Confessions of a Bookaholic

Review: Destiny's Fire by Trisha Wolfe

noreply@blogger.com (Jessica) — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 15:00:00 +0000

Destiny's Fire by Trisha Wolfe
Omnific Publishing (January 10th, 2012)
Paperback: 159 pages
Reading Level: Young Adult
Source: Author/Publisher
Rating: 5 of 5 stars

It’s the year 2040, and sixteen-year-old Dez Harkly is one of the last of her kind—part of a nearly extinct race of shape-shifters descended from guardians to the Egyptian pharaohs. Her home and her secret are threatened when the Council lowers the barrier, allowing the enemy race to enter the Shythe haven.

As the Narcolym airships approach, Dez and her friends rebel against their Council and secretly train for battle. Not only is Dez wary of war and her growing affection for her best friend Jace, but she fears the change her birthday will bring. When Dez’s newfound power rockets out of control, it’s a Narcolym who could change her fate… if she can trust him.

Dez’s guarded world crumbles when she discovers why the Narcos have really come to Haven Falls, and she's forced to choose between the race who raised her and the enemy she's feared her whole life.

Review: I must say that I honestly didn't know what to expect when I started reading this book. I knew I loved Trisha's writing from what I read in her short story Unveiled, but this was my first time reading a steampunk novel. But as soon as I started reading, all my worries flew away. Destiny's Fire grabbed me on page 1. Literally, and if you've read the book, you know why! Immediately in the story we meet Dez and the triplets - Jace, Lana, and Nick. We learn about their world in 2040 where the Narcolym are coming to start mingling with the Shythe. No one really likes this idea, especially Jace. Dez and the triplets train for a battle they feel will be inevitable.

As I mentioned, steampunk is new to me and I thought I would be completely confused by the terms. I should have factored in Trisha's fabulousness. She made it exciting! She completely described this foreign world to me in a way that helped me truly visualize it. It all made sense!

Dez was incredible. She was such a strong character and she really cared about her friends. This is all tested when Reese, a Narcolym, pushes his way into the picture. Jace and Reese do not get along, at all! Due to all of this conflict, Jace finally stars showing his feelings for Dez and she tries to see what is stronger, her feelings for her best friend or her best friend's new enemy. Drama! Reese is more than he seems though, and he shows Dez a part of her past that she didn't know existed.

Jace or Reese, Jace or Reese. It's like picking cake or ice cream. Trisha created the type of love triangle I adore. I could see the pull for each guy and they both did have a downside. No one was perfect and between Jace's temper and Reese's secrets, I could see the conflict Dez had between them.

The plot and action Trisha created in this story was also an unexpected turn. There was a great back-story, a lot of manipulation, and a powerful Council that both races had to deal with. I felt like I was thrown headfirst into this intense battle and I loved every minute of it! Dealing with all the craziness really helped Dez grow as a person. It was as if she was 3 years older by the end of the book.

I was very satisfied with how everything wrapped up but I gotta have book 2 soon!! Who can resist reading more of a wonderful story with a sizzling romantic love triangle? Not me!

Destiny's Fire gave me a taste of something new and I'm hooked! I can't wait to read more from Trisha Wolfe and see where she takes these characters next.

Recommended: Paranormal/steampunk readers or anyone who wants a taste of steampunk. Also, anyone who just loves a lot of drama, action, and hotness.

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Cover Reveal: PODs by Michelle Pickett & Touch of Death by Kelly Hashway

noreply@blogger.com (Jessica) — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 05:43:00 +0000

PODS by Michelle Pickett

Publisher: Spencer Hill Press

Release Date: June 2013

Add it to Goodreads

Summary:

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.

Touch of Death by Kelly Hashway

Publisher: Spencer Hill Press

Release Date: June 2013

Add it to Goodreads

Summary:

Touch of Death

Jodi Marshall isn't sure how she went from normal teenager to walking disaster. One minute she's in her junior year of high school, spending time with her amazing boyfriend and her best friend. The next she's being stalked by some guy no one seems to know.

After the stranger, Alex, reveals himself, Jodi learns he's not a normal teenager and neither is she. With a kiss that kills and a touch that brings the dead back to life, Jodi discovers she's part of a branch of necromancers born under the 13th sign of the zodiac, Ophiuchus. A branch of necromancers that are descendents of Medusa. A branch of necromancers with poisoned blood writhing in their veins.

Jodi's deadly to the living and even more deadly to the deceased. She has to leave her old, normal life behind before she hurts the people she loves. As if that isn't difficult enough, Jodi discovers she's the chosen one who has to save the rest of her kind from perishing at the hands of Hades. If she can't figure out how to control her power, history will repeat itself, and her race will become extinct.

Both of these titles sound so good! I'm really interested in PODs especially. Both covers are very cool. What do you guys think?

Review: Cross My Heart by Katie Klein

noreply@blogger.com (Jessica) — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 14:00:00 +0000

Cross My Heart by Katie Klein
Published: March 15th, 2011
Ebook: 225 pages
Source: Purchased
Rating: 5 of 5 stars

True love can blossom in unexpected places. This is Jaden pretending not to notice. . . .

Jaden McEntyre and Parker Whalen are a wrong fit from the start. Jaden is driven and focused, Harvard Med School within reach. Parker has a past-a reputation-and the rumors about his mysterious habits abound. So there's no reason why, when they're assigned to work together on a project in English, they should discover they have anything in common, or even like each other, and they definitely shouldn't be falling in love.

As they bond over Edith Wharton's tragic novella, Ethan Frome, the "bad boy" vibe Parker plays begins to dissipate. Soon, Jaden finds herself shedding her own "good girl" image: sneaking around to be with him, confiding in him, and ultimately falling hard for this leather-wearing, motorcycle-driving loner who plays into the rebel stereotype.

Still, Jaden can't shake the feeling that there's more to Parker than he's letting on. He's hiding something from her, and discovering the truth means reconciling the Parker she's grown to love with the person he really is. Because it's possible that his life inside the classroom-everything Jaden knows-is one, massive lie.

Review: This book simply blew me away! That's probably why it was featured in so many of my Top 10 of 2011 posts. It is incredible, brilliant, intense, shocking, and all other appraising words you can throw at it. I simply went browsing amazon one day and bumped into it. I was looking for a light, cute read. I got so much more than I bargained for.

Cross My Heart is from Jaden's point of view. Jaden is an amazing student. She has her sights set on Harvard and nothing can break her focus, until Parker comes along. Parker is quiet and already has a bad reputation. There are rumors swirling about his past and his current activities. Then, to Jaden's horror, she gets paired with him for an assignment. Jaden just wants to push through and get it over with. She is a bit blown away when Parker seems to care about his grade and is much more intelligent than he first seemed.

Slowly throughout the novel Parker's walls come down. He talks more with Jaden and helps her realize a lot about herself. Even though Jaden has the "perfect" boyfriend and everything in a nice place in her life, Parker helps her see the flaws in being perfect. In turn, Jaden helps Parker see kindness. Someone now cares for him and looks past the outside image.

They are the perfect-dysfunctional pair. Jaden was hilarious. Her interactions with Parker could not have been portrayed any better than they were. They didn't have "insta-love" or a relationship that was fake or forced. They slowly built a connection that grew into affection and, later, into love.

But love isn't the only factor in this book. There is a twist I wouldn't have seen coming if I had 10,000 chances to guess it. I'm not sure if a book has ever shocked me as much as this one.

I think I've only shared quotes from a book a few times in my reviews but I need to for this one!

Prepare to swoon....
(Sets scene) Parker is on Jaden's roof with a notebook in his hands.

“He turns another page, and I read:

I'M NOT ETHAN. . .
. . .AND I'M NOT GOING TO GIVE UP. . .
. . .UNTIL I CAN PROVE TO YOU. . .
. . .THAT YOU ARE THE ONLY THING THAT MATTERS.

He flips to the next page.

SO KEEP SENDING ME AWAY. . .
. . .BUT I'LL JUST KEEP COMING BACK TO YOU.
AGAIN. . .

He flips to the next page.

. . .AND AGAIN. . .

And the next:

. . .AND AGAIN.

Goose bumps rise to the surface of my skin. I shiver, hugging myself tightly.

AND IF YOU CAN EVER FIND IT IN YOUR ❤ TO FORGIVE ME. . .
. . .I WILL DO EVERYTHING IT TAKES TO MAKE IT UP TO YOU. . .

He closes the notebook and tosses it beside him. It lands on the roof with a dull thwack. Then, lifting his index finger, he draws an X across his chest.

Cross my heart.”

