Teaser Tuesday: How My Summer Went Up in Flames by Jennifer Salvato Doktorski

Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme, hosted by MizB of Should Be Reading.
To play along just do the following:

• Grab your current read
• Open to a random page
• Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page
• BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!)
• Share the title & author, too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers!

How My Summer Went Up in Flames by Jennifer Salvato Doktorski.

How My Summer Went Up In Flames
- Simon Pulse

I walk into the kitchen and begin opening cabinets in search of the perfect snack to calm me down. Let’s see. Temporary restraining order . . . I bypass the pretzels and head straight for the Double Stuf Oreos.
-- Page 5


“Sorry. Logan is just such a jerk. He’s pissing me off.”
“Yeah, that’s why you’ll be in love with him by the time we hit the Pennsylvania-Virginia border,” Matty half mumbles.
-- Page 52

I needed something funny this week and How My Summer Went Up In Flames seemed perfect. Main character Rosie's perky personality and dry humour makes me laugh. She already messes up the ridiculously tight road trip itinerary her three "dorky" travel companions came up with in chapter four, which tells me that there is more to come. Moreover, I wonder if Matty is right with his comment or if she may surprise even her best friend. I'm looking forward to see what this girl has up her sleeve that even she doesn't know.

What are you in the mood for this week? Leave us a comment along with your teaser.

Waiting on Wednesday: Conjured by Sarah Beth Durst

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

This week’s can’t wait to read selection is
Conjured by Sarah Beth Durst.
Publication Date: August 27th 2013

Conjured - Bloomsbury

Eve has a new home, a new face, and a new name—but no memories of her past. She’s been told that she's in a witness protection program. That she escaped a dangerous magic-wielding serial killer who still hunts her. The only thing she knows for sure is that there is something horrifying in her memories the people hiding her want to access—and there is nothing they won’t say—or do—to her to get her to remember.

At night she dreams of a tattered carnival tent and buttons being sewn into her skin. But during the day, she shelves books at the local library, trying to not let anyone know that she can do things—things like change the color of her eyes or walk through walls. When she does use her strange powers, she blacks out and is drawn into terrifying visions, returning to find that days or weeks have passed—and she’s lost all short-term memories. Eve must find out who and what she really is before the killer finds her—but the truth may be more dangerous than anyone could have ever imagined.

Synopsis from goodreads.com 

I am simultaneously fascinated and spooked by this synopsis and there are few that left me guessing so much as well. Eve's powers (I wonder, if it's a speaking name here) sound incredible. Changing yourself so you can be anyone, go anywhere? But the price seems too high for using that power: memory loss and at a time when she needs to remember to stay alive. Novel, thrilling and unpredictable. I can't wait!

What are you waiting on this week? Tell us in the comments.

Teaser Tuesday: Mind Games by Kiersten White

Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme, hosted by MizB of Should Be Reading.
To play along just do the following:

• Grab your current read
• Open to a random page
• Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page
• BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!)
• Share the title & author, too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers!

Mind Games by Kiersten White.

Mind Games – Harper Teen

Because if he doesn’t die today, Annie will, and that is one death I cannot have on my conscience.
Why did he have to help the puppy?
— Chapter 2

“What are you doing?”
“Wondering if a fourteen-year-old who is an accessory to murder can be tried as an adult.”
— Chapter 12

Kiersten White immediately got my attention with her Paranormalcy trilogy. I absolutely loved Evie as a character and narrator. Mind Games is told from two points of view, Fia and Annie, whose individual characteristics create a really interesting blend and contrast narration for this clever story. Adding to this is the fact that the story is told in sections of present and back-flashes and you basically have four narrators. This could be more confusing than instructions on operating a space ship but this is thankfully not the case. I’m still trying to decide who of the two sisters is the deadlier one though ...

Let us know about your teasers in the comments.

Waiting on Wednesday: Antigoddess by Kendare Blake

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

This week’s can’t wait to read selection is
Antigoddess by Kendare Blake.
Publication Date: September 10th 2013

Antigoddess - Tor Teen

 Old Gods never die…

Or so Athena thought. But then the feathers started sprouting beneath her skin, invading her lungs like a strange cancer, and Hermes showed up with a fever eating away his flesh. So much for living a quiet eternity in perpetual health.

Desperately seeking the cause of their slow, miserable deaths, Athena and Hermes travel the world, gathering allies and discovering enemies both new and old. Their search leads them to Cassandra—an ordinary girl who was once an extraordinary prophetess, protected and loved by a god.

