Book Loving Mom

Weekly Recap / Stacking the Shelves (56)

noreply@blogger.com (Amy) — Sun, 26 May 2013 04:00:00 +0000

*Stacking the Shelves is hosted by Tynga's Reviews

Hello everyone!! Happy Memorial Day weekend!! This weekend is cold and rainy and I am freezing so I didn't feel like doing a vlog. I just wanted to curl up on the couch actually. I have a pretty big haul again, but at least you don't have to listen to me babble on.

Books Mentioned

Review

Act Like You Love Me by Cindi Madsen
Anatomy of a Boyfriend by Daria Snadowski
Anatomy of a Single Girl by Daria Snadowski
Obsession by Jennifer L. Armentrout
Once We Were (The Hybrid Chronicles #2) by Kat Zhang
Resist (Breathe #2) by Sarah Crossan
Runaway Queen (Bane Chronicles #2) by Cassandra Clare (audiobook)

Won/Gifted

Click by Lisa Becker (Gifted from the author)
Double Click by Lisa Becker (Gifted from the author)
Nothing Can Possibly Go Wrong by Prudence Shen (Won from Great Imaginations)
Sweet Peril by Wendy Higgins (and swag) (Won from Rockstar Book Tours)

Bought/Free

I'm Not Her by Janet Gurtler
Off Limits by Sawyer Bennett

Thank you Entangled Publishing, Daria , HarperTeen, Edelweiss, Simon Audio, Lisa Becker, Kara @ Great Imaginations, First Second Books, Wendy Higgins, and Rockstar Book Tours.

Weekly Recap

Reviews: Absent by Katie Williams, The School for Good and Evil by Soman Chainani, Parallel by Lauren Miller, PODs by Michelle Pickett, and Wild Awake by Hilary T. Smith
Cover Reveals: Darker Days by Jus Accardo
Weekly Memes: Waiting on Wednesday, Book Girls Don't Cry
Random: Book Blast for Tragic by J.A Huss and Book Blitz for In Darkness We Must Abide by Rhiannon Frater

Search Terms

soman chainani - OMG guys!! The School of Good and Evil is awesome!! You should totally buy it!
spencer hill press pods - I really liked this one.
"loki's wolves" - This book rocked!! This is what great MG is all about!
"tarnished" + "rhiannon held" - I have to read it, but I do have it thanks to Tor.
2102 top books - I have a list that I did at the end of the year.
a lux novel opal read online - If you buy it for your kindle app or something you can read it using your app. If you are looking for a free book then you are in the wrong place! I am very against piracy.
aiden st delphi pov - The authors website has all the extras she has been so awesome to write!
apollyon jennifer armentrout wikipedia - Well, I'm not sure why it led here, but I'm a big JLA fan so I love getting searches for her books that lead to my blog.

That was my week! Hope all of you had a fantastic week too! I also had a really disturbing search term, but I didn't include it because I don't want any other weirdo to find my blog searching for it. Not sure why it came here in the first place. So anyways, if you are interested in knowing you can always email me or DM me on twitter. Lol!! I would love to know what you got also. Leave me a link and I will stop by!!

Book Girls Don't Cry - The Books I Wanted To Love, But Couldn't

noreply@blogger.com (Amy) — Sat, 25 May 2013 04:01:00 +0000

This week on Book Girls our topic was books we wanted to love, but coudn't. It was suggested by Ruby @ Feed Me Books Now!!! Don't you hate that? You are super excited for a book, perhaps you have already seen some awesome reviews for it, then you just aren't feeling it. It's such a icky feeling. It makes me sad that I couldn't just love this book that I was so excited for!! This isn't really a vlog type post so I will just put a post together for you.

Other Book Girls Posts This Week

Jenni

Giselle

Stormdancer by Jay Kristoff

Oh guys!! I really, really wanted to love this!! I was so excited when I won an ARC of it and I tried... I picked it up at least 5 different times and it just wasn't doing it for me. If a book needs a full glossary in the back and has like 5 maps in the front, it's usually not a good sign for me. It feels too much like homework. And that cover is so, so pretty. I wanted to love you Stormdancer, but I have passed you along to someone who I hope can since I failed!

Level 2 by Lenore Applehans (Name Changed to The Memory of After and also has a new cover)

Okay, so this one was totally misleading to me. I knew that it was about the afterlife obviously, but I didn't know how much religion was a part of it. It seemed like it was almost constantly talking about God or sinning or something. And the MC pissed me off. She just let the guy, whatever his name was, tell her what to do and basically push her around. No backbone that one! I honestly tried very hard. No joke, I read probably almost 70% and was pissed off that it wasn't getting better and I was not enjoying it. It was at that point I said "Eff this!! I wasted almost 3 hours of my life on this and I refuse to waste more. DNF!" I know a lot of people loved this book, but I just was irritated and angry reading it so I figured I should just stop. I did read the end because I was curious though. It wouldn't have been enough to save it for me even though it was quite a twist.

Mind Games by Kiersten White

How I wish you were as awesome as your cover!! This was one of my most highly anticipated reads too and it totally didn't do it for me. I'm all about dual POV's when done right. I also enjoy the whole past and present thing. What I don't like is them combined, but in no order whatsoever. It jumped from sister to sister and back and forth from past to present. Neither sister was very likeable either and there was a huge lack of action. Don't get me wrong, there was some, but I expected more. The one great thing about this book besides the amazing cover though... the ending. Now that was brilliantly awesome!! Too bad that it didn't make up for the lack of awesomeness throughout the book for me.

Dualed by Elsie Chapman

This was another one that I was super excited for and it just didn't do it for me. I only tried like three times to read this one and gave up. I don't know if maybe I wasn't in the mood for something like this or what, but it was like torture trying to make myself read this. I wish I could say why I didn't like it, but it's nothing particular except I couldn't get into it. I DNF'd this after I decided to stop trying to force it.

Taken by Erin Bowman

Another case of the pretty cover lure!! The premise of this sounded great and add in the awesome cover and I couldn't wait for this!! Too bad that it had shitty characters that made me want to throw myself over the wall of doom to a fiery death. And I hate when there are conveniences thrown in to make the story flow. Like all of the sudden when things are bad, there this person comes out of nowhere and sacrifices herself for you. Ugh!! Not that this dude was even sacrifice worthy anyways!!

I'm leaving it at those five. I could keep going, I have like 7 more written on the list in front of me lol!! I know that Giselle had mentioned Unspoken and that is one that I also didn't like. In fact after four days of trying to read it I DNF'd it. Anyways, what are some books that you wanted to love, but just couldn't?

Review: Wild Awake by Hilary T. Smith

noreply@blogger.com (Amy) — Sat, 25 May 2013 04:00:00 +0000

Publisher: Katherine Tegen Books (Imprint of HarperCollins)
Publication date: 5/28/2013
Source: eARC provided by the publisher via Edelweiss for review

Purchase: Amazon | B&N | The Book Depository

Things you earnestly believe will happen while your parents are away:

1. You will remember to water the azaleas.
2. You will take detailed, accurate messages.
3. You will call your older brother, Denny, if even the slightest thing goes wrong.
4. You and your best friend/bandmate Lukas will win Battle of the Bands.
5. Amid the thrill of victory, Lukas will finally realize you are the girl of his dreams.

Things that actually happen:

1. A stranger calls who says he knew your sister.
2. He says he has her stuff.
3. What stuff? Her stuff.
4. You tell him your parents won’t be able to—
5. Sukey died five years ago; can’t he—
6. You pick up a pen.
7. You scribble down the address.
8. You get on your bike and go.
9. Things . . . get a little crazy after that.*
*also, you fall in love, but not with Lukas.

Both exhilarating and wrenching, Hilary T. Smith’s debut novel captures the messy glory of being alive, as seventeen-year-old Kiri Byrd discovers love, loss, chaos, and murder woven into a summer of music, madness, piercing heartbreak, and intoxicating joy.

My Thoughts

I love contemporary books. Especially ones where things all seem to go wrong. I think my mistake going into this one was thinking it was going to be similar to Ten Things We Did (That We Probably Shouldn't Have) because it was nothing like that. I have been thinking about how to write this review actually because I honestly didn't know how I felt about it at all upon finishing. I still really don't, but after thinking about it, I didn't hate it. I just left me not feeling anything. Not much happened and the characters were all out of their minds in my opinion. Not just the ones that are supposed to have mental illness. My brain was starting to hurt after a while and I was questioning my own sanity at points. I don't think that I really liked a single character in this whole book, but somehow, I still liked it... I think.

Kiri is the main character of the story and I honestly couldn't decide what to think about her. She is absolutely, out of her tree crazysauce! At first she just seems a little rebellious and perhaps made a stupid decision or two, but then she keeps making them. For instance, why would you go to some random stranger's house at night in the most horrible neighborhood ever? Yup, she does that... a lot.Okay, so after the first few times she actually kind of knows him, but still. Then, she's supposedly this amazing piano player, but she starts spending all her time running around, doing drugs, and just generally acting positively insane. Then she gets upset when her piano instructor calls her out on her lack of focus! And OMG she gets all excited that her and Lukas kissed and she touched his earlobe (which is mentioned more than once in the book) and it's like the most sensual thing in the world to her, but then she makes out with another boy for hours and runs around naked with him and never talks about that being sensual, or erotic, or whatever. Then, she's horrible to her parents, which really, they kind of fail in the parents of the year department, but still. Anyways, it seems like before her parents went away on vacation she was a pretty good kid, and now all of the sudden she just flips and is out of her mind? I don't know. She was a difficult character's head to be in. I felt like I needed some meds after reading this.

Onto the romance. So she's like totally pining for her bandmate Lukas, but he doesn't like her. He's a total freaking tool anyways, so I don't even get what she sees in him. The real romance is some random guy who she meets in the shit part of town that she had gone to to get her sisters things. Umm kind of weird right. And then, she's in love with him after two days too. *cue eye roll* He was nice and all, but it was obvious there was something not right with him too. They sit around, drink tea, frolic around naked, and read some spiritual book together. They know almost nothing about each other, but yet, they are in love. They even have sweet nicknames for each other. Crazy Girl and Bicycle Boy. How sweet right?! *gag*

There are other characters of course. Her neighbor and band mate, Lukas. He wasn't very likable at all. It's like he could care less that Kiri was around unless it's convenient for him. And her parents. From what we kind of learn, they are more worried about what they want then what Kiri wants. They kind of seem to blow off her feelings or what she might want. Though, I'm not sure if they are really that way, or if we just see it that way through her crazy head. The worst was her brother. He was not only a jerk, but he was violent and I couldn't stand him. I don't care how infuriating Kiri was, he smashes her things and practically throws her off of her piano bench. I wanted to punch him.

So there's not much of a story here except Kiri unraveling and going crazy years after her sister died. She is competing in Battle of the Bands, she meets the love of her life, and she finds out his deep dark secret. The thing is, even with nothing happening, and me feeling like I was slowly losing my mind along with Kiri, I think I did enjoy this. I think it's really saying something when I just can't wrap my head around my thoughts. I only wish that the mental illness had been addressed a little better, but it was an intriguing book that I couldn't stop reading, even when I couldn't stand the characters. Overall I did like it.

*An advanced copy of this book was provided by the publisher for an honest review. I did not receive any compensation.

Book Blitz: In Darkness We Must Abide by Rhiannon Frater

noreply@blogger.com (Amy) — Fri, 24 May 2013 04:02:00 +0000

What a super exciting Friday. I couldn't be more thrilled to be taking part in the book blitz for Rhiannon Frater's serial In Darkness We Must Abide. Season one which contains five episodes is out and you need this people! I have read it and it's fantastic. You can see my review of the entire season here if you are interested. Anyways, I will get on with this. You want to know all about it right? Here is the info.

In Darkness We Must Abide: The Complete First Season by Rhiannon Frater
Genre: NA Modern Gothic Horror
Publication date: May 24th 2013

Synopsis:
In Darkness We Must Abide is the epic saga of one young woman caught in the dangerous world of the creatures of the night.

