Top Ten Books/Authors That Deserve More Attention (Top Ten Tuesday)

Top Ten Tuesday is a weekly meme hosted by The Broke and the Bookish. Click the picture to visit them!

Top Ten Books/Authors That Deserve More Attention

This week is a free topic, so here are the top 10 books and authors who I belive deserve more attention in the blogosphere, the media, and in general.

1. The Pace by Shelena Shorts (2009)

Eternal love without the paranormal creature vampire / werewolf / faerie / or fallen angel thing.

2. Eyes Like Stars by Lisa Mantchev (2009)

One of the most truly unique books out there in my opinion. A strong heroine with a mind of her own in a magical theatre.

3. The Big Crunch by Pete Hautman (2011)

A sweet and honest contemporary that reads like an indie movie. (My review)

4. Candor by Pam Bachorz (2009)

Pam Bachorz has a knack for creating dystopians that take place in small, isolated places with antagonists who truly believe they are doing the right thing.

5. Wondrous Strange by Lesley Livingston (2008)

A very different take on faerie stories, with more action :)

6. I Wanna Be Your Joey Ramone by Stephanie Kuehnert (2008)

A contemporary that doesn't gloss over the sharp edges in the heroine's life.

7. Need by Carrie Jones (2008)

Evil, sexy pixies and the phobia-collecting girl who is determined to stop them at all costs. ALL of Carrie Jones' books deserve more attention.

8. Gingerbread by Rachel Cohn (2002)

I know 2002 was 10 years ago (actually, I just realized that...), but this book was one of the most different contemporaries I'd ever read and I loved it.

9. Jars of Glass by Brad Barkley & Heather Hepler (2008)

These authors have 3 books out and I have loved every single one of them. This one broke my heart a little.

10. Breathing by Cheryl Renee Herbsman (2009)

One of the sweetest contemporary love stories I've ever read!

Death by Latte

Death by Latte by Linda Gerber

(book 2: Death By series)

Published: Sept. 18th, 2008 by Sleuth/Speak

It was only a few weeks ago that Aphra Connolly's life changed completely. She had been living a quiet existence on her father's secluded island resort, until Seth Mulo turned up and stole her heart...and provided information that led her to find her mom in Seattle. But the reunion isn't quite what she expected. Aphra's mom, Natalie, doesn't seem happy to see Aphra, and Natalie's boyfriend, Joe, insists that Aphra go home. Even worse, Seth shows up, only to ask her to return the ring he gave her the previous summer. At least Natalie's hunky neighbor is sympathetic. But when Joe is found dead at a nearby coffee shop, Aphra discovers her whole trip to Seattle has been based on a lie. And now someone just might be trying to kill her...

       Ok, so I only read this because the book I bought was $5 for all 3 of the books in this series. I gave Death by Bikini 3 Robots. You can read that review here. There really wasn't much plot at all in this book. Even though the 1st book was decent, this book is just a nothing story - tiny little bits of advancement in the plot with Aphra's mom, but other than that there is no reason for this book to exist.

Reasons I love this book:

• twists - Once the story actually got going, Aphra and her cohorts got into a bit of a situation. Even though some characters were extremely suspicious from the beginning, there were some little surprises in who turned out to be on which side.
• pace - These books are on the short side, so the plot moves pretty quickly. The beginning was a little slow for me, when Aphra met up with her mom and found out what was going on, but after that everything was faster.

Huh, what?:

• Aphra - Alright, Aphra. Let's review what we've learned from the 1st book. Someone that you thought you could trust was actually a killer. So...why are you spilling secrets to people you've known for 2 minutes? Aphra is supposedly 16, but she just comes off as younger, maybe 12. I don't know if it's because she's so self-centered or something else. 
• plot - There is no reason for this book to exist. The only significant thing that happens has to do with Aphra's mom and could have easily just been thrown into the next book. Much of the book is just dull. Exciting things happen, but the way they are written is just not interesting. It's kind of like watching something happen from behind glass where you can barely see or hear what's going on. 
• Seth's arrival - All of the sudden, out of nowhere, Seth appears in Seattle with no explanation as to how he got there. He's has his own reason for being there, but it seems like the author's reason for bringing him into the sequel is simply to have a love interest present. 

Favorite quotes:

• The air felt like it was being sucked from my lungs, and my head rang as if someone had clapped their hands over my ears. Hard. I don't remember falling, but the next thing I knew, I was sitting on the dock, head pounding. The boast was a mass of flames.        - pg. 107-108
• There's a thin line between suspicion and paranoia and I hate to think I may have crossed it, but the more I thought about it, the more suspicious I became. The vehicle we were driving belonged to - and had been equipped by - the Agency. An Agency man had suggested we take it. Why?   - pg. 193

2 Robots

This book contained nothing important to the series and I've lost whatever little interest I had in the plot. I'm not going to read the 3rd book even though I already own it. Good if you want a short, quick read and a cute, easy mystery.