These days, Cassandra doesn’t involve herself in the business of gods—in fact, she doesn’t even know they exist. But she could be the key in a war that is only just beginning.

Because Hera, the queen of the gods, has aligned herself with other of the ancient Olympians, who are killing off rivals in an attempt to prolong their own lives. But these anti-gods have become corrupted in their desperation to survive, horrific caricatures of their former glory. Athena will need every advantage she can get, because immortals don’t just flicker out.

Every one of them dies in their own way. Some choke on feathers. Others become monsters. All of them rage against their last breath.

The Goddess War is about to begin.

Synopsis from goodreads.com 

Having read Kendare Blake's Anna series, I'm more than curious about what she can do with Greek mythology. Up until now, I've only ever read about the gods occasionally fading, when no one believed in them anymore. The idea of them losing immortality and dying like mortals is new to me. It also gives the story a dark feel, which I prefer now and then. Moreover, seeing the story played out from a goddess' perspective is going to be a fascinating experience; especially when the goddess is Athena, the godess of wisdom and strategy. I also can't remember ever reading fiction about the prophetess Cassandra and I wonder how she fits into it all.

Is this dark take on Greek mythology something you would go for? Leave us a comment with your Waiting on Wednesday choice.

Teaser Tueasday: Tiger Lily by Jodi Lynn Anderson

Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme, hosted by MizB of Should Be Reading.
To play along just do the following:

• Grab your current read
• Open to a random page
• Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page
• BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!)
• Share the title & author, too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers!

Tiger Lily by Jodi Lynn Anderson.

Tiger Lily – Harper Teen

This is a love story, but not like any you’ve heard. The boy and the girl are far from innocent. Dear lives are lost. And good doesn’t win. In some places, there is something ultimately good about endings. In Neverland, that is not the case.
— Chapter 1

But Tiger Lily didn’t have to track her way back to Peter Pan. Four days later, she was invited.
— Chapter 11

This book has been waiting for me for far too long. When I got it I decided to read it when I needed a “mostly-certain-to-enjoy” book. I haven’t been disappointed. I especially like that the story is told from within the action, but not from the main character, which offers an interesting and at times surprising perspective. The other great thing about this book its absolute lack of sugarcoat fairytale happiness. As sad as it is, it is also very much grounded in reality. Even if the setting is not.

Do you have books that you save for later? Share your thoughts and teasers in the comments.

Waiting on Wednesday: Untold by Sarah Rees Brennan

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

This week’s can’t wait to read selection is
Untold by Sarah Rees Brennan.
Publication Dates: UK – August 29th 2013, US – September 24th 2013

Untold – Simon & Schuster UK

Free from bonds, but not each other
It’s time to choose sides … On the surface, Sorry-in-the-Vale is a sleepy English town. But Kami Glass knows the truth. Sorry-in-the-Vale is full of magic. In the old days, the Lynburn family ruled with fear, terrifying the people into submission in order to kill for blood and power. Now the Lynburns are back, and Rob Lynburn is gathering sorcerers so that the town can return to the old ways.
But Rob and his followers aren’t the only sorcerers in town. A decision must be made: pay the blood sacrifice, or fight. For Kami, this means more than just choosing between good and evil. With her link to Jared Lynburn severed, she’s now free to love anyone she chooses. But who should that be?

Synopsis from goodreads.com

There are few authors that can tease/torture their readers like Sarah Rees Brennan ... and not too surprisingly, those authors more or less all belong to the same writing group. I suspect that this is not so much a writing group but rather an evil-authors-club. But I love their work anyway. And I can hardly wait to find out what Kami is up to next. And Jared. And Holly, And Rusty. And Ash. And ... You get the idea (at the same time I’m also completely terrified by what might come to pass). I adored the cover design of Unspoken, but apparently this is a minority opinion since the upcoming paperback and this sequel are taking a completely different approach. It probably fits the mysterious part of the story, but to me it also looks slightly more generic. Just my two cents. Feel free to disagree (and yes, I’m aware of that horrible rhyme).

Question for the comments: What do you think about changing cover designs in the middle of a series? Or is this no concern for you at all?

Teaser Tuesday: Coraline by Neil Gaiman

Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme, hosted by MizB of Should Be Reading.
To play along just do the following:

• Grab your current read
• Open to a random page
• Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page
• BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!)
• Share the title & author, too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers!

Coraline by Neil Gaiman.

