Assassin's Heart by Sarah Ahiers

In the kingdom of Lovero, nine rival Families of assassins lawfully kill people for a price. As a highly skilled member of one of these powerful clans, seventeen-year-old Lea Saldana has always trusted in the strength of her Family. Until she awakens to find them murdered and her home in flames. The Da Vias, the Saldanas’ biggest enemy, must be responsible—and Lea should have seen it coming. But her secret relationship with the Da Vias’ son, Val, has clouded her otherwise killer instinct—and given the Da Vias more reason than ever to take her Family down.

Racked with guilt and shattered over Val’s probable betrayal, Lea sets out to even the score, with her heart set on retaliation and only one thought clear in her mind: make the Da Vias pay.

With shades of The Godfather and Romeo and Juliet, this richly imagined fantasy from debut author Sarah Ahiers is a story of love, lies, and the ultimate vengeance.

Goodreads Summary

I loved this book for the plot and setting, but needed a boost mid-way through.  Lea Saldana is only a young adult, but she is already a skilled assassin.  She is fearless, intelligent, and brave...the only thing that affects her judgement is her love for Val, a Da Vias' man whose assassin family rivals the Saldanas.  When Lea discovers her family home burning and under attack she logically knows the Da Vias are responsible, but can't fathom her boyfriend betraying her.  Unfortunately, the Da Vias take-down of the Saldanas was largely successful...leaving Lea to avenge her family.

Lea's character was excellent and fun to root for.  I loved her cold logic and level-headed intelligence.  I did think that for such a smart girl, she made quite a few colossally dumb decisions.  The book details her plans to take down the Da Vias and the author added in the best sidekicks for the job.  I liked getting to know the other characters.  The author's handling of the love interest in the beginning of the book and then shifting gears towards another in the end was well done.  About halfway through the book I wanted Lea to just get the whole killing-the-Da Vias over with; the plot could have been a little faster-paced.  Overall, this book is recommended to young adult/teen readers.

3 1/2 Stars


This product or book may have been distributed for review, this in no way affects my opinions or reviews. COPYRIGHT © 2014 LIVE TO READ

What We Left Behind by Robin Talley

What happens when love isn't enough to conquer all?

Toni and Gretchen are the couple everyone envied in high school. They've been together forever. They never fight. They're deeply, hopelessly in love. When they separate for their first year at college—Toni to Harvard and Gretchen to NYU—they're sure they'll be fine. Where other long-distance relationships have fallen apart, their relationship will surely thrive.

The reality of being apart, however, is a lot different than they expected. As Toni, who identifies as genderqueer, falls in with a group of transgender upperclassmen and immediately finds a sense of belonging that has always been missing, Gretchen struggles to remember who she is outside their relationship.

While Toni worries that Gretchen, who is not trans, just won't understand what is going on, Gretchen begins to wonder where she fits in Toni's life. As distance and Toni's shifting gender identity begins to wear on their relationship, the couple must decide—have they grown apart for good, or is love enough to keep them together? 

Goodreads Summary

Long distance relationships are difficult and Toni and Gretchen's are no exception.  I wasn't a fan of the two instantly falling in love and it did, at times, feel like there was no substance to their relationship.  The book fell apart for me when it started on the genderqueer path.  Toni is portrayed as someone who is genderqueer and thus must be transsexual.  This isn't the case, however, and an inaccurate portrayal of what it means to be genderqueer.  I wish the author had portrayed Toni more as someone who does not identify with a specific gender...not as someone perpetually confused (confusion does not equal genderqueer).  

It was difficult to like the characters in this book because they were all boxed up neatly and labelled.  Not every straight person is selfish, dumb, or anti-feminist.  It was odd to me that a book I thought would be about anti-labeling seemed to feed into it. Gretchen's character was one I could like, but it just made me think Toni didn't deserve her.  The other characters seemed too ridiculous to believe that they would even likely exist.  I think the author started out with a good purpose and then became lost rather quickly along the way.

2 Stars
This product or book may have been distributed for review, this in no way affects my opinions or reviews. COPYRIGHT © 2014 LIVE TO READ

Santa's Bag Sweepstakes Giveaway!

SANTA’S BAG SWEEPSTAKES FROM PUT ME IN THE STORY

Put Me In The Story, the #1 personalized books site in the U.S., has hundreds of personalized books and gifts for newborns, kids, and even grown-ups! With a diverse selection of personalized story books, activity books, adult coloring books, adorable plush and more, Put Me In The Story is a fantastic spot to find personalized gifts that become beloved keepsakes.

As a huge thank you to their customers, Put Me In The Story is hosting SANTA’S BAG SWEEPSTAKES, just in time for Christmas! Now through December 8, enter each day for a chance to win the grand prize in Santa’s bag of goodies.

Santa’s Bag Grand Prize Includes:

·       One $750 Visa Gift Card for your holiday shopping!

