Live by the Sun, Love by the Moon | J. T. Jackson

At first glance, Luna Stone seems to have a normal nineteen year old girl’s life. She goes to college, studying for psychology. Works at a coffeehouse. But Luna’s life is far from normal. In addition to her coffeehouse job, she also works nights at a strip club. Dancing and waitressing to keep up with her mother’s hospital bills. More recently, a old friend of Luna’s decides to pop up and beg for forgiveness. And to top it all off, her teacher recently offered her a internship at a law firm. Which is a opportunity she could not pass up.

Twelve weeks, personal assistant, no pay, but a good recommendation. Seemed easy enough. But what Luna didn’t know was the job wasn’t going to be the hard part. The hard part wasn’t even her new over-achieving, young, polar opposite boss Mr. Ian Hanson. The hard part, was not falling in love with him.

In the first book of the Live by the Sun, Love by the Moon Trilogy, we meet Luna at a time in her life when her world gets turned upside down and seems to be falling apart. But it isn't her world she's worried about breaking, it’s her heart.

Non-Spoiler Review

This book started off really well. I enjoyed the characters. I enjoyed the storyline, but the story seemed to progress very slowly. I really think this should have been a stand-alone novel not only because I'm tired of series, but also because I'd rather have one big book that's intense and awesome rather than several books that aren't as plot-driven. The characters were well-written. They were realistic and easily relatable. I especially loved Luna's backstory and her personality. 

One thing I was really frustrated by was Ian and Luna's relationship. It was extremely wishy-washy. I've read so many books where there's a constantly fluctuating relationship and I'm honestly so tired of them. Luna kept jumping back and forth between some of the male characters even though it was obvious all along she loved Ian. 

I think that the overall premise of the book was interesting, but for me the plot was a bit dull. Save for a couple of grammar errors, the book was well written. I'm really hoping the next books in the series picks up and becomes a little more exciting, but I'm still excited to read it! 

I recommend this to anyone who is looking for a light and fairly fluffy read. There are some darker themes to it, but it's not too emotionally draining. It's a pretty quick read. I finished it in a couple of hours. If this book sounds interesting to you, you should definitely pick it up! 

*This book was provided by the author to read and review. This is a 100% honest review.*

Attachments | Rainbow Rowell

Rating: 

The One | Kiera Cass

Rating: 

A Tragic Heart | S. Elle Cameron

A heart-wrenching story about a young girl trying to find meaning in life, A Tragic Heart finds Taylor looking for reason while struggling to conquer her inner demons. Deftly juggling weighty themes that can be prominent in a teenager's life, while delving into the troubles of love triangles and growing up, this fantastic novel brings a surprising depth to the genre while ensuring readers are captivated from the beginning. Skillfully navigating the complex psychology of a troubled youth, this introspective story explores the tragic depths of a young woman in near constant suffering. 

What seems like an average tale of a troubled teenager coming of age will quickly shatter readers’ preconceptions with a number of gripping twists and developments. Flourishing into a more complete and introspective story, A Tragic Heart quickly proves to readers that it can be so much more than a stereotypical tale. 

Non-Spoiler Review

This book was nothing like I expected which is a fantastic thing. There's not too much I can say about this book without giving away most of the plot, but it's mostly an emotional drama. Although there was a relatively slow start to the book, once it got going, it just didn't stop. For some reason (regardless of the title), I went into this book thinking it was going to be a light, cute read. Man, was I wrong! This book makes you feel every emotion possible, from anger to annoyance to extreme sadness. Although the writing wasn't the best, it did its job of conveying the stories of each of the characters. There are so many dark topics that are touched on within this book, so I recommend it to older teens who are looking for intense emotional books. 

Rebel | Amy Tintera

The sequel to the action-packed Reboot is a can't-miss thrill ride, perfect for fans of James Patterson, Veronica Roth, and Marie Lu.

After coming back from death as Reboots and being trained by HARC as soldiers, Wren and Callum have finally escaped north, where they hope to find a life of freedom. But when they arrive at the Reboot Reservation, it isn't what they expected. Under the rule of a bloodthirsty leader, Micah, the Reboots are about to wage an all-out war on the humans. Although Wren's instincts are telling her to set off into the wilderness on their own and leave the battle far behind, Callum is unwilling to let his human family be murdered. When Micah commits the ultimate betrayal, the choice is made for them. But Micah has also made a fatal mistake . . . he's underestimated Wren and Callum.

