Deea's Journal

Review: A Song for Julia by Charles Sheehan-Miles

2012-12-26T17:04:00.003+02:00

Hi!

I hope you've all had a wonderful Christmas! :)

Before I get to the end of the year posts, here's one more recommendation from me:

A Song for Julia (Thompson Sisters #1)
by Charles Sheehan-Miles

Release date: December 5th 2012
by Cincinnatus Press
Format: Paperback, 374 pages

Goodreads:

Everyone should have something to rebel against.

Crank Wilson left his South Boston home at sixteen to start a punk band and burn out his rage at the world. Six years later, he’s still at odds with his father, a Boston cop, and doesn’t ever speak to his mother. The only relationship that really matters is with his younger brother, but watching out for Sean can be a full-time job. The one thing Crank wants in life is to be left the hell alone to write his music and drive his band to success.

Julia Thompson left a secret behind in Beijing that exploded into scandal in Washington, DC, threatening her father's career and dominating her family's life. Now, in her senior year at Harvard, she's haunted by a voice from her past and refuses to ever lose control of her emotions again, especially when it comes to a guy.

When Julia and Crank meet at an anti-war protest in Washington in the fall of 2002, the connection between them is so powerful it threatens to tear everything apart.

My thoughts:

A Song for Julia was a truly special book. I loved Just Remember to Breathe, but there was something so much more powerful and beautiful and touching about this story! I read it in one sitting and it left me a little lost after I finished it. I mean, you know that 'book hangover' feeling us book addicts get from time to time, right? That's what this book did to me. And I loved it!

But let me start at the beginning. Julia is Alex's (the heroine from Just Remember to Breathe) oldest sister. We got a glimpse of her in that book too and it was enough to intrigue me. I had a feeling she had her own good story, so I was very excited when I found out Charles Sheehan-Miles was writing it. And it was better than I expected! So, we go back in time a few years, in the early 2000s, when Julia and Crank first met. She was a proper, rich, perfect girl, he was a punk singer with family issues and a band that was struggling. They were so wrong, and yet so right for each other!

There was something about her, though. Sexy as hell, but that wasn’t really it. I looked at her, and it was like she was ready to explode. I’d lived on rage and adrenaline most of the last six years, and when I looked at Julia, I thought I saw someone who understood that. (Crank)

Julia and her story broke my heart. She had a troubled past, a very dark secret and a scarred soul that no one even knew about. In the past few years, she's been a shell of a person, trying to do the right thing for her controlling parents who never understood or helped her, trying to live as best as she could given the circumstances. Always in control of her thoughts, emotions, actions and reactions, never letting her guard down for anyone or anything. But all that was about to change.

I’ve never liked feeling out of control. Not like that. I’d gone there once, head over heels in love, and it did so much damage to my life I didn’t think I’d ever recover. No way I’d ever go there again. Whatever else happened, I was in control of my life. No one else. Certainly not some formless emotion and lust that can take away who you even are. (Julia)

She has friends, a big family with many sisters, but she's closed off from all of them. And then she meets Crank and realizes there might be more to life than what she was having. There can be passion, there can be someone who understands you, there can be someone worth leaving your defenses down for at least for a little while. There can be someone worth facing your past for. Someone who is the opposite of what everyone wants and expects for you. Someone you didn't know you needed until you met him.

Julia and Crank meet at an anti-war protest, away from home, and they just click. There are all sorts of signs telling them they should stay away from each other, not to mention that she's the oldest daughter of an Ambassador, a very smart Harvard girl and he's a player and a struggling band singer who hasn't even finished high school, but their connection is too intense and different from everything they've had before to ignore. They spend a great day in Washington, then they attempt to put it behind them and get back to their respective lives.

My life didn’t have room for someone like Crank. And from what he’d said, his didn’t have room either. This was all a little off-key, out of place, almost as if it was someone else out to dinner with him, and I was playing a role. I almost never go out with guys. And I never let my emotions get ahead of my brain. But tonight, as we tried to wave down a cab to head toward Georgetown, I was feeling a little out of control. (Julia)

But like the fact that they couldn't stop thinking about each other wasn't bad enough, they kept bumping into each other (sometimes literally) back in Boston as well. And that's how their crazy, beautiful, heartbreaking story began. Their banter was awesome, their relationship had its up and downs, there were harsh truths and high emotions all over the place, Crank and his band cracked me up, I hated Julia's parents with a passion (especially the mom, ugh - if there's a ever a book titled 'Things a Mother Should Never Ever Do/Say to her Daughter', Julia's mom made sure to do all of them and then some), I really felt for Crank's broken family, but it was the story behind all that what really got me. A beautiful story about healing, compassion, fighting your past once and for all and putting it behind you, about caring and fighting for someone even when they keep pushing you away, about breaking walls, barriers, customs and expectations, about finding your way in life and about not giving up when everything and everyone keeps hurting you or pushing you around and trying to control your life choices. About taking risks, trusting your heart, but most importantly, about trusting someone else with it again. About seeing beyond the carefully placed facade, beyond rumors and appearances, about learning that what's underneath it all is special and worth loving and fighting for. About not letting guilt, hurt and fear dictate how you live your life. About truth, freedom, rebellion, fighting against the odds and taking control of your own life. About passion, music and special relationships. In short, this is a story about trust, hope, love and healing. A true life lesson.

I'm not going to get into details, I get teary eyed just looking through my favorite quotes and passages and thinking about everything Julia went through, but you have to read it. One of the most deserved 'happily ever after's I've read in a long time! Oh, and yeah. Alternative POVs - you know I'm addicted to two POVs stories. ;)

The writing is brilliant too! Even Julia's POV is very well done, you can feel all the emotions pouring out from the page and pulling at your heart strings. They both have unique, but realistic, powerful and easy to relate to voices and personalities. An all around amazing book!

Other favorite quotes:

It’s amazing how you can say a lot of words that are all true, and completely obscure the truth at the same time. I was an expert at that. I spend my life spinning a web of half spoken truths; an armor weaved of words that do nothing but hide who I am.
He grinned and very gently shook his head. “Nothing to rebel against? Nothing at all?”
“Nope,” I replied. Except maybe my mother, who controlled every moment of my life. But that’s more than I was willing to say.
“That’s sad,” Cranks said. “Everyone should have something to rebel against.” (Julia)

This was different. It was very different. Everything I’d seen of Julia fascinated me. She was kind, and compassionate, and smart as hell, and she was also one moody bitch. Call me crazy, but that combination was one hell of a turn-on. I wanted to break her out of that shell and find out what she was like underneath. (Crank)

“What did you do to her? Why did she leave like that?”
I took a deep breath and answered honestly.
“I told her I loved her.” (Crank) *tear*

“ You need to know that I’d do anything for you … even kiss you goodbye and watch you go. ” (Crank)

Get the book: (the kindle edition is only $0.99!!)

Amazon / B & N / The Book Depository

And my giveaway for the first book in the series, Just Remember to Breathe, is still open!

I added the playlist the author set up for the book on youtube here. And here's a song I really liked and I think really captures some of the feelings in the book:

Review copy provided by the author Charles Sheehan-Miles and the blog tour host in exchange for my honest opinion. THANK YOU!

P.S. Recommended for readers who also enjoyed Easy by Tammara Webber and The Sea of Tranquility by Kaja Millay.
P.P.S. You can read it even if you haven't read the first book in the series.

Review: A Song for Julia by Charles Sheehan-Miles

2012-12-26T17:04:00.002+02:00

Hi!

I hope you've all had a wonderful Christmas! :)

Before I get to the end of the year posts, here's one more recommendation from me:

A Song for Julia (Thompson Sisters #1)
by Charles Sheehan-Miles

Release date: December 5th 2012
by Cincinnatus Press
Format: Paperback, 374 pages

Goodreads:

Everyone should have something to rebel against.

Crank Wilson left his South Boston home at sixteen to start a punk band and burn out his rage at the world. Six years later, he’s still at odds with his father, a Boston cop, and doesn’t ever speak to his mother. The only relationship that really matters is with his younger brother, but watching out for Sean can be a full-time job. The one thing Crank wants in life is to be left the hell alone to write his music and drive his band to success.

Julia Thompson left a secret behind in Beijing that exploded into scandal in Washington, DC, threatening her father's career and dominating her family's life. Now, in her senior year at Harvard, she's haunted by a voice from her past and refuses to ever lose control of her emotions again, especially when it comes to a guy.

When Julia and Crank meet at an anti-war protest in Washington in the fall of 2002, the connection between them is so powerful it threatens to tear everything apart.