Ahhhh! For more quotes check out this page on Goodreads. But could anything be better than a guy doing that for you? FOR REAL! Reading this just makes me want to re-read the book! Do you ever read a book and then want to erase it from your mind so you can read it again without knowing what happens?? Am I the only crazy person who does that? It's rare, but it happened to me with this book. If I could tell people about 1 book from last year that was the most unexpected for me, it would be this book. Katie Klein's writing is not just incredible, but she was able to bring characters to life. I honestly cannot praise this book enough (as you can tell from this review).

Did I mention that Cross My Heart is only $3.99 on amazon!

Recommended: If you like a good romance at all, you have to get this book! Or, if you want something that will really shock you!

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Interview & Giveaway: The Edumacation of Jay Baker by Jay Clark

noreply@blogger.com (Jessica) — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 16:00:00 +0000

Today I have the tremendously talented, GOAT (greatest of all time), superhero of writing (he made me say these things!), Jay Clark!

But seriously folks, Jay is probably one of the funniest people I've ever emailed to and he really knows how to perk up an interview. You'll want to read this one, I promise!

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Bookaholic: "Can you share with us a few words you would use to describe each main character in The Edumacation of Jay Baker?"

Jay: "Jay Baker: Snarky-but-lovable man-boy whose heart is usually in the right place at the wrong time.

Cameo Appearance Parnell: Beautiful disaster who’d rather keep things fresh-‘n-flirty than drab-‘n-Debbie-Downerish.

Caroline Richardson: Mysterious, super-focused tennis goddess whose past is about to play mind games with her.

Abby Baker: Frighteningly popular homecoming queen who’d take a bad outfit to the chest for her brother, Jay.

Ms. Lambert: Earth-motherly, heavy-meddling history teacher whose bark is bigger than her “Bite me.”

Mike Hibbard: Half-teen/half-barn-animal (?) with a surplus of “Bullying for Dummies” put-downs to mask self-esteem shortage. "

Bookaholic: "How much of this book is based upon your own experiences?"

Jay: "I thieved quite a bit of the plot from my very own walk-in skeleton closet. A few guilty bystanders will have a bone to pick with me, but I’ll be sure to write them all an apology email from my computer in hell. P.S. This makes me seem like I’m too lazy to reinvent the literary wheel, and that would be accurate. Lately, however, I’ve been thinking of writing about a magical land where a bespectacled orphan becomes a wizard and … $%#!, that’s already been done, hasn’t it?"

Bookaholic: "Do you think hell has free wi-fi? And, could you provide an example of the individuals you may enrage or offend with your book (names can be changed to protect the guilty)."

Jay: "Hell hath no fury like me if it doesn’t! No, I’m gonna go out on a limb and say Sa-to-the-tan has kept up with the technological times. How else would #cometosatanbaby be trending on Twitter right now? Weird, my index finger just burned up in flames."

Well, okay: The character Rene Rotrovich’s nickname, “Rene Rottencrotch,” was inspired by an old friend who was called that particular surname all throughout school. Not that I ever said it myself, or even thought she had a rotten crotch (yet to be proven in court, I might add). I just thought it captured the vibe of my class to perfection and had to include it." *Ducks*

Bookaholic: Tell us 5 funny facts/events from your life.

Jay: "Dude, I tried out for American Idol. Twice. The first time I sang “Your Song” and Elton John called to ask for it back. The second time I sang “Flake” and very nearly made it my own. But then the bored-looking prelim judge asked me to sing something else, and I was like, “Huh?” I bombed that one like there was no tomorrow."

Bookaholic: "So apparently you do NOT work well under pressure huh? Go ahead, sing for us, right now!" *sits back in her chair, sipping on her Coke*.

(Photo: Close..but not Jay)

Jay: "I always accuse my sister of being a choker during board games and flip-cup and such, but maybe it’s been me all along. Nothing like a little healthy projection to give oneself a false sense of confidence. Anyway, sis and I do a great rendition of “Summer Nights,” from Grease. It gets kind of weird when I sing, “Well, she got friendly, down in the sa-ha-haaand,” and then bend my knees like John Travolta, but there’s something to be admired about that kind of commitment—just not sure what it is.

(Photo: Again, totally not Jay)

I’m a longtime basement dweller who’s basically lived underground since graduating college. In other words, tornadoes haven’t stood a chance since ’05 (booyah). Besides, who needs fresh air when you have Glade PlugIns and a decent supply of snacks?"

Bookaholic: "That depends. What sort of snacks? Are we talking chocolate?"

Jay: "Chocolate schmocolate. I discovered this great vanilla yogurt/raspberry sorbet combo made by Haagen-Dazs (had to look up that spelling and didn’t feel like adding the accent mark) a few months ago and have been killing pint after pint ever since. It’s annoying when I have to go upstairs to get it from the freezer, though. I need a little ice box or something. And an unlikely endorsement deal, because that crap’s expensive!"

Barf alert: I was born with simple syndactyly of the second and third toes, on both feet. I had a complex about it—cue: groans—until seventh grade, when a podiatrist took a scalpel and…why am I talking about this? My fiancé tries to touch the scars sometimes, which I am not a fan of. She’s welcome to go to town on my corpse, though."

Bookaholic: EEK *runs away hiding eyes* I am not a foot fan.

Jay: "Everyone’s a critic!

I come from a family of gamblers. None of us know when to hold ’em, fold ’em, or walk away, but we have a blast in Vegas every year—not to mention our drinks are totally free!"

Bookaholic: *slowly re-enters the room* "Okay okay, so are you any good when you gamble? Or, do you end up broke on the street begging for change?"

Jay: "Lady luck and I have our intimate moments, for sure. She can also be a real wildebeest—especially when her hormones kick in and start blanking out the slot machine. Not that I don’t deserve it."

I have a drinking problem that starts and ends with Mountain Dew. I’m intentionally trying to lower my sperm count, because I hate children.

Bookaholic: Yumm, Mountain Dew is my favorite pop! But seriously, you hate children? How is that possible? Don’t you want a little mini-you someday?

Jay: "When you put it that way, how can I resist?! I do think kids would help round me out and make me less inclined to worry about dumb crap, but the fact that I just typed “me” twice is a bad sign."

(Photo: Jay's future child)

Bookaholic: "If you were a superhero, what superpower would you have?"

Jay: "Introducing Paranoia Man! Paranoia Man is all anxiety, all the time, and one-hundred-percent evil. In fact, his sole purpose on Planet Earth is to transfer his nervous energy to the far-more-rational beings who walk among him. Beware the plethora of panic attacks at his disposal, and no matter what he says, don’t accept anything from his prescription bottle. Otherwise, you may find yourself asking the following questions to no one in particular:

Why hasn’t this person responded to my email yet?!
Is my dog mad at me, or what?!
Wow, the Starbucks barista is being hella-weird today, am I right?!"

Bookaholic: "Haha, that’s funny. But why are you staring at me like that? Do I have something on my shirt? OMG, you think I’m a horrible interviewer, don’t you??"

Jay: "It’s working! I’m feeling calmer already."

Bookaholic: "What are some of the major differences between the writer Jay, and the character Jay?"

Jay: "They laugh alike, they talk alike, sometimes they even have IBS alike. Differences? As much as it pains my fragile male ego to admit, I think Jay Baker has more of a way with the ladies than Jay Clark. He’s a baller in sheep’s clothing. I mean, Jay Clark is obviously better-looking, but in high school he couldn’t get the pole out of his b-hole long enough to let his freak-flag fly. Jay Baker is more of a come-what-whatever risk-taker, and that’s why he has his own book while Jay Clark remains chopped liver. "

(Photo: Could be Jay. I'll have to ask.)

Bookaholic: "Okay, here is a test. I want you to tell us some pick-up lines. Tell us one YOU would have used during your pick-up-line days (before you got old and settled down)...and then one from the character Jay (the youthful risk-taker).

Jay Clark: “Hey…you. Wanna come over to my house after school so I can make you some toast with my grandma’s strawberry jam on it?” (This actually happened and, shocker, was not followed by a hookup session.)

Jay Baker: “You have a thing for my man-bangs, don’t you?” *Points to hair* “’Cause there’s a lot more where that came from.”

Bookaholic: "I'm even more shocked that you have a fiancé! Now, tell us 3 things you wish you could go back to high school and do?"

Jay: "I say this without an ounce of sarcasm: Seek out my future fiancé, Caroline. I started shedding a lot of my unnecessary habits when I found her. Good stuff.
Spend even more time with my family. It’s a shame the measures people take to avoid their relatives, but maybe I’d feel differently if I had <insert your psycho-sibling here> snipping off locks of my hair in the middle of the night.

Tie myself to a tree until they build some freaking tennis courts on school grounds. That’s kind of an oxymoronic way of going about it, but the tree and I will cross that bridge when we come to it—unless we need to actually build a small bridge to the tennis courts, in which case I’ll turn to the tree and say, “Nice knowing you, sucker!”