Already living in the shadows due to her albinism, Vanora is just a little girl when her older brother inadvertently unleashes a terrible evil from the family crypt that changes their lives forever.

As she grows up in a world where beautiful deadly beings hunt by night, one captures her eye and her heart. Yet, can she trust the mysterious Armando? For there is a powerful entity plotting to claim her when she reaches adulthood in order to fulfill an ancient prophecy, and her enemy has enveloped her in a web of deceit, casting doubt on all she believes to be true. Soon, she will have to fight not only to save those she loves, but also for her very soul.

Rhiannon Frater delivers a chilling adventure once again with this multi-part epic serial with a dynamic cast, old school vampires, bloody action, a smoldering forbidden love, and a terrifying villain set against the backdrop of a modern day vampire war.

This paperback includes all five episodes of the first season of the serial.

Purchase:

Amazon ~ B&N ~ Kobo ~ Autographed copies from author store

In Darkness We Must Abide

Q & A

Q: In Darkness We Must Abide is a supernatural serial. What exactly does that mean? What is a serial?

A: It means I’m crazy and just had to put more on my writing plate! Okay, in all honesty, In Darkness We Must Abide is sort of like a television show I’m writing for your brain. A serial used to be a very popular form of literature. It was an ongoing episodic form of storytelling much like popular television shows today. Each part builds on the one before it, creating a very rich story for the readers to enjoy. Serials followed pretty regular schedules for their installments (weekly, biweekly, monthly).

Q: So what genre is In Darkness We Must Abide?

A: In Darkness We Must Abide is gothic horror set in modern times. It has all the classic gothic horror trappings like a big, gloomy mansion, the deep dark secrets, the tormented lovers, and terrifying monsters. It’s an epic tale about a young woman who is caught up in the supernatural world of vampires, werewolves, witches, and ancient prophecies.

Q: This story is a bit different from most of your books though, right?

A: Though it’s still a character-driven tale of horror, and has some truly scary moments, at its heart it is a very tragic sort of love affair between two people who are drawn to each other even though their worlds are tearing them apart. Upon reflection, I can definitely see how my love of Jane Eyre and other gothic romances influenced the central relationship. Armando and Vanora are wounded people that you want desperately to somehow be together, but you’re just not sure if/when/how it might happen.

Q: We only see bits of Armando in the prologues of the first two episodes before he appears as a central figure in episode three. He instantly became very popular in the first season. Why do you think that is?

A: Well, he’s delicious! LOL. Armando is not only very handsome and charming, he’s very complicated. He’s a man of many secrets and conflicting emotions. Though he’s an older vampire (400 years old), he’s eternally 22 years old and has a youthful spark to him. He’s a bit sarcastic, naughty, and playful despite the fact that he’s not all that he seems to be. Armando doesn’t come across as cruel, so I think that adds to his appeal. Yet at the same time, he’s dangerous in that he can totally break Vanora’s heart and possibly betray her to his Master.

Q: Tell us a bit about Vanora, the heroine of the story.

A: Well, we start our journey with her when she’s ten years old and her life is altered forever when her brother has his ancestors from Romania transferred to the mausoleum on their estate in Houston, Texas. Immediately, a chain of events starts that sends her plunging into a very dark world. That being said, not all is bleak, because she has a much older brother and sister who take care of her and love her. They’re a very strong family unit. As season one continues, we see Vanora grow up to be a charming seventeen-year-old on the verge of her adulthood. Of course, that’s about the time when things between her and Armando start to significantly change.

Q: Vanora is an albino. How does that affect her life?

A: Vanora’s albinism affects her life quite a bit. She can’t be out in direct sunlight, she’s legally blind (though her sixth sense powers allow her to “see”), her appearance draws unwanted comments and negative attention, and isolates her a bit from others as she’s growing up. That being said, the difficulties she has to overcome make her a formidable person. She doesn’t feel sorry for herself, though she may not be entirely confident at times.

Q: We finally got a good look at the villain at the end of episode 5, the first season finale. He’s an albino, too, and quite imposing. Will he take on a bigger role in Season 2?

A: Armando’s Master is definitely the villain of the story. In Season 2 we learn a whole lot about him and what exactly he’s up to. We also learn why he’s so fixated on Vanora and why he sent Armando to watch over her. That Vanora and the villain are both albinos is significant.

Q: What can we expect in Season 2 that starts June 7, 2013?

A: Well, the intensity of Episode 5, the season finale, is amplified. It becomes very, very intense and all the characters are in considerable danger. Of course, Armando and Vanora continue to be at the center of the storm. By the end of Season 2 the readers will definitely know where Armando stands and exactly what Vanora must battle against.

About the author

Rhiannon Frater is the award-winning author of the As the World Dies trilogy (The First Days, Fighting to Survive, Siege,) and the author of three other books: the vampire novels Pretty When She Dies and The Tale of the Vampire Bride and the young-adult zombie novel The Living Dead Boy and the Zombie Hunters. Inspired to independently produce her work from the urging of her fans, she published The First Days in late 2008 and quickly gathered a cult following. She won the Dead Letter Award back-to-back for both The First Days and Fighting to Survive, the former of which the Harrisburg Book Examiner called ‘one of the best zombie books of the decade.’ Rhiannon is currently represented by Hannah Gordon of the Foundry + Literary Media agency. You may contact her by sending an email to rhiannonfrater@gmail.com.

Author Links: Website ~ Goodreads ~ Facebook ~ Twitter

*Note from the author:

"On Friday, 5/24, I'll be doing two video Q & A's via the TinyChat application on Facebook. You'll just have to download the app and follow the link when I post it here. You'll be directed straight into the chat room.

The first chat is scheduled with Europe in mind. 1 PM Central Time will place this chat in the early evening. You'll have to check a time zone converter for the exact time in your country. This also can work for people who work in the evenings in North America.

The second one will be at 8 PM Central Time.

Basically, I'll be on live webcam and you guys and gals get to ask me questions about IN DARKNESS WE MUST ABIDE or anything else you'd like to discuss about my writing career, my books, or the horror genre."

Giveaway

One signed copy of In Darkness We Must Abide Season 1 (Paperback) and a bookmark. (US/Can)

a Rafflecopter giveaway

This post brought to you by Xpresso Book Tours

Cover Reveal: Darker Days by Jus Accardo

noreply@blogger.com (Amy) — Fri, 24 May 2013 04:01:00 +0000

Happy Friday everyone! I have a fantastic cover reveal for you today from Entangled's DigiTeen imprint.

Darker Days (Darker Agency #1) by Jus Accardo

Coming August 2013

Synopsis

Jessie Darker goes to high school during the day, but at night she helps with the family investigation business. Cheating husbands and stolen inheritances? They’re your girls—but their specialty is a bit darker. Zombie in your garage? Pesky Poltergeist living in your pool? They’ll have the problem solved in a magical minute. For a nominal fee, of course...

When gorgeous new client, Lukas Scott, saunters into the office requesting their help to find a stolen box, it sounds like a simple case—until the truth comes out. The box is full of Sin.

Seven deadly ones, in fact.

They’ve got five days to recapture the Sins before they're recalled by the box, taking seven hijacked human bodies with them. Easy peasy—except for one thing...

There’s a spell that will allow the Sins to remain free, causing chaos forever. When the key ingredient threatens the life of someone she knows, Jessie must make the ultimate choice between love and family—or lose everything.

Excerpt

“So not your biggest fan at the moment,” I said, closing the office door behind me. The runofffrom my jeans had soaked my sneakers pretty good. With each step, I gave a slight squishing noise accompanied by an annoying squeak against the old tile floor.

From across the room, Mom stared. “What happened to you?”

“It attacked me.” Tossing my bag on the couch, I sank into her chair and made sure to grind my butt into the cushion. Got it nice and wet. I was all about sharing the love—and right now, the love was soggy.

She laughed, waving a folder in my direction. “Surely you’re overreacting. It was one little zombie. They don’t attack people.”

“I’m serious, Ma. It tried to drown me. And the client assaulted me with ugly footwear. As far as punishments go, I’d say we’re probably square. I’ve learned my lesson.”

“You’re serious?” Amused expression now replaced by concern, she crossed the room and leaned over her desk to get a better look at me.

“As a coronary.” Once I was sure the chair had sponged up all it could, I stood and huffed past her. Pulling at my favorite T-shirt—the word Fate inside a blood red heart, is a four letter word on the back—I said, “Child welfare would not be happy to hear you tried to feed your only child to a walking corpse…”

“But why would it attack? Did you provoke it?” Folding her arms, she frowned. “Insult it, perhaps?”

I winked at her. “Provoke it? Sure. I went and wiggled my ass in front of it yelling lunch just to see what’d happen.” I’d called it Stinky, but that didn’t count as an insult. Something couldn’t be considered an insult if it was true, right?

Right eyebrow twitching, she fought against a smile. “But you’re okay, right? No bites, broken bones, head injuries, possessions…?”

I smiled and did a little twirl. “All in one piece and still me.”

Mom had a checklist she went through at the end of each job. I was known for taking almost as much damage as I inflicted.

“Oh, and you’re probably going to get a call from the client. I sorta smashed her fence in the process.”

Mom groaned. “I told you to be more careful.”

“It’s not like I tried to break anything.”

“Something tells me you didn’t try hard enough not to break anything, either.”

“In my defense, it wasn’t a simple trap and slap…”

“We can’t afford this.” She reached down and pulled a white envelope out from under a stack of papers. “This is the bill for that Mercedes you smashed.”

“Oh! So not my fault. How was I supposed to know that Spring Heel was gonna land on the car? If it makes you feel any better, I think he was aiming for my head…”

“If you keep this up, we won’t even be able to afford the rent.”

She was right, of course, and it made me feel horrible. “I’m sorry. I guess I’m a wrecking ball wrapped in blue jeans. Take my cut of this job and put it toward the repairs. Keep my paycheck for the next month, too.” A good start, but it didn’t feel like enough. Sure, it would cover the damages—I hoped—but I felt guilty about upsetting her. The bills that were piling up kept her awake at night. This was only going to make things worse. We got a fair amount of business, but the overhead in our line of work was sky high.

As much as I hated the idea, I knew what would cheer her up. “I’ll even throw in pet possessions for the next month.”

JUS ACCARDO spent her childhood reading and learning to cook. Determined to follow in her grandfather’s footsteps as a chef, she applied and was accepted to the Culinary Institute of America. At the last minute, she realized her path lay with fiction, not food, and passed on the spot to pursue writing. Jus is the bestselling author the popular Denazen series from Entangled publishing and is currently working on the first book in a new adult series due out summer 2013. A native New Yorker, she lives in the middle of nowhere with her husband, three dogs, and sometimes guard bear, Oswald.

Find Jus Accardo

Website ~ Blog ~ Twitter ~ Facebook

So what do you guys think of the cover and excerpt? I think this sounds pretty good and I can't wait for it to come out!

Review: PODs by Michelle Pickett

noreply@blogger.com (Amy) — Thu, 23 May 2013 04:00:00 +0000

Publisher: Spencer Hill Press
Publication date: 6/4/2013
Pages: 288
Source: ARC provided by the publisher for review

Purchase: Amazon | B&N | The Book Depository

Seventeen-year-old Eva is a chosen one. Chosen to live, while others meet a swift and painful death from an incurable virus so lethal, a person is dead within days of symptoms emerging. In the POD system, a series of underground habitats built by the government, she waits with the other chosen for the deadly virus to claim those above. Separated from family and friends, it's in the PODs she meets David. And while true love might not conquer all, it's a balm for the broken soul.

After a year, scientists believe the population has died, and without living hosts, so has the virus. That's the theory, anyway. But when the PODs are opened, survivors find the surface holds a vicious secret. The virus mutated, infecting those left top-side and creating... monsters.

Eva and David hide from the infected in the abandoned PODs. Together they try to build a life--a new beginning. But the infected follow and are relentless in their attacks. Leaving Eva and David to fight for survival, and pray for a cure.