There was something about her, though. Sexy as hell, but that wasn’t really it. I looked at her, and it was like she was ready to explode. I’d lived on rage and adrenaline most of the last six years, and when I looked at Julia, I thought I saw someone who understood that. (Crank)

I’ve never liked feeling out of control. Not like that. I’d gone there once, head over heels in love, and it did so much damage to my life I didn’t think I’d ever recover. No way I’d ever go there again. Whatever else happened, I was in control of my life. No one else. Certainly not some formless emotion and lust that can take away who you even are. (Julia)

My life didn’t have room for someone like Crank. And from what he’d said, his didn’t have room either. This was all a little off-key, out of place, almost as if it was someone else out to dinner with him, and I was playing a role. I almost never go out with guys. And I never let my emotions get ahead of my brain. But tonight, as we tried to wave down a cab to head toward Georgetown, I was feeling a little out of control. (Julia)

It’s amazing how you can say a lot of words that are all true, and completely obscure the truth at the same time. I was an expert at that. I spend my life spinning a web of half spoken truths; an armor weaved of words that do nothing but hide who I am.
He grinned and very gently shook his head. “Nothing to rebel against? Nothing at all?”
“Nope,” I replied. Except maybe my mother, who controlled every moment of my life. But that’s more than I was willing to say.
“That’s sad,” Cranks said. “Everyone should have something to rebel against.” (Julia)

This was different. It was very different. Everything I’d seen of Julia fascinated me. She was kind, and compassionate, and smart as hell, and she was also one moody bitch. Call me crazy, but that combination was one hell of a turn-on. I wanted to break her out of that shell and find out what she was like underneath. (Crank)

“What did you do to her? Why did she leave like that?”
I took a deep breath and answered honestly.
“I told her I loved her.” (Crank) *tear*

“ You need to know that I’d do anything for you … even kiss you goodbye and watch you go. ” (Crank)

Get the book: (the kindle edition is only $0.99!!)

Amazon / B & N / The Book Depository

And my giveaway for the first book in the series, Just Remember to Breathe, is still open!

Fang Girl by Helen Keeble: Guest Post & Giveaway

2012-12-22T12:28:00.001+02:00

Hi everyone!

I have a super fun guest post and a giveaway to share with you today! We all need our fun vampire fix from time to time, don't you think? ;)

But first, some info on the book I'm talking about:

Fang Girl
by Helen Keeble

Release date: September 11th 2012
by HarperTeen
Format: Paperback, 352 pages

Goodreads:

Things That Are Destroying Jane Greene’s Undead Social Life Before It Can Even Begin:

1) A twelve-year-old brother who’s convinced she’s a zombie.

2) Parents who are begging her to turn them into vampires.

3) The pet goldfish she accidentally turns instead.

4) Weird superpowers that let her rip the heads off of every other vampire she meets.(Sounds cool, but it doesn’t win you many friends.)

5) A psychotic vampire creator who’s using her to carry out a plan for world domination.

And finally:

6) A seriously ripped vampire hunter who either wants to stake her or make out with her. Not sure which.

Being an undead, eternally pasty fifteen-year-old isn’t quite the sexy, brooding, angst-fest Jane always imagined....

Helen Keeble’s riotous debut novel combines the humor of Vladimir Tod with Ally Carter’s spot-on teen voice. With a one-of-a-kind vampire mythology and an irresistibly relatable undead heroine, this uproarious page-turner will leave readers bloodthirsty for more.

Get the book: Amazon / B & N / The Book Depository

About the author:

Website / Goodreads / Twitter

Helen Keeble is not, and never has been, a vampire. She has however been a teenager. She grew up partly in America and partly in England, which has left her with an unidentifiable accent and a fondness for peanut butter crackers washed down with a nice cup of tea. She now lives in West Sussex, England, with her husband, daughter, two cats, and a variable number of fish. To the best of her knowledge, none of the fish are undead.

Her first novel, a YA vampire comedy called FANG GIRL, is out 11th Sept 2012, from HarperTeen.

She also has another YA paranormal comedy novel (provisionally titled NO ANGEL) scheduled for Sept 2013.

*** Guest post ***

Three Things Vampires Don't Want You To Know
Guest Post by Helen Keeble

Vampires aren't real. If they were, they couldn't stay hidden for long, right? Thanks to the endless books, films, and TV shows filled with vampiric lore, we all know how to recognise a bloodsucker. And we all know their weaknesses - sunlight, beheading, fire, stakes, athletic teenage girls, holy water, garlic…

Or maybe that's just what the vampires want you to think are their weaknesses.

Delve a little deeper into traditional vampiric folklore, and there are a lot of weird things that don't appear in our modern vampire fiction. Things that maybe the vampires want to keep quiet…

1) They're just like unicorns

No, not because vampires are also beautiful and sparkly. Because, like unicorns, vampires are terrified of virgins. In fact, while unicorns are irresistibly drawn to virgins, according to Romanian folklore virgins are irresistibly drawn to vampires.

Actually, this is true in a lot of paranormal romances too, now that I come to think of it.

Anyway, all you have to do is stick a virgin on a white (or possibly black - sources vary) horse, and they'll be able to lead you straight to the grave of the nearest vampire. And if you use a woman older than 25, she’ll even be able to kill the vampire for you as well. Just get her to whip the vampire's grave with a hazel twig, and the bloodsucker will never be able to rise again.

Basically, older female virgins are homing missiles of mass vampire destruction. No wonder literature is full of vampires desperately trying to romance young girls. They have to neutralize them!

2) They float

"Big deal," I hear you say, rolling your eyes. "Ducks float. Boats float. What's so special about vampires floating?"

Because, according to our friend Romanian folklore again, vampires always float. They literally can't sink.

Folklore boringly suggests using this trait to determine if someone is a vampire by tossing them in a river, but just think of the many other uses for this peculiar property...

"This is the captain speaking. Unfortunately we have hit an iceberg and water is now pouring through the hull, but there is no need to be alarmed! The vampires strapped under the Titanic's hull make this ship literally unsinkable. While we repair the hole, please enjoy complimentary cocktails on the aft deck, and ignore the muffled screams of the tormented undead underneath your feet."

Vampires would definitely want to keep this one quiet. No bloodsucker wants to spend eternity stuffed under an airplane chair as an emergency floatation device.

3) You're probably always carrying the means to defeat one

Check your pockets or purse. Got some spare change? Maybe a half-eaten packet of breath mints? A tissue?

Congratulations! You can stop a charging vampire in his tracks.

All you have to do is fling a handful of small objects at him, and he'll be compelled to stop in order to count them all. No, really. The technical term for this behaviour is arithmomania, and it crops up everywhere in vampire folklore, all around the globe. Poland, Romania, China, India, pretty much everywhere has legends about obsessive-compulsive vampires. Though curiously, it seems to have fallen out of favour in modern vampire fiction.

Apart, of course, from one famous case:

There you go. Incontrovertible proof that Sesame Street is written by vampire hunters, who are determined to make sure children everywhere know vampires' real weakness.

And now you do too.

P.S. Yes, I really do use one of these pieces of vampire folklore in my novel FANG GIRL. And no, I'm not going to tell you which one…

***

LOL! Awesome, right?:P

And now the giveaway...

Open internationally, and the last day to enter is December 25th.

The prize pack includes:
- one signed copy of Fang Girl (can be personalised)
- a voucher for an ARC of Helen's next book NO ANGEL as soon as they are available (likely to be Spring/Summer 2013)
- a cheerful vampire goldfish paperclip
- Fang Girl stickers featuring the cover and quotes from the book

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Event hosted by:

Fang Girl by Helen Keeble: Guest Post & Giveaway

2012-12-22T12:28:00.000+02:00

Hi everyone!

I have a super fun guest post and a giveaway to share with you today! We all need our fun vampire fix from time to time, don't you think? ;)

But first, some info on the book I'm talking about:

Fang Girl
by Helen Keeble

Release date: September 11th 2012
by HarperTeen
Format: Paperback, 352 pages

Goodreads:

Things That Are Destroying Jane Greene’s Undead Social Life Before It Can Even Begin:

1) A twelve-year-old brother who’s convinced she’s a zombie.

2) Parents who are begging her to turn them into vampires.

3) The pet goldfish she accidentally turns instead.

4) Weird superpowers that let her rip the heads off of every other vampire she meets.(Sounds cool, but it doesn’t win you many friends.)

5) A psychotic vampire creator who’s using her to carry out a plan for world domination.

And finally:

6) A seriously ripped vampire hunter who either wants to stake her or make out with her. Not sure which.

Being an undead, eternally pasty fifteen-year-old isn’t quite the sexy, brooding, angst-fest Jane always imagined....

