GIVEAWAY & REVIEW: Dark Eden by Patrick Carman (ARC)

Description

Fifteen-year-old Will Besting is sent by his doctor to Fort Eden, an institution meant to help patients suffering from crippling phobias. Once there, Will and six other teenagers take turns in mysterious fear chambers and confront their worst nightmares—with the help of the group facilitator, Rainsford, an enigmatic guide. When the patients emerge from the chamber, they feel emboldened by the previous night's experiences. But each person soon discovers strange, unexplained aches and pains. . . . What is really happening to the seven teens trapped in this dark Eden? Patrick Carman's Dark Eden is a provocative exploration of fear, betrayal, memory, and— ultimately—immortality.

About the Author

Patrick Carman is the New York Times bestselling author of such acclaimed series as the Land of Elyon and Atherton and the teen superhero novel Thirteen Days to Midnight. A multimedia pioneer, Patrick authored The Black Circle, the fifth title in the 39 Clues series, and the groundbreaking Skeleton Creek and Trackers books. He lives in Walla Walla, Washington, with his family.

Details

• Reading level: Ages 13 and up
• Hardcover: 336 pages
• Publisher: Katherine Tegen Books (November 1, 2011)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0062009702
• ISBN-13: 978-0062009708

SOURCE:  PUBLISHER

MY THOUGHTS
REALLY LIKED IT

Take seven 15-year-olds with crippling fears that have become severe phobias, send them to the middle of nowhere for a cure with a somewhat evil stranger and watch the weirdness explode.  Ok, so I the guy in charge of the cure doesn't appear that evil, but once you get into this story you will have your doubts about Rainsford.  The seven kids that appear in this story have all of the usual fears like dying, crowds and being kidnapped.  At first the cure appears to be immersion therapy, but it isn't until the very end you find out the strange paranormal twist about the whole process.  Will and Marissa are the two teens that the story really centers around.  Will hasn't left his house in years and his parents with the help of his therapist send him to Fort Eden in order to cure him.  Marissa is the only one Will communicates with through out the first part of the book since he has escape and is trying to avoid the cure.

I really thought this was a more adult version of a Goosebumps book since it preys upon those fears all kids can relate to.  I didn't feel I got enough of a background or story on the other characters to have an opinion on them.  I liked Will and the fact that he is so smart for his age that he can see outside the box even though he is trapped in one and I was fascinated by his ability to build electronics on a tight budget.  Carman did an excellent job putting together the common fears of most teenagers in a spooky setting.  There is also an app for your smart phone that should be available.  I haven't tried it, but I have heard that it greatly enhances the book and if you plan on reading the book, a visit to the website is a must!


WANT TO WIN THIS *ARC* BOOK? 

 Contest is open to anyone over 13 years old with a reliable mailing address (PO Boxes OK!)
This ends 11.14.11 midnight Pacific Time and the winner will be chosen by Random.org on 11.15.11.
Winner will have 48 hours to respond to email or a new winner will be chosen
This giveaway is sponsored by me for ONE WINNER.

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AND THE WINNER IS: Consumed by Kate Cann

CHARISSA


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REVIEW: Steampunk! edited by Kelly Link & Gavin Grant

Description

Imagine an altrnate universe where romance and technology reign. Where tinkerers and dreamers craft and re-craft a world of automatons, clockworks, calculating machines, and other marvels that never were. Where scientists and schoolgirls, fair folk and Romans, intergalactic bandits, utopian revolutionaries, and intrepid orphans solve crimes, escape from monstrous predicaments, consult oracles, and hover over volcanoes in steam-powered airships. Here, fourteen masters of speculative fiction, including two graphic storytellers, embrace the genre's established themes and refashion them in surprising ways and settings as diverse as Appalachia, Ancient Rome, future Australia, and alternate California. Visionaries Kelly Link and Gavin J. Grant have invited all-new explorations and expansions, taking a genre already rich, strange, and inventive in the extreme and challenging contributors to remake it from the ground up. The result is an anthology that defies the genre even as it defines it.

About the Authors

Kelly Link and Gavin J. Grant started a zine, founded an independent publishing house, own two letterpresses, and edited the fantasy half of The Year's Best Fantasy & Horror for five years.

