The synopsis:What did a paranormal investigation uncover at the Stanley
Hotel in Colorado, the hotel built in 1903 that inspired Stephen King’s The Shining?
What is the chilling history behind the Rolling Hills Asylum in Batavia, New York?
What happened when a man was overcome by an evil entity as Jason and Grant surveyed his home?
How can a Connecticut woman seem to exist in two places at once?
In
this hair-raising omnibus, Jason Hawes and Grant Wilson, founders of
The Atlantic Paranormal Society (T.A.P.S.), reveal the memorable and
spine-tingling cases featured in their smash-hit collections, Ghost Hunting and Seeking Spirits. From
their never-seen-on-television adventures as budding paranormal
investigators to the behind-the-scenes accounts of heart-pounding
supernatural encounters featured on their popular show, these
fascinating and frightening real life tales will keep you up at night!
My thoughts: I am obsessed with ghosts, so I was super excited to read this even though I've never watched Ghost Hunters. I was somewhat disappointed when I read that they approach everything as it being untrue, until that can be disproven, but in the end, that made it even more enthralling when it was a case where there was no way that the events happening could be explained away. Some of the stories was fantastic and had me wishing that the details weren't so sparse.
Labels: reviews, supernatural Thursday, December 29, 2011 | 0 Comments
Posted by AshleyMy thoughts: I loved this book for a bunch of different reasons. There's a lot of intensity in many, many different facets of Holly's life, starting with the fact that she's essentially the caregiver of her little sister, her mom, and now her grandfather. And she's wrestling with coming to terms of the loss of her boyfriend, in an accident she was in with him, on both an immature - and mature - level. The fact that it's also written from the perspective of Rob - which provided a completely different story than I've read before- and Jason, who was not only falling for Holly but was Rob's best friend and realizing that Rob was the glue that held a lot of things together, and dealing with the fallout of seeing things in a different light without Rob holding it together. It could have been a great story from that alone, but adding in not only the grandfather, and then the grandfather and Rob's relationship? One of the most unique, and best, stories of this year.
Wednesday, December 28, 2011 | 0 Comments
Posted by AshleyMy thoughts: Nicholas Sparks (whose books are a guilty pleasure of mine) has nothing on DiLallo and Patterson. I gobbled up this book in less than two hours. Romance is a huge part, but the overwhelming theme is the testament of love and family, and what better way to tell that story without the fear of it being labeled cheesy/corny than to tell it at Christmas? I'm not one to find these stories cheesy or corny, but rather endearing and enduring. And as much buzz as Jason Wright's books have gotten for their message, I hope this story finds its way into the hands of the same buzzers. As famous as Patterson is, his stories vary dramatically based on who his underwriter is. And DiLallo certainly fleshed out an amazing, upbeat, funny tale that really embodies what Christmas is about.
Sunday, December 25, 2011 | 1 Comments
Posted by Ashley
The synopsis: Delaney Collins doesn't believe in fairy tales. And why should she? Her mom is
dead, her best friend is across the country, and she's stuck in California with
"Dr. Hank," her famous life-coach father—a man she barely knows. Happily ever
after? Yeah, right.Then Dr. Hank tells her an outrageous secret: he's a fairy godmother—an f.g.—and he can prove it. And by the way? The f.g. gene is hereditary. Meaning there's a good chance that New Jersey tough girl Delaney is someone's fairy godmother.
But what happens when a fairy godmother needs a wish of her own?
Labels: critical review, reviews, teen reads Monday, December 19, 2011 | 1 Comments
Posted by Ashley
The synopsis: In this latest contemporary update of Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice, the four Benton sisters are uprooted from their life in Massachusetts to sunny Los Angeles, where everyone they meet at Coral Tree Prep has rich and famous parents. The oldest girls, high school junior and senior Elise and Juliana, are appropriately spunky and sweet-natured stand-ins for Elizabeth and Jane, appearing along with the rest of Austen's cast. Darcy becomes Derek, the handsome but prickly son of Brangelina-level celebrities; Wickam is Webster, who charms his way into the middle of Elise and Derek's budding romance; and Bingley becomes Chase, who is immediately taken with Juliana and destined to end up with her, too. (I stole this one from Publisher's Weekly). Labels: fun, reviews, teen reads, young adult Saturday, December 17, 2011 | 0 Comments
Posted by Ashley
The synopsis: When an unexpected inheritance enables Ari to transfer to an elite Manhattan prep school, she makes a wealthy new friend, Leigh. Leigh introduces Ari to the glamorous side of New York—and to her gorgeous cousin, Blake. Ari doesn't think she stands a chance, but amazingly, Blake asks her out. As their romance heats up, they find themselves involved in an intense, consuming relationship. Ari's family worries that she is losing touch with the important things in life, like family, hard work, and planning for the future. When misfortune befalls Blake's family, he pulls away, and Ari's world drains of color. As she struggles to get over the breakup, Ari must finally ask herself: were their feelings true love . . . or something else?
