Kiss and Tell

*I received this book as an ARC for an honest review*

Before anything, I want to thank Jacqueline Green for giving me the opportunity of being part of her blog tour. 

Synopsis:

"Since their dangerous game of truth or dare began, Tenley Reed, Sydney Morgan, and Emerson Cunningham have lost almost everything. Closely guarded secrets, romantic relationships, and sought-after spots at the top of their school's social hierarchy-all gone in the blink of an eye.

Now the darer has upped the stakes, leaving another body behind in the girls' isolated beach town of Echo Bay. And if they can't untangle the twisted web leading to whoever is behind the mysterious deaths, one of them could be next. But what happens when the trail leads to those they trusted, those they loved?

Filled with intoxicating twists and shocking betrayals, the final installment in the Truth or Dare trilogy will keep readers guessing until the very end." (Taken from;Good Reads)

Review:

What a great way to end an amazing series. I need to be honest with every single one of you, once I started reading this book I couldn’t put it down. It was that good.

This book continues to follow the main characters while they try to figure out who is the person behind the dangerous game of Truth or Dare. Things get totally messed up and Emerson, Sydney, and Tenley find themselves in a difficult position.  They keep trying to figure out the little clues they have, but they point to the ones closer to them.

I have to congratulate Jacqueline Green for making this amazing series. I was captivated from the very first book and I loved how every book in the series is impossible to put down. The characters were so real and even though they are totally different, you sympathize with all of them.

In case you didn’t know, I try to figure out who is the person behind everything, but I couldn’t do that with this book. There were so many twists, it’s almost unbelievable.  And the ending… What? How? I really didn’t expect it. I am really sad that this series came to an end.

About Jacqueline Green:

Jacqueline Green received her BA from Cornell University and her MFA in writing for children from The New School. She grew up in Wynnewood, PA and now lives in Brooklyn, NY with her husband and their tiny dog (who sometimes moonlights as her writing companion). Truth or Dare, the first novel in a trilogy, is her young adult debut.

Interview with the author:

1.What were your favorite books in high school?

I read everything and anything in high school! I was a big Pat Conroy fan; I  got hooked on Tim O'Brien and Frank McCourt after reading some of their work in school; I loved the small-town setting in Jan Karon's Mitford books...the list goes on! I have to say, though, I wish a lot of today's YA literature had been around back then. I can only imagine how much I would have loved Laini Taylor and John Green and Stephanie Perkins and Lauren Oliver and so many others when I was in high school!

2.What inspired you to write this series?

I'm always really inspired by places, and for this series I drew a lot of inspiration from one of my favorite places in the world: Gloucester, MA. It's such a happy, charming, idyllic beach town. I had a lot of fun playing around with the idea of a similar place--but adding something evil lurking under the surface.

Tour Blog Schedule:

Feb. 11th- Dream with a dreamFeb.13th-Reading LarkFeb. 16th- Books AhoyFeb. 17th- FiktshunFeb. 19th- Swoony Boys PodcastFeb. 23rd- A peek at my bookshelf
Feb. 26th- The vivacious hoboFeb. 27th- Book Hooked Reviews

Links to buy this book:

Amazon

B&N

*Truth or Dare Review

*Secrets and Lies Review

Random

Synopsis:

"Who's the real victim here? This tense and gripping exploration of cyberbullying and teen suicide is perfect for fans of Before I Fall andThirteen Reasons Why.

Late at night Tori receives a random phone call. It's a wrong number. But the caller seems to want to talk, so she stays on the line.

He asks for a single thing—one reason not to kill himself.

The request plunges her into confusion. Because if this random caller actually does what he plans, he'll be the second person connected to Tori to take his own life. And the first just might land her in jail. After her Facebook page became Exhibit A in a tragic national news story about cyberbullying, Tori can't help but suspect the caller is a fraud. But what if he’s not? Her words alone may hold the power of life or death.

With the clock ticking, Tori has little time to save a stranger—and maybe redeem herself—leading to a startling conclusion that changes everything…" (Taken from; Good Reads)

Review:

So basically this book is about a girl who is being accused of bullying and driving to death a guy that used to go to school with her that committed suicide. The night before her trial she receives a call at “random” from a guy that says that he is about to commit suicide. Unsure if it’s a prank or not she decides to help the caller. 

