook

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | The Book Depository

Anastasia Hopcus released the cover art for the paperback version of Shadow Hills today. You can see the post and the answers to the trivia questions here on her blog.
Poster winners will be contacted by email.
The paperback version of Shadow Hills will be available May 10th, 2011.

Summary
Luis Fuentes is a good boy who doesn't live with the angst that his big brothers, Alex and Carlos, have always lived with. Luis is smart, funny, and has big dreams of becoming an astronaut. But when he falls for the wrong girl, Luis enters a dark world he's never known, and just when he thinks he's got life all figured out, learns some disturbing news about his family that destroys his positive outlook on life. Will that Fuentes bad boy streak come out with a vengeance and lure Luis to live on the edge like his new girlfriend and his own father? Continuing all the steamy romance of the first two books, New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Simone Elkeles gives fans one more satisfying taste of the irresistible Fuentes boys.
Series: Perfect Chemistry, book #3 Publisher: Walker Books for Young Readers Hardcover: 336 pages
Date: May 24th, 2011

It is no surprise to my readers that I have quite a love for the Perfect Chemistry books. They are both at the top of my favorites list. Needless to say I have feel the need to *fan myself* over this new cover! Wow! Epic hotness and I think I will faint when I finally see the book in person. Bravo Walker Books!
Add the book to your Goodreads page or pre-order from… Amazon / Barnes & Noble / IndieBound

What do you think about these new covers?

I'd like to welcome this week's Guest Reviewer, Leslie from That Chick That Reads!

********************

From Amazon.com...

"Tough guy Alex is primarily known by his classmates as a dangerous member of the Latino Bloods gang. He’s not exactly thrilled when Brittany Ellis, the school’s seemingly perfect beauty queen, is assigned as his lab partner—and the feeling is more than mutual. But Alex’s bravado works against him when he impulsively accepts a bet that he can get Brittany in the sack. The romance that follows will not surprise any reader, yet Elkeles gives it heart by constantly switching point of view from Alex to Brittany to provide dual running commentaries on their minute-by-minute insecurities and urges. Brittany’s controlling parents and sister with cerebral palsy are well drawn, but it is Elkeles’ rendition of Alex and his life that is particularly vivid. Sprinkling his speech with Spanish, his gruff but tender interactions with his family and friends feel completely genuine."

So I happened to be at B&N pre-ordering Blood Promise when I decided to get this book. I didn’t have to pay for BP right there and then so I had some extra cash and decided to get it. I initially saw this on Eleni’s blog, La Femme Readers and saw how much she enjoyed it so I decided to get it. I didn’t get around to the book in like forever, but I can not believe how amazing it turned out!

The story line is captivating and it was told perfectly! This novel is told from both Brittney and Alex’s point of view, which I apparently didn’t know or if I did, I just forgot. I abs loved all of the Spanish culture in this novel! I’m Hispanic myself so everything they mentioned was something that I grew up with or my parent’s did. Alex’s chapter’s appealed to me most, just because they reminded me of my home life, especially his mother. Brittney’s appealed to me because I guess I was the same way she was in High School. I was the first in the family to graduate high school and go to college so in school I was forced to be “perfect” until I broke free after my senior year. There were moments in this novel that made me both laugh and cry.

It’s honestly an amazing book. Major props go out to Simone Elkeles for creating such an amazing story! Overall I give this novel 5 out of 5 paws!

*******************

Thank you so much Leslie for such an AWESOME review! Sounds like a great read! I might have to purchase it for my classroom.

Make sure to visit Leslie at That Chick That Reads. Check out her original review. Thank you so much!

Like last week, this week I've accomplished next to nothing in regards to the blog. I have, however, somehow stayed one step ahead of homework. It was a crazy week at school; I had TWO Harry Potter papers due on Monday, THREE presentations on Tuesday, ONE LARGE (12 pages) Harry Potter paper due on Wednesday, a presentation and a test on Thursday, and Friday I left for the Cities to attend "Beauty and the Beast" with my mom. I ended up starting that large HP paper on Tuesday night at 8pm and SOMEHOW finished by 3am. Like I said, "one step ahead".