Helen Keeble’s riotous debut novel combines the humor of Vladimir Tod with Ally Carter’s spot-on teen voice. With a one-of-a-kind vampire mythology and an irresistibly relatable undead heroine, this uproarious page-turner will leave readers bloodthirsty for more.

Get the book: Amazon / B & N / The Book Depository

About the author:

Website / Goodreads / Twitter

*** Guest post ***

Three Things Vampires Don't Want You To Know
Guest Post by Helen Keeble

***

LOL! Awesome, right?:P

And now the giveaway...

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Event hosted by:

99 Authors, 99 Titles for 99 Cents ($990 worth of prizes)

2012-12-21T08:00:00.001+02:00

Hi guys!

I know it's a busy time of the year and I'm not even going to mention the other thing that's supposed to happen today, but I think some awesome prizes and book sales would be more than welcome!

This event is hosted by Buymereadme.com:

Some of the prizes are: $500, Amazon Kindle Fire HD 7", Amazon Paperwhite, $75, $50, $25, $20 Amazon Gift Cards. Just follow the banner bellow and you'll find everything you need about the 99 cents books and how to enter to win the prizes offered by the authors participating in this event.

These prices are available on Amazon only.

For a listing of books offered and to enter to win, click here!!

99 Authors, 99 Titles for 99 Cents ($990 worth of prizes)

2012-12-21T08:00:00.000+02:00

These prices are available on Amazon only.

For a listing of books offered and to enter to win, click here!!

Blog Tour - A Song for Julia by Charles Sheehan-Miles (Giveaway)

2012-12-18T14:35:00.001+02:00

Hi guys!

A Song for Julia is the second book in the Thompson Sisters series, a New Adult Contemporary series I'm getting seriously addicted to. If you recall, I read the first book, Just Remember to Breathe, a while ago and I really loved it (my review). Julia is Alex's older sister, we met her briefly in Just Remember to Breathe and I was very excited to read her story as well! And it was even better than the first! I'll get on that in my review later, but for now, here's some info on the book and a huge giveaway for you!

A Song for Julia (Thompson Sisters)
by Charles Sheehan-Miles

Release date: December 5th 2012
by Cincinnatus Press
Format: Paperback, 374 pages

Goodreads:

Everyone should have something to rebel against.

Crank Wilson left his South Boston home at sixteen to start a punk band and burn out his rage at the world. Six years later, he’s still at odds with his father, a Boston cop, and doesn’t ever speak to his mother. The only relationship that really matters is with his younger brother, but watching out for Sean can be a full-time job. The one thing Crank wants in life is to be left the hell alone to write his music and drive his band to success.

Julia Thompson left a secret behind in Beijing that exploded into scandal in Washington, DC, threatening her father's career and dominating her family's life. Now, in her senior year at Harvard, she's haunted by a voice from her past and refuses to ever lose control of her emotions again, especially when it comes to a guy.

When Julia and Crank meet at an anti-war protest in Washington in the fall of 2002, the connection between them is so powerful it threatens to tear everything apart.

About the author:

Charles has been a soldier, nonprofit executive, short order cook, IT manager and run a restaurant. He doesn't believe in specialization. He currently works as a communications and outreach specialist for a law firm representing disabled veterans.

Charles lives in Bethesda, Maryland with his wife Veronica and their two children.

Also author of Republic, Insurgent and Prayer at Rumayla.

Find Charles: Website / Twitter / Facebook

Get the book:

Giveaway:

GRAND PRIZE - $250 Amazon gift card

The winner will be chosen from all of the commenters throughout the tour by Rafflecopter and announced on 12/26.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Tour stop giveaway: Just Remember to Breathe

A digital copy will be provided by author and the blog tour and I'll add a paperback copy as well.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Both giveaways are International and end right before Christmas. :)

Follow the blog tour for more chances to win!

December 15
Guilty Pleasures
The Muse Unleashed

December 16
My Fiction Nook
Romance Book Craze

December 17
My Secret Romance
Rumor Has It
The Book Asylum

December 18
Simply Ali
Deea's Journal ~

December 19
What's On The BookShelf
Have Book Will Read

December 20
Hesperia Loves Books
Heart Breaking Reviews

December 21
MK Kendall
Passionate About Books

December 22
I Love Indie Books
JM Harrison

December 23
Melinda Dozier

December 24
Love, Laughter, Friends
Queen of the Night Reviews

Hosted by

Phew! That's a super awesome giveaway! Good luck everyone! :)

Blog Tour - A Song for Julia by Charles Sheehan-Miles (Giveaway)

2012-12-18T14:35:00.000+02:00

A Song for Julia (Thompson Sisters)
by Charles Sheehan-Miles

Release date: December 5th 2012
by Cincinnatus Press
Format: Paperback, 374 pages

Goodreads:

Everyone should have something to rebel against.

Crank Wilson left his South Boston home at sixteen to start a punk band and burn out his rage at the world. Six years later, he’s still at odds with his father, a Boston cop, and doesn’t ever speak to his mother. The only relationship that really matters is with his younger brother, but watching out for Sean can be a full-time job. The one thing Crank wants in life is to be left the hell alone to write his music and drive his band to success.

Julia Thompson left a secret behind in Beijing that exploded into scandal in Washington, DC, threatening her father's career and dominating her family's life. Now, in her senior year at Harvard, she's haunted by a voice from her past and refuses to ever lose control of her emotions again, especially when it comes to a guy.

When Julia and Crank meet at an anti-war protest in Washington in the fall of 2002, the connection between them is so powerful it threatens to tear everything apart.

About the author:

Also author of Republic, Insurgent and Prayer at Rumayla.

Find Charles: Website / Twitter / Facebook

Get the book:

Giveaway:

GRAND PRIZE - $250 Amazon gift card

The winner will be chosen from all of the commenters throughout the tour by Rafflecopter and announced on 12/26.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Tour stop giveaway: Just Remember to Breathe

A digital copy will be provided by author and the blog tour and I'll add a paperback copy as well.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Both giveaways are International and end right before Christmas. :)

Follow the blog tour for more chances to win!

Hosted by

Phew! That's a super awesome giveaway! Good luck everyone! :)

Review: Valkyrie Rising (Valkyrie #1) by Ingrid Paulson

2012-12-15T16:53:00.002+02:00

Hey guys!

Long time no see! I hope everyone is doing great!:)

I haven't got that much time to read and blog lately, but I should have a few reviews posted soon.

Valkyrie Rising (Valkyrie #1)
by Ingrid Paulson
Published: October 9th 2012
by HarperTeen
Format: Hardcover, 352 pages

Goodreads:

Nothing ever happens in Norway. But at least Ellie knows what to expect when she visits her grandmother: a tranquil fishing village and long, slow summer days. And maybe she’ll finally get out from under the shadow of her way-too-perfect big brother, Graham, while she’s there.

What Ellie doesn’t anticipate is Graham’s infuriating best friend, Tuck, tagging along for the trip. Nor did she imagine boys going missing amid rumors of impossible kidnappings. Least of all does she expect something powerful and ancient to awaken in her and that strange whispers would urge Ellie to claim her place among mythological warriors. Instead of peace and quiet, there’s suddenly a lot for a girl from L.A. to handle on a summer sojourn in Norway! And when Graham vanishes, it’s up to Ellie—and the ever-sarcastic, if undeniably alluring Tuck—to uncover the truth about all the disappearances and thwart the nefarious plan behind them.

Deadly legends, hidden identities, and tentative romance swirl together in one girl’s unexpectedly-epic coming of age.

My thoughts:

I have mixed feelings about this book. Overall, I liked it, but sometimes it kind of irritated me, so it took me longer than usual to get through it. I'll get on the details in a bit.

The premise might sound familiar for Young Adult Paranormal books: main characters find out about the existence of a supernatural world and their connection to the supernatural creatures living among them, they get pulled into that world, bad things happen, villain shows up, more dangerous things happen, villain is defeated, characters grow stronger by the end of the book and find out more about them and their past. There's also some romance thrown in into the mix. But despite the familiarity, there was something totally original and very interesting about Valkyrie Rising. First, we have the setting: Norway, then, we have the mythology and the supernatural world intertwined with the human world and then the kickass characters. Fascinating!

The synopsis is a little too spoiler-y for my liking, but there were enough twists and turns in the book to keep me interested and engaged in the story.

Ellie is a normal, LA teenage girl. She has problems with her overbearing, overprotective brother and his too-charming-for-their-own-good best friend, but she manages just fine. And then she goes to her grandmother in Norway for the summer and everything changes.