Labels: compelling, reviews, teen reads Friday, December 16, 2011 | 2 Comments
Posted by AshleyZahra, Kali, and Syd would never have met if their parents' marriages hadn't fallen apart. But when the three girls collide in group counseling, they discover they have something else in common: they've each been triple-timed by the same nefarious charmer, Eric, aka Rico, aka Rick. Talk about eye-opening therapy.
Cheerful, diplomatic Zahra is devastated. Rico had been her rock and sole confidant. How could she have missed the signs? Free-spirited, flirtatious Kali feels almost as bad. She and Rick hadn't been together long, but they'd felt so promising. Hardened vintage-vixen Syd is beyond tears. She and Eric had real history... Or so she'd thought. Now all three girls have one mission: to show that cheater the folly of his ways.
Project Payback is such a success, the girls soon have clients lining up for their consulting services. Is your boyfriend acting shady? Are you dying to know if your crush is into you? If you need a little help to make-up, break-up or meet someone new, look no further than Love, Inc.
My thoughts: First of all, can we talk about how cute this cover is? Seriously, I love it. Second - the main characters. I love how different they all are, and how damaged. This isn't to say I'm revelling in their damagedness but I like how open and exposed to their flaws we are from the beginning. It's new. And somehow, seeing them that way makes them much more likable to me. While the book wasn't a hard hitter, it was a fun romp with a very nice ending on a high note for all involved, and their loved ones. How can you not close the book with a smile that way?
Labels: family, reviews, teen reads | 0 Comments
Posted by Ashley
The synopsis: Despite her name, Keats Sedlak is the sanest person in her large, nutty family of brilliant eccentrics. Her parents, both brainy academics, are barely capable of looking after themselves, let alone anyone else, and her two uber-intelligent siblings live on their own planets.
At least she can count on one person in her life, her devoted boyfriend Tom. Down-to-earth and loving, he's the one thing that's kept Keats grounded for the last decade. But when Keats's mother makes a surprise announcement, the entire family is sent into a tailspin. For the first time, Keats can't pick up the pieces by herself. Now she must reevaluate everything she's ever assumed about herself and her family-and make the biggest decision of her life.
My thoughts: I can't get enough of Claire LaZebnik. Cannot. There's no formula for her work except that it's got her special flair thrown in which is sure to make the story that much more fun. Lots of authors can feel very formulaic but her stuff is always fresh and fun. That's the only thing you can be assured of with a novel of hers. On the book itself: had anyone else written this and I read the description I might have put it down because it sounds..done. So I bought it based on cover and author recognition only. And I was not disappointed at all. Zany characters abound and Keats struggles so hard to be normal in a family of eccentrics, but when she lets go, she flourishes and realizes normal's not all it's cracked up to be.
Labels: chick lit, fun, reviews Thursday, December 15, 2011 | 1 Comments
Posted by Ashley
The synopsis: In this companion novel to Anna and the French Kiss, two teens discover that true love may be closer than they think My thoughts: Ok, so I didn't love this one as much as Anna and the French Kiss, but I think that had I not read this as a follow up, but as a stand alone - I would have enjoyed it much more. Does that make sense? Lola was just toooooo much for me, whereas I loved Anna from the beginning to end. Lola grew on me, absolutely but she wasn't as endearing as Anna. Cricket though - I love Cricket. Seriously, while I adore Etienne, Cricket is much more the guy I fall for. Etienne has that je ne sais quoi, but I adore the awkward, tall, shy guy. I can't wait for what's behind door #3. Why oh why do we have to wait a whole year? So not nice.
Labels: quirky, reviews, romance, teen reads Wednesday, December 14, 2011 | 1 Comments
Posted by AshleyWelcome to New Avalon, where everyone has a personal fairy. Though invisible to the naked eye, a personal fairy, like a specialized good luck charm, is vital to success. And in the case of the students at New Avalon Sports High, it might just determine whether you make the team, pass a class, or find that perfect outfit. But for 14-year-old Charlie, having a Parking Fairy is worse than having nothing at all—especially when the school bully carts her around like his own personal parking pass. Enter: The Plan. At first, teaming up with arch-enemy Fiorenza (who has an All-The-Boys-Like-You Fairy) seems like a great idea. But when Charlie unexpectedly gets her heart’s desire, it isn’t at all what she thought it would be like, and she’ll have resort to extraordinary measures to ditch her fairy. The question is: will Charlie herself survive the fairy ditching experiment?
