Insomnia by J.R. Johansson

Here's a summary from the author's blog page: 

It’s been four years since I slept, and I suspect it is killing me.

Instead of sleeping, Parker Chipp enters the dream of the last person he’s had eye contact with. He spends his nights crushed by other people’s fear and pain, by their disturbing secrets—and Parker can never have dreams of his own. The severe exhaustion is crippling him. If nothing changes, Parker could soon be facing psychosis and even death.

Then he meets Mia. Her dreams, calm and beautifully uncomplicated, allow him blissful rest that is utterly addictive. Parker starts going to bizarre lengths to catch Mia’s eye every day. Everyone at school thinks he’s gone over the edge, even his best friend. And when Mia is threatened by a true stalker, everyone thinks it’s Parker.

Suffering blackouts, Parker begins to wonder if he is turning into someone dangerous. What if the monster stalking Mia is him after all?

My Take

This was such an interesting concept.  I've always thought sleep and dreams were so thought provoking.  Just dreams in themselves are somewhat mysterious.  I mean sometimes you remember them, sometimes you don't; you dream of absolutely weird things and it's all beyond your control.

Getting a free pass inside Parker's mind and going on this sleepless ride with him will have you white-knuckling your way through the book.  It's keep you up late material that is sure to keep you turning the pages well into the night.

I really loved Parker's relationships with Finn and Addie.  Finn is his best friend and Addie is Finn's sister.  The friendship between the boys is so realistic and Finn is just one cool character.  I can't wait to read the rest of this series.  I'm giving this one 4 1/2 sleepy kisses!

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free as part of an early book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

The After Girls by Leah Konen

A small synop from the author's webpage:  Ella, Astrid and Sydney were planning the perfect summer after high school graduation. But when Astrid commits suicide, the girls’ world is shattered. Shouldn’t they have seen this coming? Couldn’t they have saved her?

As Ella hunts for answers and Sydney tries to dull the pain, a chilling message from Astrid leaves them wondering whether their beloved friend is communicating from the after world. The girls embark on a journey to uncover Astrid’s dark secrets, and the answers to the questions they never dreamed of asking will change their lives–forever.

My Take

I really loved the characters in this book.  They were so unique yet tied together through their friendship.  I'm sure when a friend commits suicide, those left behind so shoulder those feelings of responsibility or at the very least have nagging questions as to why. 

There was a line I loved in this book as well.  Sydney was talking about her long time love interest Max (not the ideal guy for her).  She said, "He wanted everything from her and nothing all at once."  I know I've been there more than once!  So perfectly said. 

The story moved along at a decent pace.  It didn't totally enthrall me, but I did like it.  I'm giving this one 4 ghostly kisses!

The Testing by Joelle Charbonneau

A blurb from the author's website: 

Keep your friends close and your enemies closer. Isn’t that what they say?
But how close is too close when they may be one in the same?  

 The Seven Stages War left much of the planet a charred wasteland. The future belongs to the next generation’s chosen few who must rebuild it.  But to enter this elite group, candidates must first pass The Testing—their one chance at a college education and a rewarding career.

Cia Vale is honored to be chosen as a Testing candidate; eager to prove her worthiness as a University student and future leader of the United Commonwealth. But on the eve of her departure, her father’s advice hints at a darker side to her upcoming studies – trust no one.

But surely she can trust Tomas, her handsome childhood friend who offers an alliance? Tomas, who seems to care more about her with the passing of every grueling (and deadly) day of the Testing. To survive, Cia must choose:  love without truth or life without trust.

My Take

“The Testing”, the first in a trilogy, was fabulous!   While it did remind me of the Hunger Games, it’s very different as well.  As Cia went through the testing she came to understand her own strength, yet also held on to her humanity.  She realized that in working together and connecting to other human beings that we are ourselves stronger.   The building relationship between her and Tomas was not too over the top, and added a great element to the story.  I would definitely recommend this book and am already anticipating the next book in this series.  Btw, on the right side bar I've posted a free link to read the prequel and see the trailer.  Please go check it out.  Enjoy!  I’m giving this one 5 grade A kisses!

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free as part of an early book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

The Art of Wishing by Lindsay Ribar

Here's a quick quip from the book's goodreads page:

He can grant her wishes, but only she can save his life.

Margo McKenna has a plan for just about everything, from landing the lead in her high school play to getting into a good college. So when she finds herself in possession of a genie's ring and the chance to make three wishes, she doesn't know what to do. Why should she put her life into someone else's hands?

