Crossed by Ally Condie

Here's a quick little blurb from the product page: The hotly awaited second book in the dystopian Matched trilogy in search of a future that may not exist and faced with the decision of who to share it with, Cassia journeys to the Outer Provinces in pursuit of Ky - taken by the Society to his certain death - only to find that he has escaped, leaving a series of clues in his wake.Cassia's quest leads her to question much of what she holds dear, even as she finds glimmers of a different life across the border. But as Cassia nears resolve and certainty about her future with Ky, an invitation for rebellion, an unexpected betrayal, and a surprise visit from Xander - who may hold the key to the uprising and, still, to Cassia's heart - change the game once again. Nothing is as expected on the edge of Society, where crosses and double crosses make the path more twisted than ever.

My Take

 I liked Matched a lot and was anxious to see what Crossed would bring.  It wasn't disappointing.  I liked the fact that Cassia was stronger and more independent in this book.  There are some surprises that I never saw coming.  I like the new characters added to the mix as well.  I really enjoyed the time they all spent in the canyon, and getting to know the farmers that came from that area.  Whenever I read these books it always brings me around to thinking about This Perfect Day by Ira Levin (re-released and I desperately need to re-read).  I think it's very dystopian nature reminds me of it.  However, I would swear there are little whisperings around the edges that smack of similarity (only in minor details).  It's left off in a place making me want more.  I can't wait to read the third installment.  So definitely pick this one up and do yourself a favor and pick up This Perfect Day as well.  I'm giving this one 4 1/2 kisses!!

Forever by Maggie Stiefvater

Here's a quick bit from the author's website: The conclusion to #1 bestselling Shiver trilogy. In Shiver, Grace and Sam found each other. In Linger, they fought to be together. Now, in Forever, the stakes are even higher than before. Wolves are being hunted. Lives are being threatened. And love is harder and harder to hold on to as death comes closing in.

My Take

I had been waiting for the conclusion to this trilogy.  It was worth waiting for.  I liked the fact that we got to know more about Isabel and Cole.  There were times when I screamed out "NO!" and was saddened that I couldn't stop what happened.  (Even though most have probably read this, I don't want to let out any spoilers.)  And then so joyful at some things and hopeful for others.

Ms. Stiefvater has created a great trilogy here.  It's romance and really all types of love and relationships at their best...and worst.  Lovely stories that keep me quite enthralled.  The characters are endearing.  The writing is wonderful and keeps you turning the pages.  I'm giving this one 4 kisses!

Stay With Me by Paul Griffin

Here’s a quick bite from the author’s webpage: Fifteen-year-olds Céce and Mack didn’t expect to fall in love. She’s a sensitive A student; he’s a high school dropout. But soon they’re spending every moment together, bonding over a rescued dog, telling their secrets, making plans for the future. Everything is perfect. Until. Until. Mack makes a horrible mistake, and in just a few minutes, the future they’d planned becomes impossible. In this stark new reality, both of them must find meaning and hope in the memories of what they had, to survive when the person they love can’t stay.

My Take

If you like happy endings with hearts and flowers…this is not a story like that.  It had its fair share of hearts and Cece and Mack fall deeply in love, which was beautiful.  They were both deeply scared individuals who had a rough life up to finding one another.  To see so much hope, possibility and optimism about a future that seemed at best unsure before they met each other was joyful.  But it’s amazing how fast things can change.  A person’s whole life can hinge on a moment.  This book illustrates the frailty of life and the pain of paying for wrong choices.  In reality none of us gets any “do-overs”.

Mr. Griffin creates characters that you genuinely care about and want to see succeed.  He also includes gritty reality and truth.  You see the characters short-comings, their broken places and you celebrate their growth and mending too.  Stay With Me gets 5 sloppy puppy dog kisses from me!

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Librarything as part of their 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.”