Imposter by Susanne Winnacker

Pages: 288

Genre: Thriller/Sci-fi

Series: Variants #1

Publisher: Razorbill

Release Date: May 28, 2013

Tessa is a Variant, able to absorb the DNA of anyone she touches and mimic their appearance. Shunned by her family, she’s spent the last two years training with the Forces with Extraordinary Abilities, a secret branch of the FBI. When a serial killer rocks a small town in Oregon, Tessa is given a mission: she must impersonate Madison, a local teen, to find the killer before he strikes again. Tessa hates everything about being an impostor—the stress, the danger, the deceit—but loves playing the role of a normal girl. As Madison, she finds friends, romance, and the kind of loving family she’d do anything to keep. Amid action, suspense, and a ticking clock, this super-human comes to a very human conclusion: even a girl who can look like anyone struggles the most with being herself.

Damn, Imposter, I really didn't expect you or what happened.

Okay, so I absolutely loved the plot. While it wasn't very dark as a thriller, it was still a great mystery that absolutely hooked me. The first line? It starts with "The straitjacket corseted(...)" Umm, hello? Even before we're told about our mission, things are interesting. After? Oh God, everything just speeds up and has me flipping through excitedly (and a bit anxiously). It was absolutely kickass and I loved every second. Remember expect the unexpected? Well the unexpected is the expected...which could be the unexpected. And yes, I'm being confusing on purpose. But know that I could not guess who our killer was. At all. 

And oh, I loved the romance! We have Tess, our main character. We have Alec, our love interest. And we had Kat, the girlfriend. Things get...interesting. But the romantic tension between Tess and Alec? It made everything the better! I loved them the entire time and I really wanted to push Alec towards Tess! They were just too adorable with each other and, though we don't focus on the romance, you just can't help but love them. Even if Alec was a...tad overprotective.

Okay, so a bit more than a tad. He sometimes got a bit annoying, and I still don't understand why he's with Kate (thought I'm sure we'll find out in the sequel! There seems to be...something behind it.) but when he was with Tessa...you just can't help but love him a little more.
And oh Tessa. She was such a dynamic character and I absolutely loved her. But...it was so sad and a bit horrible to see how much she changed, from this bubbly and half carefree person to someone who was so hard on herself who was, while stronger, a bit colder and weighed down. It was a beautifully terrible transformation, but hopefully Alec warms her up...eventually. I loved how while she was a bit in the dark about some things, she wasn't naive or ignorant and she did whatever she could to help and was logical about it. That's sort of rare in these books, you know!

I do wish we'd delved into the Variants more, discovering why they were, why there were so many of them, how their powers developed, etc. And it did get a bit typical when we learned of the "rebellion" of Variants, though I'm hoping the sequel will be much more interesting than the cliches!

Imposter was a book that I didn't want to finish, for the sake of not having it end. But when it did, it left me absolutely astonished! I loved the originality, I loved how ended, I loved pretty much everything. I can not wait to get my hands on the sequel and to discover more about Tessa, Alec, and every secret that the government seems to be hiding (oh those governments. You know how they are.) Definitely pick this up for a fun read that's light on the sci-fi but heavy on the action! 

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Avalon by Mindee Arnett

Pages: 432

Genre: Sci-fi

Series: Avalon #1

Publisher: Balzer + Bray

Release Date: Jan 2, 2014

Of the various star systems that make up the Confederation, most lie thousands of light-years from First Earth-and out here, no one is free. The agencies that govern the Confederation are as corrupt as the crime bosses who patrol it, and power is held by anyone with enough greed and ruthlessness to claim it. That power is derived from one thing: metatech, the devices that allow people to travel great distances faster than the speed of light.Jeth Seagrave and his crew of teenage mercenaries have survived in this world by stealing unsecured metatech, and they're damn good at it. Jeth doesn't care about the politics or the law; all he cares about is earning enough money to buy back his parents' ship, Avalon, from his crime-boss employer and getting himself and his sister, Lizzie, the heck out of Dodge. But when Jeth finds himself in possession of information that both the crime bosses and the government are willing to kill for, he is going to have to ask himself how far he'll go to get the freedom he's wanted for so long.

I'll admit, going into this, I was just a bit unsure. I'm not one for alien/otherworldly sci-fi, but Mindee Arnett? Galactic thieves and mercenaries? I was willing to risk it--and I am so glad I did.

Avalon is one of those stories that starts off with a bang and just keeps climbing up. The plot was one of those that doesn't let you rest, doesn't give you any worry-free time, and just intrigues more and more. Excluding all the plot twists (which were more than shocking) what surprised me was that what I thought was going to be the main conflict was resolved in only a few pages. Curiouser and curiouser, right?
Either way, it was what happened after that made everything even more interesting and even more cutthroat.

I will say that there was a twist I did predict from the first half of the book, but it was how I was right that made me gape. You have to hand it to Arnett--she sure knows how to keep you hanging and coming back for more! I read maybe a chapter of Avalon and then read the rest in one sitting. Because who can resist something like this book (that felt like an intergalactic horror story for a few chapters!)

And then the worldbuilding! I'm just blown away by all the science and every meticulous detail and research that probably went into this book. From dimensions to spaceships to lost planets and genetics, Avalon pretty much covers all your sci-fi needs! It's really just a gorgeous book.

