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My faves!

2014  has already come and gone and I have yet to share with you my favorite reads of the year. For those who don’t follow me on social media, the answer as to why is simple: I was dying of the plague. Okay, not really. I REALLY had the flu. And not just one. I had TWO different strands. So for my Christmas vacation, I spent 16 days in bed. Sleeping. Barely moving. Barely reading—which is the real tragedy. But now that we have enjoyed a full two weeks of 2015, let me share with you my favorite reads of 2014. First, I met my Goodreads goal of 115 books. As a matter of fact, I didn’t meet it—I spanked it. By year’s end I read 144 books (mostly YA and mysteries). I really like rounded up numbers, so I am bummed I didn’t reach 145, but hey, since I spanked my original goal, I will take it. Of those 144 boys, below I am sharing with you 15 of my favorite tween/YA reads in no particular order. Enjoy! ‘The Impossible Knife of Memory’ – Laurie Halse Anderson      I did...

The Secret

Review: Double Crossed


If you're looking for a cute short story to occupy your time, you've come to the right place.

Title:“Double Crossed: A Spies and Thieves Story”
Author: Ally Carter
ISBN: 9781423187479
Pages: 60
Publisher: Disney-Hyperion
Available: eBook
Source: Netgalley

Summary (from Goodreads):

Macey McHenry—Glamorous society girl or spy-in-training?

W.W. Hale V—Heir to an American dynasty or master thief?

There are two sides to every coin. Whether these two can work together is a tossup.

Born into privilege, Macey and Hale are experts at mingling with the upper class. But even if they’ve never raised an eyebrow at the glitz, neither teenager has ever felt at home with the glamour.

When Macey and Hale meet at a society gala, the party takes a dangerous turn. Suddenly they’re at the center of a hostage situation, and it’s up to them to stop the thugs from becoming hostile. Will Macey’s spy skills and Hale’s con-man ways be enough to outsmart a ruthless gang? Or will they have to seek out the ultimate inside girl to help?

The worlds of Heist Society and the Gallagher Girls collide in Ally Carter’s fast-paced, high-stakes and tantalizing new story. Get a behind the scenes glimpse as Ally delivers an irresistible thriller that is full of her signature style and savvy twists.

My Thoughts:

I am a fan of Carter’s ‘Heist Society’ series, but I’ve never read The Gallagher girls. After reading this short story, that is going to change. I am going to have to read them because (1) they seem awesome and (2) they seem awesome.

When I requested this from Netgalley, I thought it was a novel. I did not realize it would be a short story about two of her series, but I loved both of them, even though I’ve never read The Gallagher Girls series.

Both short stories are fast-paced, but they don’t tell me much. What I mean is this: it is clear that these short stories are meant for fans of her novels.

I found it hard to connect with Macey since I am unfamiliar with her story(ies), but I have been inspired to learn more about her. Clearly TGG series needs to be in my life. Why they weren’t before I do not know, but I plan to rectify that this summer.

Hale is as adorable as always. I just want to pick him up and hug him. He is such a delightful YA male character full of intrigue.

Carter’s writing style is easy and relaxed and action-packed. As I always describe her writing, “think James Bond for females.” This short story is no exception.

If you are a fan of Carter’s writing, then you should find about an hour—maybe two—to read this short story.

What’s the best action-packed novel you’ve read in a while? Comment below and let’s talk about books.

Happy Reading!

-      The Hodgenator

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