Let me start by saying that this book cover is gorgeous and that the book was simply amazing. The characters were a hundred percent developed and the plot was out of this world. It was fast paced and a one sit read. You get into it from the very first page and there’s no way to put this book down. Plus, the revelations at the end where something else.

The writing of this book is stellar. I loved the message about bullying and the effects that it brings to you and others. Tom Leveen did a marvelous job writing this book.

The only thing that I didn’t like about this book is Tori. She wasn’t very likeable, but I guess that’s the point. But overall, I really liked this book and I totally recommend it. 

Rating:

4/5

More Books?

Hello Guys!

   As you can probably see, this is not a book review, it's actually a "Book Haul" post. So, I went to Barnes and Noble today and bought a couple of books. I don't know about you, but I go crazy every time I enter through those doors.

   The first books I picked up were; "Random" by Tom Leveen  "The Secret Diamond Sisters", and "Diamonds in the Rough" by Michelle Madow cause I've been wanting them for a little while. Then I saw "Famous Last Words" and I started fangirling. Yesterday, I was on Good Reads looking at my recommendations when this book appeared. I was quickly intrigued by the cover, so I decided to see what it was about. I still can't believe I actually found the book. Either way, I'm really excited to read this.

   I also bought "Everything leads to you" by Nina LaCour  as a result of my friend's recommendation. She has been talking marvelous things about it... I can't wait!

   The last book I picked up, I'm not so sure about. It's Beneath a Meth Moon" by Jacqueline Woodson. Don't get me wrong, it looks really interesting but I think this is one of those because that needs to be treated really carefully. Who knows? Maybe it'll surprise me, we'll see.

Expect reviews for all of them soon. Also, if you think there's any book I should read please let me know.

The Testing

Synopsis: 

"Keep your friends close and your enemies closer. Isn’t that what they say? But how close is too close when they may be one in the same? 

The Seven Stages War left much of the planet a charred wasteland. The future belongs to the next generation’s chosen few who must rebuild it. But to enter this elite group, candidates must first pass The Testing—their one chance at a college education and a rewarding career. 

Cia Vale is honored to be chosen as a Testing candidate; eager to prove her worthiness as a University student and future leader of the United Commonwealth. But on the eve of her departure, her father’s advice hints at a darker side to her upcoming studies--trust no one. 

But surely she can trust Tomas, her handsome childhood friend who offers an alliance? Tomas, who seems to care more about her with the passing of every grueling (and deadly) day of the Testing. To survive, Cia must choose: love without truth or life without trust." (Taken from;Good Reads)

Review:

The Seven Stages War caused great damage ravaged in the United States and now the leaders have a program for choosing potential leaders and specialists; The Testing. Cia, a young teen who lives in an outlying colony called Five Lakes, has been interested in being part of this program for as long as she can remember. When her hopes come true she goes through some of the most brutal, demanding, and nerve-wracking series of events created to separate the strong from the weak.

During this tests she stars becoming suspicious of the program and the leaders of the country, she starts seeing the lies and malice behind everything. Cia also she makes a few friends and confronts her enemies. Throughout the book, Thomas is her principal constant.

Even though there was some romance between her and Thomas it didn’t feel real. It was a little bit rushed.

However, Cia’s character was impressive and likeable. She was really smart, warmhearted but not naïve, headstrong, observant, and down to earth. She felt real, like the typical and mundane type of person who has faith in herself but still doubts her first instinct.

I really enjoyed Joelle Charbonneau’s writing style. The pace was steady and even though there was a lot of things happening in the book (which is a really good thing) I didn’t find it overwhelming. Charbonneau also described their civilization so well, that you experience Cia’s reality. The Testing mixes survival, conspiracy, friendship, and a little of romance. There are a fair amount of similarities between this series and “The Hunger Games”, and other dystopian novels like “The Maze Runner”, but don’t let this stop you from picking this book up. 

Rating:

4/5

Meant To Be

Synopsis: 

"Meant to be or not meant to be . . . that is the question. 

It's one thing to fall head over heels into a puddle of hazelnut coffee, and quite another to fall for the—gasp—wrong guy. Straight-A junior Julia may be accident prone, but she's queen of following rules and being prepared. That's why she keeps a pencil sharpener in her purse and a pocket Shakespeare in her, well, pocket. And that's also why she's chosen Mark Bixford, her childhood crush, as her MTB ("meant to be").