Acquired: bought

Bass Ackwards and Belly Up (New Adult Challenge)

Bass Ackwards and Belly Up by Elizabeth Craft, Sarah Fain
Published: April 1, 2007 by Poppy

Harper Waddle, Sophie Bushell, and Kate Foster are about to commit the ultimate suburban sin - bailing on college to each pursue their dreams: write the next Great American Novel, make it as a Hollywood, and backpack around the world. Middlebury-bound Becca Winsberg is convinced her friends have gone insane...until they remind her she just might have a dream of her own. So what if their lives are bass ackwards and belly up? They'll always have each other.

      This is a book in the same style as The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants, but more predictable. The girls are older and their plots aren't as interesting as the Pants books, but this was still a pretty enjoyable read. There is a sequel that I will probably read as well. 

Reasons I love this book:

• Harper - Harper is the Tibby of this book. She's the girl that stays at home. Harper, despite being the cause of the girls' college rebellion, struggles with her book writing endeavor and feels like her dream pales in comparison to what her friends are off doing. Honestly, between her job, living arrangement, and sleeping habits, Harper felt the most like a college student to me, even though she wasn't in college. And I usually don't like plots where the character crushes on a teacher, but this one was interesting because Harper's no longer his student in this situation.
• Becca - It felt like everything went wrong for Becca even though she's the only one who did the expected thing by going to school, which is probably why she was easy to identity with. Everyone's had that feeling of 'what did I do to deserve this?' 
• ending - Even though I thought much of this book was predictable, I was pleased that everything wasn't all wrapped up with a happily ever after. There is a sequel and I want to see where this story goes because at times it felt like I was waiting for the real story to begin.

Huh, what?:

• Sophie's story - I don't have a problem with Sophie herself really, it's just that her plot was something I've seen dealt with so often in movies and TV shows. It's just completely predictable. From the guy she should be with vs. the Hollywood jerk she is with to the struggling to find work actress, there's nothing new here.
• Kate's love interest - I understand that there's not much time to develop each girl's love story when each girl only gets 1/4 of the book, but Kate's was too quick for my taste. Sure, there are people who you meet and instantly click with, but this guy is literally one of the only people Kate's shown talking to at all during her trip. 
• plot development - This book has been called The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants for college-aged readers. I would say the comparison stops at 4 friends being apart on different journeys in life. This book left me wanting each girl's story to be so much deeper and more developed. I feel this could have been accomplished, especially between 2 authors.

Favorite quotes:

• There was something about a seventeen-year-old high school graduate sleeping on Harry Potter sheets that lacked dignity. In fact, created a vacuum of dignity. Nonetheless, Harper had spent an intimate night with Harry, Ron, and Hermione in the grungy, half-finished basement she now called home.                    - pg. 57  (I totally disagree with this statement, but it was funny!)
• Kate leaned her elbows on the counter and smiled. "Let me explain. I have to stomp on some grapes. Today. It's very important. Any grapes will do." The clerk opened and closed his mouth, unsure how to proceed. Then he held his finger up, seeming to have an idea. He searched behind the counter, found a calendar, flipped through it quickly. Revelation spread across his face. "This is...American Thanksgiving tradition?"       - pg. 260 - 261

3 Robots

Despite the predictability this is a good read and I want to read the sequel.

1. Bass Ackwards and Belly Up

Acquired: swapped for on swap.com

Top Five "Write Another Book Already" Authors

Top Ten Tuesday is a weekly meme hosted by The Broke and the Bookish. Click the picture to visit them!

Top Five Authors I Wish Would Write Another Book

(This post has a surprise in it!)

These are authors I really want another book from and I'm limiting myself to 5 or I would be listing forever. Most of my choices ARE writing books, so this list highlights my hatred of waiting for book release dates! Each book pictured is the author's latest release.

1. Sarah Dessen - last release: May 2011

It hasn't even been a year since Sarah's last book came out (plus she has a toddler now)! I think Sarah Dessen's books are some of the most amazing contemporaries out there and I want more. I would love it if her next book had a college-aged main character!

2. Scott Westerfeld - last release: September 2011

It only seems like a long time since one of Scott's books came out because I didn't really like Leviathan.  There is an Uglies manga coming out in February, but I'm hoping for a new series sometime soonish!

3. James Dashner - last release: October 2011

Luckily, James just announced the release of a Maze Runner prequel for this August. The Maze Runner trilogy is his 1st YA series and it's action-packed and crazy intense. I want more YA books from him!