There's a rather large cast of characters, but you just fall in love with each and every one of them (them being the good guys, I mean!) It was amazing how the team operated and how well they worked together and laughed together, more family than just some random teens stuck together. What I loved so much though, was how different each character was from one another. Some were more somber, most always joking, but each of them had their own quirks and habits that just made them stand out a bit and just make you love them, especially Jeth.
I don't read many male POVs, but props to Arnett for making a pretty believable voice and a protagonist you couldn't help but cheer for! Jeth was a rather complex character who had his faults and strengths and, like I already said--you can't help but fall in love with him!

Speaking of falling in love, the romance was the only thing I wasn't so sure on. While I did love the fact that romance took a back seat on this one, with only a kiss or two at most, I still felt a bit irritated by it in the beginning, especially considering that there's a bit of insta love when they first met, Jeth remarking on how beautiful Sierra, our love interest was, or something like that. I also felt a bit awkward because of a certain other character I felt like (almost wished) had feelings for Jeth. Then again, I'd probably have an issue with love triangles, so maybe not?

Avalon is an absolute must read for fans of hardcore (or not!) fans of sci-fi. I can almost guarantee you'll love this book with it's unbelievable twists and jaw dropping turns! I really just loved this read because honestly. Intergalactic thieves. 

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Premeditated by Josin L. McQuein

Goodreads Blurb

A week ago, Dinah’s cousin Claire cut her wrists.
Five days ago, Dinah found Claire’s diary and discovered why.
Three days ago, Dinah stopped crying and came up with a plan.
Two days ago, she ditched her piercings and bleached the black dye from her hair.
Yesterday, knee socks and uniform plaid became a predator’s camouflage.
Today, she’ll find the boy who broke Claire.
By tomorrow, he’ll wish he were dead.

Ever since I read the synopsis oh-so long ago, I've been aching to read this. The short and to the point phrasing makes the synopsis absolutely chilling, dark, and unbelievably intriguing, not to mention revenge stories are always amazing! 
I'm a bit torn up around the ending, so it's still a bit hard to write this review. I'm sort of a wreck right now!

The first few pages were absolutely amazing, but I started worrying that I may not love Premeditated as much as I'd hoped. No matter how realidtic it can make a character seem, I've always hated it when characters seemed flat and obsessed with only one goal, forcing the story to go on. 

But that didn't happen--instead I just sort of fell in love with Dinah's character and her heart. Premeditated focuses on the characters more than the plot, and I can't say I didn't love that! Seeing Dinah grow from hell bent on making Brooks pay to sympathizing and reluctantly starting to like him was one of my favorite parts. I always do love some internal conflict. 

Along with character development, the story also focuses on relationships, and not just romance. I'd been rooting from the start for Brooks and Dinah (and by start I mean when I first discovered this) and I was unbelievably excited to see that my ship was happening--though it wasn't mentioned much throughout the book. Their friendship seemed to be more important, Dinah struggling to find the Brooks in Claire's diary in the person in front of her, and Brooks starting to let down his walls. 
More than that, seeing how much Dinah cared for Claire was heartbreaking and heart warming all at once. It's a touching relationship that I couldn't help but love, but made everything so much more painful. 

I honestly can't say much about the plot since it'll pretty much ruin the entire thing, but I will say that the plot twist was fairly predictable, but it made everything so much more suspenseful!

Filled with suspense and a wide range of quirky and lovable characters, Premeditated is one of the books I've been anticipating all year--that managed to not disappoint me, which is actually pretty impressive!  The relationships are gorgeous and the development throughout the story just warms your heart. The suspense in the novel is brilliant and I was just blown away by the entire story.

Pages: 336

Genre: Thriller/Contemporary

Series: Standalone

Publisher: Delacorte Books for Young Readers

Release Date: Oct 8, 2013
Rating: 4 stars

Promise of Amazing by Robin Constantine

Goodreads Blurb

Wren Caswell is average. Ranked in the middle of her class at Sacred Heart, she’s not popular, but not a social misfit. Wren is the quiet, “good” girl who's always done what she's supposed to—only now in her junior year, this passive strategy is backfiring. She wants to change, but doesn’t know how.
Grayson Barrett was the king of St. Gabe’s. Star of the lacrosse team, top of his class, on a fast track to a brilliant future—until he was expelled for being a “term paper pimp.” Now Gray is in a downward spiral and needs to change, but doesn’t know how. 
One fateful night their paths cross when Wren, working at her family’s Arthurian-themed catering hall, performs the Heimlich on Gray as he chokes on a cocktail weenie, saving his life literally and figuratively. What follows is the complicated, awkward, hilarious, and tender tale of two teens shedding their pasts, figuring out who they are—and falling in love.

I'm always a sucker for those kind of good girl/sweet bad boy (and/or broken) romances so when I heard of Promise of Amazing, I was thrilled! Sure it sounded a bit cheesy, but a romantic wants what a romantic wants.

And while the romance was sweet, it just wasn't all there for me. 

The romance was pretty much instalove and while I understand why Grayson would've been captured by Wren (after all it's not every day someone saves your life) it was like he had an obsession with her after that one moment. And then he (and she) couldn't stop thinking about each other. Then he picks her up from school which I found a little bit creepy. I, personally, wouldn't really take a ride from a random guy I saved and knew nothing about. But it seemed Wren didn't really have those kind of reserves.

After all, they did say "I love you" maybe two weeks in (at most). And that was when I got a bit irritated. 