I am still hosting a contest — "Thanksgiving at the Inn" is the perfect book to come out of the Halloween season with. I loved it! AND I decided to extend the deadline until November 15th! I am slightly disappointed that more people aren't interested in it — only one so far! And I have TWO copies to giveaway! Pity... (hint hint).

This week I reviewed a grammar book, posted my October Wrap Up post, photos of my bookshelf, and a Halloween Recap post.

Leslie was also this week's Guest Reviewer — donating her review of Perfect Chemistry. Please share some book love and visit her at That Chick That Reads.

Still at 30 amazing followers.:)

My goal for this week is to, again, stay ahead of the homework AND focus a bit more on my recreational reading and this blog. Hopefully next week my Sunday Salon will be a bit more exciting.:)

(Again, for the third week in a row...) Also, each week I'm going to start making a "To Do" list for blog related things — not just reading. It's soon to be the time of year when I'll be sending the HTML address for Miss Remmers' Review out to prospective school districts and I want to make sure it is "spot on". if you have any ideas as to how to make this blog more awesome — please let me know.

• Rewrite/hone my Guest Reviewer 's post.
• Rewrite/hone my Mission post.
• Proofread/Professionalize Review: "A Circle of Souls "
• Proofread/Professionalize Review: "A Vengeful Spirit "
• Proofread/Professionalize Review: "Audrey, Wait "
  

Happy Sunday everyone!

What did you finish this week?

I am "stealing" this from The Story Siren. If you want to find out more about it in my blog. Anyway, these are books I got this week at the bookstore, library, and in the mail, of course.
For Review:

• "Delta" June 2010
• "Based Upon Availability"

• "Sea" — TAC June 2010 SIGNED
• "Perfect Chemistry" — TAC SIGNED
• "Positively" — TAC SIGNED
• "DUFF" — TAC September 2010 SIGNED
• "Fixing Delilah Hannaford" — TAC November 2010 SIGNED

Purchased:

• "Hush Hush" (FINALLY!)
• "Dead Until Dark"
• "Birthmarked"
• "Pride and Prejudice" (As a wedding gift)
• "Thirteen Reasons Why" (eBay)
• "Twisted" (eBay)
• "Willow" (eBay)
• "The Sight" (eBay)
• "By the Time You Read This, I'll be Dead" (eBay)
• BEA
• "Knightley Academy" — BEA Buy after meeting the Author at TAC SIGNED
• "The Secret Year" — Class of 2K10 Meet Up SIGNED
• "Shade" — Class of 2K10 Meet Up SIGNED

• "I Am Number Four" August 2010 SIGNED
• "Delirium" SIGNED February 2011 (2 copies)
• "Reckless" SIGNED September 2010
• "On the Blue Comet" September 2010
• "The Ivy" August 2010
• "Time Riders"
• "Dreaming in Chinese" August 2010
• "What Good is God" October 2010
• "Rivers of Gold"
• "The Saga of Larten Crespley: Birth of a Killer" October 2010
• "Tangled" SIGNED
  
• "Russian Winter" Sept 2010
• "Under the Black Ensign"
• "Under the Black Ensign" Audio
• "Gifted: Finders Keepers" (2 copies)
• "Almost Perfect" July 2010
• "Boys Lie: How Not to Get Played" July 2010 SIGNED
  
• "Gifted: Here Today, Gone Tomorrow" (2 copies)
• "Gifted: Better Late Than Never"
• "Radiant Shadow"
• "The Dark Divine"
• "Spirit Bound: A Vampire Academy Novel" SIGNED
  
• "The Red Pyramid" SIGNED
  
• "Nonna's Book of Mysteries" SIGNED
  
• "Witch and Wizard" SIGNED
  
• "Jekel Loves Hyde" SIGNED
  
• "Splendor: A Luxe Novel" SIGNED
  
• "11th Grade Burns" SIGNED
  
• "Emma and the Vampires" (2 copies) August 2010
• "HERO" (2 copies) November 2010
• "You'd be crazy not to... take a chance on me" (2 copies) October 2010
• "Man in the Woods" September 2010
• "The Steps Across the Water" October 2010
• "In the Arms of Mr. Darcy" (2 copies) October 2010
• "I'd Know You Anywhere" (2 copies) September 2010
• "Misty Gordon and the Mystery of the Ghost Pirates" August 2010
• "Dangerous Neighbors" August 2010
• "Virgin Territory" September 2010
• "The Fireman's Christmas" November 2010
• "Sweet Treats and Secret Crushes" November 2010 Extra Copies!
• "To Kill a Mockingbird"
• "Change of Heart" Class of 2K10 Meet Up SIGNED
• "Freaksville" Class of 2K10 Meet Up SIGNED
• "Before I Fall" SIGNED

July Releases

August Releases

September Releases

October Releases

November Releases (Sorry it's vertical)

2011 Release (SO EXCITED

Extra copies of books to be given away in the near future.