The village where her grandmother lives is kind of creepy. There are all sorts of rumors around it and people look at Ellie and treat her strangely. And when big brother extraordinaine and his trouble-maker friend join her, things get even more interesting - and downright weird and scary. Because there might be some truth behind the whispers in the village and there might be something supernatural and really creepy about the disappearances of all the young boys in the area. And like worrying about that and about Graham being the next capture wasn't enough, Ellie starts to feel the rising of some dark, strange power inside her and the calls of other mythological beings who prowl around.

While my logical self told me to take the car, something primal within me howled that I’d be faster and safer on foot. Invisible. Once the night air filled my lungs, my instincts were honed to a razor-sharp clarity. I could see each leaf on every tree. The wind whispered secrets, carrying to my ears the footfalls of the squirrels and deer in the forest. I could smell the salt in the air and feel the slightest shift in the wind’s direction. Something was happening to me. It was as electrifying as plunging headfirst into ice-cold water—every molecule of my body was alert, awake, and screaming for action.

There are many secrets in her family and around that place, but she doesn't get a chance to explore them, because a turn of events thrust her into action and all she can do is fight for her life, for the people she cares about and for the innocent lives that got caught in the crossfire. And that was what I loved the most about this book: the action, the suspense, the mystery, the presence of kickass characters, the mythology beings and their badass, action-movie moves...

“Get away from her!” I screamed as I threw the dagger at the Valkyrie. I hadn’t known I had that kind of violence in me until my fingers relaxed, letting the blade fly. One manicured hand snatched the blade from the air without flinching.

There was never a dull moment in the second part of the book. Except for Ellie's childish behavior and annoying whiny thoughts, that is. Which brings me to what I didn't love about this book: I couldn't really connect with the main character, Ellie. I liked her when she took action and fought for everyone's safety, when she confronted beings so much older, more knowledgeable and powerful than her, when she stood up for her brother and the boy she secretly loved, but that part of her was too much in contrast with the normal, teenage girl. To me, it felt like that immature side of her was a bit forced (not realistic enough); it was like she was made to act dumb, insecure, stubborn, reckless and whiny because that's how teenagers are supposed to behave, not because that's what she was actually like or that's how she really felt. Does this make any sense? Ugh, what I'm trying to say is that, in my opinion, the change from badass Valkyire who can kill everyone in two seconds flat, face some very powerful beings and a Norse God to a whiny, insecure teenager was too abrupt. Of course, she had plenty of moments of strength, determination and courage and that's when I was cheering her on.

I liked her relationship with Tuck, though. They both have feelings for each other, but they've also known each other forever and they don't want to ruin that or to hurt her brother in the process (infamous player going after his best friend's younger sister and all that), so they don't act on those feelings - not right away, anyway. Their banter was priceless (it kind of reminded me of Daemon and Katy from Obsidian by Jennifer L Armentrout). And Tuck was pretty badass himself, even though he had his own secrets, mood swings and conflicted emotions. Fun, playful and a real charmer. *swoon*

When I looked at him that closely, at those white teeth framed by that deceptively innocent smile, I knew why Tucker Halloway excelled at getting whatever he wanted—especially from girls. And I couldn’t fathom why he was wasting that particular talent on me when bullying and mockery had always been the accepted currency between the two of us. “What do you want?” I asked, instantly wary. “Shouldn’t you be enjoying the party?” His smile curled up at one corner, proof positive he was up to no good.

“I meant, why play games? I get by just fine on looks alone.” His smile was blinding, driving his point home. “Don’t forget your charming personality,” I said, and my stomach flipped when his grin widened at my words. Making Tucker laugh was the best kind of rush. “I hear modesty is quite the aphrodisiac,” I added.

Graham's condescending, overprotective, patronizing attitude got a little on my nerves too, but overall, I liked the secondary characters. They were all unique and had their own important roles in the story. The grandmother was so awesome! Not what you would expect when visiting old relatives on the other side of the world. *thumbs up*

So, like I said, mixed feelings. I loved the action, the setting, the mythology and the characters most of the time, but there were a few moments when I just wanted to get into the book and shake them senseless. Or to throw the book across the room (thankfully, there weren't many of those moments). The writing is engrossing and it flows naturally, so there's a lot of potential to this series. The only other Valkyries I read about were in the Immortals After Dark series by Kresley Cole, but that's an adult romance series, so things were a bit different. Still, I think it's safe to say that they are some of my favorite supernatural creatures in lit, so I'll probably read the next book in this series when it comes out as well!

Get the book: Amazon / B & N / The Book Depository

Stalk the author: Facebook / Twitter / Website

Review: Valkyrie Rising (Valkyrie #1) by Ingrid Paulson

2012-12-15T16:53:00.001+02:00

Hey guys!

Long time no see! I hope everyone is doing great!:)

I haven't got that much time to read and blog lately, but I should have a few reviews posted soon.

Valkyrie Rising (Valkyrie #1)
by Ingrid Paulson
Published: October 9th 2012
by HarperTeen
Format: Hardcover, 352 pages

Goodreads:

Nothing ever happens in Norway. But at least Ellie knows what to expect when she visits her grandmother: a tranquil fishing village and long, slow summer days. And maybe she’ll finally get out from under the shadow of her way-too-perfect big brother, Graham, while she’s there.

What Ellie doesn’t anticipate is Graham’s infuriating best friend, Tuck, tagging along for the trip. Nor did she imagine boys going missing amid rumors of impossible kidnappings. Least of all does she expect something powerful and ancient to awaken in her and that strange whispers would urge Ellie to claim her place among mythological warriors. Instead of peace and quiet, there’s suddenly a lot for a girl from L.A. to handle on a summer sojourn in Norway! And when Graham vanishes, it’s up to Ellie—and the ever-sarcastic, if undeniably alluring Tuck—to uncover the truth about all the disappearances and thwart the nefarious plan behind them.

Deadly legends, hidden identities, and tentative romance swirl together in one girl’s unexpectedly-epic coming of age.

While my logical self told me to take the car, something primal within me howled that I’d be faster and safer on foot. Invisible. Once the night air filled my lungs, my instincts were honed to a razor-sharp clarity. I could see each leaf on every tree. The wind whispered secrets, carrying to my ears the footfalls of the squirrels and deer in the forest. I could smell the salt in the air and feel the slightest shift in the wind’s direction. Something was happening to me. It was as electrifying as plunging headfirst into ice-cold water—every molecule of my body was alert, awake, and screaming for action.

“Get away from her!” I screamed as I threw the dagger at the Valkyrie. I hadn’t known I had that kind of violence in me until my fingers relaxed, letting the blade fly. One manicured hand snatched the blade from the air without flinching.

When I looked at him that closely, at those white teeth framed by that deceptively innocent smile, I knew why Tucker Halloway excelled at getting whatever he wanted—especially from girls. And I couldn’t fathom why he was wasting that particular talent on me when bullying and mockery had always been the accepted currency between the two of us. “What do you want?” I asked, instantly wary. “Shouldn’t you be enjoying the party?” His smile curled up at one corner, proof positive he was up to no good.

“I meant, why play games? I get by just fine on looks alone.” His smile was blinding, driving his point home. “Don’t forget your charming personality,” I said, and my stomach flipped when his grin widened at my words. Making Tucker laugh was the best kind of rush. “I hear modesty is quite the aphrodisiac,” I added.

Get the book: Amazon / B & N / The Book Depository

Stalk the author: Facebook / Twitter / Website

Cover Reveal: Back to You by Priscilla Glenn

2012-12-11T07:00:00.001+02:00

Hi guys!

Back to You has been on my radar for a while now, it seems to fit my New Adult Contemp addiction just right. So I'm excited to share the new cover with you today!

*Cover reveal organized by: AToMR Tours

Back to You
by Priscilla Glenn

Published: October 20th 2012
by CreateSpace
Format: Kindle e-book, 328 pages

Goodreads:

When Lauren Monroe first laid eyes on Michael Delaney back in high school, she had every reason to stay away from him; within minutes of their first encounter, his volatile actions confirmed his notorious reputation. But Lauren saw something in him that caused her to question his bad-boy persona, and against her better judgment, she took a chance. She had no way of knowing that the unlikely friendship they formed would become so important to her.

Or that it would end so painfully.

Eight years later, when Lauren begins her new job at Learn and Grow Day Care, Michael is the last person she expects to see. Refusing to revisit the hurt and confusion of their past, Lauren vows to keep her distance from him. But staying away from Michael proves to be more difficult than she thought, despite her lingering grief and her instincts for self-preservation.

As Lauren and Michael recall the friendship that changed them forever and the events that tore them apart, will they finally be able to heal? Or will the ghosts of Michael’s past prove to be too much to overcome?

