A Life Bound By Books

Review: In Too Deep By: Amanda Grace/Mandy Hubbard

noreply@blogger.com (A Life Bound By Books) — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 17:12:00 +0000

Title: In Too Deep
Author: Amanda Grace/Mandy Hubbard
Publisher: Flux, 228 Pages (February 8th, 2012)
From: the Publisher, Thank You!
Format: ARC - Paperback

Synopsis: I never meant for anyone to get hurt. All I wanted to do that night was make a play for Carter Davis. His heartless rejection was mortifying, but people got the wrong idea when they saw me leaving his bedroom, crying. That’s how rumors of rape started.

Now girls at school are pouring out their sympathy to me. Guys too. But not everyone’s on my side. The school has become a war zone and the threats are getting scary. What began as poetic justice has morphed into something bigger-forcing me to make a terrible choice.

Review: 4.5 Stars - In Too Deep By Amanda Grace/Mandy Hubbard is an emotionally driven novel about lies and truths and how the choices you choose to make can forever change your life, who you are and the people around you.

Sam wants nothing more than to finally figure out if her best friend Nick has feelings for her that are above and beyond just friends. Aww, teen love, *sigh* So, she chooses a way - and a dumb way at that –to try to make Nick jealous and find out once and for all if there’s something more between them. And that’s when things go horribly wrong. Assumptions are made, a rumor spreads like wide fire and it all spirals out of control. Before Sam can see what has happened it’s all too late.

Sam and Nick are amazing characters. While Sam makes some disastrously horrific choices, you can’t help but feel for her. It’s the inner dialogue she has with herself that shows just how scared, confused and young she is. It’s not often that I find a character that’s done something horrible that I’m able to feel for her and actually like her, but I do. It was painful for me to read parts of this, as Sam fought to figure out a way through and to the other side. Yet sometimes I couldn’t do more than shake my head at the teen and her choices. I mean, tell the truth! The longer you wait, the worse it’ll all be… for not only YOU but EVERYONE! Frustrating!

Her father… I didn’t really care for. He’s cold and in his own ways lost. There’s a part of this story about the relationship between father and daughter that does explain a lot when it comes to the struggles Sam has.
Nick, he’s a fantastically written male character. He has a strong voice and I love how honest he was.

There’s a lot to Nick, he’s funny and sweet, cute and smart, and he’s one of those teen boys from a book that I wish there were more of when I was in school. Man, the world needs more “Nicks”. Both Sam and Nick felt amazingly real, which is always an aspect of a novel that I’m drawn to. Grace/Hubbards writing is, in a word, outstanding. I mean, when an author has written something that is vivid and real, it’s hard not to see it as anything but.

That ending, I didn’t see coming, but that’s another honest part of what happens when you choose the wrong path. I might have tried to keep turning the pages, thinking there was more to it and I must be missing something. I mean, seriously? That’s how it’s ending? Talk about frustrating! But… and there’s always a but isn’t there? If you’re going to tell an honest story about lies and how they affect not just the liar, but everyone, then the ending needed to be honest as well. I commend Grace/Hubbard on that. I don’t like it, but I’ll give her the props she rightly deserves.

All in all, while the book takes an honest look at the damaging side of lies and the choices people make, I couldn’t help but find myself attached to the characters. It has a bit of everything in this story, romance, angst, family issues, and some pretty harsh realities. Yet, at the end of it all, there was some much needed strength and growth. I hope others will enjoy In Too Deep as much as I did.

FTC Disclaimer: I did NOT pay for this book, nor have I been compensated at all in any way or means for reading and writing this HONEST review.

Product Review: Park & Sun Bocce Ball Tournament Set

noreply@blogger.com (A Life Bound By Books) — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 14:30:00 +0000

A few weeks ago, I was lucky enough to pick a product for review from a company I've worked with in the past. So, I selected a Bocce Ball Set that the whole family could enjoy. I've only played the game a couple of times, but have always had fun, so I figured it would be perfect! It shipped and arrived quickly. The shipping packaging was fitting for the set as it is 20 pounds, which was somewhat shocking when I picked it up off the doorstep.

The Park & Sun Bocce Ball Tournament Set itself is packaged together in a bag for easy storage and carrying to friends and families houses or even camping. We have taken it a few places to play and after numerous games the set still looks almost brand new! Since we love playing boardgames and games outside with family and friends, I was correct in guessing that this would be fun time and time again. I do know that some people have had trouble with chipping or nicks in the set after some play, but this one has been brilliant! We've all had a great time with it and I know we'll have even more fun come summer. Without a doubt I made a great selection and with this wacky summer like winter we're having here in Southern California, we'll be playing even more.

Some Features:

100mm Ground balls
Polyresin material
Pallino and pallino distance marker included
Side wall reinforced carrying bag with handles

If you'd like to order your own set, >>>CLICK HERE<<< for more info!

Thank you to Wayfair.com for providing this set for review.

FTC Disclaimer: I did NOT pay for this book, nor have I been compensated at all in any way or means for reading and writing this HONEST review.

*I am not compensated at all for any of the links within this post.

Waiting on Wednesday: Waiting By: Carol Lynch Williams + Timepiece By: Myra McEntire + Until I Die By: Amy Plum (95)

noreply@blogger.com (A Life Bound By Books) — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 18:00:00 +0000

"Waiting On" Wednesday is an event hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine. The purpose of this weekly event is to spotlight a soon-to-be-released book that you are very much anticipating. "Waiting On" Wednesday will also give bloggers an opportunity to share ideas for our TBR lists.

Title: Waiting
Author: Carol Lynch Williams
Publisher: Paula Wiseman Books, 288 Pages (May 1st, 2011)
Preorder here: Amazon, Barnes and Noble, The Book Depository

Synopsis: After her brother’s death, a teen struggles to rediscover love and find redemption in this gripping novel.Growing up in Africa and Latin America as the children of missionaries, London and Zach were as close as could be. And then Zach dies, and the family is gutted. London’s father is distant. Her mother won’t speak. The days are filled with what-ifs and whispers: Did Zach take his own life? Was it London’s fault?

Alone and adrift, London finds herself torn between her brother’s best friend and the handsome new boy in town as she struggles to find herself—and ultimately redemption—in this authentic and affecting novel from award-winning novelist Carol Lynch Williams.

Title: Timepiece (Hourglass, #2)
Author: Myra McEntire
Publisher: Egmont, 336 Pages (June 12th, 2012)
Preorder here: Amazon, Barnes and Noble, The Book Depository

Synopsis: A threat from the past could destroy the future. And the clock is ticking...

Kaleb Ballard's relentless flirting is interrupted when Jack Landers, the man who tried to murder his father, timeslips in and attacks before disappearing just as quickly. But Kaleb has never before been able to see time travelers, unlike many of his friends associated with the mysterious Hourglass organization. Are Kaleb's powers expanding, or is something very wrong?

Then the Hourglass is issued an ultimatum. Either they find Jack and the research he's stolen on the time gene, or time will be altered with devastating results.

Now Kaleb, Emerson, Michael, and the other Hourglass recruits have no choice but to use their unusual powers to find Jack. But where do they even start? And when? And even if they succeed, it may not be enough...

Title: Until I Die (Revenants, #2)
Author: Amy Plum
Publisher: HarperCollins, 320 Pages (May 8th, 2012)
Preorder here: Amazon, Barnes and Noble, The Book Depository

Synopsis: Kate and Vincent have overcome the odds and at last they are together in Paris, the city of lights and love.

As their romance deepens there’s one question they can’t ignore: How are they supposed to be together if Vincent can’t resist sacrificing himself to save others? Although Vincent promises that he’ll do whatever it takes to lead a normal life with Kate, will that mean letting innocent people die? When a new and surprising enemy reveals itself, Kate realizes that even more may be at stake—and that Vincent’s immortality is in jeopardy.

Another 3 books that I can't wait for. 2012 has SO MANY AMAZING books coming out, I almost don't know where to start! I always try to put some very different books together when I have more than one I'd like to highlight for my WoWs and this week I've done just that! First off there's Waiting. This one looks emotional with a bit of a mystery attached. I can't wait to check this one out! Next we have Timepiece. I LOVED Hourglass. It was one of the best books I've read and when I heard there was a sequel I just about jumped for joy! And lastly, we have Until I Die. I have and still have to read Die For Me and I can't wait to check it out. Both covers are amazing and I've heard nothing but amazing things about the first book. What do you guys think of the books I've shared this week?

ETA: When this WoW was first put together and posted, the wrong synopsis was included for Waiting. Thanks to the author, Carol for bringing this to my attention. Sorry for the confusion! It's been updated and changed to the correct synopsis. Sorry Carol, sorry guys!

*covers are always subject to change.
*I am not compensated at all for any of the links within this post.

"Who we'd cast for Julian", from the Casual Enchantment series By: K.A. Tucker (Blog Tour) + WINNER Announcement!

noreply@blogger.com (A Life Bound By Books) — Sun, 22 Jan 2012 21:55:00 +0000

Title: Asulym (Casual Enchantment, #2)
Author: K.A. Tucker
Publisher: Papoti Books, (December 12th, 2011)
Check out my review: >>>HERE<<<

Synopsis: Tucked away in Sofie's wintery asylum with no hope of release for years, Evangeline must come to terms with her situation: the curse still plagues her, she's now hunted by a two thousand-year-old vampire, and the guy she's in love with tried to kill her.

Plus, she's locked up with a cranky Max and the Forero kids—two people everyone seems to prefer dead over alive. Things aren't looking good.

Meanwhile, back in Manhattan, Sofie struggles to keep forty trapped and bloodthirsty Ratheus vampires at bay and a desperate Viggo from killing Evangeline's friends, all while hints stir outside the walls of the NYC vampire asylum of a war brewing between the Sentinel and the witches.

Is there any hope for Evangeline and Caden? Can Sofie control the rival powers? Is the fate of Earth predestined?

Hello and thank you for visiting me at A Life Bound by Books today, as part of my Asylum tour!

Today, Lisa and I are going to tell you who our pick would be for Julian Forero, if the Causal Enchantment series was ever to be made into a movie!

Recall, Julian is the dark-haired, dark-eyed serious son in the ‘Colombian beard family’ - we leave Anathema with the impression of a spoiled, mean tyrant-in-the-making. Things change a little bit in Asylum… but you’ll need to read it to get any more info than that.

For the role of Julian Forero, we narrowed it down to four actors:

#1 - Jay Hernandez

This guy has all of the physical characteristics of Julian and he looks like he could play a pompous a$$ really well.

#2 - Diego Boneta

Diego has a bit of a different look from #1. Definitely a pretty boy and Latin, with a very serious stare.

#3 - Blair Redford

While both of my pick have longer hair than I pictured Julian having, as I said to Kathleen, that can be cut. I can totally see Blair being able to pull off and play the jerk that Julian is.

#4 - Tyler Blackburn

And then we have Tyler. To me, he'd be a great fit as Julian. I can totally picture him playing the part....... sorry, was day dreaming there for a minute.

So who did Lisa and I decide on?

Drum roll…

BLAIR REDFORD!!

What do you think about this pick? Can you see Blair as Julian? If you don’t know who we’re talking about, go grab an ecopy of Anathema for FREE today. The sequel, Asylum, is only $2.99.

Order BOTH books online here:

Amazon | Barnes and Noble

Find K.A. Tucker Online:

Website | Blog | Twitter | Facebook

Thanks for stopping by and thanks to Lisa for hosting me today!

K.A.Tucker

It's been such a FUN post, and I can't say thank you enough for asking me to be part of the tour for Asylum! Loved working with you too Kathleen! You're more than welcome here anytime.

As part of the tour Kathleen has been running a giveaway and during my stop, I'm announcing the winner for a Print Copy of Asylum! The winner was chosen via random by Kathleen and will be contacted by her for shipping. CONGRATS!

And the winner is......... Barbara McGowen!

*I am not compensated at all for any of the links within this post.

Review: Asylum (Casual Enchantment, #2) By: K.A. Tucker (Blog Tour)

noreply@blogger.com (A Life Bound By Books) — Sat, 21 Jan 2012 17:51:00 +0000

Title: Asylum (Casual Enchantment, #2)
Author: K.A. Tucker
Publisher: Papoti Books, (December 12th, 2011)
From: the Author, Thank You!
Format: eBook

Synopsis: Tucked away in Sofie's wintery asylum with no hope of release for years, Evangeline must come to terms with her situation: the curse still plagues her, she's now hunted by a two thousand-year-old vampire, and the guy she's in love with tried to kill her. Plus, she's locked up with a cranky Max and the Forero kids—two people everyone seems to prefer dead over alive. Things aren't looking good.

Meanwhile, back in Manhattan, Sofie struggles to keep forty trapped and bloodthirsty Ratheus vampires at bay and a desperate Viggo from killing Evangeline's friends, all while hints stir outside the walls of the NYC vampire asylum of a war brewing between the Sentinel and the witches.

Is there any hope for Evangeline and Caden? Can Sofie control the rival powers? Is the fate of
Earth predestined?

Review: 4 Stars - Asylum, the second installment in the Casual Enchantment series by K.A. Tucker dives right into the action where we last left the characters at the end of Anathema. It’s a thrilling fast paced story that goes by in the blink of an eye. One minute you’re with Evangeline in the cabin, safely within a vast snowy winter wonderland and the next you’re locked with Sophie and a group of psychotic Vampires who are trying to find their way out of their prison to tear through the city in search for human blood. See, I told you… fast paced!

While Anathema was such a different story from most tales about Vampires, it was a great fresh new take on the much written about villain. In Asylum we get a chance to see a different side of her Vampires, which again was a nice change to the many other blood thirsty characters. Getting a chance to get to know Sophie better, being that half of this story was written from her point of view was a pleasure. She’s smarter than even I had given her credit for in the first book. I guess you have to be when you’re a witch AND a vampire and responsible for some pretty horrible things throughout the years.

