“Jay needed so many things. He needed Maia to be well. He needed a cure for both of them. He needed the word to somehow start making sense again. Above everything, he needed someone to tell him why these terrible things were happening to him.
 
Seventeen-year-old Jay Harris lives in a world struck down by a deadly virus. His parents are dead, along with half the planet. When Jay’s sister Maia falls ill, he must find a cure before he loses her, too. But unbeknownst to Maia, Jay is also sick… and he’s running out of time to save them both.

When Jay’s friends tell him there might be a cure for him in France, he must decide whether to pursue it. The journey will be difficult and dangerous, especially in his weakened state, but with little time left—for himself and for Maia—it soon becomes clear there’s no other choice.

Jay leaves the relative comfort of London to search for help, knowing he may never find it. Along the way, he experiences the effects of disaster on the bonds of friendship and fluctuating notions of family. These teens, decimated by a dangerous plague, face stark choices in their search for help, not knowing if their efforts will end in loss and pain.

Will Jay and Maia find a cure before the virus takes them?”
 
I had the fortune of being found by Briana Morgan on Instagram when another independent author re-posted my photo. I checked out Ms. Morgan’s Instagram and discovered she had written book herself and knew I just had to have it.
 
I was kind of skeptical at first, because I’m usually not good with stories of disease-ridden plots, and trying to find a cure. However, so many things were happening in this story, it was impossible to put down.
 
With Jay only being 17 years old, it was hard to see this happening to him, and his sister. His best friends Sean and Melanie warmed my heart. They were willing to do whatever it took to find a cure for Jay, and for his older sister. They reminded me of my own best friends – there for me, no matter what. It’s clear from the beginning that Melanie has a thing for Jay, and Jay is certainly in love with Melanie, but neither will act on those feelings because Melanie is, in fact, Sean’s girlfriend. *Gasp!* I won’t spoil it for you, though, and tell you how that all works out. You’ll just have to read it!
 
One thing I will tell you is how amazing their relationship is. The strength that Jay, Sean, & Melanie show throughout this whole book is inspiring. They rely on each other and support each other in so many ways.
 
Find Briana Morgan on Instagram here to find out how to get this amazing book. You will NOT be disappointed!
 

*Disclaimer: I can assure you that any of the opinions expressed here are my own and are a result of the way in which my mind interprets a particular situation and/or concept. I do not wish to insult or offend any authors, publishers, or fellow readers with any of the statements made above.*

“Devon Tennyson wouldn’t change a thing. She’s happy silently crushing on her best friend Cas and blissfully ignoring the future after high school. But the universe has other plans. It delivers Devon’s cousin Foster, an unrepentant social outlier with a surprising talent, and the obnoxiously superior and maddeningly attractive jock Ezra right where she doesn’t want them – first into her gym class and then into every other aspect of her life.
 
With wit, heart, and humor to spare, First & Then is a contemporary novel about falling in love – with the unexpected boy, with a new brother, and with yourself.”
 
I received this book from Uppercase Books. It was sent along with a bunch of other goodies, as part of the subscription (monthly book goodies are AWESOME, btw).
 
The moment I saw this book, I couldn’t wait to read it. The cover alone… just perfect.
It was described to me as a mash-up of Pride & Prejudice and Friday Night Lights, and that couldn’t be more spot-on. Emma Mills has created a story that is fitting for all ages.
 
I liked Devon, but sometimes, I felt like she was too selfish. One minutes, she doesn’t want to be associated with her cousin, simply because he was a nerdy Freshman. Then, she’s so busy defending him to Ezra that she misses what Foster really needs. Thankfully, Devon finally realizes that Ezra is really good for Foster, and really good for her.
 
Foster is my favorite part of this story. He’s the sweetest kid you’ll ever find and has a heart as big as the moon. His story begins sadly, and ends bitter-sweetly. I won’t spoil it by telling you any details, of course. Trust me, though, you’ll love Foster.
 
Devon finally grew on me in the last couple of chapters, because she stopped being selfish and begun being a doting big sister to Foster and a decent friend to Ezra.
After Devon’s heart is broken by Cas, in the most painful way imaginable, Ezra and Devon’s relationship becomes stronger.
 
It’s a beautiful story of friendship, heartbreak, and finally redemption. I highly, highly recommend it!!
 

"Katsa has been able to kill a man with her bare hands since she was eight—she's a Graceling, one of the rare people in her land born with an extreme skill.

As niece of the king, she should be able to live a life of privilege, but Graced as she is with killing, she is forced to work as the king's thug. When she first meets Prince Po, Graced with combat skills, Katsa has no hint of how her life is about to change. She never expects to become Po's friend. She never expects to learn a new truth about her own Grace—or about a terrible secret that lies hidden far away... a secret that could destroy all seven kingdoms with words alone."

Have you ever been reading a book, and you forget you're staring at words on papers? You suddenly feel like you've been transported to the world inside this book and it's beautiful and magical and there's no other feeling like it.
That's how Graceling made me feel. Kristin Cashore has created a fantasy world in her Graceling Relm books that helps you forget about your reality, if only for a while. Katsa is a strong, relatable character. Sometimes, she's afraid to show her emotions, but that is her only weakness. Thankfully, she eventually let's her guard down, and it seems the only one who can make her smile is Po. I think he brings out a part of Katsa that she was not willing to show - a part that she believed would make her seem weak and unfit as a warrior in the eyes of her uncle, the king. Graceling takes you on an adventure with Katsa - a daring tale of hardships, bravery, heroism, sacrifice, and love. ...and she has special abilities - what more could you want?! I highly suggest you also read Fire and Bitterblue, as well. Two more of Kristin Cashore's brilliant stories.

Have any questions? Want to tell me what you thought of the book? Please comment below!