Prize:

• 1 winner will receive a copy of Return to Paradise by Simone Elkeles.

• Swag includes: A Need fold out poster, and a Perfect Chemistry bookmark.

• You must be at least 13 to enter.
• Name and email must be provided and counts as 1 entry.
• Extra entries are possible and links must be provided.
• Contest is US Only and ends May 31st.
• Once contacted, the winner will have 48 hours to respond.
• The form must be filled out to enter.

More blogoversary giveaways will be added! Sign up to receive the post via email (on the right sidebar), or check this page each day for updates. I will add each new giveaway to that list and have it on the left sidebar.

It's time for the fifth and LAST round of winners! Thank you all for entering and for participating in Haunted Halloween! We were truly amazed by the response and we hope you join us again next year for more Halloween fun!

Giveaway #21 — Personal Demons
Germaine Dulac

Giveaway #22 — Fixing Delilah OR Twenty Boy Summer
Ava from Book Infinity

Giveaway #23 — Perfect Chemistry
Bookish in a Box

Giveaway #24 — Purpose
Maidenveil

A HUGE CONGRATS TO EVERYONE! Each of you have been emailed. You have 48 hours to respond with your mailing address or we'll have to choose new winners, and we don't want to do that. So, check those spam folders or give us an email if you see your name here.

*Past winners- I still have a few packages to send out. Some will be shipped tomorrow and hopefully all will be by Saturday.

In June (of 2010), I looked into what books I had read from Good Books and Good Wine 's list of Top 100 YA Books and challenged myself to see how many I can read before the end of the year. Well, as it is now the end of the year, I thought I should look at my progress, or lack of progress. I only read three. Yes, only three. I've decided to give myself another year to finish this challenge. Last time, I only had a few books actually in my possession, now I have more than ten. Hopefully this year will go a bit better than the last six months.
Here's the list:
Previously On my TBR List
100. Hate List by Jennifer Brown 91. Wings by Aprillynne Pike* 76. If I Stay by Gayle Foreman* 73. The Iron King by Julie Kagawa 71. Stardust by Neil Gaiman 67. Perfect Chemistry by Simone Elkeles* 56. Morganville Vampires series by Rachel Caine* 55. The Vampire Diaries by LJ Smith 54. Fallen by Lauren Kate* 48. The Maze Runner by James Dashner 43. Wintergirls by Laurie Halse Anderson 42. Ender's Game series by Orson Scott Card 40. Wake series by Lisa McMann* 38. Are You There God? It's Me Margaret by Judy Blume 36. The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett 33. Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte 31. The Dark Divine by Bree Despain* 30. Wicked Lovely series by Melissa Marr 24. Speak by Laurie Halse Anderson* 22. Uglies series by Scott Westerfield* 21. Beautiful Creatures by Margaret Stohl and Kami Garcia* 17. Vampire Academy series by Richelle Mead* 13. The Giver by Lois Lowry* 11. Shiver by Maggie Stiefvater 4. To Kill A Mockingbird by Harper Lee*
* — Currently on my bookshelf
What do you think? Can I do it?

I'd like to celebrate Banned Books Week with you, yes YOU! Banned Books Week runs September 26th — October 3rd this year and to celebrate — I'd like to give away 15 "I Read Banned Books" Buttons — see picture.

Now, I might not be able to get them out to you in time for the start of Banned Books Week — but if you work with me I think I can them to you by the third. And really, you can wear them any time.

What do you need to do? It's simple. I need reviews. Copy and paste a review from your own blog (please provide a link to the original) and email it to me at missremmeres[at]gmail[dot]com. That's it. If you do not have a blog, simply write up a review and email it to me (along with your mailing address). If you'd like more information check out my mission and my invitation to guest reviewers. REVIEWS DO NOT NEED TO BE OF BANNED BOOKS.