My Thoughts

End of the world by killer virus has been done plenty of times, but I loved the idea of people living in these PODs and emerging into a world that is so much worse than expected. The mutated virus has left any infected survivors violent, and hungry for human flesh. Zombies of a sort I guess if you want to think of it that way, except they aren't actual dead people reanimated. I loved the desperate feel of the story and I found it to be interesting and enjoyable.

Eva is one of the chosen people to live in the PODs while the virus kills itself off. Or so they think anyways. She was a character that took me a little while to warm up to, but I really did like her. I know that she didn't really have much of a choice, but it seemed like she got over losing her family pretty quick. She adapts to the POD pretty well also. I can't really say that I wouldn't do the same because I couldn't imagine being in that situation. Her "roomates" are quite a diverse bunch, and she gets along with them well. Most of them anyways. She is very smart, which is one of the reasons she was chosen for the POD. She discovers that this was no random lottery. All of them in the pods are within a certain age group and all super smart in a certain subject. She knows that they will be the start of the new world once they are out.

David is the love interest and I pretty much adored him. He was sweet and he would do anything for Eva. He does get a little of the male dominance thing, and the need to keep the women safe, but he doesn't do it to be a chauvinistic jerk, he just really cares and wants them to be safe. His devotion to Eva is amazing too. I loved the little things he would do for her that seem totally simple, but mean everything.

We meet a large cast of characters since she is stuck in the POD for a good portion of the story. I liked most of them, but one character made me want to throw things. I couldn't stand him. I get that he is pissed off at the world, but you would think after time he would kind of get over it or stop being such a tool, but he doesn't . I was ~~not so~~ secretly hoping he got eaten the second they are out in the real world. The others in the POD were great though, and they really became a family. The characterization was a big part of the story, and I am glad that I was able to care what happened to most of them.

The first half is slow, but not in a boring way. We are really getting to know the characters well and it's setting up for the investment we have in them once they are secluded anymore. The last third of the book is creepy and awesome. It's filled with plenty of action as they are constantly fighting for their lives against the people infected with the mutated virus. The romance is a huge part of this book too, but it is woven into the story well so it's not overshadowing the issues at hand. I think the creepiest thing about this book was I could actually imagine something like this happening. It had so much realism to it and I think that made it all the more chilling. This was fantastic.

*An advanced copy of this book was provided by the publisher for an honest review. I did not receive any compensation.

Review: Parallel by Lauren Miller

noreply@blogger.com (Amy) — Wed, 22 May 2013 04:01:00 +0000

Publisher: HarperTeen
Publication date: 5/14/2013
Source: eARC provided by publisher via Edelweiss for review

Purchase: Amazon | B&N | The Book Depository

Abby Barnes had a plan. The Plan. She'd go to Northwestern, major in journalism, and land a job at a national newspaper, all before she turned twenty-two. But one tiny choice—taking a drama class her senior year of high school—changed all that. Now, on the eve of her eighteenth birthday, Abby is stuck on a Hollywood movie set, miles from where she wants to be, wishing she could rewind her life. The next morning, she's in a dorm room at Yale, with no memory of how she got there. Overnight, it's as if her past has been rewritten.

With the help of Caitlin, her science-savvy BFF, Abby discovers that this new reality is the result of a cosmic collision of parallel universes that has Abby living an alternate version of her life. And not only that: Abby's life changes every time her parallel self makes a new choice. Meanwhile, her parallel is living out Abby's senior year of high school and falling for someone Abby's never even met.

As she struggles to navigate her ever-shifting existence, forced to live out the consequences of a path she didn't choose, Abby must let go of the Plan and learn to focus on the present, without losing sight of who she is, the boy who might just be her soul mate, and the destiny that's finally within reach.

My Thoughts

I have a thing about parallel universe books. I think they are super cool and I am always looking for great ones, so I couldn't pass this up. I have to admit that I was quite confused in the beginning as we see the "here" and "there" Abby's. It took a while for me to get my head straight and start enjoying the story. Not only are there parallel universes, but everything that Abby in the "there" universe does something differently than what she originally did, it throws things off in the "here". Lost? Yeah, I felt that way for a little while too. It does get better though I promise.

Abby ends up in Hollywood as an actress. Her meticulously crafted plans for her future not going as she thought they would. Then after her eighteenth birthday party as she's going to bed, there's an earthquake. This somehow makes the parallel universes collide. Abby, unlike everyone else remembers her other life. That isn't supposed to happen apparently. She can only remember certain things though since there is a year and a day gap between "here" and "there". Makes things awkward when she has no clue who her roomate is, or her boyfriend. I have to say that she handles things pretty well. She's a smart girl. I had a hard time connecting with her at first, but by the end of the book I was able to feel emotion toward the characters and the story.

Caitlin is pretty much her rock. Luckily she believes Abby when she tells her about what happened. Caitlin helps her by filling her in on the things that she has missed in the past year since something the other Abby did changed the way things are now. I really liked Caitlin. She was the super smart, honest, faithful friend. She would do anything to help Abby, even when Abby is selfish and not really thinking about what's going on with Caitlin.

I can't really say too much since it's really something you have to read and experience on your own. There is a bit of a love triangle type thing, but it is really great because it makes sense. What the "there" Abby does affects the "here" Abby, even if she doesn't know what has changed, so mistakes happen and it's not like she can just erase things. It vaguely reminds me of the movie The Butterfly Effect and how each action changes the present or future, except for in this case, it changes the Parallel Abby's world. I also want to note that the chapters go back and forth from her waking up as "here" and "there" Abby.

Overall I really thought this was good. Despite being a little confused and disconnected for a better portion of the first half, I was still quite intrigued and couldn't stop reading. As I got into the last third of the book, that's when the emotions started to kick in. After finally starting to connect with both Abby's and the other characters, all the changes and situations that were happening really affected me. I was close to tears at one point. This is full of twists and turns since you never know what the "there" Abby is going to do to change things. It wasn't perfect, but it was entertaining and interesting. A great debut. I will be looking forward to reading this authors other work!

*A copy was provided by the publisher via Edelweiss for an honest review. I did not receive any compensation.

Waiting on Wednesday 5-22-13

noreply@blogger.com (Amy) — Wed, 22 May 2013 04:00:00 +0000

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly event hosted by Breaking the Spine to share what book you are highly anticipating the release of.

This week my WoW is Quick Fix by Linda Grimes. I really enjoyed In A Fix and can't wait to see where the story goes.

Publisher: Tor Books
Publication date: 8/20/2013

The second installment of the original urban fantasy series starring human chameleon Ciel Halligan

Ciel Halligan, an aura adaptor with a chameleon-like ability to step into the lives of her clients and fix their problems for them — as them — is working a job at the National Zoo with her boyfriend, Billy, and his ten-year-old sister, Molly. It's supposed to be a quick fix, giving her time to decide if it's wise to pursue the romantic relationship her charming scoundrel of a best friend wants, or if she should give Mark, the CIA spook she's crushed on since hormones first rattled her pubescent brain, a chance to step up to the plate.

Molly has already begun to show signs of being an adaptor herself. She's young for it, but she's always been precocious, so it's not impossible. What is impossible is her taking on the form of the baby orangutan she touches — adaptors can only projecthuman auras. Until now, apparently. Worse, Molly is stuck in ape form. She can't change herself back.

Escaping from the zoo with their new baby orang, Ciel and Billy head for NYC and the only person they know can help: Ciel's brother James, a non-adaptor scientist who's determined to crack the aura adaptor genetic code. But when Billy winds up in jail, accused of attempted murder, Ciel begins to suspect Molly's unusual adapting ability is more than just a fluke. Who's been experimenting on Molly, and what do they hope to gain? And will Ciel survive to find out?

This one sounds really fun. If it's half as fun as the first one I will love it. What are you waiting for this week?

Audiobook Review: The School for Good and Evil by Soman Chainani

noreply@blogger.com (Amy) — Tue, 21 May 2013 04:00:00 +0000

Publisher: HarperCollins Audio
Publication date: 5/14/2013
Format: Audiobook
Read by: Polly Lee
Source: Digital audiobook provided by the publisher for review

Purchase: Amazon | Audible | B& N | The Book Depository

At the School for Good and Evil, failing your fairy tale is not an option.

Welcome to the School for Good and Evil, where best friends Sophie and Agatha are about to embark on the adventure of a lifetime.

With her glass slippers and devotion to good deeds, Sophie knows she'll earn top marks at the School for Good and join the ranks of past students like Cinderella, Rapunzel, and Snow White. Meanwhile, Agatha, with her shapeless black frocks and wicked black cat, seems a natural fit for the villains in the School for Evil.

The two girls soon find their fortunes reversed—Sophie's dumped in the School for Evil to take Uglification, Death Curses, and Henchmen Training, while Agatha finds herself in the School for Good, thrust among handsome princes and fair maidens for classes in Princess Etiquette and Animal Communication.

But what if the mistake is actually the first clue to discovering who Sophie and Agatha really are . . . ?

The School for Good and Evil is an epic journey into a dazzling new world, where the only way out of a fairy tale is to live through one.

My Thoughts

This book was so fun!! I got completely lost in it and couldn't seem to get enough. The characters, the story, everything just came together so well! I was lost in the magic and the fairy tale world. I was excited to know what their story would be. What a cool premise!! This book was pure excitement for me. I haven't felt so lost in a world since reading Harry Potter. This was a fantastic start to what is sure to be a series people will fall in love with!

Sophie has wanted to be a princess her whole life. She has prepared for it. She is a firm believer of the rumor that each year two children are taken, one for good, and one for evil. When she gets taken and ends up in the school for evil she thinks there had to have been a mix up. Of course we soon learn that she is not really good and pure. She is in fact selfish, self centered, and not really very nice at all. The thing is, she really thinks that she is. She was a hard character to like personality wise, but I absolutely loved her. She made the story amazing!

Agatha who is boring, drab, and not pretty should have been in the school of evil right? Not a chance. She doesn't fit in with the gorgeous, well mannered princess girls, but her inner good is what makes her beautiful. It's clear from the very beginning that she is right where she belongs in the school for good. I loved that she was always so willing to help people, especially Sophie. Sophie was so mean and insulting to her, but she cares about her. She will always be there for her friend. I really loved Agatha! She was the root of the story for me.

There is of course romance. What kind of fairy tale would it be without one? I would like to say that I liked the love interest, but he was a bit of a shallow jerk at times. I did like him, but I thought that he could have been a little nicer. He has his issues though, so I can see where that stems from. I thought the way the romance was done was absolutely brilliant. I won't really go into it more than that, but it was really great!!

This book was amazing story wise, but what made it even more fabulous was listening to the audio. The narrator captured the characters and the story so well. I was enchanted by the story telling and could not have asked for a better narrator for this particular book. I loved this book, but the audio was the icing on the cake!

Full of action and adventure, this is a must read book. I enjoyed every single second of it. Filled with great characters, and a fantastic setting, this is sure to please! There is a bit of a cliffhanger ending, but it's not so much you want to tear your hair out. I can't wait to see where the story goes next. If you are looking for a great audio, this is one you will want to get, but the physical copy is full of beautiful illustrations also that really enhance the enjoyment. I would recommend this book to anyone!!

Review: Absent by Katie Williams

noreply@blogger.com (Amy) — Mon, 20 May 2013 04:01:00 +0000

Publisher: Chronicle Books LLC
Publication date: 5/21/2013
Source: eARC provided by the publisher via Edelsweiss

Purchase: Amazon | B&N | The Book Depository

Forever is a long time to be stuck in high school.

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

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

My Thoughts

I admit, it was the cover that attracted me to this book. It's so simplistic, yet gorgeous and I had to know more. Then, I found it was a ghost story and I was sucked right in. I had to have it! This was a very quick read and it had a bit of mystery to it. I loved discovering the outcome along with Paige, though some of it I was able to figure out before she does.