4. Shelena Shorts - last release: August 2011

The Pace series blows my mind (on that note, I seriously need to read The Iron Quill!) and is not in most stores and not getting the attention I think it deserves. Shelena has hinted on her blog that she'll be announcing a new series soon and I'm so excited! I'm so upset that I missed one of her appearances that was in my area!

5. Lisa Mantchev - last release: September 2011

Lisa's Theatre Illuminata series is another one that I rarely see in stores and that I don't hear about near enough. Her books are full of desserts and fairy mayhem and are so unique. I'm looking forward to whatever she decides to do next! I really want people to know about Lisa's and Shelena's books, so if you read this far, leave a comment with your email by next Tuesday, the 17th and I'll pick a random commenter to win any book in the Pace series or the Theatre Illuminata series from the Book Depository.

Entwined

Entwined by Heather Dixon

Published: March 29, 2011 by Greenwillow Books

Azalea is trapped. Just when she should feel that everything is before her...beautiful gowns, dashing suitors, balls filled with dancing...it's taken away. All of it. The Keeper understands. He's trapped, too, held for centuries within the walls of the palace. And so he extends an invitation. Every night, Azalea and her eleven sisters may step through the enchanted passage in their room to dance in his silver forest. But there is a cost. The Keeper likes to keep things. Azalea may not realize how tangled she is in his web until it is too late.

       This is a retelling of The Twelve Dancing Princesses. I had a picture book when I was young and I loved it. I'm not sure what the official version of the tale is, and according to the ever-trustworthy internet, it isn't a Grimm fairy tale. Anyway, this book is enthralling, with a villain who sugarcoats his sinister nature.

Reasons I love this book:

• Azalea - I love how feisty and hot-tempered Azalea got whenever someone dared wrong one of her sisters. She has so much responsibility, watching out for 11 younger sisters while the castle is in mourning, and she refuses to let the King intimidate her and fights for her sisters' right to choose who to marry. Another thing I loved is how she never let Keeper get his clutches on her sisters. She knew something was off about him and she protected them.
• Lord Bradford - Here is a wonderful gentleman who is kind without being perfect. He isn't everything Azalea had hoped, but he makes up for it in other ways.
• no love triangle - I am so happy that the villain of this story is almost always seen for what he truly is by Azalea (and by her sisters to some extent). For once, the heroine doesn't shove aside the off-putting traits of the guy to have a romantic encounter. She actually trusts her instincts. 
• grand finale - When everything comes to a head and a battle of sorts breaks out, it is anything but disappointing. There is plenty of time devoted to this conclusion, and there's just enough back and forth between the 2 sides to keep you guessing. 

Huh, what?:

• Bramble & Clover's love lives - While it's nice that not everything focused on Azalea, I never really got into her sisters' love lives and wasn't emotionally invested in who they ended up with at all.
• Keeper - He's dark and elegant, the creepiest gentleman you could imagine, a smooth-talking, good-looking guy who seems to offer you everything you want, while he silently takes everything you have. So creepy.
• routine - The princesses' days are so repetitive and, as this is a pretty long book, we are treated to many of their days. It seems like each day something special happens, but the book dragged a little more each time I had to read about them eating breakfast. Maybe if more than 1 special event happened in a single day it wouldn't have dragged as much.

Favorite quotes:

• "Sorry. I just had to apologize. About tonight. Honestly, we don't kick or bite or throw potatoes at all our guests." A crooked smile touched Lord Bradford's lips. "Your family has spirit," he said, taking his hat from Azalea. "I enjoyed the evening."  "Well, yes, you've just come from a war," said Azalea.                 - Azalea & Lord Bradford  pg. 175
• This was a masked ball, something Azalea had only heard of. In her imagination they had been more innocent; gentleman dressed as hussars and ladies with white, glittery masks attached to a stick. Not this chaotic meshing of gilded beasts and opulent monsters.          -  pg. 258

4 robots

An enthralling fairy tale with a dark side.

Acquired: swapped for on swap.com

Top Ten Books I'm Excited for in 2012

Top Ten Tuesday is a weekly meme hosted by The Broke and the Bookish. Click the picture to visit them!

Top Ten Books I'm Excited to Read in 2012

All of these are 2012 releases that I am dying to read!

1. Timeless by Gail Carriger (Parasol Protectorate #5) - 2/28/12

This is one series I can't get enough of. I always get bored when a series hits book 4, but that is definitely not the case with these books. Each one has action, mystery, crazy antics, and endings that leave me wanting more.