·       ‘Twas The Night Before Christmas (NEW personalized book)

·       Our Little Deer

·       Santa is Coming to My House

Enter once a day for a chance to win and receive a 30% off coupon code for entering here:

http://books.putmeinthestory.com/santas-bag-sweepstakes/

Official Rules: http://www.putmeinthestory.com/santas-bag-sweepstakes-official-rules.html

Open to US & Canada only. Must be 18 or older to enter. Sweepstakes ends 12/8/2015 at 11:59 pm CST. Winner will be contacted on or around 12/9/2015.

SANTA’S BAG BOOK SPOTLIGHT

‘Twas The Night Before Christmas by Daniel Kirk

$29.99 personalized book

Hardcover

It’s the night before Christmas and Father Mouse is stirring in YOUR house to the sound of Santa Claus and eight tiny reindeer! Cozy up as Father Mouse shares his story of what happens next. You’ll get a peek at Santa and a glimpse of your gifts under the tree, too. With illustrations that began as original ink drawings, this new spin on a classic Christmas tale is sure to be a hit for the holidays!

Personalize ‘Twas The Night Before Christmas with a name, picture, and cheerful dedication message to welcome this Christmas season with a new holiday tradition for the entire family. 

Our Little Deer by Sandra Magsamen

$29.99 personalized book

Hardcover

Your little “deer” will always know how dear they are to your heart with this special personalized book!

Families will love snuggling up together to read this adorable, personalized book that shows your little one just how special they are. Cute, holiday illustrations and sweet messages of love will have everyone smiling in good cheer!

Show your little star how bright they shine with Sandra Magsamen’s Our Little Deer—personalized with your child’s name and photo, and a special dedication page with a message from you! Share a whole lot of love with your little “deer” this holiday season and all the way through the years ahead!

Santa is Coming To My House by Steve Smallman

$29.99 personalized book

Hardcover

Mom’s Choice Gold Award Winner! Your child will light up with joy when they see their name woven into the story with Santa and his elves! Give the gift of a personalized storybook this year by turning your son or daughter into the star of this exciting new holiday classic that soars through Santa’s journey as he delivers presents.

Personalize the story with your child’s name and create a special dedication page with a photo and message from you.

Enter this giveaway by posting your name, email address and the comment "Put Me In The Story!" in the comment section below.

Review:

Twas the Night Before Christmas was a fun interactive read.  I loved putting the picture in the book and adding the child's name.  The pictures are colorful and vivid.  The book didn't just slap the child's name once or twice in the book.  The story was fun and easy to read.  A child up to five or seven could enjoy this book.  To be honest, my mom enjoyed this book!  The book shipped very quickly and would make for a wonderful Christmas present!

This product or book may have been distributed for review, this in no way affects my opinions or reviews. COPYRIGHT © 2014 LIVE TO READ

Up To This Pointe by Jennifer Longo

A refreshingly original contemporary YA, unlike anything readers have seen before. Perfect for fans of Jandy Nelson, John Corey Whaley, and Libba Bray.
 
She had a plan. It went south.
 
Harper is a dancer. She and her best friend, Kate, have one goal: becoming professional ballerinas. And Harper won’t let anything—or anyone—get in the way of The Plan, not even the boy she and Kate are both drawn to.
 
Harper is a Scott. She’s related to Robert Falcon Scott, the explorer who died racing to the South Pole. So when Harper’s life takes an unexpected turn, she finagles (read: lies) her way to the icy dark of McMurdo Station . . . in Antarctica. Extreme, but somehow fitting—apparently she has always been in the dark, dancing on ice this whole time. And no one warned her. Not her family, not her best friend, not even the boy who has somehow found a way into her heart.

Goodreads Summary

Harper is a beautiful dancer, but she is quickly finding out that dancing your entire life is not a recipe to becoming a professional.  When Kate is gravitating to The Plan (a life plan they both created when they were younger) and Harper's odds of completing The Plan are looking a bit impossible, Harper decides to go to Antarctica.  Once in Antarctica she allows herself to grieve and consider her options.  She makes new friends and learns new facts; she gradually comes around to the idea that ballet isn't everything.  

Harper is an interesting character.  She is dedicated and passionate about ballet.  A smart, hardworking girl should be guaranteed a spot in a premier ballet company, but what if she isn't?  I don't know how I would feel if I were Harper.  Throughout the book (and flashbacks to her life before Antarctica), I enjoyed getting to know her and the author included the ideal secondary characters to flesh out the story.  I wasn't entirely expecting the ending and liked how all of the loose ends were neatly tied up.  Overall, this book is recommended to young adult/teen readers and anyone who is a fan of ballet!

4 Stars

This product or book may have been distributed for review, this in no way affects my opinions or reviews. COPYRIGHT © 2014 LIVE TO READ