Bookaholic: "You were wilder in college, right? Did you do anything insane then?"

Jay: "Not really…I’ve pretty much always been a snoozefest."

Bookaholic: *Yawns* "Since you are just a sweet, innocent, unaware-of-all-the-bad debut author, what scares you the most about the writing world? Be honest, are you most afraid of us angelic bloggers?" *whips out her halo*

Jay: "People on the internet are terrifying, yes. Especially bloggers hiding their true identities behind wide-eyed avatars or extreme close-up pics of their cat/dog (maybe I should double-check your website before mentioning that). But, really, it’s hard for me to complain. If someone’s taken the time to read my book, then they can say “He blew it!” all over the internets till the cows come home. Then they can go blow a cow, for all I care. Kidding! I blame this horrible answer on your question."

Bookaholic: "HEY, my avatar is offended by your comment. She does not have wide eyes! Okay...maybe she does."

Thank you Jay for being on my blog and for sharing such fascinating details of your crazy life. You are so much fun (I know, I can't believe I said that either!)."

The Edumacation of Jay Baker by Jay Clark
Publisher: Henry Holt & Co. (January 24th, 2011)
Reading Level: Young Adult
Hardback: 272 pages

A few “sexy” bullet points about Jay: • He is in love with a cheerleader named Cameo “Appearance” Parnell • He is forever losing “Love-15” to tennis-playing goddess Caroline Richardson • He rocks a touché array of pop-culture references, jokes, and puns • His family-life cookie is about to crumble. Live vicariously through Jay as he faces off against his mortal enemy, gets awkward around his dream girl(s), loses his marbles in a Bermudian love triangle, watches his parents’ relationship implode, and, finally, learns to get real and be himself(ish).

Prize:

1 winner will receive an ARC of The Edumacation of Jay Baker.

Rules:

You must be at least 13 to enter.
Name and email must be provided.
Extra entries are possible and links must be provided.
Contest is US only and ends February 10th.
Once contacted, the winner will have 48 hours to respond.
The form must be filled out to enter.

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

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Tour: Author Interview: Forbidden by Megan Curd

noreply@blogger.com (Jessica) — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 06:00:00 +0000

1. I gotta say, the first thing that grabbed my attention about this book was it's amazing cover. Did you play a part in the design, and what did you think when you saw the finished product?

Oh my gosh, I love my cover, not to toot my horn, lol. The amazing Neil Noah made it! I heard of him through my two good friends and fellow authors, Elizabeth Isaacs and Hope Collier, who both had worked with him in the past for their covers. I design book covers for others, but I knew I’d never be satisfied with something I created, so I had to outsource. I sent Neil a couple designs I’d played with, and then he worked his magic. The cover was one of two covers he sent me. I fell in love with the cover the minute I saw it. We tweaked some things, of course, but oh man, he nailed the cover. I was so excited! I hope people like it as much as I do.

2. Can you tell us a little about Levi's personality?

Levi was fun to write, but at the same time, he was hard. It’s tough to write from a guy’s POV when you’re female, haha! Moreso, I wanted to think like he would, were I in his shoes. Can you imagine how hard it would be to know that you were damned, but you still held hope to maybe someday get away from the problems you’ve caused yourself? Can you imagine trying to guard people and make sure they were safe, when you knew they may end up like you if the wrong choices were made? He’s so torn – he doesn’t want to break any more rules, but he wants to know Hannah more. She makes him feel things, but he doesn’t know why. He’s cautious, but reckless at the same time. He’s a little irreverent, but he lets Ethan take care of most of the trouble making. I really like Levi. He’s hard to read, and it’s part of the reason I had to ask my brother and husband what a guy would think in certain situations! Overall, he’s just trying to figure out what to do. He’s sixteen and a guy. Really? Of course he makes no sense haha. 

3. What is one of the things that makes Hannah unique to Levi?

No Call that Levi’s ever had was able to make him feel. He’s never felt the need to get near a human. Hannah, for some reason, changes that. He’s curious, and he can’t help but get near her. That’s what sets it all off…you know what they say, “Curiousity killed the cat.” We’ll see if it turns out all right for Levi! 

4. Do you have a favorite excerpt or line that you could share with us?

I loved writing Ethan, he’s so snarky and tries so hard to be this rude guy, when I think deep down he’s alright. I guess we’ll see. Anyway, here’s a little excerpt from one of his scenes. 

I smirked at Ethan as he jumped and dodged me like I had leprosy. “You know, they’re not contagious.”

“Easy for you to say. You’ve already let that human touch you.”

Hannah sighed. “I have a name, you know.”

Ethan laughed. “Yup, and it’s Bag ‘O Bones to me. You’re human. You live, you die. Well, you were supposed to have already died, but Rambo here decided to tempt fate. You know what? I’ll just call you Bob for short. How’s that?”

5. What tends to be the most difficult part of the writing process for you?

Finding the time! My 5 month old son takes up quite a bit of time, so the writing is a bit slower now. I wouldn’t trade it for the world, but if I would have known the lack of time I’d have, I probably would have written 5 or 6 novels before I had him! Haha. 

Forbidden by Megan Curd
Kindle Edition: 270 pages
Published: October 22nd, 2011
Reading Level: Young Adult
Series: The Guardian Chronicles #1

Levi's job is to protect his human until it's their time to go. That's what a Guard does. He's done it for years on end, and he'll spend his eternity doing the same, mundane thing, following the same, mundane rules.

...Watch from afar.
...Never share your name.
...And above all, never touch a human.

What Levi doesn't know is that his newest human to protect, Hannah, just might be the catalyst to tipping the scales between good and evil, and he will be forced to decide which side he belongs to. Which friends will he side with, and who will he ultimately protect: his human, or the delicate balance that hangs on stopping the heartbeat of the person he has sworn to protect?

And, when you're already condemned, what's there to lose by breaking the rules?

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Giveaway: Fallen in Love by Lauren Kate (5 winners!)

noreply@blogger.com (Jessica) — Tue, 24 Jan 2012 22:52:00 +0000

Fallen in Love (Fallen #3.5) by Lauren Kate was released today! If you are a fan of the series, you have to read this book. To celebrate this release, and to share the love since Valentine's day is coming up in a few weeks, Random House has offered up 5 copies (ARCs) of the book for some lucky readers!

Fallen in Love by Lauren Kate
Publisher: Delacorte Books for Young Readers (January 24th, 2012)
Reading Level: Young Adult
Hardback: 201 pages
Series: Fallen #3.5

Unexpected. Unrequited. Forbidden. Eternal. Everyone has their own love story.

And in a twist of fate, four extraordinary love stories combine over the course of a romantic Valentine's Day in Medieval England. Miles and Shelby find love where they least expect it. Roland learns a painful lesson about finding-and losing love. Arianne pays the price for a love so fierce it burns. And for the first -and last- time, Daniel and Luce will spend a night together like none other.

Lauren Kate's FALLEN IN LOVE is filled with love stories . . . the ones everyone has been waiting for.

True love never says goodbye . . .

Prize:

5 winners will receive an ARC of Fallen in Love by Lauren Kate.

Rules:

You must be at least 13 to enter.
Name and email must be provided.
Extra entries are possible and links must be provided.
Contest is US only and ends February 9th.
Once contacted, the winner will have 48 hours to respond.
The form must be filled out to enter.

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

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Extra entry for commenting. Have you read the series or is it on your to-read list? If you've read them what do you think about the books?

Interview & Giveaway: Try Not to Breathe by Jennifer R. Hubbard

noreply@blogger.com (Jessica) — Tue, 24 Jan 2012 18:18:00 +0000

Jennifer R. Hubbard is here today to talk a little about her newest book Try Not to Breathe. It was just released last week and I can't wait to get my hands on it!

Fill out the form below to be entered for some swag!

1. Try Not to Breathe had a cover makeover. Can you tell us a little about the process and what your reactions have been as you've seen the old and new covers?

The original cover, which appeared on the ARC, captured several of the book's symbols: rain, glass, waterfall. It was also a beautiful cover, pale blue with that dreamy quality. The cover that is going on the hardback is bolder, edgier, perhaps more modern-looking: it's a closeup of two faces.

Authors generally don't have input into their covers, and I didn't have any say over either image. What the design team is aiming for is a cover that will make people look at the book and pick it up. I'm not a visual artist nor a designer, so I don't really know what will accomplish that. I only hope that people like what's inside!

Because the change was made fairly late in the design process, I had bookmarks made with the original cover, and I have bookmarks with the new cover. I'm happy to provide both to people who request them!

2. Did your writing strategy or style change as you prepared to write this novel -- as compared to when you wrote The Secret Year?