Kelly Link is the author of three acclaimed short story collections and a collection for young adults. Her stories have appeared in several anthologies, including The Restless Dead and have won the Hugo, Nebula, Locus, Tiptree, British Science Fiction, and World Fantasy Awards.

Born in Scotland, Gavin J. Grant moved to the U.S. in 1991. He has written for the Los Angeles Times, Bookslut, and Time Out New York , is still a zine reviewer for Xerography Debt, and has published stories in several literary magazines.

Details

• Reading level: Young Adult
• Hardcover: 432 pages
• Publisher: Candlewick Press (October 11, 2011)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0763648434
• ISBN-13: 978-0763648435

SOURCE:  AMAZON VINE
MY THOUGHTS
LOVED IT, SOME STORIES MORE THAN OTHERS

This book is a compendium of stories by some of my favorite authors.  Each ones is a complete story in just a few pages, but a few of them, I would really liked to see developed further.  There are also several manga-type stories that are incredibly well done.  I have recently become fascinated by manga and would love afford more of them.  I am going to hit on a few of the stand outs here:

Some Fortunate Future Day by Cassandra Clare - This is the perfect story to lead off the collection since it captures her at times, creepy writing style wonderfully.  It centers around Rose and her strange clockworking father who goes off to war and leaves in the care of robots he has created. Her doll, Ellen, tells her exactly what she doesn't want to hear and and a time changing device controls her destiny.

Seven Days Beset by Demons by Shawn Craig -  Wonderfully imaginative and weird, this manga covers the seven deadly sins over the course of seven day through the eyes of a mechanical music box maker. 

Finishing School by Kathleen Jennings - This illustrated short story ends with a beginning that should really be continued.  It is a story about how two girls meet up with a mechanics expert who takes on extraordinary adventures.


Everything Amiable and Obliging by Holly Black - Who would have thought that there is a steamy underside to clockwork automatons?  Only Holly Black could imagine this world.

All of the stories in this collect merit reading a few times and this would make an excellent gift for those who enjoy a bit of weird sci fi.

Waiting on Wednesday: Diabolical by Cynthia Leitich Smith

"Waiting On" Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.

This week's pre-publication "can't-wait-to-read" selection is:

 Description

When “slipped” angel Zachary and his werewolf pal Kieren are summoned under suspicious circumstances to a mysterious New England boarding school, they quickly find themselves in a hellish lock-down with an intriguing assortment of secretive, hand-picked “students.” Plagued by demon dogs, hallucinatory wall décor, a sadistic instructor, and a legendary fire-breathing monster, will they somehow manage to escape? Or will the devil have his due? Best-selling author Cynthia Leitich Smith unites heroes from the previous three novels in the Tantalize Series — including Zachary’s girl, Miranda, and Kieren’s love, Quincie — along with a fascinating cast of all-new characters for a suspenseful, action-packed clash between the forces of heaven and hell.

From the Author

Cynthia Leitich Smith says, "I tapped into my romantic nature, my love for monsters and marinara. Hold the garlic and enjoy!"

About the Author

Cynthia Leitich Smith is the author of several acclaimed books for younger readers including Indian Shoes and Rain Is Not My Indian Name. She lives in Austin, Texas and is a member of the faculty at the Vermont College MFA program in writing for children and young adults.

Details

• Reading level: Young Adult
• Hardcover
• Publisher: Candlewick (February 14, 2012)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0763651184
• ISBN-13: 978-0763651183

DEMON DOGS?  I'm in!

BOOK TRAILER TUESDAY: Swear by Nina Malkin

GIVEAWAY & REVIEW: Between the Sea and the Sky by Jaclyn Dolamore *SIGNED*

Description

For as long as Esmerine can remember, she has longed to join her older sister, Dosinia, as a siren--the highest calling a mermaid can have. When Dosinia runs away to the mainland, Esmerine is sent to retrieve her. Using magic to transform her tail into legs, she makes her way unsteadily to the capital city. There she comes upon a friend she hasn't seen since childhood--a dashing young man named Alandare, who belongs to a winged race of people. As Esmerine and Alandare band together to search for Dosinia, they rekindle a friendship . . . and ignite the emotions for a love so great, it cannot be bound by sea, land, or air.