Paige was a character that I really felt bad for. I mean, how could I not feel bad for a girl who died at school and is now stuck there. Talk about suckishness!! She isn't alone at least. She and Evan, another ghost trapped at school, get along pretty well. She gets along okay with Brook, but she prefers to spend her time wandering alone or with Evan. She is really upset that people think she committed suicide and wants more than anything for people to know that she didn't, especially her best friend Usha who is angry that she could do that. I could almost feel her desperation, but also thought she was selfish inhabiting people's bodies to try to stop the rumor. She is lost, broken, and upset. I loved who she became through the book though, and that she was able to grow up. Sadly, that can't bring her back.

There was a whole bunch of other characters that I really enjoyed too. Evan, who was friendly and helpful, but kept his past to himself mostly. He really was a big part of the story, and I think that he was fantastic. Then Usha, who is still alive. She's hurt and angry at Paige, but she is a great person and was a wonderful friend. Then there is Harriet, who somehow can see the ghosts. The part she plays in the story is a major mystery solver. Probably my favorite was Wes. He is one of what Paige refers to as the "Burners" but she has him all wrong. He is really a sweet, artistic, real guy. He says what is on his mind, though it's not always interpreted the right way. He was so awesome and I couldn't get enough of him. I was glad that we got to know him well. There are so many other characters that play a big part in the overall story, but those are the most notable.

I was so sucked in to this story. I thought that the plot was wonderful, the characters were amazing and well developed, and there was just enough emotion to really fully absorb me into the book. I was frantically turning pages the closer I got the then end. I needed to know if the things I suspected were correct. For such a short book, this was packed full and was very satisfying. It's also a stand alone, which is nice in a sea full of series. This was really a great book that I think anyone who likes ghost stories, or contemporaries would enjoy.

Book Blast: Tragic by J.A Huss

noreply@blogger.com (Amy) — Mon, 20 May 2013 04:00:00 +0000

Hello and happy Monday!!! I am taking part in the Book Blast for Tragic by J.A. Huss, organized by GCR Promotions.

TRAGIC: Rook and Ronin, #1
By J. A. Huss
New Adult Contemporary Romance
Published May 15, 2013
Science Future Press

Rook Walsh is TRAGIC

Because life so far – just sucks. Some girls get parents. Rook got the foster care system. Some girls get Prince Charming. Rook got an abusive frog. Some girls get lucky…

Rook got a second chance.

And she took it. Because when fate throws you a bone – you grab it with both hands and run.

Antoine Chaput knows the minute he spies Rook in his photography studio that she’s got The Look. The dark and desperate look he must have to land the exclusive TRAGIC media contract.

Rook is paired up with top model, Ronin, and he’s everything her abusive ex-boyfriend wasn’t. Patient, gentle, happy, attentive, and sexy! He knows exactly what to do to make Rook blush for Antoine’s camera.

Rook’s luck changes in an instant and suddenly she’s the darling of the modeling world. It’s a dream job to go with a dream guy and all she has to do is look pretty and follow directions. But there’s always a price to pay – and Rook is about to get the bill.

New Adult Contemporary Romance *Mature Content* Recommended for ages 17+ due to sexual situations and language usage

**Does contain strong language

I gather up all my clothes and stick them in the stackable washer in the closet just off the bedroom. The breeze caresses my naked limbs and gives me the chills, but I enjoy it. The goose bumps travel up my arms and spread out to my whole body. I shiver for a second and then head to the kitchen.

And stop dead in the living room.

Ronin fucking Flynn is sleeping on the couch.

What is he doing here? My eyes track to the front door and I suppose it's my fault, I left it open. There's nothing but a screen door between this apartment and the terrace. My gaze wanders back to the sleeping man. He's lying on his stomach, his one arm tucked underneath him, the other falling over the edge of the cushion, and he's shirtless.

And then I realize I'm naked.

"Shit!"

He stirs and I make a break for the bedroom. It's one thing to let him see me naked half hidden in darkness and quite another to be fully illuminated by the bright morning sunshine. I wrangle the sheet around my body and then head back to the living room, wistfully looking at the washer that contains every single article of clothing I own.

"Ronin!" I say loudly.

Nothing except a half-muffled snore from him. Lord, this man has the most perfectly chiseled and muscular back I've ever seen. Both hands pull up and go under his face, like he's blocking out the sunlight, and this gives me the perfect opportunity to study his flexing biceps. The muscles are thick and hard-looking near his shoulders. They curve down, dip into a little valley, and then climb once again.

I lean down and smell him.

"Why are you sniffing me?" he asks groggily.

"Uh—" Because you smell delicious, the inner Rook says. But luckily the outer Rook says, "I'm checking to see if you're drunk. Why are you sleeping on my couch?"

He peeks up, opening one eye in my direction, squints, and then croaks out some words. "I love your outfit." He grins, winks, and then drops his head back down into his arms.

"Are you leaving?" I ask, frustrated and confused at the same time. "I mean, why are you here?"

"I told you I'd come back with dinner. But when I got here, the lights were on and you were in bed. I only sat down for a second to think up a rational excuse to wake you up, but I guess I fell asleep." He raises his head again, grins sheepishly, and then rolls over on his back, tucks his hands behind his neck, and flashes his perfect body at me as he closes his eyes, probably confident that I'll be checking him out.

I do check him out. It's quite hard not to notice that he's got the perfect six-pack abs and that absolutely adorable fuzzy happy trail you see on a shirtless designer jeans model. Hmmmm… maybe he is that model? "You have no shirt on."

Yes, after all that gawking, I finally manage the obvious.

He opens the one eye to look at me again. "Neither do you."

Purchase your copyAvailable on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and Kobo.

J. A. Huss likes to write new adult books that make you think and keep you guessing. Her favorite genre to read is space opera, but since practically no one reads those books, she writes new adult science fiction, paranormal romance, contemporary romance, urban fantasy, and books about Junco (who refuses to be saddled with a label).

She has an undergraduate degree in horses, (yes, really–Thank you, Colorado State University) and a master’s degree in forensic toxicology from the University of Florida. She used to have a job driving around Colorado doing pretty much nothing but shooting the breeze with farmers, but now she just writes, runs the New Adult Addiction and Clean Teen Reads Book Blogs, and runs an online science classroom for homeschoolers.

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Weekly Recap / Stacking the Shelves (55)

noreply@blogger.com (Amy) — Sun, 19 May 2013 04:00:00 +0000

*Stacking the Shelves is hosted by Tynga's Reviews

Another big week for me. The weather is getting nicer too which means more outdoor time. (Which means more reading time because the computer doesn't distract me. My phone is acting up so it shuts down when I try to tweet lol) I love summer because it means more family time, more outdoors, and warm weather. I have lived in Massachusetts my whole life, but still hate the cold.

OMG I keep getting all bug eyed in my vlog. I don't know why I kept doing it, but it looks weird. My eyes are itching and burning from allergies so I keep feeling like they are droopy. Maybe I was trying to open them up better lol!! And I know, I'm totally lazy, but I didn't link any of the books. I also didn't include my weekly recap, but I did put my search terms. I hurt my foot, and then got super lazy and didn't get on the computer until late and then I just wanted to throw it together quick. I am such a fail this weekend.

Books Mentioned

Review

As the World Dies: Untold Tales Volume 3 by Rhiannon Frater
Asylum by Madeline Roux
Blurred (Inbetween #2) by Tara Fuller
Dire Warning (In Darkness We Must Abide #6) by Rhiannon Frater
Don't Bite the Bridesmaid by Tiffany Allee
Freshman Forty by Christine Duval
Tarnished by Rhiannon Held
Ten Tiny Breaths by K.A Tucker (Audiobook)
The Planet of Thieves by Dan Krokos
This Song Could Save Your Life by Leila Sales
Wallbanger by Alice Clayton (Audiobook)

Won/Gifted

Charm & Strange by Stephanie Kuehn

Bought

Let the Sky Fall by Shannon Messenger

People Mentioned

Thank you so much to HarperTeen, Edelweiss, Entangled Publishing, Rhiannon Frater, Giselle, Blythe, Tor Books, Simon Audio, and Macmillan.

Search Terms

strings by kendall grey - Loved this!!

lux series summary - Umm I don't know if the series itself has a summary, but each book does.

adam warner shatter me - Honestly, at this point I am team neither, though in Shatter Me I was team Adam.

aiden's pov from the covenant series - There are a few Aiden POV's for the Covenant series. Check out JLA's website. She has all the goods and links to such things.

as the world dies untold tales volume 2 - I loved this!! The characters in the ATWD series are so awesome and I loved getting to know them better. Vol. 3 comes out soon too!!

audiobook review lightning thief - I reviewed this a few months ago. Maybe more.

bella andre - I haven't read it, but have heard it's a fantastic series.

book cover loki’s wolves, by k. k. armstrong - I have a pic of the cover on my review. This book was awesome too!!

That's all I have for you. Sorry for my laziness guys. I will be better next week with my recap and links. You know, all that good stuff. (Do people actually click on the links anyways? Just curious.)

Book Girls Don't Cry - Best and Most Anticipated of 2013

noreply@blogger.com (Amy) — Sat, 18 May 2013 04:00:00 +0000

Can you believe it's almost June?!! Half the year?!! Where in the world did the time go? So for this weeks topic we decided to do top 5 books we've read so far this year and top 5 we are anticipating.

Other Book Girls Posts This Week

Jenni

Giselle

Publisher: Forever (Grand Central Publishing) when I read it, it was self published
Publication Date: July 2nd, 2013 (paperback) ebook is available now

Purchase: Amazon | B&N

Twenty-year-old Camryn Bennett had always been one to think out-of-the-box, who knew she wanted something more in life than following the same repetitive patterns and growing old with the same repetitive life story. And she thought that her life was going in the right direction until everything fell apart.

Determined not to dwell on the negative and push forward, Camryn is set to move in with her best friend and plans to start a new job. But after an unexpected night at the hottest club in downtown Raleigh, North Carolina, she makes the ultimate decision to leave the only life she’s ever known, far behind.

With a purse, a cell phone and a small bag with a few necessities, Camryn, with absolutely no direction or purpose boards a Greyhound bus alone and sets out to find herself. What she finds is a guy named Andrew Parrish, someone not so very different from her and who harbors his own dark secrets. But Camryn swore never to let down her walls again. And she vowed never to fall in love.

But with Andrew, Camryn finds herself doing a lot of things she never thought she’d do. He shows her what it’s really like to live out-of-the-box and to give in to her deepest, darkest desires. On their sporadic road-trip he becomes the center of her exciting and daring new life, pulling love and lust and emotion out of her in ways she never imagined possible. But will Andrew’s dark secret push them inseparably together, or tear them completely apart?

Due to sexual content and language, this book is recommended for 17+ – Adult Contemporary Women’s – New Adult Fiction

Guys, this book gave me ALL the feels. I laughed, I cried (the ugly cry at that), and went through every other emotion with the characters. You can see my review here.

Publisher: Entangled Teen
Publication date: 4/2/2013

Purchase: Amazon | B&N | The Book Depository

He makes good girls...bad.

Dante Walker is flippin’ awesome, and he knows it. His good looks, killer charm, and stellar confidence have made him one of hell’s best—a soul collector. His job is simple: weed through humanity and label those round rears with a big red good or bad stamp. Old Saint Nick gets the good guys, and he gets the fun ones. Bag-and-tag.

Sealing souls is nothing personal. Dante’s an equal-opportunity collector and doesn't want it any other way. But he’ll have to adjust, because Boss Man has given him a new assignment:

Collect Charlie Cooper’s soul within ten days.

Dante doesn't know why Boss Man wants Charlie, nor does he care. This assignment means only one thing to him, and that’s a permanent ticket out of hell. But after Dante meets the quirky Nerd Alert chick he’s come to collect, he realizes this assignment will test his abilities as a collector…and uncover emotions deeply buried.

This book was so fun and entertaining. Dante was the perfect mix of bad boy and awesome!! See my review here.

Publisher: Spencer Hill Press
Publication date: 4/9/2013
Series: Covenant , #4

Purchase: Amazon | B&N | The Book Depository

Fate isn’t something to mess with… and now, neither is Alex.