I was toying with the idea of writing a verse novel when I started Try Not to Breathe. The beginning of the first draft was a mix of verse and cut-line prose and prose poems, very different from the first draft of The Secret Year. I quickly turned this book into traditional prose, but (I hope) something poetic about the language remains.

3. Can you tell us 5 words you would use to describe each character -- Ryan and Nicki?

Ryan: thoughtful, cautious, loyal, intelligent, self-protective

Nicki: sympathetic, free-spirited, adventurous, assertive, curious

4. What is the biggest lesson you have learned as an author?

That's a very difficult question. Probably, I would say that the writing itself is still its own reward. Writing brings us many side benefits, and communicating with others through novels is a wonderful experience. But there's so much we can't control, so much that's a matter of chance, about what happens to a piece of writing when it goes out into the world. The writing itself is the starting point and the central act, and it's a beautiful thing to do no matter what else happens afterward.

Try Not to Breathe by Jennifer R. Hubbard

Publisher: Viking (January 19th, 2012)

Reading Level: Young Adult

Hardback: 272 pages

A dark and provocative novel from the author of The Secret Year

Ryan spends most of his time alone at the local waterfall because it’s the only thing that makes him feel alive. He’s sixteen, post-suicidal, and trying to figure out what to do with himself after a stint in a mental hospital. Then Nicki barges into his world, brimming with life and energy, and asking questions about Ryan’s depression that no one else has ever been brave enough—or cared enough—to ask. Ryan isn’t sure why he trusts Nicki with his darkest secrets, but that trust turns out to be the catalyst that he desperately needs to start living again.

Prize:

5 winners will receive a Try Not to Breathe bookmark.

Rules:

You must be at least 13 to enter.
Name and email must be provided.
Extra entries are possible and links must be provided.
Contest is US/CA and ends February 7th.
Once contacted, the winner will have 48 hours to respond.
The form must be filled out to enter.

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

Website | Goodreads | Twitter | Blog

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | The Book Depository

Going Into the Wild: Exploring New YA (January 16th-31st)

noreply@blogger.com (Jessica) — Tue, 24 Jan 2012 00:00:00 +0000

Stolen Away by Alyxandra Harvey (Walker Childrens 1/17/2012)

The Asylum (The Vampire Diaries: Stefan's Diaries #5) by L.J. Smith (HarperCollins 1/17/2012)

Hallowed (Unearthly #2) by Cynthia Hand (HarperCollins 1/17/2012)

Truth (XVI #2) by Julia Karr (Speak 1/19/2012)

Try Not to Breathe by Jennifer R. Hubbard (Viking Juvenile 1/19/2012)

Havoc (Deviants #2) by Jeff Sampson (Balzer + Bray 1/24/2012)

Fallen in Love (Fallen #3.5) by Lauren Kate (Delacorte Press for Young Readers 1/24/2012)

Daughter of the Centaurs (Centauriad #1) by Kate Klimo (Random House Books for Young Readers 1/24/2012)

Forbidden by Syrie James & Ryan M. James (HarperTeen 1/24/2012)

The Way We Fall (The Way We Fall #1) by Megan Crewe (Disney 1/24/2012)

Drowning Instinct by Ilsa J. Bick (Lerner Publishing Group 1/28/2012

Destiny and Deception (13 to Life #4) by Shannon Delany (St. Martin's Griffin 1/31/2012)

Lenobia's Vow (House of NightNovellas #2) by P.C. and Kristin Cast (St. Martin's Griffin 1/31/2012)

Wings of the Wicked (Angelfire #2) by Courtney Allison Moulton (Katherine Tegen Books 1/31/2012)

Fracture by Megan Miranda (Walker & Company 1/17/2012)

Halflings (Halflings #1) by Heather Burch (Zonderkidz 1/17/2012)

Tempest (Tempest #1) by Julie Cross (St. Martin's Griffin 1/17/2012)

Never Eighteen by Megan Bostic (HMH Children's Books 1/17/2012)

Everneath (Everneath #1) by Brodi Ashton (Balzer + Bray 1/24/2012)

Incarnate (Newsoul #1) by Jodi Meadows (HarperCollins 1/31/2012)

Article 5 (Article 5 #1) by Kristen Simmons (Tor Teen 1/31/2012)

New Girl by Paige Harbison (Harlequin Teen 1/31/2012)

What books are you most excited to read?

If you know of any other new releases for January 16th-31st feel free to add them in the comments so others will know about them!

Tour Review: Forbidden by Syrie James & Ryan M. James

noreply@blogger.com (Jessica) — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 06:19:00 +0000

Forbidden by Syrie James & Ryan M. James
Publisher: HarperTeen (January 24th, 2012)
Paperback: 411 pages
Reading Level: Young Adult
Source: Author/Publisher
Rating: 4 of 5 stars

She should not exist.

He should not love her.

Claire Brennan has been attending Emerson Academy for two years now (the longest she and her mom have remained anywhere) and she’s desperate to stay put for the rest of high school. So there’s no way she’s going to tell her mom about the psychic visions she’s been having or the creepy warnings that she’s in danger.

Alec MacKenzie is fed up with his duties to watch and, when necessary, eliminate the descendants of his angelic forefathers. He chose Emerson as the ideal hiding place where he could be normal for once. He hadn’t factored Claire into his plans. . . .

Their love is forbidden, going against everything Alec has been taught to believe. But when the reason behind Claire’s unusual powers is revealed and the threat to her life becomes clear, how far will Alec go to protect her?

Review: Forbidden was another really good angel novel for me. I felt that this book was very character-driven and the characters were outstanding, but I'll get to that in a bit. First, the main idea behind Forbidden is that Claire and her mom have been "on the run" for years but Claire doesn't know why. She figures it's just something her mom likes to do. Now, they have been in the same place for a while and Claire has settled in at Emerson Academy. It's a terrific school where she is able to have a great learning environment and has met some fantastic friends.

Alec has gone AWOL. He has spent years and years doing the duties he has been told to do, and with that, he has experienced very little life along the way. He just wants to get away from it all and he finds himself enrolling in Emerson Academy. On his first day he meets Claire and her friends Brian and Erica.

Once Claire and Alec meet, their friendship takes off. Their love isn't really immediate (which was great) and they build a nice foundation together. But then Claire notices a few things about Alec that don't seem right. And, during this time, Alec finds out something he didn't really expect about Claire.

The characters really made this story for me. To be honest, we've all seen this type of plot a few times; however, Claire, Alec, Brian, and Erica really gave it a nice boost. Claire is smart and she didn't do things in the book that had me screaming at the pages in frustration. You all know you've done it before! She didn't keep secrets and she proved to be a pretty strong person in the end. I also connected with Alec and really felt bad for him and his situation. He was an easy character to enjoy. Then, Erica and Brian were so fun and supportive. I think most people would love to have friends like them.

There were a few things I didn't like as much. First, there are a few too many coincidences in this story. Pieces fell together too easily sometimes. Also, Erica and Brian were a bit too accepting of the weird things going on around them. I wasn't sure if it was because they were young and would accept anything, or if they were really able to understand what was going on with Claire at all. Either way, I was very happy that they were there for her and I did get a feeling that they would do whatever she needed.

Overall, I really enjoyed Forbidden. Even though I'm always a bit reluctant to tackle angel stories, this one exceeded my expectations. I loved Syrie and Ryan's writing. Forbidden is told from alternating POVs so it was nice to see the story from both characters. They made the story fun by putting in a lot of humor and twists throughout. I will absolutely read something by them again and I can't wait to see what happens next with this series.

Recommended: For paranormal lovers or anyone wanting a nice read with some fun characters.

Syrie (Website) | Ryan (Website) | Syrie (Goodreads) | Ryan (Goodreads)

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | The Book Depository

In My Mailbox (87)

noreply@blogger.com (Jessica) — Sun, 22 Jan 2012 18:47:00 +0000

This week was an amazingggg book week! I got 2 huge packages from HarperTeen, and books from Scholastic, Penguin, Spencer Hill Press (Thanks Kate!), Tor, St. Martin's, and a surprise from Jordan Deen!

Review
Wanted (ARC) by Heidi Ayarbr
Dreamless (ARC) by Josephine Angelini (!!!!!)
Darkness Before Dawn (ARC) by L.A. London
Hemlock (ARC) by Kathleen Peacock
Until I Die (ARC) by Amy Plum
The Lost Code (ARC) by Kevin Emerson
Sweet Evil (ARC) by Wendy Higgins
Destined (ARC) by Aprilynne Pike
Vesper by Jeff Sampson
Havoc by Jeff Sampson
Anna Dressed in Blood by Kendare Blake
Lenobia's Vow by P.C. and Kristin Cast
A Confusion of Princes (ARC) by Garth Nix
Never Fall Down (ARC) by Patricia McCormick
All the Right Stuff (ARC) by Walter Dean Myers
Fall From Grace (ARC) by Charles Benoit
Trafficked (ARC) by Kim Purcell
Perception (ARC) by Kim Harrington
Minder (SIGNED) by Kate Kaynak
Half Moon (SIGNED) by Jordan Deen

Purchased
The Fault in Our Stars (SIGNED) by John Green

What did you get in your mailbox this week?