Get the book: Amazon

About the author:

Priscilla Glenn lives in New York with her husband and three beautiful children. She has been teaching English Language Arts at the middle and high school levels for the past eleven years. Glenn has written three books, although Back to You is her first published novel. Her guilty pleasures include great books, good wine, anything chocolate, and Robert Pattinson :)

Find Priscilla: Twitter | Facebook

Let me know what you think!

Cover Reveal: Back to You by Priscilla Glenn

2012-12-11T07:00:00.000+02:00

Hi guys!

Back to You has been on my radar for a while now, it seems to fit my New Adult Contemp addiction just right. So I'm excited to share the new cover with you today!

*Cover reveal organized by: AToMR Tours

Back to You
by Priscilla Glenn

Published: October 20th 2012
by CreateSpace
Format: Kindle e-book, 328 pages

Goodreads:

When Lauren Monroe first laid eyes on Michael Delaney back in high school, she had every reason to stay away from him; within minutes of their first encounter, his volatile actions confirmed his notorious reputation. But Lauren saw something in him that caused her to question his bad-boy persona, and against her better judgment, she took a chance. She had no way of knowing that the unlikely friendship they formed would become so important to her.

Or that it would end so painfully.

Eight years later, when Lauren begins her new job at Learn and Grow Day Care, Michael is the last person she expects to see. Refusing to revisit the hurt and confusion of their past, Lauren vows to keep her distance from him. But staying away from Michael proves to be more difficult than she thought, despite her lingering grief and her instincts for self-preservation.

As Lauren and Michael recall the friendship that changed them forever and the events that tore them apart, will they finally be able to heal? Or will the ghosts of Michael’s past prove to be too much to overcome?

Get the book: Amazon

About the author:

Find Priscilla: Twitter | Facebook

Let me know what you think!

After Dark by Emi Gayle: Book Blast & $50 Amazon Gift Card Giveaway

2012-12-04T20:58:00.001+02:00

Hi guys!

It's been a while since I recommended you a good YA Paranormal series, so here's one I'm sure you will like:

After Dark (The 19th Year #1)
by Emi Gayle

Published: October 31st 2012
by J. Taylor Publishing
Format: Paperback, 344 pages

Goodreads:

What eighteen year old Mac Thorne doesn’t know will probably kill her.

In exactly eight months, five days, three hours and thirteen minutes, Mac has to choose what she’ll be for the rest of her life.

She has no choice but to pick. As a Changeling, it’s her birthright. To Mac, it’s a birthchore. Like going to school with humans, interacting with humans, and pretending to be human during the pesky daylight hours.

Once darkness descends, Mac can change into any supernatural form that exists—which makes her as happy as she can be. That is, until Winn Thomas, the biggest geek in her senior class figures out there’s more to what hides in the dark than most are willing to acknowledge.

In this first of the 19th Year Trilogy, Winn might know more about Mac than even she does, and that knowledge could end their lives, unless Mac ensures the powers-that-be have no choice but to keep him around.

Get the book:

Amazon | Amazon Kindle | Barnes & Noble

***

Here's a kickass excerpt for you:

Endless screams. Maniacal laughter. The scent of prey.

Chills raced up my spine.

I wanted to run. To hide. To bury my head in the grave beneath me.

Instead, I balanced on top of Samuel L. Wilson, someone’s ‘beloved father and son resting in peace,’ craving solitude and stressing like a vampire on a blood fast.

Good ole ‘Sam’ decomposed underneath the largest oak in Primrose Cemetery—a spot no human would visit at night except on Halloween. A night that should have been mine.

Mine alone.

A gust of wind pushed my sketchpad to my knees, flung hair against my cheeks and sent my colored pencils tumbling. Wind, I could deal with. Humans? I’d rather not have had to. A swipe of my hand through the air brought the drawing tools back up. I yanked my hair into a tail, twisted the strands around a Cerulean blue pencil and stabbed random colors into the knot for safe keeping.

My frustration with human-kind had reached its pinnacle hours before but ratcheted even higher as someone rattled the gates, girls giggled and dares to enter the cemetery from crackly-voiced, chicken boys reached me.

I slapped my pencil to my papers, my forehead to my palm. “All I wanted was an hour of uninterrupted—”

The sharp end of something way larger than a pencil pierced my neck.

I straightened with one intake of breath, dropping the yellow, number-two from my fingertips. My hand reached toward the uninvited object as I seethed between clenched teeth.

“Hello, Mackenzie.” His deep bass resonated with the confidence of his kind: the not-human variety.

“You’ve got to be kidding.” Whatever the tool, it pressed deeper into my flesh, and I itched to free myself from its penetrating hold.

“And once again, I have won the game before it began.”

“Only because you came up behind me.” A small orb of sunlight formed in the palm of my hand as I kept my neck as still as possible. With one toss, it zipped into the air above my head.

A pierced squeal emanated from behind me, and the point slid away.

Holy hell, that hurt! I jumped to the ground, somersaulted between Matilda Jane, Johann Rowe and the plastic flowers that lay between them. With another roll, James Peak’s extra large headstone concealed my entire form.

“Come out, come out, wherever you are.” The crunch of branches under footsteps gave his position away.

With a deep inhale, my body began its shift into a new form. My incisors elongated. Heart stopped. Eyes burned. On the exhale, strength, cunning and innate wit filled me, matching that of my attacker.

I stood with James as a shield. “Bring it on, old man.”

***

And if that wasn't convincing enough, here's what other bloggers have to say about it:

“Winn and Mac were perfect for each other in every way possible. It was like two magnets finally finding each other and connecting.”
— Good Choice Reading

“Awesome beyond awesome! For lovers of YA Paranormal, this is a MUST READ!!!”
— Romancing the Book

“Talk about can't put down...I accidentally opened this one instead of the book I was scheduled to read. Made the mistake of reading the first paragraph -- and I have not been able to put my iPad down since!”
— Parajunkee

***

Book Trailer:

***

About the author:

Emi Gayle just wants to be young again. She lives vicariously through her youthful characters, while simultaneously acting as chief-Mom to her teenaged son and searching for a way to keep her two daughters from ever reaching the dreaded teen years.

Ironically, those years were some of Emi's favorite times. She met the man of her dreams at 14, was engaged to him at 19, married him at 20 and she's still in love with him to this day. She'll never forget what it was like to fall in love at such a young age — emotions she wants everyone to feel.

Web | Blog | Twitter | Facebook | Goodreads

***

Giveaway:

Prize: $50 Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash
Ends: 12/13/12
*You need not enter your twitter name for each entry.

Simply enter it for the first person you follow and leave the others blank.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Open to anyone who can legally enter, receive and use an Amazon.com Gift Code or Paypal Cash. Winning Entry will be verified prior to prize being awarded. No purchase necessary. You must be 18 or older to enter or have your parent's permission. The winner will be chosen by rafflecopter and announced here as well as emailed and will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. This giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook, Twitter, Rafflecopter or any other entity unless otherwise specified. The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.

Thanks to Kathy for hosting!

Good luck everyone!

After Dark by Emi Gayle: Book Blast & $50 Amazon Gift Card Giveaway

2012-12-04T20:58:00.000+02:00

Hi guys!

It's been a while since I recommended you a good YA Paranormal series, so here's one I'm sure you will like:

After Dark (The 19th Year #1)
by Emi Gayle

Published: October 31st 2012
by J. Taylor Publishing
Format: Paperback, 344 pages

Goodreads:

What eighteen year old Mac Thorne doesn’t know will probably kill her.

In exactly eight months, five days, three hours and thirteen minutes, Mac has to choose what she’ll be for the rest of her life.

She has no choice but to pick. As a Changeling, it’s her birthright. To Mac, it’s a birthchore. Like going to school with humans, interacting with humans, and pretending to be human during the pesky daylight hours.

Once darkness descends, Mac can change into any supernatural form that exists—which makes her as happy as she can be. That is, until Winn Thomas, the biggest geek in her senior class figures out there’s more to what hides in the dark than most are willing to acknowledge.

In this first of the 19th Year Trilogy, Winn might know more about Mac than even she does, and that knowledge could end their lives, unless Mac ensures the powers-that-be have no choice but to keep him around.

Get the book:

Amazon | Amazon Kindle | Barnes & Noble

***

Here's a kickass excerpt for you:

***

Book Trailer:

***

About the author:

Web | Blog | Twitter | Facebook | Goodreads

***

Giveaway:

Prize: $50 Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash
Ends: 12/13/12
*You need not enter your twitter name for each entry.

Simply enter it for the first person you follow and leave the others blank.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Thanks to Kathy for hosting!