Alex has always feared two things: losing herself in the Awakening and being placed on the Elixir. But love has always been stronger than Fate, and Aiden St. Delphi is willing to make war on the gods—and Alex herself—to bring her back.

The gods have killed thousands and could destroy entire cities in their quest to stop Seth from taking Alex’s power and becoming the all-powerful God Killer. But breaking Alex’s connection to Seth isn’t the only problem. There are a few pesky little loopholes in the whole “an Apollyon can’t be killed” theory, and the only person who might know how to stop the destruction has been dead for centuries.

Finding their way past the barriers that guard the Underworld, searching for one soul among countless millions, and then somehow returning will be hard enough. Alex might be able to keep Seth from becoming the God Killer… or she might become the God Killer herself.

I just love this series and love the characters. I almost feel like I actually know them. I am very invested in this series. My review for this is here.

Publisher: J. Lynn
Publication date: 2/25/2013
Format: eBook

Purchase: Amazon | B&N | Kobo

Some things are worth waiting for…

Traveling thousands of miles from home to enter college is the only way nineteen-year-old Avery Morgansten can escape what happened at the Halloween party five years ago—an event that forever changed her life. All she needs to do is make it to her classes on time, make sure the bracelet on her left wrist stays in place, not draw any attention to herself, and maybe—please God—make a few friends, because surely that would be a nice change of pace. The one thing she didn’t need and never planned on was capturing the attention of the one guy who could shatter the precarious future she’s building for herself.

Some things are worth experiencing…

Cameron Hamilton is six feet and three inches of swoon-worthy hotness, complete with a pair of striking blue eyes and a remarkable ability to make her want things she believed were irrevocably stolen from her. She knows she needs to stay away from him, but Cam is freaking everywhere, with his charm, his witty banter, and that damn dimple that’s just so… so lickable. Getting involved with him is dangerous, but when ignoring the simmering tension that sparks whenever they are around each other becomes impossible, he brings out a side of her she never knew existed.

Some things should never be kept quiet…

But when Avery starts receiving threatening emails and phone calls forcing her to face a past she wants silenced, she has no other choice but to acknowledge that someone is refusing to allow her to let go of that night when everything changed. When the devastating truth comes out, will she resurface this time with one less scar? And can Cam be there to help her or will he be dragged down with her?

And some things are worth fighting for…

Oh, man. I can't even. I was so sucked into this and Cameron was fabulous. Of course I am a huge NA fan, but this was just amazing! My review is here.

Publisher: Margaret K. McElderry Books
Publication date: 3/19/2013
Series: Infernal Devices Series , #3

Purchase: Amazon | B&N | The Book Depository

Danger and betrayal, secrets and enchantment in the breathtaking conclusion to the Infernal Devices trilogy

Tessa Gray should be happy - aren't all brides happy?
Yet as she prepares for her wedding, a net of shadows begins to tighten around the Shadowhunters of the London Institute.
A new demon appears, one linked by blood and secrecy to Mortmain, the man who plans to use his army of pitiless automatons, the Infernal Devices, to destroy the Shadowhunters. Mortmain needs only one last item to complete his plan. He needs Tessa. And Jem and Will, the boys who lay equal claim to Tessa's heart, will do anything to save her.

*This review is spoiler free and is just my overall feelings about the book. I do not give away any details on any of the events that occur in the book.

I have never been so glad that I listened to a book on audio than this. Even at that I had to take breaks to compose myself. This amazing conclusion to the series had my emotions totally strung out and I loved every minute. See my review here.

I was actually surprised going back through my books how few (for me) books I had rated 5, and a lot that are 5's are actually 4.5's rounded up. Now onto the books I am highly anticipating!!

Publisher: Spencer Hill Press
Publish Date: July 30, 2013 ebook only, then November 5, 2013 in paperback

For twenty-one-year-old Sydney, being in love with Kyler isn't anything new. They'd been best friends ever since he pushed her down on the playground and she made him eat a mud pie. Somewhere over the years, she fell for him and fell hard. The big problem with that? Kyler puts the 'man' in man-whore. He's never stayed with a girl longer than a few nights, and with it being their last year in college, Syd doesn't want to risk their friendship by declaring her love.

Kyler has always put Syd on a pedestal that was too high for him to reach. To him, she's perfect and she's everything. But the feelings he has for her, he's always hidden away or focused on any other female. After all, Kyler will always be the poor boy from the wrong side of tracks, and Syd will always be the one girl he can never have.

But when they're stranded together at a posh ski resort due to a massive Nor'easter, there's nothing stopping their red-hot feelings for each other from coming to the surface. Can their friendship survive the attraction? Better yet, can they survive at all? Because as the snow falls, someone is stalking them, and this ski trip may be a life-changer in more ways than one.

Well, it's JLA and I'm a huge fan girl, but besides that it sounds amazing!! I will love anyone who wants to get me an ARC of it at BEA! I've head that there will be some!!

Publisher: Spencer Hill Press
Publish Date: November 2nd, 2013

It's a beautiful day for a war. Alex must face a terrible choice between destruction of everything she loves and her own destruction. The final book in the COVENANT series.

AHHHH!!! I swear I will die waiting until this comes out!! I need this like a few months ago when I finished Apollyon!!!

Publisher: Katherine Tegen Books
Publication date: 9/10/2013

Mac can’t lose another friend. Even if he doesn’t want to be found.

The ripple effect caused by Mac’s best friend Amy’s murder has driven Mac’s new love, Kyle, to leave Hemlock and disappear from her life forever. But Mac knows that Kyle plans to enroll in a rehabilitation camp, where he can live with other werewolves. She refuses to accept his decision, especially since the camps are rumored to be tortuous. So she sets out in search of Kyle with a barely sober Jason—and Amy’s all-seeing ghost—in tow.

Clues lead Mac to find Kyle in a werewolf den in Colorado—but their reunion is cut short by a Tracker raid. Now Mac and Kyle are trapped inside the electric fences of Thornhill, a camp for young werewolves. As she devises an escape plan, Mac uncovers dangerous secrets buried within the walls of Thornhill—and realizes that the risk to the people she loves is greater than ever before.

I loved Hemlock and can't wait to see where the story goes!! I am anxiously awaiting this one!!

Publisher: Entangled Publishing
Publication date: 10/1/2013

When eighteen-year-old Hunter Jackson and his half sister, Ashlin, return to their dad’s for the first winter in years, they expect everything to be just like the warmer months they’d spent there as kids. And it is—at first. But Chance, the charismatic and adventurous boy who made their summers epic, is harboring deep secrets. Secrets that are quickly spiraling into something else entirely.

The reason they've never met Chance’s parents or seen his home is becoming clearer. And what the siblings used to think of as Chance's quirks—the outrageous stories, his clinginess, his dangerous impulsiveness—are now warning signs that something is seriously off.

Then Chance's mom turns up with a bullet to the head, and all eyes shift to Chance and his dad. Hunter and Ashlin know Chance is innocent...they just have to prove it. But how can they protect the boy they both love when they can’t trust a word Chance says?

I love Kelley York's writing and have read all of her books. This sounds so good, and I know how well she writes emotion and tough issues and situations. I can't wait to curl up with this and a box of tissues.

Publisher: Balzer & Bray
Publication date: 9/17/2013

Josie Byrne's life is spiraling out of control. Her parents are divorcing, her boyfriend Nick has grown distant, and her physics teacher has it in for her. When she's betrayed by the two people she trusts most, Josie thinks things can't get worse.

Until she starts having dreams about a girl named Jo. Every night at the same time—3:59 a.m.

Jo's life is everything Josie wants: she's popular, her parents are happily married, and Nick adores her. It all seems real, but they're just dreams, right? Josie thinks so, until she wakes one night to a shadowy image of herself in the bedroom mirror – Jo.

Josie and Jo realize that they are doppelgängers living in parallel universes that overlap every twelve hours at exactly 3:59. Fascinated by Jo's perfect world, Josie jumps at the chance to jump through the portal and switch places for a day.

But Jo’s world is far from perfect. Not only is Nick not Jo's boyfriend, he hates her. Jo's mom is missing, possibly insane. And at night, shadowy creatures feed on human flesh.

By the end of the day, Josie is desperate to return to her own life. But there’s a problem: Jo has sealed the portal, trapping Josie in this dangerous world. Can she figure out a way home before it’s too late?

From master of suspense Gretchen McNeil comes a riveting and deliciously eerie story about the lives we wish we had – and how they just might kill you.

I'm a sucker for creepy and dude, this sounds so awesomely creepy. I have also really enjoyed Gretchen McNeil's previous two books, so I am really excited for this one!!

So that's what I've got. There are obviously so many more that I am dying to get my hands on, but these were the first to pop into my head as must have now books!! What have been some of your favorites this year? What are you looking forward to?

Blog Tour: Stripped by Brooklyn Skye - Review and Tour Giveaway

noreply@blogger.com (Amy) — Fri, 17 May 2013 04:00:00 +0000

Hello my lovelies!! Welcome to my stop on the Stripped Blog Tour! I have my review for you today! For the full tour schedule, click on the banner above to be taken to the tour page.

Publisher: Self Published
Publish Date: May 14th, 2013
Source: eARC provided by YA Bound Blog Tours for review

College freshman Quinn Montgomery will do anything to avoid the mistake her sister made—killing herself over a boy. But when she is forced into nude modeling at a local college to support her family after a bankruptcy, she begins to crack, just enough to let Torrin, the university’s top varsity oarsman, see that the real Quinn is not as feisty and unapproachable as she wants everyone to think. But letting someone in comes at a steep cost and, it turns out, Torrin is connected to Quinn’s family in more ways than she could ever imagine.

Buy Links

My Thoughts

I have been on a contemporary NA kick lately so it was a given that I would want to read this. That tagline totally had me. This book was great and had just what I like in NA novels, which is a broken character who is trying to manage without breaking, is lost, but is able to find the person inside that they didn't know existed. Unlike so many other books in this genre, the love interest is super sweet and awesome, not the douche bad boy. (Though there is one of those too!)

Brooklyn was one of those characters who is not likeable, but that doesn't mean I didn't enjoy her. I felt for her, I sympathized with her to a point, I even cared what happened to her. She is an unlikable character, but she's intended to be that way. It's her armor, her shell. She needs her bitchy attitude, and don't give a shit personality to get through each day. Sometimes I really wanted to jump into the book and tell her to just stop being such a bitch to everyone around her, but that is how she copes with her issues.

Torrin was fabulous! Unfortunately, besides being nice, funny, athletic, artsy, and persistent, we didn't get to know a whole lot about him. I really liked him, so I wish we would have gotten to know him a little bit better. He really was great with Quinn though. He made her see that it's okay to trust people, to break down her walls, let people in who really care. Sadly, he keeps a secret from her (in defense, she's keeping a secret from him too) that is pretty big. I liked the way that he handled it though and it made me like him even more.

This was very predictable to me, but I still was able to really enjoy it. That's a good book when even with an unlikable MC and a predictable storyline, it can still win me over. I just took it for what it was, and let myself enjoy the journey of Quinn discovering herself and not being afraid. It wasn't intensely emotional for me, but I did feel the buzz of them at certain points. Overall I thought this was a great read, and loved that it didn't stick to the normal standard of the virgin girl or the bad boy. I also liked the realness of how the characters are. They are just typical college kids doing what they do. And total bonus points for no insta-love!! I look forward to reading more from this author in the future.

About the Author

Brooklyn Skye is just your average awkward girl who's obsessed with words. She grew up in a small California town where she quickly realized writing was an easy escape from small town life.

Website / Twitter / Goodreads

Tour Giveaway

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Blog Tour: The Summer I Became a Nerd by Leah Rae Miller - Review, Interview, & Giveaway

noreply@blogger.com (Amy) — Thu, 16 May 2013 04:00:00 +0000

Hi everyone!! I am so excited to be taking part in the blog tour for The Summer I Became a Nerd. Ever since I first saw the cover and read the synopsis I was looking forward to this book. I have my review and and an interview with the author on my stop today!