*IMM is a weekly meme hosted by Kristi at The Story Siren

and it was inspired by Alea at Pop Culture Junkie.

Help and Support for a Fellow Blogger

noreply@blogger.com (Jessica) — Sun, 22 Jan 2012 01:08:00 +0000

A wonderful member of the book blogging community suffered a horrible loss last night when her house was destroyed by a fire. A second fire started today and caused even more damage. Yara, from Once Upon a Twilight, is one of the sweetest bloggers I know of. Her blog was one of the first I followed and I've seen nothing but kindness from her ever since.

TwilightMoms has posted a way that people can help out Yara and her family. They have a donate button through Paypal and every cent will go towards helping out the family.

CLICK HERE TO DONATE

If you don't have the money to donate, please just keep Yara, her husband and kids in your thoughts and prayers as they go through this difficult time.

Photo from Montgomery County Police Reporter

Giveaway: To Kill a Mockingbird Blu-ray

noreply@blogger.com (Jessica) — Sat, 21 Jan 2012 14:00:00 +0000

Oscar^® Winner Gregory Peck Gives the Performance of His Career in the Timeless Classic Available on Blu-ray™

for the First Time

TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD

50^TH ANNIVERSARY EDITION

Digitally Remastered and Fully Restored with Over Three Hours of Bonus Materials Including Two FullLength Documentaries

On Limited Edition Collector’s Series Blu-ray™ Combo Pack,

Blu-ray™ Combo Pack and DVD

Available January 31, 2012

To Kill a Mockingbird, one of the screen’s most beloved and critically acclaimed films, celebrates its 50^th anniversary with a commemorative Limited Edition Collector’s Series Blu-ray™ Combo Pack as well as on Blu-ray™ Combo Pack and DVD from Universal Studios Home Entertainment on January 31, 2012. The powerful and poignant adaptation of Harper Lee’s Pulitzer Prize-winning novel hits the half-century mark, digitally remastered and fully restored from high resolution 35MM original film elements, plus more than three-and-a-half hours of bonus features chronicling the making of the cinematic masterpiece.

The Limited Edition Collector’s Series Combo Pack of To Kill a Mockingbird: 50^th Anniversary Edition will include a Blu-ray, DVD and Digital Copy of the film, packaged in a hardcover book featuring exclusive movie memorabilia including script pages with Gregory Peck’s handwritten notes, storyboards, poster art and much more.

Released theatrically in 1962, To Kill a Mockingbird won instant accolades for its nuanced performances, splendidly crafted narrative and bold endorsement of racial tolerance, fairness and honor, a combination that still resonates with audiences today. It earned eight Academy Award^® nominations and three wins including a Best Actor statuette for Gregory Peck in one of his most iconic roles asthe principled Alabama lawyer Atticus Finch, Best Adapted Screenplay and Best Art Direction. The prestigious American Film Institute lists To Kill a Mockingbird as one of the 100 Greatest American Films and also names Atticus Finch as the No. 1 Film Hero of All Time. A timeless, enduring classic that remains as relevant and impactful today as it was at its release, To Kill a Mockingbird’’s appeal continues to span generations.

In honor of its centennial anniversary, Universal Pictures proudly salutes 100 years of unforgettable films that have entertained audiences and touched the hearts of millions around the globe. In celebration of our first 100 years, Universal Studios Home Entertainment is proud to present a selection of our many beloved movies as part of an extensive year-long program that underscores the studio's rich cinematic history and indelible cultural impact.

Click the link below to view the official trailer for the To Kill a Mockingbird 50^th Anniversary Edition Blu-ray™ release:

http://universal.wiredrive.com/r/p/?presentation=de63fe7c0c348f500d6a2a476a96a02d

Prize:

1 winner will receive a Blu-ray of To Kill a Mockingbird 50th anniversary edition.

Rules:

You must be at least 13 to enter.
Name and email must be provided.
Extra entries are possible and links must be provided.
Contest is US/CANADA only and ends February 4th.
Once contacted, the winner will have 48 hours to respond.
The form must be filled out to enter.

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

Thanks to ThinkJam and Fox Entertainment for making this giveaway possible.

Going Into the Wild: Exploring New YA (January 1st-15th)

noreply@blogger.com (Jessica) — Sat, 21 Jan 2012 02:00:00 +0000

Never to Sleep (Soul Screamers 5.5) by Rachel Vincent (Harlequin 1/1/2012)

Irises by Francisco X. Stork (Arthur a. Levine 1/1/2012)

The Statistical Probability of Love at First Sight by Jennifer E. Smith (Poppy 1/2/2012)

Darkness Falls (Immortal Beloved #2) by Cate Tiernan (Poppy 1/2/2012)

Unraveling Isobel by Eileen Cook (Simon Pulse 1/3/2012)

Bittersweet by Sarah Ockler (Simon Pulse 1/3/2012)

Bloodrose (Nightshade #3) by Andrea Cremer (Philomel 1/3/2012)

Don't Breathe a Word by Holly Cupala (HarperTeen 1/3/2012)

Pretty Little Liars: A Pretty Little Liars Collection (HarperCollins 1/3/2012)

Dreaming Awake (Falling Under #2) by Gwen Hayes (NAL Trade 1/3/2012)

Charmfall (Dark Elite #3) by Chloe Neill (NAL Trade 1/3/2012)

Dragonswood by Janey Lee Carey (Penguin Young Readers 1/5/2012)

Love? Maybe by Heather Hepler (Dial 1/5/2012)

The Fault in Our Stars by John Green (Dutton Juvenile 1/10/2012)

A Million Suns (Across the Universe #2) by Beth Revis (Razorbill 1/10/2012)

Jessica Rules the Dark Side (Jessica #2) by Beth Fantaskey (Harcourt Children's Books 1/10/2012)

Cracked by K.M. Walton (Simon Pulse 1/3/2012)

Under the Never Sky by Veronica Rossi (HarperCollins 1/3/2012)

The Alchemy of Forever by Avery Williams (Simon & Schuster 1/3/2012)

Cinder (Lunar Chronicles #1) by Marissa Meyer (Feiwel & Friends 1/3/2012)

Switched (Trylle Trilogy #1) by Amanda Hocking (St. Martin's Griffin 1/3/2012)

A Witch in Winter (Winter Trilogy #1) by Ruth Warburton (Hodder Children's Books 1/5/2012)

Destiny's Fire by Trisha Wolfe (Omnific Publishing 1/10/2012)

Ditched: A Love Story by Robin Mellom (Disney Hyperion 1/10/2012)

The Gathering Storm (The Katerina Trilogy #1) by Robin Bridges (Delacorte Books for Young Readers 1/10/2012)

What books are you most excited to read?

If you know of any other new releases for January 1st-15th feel free to add them in the comments so others will know about them!

Cover Reveal: Scavenger Hunt for Renegade by Jessica Souders

noreply@blogger.com (Jessica) — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 18:00:00 +0000

Today I am participating in a scavenger hunt for Renegade by Jessica Souders. A few bloggers will be revealing pieces of the cover today and you just have to collect the words from each blog to enter the contest (will be posted on Monday, along with the full cover!). So be sure to collect the words, unscramble the phrase, and enter the giveaway on Monday!

Puzzle Piece

Secret Word:

Go here to find all of the words

7 AM: Woven Strands

9 AM: Writer's Ally
10 am: The Oasis
11 am: Fire and Ice
1 pm: Confessions of a Bookaholic <--You are here

3 pm: Jessie Harrell-The Daily Harrell

For the final cover reveal, go here on Monday

Reading Teen

Books Complete Me

Mundie Moms

Simple Love of Reading

Stuck in Books

Bio: J.A. Souders was born in the heartland with an overactive imagination and an over abundance of curiosity that was always getting her into trouble. She first began writing at the age of 13, when she moved to Florida and not only befriended the monsters under the bed, but created worlds for them to play together.

Because she never grew up, she decided she’d put her imaginary friends to work and started writing. She still lives in the land of sunshine and palm trees with her husband and their two children and is an active member of the RWA, CFRW, YARWA and SCBWI.

She is represented by Natalie Lakosil of the Bradford Literary Agency. Her debut book, RENEGADE, surfaces Fall 2012 from Tor Teen.