About the Author

JACLYN DOLAMORE's first book was Magic Under Glass. She spent her childhood reading as many books as she could lug home from the library and playing elaborate pretend games with her sister. She has a passion for history, thrift stores, vintage dresses, David Bowie, drawing, and organic food. She lives with her partner and two black tabbies.

www.jaclyndolamore.com

Details

• Reading level: Young Adult
• Hardcover: 240 pages
• Publisher: Bloomsbury USA Childrens (October 25, 2011)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1599904349
• ISBN-13: 978-1599904344

SOURCE:  AUTHOR

MY THOUGHTS
ABSOLUTELY LOVED IT

Esmerine has just turned 16 and becomes a siren which is a step up in the mer world and she looks forward to collecting tribute from ships with her sister, Dosinia.  Dosia, as she is nicknamed, doesn't meet her sister at the rock where they are to work.  Esmerine becomes worried and discovers her sister has run away to live with a human mate.  While not unheard of, a mermaid who does this is considered dead to her family and Esmerine just can't give up on her sister.  With her parent's blessing she tries to discover her sister's fate and hope for her happiness.  By accident, she finds her childhood friend, Alandare, who is a Faransee, a person who has wings and can fly, working in a book store owned by a former mermaid.  And books are key to this book!  When Esmerine first meets Alan as children he teaches her to read and write and she develops a love for books that becomes her driving force.

Alan helps Emerine track down her sister and you can sense the bond between the two.  It is much more than romance, but so sweetly done that you will be sad when this one ends.  I immediately liked Esmerine and Alan and the story between the two.  This just isn't a mermaid tale, but one of young love filled with magic and light.  The world of humans, mermaids and humans intersecting so easily and believably will make you want to read more about it.  Dolamore creates a complete fairy tale in a no fuss way and the pacing is perfect.  I read this one straight through in a few hours and now I am waiting until her next book, Magic Under Stone is released.  Can't we just force her to stay at her computer and write? 

WANT TO WIN THIS *SIGNED* BOOK? 

 Contest is open to anyone over 13 years old with a reliable mailing address (PO Boxes OK!)
This ends 11.9.11 midnight Pacific Time and the winner will be chosen by Random.org on 11.10.11.
Winner will have 48 hours to respond to email or a new winner will be chosen
This giveaway is sponsored by me for ONE WINNER.

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GIVEAWAY! *signed* Eighth Grade Bites by Heather Brewer (OC Book Fest)

Description

Vlad has to keep his vampire urges under control while dealing with the pressures of middle school. Thirteen-year-old Vladimir Tod really hates junior high. Bullies harass him, the principal is dogging him, and the girl he likes prefers his best friend. Oh, and Vlad has a secret: His mother was human, but his father was a vampire. With no idea of the extent of his powers, Vlad struggles daily with his blood cravings and his enlarged fangs. When a substitute teacher begins to question him a little too closely, Vlad worries that his cover is about to be blown. But then he faces a much bigger problem: He’s being hunted by a vampire killer.

About the Author

Heather Brewer lives in Missouri.  
Heather Brewer was not your typical teen growing up. She wore black, danced under full moons and devoured every book in sight.
She hasn’t changed much.

Today, Heather can be found writing in her funky, black Happy Bunny jammie pants, dancing under the full moon, devouring every book in sight, and attending Renaissance Festivals in costume (and in character).

When Heather's not writing, dressing up, dancing and reading, she's answering email, which she LOVES to get. You can email Heather by using the contact form on the right. But before you do, make sure you check the FAQ to see if your question has been answered there. Unfortunately, Heather cannot respond to all emails, as doing so would take up valuable writing time (and we wouldn't want that, would we?), but you can always reach her by commenting on her blog or her Facebook, or by following her on Twitter.

Details

• Reading level: Young Adult
• Paperback: 182 pages
• Publisher: Speak (March 13, 2008)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0142411876

 I had the pleasure of listening to Heather describe her love for Billie Joe Armstrong and I totally agree with her.  She did reveal that an upcoming book will answer all of your questions about the series. Oh, and Heather moves about the stage a great deal.  I have wonderfully blurry pictures of her if you would like to see them!  Here is the important part:  Heather signed a book for a lucky reader!

WANT TO WIN THIS *SIGNED* BOOK? 