Publisher: Entangled Publishing
Publication date: 5/21/2013
Source: eARC provided by the publisher for tour/review

Purchase: Amazon | B&N | The Book Depository

On the outside, seventeen-year-old Madelyne Summers looks like your typical blond cheerleader—perky, popular, and dating the star quarterback. But inside, Maddie spends more time agonizing over what will happen in the next issue of her favorite comic book than planning pep rallies with her squad. That she’s a nerd hiding in a popular girl's body isn’t just unknown, it's anti-known. And she needs to keep it that way.

Summer is the only time Maddie lets her real self out to play, but when she slips up and the adorkable guy behind the local comic shop’s counter uncovers her secret, she’s busted. Before she can shake a pom-pom, Maddie’s whisked into Logan’s world of comic conventions, live-action role-playing, and first-person-shooter video games. And she loves it. But the more she denies who she really is, the deeper her lies become…and the more she risks losing Logan forever.

My Thoughts

When I first read the synopsis for this, I was so excited for it!! We all know how judgmental kids are in school so I thought it was cute that she has her inner nerd that she lets out when she thinks no one knows. This book was so fun and great to read, and I loved the romance. It was seriously so cute and sweet. Another thing was how present the parents were. I love when parents are a big part in YA books!

Maddie didn't start off as a very likeable character to me at all, but by the end I totally loved her. She starts off, obviously hiding her love for comic books and all things "nerdy" and is pretty oblivious to things going on around her. How other people feel, what others are dealing with. How petty her need to keep up her appearance as the perfect, popular girl really is. She has worked to mold herself into the perfect high school girl. Cheerleader, pretty, dating the quarterback (even if they don't really like each other and it's all for show), and hangs out with all the right people. Only she thinks that none of them would like her if they knew she loved comic books and video games. She had an embarrassing situation years ago, and refuses to ever let herself be laughed at again. She makes stupid decisions and mistakes, but that is what makes her so real. When she starts talking to, and then hanging out with Logan, I loved seeing the change in her and how much she developed. That was the Maddie that I came to love by the end. The one that Logan was able to bring out.

Logan was awesome from the first moment he was introduced in the book. He was sweet, charming, geeky, and funny. I loved getting to know him. My favorite thing about him was, what you see is what you get. He lays it all out there. Well, except one thing, which is his true identity on his radio show, but I thought that was so fun, and loved that people loved him so much. If they had known it was really him at first, I don't know that they would have. It kind of reminded me a bit of the Disney Channel Movie Radio Rebel. (which was a cute movie) Anyways, he really brings out the good side of Maddie, even when she resists it. He won't let her be embarrassed or ashamed of who she really is. He is also a super awesome older brother. He dotes on his little sister and what is more swoon worthy than that right?

I also loved how family was so present in this. Logan's mom especially, but Maddie's parents were a big part too. It wasn't just in passing, or they were mentioned here and there. They were part of things. You got to see the family dynamics. It was really important to the story to have the parents be very much a part of it and I am so glad that they were. Logan's mom was among my favorite characters in this book.

If you are looking for a fun, romantic, and entertaining book, this is one you have to pick up. It is very realistic to the way high school is, how kids can be very judgmental, and how the people you care about will be there for you and help you through. I thought that the situations were captured very well, and nothing seemed too easy or convenient. This book was fantastic and I loved it!

Interview

Hi Leah, thanks for doing this interview!!

I know this is a common question, but what gave you the idea for this book?

I wanted to write about something fun, something I love. “Comic books” was the first thing to pop into my head. I also love teenage romantic comedy films and combining those two things sounded like a no-brainer.

Did you have a rough outline of the book before you wrote it, or did you just write it as it came to you?

I didn’t have an outline for the book. I ended up writing a big portion of it before plotting it out. I’m definitely a pantser. I need to have the feel of the characters and the story before I can go too in depth in the plot.

Maddie loves comic books and feels the need to hide it. Why did you choose comic books as her inner nerd thing?

Because comics are awesome! I also felt like it would be a unique thing. Unfortunately, there aren’t a ton of girls Maddie’s age that are into comics.

I was really into comic books at her age too. I wouldn't say as much as her, but I really loved them too!! Comics are awesome!

The comic book store where Logan works sounds awesome! Is that based off of a real place, or was it all made up?

It is based on a real place that doesn’t exist anymore, unfortunately. When I was little, The Phoenix was a comic shop in Natchitoches and I used to love it! But, much like in the book, it had a hard time being successful.

LARP takes place in this book. What type of research did you have to do for it? Have you taken part in it?

I didn’t need to do any research on LARP because I’ve done my fair share of it. I used to LARP in my early twenties. I played Vampire: The Masquerade and D&D. I have so many good memories from those games!

That sounds really fun. I have never done it, but always wanted to. I think I would get really confused about all the rules and stuff though lol!

Maddie is so worried about people finding out about her hidden self that she becomes very self absorbed. Did you do that intentionally, or did she kind of just go that direction on her own?

She pretty much did that on her own, but I understood why she was that way and went with it, if that makes any sense. I thought being so concerned about keeping a secret could potentially cause a person to lose sight of things around them.

I found Maddie a hard character to like at first. Is she supposed to come across that way? Maybe it's just me lol!

I don’t think it’s just you, at all. It was just hard for her not to be unlikeable at first considering the predicament she’s gotten herself into. I was concerned that it might be a turn off for people, but I’m hoping the development she goes through makes up for that initial feeling of “OMG, sometimes I want to smack her.”

I totally did have a feeling of wanting to smack her a few times, but by the end of the book I really liked her and who she became.

So even though I had a hard time liking Maddie at first, I thought that she grew tremendously. What she did at the end was pretty amazing. Was it planned that she would do something like that?

That’s another part that kind of just happened organically. It just felt right, ya know?

I think that the cover for this book is awesome!! Did you have any say at all in the final cover?

I could have had a say if I wanted to say anything, lol. But I’m like you, I love this cover and think Heather Howland did a fantastic job!

Random questions

Who is your favorite comic book character?

Jean Grey. If I could have any super powers, I’d pick hers.

Have you ever dressed as a comic book character for Halloween?

I don’t think I’ve done a comic book character. I have done a lot of fictional characters, though.

If you could be in any comic book, which one would you choose?

OMG! Such a hard question! I’d have to go with the X-Men universe. And Jean Grey and I would be BFFs and Professor X would teach me to harness my powers and there’d be witty banter between Wolverine and I andandand… Okay, I’ll stop now 

If you could marry any comic book hero, who would it be?

These questions are killing me! So tough! Okay, hmmm… Bruce Wayne might be nice to be married to, but that might be like marrying a cop. Lots of stress. Gambit would be nice, but ugg, talk about the gambling debt. I can’t pick anyone with a super long life span like Clark Kent or Wolverine because that wouldn’t be fair to them. You know what, looks like I’d just have to be single! I can’t pick just one!

I think I would choose Iron Man, but that could just be because Robert Downey Jr. plays him in the movies and he's pretty swoon worthy!

Okay, that's all I have. Thank you again for taking the time to answer some questions for me!!

I also have the book trailer if you want to watch it!

About the author

Born and raised in northern Louisiana, Leah Rae Miller still lives there on a windy hill with her husband and kids. She loves comic books, lava lamps, fuzzy socks, and Cherry Coke. She spends most of her days reading things she likes and writing things she hopes other people will like.

Links: Twitter ~ Website

Tour Giveaway

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*This book was received from the publisher for an honest review.

Review: In Darkness We Must Abide Season 1 by Rhiannon Frater

noreply@blogger.com (Amy) — Wed, 15 May 2013 04:01:00 +0000

This review is going to be a little different than normal since I have never reviewed a serial before. Each episode will be reviewed separately, but they will be more like mini reviews.

*Episodes 1-3 were gifted to me by Giselle @ Xpresso Reads. Episodes 4 & 5 were provided by the author for an honest review.

* I did not link to each individual episode, but from the link the season 1 you can find them all.

In Darkness We Must Abide is the epic saga of one young woman caught in the dangerous world of the creatures of the night.

Already living in the shadows due to her albinism, Vanora is just a little girl when her older brother inadvertently unleashes a terrible evil from the family crypt that changes their lives forever.

As she grows up in a world where beautiful deadly beings hunt by night, one captures her eye and her heart. Yet, can she trust the mysterious Armando? For there is a powerful entity plotting to claim her when she reaches adulthood in order to fulfill an ancient prophecy, and her enemy has enveloped her in a web of deceit, casting doubt on all she believes to be true. Soon, she will have to fight not only to save those she loves, but also for her very soul.

Rhiannon Frater delivers a chilling adventure once again with this multi-part epic serial with a dynamic cast, old school vampires, bloody action, a smoldering forbidden love, and a terrifying villain set against the backdrop of a modern day vampire war.

** Warning!! Since this is a serial, each new episode review may contain spoilers for the previous episode. I will try to keep them to a minimum, but you have been warned.

Publisher: Self Published
Publish Date: March 6th, 2013
Source: Gifted from Giselle @ Xpresso Reads

My Thoughts

In this first episode we meet the main character Vanora, and her older siblings Roman and Alisha. Vanora is albino which sets her apart from others. Her brother Roman has been taking care of her since their parents died. He is like a father/brother. He is very dedicated to family.

They have just brought the bodies of long dead family members to their estate to keep in the mausoleum built on the land. Both Alisha and Vanora have a special ability "the sight" which they inherited from their mother, and they know that something is not right with one of the coffins. Sure enough their fears are confirmed when a vampire tries to get into their house.

I was totally creeped out by the whole atmosphere and the feel that I got from reading this. Though not very long, Rhiannon Frater has a way of immersing you in her writing and instantly makes you care what happens to the characters. I quickly became invested in them and needed to know what would happen. I also really loved how the episode starts off with Vanora grown up and away at college, then goes to the events that started everything. I could see it all very clearly in my head, just like watching an episode of one of my favorite shows on TV.

Publisher: Self Published
Publish Date: March 21st, 2013
Source: Gifted from Giselle @ Xpresso Reads

My Thoughts

Just like a TV series, this picks up where the first episode left off. We get a little scene from present time Vanora (who is 20 years old) then it goes back to where the story left off. I love this style a lot since it really makes you get right back into it.

The ending of Episode One was pretty terrifying and left goosebumps on my skin. This one starts off pretty intense too. From the present time clip, you can almost feel the urgency and desperation and then in the past, the situation at hand is pretty scary.

Something absolutely horrifying has happened that is going to change things forever. Alisha and Vanora are still terrified of the vampire that has been trying to get in and have taken measures to ensure their safety, but unfortunately there is no escaping, short of leaving. The vampire is determined to make Alisha his vampire bride and will keep trying to get to her relentlessly.

At the end of this episode, with the help of the staff, and their uncle, Roman is set on making sure family is safe. It will not be easy, but he will make it work. He is strong, and dedicated. Things are going to be much different for all of them, but he knows it can work if they all try hard. More than anything, he wants Vanora to be safe and will stop at nothing to make sure she won't be harmed.

Publisher: Self Published
Publish Date: April 11th, 2013
Source: Gifted from Giselle @ Xpresso Reads

My Thoughts

As the title suggests, we meet Armando DeLeon in this one. I wasn't sure what to think of him, and as the episodes go on, I am really invested in the characters and the story so I totally don't trust what his motives toward the Socolis. Especially since Vanora got a bad feeling from him when she first meets him.

Armando starts to integrate himself into their lives, but Roman being the super protective older brother/father figure doesn't want the vampire around Vanora very much. He becomes a regular in their lives though and is around a lot. Still, though he seems friendly enough, I still didn't quite know what I should think of him. Vanora is smitten with him, but of course she would be. He's an attractive vampire who seems to just ooze charm.

Armando entering into their lives changes things a lot and now they have a whole other set of issues that pop up. We get to see just how protective of Vanora not only her brother and sister are, but Armando too. Though this episode was a little on the slower side (just like not every episode of your favorite show can be amped up), this episode definitely takes you for a loop and leaves you needing the next one right away.

