Susane Colasanti Blog Tour! Win a signed copy of So Much Closer

Hey everyone! I am so honored to be a part of Susane Colasanti's 2011 blog tour for So Much Closer. Today Susane stopped by for her last guest blog of the tour. Hope you enjoy! :)

Here is a description of So Much Closer, and a trailer!



Scott Abrams is the love of Brooke’s life. He just doesn’t know it yet. So when his family moves to New York City the summer before senior year, Brooke has no choice but to follow Scott. It’s her last chance to prove to him that they’re meant to be together.
But the city is full of surprises that Brooke never expected. Ever since a painful family trauma, she’s been closed off to her parents, to her friends, and even to herself. Now, inspired by the thrilling energy of the bustling and creative city around her, Brooke starts to explore her talents and become someone she never dreamed she’d be.
So what will she do when her biggest dream finally comes true . . . and instead, she wants something more?

Welcome, Susane!


Greetings, friendly neighbors! I’m stoked to share some of the inspiration for my fifth book, So Much Closer.

Realistic fiction is my thing. I like incorporating details inspired by my own experiences to make my books feel as realistic as possible. So Much Closer takes place in my neighborhood, the West Village. I had lots of fun including my fave New York City places and things in this book. For my blog tour, we thought it would be fun to share some of them with you. So here we go!

10. Look up

This last one isn’t a place or a thing, more of a philosophy. In So Much Closer, John encourages Brooke to look up. There are so many amazing things we miss because we don’t look up enough. Whenever I’m walking down the street with my friends, they’re always like, “Dude! That was Jon Stewart!” But I never see Jon. Okay, I saw him once – it took every bit of strength I could muster to not run after him. But I usually don’t see him or anyone else because I don’t look around enough. It’s freaking tragic.

When you look up in New York City, you discover this whole other level of awesome. Rooftop gardens, sick penthouse apartments you can see right into, gorgeous architecture – it’s all here, awaiting your adoration. But the Look Up philosophy is about more than just physically looking up. It’s about choosing to have a positive outlook. It’s about welcoming positive energy into your life. So wherever you are and wherever you go, please remember to look up.

Thank you so much, Susane! Congrats on your fifth, AMAZING book!

Okay guys, I have 1 copy of Susane's So Much Closer to give away to 1 lucky winner from the US. So all you have to do to win, is leave a comment here telling me what your awesome philosophy is. Something like Susane's "Look Up" mantra. You have until next friday, the twentieth, to enter. So get commenting! :)

Some awesome links for you guys:

-The Susane Colasanti Sampler (updated with an excerpt of SO MUCH CLOSER and a Q&A with Susane): http://www.scribd.com/doc/13828116/Susane-Colasanti-Sampler
-A link to Susane's website (www.susanecolasanti.com)
-A link to Susane's Twitter (http://www.twitter.com/susanecolasanti)

Susane Colasanti Blog Tour Announcement

Hey everyone! I just wanted to stop by and announce something VERY cool. Susane Colasanti started her blog tour today, and you can read that entry over at Alley of Books. The big announcement though, is that she'll be stopping HERE on May 13th for the last day of her blog tour! How awesome! So make sure you guys keep checking back, because I have reviews of Between Here and Forever by Elizabeth Scott, Love Story by Jennifer Echols and We'll Always Have Summer by Jenny Han coming up. And definitely make sure you stop by on May 13th for the finale of Susane's blog tour!
Happy Reading guys :)

City of Fallen Angels by Cassandra Clare

Hey everyone! Today I've got a review of Cassandra Clare's very anticipated novel, City of Fallen Angels. I never posted my review of the previous three books in the series, but before I give you the summary of COFA, I want to tell you that the series is AWESOME. Paranormal heaven, really. Badass shadowhunters, sexy boys. Dear lord, you need to read them if you haven't already! Anywho, a description of City of Fallen Angels is here:

City of Fallen Angels takes place two months after the events of City of Glass. In it, a mysterious someone’s killing the Shadowhunters who used to be in Valentine’s Circle and displaying their bodies around New York City in a manner designed to provoke hostility between Downworlders and Shadowhunters, leaving tensions running high in the city and disrupting Clary’s plan to lead as normal a life as she can — training to be a Shadowhunter, and pursuing her relationship with Jace. As Jace and Clary delve into the issue of the murdered Shadowhunters, they discover a mystery that has deeply personal consequences for them — consequences that may strengthen their relationship, or rip it apart forever.
Meanwhile, internecine warfare among vampires is tearing the Downworld community apart, and only Simon — the Daylighter who everyone wants on their side — can decide the outcome; too bad he wants nothing to do with Downworld politics. Love, blood, betrayal and revenge: the stakes are higher than ever in City of Fallen Angels.