Good luck everyone!

Cover Reveal: The Summer I Became a Nerd by Leah Rae Miller @EntangledTeen

2012-11-30T15:47:00.002+02:00

Hi guys!

I'm interrupting today's festivities to show you a cute, summery cover for a book that sounds awesome and fun and that I can't wait to read!

The Summer I Became a Nerd by Leah Rae Miller comes out just in time for summer next year, from Entangled Publishing.

Here's the scoop:

The Summer I Became a Nerd
by Leah Rae Miller

Release date: May 7th 2013
by Entangled Teen

Goodreads:

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.

About the author:

Blog / Twitter

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.

Pre-order the book: Amazon / B & N

For everyone in Romania, I hope you have a wonderful time this sunny holiday weekend! (La multi ani celor cu nume de Andrei, Andreea si alte derivate!) For everyone else, have a great weekend!

Cover Reveal: The Summer I Became a Nerd by Leah Rae Miller @EntangledTeen

2012-11-30T15:47:00.001+02:00

Hi guys!

Here's the scoop:

The Summer I Became a Nerd
by Leah Rae Miller

Release date: May 7th 2013
by Entangled Teen

Goodreads:

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.

About the author:

Blog / Twitter

Pre-order the book: Amazon / B & N

For everyone in Romania, I hope you have a wonderful time this sunny holiday weekend! (La multi ani celor cu nume de Andrei, Andreea si alte derivate!) For everyone else, have a great weekend!

Waiting on Wednesday #39 - The Ward by Jordana Frankel

2012-11-28T20:53:00.001+02:00

Hi!

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly feature hosted by Jill @ Breaking the Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases we're eagerly anticipating.

My pick this week...

The Ward
by Jordana Frankel

Release date: April 30th 2013
by Katherine Tegen Books
Format: Hardcover, 384 pages

Goodreads:

Sixteen-year-old Ren is a daredevil mobile racer who will risk everything to survive in the Ward, what remains of a water-logged Manhattan. To save her sister, who is suffering from a deadly illness thought to be caused by years of pollution, Ren accepts a secret mission from the government: to search for a freshwater source in the Ward, with the hope of it leading to a cure.

However, she never expects that her search will lead to dangerous encounters with a passionate young scientist; a web of deceit and lies; and an earth-shattering mystery that’s lurking deep beneath the water’s rippling surface.

Jordana Frankel’s ambitious debut novel and the first in a two-book series, The Ward is arresting, cinematic, and thrilling—perfect for fans of Scott Westerfeld or Ann Aguirre.

I miss reading a great Dystopian book, I feel like I've neglected this genre in the past few months. But I spotted a few upcoming books that sound really awesome and I'm looking forward to their release.
The Ward by Jordana Frankel is one of them; it sounds kickass and original and I love action-packed books with strong heroines. The cover is gorgeous as well, so I can't wait to add it to my reading pile!

What are you waiting on this week?

Waiting on Wednesday #39 - The Ward by Jordana Frankel

2012-11-28T20:53:00.000+02:00

Hi!

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly feature hosted by Jill @ Breaking the Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases we're eagerly anticipating.

My pick this week...

The Ward
by Jordana Frankel

Release date: April 30th 2013
by Katherine Tegen Books
Format: Hardcover, 384 pages

Goodreads:

Sixteen-year-old Ren is a daredevil mobile racer who will risk everything to survive in the Ward, what remains of a water-logged Manhattan. To save her sister, who is suffering from a deadly illness thought to be caused by years of pollution, Ren accepts a secret mission from the government: to search for a freshwater source in the Ward, with the hope of it leading to a cure.

However, she never expects that her search will lead to dangerous encounters with a passionate young scientist; a web of deceit and lies; and an earth-shattering mystery that’s lurking deep beneath the water’s rippling surface.

Jordana Frankel’s ambitious debut novel and the first in a two-book series, The Ward is arresting, cinematic, and thrilling—perfect for fans of Scott Westerfeld or Ann Aguirre.

Review: Just for Now (Sea Breeze #4) by Abbi Glines

2012-11-27T14:17:00.001+02:00

Hi!

Just for Now (Sea Breeze #4)
by Abbi Glines

Published: October 30th 2012
by Simon & Schuster
Format: Kindle Edition, 304 pages

Goodreads

The day Preston Drake figured out that wealthy women paid well for a set of tight abs and a pretty face his life turned around.

The run down rat-infested trailer he had shared with his alcoholic mother and three younger siblings was now only a place he visited to pay the bills and stock the pantry with food.

He no longer worried about his family starving or living without electricity. The money he made entertaining rich older women more than covered his family’s needs and his own. He had it all figured out. Except…

There was this girl.

She was as innocent as he was tainted.

Amanda Hardy wished her knees didn’t get weak when Preston walked into a room. She hated the fact her heart raced when he flashed his smile in her direction. He had a different girl in his bed every night. He was the kind of boy a smart girl ran from. So, why was she coming up with ways to get close to him? Even when it was obvious he wanted to keep her at a distance.

Maybe her heart knew something the world didn’t. Maybe Preston Drake was more than just a pretty face.

My thoughts on Breathe (Sea Breeze #1),

Because of Low (Sea Breeze #2)

and While It Lasts (Sea Breeze #3).

My thoughts:

I'm keeping these reviews short and sweet, because that's what these books are for me: short and sweet one-sit-reads that always put me in a good mood. I love Abbi Glines' writing and her books always melt my heart and put a smile on my face. It's kind of amazing the amount of emotions her characters and their stories make me feel in such a short time!

Just for Now was one of my most anticipated releases of the season. I love this series and this group we've been following since book #1 and I've been dying to get Preston's entire story since book #2 (or was it book #1? Hmm, I don't know, but I've always been intrigued by him and believed there was a good story right there. And I was right.) He was funny, charming and a real player - but somehow different than Cage. And I was happy when I realized that Amanda was going to be the girl to get under his skin and show us what was behind those walls of his, but, considering what we knew of Amanda and his history, my first thought was 'Uh-oh. This one is going to be tricky'.

Amanda is Marcus' (Preston's best friend we met in book #2) sweet and innocent little sister, which means she's totally off limits for him. Besides, considering his life style, she's way out of his league. But the attraction between them is undeniable so maybe, just maybe, it could work between them? But at what cost?

The guys were my family, but Marcus was my brother. Blood didn’t matter. He’d cared when no one else had known there was something to care about. I had to let this fascination I had with his sister go.

It's been a while since I read the previous books, but I think I was more emotionally connected with this one and these characters. My heart broke for them even from the beginning, when something meant to happen for a long time didn't go as it was supposed to. I really felt for Amanda, and even though sometimes I just wanted to reach into the book and shake her, to scream at her to be stronger, most of the time I just wanted to hug her, to support her and cheer her on, because if anyone could work things out and be happy with Preston, it was her. Especially when everyone on Earth and their sister kept warning her away from him and trying to get in their way or to control her life. Grrr! But she was stronger than everyone else thought. She was sweet, selfless and caring and warmed up to Preston and his family's life easily.

For the first time in my life, I didn’t feel alone. (Preston)

Willow sighed. “She’ll need room to breathe soon enough, Marcus. You can love her and care about her while you stand back and let her make her own decisions. She isn’t the little girl you took care of all your life. She’s a big girl now. Don’t forget that.” (Did I ever mention that Willow is my favorite heroine in this series? Yup, she still is. )

Amanda always had feelings for Preston and his behavior hurt her many times. Not to mention that she had to keep everything to herself, because she never wanted to ruin Preston's relationship with her brother and she thought Preston would never notice her. Not the way she craved for, anyway. But even when she started acting on those feeling and fighting for the man she loved, things didn't get easier. There were lots of complications, insecurities and hurt feelings on both sides.

Manda was different. She made me feel things. Things I’d prayed I’d never experience, because acting on them would be impossible.

Preston stared at me a moment, and then a small smile touched his lips for the first time today. I was so happy to see that smile. “You’re amazing, and you don’t even know it.”

There was passion, but there was also pain. There was hope, but there was also hopelessness. There was love, but there was also betrayal. There were tears, but there were also smiles and moments of joy. Such a beautiful, emotional story!

Anyway, I love Preston! He's sweet, charming, protective, incredibly hot and has a wicked sense of humor. What else could a girl ask for?:D Yes, he has his secrets and all, but he's a survivor and a fighter and will stop at nothing when it comes to the people he loves and their well being. Opening up to Amanda and believing in their relationship was probably one of the hardest things for him to do. His story was heartbreaking, but I loved the way he and Amanda clicked by the end. And OMG! That chemistry, that passion! Phew, despite their issues and bumps in the road, their relationship was hot and intense! Really, this book was a major swoon-fest! (not suited for a YA audience, btw).