 Contest is open to anyone over 13 years old with a reliable mailing address (PO Boxes OK!)
This ends 11.8.11 midnight Pacific Time and the winner will be chosen by Random.org on 11.9.11.
Winner will have 48 hours to respond to email or a new winner will be chosen
This giveaway is sponsored by me for ONE WINNER.

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SPOOKTACULAR GIVEAWAY HOP!

Welcome to the Spooktacular  Giveaway Hop! 

This hop is hosted by I Am a Reader, Not a Writer (HERE) and The Diary of a Bookworm (HERE).

There are hundreds of blogs participating and each has their own entry rules and geographic limits, so be sure to read the rules for each one.  This hop starts October 24th and runs through October 31th. midnight. 

HERE IS WHAT I HAVE FOR ONE LUCKY WINNER:

WANT TO WIN THESE ARC BOOKS?

Contest is open to anyone with reliable mail service (Worldwide and PO Boxes OK!)
You must be at least 13 years olds.
Contest ends on 10.31.11 midnight and the winner will be chosen by Random.org on 11.1.11
Winner will have 48 hours to respond to email or a new winner will be chosen.
This giveaway is sponsored by ME one set of books is available.

NOTE:  Postage has increased again and if the winner lives outside the US, I may opt to replace this set with the book of your choice from the Book Depository, up to $15 value.


Complete the below form
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REVIEW: Popularity Rules by Abby McDonald

Description

The meek don't inherit a thing. Nice girls win nothing but regret. Virtue is wholly overrated.
If you don't do it, some other girl will.
Kat Elliot has spent her life fighting against phony schmoozing-and it's led her nowhere. A rebellious music journalist, Kat is down on her dreams when her ex–best friend Lauren swishes back into town. Ten years ago, Lauren dumped Kat for high school gold: popularity. Now Lauren wants to make amends by teaching Kat the secret to her success: The Popularity Rules, a decades-old rule book that transformed Lauren that fateful summer.
Broke and desperate, Kat reluctantly agrees to a total makeover-what does she have to lose? She's gotten nowhere on her own. Maybe becoming someone new is just what she needs.

About the Author

Twenty-six-year-old Abby McDonald grew up in Sussex, England, and studied politics, philosophy, and economics at Oxford University. She began writing at college, becoming music editor of The Oxford Student and completing her first novel. She has since worked as a music journalist and entertainment critic, interviewing acts as diverse as LeAnn Rimes, Kings of Leon, and Marilyn Manson. Her writing has appeared in the NME, Plan B magazine, CosmoGirl!, and a variety of websites and blogs. She is the author of The Liberation of Alice Love and three books for teens: Sophomore Switch; Boys, Bears & A Serious Pair of Hiking Boots; and The Anti-Prom. You can find her online at www.abbymcdonald.com and twitter.com/abbymcdonald. 

Details

• Paperback: 480 pages
• Publisher: Sourcebooks Landmark (October 1, 2011)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 140225668X
• ISBN-13: 978-1402256684

SOURCE:  PUBLISHER

MY THOUGHT
LOVED IT

Kat looses her music journalist job just as her former BFF from high school returns to her life.  What Kat doesn't know is that Lauren had dumped her as a friend when she discovered a book called The Popularity Rules much like those *RULES* books on how to get a guy.  Now, Lauren is back to make amends and help Kat discover her inner popularity.  Each chapter starts with a bit of wisdom from the book.  Kat goes through an extreme makeover of personality, career and appearance which help propel her into a whole new lifestyle.  The chapters headings are actually pieces of advice which might really work, but I imagine that they are a bit sarcastic at the same time.  There are some real gems mixed in the snark like: Chapter 33 "Like it or not, nothing stays the same, and neither should you."

After a bit of research, I found that this is the author's second book and first adult story.  Kat and Lauren both seem stuck in their teen years when they ultimately discover that you must remain true to yourself to be happy.  Overall, the story will leave you feeling good and you might even try a few of the rules yourself.  I really wonder if the chapter headings are part of some actual book on popularity.   I really enjoyed this one and it is a super pick me up story that should appeal to those who love Rachel Johnson and Jane Green.

AND THE WINNER IS: Original Sin By Lisa Desrochers *Signed* Bookmarks!

