Prada & Prejudice by Mandy Hubbard

To impress the popular girls on a high school trip to London, klutzy Callie buys real Prada heels. But trying them on, she trips...conks her head...and wakes up in the year 1815!
There Callie meets Emily, who takes her in, mistaking her for a long-lost friend. As she spends time with Emily's family, Callie warms to them—particularly to Emily's cousin Alex, a hottie and a duke, if a tad arrogant.
But can Callie save Emily from a dire engagement, and win Alex's heart, before her time in the past is up?

I really enjoyed this book. But, the beginning really bothered me. I absolutely HATE girls who alter their personalities to fit in with the popular kids. It seriously bothers me, so the first few pages of this book were pure torture. But, as soon as Callie is sent back into the past, she really toughens up and develops some self-confidence and self-worth.

It's evident how completely out of place she is in this setting. It's quite interesting seeing the two different cultures in such extreme contrast. Where Callie speaks her mind and feels uncomfortable in the old-fashioned dresses, Emily is eager to please her superiors and completely comfortable with the floor length dresses and corsets. The contrast just makes both aspects so much more enjoyable.

Callie became a really strong character throughout the book and I really started to respect her much more than I did at the beginning of the book.

I love both historical fiction and contemporary YA books so this was the perfect combination for me. There was nothing about it that I disliked, other than Callie's "need" to please the popular girls. I loved the ending and I thought that it was a very fabulous and enjoyable book. If you're looking for something fun to read, I definitely recommend you try this!

Little Black Lies by Tish Cohen

Sara Black is tiptoeing across a fraying tightrope.

As the new eleventh grader at Anton High–the most elite public school in the country–she sticks out like an old VW bus in a parking lot full of shiny BMWs. But being the new kid also brings a certain advantageous anonymity.

In Anton High’s world of privilege, intelligence, and wealth, Sara can escape her family’s tarnished past and become whomever she wants.

And what’s the harm in telling a few little black lies when it can lead to popularity? That is, until another it girl at Anton becomes jealous of Sara’s social climbing.

With her balance evaporating, one small push could bring Sara crashing down.


I'm definitely not the most honest person, but there's a point where lying just gets annoying. Sara passed that point early on, making the book slow and predictable. Anyone could guess the ending. Let's see, Sara's father is the school janitor and she's telling everyone he's uber rich. Hmmmm...what's going to happen? I wonder.

It seems like all books these days are focused on the social scene at some super exclusive, rich kid school. The major problem with this book is the fact that it's a public school...yet it's elite? I'm not even sure if that is possible. But I suppose it does make it slightly different from all the Privates, Cliques, and Gossip Girls out there. Also, the whole poor girl trying to get into the rich clique thing is really getting old? Isn't that what happens in The Clique? I wouldn't know, I haven't read them, but I did see the movie. (I love Massie. Claire is evil.)

Basically, I would recommend this if you're a fan of Gossip Girl or the Clique and you don't mind major deja vu. Private fans keep away. There's no death, suspense, and creepiness to satisfy your inner Billings Girl. Of course, never having been a fan of either Gossip Girl OR The Clique, I suppose I'm not qualified to write a review on that level, so if you are a fan of either series, you'll have to give it a try yourself. Don't take my review as law, I have preferences too.

Beatutiful Creatures by Kami Garcia & Margaret Stohl

Lena Duchannes is unlike anyone the small Southern town of Gatlin has ever seen, and she's struggling to conceal her power and a curse that has haunted her family for generations. But even within the overgrown gardens, murky swamps and crumbling graveyards of the forgotten South, a secret cannot stay hidden forever.
Ethan Wate, who has been counting the months until he can escape from Gatlin, is haunted by dreams of a beautiful girl he has never met. When Lena moves into the town's oldest and most infamous plantation, Ethan is inexplicably drawn to her and determined to uncover the connection between them.
In a town with no surprises, one secret could change everything.

I thought it was impossible. A paranormal book about two inseparable teens that I actually...gasp...enjoyed? Oh goodness, this must have been amazing. Why yes, it was.

Okay, so vampires, werewolves, and ghosts? None. (Actually I think there might have been, but they're not really the main focus of the book.) Instead we get these amazing things called Casters (witches). What really set Beautiful Creatures apart from the "Kinda like Twilight but not quite so, as a new author, I'll make money without an actual new idea or morsel of originality" wave would be the FANTASTIC writing. I don't really understand how this dual author thing works, but it seems to work quite well because this was great.