The explosive finale to the Reboot duology is full of riveting action and steamy love scenes as Wren and Callum become rebels against their own kind.

Non-Spoiler Review

This book is the second and final book in the Reboot duology. The first book, Reboot, is in a dystopian world where the human population has mostly been wiped out by KDH virus. But where people die, they can "reboot" and come back to life except their better fighters, can heal faster, and have less emotion. The longer time between the rebooting, the less human the new reboot is. Reboot follows the story of Wren Connolly, who has practically the highest number, one hundred seventy eight. She's supposed to be emotionless, but when Callum, a twenty-two, comes in, she realizes that maybe she's not as heartless as everyone says she is. The second book continues their journey and develops their relationship, which is the most I can give away without ruining both books. It's action-packed and cute and a fairly short and fun read. Go read both of them, come back and we'll discuss! 

The Elite | Kiera Cass

                                            

Words with an Author: Rajdeep Paulus

Good day folks!
Guess what it's time for?
That's right, another author interview! Today I'm going to be interviewing the lovely Rajdeep Paulus, author of Swimming Through Clouds and Seeing Through Stones. I had the privilege of meeting her at the YA Fest, and she's super nice and such a great writer!

Rajdeep Paulus Rajdeep Paulus is the author of Swimming Through Clouds and Seeing Through Stones. She  is mommy to four princesses, wife of Sunshine, a coffee-addict and a chocoholic.  As of this June 2013, she’s a Tough Mudder. To find out more, visit her website  or connect with her via Facebook  , Twitter, Pinterest, or Instagram . 

Now into the questions!

1. How did you get into writing? When did you first start writing?

I'd like to think I've been writing all my life, but I can say my oldest memory of feeling like a writer was in fourth grade with my first spiral bound 'published' book called, "Fortunately, Unfortunately." I'm sure my mom still has it. I hope. :) 

2. Where did you come up with the idea for Swimming Through the Clouds? Who's your inspiration? 

I wrote a totally separate book about a guy (Lagan) who left a box of letters for his cousin (Rani) in which he described a girl (Talia) that he was madly in heart with, but had to keep her   a secret. I then had to figure out what could be so crazy and extreme that it would warrant living in hiding. That was the birthplace of Talia and Jesse's story.  

3. Are any of your characters based on people you actually know, if so, which ones? 

I'm sure there are tiny tidbits of my real life, friends and family in the books I write. For example, my real life BFF's favorite color is green. Or my hubby has a goatee and when we first met, he kinda sorta, okay, he did resemble Lagan. But the story in its most intimate details is entirely fiction. But the feelings of hopelessness or fear or love or joy were definitely drawn from moments in my own life. 

4. Have you written anything before STC? Published? Unpublished? 

Yes. I've blogged some 200ish crazy stories over at rajdeeppaulus.com and I've also written articles and short stories that have been published on and off-line.  

5. If you had to pick only five books from your bookshelf you could keep, what would they be? 

The Book Thief, A Thousand Splendid Suns, Beloved, Hunger Games, and I am the Cheese 

6. If you could go back and change anything in STC, what would you change and why? 

I don't know, to be honest. If anything, I might add more details about the grandparents. That's a lingering question mark I never fully explored. 

7. Who is your favorite character from any book and why? 

This is going to sound so cheesy, but I've always loved when the underdog gets a really sweet love story. So one of my favorite characters is Charlie from The Perks of being a Wallflower.  

8. How long did the writing process take for STC? From conception of the story to final publication. 

Approximately two years.  

9. Who are some of your favorite authors? 

The authors of the books listed in #5. Plus, I'm a nerdy Shakespeare and Faulkner fan.  

