New Finds (3)

Rather than a countdown post today I decided to go with another addition of new finds. There are always going to be fabulous books that are slated to come out in the future, but as I'm sure I'm not alone, readers are also always going to miss books as they come out because they're either too overloaded with other books on their TBR lists, or just overloaded with life in general.

So regardless of the reason, I am in this boat as well. So whenever I come across titles that I've somehow missed the release date of, I make a note and get excited about them all over again. Sometimes it's even better than counting down to a title that will be released in the next year or so because when I get worked up over these titles I can go right to the store to pick up my own copy or download one to my kindle. No waiting or pining for the book to hit the shelves.

New Pick #1: Crave (The Clann, #1) by Melissa Darnell (10/25/2011)

Savannah Colbert has never known why she's so hated by the kids of the Clann. Nor can she deny her instinct to get close to Clann golden boy Tristan Coleman. Especially when she recovers from a strange illness and the attraction becomes nearly irresistible. It's as if he's a magnet, pulling her gaze, her thoughts, even her dreams. Her family has warned her to have nothing to do with him, or any members of the Clann. But when Tristan is suddenly everywhere she goes, Savannah fears she's destined to fail.


For years, Tristan has been forbidden to even speak to Savannah Colbert. Then Savannah disappears from school for a week and comes back…different, and suddenly he can't stay away. Boys seem intoxicated just from looking at her. His own family becomes stricter than ever. And Tristan has to fight his own urge to protect her, to be near her no matter the consequences….


I have become the biggest fan of Goodreads suggested readings lately because they find me jewels like this Darnell release. I can only do so much exploring on the Internet for new books so I appreciate all the help I can get. And I hate to admit it but I'm not sure I'd have found this one without the help. This series opener sounds like my cup of tea with the mystery and forbidden attractions. Thanks again Goodreads!

New Find #2: The Juliet Spell by Douglas Rees (9/27/2011)

I wanted the role of Juliet more than anything. I studied hard. I gave a great reading for it—even with Bobby checking me out the whole time. I deserved the part.


I didn't get it. So I decided to level the playing field, though I actually might have leveled the whole play. You see, since there aren't any Success in Getting to Be Juliet in Your High School Play spells, I thought I'd cast the next best—a Fame spell. Good idea, right?


Yeah. Instead of bringing me a little fame, it brought me someone a little famous. Shakespeare. Well, Edmund Shakespeare. William's younger brother.
Good thing he's sweet and enthusiastic about helping me with the play...and—ahem—maybe a little bit hot. But he's from the past. Way past. Cars amaze him—cars! And cell phones? Ugh.


Still, there's something about him that's making my eyes go star-crossed....


This one sounds beyond cute, don't you think? I think the whole premise sounds like an adorable idea and I can't wait to see how this blast from the past turns out. Shakespeare's younger brother roaming the halls of a 2011 high school...classic! Sure to be good for a few laughs, I'm looking forward to hearing more about Edmund and the aspiring Juliet's attraction works out.

New Pick #3: Eve (Eve, #1) by Anna Carey (10/04/2011)

The year is 2032, sixteen years after a deadly virus—and the vaccine intended to protect against it—wiped out most of the earth’s population. The night before eighteen-year-old Eve’s graduation from her all-girls school she discovers what really happens to new graduates, and the horrifying fate that awaits her.

Fleeing the only home she’s ever known, Eve sets off on a long, treacherous journey, searching for a place she can survive. Along the way she encounters Caleb, a rough, rebellious boy living in the wild. Separated from men her whole life, Eve has been taught to fear them, but Caleb slowly wins her trust...and her heart. He promises to protect her, but when soldiers begin hunting them, Eve must choose between true love and her life.

I know I'm going to like this one. It might just be a feeling, but there's nothing I've heard or read about it so far that leads me to believe otherwise. They synopsis alone was gripping and I find myself already rooting for Eve and Caleb's relationship, and I've yet to read one page. I'm a goner. But all I keep reading are positive reviews that describe a fast pace, intriguing dialogue, unique and creative plot points, etc...what's not to love? The list of compliments for this book are glowing. So I'm ready to jump on the band wagon and enjoy the ride as well.

New Pick #4: Scored by Lauren McLaughlin (10/25/2011)

Set in the future when teenagers are monitored via camera and their recorded actions and confessions plugged into a computer program that determines their ability to succeed. All kids given a "score" that determines their future potential. This score has the ability to get kids into colleges, grant scholarships, or destroy all hope for the above. Scored's reluctant heroine is Imani, a girl whose high score is brought down when her best friend's score plummets. Where do you draw the line between doing what feels morally right and what can mean your future? Friendship, romance, loyalty, family, human connection and human value: all are questioned in this fresh and compelling dystopian novel set in the scarily foreseeable future.

Sounds like a future I want no part of. "Big brother" watching and recording my every move...no thank you. And just the idea of having almost no control over your own fate and future gives me a sick feeling. That's not a situation I'd wish on anyone. Imani and the rest of the kids are not living the good life and I'm eager to see if they can change their world. McLaughlin sure has me curious.