Coraline – HarperFestival

There was nothing in the corner. Nothing but the old door that opened onto the brick wall. She was sure that her mother had shut the door, but now it was ever so slightly open. Just a crack.
— Chapter 1

In danger? thought Coraline to herself. It sounded exciting. It didn’t sound like a bad thing. Not really.
— Chapter 2

Neil Gaiman has got a way of intertwining myths so closely with reality that you sometimes don’t know where one ends and the other begins. I discovered this, reading all of his novels, besides Coraline. So I finally thought it was time to pick up the book about this small, inquisitive girl, who is ready to explore the world.
I’m not deep into the story yet, but I already like Coraline’s clear way of seeing the world around her. When she finds a doorway to another reality and starts scouting it out, I just want to go exploring with her and see what hides behind it, never mind the danger.

Do you have a favourite author, whose every book you (want to) read? Leave us a comment along with your teaser.

Waiting on Wednesday: Red by Alison Cherry

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

This week’s can’t wait to read selection is
Red by Alison Cherry.
Publication Date: October 8th 2013

Red -
Delacorte Books for Young Readers

Felicity St. John has it all—loyal best friends, a hot guy, and artistic talent. And she’s right on track to win the Miss Scarlet pageant. Her perfect life is possible because of just one thing: her long, wavy, coppery red hair.

Having red hair is all that matters in Scarletville. Redheads hold all the power—and everybody knows it. That’s why Felicity is scared down to her roots when she receives an anonymous note:

I know your secret.

Because Felicity is a big fake. Her hair color comes straight out of a bottle. And if anyone discovered the truth, she’d be a social outcast faster than she could say "strawberry blond." Her mother would disown her, her friends would shun her, and her boyfriend would dump her. And forget about winning that pageant crown and the prize money that comes with it—money that would allow her to fulfill her dream of going to art school.

Felicity isn’t about to let someone blackmail her life away. But just how far is she willing to go to protect her red cred?

Synopsis form goodreads.com.

I'm fond of red hair since reading Anne of Green Gables years ago, which is one of my favourite classics and the reasons Red caught my eye. In Felicity's life, everything you can acomplish depends on your hair colour. So trying to be accepted into that society with the help of hair dye is understandable. But is it really worth it to not be your true self for society? And shouldn't her family and friends love her regardless, even without the red hair? Also, who's the blackmailer and what's the motivation? I like that mystery spin to the story and wonder what Felicty will do about it. Maybe it's time, she showed her true colours.

Which books are you waiting on this Wednesday? Leave us a comment.

Teaser Tuesday: The Eternity Cure by Julie Kagawa

Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme, hosted by MizB of Should Be Reading.
To play along just do the following:

• Grab your current read
• Open to a random page
• Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page
• BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!)
• Share the title & author, too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers!

The Eternity Cure by Julie Kagawa.

The Eternity Cure – Harlequin Teen

Dawn was a couple hours away. I could cover a lot of ground before then, so I started off once more, heading down the road toward an unknown destination. Chasing a shadow.

Knowing we were running out of time.

— Chapter 1

“I’ve been around a lot longer than you. I’ve seen my share of cocky vampires who think they’re invincible. Until I rip their heads off.”
— Chapter 5

Why yes, I stayed up until after midnight to see the book magically appear. And then I left everything else be and started reading ... I’m not too far in yet, but I can already say that this is just as amazing as the first book, if not even more so. The only sort of problems are that I am awfully afraid to finish this book since I anticipate an #evilauthor ending and I’ve got an inkling that the next book will be a while off again.

Do you have books that you couldn’t wait to get your hands on and then realised while reading that you for whatever reasons don’t really want to know the end just yet?

Waiting on Wednesday: Icons by Margaret Stohl

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

This week’s can’t wait to read selection is
Icons by Margareth Stohl.
Publication Date: May 7th 2013.

Icons – Little, Brown Books

Everything changed on The Day. The day the windows shattered. The day the power stopped. The day Dol's family dropped dead. The day Earth lost a war it didn't know it was fighting.
Since then, Dol has lived a simple life in the countryside -- safe from the shadow of the Icon and its terrifying power. Hiding from the one truth she can't avoid.
She's different. She survived. Why?
When Dol and her best friend, Ro, are captured and taken to the Embassy, off the coast of the sprawling metropolis once known as the City of Angels, they find only more questions. While Ro and fellow hostage Tima rage against their captors, Dol finds herself drawn to Lucas, the Ambassador's privileged son. But the four teens are more alike than they might think, and the timing of their meeting isn't a coincidence. It's a conspiracy.
Within the Icon's reach, Dol, Ro, Tima, and Lucas discover that their uncontrollable emotions -- which they've always thought to be their greatest weaknesses -- may actually be their greatest strengths.