10. What actors/ actresses could you see playing the characters of your book? 

Ooooh. I am so glad you asked, because I feel like I finally found my perfect Lagan: Avan Jogia (of Twisted Fame) with a goat, of course. I think, someone who looks like Dia Mirza would be perfect for Talia. And I have a nephew who I think could play Jesse. :)  

11. How did you come up with the title and cover of STC? Did you have any say in the final cover? 

The title literally came up when I wrote the chapter that features the title and I love the woman who designed my cover. Angela Llamas is a graphic designer in Spain and she was very open to making small changes that I wanted in the cover. 

12. Are you planning to write any more books besides STC? What are some ideas you have?

Of course! I have about three projects that are in the works, all YA Contemps in nature. 

13. What would your advice be to someone who's aspiring to be a writer? 

Write. Read. And then write some more. And let others read your writing and give you honest feedback before you publish. It makes a huge difference.  

14. Finally, just to wrap things up, what's your favorite color and why? 

I have so many! I used to claim RED all day long as a teen. Then one day, purple took over my life. Maybe something to do with my obsession with lilacs. Then one day, I fell into brown and I've never gone back. So now, as you might have guessed, I'm a bit biases toward Blue. Blue for Talia. Love blue.

The Selection | Kiera Cass

Words with an Author: Carrie Lofty

Hello Fantabulous Readers!

Today I will be interviewing the wonderful Carrie Lofty, author of Blue Notes. We will be giving away one copy to a lucky winner, so stay tuned!

1. How did you get into writing? When did you first start writing?

I've been writing since I was ten, but I didn't take it seriously until the summer of 2006 when my husband moved to another state for an internship position. I held down the fort with our two toddler daughters. I wrote to stay sane!

2. Where did you come up with the idea for Blue Notes? Who's your inspiration?

I love writing about music. The Carina Press ebook SONG OF SEDUCTION was my first, about a violinist and a pianist. Since then, I'd been itching to write about a female pianist. The passion of piano players cannot be matched! For the hero, I was partly inspired by Mr. Darcy from PRIDE AND PREJUDICE. He was a man with a great deal of responsibility who had come into his fortune at a young age. What would that be like, and to have a sister depending on your judgment for her safety and happiness?

3. Are any of your characters based on people you actually know, if so, which ones?

Not really. I generally have actors and actresses in mind to refer to physically, but I don't like to say which ones for fear of changing people's own mental impressions.

4. Have you written anything before Blue Notes? Published? Unpublished?

I've written a lot! As Carrie Lofty, I've published seven novels and one novella with Pocket, Carina and Kensington. As Lindsey Piper, I write paranormal romances, with CAGED WARRIOR and BLOOD WARRIOR available now, along with a companion novella. Co-writing with Ann Aguirre, we competed the three-part "Dark Age Dawning" series, written as Ellen Connor. Unfortunately, due to schedule conflicts, Ann and I no longer write together. And finally as Katie Porter, I've co-written eight erotic romances through Samhain. 

So yes, I've been very busy! That said, BLUE NOTES is my debut New Adult romance.

5. If you had to pick only five books from your bookshelf you could keep, what would they be?

Perhaps not surprisingly considering my historical roots, my three favorite romances are all historical. They’re what I grew up reading, when you couldn’t turn around without seeing a Western-themed novel on the shelves. But along the way in the 90s, I found these gems I’ll never part with.

First up is Candice Proctor’s Whispers of Heaven, set in colonial Tasmania, where the heroine, Jesmond, falls in love with Lucas, a man serving time as an Australian convict. The tension in this novel is astonishing because if they get caught, he will be hanged. Period. There were times I was literally holding my breath, fearing for their safety. Proctor now writes the Sebastian St. Cyr series as CS Harris, and happens to be the sister of…  

Penelope Williamson, author of The Outsider, which is like Witness with a happy ending. Rachel is a widow among the Plain people (a fictional Amish community in Montana) and Johnny is a gunfighter on the rough road toward redemption. Told from multiple points of view from people throughout Rachel and Johnny’s lives, I’m convinced this gorgeous novel would not be published if shopped around today!

Finally there’s Patricia Gaffney’s entire Wickerley trilogy. To Love and to Cherish is my favorite of the three, featuring Christy Morrell, probably one of the most famous beta heroes in all of romance. He’s a vicar in a rural English village, where turning the other cheek has never been sexier. His lady love, the fallen woman named Anne, will break your heart. They are opposites in every sense except for the devoted friendship that grows between them.