2. Enshadowed by Kelly Creagh (Nevermore #2) - 8/28/12

Nevermore was absolutely enthralling and I'm so excited that the main character will be in college (or at least college-aged) in this book. And holy cliffhanger ending Batman! I must find out what happens.

3. The Statistical Probability of Love at First Sight by Jennifer E. Smith - 1/2/12

Does this book show up on a lot of my Top Tens? It feels like it does. I'm just so looking forward to this one. I have very high hopes for it.

4. The Fault in Our Stars by John Green - 1/10/12

It's coming! But John Green isn't coming anywhere near me for the tour. Very sad, I know. This must mean he's busy writing more books. And this is a very good thing.

5. Bitterblue by Kristin Cashore - 5/1/12

Finally! Companion book to Graceling and Fire. If you haven't read anything by Kristin Cashore yet, now is the time!

6. Grave Mercy by Robin LaFevers - 4/3/12

I love me some kick-butt heroine action. A heroine training as an assassin is sure to provide this, right?

7. Girl of Nightmares by Kendare Blake - 8/7/12

August is too far away for this one. Anna Dressed in Blood was pure, blood-drenched awesomeness.

8. Someone Else's Life by Katie Dale - 2/2/12

Going on a trip with your ex? Kinda crazy, but definitely interesting!

9. The Story of Us by Deb Caletti - 4/24/12

I usually like Deb Caletti's books and I'm getting more interested in reading contemporaries.

10. Ditched: A Love Story by Robin Mellom - 1/3/12

This is a book about Prom, that drama magnet affair, and I am very excited about the wacky description.

The Six Rules of Maybe

The Six Rules of Maybe by Deb Caletti

Published: March 16, 2010 by Simon Pulse

Scarlet spends most of her time worrying about other people. Some are her friends, others are practically strangers, and then there are the ones no else even notices. Trying to fix their lives come naturally to her. And pushing her own needs to the side is part of the deal. So when her older sisters comes home unexpectedly married and pregnant, Scarlet has a new person to worry about. But all of her good intentions are shattered when the unthinkable happens: she falls for her sister's husband. For the first time in a long time, Scarlet's not fixing a problem, she's at the center of one. And ignoring her feelings doesn't seem to be an option...

I've liked most of the Deb Caletti books I've read so I'm always willing to try more. This book ended up being just alright but I wasn't really expecting to love it based on the summary. I'm not usually a big fan of stories where someone "falls in love" with someone else's significant other. I found it really hard to relate and I got tired of Scarlet obsessing over her sister's husband. 

Reasons I love this book:

• Scarlet's neighbors - Everyone on Scarlet's street is very quirky. Maybe too quirky to be realistic, but that's alright since I'm not really looking for perfect realism in books. Scarlet's neighbors and their problems keep Scarlet from getting too wrapped up in her sister's issues and provide welcome breaks from Scarlet's worrying.
• Shy - I've forgotten his real name, but I like him. He may be quiet but he knows what he wants. And Scarlet's friend Nicole reacts so realistically when Shy begins to show interest in someone other than her. Girls can be so catty and feel stabbed in the back by a friend who did nothing wrong. 
• Hayden - I really like Juliet's husband Hayden. He seems so excited and hopeful about marriage and pretty much everything in life. Sometimes I wanted him to stop dreaming and actually do something, but overall I liked him and his outlook on life. 

Huh, what?:

• plot - I had an issue with Scarlet's huge crush on Hayden. It just felt like he latched onto him because she had no life of her own or hobbies other than listening to people's problems. Maybe this was more of a problem with Scarlet's personality, but most of the plot is her ignoring Juliet while crushing on Juliet's husband.
• Scarlet - Scarlet seemed very judgmental to me, especially when it came to Juliet. Yes, they are sisters so she knows Juliet very well, but to automatically decide that Juliet was going to hurt Hayden and basically do everything wrong is just ridiculous. Scarlet didn't even get reacquainted with her sister before writing the marriage off. She judged everyone and then got all tangled up in their personal problems without considering what they wanted. 

Favorite quotes:

• Through the space between my fingers, I could see that Clive Weaver wore his old man slippers, too, and worse yet, his former mailman helmet, which all gave him the unfortunate look of an old nude guy in search of a mail safari.         -  pg. 79
• I had a moment of fear-panic, looked at his hands. I saw with relief that they did not hold some round cartoon bomb with a sparkling, lit fuse, nor a Wile E. Coyote crate labeled Dynamite! Actually, he was smiling. I had to think a minute. I wasn't sure I'd ever seen Kevin Frink smile. He smirked, yes, but that only involved one corner of the mouth, not both.         -  pg. 154

3 robots

Not my favorite by Deb Caletti. Try it if you don't mind books about liking someone else's significant other.

Acquired: bought