The Quiet Concert

Ten Books We Plan to Have In Our Beach Bags This Summer

Top Ten Tuesday is a weekly meme hosted by The Broke and the Bookish. This week's Top Ten list is a freebie so we decided to do "Ten Books We Plan to Have in Our Beach Bags This Summer"

Nicole's Top Five

1. Wish You Were Italian by Kristin Rae - The setting of this book screams summer but I also heard it's a really cute story.
2. The Chapel Wars by Lindsey Leavitt - I'm told this book will make me laugh and that's enough to convince me to read it.
3. Signs Point to Yes by Sandy Hall - I LOVED A Little Something Different and cannot wait for more Sandy Hall-induced adorableness!
4. Whatever Life Throws at You by Julie Cross - I've heard great this about this book and got it off a Kindle Daily Deal (thanks to Ash!)!
5. Bounce by Noelle August - I have really enjoyed this series so far and I cannot wait to read Grey's story next!

Ashley's Top Five

1. Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda by Becky Albertalli -I just got this one for my birthday and cannot wait to start!

2. The Fill-In Boyfriend by Kasie West - I really enjoyed The Distance Between Us, so I look forward to this one!

3. The Start of Me and You by Emery Lord - I have not read anything by Emery Lord but have seen awesome reviews.

4. Boomerang (Boomerang #1) by Noelle August - Nicole really enjoys this new adult series and I like lighter new adult that has some humor in it!

5. Make it Count (Bowler University #1) by Megan Erickson - I actually have this on my kindle and have been waiting until summer time to start this fun series.

What are your top ten?

The Stars Never Rise by Rachel Vincent

Title: The Stars Never Rise
Author: Rachel Vincent
Series: Untitled Series #1
Publisher: Delacorte Press
Release Date: June 9, 2015
Source: ALA MW

Summary from Goodreads:

Sixteen-year-old Nina Kane should be worrying about her immortal soul, but she's too busy trying to actually survive. Her town's population has been decimated by soul-consuming demons, and souls are in short supply. Watching over her younger sister, Mellie, and scraping together food and money are all that matters. The two of them are a family. They gave up on their deadbeat mom a long time ago.

When Nina discovers that Mellie is keeping a secret that threatens their very existence, she'll do anything to protect her. Because in New Temperance, sins are prosecuted as crimes by the brutal Church and its army of black-robed exorcists. And Mellie's sin has put her in serious trouble.

To keep them both alive, Nina will need to trust Finn, a fugitive with deep green eyes who has already saved her life once and who might just be an exorcist. But what kind of exorcist wears a hoodie?

Wanted by the Church and hunted by dark forces, Nina knows she can't survive on her own. She needs Finn and his group of rogue friends just as much as they need her.

Review

There were a lot of things I liked about The Stars Never Rise. For starters, the premise was AMAZING. Demons have the ability to possess humans and takeover their body, effectively hiding in plain sight. What remains of the human population after the initial uprising, is sequestered into walled-off towns that are controlled by the church, the ones thought to have the power to exorcize the demons and thus keep everybody safe. Life in these towns is strictly-religious-to-the-point-of-oppression but it is believed better than the alternative. That is, until Nina discovers that demons wear the faces of the very people she trusted and finds herself on the run from both demons and humans alike with a group of fugitives (aka the real exorcists).

So yeah, this book was nuts but in a good way. I LOVED the world and was easily pulled into Nina’s life. And Rachel Vincent gave us a steady dose of action and surprises along the way. There were one or two twists that were a little out there (like Finn's situation for those of you who've read it), but overall I was really pleased by the direction this book took. Nina was an easy character to like - she was fiercely protective of her sister and had to be strong for the both of them. Basically, when this book was good, it was REALLY GOOD, but that wasn't always the case...

My biggest, but really only, problem with this book was the info-dumping which created lulls in the plot and pacing. Despite absolutely loving the world and wanting to know more about it, I didn't want to be given a history lesson at various spots throughout the story. And I am not one to usually remark on info-dumping so it has to be pretty obvious for me to do so. I found myself getting restless, and dare I say bored, at a couple spots. I haven't read anything by Vincent in the past so I can't say whether this is her writing style or not.

I just have to say, I have no idea what the title, cover, or tagline (while I am at it) has to do with the story. But that aside, this story was a solid one. The world that Vincent created might be one of my favorites I've read so far this year. That said, I am looking forward to the sequel and I do recommend this!

Stacking the Shelves (125) - May 23rd

Stacking the Shelves - hosted by Tynga at Tynga's Reviews - features books that you bought, borrowed, rented from the library, received for review, etc.