Publisher: Self Published
Publish Date: April 24th, 2013
Source: eBook provided by the author for review

My Thoughts

In this one, Vanora is getting ready to turn seventeen, and feeling more alone than ever. With all the new vampires always hanging around, and Roman trying to keep their interaction with her minimal, it really makes her long for the family time that she's used to having.

It seems that the only one who is noticing how left out and alone Vanora feels is Armando, but we also learn a bit more about Armando which still leaves me with a lot of trust issues towards him. He seems to genuinely care about Vanora, but he isn't exactly truthful about his reasons for being around.

Vanora celebrates her birthday away with her relatives and has a great time. It's good for her to be out and about, doing normal things with normal people, and not surrounded by vampires all the time. She did really miss her brother and sister though, and is happy to be go home to celebrate with them also. She needs to get used to being away from them though since she will be going off to college on her own. Along with that, her powers are strengthening. She discovers that she isn't sure whether she can trust Armando or not, no matter how she is starting to feel about him.

Publisher: Self Published
Publish Date: May 14th, 2013
Source: eARC provided by the author for review

My Thoughts

This final episode of the first season totally blew me away!! I have now become incredibly invested in the story and all of the characters, so this one was quite a ride for me. This was fun, entertaining, sexy, terrifying, and also sad. Considering the length of these episodes, that's a lot of feels to go through in just one, but I did.

Vanora has been away with family for the summer, and is excited to return home to her brother and sister. The first person to greet her is none other than Armando, who she hasn't seen since her birthday. Her crush on him hasn't gone away at all, and it's apparent he is attracted to her too. Roman is oblivious to it, but Alisha can see it clearly. Armando is acting weird and she knows that he likes Vanora. He decides to distance himself for a while.

They throw a fabulous Halloween Ball and all the vampires come, including Armando. Things are going good, extremely well actually, until there is a major issue that arises. It was disturbing, terrifying, and had me literally tense and feeling anxious. That' wasn't the real power of this episode though, that was the end. OMG I was seriously falling apart over it. My heart was racing and aching at the same time. It left me feeling fear for some of the characters, and heartbreak for others. I am going to be so impatient waiting for season two of this serial. I need it now!!

Waiting on Wednesday 5-15-13

noreply@blogger.com (Amy) — Wed, 15 May 2013 04:00:00 +0000

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly event hosted by Breaking the Spine to share what book you are highly anticipating the release of.

Okay, obviously I am huge JLA fan girl, so now that Obsession has a cover it was a given that it would be my next WoW. OMG guys! I am so excited for this one.

Publisher: Entangled Publishing (Covet Imprint)
Publish Date: May 31st, 2013

He’s arrogant, domineering, and... To. Die. For.

Hunter is a ruthless killer. And the Department of Defense has him firmly in their grasp, which usually doesn’t chafe too badly because he gets to kill bad guys. Most of the time he enjoys his job. That is, until he’s saddled with something he’s never had to do before: protect a human from his mortal enemy.

Serena Cross didn’t believe her best friend when she claimed to have seen the son of a powerful senator turn into something... unnatural. Who would? But then she witnesses her friend’s murder at the hands of what can only be an alien, thrusting her into a world that will kill to protect their secret.

Hunter stirs Serena’s temper and her lust despite their differences. Soon he’s doing the unthinkable—breaking the rules he’s lived by, going against the government to keep Serena safe. But are the aliens and the government the biggest threats to Serena’s life…or is it Hunter?

The Lux series is one of my favorite series, so an adult novel set in the same world has me super excited! I have been dying for this since I first heard about it and now that I have seen the cover, I need this in my life! The great thing is, it's only a little over 2 weeks away!!!

What book is on your mind this Wednesday? I love (and hate) adding to my massive TBR list seeing books that everyone else is looking forward to.

Audiobook Review: The Program by Suzanne Young

noreply@blogger.com (Amy) — Tue, 14 May 2013 04:00:00 +0000

Publisher: Simon & Schuster Audio
Publication date: 4/30/2013
Read by: Joy Osmanski
Source: Digital audio provided by the publisher for review

Purchase: Amazon | Audible | B&N | Simon & Schuster

Includes a bonus interview with the author! Sloane knows better than to cry in front of anyone. With suicide now an international epidemic, one outburst could land her in The Program, the only proven course of treatment. Sloane’s parents have already lost one child; Sloane knows they’ll do anything to keep her alive. She also knows that everyone who’s been through The Program returns as a blank slate. Because their depression is gone—but so are their memories.

Under constant surveillance at home and at school, Sloane puts on a brave face and keeps her feelings buried as deep as she can. The only person Sloane can be herself with is James. He’s promised to keep them both safe and out of treatment, and Sloane knows their love is strong enough to withstand anything. But despite the promises they made to each other, it’s getting harder to hide the truth. They are both growing weaker. Depression is setting in. And The Program is coming for them.

My Thoughts

A book about a suicide epidemic? Sounded super interesting to me!! I was intrigued. I wanted to know what happened. What is making people want to commit suicide? What do they do to the in The Program to erase their memories? I needed this book!! Unfortunately, it wasn't really as good as I was hoping. While I still enjoyed it, there were just a lot of things that didn't work for me.

Sloan is the main character and she was a character who I liked, despite some things that bothered me about her. I really loved how passionate she was and refused to let the program win. She was a mess of emotions and pretty all over the place, but somehow, she still manages to keep her head. Even with everything that happens and she's not sure she even knows herself. What I didn't like about her was her obsession with James and him being almost her only thought so often. I get that she loves him, but it's like everything she does is for him and about him and it got old very quickly. She was definitely a feisty chick and really determined though, and I liked that a lot about her.

There is a bit of a love triangle in this, but it was one that I actually didn't mind since it made sense. Of course James is the love of her life, but things aren't quite so clear after The Program is involved. I loved James and thought he was fantastic. He is caring, sweet, funny, and totally in love with Sloan and it melted my heart. I wanted so much for them to be able to be together and for everything to work out. Then there's Relm (I have no clue if that's the right spelling since I listened to the audiobook) and I never really trusted him. He seems to really care about Sloan and want what he thinks is best for her, but there's a big difference between what is best for her in his eyes and in hers. I just never felt like he was right for her, but I could understand why Sloane was torn.

What I didn't like about this book was, we never really find out what has caused the epidemic and why. We really find out almost nothing at all about the actual illness itself. It's obvious that it's a way to erase people's memories and make them who they want them to be in a way. It's like they wipe you clean and mold you to their specifications. They have "handlers" follow you and watch you, but we still don't know why or how. I just hate not getting important information in a book. Basically we just go through everything with Sloane, find out a little inside info about some people who work for The Program, but that's it.

The audiobook of this was a bit iffy for me too. I liked the narrator for Sloane. I thought she did a good job with her. I could tell who was supposed to be talking by how she changed her voice for the characters, but I didn't think the male voices were that great. Also, it might not bother other people, but the over emphasis on the "h" in the "wh" words, especially "when". It just really stood out for me and was a little distracting. Overall the audio was good though, and I think that I would have rated the book the same even if I had read it instead of listening.

The premise of this book sounded really awesome, and I think it really could have been, but it just didn't feel like I got enough out of it. I liked getting to know the characters, and see their struggles. I thought Sloan was done really well, but with the lack of information I had a hard time really liking this as much as I wanted to. It might be dystopian burnout, or it might just be the book. It was good, but it didn't stand out among all the other dystopian books on the shelf.

Cover Reveal: First Kiss by Ann Marie Frohoff

noreply@blogger.com (Amy) — Tue, 14 May 2013 04:00:00 +0000

Hello my fabulous readers!! I have a cover reveal for you today. I am beyond excited about this book. I can't wait for it to be out in the world for everyone to read!

Title: First Kiss (Heavy Influence Trilogy, #1)
Author: Ann Marie Frohoff
Release Date: June 11, 2013
Pages: 483
Find it: Amazon & Goodreads
Genre: Young Adult Contemporary

Synopsis

It was all about the band, until the girl next door.

Her innocence is tempting.

A sexually charged coming of age story set in the throes of stardom.

About an up and coming teenage rocker on the verge of stardom, when the girl next door becomes something more; they're forced to face the harsh realities on his road to fame and the expectations of their friends and family.

Sacrifices are made as everything changes as they know it.

And the book trailer for you if you want to watch it!

About the author

Ann Marie ("Annie") Frohoff grew up in sunny Southern California. As a teen and young adult she spent her time frequenting and living in nearly every beachside city up and down the coast.
The first installment in her Heavy Influence Trilogy, FIRST KISS, is tentatively set to release June 11, 2013 — The series is a story about young, reckless love between a rising rock star and his younger muse, spanning 10 years of their tumultuous and passionate relationship. Each book in the Trilogy will come with a soundtrack of original music, of which the lyrics will appear in the pages of the books.

Annie is now settled in the South Bay area of Los Angeles with her family.

Links: Website ~ Twitter ~ Facebook

Other stops today:

Tash at Confessions from Romaholics

Christina at Bibliophiles Thoughts on Books

Stops for tomorrow:

Destiny at Totally Bookalicious
Mandy at I Read Indie
Keren at Gothic Angel Book Reviews
Andrea at Reading Lark

There is also a great giveaway. The rafflecopter is the same across all the blogs!

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Mother Sea Turtles Month - Promo Post & Review of Turtle Book

noreply@blogger.com (Amy) — Mon, 13 May 2013 04:00:00 +0000

*This book was received from the publisher for an honest review.

Stephanie Lisa Tara presents Mother Sea Turtle month! Mothers need to stick together; whether scaly, feathered, furry or skinned! And to celebrate this Mother's Day and the release of her newest turtle book, Stephanie Lisa Tara's Turtle Book—which is the companion follow-up to her first international bestseller, I'll Follow the Moon—Stephanie Lisa Tara is giving away 2 gorgeous, large plush sea turtles (26"L x 8"H x 16"W) to reviewers!

Dear Turtle Activists,

I want to thank each and every one of you for your tireless dedication and love to our cause! I have written this book FOR YOU! I dedicate this book TO YOU! 120 pages of fotos, facts and fun!

Stephanie Lisa Tara's Turtle Book has a primary goal: SAVING SEA TURTLES FROM EXTINCTION. A portion of proceeds from this book go to charitable organizations like the Turtle Foundation (www.turtle-foundation.org) of whom my first turtle book, I'LL FOLLOW THE MOON—is a proud sponsor.

If you are new to us—please join with us, for together, holding hands, we can effect change. Yes—really! xoxo. SAVE GREEN SEA TURTLES on Facebook (www.facebook.com/.../Save-Green-Sea-T...) is our hugely popular hang-out—tens of thousands of Activists-strong. Please join us!

NOW—prepare for something totally new and amazing!

Stephanie Lisa Tara's Turtle Book is not your typical scientific turtle book: my special book is all about having FUN! Enjoy the mini FLIP-BOOK in the corners and create a movie of your own! Click the ebook pages—or thumb through manually in the paperback—YOUR CHOICE!

I've written these chapters in a fun, chatty voice—you know, the one YOU use when talking up your favorite topics! Don't be surprised if you find yourself giggling as you turn pages! Enjoy breathtaking photography, incredible facts, and way-out wow'ing surprises that these millennium-old creatures have to share.

AND: TWO IS BETTER THAN ONE! Yep! Stephanie Lisa Tara's Turtle Book is my second turtle book—it's a perfect TWIN to my first international bestseller, I'LL FOLLOW THE MOON: buy BOTH TOGETHER for your shelf. Two little twins; one a fable, one fotos, facts & fun.

So, in closing...please accept this deeply personal gift from me, your faithful sea turtle leader, the turtle-lady, or Stephanie Lisa Turtle - as I was renamed recently by a fan—from my heart to yours.

GOD BLESS EVERYONE WHO HAS SUPPORTED THE CAUSE TO SAVE SEA TURTLES FROM EXTINCTION!