And Evangeline has grown too. She’s had to learn a lot in a short period of time and I don’t see her as the gullible girl she once was. She’s stronger now and doesn’t always think things through, but you can see how she’s grown and that makes her a fascinating character to read. When a character has that growth and you’re able to see it over the course of the book is always a HUGE plus.

And then there’s Caden. I missed him in this one. If you’ve read the first book, you’ll know what a large part of the story had become about him. I was worried right with Evangeline what might happen when he made it to Manhattan and with good reason. The trials he was looking to face in this book were huge and scary, even for me as a reader. I felt I had as much to lose as he did! Tucker, I think I might have bit off a few nails while reading some of these scenes!!

Many times a second book can stall a bit, building a bridge from one to another, and I don’t think Asylum stalled AT ALL! As a matter of fact, I think I liked Asylum better than Anathema. It’s filled with action, a dual point of view novel, which I’m a huge fan of and character growth made this a thrilling story to read. I had a chance to get to know some new and old characters and to see other characters in a different light.

All in all, I have to say that with Asylum, my over all enjoyment for these books has grown. I found new things to love about the characters and found a renewed excitement to continue on to the next book. It was a pleasure to read more from Tucker and I will be waiting on pins and needles to see what happens to her characters and thanks to Sophie, what kind of trouble might find our group next.

FTC Disclaimer: I did NOT pay for this book, nor have I been compensated at all in any way or means for reading and writing this HONEST review.

Read-For-Free: Liesl and Po By: Lauren Oliver

noreply@blogger.com (A Life Bound By Books) — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 00:24:00 +0000

Title: Liesl and Po
Author: Lauren Oliver
Publisher: HarperCollins, 307 Pages (October 7th, 2011)

Synopsis: Liesl lives in a tiny attic bedroom, locked away by her cruel stepmother. Her only friends are the shadows and the mice—until one night a ghost appears from the darkness. It is Po, who comes from the Other Side. Both Liesl and Po are lonely, but together they are less alone.

That same night, an alchemist's apprentice, Will, bungles an important delivery. He accidentally switches a box containing the most powerful magic in the world with one containing something decidedly less remarkable.

Will's mistake has tremendous consequences for Liesl and Po, and it draws the three of them together on an extraordinary journey.

Harper is sharing the Love!

How would you like a chance to

READ LIESL and PO FOR FREE

UNTIL JANUARY 31st, 2012!!

>>>CLICK HERE<<<

Find Lauren Online:

Website | Blog | Twitter | Facebook

Book Trailer:

Review: Ashes (Ashes, #1) By: Ilsa J. Bick

noreply@blogger.com (A Life Bound By Books) — Thu, 12 Jan 2012 17:18:00 +0000

Title: Ashes (Ashes Trilogy, #1)
Author: Ilsa J. Bick
Publisher: Egmont, 480 Pages (September 6th, 2011)
From: the Publisher & Amazon Vine Program, Thank You!

Synopsis: It could happen tomorrow . . .

An electromagnetic pulse flashes across the sky, destroying every electronic device, wiping out every computerized system, and killing billions.

Alex hiked into the woods to say good-bye to her dead parents and her personal demons. Now desperate to find out what happened after the pulse crushes her to the ground, Alex meets up with Tom—a young soldier—and Ellie, a girl whose grandfather was killed by the EMP.

For this improvised family and the others who are spared, it’s now a question of who can be trusted and who is no longer human.

Author Ilsa J. Bick crafts a terrifying and thrilling novel about a world that could be ours at any moment, where those left standing must learn what it means not just to survive, but to live amidst the devastation.

Review: 4.5 Stars - Ashes, the first book in the trilogy By: Ilsa J. Bick is a chilling story that’ll keep you on the edge of your seat. Stunning, bleak, thrilling, fantastic and strength quickly come to mind when I think of Ashes.

Set in current day, Bick sets the scene and begins to tell the background of our female lead character – Alex. She’s on a journey to say a much needed good-bye before time runs out. Alex is strong from the word go. She knows how to survive in the wilderness and is one smart girl. I was impressed with her knowledge of the outdoors and felt that Bick choose and envisioned the perfect character to be the voice of her story.

With a world that changes in the blink of an eye it’s up to Alex and her young companion Elllie to find a way to survive in the wilderness and the quickly changing world. With not many supplies and the weather changing the two must work together and think fast to try to figure out what’s happened to her part of the world… or is it more than just the world around her?

When trouble finds Alex and Ellie, Tom comes to their rescue. He’s scarred in a much different way than Alex is, but both can see and feel the others pain. They know what the other is going through without truly knowing the facts of their pasts. The two together know that they must come together to get through whatever they are facing in the new dangerous and scary world, yet at the same time they each understand that it’ll be harder than even they believe to survive.

Bick’s writing made this book very visual for me. It has its fair share of disturbing scenes and even more disturbing are the hints of what might be in the minds of others. In Rule for instance, a town that takes in survivors… well, they pick and choose who they are going to take in based on what they might be able to offer the community. The town alone was horrible. When children, more so girls, are few and far between, it’s easy to come up with some horrible and nasty ideas to what some people might want them for.

With many ups and downs and twists and turns, I felt for Alex and the decisions she had to make. I had no idea what Bick or her characters might be forced to face next. To say this is a wonderful story might not sound right with how bleak things look for our characters, but it truly was a book I will never forget.

Post Apocalyptic/Dystopian novels, when written as well as this are ones that shouldn’t be passed by. The thought of a world such as this has stuck in my memory and has left its mark. Fans of the YA and post apocalyptic/dystopian genre’s should pick up this title for the writing and the strength of a memorable female lead. It’ll stick with you, as it’s stuck with me. However, just be prepared for a cliffhanger that’ll make you reread it and flip the pages back and forth thinking your book is missing a page or two. I seriously blinked in surprise and shock over where we were left, so Bick, if you’re reading this… hurry with book two please and Thank You. Enjoy!

ETA: Ria left a great comment below and I do partially agree with her take on this title being Post Apocalyptic, so I've changed up my review just a tad to reflect this. While I do still believe it has a bit of a Dystopian feel to it, (in my opinion) I've left that as well. I can see it being both actually and I thank her for her input.

FTC Disclaimer: I did NOT pay for this book, nor have I been compensated at all in any way or means for reading and writing this HONEST review.

Waiting on Wednesday: Life is But a Dream By: Brian James + Breaking Beautiful By: Jennifer Shaw Wolf (94)

noreply@blogger.com (A Life Bound By Books) — Wed, 11 Jan 2012 18:00:00 +0000

Title: Life is But a Dream
Author: Brian James
Publisher: Feiwel & Friends, 234 Pages (March 27th, 2012)
Preorder here: Amazon, Barnes and Noble, The Book Depository

Synopsis: Alec and Sabrina are crazy in love. Problem is: Sabrina’s really crazy.

Sabrina, an artist, is diagnosed with schizophrenia, and her parents check her into the Wellness Center. There she meets Alec, who is convinced it's the world that's crazy, not the two of them. They are meant to be together; they are special. But when Alec starts to convince Sabrina that her treatment will wipe out everything that makes her creative, she worries that she'll lose hold of her dreams and herself. Should she listen to her doctor? Her decision may have fatal consequences.

Title: Breaking Beautiful
Author: Jennifer Shaw Wolf
Publisher: Walker & Company, 368 Pages (April 24th, 2011)
Preorder here: Amazon, Barnes and Noble, The Book Depository

Synopsis: Allie lost everything the night her boyfriend, Trip, died in a horrible car accident—including her memory of the event. As their small town mourns his death, Allie is afraid to remember because doing so means delving into what she’s kept hidden for so long: the horrible reality of their abusive relationship.

When the police reopen the investigation, it casts suspicion on Allie and her best friend, Blake, especially as their budding romance raises eyebrows around town. Allie knows she must tell the truth. Can she reach deep enough to remember that night so she can finally break free? Debut writer Jennifer Shaw Wolf takes readers on an emotional ride through the murky waters of love, shame, and, ultimately, forgiveness.

I seriously can't wait for these two must read books. Well, at least for me they sound like must reads. The first I have here and will be reading soon, I love the synopsis, love the cover. Then second book in this week's WoW sounds like it's going to be a very memorable story, excited for both.

*covers are always subject to change.
*I am not compensated at all for any of the links within this post.

COVER REVEAL: Devotion (Soul Savers, #3) By: Kristie Cook

noreply@blogger.com (A Life Bound By Books) — Tue, 10 Jan 2012 08:01:00 +0000

I am more than excited for this book! You have no idea how much I love this series and this author. When Kristie asked me to help reveal the cover, I jumped at the chance to bring it to you all. Take a look at the amazing cover, created by the ever amazing Brenda Pandos for book three in the Soul Savers Series, Devotion!

Devotion will be released February 2012 from Ang'dora Productions!

Synopsis: With powerful abilities gained from the Ang’dora and Tristan back by her side, Alexis thinks she’s ready for the next challenge—protecting her son from what appears to be the inevitable. But she has so much to learn about her powers, her new world and the people in it. Nothing is what it seems to be on the surface, including the Amadis. Having believed the secret society to be definitively good and righteous, she discovers she couldn't have been more wrong.

Power-hungry politicians comprise the council and make impossible demands. A traitor lurks among them all, inciting trouble that could destroy the Amadis and, ultimately, humanity. The Daemoni wreak havoc in the human world, with the ultimatum that they’ll continue attacking innocents until Alexis and Tristan are expelled from the Amadis’ protection. The couple’s own society begins to shut them out. But that’s not all.

There’s a secret. A big one. And faith and hope in Alexis and Tristan will be restored if she can uncover the truth in time.

But the search for answers leads only to the discovery of more betrayals by those closest to Alexis. Her devotion is put to the test—devotion to her husband, to her family, to her people and to her beliefs—leaving her to question whom she’s fighting for and why she should even bother. But if she won’t fight … who will?

I LOVE LOVE LOVE the cover!! Brenda did another fantastic job! I am so excited for this book, you guys have NO idea. And if you haven't read this series, what the heck are you waiting for?!? This series... it's amazing!!!! Fantastic!!! and FULL of WIN! Speaking of, I'm reading it right now. YEP! Just received it from Kristie a few hours ago, so guess who will be up ALL night reading? Yep, but trust me, there's no way that I could sleep knowing that this is on my Kindle!!! Speaking of, I must get back to Owen & Tristan... and Alexis now. Note: this is NOT a YA series.

Keep an eye out for MORE Devotion info coming your way from now until release day!

Waiting on Wednesday: Vampire's Kiss By: Veronica Wolff + The Boy on Cinnamon Street By: Phoebe Stone (93)

noreply@blogger.com (A Life Bound By Books) — Wed, 04 Jan 2012 17:30:00 +0000

Title: Vampire's Kiss (Watchers, #2)
Author: Veronica Wolff
Publisher: NAL Trade, (March 6th, 2012)
Preorder here: Amazon, Barnes and Noble, The Book Depository

Synopsis: IF YOU’RE GOING TO BE PARTNERED WITH A VAMPIRE, YOU HAVE TO WORK THE NIGHT SHIFT.

By her wits, blood, and sacrifice, so far Drew has survived the intensive training on the Isle of Night. As a second-year Acari, her ultimate goal is to become a Watcher, and now she has a shot at her first mission. Except nothing is as it seems. The vampire Alcántara is as sinister as he is sexy, Ronan is more distant than ever, and it turns out there are other vampires out there. Bad ones.

Ancient, bloodthirsty, and powerful, these undead are really old school. They’ve captured one of the Watcher vamps and are torturing him for information. The only chance to save him is to infiltrate a major summit the baddies are holding on their own island. There will be mortals there, serving as butlers, maids, and various hired help. Drew had better brush up on her skills as a serving girl, because she’s about to go undercover…

But, when their vampire prisoner turns out to be a gorgeous bad boy, Drew’s first mission quickly turns into more than she bargained for…

Title: The Boy on Cinnamon Street
Author: Phoebe Stone
Publisher: Arthur A. Levine Books, 240 Pages (February 28th, 2012)
Preorder here: Amazon, Barnes and Noble, The Book Depository

Synopsis: A story about a wounded girl and the boy who won't give up on her.

7th grader Louise should be the captain of her school's gymnastics team - but she isn't. She's fun and cute and should have lots of friends - but she doesn't. And there's a dreamy boy who has a crush on her - but somehow they never connect. Louise has everything going for her - so what is it that's holding her back?

Phoebe Stone tells the winning story of the spring when 7th grader Louise Terrace wakes up, finds the courage to confront the painful family secret she's hiding from - and finally get the boy.

While I haven't read the first book in the Watchers Series - I have it here, sitting on a shelf - I love the covers and I love the synopsis of both books so far. This just looks like a great series. The second book in today's WoW also has a cover I love. Both of these titles are must reads. What do you guys think of my picks for the week?

*covers are always subject to change.
*I am not compensated at all for any of the links within this post.

Review: Winging It (The Dragon Diaries, #2) By: Deborah Cooke

noreply@blogger.com (A Life Bound By Books) — Mon, 02 Jan 2012 18:00:00 +0000

Title: Winging It (The Dragon Diaries, #2)
Author: Deborah Cooke
Publisher: NAL Trade, 328 Pages (December 6th, 2011)
From: the Publisher, Thank You!

Synopsis: Zoë Sorensson yearns to come into her powers as the only female dragon shifter. But being part of two worlds is more complicated than she expected. It's bad enough that she's the target of the Mages's plan to eliminate all shifters-but she also has to hide her true nature from her human best friend, Megan. But when Megan gets a last-minute invite to the popular kids' Halloween party-hosted by an apprentice Mage-Zoë must save the day and her best friend without revealing her fire- breathing secrets...