GRAND PRIZE:  (post card, bookmark, tattoos)

JOELY

Second Prize:  (bookmark, tattoos)

MICIA

Third Prize:  (bookmark)

SYDNEY

For those who won the tattoos, please put them both on at the same time and let me know which team claims you!  One will wash off, and one stays or so I have been told!  Let's see if it is true! 

An email has been sent to the lucky persons named above (first part of their email address in case my note ends up in spam).  The winner  has 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen.
Thanks to all who entered.
PLEASE CHECK YOUR SPAM FOR THE EMAIL FROM BOOKHOUNDS @ HOTMAIL REQUESTING YOUR MAILING ADDRESS!

GIVEAWAY & REVIEW: Fateful by Claudia Gray *SIGNED*

Description

Eighteen-year-old maid Tess Davies is determined to escape the wealthy, troubled family she serves. It’s 1912, and Tess has been trapped in the employ of the Lisles for years, amid painful memories and twisted secrets. But now the Lisle family is headed to America, with Tess in tow. Once the ship they’re sailing on—the RMS Titanic—reaches its destination, Tess plans to strike out and create a new life for herself.
Her single-minded focus shatters when she meets Alec, a handsome first-class passenger who captivates her instantly. But Alec has secrets of his own. He’s in a hurry to leave Europe, and whispers aboard the ship say it’s because of the tragic end of his last affair with the French actress who died so gruesomely and so mysteriously. . . .
Soon Tess will learn just how dark Alec’s past truly is. The danger they face is no ordinary enemy: werewolves exist and are stalking him—and now her, too. Her growing love for Alec will put Tess in mortal peril, and fate will do the same before their journey on the Titanic is over.
In Fateful, New York Times bestselling author Claudia Gray delivers paranormal adventure, dark suspense, and alluring romance set against the opulent backdrop of the Titanic’s first—and last—voyage.

About the Author

Claudia Gray is the pseudonym of a New Orleans–based writer, the author of the New York Times bestselling Evernight series. She has worked as a lawyer, a journalist, a disc jockey, and an extremely poor waitress. Her grandparents' copy of Mystery of the Unexplained is probably the genesis of her fascination with most things mysterious and/or inexplicable, such as the Titanic and werewolves.

Details

• Reading level: Young Adult
• Hardcover: 336 pages
• Publisher: HarperTeen (September 13, 2011)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0062006207
• ISBN-13: 978-0062006202

SOURCE:  PUBLISHER

MY THOUGHTS
LOVED IT

Tess is young enough to not exactly know her place as a servant in the Lisle household, so when the family leaves on the Titanic for America, she is traveling in third class, but has no fear of first class and moves effortlessly upstairs from downstairs.  She is also mature enough to know when she is being taken advantage of, so she makes plans for her future when she gets to America.  While she is tending to her employers, she meets a man, Alec, that has a secret that he would rather not share.  Well, you already know the outcome of the Titanic, so the story is based around the facts and what it was like to be a servant during this time period.  Everything is historical spot on and you will even learn a few things about this era, which for me was perfect.

Alec is a mystery, even after you know his werewolf secret, I found him very the perfect foil for Tess.  As an American millionaire, there was less of a class divide between the two of them, so the romance part of this story worked and was more believable.  Even more believable was the creepy description of the actual sinking of the Titanic.  This is no gloss over.  You can imagine the exact feelings of the passengers and the horror they witnessed as this ship went down.  I am really impressed by the historical detail that is built into this world of both historical and paranormal situations.  It is hard enough to get one of these right and Gray nailed both of them.  Obviously, I cared more about Tess since she is so feisty.  I am trying not to giveaway the finale, but well, you already know the ship sinks and I will leave it at that. 




WANT TO WIN THIS arc BOOK? 

 Contest is open to anyone over 13 years old with a reliable mailing address (PO Boxes OK!)
This ends 11.6.11 midnight Pacific Time and the winner will be chosen by Random.org on 11.7.11.
Winner will have 48 hours to respond to email or a new winner will be chosen
This giveaway is sponsored by me for ONE WINNER.

Complete the below form

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Waiting on Wednesday: Melody Burning by Whitley Streiber

"Waiting On" Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.