Website | Blog | Twitter | Goodreads | Facebook

Giveaway: The Way We Fall by Megan Crewe

noreply@blogger.com (Jessica) — Thu, 19 Jan 2012 14:00:00 +0000

The Way We Fall by Megan
Publisher: Disney/Hyperion (January 24th, 2012)
Reading Level: Young Adult
Hardcover: 304 pages
Series: The Way We Fal1 #1

It starts with an itch you just can't shake. Then comes a fever and a tickle in your throat. A few days later, you'll be blabbing your secrets and chatting with strangers like they’re old friends. Three more, and the paranoid hallucinations kick in.
And then you're dead.
When a deadly virus begins to sweep through sixteen-year-old Kaelyn’s community, the government quarantines her island—no one can leave, and no one can come back.
Those still healthy must fight for dwindling supplies, or lose all chance of survival. As everything familiar comes crashing down, Kaelyn joins forces with a former rival and discovers a new love in the midst of heartbreak. When the virus starts to rob her of friends and family, she clings to the belief that there must be a way to save the people she holds dearest.
Because how will she go on if there isn't?

Prize:

2 winners will receive a copy of The Way We Fall by Megan Crewe.

Rules:

You must be at least 13 to enter.
Name and email must be provided.
Extra entries are possible and links must be provided.
Contest is US only and ends February 2nd.
Once contacted, the winner will have 48 hours to respond.
The form must be filled out to enter.

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

Website | Goodreads | Twitter | Facebook

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | The Book Depository

Thanks to Big Honcho Media/Disney for making this giveaway possible.

Tour: This or That List: Forbidden by Syrie James & Ryan M. James

noreply@blogger.com (Jessica) — Wed, 18 Jan 2012 07:00:00 +0000

This or That List for Claire

Claire is more or less a balance of each one of these extremes, which is why we love her.

Outgoing or Loner

She’s somewhat of a loner, as she has only two close friends; but over the course, she gains confidence and becomes more outgoing.

Lover or Fighter
Claire is both. She’s sensitive and affectionate, but she’ll stand up for herself and for anyone who matters to her.

Cautious or Adventurous

Like any good protagonist, she is more cautious in the beginning and becomes more adventurous as she embraces the challenges in front of her.

Life Full of Excitement or Life Full of Routine

Come on! Every great story begins with a character whose life is dull and routine, and escalates to a life full of excitement!

Dark and Mysterious or Funny and Outgoing

Why isn’t there an option for funny and mysterious?

Quiet or Outspoken

Outspoken, just like her authors.

Optimist or Pessimist

Realist.

Realist or Dreamer

See above. (Although there’s no rule that says pragmatists can’t also be dreamers—and she is both!)

Luck or Fate

Bad luck. She’s trying to change her fate.

Forbidden by Syrie James & Ryan M. James
Publisher: HarperTeen (January 24th, 2012)
Paperback: 411 pages
Reading Level: Young Adult

She should not exist.

He should not love her.

Claire Brennan has been attending Emerson Academy for two years now (the longest she and her mom have remained anywhere) and she’s desperate to stay put for the rest of high school. So there’s no way she’s going to tell her mom about the psychic visions she’s been having or the creepy warnings that she’s in danger.

Alec MacKenzie is fed up with his duties to watch and, when necessary, eliminate the descendants of his angelic forefathers. He chose Emerson as the ideal hiding place where he could be normal for once. He hadn’t factored Claire into his plans. . . .

Their love is forbidden, going against everything Alec has been taught to believe. But when the reason behind Claire’s unusual powers is revealed and the threat to her life becomes clear, how far will Alec go to protect her?

Syrie (Website) | Ryan (Website) | Syrie (Goodreads) | Ryan (Goodreads)

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | The Book Depository

Review: Hallowed by Cynthia Hand

noreply@blogger.com (Jessica) — Tue, 17 Jan 2012 15:00:00 +0000

Hallowed by Cynthia Hand
Publisher: HarperCollins (January 17th, 2011)
Reading Level: Young Adult
Hardcover: 416 pages
Source: ARC from publisher
Series: Unearthly, book #2
Rating: 5 of 5 stars

For months part-angel Clara Gardner trained to face the raging forest fire from her visions and rescue the alluring and mysterious Christian Prescott from the blaze. But nothing could prepare her for the fateful decisions she would be forced to make that day, or the startling revelation that her purpose—the task she was put on earth to accomplish—is not as straightforward as she thought. Now, torn between her increasingly complicated feelings for Christian and her love for her boyfriend, Tucker, Clara struggles to make sense of what she was supposed to do the day of the fire. And, as she is drawn further into the world of part angels and the growing conflict between White Wings and Black Wings, Clara learns of the terrifying new reality that she must face: Someone close to her will die in a matter of months. With her future uncertain, the only thing Clara knows for sure is that the fire was just the beginning.

Review: For the first time, I feel the need to start my review with a letter.

My letter to Christian:

Dear Christian,
How can you do this to me? I have always liked you but my heart belonged to Tucker. Then there you go, flapping your beautiful wings in front of my face and POOF, you fly away with my heart. It's not fair to play with my emotions like this Christian! Maybe it's your eyes, or your protective nature that makes you so irresistible. Either way, you have me flustered and questioning my feelings for Tucker. Tucker, who's rugged hotness and farm-boy ways made me swoon. Don't give me that look! You know exactly what you're doing. You haven't made this easy for me.

Sincerely,
Jessica

What can I really say about Hallowed that will do it justice (besides my heartfelt letter to Christian). Hallowed picks up where Unearthly leaves off and if you are worried that it won't live up to Unearthly's awesomeness, don't be! In Hallowed, Clara is struggling to figure out her purpose after the fire. There are still big mysteries surrounding what really happened and what it could mean to Clara.

Hallowed brings even more obstacles for Clara when she is faced with something devastating. I felt this was a turning point for her. She seemed to grow and mature in a way I didn't expect. During this time she wants to depend on Tucker but sometimes it's hard for him to understand her world. For this reason, it seemed inevitable that she will be linked to Christian. I must say that the tension this brings was strong for all characters involved. I admit, I enjoyed the ..friction.. between Tucker and Christian. It brought a lot of "typical teenage drama" to the story, which was a nice touch and helped ease some of the paranormal drama. If that makes sense :)

Christian grew on me during Hallowed. He has complicated my feelings! I have been 100% Team Tucker since the first time he annoyed Clara but now, I just don't know. If you are a fan of love triangles (raises hand!) then you will love this book!

Another thing I liked about Hallowed is that we get a chance to meet the community Clara is now part of. She learns a lot about her past and what could be ahead of her. I think this was another thing that really made her change and mature. She is getting a better grasp of what she may have to deal with later on.

While Unearthly may have introduced us to a world of White Wings and Black Wings, Hallowed explores more of the connection between the characters and the conflicts that come from a battle that may be impossible to win. Cynthia Hand has created a magical world with intriguing characters you can't help but love.

Recommended: For freakin' EVERYONE!

Website | Blog | Twitter | Goodreads | Facebook

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | The Book Depository

Tour Review: Forbidden by Megan Curd

noreply@blogger.com (Jessica) — Tue, 17 Jan 2012 07:36:00 +0000

Forbidden by Megan Curd
Kindle Edition: 270 pages
Published: October 22nd, 2011
Reading Level: Young Adult
Source: Author
Series: The Guardian Chronicles #1
Rating: 4 of 5 stars

Levi's job is to protect his human until it's their time to go. That's what a Guard does. He's done it for years on end, and he'll spend his eternity doing the same, mundane thing, following the same, mundane rules.

...Watch from afar.
...Never share your name.
...And above all, never touch a human.

What Levi doesn't know is that his newest human to protect, Hannah, just might be the catalyst to tipping the scales between good and evil, and he will be forced to decide which side he belongs to. Which friends will he side with, and who will he ultimately protect: his human, or the delicate balance that hangs on stopping the heartbeat of the person he has sworn to protect?

And, when you're already condemned, what's there to lose by breaking the rules?

Review: Forbidden by Megan Curd provided a very different look at "angels". One reason was because it's from a male point-of-view. We meet Levi as he is watching over his human Call Hannah. In the beginning I was unsure of exactly what Levi was. Was he good, evil, or somewhere in-between? He is known as a Guard, but he was not yet a Guardian or a Fallen. Stuck somewhere between where he is responsible for watching over a human during their lifetime and until they pass on.

Levi was a fascinating character because I could see how much he wanted to stick to the rules of the Guards. Even though it seemed that a force was pulling him towards Hannah, he didn't want to jeopardize her future or his own. Then, he learns that something is after her and it is supposed to be her time to go. Even though Levi has been a guard for a very long time, he just can't see how he can let Hannah go.