My thoughts: This book was so weird. And I loved every second of it. I love that there is a new language inside of it, I love that there's a character who calls out the weirdness of the place that they're in since he's a new comer, I love that the main character's dad doesn't believe in fairies, but seeks out help for his daughter regarding her fairy, and I love that there was a dictionary in the back to let people learn this new language. I really hope Larbalestier writes more like this, because it was completely fresh and unique. And I want more.
Labels: funny, quirky, reviews, teen reads Tuesday, December 13, 2011 | 2 Comments
Posted by AshleyBut when the vice president of the student council discovers her secret, Cass’s whole scheme hangs in the balance. Tim wants her to help him contact his recently deceased mother, and Cass reluctantly agrees.
As Cass becomes increasingly entwined in Tim’s life, she’s surprised to realize he’s not so bad—and he needs help more desperately than anyone else suspects. Maybe it’s time to give the living another chance….
My thoughts: I think this was more middle grade than YA, but the storyline was incredibly moving and kept me riveted (and did more than a little tugging at my heartstrings). With Cass trying so hard to be what her mother wants, when she feels like what her mother wants is her older sister to come back - if even in place of Cass, is heartbreaking. And Tim's heartache and sorrow over the loss of his mom is palpable. A really great book for a quick read that resonates.
Labels: reviews, tear jerker, teen reads Monday, December 12, 2011 | 0 Comments
Posted by AshleyPerhaps you want to know what Mindy thinks makes a great best friend (someone who will fill your prescription in the middle of the night), or what makes a great guy (one who is aware of all elderly people in any room at any time and acts accordingly), or what is the perfect amount of fame (so famous you can never get convicted of murder in a court of law), or how to maintain a trim figure (you will not find that information in these pages). If so, you’ve come to the right book, mostly!
In Is Everyone Hanging Out Without Me?, Mindy invites readers on a tour of her life and her unscientific observations on romance, friendship, and Hollywood, with several conveniently placed stopping points for you to run errands and make phone calls. Mindy Kaling really is just a Girl Next Door—not so much literally anywhere in the continental United States, but definitely if you live in India or Sri Lanka.
Labels: actor, comedy, funny, humor, reviews, television Sunday, December 11, 2011 | 1 Comments
Posted by AshleyNow it's Kate's turn.
Then she meets Henry. Dark. Tortured. And mesmerizing. He claims to be Hades, god of the Underworld--and if she accepts his bargain, he'll keep her mother alive while Kate tries to pass seven tests.
My thoughts: So obviously even though I swore the ghostly stuff didn't do it for me, YA proved me wrong on that. I've always been fascinated by ghosts and I found a great quenching in the YA genre. Another thing I've always been intrigued by is Greek mythology. Seriously, I used to sit in front of WGN on Saturdays to watch Xena and Hercules (I'm not proud of this). So this one intrigued me right off the bat, especially with this gorgeous cover. Talk about a new spin. What could have gone seriously wrong was brilliantly written and navigated by Aimee Carter. Nothing about this was predictable for me, and while there were a couple of parts I felt were a little too loose-ended, when I found out it was the first in a series, I was super amped. Goddess Interrupted will be released in March.
Labels: obsessed, reviews, supernatural, teen reads Saturday, December 10, 2011 | 0 Comments
Posted by Ashley
The synopsis: After being sent back from the light, Alona Dare–former homecoming queen, current Queen of the Dead–finds herself doing something she never expected: working. Instead of spending days perfecting her tan by the pool (her typical summer routine when she was, you know, alive), Alona must now cater to the needs of other lost spirits. By her side for all of this, ugh, “helping of others” is Will Killian: social outcast, seer of the dead, and someone Alona cares about more than she’d like. Unfortunately for Alona, Will has other stuff on his mind, and Mina, a young (and beautiful) seer, is at the top of the list. She’s the first ghost-talker Will’s ever met—aside from his father—and she may hold answers to Will’s troubled past. But can she be trusted? Alona immediately signs her name in the “clearly not” column. But Will is, ahem, willing to find out, even if it means leaving a hurt and angry Alona to her own devices, which is never a good idea.
My thoughts: How cute are these covers?! So now the chemistry has heated up and now there's a ghostly romance simmering between Alona and Will. If only Will could have calmed her high maintenance routine when she was alive *sigh*. But we've gotten to see now a much fleshier picture of each of the two characters, and honestly I'm a little in love with both of them. Do NOT like this Mina girl at all though. The cliffhanger is a doozy and leaves me eagerly awaiting the conclusion of The Ghost and the Goth (even though I wish the publishers would jump on this and make it a full fledged series).