Synopsis from goodreads.com

I recall that I said that dystopias seem to take over my reading and waiting list. I try to limit this, but I will happily make an exception for Margaret Stohl. And this also sounds more like post-apocalypse rather than dystopia (yes, I’m fishing for excuses, but I think that these two are different categories).

Is there a genre that dominates your reading lists voluntarily or accidentally? Tell us in the comments along with your Waiting On pick of the week!

Teaser Tuesday: Fragments by Dan Wells

Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme, hosted by MizB of Should Be Reading.
To play along just do the following:

• Grab your current read
• Open to a random page
• Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page
• BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!)
• Share the title & author, too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers!

Fragments by Dan Wells.

Fragments – Balzer + Bray

That was where she’d first met Samm – well, not “met him” so much as “knocked him unconscious and captured him.” It was strange how much things had changed since then. If she had Samm here, now ... Well, things would be a lot easier, for one thing
— Chapter 5

As the crowd roared in fear and confusion, as the reality of of the situation sank into him, Marcus realized that it didn’t matter. He wasn’t ready to sacrifice anyone; he’d rather go down fighting than sell his soul for peace.
— Chapter 6

This is the sequel to Partials, which I thought was absolutely amazing ... even with that not so minor hiccup at the end that made me once again question my luck in choosing favourite characters. But apart from that it definitely was one of my lucky finds of 2012.
It took me a while to get into this sequel and I think I can identify the changes in perspective as the main reason. I was used to Kira as the focal point, but now that the group is split up, I see that it makes sense to have various points of view. I just had to get used to it first. Pesky, human nature that gets used to things so easily. :)

Have you ever been irritated by narrator changes? Share your experience in the comments along with your teasers!

Waiting on Wednesday: Spirit by Brigid Kemmerer

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

This week’s can’t wait to read selection is
Spirit by Brigid Kemmerer
Publication Date: May 28th 2013

Spirit - K Teen

With power comes enemies. Lots of them.

Hunter Garrity just wants to be left alone. He’s learned the hard way that his unusual abilities come at a price. And he can’t seem to afford any allies.

He’s up to his neck in hostiles. His grandfather, spoiling for a fight. The Merrick brothers, who think he ratted them out. Calla, the scheming psycho who wants to use him as bait.

Then there’s Kate Sullivan, the new girl at school. She’s not hostile. She’s bold. Funny. Hot. But she’s got an agenda, too.

With supposedly secret powers rippling to the surface everywhere around him, Hunter knows something ugly is about to go down. But finding out what means he’ll have to find someone he can trust…

Synopsis from goodreads.com.

I just started the second book in Brigid Kemmerer's Elemental series, Spark, and like it already. Elementals can control one of the natural elements and are therefore powerful, but dangerous. Even so, they are humans and struggle with every day life. That's what I like about this series so much, combining raw power with every day feelings. Every book concentrates on one of the Elementals in and around the Merrick family. Spirit is the third book in this series and it centers on Hunter. He's familiar from the first book, but I couldn't figure him out then, closed of as he was. Still, he is probably the most intriguing character in this series until now (besides Michael) and I'm very curious to find out more about him.  

Are you waiting for a next book in a series as well? Leave us a comment with your pick.

Teaser Tuesday: Blackwood by Gwenda Bond

Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme, hosted by MizB of Should Be Reading.
To play along just do the following:

• Grab your current read
• Open to a random page
• Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page
• BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!)
• Share the title & author, too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers! 

 Blackwood by Gwenda Bond.

Blackwood -
Strange Chemistry

Evil dead guys having secret plans for girls you really liked and wanted to live sucked.
-- Chapter 22


She had death on one side, and life on the other.
-- Chapter 27

Two short teasers today from a book about the Lost Colony of Roanoke Island. I've been stumbling over this mystery in other books already and wanted to see what Gewnda Bond made of it. So far, she has been keeping me hooked with suspense, a slight touch of the supernatural and two great main characters. I just don't see, how to beat the villain yet.

Which book keeps you hooked right now? Share your teaser in the comments.

Waiting on Wednesday: If I Should Die

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

This week’s can’t wait to read selection is
If I Should Die by Amy Plumb.
Publication Date: May 1st 2013.