Review: 4 Stars - Winging It by Deborah Cooke is the second book in The Dragon Diaries Trilogy. In the first book, we meet many interesting characters and the story quickly takes off on a fast paced thrilling ride that never lets up. The second book picks up right where we were left in the first and again Zoe and the other teen Pyr are headed for another battle.

Zoe is a great female teen character. She’s a thinker and thoughtful of those around her. She has to keep who she really is a secret from her best friend and it does nothing but eat at her. In the first book she meets a friend of the Pyr, Jared and they quickly hit it off and the budding attraction between the two was almost instant, however it wasn’t acted upon right away; such a nice breath of fresh air when that happens. Their relationship is somewhat confusing, but that’s all I’ll say, besides read it! She’s grown so much between both books and I loved how clearly it’s portrayed in the continuing story.

Zoe has some great friends that are also Pyr dragon shifters who are always there for each other. Zoe and the guys – Nick, Garret & Liam work well together and prove over and over again that they know what they are doing. I really enjoyed watching their relationships grow in the first book and further on into the second. Also, there are a couple of other people in Zoe’s life, Derek, who sadly, I really can’t tell you who he is, because it’ll give too much away. Then we also have her best friend Meagan, who’s the human I mentioned and knows Zoe’s keeping some secrets. Their friendship is a bit strained, but it really can’t be helped due the laws of the Pyr.

With even more to lose it’s up to Zoe and her friends to all pull together to try to save the Pyr and the remaining other kinds of shifters of the world by putting an end to the Mages and their plan… that again, I can’t tell you about because it’ll be giving way to much away. But seriously, read the books! They are more than entertaining.

All in all, I love this series! It’s thrilling, fast paced, exciting and very well written. With characters and a plot that keep readers wanting more, I’m highly anticipating the third book – Blazing the Trail. If you haven’t read the first two books in this exciting trilogy, you should seriously give them a read sooner rather than later. Enjoy!

FTC Disclaimer: I did NOT pay for this book, nor have I been compensated at all in any way or means for reading and writing this HONEST review.

Happy New Year!!!

noreply@blogger.com (A Life Bound By Books) — Sat, 31 Dec 2011 08:01:00 +0000

Wishing everyone a Happy New Year! While I had many things happen in 2011, I'll be looking forward to 2012. While looking back at the year past and looking ahead to a brand new year, I wanted to take a minute to wish each and everyone a happy, healthy AND safe New Year!

New Year's has always been a bit sad for me, so I tend to stay in. Watching a few movies, reading and having some good food with family and friends is usually how we spend the day and evening - low key. The passing of a new year might be a bit sad for me, however, I always take a moment to reflect. To see all the things I've overcome and welcomed throughout the last 365 days. It's always nice to be able to think about all the amazing possibilities that are held in the new year and all the many things I have to look forward to.

For New Years, I'd love to hear your plans and what you might be looking forward to in 2012. Do you make resolutions? Would you like to share them with us?

Be SAFE Everyone!

Top 10 Books I'm Looking Forward to in 2012 (Blog Event)

noreply@blogger.com (A Life Bound By Books) — Fri, 30 Dec 2011 15:00:00 +0000

Day Five is the last day of our Top 10 week and this time were featuring books were looking forward to in 2012. What books are you looking forward to in the new year? My picks are below, then as always be sure to check out my co-hosts picks - Jessica from Confessions of a Bookaholic, Rachel from Fiktshun and Jamie & Patricia from Two Chicks on Books and then don't forget to link up yours using the linky below. Also, since this is my last true book related blog post of 2011, I thought I'd include some stats. So, when you're done checking out my list & my co-hosts lists & linking YOURS, be sure to scroll all the way down to the bottom & check out what's been going on somewhat behind the scenes.

Title: Insurgent (Divergent, #2)
Author: Veronica Roth
Publisher: HarperCollins, 496 Pages (May 1st, 2012)

Why I'm looking forward to this book, in a sentence - For me, Divergent was the book of 2011 - I can't WAIT for Insurgent!

Synopsis: One choice can transform you—or it can destroy you. But every choice has consequences, and as unrest surges in the factions all around her, Tris Prior must continue trying to save those she loves—and herself—while grappling with haunting questions of grief and forgiveness, identity and loyalty, politics and love.

Tris's initiation day should have been marked by celebration and victory with her chosen faction; instead, the day ended with unspeakable horrors. War now looms as conflict between the factions and their ideologies grows. And in times of war, sides must be chosen, secrets will emerge, and choices will become even more irrevocable—and even more powerful. Transformed by her own decisions but also by haunting grief and guilt, radical new discoveries, and shifting relationships, Tris must fully embrace her Divergence, even if she does not know what she may lose by doing so.

Title: Timepiece (Hourglass, #2)
Author: Myra McEntire
Publisher: Egmont, 336 Pages (May 12th, 2012)

Why I'm looking forward to this book, in a sentence - Hourglass was another favorite of mine, so when I heard there was a sequel I was all just a tad excited.

Synopsis: Sadly, there's no synopsis yet. Bummer, I know!

Title: Dreamless (Starcrossed, #2)
Author: Josephine Angelini
Publisher: HarperTeen, 400 Pages (May 19th, 2012)

Why I'm looking forward to this book, in a sentence - Many of the books in this years list are a sequel to a book I loved and this pick is no exception, can't wait to see what happens next for Helen & Lucas.

Synopsis: As the only Scion that can enter Hades at will, Helen descends to the Underworld in search of a way to overcome the Furies and end the cycle of revenge that has cursed the Scions. But she’s running out of time. Each descent weakens her both in mind and spirit. A mysterious stranger might be her only salvation, but the price may be her love for Lucas Delos.

Title: The Statistical Probability of Love at First Sight

Author: Jennifer E. Smith

Publisher: Poppy, 256 Pages (January 2nd 2012)

Why I'm looking forward to this book, in a sentence - I've been looking forward to this book since I heard about it many, many months ago - I mean, it has a British boy in it!

Synopsis: Who would have guessed that four minutes could change everything?

Today should be one of the worst days of seventeen-year-old Hadley Sullivan's life. She's stuck at JFK, late to her father's second wedding, which is taking place in London and involves a soon to be step-mother that Hadley's never even met. Then she meets the perfect boy in the airport's cramped waiting area. His name is Oliver, he's British, and he's in seat 18C. Hadley's in 18A.

Twists of fate and quirks of timing play out in this thoughtful novel about family connections, second chances and first loves. Set over a 24-hour-period, Hadley and Oliver's story will make you believe that true love finds you when you're least expecting it.

Title: Pandemonium (Delirium, #2)
Author: Lauren Oliver
Publisher: HarperTeen, 375 Pages (February 28th, 2012)

Why I'm looking forward to this book, in a sentence - Another sequel to an amazing series that left us with such a HUGE cliffhanger that there was never a doubt in my mind I'd be reading the 2nd & 3rd books.

Synopsis: I’m pushing aside the memory of my nightmare,
pushing aside thoughts of Alex,
pushing aside thoughts of Hana and my old school,
push,
push,
push,
like Raven taught me to do.
The old life is dead.
But the old Lena is dead too.
I buried her.
I left her beyond a fence,
behind a wall of smoke and flame.

Title: Enshadowed (Nevermore, #2)
Author: Kelly Creagh
Publisher: Atheneum, 560 Pages (August 28th, 2012)

Why I'm looking forward to this book, in a sentence - Why, oh why has this book been pushed back??? I've been needing more Varen & Isobel since that ending in Nevermore, which was such an amazing book.

Synopsis: While Varen remains a prisoner in the dream-world, Isobel is haunted by his memory. He appears to her in her dreams and soon, even in her waking life. But is she just imagining it? Isobel knows she must find a way back to Varen. She makes plans to go to Baltimore. There, she confronts the figure known throughout the world as the Poe Toaster—the same dark man who once appeared to Isobel in her dreams, calling himself “Reynolds.”

Isobel succeeds in interrupting the Toaster’s ritual and, in doing so, discovers a way to return to the dream-world. Soon, she finds herself swept up in a realm which not only holds remnants of Poe’s presence, but has also now taken on the characteristics of Varen’s innermost self. It is a dark world comprised of fear, terror, and anger.

When Isobel once more encounters Varen, she finds him changed. With his mind poisoned by the dream world, he becomes a malevolent force, bent on destroying all—even himself. Now Isobel must face a new adversary, one who also happens to be her greatest love.

Title: A Million Suns (Across the Universe, #2)
Author: Beth Revis
Publisher: Razorbill,400 Pages (January 10th, 2012)

Why I'm looking forward to this book, in a sentence - I loved Across the Universe and there was no way that this book wouldn't be right at the top of my list to see what happens next and that line in the synopsis about having to get off the ship sold me even more.

Synopsis: Godspeed was fueled by lies. Now it is ruled by chaos.

It's been three months since Amy was unplugged. The life she always knew is over. And everywhere she looks, she sees the walls of the spaceship Godspeed. But there may just be hope: Elder has assumed leadership of the ship. He's finally free to enact his vision - no more Phydus, no more lies.

But when Elder discovers shocking news about the ship, he and Amy race to discover the truth behind life on Godspeed. They must work together to unlock a puzzle that was set in motion hundreds of years earlier, unable to fight the romance that's growing between them and the chaos that threatens to tear them apart.

Title: Halflings(Halflings, #1)
Author: Heather Burch
Publisher: Zondervan Publishing, 288 Pages (February 1st, 2012)

Why I'm looking forward to this book, in a sentence - I'm a sucker for a love triangle and this looks like it has that and SO MUCH MORE, can't wait!

Synopsis: After being inexplicably targeted by an evil intent on harming her at any cost, seventeen-year-old Nikki finds herself under the watchful guardianship of three mysterious young men who call themselves halflings. Sworn to defend her, misfits Mace, Raven, and Vine battle to keep Nikki safe while hiding their deepest secret—and the wings that come with.

A growing attraction between Nikki and two of her protectors presents a whole other danger. While she risks a broken heart, Mace and Raven could lose everything, including their souls. As the mysteries behind the boys’ powers, as well as her role in a scientist’s dark plan, unfold, Nikki is faced with choices that will affect the future of an entire race of heavenly beings, as well as the precarious equilibrium of the earthly world.

Title: In Honor
Author: Jessi Kirby
Publisher:Simon & Schuster Children's Publishing, 288 Pages (May 8th, 2012)

Why I'm looking forward to this book, in a sentence - I really liked Moonglass and can't wait to read more from Kirby, and this sounds like a book I'd love.

Synopsis: Honor receives her brother’s last letter from Iraq three days after learning that he died, and opens it the day his fellow Marines lay the flag over his casket. Its contents are a complete shock: concert tickets to see Kyra Kelly, her favorite pop star and Finn's celebrity crush. In his letter, he jokingly charged Honor with the task of telling Kyra Kelly that he was in love with her.

Grief-stricken and determined to grant Finn's last request, she rushes to leave immediately. But she only gets as far as the driveway before running into Rusty, Finn's best friend since third grade and his polar opposite. She hasn't seen him in ages, thanks to a falling out between the two guys, but Rusty is much the same as Honor remembers him: arrogant, stubborn. . . and ruggedly good looking. Neither one is what the other would ever look for in a road trip partner, but the two of them set off together, on a voyage that makes sense only because it doesn’t. Along the way, they find small and sometimes surprising ways to ease their shared loss and honor Finn—but when shocking truths are revealed at the end of the road, will either of them be able to cope with the consequences?

Title: Shine (Shade, #3)
Author: Jeri Smith-Ready
Publisher: Simon Pulse, 384 Pages (May 1st, 2012)

Why I'm looking forward to this book, in a sentence - It's the last book in the Shade Trilogy - need I say more?

Synopsis: No other love has burned so bright

Life can change in an instant, and no one understands that better than Aura. It’s been almost a year since her boyfriend tragically died. She’s finally letting go of Logan’s violet-hued ghost, but not her search to uncover the truth about her past.As the first in a generation that can see ghosts, Aura is convinced that she has a connection to the Shift. She’s trusted Zachary, ever patient and ever by her side, with all that she knows. But when the government threatens his life in an attempt to learn Aura’s secrets, she will stop at nothing to protect herself and the one she loves...even if that means betraying her own heart.

Honorable mentions - Fracture By: Megan Miranda, The Blood Keeper (The Blood Journals, #2) By: Tessa Gratton, Fever (The Chemical Gardens, #2) By: Lauren DeStefano, Everneath (Everneath, #1) By: Brodie Ashton, Drowning Instinct By: Ilsa J. Bick, as always to name a few... this list could easily be never ending.

Don't forget to link each day! Signing up & then linking your Top 10 posts early you EXTRA entries into the $50.00 Amazon Gift Card Giveaway. The last day to share your posts is January 8th, 2012. The winner will be picked using Random.org and announced during the week of the 9th, 2012. Good Luck!

NOTE: This is the SAME Linky on each of the Co-Hosts Blogs, so please only enter your Name, Blog Name and URL or YOUR Top 10 post of the day on one blog. Thanks!

*Titles listed are in no particular order.

A few stats from 2011

# of Books Read - 106 (might be 107 by the time this posts if I finish the book I'm reading)
# of Pages Read - 26,669 (as per goodreads.com stats)
# of Blog Posts - 340 (including this post & my last post of the year. I'm also coming up on blog post 800! It's just around the corner)
# of 5 Star books - 19
# of 4 Star books - 57
# of 3 Star books - 29
# of 2 Star books - 1

Haunted Halloween was another HUGE success for it's second year and Jessica and I are already working away on new and exciting ways for YOU to participate in 2012. We can't thank all the authors who shared their stories, everyone who donated or you, who visited both of our blogs during such an amazingly wonderful month long even.