I loved that all the previous couples made an appearance as well, I missed them. :) I just love this group and how close they all are! And I know we're getting back to Cage and Eva for the next book (eep!), but I wouldn't mind it if Jason and Dewayne got their own stories after that either. ;)

I have yet to read a book by Abbi Glines and be disappointed. Every time I finish one of her books, I think the next one can't get any better than that. And then she writes a story like this one and I'm blown away all over again! I'm looking forward to the next one!

Other favorite quotes:

I didn’t want to keep my distance. I might not get to have her again, but I liked being near her. She made me happy. She made the darkness not seem too smothering. “I want to be friends,” I explained, watching her chew her bottom lip nervously.

“I’ll be good. I promise. I’ll be the best damn friend you’ve ever had.” His voice had lowered into a husky whisper. I shivered from the sexy sound. (...)

“Friends don’t get this close, Preston,” I said, and I started to take a step back when he pulled me tightly against him. “No, Manda, they don’t. But I can’t stop wanting you close. Can we be close friends?” He asked, lowering his head until his warm breath tickled my ear. Closing my eyes tightly, I grabbed his arms to keep myself steady. What was he doing? “I like you close. Real close.”

“Nothing about this thing we have is a bad thing. I’m not gonna lie about it: I don’t deserve you. I’m sure as hell not good enough for you, but as long as you want me, I’m all yours.”

He smiled and lowered his head until his lips hovered over mine. “I love you with a scary, insane, wild, amazing love. I always will. No one else could ever make me feel this way.”

*sigh* ♥ ♥ ♥

Get the book: Amazon / B & N

Stalk Abbi: Website / Twitter / Facebook

Review: Just for Now (Sea Breeze #4) by Abbi Glines

2012-11-27T14:17:00.000+02:00

Hi!

Just for Now (Sea Breeze #4)
by Abbi Glines

Published: October 30th 2012
by Simon & Schuster
Format: Kindle Edition, 304 pages

Goodreads

The day Preston Drake figured out that wealthy women paid well for a set of tight abs and a pretty face his life turned around.

The run down rat-infested trailer he had shared with his alcoholic mother and three younger siblings was now only a place he visited to pay the bills and stock the pantry with food.

He no longer worried about his family starving or living without electricity. The money he made entertaining rich older women more than covered his family’s needs and his own. He had it all figured out. Except…

There was this girl.

She was as innocent as he was tainted.

Amanda Hardy wished her knees didn’t get weak when Preston walked into a room. She hated the fact her heart raced when he flashed his smile in her direction. He had a different girl in his bed every night. He was the kind of boy a smart girl ran from. So, why was she coming up with ways to get close to him? Even when it was obvious he wanted to keep her at a distance.

Maybe her heart knew something the world didn’t. Maybe Preston Drake was more than just a pretty face.

My thoughts on Breathe (Sea Breeze #1),

Because of Low (Sea Breeze #2)

and While It Lasts (Sea Breeze #3).

The guys were my family, but Marcus was my brother. Blood didn’t matter. He’d cared when no one else had known there was something to care about. I had to let this fascination I had with his sister go.

For the first time in my life, I didn’t feel alone. (Preston)

Willow sighed. “She’ll need room to breathe soon enough, Marcus. You can love her and care about her while you stand back and let her make her own decisions. She isn’t the little girl you took care of all your life. She’s a big girl now. Don’t forget that.” (Did I ever mention that Willow is my favorite heroine in this series? Yup, she still is. )

Manda was different. She made me feel things. Things I’d prayed I’d never experience, because acting on them would be impossible.

Preston stared at me a moment, and then a small smile touched his lips for the first time today. I was so happy to see that smile. “You’re amazing, and you don’t even know it.”

Other favorite quotes:

I didn’t want to keep my distance. I might not get to have her again, but I liked being near her. She made me happy. She made the darkness not seem too smothering. “I want to be friends,” I explained, watching her chew her bottom lip nervously.

“I’ll be good. I promise. I’ll be the best damn friend you’ve ever had.” His voice had lowered into a husky whisper. I shivered from the sexy sound. (...)

“Friends don’t get this close, Preston,” I said, and I started to take a step back when he pulled me tightly against him. “No, Manda, they don’t. But I can’t stop wanting you close. Can we be close friends?” He asked, lowering his head until his warm breath tickled my ear. Closing my eyes tightly, I grabbed his arms to keep myself steady. What was he doing? “I like you close. Real close.”

“Nothing about this thing we have is a bad thing. I’m not gonna lie about it: I don’t deserve you. I’m sure as hell not good enough for you, but as long as you want me, I’m all yours.”

He smiled and lowered his head until his lips hovered over mine. “I love you with a scary, insane, wild, amazing love. I always will. No one else could ever make me feel this way.”

*sigh* ♥ ♥ ♥

Get the book: Amazon / B & N

Stalk Abbi: Website / Twitter / Facebook

Waiting on Wednesday #38 - The Archived by Victoria Schwab

2012-11-21T13:35:00.001+02:00

Hi!

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly feature hosted by Jill @ Breaking the Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases we're eagerly anticipating.

The Archived (The Archived #1)
by Victoria Schwab

Release date: January 22nd 2013
by Hyperion

Format: Hardcover, 336 pages

Goodreads:

Imagine a place where the dead rest on shelves like books.

Each body has a story to tell, a life seen in pictures that only Librarians can read. The dead are called Histories, and the vast realm in which they rest is the Archive.

Da first brought Mackenzie Bishop here four years ago, when she was twelve years old, frightened but determined to prove herself. Now Da is dead, and Mac has grown into what he once was, a ruthless Keeper, tasked with stopping often-violent Histories from waking up and getting out. Because of her job, she lies to the people she loves, and she knows fear for what it is: a useful tool for staying alive.

Being a Keeper isn't just dangerous-it's a constant reminder of those Mac has lost. Da's death was hard enough, but now her little brother is gone too. Mac starts to wonder about the boundary between living and dying, sleeping and waking. In the Archive, the dead must never be disturbed. And yet, someone is deliberately altering Histories, erasing essential chapters. Unless Mac can piece together what remains, the Archive itself might crumble and fall.

In this haunting, richly imagined novel, Victoria Schwab reveals the thin lines between past and present, love and pain, trust and deceit, unbearable loss and hard-won redemption.

I've been waiting for this book for what feels like forever! When I read Victoria's previous novel, The Near Witch, I fell in love with her poetic, stunning writing style and I couldn't wait to read something written by her again! So I've been stalking her and patiently (or not) waiting for this new release. The premise of the Archived sounds haunting, unique and so fascinating! Doesn't it grip you from the first line of the blurb?

I can't wait for January! (though it's a late Jan. release, so I'll probably get it for my birthday at the beginning of February. Anyway, I can't wait!! Look at that gorgeous cover!)

What are you waiting on this week?

Waiting on Wednesday #38 - The Archived by Victoria Schwab

2012-11-21T13:35:00.000+02:00

Hi!

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly feature hosted by Jill @ Breaking the Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases we're eagerly anticipating.

The Archived (The Archived #1)
by Victoria Schwab

Release date: January 22nd 2013
by Hyperion

Format: Hardcover, 336 pages

Goodreads:

Imagine a place where the dead rest on shelves like books.

Each body has a story to tell, a life seen in pictures that only Librarians can read. The dead are called Histories, and the vast realm in which they rest is the Archive.

Da first brought Mackenzie Bishop here four years ago, when she was twelve years old, frightened but determined to prove herself. Now Da is dead, and Mac has grown into what he once was, a ruthless Keeper, tasked with stopping often-violent Histories from waking up and getting out. Because of her job, she lies to the people she loves, and she knows fear for what it is: a useful tool for staying alive.

Being a Keeper isn't just dangerous-it's a constant reminder of those Mac has lost. Da's death was hard enough, but now her little brother is gone too. Mac starts to wonder about the boundary between living and dying, sleeping and waking. In the Archive, the dead must never be disturbed. And yet, someone is deliberately altering Histories, erasing essential chapters. Unless Mac can piece together what remains, the Archive itself might crumble and fall.

In this haunting, richly imagined novel, Victoria Schwab reveals the thin lines between past and present, love and pain, trust and deceit, unbearable loss and hard-won redemption.

Undeadly by Michele Vail - Blog Tour: Playlist & Giveaway

2012-11-19T07:30:00.001+02:00

Hi!