This dilemma throws him into a battle to figure out more about Hannah, and more about his own world. It took me a little while to get into this story but once I did, I was hooked. But it wasn't just Levi who helped capture my attention. My favorite character was his friend Ethan. Ethan was absolutely hilarious! Right after he came up with a fabulous nickname for Hannah (BOB--I'll let you find out why), I knew I was in love. Plus, his human Call just happens to be Hannah's best friend Angie. They are thrown together, without true intention from either one of them, and their back and forth banter really brought life to this book. Even though Ethan tried to be "big and bad" he had a soft side too.

The action in this book was intense! Megan did a great job detailing the creatures (good and bad) and slowly unraveling the puzzle of their world. The bond between the characters felt real and I am looking forward to seeing what happens to them next.

Forbidden puts a fun spin on the paranormal and Megan created a group of unlikely friends that will easily capture your heart.

Recommended: Fans of paranormal, male POVs, or interesting angel tales.

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Tour: Quote Battle & Giveaway: Destiny's Fire by Trisha Wolfe

noreply@blogger.com (Jessica) — Mon, 16 Jan 2012 07:37:00 +0000

I have a special treat for you all today. First, if you haven't read, or added, Destiny's Fire by Trisha Wolfe, do it! It is an outstanding book and one that was so different from anything I had read in the past. My review will be coming up later this week, but in the meantime, I would like to introduce you to a few of the characters from Destiny's Fire because today...they battle it out!

In this corner we have the loveable, best friend/ boy next door with a dangerously hot bod. But be careful ladies, he is fierce, and a bit naughty, behind those bright blue eyes. Let me hear the crowd cheer for JACE!

And over here we have... "ouch", he's too hot to touch but you know you want to, red-eyed bad boy who is just simply scrumptious. Yeah, ladies, you know you want this. I give you, REESE!

Boys, lets have a clean battle here. We will be using words, not fists. And no fighting over me, seriously, I'll take you both. *wink*

And now, the quote battle begins!

Round one

Jace: “I just knew you wanted to rip my clothes off.”

Reese: “You shouldn’t come out to play until you have the power to party like a big girl.”

Round Two

Jace: “You’re being the voice of reason?” He grabbed my hand. “Funny, coming from the girl who decked a Narco just last night.”

Reese: “Come on,” Reese continued. “We were so rudely interrupted last night. But I have to admit, I liked that love tap.”

Round Three

Jace: “So you like to dance, do you?” Jace snarled. “How about with me? Think you might find my love tap a little more convincing.”

Reese: “It's instinct. I honestly wasn't going to hurt her.” Then his eyes burned fire red as he stared into Jace's. “But you and I will be a different story if you don't take your hands off me…right now.”

Round Four

Jace: “—I‟m not a hot chick that has to worry about some guy trying to get into my pants.” He looked me up and down. “Or my bustle.”

Reese: He ducked his head close to my ear. “You look amazing, by the way.” Brushing his hand across my back, he spread warmth over my bare skin.

Round Five

Jace: “I want you to know,” Jace said, looking down as his hands gripped the brass steering bar. “No matter what, I'll always be there for you.”

Reese: He lifted my face and stared into my eyes. “I promise. I'll find a way to protect you.”

Geez, did it get hot in here or is it just these boys? So, who do YOU think won the quote battle?

Answer in the comments section and you get an extra entry to WIN the ebook!

Destiny's Fire by Trisha Wolfe
Omnific Publishing (January 10th, 2012)
Paperback: 159 pages
Reading Level: Young Adult

It’s the year 2040, and sixteen-year-old Dez Harkly is one of the last of her kind—part of a nearly extinct race of shape-shifters descended from guardians to the Egyptian pharaohs. Her home and her secret are threatened when the Council lowers the barrier, allowing the enemy race to enter the Shythe haven.

As the Narcolym airships approach, Dez and her friends rebel against their Council and secretly train for battle. Not only is Dez wary of war and her growing affection for her best friend Jace, but she fears the change her birthday will bring. When Dez’s newfound power rockets out of control, it’s a Narcolym who could change her fate… if she can trust him.

Dez’s guarded world crumbles when she discovers why the Narcos have really come to Haven Falls, and she's forced to choose between the race who raised her and the enemy she's feared her whole life.

Prize:

1 winner will receive an ebook of Destiny's Fire.

Rules:

You must be at least 13 to enter.
Name and email must be provided.
Extra entries are possible and links must be provided.
Contest is International and ends January 22nd.
Once contacted, the winner will have 48 hours to respond.
The form must be filled out to enter.

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Be sure to check out the other tour stops in the linky below!

In My Mailbox (81-86)

noreply@blogger.com (Jessica) — Sun, 15 Jan 2012 20:01:00 +0000

Hey everyone. I have a big pile of books from this past month. These include review books, Christmas gifts and purchased books too so there is a lot! Thanks to all the wonderful publishers (and Lisa from A Life Bound By Books!) for sending these fantastic books!

Review
The File by Angelyn Stark
Extraordinary by Adam Selzer
Finding Somewhere by Joseph Monninger
A Sharp Time by Mary O'Connell
Darkness Falls by Cate Tiernan
Blood Sun by David Gilman
Don't Expect Magic by Kathy McCullough
Running the Rift by Naomi Benaron
Bloodrose by Andrea Cremer
Pretty Little Liars: Pretty Little Secrets by Sara Shepard
Girl Meets Boy by Various Authors
Hallowed by Cynthia Hand
Fracture (ARC) by Megan Miranda
The Way We Fall (ARC) by Megan Crewe
Slide (ARC) by Jill Hathaway (2nd copy)
Immortal Beloved (ARC) by Cate Tiernan
Switched by Amanda Hocking
The Ivy: Rivals (ARC) by Lauren Kanuz
Glimmer (ARC) by Phoebe Kitanidis
The Last Echo (ARC) by Kimberly Derting
Forbidden by Syrie James and Ryan M. James (2nd copy)
Partials (ARC) by Dan Wells (2nd copy)
The Vampire Diaries: Stefan's Diaries #5: The Asylum by L.J. Smith
Masque of the Red Death (ARC) by Bethany Griffin
The Calling by Kelley Armstrong
The Starboard Sea by Amber Dermont
Unraveling (ARC) by Elizabeth Norris
The Invisible Sun (ARC) by David Macinnis Gill
Social Suicide (ARC) by Gemma Halliday
Thumped (ARC) by Mean McCafferty
Temptation (ARC) by Alisa Valdes
Dark Eden 2: Eve of Destruction (ARC) by Patrick Carman
The Selection (ARC) by Kiera Cass
Everneath by Brodi Ashton
Freshman Year and Other Unnatural Disasters (ARC) by Meredith Zeitlin
The Secret Sisterhood of Heartbreakers by Lynn Weingarten
Kiss Crush Collide by Christina Meredith
Love & Leftovers by Sarah Tregay
Cold Kiss by Amy Garvey

Purchased
Crossed by Ally Condie
Ruling Passion by Alyxandra Harvey
Royally Crushed by Niki Burnham
Kiss Me Kill Me by Lauren Henderson
How to Ruin My Teenage Life by Simone Elkeles
How to Ruin a Summer Vacation by Simone Elkeles

Gifted
Ashfall by Mike Mullin
Eve by Anna Carey
Crash Test Love (SIGNED) by Ted Michael
Anew: The Archers of Avalon (SIGNED) by Chelsea Fine
Unbreakable Love (SIGNED) by Angela Carling
Dollhouse (SIGNED) by Kim, Kourtney, and Khloe Kardashian

I got Dollhouse from the BookPerk website. If you haven't signed up yet, DO IT! They have a ton of great offers and signed books come up all the time. It's a great site :) This is the 2nd signed copy of a book I've purchased. The first was a copy of I Am Number Four signed by the MOVIE CAST! :)

What did you get in your mailbox this week?

*IMM is a weekly meme hosted by Kristi at The Story Siren

and it was inspired by Alea at Pop Culture Junkie.

Tour Review: Don't Breathe a Word by Holly Cupala

noreply@blogger.com (Jessica) — Sat, 14 Jan 2012 20:38:00 +0000

Don't Breathe a Word by Holly Cupala
HarperTeen (January 3rd 2012)
Reading Level: Young Adult
Paperback: 299 pages
Source: Publisher
Rating: 5 of 5 stars

Joy Delamere is suffocating...

From asthma, which has nearly claimed her life. From her parents, who will do anything to keep that from happening. From delectably dangerous Asher, who is smothering her from the inside out.

Joy can take his words - tender words, cruel words - until the night they go too far.