I sort of let it go though, because Wren and Grayson were just so adorable around each other. They just seemed so in love and so cute together that I couldn't help but smile at how goofily they acted around each other. Although throughout the entire thing, I think Grayson only took Wren out on one proper date. 1.5 if we're counting the coffee shop (and Wren hates coffee. HOW IS THAT POSSIBLE?) so I do wish we got to see their relationship develop more.

Not to say, of course, that I didn't love the unexpected and (surprisingly) drama filled plot. Grayson has a few secrets up his sleeves--ones I definitely didn't expect. And it was an interesting ride, seeing our two protagonists deal with it, Wren struggling to pry out the truth and Grayson trying so desperately to hide it. 

The only complaint I have towards the plot was that our antagonist seemed to get off easy, despite all the pain he caused. And that's all I can say because, as Whovians (and, well, regular people) would say, SPOILERS!

The Promise of Amazing was a quick, light read that I enjoyed, but found a few problems with. I'd recommend it if you're a bit desperate for a cute fluff that'll cheer you up, but if you're looking for a more...meaningful book, I'd suggest something else! 

So, unfortunately, there's no promise of amazing.

See what I did there?

Pages: 320

Genre: Contemporary/Romance

Series: Standalone

Publisher: Balzer+Bray

Release Date: Dec 31, 2013

Rating: 3 stars

Crash Into You by Katie McGarry

Goodreads Blurb

The girl with straight As, designer clothes and the perfect life-that's who people expect Rachel Young to be. So the private-school junior keeps secrets from her wealthy parents and overbearing brothers...and she's just added two more to the list. One involves racing strangers down dark country roads in her Mustang GT. The other? Seventeen-year-old Isaiah Walker-a guy she has no business even talking to. But when the foster kid with the tattoos and intense gray eyes comes to her rescue, she can't get him out of her mind. 
Isaiah has secrets, too. About where he lives, and how he really feels about Rachel. The last thing he needs is to get tangled up with a rich girl who wants to slum it on the south side for kicks-no matter how angelic she might look. 
But when their shared love of street racing puts both their lives in jeopardy, they have six weeks to come up with a way out. Six weeks to discover just how far they'll go to save each other.

I was a little bit wary jumping into Crash Into You. Of course I loved Pushing the Limits--I just wasn't the biggest fan of Dare You To. But then I realized I just didn't like it, mainly because I hated Beth for both being bitchy to Echo and hurting Isaiah.

ISAIAH!

I have now decided to start my review with Isaiah. Because he is, quite honestly, my favorite of all the guys in this series. I honestly don't think anyone pulls off that tough-but-secretly-sweet persona as wonderfully as Isaiah because he's just so...absolutely...broken. I've been in love with him since PTL, and after we see him over and over, even more hurt and destroyed than before...it practically killed me. And then I sort of fell in love with him even more throughout this book. How was that even possible?

And Rachel. Rachel! I loved that girl! She made my heart hurt, guys. She tried to be the perfect daughter for her family, she tried to remodel herself after her dead sister for her mom who wants her to be Colleen's replacement, but she was practically smothering herself, trying to be someone who was her opposite. And it hurt that it seemed like everyone in her family just encouraged her to keep a smile on her mom's face, damn the consequences. I can't even imagine how that would feel.
But she was still sweet. And she was strong in a different sort of way. She was perfect for Isaiah and I just loved how they acted around each other.

Yes, the romance was insta lovey. But it worked! Their chemistry was a steady burn that was enchanting and the way they balanced each out was wonderful. Rachel pulled Isaiah from the brink and Isaiah helped Rachel be herself--it was beautiful and their relationship just seemed so heartfelt that I couldn't help but adore.

But the best thing about this book was that it wasn't purely a romance. There was a thrilling feel to it as they raced against a clock to pay back a certain not-so-friendly friend. I didn't really know how it'd play out, but I definitely wasn't expecting the end! (I think I almost died at the end). Also, Katie McGarry is either a genius with cars or she did some hardcore research. Or I'm just an idiot when if comes to cars.

And all our characters are back! Our wily old counselor, Noah, Echo, Beth, Ryan, Logan (and he plays a rather large role too.) all made an appearance and I couldn't help but love it. I may have warmed up to Beth too, which is sort of surprising.
New characters are introduced too though, and I think Abby is my abortive secondary character ever. Do we get a spin off on her too? She's sarcastic and surprisingly kind, despite her tough shell, which I guess isn't surprised since she grew up in an environment possibly worse than Isaiah. But you can't help but love her--pretty much like everything else in the book!

Crash Into You was an enthralling read that I managed to finish in a day! It didn't disappoint and it's definitely my favorite of all the books. So all I can say? Read it. 

Pages: 474

Genre: Contemporary

Series: Pushing the Limits #3

Publisher: Harlequin Teen

Release Date: Nov 26, 2013

Rating: 4 stars

The Program by Suzanne Young

Goodreads Blurb

In Sloane’s world, true feelings are forbidden, teen suicide is an epidemic, and the only solution is The Program.
Sloane knows better than to cry in front of anyone. With suicide now an international epidemic, one outburst could land her in The Program, the only proven course of treatment. Sloane’s parents have already lost one child; Sloane knows they’ll do anything to keep her alive. She also knows that everyone who’s been through The Program returns as a blank slate. Because their depression is gone—but so are their memories.
Under constant surveillance at home and at school, Sloane puts on a brave face and keeps her feelings buried as deep as she can. The only person Sloane can be herself with is James. He’s promised to keep them both safe and out of treatment, and Sloane knows their love is strong enough to withstand anything. But despite the promises they made to each other, it’s getting harder to hide the truth. They are both growing weaker. Depression is setting in. And The Program is coming for them.