Labels: reviews, series spotlight, supernatural, teen reads, trilogy, young adult Friday, December 9, 2011 | 2 Comments
Posted by AshleyMy thoughts: I'm a total judge a book by it's cover kind of gal, and while I think this is a stupid cute cover, I would have and did totally pass this book over for months, until the reviews popped up on all my favorite book blogs, so I went to the bookstore and grabbed it, read the book jacket, and was sold when I saw the author's picture and read her bio details. She's fun! She's whimsical! She's funny! You know what? Anna is one of the most likable, relatable characters in a book that I've seen in a very long time. And Etienne? Well, I swooned. Several times. Even with his dumbness over his status, it was all well-intentioned and he truly seemed pained to hurt anybody. Their love was one for the books (pun not intended, I swear), and I only wish I could find something that leaps out as so right and perfect some day. I'm totally into the this trilogy.
Labels: reviews, romance, teen reads, young adult Thursday, December 8, 2011 | 4 Comments
Posted by Ashley
The synopsis: A debut novel that introduces Charley Davidson: part-time private investigator and full-time Grim Reaper. My thoughts: SQUEEEE sums it up pretty nicely. My review on this is lonnnnnnnnnnng overdue, but as soon as I read this, I went out and picked up the follow up (seriously, do yourselves a favor and try out this series.) and wanted to read that immediately also. Alas, this was right at moving time and Second Grave has been hidden in the shuffle of my book closet. Which is actually a good thing because the third installment comes out soon and then I'll just have to start from scratch and again. More time with Charley is not something you'd have to force me to endure. Seriously here's all the info needed: 1) Look at that cover. 2) Sassy, heroine full of spunk and wit who also sees ghosts? 3) Hot men abound. Seriously, there's a detective she both loathes and lusts after, and there's her dream lover. Except her dream lover is not a dream, he might be a nightmare - He's either a ghost or a demon. Trouble on the love front, but from two drool worthy men? I'm so in.
Labels: chick lit, reviews, supernatural Wednesday, December 7, 2011 | 1 Comments
Posted by AshleyMy thoughts: First off, how cute is this cover? Second - this book description caught my eye and reminded me of the Dairy Queen series which always grabs my attention at the bookstore but for some reason or another, I never follow through. Between this and Shut Out (which I have on my wish list too), I knew I needed to read one of these and boy am I glad I got Catching Jordan first. Light and fluffy without being frivolous, this was the perfect starting point and whetter of my appetite for more bada$$ girls starting on their respective school teams and having the wit and wherewithal to not need constant validation through any other means than proving themselves. Jordan was an awesome character and Ty/Henry made me swoon throughout. Bonus? While there was the element of girl proving herself and making some/many eat crow, the romance element in Catching Jordan was to die and the real grabber of my attention. I love that the expected outcome wasn't a sure thing in any part of the novel. Looking forward to a) adding Miranda Kenneally to my to be watched list and b) immediately continuing to devour this trend/type with Shut Out. Grab this book, set aside two (three max)hours for yourself sometime this holiday season, and enjoy.
Labels: romance, sponsored, teen reads, young adult Tuesday, December 6, 2011 | 1 Comments
Posted by AshleyLabels: One for the Money Movie, stephanie plum | 0 Comments
Posted by HollyWhat if Stephanie Plum was coming over for the Holidays? You have until 12/21 to prepare the perfect meal. Creativity is essential, and the winner will be someone who knows well what Miss Plum craves most! Prizes include being featured on the OFTM page, prize packs, and a gift card to Walmart! Submit your entries now here.
Labels: One for the Money Movie, stephanie plum | 0 Comments
Posted by Holly
The synopsis: Alona Dare–Senior in high school, co-captain of the cheerleading squad, Homecoming Queen three years in a row, voted most likely to marry a movie star…and newly dead. My thoughts: I'm so bummed that this is a trilogy and not a full on series. It's that much fun. While Alona may be of the Mean Girl variety, she's definitely of the entertaining sort also. And the chemistry between Will and Alona? Fantastic and never boring. When Alona appoints herself Will's spirit guide to help him navigate dealing with all the dead who make him (seem) crazy, things take a turn for the kooky. A light, fluffy romp - I'd recommend this one to just about any fans of supernatural who want a fun distraction for a couple of hours.
Labels: reviews, series spotlight, supernatural, teen reads, young adult Monday, December 5, 2011 | 1 Comments
Posted by Ashley