If I Should Die - Atom

I will not lose another person I love. I will not let history repeat itself.

Vincent waited lifetimes to find me, but in an instant our future together was shattered. He was betrayed by someone we both called a friend, and I lost him. Now our enemy is determined to rule over France’s immortals, and willing to wage a war to get what they want.

It shouldn’t be possible, none of it should be, but this is my reality. I know Vincent is somewhere out there, I know he’s not completely gone, and I will do anything to save him.

After what we’ve already fought to achieve, a life without Vincent is unimaginable. He once swore to avoid dying - to go against his nature and forsake sacrificing himself for others - so that we could be together. How can I not risk everything to bring my love back to me?

Synopsis from goodreads.com

I often think of final books in a slightly ambiguous manner: On the one hand, I’m sad to see characters go, especially when I’ve grown to like them quite a bit. On the other hand, I’m also looking forward to the conclusion of the overall story. I don’t need an “and they lived happily ever after” but more something that ties up loose ends and leaves me with the feeling that this is the best end the individual series could have been given. For this series in particular, I really hope to see more of Jules. I’m currently reading the novella, Die For Her, and it’s breaking my heart ... in a positive way, if that is possible.

Let us know about the books you can hardly wait for in the comment.

Teaser Tuesday: Also Known As by Robin Benway

Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme, hosted by MizB of Should Be Reading.
To play along just do the following:

• Grab your current read
• Open to a random page
• Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page
• BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!)
• Share the title & author, too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers! 

Also Known As by Robin Benway.

Also Known As - Bloomsbury USA

"You're considered a fugitive in Luxembourg, remember? This is the cotton candy of assignments. Fluffy, airy, bad for you."
-- Page 32

The next morning, after tossing and turning for most of the night, I had a shiny new plan. And like most of my plans, it involved deviousness, blatant lying, and coffee. I started with the coffee first.
-- Page 55

I'm a bit eclectic right now, reading about half a dozen books at the time. I picked Also Known As as it's about a sixteen-year-old spy, which is just perfect for a spy movie and mystery fan like me.
The story naturally is suspenseful, but has lots of funny moments, which keeps it from getting too serious. Maggie, the daughter of two spies, is doing her first assignment and has to attend high school for it. Being homeschooled before doesn't exactly prepare her for high school life, nor for cute guys and crazy best friends. I'm quite far into the book already and am beginning to wonder, if there's more to the assignment than meets the eye.

Do you read more than one book at a time as well? Leave us a comment with your teasers.

Waiting on Wednesday: The Pirate's Wish by Cassandra Rose Clarke

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

This week’s can’t wait to read selection is
The Pirate's Wish by Cassandra Rose Clarke
Publication Date: June 4th 2013

The Pirate's Wish - Strange Chemistry

After setting out to break the curse that binds them together, the pirate Ananna and the assassin Naji find themselves stranded on an enchanted island in the north with nothing but a sword, their wits, and the secret to breaking the curse: complete three impossible tasks. With the help of their friend Marjani and a rather unusual ally, Ananna and Naji make their way south again, seeking what seems to be beyond their reach.

Unfortunately, Naji has enemies from the shadowy world known as the Mists, and Ananna must still face the repercussions of going up against the Pirate Confederation. Together, Naji and Ananna must break the curse, escape their enemies — and come to terms with their growing romantic attraction.

Synopsis from goodreads.com.

Cassandra Rose Clarke's series reminds me a bit of The Arabian Nights with magic still in the world, the seas divided into either pirate waters or confederation's and the oriental setting.
The first book, The Assassin's Curse, I enjoyed immensely. Fleeing through the desert to find somebody who can lift their curse, Ananna and Naji's clashing natures became very clear. One belonging to the sea, the other to the desert, they are still both stubborn and spirited, and set on the same goal.
I hope they will keep their spirit in the sequel The Pirate's Wish, where they have to deal with impossible tasks, deadly foreign enemies and what's more, themselves, to reach their freedom. I'd guess that the last part would be the hardest for both of them.

What's your choice this week? Tell us in the comments.

Teaser Tuesday: Mila 2.0 by Debra Driza

 Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme, hosted by MizB of Should Be Reading.
To play along just do the following:

• Grab your current read
• Open to a random page
• Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page
• BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!)
• Share the title & author, too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers!

Mila 2.0 by Debra Driza.

