Book Review: Sidelined by Kendra C. Highley

Published October 1st 2013

Genre:  YA/Contemporary

Copy provided by Netgalley

Synopsis:

After being pushed to excel her entire life, high school basketball star Genna Pierce is finally where she wants to be. University scouts are taking notice, her team is on its way to the state tourney, and Jake Butler, the hot boy she’s daydreamed about since ninth grade, is showing somedefinite interest. When he asks her out and their relationship takes off, Genna believes things can’t get better.

Then, it’s over.

A freak accident ends her career before it’s even begun. Her parents are fighting more than ever, her friends don’t understand what she’s going through, and she’s not sure who she is without basketball. And while he tries to be there for her, Genna doesn’t understand how Jake could ever want the broken version of the girl he fell for.

Her life in a tailspin, Genna turns to the only solace that eases her pain: Vicodin.

Review by Jennifer

I’ve watched enough television to see that addiction isn’t pretty.  It’s messy, hard to kick, and covers up issues that no one wants to face.  Sidelined takes a look at addiction and how it easily slips in to take over.

Genna is a strong character.  She’s bright, athletic, and driven.  Her future is mapped out.  She knows what she wants and how she is going to get there.  The only problem is life doesn’t always go as planned.  Genna doesn’t have a plan B when her goals are rearranged for her.  I really liked the way the story played out.  It was a gradual build of everything caving in until it had to be dealt with.  I think everything was just so overwhelming for the girl that had it together until she needed something to help her cope.  Her pain wasn’t just physical, but emotional as well.  Unfortuantely, she let the prescription pain killer become her coping mechanism.

Watching the spiral was heartbreaking.  I think the author did a great job of highlighting the problem.  I’ve never been addicted to anything (unless chocolate counts) to the point of letting it consume me.  I appreciate the realism of what takes place.

The good thing about this story is even though Genna was pushing people away, she still had support.  Her father was amazing.  She got the help she needed.  The story ended on a positive note.  I think it’s to show that no matter how low you sink, there is always a way up.  She had the support of friends, family, and her therapist.

I really recommend this book.  It shows the emotion, the craving, and the healing.  It’s a journey that is real and raw.  We all get sidelined now and again.  It made me take a look at what I do to cope when things go another way than what I had planned.  This was a great read and I hope you take a chance on it.

Book review: The Scar Boys by Len Vlahos

Published January 21, 2014

Genre:  YA

Copy provided by Netgalley

Synopsis:

A severely burned teenager. A guitar. Punk rock. The chords of a rock ‘n’ roll road trip in a coming-of-age novel that is a must-read story about finding your place in the world…even if you carry scars inside and out.

In attempting to describe himself in his college application essay–help us to become acquainted with you beyond your courses, grades, and test scores–Harbinger (Harry) Jones goes way beyond the 250-word limit and gives a full account of his life.

The first defining moment: the day the neighborhood goons tied him to a tree during a lightning storm when he was 8 years old, and the tree was struck and caught fire. Harry was badly burned and has had to live with the physical and emotional scars, reactions from strangers, bullying, and loneliness that instantly became his everyday reality.

The second defining moment: the day in 8th grade when the handsome, charismatic Johnny rescued him from the bullies and then made the startling suggestion that they start a band together. Harry discovered that playing music transported him out of his nightmare of a world, and he finally had something that compelled people to look beyond his physical appearance. Harry’s description of his life in his essay is both humorous and heart-wrenching. He had a steeper road to climb than the average kid, but he ends up learning something about personal power, friendship, first love, and how to fit in the world. While he’s looking back at the moments that have shaped his life, most of this story takes place while Harry is in high school and the summer after he graduates.

Review by Jennifer

What makes my reading experience more interesting is when I can relate to the characters.  It could be the name of the character, an experience they had, or the same interests.  I found that in this book.  I could relate to Harry and all his scars.

There are issues in this book that, I think, will speak to many readers.  In this day and age we see on the news, the internet, and even in our day to day lives bullying.  It’s become this big issue in our schools and unfortunately it doesn’t ever stop.  Someone is always ready to step in and take up the position of bully.  If we look close enough we might just see in our own situations that either we were the bully or we were the one being bullied.  This story just spoke volumes to me.  With the incident that happened to Harry that left him scarred to the treatment he received because of those scars had my heart breaking for him.  I could relate.  I didn’t get my scars from intentional meanness, but from whatever genetics were at work in my DNA.  For my whole life I have had a skin reaction to the sun.  My body has scars from it.  I was teased for it.  Just like Harry.  He was teased for his scars, I’m sure his were way worse than mine but I could just feel all those feelings again while reading this book.