I'm super excited to kick off the Blog Tour for Undeadly by Michele Vail today! Kismet Blog Touring and Michele have a lot of fun stuff and giveaways in store for you, so stay tuned!

Undeadly comes out soon and today we're sharing the playlist Michele put together for her story. It's perfect to set the mood for the tour! :)

But first, some info on the book: (and see my previous post for my review)

Undeadly (The Reaper Diaries #1)
by Michele Vail

Release date: November 20th 2012
by Harlequin Teen
Format: Paperback, 272 pages

Goodreads:

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

Molly Bartolucci wants to blend in, date hottie Rick and keep her zombie-raising abilities on the down-low. Then the god Anubis chooses her to become a reaper—and she accidentally undoes the work of another reaper, Rath. Within days, she's shipped off to the Nekyia Academy, an elite boarding school that trains the best necromancers in the world. And her personal reaping tutor? Rath.

Life at Nekyia has its plusses. Molly has her own personal ghoul, for one. Rick follows her there out of the blue, for another...except, there's something a little off about him. When students at the academy start to die and Rath disappears, Molly starts to wonder if anything is as it seems. Only one thing is certain—-Molly's got an undeadly knack for finding trouble....

Get the book:

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Indiebound | Book Depository

Molly's Playlist:

***

About the author:

Website | Twitter | Facebook

Michele Vail writes young adult paranormal fiction about zombies and reapers. She likes reading, dogs, cats, board games, ghost-hunting shows, and Halloween. She believes in magic, in the impossible, and in the restorative powers of chocolate. Michele lives happily-ever-after with her Viking and their family.

***

Giveaway

Contest Info:

There are two giveaways for this tour! (US/CAN only)

(sorry International readers, the prizes are sent by the US publisher)

1.) A copy of Undeadly and a signed copy of Undeadly (two winners).

2.) A Kindle Paperwhite skinned in the Undeadly cover Art!

To enter, complet the Rafflecoper form bellow (see full contest rules here):

a Rafflecopter giveaway

And follow the Blog Tour to find more exciting stuff and to get more chances to win!

Monday, November 19th - Deea's Journal
Tuesday, November 20th - Harlequin Paranormal Blog
Wednesday, November 21th - Bewitched Bookworms
Friday, November 23rd - Evie Bookish
Monday, November 26th - Bookish Brunette
Tuesday, November 27th (Book Birthday) - Fiktshun
Wednesday, November 28th - Wastepaper Prose
Friday, November 30th - All Things Urban Fantasy
Monday, December 3rd- Tater's Tall Tails
Wednesday, December 5th- The Book Cellar
Friday, December 7th - Refracted Light Reviews

***
I really liked Undeadly, it was such a unique, refreshing story! (see my review bellow). And isn't that cover gorgeous? :D

So... What do you think about Molly's playlist? What's your favorite song? (I love Massive Attack and The Noise of Carpet is perfect for the kickass scenes!)

Have fun and good luck in the giveaway! That Kindle looks so pretty!

Have an excellent week!

Undeadly by Michele Vail - Blog Tour: Playlist & Giveaway

2012-11-19T07:30:00.000+02:00

Hi!

But first, some info on the book: (and see my previous post for my review)

Undeadly (The Reaper Diaries #1)
by Michele Vail

Release date: November 20th 2012
by Harlequin Teen
Format: Paperback, 272 pages

Goodreads:

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

Molly Bartolucci wants to blend in, date hottie Rick and keep her zombie-raising abilities on the down-low. Then the god Anubis chooses her to become a reaper—and she accidentally undoes the work of another reaper, Rath. Within days, she's shipped off to the Nekyia Academy, an elite boarding school that trains the best necromancers in the world. And her personal reaping tutor? Rath.

Life at Nekyia has its plusses. Molly has her own personal ghoul, for one. Rick follows her there out of the blue, for another...except, there's something a little off about him. When students at the academy start to die and Rath disappears, Molly starts to wonder if anything is as it seems. Only one thing is certain—-Molly's got an undeadly knack for finding trouble....

Get the book:

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Indiebound | Book Depository

Molly's Playlist:

***

About the author:

***

Giveaway

And follow the Blog Tour to find more exciting stuff and to get more chances to win!

Review: Undeadly (The Reaper Diaries #1) by Michele Vail

2012-11-19T07:00:00.001+02:00

Hi!

Undeadly (The Reaper Diaries #1)
by Michele Vail

Release date: November 20th 2012
by Harlequin Teen
Format: Paperback, 272 pages

Goodreads:

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

Molly Bartolucci wants to blend in, date hottie Rick and keep her zombie-raising abilities on the down-low. Then the god Anubis chooses her to become a reaper—and she accidentally undoes the work of another reaper, Rath. Within days, she's shipped off to the Nekyia Academy, an elite boarding school that trains the best necromancers in the world. And her personal reaping tutor? Rath.

Life at Nekyia has its plusses. Molly has her own personal ghoul, for one. Rick follows her there out of the blue, for another...except, there's something a little off about him. When students at the academy start to die and Rath disappears, Molly starts to wonder if anything is as it seems. Only one thing is certain—-Molly's got an undeadly knack for finding trouble....

My thoughts:

Undeadly was a quick, fun and very refreshing read. One that I really needed, after all the intense, emotional, angst-y books I've read lately. The heroine has a young, spunky attitude and a joyful voice that made reading this book a very entertaining experience. Yes, she deals with zombies, reapers, necromancers and death, but her feisty spirit and sarcastic lines make everything flow by at a fast pace and puts a smile on your face.

I haven't read that many zombie books before (I did ready many reaper books, as you know), but the way the author approached this subject and the mythology was very unique and interesting. The story about souls, reapers, necromancers, about how they were made and the powers they had was fascinating.

Molly had a normal life - well, as normal as it could be, in a world where everyone knew about the existence of the supernatural beings living (or not quite) among them and did their best to adapt.

Being a necro doesn’t make anyone really special, though. Everyone has to learn about necromancy, about zombies and SEER machines, and even Ancient Egyptian history (required course, like math and science). But it’s not exactly a big deal these days, not like it was waaaaay back.

She had the usual necromancer-in-training, family and and high school drama to deal with. And then her 16th birthday came along and everything changed. Suddenly, she had much more on her plate than she could take: family secrets revealed, new powers, prophecies, a maybe-boyfriend turned dead - and then brought back to life - who acted weird, a kind-of-dead, hot stalker, a new school to attend.... And more, but you'll have to read the book for yourself to find out about it. :) Scary, but exciting stuff all around!

This reaper stuff was like opening a beautifully wrapped present on my sixteenth birthday and getting a box full of scorpions.

The first part of the book seemed a bit slow and confusing, but when Molly moved to the necromancer boarding school, things started to get more interesting and captivating! She could barely catch her breath - there was always something going on and she was always caught in the middle. And because she was new at everything, she was kind of clueless and overwhelmed. Even so, she had an impressive way of getting through it all. She's fun, feisty and resourceful and got a few reliable allies on the way. Of course, they couldn't solve her problems for her, but they proved to be very helpful when she needed them the most. And despite everything, she never backed down or hide or whine, not even in the most dire situations, which made it even easier to like her and to cheer her on. It was awesome to follow her on her adventures!

“Thanks, Ren. You’re a good friend.”
“I’m a ghost. You’ve got too much heart, Mol. You don’t turn away no matter how bad it gets.” He brushed the hair out of my face. “Leave the dead and the dying alone.”
“I can’t,” I said. “I’m a reaper.”

And like all that was not enough, she also had to deal with the usual teenager problems: family drama, mean girls, cute boys, being the new girl in school... Speaking of which, there's not that much of romance in the book. But there's potential. ;) I really liked Rath (I mean, hot reaper, bad boy attitude and mysterious appearances? Totally my kind of hero!) and I hope to see more of him in the next books. Molly's new friends were awesome as well and I could see a great bond forming between all of them already. And I'm pretty sure that will come in handy for Molly's next stories - she seems to be in for a big adventure!

All in all, Undeadly was a very enjoyable and interesting book. It was fun, fast-paced and the writing felt natural and flew smoothly. I'll admit thought that it took me a while to get into the story, to understand all the mythology and to get used to Molly's voice. She's very young, full of energy and sometimes immature, and adding to that her necro abilities, it took some time to connect with her and to adapt to the world building. But there's a lot of potential for growth and development for her and the mythology elements are fascinating, so I really recommend this to Young Adult Paranormal lovers who are looking for something fresh and original!

*Review copy provided by the blog tour host and the publisher Harlequin Teen via NetGalley in exchange for my honest opinion. Thank you!

And I have a huge giveaway and the playlist for the book coming up next. Stay tuned!;)