6. If you could go back and change anything in Blue Notes, what would you change and why?

Nothing that I can think of. Some reviewers have made suggestions about what they'd like to see changed, but I'm content with the story I created.

7. Who is your favorite character from any book and why?

I love Rupert Carsington from Mr. Impossible by Loretta Chase. He's the most perfect hero ever--this vexing combination of rogue, ruffian, and complete cad. He plays dumb when it suits him, and he brings out the big guns of brains and braun when he or his lady love are threatened. I adore him. 

8. How long did the writing process take for Blue Notes? From conception of the story to final publication.

Probably a year. I took my time because I'd never written New Adult before and wanted to get the tone just right.

9. Who are some of your favorite authors?

As I mentioned above, Candice Proctor, Penelope Williamson, Patricia Gaffney, and Loretta Chase from the classics, and now Sherry Thomas, Meredith Duran, Victoria Dahl, Courtney Milan, and Lorelie Brown among current authors. 

10. What actors/ actresses could you see playing the characters of your book?

Argh! I still can't answer this one. It's too personal and could alter how people read the book! Let's just say that he's gorgeous and English, and she's gorgeous and blonde...most of the time. 

11. How did you come up with the title and cover of Blue Notes? Did you have any say in the final cover?

I was given the task of finding photos that would represent the spirit of the novel. I collected a couple dozen, and the cover was chosen from among those pictures! And yes, I had a lot of input in the cover and I came up with the title. That doesn't always happen, so I was very pleased.

12. Are you planning to write any more books besides Blue Notes? What are some ideas you have?

SPARKS is up next for my New Adult titles, and will feature Keeley's shy roommate, Janissa. Her hero will be a top draft pick football star who has no time in his busy life for a quiet chemistry major. But they make some serious sparks and he can't help but become infatuated. 

13. What would your advice be to someone who's aspiring to be a writer?

You have a story worth telling. Tell it to yourself first. Drafts are messy and can seem horrible, but as Nora Roberts once said, "You can't fix a blank page." Avoid perfectionism until you have something to shine up and make perfect!

14. Finally, just to wrap things up, what's your favorite color and why?

Purple. Don't know why. Its richness? Its vibrancy? Its variety of shades? Or maybe I was royality in a previous life....

Giveaway Time! 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Where to find Carrie Lofty:

Twitter

Facebook

Website 

Amazon

Barnes and Nobles

Rebel Belle | Rachel Hawkins

Enjoy :D 

Bout of Books: Overall Progress

Bout of Books is over! *cries* But here's what I read!

Currently Reading: 

• Unaccompanied Minor by Hollis Gillespie

Books Finished: 

• The One by Kiera Cass
• The Selection Stories by Kiera Cass
• The Elite by Kiera Cass
• The Selection by Kiera Cass
• Rebel Belle by Rachel Hawkins
• The Break-Up Artist by Philip Siegel 
• Seeing Through Stones by Rajdeep Paulus

Pages Read: 576

Final Page Count: 2169

Boy am I exhausted! That was one heck of week for reading. I read a total of seven books! Currently I'm going the Selection withdrawal, so I have no idea when I'm going to be finishing my next book, but hopefully very soon. 

Bout of Books: Day 6 Update

Two more days left of the Bout of Books! Progress time!

Currently Reading: 

• Unaccompanied Minor by Hollis Gillespie

Books Finished: 

• The Elite by Kiera Cass
• The Selection by Kiera Cass
• Rebel Belle by Rachel Hawkins
• The Break-Up Artist by Philip Siegel 
• Seeing Through Stones by Rajdeep Paulus

Pages Read: 323
Total Pages Read: 1593

Woooot! I passed my goal! I have no idea how much reading I'm going to get done today, but we'll see. Homestretch guys!

The Break- Up Artist | Philip Siegel

Some sixteen-year-olds babysit for extra cash. Some work at the Gap. Becca Williamson breaks up couples. 



