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Review: Want by Stephanie Lawton Blog Tour

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ABOUT THE BOOK

Title: Want

Genre: Young Adult, Contemporary
Publisher: InkSpell Publishing
Release Date: 7 June 2012
Pages: 283 (eARC)
Julianne counts the days until she can pack her bags and leave her old-money, tradition-bound Southern town where appearance is everything and secrecy is a way of life. A piano virtuoso, she dreams of attending a prestigious music school in Boston. Failure is not an option, so she enlists the help of New England Conservatory graduate Isaac Laroche to help her.
She can’t understand why he suddenly gave up Boston’s music scene to return to the South. He doesn’t know her life depends on escaping it. Julianne must face down madness from without, just as it threatens from within. Isaac must resist an inappropriate attraction, but an indiscretion at a Mardi Gras ball—the pinnacle event for Mobile’s elite—forces their present wants and needs to collide with sins of the past.
THE RATING
* * *
THE REVIEW
“The thing that makes us great is the same thing that drags us down.” This quote completely and utterly defines what I was looking for in Want. Artists are troubled human beings; they are unstable and moody at their best and at their worst. They are made out of stuff normal human beings cannot comprehend or are unable to. 
Julianne is on a path to self-destruction despite having a seemingly normal family life. But underneath all that normal are double-standards and secrecy which Julianne has had enough of. Her piano skills are the only way of getting her a one-way ticket out of the hellhole of a town. But when things go bad, they are bound to become worse for Julianne.
As Julianne’s piano teacher falls ill, she is forced to practice under a new teacher by the name of Isaac Laroche. Isaac is bad news for Julianne from the start, he has a ton of emotional baggage and a dark side surrounding him for a mile. But it is inevitable for Julianne to fall for him. Reading Want, I never gave a second thought to how bad Isaac really is for Julianne. Also, the other major issue in Julianne’s life regarding her mother kind of just sucked me in.
Want is a very emotional read because you can see that Julianne is going to spontaneously combust one of these days and is on the verge of a nervous breakdown with all the beating she has to take and the way Isaac keeps shutting her out more than he lets her in. Julianne is really unable to see that Isaac is just a shell of a man he was once. Moreover, she holds back when it comes to composing pieces. It is Dave who finally make her break free of her hesitation.
Dave is Isaac’s best friend and his complete opposite. Where Isaac is dark and broody, Dave is light and fun to be with. I was surprised at the role he played in Julianne’s life when her father is always too busy, her brother is away at college and a mother who is good for nothing. It is no surprise that for Julianne, playing piano is only the form of escapism she has and craves.
The way things ended in Want was pretty unpredictable for me and now that I think about it, I think I like the ending. The cover is absolutely gorgeous and I am glad I get to read a book where a musical instrument is the main focus. I look forward to reading more by Stephanie Lawton.

THE QUOTES

Isaac heaves a sigh and motions for me to scoot over. “Okay, listen. I’m going to tell you something. About a theory I have.”
“About me? Oh, sorry. There I go again with the selfish crap. It’s not all about me.”
“This kind of is. Both of us. It’s artistic burden, the theory that all creative people like being weird and moody and need some…unbalance or crisis. The thing that makes us great is the same thing that drags us down. Writers and painters suffer, too.”

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

After collecting a couple English degrees in the Midwest, Stephanie Lawton suddenly awoke in the deepest reaches of the Deep South. Culture shock inspired her to write about Mobile, Alabama, her adopted city, and all the ways Southern culture, history and attitudes seduce the unsuspecting.
A lover of all things gothic, she can often be spotted photographing old cemeteries, historic buildings and, ironically, the beautiful beaches of the Gulf Coast. She also has a tendency to psychoanalyze people, which comes in handy when creating character profiles.
Stephanie Lawton can be found at 
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Thanks to Stephanie Lawton and EBT for providing me a copy of Want for review.

Review: When It Happens by Susane Colasanti

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Genre: Young Adult, Contemporary
Publisher: Simon Pulse
Release Date: 1 May 2008
Pages: 336 (eBook)

Synopsis

At the start of senior year, Sara wants two things: to get into her first-choice college and to find true love. Tobey also wants two things: to win Battle of the Bands and to make Sara fall in love with him.
Dave, the boy Sara was hoping would realize she exists, moves in on Sara first. But Tobey is impossible for Sara to ignore. He gets the little things that matter to her and, most importantly, he feels like something real. Can a slacker rock star wannabe win the heart of a pretty class brain like Sara?