It's not a lot of work and it's great advertising for your blog. When the review goes up your name will be entered at least twice with a link to your blog and your name/blog will permanently be etched into my Guest Reviewers sidebar widget. And, if you are one of the first fifteen people, you'll get an awesome pin!

I definitely look forward to reading your reviews!:)

BUTTONS:
1. Sheila — Dreaming Anastasia by Joy Preble (in the mail)
2. Sharon — The Time It Snowed in Puerto Rico — Sarah McCoy (in the mail)

3. Leslie — Perfect Chemistry — Simone Elkeles (in the mail)
4. Megan — North of Beautiful — Justina Chen Headley (in the mail)
5. Jasmyn — Dragons of Autumn Twilight — Margaret Weis and Tracy Hickman (in the mail)
6. Gina — And Tango Makes Three — Peter Parnell and Justin Richardson (in the mail)
7. Cassie — City of Bones — Cassandra Clare
8.
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12.
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14.
15.

Books Read:

• The Great Grammar Book — Marsha Sramek
  
• Lighting Their Fires — Rafe Esquith
  
• Prince Harming Syndrome — Karen Salmansohn
  
• The Recipe Club — Andrea Israel and Nancy Garfinkel
• Thanksgiving at the Inn — Tim Whitney
  

• "Thanksgiving at the Inn"
• Donate a Book Review
  

• Blood Promise — Richelle Mead
  
• Viola in REEL Life — Adriana Trigiani
  
• Bloodroot — Bill Loehfelm
  
• Perfect Chemistry — Simone Elkeles
  

• Everything Austen Challenge

Movie Reviews:

Book Shelf Pictures:

• 11.3.09
  

• Halloween Recap
• Literary Snobs Beware
  

I had starred this post awhile ago — like in April at Good Books and Good Wine and have been meaning to put together a post. I can now cross this off my endless To Do list!

I did okay (read 24/100) — but I'd like to have done much better. I look forward to reevaluating where I stand later on in the year!