But this spring break, Julia's rules are about to get defenestrated (SAT word: to be thrown from a window) when she's partnered with her personal nemesis, class-clown Jason, on a school trip to London. After one wild party, Julia starts receiving romantic texts . . . from an unknown number! Jason promises to help discover the identity of her mysterious new suitor if she agrees to break a few rules along the way. And thus begins a wild goose chase through London, leading Julia closer and closer to the biggest surprise of all: true love.

Because sometimes the things you least expect are the most meant to be." (Taken from; Good Reads)

Review:

Perfect for lovers of Anna and the French kiss by Stephanie Perkins…

Meant To Be is about a girl named Julia who goes to London in a school trip. For her, London is full of magic, due to her parents honeymoon. There she gets partnered up with Jason, the biggest jerk of the school, as Julia describes him. Throughout the trip, she gets to know Jason a little better, she meets this “guy” who starts texting her, and she can’t stop thinking about her “MTB”, Mark. This pretty much complicates her trip.

I’m not a fan of cheesiness, so I didn’t have high expectations of this book. Let me say, it won me over. This is by far my favorite contemporary book. (It is that good) The writing was excellent, and the characters were real, lovely, funny, and awkward, all in one. They learn so much about life, more than anyone can expect.  Plus, the scenery was simply amazing. Meant to be was such a laughable read (in the best of ways). And for those of you out there who love romance, this book has a bunch of hearty moments. MTB is a most read!

Rating:

Links to buy the book:

• Amazon
• B&N
• iBook
• Audible

Secrets and Lies

Synopsis:

"Can you keep a secret?
Tenley Reed and Sydney Morgan have never seen eye to eye -- until now. United by a common goal, they are determined to find out who was behind their friend's murder. Joined by Emerson Cunningham, a gorgeous but troubled teen model, the girls start their own investigation. But in the isolated beach town of Echo Bay, it's hard to know who's a friend and who's an enemy.
Secrets and Lies is the second book in the Truth or Dare series -- and will keep readers in suspense from beginning to end." (Taken from; Good Reads)

Review:

Secrets and Lies picks up exactly where Truth or Dare ended.  In this book the dares got way heavier, more secrets unfold, and the mystery is still unsolved. Also, there’s a new player in the game; Emerson.

The only thing we know is that apparently the darer has an accomplice and is also connected to Caitlin’s kidnapper.  

This book was certainly not a letdown. On the contrary, it was amazing and better than I expected. I can’t wait to read the next book in this series.

**Sorry if this review is really short but I don’t want to spoil anything for anyone.

Rating:

                                     

Links to buy this book:

Amazon

B&N

Audible

IBooks

Feel free to comment.

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Truth or Dare

Synopsis:

"When a simple round of truth or dare spins out of control, three girls find it’s no longer a party game. It’s do or die.

It all started on a whim: the game was a way for Tenley Reed to reclaim her popularity, a chance for perfect Caitlin “Angel” Thomas to prove she’s more than her Harvard application. Loner Sydney Morgan wasn’t eventhere; she was hiding behind her camera like usual. But when all three start receiving mysterious dares long after the party has ended, they’re forced to play along—or risk exposing their darkest secrets.

How far will Tenley, Caitlin and Sydney go to keep the truth from surfacing? And who’s behind this twisted game?

Set against the backdrop of Echo Bay, an isolated beach town haunted by misfortune, Truth or Dare is a highly charged debut that will keep readers in suspense from beginning to end." (Taken from; Good Reads)

Review:

I need to start saying that the covers for this series are amazing.

Truth or Dare is about three girls who after playing a game of truth or dare at a party, start receiving dares after the game is over. Throughout this book the girls try to figure out the mystery of who is sending the dares.

This book is a suspenseful and addictive read with a beautiful setting. I mean, who wouldn’t like to live in Echo Bay?

The characters were nothing short of amazing. This was one of those books in which the characters were realistic and full of life. I love how Green gets us into what and how Sydney, the photographer with a big secret, Caitlin, the sweet girl who is trying to be perfect, and Tenley, the drama queen who left town but now is back, feel. I admire how she incorporated the secondary characters and made them matter.

Even though I don’t normally really like alternating points of views, I liked it in this book. I loved it as much as I loved Jacqueline Green’s writing style.  I can’t wait to read the rest of the series. 

Rating:

                                      

Links to buy this book:

Amazon

B&N

Audible

IBooks

Feel free to comment

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