Oh. My. Freaking. God. WHAT THE HELL WAS THAT. Oh my God. You guys. WHY ARE YOU HERE. LEAVE ME TO MOURN IN PEACE.
Oh. Right.
I have to write a review.
I am in an emotional crisis here, but I'll see what I can whip up. It's nowhere near the amazingness of this book though.

So I just have to point out that I was already tearing up in the first place. Young has a way of writing a beautiful yet completely horrible atmosphere and having us connect to some characters immediately--all the better for when she rips them away from us.  Oh God the feels guys! I can not tell you how absolutely heartbreaking and...and...ugh!

This world was so hopeless too. I was in the depths of despair at times and felt on top of the world at others. I can believe how the US would call suicide an epidemic, but I find it a bit stupid that they never realized that having their friends taken and returned as a blank state was what drove them to depression and that the government never decided to "research" this so called disease. So I guess it was a bit weak, but The Program and how it operated was truly...unbelievable. A third of our book is in The Program (YES, Sloane ends up in The Program!) and it was horrifying watching Sloane's memories slowly slip away...just one by one--and she never noticed.

The plot was the absolute best. We get a few flashbacks and in Sloane's "therapy sessions" she talks about such sweet memories--so when they repeat, it just..Breaks. Your. Heart. I'm not even kidding. I practically died in the last part of The Program.
I think the best about the plot was that we got to see it from before, during, and after The Program--it made everything so much better since there wasn't a typical "Where and who am I?" type of dystopian.
That's not to say there weren't twists though. Because there absolutely were and they absolutely killed me. Every. Damn. Time. Sometimes I was expecting something...but it still gutted me whenever it actually did happen.

And the romance. Oh my God. Too adorable. Too adorable. There was a small love triangle, but it's obvious who Sloane was going to pick--but it added a lot to the story, and I did love our other guy anyways. But James was the absolute best--he tried to always be there for her, but he was also a sarcastic jerk, but unbelievably sweet too. He was so...perfect for Sloane. And their love was just...ugh. THE FEELS. I absolutely adored the romance and how they were never really separated--talk about Romeo and Juliet!

The Program is an absolute to die for dystopian that basically pierced my heart with every sentence. I was completely shell shocked and completely heartbroken. This book actually gave me my first real book hangover and I couldn't read anything at all for 3 days after! (Well, I did, but it all paled in comparison...so forgive me, you poor books.) This is an absolutely, positively must read. Seriously. I will haunt y'all until you read it.

I will be here for you when you sink into despair at the end.

BECAUSE HOLY CRAP, THE END.

Pages: 408
Genre: Dystopian
Series: The Program #1
Publisher: Simon Pulse
Release Date: April 30, 2013
Rating: TEN FREAKING STARS FOREVER

Cutting Room Floor by Dawn Klehr

Goodreads Blurb

Behind-the-scenes secrets could turn deadly for Desmond and Riley
Life in the Heights has never been easy for seventeen-year-old Riley Frost, but when she's publicly dumped and outed at the same time, she becomes an immediate social outcast at her high school. So Riley swears off romance and throws herself into solving the shocking murder of her favorite teacher, Ms. Dunn.
Riley turns to her best friend, budding filmmaker Desmond Brandt, for help. What she doesn't know is that Dez has been secretly directing her life, blackmailing her friends, and hoping his manipulations will make her love him. When his schemes go too far, Dez's web of lies threatens to destroy both of their lives.

Cutting Room Floor sounding amazing and thrilling, but I ended up having a lot of rather conflicted feelings about it.

I loved that Riley seemed confused about herself and her wants, something that teens go through, and in the process also making her a rather relatable character. She was still trying to find herself and know who she was and that made her feel real, but beyond her confusion, Riley really wasn't an...ideal character.
She decided to accuse and avoid her supposed best friend (besides Dez) based on a random video and, despite all her friend's evidence against Dez, always ridiculed and laughed against any accusations against him. She never tried to ask why someone broke up with her either, something I found a) unrealistic or b) stupid. It irritated me that she was so susceptible to Dez's lies and never really thought that hey, maybe there was something Dez was hiding.

Dez was an interesting character. His mind was complex and twisted--definitely a well written character! I could never really trust his POV because of his obsession with Rye and how he viewed anyone even remotely close to her. While I didn't understand his actions (actually, some of them disgusted me) he honestly seemed to think it was for Rye. I guess he really did love her, but the fact that he basically isolated her annoyed me. He did at least know it was wrong, but I felt like that took away from his twisted mind which would've honestly made things a lot more interesting. Instead it made him seem like a sort of pathetic stalker, but I did sympathize with him.

The way Klehr wrote the book was also amazing. At the beginning of every other chapter (i.e. Dez's POV) we would be introduced to the chapter like a script and it fit the book so well! It made the reading experience so much better and how it didn't overdo the details too much.

The mystery was definitely interesting, but it was overshadowed by the blackmailing Dez had going on. A few of our questions are still left unanswered by the end, but I can't deny that it was a thrilling read! While the mystery wasn't that quick paced, the drama made everything the more enthralling and I loved it. I didn't really expect the ending, though, so points for twists!