If you loved this new event for us this year... we'll be doing another Top 10 week in 2012 during this same week, so start thinking about your lists with the first of many books that'll be read all throughout the New Year. I have to say another HUGE Thank You to my wonderful Co-Hosts - Jessica, Rachel, Jamie & Patricia. It's been so much fun working with you all on this and I hope we can do more events together in the future. How about doing this again in 2012? And I can't forget you, each of you who have been participating in this 5 day event. Thanks for sharing your lists and we hope to see you again next year!

My Top 10 Characters of 2011 (Blog Event)

noreply@blogger.com (A Life Bound By Books) — Thu, 29 Dec 2011 15:00:00 +0000

Day Four of our Top 10 week features Characters. Who are yours for 2011? Mine, you can check out below, then as always be sure to take a look at my co-hosts - Jessica from Confessions of a Bookaholic, Rachel from Fiktshun and Jamie & Patricia from Two Chicks on Books and then don't forget to link up yours using the linky below.

Title: Divergent (Divergent, #1)
Author: Veronica Roth
Publisher: Katherine Tegan Books, 487 Pages (May 3rd, 2011)
My Review

Characters: Tris & Four

Why I love the characters, in a sentence - It's the writing and the story that make these characters more than memorable - you'll feel like your right there with them jumping on & off moving trains & off buildings.

Synopsis: In Beatrice Prior's dystopian Chicago, society is divided into five factions, each dedicated to the cultivation of a particular virtue—Candor (the honest), Abnegation (the selfless), Dauntless (the brave), Amity (the peaceful), and Erudite (the intelligent). On an appointed day of every year, all sixteen-year-olds must select the faction to which they will devote the rest of their lives. For Beatrice, the decision is between staying with her family and being who she really is—she can't have both. So she makes a choice that surprises everyone, including herself. During the highly competitive initiation that follows, Beatrice renames herself Tris and struggles to determine who her friends really are—and where, exactly, a romance with a sometimes fascinating, sometimes infuriating boy fits into the life she's chosen. But Tris also has a secret, one she's kept hidden from everyone because she's been warned it can mean death. And as she discovers a growing conflict that threatens to unravel her seemingly perfect society, she also learns that her secret might help her save those she loves… or it might destroy her.

Title: Hourglass (Hourglass, #1)
Author: Myra McEntire
Publisher: Egmont, 400 Pages (June 14th, 2011)
My Review

Characters: Emerson & Michael

Why I love the characters, in a sentence - Michael knows Emerson and what's she's going through and is able to help her when no one else could - yet he's mysterious and Emerson wants nothing more than to be that normal girl her family want her to be... the two together quickly became two of my favorite characters for the year.

Synopsis: One hour to rewrite the past . . .

For seventeen-year-old Emerson Cole, life is about seeing what isn’t there: swooning Southern Belles; soldiers long forgotten; a haunting jazz trio that vanishes in an instant. Plagued by phantoms since her parents’ death, she just wants the apparitions to stop so she can be normal. She’s tried everything, but the visions keep coming back.

So when her well-meaning brother brings in a consultant from a secretive organization called the Hourglass, Emerson’s willing to try one last cure. But meeting Michael Weaver may not only change her future, it may change her past. Who is this dark, mysterious, sympathetic guy, barely older than Emerson herself, who seems to believe every crazy word she says? Why does an electric charge seem to run through the room whenever he’s around? And why is he so insistent that he needs her help to prevent a death that never should have happened?

Title: Forgotten
Author: Cat Patrick
Publisher: Little Brown, 288 Pages (June 7th, 2011)
My Review

Characters: London & Luke

Why I love the characters, in a sentence - Such a unique story once you've read the whole book and the characters are are amazing, interesting and very entertaining... I loved this book from beginning to end because of wonderful characters.

Synopsis: Each night at precisely 4:33 am, while sixteen-year-old London Lane is asleep, her memory of that day is erased. In the morning, all she can "remember" are events from her future. London is used to relying on reminder notes and a trusted friend to get through the day, but things get complicated when a new boy at school enters the picture. Luke Henry is not someone you'd easily forget, yet try as she might, London can't find him in her memories of things to come.

When London starts experiencing disturbing flashbacks, or flash-forwards, as the case may be, she realizes it's time to learn about the past she keeps forgetting-before it destroys her future.

Title: Starcrossed (Starcrossed, #1)
Author: Josephine Angelini
Publisher: HarperTeen, 487 Pages (May 31st, 2011)
My Review

Characters: Helen & Lucas

Why I love the characters, in a sentence - Helen and Lucas and their story was written in the stars, they are meant to be and getting a sneak peek into their lives and how they go about things and how they deal with the past, present and looking on into the future makes them highly note worthy.

Synopsis: How do you defy destiny?

Helen Hamilton has spent her entire sixteen years trying to hide how different she is—no easy task on an island as small and sheltered as Nantucket. And it's getting harder. Nightmares of a desperate desert journey have Helen waking parched, only to find her sheets damaged by dirt and dust. At school she's haunted by hallucinations of three women weeping tears of blood . . . and when Helen first crosses paths with Lucas Delos, she has no way of knowing they're destined to play the leading roles in a tragedy the Fates insist on repeating throughout history.

As Helen unlocks the secrets of her ancestry, she realizes that some myths are more than just legend. But even demigod powers might not be enough to defy the forces that are both drawing her and Lucas together—and trying to tear them apart.

Title: Darkness Becomes Her (Gods & Monsters, #1)
Author: Kelly Keaton

Publisher: Simon Pulse, 273 Pages (February 22nd, 2011)

My Review

Characters: Ari & Sebastian

Why I love the characters, in a sentence - In the end, both are looking for answers to some very life changing questions - Ari is a tough girl and Sebastian is pretty hot, and so much more for each of them - they have stuck with me that's for sure.

Synopsis: Ari can’t help feeling lost and alone. With teal eyes and freakish silver hair that can’t be changed or destroyed, Ari has always stood out. And after growing up in foster care, she longs for some understanding of where she came from and who she is.

Her search for answers uncovers a message from her long dead mother: Run. Ari can sense that someone, or something, is getting closer than they should. But it’s impossible to protect herself when she doesn’t know what she’s running from or why she is being pursued.

She knows only one thing: she must return to her birthplace of New 2, the lush rebuilt city of New Orleans. Upon arriving, she discovers that New 2 is very...different. Here, Ari is seemingly normal. But every creature she encounters, no matter how deadly or horrifying, is afraid of her.

Ari won’t stop until she knows why. But some truths are too haunting, too terrifying, to ever be revealed.

Title: The Iron Knight (The Iron Fey, #4)
Author: Julie Kagawa
Publisher: Harlequin Teen, 361 Pages (October 25th, 2011)
My Review

Characters: Meghan, Ash, Puck & Grim

Why I love the characters, in a sentence - These four make a great group of characters over the coarse of 4 books - how can anyone reading this series NOT find something to love about these friends?

Synopsis: Ash, former prince of the Winter Court, gave up everything. His title, his home, even his vow of loyalty. All for a girl… and all for nothing.

Unless he can earn a soul.

To cold, emotionless faery prince Ash, love was a weakness for mortals and fools. His own love had died a horrible death, killing any gentler feelings the Winter prince might have had. Or so he thought.

Then Meghan Chase—a half human, half fey slip of a girl— smashed through his barricades, binding him to her irrevocably with his oath to be her knight. And when all of Faery nearly fell to the Iron fey, she severed their bond to save his life. Meghan is now the Iron Queen, ruler of a realm where no Winter or Summer fey can survive.

With the (unwelcome) company of his archrival, Summer Court prankster Puck, and the infuriating cait sith Grimalkin, Ash begins a journey he is bound to see through to its end— a quest to find a way to honor his solemn vow to stand by Meghan’s side.

To survive in the Iron realm, Ash must have a soul and a mortal body. But the tests he must face to earn these things are impossible. At least, no one has ever passed to tell the tale.

And then Ash learns something that changes everything. A truth that turns reality upside down, challenges his darkest beliefs and shows him that, sometimes, it takes more than courage to make the ultimate sacrifice.

Title: Blood Red Road (Dustlands, #1)
Author: Moira Young
Publisher: Margaret K. McElderry, 495 Pages (June 5th, 2011)
My Review

Characters: Saba & Jack

Why I love the characters, in a sentence - These two characters are so different from each other, yet they work well in such a harsh story - I loved them both for their strength and what they learned throughout the book.

Synopsis: Saba has spent her whole life in Silverlake, a dried-up wasteland ravaged by constant sandstorms. The Wrecker civilization has long been destroyed, leaving only landfills for Saba and her family to scavenge from. That's fine by her, as long as her beloved twin brother Lugh is around. But when a monster sandstorm arrives, along with four cloaked horsemen, Saba's world is shattered. Lugh is captured, and Saba embarks on an epic quest to get him back.

Suddenly thrown into the lawless, ugly reality of the world outside of desolate Silverlake, Saba is lost without Lugh to guide her. So perhaps the most surprising thing of all is what Saba learns about herself: she's a fierce fighter, an unbeatable survivor, and a cunning opponent. And she has the power to take down a corrupt society from the inside. Teamed up with a handsome daredevil named Jack and a gang of girl revolutionaries called the Free Hawks, Saba stages a showdown that will change the course of her own civilization.

Title: Across the Universe (Across the Universe, #1)
Author: Beth Revis
Publisher: Razorbill, 398 Pages (January 11th, 2011)
My Review

Characters: Amy & Elder

Why I love the characters, in a sentence - How can you not love these two with their struggles as they each come to terms with some shocking truths - I loved how they worked together and pushed each other to find the answers they needed to survive.

Synopsis: Seventeen-year-old Amy joins her parents as frozen cargo aboard the vast spaceship Godspeed and expects to awaken on a new planet, three hundred years in the future. Never could she have known that her frozen slumber would come to an end fifty years too soon and that she would be thrust into the brave new world of a spaceship that lives by its own rules.

Amy quickly realizes that her awakening was no mere computer malfunction. Someone - one of the few thousand inhabitants of the spaceship - tried to kill her. And if Amy doesn't do something soon, her parents will be next.

Now, Amy must race to unlock Godspeed's hidden secrets. But out of her list of murder suspects, there's only one who matters: Elder, the future leader of the ship and the love she could never have seen coming.

Title: Lola and the Boy Next Door
Author: Stephanie Perkins
Publisher: Dutton, 338 Pages (September 29th, 2011)
My Review

Characters: Lola & Cricket

Why I love the characters, in a sentence - Perkins knows how to write memorable, relate-able characters that are unforgettable - such as Lola and Cricket.

Synopsis: Budding designer Lola Nolan doesn’t believe in fashion . . . she believes in costume. The more expressive the outfit -- more sparkly, more fun, more wild -- the better. But even though Lola’s style is outrageous, she’s a devoted daughter and friend with some big plans for the future. And everything is pretty perfect (right down to her hot rocker boyfriend) until the dreaded Bell twins, Calliope and Cricket, return to the neighborhood.

When Cricket -- a gifted inventor -- steps out from his twin sister’s shadow and back into Lola’s life, she must finally reconcile a lifetime of feelings for the boy next door.

Title: After Obsession
Author: Carrie Jones & Steven E. Wedel
Publisher: Bloomsbury, 320 Pages (September 13th, 2011)
My Review

Characters: Aimee & Alan

Why I love the characters, in a sentence - There was no way for Aimee and Alan not to be on this list - I loved reading their story and watching the two hover around each other - very memorable characters for me.

Synopsis: Aimee and Alan have secrets. Both teens have unusual pasts and abilities they prefer to keep hidden. But when they meet each other, in a cold Maine town, they can't stop their secrets from spilling out. Strange things have been happening lately, and they both feel that something-or someone- is haunting them. They're wrong. Despite their unusual history and powers, it's neither Aimee nor Alan who is truly haunted. It's Alan's cousin Courtney who, in a desperate plea to find her missing father, has invited a demon into her life-and into her body. Only together can Aimee and Alan exorcise the ghost. And they have to move quickly, before it devours not just Courtney but everything around her.

Honorable mentions - Dana, Keane & The Erlking from The Faeriewalker Series By: Jenna Black, Jacinda, Will & Cassian from Firelight By: Sophie Jordan, Brooke & Mirka from Descended By Blood By: Angeline Kace, Silla & Nick from Blood Magic By: Tessa Gratton, The Whole Cast of Characters from Beauty Queens By: Libba Bray and so many others, this list could go on and on.

Tomorrow's Topic - Top 10 Books Looking Forward to in 2012

NOTE: This is the SAME Linky on each of the Co-Hosts Blogs, so please only enter your Name, Blog Name and URL or YOUR Top 10 post of the day on one blog. Thanks!

*Titles listed are in no particular order.

My Top 10 Book Boyfriends in 2011 (Blog Event)

noreply@blogger.com (A Life Bound By Books) — Wed, 28 Dec 2011 15:00:00 +0000

Day three is all about "Book Boyfriends". Need I say more? As always, after checking out my list here, don't forget to check out my co-hosts lists and link your post. I can't way to see who everyone's swooning over. So, check out who are some of my "Book Boyfriends" of 2011, then check out my event co-hosts - Jessica from Confessions of a Bookaholic, Rachel from Fiktshun and Jamie & Patricia from Two Chicks on Books and then link up yours with the linky below.

Title: Divergent (Divergent, #1)
Author: Veronica Roth
Publisher: Katherine Tegan Books, 487 Pages (May 3rd, 2011)
My Review

Book Boyfriend: Four

Swoon-worthy, in a sentence - Four is an unforgettable character that smoulders and takes your breath away from the first time you "meet" him in this story... Four is going to be a hard character to top. Hot, hot hot! I'm swooning right now just thinking about him. I think this needs to be reread asap.