After watching her sister get left at the altar, Becca knows the true damage that comes when people utter the dreaded L-word. For just $100 via paypal, she can trick and manipulate any couple into smithereens. With relationship zombies overrunning her school, and treating single girls like second class citizens, business is unfortunately booming. Even her best friend Val has resorted to outright lies to snag a boyfriend

One night, she receives a mysterious offer to break up the homecoming king and queen, the one zombie couple to rule them all: Steve and Huxley. They are a JFK and Jackie O in training, masters of sweeping faux-mantic gestures, but if Becca can split them up, then school will be safe again for singletons. To succeed, she'll have to plan her most elaborate scheme to date and wiggle her way back into her former BFF Huxley’s life – not to mention start a few rumors, sabotage some cell phones, break into a car, and fend off the inappropriate feelings she’s having about Val’s new boyfriend. All while avoiding a past victim out to expose her true identity.

No one said being the Break-Up Artist was easy

Non-Spoiler Review

In the past couple of days, I've read many books that I've just been so content with, that no part of it annoyed me. This book surprised me with situations and scenarios that I have previously experienced and resurfaced so many different feelings of anger. Not only was it interesting to watch Becca complete the task of breaking up couples, but it also brought up subtle questions of loyalty, jealousy, and true friendship. It's extremely realistic in the sense that everyone was flawed and there was always a gray area of who could be trusted. I really enjoyed this book and if you think it sounds interesting you should definitely check it out! 

Bout of Books: Day 5 Update

Time to update my progress for Day 5!

Currently Reading: 

• The Elite by Kiera Cass
• Unaccompanied Minor by Hollis Gillespie

Books Finished: 

• The Selection by Kiera Cass
• Rebel Belle by Rachel Hawkins
• The Break-Up Artist by Philip Siegel 
• Seeing Through Stones by Rajdeep Paulus

Pages Read: 349
Total Pages Read: 1270

I'm so happy I'm almost near my goal! I planned to finished five books by the end of the Bout of Books and I didn't think I could actually do it, but I just have one more book to go! Wow, now I just gotta get on those reviews...

Book Tower Challenge

Hey Fantabulous Readers!

I recently decided to take on the Book Tower Challenge. Hope you enjoy!

Bout of Books: Day 4 Update

Day four Bout of Books progress time!

Currently Reading: 

• The Selection by Kiera Cass

Books Finished: 

• Rebel Belle by Rachel Hawkins
• The Break-Up Artist by Philip Siegel 
• Seeing Through Stones by Rajdeep Paulus

Pages Read: 305
Total Pages Read: 921

I love the fact that I actually feel like I'm making progress on my TBR pile! Although I haven't read as much as a lot of other people have, I'm really happy with how I'm doing. There's only a few more days left, and I'm really excited! 

Day 5 Bout of Books: Rainbow Book Challenge

Today's challenge is the Rainbow Book Challenge, hosted by the lovely Neon Yeti Reads.

The rules are to create a stack of books, starting with white on the bottom, and follow the rainbow order all the way up to black. I modified it a bit and took out violet, since I couldn't find any books that were completely a darker shade of purple.

Now I may have cheated a bit by using all of the books from the Percy Jackson Series since they're all one color... but oh well. Here are the books I used to build mine:

• The Last Olympian by Rick Riordan (black) 
• The Demigod Files by Rick Riordan (purple) 
• The Titan's Curse by Rick Riordan (blue) 
• The Lightning Thief by Rick Riordan (green) 
• Don't Cry by Beverly Barton (yellow) 
• The Sea of Monsters by Rick Riordan (orange) 
• The Battle of the Labyrinth by Rick Riordan (red) 
• Fracture by Megan Miranda (white) 

Bout of Books: Day 3 Update

Ready for my update for Day 3 for the Bout of Books? Are you ready? Are ya, are ya, are ya? Ok let's do this!

Currently Reading: 

• Rebel Belle by Rachel Hawkins
• The Selection by Kiera Cass

Books Finished: 

• The Break-Up Artist by Philip Siegel 
• Seeing Through Stones by Rajdeep Paulus

Pages Read: 208
Total Pages Read: 616

So I'v definitely been trying to do a lot of reading this week. I've been so productive and it makes me so happy, although I still have to get all the reviews up for my finished books. I promise I will be doing those definitely by the end of next week. I just don't want to use time that I could be using reading to do reviews, but they will be up by next week! 