Mila 2.0 - Katherine Tegen Books

But instead of saving me from an evil spell, his kiss would save me from the iPod.
-- Chapter 10

Three words, I realized with a choked sob. That’s all it took for hope to die. When her hand settled on my shoulder, I shook it off, making the Tahoe swerve. “Don’t,” I said. “Just tell me what you did.”
-- Chapter 14

Most teenagers at some point seem to feel that their parents don’t understand them. Like they’re a completely different species from them. And then imagine finding out that it’s actually you who is different from everyone else. Finally a warranted explanation ... but not necessarily what Mila expected. And not even her most pressing problem even though it’s all connected. I’m about a third in and apart from a few very teenager-y symptoms that I found a little overdone I quite like this one so far. It took a while to establish the setting and the characters, but I hope that now the plot will pick up a bit. One thing that I’m already certain about is that any action sequences will be amazing based on the glimpses I had.

If you want to take a look at this, make sure that you start with the free prequel Mila 2.0 - Origins: The Fire. Let us know what you are currently reading in the comments.

Waiting on Wednesday: How My Summer Went Up In Flames by Jennifer Salvato Doktorski

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

This week’s can’t wait to read selection is
How My Summer Went Up in Flames
by Jennifer Salvato Doktorski
Publication Date: May 7th 2013

How My Summer Went Up In Flames
- Simon Pulse

Rosie’s always been impulsive. She didn’t intend to set her cheating ex-boyfriend’s car on fire. And she never thought her attempts to make amends could be considered stalking. So when she’s served with a temporary restraining order on the first day of summer vacation, she’s heartbroken—and furious.

To put distance between Rosie and her ex, Rosie’s parents send her on a cross-country road trip with responsible, reliable neighbor Matty and his two friends. Forget freedom of the road, Rosie wants to hitchhike home and win back her ex. But her determination starts to dwindle with each passing mile. Because Rosie’s spark of anger? It may have just ignited a romance with someone new…

Synopsis from goodreads.com.

I laughed out loud at this synopsis. Setting the ex-boyfriend’s car on fire is definitely an original idea. Especially, when he’s been cheating. But getting caught, not so much. The road trip seems to be a good thing to deal with heartache though, even if impulsive Rosie doesn’t see it that way at the beginning.
Somehow I’ve read only a few road trip books until now, but they’ve all made me want to leave for a trip myself. Let’s see what How My Summer Went Up in Flames brings. The travel bug and a few laughs would be a good start. ;)

Would you rather go on a road trip yourself than read about it? Tell us in the comments along with your book choice this week!

Teaser Tuesday: The Truth About Forever by Sarah Dessen

 Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme, hosted by MizB of Should Be Reading.
To play along just do the following:

• Grab your current read
• Open to a random page
• Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page
• BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!)
• Share the title & author, too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers!  

The Truth About Forever by Sarah Dessen.

The Truth About Forever -
Penguin

“Well, at least it’s over. Next time, everything will go smoothly. Like a well-oiled machine.” Even I, as the newbie, knew this was unlikely.
-- Chapter 4

There’s an entirely different feel to quiet when you’re with someone else, and at any moment it could be broken. Like the difference between a pause and an ending.
-- Chapter 5

I’m having a bad case of book-hangover and needed a relatively short, well-written story with a little drama, but also with an assured happiness factor. Combine that with the fact that I have wanted to read this slightly older title by Sarah Dessen for a while now and you know what I did over the weekend. This is a sweet story, even if the plot and outcome are predicable enough, it’s still very readable and the characters are quite a nice bunch (no matter how many times I wanted to shout at Macy that she should “Please God I’n begging you” get herself together - or rather not-together - and confront her mother).

Do you suffer book-hangover after a good book? If that is the case, do you have an author that you are certain will pick you up?

Waiting on Wednesday: The Testing by Joelle Charbonneau

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

This week’s can’t wait to read selection is
The Testing by Joelle Charbonneau.
Publication Date: June 4th 2013.

The Testing - Houghton Mifflin

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.

Synopsis from goodreads.com

I’m a bit hesitant concerning dystopias at the moment, but this one sounds quite promising in its approach, like a mix between Legend and Hunger Games ... I hope that it adds enough individual aspects to its plot, but I’ve decided to be optimistic. And now I have to get back to Clockwork Princess, which you might remember as one of our most anticipated books for this year.

Let us know about the books you are waiting for so that we can share your anticipation.