I was so excited to find out there was going to be an additional THREE books to this series. Mostly for two reasons. Jace is perfectly imperfect and the whole Shadowhunter world is amazing. I don't want to post any spoilers, so this review will be a little general and short, but ultimately, I couldn't NOT post a review of this awesome book.
Cassandra Clare's ability to create such a different and specific world is amazing. I never once questioned the powers or norms of this Shadowhunter universe. In fact, I just want to live there. Shadowhunters are completely badass and have such a diverse culture. All of the characters in this book are purely individuals. Jace, oh Jace. So witty, sarcastic, sexy, and amazing. I didn't think I could fall more in love with Jace, but COFA sure did it. I want him to be in every scene ever and even better, I want him to marry me. Clary is cool, but I think I'd rather have him for myself ;)
In short, this book is MAGNIFICENT. Go get it! And the other three! You will not be disappointed, I promise. Once you read it, you will not be able to figure out how you ever resisted the Shadowhunter world in the first place. Hope you guys enjoy!

What Happened to Goodbye by Sarah Dessen

Hi! See, I told you I'd be back today. And, I have a super awesome review for you guys too, because my awesome friend Miranda from Just Read Books snagged an ARC of What Happened to Goodbye and let me borrow it! A description of the book is here:

Another town. Another school. Another Mclean. Ever since her parents' bitter divorce, Mclean and her father have been fleeing their unhappy past. And Mclean's become a pro at reinventing herself with each move. But in Lakeview, Mclean finds herself putting down roots and making friends—in part, thanks to Dave, the most real person Mclean's ever met. Dave just may be falling in love with her, but can he see the person she really is? Does Mclean herself know?

Miranda and I have this scale we use for the new Sarah Dessen books. Basically, we put all of her books in to catagories of Amazing, Great, or Good. So far, here are our thoughts:

Amazing: Just Listen, The Truth About Forever
Great: Along for the Ride, Lock and Key, This Lullaby
Good: That Summer, Someone Like You, Keeping the Moon, Dreamland

So the point of all that is to tell you what category I have placed What Happened to Goodbye in. I always wait until the last word to figure out how much I loved the book, and guys, this one felt Amazing. From the very first page you could tell this was a Sarah Dessen novel. I don't know if it was just me being me and being way too involved with fictional characters, but this book made my eyes swell with tears quite a few times. In a good way, though, I promise! I immediately related to Mclean, as we have similar home lives and I had to switch schools in the middle of high school before. Mclean is just a simple girl trying to deal with her parents divorce the best she can, meanwhile not trying to get close to anyone along the way. Luna Blu is the new restaurant her dad has to help save, and there in Lakeview she's forced to make relationships and finally deal with her problems.
Every character in this book is their own person and so different. No one has replaced Wes as my favorite Sarah Dessen boy, but Dave sure does pull in as a close second. Dave is just so different from any boy Sarah has written about. He's charming, adorable, funny, and so, so sweet. A lot of the parts I teared up for were because of him. Another character I loved was Deb. She is just so perky, organized, and completely badass. I'm glad she was part of Mclean's story.
Also, this book was filled with many, many more of Sarah Dessen's signature AMAZING quotes. So many insightful thoughts that I took to heart.
This book comes out May 10th so make sure you buy it!
There is a contest on Sarahland.ning.com where you can win an ARC of it, so if you want it sooner, make sure you head over there and enter the contest!
Happy Reading! :)

I am Sucktastic, I know.