What I'm Reading

Saint Anything by Sarah Dessen

Vivian Apple at the End of the World (Vivian Apple #1) by Katie Coyle

The Fixer (The Fixer #1) by Jennifer Lynn Barnes

Silver in the Blood (Silver in the Blood #1) by Jessica Day George

What books are stacking your shelves?

The Devil You Know by Trish Doller

Title: The Devil You Know
Author: Trish Doller
Publisher: Bloomsbury USA Childrens
Release Date: June 2, 2015
Source: eARC provided by Publisher in exchange for an honest review (thanks Bloomsbury!)

Summary from Goodreads:
Eighteen-year-old Arcadia wants adventure. Living in a tiny Florida town with her dad and four-year-old brother, Cadie spends most of her time working, going to school, and taking care of her family. So when she meets two handsome cousins at a campfire party, she finally has a chance for fun. They invite her and friend to join them on a road trip, and it's just the risk she's been craving-the opportunity to escape. But what starts out as a fun, sexy journey quickly becomes dangerous when she discovers that one of them is not at all who he claims to be. One of them has deadly intentions.

A road trip fling turns terrifying in this contemporary story that will keep readers on the edge of their seats.

Review

I liked The Devil You Know and yet I find myself at a loss for words for this review. It was a fun and exciting read but also a little predictable. I enjoyed the outdoorsy setting and the ominous undertones, I am just uncertain about this book's lasting power. It's not the best thriller I have ever read but that's not to say it's not good either. Then again, I am a tough sell when it comes to thriller.

Cadie had to give up being a normal teenager when her mother passed away and her father fell apart. Now all she does is work and take care of her younger brother and it's making her stir crazy. When two alluring strangers invite her along for a quick trip down the Florida coast, Cadie does the first rebellious thing in her life and says yes. I myself would never do something so risky but I also don't blame Cadie for wanting a little bit of adventure.

The only thing that irked me a little bit was how Cadie took no precautions and ignored all the warning signs. Another girl was supposed to come along but had to make a sudden departure in the middle of the night and it ends up being just Cadie. Then naturally she forgets her cell phone charger and her phone dies and she has no money. Basically, she is completely at the mercy of these two strangers as they head into the middle of nowhere. And one of them she already knows has a violent history. But her hormones are going crazy and she's thrown caution to the wind. I guess it wouldn't have made for much of a story had she not, but I couldn't help but be a little exasperated by her lack of sense. Other than that, I liked Cadie even though we didn't have much in common.

As for the boys, well, I admit that they were attractive in that bad boy, mysterious kind of way. One of them always made me a little nervous but the other had a sweet side that I enjoyed seeing. Again, I don't think it was that hard to see through each of them, but the dynamic was still interesting to watch unfold.

At the end of the day there is just something about Trish Doller's writing style that is just effortless and pulls you in. Again, I enjoyed reading this one - it was daringly adventurous and thrilling - I'm just not IN LOVE with it. Something Like Normal remains my favorite Trish Dollar book. But if you are looking for a solid thriller, and are a fan of Trish Dollar, than I'd definitely say give it a try!

I Love A Bad Boy

Welcome to Thoughts for Thursday! This feature is our outlet to talk with you about whatever we currently have on our minds. It might be bookish, it might not! Now for this week's thought:

I Love A Bad Boy

Yes, it's true. It seems that it's always the bad boys that I'm most attracted to in books. The ones that have that devil-may-care attitude and aren't always on their best behavior. Adrian Ivashkov from The Vampire Academy series might be my first bad boy crush. And Rhysand from A Court of Thorns and Roses might be my latest. I swooned over both of these boys more than I did the actual love interest. I just find them so damn sexy.

But before I keep going, let me say that there is a difference between a bad boy and an asshole. The latter, I do NOT love (or even like). Those damaged types that treat girls like crap and justify their behavior away later can go to hell.

Now why do I like the bad ones? Maybe it's that opposites really do attract and I'm drawn to the fact that they are everything I'm not (hah). Or maybe it's because I love a challenge or that they are a mystery that needs to be solved. Maybe society has ruined me and I think I (but really the main character) will be the one to change them. I have no idea. It's even possible that I don't love them at all but only think that I do because they make the books I read so much fun and I miss them when they are not there. The point is, I can't get enough.

I will still love and swoon over the sweet, nerdy or just boy-next-door guys (like Max from The Start of Me and You) but I'm likely going to choose the rebellious, fun, trouble-causing types. Give me Sturmhond over Mal any day. ;)

So tell me, what's your type? Do you like bad boys like I do?