Teaser Tuesday: Out of the Easy by Ruta Sepetys

Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme, hosted by MizB of Should Be Reading.
To play along just do the following:

• Grab your current read
• Open to a random page
• Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page
• BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!)
• Share the title & author, too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers! 

 

 Out of the Easy by Ruta Sepetys.

Out of the Easy -
Philomel Books

The door burst open with a yell. I drew my gun, and Cokie whipped around, raising the tire iron.
Partick jumped back, looking from the tire iron to my gun.
"What's wrong? It's just Proust!" he said, holding a large box of books.
-- Page 58
"Okay, tired girl, let me tell you a secret."
I didn't need any more secrets. I had enough of my own. I looked up at Jesse.
"Uh-huh. There you are, all tired, standin' in your boyfriend's clothes, but here's the secret." Jesse moved in close. "You like me."
-- Page 187

I've been waiting for Out of the Easy since November last year and now that I got my hands on it, I finished it in two days. I liked the American 50s setting, the different characters with all their peculiarities and especially Josie's voice.
Josie wants to get away from the stigma of her mother being a prostitute, which also means leaving New Orleans behind. She reads most of the books in the bookstore she works at and tries for a college in the east. But how do you conceal your heritage when it comes knocking on your door every now and then, reminding you of your supposed place in life?

Is historical fiction on your menu this week? Tell us in the comments along with your teaser!

Waiting on Wednesday: Tandem by Anna Jarzab

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

This week’s can’t wait to read selection is
Tandem by Anna Jarzab.
Publication Date: October 8th 2013

Tandem -
Delacorte Books for Young Readers

Everything repeats.
You. Your best friend. Every person you know.
Many worlds. Many lives – infinite possibilities.
Welcome to the multiverse.

Sixteen-year-old Sasha Lawson has only ever known one small, ordinary life. When she was young, she loved her grandfather's stories of parallel worlds inhabited by girls who looked like her but led totally different lives. Sasha never believed such worlds were real – until now, when she finds herself thrust into one against her will.

To prevent imminent war, Sasha must slip into the life of an alternate version of herself, a princess who has vanished on the eve of her arranged marriage. If Sasha succeeds in fooling everyone, she will be returned home; if she fails, she'll be trapped in another girl's life forever. As time runs out, Sasha finds herself torn between two worlds, two lives, and two young men vying for her love – one who knows her secret, and one who thinks she's someone she's not.

Synopsis from goodreads.com.

I guess everyone imagined him- or herself in someone else's shoes before. What would it be like to be this painter or that writer or even the person sitting across the table? It's a fun game to pretend, but for Sasha, living the life of another person becomes dangerous reality. Little details might betray her and start the mentioned war nevertheless.
The synopsis sounds suspenseful and the idea of multiple realities fascinates and scares me at the same time. Appropriately enough, the cover reminds me of a Magritte painting, where the meaning of the things depicted is always inverted. I wonder, what the bird stands for.

Which books are you waiting on this week? Tell us in the comments!

Teaser Tuesday: Just One Day by Gayle Forman

Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme, hosted by MizB of Should Be Reading.
To play along just do the following:

• Grab your current read
• Open to a random page
• Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page
• BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!)
• Share the title & author, too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers!  

Just One Day by Gayle Forman.

Just One Day - Dutton Children’s

When the sun shines, you let it shine on you. Snow is always waiting.
-- Chapter 5

And the people we pretend at, they’re already in us. That’s why we pretend them in the first place.
-- Chapter 24

I was recently wondering how people in general, myself included, meet new stories. Not in the sense of how you discover them and decide that you want to read them, but more considering how much you know about a book already before you even start it. This one for example, I had close to no information about beforehand. Apart from (and here it starts) that many of my friends like the author and that the book itself had received quite a bit of praise. Does that influence how I read (and like) it? And how does that compare to a book by an author I know quite well or a story that I have theorised about for ages before the publication date? I don’t think I’ll spoil you if I say that Gayle Foreman has a beautiful style of writing and that I would have literally read this in just one day if it weren’t for that pesky thing called outside world.

How much information do you collect about a book before you read it?

