Never Always Sometimes

Posted on by lynndellwatson

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Thanks to NetGalley and Harlequin Teen for the arc of Never Always Sometimes by Adi Alsaid! This charming book begins on a cheerful, hopeful note of two teenagers trying to stay unique as they enter high school. They write a Never’s list of cliches that they don’t want to take part in. Fast forward to senior year of high school beginning with Dave’s story. Julia and Dave have a wonderful friendship, but they believe their relationship won’t go any further. The two of them start working on completing the Never’s list by taking part in all of the cliches. In the meantime, Dave hangs out with Gretchen and they become more than friends. Life becomes more complicated for the three of them, but eventually works out. I’m very impressed with the writing, the characters and the humor which made me chuckle too many times to count.

Cogling

Posted on by lynndellwatson

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Here is my posted review from Goodreads: Cogling by Jordan Elizabeth Mierek is a fantasy in a steampunk world with a fairy tale touch! A hag steals a boy and replaces him with a machine, all unbeknownst to his family. As the children (Edna and Harrison) walk to the park, they pass vendors, beggars and storytellers. The story they hear explains the existence of the hags and other creatures. While listening to this story and watching her brother’s actions and pallor, Edna realizes Harrison is not himself and soon learns he was stolen by a hag and taken to a work factory. While trying to find her brother, she meets the mysterious Ike. Ike vows to help Edna rescue Harrison and many adventures ensue! Ike conceals secrets and so does Edna, but their relationship becomes more intimate and they began to truly trust each other. Cogling is a fun adventure with a bit of romance!

Off the Page

Posted on by lynndellwatson

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Off the Page by Jodi Picoult and Samantha Van Leer is the companion to Between the Lines by the same authors. Cute, charming and a clean romantic story with some teenage angst added to the mix. The story is innocent but still has enough stress for the characters to deal with, which raises the interesting factor! Definitely a fun read!

The Society

Posted on by lynndellwatson

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Thanks to NetGalley and Entangled Teen Publishing for the advanced reading copy of The Society by Jodie Andrefski! The Society is a wonderful, trying to find yourself, coming of age story. Jeremy is a great and loyal friend to Samantha (Sam). Sam needs the type of stability that Jeremy’s friendship gives her, since her family has been broken apart and she is relentlessly bullied because of acts her father has committed. Now she wants revenge. Sam lives with her Aunt Loretta, who struggles with her health and dementia. Sam and Aunt Loretta have a wonderful bond and love each other unconditionally; which they both need. While Sam is struggling with both parts excitement and guilt about her revenge, she meets a new boy, Ransom. At this time, Jeremy becomes upset at Sam for her revenge plot and doesn’t want her to become a bully also. Jeremy believes Sam is above that. I don’t want to give anything away, but I do recommend reading The Society to find out what happens with Sam, Jeremy, Ransom and the bullies. I enjoyed the angst and the dynamic relationships. This story also sheds light on unconditional love and support and also realizing our own importance and self worth.