I'm really excited to read the next book in the series and I'll be passing this book along to my Twilight obsessed friends hoping that they'll finally stop rereading those terrible books.

Hush, Hush by Becca Fitzpatrick

For Nora Grey, romance was not part of the plan. She's never been particularly attracted to the boys at her school, no matter how much her best friend, Vee, pushes them at her. Not until Patch came along.

With his easy smile and eyes that seem to see inside her, Nora is drawn to him against her better judgment.

But after a series of terrifying encounters, Nora's not sure who to trust. Patch seems to be everywhere she is, and to know more about her than her closest friends. She can't decide whether she should fall into his arms or run and hide. And when she tries to seek some answers, she finds herself near a truth that is way more unsettling than anything Patch makes her feel.

For Nora is right in the middle of an ancient battle between the immortal and those that have fallen - and, when it comes to choosing sides, the wrong choice will cost her life.


This is a great book for fans of Twilight. The differences? No vampires (thank you!), but rather fallen angels. Bella is a pathetic girl who would do anything to be with Edward and can't live without him. Nora is a level headed girl with a personality and other things on her mind beside the next opportunity she has to get her beloved myth into bed.

And, as if that wasn't enough to attract the multitudes of girls that this book is aimed at, the writing is actually good. There's suspense, a little danger, some frustration and above all, an ending that I hadn't actually expected. And each time I put it down, I couldn't wait to start it again.

So, if you're a Twilight fan looking for a little entertainment, look no further. Instead of waiting for Stephenie Meyer to man up, stop crying over Midnight Sun, and finally write another book, go out and buy this lovely book. You'll be switching out you Team Edward shirt for a Team Patch one in no time. (And- You're guaranteed a few more books. Stephenie Meyer seems to be more concerned with her fame then her writing at this point and who knows how long it'll be until she tries to write another?)

Fat Cat by Robin Brande

Cat smart, sassy, and funny—but thin, she’s not. Until her class science project. That’s when she winds up doing an experiment—on herself. Before she knows it, Cat is living—and eating—like the hominids, our earliest human ancestors. True, no chips or TV is a bummer and no car is a pain, but healthful eating and walking everywhere do have their benefits.

As the pounds drop off, the guys pile on. All this newfound male attention is enough to drive a girl crazy! If only she weren’t too busy hating Matt McKinney to notice. . .


I LOVED this book. There wasn't anything about it that I disliked. Cat was such a fantastic character. Her science experiment was such an inspiration to me. As I read this book, I really thought about what I was eating and how unhealthy it is.

It was really nice to read a book about a normal girl with no paranormal activity or unstoppable teenage love. This is one of those books that reminds me of why I love to read and review books. I definitely recommend this one.

Posh & Prejudice by Grace Dent

At the end of the school year, sixteen-year-old Shiraz Bailey Wood isn't expecting incredible grades. But when her test results come in, she's astonished to discover not only that she passed them all, but that she's also actually clever! Emboldened by an invite to higher-level classes, Shiraz decides she can't waste her brain power frying eggs for minimum wage at the greasy spoon Mr. Yolk. So even in spite of her mum's objections that it ain't her place, Shiraz enrolls in Superchav Academy's "Center of Excellence" to get even brainier.

I've heard tons of terrible things about the Diary of a Chav books from other bloggers, but I really enjoyed reading this. Sure, it was hard to keep up with the lingo for the first few chapters, and yeah, Shiraz isn't the most interesting character in the world, but it was funny and very enjoyable.

My very favorite part of the book is the cover. It's gorgeous. It's awesome. It's something I'd love to wear. The bracelets, the visor, the makeup, the necklaces, and above all...the mesh tank top with the bandeau underneath?! Doesn't that scream awesome. Maybe it's just me. And it's definitely Chav-y. (Chav = Trailer Trash in Americanese.)

Truthfully, I wasn't buzzing (excited) about the dictionary in the back. Only half the terms were there for the ARCs which, I would assume, would cause an increase in the quantity of bad reviews. I really got the hump (take offense) about it at first. I was fizzing and hacked off, not to mention lairy (various forms of mad, angry, etc.). Some skunk (marijuana) might have helped calm me down, but I'm not a rudegirl (gangster). But when I got used to the British-ness of it I started to like it. Actually, I'm going to start applying these terms to my daily life to confuse as many people as possible.