As you can see, I acknowledge the fact that I am a sucktastic blogger. However, I do currently have my hands on an ARC of Sarah Dessen's What Happened to Goodbye. That has to make up for a little, right? No? Oh, okay.
Anyway, I apologize AGAIN, and plan to update whenever I can. In fact, I believe you shall have a review of the book mentioned above some time tomorrow.
So, don't hate me? Please? Will a picture of a small kitten in a knitted sweater soften you up?
Go here: http://weheartit.com/entry/7000728
Doesn't it just make you want to forgive? I thought so too...

Happy reading, be back tomorrow!

Stay is coming out on Monday!

Hey everyone! I know I already posted a review of Stay by Deb Caletti, but I wanted to re-post it to remind you guys that it's coming out on Monday and that it is AMAZING! So if you didn't see the review or you forgot about it, here it is! (Description included).

Clara’s relationship with Christian is intense from the start, and like nothing she’s ever experienced before. But what starts as devotion quickly becomes obsession, and it’s almost too late before Clara realizes how far gone Christian is--and what he’s willing to do to make her stay.
Now Clara has left the city—and Christian—behind. No one back home has any idea where she is, but she still struggles to shake off her fear. She knows Christian won’t let her go that easily, and that no matter how far she runs, it may not be far enough....

Deb Caletti has done it again. I fell in love with her books once I read Fortunes of Indigo Skye and this book is no different. This one is set up a little different, but I loved the new format! It switched back between past and present with each chapter and also added some footnotes. The footnotes made me think of E. Lockhart's Ruby Oliver series and I LOVE those books too.
I've always loved Deb's style of writing, but this book has to be new favorite. It really made me feel for Clara's character and everything she was going through. I also loved the way you learned the story of Christian through a flashback-type chapter that ended up being connected to the present.
Deb seems to have done A LOT of thinking about this book. It has been compiled beautifully and gracefully. Not only does she tell the story of Clara, Christian and Finn, but she also adds a complex family background to the story as well. This is the perfect example of an amazing Young Adult novel. This is the type of book that brings me back to why I love YA so much. The power of Deb's words in this novel make you feel like you are right there with Clara, experiencing everything along with her. Deb definitely knows how teens operate.
This book was a great read and I can't wait until it's published so I can buy my own copy and read it again and again!
Stay comes out in April 2011 so mark your calanders! Do not miss out on this novel-- you won't be disappointed! Reading this book will make your life better in some way, I promise.
Hope you guys get this when it's released! Happy Reading!

So Much Closer by Susane Colasanti

Hello, Peeps! I just now noticed that my post about Part 2 of my top anticipated books never posted!! I'll get that fixed ASAP. It was supposed to have been on there two weeks ago! Anyway, this past week was the NYC Teen Author Festival and I got to go again! You guys know what that means... Author sightings! I will post a separate entry about the festival, but today's post is all about Susane Colasanti's newest book, So Much Closer. I didn't think I would be getting an ARC of this one, but Susane was so, so sweet and brought me a copy!
Here's the description:

Scott Abrams is the love of Brooke’s life. He just doesn’t know it yet. So when his family moves to New York City the summer before senior year, Brooke has no choice but to follow Scott. It’s her last chance to prove to him that they’re meant to be together.
But the city is full of surprises that Brooke never expected. Ever since a painful family trauma, she’s been closed off to her parents, to her friends, and even to herself. Now, inspired by the thrilling energy of the bustling and creative city around her, Brooke starts to explore her talents and become someone she never dreamed she’d be.
So what will she do when her biggest dream finally comes true . . . and instead, she wants something more?