But Oliver is more than just a genie -- he's also a sophomore at Margo's high school, and he's on the run from a murderer. As he and Margo grow closer, she discovers that it will take more than three wishes to save him.

A whole lot more.

My Take

I loved this book!  I could not put it down.  It moved like the wind and swept me up into just as easily.  It also gets one to thinking what you would do if you were granted three wishes.  It does require thought and planning.  You begin to see missteps and where things could go terribly wrong.  This book was just so enjoyable but at the same time very white knuckleish in places.  The characters were great.  Margo while likable is not too nice and I think that's a great thing.  Oliver...well don't we all wish we had a guy who could be exactly who'd we like him to be and grant our deepest wishes?!  :)  Definitely put this one in the TBR pile.  Right on the top.  I've giving this one 5 magical kisses!!

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free as part of an early book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

School Spirits by Rachel Hawkins

Here's a little blurb from the books goodreads page:  Fifteen-year-old Izzy Brannick was trained to fight monsters. For centuries, her family has hunted magical creatures. But when Izzy’s older sister vanishes without a trace while on a job, Izzy's mom decides they need to take a break.

Izzy and her mom move to a new town, but they soon discover it’s not as normal as it appears. A series of hauntings has been plaguing the local high school, and Izzy is determined to prove her worth and investigate. But assuming the guise of an average teenager is easier said than done. For a tough girl who's always been on her own, it’s strange to suddenly make friends and maybe even have a crush.

Can Izzy trust her new friends to help find the secret behind the hauntings before more people get hurt?

Rachel Hawkins' delightful spin-off brings the same wit and charm as the New York Times best-selling Hex Hall series. Get ready for more magic, mystery and romance!

My Take

I've been reading quite a few stories with ghosts and spirits lately.  I just must be in a supernatural frame of mind.  Rachel Hawkins never seems to be a disappointment either.  I've always loved her stories. 

Izzy is quite the spirited (pun intended) girl!  I like the premise of this story as well.  I'm sure we will have an opportunity to read more abou the Brannick clan and their antics.  I enjoyed this book.  The characters were cool, not too over the top (a good thing) and relatable.  Love the romance building between Izzy and Dex.  Ghost hunting, monster killing seems completely plausible.  Giving this one 4 spirited kisses!

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free as part of an early book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Absent by Katie Williams

A short bit about the book from it's goodreads page:  Forever is a long time to be stuck in high school.

Seventeen-year-old Paige is dead, the victim of a freak fall from the roof during Physics class. Now she’s a ghost, permanently bound to the grounds of her high school. It isn’t all bad, she can
find out everyone’s secrets, which can be amusing—for a while.  But then Paige hears something that isn’t amusing at all: the rumor spread by the most popular girl at school that her death wasn’t an accident—that she supposedly jumped on purpose.  Paige is desperate to stop the gossip, but what can a ghost do?  Then Paige discovers something amazing. She can possess living people when they think of her, and she can make them do almost anything. Maybe, just maybe, she can get inside the girl
who’s responsible for the stories. . . and have a little fun turning the tables while she’s at it.

Katie Williams’s second novel is a suspenseful page-turner full of eerie wit and a touch of the otherworldly.

My Take

This book was a great ride.  Paige is dead, sadly so.  She's a great lead character.  The truth reveled at the end was shocking.  I loved this book.  It wasn't predictable and that's one of the things that I loved.  Paige is full of wit and humor.  I would definitely recommend this book and am giving it 5 ghostly kisses!!

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free as part of an early book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Sketchy by Olivia Samms

A short blurb from the Goodreads page:  A popular cheerleader—raped, beaten, and left for dead. An edgy outsider with a gift. Can they team up to catch a killer?

Bea’s life has been a mess ever since she got kicked out of private school and sent to rehab. Now clean, Bea is starting over at Packard High School, in a city shaken from two assaults on young women. The latest victim, Willa Pressman—the one who survived—doesn’t remember a thing. But Bea has a disturbing new “skill”: she can see—and then draw—images from other people’s minds. And when she looks at Willa, Bea is shocked by what she sketches. Bea might be the only one who knows Willa’s secrets—and who can take down the killer before he strikes again

My Take:

This book was edge of your seat material.  It really moved so fast and I loved the characters, especially Bea.  The twists and turns were exciting and Bea (while not perfect by any means) is extraordinary.   I’m excited to read more about her exploits.  I’m giving this little gem 5 sketchy kisses!!

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free as part of an early book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”