Read
On my TBR List

100. Hate List by Jennifer Brown
99. Abhorsen Trilogy by Garth Nix
98. A Northern Light by Jennifer Donnelly
97. Among The Hidden by Margaret Peterson Haddix
96. Blood and Chocolate by Annette Curtis Claus
95. Forever by Judy Blume
94. The Goose Girl by Shannon Hale
93. Tithe by Holly Black
92. Living Dead Girl by Elizabeth Scott
91. Wings by Aprillynne Pike
90. An Abundance of Katherines by John Green
89. Angus, Thongs And Full Frontal Snogging by Louise Rennison
88. Marked by PC And Kristin Cast
87. Maximum Ride series by James Patterson
86. The Perks of Being A Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky
85. 13 Little Blue Envelopes by Maureen Johnson
84. I Am The Messenger by Markus Zusak
83. Maniac Magee by Jerry Spinelli
82. The Mediator series by Meg Cabot
81. The Truth About Forever by Sarah Dessen
80. Elsewhere by Gabrielle Zevin
79. The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald
78. Along For The Ride by Sarah Dessen
77. Evernight by Claudia Gray
76. If I Stay by Gayle Foreman
75. Life As We Knew It series by Susan Beth Pfeffer
74. Wondrous Strange by Lesley Livingston
73. The Iron King by Julie Kagawa
72. Alana: The First Adventure series by Tamora Pierce
71. Stardust by Neil Gaiman
70. Unwind by Neil Shusterman
69. Walk Two Moons by Sharon Creech
68. Paper Towns by John Green
67. Perfect Chemistry by Simone Elkeles
66. A Tree Grows In Brooklyn by Betty Smith
65. Stargirl by Jerry Spinelli
64. The Curious Incident Of The Dog In The Night Time by Mark Haddon
63. The Island of the Blue Dolphins by Scott O'Dell
62. Blue Bloods series by Melissa De La Cruz
61. Go Ask Alice by Anonymous
60. The Absolutely True Diary of a Part Time Indian by Sherman Alexie
59. Tuck Everlasting by Natalie Babbitt
58. Just Listen by Sarah Dessen
57. Eragon by Christopher Paoloni
56. Morganville Vampires series by Rachel Caine
55. The Vampire Diaries by LJ Smith
54. Fallen by Lauren Kate
53. The Little Princess by Frances Hodgson Burnett
52. The Princess Diaries series by Meg Cabot
51. Inkheart series by Cornelia Funke
50. Number The Stars by Lois Lowry
49. Lord Of The Flies by William Golding
48. The Maze Runner by James Dashner
47. The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants series by Ann Brashares
46. Before I Fall by Lauren Oliver
45. The Summoning series by Kelley Armstrong
44. Thirteen Reasons Why by Jay Asher
43. Wintergirls by Laurie Halse Anderson
42. Ender's Game series by Orson Scott Card
41. Howl's Moving Castle by Diana Wynne Jones
40. Wake series by Lisa McMann
39. The Graveyard Book by Neil Gaiman
38. Are You There God? It's Me Margaret by Judy Blume
37. Looking For Alaska by John Green
36. The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett
35. A Great And Terrible Beauty series by Libba Bray
34. His Dark Materials trilogy by Phillip Pullman
33. Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte
32. Romeo And Juliet by William Shakespeare
31. The Dark Divine by Bree Despain
30. Wicked Lovely series by Melissa Marr
29. Forest of Hands And Teeth by Carrie Ryan
28. Holes by Louis Sacher
27. The Outsiders by SE Hinton
26. The Catcher In The Rye by JD Salinger
25. The Princess Bride by William Goldman
24. Speak by Laurie Halse Anderson
23. The Diary of Anne Frank by Anne Frank
22. Uglies series by Scott Westerfield
21. Beautiful Creatures by Margaret Stohl and Kami Garcia
20. Poison Study series by Maria V. Snyder
19. Book Thief by Markus Zusak
18. Ella Enchanted by Gail Carlson Levine
17. Vampire Academy series by Richelle Mead
16. Hush, Hush by Becca Fitzpatrick
15. Little Women by Louisa May Alcott
14. Anne of Green Gables series by LM Montgomery
13. The Giver by Lois Lowry
12. The Mortal Instruments series by Cassandra Clare
11. Shiver by Maggie Stiefvater
10. Chronicles of Narnia by CS Lewis
9. A Wrinkle In Time series by Madeline L'engle
8. Graceling series by Kristin Cashore
7. Percy Jackson And The Olympians by Rick Riordan
6. Nick And Norah's Infinite Playlist by Rachel Cohn and David Levithan
5. Pride And Prejudice by Jane Austen
4. To Kill A Mockingbird by Harper Lee
3. Twilight series by Stephanie Meyer
2. Harry Potter series by JK Rowling
1. The Hunger Games series by Suzanne Collins

Chain Reaction (Perfect Chemistry #3) by Simone Elkeles (Walker Books for Young Readers 8/16/2011) Bargains and Betrayals (13 to Life #3) by Shannon Delany (St. Martin's Griffin 8/16/2011) Bloodlines (Bloodlines #1) by Richelle Mead (Razorbill 8/23/2011)

Sweetly (Sisters Red #2) by Jackson Pearce (Little, Brown Books for Young Readers 8/23/2011) The Power of Six (Lorien Legacies #2) by Pittiacus Lore (HarperCollins 8/23/2011) Nocturne (Claire de Lune #2) by Christine Johnson (Simon Pulse 8/23/2011)

Hades (Halo #2) by Alexandra Adornetto (Fiewel & Friends 8/30/2010) Anna Dressed in Blood (Anna Dressed in Blood #1) by Kendare Blake (Tor Teen 8/30/2011) Damned (Crusade #2) by Nancy Holder and Debbie Viguie (Simon & Schuster Children's Publishing 8/30/2011)

Twisted (Intertwined #3) by Gena Showalter (Harlequin 8/30/2011) The Fox Inheritance (Jenna Fox Chronicles #2) by Mary E. Pearson (Henry Holt and Company 8/30/2011) Soul Thief (The Demon Trappers #2) by Jana Oliver (St. Martin's Griffin 8/30/2011)

Possess by Gretchen McNeil (Balzer & Bray 8/23/2011) Descended by Blood (Vampire Born #1) by Angeline Kace (Accendo Press 8/23/2011) Fury (Fury #1) by Elizabeth Miles (Simon Pulse 8/30/2011)

If you know of any other new releases for August 16th-31st feel free to add them in the comments so others will know about them!