Fast paced and a quick read, Cutting Room Floor was a great read although I did have a few issues with it! If you like mystery thrillers, you may like this one, but I think it's more for the psychological thriller fans out there!

Pages: 336

Genre: Thriller/Mystery

Series: Standalone

Publisher: Flux

Release Date: Oct 8

Rating: 3.5

Naturals by Jennifer Lynn Barnes

Goodreads Blurb

Seventeen-year-old Cassie is a natural at reading people. Piecing together the tiniest details, she can tell you who you are and what you want. But it’s not a skill that she’s ever taken seriously. That is, until the FBI come knocking: they’ve begun a classified program that uses exceptional teenagers to crack infamous cold cases, and they need Cassie.
What Cassie doesn’t realize is that there’s more at risk than a few unsolved homicides— especially when she’s sent to live with a group of teens whose gifts are as unusual as her own.
Sarcastic, privileged Michael has a knack for reading emotions, which he uses to get inside Cassie’s head—and under her skin. Brooding Dean shares Cassie’s gift for profiling, but keeps her at arm’s length.
Soon, it becomes clear that no one in the Naturals program is what they seem. And when a new killer strikes, danger looms closer than Cassie could ever have imagined. Caught in a lethal game of cat and mouse with a killer, the Naturals are going to have to use all of their gifts just to survive.

Oh dear God.

Before I go into this, know that I actually clung to a wall. Literally. I hugged a wall. I also literally rocked back and forth in both history and Math. My friends can attest to this. One of them is probably even reading this. I screamed. I went on a high pitched rant about this book to 4 of my friends. I laughed hysterically.

Obviously you know you should read it.

I ABSOLUTELY COULD NEVER GUESS ANYTHING THAT WAS HAPPENING. I’d have on theory, discard it, think of another, take back the old one, discover that the second one was right…it was so very unpredictable. Everything happens quickly, and you never know what to expect next. This is so my kind of thriller! 

I was in shock half the time while I was reading The Naturals! Remember when I said I rocked back and forth? Blame it on the plot. Actually, blame everything on the plot. It was absolutely mind blowing. In my notes (yes, I take notes…shhh), I wrote “Holy Crap” over and over and over. And then I gave up on notes and just wrote Holy Crap over the entire page.

And, every so often, Barnes would delve into the killer's mind, giving us a creepy look on what was happening, and giving hints on who it was. I guessed but was so sure I was wrong!

Seriously. The plot was wild.

Ah, so, I guess we should go on to talk about the other things. Like the romance. Yes, there was a love triangle. No, it wasn’t annoying! It was more of a subplot, and we never really focused on it. Though the attraction was…quick, it wasn’t insta-love. This is so hard to explain: it created more conflicts, though, and I’m all for that. The romance was subtle, really. And fun. TEAM DEAN ALL THE WAY. I always pick Team Bad Boy. Hmm.

While I was expecting something typically paranormal, the Naturals' "abilities" aren't really paranormal at all--they just seem like natural abilities. They picked up on hints, actions, behaviors, etc. and pieced them together. That was all it was! I was definitely surprised by that and, though I would've liked to learn a little more about them, it didn't take away from the book at all! I loved seeing them practice, and I loved how they still had to work to discover things, rather than having it magically appear in front of them.

I loved our characters! They each had their own flaws, and they were all so individual! I loved them all! Michael's cockiness and arrogance, Dean's mystery and quietness, Lia's...complicated personality, Sloane's quirkiness, and Cassie's all-around personality. I loved their interactions, and I loved seeing all of their relationships build! 

The Naturals is a thrilling must-read for fans of YA. Engaging, hypnotizing, and absolutely creepy at times, The Naturals isn't one that you'll want to miss--it'll have you gasping in shock and clutching the edge of your chair. 

Pages: 304
Genre: Thriller/Mystery
Series: Standalone
Publisher: Disney Hyperion
Release Date: Nov 5, 2013
Rating: 10/5 Stars

Blog Tour: Six Months Later by Natalie Richards

Goodreads Blurb

Chloe didn't think about it much when she nodded off in study hall on that sleepy summer day. But when she wakes up, snow is on the ground and she can't remember the last six months of her life. Before, she'd been a mediocre student. Now, she's on track for valedictorian and being recruited by Ivy League schools. Before, she never had a chance with super jock Blake. Now he's her boyfriend. Before, she and Maggie were inseparable. Now her best friend won't speak to her.
What happened to her? 
And why can't she remember?

The only thing you should know about this book is that I was in a thriller high/mood for a week after reading it. It was just that good.

It's no surprise that I'm in love with amnesia books, and Six Months Later was no exception. It leaves us exactly like our main character--lost, confused, and, if it's written well, right next to the heroine collecting the clues. That's the thing I loved most about Six Months Later. It was so brilliantly written that we had all these clues and pieces, but you just never knew how to piece them together until you could slowly, ever so slowly, figure it out with Chloe. It seemed like everyone had something to hide, and when you have no idea what happened to yourself, it's hard to figure out what's happened to others.

The plot was definitely filled with twists I definitely didn't expect. I could never have guessed anything that happened and all I can say is that the ride was intense. My heart was beating frantically (legit, in my notes, I wrote "Heart. Beating. WHAT." and I was just so desperate to figure out what had happened to Chloe and the rather sinister plot and mastermind behind it all. Six Months Later is a bit on the creepy side, and completely on the thrilling side.