Title: Hourglass (Hourglass, #1)
Author: Myra McEntire
Publisher: Egmont, 400 Pages (June 14th, 2011)
My Review

Book Boyfriend: Michael

Swoon-worthy, in a sentence - I love Michael because he tries so hard in the beginning to avoid his true feelings and you see him struggle under the pressure - those few stolen moments between him and Emerson are pretty hot - I found myself grinning from ear to ear.

Title: Forgotten
Author: Cat Patrick
Publisher: Little Brown, 288 Pages (June 7th, 2011)
My Review

Book Boyfriend: Luke

Swoon-worthy, in a sentence - When you read this title and you find out who Luke is, it changes how you feel about him - what he does for London in spite of all she's up against show's he's a strength for her & has it bad for the girl, which makes him pretty swoon-worthy.

Title: Starcrossed (Starcrossed, #1)
Author: Josephine Angelini
Publisher: HarperTeen, 487 Pages (May 31st, 2011)
My Review

Book Boyfriend: Lucas

Swoon-worthy, in a sentence - I think for me, what makes Lucas swoon-worthy is how the chemistry comes across between him and Helen - they are destined - they have so much between them and their relationship comes across pretty balanced in how they didn't rush into things.... their emotions built and changed and that in itself makes him extremely hot.

Title: Darkness Becomes Her (Gods & Monsters, #1)
Author:Kelly Keaton
Publisher: Simon Pulse, 273 Pages (February 22nd, 2011)
My Review

Book Boyfriend: Sebastian

Swoon-worthy, in a sentence - He's dark, mysterious and brooding - three of the things I love in a boy from a book.

Synopsis: A dark and lush paranormal romance set in a richly reimagined New Orleans—now in paperback!Ari can’t help feeling lost and alone. With teal eyes and freakish silver hair that can’t be changed or destroyed, Ari has always stood out. And after growing up in foster care, she longs for some understanding of where she came from and who she is.

Her search for answers uncovers a message from her long dead mother: Run. Ari can sense that someone, or something, is getting closer than they should. But it’s impossible to protect herself when she doesn’t know what she’s running from or why she is being pursued.

She knows only one thing: she must return to her birthplace of New 2, the lush rebuilt city of New Orleans. Upon arriving, she discovers that New 2 is very...different. Here, Ari is seemingly normal. But every creature she encounters, no matter how deadly or horrifying, is afraid of her.

Ari won’t stop until she knows why. But some truths are too haunting, too terrifying, to ever be revealed.

Title: The Iron Knight (The Iron Fey, #4)
Author: Julie Kagawa
Publisher: Harlequin Teen, 361 Pages (October 25th, 2011)
My Review

Book Boyfriend: Ash

Swoon-worthy, in a sentence - It's Ash, need I say more?

Title: Glimmerglass (Faeriewalker, #1)
Author: Jenna Black
Publisher: St. Martin's Griffin, 294 Pages (May 25th, 2010)
My Review

Book Boyfriend: Keane

Swoon-worthy, in a sentence - He's not in the books enough, but I look forward to reading each and every word of the parts that he's in - he's dark and broody and has many layers to him - I'm always eager to learn more about this mysterious boy.

Synopsis: It's all she's ever wanted to be, but it couldn't be further from her grasp...

Dana Hathaway doesnt know it yet, but shes in big trouble. When her alcoholic mom shows up at her voice recital drunk, again, Dana decides shes had enough and runs away to find her mysterious father in Avalon: the only place on Earth where the regular, everyday world and the captivating, magical world of Faerie intersect. But from the moment Dana sets foot in Avalon, everything goes wrong, for it turns out she isn't just an ordinary teenage girl, she's a Faeriewalker, a rare individual who can travel between both worlds, and the only person who can bring magic into the human world and technology into Faerie.

Dana finds herself tangled up in a cutthroat game of Fae politics. Someone's trying to kill her, and everyone seems to want something from her, from her newfound friends and family to Ethan, the hot Fae guy Dana figures she'll never have a chance with...until she does. Caught between two worlds, Dana isn't sure where she'll ever fit in and who can be trusted, not to mention if her world will ever be normal again.

Title: Firelight (Firelight, #1)
Author: Sophie Jordan
Publisher: HarperTeen, 323 Pages (September 7th, 2010)
My Review

Book Boyfriend: Will

Swoon-worthy, in a sentence - Will is amazing in so many ways - he's sweet and he'd do just about anything for Jacinda, no matter the cost... I like that he's a little mysterious and what he does for her early on in the book, right through to the last page.

Synopsis: A hidden truth.
Mortal enemies.
Doomed love.

Marked as special at an early age, Jacinda knows her every move is watched. But she longs for freedom to make her own choices. When she breaks the most sacred tenet among her kind, she nearly pays with her life. Until a beautiful stranger saves her. A stranger who was sent to hunt those like her. For Jacinda is a draki—a descendant of dragons whose greatest defense is her secret ability to shift into human form.

Forced to flee into the mortal world with her family, Jacinda struggles to adapt to her new surroundings. The only bright light is Will. Gorgeous, elusive Will who stirs her inner draki to life. Although she is irresistibly drawn to him, Jacinda knows Will's dark secret: He and his family are hunters. She should avoid him at all costs. But her inner draki is slowly slipping away—if it dies she will be left as a human forever. She'll do anything to prevent that. Even if it means getting closer to her most dangerous enemy.

Mythical powers and breathtaking romance ignite in this story of a girl who defies all expectations and whose love crosses an ancient divide.

Title: Lola and the Boy Next Door
Author: Stephanie Perkins
Publisher: Dutton, 338 Pages (September 29th, 2011)
My Review

Book Boyfriend: Cricket

Swoon-worthy, in a sentence - I have a huge crush on Cricket - from his rubber bands around his wrists to the reminder notes he writes on his hands to how shy he can be... and I pictured him just as he looks on the cover. *fans self*

Title: After Obsession
Author: Carrie Jones & Steven E. Wedel
Publisher: Bloomsbury, 320 Pages (September 13th, 2011)
My Review

Book Boyfriend: Alan

Swoon-worthy, in a sentence - Alan reminds me of a guy I had a crush on in high school. And did I have it bad then! He's just such an an amazing character that I fell for wholeheartedly and I'm sure you will too after reading. Totally swoon-worthy!

Synopsis: Aimee and Alan have secrets. Both teens have unusual pasts and abilities they prefer to keep hidden. But when they meet each other, in a cold Maine town, they can't stop their secrets from spilling out. Strange things have been happening lately, and they both feel that something-or someone- is haunting them. They're wrong. Despite their unusual history and powers, it's neither Aimee nor Alan who is truly haunted. It's Alan's cousin Courtney who, in a desperate plea to find her missing father, has invited a demon into her life-and into her body. Only together can Aimee and Alan exorcise the ghost. And they have to move quickly, before it devours not just Courtney but everything around her.

Honorable mentions - Jared from The Dragon Diaries Series By: Deborah Cooke, Aiden MacRae from Between By: Cyndi Tefft, Jack from Blood Red Road By: Moira Young, Lucian from Sleight By: Jennifer Sommersby and Mirka from Descended By Blood By: Angeline Kace and Elder from Across the Universe By: Beth Revis... again, just to name a few. I'm afraid this list could go on and on and on.

Tomorrow's Topic - Top 10 Characters in 2011

NOTE: This is the SAME Linky on each of the Co-Hosts Blogs, so please only enter your Name, Blog Name and URL or YOUR Top 10 post of the day on one blog. Thanks!

*Titles listed are in no particular order.

Waiting on Wednesday: The Night She Disappeared By: April Henry (92)

noreply@blogger.com (A Life Bound By Books) — Wed, 28 Dec 2011 10:30:00 +0000

Title: The Night She Disappeared
Author: April Henry
Publisher: Henry Holt Books for Young Readers, 240 Pages (April 10th, 2012)
Preorder here: Amazon, Barnes and Noble, The Book Depository

Synopsis: Gabie drives a Mini Cooper. She also works part time as a delivery girl at Pete’s Pizza. One night, Kayla—another delivery girl—goes missing. To her horror, Gabie learns that the supposed kidnapper had asked if the girl in the Mini Cooper was working that night. Gabie can’t move beyond the fact that Kayla’s fate was really meant for her, and she becomes obsessed with finding Kayla. She teams up with Drew, who also works at Pete’s. Together, they set out to prove that Kayla isn’t dead—and to find her before she is.

I love the sound of this book. Sounds like a great fast paced thrilling mystery. Another I can't wait to read. Who's with me?

*covers are always subject to change.
*I am not compensated at all for any of the links within this post.

My Top 10 Book Covers of 2011 (Blog Event)

noreply@blogger.com (A Life Bound By Books) — Tue, 27 Dec 2011 15:00:00 +0000

Day two of our five day event is all about sharing your favorite book covers for 2011. After checking out my list, be sure to check out my event co-hosts - Jessica from Confessions of a Bookaholic, Rachel from Fiktshun and Jamie & Patricia from Two Chicks on Books and then link up yours with the linky below.

Title: Divergent (Divergent, #1)
Author: Veronica Roth
Publisher: Katherine Tegen Books, 487 Pages (May 3rd, 2011)
My Review

Why I love the cover, in a sentence - This cover is very captivating for me, and if I'm honest I'm not totally sure what I love about it so much, but I just know that I do.

Synopsis: In Beatrice Prior's dystopian Chicago, society is divided into five factions, each dedicated to the cultivation of a particular virtue—Candor (the honest), Abnegation (the selfless), Dauntless (the brave), Amity (the peaceful), and Erudite (the intelligent). On an appointed day of every year, all sixteen-year-olds must select the faction to which they will devote the rest of their lives. For Beatrice, the decision is between staying with her family and being who she really is—she can't have both. So she makes a choice that surprises everyone, including herself. During the highly competitive initiation that follows, Beatrice renames herself Tris and struggles to determine who her friends really are—and where, exactly, a romance with a sometimes fascinating, sometimes infuriating boy fits into the life she's chosen. But Tris also has a secret, one she's kept hidden from everyone because she's been warned it can mean death. And as she discovers a growing conflict that threatens to unravel her seemingly perfect society, she also learns that her secret might help her save those she loves… or it might destroy her.

Title: Hourglass (Hourglass, #1)
Author: Myra McEntire
Publisher: Egmont, 400 Pages (June 14th, 2011)
My Review

Why I love the cover, in a sentence - This cover is just amazing on so many levels, I can't even begin to come up with words to describe how much I love it.

Synopsis: One hour to rewrite the past . . .

For seventeen-year-old Emerson Cole, life is about seeing what isn’t there: swooning Southern Belles; soldiers long forgotten; a haunting jazz trio that vanishes in an instant. Plagued by phantoms since her parents’ death, she just wants the apparitions to stop so she can be normal. She’s tried everything, but the visions keep coming back.

So when her well-meaning brother brings in a consultant from a secretive organization called the Hourglass, Emerson’s willing to try one last cure. But meeting Michael Weaver may not only change her future, it may change her past. Who is this dark, mysterious, sympathetic guy, barely older than Emerson herself, who seems to believe every crazy word she says? Why does an electric charge seem to run through the room whenever he’s around? And why is he so insistent that he needs her help to prevent a death that never should have happened?

Title: Wither (The Chemical Garden, #1)
Author: Lauren DeStefano
Publisher: Simon & Schuster, 358 Pages (March 22nd, 2011)
My Review

Why I love the cover, in a sentence - When I look at this cover, I see haunting beauty that fits really well with the book - it's the year of amazing dresses.

Synopsis: Obviously, something went terribly wrong. Genetic mutations have festered, reducing human longevity to twenty-five, even less for most women. To prevent extinction, young girls are kidnapped, mated in polygamous marriages with men eager to procreate. Sixteen-year-old Rhine Ellery, a recent victim of this breeding farm mentality, has vowed to break loose from its fetters; but finding allies and a safe way out is a challenge she can only hope she will survive. A dystopian fantasy series starter with wings. Editor's recommendation.

Title: Starcrossed (Starcrossed, #1)
Author: Josephine Angelini
Publisher: HarperTeen, 487 Pages (May 31st, 2011)
My Review

Why I love the cover, in a sentence - See, year of beautiful dresses - and if you've read this book, you'll know just how fitting this amazing cover is... the storm and the sea.

Synopsis: How do you defy destiny?

Helen Hamilton has spent her entire sixteen years trying to hide how different she is—no easy task on an island as small and sheltered as Nantucket. And it's getting harder. Nightmares of a desperate desert journey have Helen waking parched, only to find her sheets damaged by dirt and dust. At school she's haunted by hallucinations of three women weeping tears of blood . . . and when Helen first crosses paths with Lucas Delos, she has no way of knowing they're destined to play the leading roles in a tragedy the Fates insist on repeating throughout history.

As Helen unlocks the secrets of her ancestry, she realizes that some myths are more than just legend. But even demigod powers might not be enough to defy the forces that are both drawing her and Lucas together—and trying to tear them apart.

Title: The Unbecoming of Mara Dyer (Mara Dyer, #1)
Author: Michelle Hodkin
Publisher: Simon & Schuster, 452 Pages (September 27th, 2011)

Why I love the cover, in a sentence - Whenever I look at this cover I see something more, something new and it becomes amazing all over again - the boy holding the girl up from going under water.. or is the other way around? (I think I need to read this one soon.)

Synopsis: Mara Dyer doesn't think life can get any stranger than waking up in a hospital with no memory of how she got there.

It can.

She believes there must be more to the accident she can't remember that killed her friends and left her mysteriously unharmed.

There is.

She doesn't believe that after everything she's been through, she can fall in love.

She's wrong.