There’s so much emotion in this book.  Harry does find a way to become more than his scars.  His friendship with Johnny is that turning point.  Music becomes their thing, and eventually they have their band…The Scar Boys.  I loved reading Harry’s journey.  It wasn’t an easy one but I wouldn’t want it to be that way.  Life is not easy and things don’t wrap up in nice little packages.  Harry learns a few things a long the way and I believe he is a better, stronger person for it.  His friend Johnny, on the surface, seems to be great for Harry, but I found him to be controlling and selfish.  I liked him only for the fact that he was the one that got Harry out of his hiding.  Whether it was from encouragement or Harry getting ticked off doesn’t matter.  Harry came into his own.

The conclusion of the story was ironic.  Tables are turned and Harry is the voice of reason.  He gets to step into the role that Johnny was for him.

I loved the way the story was told.  I loved the characters.  I loved everything about this story.  It’s one of those that will be with me for a while because it resonated within me.

Book review: We are the Goldens by Dana Reinhardt

Published May 27th 2014

Genre:  YA

Copy provided by Netgalley

Synopsis:

Nell knows a secret about her perfect, beautiful sister Layla. If she tells, it could blow their world apart.

When Nell and Layla were little, Nell used to call them Nellayla. Because to Nell, there was no difference between where she started and her adored big sister ended. They’re a unit; divorce made them rely on each other early on, so when one pulls away, what is the other to do? But now, Nell’s a freshman in high school and Layla is changing, secretive. And then Nell discovers why. Layla is involved with one of their teachers. And even though Nell tries to support Layla, to understand that she’s happy and in love, Nell struggles with her true feelings: it’s wrong, and she must do something about it.

Review by Jennifer

First, I have to say that I liked the writing style.  It was a refreshing take on character point of view.  The person telling the story is Nell.  She does it in such a way that she’s not talking to the reader as events unfold, but to her sister explaining her reasons for why she must tell.  It’s really quite remarkable.

The story grabbed my attention from the first moment.  Like everyone else, I enjoy learning a secret.  With Nell’s voice she wavers between what is right and what is wrong.  Should she tell or let things slide?  It’s really captivating to read what goes on in the lives of Nell and her sister.

The whole idea of teacher/student relationships and the lines that get cross are not new ones.  It’s in the news every so often.  This story looks at it in a different way, from the close bond of sisters.  Nell’s reactions to everything going on were natural and real.  The love she has for her sister is obvious and heartbreaking.

This book was not what I was expecting.  I liked the title and thought it would lend to a good story.  When someone says they’re “golden”, it usually means that everything is perfect.  However, in this story, there are cracks and flaws to the Goldens.  It’s really a great play on the words.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book.  Not to be cheesy or anything, but it really is “golden”.  (see what I did there? I, too, can play with words)

Book Review: Aspen by Rebekah Crane

Published June 5th 2014

Genre:  YA

Copy provided for an honest review

Synopsis:

One quiet night in Boulder, Colorado, Aspen Yellow-Sunrise Taylor made a mistake.

In the next instant, her life changed forever.

Aspen doesn’t want to remember the car accident that killed Katelyn Ryan, a sleek-haired popular soccer player. But forgetting is hard– because Katelyn may have died — but she didn’t leave. Her ghost is following Aspen around, and heading into senior year, it’s kind of a problem. Especially when Katelyn’s former boyfriend Ben appears to be the only person at school with a clue as to how Aspen feels.

Popularity, Homecoming Court, hot guys – none of these things ever mattered to Aspen. She’s been busy trying to keep her stoner mother Ninny in line and out of unemployment. But with Ben sitting next to her in Physics and her therapist begging her to remember all the things she wants to forget, Aspen is thrust into a vivid, challenging world she can’t control … and doesn’t want to.

A darkly funny, emotionally gripping story of opening up, letting go, and moving on, Aspen is about the best-worst accident of your life … and what comes next.

Review by Jennifer

This is a story that I thoroughly enjoyed.  It had a great mix of characters that were so different from one another that they just fit.  From the hippie mom to the word defining daughter to the popular girl that wasn’t physically around to the loyal friends, it all made sense.  Kind of like real life.  The characters are all interesting and make this story work.

This book had some quirky humor with a touch of drama.  Aspen deals with a pot smoking mom and her guilt over what happened one night.  I believe Aspen is like most people.  She doesn’t want to face her emotions so if she doesn’t talk about it then it goes away.  That’s hardly ever the case.  She’s haunted by her guilt.  Other than that she’s a quirky girl.  She loves words and their definitions.  She has read the whole dictionary.  That’s right, kind of quirky.  Aspen’s friends are a great compliment to her personality.  I really liked Kim.  She’s an Asian girl that doesn’t want to have the “stereotypical” name…Kim.  So she goes through name changes (Jasmine, Tiffany, Sabrina, etc, you get the picture?) There’s also Ben, Aspen’s “lab partner”.  Ben is a nice guy.  He has his own issues, but he likes to be around Aspen.  I think they understand each other. Also, Ben gave me a new appreciation for Chapstick.  Just read the book and you will see.  Chapstick?  Who knew?