Now, Joy will leave everything behind to find the one who has offered his help, a homeless boy called Creed. She will become someone else. She will learn to survive. She will breathe... if only she can get to Creed before it’s too late.

Set against the gritty backdrop of Seattle’s streets and a cast of characters with secrets of their own, Holly Cupala’s powerful new novel explores the subtleties of abuse, the meaning of love, and how far a girl will go to discover her own strength.

Review: I absolutely loved this book. The first word I think of when recalling Don't Breathe a Word is raw. Holly transports you to the streets of Seattle and flawlessly places intriguing characters into the story that help readers feel as if they are seeing it all through the eyes of a troubled teen.

Joy is a young girl who feels trapped in her situation. She has a boyfriend who may seem perfect to some people, but she knows that is far from the truth. He is manipulative. His words make Joy do things she wouldn't normally do. She is slowly losing herself and she can't see a good way out.

She soon makes the decision to run away. To break free of her boyfriend and her overprotective parents and start a new life as someone else. There is one thing she wants-- to find the boy who plays music on the streets. She has seen him before. He would know her story and he would help her. So she takes off on her journey and quickly finds out what the streets are like. Even though she is immediately faced with scary situations, Joy doesn't back down or give up. Eventually her efforts pay off and she does find Creed.

Creed is sort of the protector of their little group and he soon takes on the role of trying to protect Joy -- or Triste, as she calls herself --. It takes some time for her to really be accepted by the others and soon she sees what exactly people have to do in order to stay alive. During this time we get glimpses into Joy's past. We can see the path that made her run from her past. This was very beneficial because I could see how her boyfriend, Asher, slowly brought her down.

Holly is an outstanding writer. She doesn't disguise situations with fluff or vague terms. She tackles a hard subject in a way that is gritty and bold. The streets are a scary place and Holly really enables the character and reader to see exactly what that may entail.

I truly got invested in this story and I was completely astonished by how emotional it made me. Joy's story came to life and her connection to Creed was a bright spot in this story. It slowly grew until it was something Joy could really hold on to and put her hope in.

Don't Breathe a Word is simply brilliant. A powerful look into the life of a young girl trying to break free and find her own way-- away from the people that were keeping her trapped. Holly Cupala knows how to approach a difficult topic and give it clarity and substance.

Recommend: I highly recommend this book! It is perfect for people who love contemporary titles or want something that will really have an impact. (More appropriate for older teens due to subject matter).

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To Kill a Mockingbird Movie Clip

noreply@blogger.com (Jessica) — Sat, 14 Jan 2012 03:46:00 +0000

The 50th anniversary edition of To Kill a Mockingbird will be released on January 31st. This is a film I have always wanted to see, but sadly, haven't yet. Crazy, right? But thanks to Fox Entertainment and ThinkJam I should get to view it soon. Along with that, I will be hosting a giveaway (posting on the 21st) where one lucky winner will get a copy of this special anniversary edition of the film. Be sure to stop by and sign up!

In the meantime, I have a special clip for you from the movie. Enjoy!

Have you watched the movie in the past? Or, did any of you read the book?

Movie Review: Rise of the Planet of the Apes

noreply@blogger.com (Jessica) — Sat, 14 Jan 2012 02:56:00 +0000

Evolution Becomes Revolution In The Critically-Acclaimed
Over $432 Million Worldwide Box Office Smash Arriving Globally
on Blu-ray, DVD and Digital Download in December

Summary: A single act of both compassion and arrogance leads to a battle unlike any other when RISE OF THE PLANET OF THE APES makes its worldwide debut on Blu-ray, DVD and digital download on December 13th in North America and starting December 7th Internationally. From the Oscar-winning® visual effects team that brought to life the worlds of Avatar and Lord of the Rings comes revolutionary new ground - a CGI ape that delivers a dramatic performance of unprecedented emotion and intelligence, and epic battles on which rest the upended destinies of man and primate.

James Franco (127 Hours) stars as Will Rodman, a neuroscientist living in San Francisco trying to develop a cure for Alzheimer’s disease by testing on chimpanzees, giving them a human level of intelligence. After a test subject’s baby, Caesar, is orphaned, Will decides to raise him at home on his own with his Alzheimer-stricken father (John Lithgow; “Dexter”). What begins simply as a continuation of his experiment quickly turns into a problem for Will, as Caesar is taken away from him and forced to live in a primate facility. As Caesar’s intelligence continues to grow, he begins to stake his claim as the leader of his new primate counterparts, which will ultimately lead to the RISE OF THE PLANET OF THE APES.

Directed by Rupert Wyatt (The Escapist), this special effects blockbuster features fantastic supporting performances from Freida Pinto (Slumdog Millionaire), Brian Cox (Red), Tom Felton (Harry Potter films) and Andy Serkis (The Lord of the Rings Trilogy) in a ground-breaking performance. The RISE OF THE PLANET OF THE APES Blu-ray is loaded with bonus material including deleted scenes, making-of featurettes commentaries and more.

Review:

This was my first time experiencing one one of the Ape movies and I absolutely loved it! I'm a big fan of James Franco and I thought that John Lithgow did a fantastic job portraying his father -- and a man suffering from Alzeimer's disease.

The special effects in this film are outstanding. I read somewhere that no real apes were used in the making of the film, which really surprised me. Many times the shots looked very realistic and I could really see the emotions behind the animal characters. They all really had their own unique personalities. If anything, the film really helps make people aware of the dangers of animal testing and the price of coming up with a "miracle cure".

I really enjoyed the clips were we can see the adopted chimp, Caesar, grow and mature over time. Even though he is more apart of the human world each day, he knows he is different and is often treated as a pet when they go outside. The seclusion begins to make him lash out.

One of my favorite parts was actually the battle between the apes and humans near the end of the film. Wow, the degree of detail during these scenes was mind-blowing. I was glued to my seat waiting to see what would happen next.

Overall, I was highly impressed with this new adaption of an older franchise film. Rise of the Planet of the Apes was incredibly enjoyable with a wonderful cast and special effects that really brought the entire thing to a new light.

You can rent or purchase Rise of the Planet of the Apes from Amazon.

Review copy provided by ThinkJam and Fox Entertainment.

Follow Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment on Twitter @FoxHomeEnt

Don't Breathe a Word Re-Cover Voting!

noreply@blogger.com (Jessica) — Wed, 11 Jan 2012 22:11:00 +0000

It's now time for the Don't Breathe a Word Re-Cover contest voting!

The winner will receive ...

SIGNED finished copy of Don't Breathe a Word

Tell me a Secret Audiobook

Swag

TO VOTE

-Comment on this post with the number of your favorite cover (located above the cover).

-Voters can only vote ONCE!

Voting ends Sunday, January 15th!

COVER #1

COVER #2

COVER #3

COVER #4

COVER #5

Q&A with Angelina Jolie for In the Land of Blood and Honey & a contest!

noreply@blogger.com (Jessica) — Tue, 10 Jan 2012 06:45:00 +0000

Would you like a chance to ask Angelina Jolie a question? Yes? Well, now is your chance! Angelina Jolie will be participating in a live Q&A on Thursday, January 12th and 8pm EST to discuss her writing and directorial debut in the new movie, In the Land of Blood and Honey.

Fans will get the opportunity to provide the questions for this event!

And besides the fact that she could be answering YOUR question, you get another chance to win.

Everyone who provides a question will be entered to win an In the Land of Blood and Honey movie poster!

US ONLY
(Poster giveaway is made possible by Partner's Hub)
You must be 13 or older to enter
You must provide a valid question related to the film.

Contest ends Thursday at 8pm EST
(the time of the event!)

About the film:

In the Land of Blood and Honey has been nominated for a Golden Globe® for Best Foreign Language Film. Set against the backdrop of the Bosnian War that tore the Balkan region apart in the 1990s, the film tells the story of Danijel (Goran Kostić) and Ajla (pronounced Ayla) (Zana Marjanović), two Bosnians from different sides of a brutal ethnic conflict. Danijel, a Bosnian Serb police officer, and Ajla, a Bosnian Muslim artist, are together before the war, but their relationship is changed as violence engulfs the country. Months later, Danijel is serving under his father, General Nebojsa Vukojevich (Rade Šerbedžija), as an officer in the Bosnian Serb Army. He and Ajla come face to face again when she is taken from the apartment she shares with her sister, Lejla (Vanesa Glodjo), and Lejla’s infant child by troops under Danijel’s command. As the conflict takes hold of their lives, their relationship changes, their motives and connection to one another become ambiguous and their allegiances grow uncertain. In the Land of Blood and Honey portrays the incredible emotional, moral and physical toll that the war takes on individuals as well as the consequences that stem from the lack of political will to intervene in a society stricken with conflict.

http://www.inthelandofbloodandhoney.com/