The plot wasn't bad, but it wasn't the best either. Since the book is told diary-style, it skips around a bit but you really get to know Shiraz. Her life is so much more eventful than mine.
(I want to read a British version of Private. Like some girl at a British Boarding School. Preferably and American girl so I can understand her thoughts. Someone get on that.)
From what I could tell, there were no problems with the writing that would drive someone away.

Overall, I really enjoyed this book I'm I plan on buying the first Diary of a Chav book as well as another copy of this one. Not only are the covers amazingly awesome, they're funny and filled with fun slang that is nearly impossible to understand...in a good way. I do recommend these books. They're tons of fun if you approach it the way I did. And if you like the British diary-style books, you should also read the Georgia Nicolson books as well.

Intertwined by Gena Showalter

Most sixteen-year-olds have friends. Aden Stone has four human souls living inside him: one can time-travel, one can raise the dead, one can tell the future, and one can possess another human.
With no other family and a life spent in and out of institutions, Aden and the souls have become friends. But now they're causing him all kinds of trouble. Like, he'll blink and suddenly he's a younger Aden, reliving the past. One wrong move, and he'll change the future. Or he'll walk past a total stranger and know how and when she's going to die.
He's so over it. All he wants is peace.
And then he meets a girl who quiets the voices. Well, as long as he's near her. Why? Mary Ann Gray is his total opposite. He's a loner; she has friends. He doesn't care what anyone thinks; she tries to make everyone happy. And while he attracts the paranormal, she repels it. For her sake, he should stay away. But it's too late….
Somehow, they share an inexplicable bond of friendship. A bond about to be tested by a werewolf shape-shifter who wants Mary Ann for his own, and a vampire princess Aden can't resist.

Well, this book was definitely different. But I don't really think that made it all that great. The four souls in one body was enough for me. Then I found out there were werewolves, vampires, and time travelers. At that point I just thought it was weird. I'm actually starting to be really annoyed by the paranormal thing.

Aside from that, it wasn't so bad. It was a little awkward and creepy at moments, but if you get past that it wasn't that bad. It was actually kinda good when there were no paranormal moments.

I didn't really enjoy this, but if you're still into the whole paranormal thing, I'm sure it'd be enjoyable for you. Of course, there was a suspenseful ending that makes me want to read the next book, so when that's available, I'll be buying that one as well. Because while I don't really like paranormal, I'm a sucker for the cliffhanger ending.

Going Bovine by Libba Bray

All 16-year-old Cameron wants is to get through high school—and life in general—with a minimum of effort. It’s not a lot to ask. But that’s before he’s given some bad news: he’s sick and he’s going to die. Which totally sucks. Hope arrives in the winged form of Dulcie, a loopy punk angel/possible hallucination with a bad sugar habit. She tells Cam there is a cure—if he’s willing to go in search of it. With the help of a death-obsessed, video-gaming dwarf and a yard gnome, Cam sets off on the mother of all road trips through a twisted America into the heart of what matters most.

Going Bovine is completely different than anything I've ever read before. In a good way. If you're looking for another Great and Terrible Beauty, this isn't the book for you.

There were definitely some really weird parts of this book. The beginning was a little too slow for me and I thought it took a little too long for him to finally diagnosed. Then after that, it was very quick paced and adventurous. It made me really think about it. While the adventures were well described and seemingly real, there were little parts that made me think it was just a delusion caused by the disease. Truthfully, I'm still not really sure how I feel about this book. I know I liked it but I don't really know what to think beyond that. But, I can definitely say that Libba Bray is a terrific author. Her books are always completely unique and while I don't always end up loving them, I'm still drawn to her books. So I'm sure I'll just need her next book...whether I want to or not.

I'm Back!

Soccer is finally over! We placed 2nd in districts which is the farthest I've ever made it. Unfortunately I didn't get to play once, but I was the statistician and carried all the equipment around. But only 3 weeks until the doctor okays me and I get my new sports brace. Then I can finally play again.

Band was cool too. I'm a first in our Honors Wind Ensemble now and I finally got to restart my lessons.

Anyways, I've got quite a few books to be reviewed, and I loved them all so there will be some positive reviews coming up and then I get to start reading Beautiful Creatures! And this Sunday, I'll post an IMM summing up all the coolest things I've gotten over the past few months.

If you haven't noticed...

I haven't posted since the beginning of the month. Why? I was too busy. And I won't be back until soccer/band is over. I'll explain more then.

But I have a few books to review when I come back so I won't be boring when I come back!