We have a cast of some pretty awesome characters, especially Chloe. What I loved about her is that she came to logical conclusions, conclusions I probably would've made in her situation. There was no overlooking the obvious thing or somehow snatching onto some ridiculous idea. She's a character you just connect with and can't help but love with her sass and feel for with her clear cut desperation in the beginning.
The rest of the characters were unique in their own way with their own little quirks and I loved reading and meeting new characters. And God knows it was fun (if a bit frustrating) trying to figure out whether he or she was in on what happened to Chloe.

And yes. Yes there is romance. Yes there was a bad boy. YES I DID LOVE IT. It was such a sweet, hesitant romance and I just fell for Adam more than once. It wasn't rushed in any way and the way they treated each other was so...tentative. It was adorable and cute and it's just something you have to love!

Six Months Later is a brilliant read and a heart racing thriller. It exceeded all my expectations and, basically, blew my mind. Unexpected and beautifully written, Richards gives you hints one by one, but never the full story until the end.
It's one I have to recommend to you. And your friend. And your sibling. And your mom. Does your pet read?

Pages: 336

Genre: Thriller/Contemporary

Series: Standalone

Publisher: Sourcebooks Fire

Release Date: Oct 1, 2013

Rating: 7/5 stars

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Fiction Freak: How did you come up with the plot?

Natalie Richards: Oh man, it's so cliché these days, but it's totally true.  I dozed off at work one day a few years ago (I know--Way to stay classy, Nat!) and I dreamed that I was looking out my office window on a warm summer afternoon.  In the dream, I blinked.  When I opened my eyes it was dark and snowing outside the window.  It was so creepy that it woke me up and I couldn't stop thinking about it.  What if you fell asleep and woke up months and months later?  What if you weren't asleep at all?  So, that's where it all started.

FF: If you were stuck in Chloe's shoes, you would've...

NT: Depends on which part of the book you're asking about.  Because for the Adam scenes...ahem.  Well.  Let's go with the beginning scenes, shall we?  :-)

You know, I want to be a cool zombie-apocalypse-prepared kind of chick and say I'd determine my bearings, assess my phone records, get all Jason Bourne about it, right?  But I totally wouldn't.  I would lose my ever-living mind.  No joke.  Pacing, hyperventilating, possible banshee-worthy wailing.  It would be epic. Panic would not be a big enough word for the kind of humiliating depths I'd sink to if I woke up with dirt under my fingernails and several months of my life gone.

FF: What prompted you to write a thriller? (That knocked my socks off by the way!)

NT: AW!  You're so lovely -- thank you!  I can't tell you how much your comments and kindness have made me grin.

I've always been a fan of a good thriller.  I wanted to see if I could write one that somehow tangled a romance into the creepy and scary stuff. So, the idea of it was always there, and when I started playing with the concept of falling asleep and losing time, the characters started sliding into place.  Chloe, Adam, and Maggie sealed the deal for me.  I was hopelessly lost in this book after they came along.  No way could I have stopped writing it. 

 

FF: What six months would you love to forget?

NT: Wow.  Amazing question.  I thought a lot about this, I admit it.  Initially, I was tempted to mention some of the tougher things I've been through in my life, but the more I thought about it, I realized I wouldn't want to lose those memories.  I think the hard things in life have a lot to do with who we are.  I tend to think we need those memories, even though they hurt. 

That said, I did spend six months of my life waiting tables on third shift at an all-night pancake house.  I wore a maroon polyester skirt and a really tragic hair bonnet.  I'll give you a moment to consider the kind of customers that might be in search of eggs and bacon at three o'clock in the morning.  Yes, it was every bit as bad as it sounds.  So, if I have to chuck some memories, let's take those. 

FF: If there was anyone you suspected was brainwashed, it would be...

NT: Ah, geez.  Now you're really going to get me in trouble!  LOL! 

I did know a girl when I was fifteen who went a little crazy.  She was a year or two older than me, but a good friend.  Pretty, smart, liked to goof around.  She took a three-week trip across the country.  When she returned she informed me--no joke--that she was planning to move there to marry a boy she'd met.  This wasn't something she was thinking about or dreaming, she was seriously researching ways to pack her stuff and head west.  It was...certifiable the weirdest thing I've ever experienced.  She thought she'd fallen in love.  I was pretty sure she'd fallen alright--and she clearly hit her head very hard when she landed.  Fortunately, she came to her senses, but for a couple of weeks that girl was a Stepford Wife.  Way creepy.

FF: In your life, who would be the evil mastermind behind everything?

NT: Well, in reality, I'm definitely the evil genius.  Minus the genius.  And mostly only a little evil, because I have a huge guilt complex that makes me apologize profusely and feel wretched for any actual evil deeds. 

But I'm boring, so can I pick who I'd want as an evil mastermind?  I'm kind of thinking Sheldon Cooper from Big Bang Theory.  Okay, maybe he's not exactly evil, but he could go there.  He's also a super-genius, with extensive comic book and science fiction knowledge, so I'm thinking he would be a great schemer.   Also, he's really fastidious, so he might clean my house.  Bonus!

Nikki, thank you so much for hosting!  You have been amazing -- welcoming me into the blogging community and embracing Six Months Later with so much enthusiasm.  Thanks so much for your support and for having me.  It's been beyond lovely to be here!

But of course! J AND IT’S LOVELY TO HAVE ALL YOUR AWESOMENESS.