Title: The Iron Knight (The Iron Fey, #4)
Author: Julie Kagawa
Publisher: Harlequin Teen, 361 Pages (October 25th, 2011)
My Review

Why I love the cover, in a sentence - it's ASH! and he's looking at me... or I'd like to think he is.

Synopsis: Ash, former prince of the Winter Court, gave up everything. His title, his home, even his vow of loyalty. All for a girl… and all for nothing.

Unless he can earn a soul.

To cold, emotionless faery prince Ash, love was a weakness for mortals and fools. His own love had died a horrible death, killing any gentler feelings the Winter prince might have had. Or so he thought.

Then Meghan Chase—a half human, half fey slip of a girl— smashed through his barricades, binding him to her irrevocably with his oath to be her knight. And when all of Faery nearly fell to the Iron fey, she severed their bond to save his life. Meghan is now the Iron Queen, ruler of a realm where no Winter or Summer fey can survive.

With the (unwelcome) company of his archrival, Summer Court prankster Puck, and the infuriating cait sith Grimalkin, Ash begins a journey he is bound to see through to its end— a quest to find a way to honor his solemn vow to stand by Meghan’s side.

To survive in the Iron realm, Ash must have a soul and a mortal body. But the tests he must face to earn these things are impossible. At least, no one has ever passed to tell the tale.

And then Ash learns something that changes everything. A truth that turns reality upside down, challenges his darkest beliefs and shows him that, sometimes, it takes more than courage to make the ultimate sacrifice.

Title: A Need So Beautiful (A Need So Beautiful, #1)
Author: Suzanne Young
Publisher: Balzer & Bray, 267 Pages (June 21st, 2011)

Why I love the cover, in a sentence - Talk about a breathtaking cover - and in person it's even more beautiful - I haven't read this title either, but I think that this cover will help me and other readers bring the story and the main character to life.

Synopsis: We all want to be remembered. Charlotte's destiny is to be Forgotten...

Charlotte’s best friend thinks Charlotte might be psychic. Her boyfriend thinks she’s cheating on him. But Charlotte knows what’s really wrong: She is one of the Forgotten, a kind of angel on earth, who feels the Need—a powerful, uncontrollable draw to help someone, usually a stranger.

But Charlotte never wanted this responsibility. What she wants is to help her best friend, whose life is spiraling out of control. She wants to lie in her boyfriend's arms forever. But as the Need grows stronger, it begins to take a dangerous toll on Charlotte. And who she was, is, and will become--her mark on this earth, her very existence--is in jeopardy of disappearing completely.

Charlotte will be forced to choose: Should she embrace her fate as a Forgotten, a fate that promises to rip her from the lives of those she loves forever? Or is she willing to fight against her destiny--no matter how dark the consequences.

Title: Across the Universe (Across the Universe, #1)
Author: Beth Revis
Publisher: Razorbill, 398 Pages (January 11th, 2011)
My Review

Why I love the cover, in a sentence - This is another cover that is just so fitting for the story and I love how spot on the art departments are hitting these covers - I think the stars and space are amazingly beautiful and Amy and Elder look a bit otherworldly.

Synopsis: Seventeen-year-old Amy joins her parents as frozen cargo aboard the vast spaceship Godspeed and expects to awaken on a new planet, three hundred years in the future. Never could she have known that her frozen slumber would come to an end fifty years too soon and that she would be thrust into the brave new world of a spaceship that lives by its own rules.

Amy quickly realizes that her awakening was no mere computer malfunction. Someone - one of the few thousand inhabitants of the spaceship - tried to kill her. And if Amy doesn't do something soon, her parents will be next.

Now, Amy must race to unlock Godspeed's hidden secrets. But out of her list of murder suspects, there's only one who matters: Elder, the future leader of the ship and the love she could never have seen coming.

Title: Lola and the Boy Next Door
Author: Stephanie Perkins
Publisher: Dutton, 338 Pages (September 29th, 2011)
My Review

Why I love the cover, in a sentence - It's got Cricket on the cover and all I can say is that I wish I was lucky enough to have a boy like him living right next door to me.

Synopsis: Budding designer Lola Nolan doesn’t believe in fashion . . . she believes in costume. The more expressive the outfit -- more sparkly, more fun, more wild -- the better. But even though Lola’s style is outrageous, she’s a devoted daughter and friend with some big plans for the future. And everything is pretty perfect (right down to her hot rocker boyfriend) until the dreaded Bell twins, Calliope and Cricket, return to the neighborhood.

When Cricket -- a gifted inventor -- steps out from his twin sister’s shadow and back into Lola’s life, she must finally reconcile a lifetime of feelings for the boy next door.

Title: The Girl in the Steel Corset (Steampunk Chronicles, #1)
Author: Kady Cross
Publisher: Harlequin Teen, 473 Pages (May 24th, 2011)

Why I love the cover, in a sentence - Another amazing dress and I love the rich color verses the usual dullness when you think of a Steampunk story. (Yes, another that I have and still need to read.)

Synopsis: In 1897 England, sixteen-year-old Finley Jayne has no one except the "thing" inside her.

When a young lord tries to take advantage of Finley, she fights back. And wins. But no normal Victorian girl has a darker side that makes her capable of knocking out a full-grown man with one punch...

Only Griffin King sees the magical darkness inside her that says she's special, says she's one of them. The orphaned duke takes her in from the gaslit streets against the wishes of his band of misfits. Emily, who has her own special abilities and an unrequited love for Sam, who is part robot; and Jasper, an American cowboy with a shadowy secret.

Griffin's investigating a criminal called The Machinist, the mastermind behind several recent crimes by automatons. Finley thinks she can help-and finally be a part of something, finally fit in.

But The Machinist wants to tear Griff's little company of strays apart, and it isn't long before trust is tested on all sides. At least Finley knows whose side she's on, even if it seems no one believes her.

Honorable mentions - Die for Me By: Amy Plum, Clockwork Prince By: Cassandra Clare, Shatter Me, Supernaturally By: Kiersten White and a few others were some of my favorite covers this year.

Tomorrow's Topic - Top 10 Book Boyfriends in 2011

NOTE: This is the SAME Linky on each of the Co-Hosts Blogs, so please only enter your Name, Blog Name and URL or YOUR Top 10 post of the day on one blog. Thanks!

*Titles listed are in no particular order.

Top 10 Books I've Read in 2011 (Blog Event)

noreply@blogger.com (A Life Bound By Books) — Mon, 26 Dec 2011 08:01:00 +0000

Welcome to the first day of a FIVE day event! Today kicks off Top 10 of 2011. Last year Jessica from Confessions of a Bookaholic and I posted our Top 10 Posts during this same week. We had such a great time with our lists that we asked a couple of our blogging friends to help us out - Rachel from Fiktshun and Jamie & Patricia from Two Chicks on Books and made an event about it! We're excited to see how many people have signed up and we can't wait to read YOUR lists. Speaking of.... here's my Top 10 Books I've Read in 2011.

Title: Divergent (Divergent, #1)
Author: Veronica Roth
Publisher: Katherine Tegan Books, 487 Pages (May 3rd 2011)
My Review

Why I loved it, in a sentence - Tris & Four... and the amazing story and writing and SO much more make this one of the best books I've read since the Hunger Games Trilogy.

Synopsis: In Beatrice Prior's dystopian Chicago, society is divided into five factions, each dedicated to the cultivation of a particular virtue—Candor (the honest), Abnegation (the selfless), Dauntless (the brave), Amity (the peaceful), and Erudite (the intelligent). On an appointed day of every year, all sixteen-year-olds must select the faction to which they will devote the rest of their lives. For Beatrice, the decision is between staying with her family and being who she really is—she can't have both. So she makes a choice that surprises everyone, including herself. During the highly competitive initiation that follows, Beatrice renames herself Tris and struggles to determine who her friends really are—and where, exactly, a romance with a sometimes fascinating, sometimes infuriating boy fits into the life she's chosen. But Tris also has a secret, one she's kept hidden from everyone because she's been warned it can mean death. And as she discovers a growing conflict that threatens to unravel her seemingly perfect society, she also learns that her secret might help her save those she loves… or it might destroy her.

Title: Hourglass (Hourglass, #1)
Author: Myra McEntire
Publisher: Egmont, 400 Pages (June 14th, 2011)
My Review

Why I loved it, in a sentence - Love the cover, loved the story... hands down an incredible book.

Synopsis: One hour to rewrite the past . . .

For seventeen-year-old Emerson Cole, life is about seeing what isn’t there: swooning Southern Belles; soldiers long forgotten; a haunting jazz trio that vanishes in an instant. Plagued by phantoms since her parents’ death, she just wants the apparitions to stop so she can be normal. She’s tried everything, but the visions keep coming back.

So when her well-meaning brother brings in a consultant from a secretive organization called the Hourglass, Emerson’s willing to try one last cure. But meeting Michael Weaver may not only change her future, it may change her past. Who is this dark, mysterious, sympathetic guy, barely older than Emerson herself, who seems to believe every crazy word she says? Why does an electric charge seem to run through the room whenever he’s around? And why is he so insistent that he needs her help to prevent a death that never should have happened?

Title: Forgotten
Author: Cat Patrick
Publisher: Little Brown, 288 Pages (June 7th, 2011)
My Review

Why I loved it, in a sentence - The magnetic pull and love between London & Luke on top of all that London has to go through with the added bonus of a mystery made this a book I just couldn't get enough of. (I wish there would/could be a sequel)

Synopsis: Each night at precisely 4:33 am, while sixteen-year-old London Lane is asleep, her memory of that day is erased. In the morning, all she can "remember" are events from her future. London is used to relying on reminder notes and a trusted friend to get through the day, but things get complicated when a new boy at school enters the picture. Luke Henry is not someone you'd easily forget, yet try as she might, London can't find him in her memories of things to come.

When London starts experiencing disturbing flashbacks, or flash-forwards, as the case may be, she realizes it's time to learn about the past she keeps forgetting-before it destroys her future.

Title: Starcrossed (Starcrossed, #1)
Author: Josephine Angelini
Publisher: HarperTeen, 487 Pages (May 31st, 2011)
My Review

Why I loved it, in a sentence - Thrilling and beautiful with just enough mythology to make this another favorite for me this year.

Synopsis: How do you defy destiny?

Helen Hamilton has spent her entire sixteen years trying to hide how different she is—no easy task on an island as small and sheltered as Nantucket. And it's getting harder. Nightmares of a desperate desert journey have Helen waking parched, only to find her sheets damaged by dirt and dust. At school she's haunted by hallucinations of three women weeping tears of blood . . . and when Helen first crosses paths with Lucas Delos, she has no way of knowing they're destined to play the leading roles in a tragedy the Fates insist on repeating throughout history.

As Helen unlocks the secrets of her ancestry, she realizes that some myths are more than just legend. But even demigod powers might not be enough to defy the forces that are both drawing her and Lucas together—and trying to tear them apart.

Title: Ashfall (Ashfall, #1)
Author: Mike Mullin
Publisher: Tanglewood Press, 466 Pages (October 11th, 2011)
My Review

Why I loved it, in a sentence - I didn't know what to expect going into this title, but once you start reading there's just no putting it down - book two... bring it on! (The sooner the better, please & Thank you)

Synopsis: Under the bubbling hot springs and geysers of Yellowstone National Park is a supervolcano. Most people don't know it's there. The caldera is so large that it can only be seen from a plane or satellite. It just could be overdue for an eruption, which would change the landscape and climate of our planet.

Ashfall is the story of Alex, a teenage boy left alone for the weekend while his parents visit relatives. When the Yellowstone supervolcano erupts unexpectedly, Alex is determined to reach his parents. He must travel over a hundred miles in a landscape transformed by a foot of ash and the destruction of every modern convenience that he has ever known, and through a new world in which disaster has brought out both the best and worst in people desperate for food, water, and warmth. With a combination of nonstop action, a little romance, and very real science, this is a story that is difficult to stop reading and even more difficult to forget.

Title: The Iron Knight (The Iron Fey, #4)
Author: Julie Kagawa
Publisher: Harlequin Teen, 361 Pages (October 25th, 2011)
My Review

Why I loved it, in a sentence - An Iron Fey story from Ash's point of view... need I say more?

Synopsis: Ash, former prince of the Winter Court, gave up everything. His title, his home, even his vow of loyalty. All for a girl… and all for nothing.

Unless he can earn a soul.

To cold, emotionless faery prince Ash, love was a weakness for mortals and fools. His own love had died a horrible death, killing any gentler feelings the Winter prince might have had. Or so he thought.

Then Meghan Chase—a half human, half fey slip of a girl— smashed through his barricades, binding him to her irrevocably with his oath to be her knight. And when all of Faery nearly fell to the Iron fey, she severed their bond to save his life. Meghan is now the Iron Queen, ruler of a realm where no Winter or Summer fey can survive.

With the (unwelcome) company of his archrival, Summer Court prankster Puck, and the infuriating cait sith Grimalkin, Ash begins a journey he is bound to see through to its end— a quest to find a way to honor his solemn vow to stand by Meghan’s side.

To survive in the Iron realm, Ash must have a soul and a mortal body. But the tests he must face to earn these things are impossible. At least, no one has ever passed to tell the tale.

And then Ash learns something that changes everything. A truth that turns reality upside down, challenges his darkest beliefs and shows him that, sometimes, it takes more than courage to make the ultimate sacrifice.

Title: Blood Red Road (Dustlands, #1)
Author: Moira Young
Publisher: Margaret K. McElderry, 495 Pages (June 5th, 2011)
My Review

Why I loved it, in a sentence - An addictive story filled with interesting characters that'll hold on and not let go, but not to worry, you won't want them to.

