Book Nerds Across America

Goodread description:


With aspirations of being an animator, sixteen-year-old Nivi Nash thought she knew all about fairy tales. Take one beautiful damsel in distress, add a charming hero, and don’t forget a cackling villain. Throw in some pretty colors, a few songs, and mix well. 

But when caught in a real one, she learns the hero—though still hot—isn’t always charming, the story far from pretty, and the villain absolute evil. On the run for her life in a stolen SUV, she isn’t worried about her beauty, but happily ever after? Yes, she wants that the most. It means she’ll live. 

The kiss always at the end of these tales? Most of the time, okay maybe half of the time, the thought of that lip lock is far, far away where these stories are supposed to be. But tied to a stake on the side of a snowy mountain, the thought of her not-so-charming hero’s kiss burns away the reality of the knife hovering above her skin.

Mary's Review:

First, I want to thank Jean Haus for giving me this book.  I am sometimes apprehensive about remakes of classics.  Sometimes the authors get it right and sometimes they just screw it all up! However, Jean Haus did this retelling of Snow White ...... RIGHT!! WOW!! This book was so so good!!

Best part of the book: Nivi and Jai (aka Snow White and Prince Charming)! Jean definitely knows how to write 2 amazing characters.  The chemistry between these two characters is amazing,  Even though, I was unsure at first because this is set in modern time ... Jean hit the nail on the head!

I also love that, at first, you are not sure if Jai is good or bad.  I also like that I love Nivi right off page 1! I think that she is an amazing character!

Not so great about book: I did not like that Nivi's father was a dork throughout the book.  I understand the reasoning behind it, but every time he was on the page (talking or whatnot) I just wanted to reach through my Kindle and slap him! *eye roll* He is such a dork!!

Other than Nivi's father, I think this is a great book and a wonderful retelling of Snow White! I would recommend to others to read!!

Goodreads description:


When family problems push Riley Middleton into giving up a percussion scholarship in another state and attending college from home, her friends push her to try out for a local rock band. Of course, Riley makes the band. She rules at the drums. 

Riley soon finds out rock bands have a different dynamic than marching bands, especially when each of her male band mates has a major ego and is a major player. Two of them relentlessly flirt with her. The other—a dark, sexy rock god she can’t help being attracted to— is a total jerk and pushes her to quit. She becomes determined to ignore his rudeness and his hotness. Even if she was interested in jerks, a hook up would probably get her booted out of the ego-ridden band, and playing keeps her sane. Behind the drums, the world and its troubles evaporate. 

If she wants to stay in the band, Riley needs to ignore the growing sparks between her and her band enemy. But as she gets to know the man behind the stage persona, ignoring him proves to be more difficult than flowing through a time sig shift.

*New Adult/Mature YA for language and sexual situations.

Mary's review:

This is book will be available on Oct. 19, 2012.

I was so excited when Jean contacted me about reviewing this book!  I had read Sleeping Handsome and Happily Ever After? and enjoyed both very much!  This book did not disappoint either!

Best part of the book:  Riley and Romeo are amazing characters! Riley is 18, just graduated high school and is ready to head to Virginia with her scholarship for marching band.  She plays in the drumline and has amazing talent! However, it did not work out that way.  Her parents end up breaking up and she has to go to local college so she can take care of her little sister.  She missed playing drums so much because that is the one thing that she truly loves.  Her friends convince her to try out for a local (very popular) rock band, Luminescent Juliet.  Of course she is the best and makes the band!

Now, y'all know I am a sucker for a fictional guys and Romeo did not disappoint! The band is his heart and soul!  He was jerk to Riley though and always causing her grief.  But, it wasn't until Riley's family troubles started to interfere with the band that Romeo isn't as much as a jerk as I first thought.

Not so great about book:  The only complaint I have about this book is that there wasn't enough of it! I could have read Riley and Romeo's story forever!  I just love the way Jean writes.  I really felt the pain and frustration of Riley's life.  I felt Riley's determination and love for the band!

This is a GREAT STORY! When it becomes available I would recommend it to everyone!

Goodreads description:

Paige should have never agreed to do her best friend’s project. Reading to a boy in a coma is just plain creepy, but her English teacher somehow thinks her acting skills make it the perfect community service match.But when she finds the boy’s journal hidden among his books, things turn from creepy to interesting.

Mary's Review:


This book is very SHORT.  It was about 60 pages or so.  However, it was a really great read.  Zach is in a coma and Paige reads to him as part of her punishment for cheating.  Paige was going through his books, to figure out what to read next, and found his journal.  She began to read that to him and she growing to really care about him.

It was not until one dad that Zach's mom talks to her that something happens between Zach and her's "relationship".

This was really cute and quick read.  I actually wish it was longer just to see more of their relationship.