Author Bio

Natalie D. Richards won her first writing competition in the second grade with her short story about Barbara Frances Bizzlefishes (who wouldn't dare do the dishes.)  She later misplaced her writing dreams in a maze of cubicles and general office drudgery. Natalie never forgot about Barbara or those dishes, and eventually she found her way back to storytelling, following the genre of her heart, teen fiction.  When she's not writing or shopping her manuscripts, you can probably find her wading through the towers of dog-eared paperbacks that have taken over her bedroom. Natalie lives in Ohio with her amazing husband and their three children, who inspire her every day to stick with her dreams. 

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Once We Were by Kat Zhang

Goodreads Blurb

"I'm lucky just to be alive"
Eva was never supposed to have survived this long. As the recessive soul, she should have faded away years ago. Instead, she lingers in the body she shares with her sister soul, Addie. When the government discovered the truth, they tried to “cure” the girls, but Eva and Addie escaped before the doctors could strip Eva’s soul away.
Now fugitives, Eva and Addie find shelter with a group of hybrids who run an underground resistance. Surrounded by others like them, the girls learn how to temporarily disappear to give each soul some much-needed privacy. Eva is thrilled at the chance to be alone with Ryan, the boy she’s falling for, but troubled by the growing chasm between her and Addie. Despite clashes over their shared body, both girls are eager to join the rebellion.
Yet as they are drawn deeper into the escalating violence, they start to wonder: How far are they willing to go to fight for hybrid freedom? Faced with uncertainty and incredible danger, their answers may tear them apart forever.

I was definitely excited to read Once We Were since there was such a cool setup for it in What's Left of Me, but I ran into a lot of the same problems I had in book one.

The plot, while there were explosions, rebellions, and secret meetings at midnight, still seemed a bit dull to me. I got bored easily, mainly because instead of focusing more on the plot line, we seemed to focus more on Eva's relationship with those around her, similar to how What's Left of Me was written. Not to say I didn't love it, but I do wish we had more twists. The last 20% of the book was pretty action packed though, with a twist or two I really didn't expect!

Eva annoyed me about 75% of the book. She was just so selfish and didn't seem to think about how others felt about her actions. She also seemed a bit naive and very...eager to please, I guess. It's understandable, what with her just recently being able to control her body, but it still irritated me to no ends.
What I found funny was that even though Eva was supposed to be the recessive soul, she was more fiery and more determined than our soft-spoken Addie who seemed to follow Eva's lead. I loved their relationship though, and how they were closer than sisters. They didn't always agree with each other, and yes, they fought, but don't all siblings? It was fun seeing their relationship grow and seeing them grow as characters too.

The writing is something I absolutely have to point out because it was just beautiful. It's absolutely gorgeous prose with stunning descriptions that I loved! And while I didn't love Once We Were as much as I'd have liked to, there's no denying that Kat Zhang wrote a sequel that was even better than the first!

I absolutely love the romance because guys. Ryan. I just love him so much and I ship Ryan and Eva to the end of time. That is all.

Fans of What's Left of Me will definitely love Once We Were, an even beautifully written sequel that surprises you in the end with it's twists and gives you a deeper look inside Eva and Addie's relationship. I'll definitely be continuing the series and I can't wait to see what's next for our characters!

Pages: 352

Genre: Dystopian

Series: What's Left of Me #2

Publisher: HarperTeen

Release Date: Sep 17, 2013

Rating: 3.5 stars

The Brokenhearted by Amelia Kahaney

Goodreads Blurb

Prima ballerina Anthem Fleet is closely guarded by her parents in their penthouse apartment. But when she meets the handsome Gavin at a party on the wrong side of town, she is immediately drawn into his dangerous world. Then, in a tragic accident, Anthem falls to her death. She awakes in an underground lab, with a bionic heart ticking in her chest. As she navigates her new life, she uncovers the sinister truth behind those she trusted the most, and the chilling secret of her family lineage…and her duty to uphold it.
The Dark Knight meets Cinder in this gripping and cinematic story of heartbreak and revenge. From Alloy Entertainment, this inventive new superhero story is sure to captivate any reader.

The Brokenhearted isn't one I would really recommend and, quite honestly. Which really disappoints me since The Brokenhearted was one of my most anticipated books of 2013. And the cover was gorgeous, not to mention--superhero ballerina? Yes please! Unfortunately, it didn't meet my expectations at all.

Anthem was a very...irritating character. She was naive, impulsive, and didn't really think about the consequences of her actions. I couldn't relate to her at all and couldn't get over the fact that she was so...gah. I wanted to smack her around pretty much the entire book. She was a weak character who basically cried, whined, and screwed up for about 3/4 of the book.

And this was pure insta love at its finest. After exactly one meeting, Anthem couldn't stop thinking about Gavin. And when they meet for the second time, Anthem basically spills everything about her life to him, despite the fact that she's never told anyone else about them. I basically pulled my hair out at that point, and it was pretty early on. The rest of the book, she's pining for Gavin despite knowing him for only maybe...a week? Two?
Also, there was a love triangle.

There was absolutely, or at least, barely, any worldbuilding. I was confused over exactly where we were or when we were. Was it steampunk? Dystopian? A completely different world? And what exactly caused the South Side to become so desperate with such a (admittedly brilliant) gritty atmosphere? We don't know and we don't learn.
On the subject of worldbuilding, I'm confused as to how a bionic heart would change her appearance and make her gorgeous. Or give her super speed/strength and healing. It was never explained why she got all these powers, but it obviously had something to do with her heart--but...how?