Sounds awesome, doesn't it? Well, the book itself did not disappoint! Susane's fifth novel is a funny, relate-able, daring book about a girl who does what ever it takes to get what she wants. I was already in love with the book after reading the first chapter, but after the third, I knew I was in heaven. I related to Brooke in so many different ways, it was exhilarating. We have similar home lives, outlooks on life, and even similar dreams to chase after. On my review of Susane's fourth novel, Something Like Fate, I said that the book made me want to change my life. While that was true, So Much Closer has motivated me in even more ways.
The story is fast paced, with many well rounded characters. I loved how different John was, especially his awesome shirts. He has such an interesting outlook on life and a huge love for his city, New York. I loved every scene he was in.
I truly cannot think of a single thing in this book that I did not enjoy, and that is usually a hard thing to say! I think I might even go read it again...
You guys definitely do not want to miss this awesome novel! Even the cover is freaking amazing! The High Line is so beautiful and it works perfectly for this book. There is NOTHING on this cover that would turn me away :)
It comes out on May 3rd so make sure you either pre-order it or get it as soon as it comes out!
Happy Reading :)

Going Too Far by Jennifer Echols

Yay! Computer is working again! I hope my list of anticipated books tied you guys over at least a little bit! I will post the second half of it tomorrow, but first I wanted to post a long over due review of Going Too Far by Jennifer Echols. Here's the description:

All Meg has ever wanted is to get away. Away from high school. Away from her backwater town. Away from her parents who seem determined to keep her imprisoned in their dead-end lives. But one crazy evening involving a dare and forbidden railroad tracks, she goes way too far...and almost doesn’t make it back.
John made a choice to stay. To enforce the rules. To serve and protect. He has nothing but contempt for what he sees as childish rebellion, and he wants to teach Meg a lesson she won’t soon forget. But Meg pushes him to the limit by questioning everything he learned at the police academy. And when he pushes back, demanding to know why she won’t be tied down, they will drive each other to the edge—and over...

First of all, GO GET THIS BOOK NOW! I mean it! Right now, I say. I'll wait for you to get back.
Okay, so you've got it, right? Good.
Seriously, peeps? This is the best book i've read since The Truth About Forever. And that is saying a lot because I NAMED MY BLOG AFTER THAT BOOK.
Going Too Far is so many things. It is hilarious. It is meaningful. It is intense. It is romantic. It is angering. It is beautuiful. I've read this one three times in the matter of three weeks. I just can't stay away from it!
In the book, Meg is battling her own demons from the past. She's a rebel and insanely sarcastic. This has got to be the funniest book i've ever read, along with A Match Made in High School by Kristin Walker. Going Too Far, though, is more of my style. I feel like this book was written just for me. Meg has my exact sense of humor, and I can definitely relate to her in a way. Her inner quirky dialogue was so entertaining I could not even believe it. Jennifer Echols is one hell of a writer, that's for sure. And John, oh man. He is just so irrisitable and dreamy and scarred and lovable and sexy.
Other than all of the previous things I listed, Jennifer Echols is also VERY good at writing intense chemistry between characters. This book has one of the most intense chemistry love stories that I've read in a YA book. The story is all about dealing with your problems, and how love can sometimes find you in the most critical moment, helping you along the way. John and Meg are meant for each other.
This book was meant for everyone!! Go out and buy it if you already didn't. I promise you will not be dissapointed. Check you're library if you can't afford to buy it, you do not want to miss reading this book. It has changed my life and I hope it will for you as well!
Happy reading everyone :)

My 2011 Top Anticipated Books (Part 1)

Hello, Peeps! Hope you are as excited about the weekend as I am. My computer is being a jerk AGAIN so that's why I've been absent. Today I thought I'd do something different for the blog and post a list of books that are on the top of my To-Read list. I thought it could be helpful to you guys so you know when certain books are coming out in case you're interested. There are so many that I'm going to do this list in two seperate posts. Today I am posting the first ten. Hope you enjoy!

1.
WHAT HAPPENED TO GOODBYE by Sarah Dessen.
This one pretty much explains itself. Releasing in May.

2.
SO MUCH CLOSER by Susane Colasanti.
This one pretty much explains itself too. Releasing in May.

3.
DESIRES OF THE DEAD by Kimberley Derting.
This the sequel to the highly praised THE BODY FINDER. It comes out on Sunday, so if you loved TBF, you must get your hands on it!

4.
LOVE STORY by Jennifer Echols. Releasing in July.
I have read GOING TOO FAR and FORGET YOU by Jennifer, and those were absolutely amazing. I will have reviews of those up soon too!