Synopsis: Saba has spent her whole life in Silverlake, a dried-up wasteland ravaged by constant sandstorms. The Wrecker civilization has long been destroyed, leaving only landfills for Saba and her family to scavenge from. That's fine by her, as long as her beloved twin brother Lugh is around. But when a monster sandstorm arrives, along with four cloaked horsemen, Saba's world is shattered. Lugh is captured, and Saba embarks on an epic quest to get him back.

Suddenly thrown into the lawless, ugly reality of the world outside of desolate Silverlake, Saba is lost without Lugh to guide her. So perhaps the most surprising thing of all is what Saba learns about herself: she's a fierce fighter, an unbeatable survivor, and a cunning opponent. And she has the power to take down a corrupt society from the inside. Teamed up with a handsome daredevil named Jack and a gang of girl revolutionaries called the Free Hawks, Saba stages a showdown that will change the course of her own civilization.

Title: Across the Universe (Across the Universe, #1)
Author: Beth Revis
Publisher: Razorbill, 398 Pages (January 11th, 2011)
My Review

Why I loved it, in a sentence - Science fiction of a thrilling, mysterious & romantic kind - just a few words that come to mind.

Synopsis: Seventeen-year-old Amy joins her parents as frozen cargo aboard the vast spaceship Godspeed and expects to awaken on a new planet, three hundred years in the future. Never could she have known that her frozen slumber would come to an end fifty years too soon and that she would be thrust into the brave new world of a spaceship that lives by its own rules.

Amy quickly realizes that her awakening was no mere computer malfunction. Someone - one of the few thousand inhabitants of the spaceship - tried to kill her. And if Amy doesn't do something soon, her parents will be next.

Now, Amy must race to unlock Godspeed's hidden secrets. But out of her list of murder suspects, there's only one who matters: Elder, the future leader of the ship and the love she could never have seen coming.

Title: Lola and the Boy Next Door
Author: Stephanie Perkins
Publisher: Dutton, 338 Pages (September 29th, 2011)
My Review

Why I loved it, in a sentence - Stephanie Perkins is one of the rock stars of contemporary YA - she writes it, I'll read it.

Synopsis: Budding designer Lola Nolan doesn’t believe in fashion . . . she believes in costume. The more expressive the outfit -- more sparkly, more fun, more wild -- the better. But even though Lola’s style is outrageous, she’s a devoted daughter and friend with some big plans for the future. And everything is pretty perfect (right down to her hot rocker boyfriend) until the dreaded Bell twins, Calliope and Cricket, return to the neighborhood.

When Cricket -- a gifted inventor -- steps out from his twin sister’s shadow and back into Lola’s life, she must finally reconcile a lifetime of feelings for the boy next door.

Title: After Obsession
Author: Carrie Jones & Steven E. Wedel
Publisher: Bloomsbury, 320 Pages (September 13th, 2011)
My Review

Why I loved it, in a sentence - It's creepy, scary and dangerously addictive - I couldn't get enough of Aimee & Alan and wish there was more to look forward too. (Maybe? Maybe not?)

Synopsis: Aimee and Alan have secrets. Both teens have unusual pasts and abilities they prefer to keep hidden. But when they meet each other, in a cold Maine town, they can't stop their secrets from spilling out. Strange things have been happening lately, and they both feel that something-or someone- is haunting them. They're wrong. Despite their unusual history and powers, it's neither Aimee nor Alan who is truly haunted. It's Alan's cousin Courtney who, in a desperate plea to find her missing father, has invited a demon into her life-and into her body. Only together can Aimee and Alan exorcise the ghost. And they have to move quickly, before it devours not just Courtney but everything around her.

Honorable Mentions: Blood Magic By: Tessa Gratton, Beauty Queens By: Libba Bray, Shadowspell By: Jenna Black, Wither By: Lauren DeStafano, Darkness Becomes Her By: Kelly Keaton and Betrayal By: Lee Nichols... just to name a few.

Tomorrow's Topic - Top 10 Book Covers of 2011

Wishing you a VERY Merry Christmas & Happy Holidays!

noreply@blogger.com (A Life Bound By Books) — Sat, 24 Dec 2011 08:01:00 +0000

I can't believe it's another Christmas/Holiday Season! How time flies! It feels like I've blinked and another year has passed.

I wanted to take the time to wish each of you a wonderful Holiday and a Very Merry Christmas! I hope that you'll all be spending time with family and friends - making new memories. Whether your traditions are old or new, I wish nothing but the happiest of Holidays to you all.

I'll be spending Christmas Eve and Christmas day with family and friends and I can't wait to see them all during this special time of year. Mexican food for Christmas Eve and Ham dinner on Christmas Day, yum! I'm thankful that this year we won't have to do as much driving as we did last year, but please.... if you have to travel during these days, be careful out there.

While I'll again be wishing for a white Christmas here in sunny Southern California, I know my wishes will go unanswered. I'll settle for cold/cooler weather that'll require a warm cheery fire. Shorts and flip-flops, optional.

As mentioned last year, some of my best memories are from this time of year. I'm always looking forward to revisiting memories of the past and making new ones. What is everyone planning to do during the winter Holidays? Any memories or traditions you'd like to share with us?

Guest Post from Author, Jason Letts: The Art of Gift-Giving

noreply@blogger.com (A Life Bound By Books) — Fri, 23 Dec 2011 17:30:00 +0000

I'm an author, and most of the time you'd probably hear me talking about my books, which I'm very passionate about, but around this time of year there's another passion that takes over my life. Considering I'm a guy, it might not be one you'd expect. I love Christmas shopping! For me, giving gifts during the holidays isn't just something that has to be done, it's an artform. Just like creating the perfect sentence to close a novel, there's something about discovering the perfect gift that is like an epiphany lifting your spirits and sending you soaring. I even do it listening to holiday music while occasionally wearing a santa hat. I'm going to do something a little bit risky since it's only December, 23rd, but I'm going to share my holiday shopping list with you. I've got a few important recipients, a wad of cash, and my goal is to make them as happy as these crazy kids.

Target #1: My girlfriend, Hannah (pictured with me above...no, not in the youtube video, above that.) She just came back from getting a Master's degree in London not too long ago and is now preparing to embark upon an exciting career in the field of Anthropology. Although she loves being back because it means she's gotten to spend more time with family, friends, and me, and she's got her sights set on the future, I think the amount of growth and experience she gained abroad is not something she should forget. So what did I get her? Ok, this was just one of her presents, but I think it'll be the perfect reminder.

Target #2: My brother, John. He's in his early twenties, has a steady job and spends every moment of his free time playing video games. I'm not kidding. Apparently there are some nights he doesn't even sleep because he's playing World of Warcraft or some other game. My family's worried about him and we're planning an intervention, but I'm wondering if it's not possible for a perfect Christmas present to come to the rescue! Let's see...what could possibly giving him the enjoyment of gaming while slowly coaxing him back to real life? This oughta work, right??

Target #3: My Mom, Kitty. Now I've got to be careful here. My mom is a leader in the field of special education, and her job is both extremely stressful and tiring. Either she's working with special needs kids or she's working with cranky adults. It also doesn't help that she has a long commute and is often so pressed for time that she is stuck eating a cold plain bagel in the car for breakfast. And she lives way up in the mountains of New Hampshire, where they only have two season: winter and almost-winter. Is there anything out there that could squeeze some relaxation into her busy day and give her some respite from the freezing temperatures? As a matter of fact, there is.

Target #4: My girlfriend's Dad, Pete. Now we come to the trickiest one of all. A false move here could end up taking years off my life. That said, last year he gave me a box full of brownies when I was trying to lose weight. See, Pete has the opposite problem of my mom. He pursues time management to the point that he makes a schedule for himself when he's not even leaving the house! Other times we'll all be waiting in the living room for the clock to strike exactly 6 o'clock so we can go to the restaurant. Clearly, the guy needs to let loose a little and get a little more flexible with his time. It's a good thing I know of something so addictive that it can obliterate hours before the person even realizes what's happened. Do you know what I'm talking about? I think you do. Check to see if you're right here.

There you have it, a few of the people on my shopping list are checked off, and now I can't wait to see the delighted looks on their faces. I'd like to close with a huge Thank You to Lisa for providing me this space. If you'd like to find more about my young-adult books, find out more about me here: http://jasonletts.blogspot.com/

Thanks so much for stopping by today Jason! I love your idea's and the reasons behind them. I hope you, your family and Hannah's family have a wondering Holiday!

Waiting on Wednesday: Undeadly By: Michele Vail + When You Open Your Eyes By: Celeste Conway (91)

noreply@blogger.com (A Life Bound By Books) — Wed, 21 Dec 2011 17:30:00 +0000

Title: Undeadly (The Reaper Diaries, #1)
Author: Michele Vail
Publisher: Harlequin Teen, 304 Pages (February 28th, 2012)
Preorder here: The Book Depository

Synopsis: The day I turned 16, my boyfriend-to-be died. I brought him back to life. Then things got a little weird...

Molly Bartolucci wants to blend in, date hottie Rick and keep her zombie-raising abilities on the down-low. Then the god Anubis chooses her to become a reaper—and she accidentally undoes the work of another reaper, Rath.

Within days, she’s shipped off to the Nekyia Academy, an elite school that trains the best necromancers in the world. And her personal reaping tutor? Rath. Who seems to hate her guts.

Rath will be watching closely to be sure she completes her first assignment-reaping Rick, the boy who should have died. The boy she still wants to be with.

To make matters worse, students at the academy start turning up catatonic, and accusations fly—against Molly. The only way out of this mess? To go through hell. Literally.

Title: When You Open Your Eyes
Author: Celeste Conway
Publisher: Simon Pulse, 304 Pages (March 10th, 2012)
Preorder here: Amazon, Barnes and Noble, The Book Depository

Synopsis: Tessa is in love with Lucien, the son of a European diplomat. He's French and sexy and artistic. With him, she realizes how naive and American she is, and just how alive she can feel.

But Tessa’s father forbids her to see Lucien. So they meet in secret, which makes their relationship feel all the more exciting.

The harder Tessa falls for Lucien, the more volatile he becomes. Suddenly it’s not just their relationship that’s breaking the rules—Lucien knows no boundaries. And Tessa must figure out how far she’ll go for Lucien…before there is no turning back.

Another two books this week. The first pick - Undeadly - I love stories that take place in supernatural schools. We've seen a few here and there, but this one sounds different and I can't wait to get my hands on it! The other - When You Open Your Eyes - Sexy, Dangerous & French. A hidden relationship that's breaking the rules? Need we say more? What are your thoughts on these two titles?

*covers are always subject to change.
*I am not compensated at all for any of the links within this post.

Excerpt: Cold Blood By: Heather Hildenbrand + A Giveaway! (Blog Tour)

noreply@blogger.com (A Life Bound By Books) — Sat, 17 Dec 2011 18:00:00 +0000

Cold Blood is the second book in the Dirty Blood Series and is currently available!

Synopsis: Wood Point Academy is not at all what I expected. For one thing, it looks like a cross between military school and Buckingham Palace. Everyone stares, the floors shine so bright you can see your reflection in them from a mile away, and no one smiles. Unless they're kicking your butt in the process.

At least I've got plenty to take my mind off the fact that my psycho cousin, Miles De'Luca, keeps calling and declaring his love and promising to come for me just as soon as he's destroyed anyone standing in our way. Wes isn't going to like that idea. So between Miles, Wood Point's evil welcoming committee, and the drill sergeant hottie trainer from hell, I just keep asking myself…How did I end up here?

Excerpt:

     “We don’t serve doggie biscuits so you might as well stop looking,” she said.
     Something tenuous snapped inside me and I felt the humiliation give way to anger, hot and liquid in my veins. I was not going down like this, not on my first day.
     “You would know. I hear you answer to bitch,” I snapped at her. I gripped my tray with both hands and tried not to shake.
     Victoria’s eyes narrowed at my words and she glanced around before focusing even more intently on me.
     She was clearly unaccustomed to being challenged. “You might be half-Werewolf, but you are not the alpha here,” she said, taking a step closer.
     “What is your problem? You don’t even know me.”
     “You are the problem. You think a little bit of palm greasing can open any door. As if having money gives you the right to be here. While I can admire that trait, there are limits to where you’re power can reach. ”
     “What are you talking about?”
     “Don’t play dumb. You think you’re so much better than everyone here, but you’re not. You’re a dirty blood and should be banned from school and from… life.” Without waiting for a response, she turned on her heel and stalked off – towards the table at the window.
     My eyes began to blur and I blinked back tears, mortified that they were there in the first place. I was not that girl; the girl that cried in the lunch room in front of the whole school. I blinked faster. I didn’t even have to look around to know that every single face in the room was fastened on me.
     A tense few seconds passed with no sound, and then gradually the background noise returned and people went back to their conversations. The faces closest to me looked disappointed that nothing more had happened than words exchanged.
     “Rough day?”

To find out where you can read the next Excerpt from Cold Blood Please Visit: www.heatherhildenbrand.blogspot.com

Enter to win an eBook Copy of Cold Blood!

Rules and how to enter:

You MUST be at least 13 years to enter.
To enter, please fill out the form blow.
Giveaway is INTERNATIONAL!
Giveaway ends: January 3rd, 2012

&lt;p&gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;Loading...&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&lt;/p&gt;

Heather, thanks so much for asking me to be part of your blog tour. And thank you for offering an eBook copy of Cold Blood to giveaway.

Good luck to each of you who enter! Winners will be chosen via Random.org. If you have any questions, please check my policy page or feel free to email.

Review: Night Reigns By: Dianne Duvall

noreply@blogger.com (A Life Bound By Books) — Thu, 15 Dec 2011 19:30:00 +0000

Title: Night Reigns (Immortal Guardians, #2)
Author: Dianne Duvall
Publisher: Zebra, 320 Pages (December 6th, 2011)
From: the Author, Thank You!