Between Here and Forever by Elizabeth Scott
Publisher: Simon Pulse (May 24th, 2011)
Reading Level: Young Adult
Hardcover: 256 pages
Source: Publisher
Rating: 4 of 5 stars
Abby accepted that she can’t measure up to her beautiful, magnetic sister Tess a long time ago, and knows exactly what she is: Second best. Invisible.

Until the accident.

Now Tess is in a coma, and Abby’s life is on hold. It may have been hard living with Tess, but it's nothing compared to living without her.

She's got a plan to bring Tess back though, involving the gorgeous and mysterious Eli, but then Abby learns something about Tess, something that was always there, but that she’d never seen.

Abby is about to find out that truth isn't always what you think it is, and that life holds more than she ever thought it could…
Review: I've always been a fan of Elizabeth Scott and her books. The idea behind this book really grabbed my attention and it was a wonderful read.

The story follows Abby. Abby and her family are going through a terrible time because Abby's older sister Tess is in a coma. Abby visits her every day and is sure her sister will wake up soon. Abby constantly compares herself to her older sister. She doesn't feel that she deserves real happiness. It was easy to see where her feelings came from and how her emotions were ruining so many parts of her life. While visiting her sister, Abby meets Eli. He works there at the hospital and Abby feels he is just the person to get Tess to wake up. I wanted Abby to have more of a fighting spirit when it come to Eli. It was obvious that he enjoyed her company but she wasn't able to see it.

Eli was adorable. He really brought some sunshine to this story. Although he had issues of his own, I enjoyed seeing his personality come forward through the plot. This was one time where Abby noticed that things are not always as they seem. Eli wasn't as perfect as she felt he was. He had problems he was dealing with as well and that allowed Abby to see that maybe her sister's life wasn't perfect either.

Between Here and Forever had several surprising moments. I enjoyed watching the story unfold one piece at a time. I did think that some of the dialogue between Abby and Eli was a little hard to follow. Since both characters struggled with their self-esteem, they often left sentences hanging and wouldn't say exactly what they felt. This sometimes interrupted the flow of the story.

Between Here and Forever shows how a young girl can let comparisons take over her life and how not every life is as perfect as it looks from the outside. Abby gained strength throughout the story and was able to eventually stand on her own. I could see the power behind her 'outside' personality. The subtle chemistry between her and Eli was just the touch this book needed. Abby's journey led her to finally feel she deserved happiness and love.

Find Elizabeth Scott
Website | Goodreads | Twitter | Facebook

Purchase Between Here and Forever
Amazon | Barnes & Noble | The Book Depository

Last week I looked into what books I had read from Good Books and Good Wine 's list of Top 100 YA Books. Now I'm going to challenge myself to see how many I can read before the end of the year.

Here's the list:

Previously On my TBR List

100. Hate List by Jennifer Brown
91. Wings by Aprillynne Pike*
76. If I Stay by Gayle Foreman
73. The Iron King by Julie Kagawa
71. Stardust by Neil Gaiman
67. Perfect Chemistry by Simone Elkeles*
56. Morganville Vampires series by Rachel Caine
55. The Vampire Diaries by LJ Smith
54. Fallen by Lauren Kate*
48. The Maze Runner by James Dashner
43. Wintergirls by Laurie Halse Anderson
42. Ender's Game series by Orson Scott Card
40. Wake series by Lisa McMann
38. Are You There God? It's Me Margaret by Judy Blume
36. The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett
33. Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte
31. The Dark Divine by Bree Despain*
30. Wicked Lovely series by Melissa Marr
24. Speak by Laurie Halse Anderson
22. Uglies series by Scott Westerfield*
21. Beautiful Creatures by Margaret Stohl and Kami Garcia
17. Vampire Academy series by Richelle Mead
13. The Giver by Lois Lowry
11. Shiver by Maggie Stiefvater
4. To Kill A Mockingbird by Harper Lee*

I'd like to read all of these by December 31st, 2010.
* — Currently on my bookshelf

What do you think? Can I do it?