My Thoughts

This book was so fun to read and look through. It has so many amazing facts about all the different sea turtles and wonderful colorful photos. Besides being a very informative book, the way it's written is very fun and the author really makes it easy to understand. Her personality shows through in the writing and instead of feeling like an educational book, it's more like something you would pick up over and over again.

From a child's perspective, this book is also great. It has a cool flip book on the corner of the pages and my daughter was thrilled to just watch the picture move over and over again. She loved all of the pictures in the book and was actually interested in learning about the turtles. She loved looking through the book and asking me questions, and when she's a little older I think she will enjoy reading this herself. This is a fabulous companion to go with I'll Follow the Moon, and both books have become favorites in our home.

I've always believed that magic hides in special places. As a child, people would often stare at my bright red hair, which was very, very bright indeed.
Unfortunately, I developed a bad habit of making up rhymes about all of them, and they soon became funny characters. I didn't have much time to think about being different; fanciful lyricisms danced in my head, and no one was safe!
Since then, I've come to believe that storytelling has the power to inspire a deep love of language and learning. Words tripping off the tongue in somersaults that stick to your thoughts like taffy-- those are the things that stay forever in the mind.
I've lived in many special places: on a farm, in a city skyscraper, on a tropical beach, and in the beautiful country of France. Now I live in northern California, between the redwood forests and the sea. Even though I'm an adult, I'm still as silly as ever.
Many nice words have been used to describe my books, such as fun, engaging, delightful, and whimsical. Some folks say that I deliver timeless messages of love for kids and parents to share again and again; this makes me very happy. I hope that you'll enjoy my stories, too. Captivating children with language is something that I believe in, and I strive to live my life with this always.
--Stephanie Lisa Tara
www.StephanieLisaTara.com
stephanielisatarabooks@gmail.com

Cause pages (each supports a book's vision):

Facebook page for Save the Polar Bears | Facebook Page for Save the Green Turtles | Facebook Page for Save the Redwood Forests

Stephanie Lisa Tara's Personal Sites:

Facebook | Amazon | Website

Giveaway:

15 lucky people will win a copy of Stephanie Lisa Tara's Turtle Book. You must be 13 or older to enter. Open to US addresses only. Giveaway runs from May 12th to June 12, 2013

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Two lucky reviewers will win a Melissa and Doug Giant Plush Stuffed Sea Turtle that retails at $34.99 and measures 26"L x 8"H x 16"W. You must review Stephanie Lisa Tara's Turtle Book on Amazon to enter. This giveaway runs from Mothers Day, May 12th to June 12th, 2013.

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And you can still enter to win a Kindle Fire!

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*This book was received from the blog tour host for an honest review.

Bout of Book 7.0 Goals

noreply@blogger.com (Amy) — Sun, 12 May 2013 19:00:00 +0000

Just setting up a quick goals post for my very first Bout of Books!! I hope to try to read 5 books this week. I don't know if I can, but I am going to try my hardest. So, not in any order, here's what I hope to get done.

Parallel by Lauren Miller
One by Leigh Ann Kopans
The School for Good and Evil (audiobook) I am only 15 minutes into it at the time of posting this so it's basically a full book still.
Wild Awake by Hilary T. Smith
Dare You To by Katie McGarry

If I finish the audiobook of The School for Good and Evil, I am planning on starting another audiobook also. Probably either Wallbanger or Transparent. This is a pretty tough goal for me, but I am really hoping to do well. Perhaps a lot of coffee and 5 hour energy drinks will have to be used lol!!

Weekly Recap / Stacking the Shelves (54)

noreply@blogger.com (Amy) — Sun, 12 May 2013 04:00:00 +0000

*Stacking the Shelves is hosted by Tynga's Reviews

Hello everyone!! Happy Mother's Day!! So it's pretty funny, this week on Thursday I decided to film my vlog to get it done early, then I got like 7 more things so I had to do another vlog. Instead of doing it all over, I just decided to do a second one and add it on so I apologize for it being really long. I suppose I could have skipped it since it was mostly all ebooks, but I felt like doing it anyways. What started as a 6 minute video ended up being 10. Sorry!

Books Mentioned

Review

Dance of the Red Death (Masque of the Red Death #2) by Bethany Griffin
Fangirl by Rainbow Rowell
Ghost Leopard: A Zoe & Zak Adventure by Lars Guinard (audiobook)
How to Love by Katie Cotugno
Night School by C.J Daughtry
Sex and Violence by Carrie Mesrobian
Shadow of the Mark (Carrier #2) by Leigh Fallon
The Dark Shore (Atlanteans #2) by Kevin Emerson
The Distance Between Us by Kasie West
The School for Good and Evil by Soman Chainani (audiobook)
Transparent by Natalie Whipple
Tumble & Fall by Alexandra Coutts
Wild Awake by Hilary T. Smith

Won

$10 Amazon Gift Card (from M.R. Merrick for the Endure cover reveal)

Bought/Free

After Math by Denise Grover Swank
Anathema by K.A. Tucker (Kindle Freebie)
Lover Undercover by Samanthe Beck
Suddenly Royal by Nicole Chase

Thank you to HarperTeen, Harper Audio, Fantastic Press, St. Martins Press, Macmillan, Carolrhoda LAB, CBB Promotions, and M.R Merrick for the fabulous haul this week!!

Weekly Recap

Reviews: Of Triton (Of Poseidon #2) By Anna Banks, The S-Word by Chelsea Pitcher, Towering by Alex Flinn, and Bowling Alley Bandit by Laurie Keller
Cover Reveals: Revelations, Act Like You Love Me,
Weekly Memes: Waiting on Wednesday, Book Girls Don't Cry
Random: Good Guys Love Dogs Tour Highlight, Spotlight for Brothers of Rock series,

Search Terms

real dead mermaids - Ummm this is really weird. I think I saw a show on TV about it at some point?
mom loves mom ,com - Another really odd search term.
beautifully broken series courtney cole - I loved If You Stay and can't wait for the next book!!
bella andre - I haven't read it, but I've heard it's an awesome series.
book - Yes!! All the books!!!
book cover models - Lots of great cover models.
character of chandler gamble in tempting the bodyguard - I can't wait for this book!! Chandler seems like he will be my favorite!
how does lux series opal end - I can't tell you that. Well, I won't tell you. Read the book, it's pretty harsh!

Leave me a link to your post and I will be sure to stop by as soon as I can! Hope you are all having a fantastic weekend.

Book Girls Don't Cry - Pet Peeves

noreply@blogger.com (Amy) — Sat, 11 May 2013 04:01:00 +0000

Welcome to another week of Book Girls!! This weeks topic is pet peeves. Oh, there are just so many. I tried to not go on and on with this. I think a lot are pet peeves that others have too.

Review: Bowling Alley Bandit by Laurie Keller

noreply@blogger.com (Amy) — Sat, 11 May 2013 04:00:00 +0000

Publisher: Henry Holt and Co. (BYR)
Publication date: 6/4/2013
Series: Adventures of Arnie the Doughnut Series , #1
Source: ARC provided by the publisher for review

Purchase: Amazon | B&N | The Book Depository

As Mr. Bing's new pet "doughnut dog," Arnie couldn't be happier. When Mr. Bing joins a bowling league, Arnie gets to go along to practices and competitions. But then Mr. Bing starts rolling gutter balls. Someone or something is behind the madness. Arnie, together with his team of goofball friends, must sort through the shenanigans and solve the mystery. Get ready for some sleuthing and even some magic.

Full of Laurie Keller’s winning charm and silly humor, this chapter book—the first in the series—is sure to please her many fans.

My Thoughts

This book sounded so fun and cute, so I was really excited to read it. Besides, how fun is that cover? So being that it's a short book, this review will be short too. It was great for the age group it's intended for, though probably on the younger side of it. I would consider this more of a children's book, than middle grade.

Arnie is a doughnut that Mr. Bing decides not to eat and instead becomes his pet "dog-doughnut" and is treated like he's a companion. Artie is fun and entertaining, and goes wherever Mr. Bing does. His favorite is bowling. He is determined to help the team, and all of his friends when things seem to be a bit strange.

This is a fun, short book about friendship and doing what's right, put in the form of a talking doughnut, bowling balls, pizza, and other wacky things. It's a great book for young children who love cheesy humor. It was a very quick read and had some good lessons in it. The illustrations were entertaining and the characters were fun. The age recommendation is 7-10, but I would say that 10 year old's might find it a bit too young for them.

*This book was received from the publisher for an honest review.

Review: Towering by Alex Flinn

noreply@blogger.com (Amy) — Fri, 10 May 2013 04:01:00 +0000

Publisher: HarperTeen
Publication date: 5/14/2013
Source: ebook provided by publisher via Edelsweiss for review

Purchase: Amazon | B&N | The Book Depository

At first, I merely saw his face, his hands on the window ledge. Then, his whole body as he swung himself through the window. Only I could not see what he swung on.
Until, one day, I told my dream self to look down. And it was then that I saw. He had climbed on a rope. I knew without asking that the rope had been one of my own tying.

Rachel is trapped in a tower, held hostage by a woman she’s always called Mama. Her golden hair is growing rapidly, and to pass the time, she watches the snow fall and sings songs from her childhood, hoping someone, anyone, will hear her.

Wyatt needs time to reflect or, better yet, forget about what happened to his best friend, Tyler. That’s why he’s been shipped off to the Adirondacks in the dead of winter to live with the oldest lady in town. Either that, or no one he knows ever wants to see him again.

Dani disappeared seventeen years ago without a trace, but she left behind a journal that’s never been read, not even by her overbearing mother…until now.

A #1 New York Times bestselling author, Alex Flinn knows her fairy tales, and Towering is her most mind-bending interpretation yet. Dark and mysterious, this reimagining of Rapunzel will have readers on the edge of their seats wondering where Alex will take them next!

My Thoughts

I am always so excited when I see another fairy tale retelling, and Rapunzel is one of my favorite fairy tales so I had to read this one! It didn't really work for me as well as I was hoping, but keeping in mind it's supposed to be a fairy tale, I let some things slide. I thought that the general story was really interesting and I liked where the author went with it, but things such as insta-love and conveniences really put me off, as much as I tried not to let them.

I will start with Wyatt since I think of him as the main character really, though Rachel is too. He was sent to a town in the middle of nowhere to live with an old woman that his mother knows. He went through a lot back home, so getting away from it all seems like a great idea. Except he hears a voice that no one else can, and then he finds Rachel locked in a tower. Well, that is after she saves him from drowning. He is instantly in love of course and they can't stand to be away from each other. I do applaud his determination to do what he must to solve the mystery, which he does pretty quickly. He is also sweet and charming and says and does all the right things to make Rachel melt. (I wouldn't think it would be hard since he's the first boy she's met) He shows that he is brave and selfless, unlike that way he felt when he got there. I really did like him. He was a great character.

Rachel was naive, but it's not her fault since she's been isolated her entire life. She falls for Wyatt immediately, and she knows that he was sent to her for some purpose. She also knows that she is supposed to do something big. She has a great purpose in life, and with Wyatt's help she figures out what it is. I never felt a connection to her, but I think it's meant to be that way. She is so distant from real life and doesn't know common and basic things.

The romance was sweet, but it was still insta love and not very convincing. I know that there's this whole thing where they are supposed to be together and whatever, but seriously, after the second time they see each other they are telling each other they love the other. I believe that they feel strongly for one another, but love? Not so much. Putting that aside though, I really did enjoy their time together. Wyatt was really sweet to her, explaining things and telling her stories. I had to keep telling myself that it's a fairy tale, it's supposed to be a whirl wind romance and all that jazz.

Overall, I just wasn't feeling it. The plot itself was good, but I think that I could have done without a lot of the seemingly unnecessary scenes. I know a lot of the small things add up to things in the end, but so much of it felt drawn out and I almost wanted to skim over it to get to the real story. I thought that this would be a little darker than it was too, but nothing was really surprising or overly dark and dramatic. I think that I just went into this thinking about it all wrong, and would have enjoyed it more if I had not had any expectations at all.