Synopsis: Ami isn't much for trusting strangers. She has a hard time trusting anyone. But she's no coward, and she's no pushover in the protection department either. So when she comes across a mysterious warrior taking on eight deranged vampires on his own, she doesn't hesitate to save his bacon. Of course, that was before she realized what one little rescue would get her into . . .

Marcus Grayden has been an immortal protector of humanity for eight hundred years, and at the moment he's not interested in backup. From the moment Ami arrives in his life, he can't deny that she's strong, smart, and extremely skilled at watching his back. But she's also destroying his protective solitude and stirring desires he can't bear to awaken. After all, whatever her secrets — how can she defeat death itself?

Review: 4 Stars - Night Reigns, the second book in the Immortal Guardians series by Dianne Duvall is another action packed story that picks up soon after the end of the first book in the series, Darkness Dawns. With fascinating characters we met in the first book, Night Reigns is the continuing story in the Guardians fight to save humans from Vampires.

Ami and Marcus are the focus this time. The book follows them as Ami is assigned to be Marcus’s second – each Guardian is assigned a human who aids them in the world. One reason that they need a second is that over many hundreds of years there have been gifted ones. An example would be someone who can glimpse the future. Those gifted ones can be turned into a Guardian, which is something kind of like a Vampire. They have fangs, drink blood and have to avoid sunlight. They eat food, but have to be careful because it affects them differently. The Vampires in this series are very different from vampires in other books. There is a vast difference between Guardians and Vampires, so don’t worry.

Back to Ami and Marcus. So, she’s assigned to be his second, which doesn't go over very well. However Ami’s not your normal woman, which comes out to be somewhat shocking when it’s revealed just who she is. Ami’s character was a nice addition to the series. She added a whole new layer to Marcus and the other Guardians and completely put a new spin on the overall story.

Marcus is hardheaded, which seems to be how many of the male Guardians are. I guess I would be somewhat stubborn and set in my ways too if I had lived over 800 years. The relationship between Marcus and Ami is rocky at best. Yet the changes we see in the two as they figure out who each other is, overcoming painful pasts and growing together in the story make them a strong couple.

All in all, Duvall has yet again managed to pull me far from reality as I quickly found myself lost within the pages of another dangerously addictive, action packed ride. I can’t wait for what comes next, enjoy!

FTC Disclaimer: I did NOT pay for this book, nor have I been compensated at all in any way or means for reading and writing this HONEST review.

Guest Post: Author Dianne Duvall + an Excerpt of Night Reigns & a Giveaway! (Blog Tour)

noreply@blogger.com (A Life Bound By Books) — Thu, 15 Dec 2011 17:30:00 +0000

Fear

Anyone who knows me knows that I love paranormal romance. It combines my two favorite fiction genres: Romance and Horror. So much can be found within the pages of a paranormal. Love. Intrigue. Sacrifice. Redemption. And many action-filled scenes capable of inspiring fear in its participants (and in readers). Some of my favorite romance reads feature humans who have unexpectedly been tossed into a paranormal world, leaving them totally out of their element. I love to see how these men and women react to the surreal, to the “This can’t be real.” And I love to see how they cope with the fear such inspires.

In Darkness Dawns, the first book in my Immortal Guardians paranormal romance series, Sarah (a music theory professor) is thrust into a war that erupts between vampires and immortals when she rescues Roland and makes herself a target of the vampire army. Does she fight without fear when the need arises? No. There is definitely fear thrumming through her. But she fights, very valiantly in my opinion, despite that fear. Roland, the immortal hero, has a different fear-related dilemma. He hasn’t felt true fear in centuries, yet finds himself grappling with a fear of his own now: a fear for Sarah’s safety . . . and of falling in love with her when he is destined to lose her.

In Night Reigns, the second book in my series, fear — or rather a lack of fear — is what brings the hero and heroine together. Marcus Grayden, the hero, recently lost the woman he has loved for eight hundred years and, since then, has become . . . well . . . a little too fearless. And a little too reckless. His actions lead the leader of the Immortal Guardians to assign him a Second. (Seconds are human assistants who aid the immortals.) Ami, the heroine, is that lucky Second. Unlike Marcus, however, her problem is an abundance of fear rather than an absence of it. Ami has had a torturous past — literally — and, though she is the most skilled mortal warrior Marcus has ever encountered, she still struggles with the many fears that past has instilled in her . . . as you will see in the excerpt below. :-)

Night Reigns (Immortal Guardians, #2)
Excerpt:

Two of the three vampires the immortal had been fighting had fallen. As the immortal halted, the two who had pursued her both fell, limp, to the ground. The sole surviving vampire took in the rapidly decomposing bodies of his companions and fled.

The Immortal Guardian turned to face her.

Ami swallowed hard and looked up at him. Way up at him. At six foot one or so, he towered over her own five feet. Her fear did not lessen, though she knew it should. Immortals were the good guys. Immortals had rescued her from the monsters who had locked her in a hell of their making. Immortals had taken her in, helped her regain her sanity, protected her and given her a home.

But not before those monsters had done irreparable damage to her psyche.

Ami forced herself to lower her weapon, but could not lessen her grip on it or still her trembling.

The immortal studied her in silence. His clothing was torn in numerous places and wet with blood, both his and the vampires’. Though his hands still grasped short swords in loose, comfortable clasps, one arm hung at an odd angle.

“Are you injured?” he asked. His voice, soft and deep, carried a British accent.

Unable to find her own, she shook her head.

“You know what I am, what they are,” he commented, motioning to the deceased vampires with a tilt of his head.

“Yes,” she squeezed past her tight throat. “Are you . . . are you all right?”

He nodded and glanced in the direction of the fleeing vampire. “I’ve one more to take care of.”

“Do you want me to call in reinforcements?”

A wicked smile curled his lips as he began walking backwards in the direction of his prey. “And spoil my fun? No, thank you.”

Something about that smile, the dark anticipation that filled his handsome features, produced a flutter of butterfly wings in her belly.

“Am I correct in assuming you’re a Second?”

She opened her mouth to respond in the negative.

Seconds were humans who worked with immortals and protected them during the daylight hours when they must scorn the sun. All were very carefully screened to ensure their loyalty and underwent extensive martial arts and weapons training. They were also a lot like secret service agents and wouldn’t hesitate to give their lives to save that of their Immortal Guardian . . . which was why Seconds were almost always male. Apparently most immortals tended to be old-fashioned and found the idea of a woman sacrificing her life for them too unpalatable to bear.

The sudden bleating of her cell phone made Ami jump and snap her mouth shut.

She fumbled for the phone.

The immortal looked over his shoulder, his eagerness to begin the chase evident.

When she glimpsed the caller ID, Ami barely suppressed a groan. “Go ahead,” she urged the immortal and waved to the bodies of the vampires, which were shriveling up as the parasitic virus that infected them devoured them from the inside out in a desperate bid to live. “I’ll take care of this.”

He hesitated.

Ami brought the phone to her ear and answered in as normal a voice as she could produce after the past nerve-wracking few minutes. “Hi, Seth.”

“Hello, sweetheart.”

The immortal’s eyebrows flew up. No doubt his preternaturally enhanced hearing had allowed him to hear the bass-baritone greeting of the leader of the Immortal Guardians . . . as well as the affection that laced it.

“You’re late. Where are you?” Seth continued.

“I, ah . . .” Ami surveyed the bloody clearing, considered how assiduously Seth guarded her safety and thought it best not to worry him. “I . . . just stopped to return the movies Darnell and I rented last night.” 
A grin split the immortal’s face, evoking such an appealing transformation that Ami could only stare, speechless.

Apparently reassured by her acquaintance with Seth and Darnell (the Second of one of the most powerful immortals) and titillated by her evasion of Seth’s question, he winked, offered her a cocky salute with the sword in his uninjured arm, then seemed to vanish into thin air as he took off after the vampire who had gotten away.

The tension that she hadn’t realized had tightened nearly every muscle in her body disappeared with him, leaving her with an almost light-headed giddy feeling.

“Everything all right, Ami?”

“Everything’s fine,” she said and meant it.

Not only had she managed to confront a stranger -- a strange man -- without giving in to the panic that usually consumed her in such instances and either fleeing in terror or dissolving into a pathetic, quivering lump; she had actually helped said stranger defeat the group of vampires who had attacked him.

Jubilation laced with tremendous relief flooded her. Seth was right. She really was getting better. Those monsters hadn’t broken her.

“I’m fine,” she repeated, so happy now she could’ve danced. “Sorry I’m running late. I’ll be there as soon as I can.”

“All right. Be careful.”

“I will,” she chirped and returned the phone to her pocket with a grin.

Darkness Dawns Synopsis:

Once, Sarah Bingham’s biggest challenge was making her students pay attention in class. Now, after rescuing wounded stranger, she’s landed in the middle of a battle between corrupt vampires and powerful immortals who also need blood to survive. Roland Warbrook is the most compelling man Sarah has ever laid hands on. But his desire for her is mingled with a hunger he can barely control . . .

In his nine centuries of immortal existence, no woman has tempted Roland as much as Sarah. But asking her to love him is impossible -- when it means forfeiting the world she’s always known, and the life he would do anything to protect.

Night Reigns Synopsis:

Ami isn't much for trusting strangers. She has a hard time trusting anyone. But she's no coward, and she's no pushover in the protection department either. So when she comes across a mysterious warrior taking on eight deranged vampires on his own, she doesn't hesitate to save his bacon. Of course, that was before she realized what one little rescue would get her into . . .

Marcus Grayden has been an immortal protector of humanity for eight hundred years, and at the moment he's not interested in backup. From the moment Ami arrives in his life, he can't deny that she's strong, smart, and extremely skilled at watching his back. But she's also destroying his protective solitude and stirring desires he can't bear to awaken. After all, whatever her secrets — how can she defeat death itself?

Don’t miss Dianne's big Kindle Contest. She's giving away TWO Kindles (or a Kindle Gift Card if you already have one) to celebrate the release of Night Reigns. See her website for details.

Dianne's Website: http://www.dianneduvall.com
Blog: http://dianneduvall.blogspot.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Dianne-Duvall/248355201895532
Twitter: http://twitter.com/#!/DianneDuvall

Thank you for joining me! Have a wonderful week!

Dianne Duvall

GIVEAWAY! ONE lucky winner will get a SIGNED copy of Darkness Dawns OR Night Reigns! Winners choice!

You MUST be at least 18 years old to enter this giveaway.
Please fill out the quick form below to enter.
Giveaway open: INTERNATIONAL!
Giveaway ends: January 3rd, 2012

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Winner of this giveaway will be chosen via Random.org. If you have any questions, please check my policy page or feel free to email.

Dianne, thank you so much for asking me to be part of the Night Reigns Blog Tour. I am a fan of the series and it's always a pleasure to work with you. I look forward to reading about more of the Guardians and their stories and I look forward to hosting you here on my blog again in the future. Also a HUGE thank you for donating the book for giveaway.

Waiting on Wednesday: The Gathering Storm By: Robin Bridges + Stolen Away By: Alyxandra Harvey (90)

noreply@blogger.com (A Life Bound By Books) — Wed, 14 Dec 2011 17:30:00 +0000

Title: The Gathering Storm (The Katerina Trilogy, Vol. 1)
Author: Robin Bridges
Publisher: Delacorte Books, 400 Pages (January 10th, 2012)
Preorder here: Amazon, Barnes and Noble, The Book Depository

Synopsis: St. Petersburg, Russia, 1888. As she attends a whirl of glittering balls, royal debutante Katerina Alexandrovna, Duchess of Oldenburg, tries to hide a dark secret: she can raise the dead. No one knows. Not her family. Not the girls at her finishing school. Not the tsar or anyone in her aristocratic circle. Katerina considers her talent a curse, not a gift. But when she uses her special skill to protect a member of the Imperial Family, she finds herself caught in a web of intrigue.

An evil presence is growing within Europe's royal bloodlines—and those aligned with the darkness threaten to topple the tsar. Suddenly Katerina's strength as a necromancer attracts attention from unwelcome sources . . . including two young men—George Alexandrovich, the tsar's standoffish middle son, who needs Katerina's help to safeguard Russia, even if he's repelled by her secret, and the dashing Prince Danilo, heir to the throne of Montenegro, to whom Katerina feels inexplicably drawn.

The time has come for Katerina to embrace her power, but which side will she choose—and to whom will she give her heart?

Title: Stolen Away
Author: Alyxandra Harvey
Publisher: Walker Children's Books, 288 Pages (January 17th, 2012)
Preorder here: Amazon, Barnes and Noble, The Book Depository

Synopsis: For seventeen years, Eloise Hart had no idea the world of Faery even existed. Now she has been abducted and trapped in the Rath of Lord Strahan, King of Faery. Strahan was only meant to rule for seven years, as Faery tradition dictates, and then give up his crown to another. But he won't comply, and now chaos threatens both worlds.

The only one who can break his stranglehold on the Faery court is his wife. . . Eloise's aunt Antonia. Using Eloise to lure Antonia, Strahan captures his wife, desperate to end the only threat to his reign. Now Eloise must become the rescuer. Together with her best friends Jo and Devin, she must forge alliances with other Fae, including a gorgeous protector named Lucas, and Strahan's mysterious son, Eldric—who may or may not betray them.

I'm not a huge fan of historical novels, but when I see St. Petersburg, Russia 1888, something sparked an interest and made me read the rest of the synopsis and the rest of the synopsis makes me want to read this book! Then, I'm a huge fan of stories about Fae and the land of Faery. I'm looking forward to seeing if Eldric is out to betray Eloise and her friends. What are your thoughts on these two?

*covers are always subject to change.
*I am not compensated at all for any of the links within this post.