It’s great to see this story unfold.  I loved the bits of humor as well as the serious moments. This book is a treat.  I was surprised by how much it drew me in, but happy it did.

You can grab a copy of this book at:

Amazon

Barnes & Noble

Book Review: Mason by Tijan

Published: June 16th 2014

Genre:  YA

Synopsis:  

Mason Kade is not known to be nice. He is ruthless, manipulative, and unforgiving. Most will say that he is an a**hole and he is to those that cross him or cross his loved ones. However, he does not want to be who he is. He does not enjoy hurting others, but there is no limit to the lengths he will go to protect himself and his brother.

This is the story of how he came to be and this is why so many love Mason Kade.

Review by Jennifer

When I saw that this book was available for purchase, I didn’t hesitate.  I promptly went to the 1-click button to get this on my Kindle as quick as I could.  Thank goodness it’s a short read because I was not going to go to sleep until I had devoured every word.

Do you know Mason Kade?  I mean really know Mason Kade?  You might think so, but you don’t completely know Mason until you read this book.

Here’s what I knew about Mason going into this book.  Mason is a whole lot of Hot. He can have anyone he wants and do anything he wants.  He answers to no one.  He’s loyal to Logan, Sam and the few friends he lets in his circle of trust.  He has no problems settling a score or putting people in their place.  He’s not nice when he comes at you.  It’s dark, yet tantalizing.

Here’s what I know after reading this book.  Mason is still hot (why wouldn’t he be?).  He’s still the loyal big brother (He’s got your back Logan).  The bond that Mason and Logan have is solid (solid as a rock), built from the ruins of their crumbling family (dad’s a cheater).  Anger with the father drives Mason and he will always protect what is his.

This book is revealing.  It takes apart the layers of Mason so the reader understands him better.  It also shines some light on Logan.  We get more detail about the events that shaped the present.  It’s a well written book that leaves no questions unanswered.  After reading it I felt that I had pieces to a puzzle that I could now use to complete the picture.  I just had to go back and read Fallen Crest High, Fallen Crest Family, and Fallen Crest Public.

I’ve said it before, there is a dark quality to what some of the characters do and say, but that just makes it all the more delectable.  It’s an intense story that gets better with each book.  It’s not over yet.  I’m salivating for more.  More Logan, More Mason, and More revelations.

Release, Sale, and Giveaway from Jessie Evans!

Wild Rush fans!

Jessie Evans has just released ONE PERFECT LOVE (Wild Rush, #2)!

New Adult Contemporary Romance

Release June 9, 2014

Wild Rush Book 2

Amazon: http://amzn.to/1igytkE

Barnes and Noble: http://bit.ly/1oDQNda

iBooks: http://bit.ly/1ec1bkQ

Also, THIS WICKED RUSH is on sale for .99 cents now through June 23rd to celebrate the release of book #2!

Wild Rush, Book #1 on SALE now through June 23rd!

Amazon:http://amzn.to/1eAG6WY
iBooks: http://bit.ly/1da5gei
Barnes and Noble: http://bit.ly/1gxAoQE
Google Play: http://bit.ly/1msT4qz
Kobo: http://bit.ly/1mWf6ER

PLUS, Jessie is giving away (3) Sand Dollar Charms and a Gift Card to Bath and Body Works!

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/share-code/ZTkwOGY5YzMzZGU5ODRhYjVjOWJkOGQ5NTlmNmNlOjE=/

About the Author

Jessie Evans gave up a career as an international woman of mystery to write contemporary Southern romances and sexy, boundary-pushing New Adult reads.

She enjoys sweet, small town romances, and fictional walks on the wild side, and can’t imagine a better job than playing pretend for a living.

She’s married to the man of her dreams, and together they’re raising a few children in a cabin in the boonies. She grew up in rural Arkansas, spending summers running wild, being chewed by chiggers, and now appreciates her home in a chigger-free part of the world even more.

When she’s not writing, Jessie enjoys playing her dulcimer (badly), sewing the worlds ugliest quilts to give to her friends, going for bike rides with her house full of boys, and wandering the woods, glass of wine and camera in hand, on the lookout for Bigfoot.

A southern girl, born and bred, Jessie loves writing romances with sizzle, and hopes you’ll enjoy her stories set in the south.

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