5.
THE UNBECOMING OF MARA DYER by Michelle Hodkin. Releasing in Fall.
As soon as I read the synopsis for this book, I knew I had to have it the day it comes out. Plus, look at that cover! It just screams amazingness. And sexyness, of course. This will be Michelle's debut novel, so make sure to check out her website!

6.
THE HIDDEN by Jessica Verday. Releasing in Fall.
This is the final installment of the highly praised THE HOLLOW series. I have read the sequel, THE HAUNTED, so I should have a review for you guys soon. I am dying to know how it all ends!

7.
SHIFT by Jeri Smith-Ready. Releasing in May.
This is the sequel to SHADE. I love, love, loved SHADE so I cannot wait to read this one!

8. LOLA AND THE BOY NEXT DOOR by Stephanie Perkins. Releasing in September.
Unfortunately, this one does not have a cover yet, but I am sure it will be beautiful. ANNA AND THE FRENCH KISS was amazing (I don't think I have heard one bad thing about it yet!) so I know this one will blow my mind!

9.
BETWEEN HERE AND FOREVER by Elizabeth Scott. Releasing in May.
This one pretty much explains itself.

10.
WE'LL ALWAYS HAVE SUMMER by Jenny Han. Releasing in April.
This is the final installment in the SUMMER I TURNED PRETTY series. I love these books to death. They are addictive.

Well, that's it for now. I will post the rest of the list soon! Are there any books you guys are looking forward to? Anybody going to get Desires of the Dead on Sunday? I know I will :)

Prom and Prejudice by Elizabeth Eulberg

Hey everyone! Today I have an AWESOME book for you guys. It's by the author of The Lonely Hearts Club, Elizabeth Eulberg! You guys may have already seen or heard about Prom and Prejudice already, which I hope you have. If you haven't though, here's the description:

After winter break, the girls at the very prestigious Longbourn Academy become obsessed with the prom. Lizzie Bennet, who attends Longbourn on a scholarship, isn’t interested in designer dresses and expensive shoes, but her best friend, Jane, might be — especially now that Charles Bingley is back from a semester in London.
Lizzie is happy about her friend’s burgeoning romance but less than impressed by Charles’s friend, Will Darcy, who’s snobby and pretentious. Darcy doesn’t seem to like Lizzie either, but she assumes it’s because her family doesn’t have money. Clearly, Will Darcy is a pompous jerk — so why does Lizzie find herself drawn to him anyway?
Will Lizzie’s pride and Will’s prejudice keep them apart? Or are they a prom couple in the making? Whatever the result, Elizabeth Eulberg, author of The Lonely Hearts Club, has concocted a very funny, completely stylish delight for any season — prom or otherwise.

Okay, so I have a confession to make. I've never read Pride and Prejudice. I know, by hearing that, most of you probably want to punch me in the face right now (Please don't!). I know there is basically no excuse for it, but it was never brought to my attention until I started really getting into books. My mom never told me about it, my school never mentioned it, only until I started trying to push my way into the publishing world did I really start to understand just how good and loved Pride and Prejudice is.
But now that I've read Elizabeth's wonderful Prom and Prejudice and loved it, I'm gonna go get my hands on a copy of the original story, I promise! Now, while I can't tell you if this book successfully represents the original, I can tell you how awesome it is. (If you want to hear what someone who has read the original thinks, you can find another review here).
From the very first chapter, I immediately felt for Lizzie. I could already tell we were alike, and that her story would be one I couldn't put down. One thing I love about Elizabeth's writing is that while it is elegant and wonderful, it is also simple. She has a talent to make the reader jump into the story and want to stay there without having to be over extravagant or over descriptive. It's just right.
I definitely found myself drawn to Will Darcy, even in the beginning. As the story went on, I fell more in love with his character and also related even more to Lizzie. Even though I have not been taunted about wealth or scholarships, I do know how it feels to be the outsider, the one people taunt. Whether it be for my height, or just for the fun of it, I was taunted, just like Lizzie. Elizabeth brings to life these characters and their stories, and I was sad to see the book end.
It was a great, great second novel and I can't wait for the third!
If you're looking for a book with in depth characters, a wonderful story, a dash of classics, and humor, this book is for you!
Hope you guys enjoy and happy reading!