Day 4 Bout of Books: Spell it Out Challenge

Hey Fantabulous Readers!
Today is Day 4 of the wonderful Bout of Books Readathon, and today's challenge is to spell anything using the first letter of book titles. You can spell anything you want, I decided to spell my name.

April/ May Book Haul!

Hey Fantabulous Readers!

So I recently decided to do a book haul video! This is my very first video! Let me know how you guys like it because I'm planning to do more of these in the future!

Bout of Books: Day 2 Update

Day 2 of the Bout of Books. Leggo.

Currently Reading: 

• The Break- Up Artist by Philip Siegel

Books Finished: 

• Seeing Through Stones by Rajdeep Paulus

Pages Read: 288
Total Pages: 408

I finally feel as though I'm making some kind of progress! I've already read more than I do in a normal week, although I'm not at all following my TBR... whoops. 

Day 3: Bout of Books Challenge

Today's Bout of Books Challenge is originally from My Overstuffed Shelves.

It's in the format "If you liked ____, then you should try ____." 

It'll make more sense once I actually do it.

Let's get started! 

If you liked Pretty Little Liars by Sara ShepardThen try Don't Look Back by Jennifer L. Armentrout

Both of these books are mysteries revolving the lives of female protagonists who, in addition to solving a murder mystery, are also dealing with the everyday struggles of popularity, boyfriends and the general high school status quo. 

If you liked Blue Notes by Carrie LoftyThen try Wait For You by Jennifer L. Armentrout

Both of these books are heavy romance new adult novels, following a young girl, who has had a difficult past, going to college and meeting and falling in love with a hot older man. Both of them have some very steamy scenes, so primarily recommended to older teens. 

If you liked Unwind by Neal ShustermanThen try Swimming Through Clouds by Rajdeep Paulus

Although covering slightly different topics, both of them discuss extremely dark topic regarding the health and wellbeing of teenagers. Unwind covers the basis on more of a societal scale, while Swimming Through Clouds covers it on more of an individual scale. Both of these address gray areas and the fine line between hurting and helping. 

Seeing Through Stones | Rajdeep Paulus

I live in the in between. Between yesterday and forever. The way forward haunts me. The gap I must cover daunts me. And hope beckons, “Run to me,” but I just learned to walk.

After a lifetime of abuse, the Vanderbilt siblings flee their home, finally free to pursue new dreams while running from yesterday’s nightmares.

Once bed-ridden Jesse navigates the Chicago streets, concealing his identity and planning revenge. A chance encounter in the rain introduces a girl who offers Jesse a glimpse of a sunnier future, but how will he weather the growing storm inside himself?

Separated from her Post-it note prince, Talia hides at a safe house for survivors of domestic violence while her father turns the city upside-down to find her. Surrounded by women fighting their own demons, Talia faces her past at every turn.

Non-Spoiler Review

Seeing Through Stones is the sequel to Swimming Through Clouds, covering Talia's journey right where we leave off from the first book. In contrast to the first book, in Seeing Through Stones we get two different points of view, Jesse's and Talia's. I loved being able to see the difference in their thought process towards how to deal with their father. If you haven't read the first book, I completely recommend you check it out! Here's my review. Once you finish these books, come back so we can discuss!

Bout of Books: Day 1 Update

Hey Fantabulous Readers!

I just wanted to update you guys on my progress for the Bout of Books!

Currently Reading: 

• The Break- Up Artist by Philip Siegel 
• Seeing Through Stones by Rajdeep Paulus

Books Finished:

None...yet. 

Pages Read: 120
Total Pages: 120

I had my last final on Monday, so I wasn't able to get a lot of reading done. But with both Wednesday and Friday off from school, I'm planning to get some serious reading done. Let's see what happens! 

Bout of Books: Bookish Battle Royal Challenge

Welcome Fantabulous Readers!
As part of the Bout of Books, I'm going to be participating in the Bookish Battle Royal and plot dearly loved fictional characters against each other. This was originally created by My Life in Books.
The rules are simple:
1. Choose three or more fictional characters as combatants- they can be picked randomly or themed.
2. List two-three strengths and weaknesses of each contender.
3. Determine who would come out victorious and explain why.
4. Link in the comments below or tweet about the challenge using the hashtags #bookbattleroyal and #boutofbooks

I'm going to twist it up a bit and do two rounds, one for males and one for females.