My Rating
* *
The Review
The synopsis of When It Happens was interesting; unfortunately, that’s not what I cay say about the book. It falls short and by a large margin as well. I was really psyched to read Susane Colasanti after Something Like Fate. Thus, I decided to read this out the three options I had: Waiting For You and Take Me There. 
My feelings about the book could be summed up by a repetitive dialog in the book, “You”re so much more than you”re letting yourself be.” That’s what I felt like saying to the author, as the seemingly interesting storyline got more and more frivolous. 
I know that Dave thought of girls in terms of sex but so did Tobey; his thoughts weren’t just as pronounced and as forceful. Plus, the whole slacker thing with Tobey didn’t work out well enough, either. Moreover, the whole Battle of the Bands aspect also lagged behind in the development area. 
The character of Sara got immature with all the self-indulgence about being in the popular world and then studying like a maniac. On the one hand, she’s proud to be a nerd and on the other, she can’t resist the high life? What high life, the popping pills in try rooms one? 
In all, I had high expectations for this book. But Maggie turned out to be not what I thought and the book’s target audience is probably 11 to 15. Granted, it did make me laugh with on all the corny jokes but, after a while, the story got way too messed up that I just rushed through it.
Best Quote:

“And there are a million possibilities. Like the possibility of going separate ways. Together.”

Review: Off Limits by Renee Pace Blog Tour

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Title: Off Limits (Nitty Gritty, #2)

Author: Renee Pace
Genre: Young Adult,
Publisher: N/A
Release Date: 8 December 2011
Pages: 164 (eBook)

Synopsis
Lindsay looks and acts like the perfect fifteen year-old, but she’s hiding a dirty little secret that no amount of fashionista coverings can make better. Telling her mother her step-father is molesting her is not an option. Trying to kill herself again haunts her more than the scars on her wrists, and pretending to be perfect at school might very well drive her over the edge. 
Megan knows all about lying. It’s been part of her life ever since she realized the only way to escape her poverty-stricken neighborhood was to work hard, keep her mouth shut and wear a mask no one can penetrate. All that changes when Lindsay befriends her.
Can two girls who have little in common discover the value of a real friendship or will the secrets they dare not speak destroy them both?

My Rating
* * *
The Review
I chose to read and review Off Limits because I wanted a taste of hardcore realistic fiction and that’s exactly what I got. Off Limits is not the usual contemporary YA, it’s serious and makes one think. Moreover, the book offered something I don’t usually read about so I am glad I read it.
I identified more with Megan than Lindsay maybe because I couldn’t think of myself as someone who can allow someone else to treat me that way. So to say that Lindsay did have a choice in the matter but she was too scared to go through with it would be correct. Also, ignorance is bliss so thinking about it not happening to her and detaching herself from it probably did the work. Yet, I found the whole situation to be absolutely horrifying. 
Megan, on the other hand, is stronger than Lindsay. She stands up for herself and is smarter than anyone would know her to be. Sure she keeps to herself and know she that getting good grades is far more important than any social life in the Prep school. She’s got her insecurities all right and knows much more about rape and molestation than Lindsay could ever know. 
Therefore, Megan and Lindsay are more alike than any of the girls they associate with. They can help each other see the good in the other. I just didn’t like it when Lindsay chose to ignore Megan and refused to actually see what she is all about. But I was glad when she agreed to help Peter and come out of her comfort zone. 
By the end of the book, both Megan and Lindsay went through change. They matured in more ways than one. I was engrossed in the book and got sad when it ended all too suddenly. I hope I get to know more about what happened to Megan and Lindsay in future.
Best Quote:

“We’re both crying for two different reasons. Her hand soothes my hair but I’m not relaxed. We went down this road once before. I’ve got the scars to prove it.”

About the Author
Renee Pace is a multi-published author who likes to tackle real teen issues in her nitty gritty series. She calls Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada home. Mother of four she juggles writing, deadlines and her children’s hectic schedules. She is a member of Romance Writers of America, Romance Writers of Atlantic Canada, the Writers Federation of Nova Scotia, and the Society of Children Writers & Illustrators.
Her first nitty gritty book, Off Leash was a 2011 semi-finalist in the Amazon Breakthrough Novel Contest. Her second book Off Limits tackles poverty and sexual abuse, and for her third book, Off Stroke debuting May 2012 Pace writes about young love and prejudice.
Renee Pace can be found at 
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Review: Going Under by Georgia Cates Blog Tour

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Title: Going Under
Author: Georgia Cates
Genre: Young Adult, Contemporary
Publisher: Georgia Cates
Release Date: 10 March 2012
Pages: 230 (eBook)