Waiting on Wednesday: Between the Devil and the Deep Blue Sea by April Genevieve Tucholke

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

This week’s can’t wait to read selection is
Between the Devil and the Deep Blue Sea by April Genevieve Tucholke.
Publication Date: August 15th 2013

Between the Devil and the Deep Blue Sea
- Penguin / Dial

You stop fearing the devil when you’re holding his hand…

Nothing much exciting rolls through Violet White’s sleepy, seaside town…until River West comes along. River rents the guesthouse behind Violet’s crumbling estate, and as eerie, grim things start to happen, Violet begins to wonder about the boy living in her backyard. Is River just a crooked-smiling liar with pretty eyes and a mysterious past? Or could he be something more? Violet’s grandmother always warned her about the Devil, but she never said he could be a dark-haired boy who takes naps in the sun, who likes coffee, who kisses you in a cemetery...who makes you want to kiss back. Violet’s already so knee-deep in love, she can’t see straight. And that’s just how River likes it.

Synopsis from goodreads.com.

This last sentence sounds eerie. I imagine River with a wicked grin and a mischievous glint in his pretty eyes. But what do I expect from the Devil himself? An ulterior motive - definitely! Moreover, I expect some chills and an exceptional love story. What is so special about Violet that the Devil himself singled her out for his attention? And can you go back from loving the Devil?

I have a thing for bad boys in general and since reading books about blood-dripping ghosts and Poe-inspired parallel worlds, the more sinister storylines fascinate me even more. Between the Devil and the Deep Blue Sea fits right in with my current reading mood, but maybe it is safer to read this book with sunshine pouring in the window. ;)

Which books are you (im)patiently waiting on this Wednesday? Tell us in the comments!

Teaser Tuesday: Code Name Verity by Elizabeth Wein

Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme, hosted by MizB of Should Be Reading.
To play along just do the following:

• Grab your current read
• Open to a random page
• Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page
• BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!)
• Share the title & author, too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers!  

Code Name Verity by Elizabeth Wein.

Code Name Verity – Egmont

I am no longer afraid of getting old. Indeed I can’t believe I ever said anything so stupid. So childish. So offensive and arrogant. But mainly, so very, very stupid. I desperately want to grow old.
– Part 1 Chapter 7

... if anyone should drop a match or cigarette the whole place would go up like Vesuvius. There’s no way I’d ever be able to get out. I try not to think about it.
– Part 2 Chapter 2

If you had told me a week ago that I was going to be raving about a story set in WW II, I’d probably said that you don’t know me very well. Right, I take everything back and claim the opposite. At least in this case. I know that this book has already received great reviews singing its praises and I won’t tell you anything new I suppose. If I was asked to describe this book in just one word, I’d fold. There is just no way. I caught myself smiling and had to ask myself if one should be able to find humour in this, but there is ... a silent, desperate, and incredibly brave humour amidst all the sadness and horror. There are also great acts of courage, selflessness, and devotion. I’m usually not much of a crier when I read and even though certain things can be suspected from the beginning, I had to put the book down several times because I couldn’t see the pages anymore. I really hope that everyone gets to experience a friendship such as the one evident throughout the book – if hopefully under happier circumstances.

Which book has you glued to the pages this week? Tell us in the comments.

Waiting on Wednesday: The 5th Wave by Rick Yancey

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

This week’s can’t wait to read selection is
The 5th Wave by Rick Yancey.
Publication Date: May 7th 2013.

The 5th Wave - Putnam Juvenile

After the 1st wave, only darkness remains. After the 2nd, only the lucky escape. And after the 3rd, only the unlucky survive. After the 4th wave, only one rule applies: trust no one.
Now, it’s the dawn of the 5th wave, and on a lonely stretch of highway, Cassie runs from Them. The beings who only look human, who roam the countryside killing anyone they see. Who have scattered Earth’s last survivors. To stay alone is to stay alive, Cassie believes, until she meets Evan Walker. Beguiling and mysterious, Evan Walker may be Cassie’s only hope for rescuing her brother—or even saving herself. But Cassie must choose: between trust and despair, between defiance and surrender, between life and death. To give up or to get up.

Synopsis from goodreads.com

I’ve seen a lot of remarks about this book starting with something along the lines “It’s Sci-Fi, but you might like it.” As a matter of fact, I don’t like these caveats. Either you recommend books wholeheartedly or you don’t, but don’t use its supposed genre as an excuse. Doesn’t a sentence like that rather sound like “It’s strawberry, but unlike all the other strawberry you are deadly allergic to this will only give you a minor itch.” Similar thing goes for “It’s Sci-Fi, but for girls as well.” I’ll step off my soapbox now and say this: Yay, it has Sci-Fi elements and it sounds really great and I’m quite excited for this.

Anyone else allergic to strawberries and/or genre-but(t)s? Which book are you waiting for this week?