Round One- Males

vs. 

vs. 

And the winner is...

Tobias "Four" Eaton

As much as I was rooting for Percy to win this battle, Four was the obvious winner. Despite his personal insecurity and stubbornness, Four is simply better suited and more trained for fighting. His ability to wield a gun and perform hand to hand combat would be more beneficial against these characters. He would easily manipulate Percy and take advantage of his excessive loyalty. Out of the three contenders, he's the one who has the least amount of people he cares about. Percy has his whole slew of friends, while Gale has his entire family. Four's stamina and intensive fighting skills, coming from Dauntless would help him win. 

Now onto the females. 

Round Two- Females

vs.

vs.

And the winner is *drum roll please*....

Annabeth Chase

This may have been one of the hardest decisions I've had to make just because all of these characters are so strong. Although my decision may still have been biased because of my infatuation with the Percy Jackson series. Annabeth has the intelligence to outsmart Katniss, who already seems on edge mentally. Although I think Annabeth and Tris are fairly tied up, fighting skill wise, Annabeth, being a daughter of athena, would most likely outsmart Tris, most likely by taking advantage of Tris's selflessness. 

And that was the Bookish Battle Royal Challenge! Let me know in the comments who you think should win! 

Swimming Through Clouds | Rajdeep Paulus

I live in the in between. Between what if and what is. It’s how I manage. It’s the only way I know. Everyone has their way. This is mine.

When high school, cell phone disruption forces a classroom ban, the words on a Post-it note spark a sticky romance between two unlikely friends. Transfer student Talia Vanderbilt has one goal at her new school: to blend in with the walls. Lagan Desai, basketball captain and mathlete, would do just about anything to befriend the new girl. One Post-it note at a time, Lagan persuades Talia to peel back her heart, slowly revealing her treasure chest of pain—an absent mother, a bedridden brother, and an abusive father. In a world where hurt is inevitable, the two teens search for a safe place to weather the storms of life. Together.

Non- Spoiler Review

I am absolutely in love with this book. It's a perfect mix of intensity and cuteness that just worked. If you've seen my other reviews, there were only a handful of other books that were worth a five star rating in my opinion. Every aspect of this book appealed to me; there wasn't a single part I didn't like. All the characters were so deep and realistic. The ones that you were supposed to love were loved to death, and the ones you were supposed to hate were hated with a fiery passion. And the romance wasn't overwhelming, like I thought it would be. Talia didn't just fall into Lagan's arms the chance she got, there was a slow and steady growth, which I enjoyed. The book really played with your emotions, some parts made me physically cringe, others made me cry, while others made me laugh and squeal with excitement. I really do recommend it to everyone, just with a fair warning it covers some pretty dark themes at times. 

Bout of Books 10.0

Hey Fantabulous Readers!

Since finals are finally over, I've decided to participate in the latest read-a-thon: Bout of Books 10.0. It starts on Monday, May 12th, and ends the following Sunday, May 18th. It's the first read-a-thon I've ever done, so I'm excited!

I honestly have no idea what I'm going to be reading during this week, since most of my decisions are going to be spur of the moment, but here are some of the books I'm hoping to get through.

Rebel Belle by Rachel Hawkins

The Break- Up Artist by Philip Siegel

The Selection by Kiera Cass

The Elite by Kiera Cass

The Calling by Louise White

Those are the books I'm hoping to get through this week. I'll be updating my progress each day and will be writing reviews as I finish each book so stay tuned! 

*The Bout of Books read-a-thon is organized by Amanda @ On a Book Bender and Kelly @ Reading the Paranormal. It is a week long read-a-thon that begins 12:01am Monday, May 12th and runs through Sunday, May 18th in whatever time zone you are in. Bout of Books is low-pressure, and the only reading competition is between you and your usual number of books read in a week. There are challenges, giveaways, and a grand prize, but all of these are completely optional. For all Bout of Books 10 information and updates, be sure to visit the Bout of Books blog.*