This week's pre-publication "can't-wait-to-read" selection is:

Description

Beresford doesn’t remember much about his past or how he came to live in the chutes and crawl spaces of the posh high-rise that shares his name. But when rock star and teen sensation Melody McGrath moves to an apartment on the fiftieth floor, he knows he has to be near her. Although she doesn’t realize it, Melody is threatened by more dangerous forces than her manipulative stage mom and the pressures of life in the spotlight. The owner of the glamorous building has been hiding a fatal secret within its walls, and Beresford puts all his plans at risk. Will Beresford and Melody be able to escape with their lives (and love) intact?

Bestselling author Whitley Strieber makes his young adult debut with this pulsing romantic thriller.

About the Author

Whitley Strieber is one of the great names in science fiction. He has written many bestsellers, including Communion, The Wolfen, The Hunger, The Day after Tomorrow, Critical Mass, and The Omega Point. He lives in Santa Monica, California. [www.unknowncountry.com]

Details

• Reading level: Young Adult
• Hardcover: 224 pages
• Publisher: Henry Holt and Co. (BYR); First Edition edition (December 6, 2011)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0805093273
• ISBN-13: 978-0805093278

BOOK TRAILER TUESDAY: Fateful by Claudia Gray

Look for a giveaway of a *signed* arc later today! 

AND THE WINNER IS: Beautiful Darkness by Kami Garcia & Margaret Stohl

ANGEL

Be sure to stop by BOOK FLAME here

An email has been sent to the lucky person named above (first part of their email address in case my note ends up in spam).  The winner  has 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen.
Thanks to all who entered.
PLEASE CHECK YOUR SPAM FOR THE EMAIL FROM BOOKHOUNDS @ HOTMAIL REQUESTING YOUR MAILING ADDRESS!

AND THE WINNER IS: Beautiful Chaos by Kami Garcia & Margaret Stohl

ALYSSA

Be sure to stop by RAIN KISSED LEAF here

An email has been sent to the lucky person named above (first part of their email address in case my note ends up in spam).  The winner  has 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen.
Thanks to all who entered.
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miniREVIEW: LA Candy by Lauren Conrad

Description

In L.A. CANDY, nineteen-year-old Jane Roberts moves to L.A. and unexpectedly becomes the star of a reality T.V. show. With fame comes wealth, hot clothes and even hotter love interests -- and Jane′s lapping it all up with her eclectic entourage of pals who are always up for a wild night out and the chance to get a piece of her spotlight. But soon Jane realizes everyone wants something from her, and nothing is what it seems to be.
L.A. CANDY is a fast-paced, honest and entertaining fictional account of what it′s like to come of age in Hollywood while starring in a reality TV show, written by a girl who has experienced it all firsthand: Lauren Conrad.
Ages 14 years+

About the Author

Lauren Conrad is best known for starring in the MTV hit series The Hills. Her novels, L.A. Candy and Sweet Little Lies, were #1 New York Times bestsellers. She began her career as a fashion designer in spring 2008 with the debut of the Lauren Conrad Collection and expanded in 2009 with a second line, LC Lauren Conrad, exclusively for Kohl's. She has been featured on the covers of Cosmopolitan, Teen Vogue, Us Weekly, Rolling Stone, and Entertainment Weekly, among others. Lauren also launched the m.powerment by mark charity campaign in 2008. She lives in Los Angeles.

Details

• Reading level: Young Adult
• Hardcover: 336 pages
• Publisher: HarperCollins (June 16, 2009)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0061767581
• ISBN-13: 978-0061767586

SOURCE:  PURCHASED

I have to admit I actually enjoyed this book. It was a quick read that had all of the elements of good chick lit. There is shopping, boys and a career. This is really a book for older teens since there are scenes about alcohol (alot!) and sex. I would have to imagine that Jane is a composite of the girls on The Hills and The Real OC - Laguna Beach. - or whatever it was called.  She has enough detail to make her a sympathetic heroine and I would love to read more about Scarlett. Madison makes a great frenemy that you just love to hate.

I did think it was too cliched in parts, but that didn't reduce the enjoyment. This is a "write what you know" type of book for Lauren Conrad but I am eager to read the next installment in the series since this one did have a bit of a cliff hanger at the end.