Simon vs the Homo Sapiens Agenda by Becky Albertalli

Title: Simon vs the Homo Sapiens Agenda
Author: Becky Albertalli
Publisher: Balzer & Bray
Release Date: April 7, 2015

Summary from Goodreads:
Sixteen-year-old and not-so-openly gay Simon Spier prefers to save his drama for the school musical. But when an email falls into the wrong hands, his secret is at risk of being thrust into the spotlight. Now Simon is actually being blackmailed: if he doesn’t play wingman for class clown Martin, his sexual identity will become everyone’s business. Worse, the privacy of Blue, the pen name of the boy he’s been emailing, will be compromised.

With some messy dynamics emerging in his once tight-knit group of friends, and his email correspondence with Blue growing more flirtatious every day, Simon’s junior year has suddenly gotten all kinds of complicated. Now, change-averse Simon has to find a way to step out of his comfort zone before he’s pushed out—without alienating his friends, compromising himself, or fumbling a shot at happiness with the most confusing, adorable guy he’s never met.

Review

Simon vs the Homo Sapiens Agenda was a breath of fresh air and not only for the LGBT genre, but for the contemporary and young adult genre as well. It was incredibly charming without even trying to be and unassuming in the best kind of way. I absolutely adored how Simon and Blue’s relationship unfolded and finished this book with a big smile on my face. Really, I adored everything about this book.

Simon is gay but no one knows yet. It’s not that he’s ashamed of it or thinks that his family and friends will care, he simply doesn’t want things to change and had no reason to come out yet. But then he meets and falls in love with a boy on the internet, a boy that goes by the name of Blue and happens to attend his school, and is blackmailed about it by a fellow student. This book follows the progression of these two events which eventually leads to Simon coming out, him establishing a new norm, and Simon and Blue living HEA. :)

The relationships in this book were realistically portrayed and ultimately uplifting. These characters were human - they did some things right and some things wrong but they were honest and apologetic and forgiving and so extremely likable. There was a lot of growth and learning, not just on Simon's end but among the secondary characters as well, which I thought was great. Simon has a great support system around him. But now for the heart of the book - SIMON AND BLUE!

Simon and Blue may make the most adorable couple ever. I loved their email exchanges and how honest they were with each other (except for the whole identity thing). I loved their flirtations and how their conversations slowly turned more serious. I loved when they finally met. It was so ridiculously perfect I can't even. And then they were so cute together in real life, it just made me sick, happy sick. They are the best.

I went into this book with really high expectations and Simon vs the Homo Sapiens Agenda exceeded all of them. It was just happiness embodied (except when I wanted to wring Martin's neck). If you are wondering whether or not you should read this book, the answer is yes, yes you should. Now excuse me while I go eat some oreos.

Top Ten Books We Hope to Get at BEA

Top Ten Tuesday is a weekly meme hosted by The Broke and the Bookish. This week's Top Ten list is a freebie so we decided to do "Top Ten Books we Hope to Get at BEA". Let us know if you will be attending so we know to look for you and if you see us please say hi!!

Nicole's Top Five

1. Lair of Dreams by Libba Bray - I feel like I have been waiting a lifetime for this book. I've definitely had to wait longer than any other book I have desperately wanted so when I saw that it was going to be at BEA I literally freaked out. GIVE IT TO ME NOW.

2. Armada by Ernest Cline - I was late to the game to read Ready Player One but OMFG DID I LOVE IT. It was one of the most fun books I have ever read (err, well listened to) and I am BEYOND excited to read his new book.

3. Truthwitch by Susan Dennard - I want this book so bad that it looks like I'm making a special trip to BEA on Wednesday just to get it. SJMaas said it was amazing and that's all it takes for me.

4. Six of Crows by Leigh Bardugo - Does this even need an explanation? It's Leigh Bardugo and more of the Grisha world. Nuff said.

5. The Pirate Code by Heidi Schulz - It was such a pleasure reading Hook's Revenge and it left me completely smitten. I cannot wait to have more of Heidi Schulz writing!

Ashley's Top Five

1. Fangirl by Rainbow Rowel **Special Edition -Rainbow Rowell is one of my favorite authors, so a special edition Fangirl, YES PLEASE!
2. Six of Crows (The Dregs #1) by Leigh Bardugo - I love how dark and intriguing this cover is plus, everyone seems to love Bardugo's writing.
3. Dumplin' by Julie Murphy - I have been seeing some awesome reviews for this one.
4. Legacy of Kings (Blood of Gods and Royals #1) by Eleanor Herman - The fantasy and history blended together has caught my interest for sure!
5. Truthwitch (The Witchlands #1) by Susan Dennard - I loved Dennard's Strange and Deadly series and this book is getting a lot of hype so I cannot wait!