Synopsis
Jessie Boone is a self proclaimed bad boy and doesn’t march to the beat of anyone’s drum, but his own. Growing up in less than desirable circumstances has made him no stranger to the hard knock life and his determination to leave it behind is fierce. When he finds himself transferred to East Franklin High School, he sees his opportunity to use his athletic ability to snag a college football scholarship, but Forbes Henderson, the player Jessie means to replace isn’t giving up his spot willingly. In fact, Forbes is willing to go to extreme measures to retain his place as first string quarterback. When Forbes’ malicious plan to injure his replacement fails, Jessie is furious and determined to show him he messed with the wrong person; not only is he going to take the position of first string quarterback, he’s going to take his girl, too. 
Claire Deveraux is perfection at it’s best. She is beautiful, intelligent and unaware she just became Jessie Boone’s conquest as revenge against her boyfriend, Forbes Henderson. Like her flawless performance as the perfect daughter and student, Claire’s production of being the perfect girlfriend has everyone fooled, except Jessie Boone, and she fears this tattooed bad boy will see her secret desire to explore his crude threats and promises to rock her perfect world. If she decides to give in to one uninhibited moment with Jessie, will she learn too late that it was all an act of vengeance or will Jessie learn the taste of first love is sweeter than that of revenge?
My Rating
* * * *
The Review
I am going to give it straight and I am going to say that Going Under is one of the best reads of 2012. I loved it! It had been so long since I last read a good contemporary young adult book and Going Under was perfect to remind me why I should read more contemporary YA books. Jessie and Claire are so likeable and engaging. I was engrossed from the first chapter.
Jessie is a bad boy with good intentions and so I never can resist a story about an unwilling bad boy. I couldn’t stop wondering about the tattoo on his upper left arm! Jessie just got transferred into a rich and preppy high school and went head-first into conflict from day one. I really liked how he had this thing about never backing down especially from a challenge. I loved his interactions with Forbes, the ex-starting quarterback. 
Claire is one of a kind. The one whose life seems perfect on the outside but in truth, it is just a facade because she doesn’t feel so perfect but is afraid to come out of the comfort zone. Then having Payton as a BFF kind of rubbed off on her and I absotively loved how they had this habit of constructing new words. Payton was hilarious.
Going Under is so much more than I expected it to be. It is drenched in emotions and so be expected to go on one hell of an emotional ride. I loved how Georgia handled the conflict Jessie was in and Going Under was a very unpredictable read for me. But in the best of ways possible. I loved the chemistry between Jessie and Claire!
Jessie accepts who he is which is why he doesn’t hope. He has lived a life unimaginable for an 18-year-old to be living. But he has. While, Claire is not as fragile as everyone believes. She is feisty and stubborn as hell. I really liked how the relationship and the story unfolded for Jessie and Claire. It couldn’t have been better than that. Go on and read Going Under and you’ll know what I am talking about.
Best Quote:

“Dane was encouraging me to hope for something that would never happen,but it was a lesson I learned early in life-don’t allow myself to hope because it was life’s cruel joke of lifting you higher before dropping you flat on your ass.”

About the Author
I reside in rural Mississippi with my wonderful husband, Jeff, and our two beautiful daughters. 
I spent thirteen years as a labor and delivery nurse before I decided to pursue my dream of becoming an author.

Blood of Anteros, Book One in The Vampire Agápe Series, was my first novel and it was released in September 2011.

I decided to step away from the paranormal genre to try my hand at a young adult romance and I loved it. It was so much fun, I plan to do it again in the near future.
Georgia Cates can be found at 
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Review: Two-Way Street by Lauren Barnholdt

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Genre: Young Adult, Contemporary
Publisher: Simon Pulse
Release Date: 26 July 2007
Pages: 304 (eBook)

Synopsis
There are two sides to every breakup.

This is Jordan and Courtney, totally in love. Sure, they were an unlikely high school couple. But they clicked; it worked. They’re even going to the same college, and driving cross-country together for orientation.

Then Jordan dumps Courtney — for a girl he met on the Internet.

It’s too late to change plans, so the road trip is on. Courtney’s heartbroken, but figures she can tough it out for a few days. La la la — this is Courtney pretending not to care.

But in a strange twist, Jordan cares. A lot.

Turns out, he’s got a secret or two that he’s not telling Courtney. And it has everything to do with why they broke up, why they can’t get back together, and how, in spite of it all, this couple is destined for each other.

My Rating
* * * *
The Review
As soon as I read the backside of Two-Way Street, I wanted to read it. It is always interesting to read such books of conflicting interests. Albeit, I figured out the main conflict about 50 pages into the book. It was predictable. But the thing is that I didn’t mind it because I wanted to read the jibes being exchanged throughout their journey. Jordan and Courtney are not together anymore and Courtney is not aware of the real reason Jordan broke up with her. But both are still pretty much in love. So the jealousy naturally ensues.
It was so engrossing to read about the thinking process of Jordan and Courtney. The way they handled their BFFs and how they both evolved. It was all so different ’cause they actually liked each other before the trip. The flashbacks and the way they brought out the best and the worst in each other were fun to read. All those thing Courtney did to get the attention of Jordan only made him want her more. Ah…what fun!
I liked the character of Jordan more at times, his views on making it hard for the cheerleader to get him. However, it was somewhat player-ish of him. Also, I didn’t really liked the whole night of the party when Courtney wanted to tell Lloyd about her feelings. That was so twisted because of how fast everything happened and it got all messed up at the end of the night. 
In all, Two-Way Street was a hilarious read and the best thing was that we get the point of views from Courtney and Jordan, both. It all fit together so well and I appreciate the book because of what it tried to communicate about. B.J and Jocelyn, their BFFs were awesome, too! Don’t miss out on a great, light, summer read!
Best Quote:

“Maybe it’s our bodies’ way of telling us we were meant to be. Or maybe I, like, cuddle raped him or something.”