As for the plot, I really don't think much else happens besides Anthem crying and whining until 3/4 into the book where she finally decides to do something about the criminals. Then it got pretty kickass and I loved seeing her in action. The twist was rather predictable, if not unique, but I guessed it maybe a quarter in. But the end? It was absolutely cliffhanging and I think I may end up reading the sequel anyways!

Disappointing, I honestly cant' say I enjoyed this book, though it does have a decent setup for a sequel so I may read that just to find out what happens. Who knows? Maybe my questions will be answered then!

Pages: 336

Genre: Steampunk (?)

Series: Brokenhearted #1 

Publisher: Harper Teen

Release Date: Oct 8, 2013

Rating: 1.5

Mini Freak Out: Find Me by Romily Bernard

Mini Freak Out

Goodreads Blurb

“Find Me.”
These are the words written on Tessa Waye’s diary. The diary that ends up with Wick Tate. But Tessa’s just been found . . . dead.
Wick has the right computer-hacking skills for the job, but little interest in this perverse game of hide-and-seek. Until her sister Lily is the next target.
Then Griff, trailer-park boy next door and fellow hacker, shows up, intent on helping Wick. Is a happy ending possible with the threat of Wick’s deadbeat dad returning, the detective hunting him sniffing around Wick instead, and a killer taunting her at every step?
Foster child. Daughter of a felon. Loner hacker girl. Wick has a bad attitude and sarcasm to spare.
But she’s going to find this killer no matter what.
Because it just got personal.

8: I never knew a cop could be so terrifying.
14: Holy crap.
17: SHIVERS.
22: Oh my God
30: Books teach me things that a 13 year old should not know. >:)
39: My heart hurts
42: O_O
63: CRAPSTICKS
68: THIS HAS TO BE THE WORST COP IN HISTORY. WHO EVEN.
73: Do I hate or love Lily.
78: I don't know about Lily, BUT I LOVE GRIFF
80: O_______O
98: Carson. Creepiest guy on Earth
105: OH GOD. UH OH. CRAP.
124: HOLY CRAP. JUST HOLY CRAP.
134: I love Griff
140: SQUEALS
146: My squeals of joy have become squeals of terror.
150: I love Lauren!
154: SO MANY REASONABLE SUSPECTS
167: TEEHEE
171: CRAP. CRAP. CRAP.
175: EERCTFHJKLPMNXAAWFHMLITEAJJLHEEKBSO
194: Yeah I love Griff
205: AHAHAHAHAHA *wipes away tears* I LOVE THEM
206: OMG I JUST.  <3
219: Oh God. Oh God oh God oh God.
223: I AM CRYING. CRYING.
230: OH GOD WHAT IS HAPPENING
237: GRIFF I LOVE YOU
238: OH MY CRAP. CRAP
241: WHAT
242: FYI.IUMEGBFNRYIULJRMTEGNTEHIEEDDWGRYJTYETHMYTEBERGTEH
271: OH MY FUCKIN GOD I CAN'T SOMEHOW OMG I CAN'T EVEN. LOCK THE DOORS AND SHUTTER THE WINDOWS AND RUN WICK RUN
274: YOU SICK PSYCHO
275: OMG I AM SO UNBELIEVABLY FREAKED OUT. IHBOUNOMPLKJBVTXESESCGHVBINKNK
280: Oh. My. Fuck.
282: OH FUCK. FUCK. SHIT. NO. OMFG. I CAN'T EVEN. BRB DYING.
303: I just can't.
End: THERE'S A SEQUEL?! I HOPE SO.

Romily Bernard is a genius with suspense. I can't even tell you how many times my heart pounded throughout this entire thing and how many times I was nervous for Wick. (Okay maybe I can. Hint: It was all the time.) There were several twists I couldn't see coming, that just smacked me in the face, and while the major plot twist was sort of predictable...it still absolutely killed me. And, of course, shocked me so much I ended up gaping at the pages for a good bit. 
But the mystery of "Find Me", of Tessa Waye, wasn't the only plot line that catches your interest, as thrilling as it is. Wick just happens to be the daughter of a drug lord on the run, and she has to deal with that as well as trying to ward off Carson, a certain cop who can't seem to stay away. So, of course, nothing's easy for our poor characters. 

Oh, our characters. How I absolutely love them! Wick was a fierce character, broken and hardened by years under the thumb of her father and the ghost of her mother's suicide haunting her. She's independent, but has a vulnerable side, one that she rarely shows. She's a fascinating character, a realistically portrayed one, and her voice was amazing! 
We also have Lily, the little sister. I...didn't love her so much. I never felt like she understood what her sister had gone through or what her sister feels and I couldn't help but resent her. Just a little! She was still awfully adorable.

Do I get to talk about Griff now? Because oh my freaking God, I loved him! He was sweet and a little rough around the edges. And absolutely swoony. He was hilarious too and cared so much for Wick. I loved their romance which wasn't really insta-love, but you can immediately feel their chemistry. Which made me giggle happily so many times.

Thrilling and unpredictable, Find Me is possibly my favorite suspense I've read in ever and I absolutely have to recommend! It's unforgettable and gripping, not letting you go until the end.

Pages: 307

Genre: Suspense/Thriller

Series: Find Me #1

Publisher: HarperTeen

Release Date: Sep 24, 2013

Rating: 4.5